Summer time, and the living is easy...

Yay!!! It's finally summer here is Portland! Officially (says so on the calender) and physical- the sun is out and is beautiful outside. Not a day too soon, I have to say. If we had one more weekend of horrible weather, I was going to file an official complaint with... well, I'm not exactly sure with whom, but you can bet I would have found someone. No need, though, because it's gorgeous out there. :D

So much has been going on, I feel like I left this blog behind a little bit. No worries, I'm here now to catch it up. I have finished my time at Ten01 and am back to being a full time mommy to Ryker. I have to say, I'm loving it! I haven't been home with him since early December, and I was really missing it. My little man is growing up so quickly and learns new things almost instantly. I do not want to miss a single second of that. To prove my point, he managed to learn a new word yesterday- "Crappy". Yes, you read that right. It was all mommy's fault too! He seriously learns new words from hearing them one time... a lesson I'm learning the hard way. From now on, everyone has to be VERY carefully what we say around him. At least when he says things like that, it's super cute!

I have been busy as Mrs Portland as well. I'm still training with the amazing Zach and Marie as Saturn Styles Studio, and it's still kicking my bum. But in the best way possible. I have definition in my legs and arms that I've never seen before! It's awesome and totally inspiring. I'm also coming along with my self-confidence. I actually told my husband I thought I looked pretty good in a pair of pants yesterday. That's a HUGE step for me! They work miracles, let me tell you.

This past weekend I was able to make 2 appearances. The first one was in Lincoln City at the Summer Kite Festival. If you are in Oregon and you haven't gone to the event yet, you have got to make time. It was a beautiful day at the beach and there are hundreds of kites flying in the sky. Huge kites mounted in the sand, trick kites that are flown to music and hand made kites made by the little tikes and yours truly. I joined my fellow Mrs Washington Co contestant, Jen Moser and Amy Pluedeman, Oregon's 30's Beauty of America at the kite making table. We spent the afternoon helping the little ones color and make kites to fly in the festival. I was overwhelmed with the reception we got from Lincoln city! They introduced us to the crowd, the kids and parents were excited to see us, taking pics and wanting autographs... it was wonderful. We even raced in a "celebrity" bowl kite race (think strapping on a parachute in the wind and running across the sand.) We had such a great time and I really want to thank Maggie for allowing us to come and share in their community fun.

That same evening I joined the Oaky Doaks Square Dancing Club at the OC Relay for Life at Clackamas Community College. This relay is a fundraiser for cancer treatment through the American Cancer Association. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, as you have seen in my previous post about Sallie, my niece. Also, my grandfather on my dad's side past away from cancer, my grandfather on my mom's side has been treated for cancer, and my husband's mother passed 2 years ago from cancer. I think you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn't been effected somehow by this disease. I enjoyed hearing the stories of the survivors and watching the determination of the families who were remembering lost loved ones. It is a heartwarming event and one that I hope to be able to be involved in for many years to come.

Well, I think you can consider yourself officially up-to-date on what's happening here. Just to let you know, upcoming events include the Mrs Portland Garage Sale and Bake Sale on July 9-10th. Have a great weekend and get out their and get some sun!

Closing Up Rose Festival

This last week found me at 2 events for the Rose Festival: The Fred Meyer Junior Parade and the Grand Floral Parade. I got to see both sides of a parade this week, being behind the scenes for one and as a participant of the other. Both were awesome, but boy oh boy does Portland weather know how to throw a curve ball. It's the middle of June so one should be able to count on tepid weather at the very least. However, Wednesday, June 9th was no such day.

I was a judge for the Fred Meyer Junior Parade that took place down Sandy Blvd on June 9th. This is a parade that requires all their participants be under the age 18 (with adult chaperons, of course!) Pretty much, it's a parade for kids by kids. What a great idea! As I headed down to the staging area in my white pants, shoes and no umbrella, a monsoon hits NE Portland. I wish I was joking! Sideways rain fell in bucket loads, winds howled... I thought for sure that I'd make it to the starting line tent only to be told that the parade was off. When I did arrive, I was the spitting image of a drowned rat. Very queen-like, I can assure you. But God had blessings arranged for us, for that was the only downpour for the rest of the parade. I shock off the best I could, got my clipboard and judging partner and headed to my area "Major Floats". After going over 8 or 9 entries, we awarded a 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize, followed by a Sweepstakes winner that won the privilege of leading out the floats.

This years winner was the 4th grade class from Beverly Clearly Elementary school. They had spent 6 weeks learning about the Oregon Trail, then separated into "families", each building a wagon and filling it with things they had learned the settlers used on their journey. Not only were the details just amazing, but this had to have been the most well-behaved group of 30+ children I've ever seen. Congratulations to the students and teachers for this wonderful project.

These boys look less then thrilled to be having their picture taken with me. :D

After the awards were given out, I worked with several volunteers and our coordinator, Sallie, to get the parade in order and on the road. NOT and easy task, I assure you. Thankfully, all we saw was a little drizzle here and there, allowing for another successful Junior Parade.

Parade 2 of the week: The Grand Floral Parade.

A reunion of the Starlight Parade, if you will. Once again, Joy and I, along with Miss Multnomah Co and Portland's Outstanding Teen were the banner holders for the One More Time Around Again Marching Band. We arrive early to the staging area, so we were able to check out the beautiful vehicles in the "Convertible Club", and were lucky enough to get some pictures with a few of them. Between the spirit of the day and the bright, warm sunshine... I don't know. People just seemed really happy to be together. We met so many new people and were met with smile after smile. The parade route was absolutely packed with waving spectators. Cameras were flashing, hands were waving, cheers were going off left and right. Again, if I ever need a reminder of how lucky I am to be able to be a part of this celebration, I get them in days like today. We march with the most beloved band in the parade- and these people know how to have a good time.

We are saying goodbye to our Rose Festival for the year. I am thankful for all the fun and great memories it provided me and I hope I am able to return next year to add to the scrapbook. Maybe with a different title??? :D We'll see.

Mrs Portland at Full Speed!

It was the first SUNNY day in June, and what better way to spend it then with my pageant family. Beautiful weather, beautiful ladies and beautiful memories. The following may sound like a whirlwind of activity and WAY too much to pack into one day, but I am being honest when I say it was truly the best day of appearances I have ever experienced.

We started at Oaks Park. They were celebrating their 105th birthday, and to commemorate the day they had renovated their original carousel. We joined Drew Craney from channel 8 to reveal the new animals on the carousel and ride with the birthday kids at the park. The crowd was so receptive and cheered for us as we were introduced. Then, the kids rode the animals with us and had a GREAT time. Last, but not least, we handed out hundreds of balloons... and I'm not exaggerating. Hundreds... A BIG thanks to Marybeth, our outstanding coordinator. She is an amazing lady.

Next, Joy (Mrs Oregon 2010) and I took off to the Canadian Naval Ship- The Vancouver- to help with the private reception they were hosting. We spent the beginning checking in the guests, then we were able to go on board and mingle. Our gracious hosts took us on a private tour- a perk of being part of the pageant family! What great guys! Thank you, Gentlemen, for all your hospitality, but more importantly... thank you so much for all you have done for our country.

Around 7:15, we walked up to 9th and Burnside to meet our friends, the "One More Time Around Again Band". Joy and I were the banner holders for them in the Starlight Parade. They always show us a good time, and this was no exception. At one point, 2 trumpet players ran up and handed us their trumpets so they could dance around with the banner. The firemen who were placed in front of us tossed us around in the rescue net! We waved to the excited crowd and just smiled from ear to ear. How could we not... we were part of an amazing day here in Portland.

Again, I am reminded of just how truly blessed I am. I am part of a loving family that supports me on days like this... when I'm gone from 1:00pm to 11:00pm...when my husband has to meet me somewhere randomly downtown to pick up my purse so I don't have to carry it during the parade... when my fellow pageant sister lets me use her cell phone 20 times because my phone was in my purse...when my parents bring my son down to the parade at 9pm to see his mommy marching...I have a sweet, sweet life!

It's Rose Festival Time

If the rain didn't tip you off... it's Rose Festival time here in Portland!!! One of the great times of the year when our city unites to put on parades, river events and great family fun. Despite the liquid sunshine, there is so much to do during the next month- you don't have an excuse to be bored. :)

To kick off this year's festivities with my fellow Mrs Oregon contestants, we spent last night at the Wardroom Reception at Venue 126. This was an event for the Naval Officers who come in each year on their ships up the Willamette. We all met for dinner before hand at Bistro Montage (and yes, we indulged in the Mac & Cheese!), which I would almost be willing to put out there as my favorite part of the evening. As we are all scattered across Oregon, events like these are the only times we have to get to know each other. being surrounded by the great ambiance of Montage, the delicious food and the beautiful women... it was a recipe for good times. After dinner, we drove over to the reception where we got to mingle with the officers and tell them all about the virtues of our gorgeous state. We were part conversationalist and part city maps! It was great to hear where all of them are from and to be able to thank them for their service to our country.

Like I said, this month is just brimming with activities around town. I will keep you posted about where to find us. Here's a little rundown so far:

Saturday, June 5th- 2pm: Oaks Park 105th Birthday and Carousal Revealing
                              4pm: Greeting on the Naval Ships Downtown
                              7pm: Starlight Parade- Carrying the One More Time Around Again Banner

Wednesday, June 9th- 11am: Judging the Fred Meyer Junior Parade

Saturday, June 12th- 8am: The Rose Festival Parade

And YES! That's all in just the next 2 weeks. : D

Ready, Set, Cook!

Today was an exciting culinary AND pageant day for me. That's right, I managed to find a way to combine 2 of my favorite interests, and let me tell you- it was great! I volunteered at the "Ready, Set, Cook" competition in Lincoln City, OR and represented my title of Mrs. Portland. It was an afternoon of yummy food, awesome cooking and friendly conversation. Just how I like to spend my time.

"Ready, Set, Cook" is a fundraising event that benefits the N. Lincoln Hospital Foundation Samaritan Early Learning Center Fund. Samaritan Early Learning Center currently provides day care for 53 children ages 6 weeks to 8 years and is the only state registered child care center in Lincoln City. With plans to expand in the near future the center will eventual accommodate 100 children.

The event featured 2 rounds of cooking competition- The first round set Chef Neuman from Portland's OBA and Chef Sean McCart from The Bay House in Lincoln City against each other in a 30 min heat to create a dish using salmon and shrimp. The second round found Chef Justin Wills and a guest chef from Maui making dishes with Morels and lamb. Each chef received a sous chef who won their position through an auction. They were then judged by 3 guests who also won their positions through an auction. All the proceeds went to the Learning Center. At the end of the day, we managed to raise over $3000 in auction bids alone! Talk about supporting the community. :D

To my surprise, I was introduced on stage and given time to talk about the pageant and my platform. What an opportunity! I got to brag about our outstanding pageant family, then get the word out about Sallie's Faith Foundation. I felt honored to be allowed that time and hope I did both organizations proud. Another great moment was when I met Chef Neuman. I love OBA's atmosphere and food, but I am always ready to sing the praises of their happy hour. You better believe I got a picture with him! That one's going in the scrapbook.

All in all, an outstanding day! Once again, being a part of the Mrs Oregon family has given me an opportunity to reach out into the community and meet some wonderful people while pursuing a passion. If you haven't considered joining us, you might want to.

Training Sessions: Day 1

Oh my! That's about all I can muster at this point. I had my first day of training with Zach and Marie at Saturn Styles Studios last night, and as I feared... I can barely move today. I don't remember the last time my muscles have been this fatigued! I knew I was pretty weak, but today I KNOW. This realization makes me a little sad, because I remember the days I use to hit the gym everyday and really loved working out. Where have those days gone?

Before I had Ryker, I use to pride myself in my level of physical fitness. I was no body builder, but I was a distance runner, ate really well and enjoyed light weight lifting. Enter the little baby in my tummy- and exit all physical activity. I used  my pregnancy as an excuse to pretty much drop all my workouts and eat things I had long banished from my diet- Fast food, fried food, super high calorie food. I am fortunate that my pregnancy weight dropped off, but with it went my muscle. I keep telling myself I will dedicate more time to taking care of myself, but I can always find something else that needs attending too. Well, the excuses ended yesterday.

Zach and Marie are not only physical trainers of the body, but they are wonderful coaches of self confidence. They take the time to go over your personal, fitness and professional goals, look at your eating habits and talk to you about how your life is run. They take all of this into consideration when designing a workout program for you. Then, if that personal attention isn't enough, they are your one-on-one cheerleaders the whole time. Yes, they are making you sweat and groan in pain, but they tell you how awesome you are while they do it. They remind you what you are trying to accomplish, and assure you that you are VERY capable of reaching your goal. It is exciting to have that kind of support behind you.

I have specific physical goals I'm trying to reach for the Mrs Oregon pageant in Nov, and I am assured they are completely reachable, but I have a feeling I'm going to walk away with more then a sexy stomach. I'm going to have self confidence, satisfaction of achieving goals, and best of all- 2 wonderful friends. The gifts I'm receiving from joining the Mrs Oregon family just keep on coming!

1 year and going strong

Two exciting events came together this past weekend that warrented a celebration slightly more epic then dinner at Outback. I finished my classroom portion of culinary school and Lenny and I had our 1 year anniversary! That's right, we survived the first year of marriage, which I've always been warned is the toughest year- however I don't really seem to remember it being difficult at all. That is a good sign, right?

We chose a long weekend in Seattle as a way to celebrate both occasions- We had our first kiss on top of the Space Needle way back when, and Seattle has some awesome food places for us to try. Seemed like a natural fit for us. So, bags packed and tears drying on our cheeks as we dropped Ryker off at Gramma and Grandpa's for his first long weekend away from us, we hit I5 like 2 teenagers on our first date. Giddy, excited and carefree. It felt great. We spent 3 days in the Emerald City and ate so much food. Luckily, we chose to walk everywhere (well, the $5 hourly parking fee really made that decision for us), so I think we negated all the calories, but I will cherish every single one of them.

If you have the opportunity to eat in Seattle, I suggest you try Serious Pie- a pizza place by Tom Douglas. As a Beard Award winner and all around amazing chef, this guy knows how to make a pizza. Andaluca gave me my first experience with ground duck- and it's an experience I won't soon forget! I could name all the places we went, but I want to let you discover the culinary treasures on your own. What a wonderful way for us to commemerate our love for each other & our love for food.

While we thoroughly enjoyed our time together sans child & still had many more places we wanted to try, we were happy to return home to our little tornado of distruction. It's fun to spend adult time together, but at the end of the day we are a family unit, and when a piece is missing... things just aren't quite right. Thank you, Seattle, for the beautiful weather, the outstanding food and the romantic memories. Oh, and if Chef Douglas would like to open up a Serious Pie here in Portland, I'd be willing to help him out.