Weekend Getaway!

Sign for Columbia Cliff Villas. . . .

Sign for Columbia Gorge Hotel . .

Columbia Gorge Hotel

Cliff Villas Hotel. .

Now see why we got confused!?!?

Our view from our room!

Justin and I spent this last weekend at a Hotel in Hood River. It was beautiful! When we got to the hotel we tried to check into the Columbia Gorge Hotel. . .but that didn't work. Turns out we actually made our reservations at the hotel next to the Columbia Gorge Hotel call Columbia Cliff Villas. We went over to check in and while doing so mentioned that we were celebrating our two year anniversary. And to our amazement she upgraded our room to a river view room. Sooooo beautiful! Our anniversary isn't until the 22nd, but this past weekend is the only time we could go. . regardless it was a ton of fun and the perfect weekend!

Sweet/Miserable

This time of year is both sweet and miserable. . Sweet because it is a beautiful time of year when all the blossoms come out and miserable because of the constant itchy eyes, throat, nose, ears, etc. . for several months not to mention the sneezing and blowing our noses constantly. I think this is the only time of year when Justin and I are okay with snow. We hate allergies. . and love the spring. What are we going to do?

Working

Justin and I have been really busy. We are so grateful for the many blessings that we have received. I am working quite a bit more and Justin is really enjoying his schooling.

I love working at my office. It is a lot of fun. I love the people I work with. My work day generally goes by so fast. I love working with children and am finding that I am truly in the right area of my field. My employer even told me as I was leaving one day that they are happy that I am working for them and they are very happy with me. It took a lot to get there. . a lot of patience and help from Heaven I'm sure. So blessed. :)

Justin's schooling has been coming in handy for us. Since he has been in the automotive program my cruise control has been fixed. My water pump replaced, and were told that the right front wheel baring needs to be replaced. Justin would have done it, but he has not learned that yet. However, he will learn it this term and will be replacing the left front wheel baring this term hopefully. My car I must say is drastically more quiet than it used to be. I no longer feel like I'm driving a car that is going to fall apart while I'm driving it. My little nissan sentra just broke 182,000 miles on it and is still going strong. We are hoping we can keep it going for a couple more years :) Justin also just finished doing a brake job on his truck. . whew! We have saved a lot of money by Justin doing work on our cars at his school. Again. . have to say SO BLESSED!!!

Anyway, just thought I would put a plug out there about how fortunate we really are even if we don't have a lot of money still. So blessed :)

Funeral

I went to my Grandma Perry's funeral this past Saturday and it was a great yet sad experience. Many stories and memories were shared. It was amazing to see the Perry family come together. Grandma Perry will always be remembered. Here are a few pictures taken. All of the great-great grandchildren were given white balloons to let go once the dedication of the grave was given. It looked really cool.

No words. .

Two weeks ago to the day Justin and I were home visiting my parents when we received a phone call while we were at church about Grandma not doing well at all. The news was she probably wasn't going to make it through the night. Mom, Dad, Audrey, Kim, and myself went to La Grande that same day and were able to spend the next couple of days with our beloved Grandma. When we left La Grande two days later we were able to have a conversation with Grandma and hold her hand and tell her we love her. She very clearly told us that she loved us too. All of us are so grateful the time to go say goodbye to her for the last time. We have no regrets.

Today my Grandma passed away. All I can think about is how grateful I am to be her granddaughter. She truly loved each of her grandchildren. I remember when we would go to visit her she would always take extra care to spend time with each of us individually. We always felt so important to her. Whether the projects were sewing projects or learning to crochet it was still amazing time that I don't think any of the grandchildren will forget.

She was and will always be such a gorgeous woman to me. I can't wait to see her again. I love her and will miss her dearly.

Christmas, Snow, and Family

Justin and I had a great Christmas! It was so nice to be with family. Here are a few pictures of what we did. More picture to come as I get them!

Christmas Cheer

Justin and I cooked and cooked and this is the result. . and now all the leftover cookies are gone! Time to start cooking again!