A Perfect Match

As previously mention my closest friend from College, Valerie R. became Valerie M. last weekend. I had the privilege of taking their wedding pictures which was a first for me. And yes, the wedding really only went off with only one Hitch, the marriage of Will to Val. It was a beautiful wedding and we had a good time. I worked hard and didn't get much sleep but it was super fun!

Below is Will and Vil enjoying the perks of married life. Next to that is a picture of one of Val's sister's Trisha with her husband Ethan. They were a lot of fun and we really enjoyed getting to know them.


This turkey was on the road to where we stayed for the night. I had to honk the horn to get him to move!



The following are some pictures Andy took of me taking pictures. He thought he was funny. :-P

A New Home!

So after about 1 month in our first apartment and then moving accross the hall for 10 months to our next current apartment we decided to move again. This time a whole block and a half away. Aparently big moves are hard for us so we're gradually moving farther away. Very Gradually. Okay not really but it seems that way. Anyway, our church purchased the house next door to it last fall/winter mainly for the land so some day when they expand they own the property. This spring they asked us if we would be interested in living in the bottom floor apartment of the house and acting sort of us "property managers" of the place. We said yes and moved in 2 weeks ago today. But first we (and Nicole) did a ton of painting in the place. The people who owned it before smoked ALOT so there was a lot of work that needed to be done. Including taking down some horrendous flowery used to be white but now it's brown wallpaper which the first layer of came down in small pieces we had to peel off. Then the bottom layer came down in bigger strips, then we washed the walls, spackled the walls where it need it, primed the walls, and painted 2-3 coats of paint on the walls. And that was just the small bedroom/office and living/dining rooms. The big bedroom only had a border up and we didn't prime those walls so that was a bit easier. All in all we had 5 weeks to get it done and move. But now that we're in it's so nice to have colors we want and a much cleaner space. The kitchen has tons of cabinets which I love and there's a basement and garage for us to use which is something we haven't had. Also, one of my biggest joys was the purchase of a used washer and used dryer. So now we don't have to schedule in time to go to the laundromaut. I love that! Plus I've planted lots of flowers and we can sit outside on nice evenings. And no more using the top of the fridge and any other open spot for storage! YAY! There is an apartment upstairs that might be rented out in the future but for now, it's just us. We don't use the upstairs at all and we still have so much more room! It's soooo wonderful. So for your enjoyment we'll give you a guided tour of some of our new house.

This is our church and neighbor building. And we thought we lived close to church before! We went for a bike ride this evening so I took pictures of the house and Andy as he went pass.

These are pictures of the outside of our house from the church parking lot and the street. It's a wonderful new home for us with lots of character.




These are pictures of my back flower beds and the side of the house. The fence is all that seperates us from the church parking lot. But that's a good thing sometimes. I loved planting flowers and am enjoying them immensly. The cement patio really is nice for various things.


This is our patio/side yard/clothesline. I bought a bright yellow garden hose to water my flowers with.



Andy found a used t.v. to have in the garage. Sadly, it gets better reception than the house one. So he works on bikes and I watch the news. :-)

These ducks, specifically one of them seems to think he belongs in our yard or the neighbors. Then frequently they use them as a shortcut. This is one of the ducks in the neighbors yard.
Andy was being a handyman for me tonight. The kitchen window looks directly over to the church so he put up a shade for us so we have some amount of privacy.
Here is our kitchen with all of the wonderful cupboards that even I haven't filled yet.
This is a random picture of me in our new hallway. Andy seems to enjoy taking sudden pictures of me. I like the delete key for this purpose. :-)

Above is a view of our dining room from the living room. These pictures were taken right after we moved in so stuff was everywhere. Below is our living room wall. And yes, we did paint them different shades of green and then red. And it looks so fun and it's bright and cheery.
This is our living room from the dining area. The red wall runs all the way from the dining area into the living room then the living room is 2 shades of green and the dining room/kitchen wall is a darker green.

Catch-Up

I just looked at my blog today and realized I hadn't posted in almost 4 months! Wow! So if there is anybody left you have my apologies and I'll try to catch you up on life rather quickly. In no random order here are several pictures from the last few months.

These 2 pictures are from sometime in March when we went to visit my parents. Jenn brought her 2 girls, Emma and Alina, over and Christi and Brent came out with Ryan and Quianna to see us. Emma and Ryan just loved the kitty cats and only tormented them a little.
This is our fully decked out Christmas tree. It was definitely full even though it was huge. We loved it though and had a lot of fun decorating it and sharing memories of ornaments as well as creating some new memories.

Sad to say but the tree had to go sometime! It was a big pain to get out of the apartment but we managed. Only about 1000 needles revolted and stayed behind with us.

Here is Sioux Falls Park at Christmas time with all the lights on and the Falls lit up. Andy agreed to smile for a picture, not that he had much choice! He's pretty cute illuminated by all those Christmas lights!

Here is Andy cutting down our Christmas tree and me holding it up. It took forever to find and it was dark outside and I was crabby but it was definitely worth all the work!

These pictures are from Christmas with my family. To the left is Andy opening his gift from my parents (Car stands for changing oil). below is a picture of my dad, nephew Alex and Grandmother. That's probably one of the last pictures I have of my dad weighing what I remember. Now he weighs at least 60-70 pounds less.

So from way back in October here are pictures from the Pillsbury visit. To the left is Valerie R. and I who is now Valerie M. but we'll get to those pictures later. Below is Val, here now cousin Anna who was my roommate once upon a time and our friend Gianni who is indeed Italian and the life of the party.
Obviously we went bowling and had a great time even if I do stink. Andy was with us but he was maning the camera.

Bits of New Stuff

With Blogspot going Google I thought about changing my background for a change to go with it. But I can't quite do it yet. Maybe by tomorrow I'll feel ready but for today, I feel like the harbor still fits my/our life. It's a new thing saying Our instead of my. Granted it is still my blog, but me doesn't exist independant of anyone or anything anymore. I'm a Mrs. , I belong to someone. Anything that is mine is also Andy's. Anyway, rabbit trail. There are enough changes and new things in our lives to chill out about changing the background of my blog.

We just got back from 2 days up North with my family. We got to see Jenn and her girls and Christi and Brent and their daughters. Christi and Brent are expecting twins in July/August which means they will have 4 kids under age 4. She'll be busy! We also saw my grandparents and uncle and aunt while we were up north.

We stopped by my brother and sister-in-law's on the way home to see my brand new nephew! His name is David Albert and he's now 10 days old. He's a cutie! It's been said he looks like me, but I think he looks a lot like his dad. It's soooo neat to have a new nephew. And of course we think he's adorable.














Baby David and his Aunt Beth. I got him to open his eyes under much protest. He has the cutest blonde hair and for now has blue eyes.



























Andy is still getting used to holding babies. David sure thought he was nice though. He didn't cry for Andy at all. He must like his uncle!


I'm still trying to figure out again how to post pictures well. I get as far as it loading them, and then nothing...I can do the smaller ones, but not the bigger ones, we'll work on it.

As far as other new stuff, not much too report at the moment. I'm really liking my new job for a popular coffee chain. I guess it's not too new, it's been 2 months, but I definitely like it a lot. We're headed down to Andy's parents in two weeks then back up North 3 weeks after that. My mom's side of the family from Alabama should be there then, which means I'll finally meet my cousin's little girl even though she's already a year old.

Even though it's February, my least favorite month of the year because it feels like it lasts forever, Andy and I realized that we had been married 8 months today. We both worked so we didn't celebrate but it felt nice to say "Happy Anniversary" and kiss my husband. He's the stability in my life. It's the greatest feeling to know that no matter what changes in life, he's my best friend and he'll always be there with me to experience the changes with me. So for now we're still on a journey of trust. God is still our safe harbor but now, we're sailing together. So I'm off to cuddle on the couch until bed time. There are advantages to just being uncle and aunt right now. I don't have to share my husband just yet.

Why You Should Get Married (And Why I Did)

So a while back I promised to post a list of great reasons to get married. After much thought and some whims, here it is. Valerie, take note and start counting the days! Some will think this list is just so cute because we're newlyweds. But I firmly believe after watching my parents for 26 years, Andy's being married 36, and watching many other couples that you can be more in love everyday. I plan on spending the rest of my life falling more in love with my husband and learning more about him everyday. Marriage is hard work, but it's so worth it.
So here are your reasons to get married. They range from practical to romantic to wonderful.
They are in no particular order:

~There's 2 of you to do dishes now!
~Somebody else can hit the snooze.
~2 paychecks. (and twice the bills) :-)
~Snowball fights are more fun, so are the kisses afterwards.
~You can kiss whenever and wherever and for however long.
~Snuggles galore.
~Somebody tall to reach the tall cupboards.
~A handy husband to change your oil and fix your car.
~Someone to scrape your windshield for you.
~Someone willing to walk in the first snowfall of the season even though it's 11pm.
~Someone to do laundry with.
~A Best Friend who doesn't care how gross you are.
~Someone period. A Friend who's always there or will be soon.
~You can make each other laugh like no one else.
~Inside jokes that no one else gets.
~A Safe Haven for all your mistakes.
~Cutting down your first Christmas tree together.
~Knowing that even when you fight each other, you would fight for each other in a heartbeat.
~Making up after the fight. ;-)
~A combined family, more people to love.
~Falling in love forever with your best friend.
~Facing the world together as one.
~Getting mail addressed to "Mr. And Mrs."
~Being able to grow in Christ together.
~Teaching each other new things everyday.
~Have I mentioned lots of hugs and kisses?
~Having someone put their arm around you in church.
~Belonging to Him forever!
~Coming home to find the dishes done.
~Making dinner for 2.
~Having steak one night and mac & cheese the next, and it's okay with him.
~Someone to watch MacGyver & KnightRider with, and not tease you about it!
~Having 2 toothbrushes in the holder.
~Someone to keep you warm at night.
~Someone to warm up your cold feet, even under protest.
~Flowers!
~Having someone who knows you well enough to buy you Christmas socks and Bath Salts.
~Marrying an incredibly sensitive man who actually wants to listen.
~Having a guy who is the first to suggest driving around just to look at Christmas lights.
~Having him ask you to dance in the dark to your "new" old Christmas records.
~Having a scruffy face to rub and kiss.
~Romantic canoe rides on your honeymoon, while being attacked by bugs.
~Snow Angels that hold hands.
~Catching bigger fish than him!
~Cross country skiing with the one you love.
~Someone who thinks you're beautiful, cute, hot, and sexy all at once.
~Giving yourself physically to one person forever.
~Unconditional acceptance.
~Being love and loving in return.
~Agape love, unconditional.
~Knowing you'll never leave each other.
~Forgiveness, always.
~Knowing that this is only the beginning, Forever is waiting.
~One day at a time, you fight today, make up today, and tomorrow is another chance.
~Feeling God smile on this blessed union that He has forordained and blessed.
And Finally, possibly my favorite thing about being married is:
~Someone to go to sleep cuddled up with and wake up together with everyday for forever.

I've left out some things and I'm sure I've forgot some things that I might add later, but this gives you a taste of the little things that make up married life. It's not all romance and laughs, it's really, really hard work. But oh it's so worth it. I've made a sort of one-sided list, things that my beloved Andy gives to me, when marriage is really about giving and serving each other. Not just Andy giving to me, but us giving to and serving each other 100%. I fail so often at this, but I have an amazing husband who is committed forever and lets me try and try again. I can't get it right, but with God's grace, I'll keep trying.
So get married! :-) Everyone needs to follow God's timing and design for their lives, but if you're willing to committ to a marriage based in Him and to forever with each other, you'll have the chance to be part of the best thing you'll ever experience.
Andy and I got married for forever, divorce was and is never an option. Times can be hard and stressful, but we're committed to God and each other. He gives the joy and blessings along with the trials and hardships. We have God and each other.
I encourage you to view marriage the same way. Only God can keep it sacred.
So here's to love and forgiveness, laughter and tears, grace and mercy, a God who loves us. For only He and these can make a marriage what it is. A beautiful picture of God's love for His Son and us. May yours be a blessed one.