House pictures (before).

                                                                                                       

Our house is finally wrapping up.  The remodel has taken much longer than we anticipated.  Brian bought the house in June while we were dating.  He originally thought he would only knock down 2 little bathroom walls and move in long before we got married.  Well, it’s almost been 4 months since we got married, and it’s still not done.  We knocked down much more than just 2 little walls.  It’s been a huge overhaul, and is now just beautiful!  But, you might not appreciate the after photos if you don’t see the before photos.  So, get a look at this!

 

Hall bathroom (with the weird little wall between the sink and the toilet that we knocked down—we also took out the vanity, flooring, toilet, tub and anything else you see)

Note:  now when I used the word “we” I didn’t actually mean mean me.  I meant “we” as in Brian, his dad, Chris, his mom, and occasionally I would show up on weekends and pretend to help—but really I was more of a distraction for Brian than a help.  That’s what I mean by “we”

Master bath—again, we had to tear out the weird little wall between sink and toilet.  We also took out the bath tub, toilet, vanity, flooring…everything really.

Living room—took out wainscoting, wood floor, and reshaped the step-down part.

From the dining room into the living room—knocked down that half-wall on the left. From living room—took out all pink carpet throughout house.  You all know how I love pink—but not pink carpet…it had to go! 

 

I kind of liked the kitchen, but since I wasn’t a big part of the “we” as I explained earlier…it got taken out, all cabinets were removed, the window on the right was revised, the flooring ripped up, and the ceiling was raised. 

    

Family room- changed fireplace, revised windows, removed flooring.

                                 Me and Brian in front of our house. 

Sunday drivers.

Brian and I woke up Sunday morning, looked outside at the blue cloud-less sky, felt the warmth, and knew that we had to take advantage of a lovely day in Oregon by going somewhere.  After church we got in the car and headed to Astoria.  The drive was beautiful!  We walked along piers, through the quaint little town, and drove up to the Astoria Column, which overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River.  We climbed the 164 stairs to the observation deck on top.  Neither of us are huge fans of heights, but Brian was definitely better at facing his fear—several of these pictures are from the top—he took them while I was hugging the center pillar, too scared to near the edge.     

From the top we had a great view of the sun setting.  Wow!

And a great view of the WHAT BRIDGE—which connects Oregon to Washington.

Here we are at the bottom of the column.

With Brian’s busy season in full swing (working early mornings, late nights, and weekends) we are giddy when we get a few solid hours together! 

Sunday drivers.

Brian and I woke up Sunday morning, looked outside at the blue cloud-less sky, felt the warmth, and knew that we had to take advantage of a lovely day in Oregon by going somewhere.  After church we got in the car and headed to Astoria.  The drive was beautiful!  We walked along piers, through the quaint little town, and drove up to the Astoria Column, which overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River.  We climbed the 164 stairs to the observation deck on top.  Neither of us are huge fans of heights, but Brian was definitely better at facing his fear—several of these pictures are from the top—he took them while I was hugging the center pillar, too scared to near the edge.     

From the top we had a great view of the sun setting.  Wow!

And a great view of some bridge—which connects Oregon to Washington.

Here we are at the bottom of the column.

With Brian’s busy season in full swing (working early mornings, late nights, and weekends) we are giddy when we get a few solid hours together! 

(I wrote this back in February, and somehow forgot to post it.  It’s going to take quite some time to catch up.)

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Clark!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Clark. (Brian took it!)

One year ago today I placed my baby in the arms of his parents.  Here is a picture of him celebrating his birthday (2 days ago) with his mom and dad.  

Though it was difficult, I'm grateful I was able to bless someone else with a gift that they could not otherwise receive.  He will have such a happy life with Ben and Heather!

Welcome to the Ward.

We were officially welcomed to the ward today as Brian & Lucy Harris!  Woohoo!  It's still taking some getting used to-- this whole "Harris" thing.  But I'm loving every minute of it!

We were also given our first callings!

CTR Fives!  (they start out as 4 year olds and turn into 5 year olds by the end)
 

Four is such a fun age!

Brian is excited that he doesn't have to be in Priesthood and gets to be next to his "smokin hot wife" (he made me write that...we're kind of team-writing this.  I'm typing and he's narrating.  I resisted, but he insisted.)  

I am excited that I get teach with Brian every week!  I don't have to sit through Relief Society without him anymore.  I'm kind of obsessed with him.

We're still in that stage where we really like each other and always want to be around each other.  

We're both hoping this will be a long-term position for us!

A Month of Bliss.

Brian and I have been married one month today.

It really has been blissful…for me at least.  He might have had a more emotional month than he anticipated. 

He has been a perfect husband.  Kind.  So kind. 

Today I woke up late (because I can. I don’t have a job yet) and he had already written me a “Happy Anniversary” email from work.  He’s so on top of things. 

Then he came home from work with a perfect little gift— a pink hot chocolate soy milk mug which he filled with our favorite chewy little fruit bars (from Target and so tasty!)  We’ve been drinking warm beverages most evenings because it’s freezing and windy here in Troutdale, OR.  He’s a good gift-giver.  He’s thoughtful.

 

I didn’t know we were supposed to give gifts on our one month anniversary. 

I thought I was doing pretty good for having put on makeup

Look out, Brian because month two is going to be amazing—full of little surprises for you! 

December 1st Resolutions.

So, here's the deal...I used to be skinny, and then I met Brian.  He rocked my world!  I was so happy that I forgot to eat well.  Now I'm not so skinny.  It’s time to change.  So, I’ve decided to get a jumpstart on my New Years Resolutions this year.  I’m so excited!

Change #1:  I’m eating strictly vegan again.  I did this after having Clark and lost all of the weight I needed to quickly.  Let’s hope it happens again!

 Change #2:  No sugar!  I did this throughout my entire mission years ago, and have casually done it at other times since then.  I feel so much better when I’m not eating sugar.  Sugar is addicting to me, so it’s going to be hard to quit, but I’m ready to make the plunge. 

Wish me luck!  And hold me to it please!