finding fish...in freezing water

January and February have brought little valley snow, the longing for springtime and Tennessee, the need to watch our wallets and cabin fever.  Combine all of those things and you get Adam's desire to catch a fish and my want to capture all our adventures. However, if you were a fish, in literally freezing water, do you think you would be swimming around a lot to try and find food...probably not!!  Adam has tried and tried, but for the past several weeks has only caught one fish.  :( Poor thing has to watch fishing shows, paint fish and talk to everyone about where to fish to satisfy his need.  So lucky me, I get to buddle up in all my snow gear, trek out and watch :) but I really do enjoy being his personal photographer.  Here is a fishing spot about twenty minutes from Big Sky ski resort.  The bridge was so fun to photograph; there were so many little details.  Enjoy our cabin fever adventures!

I think close ups are my favorite because I just love little details.

Seeing that ring always puts a smile on my face :)

Oh my goodness...life!  Wonderful to see green moss! 

He is pretty darn lucky to have such beautiful places to try and find fish.

Just some Clydesdales on the side of the road.  Not too shabby of a view!

Valentine's Day

Barbie sent us a package with valentine decorations, cookie cutters and sprinkles so I could continue our valentines tradition of special cookies.  It is a long process to do all by yourself though!  They were delicious and brought love to our little apartment.

My favorite wedding gift; my pink mixer from my grandparents. My grandmother received a KitchenAid mixer as a wedding gift and it lasted her almost forty years I think.  So, my grandparents thought that I should receive one as a wedding gift also.  It was a COMPLETE surprise!  They had it sitting out on the kitchen table when I came to visit them for lunch in August.  I could see it through the window as I walked up to the door.  I was in total shock and so excited this special gift was from such special people.  I know it will last for many years and always remind me of my favorite people. 

Occasionally, fridays are Flower Friday :) (usually whatever flowers are on sale, as these were, haha he forgot to take the sale price tag off) But, they ALWAYS brighten my week and our home!

My husband is becoming quite the artist in his spare time.

Still in search...but no luck

As Adam called them, his Frankenstein ice block boots...what fun!

We do miss family, friends, Tennessee, signs of spring, sweet tea, and southern hospitality, but not for one minute do I regret moving to Montana for this adventure with my mountain man.  Every weekend brings new adventures driving, exploring, listening to music and searching for the little things that bring us happiness in life.  Writing my blog always reminds me how lucky I am to be in a new place with my best friend.  We have truly been blessed with happiness in life and in each other.  Wishing each of you happiness, love, reflection and life on this Ash Wednesday.  

the edge of glory

The first time I really listened to the lyrics of The Edge of Glory, I was in my car driving out to my grandparent's house for lunch.  This visit was a very dear one for me because it would be the last before Adam and I got married.  As some of you know, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to student teach at a school that was five minutes from my grandparent's house.  I got to see them at least once a week last year; a perk of the job that became an indescribable gift.  So you can only imagine the emotions that were swirling in my head as I drove out to visit with my grandparents, who celebrated their 62 wedding anniversary this past November, the wednesday before the wedding.  The song made tears swell in my eyes as I felt like I was on the edge of glory.  I was just a few days away from marrying my best friend and I was on my way to spending a few last minutes with three of my greatest role models and inspirations.  At that moment I felt so full of life and love and experienced a humbling reminder that my life was about to change for the better.

Then, after spending our first Thanksgiving as a married couple, away from all family, a special came on NBC, A Very Gaga Thanksgiving!  I know she is kind of crazy, but I just love her and her music.  All of her songs have personal meaning and that inspires me.  So when I was able to hear who she wrote The Edge of Glory for, it all made sense.  Who would she write this song for?  Of course, her grandparents!!!  She described being in the hospital during the end of her grandfather's life when she witnessed a moment between her grandparents.  They were holding hands, not exchanging words, just simply looking into each others eyes.  She said it was as if they were saying to each other, "Wow, what an incredible life we have been able to experience together!"  They had lived their life on the edge of glory and lived each day to the fullest.

After the show there was only one thing I wanted for Christmas...the Lady Gaga cd!  And who got it for me?  My mountain man who inspires and pushes me to live on the edge of glory every day.  As Christmas reminds us of the greatest miracle and meaning of life, it also reminded me of all the reasons to live on the edge of glory...here they are :)

Adam loves coming to Queensbridge so he can play with Sally.  He tells me he hopes we have a little girl just like her :)  I hope someday we have that blessing.

Christmas tradition: making cookies from my Grandma Hasper's recipes

Grandma Hasper's hand-written recipe to my mom, written on my grandfather's work stationary.  Look at the date in the top right corner.  This piece of paper has seen many wonderful Christmases

There is nothing like a fire made by my dad :)

This bloom is filled with JOY and glory

special ornament from my mom

one of my grandmother's favorite ornaments and mine too :)

My great-great Aunt hand-tatted snowflakes for my parents as a wedding gift.  Every year they drift upon our tree and fill it with her glory :)

ornament from my dad when I was a little girl

GLORY!

Spark and Trentie :)

Barbie and KK

our first Christmas and my mom's favorite picture

three exceptional reasons to live on the edge of glory

this spot brings me chills and will forever be a spot that I am reminded of glory

Santa hat for my two boys

This was made for my great-grandmother her last Christmas.  It has since been on my Grandmother's kitchen table every Christmas.  I love little things and this has brought me joy since I was a little girl.

for some reason the telephone has always been my favorite part

On Christmas day, Trent and Adam got the old record player going(the huge piece of furniture in the background is the record player).  My 87 year old grandfather got up and started dancing!!!

Adam captured this picture :) It will forever be special to me.  His face describes it all!

Live each day to the fullest, chasing your dreams, giving love, doing what inspires you and live on THE EDGE OF GLORY!!!!