oh my two.

Two years ago, I woke up around 4 a.m. I couldn't sleep, so I tip-toed quietly out of my room, past these sleeping beauties, up the stairs and into the kitchen. I sat down, looking out at the yard, and thinking about the big things that were just hours away. I made a list of all the things that still needed to be done before 3pm. I was nervous about forgetting things, worried about not getting enough sleep, and wondering if I'd left enough time for the pre-ceremony photos.

As the sun was just beginning to rise, I walked out into the yard. And just like a true Portland summer, it was chilly (but the perfect kind of chilly for which the only remedy is a light, snuggly blanket wrapped around you). I looked over everything. I walked through the grass. And I took it all in. The chill, the stillness, the anticipation, and the idea that when the day was over, life would be different for me, each day a new kind of blessing. 

A few minutes after 6pm, I walked out an open door and took my Dad's arm. And as we started walking together, he said, "Just take it all in." I was back in the same spot I'd stood alone hours before, but this time, The Grand Waltz from Sound of Music was playing, lots of family and friends were looking my way, and I was wearing the finest piece of art my mom has ever created. Everything was different, but I was taking it all in. 

Being married to Landon is amazing, challenging, and redeeming. It's hard work, and the easiest thing I've ever done. Landon has helped me to grow deeper roots in many areas, and uproot in other areas. He's taught me that life isn't about stuff, that each place is what you make of it, and that deep down, I'm really just a desperate cat lady. 

We won't see a single person today who was with us two years ago except each other. We're so grateful for all those who helped, guided, loved, and sewed (ahem, mom) to make our big day happen, but when the bunting flags come down and the extra lace is in the craft basket, it's really just me and LB. Taking it all in. 

xoxo.

thursday.

Hi friends. Sorry I wasn't able to get a post up yesterday! Sometimes these weeks fly by so fast that I can't keep up! I've got lots to show you that I just haven't had a chance to get together yet, including our rearranged office and some design projects I've been working on. But for now, you'll just have to settle for a photo of my blended iced chai that Landon made for me this morning. The only way to start a 109-degree day. That's right, 1-0-9. And it's supposed to stay that way for three days. I just might melt away. Sometimes Landon and I like to daydream that we're running in Forest Park, where the trails are shaded, cool, woodsy and long. Other times we pretend that we're frolicking along the Oregon Coast, basking in mist and marine layer and scenery. The conversations usually go something like this:

"It's so hot in here [our house]."

"I know, wouldn't it be great to be on the Oregon Coast right now?"

"Yeah, and we'd be wearing sweatshirts."
"Or running in Forest Park."

"In winter." 

"And it's raining."

Don't worry, we're working on getting our heads around that whole the grass is greener on the other side thing, but for now, we're dreaming of mist, dew, rain, snow, and any other form of water that's not sweat.

Happy Thursday.

xoxo.

P.S. For those who were wondering what gifts we decided on for our paper anniversary: I got Landon this book he's been wanting, and he got me this awesome print!

scenes from austin

 When we told our friends and family that we were moving to Texas, the typical reaction was, "Oh, I've heard Austin is cool." We decided to find out for ourselves with a little anniversary trip to what is now what of my favorite cities. I left my camera at home (by accident), so I relied on my iPhone and Instagram to record the weekend. 

 We made it to Austin early Friday evening after battling a flat tire and afternoon traffic. We opted for dinner at P.F. Chang's, where we were treated to free cheesecake! The next morning started with a run along Lady Bird Lake followed by BOMB Brioche French Toast at Woodland in South Congress, paired with Sufjan and Sigur Ros playing from the speakers (the best!). 

 We walked up South Congress and First streets, which are sprinkled with vintage shops, food carts, and cute motels. For dinner, we visited three different food carts for tacos, southern fare and create-your-own ice cream sandwiches. Can you say mint chocolate chip ice cream (mint leaves included) with an oatmeal cookie? Or how about sea salt caramel ice cream with a chocolate cookie? They were so good!!

 We ran along Lady Bird Lake again on Sunday, and grabbed some breakfast tacos, coffee, and the print edition of The Onion, which made for a lovely morning.

It was a great trip, and I'd go back this weekend if we could. Austin reminded me a little bit of Portland, and, you know me, I'll welcome a bit of home anywhere I can find it. 

xoxo.

one.

Today marks our one year anniversary. It's been full of learning, and there have been some challenges, but mostly it's been wonderful. It's strange to think back to our first few dates because it seems like we just barely knew each other then compared to now. I'm sure that in 20 years we'll look back on this year and think the same thing. 

I woke up around 4:30am the morning of our wedding, too anxious to sleep. I sat in our kitchen for a while, just looking out in the yard and picturing what would take place in a few hours. When the sun came up, I walked outside to tie the ribbon between the chairs in the image above. It was chilly and calm, and a wonderful time for me to reflect. I wrote a letter to Landon, and then was able to get a couple more hours of sleep before the real work began that day.

We started setting up around 8am and finished a little after noon. I remember looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, Gee, I look like a real mess for this being my wedding day.

Luckily that changed within a couple of hours.

And it started to hit me when I saw Curtis walk out and untie the ribbon that I had tied just 12 hours earlier. For me, that signaled the beginning of it all. 

It was one of my favorite days, certainly, but like I said in this post, I won't limit myself by saying it was the best day. I think of it as the start of a new adventure, because if you had told me a year ago that I'd be celebrating my 1-year anniversary in Austin, Texas, I wouldn't have been able to imagine this journey that we've had.

I'd have to say the biggest lesson I've learned is allowing things to be endless. To see life beyond this week, this month or this year. To see no end to forgiveness, politeness, respect, understanding and love. To see no confines on God's plan for us, no restrictions on finding joy in unexpected circumstances and no limits on what we can learn from each other. To be endlessly open, especially in allowing each other to grow and change. To put nothing in a box, including each other. And, most importantly, to never give up on the work that we're in. There is no end, and that's both comforting and daunting. But the most comfort comes from knowing that there is no end to God's love and understanding for us, and only as we trust His love and guidance can we ever hope to be endless to each other.

xoxo.

PS. Check out this song some of our friends and family wrote for us.

a paper anniversary (and a cry for help!)

Happy Monday! I'm coming to you a little later in the day, since I didn't have a chance to get this post up before work this morning, but I'm hoping you can still help me out. Our wedding anniversary is coming up (July 31), and Landon and I decided to follow the traditional anniversary gifts list, which means this year is paper for us! Any ideas of cool paper or paper-inspired gifts for men? I'd love to hear!

xoxo.

[photo: our typewriter guestbook paper from the wedding]

[one year ago(ish): the ring bag]