So I've been thinking....

   And I suppose my posts lately have been a little glum.  So I want to give a disclaimer.  Not in the sense that "I didn't really mean the things I said" way because I did, and not in the "I shouldn't have said them" way because I think I should have.   I don't think it's ever right or beneficial to only ever write about the bubbles and fireflies, and not the nitty-gritty of life.

HOWEVER.

   My whole purpose of this blog, this creative outlet, this avenue of venting I guess, is to in some way uplift, encourage, inspire, etc.   So if to any extent my posts lately have been detracting that from your lives, I'm sorry.  If not, great!  Than just skip this disclaimer because you and I are on the same page, and I assume you have a sense of humor. 

Moving on....this is a story about the city of Portland, and why you should go there. 

   Reason #1.  You get to walk the streets and stumble upon all kinds of interesting things like their lovely Farmer's Market.  They sell lots of fresh produce, leafy greens and gluten-free baked goods and it all makes you feel oh-so-very earthy and hip just by walking past.  See? Hand-churned?  What did I tell you.




   (The above picture to the right is for anyone who thinks our current society is all about dressing seductively and immodestly.  I assure you, there is modest fashion in abundance these days that can be found almost anywhere you look.  I won't branch off onto that, because that is an entire blog post in itself....but isn't it just so refreshing to see?) 

   Reason #2.  There is a Starbucks on practically every corner, and that is only a slight exaggeration.  We took full advantage of that over the weekend and saw probably 3 or 4 different ones before we left.  Note to java-drinking parents everywhere...if you are anywhere near a coffee shop without your kids and you DON'T take advantage of that opportunity, a little fairie dies.

    My favorite Starbucks though, was probably this one, with all glass walls and in the middle of the square, and you could just sit, talk, and people-watch to your heart's content.  And there's no one I'd rather talk and people-watch with, than this guy.  And we saw all kinds of interesting things.  A real-live adult Batman showed up, zooming up and down the sidewalks apparently on a mission of some kind to save the world.  And then there was the cop who seemed to be just walking around and around the same block, while coming into the Starbucks several times.  Did he like a barista?  Was there a convicted felon inside?  Was he sitting next to us? Oh, the intrigue.   The only downside to the lovely establishment?  No bathroom. But it's all glass walls, can you blame them?



  We walked, we shopped, we ate, we browsed, and we got our fill of adult conversation in a time of our lives when there are two littles ones demanding quite a bit of attention.  It was the perfect, not-to-far-away getaway celebrating 4 years of being hitched, and I absolutely loved it.  We often go to the coast for these little trips, and although I always love the coast, we have a coast trip with friends (Yay!!) planned for next month, and so we decided to do something different this time around.  Did I mention I loved it?  And you would too.  So go there sometime.  The End. 

 ....just three years ago, a boy and a girl stood in front of their family and friends and promised each other to love, respect and remain faithful for the rest of their lives.  He promised to provide for her, she promised to be his safe place.  He promised to always be there for her, she promised to be his En-Gedi.

    Was it really only three years ago?  How is that possible when in so many ways, it feels as if an entire lifetime has passed since that magical day.  So many changes, so many experiences, so many decisions and forks in the path….

    Sometimes I feel as if I hardly know that girl those pictures.  And in a sense, she doesn't really exist anymore.  I have grown and changed in such a myriad of ways, it would take a lot more than one blog post (or 50, for that matter) to cover.  I have gone from "single" to "taken" to "wife" to "mother" in such a short time, it would be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of it all and lose sight of who I used to be...and of who I am.
   But one thing remains...memories.  There were many things that weren't perfect about that day, don't get me wrong.  It was by no means, flawless.  But one of my favorite parts of the entire day was the ceremony.  The music, the Father's blessings, the vows...it just was holy.  I have never felt the presence of God quite so literally in such a large gathering of people. 

    Another moment I will never forget is the "first look".  Randy and I didn't wait to see each other until the walk down the aisle because we wanted to be able to relax and have fun taking pictures, and not make our guests wait.  It was so special to be able to see each other for the first time that day without anyone else around but the photographers, and just take in the moment of it all. 

    This picture (above) is possibly my all-time favorite of Randy.  I told someone once that when we're old and gray and dying it will always be how I remember him...how I see him in my mind's eye.  That flaming red hair, twinkle in his eye, and that classic ear-to-ear grin that causes creases in his face.  It's engraved into my memory.  Nothing could ever take it away.

    The entire day long, from the breakfast with the ladies to the setting off on our honeymoon, I felt like a princess.  My dress wasn't anything fancy and I forgot to wear flowers in my hair (which, if you know me, is paramount to complete disaster), but somehow, I still felt like Kate Middleton.  I know now that it was love, pure and simple, from my groom.  I just felt it so acutely, so overwhelmingly.  In his eyes, I was ravishing, and I could have literally rolled out of bed and been wearing a burlap sack and the day still would have been a dream come true. 

    Sometimes I feel so shallow because I start to lose sight of those feelings and I find myself slipping into self-doubt.  I go to weddings and I see the stunning gowns, elaborate hairstyles and taste the decadent food or hear the perfect songs and I start to compare...that silly, pithy little game where everyone loses.  I wish I would have had this, or that, or done this differently, or that differently.
    And so that's partly why I am taking the time to write some of these things.  To remind myself of the glory of that day, and not allow myself to forget.  To not let my own human weakness dull the radiance of that day and everything it stands for.  To serve as a reminder to me when life gets "real" that God has a plan.  I know He does, or He wouldn't have worked so hard to bring us together.
    We were surrounded by so many loved ones who helped us and supported us in countless ways.  I am so grateful for everything that everyone did to make our day a success.
       I am so thankful for everyone that had a part in my day.  I humbled and blown away by the generosity of everyone, and the selfless way they all pitched in, and gave of their time and efforts.
    This picture (above) takes on new meaning now that I am going to be mama to two little girls soon. Will the time really fly just as fast until their wedding days?  I am not even close to ready to think of letting them go yet, and thankfully I won't have to for some time.  But when that day comes, my-oh-my will I be a hot mess.
    I love this shot from the reception.  Randy and I had just given our "thank-yous" and I guess the crowd was cheering for a kiss or something and he was egging them on.  After which he gave them what they wanted.:)  One of my favorite memories.
   The reception was fun from beginning to end as well, and open mic was filled with heart-felt tributes, stories, poems and songs.  I laughed, I cried, and just tried to take it all in and freeze each precious moment.  So many wonderful people in one place, cheering us on and rooting for us and saying, "You guys are gonna do GREAT", either in words or in action.  It was like one long, giant hug from everyone you know and love.  It was amazing.
   Thanks Randy, for everything you've brought to my life in the past three years.  My life wouldn't even be a shadow of what it is today without you.  I thank you for the love, the adventures, the patience, the laughter, the understanding, the encouragement, and the support that I have been blessed enough to experience.  I thank-you for being the best Daddy in the world to our little girl, and can't wait to see you fall in love all over again in June.

Bring on the next 3 years.  

Or for that matter, bring on forever. 

   Here are a few more glimpses into our 2nd babymoon to L.A., California.  We had beautiful weather for parts of the time, and it poured rain on the day we left, so that made returning to "real life" a little easier. :)  Highlights were....

• Walking all over and seeing the sights with my dearest friend.
• A delicious tea latte.  How had I never had one before?!
• Mars Hill campus Sunday morning.
• Working out Monday morning.
• Shopping.
• Staying up late, and sleeping in, just because we could, obviously.

   A friend (Tina) said that palm trees and sunshine are just the best combination, and I guess I hadn't really thought about it much until then, but she's right.  There is just something about them that automatically lifts my spirits!
   Famous Kodak theater, where they roll the red carpet out right into the street, and all the celebrities come to attend award shows.
   We took a tour a saw celebrity's homes...I can't remember now which pictures are whose, but  remember a few.  The one pictured above is the actual room where Michael Jackson died.
   We ate at a charming Italian restaurant that was famous for it's well-known patrons, like Marilyn Monroe.  The waiters and waitresses were all singers as well, and would randomly join the live piano player for a song.  The food was excellent as well; it was lovely.
      Later that evening we walked where the celebrities had put their hand prints and foot prints in the cement, and signed their names.

And just a few from Instagram:

    Thanks Love, for planning the whole thing, complete with babysitting, before telling me what we were doing. You are the one that keeps the spontaneity alive in our marriage.  I am far too often the stick in the mud.  You continually teach me that it's possible to be a great mom AND leave your little one behind every once in a while.  And Jocelyn had a lovely time with her Grandma anyway.  We needed that get away, you and I.  We are still young and need to live like it every now and then.  If we don't, we will get swallowed up by the groceries and the cleaning and the laundry and the bills and the never-ending to-do lists.  And one day we will realize we got old anyway and never actually took those trips we were always "meaning to".   I just love how doing things like this is so important to you, because it is important to me.
 
Here's to many more getaways together.....*cheers*.