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.

hey ho.

I love him.

And this song is perfect. Happy Friday!

xoxo.

love notes [one].

In honor of Landon's birthday (which is on Valentine's Day), I thought I'd do a little love notes series over the next week. Landon and I started dating four years ago, and I sure never imagined I'd be sitting in a little house with him in West Texas four years later. I mean, I imagined the "him" part, but not the rest of it.

Landon and I shared a love for good music even before we had that somethin' somethin' for each other. So without further ado, I present the ultimate Landon+Katie playlist, a compilation of the songs we listened to when we were first dating (to be fair to Landon's musical reputation, the Alicia Keys and Chris Brown songs are my additions, but my former roommate can attest to me listening them non-stop that year). Back then I had rounder cheeks, tanner skin and Sarah Palin glasses. Those things have changed, but the way I feel listening to a good song with Landon hasn't...

xoxo.

P.S. Want to know a secret? That top left photo was taken an hour or so before I finally let Landon kiss me (gasp!). He had tried a few days earlier and I cut him short. To be fair, it was my first kiss and I was nervous as all get-out. I had to have my best friend give me a pep talk beforehand (thanks, Mar!). TMI?

P.P.S. Want to know another secret? Landon is wearing MY clothes in 2 out of the 5 photos above. Impressive or disgusting that he could fit into them? You decide.

good news {love}

This is the fourth week in my Advent series. Advent is an ancient Christian tradition, celebrating this season of preparation and an anticipation for the birth of Christ. Many churches light one candle each Sunday on the four weeks leading up to Christmas. I'm following that pattern, with the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.

love

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. -- Deuteronomy 10:17-19a

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. -- John 13:34-35

Oh, how He loves us. I have been reminded, confronted, surprised and comforted by God's love this year, perhaps more than any other year. When we decided to move to Texas, our family and friends cheered us on, encouraged us and are even operating as storage units for us. When our car was broken into during our move, there were phone calls to sympathize with us and open arms to comfort us. The love of our family and friends is what got us here in one piece. But it's the love, blessings, honesty and generosity of thirteen people that have kept us here, thriving and growing in God's love.

Those thirteen people are our Lifegroup at church. The first Sunday we were in Abilene, Landon and I decided to try the closest church to us. It's just down the street, and the huge building fooled us into thinking that the congregation was in the hundreds. When we walked into the sanctuary, there were about 90 people in the service. And we felt awkward. We're keep-to-yourself kind of Oregonians, so the hug 'n' howdy time of course made us uncomfortable, but I couldn't say that Texans aren't welcoming. People walked from across the room to greet us. And by the time the service was over, I just had a sneaking suspicion that this was place for us. We came back, and kept coming back. Not because of the worship. Not because of the preaching style. Because of the people (although the worship and preaching are great too!). We have been so blessed by the people. People who see a need and give with urgency and generosity. People who know you and allow themselves to be known. People who will dance to The 12 Days of Christmas in front of the entire congregation together. People who know what life is about, and live it. It has been such a blessing to witness the love of our group, and the love in our church. As the verse above says, I have learned to love the stranger, because we were once strangers here, but God, through his people, provided for us and revealed his everlasting love. 

Teach us to love, O Lord. May we always remember to put you first as we follow Christ's footsteps, that we may know your love and show it in our lives. As we prepare for our celebration of Jesus' birth, also fill our hearts with love for the world, that all may know your love and the one whom you have sent, your son, our Savior. Amen.

xoxo.

[prayer and verses via]