Montana.for.the.holidays

Coffee in hand...check. Completion of ALL graduate classes as of yesterday...check. Christmas shopping done...check. Plane ticket that will take me to God's country...Montana...on Sunday...CHECK! Staying in Montana for two whole weeks...check!

Let's be honest here, it does not get much better. I am continually grateful for my loving, selfless husband. He has to work through the 23rd and then Jeff and Matt will be making a 12+ hour drive to Montana, not arriving until the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Matt knows how anxious I am to be at home and bought me a plane ticket to fly home Sunday to spend the next week with my family doing nothing but enjoying the holidays and precious time with them! The last time my entire family was together was for the wedding and we had other things to focus on at that time :) Now, I can just relax and enjoy their company. Could not be more blessed!

On another note, I am done with graduate classes! I begin student teaching on January 17th at Lynnwood Elementary in a 2nd grade classroom and will graduate April 30th. The job search is already underway even with a few leads this time...I bet Matt is sure excited for the months to come that will involve a dual income :) Once again, he has been so supportive, encouraging, and willing to work hard for the both of us over these past four months...another true blessing to be able to focus solely on school. It has helped me learn so much more from my classes and I could not be more grateful.

Well, Matt and I are definitely in need for some sunshine. I'm relying on Montana for that even though it may be cold. We have had nothing but rain, rain, rain, and more rain. I'm not talking about the glooms and drizzle that Seattle is known for...I am talking about downpours, side swiping rains that has continued to knock the power out multiple times over the last week. Not to mention flooding and landslides...awesome Western Washington! We are learning to love Seattle and its mild temperatures though. Don't get me wrong, it's no Montana but we never run out of things to do and we don't have to worry about mild frostbite every time we step outside our front door.

Well, that's it for now, I'm off to pack and clean my house! Also getting ready for yet another engagement party for our sweet friends this Friday...tis the (engagement) season!

Thankful.in.D.C.

1 final down, 2 to go. Did I mention I will be DONE with classes as of December 16th?! I still have January-April to student teach (I was placed in the 2nd grade!) but at least I won't be logging on to MSUB's distance learning website 5 times a day. I can't wait! Well, let's see...December 9th...really, where does the time go?

We were fortunate to be able to spend Thanksgiving in Washington D.C. visiting my dad which was SO fun. The time went quickly as usual, but we managed to squeeze lots of fun in including: Holocaust Museum (not fun, but VERY interesting and sad), Capitol Building tour (personal tour courtesy of Senator Dorgen's intern), Washington Monument, American History Museum, Thanksgiving dinner :), a piano bar, sushi, etc...this list goes on and on! But those of you who know my dad can believe that we also did our fair share of sleeping in which was much needed! Here are some fun photos of that trip...

We got back from DC on the Sunday following Thanksgiving and then we took off Friday for Denver to visit the Haagensons! You may be thinking we see each other too often...which is probably true beings plane tickets are involved each time! But, it's totally worth it...good friends are few and far between :)

We leave two weeks from today to drive back to Montana for Christmas and cannot wait! Pray that the roads will cooperate for us...blah. I'm just going to drug myself and fall asleep in the back seat...leave the driving up to the boys! Before we leave, we have Matthew's 25th birthday to celebrate, classes to complete, and Christmas shopping to do...busy....busy...busy.

missing.our.blog

I know it's been a while but with Thanksgiving, Denver, and finals in my classes, I've been a busy girl...I'll post photos and stories of our recent fun travels soon!

Only TEN more days of school!

a.new.found.love.

So, this is totally new and kind of unexpected even to me but I'm really starting to love photography! My sweet friend, Brianne, totes her beauty of a Canon around with her wherever she goes and shoots absolutely amazing photos that capture some of life's greatest moments. And since we always seem to be visiting each other and creating such fabulous memories, I can thank her for documenting all our adventure! Then, I got to thinking...beings I don't always have Brianne attached to my hip, I should probably stop relying on her to capture all the memories! I could learn to do the same, right?

Our wedding photographer, Holly Gannett (www.hollygannettphotography.com :)), also takes such amazing photos of not only babies, weddings, engagements, and families, but her very own everyday life events as well. When she looks back at her photos over the years, she will be able to not only reflect on the blessings but actually love the documentation as well.

So, with that said, voila! Matt and I purchased our very own Canon 50D and a fabulous lens to accompany it. I'm just diving in head first and really have absolutely no idea what I'm doing with the camera, but I'm learning the basics slowly but surely. I need to start attending some workshops and classes to really learn how to create this photographic art but I'm just having fun right now. Our sweet friends, Mitch and Brenna, even let me shoot some engagement pictures for them on Saturday! They were totally doing me a favor being my guinea pigs but I hope they love the results! I am having so much fun editing the photos this week and can't wait for them to see how photogenic and beautiful they both are!

Anyways, here's a sneakpeek at a cute little vintage one of these two:


Just gorgeous I tell you!

holidays.on.the.mind

Yes, I only have a husband and tiny little apartment (and not to mention, no job) but sometimes, I still get a bit overwhelmed. I mean, a girl's job is never done, am I right? Sometimes when I'm feeling overwhelmed or just need a bit of creative inspiration to keep going, I like to visit www.howdoesshe.com. Check it out! This girl is fabulous and I want to share my find for the day...

Looking for a gift for a neighbor or co-worker? This is PERFECT. Just attach a cute little card that gives a recipe for a steamer or a yummy addition to their java. Check the website for 29 other fabulous ideas to give as small, yet fabulous Christmas treats!

More holiday ideas for your viewing pleasure...

So easy to make and will make your gifts just that much more special!

For the month of December, remind yourself each day of 1 thing you are grateful for.

Have fun and make your own stockings for Santa to fill.

Christmas does not have to be about how much you spend on your gifts or how nice they are, it's the thought that counts. Show your friends and family how grateful you are for them by gifting them with the simple pleasures in life...it's a good reminder as to what's really important...like coffee creamer :)

Rain.Coffee.Blogging.Blanket.

November 1st. Really, where does this time go? My darling sister-in-law reminded me that I need to update this bad boy so your wish is my command girlfriend :)

There's just something about a rainy morning when the buildings of downtown Seattle are hidden behind the fog and rain and it's too cold to feel guilty about staying inside all day. Normally I might complain about this weather but I'm a fan today. No complaints about being snuggled in a blanket, drinking coffee, and blogging. Honestly, I'm relieved Halloween is over. I had to admit, it's my least favorite holiday and I celebrate it because I have to. We've been lucky to escape Halloween by heading back to South Dakota to hunt these past couple of years but now that my pops is out in D.C., we were forced to put on our costumes and drink spiced cider. Ok, it's not the worst thing ever, and we did have fun...as Kelly Kapowski & Zack Morris! "It's alright cuz I'm...Saved By the Bell!" Can you tell?

Well, maybe if you could see my white keds and teal skirt?! Still fun!

Let me see if I can update you on a few other things while I've got you on the line. Matt is still hard at work bringing in all our income and I'm pretty sure he doesn't mind me being at home to do his laundry, cook, and clean :) Although, it's hard for me to be home everyday! I keep myself quite busy, don't usually sleep past 7 a.m. and am working hard in my last 4 grad school classes but this girl is ready to get to work. With that said, I'm waiting to hear back from Edmonds School District this week to see where I will start teaching in January to finish my program! I cannot wait. I am dying to be in the classroom.

We drove to MT last weekend for an extremely quick trip to celebrate the nuptials of (now) Mark & Kim Blackford! It was so much fun. Trip summary: Me.Matt.Jeff.26 hours of driving.in a minivan.hauled back rest of wedding presents. ran into snow outside of Seattle.family dinner.Mom's house full of YUMMY fall scents.Peanuts.friends.Back home. And yep, that about sums it up!

Coming up:

Vanessa visiting.
Casey & Arieanna Ramage visiting.
A Christmas Story Musical.
Picasso at the Seattle Art Museum.
Thanksgiving in Washington D.C.
Friday after Thanksgiving shopping in NYC with my best, Brianne Haagenson!!

And a few pictures for your viewing pleasure:

My delicious Pickle Barrel Sandwich that I ate in Bozeman.

Our Family Dinner while in Montana. Mom, you make everything look so beautiful!

Us at the Ramage/Blackford Wedding!

K, off to watch Family Stone for the first of SEVERAL times that it will played in this house until Christmas is over. :)

Beauty Weekend!

What a wonderful, beautiful, weekend we had here in Seattle! Matt and Jeff got a line wet on the river all day Saturday in the fall sunshine while I went on a date with Starbucks, Gas Works Park, and Bellevue Square Mall :) The boys' Saturday ended with an Alabama football game while I went out with the ladies for a fun night out on the town!

Sunday was yet another gorgeous day so we decided to not waste it (as these are minimal in Seattle :)) and went hiking! Jeff and Luke came with us and I'm proud to say we hiked to the top of Mt. Pilchuck (shown in picture below). Before you get too impressed, the trail started about halfway up the mountain and I'm not joking, there were 10 year olds climbing to the top...which wasn't easy, let me tell you!

Mt. Pilchuck


So, yes...we climbed up to that tiny little viewroom and saw this:


Fabulous view!

Amazing, isn't it? God's creation is so beautiful and we are so blessed to have this available for us to enjoy!

On another note, we get to go to MONTANA this week!!! We are so excited to see our friends and family for Kim & Mark's big day! It is going to be an extremely quick trip but better than nothing at all :) We also get to pick up the rest of our wedding presents which is super exciting. It's been too long...I think I forgot what we even got!

Life, Slow Down.

Matt and I have been thinking a lot about how we want to live our lives this week and what we want for our little family in the here and now as well as the future. It's hard to plan a future because it is ultimately not our plan we need to be following. I think it's okay to set goals although and pray about feeling led to one place or another. It's funny how life speeds up and a year will go by without notice. Last year at this time, we were recently engaged and living apart. Now we are 2 months into our marriage and I'm not even sure where the time went. My Granny Black always tells me to slow down and enjoy every minute because ultimately, it all goes so fast. She would obviously know!

I love our life and am content in the present but it's hard not to look toward the future. And I guess I'm wondering why that is? Yes, life is full of surprises and many great things (Lord willing) will come our way but I can't even begin to count our blessings in this stage of life we are in now. I just don't want to wish my life away, always looking toward the next big thing. It wasn't until age 24, just last year, that I really stood back and realized how fast life was flying by. I can only imagine it will pass by at a quicker pace from here on out.

With that said, we decided to make sure to always pursue our passions, take time out of busy life to visit friends and family, and make sure we enjoy each day independent of what tomorrow brings. There will never be more money, a more convenient time, or an easier way to do what you put off for next year so let's just make sure we're living our life to its full potential each day.

Have a great week!

Little Guy Football

Matt and I don't have children on our radar quite yet (unless the Lord has other plans for us of course), but we came upon something this week that I know Matt at least, can't help but be excited about.

Matt had offered to babysit one of his co-worker's precious little girls, Kaci Jean. This, of course, required my assistance ;) so we both spent Wednesday evening in Edmonds playing Mom & Dad. We took Kaci on a walk around the neighborhood in her awesome BOB stroller. For those of you parents that don't have a BOB, please do yourself a favor and buy one! They are pretty much amazing. While we were on our walk, we stumbled across Little Guy Football Practice.

Can you say hilarious? These kids couldn't have been older than 5 and/or any larger than 4.5ft. tall. The coach was yelling things like "you're going to lose the game and then have to run laps!" and "get your head in the game!" as the majority of the team was pushing, chasing each other, and sitting down on the field because they were tired. Matt then started telling me stories about how monumental his little guy experiences were for him which led us to be excited about the day where we can watch our own kids practice! Or better yet, coach them. Just another thing to love about this time of year!

The Key to Fall

It's the 2nd day of fall...my favorite season! There are so many great things about fall but I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. First and foremost, football! It wouldn't be my favorite season without football. There's just something about it...whether you are attending a game or watching it on T.V., it has to be present. You need a reason to make chili, cornbread, chips n' dip, pulled pork, and cinnamon rolls for breakfast, right? What better reason than a football game?! Our team is Alabama in this household. I know that Matt only went there for a year but he (and Jeff both) held on tight to their Crimson Tide Pride upon their return. How could you not cheer for them?! As for me, I love the SEC because of THEIR love for the game. It's a way of life down south. Matt likes to tell a story about leaving church in Tuscaloosa one Sunday as he overheard two elderly ladies arguing about yesterday's game! I just think that passion is so amazing. Not to mention, National Champions, Nick Saban, and Mark Ingram. Roll Tide Roll! As for the NFL, Matt is a Broncos fan (blah) and well, Go Bears!

Onto the next best...apple/cinnamon ANYTHING, crunchy colorful leaves and trees, cool weather (such a great feeling to walk around with a scarf and Uggs on), back-to-school supplies, Starbucks' Pumpkin Spiced lattes, the list goes on and on.

Three ways that I've started celebrating the season:



This is Yankee's Autumn Harvest candle. It is my FAVORITE! If you love fall as much as I do, please do yourself a favor and go buy one of these!



If you love Pumpkin Spice lattes but want to save money and time, this is the way to go! It makes your morning delightful :)



We always have a bowl of candy lying around the house. I think I got this from my Mama. Anyways, fall candy...duh.

Quality Time

(Sorry! I wrote this Monday and never published it for some reason so here it is :))

All our visitors are gone :( I just dropped daddy off at the airport this morning and now I feel like our little apartment is so empty and quiet. Matt is at work and everyone is gone! I'm really looking forward to these last two weeks in September and the entire month of October! It's finally fall here in Seattle. The leaves are changing colors, football is on every Sunday, and the temperatures are cool even when it's sunny. I love this time of year! I can't wait to spend quality time with my husband and enjoy this time as newlyweds. We can still be classified as newlyweds, right? ;)

This weekend with my dad and sister was so fun! We went to the Nebraska/Washington game to cheer on the Huskers!! They kicked some butt and of course won the game. Go Big Red! Being at the UW game for the second weekend in a row really made me realize how much I love the passion people have for football. I grew up in a house where there were constantly games being played on TV every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday night during football season but I never paid that much attention. I really love it now! My dad was instilling that passion in me without me even knowing it! Now...how to get Matt to the south to cheer on the Crimson Tide? Tailgates, southern bbq, and season tickets? Roll tide! I wish. Maybe someday, right?

Tonight, we are having a date night at the Steelhead Diner. One of our favorite restaurants here in Seattle. If you ever come to visit and want somewhere to eat, that's your place. The chef is from New Orleans and his food is a combination of southern bbq/west coast seafood mix? And the view is amazing of Puget Sound and Pike Place Market helps too!

Go Bobcats?

Did anyone watch the Cat game last Saturday? What a sad day!! Matt and I went to the UW Husky/USC game so we weren't able to watch the entire game but as the Husky game ended, we ran to ESPN's The Zone (within Husky Stadium) and found the Cat game in some random suite that was absolutely abandened. We are in Washington, people. You'd think people would want to watch the WSU game! This just shows the hate that Husky fans have for the Cougs. We enjoyed the moments when the MSU/WSU score would flash on the Husky jumbotron and everyone would cheer because MSU was ahead! Until....THEY LOST! Sad...sad day.

Anyways, we spent our last weekend with our friends Riley and Bret as they had driven out here from MT to visit! It was so fun! Now, my dad and sister are here this weekend and we are preparing to cheer on the HUSKERS this weekend as they dominate over the Huskies. GO BIG RED!! I am a little scared due to the fact that our seats are in the middle of a Husky section but whatever, we'll wear our red proudly and Nebraska will win anyways ;)

Pictures to come!

Visitors!

It must be that time of year in Seattle where there are a string of just a few guaranteed "nice" weeks. A few weeks where the sun in shining the majority of the time, it's not raining, the temperature is in the low 70's and the leaves are starting to change colors. I've learned to love this time of year in the short amount of time I've actually lived in Seattle...for three reasons. Reason #1) football season! Roll tide. Reason #2)sunshine. Reason #3) VISITORS!

Last year, we had visitors for five weeks/weekends in a row. We absolutely loved seeing our friends and family because it feels like we have many of the people that we love and miss right here in Seattle with us. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy the tourist attractions of Seattle as well as challenging us to find new adventures for those that have already seen the Space Needle and shopped at Pike Place Market :) This past weekend (Labor Day), we hosted our first house guests. The Haagensons!! We love our dear friends Erik and Brianne and treasure our time with them. It is always full of laughter and funny, unforgettable moments that we will never forget. We are all so much alike that it is scary! Anyways, they left just yesterday and in approximately one hour, our second set of guests are arriving...Riley Paris and Bret Hubber! Well, technically, they are Jeff's guests but they are sleeping in the guest room because we are so much cooler than Jeff ;) On Tuesday, my daddy comes...and Jennifer on Thursday! Our good friend Luke got us tickets to the Washington/Nebraska game on Saturday the 18th, so we had to bring the pops out for that!

So, I guess that is all that is going on in the Waller household for now! When we're not hosting and entertaining, we are busy writing thank you notes (sorry people, we are slow!), figuring out the husband/wife thing :), and Matt is playing football for a city league. I'm getting antsy being at home all the time so am attending orientation tomorrow to volunteer for an organization called Treehouse For Kids. This is such an amazing program that offers tutoring, Educational Advocacy, College Planning, and Little Wishes for foster children. I am so excited to be involved!

first birthday as a married woman.

Turning 25 is a little surreal, I must admit. I feel like I can begin the countdown to 30 now! Isn't that weird? When I was 16, I thought I'd be married and have at least 2 children by the time I was 25. Married...check. Children...? Maybe sometime in the future but for now, I am loving being married with just a husband at home to take care of. I have no job and let me tell you, being a wife is still demanding! I love my new role though. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love nesting in our new home, doing laundry, making dinners (and lunches), and waiting for my husband to come home each and every day.

I have given myself two weeks to get settled and run about a bazillion errands but starting Tuesday, substitute teaching and volunteering will begin! My internship to finish my graduate program begins in January and lasts until April, so I can't have a full time job quite yet. This is a little sad because I would LOVE to begin a full time job again this fall but I'll have to settle for being in the schools just here and there for the time being. God has the perfect plan although and I believe this is His way of letting my adjust to married life. It is such a blessing and I'm so grateful for this gift we have been given.

Today is another gloomy day in Seattle but one of my favorite things to do when it is rainy is to trot down to the local coffee shop and journal. It is so refreshing to be able to have some "me" time after the past few months and I'm trying to enjoy the last few days of "summer" before my classes start next week...I am not ready for school to start again but I know I will be once I get into the groove of things. I love what I'm learning about and always get so much from my classes. I am ready for the challenge!

Well, I'm off to enjoy my 25th birthday with my friends and hubby at a yummy sushi restaurant on South Lake Union. How perfect!

Finally a Waller!

Hi long lost blogging friends!

Guess what? We are finally married!! Thank goodness. Wedding planning/wedding related events are all fun but I am so thankful for the marriage to finally start! Matt and I are back in Seattle after a blissful honeymoon in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and couldn't be more grateful to be here. Matt is back at work and I am just getting us settled into our cute little apartment. Pray for me as I begin the job search for this fall until I begin student teaching in January. For now although, I'm enjoying the "stay-at-home wife" job role. It's a fulltime job trying to unpack and set up a new home!

We are getting excited for our dear friends, Erik and Brianne Haagenson, to come visit us for Labor Day weekend. We are planning on many fun things and cannot wait to spend time with them doing something that does not involve a wedding!! We wish they could bring their doggie, Ralph, but unfortunately, they do not allow 130 lb. dogs on airplanes :(.

I can't wait to keep you all updated on what life has in store for us! I'll get up some pictures of our home as soon as it comes together.

Thank you all for making our wedding so special and memorable...we are looking forward to the many wonderful years to come!

1 Month!

Can you believe the "month" countdown comes to an end today and now the "day" countdown finally begins?! Let me tell you what, it has been a long 9 months leading up to this time! Tomorrow is the last day of summer school for me and then I can spend the next 4 weeks focusing on the wedding, nesting into our new apartment, and absolutely nothing else. I am so blessed to be able to have this free time ahead of me to make a few more memories with family and friends here in MT. And also to prepare the last of the wedding in a stress-free (fingers crossed!) manner. One of my friends once told me that being engaged was so fun for her and that she could've been engaged forever...but let's be honest, I am just ready to be married!!

My sister and I will head out early Saturday morning to make the long, 12 hour trek to Seattle with load #1 of gifts. We will have one packed car with just presents from my bridal shower! The question remains as to how in the world we will get our wedding presents from Billings to Seattle. Time will tell I guess ;) On Sunday morning, we'll pick up the Uhaul at 10a.m. to unload my storage unit! Yay, I'll have my life back! Thank goodness for Matt's brother and amazing friends because we couldn't move all our stuff without them. I will then spend about a week unpacking and setting up our home the best that I can in such a short time...I'll then come back to Montana for the wedding. Matt will move in when I leave and we'll wait to stay in the apartment together until we are HUSBAND & WIFE! Bout time.

Now that school is finally ending tomorrow, I can finally start blogging regularly and in one month, I promise I'll have more to talk about besides the wedding ;)

Sorry.

Wow, I stink at blogging apparently! I promise that once Matt and I are married, I'll keep anyone who is following us way more up to date but for now, my days are swamped! This is the scoop...

-6 weeks of school done tomorrow, 1 more to go after that!
-approximately 5.5 weeks until our wedding ;)
-we found an apartment in Seattle in the Fremont neighborhood! If anyone wants to come visit, we have an extra bathroom and bedroom waiting for you so just let us know.
-Matt's brother, Jeff, moved in next door to Matt and is working at Boeing so they've been having brother bonding time.
-And...well...that pretty much sums up our life at this point...more to come later, promise (again)!

Week 2

1 week of school down, 5 to go. Time is actually flying by already. I left Seattle on the 26th and will be back before I know it! I am so grateful to have this time with my family and friends that are here in Billings. I have a lot of homework so it's hard to get together with friends in the evening but the weekends are great.

Here are some pictures from Brianne & Erik's wedding over Memorial Day weekend in Denver...we had such a great time!

Greetings from Montana

Well, I'm here! My first day of school was today and I am anxiously awaiting July 16 as I realized today how much I hate having homework hanging over my head. It is such a blessing to be able to spend this time with my family though. I know that these next six weeks may be a little challenging from time to time as I have been living on my own for the last year but I need to take each moment in and count my blessings. I am able to be at home to watch my little brother walk through the last few weeks of his 7th grade year and my darling sister is now 21 and this will be the last time that we ever get to live in the same household.

I left Seattle early on Wednesday morning after many hours and days of cleaning, packing, and packing my stuff away into storage. On Friday morning, however, I drove to Denver only to meet Matt for one of the most precious weddings ever. Erik & Brianne finally tied the knot and they are now Erik & Brianne Haagenson! I couldn't be more happy for them and we couldn't ask for a better couple to lead the way in this path that we walk as we prepare our hearts for marriage. It was the most beautiful, sentimental, wedding that I've ever attended and I do not doubt for one second that the Lord has a perfect plan for their lives together. They have been so faithful throughout their relationship, constantly seeking guidance and setting aside their own wills for their lives. What an amazing couple! Love them so much...

As I write from 800 miles away, I am missing Matt with all my heart but could not be more excited to marry the man of my dreams. I know our time apart will make the wedding that much more special...starting our forever and knowing that we will never have to be apart again (well, maybe not NEVER but ya know ;)).

a chapter coming to an end

Sorry for the 2 week time lapse!! There has just been so much going on and I keep avoiding writing because I want to download all our pictures we have taken to accompany this but I have yet to do that....so sorry, no pictures yet!

Let's see...last weekend, we went to Bozeman to watch Maria and Jeff graduate! It was so good being back in the Big Sky country and seeing many of our friends and Matt's family. It was no surprise that it was a chilly 40 degrees but I still loved the wide open sky! I sometimes feel very claustrophobic here in WA because of all of the trees. I guess that's why they call it the Evergreen State right? We spent our weekend getting very little sleep so last week drug on just a bit. Matt gets up for work at about 3:45 a.m. these days so he is used to going to bed really early...with me not too far behind him. It's funny how 10:00 feels so late now when you wouldn't even think about going to bed prior to 11:30 in college. We're getting old already!

We spent this past weekend enjoying the beautiful Seattle weather. Matt's grandma, Maemae, and his aunt and cousin (Lora & Cassie) were here Friday night and Saturday morning as they prepared to jump on a cruise ship to Alaska! We were just slightly jealous but excited for them and their vacation. We spent time with them on Friday night and met them for breakfast Saturday morning. On Saturday afternoon, we enjoyed one last :( bbq on my rooftop of my apartment building. I have definitely taken my rooftop deck for granted and can't believe I'm moving out of our wonderful apartment in just one week. I would maybe consider renting it if they weren't advertising it for 500.00 MORE than what Lindsay and I pay now. Isn't that crazy?! Anyways, Sunday was spent at Barnes & Noble, Iron Man 2, and Golden Gardens (a beach where you can have bonfires). All-in-all, it was a great last fun-filled weekend as we will this coming weekend packing and moving.

We have so much coming up to look forward to! I leave Wednesday but am meeting Matt in Denver Friday morning for BRIANNE & ERIK's wedding!!! We often make visits to Denver to hang with our besties there but I can't believe we are visiting to attend their wedding this time. We are so blessed to be walking this road with such amazing friends right by our side in this season of life. They are such an encouragement and I can't wait to be there to celebrate this special time.

In other news, Matt's brother, Jeff, will be joining us in Seattle!!! He was recently hired at Boeing and will most likely settle in sometime this summer. I was just telling Matt last night that although, I've grown to love Seattle, I feel as though we don't have any "real" connection to the city. I think that will change when Jeff gets out here. It will be such a blessing to have a family member here with us. It gets a little lonely from time to time!

Well this is my last week of work :( I finish Thursday and will pack all of my stuff this weekend and head back to Billings next Wednesday, the 26th. Pray for us as we continue to search for a place to call home and as Matt and I spend these next few months apart.

I promise to post pictures soon!

Great Weekend

Matt and I had so much fun this weekend! I am constantly being reminded to treasure our time in Seattle for we don't know how long we'll live here but know that it won't be forever. I oftentimes miss Montana because of our friends and family...and for the fact that it is the greatest state ever! But, I'm learning that Seattle is just one big fun adventure and I'm loving it here as well.

Friday night consisted of absolutely nothing. I babysat princess Caroline and Matt went to bed at 8:30. Wow, aren't we cool?

Saturday morning, we caught up with some friends in Montana, made a little breakfast, and just enjoyed the morning sun. That afternoon, we met up with our friends, Amy & Paul, to tour the Red Hook brewery in Woodinville. Woodinville is just east of Seattle and it is often referred to as "wine country". We skipped the wine and went for the beer though! We bought our tickets for the 5:00 tour and then went to the driving range to hit some balls until it was time for our tour. Matt and I have been spending a lot of time on the driving range but we need to get out and actually play! Anyways, this tour was $1.00 per person and we figured out that you end up drinking about 2 beers. Not too shabby...

After that, we drove to downtown Seattle to attend a Seattle Sounders (soccer) game. We sat dead center of the field, 12 rows up! Thanks Luke and Lindsay!! The game ended in a tie which I have yet to understand how that is possible. After the game, we went to Belltown for dancing and drinks with our "wolfpack". Don't ask questions...just a bunch of great people that we have so much fun with!

Sunday, we were pretty exhausted but kept on truckin' on to enjoy yet another beautiful day. We went BACK to Woodinville to spend more time with Paul & Amy (we just can't get enough of them...not to mention they are "puppy raisers" to a golden retriever/yellow lab mix that they get to bring everywhere with them! His name is Norbert ;)). We started with lunch at the Barking Frog (amazing lodge-like restaurant), crept next door to the Columbia Winery for a tasting, then across the street to the Chateau Ste. Michelle for another tasting! Then, we sped back to the west side for our LAST pre-marriage counseling appointment, stayed for church at the 5:00 service, grocery shopped, and went home to make chile dogs and watch a movie.

This makes me exhausted just writing about it but needless to say, it was a great way to celebrate the end of the semester!

This week is short because we leave Thursday to drive to BOZEMAN!! Yippee!!! We are going to the MSU graduation to watch Jeff become an Industrial Engineer and Maria become a nurse. So proud of them both! We are so excited to be able to sneak back for a few days to enjoy the little town we miss so much. Even though it may be rainy, windy, and cold there...I still love it and can't wait to be back.

Fried Pickles!

Ok, look at this amazing goodness. The first time I ever had fried pickles was at a meat n' three in Podunk, Mississippi. They were the most amazing thing ever and I haven't had them since! After dance lessons last night, Matt and I went to Wing Dome to have some wings and guess what was on the menu? Yep...I ate all of these at approximately 10:00 p.m. last night. Good for my wedding figure, don't you think?

Summer in Montana

Well, it's official, I will be moving back to Billings for 6 weeks to take summer classes...don't know whether to end that statement with an exclamation point or not ;) I'm just kidding. I'm excited to be able to spend some time with my family and be in Billings to plan the rest of the wedding but a little sad to leave beautiful Seattle just as it's starting to get nice, my amazing roommate, and of course the love of my life! Not to mention, the two most precious little babies, Caroline and Isabelle! I'm going to miss them so much when I don't see them everyday but I trust that everything is working out the way it is for a reason.

Lindsay and I's lease comes to an end on May 31st but I will be leaving shortly before that in order to make it back to Billings just in time to turn around and drive to Denver for the Haagenson wedding! I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life but it is bittersweet. When I leave, I will be leaving my very last roommate, full time job for a while, my life on my own as a single lady, and the joy that is long-distance education...not! I will miss Lindsay and my job though ;)

But summertime in Montana? What more could you want? I look forward to being with the friends and family I miss so dearly!

4 months!

4 months and counting! Sometimes it seems like a lifetime away but I know that it will flash before my eyes. We have finally started looking for a place that we will call home. We will sign a new lease at the beginning of July and Matt will move in first. We will get the place all set up and ready for us to come home to together in August...finally! We never wanted to live together until we were married but oftentimes, I could've just given that up because I'm impatient! I am so grateful for the fact that we have waited and that we can start this journey together as husband and wife. It makes getting married that much more exciting!

We are blessed with a lot to look forward to in our last few months of engagement. Here's a little preview of our summer...

• a weekend in Bozeman for MSU graduation (yay Jeff & Maria!)
  
• Memorial Day weekend in Boulder, CO for our dear friends, Erik & Brianne's, bachelor/bachelorette parties, showers, and most importantly, their WEDDING!
• Cassidi & Chad's engagement party
  
• another weekend in Bozeman for Casey & Arieanna's wedding...and related festivities ;)
• Pebble Beach, CA for the U.S. Open
• 4th of July Lake Union Fireworks

Those are the main events that we're looking forward to but here's to hoping our summer is filled with many more, sunny memories!

Dance Lessons

Well, my mama informed me that I haven't blogged in almost a week! I honestly don't know where my time goes. In high school, I felt like the hours on the clocked passed by at a snail-like rate. In college, time crept by a tiny bit faster. In the "real world", time flashes before my eyes. I fear that as I grow older, and especially when we have little munchkins, I won't know where my years will have gone. I guess that's why you always hear parents say "oh, they just grow up so fast!".

Well, I am proud to tell you that I was able to talk Matt into taking dance lessons for the wedding! One big difference between Matt and I is our love for dance. I love to dance...Matt, not so much. He loves music though so I couldn't figure out why he didn't like to dance. We finally came to the conclusion that maybe he doesn't like to because he doesn't know how to? Anyways, Wednesday was our first lesson and we learned how to waltz. It was really fun and don't tell him I said this, but Matt really enjoyed it. The instructor even told us that we looked the most comfortable and natural out of all the couples! haha... It's amazing how once you find out that you're good at something, you like it ;)

I have no idea what the weekend holds as I woke up with a major cold this morning but hopefully, I can report back with fun stories!

He is Risen!

I really should be sleeping right now but in true fashion, I will stay up until midnight and then hate myself when I hear my alarm in the morning!

Happy Easter for 45 more minutes! Today I am thankful for a steady Lord and Savior that died for our sins and rose from the grave so that we may be forever forgiven. Thank you Jesus!

Matt & I had such a great weekend! We both had empty houses as our roommates were out of town...mine in NYC & Matt's in Thailand (rough lives). Friday night, we attended Good Friday service and had a quiet night watching a movie. Saturday was spent at the grocery store, preparing dishes for Easter dinner, and enjoying dinner with friends celebrating Becky Heyward's birthday! And today, we went to church which ended with "Amazing Grace" and bagpipes only to be followed by Easter brunch with about 9 good friends. Matt and I were really encouraged this weekend by how much fun we had simply just being which each other. We laughed (a lot), had good conversation, spent lots of time cooking in the kitchen, and just enjoyed being in each other's presence. It's rare that we are alone...our lives are often filled with the hustle and bustle of life and being constantly surrounded by other people. Don't get me wrong, we love our roommates, we were just excited to be able to have some alone time! We can't wait to finally build a home together in just four short months ;)

Well, I better get to bed. We start dance lessons this week so I'll report back on that!

Good Friday

"If the cross is anything to the mind, it is surely everything - the most profound reality and the sublimest mystery. One comes to realize that literally all the wealth and glory of the gospel centers here. The cross is the pivot as well as center of New Testament thought. It is the exclusive mark of the Christian faith, the symbol of Christianity and its cynosure." - Samuel M. Zwemer -

Let us remember today that He died so that we may have life!

Hutch School

I think I found my dream job! Hutch School is an accredited K-12 school sponsored by both Seattle Children's Hospital as well as Fred Hutchinson's Cancer Research Center. I can't imagine a more rewarding job than to be able to be involved with the lives of these children. To teach in this setting would be such an amazing opportunity. Check it out and support them if possible!

http://www.hutchschool.org/index.html

Love & Infatuation

Finally! This past Saturday, our dear friends, Cassidi & Chad got engaged! We are so happy for them. It is just another thing to celebrate in this exciting season of life. We all knew it would be coming eventually but it still seems so surreal when it actually happens.

Today, I logged into an old email account that I have to search for an email that my grandma had accidentally sent there. I came across a folder labeled "Matthew" and began to read through what had to be about 100 emails from when we were just 16 & 17 years old. I was laughing at how incredibly infatuated we were with each other. We spent time away from each other during a summer at football camps, mission trips, family vacations and probably wrote back and forth at least 3 times a day. I can't quite remember why we didn't just talk on the cell phone. Did we even have them back then? I don't remember. Texting obviously had not swept the nation at this point. Anyways, it brought back some really great memories of how our relationship and life in general was just so simple. Our time spent together consisted of going to Softies (ice cream), watching TV in each other's basements, emailing back and forth, and hanging out with friends on Friday and Saturday nights watching movies and making midnight Taco Bell runs. It reminded me to always remember to laugh with Matt and to be silly with each other. These big times in life can get in the way of what is simple and filling. Weddings, houses, work, and real life can be real fun suckers sometimes so take a second to breathe!

It Never Stops

Our adventures never stop. We continually have plans for our weeknights and weekends and friends and family that visit. I think this is both great and necessary because life can get pretty sedentary with a full-time job and grad school schedule if you don't plan for fun.

This past weekend, Matt and I drove south to visit Jason (or Panch...whichever you prefer). I know, he was just in Seattle but we haven't been to his new home yet so we had to check out his life! We arrived Friday early evening and spent the rest of the night at this little pub smoking cigars and drinking a beer (well wine for me). Classy, right? Ha, I just loved it. There were giant doors that opened up the entire place to filter the smoke and we were sitting directly below a heat lamp. Pretty perfect...

Saturday, we ate breakfast at Pine State Biscuits for a Southern feel. Let me paint you a picture... buttermilk biscuits, gravy, cheese, fried chicken, and bacon all on one plate. Talk about instant heart attack but it was SO good. We spent the rest of the day exploring his favorite parks, coffee shops, and downtown areas. We had to make a stop at Voodoo Donuts. Food network anyone? Sunday morning, we left early because Matt's sister, Jenny, and our friend, Machi, are in town doing work with Campus Crusade. We ate dinner with them at Red Robin on the pier and then went home to watch a movie. Needless to say, it was a GREAT weekend! I'll post some pictures of Panch's world later...

Matt and I have really been challenged by learning how to balance our real-world responsibilities with a little bit of fun. Okay, a lot of fun. It's easy to want to sit on the couch watching TV all night after a ten hour day or sleep until 11 on the weekends but we are slowly learning that we feel much more energized and rejuvenated after spending time outdoors or being in fellowship with others. It's hard to always want to be outside when it's rainy (and it rains a lot here!) but it also makes for some memorable times as well. I think we've done a pretty good job so far with our time here in Seattle and I think it'll only get easier trying to tackle this thing we call "life" as a team. I'm really grateful for Matt's encouragement to always pursue adventure and memories rather than TV and laziness!

March 1st, 2010

Well, on March 1st, I turned 24 1/2. That's right, it was my half birthday. Now, normally it's just a huge joke that all started when my friend, Maria, started making a big deal out of her 1/2 birthday when we were in high school. From then on, we always will wish each other a "happy half birthday" and sometimes, birthday cakes are even involved. Well, I only sarcastically joke about my 1/2 birthday...teasing Matt by telling him we need to celebrate or that he has to buy me a present!

This picture below shows you why I'm marrying this man (well not the only reason but 1 of the millions). I was just sitting in my living room watching TV and he comes trotting in my front door with cherry pie topped with lit candles singing "happy half birthday to you..."

Notice the princess plates ;)

So happy for our friends!

I'm already a slacker when it comes to this blogging business...this isn't good. I just got done reading our dear friend's, Erik & Brianne, blog and I am just in awe of all of the amazing blessings that have been showered down upon not only us but those that mean so much to us.

My sweet friend, Brianne, came into my life just two years ago when she moved to Bozeman and was needing a place to live. She moved in with me and a few of my roommates after only meeting her a handful of times. We quickly became the best of friends as well as our "man-friends" too! We always would joke about being engaged at the same time and we knew that once one of our men pulled the trigger, the other would eventually come around ;) Sure enough, they are engaged to be married on May 30th!! And, to top things off, they are now buying a house...what an exciting time in our lives. And to be able to share this time with some of the most dear people to me is amazing.

Also, our friends Steve & Cassie got engaged this weekend! Such a fun time for so many people that we love! Congrats you two.

Let's see...where did our week even go? I would be lying if I said I had entertaining words for you to read. We really did not have an eventful week at all. We did, however, get to go to a sneak peek of "Alice in Wonderland" on Thursday night (thanks to Luke!) which was really fun. The 3D effects were almost too great, they left me feeling a little sick to my stomach. After the movie, we (along with Luke & Lindsay) ate at "Five Guys" which is amazing, Southern, burger joint. We had been hearing really great things about it and had to try it because...well...it was Southern!

Speaking of Southern, I bought the the "Southern Living" annual recipe cookbook today and can't wait to try it out.

Ok, well this post is pointless! I'll try to encourage Matt to write to you now...he is much more intriguing than I.

John Piper

Matt and I had the privilege of going to listen to John Piper at Mars Hill this weekend! He flew into Seattle from Ethiopia on Friday night and spoke...along with preaching at church yesterday. He is so amazing. It's funny because he is this incredibly talented, dynamic speaker yet he has a little bit of a lisp which made him extra cute. (side note: cute as in old man, grandpa cute) Also, our friend Jason Pancheau joined us for the weekend which made it extra special. I won't go into great detail as to what Piper's entire talk was about but I will share my favorite quote... "If you are engaged, look your fiance in the eye and tell him/her that they will always be #2. If that isn't sweet to their ears, don't marry them!" Isn't that great? I'm so grateful that I know Matt takes joy in me putting Jesus first in my life before him.

Let's see, what else? We took Jason to this great place called Ray's Boathouse. It is close to where we live but neither Matt nor I had ever been there. My roommate originally had told me about it and I'm always hearing great things so we decided to give it a try. It was so beautiful. When we first got there, there were no tables in the bar area (we went specifically for happy hour which is only in the bar) so we decided to grab a beer and sit out on the deck. It was a little chilly but the restaurant is directly over the water and it was sunset. Right after I took the picture below, we watched Matt's baby, the 787 Dreamliner, fly directly over our heads! What a perfect time to be outside.



One more great thing about this weekend was croissant french toast! I know that's silly to be so excited over breakfast...but Matt and I have this recipe from an amazing little bed and breakfast in Ft. Pierre, SD that took us years to steal from them. It's croissant french toast with an ice cream/berry sauce drizzled over it. We usually only make it on Valentine's Day or for special occasions but I guess Panch coming to town was special enough.



One last thing...Matt and I are officially Mars Hill "Preparing for Marriage" graduates!! We have been going through this 8 week course for our pre-marital counseling. We learned so much but it will be nice to have our Sundays free again.

Can you believe it's March 1st? Halfway done with engagement!! Just over 5 months left...

One More Thing...

Matt and I got to see Tobin and Holly last night! For those of you who don't know Holly, she designed this blog that you're reading as well as our entire wedding website, invites, programs, save-the-dates...oh wait...she's also our photographer! Seriously, she should've just planned my entire wedding right? She pretty much rocks!


Anyways, they were making their way back home to Delaware after spending time up in Whistler for the Olympics! Lucky, right? We got to meet Ella, their cute little peanut, and she is Tobin's twin (with girl features obviously). Sorry Holly! ;)


Here's a picture of them with their matching shirts AND fish tacos. How cute!

Sweet Savory Southern

So, I was looking up recipes for banana bread online today and came across this blog titled "Sweet Savory Southern". I read through it for at least an hour and then decided that I want to cook everything southern style. I then realized that this would probably require the intake of way too much butter, oils, and grease than any one person could ever stand. Well maybe one could stand it, but I would definitely not be doing Matt or I any favors, let's all be honest here! Anyways, do yourself a favor and check out this blog. Maybe make some chicken pot pie?

With that said, did I ever mention how badly I want to move south? Yes, I want to sit on my front porch drinking sweet tea and wearing pearls in the humidity. I want to say "yall" and make fried chicken and collard greens for dinner. I also want to dress in houndstooth and yell ROLL TIDE! every Saturday in the fall from Bryant-Denny Stadium. Please Matt? I don't think he would object except for when he sees his fly rod starting to collect dust.

I do LOVE Montana but a girl can dream about being a Southern Belle for a little while, right?

Finally!

Finally, the guest list for the wedding is finalized! This is such an intricate and difficult process surprisingly. All along, I've had the mentality that we want everyone that we love to be invited (and hopefully at the wedding). This mentality still holds true but I am SO scared to leave someone out! Your mind starts to twirl in circles after looking at the list for too long...so let's hope that I didn't forget anyone!!

We had a great weekend with lots of company. On Friday night, my sister and dad flew into Seattle to celebrate Jen's 21st birthday! We had a great weekend full of lots of good food and drinks! What's new? ;) We went to the Hard Rock Cafe on Sunday for her birthday dinner... and they flew out early this afternoon...sad. Here's a few pictures!

Our good friends, Casey and Arieanna, also came to town! They were only here for a short time but it was so good to see them...we miss our Montana friends so much. Someday, we'll make it back but for now, I love that people come to visit us so often. So if you're reading this and you want to come visit, please do! Before they left today, we took a walk with Isabelle...isn't she cute?!

What Season Is It Again?

I feel like ever since we moved here, we have lost track of time. Matt has lived here for almost an entire year now and nine months and counting for me. I was just telling him that I never remember time going by so quickly. I moved here in the summer and can't really remember fall passing by, or winter approaching for that matter. Then it occurred to me that I have not seen even a flake of snow this year! Ok, I take that back...we did see snow in Montana at Christmas but that is it. After living in Bozeman for the past five winters, I am only used to two seasons.

1) Summer (late June-late August)
2) Winter (every other month of the year!)

I thought that I would miss it but I cannot tell you how nice it has been to take a break from the zero degree weather, snow shoveling, getting stuck while driving, windburn, window scraping, and not to mention, the ridiculous heat bills. Lindsay and I have been watching the news reports about the storms on the East coast and she is just green with envy. I just don't get it? If we want to see snow, we simply get in the car and drive north, south, east, or west for approximately 30 minutes, and we'll have it!

Matt might disagree with this opinion but for now, I'm thankful for green grass and temperatures bottoming out at 50 degrees! I wouldn't mind seeing the sun a little more though.

Here We Go!

Welcome!!

Attention to all of you seasoned bloggers...this is Matt and I's first real attempt at blogging so no judging! First of all, the credit needs to go to Holly Gannett for creating this amazing blog for us to keep our friends and family updated on our lives here in rainy Seattle. She has done more than an amazing job creating not only this blog but also, our wedding website. If you haven't visited the website, check it out! (you'll find a link to your right).

Isn't she great? I hardly gave her any sense of direction and she still created something so unique and special for us. So, if you're getting married soon, I highly recommend you look into what she has to offer. We absolutely love it all.

Second of all, I know that I'm not "Steph Waller" yet but originally, my idea was to start after we were married. Since it's up and running though, I decided to start now. So, until August 14th, I'm only pretending!

Ok, so quick update on our lives (I'm sure most of you know what's going on but just incase ;)). Matt is still putting in those crazy hours at The Boeing Company just north of Seattle in Everett. The 787 Dreamliner recently flew for the first time in history so luckily, he got to keep his job! The second line of production of the 787 broke ground a few months ago in Charleston, South Carolina so there may be a possibility in his future to take part in that. For now although, we are loving life on the west coast.

As for me, my days are filled with caring for the two most precious little girls ever, Isabelle and Caroline. I also am enrolled in a Masters of Education program and am chipping away at that. I hope to finish this year! Between work, school, and wedding planning, there is never a dull moment.

Matt and I have made a handful of dear friends here in Seattle since we have moved. Surprisingly, we still spend a lot of time with many good ol' Montanans and wouldn't want it any other way. Both of us live with people from Montana, Lindsay Erickson (not from West, but Senior) and Blake Rasmussen. Lindsay graduated from UM and Blake from MSU. It's fun to have these ties. Matt also works with a lot of people from Montana and so we are lucky to have friends that can relate to our passion for Big Sky country.

Lastly, we are participating in a "Preparing for Marriage" class through our home church, Mars Hill with about 30 other couples. This gets confusing...Brian Hopkins of Journey Church in Bozeman is marrying us at Faith Chapel (my home church in Billings), and we are doing our pre-marital counseling through Mars Hill here in Seattle. We go every Sunday through the end of February and then have three individual appointments that continue through the end of April. It is so fun and we are learning so much about preparing our hearts for this big step!

Well, now that you're caught up on our Seattle lives, we (yes, Matt will also be writing to you!) promise to write about more exciting things from now on. Visit us again soon!

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