Are you sick of my vacation photos yet?

Too bad! Here are some of the latest trip to Maui. HA! :)

The Schroders hit Chicago

Last weekend, me and the guys went to Chicago for a wedding. My big brother, Malcolm, got married to an amazing woman, Naoko. Here are a few shots from my camera. Congrats Naoko and Malcolm. What a fantastic wedding!! Kampai!

Going at it Alone

That title is a little misleading, isn't it? So last week, I was on a work trip to a tropical destination. (By the way...I think it's rediculous to expect yourself to be able to focus on work when you are staying in South Beach, Miami, in a hip hotel, across from the beach in 85 degree tropical weather.) My dear friend, Rachel, was planning on joining me for part of my trip so we could have some fun in the sun together. But the poor girl came down with pnuemonia and wasn't able to make it. I was a little dissappointed, but what could we do, right? Sooo...I have never been somebody to let an opportunity pass me by just because I was gonna have to do it alone. HELLO people!!!! I moved across the country by myself, if you recall. It was perfect timing, because another close friend, Michele, was writing a blog on how important it is to take time to be alone and make yourself happy. I have never failed to take care of that business...but I know a lot of mommies that don't. So congrats to everybody who makes time for themselves and enjoys these moments of alone-ness.

As for my alone time in Miami...I ate out in South Beach club, swam in the gorgeous warm ocean, drove a convertible to the Florida keys, rented a sea kayak in Key Largo, drank a beer in Islomarada, bought myself a cute dress, and just soaked it all in. Rachel...my dear...we will have to make another destination date in the near future!

The great grape event!

It was a rainy weekend in the Columbia Gorge this weekend and we have these out-of-control concord grape vines growing in our yard. So what's a girl to do on a weekend like this? CAN! This was my first attempt to can (or jar, in this case) anything in my life. So here it is...my first batch of Izzy's Organically Wild Concord Jam. I have to admit that I felt a little like Diane Keaton in the 1987 hit movie, "Baby Boom". Let's hope it sets right and doesn't turn into Grape Sauce.

ewww...that smell.

How to eradicate the smell of a decaying and stinky rodent in your house? There are a million opinions on the web...but the consensus is....
Wait it out. Gross. Thankfully, it's in the office and not in our bedroom or the kitchen.

Maine + husband = good

I am numb to Maine. Born and raised. It doesn't help that my job sends me to Maine every 6-8 weeks for work. But last week, I was in Maine with my husband and THAT made all the difference. It was only his 2nd time and seeing it through his eyes was fantastic. Here are some shots. Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with us!

Checking in

It's been a long time since I blogged. Maybe because summer is zipping by and time in front of my computer is at a minimum. So here's a little update as to the goings' on with this step-mommy, wife, and traveler.

Update number 1: I got Lasik'ed! I am seeing better now than I have my entire life. I have 20/13 vision. Everyday I have to remind myself that this is really happening and that I don't have to take out my contact lenses tonight.

Update number 2: Our next vacation starts in about 5 days. Eric and I will be at the Felder Camp on Cobbossee Lake, Maine. We plan on eating lots of lobster, sailing, laking, beaching, hiking, and lounging. yesssssssssss.

Update number 3: Jace got his braces off and has been working his tail off this summer. He saved lots of money and we are so proud of him. The car shopping has officially begun. Within the next 90 days, my stepson will be the proud owner of his very first car. A late 90's Honda Civic hatchback, of course, with lots of bass, hot wheels and exhaust. (are you rolling your eyes, too?)

Update number 4: My big brother is getting married! Malcolm and Naoko are finally getting hitched this October in Chicago. We are really excited for them and can't wait to see how cool this wedding is going to be.

Well, I think that's it for now. I gotta go get my paddle-board on for the day. It's a calm day on the Columbia River and almost 100 degrees. Too hot to be on land!