Allecia helped with these!

Finally, I was able to sit down and make some jewelry. It's been over a month with all the moving, packing and job hunting. But at least I can still make a few bucks here and there doing something I like. This time my wonderful sister in law, Allecia, was able to do it with me. It's nice getting crafty with friends. All of these items are found here. Under the "New Bling" album. All you have to do is comment on the picture and say you want it, in order to buy it!

Well, that was the end of my Sunday. Sometimes my posts get out of order.

As for today I had a nice lunch at Olive Garden with my Grandparents, who were visiting for the weekend from Bend. And now I get to have dinner;-) And make some molten lava cakes for dessert for everyone!

More from Yesterday

We had some cake at this place yesterday. Expensive, but good! Triple chocolate cake. Yummo!

The Three Musketeers and their walk downtown

Great day for a walk!

Past Few Days

Here is some pictures from the last few days. This is an orchid I got, thanks to Paula Guffy at church. It's pretty. Yeah, I am a sucker for flowers.
Even though they are more of a nuisance, I did miss dandelions while in Hermiston.
I thought these twisted tree branches were cool, kinda gnarly looking!
I thought this was rather erie.
Monkey tree. Look out.
And my wonderful husband, graciously carrying the groceries for dessert, home from the store. Later on, the bag broke;-(
I thought these flowers were pretty, and of course, I love the orton-ish effect.
And Ya Hala, was great, as usual!!! And thanks to the lovely Kim Simmons, we were blessed with wonderful company. You are welcome here anytime.

"John's Potato Soup"

I'm finally posting it. I know most of you like this potato soup that I make. The recipe is from our cousins back in Iowa, and it was named John's because my dad liked it so well;-) So thank you Deb!!!

I am sorry, but I almost never measure anything-and it's pretty hard to actually mess up on soup so most measurements are rough.

Serves about six.

Ingredients:

6-8 large potatoes, diced

1.5 bags baby carrots, cut in half

one medium onion, chopped

6-8 strips of bacon cooked and chopped

2 beef or chicken bullion cubes

3 cups milk

1/2 stick butter

1/2 block velveeta cheese

2 tsp. minced garlic

Instructions:

Place carrots in large pot and bring to boil. Cook about half way, then add the potatoes, onion, and bullion cubes.

Meanwhile, in a smaller saucepan heat butter, milk, garlic and velveeta cheese until it forms a nice, creamy broth. (About 8-10 minutes over med heat)

Drain the veggies until there's about 1/3 of the water/broth left. Add bacon, and milk mixture and heat on med for about 5 minutes. Stir and enjoy.

Contact Me

Well obviously, since you are reading this, you know how to contact me via blog. I named this Art & Soul, because I love art and also this is a small window into my soul;-)

Also, you can email me at mariatebeck@gmail.com.

And here is my facebook page.

If you are interested in buying jewelry, here is the facebook page for that.

Also If you'd like to email Bittersweet Bling (the jewelry) you may do so at bittersweetbling@yahoo.com

And my husband's page is here.

Blah

Man. Lately I've been feeling sick. Out of sorts. And in disarray. Oh well, I'll get over it. I am just glad that right now, that we have such great in-laws to live with. I am just a bit discouraged. I need a job, but everywhere I've applied is still reviewing all the applications.

And this weather is throwing me off. I know I was born and raised here. But I was getting used to the sun. It's not that the rain and clouds depress me or anything, but it does throw me off a little. I am used to it being all bright and sunny at 6.30am.

But I have faith that I'll get a job soon, and Shane did get one. However, it is just a commission based job and the site he sells from has been down for nearly three days. So, I really hope it gets going.

Bah! Enough complaining. My family went to see my sister graduate from the Air Force! So exciting. I had planned to go, but with the move and everything, I had to save. I wanted to see you Brit!!! Thank goodness for facetime;-)

I love 23rd AVE

I love this store. I wish it wasn't so expensive. But, when I find things on clearence, it's pretty great. ;-) I wish I could buy their shoes. They stop at size 10. Saddness.

Selections from the Rhododendron Garden

Here is the beginning of our adventure. This is all taken place at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. One of my favorite places to go as a kid. First we stop right outside the park for some feed for the ducks/birds and nuts for the squrriels. It's $2 per bag. Then, to enter the park it's $3. Or only $25 for the year for a family pack.
Sorry this one is sideways. Here they all are. Gathered around us.
Joseph and Shane being crazy.
Joseph feeding the goose.

New Home

My in-laws have so graciously let us stay at their place in Milwaukie until we are sure of where the Lord wants us next. Here is our little set up for now. A living area, and the bed in the office;-) It works quite nicely for the time being. I have the best in-laws ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Life

So, this is strange. Getting used to things. No job right now. We are hooked up with Shane's parents right now. Who are awesome people. Bering filing out apps online left and right. I really hope this legal secretary one turns into something. He emailed me back with a whiter questionnaire for me to fill out. ((fingers crossed))

It is great being here with the family. Just did some face time with mom, dad, and Joseph. I was able to show them around here;-) great stuff.

Megan is visiting tomorrow! Ya Hala here we come!!!


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Location:Home

New Do

So I streaked my hair.
Looks more like I dyed it all over though.
I can't decide if I like it.
What say you?

Lazy Saturday

So I didn't do much this Saturday. Cleaned a little. Then I did a put this puzzle together. It was fun, but hard starting out.
Viola!
"John's Potato Soup" My favorite. My dad's favorite first, hence the name. Haha.
And it's totally the best for dipping bread in;-)
Rice crispy treats with chocolate chips for dessert! And The Office reruns!

Goodbye

Dear Hermiston, I will miss you. Especially the people in it. And LFC. And my job. And this wall I painted in Shane's office. I'll miss going to Wal Mart and seeing 7+ people I know.
This is the view from my desk. Yes, I'll miss that too. You can look straight ahead and barely see these swirl/flourishes I painted in Aaron's office. I'll miss that too.
I'll even miss folding bulletins. Not as much as other things, but just a bit. Hehe. I'll miss random balls of tumbleweed on the roadside. And the sun. I'll miss the sun, alot.
And I will most assuredly miss this computer. I think I'll save for one. Yes, I am a Mac girl;-) Love it!

But, it's not all bad news. At least for now we get to move to Portland. And for that I am happy. I hope we get to stay in the area. (Or nearby) But I will miss all my Hermiston friends!

Hummm

Hello there. I have lately been bored with my work outfits. So I thought I'd try some new stuff. Here we go. For this, I stole my husband's belt. Hehe.
I made this necklace...
I am not sure what I think about this lace shirt.
Love these shoes!
At the end of the day, slippers are best (oh, and my bird friend, Earl) hahaha.

Shoes

For those of you who do not already know, I love shoes. I have alot. Boots, sandles, OXFORDS, chucks, pumps, flats, etc. I love these red flats. Fads lately show shoes with socks and skirts, and tights with open toe shoes. I still never do that... I am not sure how I like it. Eh, whatever. What are your thoughts?

New business cards...finally

I would make everything from craft paper, if possible. I love it. But rarely can you order business cards on it. So, I made my own. I made them awhile ago, and here's the proof. Hehe.

Letters

Well, among all the saddness of leaving Hermiston. Good news! A letter from my sister at boot camp. I am so proud of her. She is doing so great there, and got to have lunch with her supervisors. But, I am sure she will be even happier to graduate (at the end of next month) It's hard enough being engaged and planning a wedding, let alone when you are in boot camp. I am so excited for you to come home, Brit;-)

Moving

These are not my boxes. Haha. Mine will be in far more of a disarray. Hopefully not. March 13th will be our last day here in Hermiston. And as much as you might here me talk about missing Portland and how small it might be here. I will miss it. Maybe I will take some tumbleweed with me to remember it by. Hahaha! Mostly I will miss all you wonderful people. Darcie, Megan, and all my wonderful friends at LFC, and at Highland Manor. I don't think I will have that again wherever we go (the fact that 6 friends I already knew live in the same apartments as we do!)

What an amazing time it has been here. I wish I could stay forever, or bring all you with me;-) But, God has his own way of doing things sometimes... Even if in the midst of them I don't like it, I know it'll all work for his good. But, good thing for blogs, twitter, facebook, texting, facetime!!! And if we're lucky, we won't be far. Still in the PNW anyway.

Valentines and Spring

My man is the best. He brought these to work yesterday! They're so springy and fresh, I love them. Roses are nice and romantic, but I really love these cheery tulips. Thanks, Babe!

Mint Oreo Pops

Okay. So first you'll want to buy:

1 package oreos

1 package cream cheese

2 packages of Andes mint pieces (or chocolate chips)

1 package of lollipop sticks

sprinkles to garnish

Makes 20-24 pops

First crush the oreos. Using a food processor or a kitchen aid is great, but a bag and rolling pin is what I had to make do with.
Crush til they look about like this.
Then add the cream cheese with your hands until it is fully blended. If the "dough" is still too sticky to roll into balls, add some powdered sugar.
Then form into balls and add the stick in about half way. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes, then set out on the counter for another 10 minutes. Melt the Andes mints in a double boiler over the stove and cover the pops. Add sprinkles and vuah lah!!!

Blogs

Just found this great blog called Bakerella. All about desserts. I found it because my mother-in-law gave me this great book on making cake pops! I have not tried yet, but tomorrow is the day. I am going to start with some simple oreo ones;-) I am excited.

Plus I found this website with all kinds of cool colored meting candies, cake glitter, straws, etc. It's called Wilton.

Another great blog I found all about designing, crafts, food, clothes, etc. Jones Design Company Enjoy.