On Gratitude

 

Friends!

I (this is Kate) woke up this morning feeling like this:

"Life is all rainbows and unicorns, puppy dogs and cinnamon rolls, yellow flowers, good beer, and bicycling down a big hill! The sun NEVER stops shining! This is the best DAY ever! After the best WEEKEND ever! In the best SEASON ever! Of my best YEAR EVER!!!"

Guys, on a Monday I woke up feeling like that. Before I had any coffee. That's serious.

It is undoubtedly an optimism and excitement that comes from you and I want to take a moment to share our deepest gratitude to all of you for everything you have done so far.

You have done big things and little. You have shared gifts, time, and stories with us. You have offered help with party or wedding planning and you have offered to help us move even before you knew there were 54 stairs between my apartment and the curb. You have been delighted to hear the beginning chapters of our little love story, and I am delighted to tell you again and again and again. Most importantly, you have loved us so completely throughout our lives and supported our every endeavor and we can feel that love and support now as we embark on a very great adventure together.

I was truly overwhelmed at the number of you who joined us on Saturday to celebrate our engagement. I am humbled that many of you traveled from Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to celebrate with us.

A huge thank you to my big sister, Kim, and her husband, Erik, who opened their beautiful home to so many people, prepared delicious food, and hosted a perfect party that allowed Aaron and I to spend time with our family and friends. What a spectacular event held by the host and hostess with the most and mostest.

A big thanks to everyone who also helped with the party- from sharing a plate of food, lending us some folding chairs, washing dishes, to bringing coolers of beer- your contribution did not go unnoticed and you are so greatly appreciated.

To our parents and family, there are almost no words great enough. You loved us first and as our lives change there is a great security and stability in that kind of love. We could not do any of this without your guidance and we are so appreciative of all that you have done for us.

Life is rainbows and unicorns, puppy dogs and cinnamon rolls. Thank you all so much for being a part of our lives and we look forward to creating many more memories with each of you!

To every single one of you from every bit of us, thank you and we love you.


New House FAQs

Big news, friends!

In addition to getting engaged in August, we also bought a house because it is best to cram all of your major life changes into a small timeframe so as to deliver the ultimate shock at holiday parties this season! Like a real house! With appliances and things. 

We've been getting a lot of questions about the house, so here's a Frequently Asked Questions list. Some of them we can answer and some of them we can't answer, usually because we don't actually know.

Where is it?
South Minneapolis. Sort of by Lake Nokomis (one of Kate's favorite places to run) and Lake Hiawatha, west of Cedar Avenue. We'll give you the real address when you join our moving crew!

When did you buy it?
We signed the purchase agreement on August 18-- from our smartphones in the baggage claim area of the Bozeman, Montana airport. We will close in mid-October.

How big is it?
Kate has been living in a 520 square foot apartment with no closet space, so it seems to be about the same size as the Taj Mahal, give or take.

When was it built?
1925.

Is the stove gas or electric?
We were stunned how often this question was asked-- and we really had no idea for quite a while. Turns out, it's gas.

How many bedrooms/bathrooms?
3 and 3. One bathroom on every floor, and maybe one bedroom on every floor? We can't remember.

Garage?
Yes. Detached, in traditional Minneapolis style. Space for 2 cars! And bicycles!

What color are the appliances?
Um, maybe black? Or they could be stainless steel? We can't remember.

How old is the furnace/water heater/roof?
Can't remember.

When do you move?
Mid-October.

Where will you hang the framed Bob Dylan poster?
So, no one has actually asked this question but it is something we can actually answer!
Probably in the kitchen/informal dining room. Mmmm eggs & toast with Bob Dylan every morning? Yes please.

Which room will be the nursery?
Nice try. This is not a house question-- it is a baby question thinly veiled as a house question.  Baby questions will be answered in the order they are received no earlier than October 6, 2013. Because there can simply only be so many life changes at once.

I really love to help people move their heavy furniture in and out of old buildings with narrow hallways and steep staircases. I also love to haul boxes of heavy books for well-read people. Can I help you guys move?
Okay, so no one has asked this question either, but I know you are thinking it. Just remember, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.
Of course you can help us move! We'd be delighted to make you shuck our stuff have your assistance on move-in day! More details coming in October.