It's beginning to look alot like...

Christmas!! We have gotten blasted with snow here in the Northwest over the last week or so. Here are some pictures of us attempting to enjoy the white stuff! Does Montana's red snowsuit remind you of anyone??? Perhaps Randy from "The Christmas Story"??! She couldn't move by herself either! It was pretty funny and she was a good sport in the snow suit that was too small! We are headed for Colorado tomorrow to spend Christmas with our families. Here's to a Happy Christmas!!!

Spreading some Christmas Cheer

I LOVE IT!!

Never say...

When I first moved to town I noticed a hair salon named Dumb Blonde Salon. I swore that I would NEVER go to a hair salon with that name. Then I saw the 50% off coupon in the paper for first visits. Yeah, today I went and got my haircut at the Dumb Blonde Salon.

Montana turns 1

Somewhere between family visiting, Aaron getting ordained, and Thanksgiving, our little girl turned one! She didn't do too bad for her very first birthday - 3 celebrations in all. The first party was with both sets of Grandparents and my cousin Kristin. She got new toys, a few new clothes and her aunt Emily sent her a bike of all things! The 2nd party was her actual birthday which was Thanksgiving. She had turkey with all the fixings and devoured a piece of pumpkin pie before our eyes. Our good friends Jared & Stacy and their boys and Aime were there to commemerate . Just when we thought it was all over, we joined in with Montana's friends, Ruby and Will, who were celebrating their first birthdays too. So more cake and more partying. It's exhausting turning one.

She did a great job of tearing into the multiple gifts from grandparents and aunties.

Riding (well kind of) her new bike. She loves it!!

Pumpkin Pie - YUM!

3 one-year-olds hard at play

That's reverend to you

It's official. My husband is now Reverend Aaron Walters. It sounds so formal, so grown-up. How can I possibly be married to a reverend? I never saw it coming. I thought I was marrying a history teacher. Well I guess this is the time to return to my wedding vows and remember "for better or for worse!!"
Aaron was ordained last week in a wonderful service at Bethel. Both Aaron's folks and my folks flew out for the occasion. It was so special to have them there. At the service I was reminded of the seriousness of the task before us. Aaron is now a "minister of the word." What an honor and privilege, but also a huge responsibility. He is accountable for the spiritual lives of those he ministers to. This is nothing to take lightly or take for granted. At one point my dad leaned over, and said, "This is your last chance...head for the door before it's too late!" I have to admit, I was tempted, but I stayed. I'll stand by my reverend!
There was one moment that I wish I would've taken a picture. All of the elders and pastors representing the different churches were asked to come forward and lay hands on Aaron and it was so powerful to see Aaron surrounded by so many people. This definitely symbolizes the support that we have felt particularly over the last few months. It was a powerful image and I wish I could share it with you, but we'll all have to use our imaginations.
Also, Aaron has started his own blog about his church planting journey. Check it out.

This is Aaron giving his first blessing as Reverend!

Grandma, we got a POUNDING

A few months ago my mom told me that Grandma's church used to give their pastors "poundings." This refers to large amounts of food that the congregation would leave for the pastor at the pastor's door. So my mom started joking about us getting "pounded". I didn't think this really happened anymore, but last night...we got a "pounding"!! The youth group stopped by with bags and bags of groceries - over 20 in all. Aaron was at a meeting, but I was home and boy was I surprised when I opened my door to about 12 high schoolers with a ton of food. It is from the whole church, and I am blown away. Not only was there food, but cash and a Safeway gift card (and toilet paper and kleenex which is not pictured!). I won't have to go to the store for months. Again I feel so blessed and welcomed by this community. Moral of the story: "poundings" do still happen! And if anyone needs any green beans, corn, or pasta...just stop by!

freely receive, freely give

Last Saturday Aaron and I were looking forward to an afternoon and evening of wine tasting and delicious food in Seattle with special friends who are celebrating their 30th year. We found willing friends across the border in Canada to dump Montana for the day. So we dropped her off and headed south...oh but first we had to wait at the border just to get back into the US (where we had just come from 30 minutes prior) for over 1.5 hours. By the time we crossed back into Lynden, we were starved, so we stopped to grab a coffee and sandwich. We got 2 minutes down the road and noticed that the temperature gauge in our car was past the "H" - we were definitely overheating. We turned right around and drove straight to the mechanic where our car was a few days earlier and caught them just as they had closed. The mechanic took a quick peak and suggested that we don't drive far. First reaction...huge disappointment on missing the big event in Seattle (I was so excited for an adult outing!). Second thought...well at least we didn't get far and we can leave the car at the mechanic and walk home. Third thought... HOLY CRAP - how are we going to get our daughter back into the US without our car?? Aaron thought it would be best not to drive the car and potentially damage our only car even greater and so we started thinking of people to call for help. The people that we know the best in Lynden were out of the country (like overseas - not just in Canada). So we called a local pastor here in town that we have spent some time with and asked him if we could borrow a car to pick up our daughter in Canada. He was at the mechanic's in less than 10 minutes, and we were on our way to Canada to pick up Montana. We got home that evening and ate bean quesadillas and watched a movie. I didn't want to think about the delicious wine and food our friends were partaking of in Seattle. But my final thought of the evening...we are surrounded by good people. To have a family let us borrow their car so willingly was such a blessing to us. Eventually we would have figured out a way to get Montana, but this family made it so much easier for us. They didn't hesitate to help us when we were in need. This is what it means to be a Christian - to hold our "things" loosely, to give up our time, to be available for those in need. This is the kind of Christian...the kind of human...I want to be. To freely give. Yeah, it might not seem like that "big of a deal" but to 2 people who are new to the community, who don't know who to call, and a daughter stranded in another country...it was a big deal. Thanks Jim and Nadine.

Did ya vote?

Montana's crib

I'm 11 months old and I now I have my very own crib. A family from our new church is generously letting me borrow this crib. I don't have to sleep in the pack 'n' play anymore, but I have to admit...I think I'm going to miss it. Tonight is my very first night and it took me awhile to fall asleep, maybe tomorrow night will be easier.


This is my parents' lame excuse for Halloween costumes. A socialist, college grad (aka barista), and love child...


At least Aime and Ashley had creative costumes. They are cool people and I think I will hang out with them more.


I'd like for you to meet my newest friend, Will. He is only 4 days younger than me. I like to chase him around.


But don't worry, Anthony...you still have my heart.


This is my rad shirt from Uncle Mason that shows that girls can like science AND the color blue.


Isn't my dad so cool playing the guitar?


Tomorrow is a big day and I don't even realize it, but mom and dad have made me watch all kinds of political tv. I just really want to watch cartoons.

Movie of the week

Aaron and I are now excited to be NetFlix suckers. We got our first movie this week, and I must say it was a winner. It is called The Station Agent and it was a recommendation from one of Aaron's old co-workers. I woke up thinking about it the next morning, which for me is usually a good sign. I would say that the movie is first about acceptance of self and one another and secondly about community (which is currently Aaron's and my favorite "buzz" word). At first glance it seems so much easier to live life alone, to do our own thing and not be bothered by others, but when it comes down to it...we need each other and we can't help but to bump up against others. I love how the relationships in this film "haphazardly" develop. I highly recommend this movie, but keep in mind that this is definitely an Aaron and Kate movie...a little slow at times and a little on the odd side, but beautifully filmed with a powerful story.

Also...one other movie that we watched last week should be noted as a winner as well - Stranger than Fiction. If you haven't seen this yet, it is a must see for sure. Aaron is always thinking sermon illustrations when we watch this movie because it has the Gospel Story splashed throughout.

Since we now have a great excuse to watch more movies...do you have any good movie suggestions? I would love to hear about some of your favorites. Let us know so we can put it on our queue!!

Enjoying Fall

I love the fall...pumpkins, pumpkin lattes, apples, apple cider, wearing scarves and sweaters, the colorful trees, the crisp morning air...this season...this life... is truly blessed!

New Beginnings

While Aaron, Montana and I have been preparing for our move to Washington, my sister, Emily, was also preparing for a new adventure - opening a yoga studio in Laramie, Wyoming! Montana and I were blessed to be there to help her paint, clean and get settled into her new space. Blossom Yoga opened last Monday, October 6, the day that Montana and I flew to WA. It is a very cool thing for both Emily and I to be starting our new adventures simultaneously. I am so proud of my sister for DOING it despite the odds against her. I'm so excited for what lies ahead...for both of us!

Emily's "hired help" preparing the walls for paint

After 5 days of solid work -
a peaceful, warm space to blossom

Montana helping unpack in her new home

Gosh, now that I think about it, it has already been quite a month for our little 10 month old. She has helped her Auntie Em open a business, she has said good-bye to both sets of Grandparents and aunt and uncles, she has flown to her new life in WA, has helped?! her parents unpack, and has already met oodles of people. And she has done this all while cutting more teeth. She is one amazing girl and has taken all of this change in beautiful stride.

Lots of thoughts

I feel like a broken record these days because when people ask me how I feel about the move, I always say the same thing- I'm sad to leave my family, but excited for a new adventure. The truth is, one moment I have a pit in my stomach and I wonder why we are doing this, and the next I am energized and can't believe that we GET to do this. One part of me is thrilled to think about planting some roots in one geographical area, while the other part of me is totally and completely freaked out about "settling down". I absolutely hate the thought of leaving my family, yet I feel so ready for Aaron, Montana, and I to figure out how to be a little family of three.
Another part of me knows that now we have to "put our money where our mouth is." All these years that we've talked about living in community and living simply and living a life of love...well here it is. Will we do it or are those just nice fluffy ideals to talk about? It's easy to say that we will do it when...(we get jobs, move out of our parents', get out of school, buy a house, and on and on). I feel that we have to start putting action behind our beliefs...and I keep thinking...what if we can't hack it? What if we fail miserably? But, what if we succeed? What will our lives really look like then?

So yeah, this move has stirred up alot of emotions for me.

I hate the thought that I am leaving when my sister is about to open a business and I won't be close when the time comes for her to have a baby. I hate that I won't get to see my niece and nephew on a regular basis and watch how they change and grow (Like today, Madelyn made it half way across the monkey bars...she's been working so hard on it all summer, and I got to see her do the best ever! I am so stinkin' proud of that girl!). I am going to desperately miss my weekly morning get togethers with April and Jenny, my 3pm Oprah coffee break with my mom, and Colorado camping. I am going to miss living daily life with my mom and dad and Aaron's parents. Something is just so right about multi-generational living.

On the other hand, I can't wait to watch my husband get paid to do what he is not only trained in, but passionate about as well. I'm excited to be part of something bigger than ourselves. I'm anxious to be in my own home and figure out how to be a family of three. I love WA summers and berry picking. I am thrilled that we get to live in such a cool part of the country and be close to our BC/WA friends and family and to meet more incredible people. I am excited to have a somewhat stable income and put some roots down after 8 years of marriage.

So in summary: We are crazy to go, but crazy not to go...so that just makes us crazy, but that's no news to you!!

Off We Go!

As many already know, K8 and I (and Montana) are moving to Washington State. I was extended a call to serve as a church planter in Whatcom County (the most NW county in the state). K8 and I always said that if we could not be in Colorado, we would love to be in western WA (and, Montana will look cute in a yellow rain slicker). For the first year or so, I will be serving the churches in the area (primarily at Bethel CRC in Lynden), networking, plotting, and preparing for a church plant starting next year. At first we’ll be living in Lynden. Once there we will figure out what neighborhood God is calling us to serve, then we’ll move to that community.

I will be moving out, w/ the help of my homeboy Miguel, at the end of Sept., and K8 and Montana will follow soon after. Then on Oct. 9, I will be examined by our denomination’s regional body for ordination. This will be followed by an “Installation Service” where I will become official (“That’s Reverend Walters to you”). I’ll let you know when the service will be when we figure it out. I am excited to be finished with ordination and to start ministry in WA.

It is a little sad to leave CO, especially family and friends. We gotten used to being around family, and have both reconnected with old, dear friends. But, it is exciting to be near our old stomping grounds of WA and BC. So for those in the NW, the party is at our place. And for everyone, stay tuned for more details.

She's on the move

Turning 30

I have been 30 years old for 2 weeks now, and I have to tell you...it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I was really dreading this birthday (well that's probably a mild understatement), and it didn't help that my grandparents agreed that 30 was the hardest age to turn out of 40, 50, 60, 70 & even 80!
Well the big day rolled around and my sister made sure it was a good day. We started out with a yoga class and then met the boys for a yummy breakfast and then it was off to facials and shopping. We ended the evening with wine and finger foods on the porch and then played some Wii until really late (definitely past a 30yr olds' bed time). It was a great way to bring in 30!
I don't know why I dreaded this age so much because I know myself better, I have a beautiful daughter, a great husband, and still many adventures ahead, and as a friend said "you start to care less" about things that don't matter. So now I'm looking forward to the next decade...I might as well embrace it with grace rather than being resentful and still 30!

I have to say a huge thanks to my amazing sister for making my 30th so great. I appreciate the thought and time you put into me. You have no idea how much it meant. I love you, sister!

Summer Pics

This has been a great summer of family and friends. Is summer really almost over?

Welcome Gavin William

My beautiful friend, Jenny, gave birth to Gavin William last night. It was so exciting to be able to be close enough to visit them in the hospital. It was amazing to hold a brand new baby again!!


Here's a little fun fact for you:
Jenny found out she was pregnant with Gavin the day Montana was born and gave birth to him exactly 8 months later. I thought that was pretty cool!

Montana's World

Montana has been sitting up for a few weeks now and her first tooth has made a small appearance in the last week.

Family Reunion

Every other summer my dad's family gathers together for a reunion. They (we) have been doing it religiously since 1978. I think personally I have only missed 2 reunions in all those years. It has been so fun especially in recent years to reconnect with my cousins (15 of us total) and see where their lives are taking them. I have cousins all over the country and one in Japan. One night my dad and his 2 brothers and 4 sisters sat around a table talking about their childhood. Some of us grandkids made our way in and listened to them share. It's very fascinating to hear your parents talk about their parents. Of course, I did not have the perfect grandparents, but they definitely did a few things right considering that this gathering has continued in their absence. I look forward to the reunion when it comes around and this year was no different. My aunt Jill planned the big event and it was nestled in the Colorado mountains on a ranch that we had all to ourselves (we have been asked to leave other places in the past as we tend to cause a ruckus wherever we go). Kudos to an awesome reunion, Auntie Jill!

We had a big golf tournament one day. I think I loved driving the cart the best!

Montana's first time in a pool. Note Aunt Emily in the background in mid-spray.

Montana helping Uncle Mason with his poker game

Montana was sleeping when we took family pictures, so my cousin Pete filled in for Montana.

Happy Father's Day!

Out for a Colorado hike

Montana got up early to make Aaron this card. I was so proud of her...she really is gifted! :)

Hanging out at the neighborhood garage sale

Now she's ready for summer!

Month in Review

Parents' night out! All the way to Denver for Rich's graduation party - Congrats on your MA in Counseling, Rich!

Sporting her new shades

At the finish line of the Bolder Boulder. Perfect morning for running with over 50,000 other people! It was my post-pregnancy goal to run a 10K.
Oh the taste of sweet victory! :)

The 4 girls reunite

A brief, whirlwind of a weekend visit together. These girls were my college roommates and bridesmaids, and continue to be my confidants and cheerleaders. Things I have learned in our journey together:

1. That 3 girls can fit very easily in a small bathroom
2. To love and appreciate my body, regardless of the size or shape
3. How to share life even when it's not easy
4. Did you hear that?
5. The art of being yourself even though you are a people pleaser
6. That no matter how much we change, we are really the same.

I love you 3 crazy girls!

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

First Bite

She's a natural (just like her mom and dad!)


Now that I've had rice cereal, it's time to move on to better things...