It's Officially Here!

Summer, oh how I love thee. Welcome my friend. Your sunny days and clear skies have been truly missed. When I think of you, I envision beautiful flowers (not in our yard obviously) and my mouth waters as I imagine the yummy scent of meat grilling on the BBQ. We have a lot of dates planned, you and I. I'm looking forward to picnics in the park, camping trips, hiking and mountain-biking, berry picking and eating, riding my horse, swimming in the neighborhood pool, and maybe even water skiing at the lake.

What are your favorite things about Summer?

Bring On The Berries!

Mr. Wagner and I both agree, we really like fresh blueberries. These plump berries are a favorite gem that we enjoy each summer. It's almost prime blueberry season and we can't wait!

Since Mr. Wagner is also a serious muffin connoisseur, I thought we'd share another favorite, a healthy yet very tasty recipe. Warning, there are a lot of ingredients in these but we guarantee, once you buy what you need, the leftovers won't go to waste because you'll be making these again. Enjoy!

Health Nut Blueberry Muffins

3/4 C all-purpose flour
3/4 C whole wheat flour
3/4 C sugar
1/4 C oat bran
1/4 C quick cooking oats
1/4 C wheat germ or wheat bran
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 C blueberries
1/2 C chopped walnuts (optional)
1 banana, mashed
1 C buttermilk
1 egg
1 T vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan, or line with paper muffin cups. In a large bowl, stir together the dry ingredients. Gently stir in the blueberries and walnuts. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed banana, buttermilk, egg, oil and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and mix just until blended. Spoon into muffin cups. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.

If Only I Had Known

Dearest Mr. Wagner, If only I had known:

• That we would both eat something bad the last day of our honeymoon and would be sick with "the runs" for the following month.
• That you truly are more mischievous than me (regardless of what anyone else might say).
• That our marriage would undergo the "in sickness and in health" trial so soon.
• That you'd say "incoming torpedo!" at the most inopportune time during my hospital stay.
• That you'd hold me to the "whoever is holding her" diaper changing rule for so long.
• That you really would have made a good attorney.

If only I had known, Dear Hubby, I would have said "Yes!" all over again.

Happy Anniversary!

Love forever,

Mrs. Wagner

Our Weekend Road Trip

We had a great time visiting our friends Dani, Joey & fam this weekend. We visited their coffee shop, took the kiddos to the zoo in Seattle and had a fun time catching up (sorry our pics didn't turn out well but you can get the idea).
We also had a nice visit with my great Uncle Bob before we headed home. We were surprised that the Little Miss took to him so readily, especially since he's a serious Dawg fan and a U of O grad.


We survived the long car-ride thanks to two amazing inventions, a portable DVD player and Baby Einsteins. What did our parents do without them? The Little Miss' favorite word is now "moo-moo!" (translation: "movie!"). I can already see it. When she's 13, she'll be expecting a bucket of buttered popcorn to go with it.

A New Hobby? I'm Not Yet Convinced

Several of you have already heard that I ran in my first race this past weekend. Our friends Jon and Janelle joined me for the hilly 8k (5 mile) mostly dirt trail run.

I am happy to report that we all finished, each a few minutes faster than we were anticipating. Jon and Janelle came in about a minute ahead of me. Their talent on the downhill sections was superior. I'm most proud to say that none of us were close to being last. Of course, we were much nearer to the end of the pack than the beginning.

While I'm very glad I did the race (thank you Jon for not letting the girls back out like we were tempted), I keenly remember thinking as I ran, "I like horse shows a lot better. Why in the world am I doing this? Hobbies shouldn't cause so much pain!"

Pain aside, I am going to keep on running. As for making racing a new hobby? I'm not yet convinced that it's logical, or even sane, to actually pay an entry fee to endure self-inflicted pain. Give me my horse and a colorful hunter-jumper course any day. And for the hills? I'll take my mountain bike, thank you.

(Joani and Janelle, You're not off the hook completely. I'm not giving up until at least one of you join me for a 1/2 marathon. No pressure. All excuses for why this is a bad idea are welcomed).

Jon & Janelle headed towards the finish line. I'm a "dot" higher up on the path

Check out my form. Paula Radcliffe would be jealous. The smile? Totally fake.

(Usually) Do Everything Without Complaining

I'm not one for complaining. I can't remember ever having sent back food that I ordered, even if it was cold (granted, I've not been the victim of a meal served with a bug or human appendage visibly floating on the surface). Bad waiters/waitresses? I still leave a decent tip. If someone were to cut in front of me in a long line, I'd grumble to myself, and maybe to whomever is with me, but I wouldn't say a thing to the actual offender.

Today however, I admit...I tattled.

Hubby has had to listen to my grumbling on a daily basis for the past week. The first thing he's been hearing out of my mouth when he walks in the door hasn't been a welcoming "Hi Honey, how's your day been? Dinner's on the table. I love you. Can I help you take your shoes off? Bring you anything to drink?" (Wait, let's get real. Even on my best of days, I'd have to be heavily medicated for all those words to pass through these lips at any one time).

Instead, Mr. Wagner has been bombarded with "is IT still there?" and an "Ugh!!!" after he responds affirmatively.

I didn't want to do it but my mind kept ruminating on thoughts of the expensive, monthly "home owners association fees" that our neighborhood is charged for just these sort of things. I finally caved. Yes, I confess, it is I who submitted a "confidential covenant rules violation form" (i.e., I complained).

Dear Neighbors, I really am sorry and don't mean any ill feelings. It is a pretty color of blue. It's just not meant for your front door (at least not when the rest of us have to follow the "approved" earth-tone color scheme).

If you truly like it, please don't let my opinion interfere with your creativity. Keep it if you must. I'll turn my cheek and look the other way. After all, it's not like you painted it bright green and yellow.

Remembering Our Heroes

This Memorial Day, we would like to say “thank you” to all the veterans and public servants who have sacrificed their time, families, health, and even their lives, to faithfully serve our country.

Pause for a moment and put aside thoughts of the seemingly-never-ending presidential election. Forget differences and Republican vs. Democrat titles. Let’s get back to “United We Stand” and remember those who have and are still serving our country.

Obama, Hillary and McCain, please take a seat. Today is a day to honor our “every day” heroes. In the military or in public service, we thank you.

Photo courtesy of www.ace-clipart.Com