Day Eight: Window

I'm going to admit, this picture is a cheat. I took it at our one year anniversary in Portland, but it's my favorite window picture. Brings back sweet memories. I love how you can see Mt. Hood in the background. 

July 31st, 2011 Evening

Bryan had made surprise reservations for us at Portland City Grill. This place is jaw-dropping. You walk into this industrial skyscraper, take the elevator 30 floor up in this classy elevator, and when the doors open there is the sound of people enjoying good food, conversation, and a gorgeous view. Bryan had told them it was our anniversary so they sat us at their best table, which overlooked the river, mountain, and 180 degrees of city. They even decorated the table with confetti and rose petals. It was incredible!

Also, look at the food! We had Apple, Candied Hazelnuts, & Gorgonzola Salad...

Fennel, Thyme Roasted Vegetable Cannelloni with lemon pistachio pesto, mozzarella, and arugula salad...

Macadamia Nut Crusted Chicken Breast with vanilla infused passion fruit sauce, grilled greens, and sushi rice...

And dessert that had fresh berries and a pesto sauce on it that was sooooo delicious [who would have thought?]

But the best part was the view...

Our 1st anniversary

It's hard to believe that one year has passed us by already. What a blessing it has been. Bryan found a job working on an organic farm and we moved into our first place together. I am continually amazed at the man I married. Always full of joy and always full of grace.

People are right when they say that the first year is the hardest. It is hard. You put a lot of work in, but you also receive so much in return. Our skills in communication, forgiveness, celebration, and patience have been fine tuned with the grace of God.

This year has been a year of laying the foundation for the years to come.

It is worth the work.

My dearest husband,

You amaze me. I can't believe that after knowing you for six years, I am still learning more and more about the depth of your heart. You have protected me and given me a safe place to lay my head each night because of the hard work you do out on the farm. I have so much pride in telling people that you are a farmer because to steward the land, to work hard, and to give to the community is something to be praised. You have a servants heart: continually loving on me, our friends, our family, and our community. You are always the first to volunteer your time, your heart, and your skills. These things I knew before I married you, but what I didn't know was the depth to which these stand. They are all constants. Something I cannot say about myself, but I am truly grateful of the example you have been to me.

Love,

Sam

Something to look forward to

This weekend we felt so blessed to be a part of Henri and Dianne's 60th wedding anniversary. It was amazing to watch all seven of their children tell beautiful stories all weekend rich with laughter and love and know that it was their marriage that laid the foundation for it all. Bryan at one point asked if they had advice for all the newly weds in the family and his grandpa said [paraphrased because I have an awful memory], "It's hard work. Every evening we said grace and after grace we kissed each other. Make sure you kiss each other, even if you are gritting your teeth and don't want to. And it doesn't hurt to say you're sorry a lot." Later he added, "and it doesn't hurt to say I love you a lot."