Just a Couple of Things

- For the first time ever, I made chicken Stromboli for dinner last night. Justin loved it even though it had spinach in it. Another huge accomplishment, getting him to eat a green leaf!

- My visiting teachers brought over peonies today. They are beautiful and I love them! They remind me of my grandmother because she has a peonie shrub in her yard.  Kind of an old fashioned flower and their smell is heavenly.

- Being a first time mom is hard. I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything, but it is the most intense work I have ever done. Natalie has been super fussy the last couple of days. Maybe she is starting the teething process? Time will tell.

- When I was in college I learned about how students have different learning styles. The one learning style I remember without pulling out my notes is called, "Concrete Sequential." These people like to have the specifics of an assignment laid out for them. How many pages, word spacing, font size, topic, etc. It is hard for them to have a lot of free reign and run with it. I remember this one because this would be my learning style. The expectations of life right now are very open ended. I can get up whenever I want (unless Natalie requires other wise). I can clean or not clean whenever I want, I can watch a movie or play on the computer instead of doing something more productive, etc..... This is awesome that I can do what I need to or want to when I want to, but it is hard for this woman that likes structure. I am wondering if I need to be more deliberate in my living like setting a schedule of Monday- laundry, Tuesday- Vacuuming, Wednesday- Grocery Store day, and so on. It is not as though I have alot of extra time these days, but I always like to feel like I am being productive for our family and doing things to better myself. The mom schedule is presenting a new opportunity to figure out how to be a happy, successful human being. Three things I do try to get done everyday, even if nothing else gets done- prayers, read my scriptures and some sort of exercise. Other than that Natalie is my priority and things fall as they may. I also think part of this may just be evolving with the needs of your child. There is a time and a season to everything in life and right now is my season to be spontaneous and not be so hard on myself when the laundry that is folded, still isn't put away after two days and I just want to sit and read my book instead of doing that because the first break I get in the day is at 10 p.m. at night.... However, I have never been that person that easily lets things go so I can relax.... I don't know- I guess it just comes back to priorities.

- It has been amazing weather this week with sun and warmth. I love it, except for the hotness of our apartment. Excited for summer, I really want to take Natalie swimming.

- Grateful for my calling of being on the Relief Society Activity committe. This allows me to use some of my strengths and talents in life that I would not be able to use right now other wise. I think it is important to be able to use our talents because of the joy and satisfaction it can bring us in life.

- I got my hair cut last week. Yep, the mom cut, right? My hair was falling out all over the place, was super hot and took forever to do. I really like this new hair cut, but like always will be growing it out again. It is convenient for time and electricity purposes.

- We had our first Oregon Strawberries this last weekend. They were AMAZING! Like the very best I have ever had. Did you know Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside and are part of the rose family? Next best part to eating the strawberries, talking to the farmer who grew them. There is just something for me about talking to other people in agriculture. We get each other.

- Went to the temple last weekend together. Wonderful as always. Natalie did fabulously with her baby sitter. The baby sitter is a gem and am grateful for her being willing to watch her.

- I made these yummy healthy granola balls last week and then I made them again this week, did I mention that they were yummy and healthy? I added a tablespoon of chia seeds the second time around. Yummmm

- Enjoy these pictures

 Super easy t-shirt bag I use for our library books. I just couldn't bring myself to 

throw away this old college T.

 Love her happy face

 Smiles for Mom and Dad

 

 

Hanging out after being a fussy bug for an hour

 

I was taking her clothes off because I thought maybe she was hot. I don't think she liked the idea of using her shirt as a hat....

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

General Conference Preserves

Cutest idea ever! My visiting teacher dropped off a small mason jar with a lid and tag that said "General Conference Preserves May 2013." It was filled with small papers that had quotes from several of the General Conference talks. I loved looking through all the quotes as they reminded me of the different topics covered and I was then prompted to start reading those talks. Here are a few of the quotes I loved-

"As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters-- because WE matter." - Elaine S. Dalton

"Too often we think that the word sacrifice refers to something big or hard for us to do. In certain situations this may be true, but mostly it refers to living day-to-day as a true disciple of Christ." - Erich W. Kopischke

"My promise to you who pray and serve the Lord cannot be that you will have every blessing you may wish for yourself and your family. But I can promise you that the Savior will draw close to you and bless you and your family with what is best." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring

"In the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth." - Elder L. Whitney Clayton.

Thanks to a visiting teacher, I was reminded of the words I need to be studying and pondering in hopes of changing to be better person. I think I will try this idea for those I visit teach at the next General Conference.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Grandma Came

My mom was able to come and stay with us the first week after Natalie was born.This was a huge help to us. She cleaned, cooked, watched Natalie so I could sleep and listened to me as I tried to reason through all the hormone changes. She also helped me through some challenges with breast feeding that could have been really hard had she not been there.

I loved the time with my mom. I love my mom. I love that she has taught me how to be a mom.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Ben Dog

My little sister texted me last Saturday to let me know this beautiful dog had passed away. 

I got Ben when I was 12. I begged my dad for him. 

He gave in and he never should have. 

I took care of Ben, but I never trained him like I promised I would.

 I learned a lot from my experience with him. Luckily for me he was a very nice, happy go lucky dog. 

Almost two years ago he was diagnosed with cancer. 

Summer of 2011, he had a bad day where he laid down in the shade and wouldn't get up. My dad thought that was it, he was going to have to put him down. 

The next day he was fine and went on to live for another year and a half. 

Over those years he has had a tumor growing in his face/nose. When we saw him at Christmas he looked pretty bad. The Friday after Christmas was a hard day for him, but he still went on his walk and ate like normal. The next morning he passed away. 

I am glad he went peacefully. 

Love that dog.

Sometimes I wish people and animals didn't have to grow old.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

LEON

 

A couple of Christmas's ago, my older sister gave me these blocks.

When I pulled them out of the box to look at them I had a major blonde moment or myabe you would call it red neck moment, 

I exclaimed,

"They spell LEON."

Everyone laughed.

Then it hit me, they spell NOEL.

 

 

Justin left before five in the morning on Monday this week.

He made sure that I would remember him that day.

This is what I woke up to that morning.

Thanks babe for the laugh.

We LOVE Christmas time.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Boxes

 

These are two of the last boxes left over from our big move up here this spring. I am just getting around to getting them cleaned out to make room for the little one that is coming. Oh how I love to get rid of things and organize!

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

A Favorite

 

My favorite place! These pictures are from our stop at my parent's home on our way back from Utah. The first is walking with Justin and my Mom. I love going on walks with my mom when I am home. I get to smell the farm, feel the soil and visit with one of my favorite people. Justin came this time too, so it was even more fun!

 

These trees are in my paren't front yard. I thought they were beautiful and had to snap a picture. They sure do dump alot of leaves to be cleaned up though. That will happen in about two weeks.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Josh's Wedding

 

We made a trip to Utah last week for Justin's youngest brother's wedding. The wedding was held in Kamas. We are happy for Josh and Brandi and know the future has good things in store for them.

Nearly all of the Blazzard's and the Atkinson's were at the wedding. It was nice to catch up with everyone since it has been a while since we had seen them.

 

A funny portion of the evening was during picture taking. Josh and Brandi wanted a picture with all of Justin's brothers and their spouses dipping and kissing. Great idea! However, a sad side effect of my pregnancy has been that I can't really kiss Justin (it is just gross to me right now). You may think this is weird, however I have talked to many other pregnant woman and they say they have the same problem. Anyways we tried to do the picture, but every time I got close to Justin's lips I just couldn't follow through. The photgrapher got fed up with it and we never got a successful picture, but it was pretty funny. Justin's older brother and his wife are not super affectionate. He wasn't quite sure how to dip her, so as a joke he put her in the baptismal hold. He is too funny!

 

While in Kamas, we sold Justin's truck to his younger brother Brad. Justin's work provides him with a work truck and told him he can use it for whatever he needs, including personal use. It is a great bonus and blessing! Since the Chevy was just sitting around and we live in an apartment, we decided it should probably go. Brad and Riata had been needing another car and wanted a truck. It worked out well for everyone. We were sad to part with it. Alot of our history has stories involving that truck. It was a great truck and hope that it does well for Brad and Riata.

 

 

Notice my heart pajama pants- $6 at Old Navy that week. Thank you!

 

I didn't take too many pictures while we were there. I was still feeling kind of yucky, so I was constantly eating or sitting to calm the stomach. We went target shooting one day, what fun! There aren't any places we know of here in the Portland area to do that. Justin's dad brought a Chinese war gun out and we shot that a bit. Talk about big, loud, and powerful. I could only shoot it three times and then was done. I didn't like imagining people using it for its intended purpose.

 

Another highlight of the trip was seeing the mountains and the fall colors! Utah is a truly beautiful land and at times we miss it. Family, good food, and fun. It was time well spent and look forward to the coming holidays when we get to be with family again!

Random picture of our niece Abbie, but she wanted me to take one of her after we took one in front of the truck. Isn't she a cutie!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Duck Tape Tie and Head Band

No this is not a tutorial on how to make things using duck tape. I will leave that to the young lady in Justin's Sunday School class. She likes to create things out of duck tape. One Sunday this summer she asked my husband if he would wear a duck tape tie is she made him one. He said, "You have to ask my wife."

She asked me at girls camp and I told her only if she made me a head band to go along with it. Well she kept her end of the bargain and brough these to us a couple of Sunday's ago.

While I admire her creativity, I really am not into wearing headbands especially duck tape ones. Justin admitted he wasn't to into the idea either. I did put mine on for my Primary class and Justin did wear his for Sunday School. My primary class loved it and I think the Sunday school kids did too. I remember being into making things out of it when I was her age. Thanks Emily for the memories.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Car Keys...... Locked in the Car

Last night as I prepared to head out the door from work at 9:45 p.m. I suddenly realized I could not find my car keys. I began thoroughly searching my lunch box, purse, and pockets only to come up empty handed for the keys. Then it hit me, they were safely locked, inside my car.

I hate that moment when  you realize you have done that stupid thing of locking the doors without a way to get back into them. Lucky for me I have a kind, understanding husband who came to my rescue. We bought the car in April and have yet to make a copy of the key. This being the case, we were forced to do the old wire coat hanger trick, but thankfully it worked and didn't take too much time.

One of my stops today is Home Depot to have copies made of that key for the next time. The last time I had this happen was about two months after we got married. I guess I am averaging about once every two years right now. Not to bad if you ask me. Justin and I are actually equal on our experiences of doing this. That always makes me feel better. Good thing we were half way through the week and it wasn't on a Monday, because that would not be a fun way to start off the week.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Fourth of July Half

My Sister and her family came into town the Sunday before the fourth to take a mini vacation for the summer. We enjoyed their company and made some new memories of the great Northwest. I had planned since June to run a half marathon the morning of the fourth. Which meant Justin, myself, and my niece began the day at 4 in the morning. Early, but we beat traffic to get to Sauvie Island.

Cold weather when we arrived, watched the sun come up.

Look at us bundled up in front of the Brooks running trailer.

One aspect I loved about this half was the location. Sauvie Island is just a bunch of farm fields. How refreshing this was for the farm girl in me. Justin and Megan infront of a red barn that had animals in it.

I heart John Deere tractors

Megan and Justin waiting for me to be done.

The end, finally- I was exhausted and sore!

Megan wore my medal for me. Grateful for the great support system of Justin and Megan.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Arise and Shine Forth- Super Heroes

In May I was asked to help with our Stake Girls Camp. I LOVED Girls Camp as a young women and was looking forward to the opportunity. Going as a leader is a whole different ball game....., but may be more rewarding because of all the work you put in to make it a great experience for the girls. The last week of June I set out for the responsibility in a raft down the Sandy river. We arrived after and hour and a half of freezing cold waters and new introductions.

The theme for camp was awesome and I was impressed with all of the creativity and kindness from all who attended. Dinner each night had a different theme (historical and scripture heroes, literary heroes, super heroes, Hogwarts)and everyone could dress up for the theme. My favorite night was probably the Hogwarts banquet night. The camp director went all out and had the dining room completely decorated and a whole thanksgiving dinner was served by the camp dad.

After dinner was the special program. This years program revolved around heroic women of the scriptures. Six, 6th year girls, and the Stake President's wife played these women. They were spread out along a hiking trail (at night) and each held a candle that was lit while they told their stories about overcoming trials in their lives and "Coming to see themselves as Christ sees them." At the end of the trail the Young Women that came through went to a lit up area where a long mirror was placed. On the mirror the words were written, "Do you see what he sees?"

It was very powerful presentation,  and what an interesting way to look at these women? I have read their stories many times- Ruth, Esther, Mary-the mother of Christ, Hannah, the Woman who touched Christs robes, Sarah, Emma Smith; but I had never really thought about their stories from their perspectives. As I was editing the scripts prior to camp, I realized just how much I had in common with these women. It brought to life the sisterhood we really do share in life with all of the women we know. We are more alike in our feelings, thoughts and challenges than we realized. The sixth year girls did an excellent job and the younger girls felt the spirit.

I really enjoyed getting to know the sixth year girls. They kept me laughing with their talk of 'hot' celebrities and silly jokes. They did a great job leading the camp and inspiring the younger girls and I know they have great things in store for them.

Sixth year girls and Kirstin who was the main 6th year leader and Assistant Camp Director (One I have my back to)

The end of girls camp was bitter  sweet. We made great strides in friendships and camp songs in just 4 1/2 days, but I was EXHAUSTED! Kirstin, the assistant camp director and who I served with is super camp woman and I learned so much from her and her example.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

My Favorite Things Party

A friend of mine hosted the cutest party last week. It was called, 'My Favorite Things Party.' Everyone that comes chooses one thing that they love. It could be a favorite recipe, food, store (gift cards), utensil, book, etc. They then bring five of that one item. When you arrive you enter your name in a bowl five times.

The party begins once every ones name is entered five times. You can start with anyone in the circle. They share why that item is their favorite and then draw five names out of the bowl. Those people whose name was drawn win one of the items. In the end everyone should go home with 5 different favorite items from other people.

It was really cool to see what everyone else loves in life, and I now have a list of new ideas to try. I also got some pretty neat items, one of which is the Turbie Twist. It may sound ridiculous, but is so handy in keeping your wet hair up until you are ready to do it. Justin calls it my turbin. It is like a towel shaped specifically for your head and has an elastic to hold it in place and keep it from slipping around. I believe you can find them at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Another great thing about this party is you can do it once a year. We all know we have more than one favorite item. I took a mix that I absolutely love, but had several other items I debated between.

Reasons it is my favorite: This mix can be used to make pancakes, waffles, biscuits, or muffins and I LOVE breakfast. It stores in the fridge for 6 weeks or in the freezer for 6 months. Best of all it is whole weat and pretty healthy for you. Here is the recipe and the recipes that go with it (this recipe is from the Cache County Extension Office):

Honey and Wheat Mix

6 cups whole wheat flour

3 cups all purpose flour

1 cup instant nonfat milk powder, or whey milk substitute, or dry buttermilk powder 1/3 cup baking powder

4 tsp. salt

¼ c * powdered honey or ½ cup sugar (I have only used sugar because I haven't been able to yet find powdered honey, let me know if you do!)

In a large bowl, combine wheat flour, all-purpose flour, milk powder or buttermilk powder, powdered honey, baking powder and salt. Spoon into 12-cup container with tight fitting lid. Attach lid. Label container with date and contents. Use within 10-12 weeks if stored in refrigerator or within 6 months, if stored in freezer. Makes about 12 cups HONEY AND WHEAT MIX. *(1/2 cup liquid honey may be used. Drizzle over mixture while stirring with a wire whisk.)


Honey Wheat Waffles
3 eggs, separated

2 cups buttermilk

¼ cup butter or margarine, melted ½ cup canola oil

3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

¾ tsp. baking soda


Preheat waffle iron. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, buttermilk, butter or margarine, and canola oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. In a large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and baking soda. Stir into buttermilk mixture until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Fold into batter. Bake in waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Serve hot with syrup. Makes 4 large waffles.


Honey Wheat Pancakes
1 egg, slightly beaten

1 1/3 cup water 2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

3 Tbsp. canola oil

In a medium bowl, combine egg, oil, and water, beating with wire whisk to blend. Stir in Honey and Wheat Mix until blended. Let stand 2 minutes. Preheat griddle according to manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly oil griddle. Stir in more water if a thinner batter is desired. Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto hot griddle to make 1 pancake. Cook until edge becomes dry and bubbles form. Turn with wide spatula. Cook 35 to 45 seconds longer until browned on both sides. Repeat with remaining batter.


Honey and Wheat Muffins
3 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten 1 1/3 cups water

¼ cup canola oil

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Generously grease 12 large muffin cups. In large bowl, combine Honey and Wheat Mix and brown sugar. In small bowl, combine egg, water, and oil, beating with a wire whisk to blend. Add egg mixture all at once to brown sugar mixture, stirring until just moistened. Batter will be lumpy. Fill each prepared muffin cup 2/3 full with batter. Bake 15 to 20 minutes in preheated oven until golden brown and wooden pick inserted in center comes out dry. Makes 12 large muffins.


Buttermilk Biscuits
2 cups Honey and Wheat Mix

½ cup buttermilk, milk, or water

¼ cup shortening

Preheat oven to 400◦ F. Pour Honey and Wheat Mix into medium bowl; cut in shortening. Add buttermilk, milk or water all at once. Stir with fork until dough follows fork around bowl. Turn out dough on lightly floured surface. Knead 10-12 times. Roll out dough to ½-inch thick. Use 2- inch biscuit cutter to cut dough. Arrange dough circles on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven until lightly browned. Makes about 9 biscuits.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Animals

When we first moved up here, my very good friend's parents asked us to take care of their animals while they went on a trip to visit their kids and relatives for two weeks. I quickly responded that it would be no problem and we would be happy to do it.

Like planned we began taking care of

Sydney the Horse


Max the Bull


Ingrid and Kierstin the Heifers


and the Dandruff Cat on March 31.


The first couple of days were uneventful and went relatively smooth. Then, on Tuesday April 3 it all began. Justin was getting home very late that night from work because he had been out at the coast working with a logging operation. I went out around 6 p.m. to start doing chores.

I started getting the feed ready and figured that Max the bull and his hungry tummy (or 4 tummies:) would make his way to the barn. When he didn't come I went out there to shake some feed at him. He still didn't come. The only thing on his mind was the 'ladies' (Ingrid and Kierstin) and how he was going to get with them.

I should back up a step. Max and the heifers cannot be in the same pen because, well we all know what happens. They both also have the same daddy (not a good thing for registered cattle to do) and the heifers are still too young to be bred. However Max loves the heifers, and Sydney the horse loves Max the bull. This means we had to get Max locked in his stall before Sydney would go in her stall, and then we could move the heifers up from their pasture to their stall. (Co-dependency not a healthy thing.)

I called my friend to ask what the trick was to getting Max to come up and eat. Her and her mom are only like 5'2 so I thought, "Surely I can do this if they can."

Her advice, take a show stick out there and hit him on the head and get behind him and push him up to the barn. "He thinks he is tough, but he really isn't," were her parting words.

I entered the pasture with all the confidence in the world and my show stick. As I approach Max in the middle of the pasture close to NO fences (aka escape routes) he looks at me. I proceed towards him and for maybe a split second have a regret. I begin the process of hitting him on the head and trying to get behind him. His response dropping his head and proceeding to try to charge me. This escalated for probably 30 seconds and I was getting REALLY scared. The thougth occured to me as the horse graciously ate grass and watched near by, "What a great place for Justin to find me when he gets home, dead in the pasture." (sarcasm)

Finally, something scared him and he took off in the other direction and I quickly sprinted to the closest gate. I then called my friend back and she said he was fine in the pasture and just let him come up when he is ready to. (she also chuckled at me a little bit)

Max didn't come in until 8:30 a.m. the next morning to eat. Which meant neither did the horse and neither did the heifers. Thanks Max, your a butt.

From that point forward for the next 11 days or so remaining, Max was a challenge. Actually he even progressively got worse in his behavior. Everyone who works with cattle says that bulls like to test the limits. I don't know what to do correct them when they outweigh me by 1,500 lbs?

When our friends returned I asked the wife if she had any problems with him. She laughed and said, "Well, he threw his head at Brad in the stall the first night we were back, so he hit him on the head with a shovel. No more problems after that."

Why didn't anybody tell me all it took was a shovel?

Sydney the horse also experienced an abscess in her back right hoof, which meant a few different visits from the horse vet. (She was a huge help!)Syd had a great personality though and was the most consistent with her behavior of all of the large animals.

The dandruff cat was rather fat and my theory is she was depresesd. She laid around in her cat bed all day long except for when we were on the deck to pet her. I mostly only touched her when I had my gloves on.

As for the heifers, they were pretty good, except for one time, one did try to charge me. Still not sure about that one.

It was a great experience, I learned alot and I would probably even maybe do it again.

P.S. For all those of you who haven't been around cattle alot, it is ok to hit them on the head with large things. They have very hard heads and it doesn't hurt them.
Justin and Ruth Blazzard

I Met Charlie Brown

Never thought I would get a chance to meet a Charles Schulz character. It is a relief to check it off the bucket list though. :) The visiting State FFA President from Flordia was none other than Charlie Brown himself. Defintely made me smile when I heard his name and knew I would have to get a picture with him. So here it is.


Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Shoes

About five years ago I mentioned to a friend of mine that it is difficult for me to find shoes because of my size 11 feet. She remarked that she too wore a size 11. Great converstaion, didn't think much of it.

Since that time, I have received 3 large piles of shoes from her. She is a professional woman, so these shoes have been stylish and very helpful to the newly- wed, college life style budget.



This weekend my friend surprised me once again with another set of shoes. It is interesting becuase it never fails that I will be talking about needing to get a certain kind of shoes, and this woman's pile will include that type of shoes I needed. Recently, Justin and I had been talking about hiking and I had thought, "Well, I guess I will need to get hiking shoes."



Once again my dear friend came through for me. There was a pair of lightly worn columbia hiking shoes in the bag. All I can say is the Lord truley does work through others to bless his children. Thank you Betsy for thinking of me over these past years. They have truley been a blessing.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Big Move....

Wow- what a process it is to move across state lines. I haven't had internet for over a week so this post may be a little long. The move really began right around Valentines Day. Our original plan was to leave the following Monday on President's Day, but it was going quicker than we had planned for and there was a snow storm coming. We moved quickly and left Logan Saturday at about 12 p.m.

We couldn't have made it without all of the help of others. Our good friend Chris helped us load boxes. Justin's family came and helped load the larger items and took us to dinner. My sisters helped clean and wrap up the loose ends. My dad drove the truck and horse trailer to us in Logan and from Ontario to Troutdale. The members of our new ward helping us unpack. I felt very blessed and loved when it was all over.

Another challenge that came on during the move was my eye. The day before Valentines, my right eye started to droop. The next morning it wasn't any better and was actually getting worse. I thought that I had a stye, and went to the optometrist to see if he could work some magic. He told me he saw a little Giant Papillary Conjunctivities or GPC developing and a little stye.

"I could give you a steroid to clear out the GPC, but I'm not going to. It should clear up on its own," He said.

He further recommeneded to wear my glasses and heat pack my eye. I tried to be hopeful and returned home to carry out his instructions over the next couple of days. Well, it progressively got worse. As we made the trek from Logan to Ontario, my left eye began to hurt and burn and feel like it had dirt in it. The next couple of days were not fun as that feeling only progressed.

When I arrived in Ontario, my six year old niece informed me that I look funny wearing glasess. (My glasses are from high school.) Thanks Megan. :) My other six year old nephew didn't even recognize me.

Luckily my mom has a good friend in the community who is an eye doctor. This woman opened her eye practice doors special for me on Presidents day. Her diagnosis: No stye, just a bad case of GPC. She put me on eye drops and within a couple of hours my eyes were filling soooo much better. I am so grateful for her kindess and skills.

Now that the eye problem was getting under control it was time to brave the weather and make the next six hour drive to our new apartment. We only saw rain on our way to Troutdale and arrived with plenty of time to spare before our help would be there to unload.

Our apartment is on the third floor. This meant quite a good workout that afternoon. Several people from our church showed up to help us unload. I don't know if we would have made it without there help, those stairs were killer.

It took us two full days to unpack and get situated. It was exhausting, but it has been well worth it. We are loving the area, Justin is loving his job, and we are loving the people. I am looking forward to the experiences I will have in this beautiful part of Oregon.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

No Television

Justin's grandpa was appalled when I told him we don't have television at our house. He said, "Well what do you do then?"

I laughed and responded, "Just sit around and make animal noises at each other."
Not really though, we have been watching these shows courtesy of the Logan City Library:

Little House on the Praire (Justin had never seen them before and they are awesome!)
Rocky III
Rocky IV
So inspiring!

Ok, so the list is short, but I sure do like the library, because what else would we do with our time since we don't have television? Hahaha.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Portland Trip

To kick off our two week christmas vacation, we headed up to Portland, Oregon for Justin to investigate some jobs in the logging industry. We stayed with one of my good friends, and team mates from my State FFA Officer year, Kaci Sinteck. Her Dad is actually the general manager of one of the companies Justin went and looked at. It was a fun trip, full of rain or mist, great food, great company, and a ford focus for a rental car.

This is the suitcase I packed. I had to take a picture because this is the first time I had ever traveled that far with something that small. It worked out great (for the most part) and no checking bags at the airport!


Us at the airport before leaving Sunday morning. I had to borrow a couple scarfs from my sisters, just so I could make a trendy impression. :)



Here is our trusty car. We went to pick it up from the rental car office and the guy asked us what type of insurance we wanted. I said, "Well we don't have to get insurance right?"

He responded with something about laws in Oregon and this is the cheapest insurance you can get etc.

I was still confused. So I asked him again, looking simply for a yes, or no answer.

Again he had some elaborate answer about laws in oregon and if the car is out of comission, etc.

We didn't pay for the insurance. It was fine. Great sales answer thought car guy. We also ruled out ever buying a Ford Focus in the near future.



Before we went up there my family and Justin and I had a discussion about 'real loggers' who spar trees and pack their chainsaws with them. Well, I just so happened to see one of these 'real loggers' while in Portland. My friend Kaci's boyfriends Dad was having a person trim some trees for an advertisement for a winch line. It was pretty cool.



Justin as a Jedi at the movie theater.



Our last day there we had some time to go see a few tourist attractions. Multnomah Falls is east of Portland and is right off the freeway. It is a giant waterfall you can hike up to and is beautiful. Not to bad of a hike either.







Portland Temple. Beautiful!





Lastly we went to OMSI (cool science museum in Portland). As we were coming over the bridge we saw this huge submarine in the water. Justin commented on how cool it was to see one and a little weird too. He said they cary nuclear warheads. Well when we got to OMSI we discovered there were no nuclear warheads on this submarine. It was an old World War II sub and we could tour it. It was really neat to go through, smelled like diesel fuel and was very tight living quarters for those who ever had to stay their longer than 35 minutes. This sumbarine is still in working condition and has been used in several movies, one being The Hunt For Red October.



When our trip was over I was grateful to be flying back to Ontario where it was sunny and there were less people. It was a great trip and we had a lot of fun with the Sintecks!


Justin and Ruth Blazzard