8.01 :: Happy Birthday Dad
8.14 :: Happy Anniversary Emily & Matt
8.16 :: Happy Birthday Amy W.
8.17 :: Happy Anniversary Mojan & Eric
8.17 :: Congratulations Elaine & Matt
8.23 :: Congratulations Brian & Katie
8.25 :: Happy Birthday Stephanie
8.28 :: Happy Anniversary Ami & Matt
8.31 :: Happy Birthday Michael

Unfortunately a blog shout-out has replaced greeting cards in some instances for some unknown reason (maybe that Hallmark is no longer convenient)…? I have to admit I’m ashamed that this is all I can muster for some of you, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles. That should cover it until we’re back from vacation and I have to give a birthday shout out to myself.

We have been staying up late to watch as much of the Olympics as possible. I tried to pull myself away last night but couldn’t not finish watching the men’s gymnastics to see how it would all play out in the end. It’s kicking my butt in the morning though, when the alarm goes off.

My mom’s good friend & co-worker’s house burned down yesterday. The family of five lost everything, including their 2 beloved dogs, and now the only things they own are what they had with them at the time. I am adding a donate button to this post to start up a collection to help them get back on their feet, and to ease the pain (even just a little bit) with kindness. If you have anything to donate, even if it’s just $5, it would be greatly appreciated.

DONATE NOW >

We did it. We sold the Jeep. We traded the truck. We downsized to one vehicle that meets all our needs, and we managed to lower the monthly payment. We met all the goals we set, and came out on top. Meet our Ford Escape.

I sold my Jeep tonight. It’s a little wierd that it’s gone and no longer in the driveway, but it went to a good home. A 14 year old boy (accompanied by his licensed father) came to pick it up. He had saved up his lawn mowing money to buy a car…a whole year and a half before he can legally drive! I know that he’ll take good care of it. For us…it’s off to the dealership this weekend!

Guess What!? Chef Jay finally has his own blog.
Check it out >

This independence day weekend we stuck close to home. Jay did a trial run at a new event space to test the usability of the area for cooking. He made a YUMMY meal of chilled cucumber soup, coriander rubbed chicken with a fig compote, atop some curry couscous. It was beyond delicious. The owner is also a wine maker so we had some delicious wine, and walked down to the winery for some more tasting.

The rest of the weekend was filled up with a visit from Sarah, Josh & Annie (the boys played golf, and Sarah & I wrangled the dogs). A head-to-head Scrabble & BBQ for two. The continuation of trying to sell the Jeep. And finally hanging up the artwork/photographs in our bedroom. We did watch a couple movies too…I give it 4-stars and highly recommend Dan In Real Life , it’s one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time.

Happy Birthday Holly!

After 10 happy years, it’s time to say a bittersweet goodbye to my Jeep. We have decided to downsize and only have one vehicle between us. Tomorrow the Jeep is going up for sale, once it sells we will take that cash, trade-in the truck and plan to come out of it with a family-friendly small SUV. Something Jay can effectively use for his business, and that will comfortably fit more than 2 people, our lovable pooch and a purse.

Happy Anniversary Amy & John!
Happy Anniversary Holly & Ryan!

Sarah & Josh’s wedding photos are back from the photographer, and these are some of my favorites. If you have any interest in seeing all 524 send me an email and I’ll share them.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad far away,
I sure hope you enjoyed your day.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads I know,
You are loved and looked up to from head to toe.