This summer flew by! With all that we had planned, we figured that would be the case. We did so much this summer that fitting it all into one post might be a little difficult, but we will try anyway!
On June 16th, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary! It's hard to believe we have already been married for 2 years. I think Andrew will agree with me when I say that these past 2 years have been the best of our lives. There is truly nothing better than being married to your best friend. Our anniversary trip this year was to Bend, Oregon. We had been planning this trip for a while and had come up with a list of fun things to do while we were there. However, the weather was not as nice as we would have liked so that put a damper on a few activities. We still had a great time though.
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At the end of June we celebrated my birthday! My mom came up early in the morning and we went berry picking! Then we came home and made fresh strawberry jam, fresh strawberry pie, and ate delicious fresh strawberries! My dad came up in the evening and grilled for dinner and ate pie. The next day was my actual birthday and Andrew had taken the day off work (isn't he sweet?!). We slept in, went shopping, and then met up with some friends for dinner at Olive Garden and a little birthday bowling! I definitely got spoiled this year. I am so blessed to have such awesome family and friends.
Over 4th of July weekend, I flew to Wyoming. My Papa passed away in March and his wish was to have his ashes spread by our family cabin. What a special weekend this was. All but one of my cousins were able to be there as well as all of my aunts and uncles and other very close and family members and friends. It was a beautiful morning and the "ceremony" was conducted beautifully. My papa was definitely there with was. After all the sad and teary stuff, we played! My uncle brought his Razr up so we took turns driving around. We played ladder golf and polish poker, had tons of yummy food, and thoroughly enjoyed having everyone around.
I was able to stay in Wyoming for a couple more days after the weekend in the mountains. It was so nice spending time with my mom and grandma. We went target shooting in my grandma's front yard, watched movies, went for walks, and ate more yummy food. I was sad to leave but so excited to get home to Andrew.
While I was away, Andrew had his family over for a 4th of July barbecue, complete with fire works and a brisket cooked to perfection on the Traeger!
The rest of July and August were filled with work and weddings! We had some close friends get married in July and then my brother got married in August. On August 22, my brother, Michael, married his best friend and love of his life, Helen. Every piece of their wedding day was perfect for them. They are so happy together and it was fun to see them like that on their special day.
At the end of August, we were thrown a curve ball in this game called life. Andrew received the call to be an early morning seminary teacher. Seminary is basically a bible study for high school aged youth in our church. It takes place every morning before school. It is an amazing program and to be asked to teach is a huge honor and responsibility coming down from the Lord. Seminary is from 6:45a.m to 7:35a.m. Yes, it's early, but the problem is that Andrew goes to work at 7:30. The two timelines were not lining up very well. When Andrew received this calling he was working at the Tigard store. If he were to accept the calling, the earliest he could be to work would be 8:30. If he accepted the calling, he would either have to quit his job completely or be demoted, with no chance of moving up in the company ever again. We took quite some time thinking, praying, and talking about what to do. We both felt very strongly that the Lord needed him teaching seminary this year so we took the HUGE leap of faith and accepted the calling, not knowing what would happen next. Word travels fast in the company and he soon received a call from the manager at the Clackamas store, who is also LDS. He told Andrew that he did not like the idea of losing a valuable employee in the company, and that he was going to contact the area Vice Presidents to see if they will give permission for Andrew to be transferred back to Clackamas and be allowed to show to up to work a little late on days he had Seminary. We were excited about this possibility but knew it was a long shot. A couple of days later we received a phone call say that the request was approved! Although the area VP's are not LDS, they have a very strong faith and understand the importance of the gospel in our lives. This was a huge answer. This change has been a blessing in countless ways. It has truly been a wonderful reminder that as we follow the Lord and go for with faith, we will surely be blessed.
So far, Andrew has been enjoying seminary. It's definitely been a bit of an adjustment for us both but I know we are being blessed for the sacrifice and service.
September was a roller coaster of a month. We were super excited for our cruise at the end of month, but we had many emotional highs and lows leading up to it. On September 8th, my sweet grandpa passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. This was shocking and heartbreaking. Just six months prior, my Papa had passes away, and just like that, I had lost two grandparents within six short months. As I was having an especially difficult time with this, the Lord sent a sweet blessing and reminder of the good that still comes. On September 9th, Andrew's younger brother and his wife, one of my very best friends, had their first baby! They welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives. He is the sweetest and most adorable little thing! They live in Texas and it was just so hard not being able to be there with them to celebrate this special moment. We can't wait to go visit them next month!
Every year, America's Tire/Discount Tire has a party or big fancy awards night. Each region does their own and it is only for assistant manager and managers. With Andrew's promotion last year, we got to go to the party this year! We drove up to Seattle for the weekend and had a lot of fun. We stayed at the Regency Hyatt in downtown Bellevue, had an all the drinks, snacks, and food we could ever want, got to see big faces from around the company, and got to catch up with old friends! It was a great experience and we are looking forward to many more parties. We truly are blessed to be a part of such an awesome company.
In between all the "big" events that took place this summer we thoroughly enjoyed staying home, relaxing, going for walks by the river, and spending time with family. One of our most favorite parts of the summer was using our Traeger! A Traeger is a brand of smoker (grill) that uses the wood pellet of your choice. We received our Traeger as a housewarming gift and have loved experimenting with all sorts of food! Everything has turned out delicious and I have a feeling we will continue to use it year round.
It's hard to believe the summer is already over and we are in the heart of winter. I love every season but I think summer is my favorite. We are looking forward to more memories and adventures in every season!
On June 16th, we celebrated our 2nd anniversary! It's hard to believe we have already been married for 2 years. I think Andrew will agree with me when I say that these past 2 years have been the best of our lives. There is truly nothing better than being married to your best friend. Our anniversary trip this year was to Bend, Oregon. We had been planning this trip for a while and had come up with a list of fun things to do while we were there. However, the weather was not as nice as we would have liked so that put a damper on a few activities. We still had a great time though.
Road Trip
Beautiful Central Oregon
An old B-52 bomber on display
Riding around the Deschutes River. We also went kayaking but I don't have a picture of that.
Sisters Rodeo
Tumalo Falls
Anniversary Dinner at Salty's
Annual Anniversary Picture
Birthday Bowling
Over 4th of July weekend, I flew to Wyoming. My Papa passed away in March and his wish was to have his ashes spread by our family cabin. What a special weekend this was. All but one of my cousins were able to be there as well as all of my aunts and uncles and other very close and family members and friends. It was a beautiful morning and the "ceremony" was conducted beautifully. My papa was definitely there with was. After all the sad and teary stuff, we played! My uncle brought his Razr up so we took turns driving around. We played ladder golf and polish poker, had tons of yummy food, and thoroughly enjoyed having everyone around.
While I was away, Andrew had his family over for a 4th of July barbecue, complete with fire works and a brisket cooked to perfection on the Traeger!
The rest of July and August were filled with work and weddings! We had some close friends get married in July and then my brother got married in August. On August 22, my brother, Michael, married his best friend and love of his life, Helen. Every piece of their wedding day was perfect for them. They are so happy together and it was fun to see them like that on their special day.
At the end of August, we were thrown a curve ball in this game called life. Andrew received the call to be an early morning seminary teacher. Seminary is basically a bible study for high school aged youth in our church. It takes place every morning before school. It is an amazing program and to be asked to teach is a huge honor and responsibility coming down from the Lord. Seminary is from 6:45a.m to 7:35a.m. Yes, it's early, but the problem is that Andrew goes to work at 7:30. The two timelines were not lining up very well. When Andrew received this calling he was working at the Tigard store. If he were to accept the calling, the earliest he could be to work would be 8:30. If he accepted the calling, he would either have to quit his job completely or be demoted, with no chance of moving up in the company ever again. We took quite some time thinking, praying, and talking about what to do. We both felt very strongly that the Lord needed him teaching seminary this year so we took the HUGE leap of faith and accepted the calling, not knowing what would happen next. Word travels fast in the company and he soon received a call from the manager at the Clackamas store, who is also LDS. He told Andrew that he did not like the idea of losing a valuable employee in the company, and that he was going to contact the area Vice Presidents to see if they will give permission for Andrew to be transferred back to Clackamas and be allowed to show to up to work a little late on days he had Seminary. We were excited about this possibility but knew it was a long shot. A couple of days later we received a phone call say that the request was approved! Although the area VP's are not LDS, they have a very strong faith and understand the importance of the gospel in our lives. This was a huge answer. This change has been a blessing in countless ways. It has truly been a wonderful reminder that as we follow the Lord and go for with faith, we will surely be blessed.
So far, Andrew has been enjoying seminary. It's definitely been a bit of an adjustment for us both but I know we are being blessed for the sacrifice and service.
September was a roller coaster of a month. We were super excited for our cruise at the end of month, but we had many emotional highs and lows leading up to it. On September 8th, my sweet grandpa passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. This was shocking and heartbreaking. Just six months prior, my Papa had passes away, and just like that, I had lost two grandparents within six short months. As I was having an especially difficult time with this, the Lord sent a sweet blessing and reminder of the good that still comes. On September 9th, Andrew's younger brother and his wife, one of my very best friends, had their first baby! They welcomed a healthy baby boy into their lives. He is the sweetest and most adorable little thing! They live in Texas and it was just so hard not being able to be there with them to celebrate this special moment. We can't wait to go visit them next month!
My sweet Grandparents. My Grandpa will be greatly missed.
Every year, America's Tire/Discount Tire has a party or big fancy awards night. Each region does their own and it is only for assistant manager and managers. With Andrew's promotion last year, we got to go to the party this year! We drove up to Seattle for the weekend and had a lot of fun. We stayed at the Regency Hyatt in downtown Bellevue, had an all the drinks, snacks, and food we could ever want, got to see big faces from around the company, and got to catch up with old friends! It was a great experience and we are looking forward to many more parties. We truly are blessed to be a part of such an awesome company.
Driving to Seattle
Frozen Yogurt on a hot day
Mini Golf Date Night
Playing baseball at the high school
Free Root Beer Floats on National Root Beer Float Day
It's hard to believe the summer is already over and we are in the heart of winter. I love every season but I think summer is my favorite. We are looking forward to more memories and adventures in every season!
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