Meyer East Post-Turkey Day Trip...

It was a snowy week...followed by a snowy trip over to Kennewick! Rich and I headed out early Friday morning to spent BLACK Friday with The Meyer Clan East....the snow was falling and we were off!Packed up some turkey sandwich rations for the trip...and dove in about 8:30am....I LOVE LEFTOVERS!
Rich held out a little longer than me...but still dove in before 10am!
We arrived to Meyer East a little before noon...and Chukar instantly said his hellos to Four-Low, Dick and Buddy...he's our little gentle giant!
Denise, Chukar and Rich...hanging out!
I love being over in E. WA because you NEVER know what will happen...but it always ends with laughs (and tears of joy). Such a blast!
Chukar could not get enough of the
Yes, he is our little poser!
More love for the puppies...
The Meyer boys (not to self, do not take picture into the light)...these boys are priceless when they are together. The smiles....the jokes...the fun...the love....makes me wish we were there more! Rich just glows when he is around his brothers and family!
Back to the hotel...same place as we were about 1 year ago when Chukar had his first hotel experience...I must say the first trip went better...but our poor little guy was sick on this trip!
Nap time with mom and dad...he is crashed out!
My boys...hahahaha!
Back for some evening fun...and a picture with the whole crew.
Love seeing them all together!
Chris, Rich and I headed out late night (ok, 9pm) to the Crow's Nest to watch the rest of the Boise St v. Nevada game...what a game!!!!
Saturday morning it was time for the trip to O'Henrys! A staple on our voyages East...such a good looking group of men! Miss you already!
We added Mama Meyer in for one with her boys too! :) Love it. Frame this one!
...and even managed a self-portrait with all of us!
Denise and I are always ordering the same thing...too funny! Yesterday it was Patty Melts on Rye! Yummy!
Off to shop...many sporting goods stores and more for the afternoon! Griggs, Ranch and Home, and MORE!

Chukar jumped up here and peed...seriously, who's dog is this?!?!
Meyer Family Pose....never?!?!
Such a great trip, but as always TOO Short...we will be back on the 25th for 4 days of fun...watch out Meyer East...it's going to get crazy!

Sending healing prayers

Please keep Rich's grandpa and my grandma in your prayers. We love you both and hope for speedy releases from the hospital.

A quiet turkey day...

...it seems like with each year that passes...new traditions form, but old ones still remain (kind of...modified, I guess).

As Rich and I continue on our journey as husband and wife (a whole 16 months in)...holidays are still a little bit of a mystery. As much as we would LOVE to spend every moment with both of our families, extended families and friends...there just isn't enough time to see everyone we love...so this year, we are sending our love to our local families in Washington (the ones we were not able to spend any time with) and our families that we were (or are going to get to see)! It was Boness West today and Meyer East tomorrow! Our families in California, Ohio, Iowa and more...our hearts are with all of you on this day of Thanksgiving. After just hanging up the phone with Rich's mom, we also take a moment to open our hearts to those that are no longer with us either....you are forever in our hearts.

This year, Thanksgiving week came with a bit of SNOW in these parts...basically shutting down the city since Monday...let's talk about some cabin fever!

A beautiful shot from our front door...Turkey day we headed over to my parents to feast on turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pie...and a little vino too! Chukar even had his first taste of turkey (on purpose) and pie (of course, a huge mistake and disaster...sorry Dad)!

The FEAST...and my parents...Cheers!
Rich diving into some turkey skin...shout out to Chris...this ones' for you!
Didn't even make a dent in the bird...that's what happens when the snow keeps the other 4 guests not coming and a sick grandma (get well)!!!
Richie and I...yes, all dressed up in our best for the holiday!
We showered...but that is about all you get from us....ahah!
The dogs and dad enjoying some football...
Chillin' with Rich!
Buster and Maggie showing us how they can sit and shake now...such good puppies...
...and then it was dinner time for the puppies! EAT UP!
Showing us that he gives loves just like Chukar...
It was such a great and relaxing Turkey day...off to relax some more...then pack up the car! Watch out Meyer Family East...we are heading out early! Get ready for lots of hugs and fun with Rich, Chukar and I arrive!!!

Thanks for the Giving...

It's not often that I don't just throw up some pictures, put a few light anecdotes up and move on...but today it's about something more!

During this month, it has been a goal of mine to say daily affirmations of what I'm thankful for as part of my "getting in the spirit" for Thanksgiving. This has been easy (and also pretty superficial, at times). There are all the givens in life:
Rich and our families
Great friends
Warmed cooked meals and a happy home
Warm coffee and a great day of work
The people who make me smile each day
The soldiers who have served to protect our liberties as US Citizens
Sunshine (and now Snow)
Supportive parents for both Rich and I
For my friend's dad being on the road to recovery
A brain and common sense (*wink)
Girls night and great supportive friends
And ALL of the other blessings in my life!
(notice, there is no baby in here...hahah)!

I've found that by accentuating the positive things in my life, it has given me a great void to the things in my life that are missing. The sense of giving, the greater purpose, forgiveness and completion of me. At this point of reflection, it's easy to be thankful for EVERYTHING around me, all the blessings I have, the opportunities that I have been given and the love in my life (and, of course, love of my life)....but without giving and sharing this, I feel that I am missing something.

It seems that the biggest hole in my life this year is based on the relationships in my life...I have always believed that things will work out when they are meant to, but as the hole grows each day in my heart, my soul, my stomach, it really makes me question if this is true. How do we know that this happens? I've always believed in Karma and that the is something holding all this in place...is that true?

My promise to myself this year is to continue being thankful for my blessings, but also share and give others the blessings that I am so fortunate to have. Charity (in the monetary sense) has always been there for me, but that's the "easy" way out. How much is my time worth? How can I spend my time to help the life of someone else (not just someone in my circle)? A sense of purpose, outside my self, is just what the "doctor" ordered in my case!

I hope that everyone takes a moment to reflect on the past month, past year, past decade and helps discover why you are here and how you can help.

To my dear sister, not that I even know if you will see this, there is not a day that goes by that I don't feel the loss of our relationship. The strain on my heart has left a hole that has been unable to be filled by anything or anyone. You are my friend, my sister and hopefully we will both discover how lucky we are to have that.

As the thoughts of the future enter my head each day...I pray that I will be in a better place a year from now, than I am today and know that I put as much work into the important people in my life and growing, that there is no way to stop me!

I ask each of you to be supportive of my next journey...I don't think that it will be the easy journey or as tractable as goals of my past...but I do believe it will be the most rewarding. Watch out world...you've seen nothing yet!

Happy Thanksgiving all!
All my love...

Elmer, Babs and Chukar go Hunting...

Another day....Another adventure! Rich ALWAYS begs me to come with him and Chukar and up until today, I had some great reasons not to go...Work, Parties, Fun, but not today...so I woke up early, put on my Carhartts and was "ready" for the adventure.

There were a few choice words to Rich at 6am...when the alarm went off and even some of the adventure over the pass...and when I saw this (SNOW on the cars), I was ready to pull the blankets over my head and go back to bed....
Well, I guess I shouldn't complain...because we had a great time...Right off the bat, Chukar headed out and was on a mission!
Running, Prancing, Smelling, Pointing...and more!
Yep, I was in the woods!
Pointing....
Coming back to us...
Chukar was pointing...and Rich was heading in.
Success! A Quail!
Smelling it...
The boys in their PRIME!
So tired...but so proud!
Checking out his Quail from afar!
And, they were off again!
We even saw 3 does and a buck...plus, this skull!
Pretty impressive day!
The way home...Vantage, so GORGEOUS!
And a little video...who knows!


Ready for a short work week...followed by a long weekend with our families, tree cutting, turkey and FUN!

Avea's Pretty, Pretty Princess Party

TOMORROW, November 22nd...Avea and Rene turn 6...but on Saturday, my Mom and I got to celebrate with our favorite little lady at her Princess Party!

Every little girl's dream...
Me and the Birthday Girl!I'm pretty sure that there is NO more adorable and beautiful little girl in the world...I might be partial, but she is beautiful and the biggest sweetheart ever!

Present time...
My little princess giving my Prince Charming a kiss on the cheek! I better watch out...she LOVES him!!!
Chilling with Gma on the way home...
Yes, he was all cuddles!
Such a fantastic Saturday...we hit up Azul with my parents after for some yummy Mexican....