April 23rd

1 year ago this week Paul and I graduated from Brigham Young University! We were lucky enough to both walk in April and have our awesome families there. Go Cougs! Thank goodness that means no more finals, but we sure do miss classes and learning. 

   

Paul was there too, I promise! I just can't for the life of me find a pic! (Embarrassing) 

2 years ago today Paul and I went on our very first official date. Even as I type this, I know that this date may not technically have been our first. Throughout much of April there had been phone calls, "can I pick you up at eight?"s, and witty text messages exchanged. It's completely up for debate...BUT the date of which I speak involved a concert, a trip to the park, and (if memory serves?) a couple of cookies from Subway. No picture exists of the evening, sadly... but just know that good times were had by all.

I'll instead include a picture of the other "first official date." Paul took me to Seussical the Musical, then we made green eggs & ham. :) Creative or what??

26 years ago today my parents were sealed in the Provo, Utah temple. Thank goodness! Where on earth would I be without them?? They are the best team...continually supportive and encouraging. Together they accomplish so much, and the years have only made them stronger. I can't believe Lindsay and I lucked out getting to be their children! Thanks, parents, for making the decision to get hitched! We are all so happy that you did :)

We Caved.

It's true, folks. As I hinted at in my last post, we have indeed gone hippie. Kind of. It was bound to happen if we lived here long enough, it just happened sooner than I thought. I guess it's been a combination of Paul's ambition and interest in all things organic and natural and my reluctant realization that going green means living healthy and happily.

In case the word Seattle doesn't paint a vivid enough picture for the community that we've been living in....maybe this picture will sum it all up.

I mean...look how HUGE the compost container is! And I could barely fit a toothbrush in that tiny garbage can.

I really did put off the transition as long as possible. I mean, I'm still using a $19 semi-waterproof hoodless jacket-wanna-be that I hoped would last me through the rainy season (cough all year long) here.

Although I'm still too stubborn to buy a nice rain jacket, I did get these fabulous hiking boots from my grandparents for Christmas. I have to admit, I adore them. They make me want to hike ALL the time (MIRACLE shoes I tell you).

Next thing you know, I attend a Relief Society Activity where they talk about homemade granola. And what do you know, it is so dang cheap and easy to make! Hooked.

Confession: got this lovely picture on the web...didn't snag a pic of the granola I made.

We're even buying local, organic produce. Well, some of the time. But still! If you knew how I ate in college, you'd just be proud that we're buying produce at all. And we have to admit that it makes us feel great.

We're even on board with the green smoothies that everyone else discovered years ago (Paul included).

Most of all, I think we're just really loving the outdoors. Something about living near such gorgeous evergreen trees just makes us want to go out and celebrate Earth Day! Granted, the rain still makes me grumpy some days. But when the clouds part, let me tell you that it looks heavenly up here.

I have to close this post by reassuring my loved ones that I haven't lost my integrity. We are not vegan, or even vegetarian. We definitely see the appeal, and have been trying to use less meat in general...but I mean come on. This Kansas City girl will always love a date that involves some steak. :)