2008: A Year in Review

What a whirlwind 2008 has been. I cannot believe that we are on the eve of 2009. A new year, a new start, new memories, new sorrows, new joys, new victories, new changes. But I feel like I cannot fully embrace the new year, without looking at where I have been, and what this past year has held. So here are a few highlights:

1. The wedding! The majority of 2008 was spent planning the wedding. From Bridal Expos, to many trips to Michael's and JoAnne's. Making invitations, favors, and centerpieces. Buying a wedding gown. Also, being engaged long distance is a challenge. We did our pre-marital counseling on weekends when I could be in Portland. Our entire wedding was planned this way.


2. The big move: I moved back to Portland in June. This was harder for me than I realized. After a few big break downs, I settled in. Some friends graciously let Ryan stay with them, and I lived in his apartment. It worked well, but the half hour drive every night began to take it's toll. It was a relief to finally get married and live together. We LOVE our little apartment so much!



3. Hadlie Michelle. Our ADORABLE niece Hadlie was born! What a joy she is to the entire Hawes/Werner family!


4. Ryan's Job. Ryan signed his new contract at work. Which means, he is now an Executive Producer!!! I am so proud of him. He will be over seeing the 8, 10, and 11 pm news casts. Which means, his schedule will change from 9-6 to 2-11pm. It's going to be a change for us, but we are so excited for this opportunity for him! This is after he launched the 4'OClock news, and the 5'OClock news. Both of which had unexpected success!!




5. Beaverton Foursquare. We found a church. We had been praying about finding a church in our neighborhood. We knew we wanted a place close to home where we could worship, learn, and get involved. We found it. After our first Sunday we felt like we were "home".


6. Westwood Baptist Church. I miss my students in Olympia. But I knew when the job opened in Beaverton, that I had to go. It was a very hard thing for me. I learned so much from the youth pastor I was working with. I learned how to do ministry well. My 9 months that I was there provided me with an amazing learning opportunity. I also developed many relationships with some AWESOME students.




7. 25?? Yup, I turned 25. A quarter of a century. I am growing up. My birthday was amazing. Ryan had a whole scavenger hunt planned. Including making our own wine, which we gave to our wedding party.


8. My Husband. Ok, so I already talked about Ryan a little bit, but I am going to talk some more. He asked me at Christmas what the highlight of my year had been. He said the wedding was excluded. Of course. But I knew however I answered he would be included. The Lord has blessed me so much in him. I have the joy of being married to an incredible man. He is my best friend. He laughs with me. Supports me. Encourages me to be better than I am. Prays with me. Loves me. Spoils me. Builds me up. Holds me accountable. Cherishes me. I couldn't be more thankful for my husband. 2008 was only as good as it was because of him.


So there you have it, a few highlights from my last year. There are so many sweet memories and big things, but I don't want to keep typing them all out!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Tis the season to be....grumpy?

I am guilty. The past few days I have been grumpy. Just ask Ryan. Something in me was just feisty and grumpy. He's been calling me "Grumpy Pants". So sweet. Have I become the Grinch?

It's not just me though. Everywhere I go, someone is grumpy. I just had a customer call at work, who was grumpy. People at the store...grumpy. Drivers...grumpy. Grumpy grumpy grumpy. I am trying so hard not to be.

I was in the grocery store last week. I almost hit a guy with my cart. I made a joke, he laughed. I tried so hard to smile, say excuse me, thank you, and just be nice. It's amazing that when ONE person is nice, your grumpiness just fades away. So if that's the case, why aren't we being nicer to others, so they aren't grumpy anymore?

Is it the snow? Because I am pretty sure that has added to my bad moods. Is it the stress of the holidays? All the craziness? The rushing? All the people everywhere you go?

I need to stop being grumpy. My poor husband. So, I am sorry to those I have been grumpy towards in the past couple of days. I am really trying to be happy, and nothing like the Grinch. Because, after all, isn't it the season to Merry, or is it Jolly?

It's Christmas Time

My all time favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the food, the smells, the sounds (boy do I love the sounds), the cold weather, the lights. I love everything about Christmas, except maybe for "Santa Baby" and "Jingle Bells".

We decorated our little home last weekend. My "Snow" theme is spilling over into the living room and dining room. Our small, but beautiful tree fills up the corner. My snowmen are sprinkled throughout the house. Candles are lit. Christmas music is playing. I love it!

Ryan and I are both trying to be very intentional this year. We really want to focus on the bigger things this season. While it's fun to decorate, sing carols, open gifts, and eat food, there is so much more. There is giving. Loving. Serving. And a precious baby that was born.

Our church is doing a thing called "Advent Conspiracy". The focus is to spend less, give more time, and love your neighbors. That is what we are trying to do this year. While we are having fun thinking of gifts to give one another, we are making the most of our time and resources. I am so excited to get to my Christmas baking, just to share it!

We are also trying to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Jesus. I didn't grow up reading the Christmas story from Luke, but Ryan did. It's a tradition him and I would like to start together. We are also reading through a book called "Unafraid". It is by Francine Rivers. It's a fiction book all from Mary's perspective from the birth of Christ, to his death. It's been so neat to read this together and really focus on the miracle of Jesus' birth. To focus on the reality that he left Heaven and all his glory to be born in a dirty stall, and to sleep in a manger. He traded a glorious mansion, for a stable.

There is a song that always gets to me every year, it's called "Manger Throne" by Third Day. The lyrics always bring me back to Christ's birth.

What kind of King would leave His throne
In Heaven to make this earth His home?
While men seek fame and great renown
In loneliness our King comes down

Jesus, Jesus, precious One
How we thank You that You've come
Jesus, Jesus, precious One
A manger throne for God’s own Son

You left the sound of angels' praise
To come for men with unkind ways
And by this Baby's helplessness
The power of nations is laid to rest

What kind of King would come so small
From glory to a humble stall?
That dirty manger is my heart, too
I'll make it a royal throne for You

My heart is a throne
My heart is a throne for God's own Son

Feeding the Hungry

So many times in the Bible Jesus talks about feeding the hungry. You see so many instructions to care for the poor. I saw that happen in a real tangible way last night.

I am going to take a moment and brag here. Ryan works at Fox 12 News. He heard of a need at Oregon Food Bank. He rallied his team together, and they hosted a food drive all day yesterday. 4:30 am to 11:00 pm. The Oregon Food Bank brought a big semi truck, that can hold up to 44 tons of food, but they just usually fill it to 22 tons. Fox wanted to fill it (22 tons). They aired live from the sight urging people to help their neighbors. To feed the hungry. And they did just that. They ended up raising 16 tons of food and over 2000 dollars...which is enough money for another 6 tons of food. That means the truck was filled!!! WOOHOO!!!!! That is enough food to feed 800 families for 5 days!

I had the joy and privilege to hang out with the Fox 12 team and the Food Bank for a couple of hours in the freezing cold. How wonderful to see so many people came out. Ryan told me so many stories afterward. He told of a family who recently needed food from the food bank. Now, that they are no longer in need of it, they in turn brought 2 cars full of food. Wow. A middle school girl went to her friends and teachers and collected over 400 dollars. It was incredible to watch so many people give. Little kids bringing a can up to the truck. Car loads of food. It was amazing.

I love that so many people cared. So many wanted to help out. But I was talking to the director of the Food Bank. They were talking about the needs, both in food, and help. They said they have more than enough volunteers for the holiday's but they will be in desperate need come January. I know that the holidays are the hardest time for families. But why do we do much this time of year ONLY? Don't get me wrong, I think we need all the help we can get during this season. But what about April? June? August? What about those same families who still cannot put food on their tables? I was challenged to give. Not just last night, but all the time. While this time of year is filled with giving (as it should be), we need to consider the poor and hungry all year.

With that said, I am so proud of my husband and all the hard work he and his team put into this food drive. What a blessing it is going to be to so many families! And to those who gave!

Danielle's Perspective of the Wedding

Ryan and I were talking this morning about how quickly the past month has flown by. At times it seems like it was yesterday I was waking up and getting ready for the big day, saying "I do" and becoming a "Mrs". Yet, at the same time, I feel like the wedding was ages ago.

I have not really had a chance to share about the wedding. So, here is a blog dedicated to my perspective of the wedding and really the entire day.

I woke up to the sun shining. I had been so worried that we would have crummy weather the day of the wedding, I was hoping for the opposite since pictures were outside and I had not back up plan. A friend of mine came all the way from Portland to do my hair. She did a great job! Another friend came and did my makeup. A couple of the girls were getting ready with me. We were having a great time. I was not at all nervous, or worried just very excited, and anxious to see Ryan! I wanted to text him, but I was told I wasn't allowed. :)

When we got to the church the girls and my mom helped me into my dress. It took forever since we were waiting to steam it, which we never did. My mom pinned my Oma's pearl ring inside my dress for my something old. I had my friend Katherine's veil on as my something borrowed. We glued a penny to the bottom of my shoes as the "sixpence" in my shoe as good luck. After what seemed like FOREVER I was able to go see Ryan. He was waiting in the sanctuary with his back to me. I walked in very quietly but my heart was racing. When Ryan turned around, all he could say was, "wow" over and over again. I kept giggling and had tears in my eyes. It was finally happening.

After we had a few moments together we headed outside where Gregg (the best man) was waiting with the car. He drove us down to the Capital building where the rest of our wedding party was waiting. We proceeded to have lots of pictures taken. The photographer at one point said to me "I could not have ordered better weather myself" PRAISE THE LORD! I was so concerned about rain, and the weather was amazing. We had lots of fun taking pictures! The wedding party left except Gregg and Tiffany (Matron of Honor). Ryan and I got to do more pictures, some inside the capital building-which are beautiful. It was such a special time, and some of my favorite memories of the day.

After pictures we ate some food (and shh...had some champagne). It was soon time for the girls to head into the church. The waiting killed me. My dad soon joined me where we had some sweet time together. It was now my turn to walk towards my groom. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I had tears in my eyes as I saw my beloved awaiting. It felt like a very holy moment. The sanctuary was beautiful and the atmosphere indescribable.

I don't remember much. I don't remember kissing my dad. I don't remember seeing my mom. I remember almost tripping up the steps. I remember Ryan. I remember Kristine doing an excellent job reading. I remember Tiff grabbing my bouquet. I remember what Mark said. I remember saying "I do" too soon. I remember Ryan dropping the unity candle. I remember him trying to kiss me too soon. I remember laughing. Crying. Praying together. Sharing special memories. I remember Tyler singing. I remember Ryan's kiss. I remember my ring bearer giving me a high five as I walked back down the aisle. I remember signing the marriage certificate and getting more pictures taken.

It was now time for the reception. My dad's old friend Jim was taking pictures of us walking in. I noticed the things that were wrong, but quickly pulled myself together and enjoyed all the people (I think there were a little over 200!!!). We were greeted by so many dear friends and family. The toasts were beautiful, I remember being in tears a couple of times. Ryan and I couldn't figure out how to cut the cake, and we didn't have any where to put it. He soon put it all over my back and arm. So nice. The tiny bite we had was yummy. We mingled some more then he tossed the garter, he was so polite too! I tossed the bouquet. My dad wanted to pray over us, then surprised me by encouraging us to dance. I was caught off guard as the church did not allow dancing. :) Ryan then said "let's go". I was ready. No one knew what was happening as I was being whisked away. People caught on and blew bubbles. The car was waiting. The back said "Breaking News Just Married" which I thought was funny and quite appropriate! We left with my mom, his dad and a bridesmaid or two chasing after the car...oops!

What a whirlwind of a day. It was so wonderful, beautiful and perfect. I will never forget a single moment of it. It was the most happy moment in my life.

Now, I am married to the most amazing man. A whole month. I have learned so much about Ryan, patience, selflessness, and love. We are having a great time! I LOVE being married! To answer everyone's question "how is married life?" Absolutely amazing!!!


Oh and you can see our wedding pictures at: www.pictage.com

For those who read...

I have come to realize, that I don't think anyone actually reads my blog. But I know I have one loyal reader out there. So this blog is for those who keep reading my random thoughts on different things. Here are some things I am pondering:

I am not at all surprised about how the election turned out. Don't worry, I wont make this a political blog. But I am disappointed by a couple of things. I voted in WA, and was sad by the passing of Measure 1000 and that Dino Rossi did not get the redemption he deserved.

Marriage is a blast. I am LOVING being married. It is an adjustment though. But we are having a ton of fun. One of these days I will blog about the wedding, because it was amazing. Ryan is an amazing man....I mean truly wonderful and amazing. I am so lucky to be married to him.

Work is work. If you want to know more about that...email me! :)

I love Christmas, and Christmas music. We are going to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Sunday. So my radio is cranked up pretty loud to the sounds of Trans. Ahh...beauty.

I learned wine is better once you put in a decanter for a while. I am also learning to like red wine, thanks a lot Napa Valley.

I love Portland. I love living here. I am glad we live here. And I love our home. We finally got art work for our living room, it's amazing how it changes our tiny space.

Well, that is all for now. Thanks for reading my simple ramblings (especially you Shelly!)

Reflections on Engagment

Here we are. A day away from our wedding. The wedding we have been planning for 10 months. It's crazy to think how quickly time goes by.

I remember so clearly when Ryan proposed. And when we starting making plans. I also remember so many people telling us just how difficult engagement would be, and honestly, how miserable. While there were some hard moments for sure, you know like deciding if there really would be tule at the wedding (I won this battle! :) to saying goodbye every weekend. I also loved planning the wedding. I loved the excitement of telling people we would be getting married. I have thoroughly enjoyed our engagement. Of course, I am excited about the wedding and my marriage to Ryan!!!!!!

I did learn so much about Ryan, and honestly about myself. And I know that there is so much more to come. But I have also learned a lot about marriage, selflessness, and what it truly means to love someone unconditionally. Ryan will tell you he has learned these same lessons. I have learned how to be better communicate. I have learned how to better serve my soon to be husband. I have learned how to completely trust someone.

So, were the last 304 days difficult?? Sure. As any relationship would be-going through the ups and the downs of life together. But it has seriously been so much fun! I have had a great time being engaged. But, believe me, I am so ready for this wedding tomorrow!!!

(thanks for reading Shelly! :) )