happy birthday to my favorite lady.

Wishing my sweet Grams a very, very happy birthday today. Miss you and love you, Grams!

xoxo.

we'll be home for christmas.

It's official. We'll be back in the Great Northwest for Christmas! We booked our tickets this past weekend thanks to the killer flight prices on Spirit Air, and I'm looking forward to family, friends, cream corn (hint, hint mom!) and, if you're lucky, a return of the elf costume.

xoxo.

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.

happy olympics day!

The only thing that would make this opening-ceremonies-day more awesome would be if I were watching it with my fellow Olympics nerd, Junie!

xoxo.

last week...

...was amazing. I went back to Portland, and while the trip was short, the days were full and rich with all the things I love. I went to help with CookingThyme's part in the Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival, which was a blast. A full day with the fam sharing something I'm passionate about? Sign me up. Plus, in just 72 hours, I saw my entire family and Landon's, saw a couple of close friends, and scarfed down everything my mom put in front of me. 

I am blessed beyond words, and my heart is full.

xoxo.

come see us!

CookingThyme will be at the Happy Valley 4th of July Family Festival in Happy Valley Park tomorrow. Stop by our booth for a tasty cupcake and lots of fun!

xoxo.

P.S. A very happy 24th birthday to my dearest friend Maryn!! Love you!

see you soon, pretty place.

I'm flying to Portland tomorrow. It's gonna be good.

xoxo.

take me home.

There are some days when Texas doesn't feel that different from the Pacific Northwest. When it just seems like people are people, and connections and memories are possible anywhere. And then there are other days when the differences seem drastic. When my situation and my roots just don't match up (for instance, a quart of blackberries costs $8.00 here. They grow like weeds in Oregon.). When it feels like my little Oregon heart flies in the face of Texan culture. When I'm reminded that, without my views changing, I have gone from being a conservative in a liberal place to a liberal in a conservative place.

I had one of those days last week. And by the end of the day, I just wanted to crawl into that treehouse in the photo above, wrap myself in our Pendleton blanket, turn on The Followers, put on my hipster glasses (that I don't yet have) and talk about things like Ramblin' Rod, Mt. Hood Conference track, and Crema lattes. Basically, I wanted to crawl into a cave of comfort and familiarity. 

But that's not where I am right now. Right now I'm in Texas. And while the differences can be amusing some days, they're tiring on other days. And so I trust that this is an important and rich part of my experience, too. That I don't have to fall head-over-heels for Texas, but I do have to seek out what God has for me here. And I only have to buy blackberries if I want to.

xoxo.

Photo sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4

P.S. I suppose this is a good time to announce that I get to return to the motherland for a couple of days around the 4th of July thanks to CookingThyme. Hooray!

my cousin went to nepal...

...and made some pretty great vlogs the whole time.

See more here.

Welcome home, Charles!

xoxo.

P.S. A little treat from the Katie + Charles archives...circa 2007.

the year that changed me.

My texagram (which I just invented).

After more than a week of traveling, we arrived in Abilene, Texas, on May 23, 2011. One year ago today.

Wow. One year. I'm already tearing up.

There's something that happens to you when everyday for a year has some element of the unknown in it. When it always seems like a surprise might be right around the corner. A bill you can't pay. A job you didn't get. A church you've never been to. Even simple things--like a phrase you've never heard (i.e. frito pie). But each day, the unfamiliarity and the worry and the fear wear off a little bit more. And you start to know a new place. You start to be known in that place. And you start to know yourself. And slowly, the surprises change their tune. A check you didn't expect. A job that seemed like a long shot. A church that welcomes you and keeps you. And even simple things--like a dining table for Thanksgiving. 

This is a thank you, and it's been a long time coming.

UBCAbilene, thanks for fooling us with your giant building. Without it, we may have never visited on that first Sunday. And even though there were only about 75 people there that morning, you hooked us with your welcoming Texas charm and spaghetti lunch. 

To our awesome lifegroup, which has walked with us faithfully for a year. Thanks for the conversations, laughs, meals, endless desserts, and prayer. Getting to know people in Abilene so quickly after our move has made such a difference. We treasure you all.

Dear friends in Oregon, San Diego, and beyond, who we miss and think about often. Someday we'll take you all to Fiji or something and all hangout together (that's a totally empty promise). Thanks to those who have called, listened, and laughed at how crazy Texas can be. And rebuked me for turning into a cat lady (ahem...Renee).

My cousins and siblings, who SOMEHOW managed to pull out a Turkey Bowl win even without Primetime (that's my name out on the field). And for live tweeting to keep me posted on the score.

My family (some of whom like to consistently answer the phone with "How y'all doin?"), for the support, advice, prayer and love, even from 1,600 miles away. And for Facetime-ing me during important events, like the Turkey Bowl and Browning Family Easter Egg Hunt. Special shout-out to my mom who, no matter how many times I call her, still picks up the phone every time. She can handle everything from tears and tiredness to questions about roasting chicken, and that takes a special lady.

Landon's family, who shared a special time at Thanksgiving with us that I'll always remember. It's also great that they think the Abilene Chihuahua Gangs (ACG) are as funny as we do. Thanks for your constant love and encouragement. 

And to Landon, for having the faith, wisdom, and insight to bring us here. I think he was a little uneasy about moving to a small town in West Texas with a girl who spent a year being homesick in San Diego of all places. But I wouldn't change a thing. God has given us so many opportunities to grow, and I'm so very grateful to be able to experience that with Landon. A year ago, I remember assuring Landon before we moved that I didn't want a man who was committed to keeping me comfortable. I wanted a man who was willing to help me change and grow, and who would change and grow with me. He's been that, and so much more.

To my faithful Savior, your love, provision and grace never fails. I am yours.

Here's to another year of trials, blessings, and God's faithfulness.

xoxo.

how could i ever say thank you.

 ...to my Grandma, who told me once that attitude is a choice. That the way you respond to the things God places in your life matters. And that wrapping paper is best left on the roll and not removed for wrapping paper roll sword fights. 

 ...to my Grams, who can make me cry in an instant, and who introduced me to beets, serving milk in a pitcher, and the best paper store in the world. She's the closest thing to a saint that I know.

...to my mother-in-law, who raised the man that's my closest friend, and who welcomed me into her family with lots of love. 

 And to my mom, who is an endless source of encouragement, wisdom, and cooking tips. She knows me enough to know when I just need a good night's sleep, even from a few thousand miles away. And she's allowed me to join in her business, which has been such a joy.

 She's taught me how to be sassy and classy and that nautical is always in style.

And to always watch your back when brothers are around. I love you mom!

The mothers and grandmothers in my life are one of the biggest blessings I've been given!

xoxo.

CTK FTW (conquer the kitchen for the win).

Check out this killer program my mom is starting at CookingThyme. SERIOUSLY wishing I lived in Portland, or had the cold hard cash for a few trips back there this summer. This program is going to be AMAZING.

Happy week!

xoxo.

three things.

1. Wishing my sweet niece Shayla a very happy 7th birthday today!! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, Shayla!

2. I worked every night this week, and, despite my exhaustion, I get to do really fun things like edit llama photos. 

3. I said my very first "y'all" this week. To be fair, I was quoting someone. Buuut I'm slowly transforming into a Texan. Yikes!

(Don't worry, I still recycle, Landon still wears crocs, and we often talk about missing OPB. #oregoniansatheart)

xoxo.

our wonderful weekend.

 Our weekend was made up of three of my favorite kind of days: the ones where Landon and I spend basically every moment together, talking about everything we I can think of. 

First up, a picnic of course! ...And at what we deemed the Mission Bay of Abilene, no less.

...Followed by a trip to the Abilene Zoo! We were quite impressed with this little zoo...

And every cat made me miss our sweet little Snook!

This vulture was clearly thinking, Whaddup suckas?!?!

Also, this...

Our Easter was filled with lots of tasty foods! I'm actually quite happy to announce that, with the exception of my not-so-pretty deviled eggs, everything turned out!

We had sweet potatoes with roasted grapes, goat cheese and honey...

(recipe here, repin here)

...lemony asparagus

(recipe here)

...creamy deviled eggs

(recipe here)

and chocolate shelled cheesecake "eggs" with peach jam!

(based on recipe here, repin here)

I also got to watch my niece and nephew on their egg hunt in my parents' yard, thanks to FaceTime!

Hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

xoxo.

spring break!

I had no idea why Landon told me to stand where I did when he took this picture. Now I know...can I have a kiss?

Eek! I've been missing for a few days, but I'm officially on my little 4-day weekend of a spring break (perks of working for a university)! Thanks for all the lovely comments on Monday's post...I guess that means you're ready for spring too? 

I thought I'd give a quick update on some things that my family is involved in back in Portland! I get the pleasure of helping out with both of these on an ongoing basis, and I love it!

My sister is the director of a preschool in SE Portland, and she created a day camp program called Camp Sprout last summer. She's now gearing up for the 2nd year of Camp Sprout, and it's going to be awesome! If you (or someone you know) has kids going into grades 1-5 in the Portland area, let them know about Camp Sprout! You can also download the registration form (created by yours truly!) here.

photo by red couch photography

Lots of fun new things are going on at CookingThyme, the cooking school (and so much more) that my mom started in Happy Valley, Ore., 3 years ago. The aforementioned sister and I help out with CookingThyme, and this week we announced the first-ever CookingThyme after school classes at two local elementary schools! 

She also has a lot of fun classes coming up this spring, including couples classes, how-to classes for adults (I wish desperately that I could go to one of these!), and plenty of spring-themed classes for kids.

Check them out here.

I'm blessed to be part of a family that helps others life live more abundantly. 

xoxo.

P.S. I'm finally getting my haircut today! Can you guess which cut I chose?

a sweet surprise.

 Last Thursday, I got the sweetest package in the mail from my sister. It was all tied up in a velvet ribbon and accompanied by a little note to enjoy some treats for spring. What a perfect surprise at the end of what was a crazy and busy week for me!

 Inside I found this fun While You Were Out notepad (anyone who knows my history of playing "office" as a little girl knows this really tickles my fancy)...

 Some adorable bobby pins (I've already been wearing them, they're so sweet!)...

 And this vintagey stamp set...

 Don't you love them? I couldn't wait to give them a try, and I knew just which envelope to use...

 Since we live far away from family, it's so exciting to find sweet packages in the mail! Thanks, Jen, for the fun springtime treat. :)

xoxo.