Merry Christmas from the Balmer's

This has been a yet another good year with highs and lows, yet how would we know when we were on a hill top if we had never experienced a valley?

Some of our hilltops this year : 

We moved into our new home in January! We have a beautiful home that suits us perfectly. Often we just sit together and feel so much gratitude that we’ve been able to buy a house. I’ve never had my own house before! I still love going to my front door and welcoming people from the outside to come in to our little haven. 

We have also almost made it one whole year without internet or cable in our home!! Guess what? It can be done. Neither one of us has died yet ;) 

We did get to take many good people on workshops this year and see wonderful and beautiful places:

Christopher and Katie:

Africa

Sri Lanka

Alaska ( C-2, K-1)

Christopher also took a group to Brazil. He left me behind. Unfortunately once you go some where with your new husband and you out shoot him (aka get a better picture than he does causing instant envy) he doesn’t care so much about taking you back again. Guess I’ve got to reel in my mad photography skillz ;) 

I also think I win best wife award for sending Christopher off an a week long “Man-Date” with a couple of his good friends in Oregon. I came out on top though when we brought back the big box of VooDoo donuts (Thanks, Harold!) 

But then Christopher again wins the trophy when he generously offered up his hard earned sky miles (His first class trip to South Africa is that much further away now...) so Meg and I could visit Heidi in Nebraska for her birthday!!! WHAT?! So awesome we got to go see her. My only complaint is that our visit was much too short. 

All of Christopher’s 3 nieces and nephew took a turn visiting his parents this year. I loved the opportunity to meet more of his family and having them each come over for a home cooked meal (Christopher cooked of course). 

On August 29 I dragged Christopher to the Playmill’s production of Newsie’s with bribes of our favorite street tacos from the taco bus in West Yellowstone. He finally grudgingly agreed, though this didn’t stop him trying to back out every opportunity he could find. (BTW - he ended up liking it! He’s totally a musical-lover in denial). 

On our trip from the car to the play we passed a small photo/camera store going out of business. Christopher’s business mind snapped into action and he instantly had dreams of creating another camera store. Because Perfect Light just wasn’t enough to keep both of us busy. 

Christopher and I celebrated our FIRST anniversary!! For my present he bought me a store!… :-/ :-) The weekend of our anniversary we officially closed the deal on buying another business and The Yellowstone Camera Store began (Opening April 2019!). For better or worse I know I am truly the one responsible for this new crazy adventure.

We have truly been so blessed together and I am continuously grateful to be sharing my life with Christopher. I admitted before that I was scared to take that step.Yet the more time that goes on the more I know that I made the best decision. He helps me recognize many of my weaknesses and is always so patient with me ;) We are also so very blessed with our family and friends who are continually there offering their love and support. 

We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy 2019!! 

My One

I would like to say that I knew what I was doing a year ago when I officially said “Yes” to Christopher. In reality - I was terrified. This was a huge commitment - one that I couldn't just quit when I got lazy or when it got tough or uncomfortable. 

My worst fears are those associated with the unknown. Deciding to share my life with some one else presented many unknowns and things I might not be able to control. Christopher and I are so different… yet he had become my closest and best friend. 

I didn’t tell many people of our decision to be married. I didn’t want the voices and opinions of other people in my head to confuse me - I have enough on my own ;) I also thought there could be a slight chance I'd get cold feet - the fewer witnesses there were the better. (Hey! I told you I was scared!)

(If you feel left out because I didn’t tell you - join the club. I assure you that you are in A LOT of good company as we only told family and close friends). 

As I now look back a year later I am pleased and grateful I didn’t turn around and run away. :) We have had a great first year together full of growth, opportunities, blessings and adventures together. There’s definitely been tough times and long nights as our stubbornnesses have clashed. Yet through it all our love and understanding for each other has deepened. I always tell people the Christopher is the best wife I could ever have - he cooks, cleans, shops, and even packs me lunches for work! He's so much more to me than that. He's my strength when I'm weak and my shoulder to cry on. He takes good care of me and adores my family. He honors me even when I feel like there's barely anything to like about me. He's patient, generous and good. He's the first to humbly admit his weaknesses and looks at himself to be better so we can both be stronger together. Heavenly Father really is watching out for me and blessed my life years ago when he brought our paths together :)

Here's to the best choice I never quit. To our first year of many more to come!

Heidi-fied

Last month we were spoiled to have Heidi come out and help us decorate our home! Wow! Best decision ever!! All of my siblings are talented, and I am so happy and grateful I get the benefits of them. Because of schedules she came while Christopher and I were up in West Yellowstone doing the Photography Symposium we now present each year. I gave all my trust and debit cards to Heidi and didn't look back!

We are so grateful for Heidi taking time out of her super busy life of being a mom and church callings to come help us. She shopped, painted, sweated, and pounded nails in our new walls (I was so nervous about that part!) for us. 

We still aren't finished with everything, but I was so excited to share what Heidi (and my mom!!) helped us with that I didn't want to wait any longer to post! 

Our Living Space

Before

After Heidi's touch

After Heidi

Before Heidi

Before Heidi

Heidi found us all kinds of cool stuff to go in the empty space above our cabinets. Filled it in without making it cluttered. She's got pro skills at putting big vinyl stuff up on the wall! 

Our Master Retreat

I love the blue wall! Christopher surprised me with the picture of Christ that I just love! I'm glad Heidi put it here :)

The Guest Suite

Not much to look at...

Heidi-fied!! (And {finally} getting my old bed up here from my parent's house.) Heidi made that headboard out of a map! We are ready for guests! Who's coming?! :)

Entry Way 

Before

Heidi found this table that was PERFECT on clearance! And the wreath that Christopher absolutely loved :D She also found the perfect rug to go by the door.  And remember how talented my siblings are? Jason created a HUGE map out of metal that is going to complete this corner. We just need to get it up :o

Up next, the

Bathroom

Christopher has been kind enough to abide by pineapple fetish. :) Heidi and Mom couldn't find towels with pineapples - but they did find appliques to make me custom towels!! 

They also made a cute little curtain for us! Love it! 

AND... I SAVED MY FAVORITE FOR LAST!!

Christopher has talked about giving me a book nook since before we got married. (That's how I knew he was the man for me! ;) ) My book nook gets to take up room in his office. This is by far my favorite wall now. They did such a fantastic job! 

A few bare walls still with lots of potential. It has been so fun to create a home together that is a reflection of who we are and to have a place to welcome our friends and family. We look forward to filling in the empty spaces with more memories... But next - THE YARD! :)

A Daily Reminder of My Grandma

I often wish that Grandma (my mom's mom) was still here. Fortunately I get to be reminded of her many times a day as I look at my ring. When she passed a few years ago my mom inherited her wedding ring, complete with 2 bands on each side. Heidi has one band,  I received the other and Megan will one day receive the engagement ring to keep.

Grandma was by no means a perfect person, yet she was a woman of faith who lived what she believed. She was fun, hard working, and loving. Though I have many fond memories of her, I have desired many times that I could talk with her now and know her thoughts and feelings in life, love and faith. I wish for her wisdom gained through experience. I would have loved it if she could have met Christopher. I know she would have loved, welcomed and accepted him into our family instantly; and Christopher would have loved her too! :) The thought of her compassion and understanding is made even more sweet by experiencing the bitterness of another's dour rejection.

Until we meet again I will cherish this daily reminder of Grandma and how it connects us, gaining strength from her story and life. I hope that as I do, I will create a life that those who come after me will also be able to find courage and faith through my story, leading to a stronger generation; that even though I too am not perfect, my influence and story will lead to stronger faith and courage, that my life will inspire my family who are yet to come to make decisions and actions with faith and love, instead of judging too quickly out of fear or ignorance.

Family of Rocks

Rocks are everywhere. They are the foundation of our Earth. They are so plentiful they become easily ignored and overlooked in the daily grind of life.  

We may view the numerous rocks in our lives as obstacles that get in our way. We may trip and fall, cursing the rocks that caused our tumble. 

Because of the annoyance we view them as, we can forget all that rocks are. They are building blocks and tools of creation. Rocks can give us support, or provide us a step up. They allow to us to ascend to greater heights, offering grand views from higher perspectives. 

Just because rocks are everywhere, doesn’t mean each rock isn’t extraordinary and doesn’t have a story to tell.

Our rocks - our family and our faith - are our anchors when life becomes stormy. They become our center of stability to bring balance. Sometimes we hit, topple over and crash. The rivers and storms, the wind and the rain…it hurts at times. Yet it is those experiences that knock off our rough edges and reveal a polished finish, and uncover the gems beneath the surface

Each one of us, each one of YOU, is extraordinary… and we have a story to tell. 

Rock on, my family, rock on :)

A special thanks and shout out to my very talented and amazing geologist friend, Melanie K, who is the creator of these beautiful works of art! She was also my inspiration, proof reader and editor to the story I wrote above. :)