Our New Home

Greetings from Beaverton, Oregon! After traveling over 35 hours in our Budget truck, we finally made it to our new home, safe and sound. Our adventure took us through many different landscapes, valleys and plains; I took pictures throughout the whole trip and I'll try to post them in the next week or so. Of course, internet is an issue again so I will be out of touch for a while.

This past week has been bittersweet, and I'm not quite sure that this whole process has fully set in with me yet. (How do I know this? I haven't cried near enough. :) ) I already miss friends, and have quickly realized that I am far from southern hospitality. With that said, Heath and I are excited about the days that are before us, and hope to share them with you along the way. Keep us in your prayers as we start pursuing and building relationships here in Oregon. I'm excited.

Pictures, stories, and updates to come

Missing Family

This week, the Morrison family is spending a wonderful week in Oglebay, West Virginia, and I miss them. Not everyone was able to make it this year, which in reality will probably start becoming the norm. So sad, but true. This is my second time to miss; once several years ago because Heath and I were living in the Bronx, and this year because it's the week of the big move!

I miss working on puzzles, sitting on the porch for hours, laughing together, playing miniature golf, eating frozen lemonade while playing on the paddle boats, swimming in the indoor pool, and relaxing in the hot tub. I miss visiting the Christmas shop, the zoo, and taking pictures of the beautiful scenery... guess I'll have to wait until next year. Hope we can make it then. Since I'm in a reminiscent mood, here are some pictures from the last few years.

This picture was taken several years ago.... All the grand kids are present; if you must know, I am now the shortest in my family. You'd think I'd have someone beat at 5'3. Nope.








Last year, Heath was able to come with me to the cabin for the first time. Someone thought it would be great to greet Heath for the first time with everyone wearing a pair of these teeth. :) I also received a lovely pair of teeth in my honeymoon bag...


All of us at our rehearsal dinner, minus Joe.


My family. I love you, and I'm so glad to see you all soon in California! Emmy's wedding reception will be in Santa Cruz in just a few weeks from now. Can't wait!

A Wedding

This Saturday, Heath and I were so blessed to attend the wedding of our dear friends, Marshall and Justina. Marshall has been a friend of mine since the start of our freshman year at ACU. From the beginning, I recognized that something was a bit unique about Marshall... His views of relationship, community, and how one should live daily life was quite different from what I had been accustomed to. Over the years, I have truly admired the way he shares his love with friends and the Abilene community. Justina and Marshall, thank you so much for letting us share in your special day. It impacted my heart greatly.

This was probably one of the most "laid back" weddings I have ever been to... and I loved it. As a gift, guests could bring favorite side dishes and recipes to share. I made potato casserole, of course. We had a wonderful community feast, and it was great. Enjoy!

The bride and groom during their first dance....


I was so surprised and excited to see Kate! She has been studying abroad this past year in Scotland, receiving her masters at the University of St. Andrews. She also recently got engaged... in Scotland! So, we had a lot to catch-up on. Looking forward to our lunch later this week. It was so wonderful to see you!


Arielle and Emily! Arielle and I shared the director position at New Life during the Tuesday Night program... Basically, we helped each other survive during that time. :) It was so nice to spend time with you before we go our separate ways!


Elizabeth. Wish I could have spent more time with you friend! Liz is also in the moving process with her husband, Jaime. Can't wait to see your new house!


Tommy and Emily. We will miss you. Tears are coming, very soon...


Me and my love.


One more of the happy couple. Justina had the most joyful look on her face throughout the whole wedding. I'm very happy that these two have found "one love" in each other.

Recipe: Italian Ice

The past couple days in Abilene have been a little hot... actually unbearably hot. Yesterday, I woke up with Heath at 6:30 to take him to work (we are sharing a car now). When we stepped into the kitchen, the thermometer read 84 degrees.... INSIDE. These window units just aren't cutting it at this point! Oh my.

So, yesterday afternoon, to escape this heat, I took a trip to Walmart. I had a few things in-mind to buy, but really I just went there to spend time in a cool place. Naturally, when I came across a 2 pound carton of strawberries for $2.30, I decided to snatch them up! I found a recipe for Italian Ice on foodnetwork.com and wanted to share. It's so refreshing and is a pretty healthy option when trying to beat the heat. Here ya go!


Italian Ice:
3 cups halved strawberries or chopped pineapple
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons honey
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 cups ice


-Blend the fruit, sugar, honey, and lemon juice with 2 cups ice in a food processor until chunky. Add the other cup of ice and blend until completely smooth.

-Pour the mixture into a shallow baking dish and freeze. I used a 10x10 baking dish. Freeze for 30 minutes, then scrape ice with a fork until slushy. Place back in the freezer and freeze until firm (about 2 more hours). Scoop into paper cups....


Enjoy! Hope you have a less humid and hot day than we do...

Houston

Last weekend, Heath and I visited some of our dear friends in Houston. It's always nice to rekindle relationships with those we haven't seen in a while. Some of you might remember this guy:


This is Patriot, our ring-bearer. He is one of the most energetic, talkative five year olds I have ever met!


This is Pate's sister, Nora B. She is so sweet and cuddly. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with her and Pate; spending time with these two kiddos definitely made me excited to be a mom (not now, or anytime soon... just something to look forward to :).


The whole fam. Jason officiated our wedding and made our ceremony extra special and personal. Thank you, Jason and Lindsey, for hosting us last weekend. We had a wonderful time! Lindsey, your veggie quesadillas must have been spectacular, because I've made them three times since we got home! Thanks for sharing :)


Cj and Erica. They currently live in LA, and have for almost a year now, but were in Houston for a family get together. Cj was the best man in our wedding, and Heath was the best man in theirs. And, Cj and Erica were wed just one week prior to ours. It was sooo wonderful to see these two! We love you both, and look forward to our trip to Yosemite...


Great friends. Wish we could see you more often.

My Camera

This is one of the many reasons why I have not posted in a while. It arrived about one week ago, and it's been connected to my hip since. The Canon Rebel xSi is one of the most user-friendly cameras I have ever used, and I highly recommend it! Here are a few that I've taken so far... I'm still playing around with the exposures and filters, and I'm always learning something new.






We're expecting HOT weather here this weekend... how does 105 sound to you?!? Yes, I am ready for Oregon weather right about now! Hope your weekend is lovely.