3 New Things

1. We got a cat! A couple from church were looking for a loving home where this cat could have a lot of attention and that is exactly what he is getting. Choosing a name for this guy wasn't too hard. Andy wanted to go with a wizard name so we googled 'wizard names'. I choose Merlin (it was either that or Saraman.)

At first, I wasn't too keen on getting a cat but this guy has worked his way into my heart. I would have never called myself a cat person (and still wouldn't) but I do really like this guy. He is very friendly and loves to be around people.

2.Cupcakes! The more I get to know Andy, the more I learn about myself. At our resort in Mexico there was a dessert buffet every night. I knew that I always enjoyed dessert but Andy has pointed out how intense this this passion for sweets really is. I would load up a plate from the dessert buffet before the dinner buffet...every single night!

One night last week, I was board so I decided to bake. I am not a big cupcake fan because the frosting always seems way too sweet. I found a recipe for pound cake cupcakes. These things are delicious! I then frosted them with whipped cream frosting that was amazing. Not too sweet but just made these cupcakes great. I knew these were a winner when Andy sent me a text that said, "Babe. Your cupcakes are the best I have ever had!" A big complement from a non cake, non dessert lover.

This same night I also made cream cheese filled chocolate cupcakes that were equally as delicious.

You might be worried that we ate all of these but not to worry,  took them to a worship night at our church.

3. St. Patrick's Day! In honor of the great Irish holiday I made corned beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes for date night this week. It is actually a fairly easy meal to make as long as you have a big pot to boil everything in.

I think this has been Andy's favorite meal that I have made since we've been married. Speaking of being married, it's been 2 months since we tied the knot! We are definitely learning a lot and figuring out this married thing together!

A Winter Rewind

The name of this blog is "Tryin' New Things" and something new I have been trying lately is marriage. It's been about 8 weeks since the wedding and my oh my...it has been crazy, stressful, time consuming, yet very enjoyable!

Let's recap back to December. Mid way through the month was my one and only bridal shower. I was so happy to only have one. My sister had 3 and I was adamant that we only have one. It was on a Saturday afternoon a week before Christmas. In my head I was thinking this idea of a bridal shower was a very bad idea and that I was not going to like sitting up on stage, opening presents with all eyes on me. Much to my surprise, Andy made a video that played during the present opening time. He told the story of how we got together, dating and the engagement. It was actually very sweet and a few ladies in attendance had a few tears in their eyes.

In December, I also spent my first Christmas with the Kangas family. Words can't even begin to describe the wonderful day I experienced with my "almost" family.

The first few weeks of January went by extremely fast. My bachelorette party was a huge surprise and a ton of fun! Paige planned the night and did a great job. We had dinner at Old Chicago Pizza in downtown Portland and had dessert at Papa Haydn's. Then it was off to the Hilton Hotel to end the night and well, start the next day. We had the brunch buffet at the hotel in the morning and then came home.

The week of the wedding was filled with last minute errands and MOVING! I have now successfully moved 3 times in less than 2 years.  (I think I am going to stay where I am for a while:-)

January 13 finally arrived. I was so excited yet very calm. The weather that day was gorgeous. I couldn't have asked for better January weather. Clear blue skies with the sun low and shinning bright.

There's not a lot I remember form the actual wedding but I do remember turning the corner and hitting the white isle runner walking arm and arm with my dad.

I remember looking deep into Andrew's eyes as we vowed our lives to each other.

I remember having more fun dancing at my wedding then I have ever had dancing in my life.

And I remember walking hand in hand with Andy through the gauntlet of people to our car where we drove off....

After staying a few nights in Portland, we came home opened our presents and had dinner with family. The next morning we flew to Mexico where we enjoyed the sun and laid on the beach for many hours a day.

This last winter has been the most memorable of my life. I have got to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and ultimately, commit my life to Andrew Kangas. In everything, I am finding God's fingerprints. He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3