A couple months ago we booked a fun little getaway to the Oregon coast for my 30th birthday. Alan and I, my mom and dad, and Alan's dad and grandma all went. We flew to Portland and then got a car and drove to Rockaway Beach. We rented a nice house that was right on the beach, it was such a nice place and the whole front of the house was windows so we had an awesome view!

We did lots of relaxing, sightseeing and picture taking. If there's one thing my mom and I love to do while on vacation, it's taking pictures. Thank goodness for digital cameras!

Day 1: Thursday, March 3rd. We traveled a few hours and then we got to our house around 10:30am and enjoyed the views. Then we took a walk on the beach. Thank goodness for the sunset that night because it was the only one we were able to see the whole time we were there.

Our view from the house.

Our house was the second one from the right.

Day 2: Friday, March 4th. Alan and I had a lazy day of kite flying, walking in the rain, and beach combing. Everyone else went on a drive to Lincoln City and Tillamook. You can't go to Tillamook without stopping by the Tillamook Cheese Factory!! Their squeaky cheese, pepperoni, and ice-cream are so good.

Day 3: Saturday March 5th. The weather was nice so we celebrated my birthday a day early. Family pictures, Cannon Beach, Seaside, shopping, Hug Point, and a huge seafood dinner. It was a wonderful day!

 Cannon Beach. I just love Haystack Rock.

 Hug Point. Make sure to go at low tide or you wont be able to make it around the cliffs to the waterfall. This was such a beautiful spot!

 You wouldn't know that this feisty lady is 81 years young :)

Day 4: Sunday, March 6th. Happy 30th Birthday to me :) We had a pretty morning, complete with a beautiful bouquet, and then it rained. And then it was sunny. And then it rained, that's just the coast for you, the weather never makes up it's mind. We went back to Cannon Beach to buy some salt water taffy from my favorite candy shop on the coast, Bruce's Candy Kitchen. I opened some gifts and then we went out on the jetty in Garibaldi to watch the waves. It was a nice relaxing day.

 I found my little dream beach house and it was hot pink!

 Rain and sunshine.

Day 5: Monday, March 7th. Vacation is over :( We packed up our stuff and just as we were about ready to leave, a pretty rainbow came out to say goodbye.

While driving down Highway 6, one of the most beautiful roads I have ever been on, I spotted a waterfall and we turned around to check it out. It was so worth it!

Once we made it to Portland we spent an hour or so at Washington Park before we had to go to the airport. I will HAVE to go back in the summer, I can't even imagine how beautiful the gardens would be then. Spring is my favorite season and it was in full bloom.

This was such a fun little getaway with family. I couldn't have asked for a better 30th birthday! Thank you for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

My 30th Birthday Luau

I am officially 30. Thirty. The big 3-0. I am still trying to let that sink in. I graduated from high school 12 years ago. I was born in the 80's. I was born in the last millennium. Eighteen years ago I started dating Alan. I have been married 11 years. I. Am. Old.

I look in the mirror and now I actually see someone who is not 17. Did I blink and that happen? I must have! Suddenly my eyes are puffy and I have dark circles. Little lines are showing up on my face. I ache. And my hair, oh how I don't even want to talk about my ever thinning and graying hair. But despite those things, I am happy. So happy to be alive and grateful for the health that I have.

I am so blessed with the love of a hardworking, honorable, patient man. I am blessed with wonderful parents who love me unconditionally and who I couldn't imagine life without. I am blessed with family and in-laws who are always there for me when I need them. I am blessed with thoughtful, fun, loving friends who can always bring a smile to my face.

Speaking of my friends, I have the very best ones and I'm sure of it. They went above and beyond anything I could imagine when they threw me a party last week. They know me so well, they threw me a fun beach themed luau party! I love the beach and everything that has to do with sun, sand, and the sea! I was shocked at how much they did for me and how special they made me feel. It was completely awesome and I had such a great time!

I also have to give a huge shout out to my amazing mom and everything she did to help with the party as well. She also made 6 batches of rice krispie treats to make this huge sandcastle cake!!! Thanks mom, I'm still eating rice krispie treats!

The food, the decorations, the gifts, the family and friends that came. Everyone wore bright colors, pretty leis, and shell necklaces. Everything about that day was fantastic, and it will be a day I will always cherish. Here's a few pictures from the party! And yes, I really was that surprised when I walked in ;)

Shaved Ice maker with real fruit syrup from Amy! You are such a sweet friend and you know I will use this like crazy! Thank you so much I love love love it! You are such a great friend!

I think little Millie loved the party as much as I did!

After the party was over and everything was cleaned up, Millie decided to put on the grass skirt I brought to her from Hawaii, and do the hula!

 I got a cute Auntie card with a Target gift card and spring dish towel from Kristina and the kids :)

 Just some of the yummy food and drinks.

Malibu Chicken and fresh grilled pineapple, mmm!

Kristina knows me too well, Little Mermaid is my favorite!

 Monica, Me & Kristina. My besties, sisters, and cousins since birth, thank you for everything! I love you ladies so much and can't imagine a life without you in it!

 Cute chalkboard sign from Monica! Thank you for hosting my party :)

 Some more fun decorations from Kristina & Amy :)

My mom and I. Oh how I love this woman :)

 Some of the friends and family that came! There were 18 total that came and celebrated!

 The sweet little Hula Girls :) Corra & Millie

 Beautiful Rose Gold Plumeria earrings from Monica :) I love them! Thank you!

 Trying out the Shaved Ice!! Thanks again Amy, it's awesome!!

 Make a wish!

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."~ Unknown

Thank you to everyone who helped me celebrate this big milestone birthday. Your cards, gifts, texts, calls and posts to my wall, all made me feel extra special and made turning 30 not so bad. I love you all!

2016 Clean Home & Organizing Challenge Week 10 ~ Living Room & Entryway

Week 10 ~ This week we are going to be cleaning and organizing our living room & entryway. This is normally the first room your guests will walk into, and first impressions are everything. Just look around the room from your front door and start picking up and cleaning from there. In just 15 minutes a day, your entry and living room will be sparkling clean by the end of the week.

If you're just joining in, please read last week post here, where we cleaned our master bedroom. You can very easily catch up if you want to. Fifteen minutes a day is pretty manageable and when you set a timer and put a little "pressure" on yourself, you can get a lot done! We're still using #2016HowJenDoesItChallenge on Instagram, if you want to see every ones progress.

You can check out this weeks video from Jen, from HowJenDoesIt, here. For the next several weeks there will be a new challenge and video from Jen for different areas of the home. This seems extremely do-able. We can do it!!

• Monday ~ Declutter surface areas. Pick up and put away anything that doesn't belong in your living room and entryway. Throw away any trash, put away the mail and tidy up. Clean off those catch-all hot spots, where things tend to pile up. Fold up blankets, put away the shoes etc. Grab a box or basket and fill it up as you go with the things that need put away. You can do the same thing with things that need thrown away or donated.
• Tuesday ~ Coat closet. If you have a closet designated for your coats or games that is in the entryway or living room, go through it and get rid of anything that you don't wear anymore or anything that's worn out and needs tossed. Always check the pockets before you get rid of your coats. Wash or dry clean anything that needs cleaned as well. If you have a bunch of games that are missing pieces or you don't play anymore, toss or donate those too.
• Wednesday ~ Wipe down the front door, door knobs and closet door. Wipe down the baseboards and clean around the corners as well. 
• Thursday ~ Drawers. Today work on cleaning out the drawers in the entryway table, and in the media cabinet and end tables. Clean out and organize your movies and video games, and donate anything that you no longer use. Throw away any trash and put away anything that doesn't belong in those drawers.
• Friday ~  Vacuum the furniture and wash the windows. Also wipe down your light fixtures and knock down any cobwebs you see. 
• BONUS ~ Dust your furniture and vacuum/mop the floors.

I want this to be quick, so it's not overwhelming, and 15 minutes a day seem reasonable. If you need more than 15 minutes in an area, then of course take the extra time. This is just an easy way to clean a little each day and at the end, you're entire house will be done!

I am excited to continue this! Let me know if you plan on trying this too.