december 14th... we got engaged.

Looking back at the way everything went over the fall makes me want to squeal with excitement and anyone that knows me knows, I am NOT a squealer. Ever. But this guy...

I haven't been able to get a smile off my face since we started things. I had a huge crush on him when we were sixteen, he became one of my best friends, someone I could talk to about anything, I could never figure out if I was completely comfortable or totally nervous around him, it was always such a exhilarating combination of both. 

He has always been able to make me laugh, no matter what I might be going through, or how down in the dumps I might be. 

He is one of the most caring loving people I know. Always looking to help and protect others, always there for his friends. And every time I broke down through trying to plan things and deal with my own emotions in it all he was there, never tried to talk me into a better mood, or snap me out of it, just was there whenever I needed him. Is here, whenever I need him.

When he asked me to marry him, I couldn't have been more thrilled, the prospect of getting to spend the rest of my life with the man who has been the best friend ever.

look again...

Okay, now to really change things up. That last photo from the previous post, of me and a group of friends hanging out at the rodeo. Look at it again, but focus on this guy...

That's River, a great friend for many years, we drifted apart for a while, started talking again over the course of that spring and summer, and now... he's my husband! More to come on that tomorrow!

to continue...

As I consider all the changes that came about in my life after this point, it almost difficult for me to believe it all actually happened and happened so fast. In June of last year, we went back down to California for my Aunt's wedding, along with spending some time with my grandparents on the coast.

Loved spending time with the littles at the beach and zoo, there's so much for them to learn and discover and it is such a joy watching them. The road home included many coffee stops and a super crowded car due to getting a little too enthusiastic in Ikea.

And this sums a lot up...

Spent a lot of time on the lake and river, and hung out with this guy...

Went on some great hikes.

And to some great plays at the Summer Theatre!

Okay, all that and I haven't even gotten to any of those big changes I previously mentioned. So... here goes, in July I moved out and stayed with a friend for a while before getting my own apartment! Even though my apartment was in the same town where my parents live it was a huge change for me, being on my own, working things out, and figuring out how to handle it all. Had a great time with it all, my apartment was a 5 minute walk from downtown and another 15 from the lake. Met some great new friends, got better acquainted with old ones and had a blast!

Holy Moly! It's been 3 years!

So I said in that last post that for the time being I was going to have my blog go to private... and then I never posted anything! So, I now have 3 years to catch up on! Not that anyone will necessarily see or care about it, but I least I know that I'm doing it.:)

So, that was April of 2011, it's now June of 2014 (where the heck did that time go?!) .

I tried pulling together some photos from the past 3 years, and try to get them in order. In August of 2011 I chopped almost 9 inches off my long, curly, locks and saw it straightened. My mom walked in the salon and actually walked right past me without realizing it was her daughter!

September of that year I spent some time in California and on the Oregon coast visiting family.

Celebrated my 20th birthday with my aunt and grandma whose are the same week as mine. 

In November I made another big hair change after that cut, and dyed it!

Unfortunately I have no photos from the next few months, we had a great family Christmas, I switched from my receptionist job at Montana Rockworks to working in a gift shop in downtown Bigfork, much closer to home. Which was so much fun! Loved being downtown and getting to know all the little restaurants and art galleries down there. 

Spent most of that summer working, playing tennis with my sisters and just enjoying beautiful Northwest Montana!

Went down to California again that September for my Grandma's birthday party which was held on a yacht in San Francisco,  and while when we came back a beautiful niece had been born, Saorise Dawn was born just a couple of days before my own 21st birthday, with gorgeous red hair and big blue eyes.

That fall I continued working at the gift shop and starting working part time at a gallery right next door. Was very involved in the theatre over Christmas and other holiday events at the Bigfork Art Center.

The next spring again was very relaxing, worked, did projects at home. Enjoyed the little things!

So that brings me up to June of 2013...which I cover tomorrow! =) See ya then!

For the time being...

For the time being I am putting my blog back up but am making it private.

I am not certain of where I will go from here, or of I will even continue doing much.

We'll see where things go and how the Lord leads me in this.

His Handmaiden ~ Laurel

Wee Bit of Me Wednesday~3

{one} what was your first job?

First, first was babysitting, then as a waitress at Rosa's Pizza, during my senior year of high-school. The owner is a long time family friend so it was a great experience for a first job, he was very generous and easy-going.

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?

Nope.

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?

The last time I can remember was going ten years ago, we got together with my cousins to play just before we moved from California.

{four} what was the last picture you took?

Okay, I had to check my camera to find out, it's a stack of books. ;-D

{five} burnt food: yes or no?

Umm... no. Though I have eaten quite a few burnt pizza's and they're really not that bad... sometimes.

{six} if you have a pocket full of change what do you do with it?

Probably count it, then put it in my pocket and jingle it around. :-)

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?

Nope, that's not one of my talents.

{eight} do you scrapbook?

On occasion, I used to do more, and would like to do more in the future, I have some really great stuff and ideas to go with it, but I don't carry them out.

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?

Never have, and probably never will, it's not something I would get into.

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?

I enjoy both, typically would rather be behind as I'm not big on being focused on, but I don't mind it most of the time.

Some other news, I recently won a Blog Theme from the Thought's of Spring Blog Party hosted by Lynette Kraft.

It's now in my side bar, much thanks to Jared Kraft from Symphonize for doing it for me, it turned out beautifully!

Saltwater

I have been feeling quite tired of looking in my closet and seeing my mainly black and grey wardrobe, so today decided to pull out some of my spring and summer clothing. I cannot wear most of it yet as there is still snow on the ground(come on, melt already!) but it was still fun to get it out, and look forward to wearing it as soon as the sun decides to grace us with it's presence.

And I just had to share these:)

Saltwater's Spring and Summer Collection.