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. :)