My dad decided we were finished swimming for the night (I had fallen of the diving board and scraped my leg), so we loaded up and headed home. Before long, the three of us girls were home, dried off, and sitting on the couch, all in a row, with our wet chlorine hair. It seemed odd that they would set us down like this. I knew there must be something they were wanting to tell us girls. Before I could even finish my thought wouldnt it be funny if they were going to have a baby... that's exactly what my dad said: "We're going to have a baby."
This little nine year old girl couldn't imagine what life would be like...our circle of three already seemed so complete. Another sister? Or heaven forbid... a boy? What would we do with a boy?
Fast forward nine months... my grandma's in town because the baby will be born soon. She's staying in my room with me, which of course, I assume as quite the honor. I have a miniature love seat in my room across from my bed, and as grandma's unpacking, she lays out a pair of jeans and a Glorieta sweatshirt. "These are the clothes for when I go to the hospital," she says... "for when the baby's born." These clothes became my way to gauge the day as I woke up... if they were there, nothing new was happening ... if they were gone, the baby was coming. For the first few days, the clothes were there when I woke up. One day, though, they were gone. The baby was coming.
All day long, I wasn't sure how I felt about things. I wasn't a fan of change, and this baby being born today was going to do nothing but change our worlds.
I'm not sure when the shift happened from 'I'm not too sure about him' to 'Oh my goodness, he's adorable.' But rather quickly, I adjusted to this new little baby boy whom had been born to our family. I've been crazy about him ever since.
Once the little girl on the couch with wet chlorine hair who couldn't imagine what life would be like with a baby brother, I now find myself, sitting again here on the couch, trying to imagine what life would be like without this baby brother.
Austin will turn 16 tomorrow. And there is no doubt that those sixteen years have been some of the most joyous years of my life. Austin is funny - he never ceases to make me laugh. Austin is creative - from a little toddler dressed up pretending to be Captain Hook to the kid who is now writing amazing article for his school newspaper. Austin is sharp - the kid's smart. Austin is loving - he loves his sisters, his momma and daddy well. And no doubt he loves those around him. Austin is convicted - he thinks deeply, he is sincere in all he does. He studies hard and seeks what is right. I'm continually impressed with him. He is an example and inspiration to me.
Austin is sunshine.
Happy birthday, my sweet brother.
I love you more than I can say.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
O Holy Spirit
O Holy Spirit....
Come as power,
to expel every rebel lust, to reign supreme and keep me thine.
Come as teacher,
leading me into all truth, filling me with all understanding.
Come as love,
that I may adore the Father, and love him as my all.
Come as joy,
to dwell in me, move in me, animate me.
Come as light,
illuminating the Scripture, molding me in its laws.
Come as sanctifier,
body, soul, spirit wholly thine.
Come as helper,
with strength to bless and keep, directing my every step.
Come as beautifier,
bringing order out of confusion, loveliness out of chaos....
- The Valley of Vision
Come as power,
to expel every rebel lust, to reign supreme and keep me thine.
Come as teacher,
leading me into all truth, filling me with all understanding.
Come as love,
that I may adore the Father, and love him as my all.
Come as joy,
to dwell in me, move in me, animate me.
Come as light,
illuminating the Scripture, molding me in its laws.
Come as sanctifier,
body, soul, spirit wholly thine.
Come as helper,
with strength to bless and keep, directing my every step.
Come as beautifier,
bringing order out of confusion, loveliness out of chaos....
- The Valley of Vision
Friday, February 25, 2011
Pretty!
http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2011/02/recycled-gift-bows-yellow-pages-version.html
Had a blast making one of these!
I opted for cute scrapbook paper instead of yellow pages, but whatever works :)
Had a blast making one of these!
I opted for cute scrapbook paper instead of yellow pages, but whatever works :)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
My Friend
My mother is my friend. I think most people wake up and find that this transition from 'mother' to 'friend' is new and sudden, even. It is this like "When did this happen" thing... For me, this is not the case. For as long as I can remember, she has been my friend.
We have always enjoyed things together - learning things, reading books, playing games, going to craft sales... she taught (and still does) me about the things I love. And I'm hugely grateful. Her love of books, her steadfastness to Christ, her sweet love for us kids, all of this is a blessing beyond compare.
Growing up, on any given day, I would rather be with my sisters and mom, and not out with school friends. Today, it is still true. These women know me, really know me, more than any of my friends ever could. They shaped me.
Met my mom this morning for some shopping - a few hours of shopping, talking, breakfast at chick fil a.... it was wonderful. I'm hugely grateful for a woman who is not only my mother, but my friend.
Thank you momma, for always being my friend. You are a wonderful friend. You have taught me what it means to be a friend, and for that, I am grateful. I love you.
We have always enjoyed things together - learning things, reading books, playing games, going to craft sales... she taught (and still does) me about the things I love. And I'm hugely grateful. Her love of books, her steadfastness to Christ, her sweet love for us kids, all of this is a blessing beyond compare.
Growing up, on any given day, I would rather be with my sisters and mom, and not out with school friends. Today, it is still true. These women know me, really know me, more than any of my friends ever could. They shaped me.
Met my mom this morning for some shopping - a few hours of shopping, talking, breakfast at chick fil a.... it was wonderful. I'm hugely grateful for a woman who is not only my mother, but my friend.
Thank you momma, for always being my friend. You are a wonderful friend. You have taught me what it means to be a friend, and for that, I am grateful. I love you.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Lessons Learned
So last Monday night, my car died and David and I were going to try to jump it to get it to the store.
But...I accidentally locked his keys in his car (our one working car). So now we had two immobile cars right next to each other. I was SO mad at myself.
We went and tried to get ahold of some locksmiths, but the cheapest we could find was $65. This made me even more mad. WHY had this happened to us? We were just trying to fix a problem, and then things had to get even worse? WHY?
David's reaction was totally different. He was calm, patient, reassuring me that everything would be okay.
Liz knew that Christi had triple A and they would unlock the car for us for free so long as she was there... but Christi lives at least thirty minutes away. I hated to ask her to come all the way out there. But she was so willing. When I talked to her on the phone, she was like 'of course! i will come rescue you!" - glad and willing to help.
I learned a lot through our car woes that evening.
Through Christi, YHWH showed me an example of such sweet friendship. Christi and Kenny were sitting down to a movie... would i have been as willing to help as she? if david and i were watching a movie and a friend called me to go 30 minutes across town, would i have jumped at the opportunity to be of service? I'm afraid of my answer. Thank you Christi.
Through David, YHWH taught me to be patient - to have more faith. to not ask 'why' when something goes wrong. but to have faith. to trust that YHWH has a plan, a reason a purpose. He will see us through.
And see us through He did! we had a wonderful friend come rescue us, we got our car unlocked for free! we got the other car jumped and started, and when we got to the store, we got a brand new battery for free! YHWH more than provided for us. And we would not have seen all of this unless we had these car issues in the first place. This is WHY it had to happen. So that I might learn about my Savior's provision. That I might see an example of true friendship in my sweet friend- a serving and willing heart. that i might see an example of faith in my sweet husband.
Oh may I never ask 'why.' May I always, in every situation, look to see what YHWH is doing, and join Him there.
Oh may I be an ever willing and serving friend.
But...I accidentally locked his keys in his car (our one working car). So now we had two immobile cars right next to each other. I was SO mad at myself.
We went and tried to get ahold of some locksmiths, but the cheapest we could find was $65. This made me even more mad. WHY had this happened to us? We were just trying to fix a problem, and then things had to get even worse? WHY?
David's reaction was totally different. He was calm, patient, reassuring me that everything would be okay.
Liz knew that Christi had triple A and they would unlock the car for us for free so long as she was there... but Christi lives at least thirty minutes away. I hated to ask her to come all the way out there. But she was so willing. When I talked to her on the phone, she was like 'of course! i will come rescue you!" - glad and willing to help.
I learned a lot through our car woes that evening.
Through Christi, YHWH showed me an example of such sweet friendship. Christi and Kenny were sitting down to a movie... would i have been as willing to help as she? if david and i were watching a movie and a friend called me to go 30 minutes across town, would i have jumped at the opportunity to be of service? I'm afraid of my answer. Thank you Christi.
Through David, YHWH taught me to be patient - to have more faith. to not ask 'why' when something goes wrong. but to have faith. to trust that YHWH has a plan, a reason a purpose. He will see us through.
And see us through He did! we had a wonderful friend come rescue us, we got our car unlocked for free! we got the other car jumped and started, and when we got to the store, we got a brand new battery for free! YHWH more than provided for us. And we would not have seen all of this unless we had these car issues in the first place. This is WHY it had to happen. So that I might learn about my Savior's provision. That I might see an example of true friendship in my sweet friend- a serving and willing heart. that i might see an example of faith in my sweet husband.
Oh may I never ask 'why.' May I always, in every situation, look to see what YHWH is doing, and join Him there.
Oh may I be an ever willing and serving friend.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Honeymoon
David and I had a WONDERFUL time in New York. We also absolutely froze :)
We loved going shopping- the American Girl store, Toys R Us, the Nintendo store, FAO Schwartz, Macys, the Hershey's store, the M&M store, and more.
We went to Times Square, the wax museum, tons of restaurants (Olive Garden on Christmas Eve) Rockefeller Center, and so much more!
We became big fans of this deli down the street from our hotel. A couple nights, after we had been out all night long, we would stop there, grab some food, and go snuggle up in our hotel room, with good food and Christmas movies. Such a wonderful time with my sweet man.
On Christmas, we stayed in late (David had surprised me with some goodies in my stockings from Santa!) then went to a movie in Times Square (We saw the new Narnia movie, and it was so good!) And then to Rockefeller Center, which was CRAZY crowded!!!! Its like everyone in New York was there on Christmas night.
It was a wonderful time - so grateful for a break from everything, for time with my sweet David, and a wonderful first Christmas together.
We loved going shopping- the American Girl store, Toys R Us, the Nintendo store, FAO Schwartz, Macys, the Hershey's store, the M&M store, and more.
We went to Times Square, the wax museum, tons of restaurants (Olive Garden on Christmas Eve) Rockefeller Center, and so much more!
We became big fans of this deli down the street from our hotel. A couple nights, after we had been out all night long, we would stop there, grab some food, and go snuggle up in our hotel room, with good food and Christmas movies. Such a wonderful time with my sweet man.
On Christmas, we stayed in late (David had surprised me with some goodies in my stockings from Santa!) then went to a movie in Times Square (We saw the new Narnia movie, and it was so good!) And then to Rockefeller Center, which was CRAZY crowded!!!! Its like everyone in New York was there on Christmas night.
It was a wonderful time - so grateful for a break from everything, for time with my sweet David, and a wonderful first Christmas together.
The Day :)
I'm not even sure how to begin journaling about this day. It was such a whirlwind!
Well, David was also graduating that morning, so I guess we will begin there :) My friend Liz and I snuck into graduation and watched him walk across the stage. Even though I couldn't be there WITH him, I was so grateful for the chance to see him walk across the stage. Liz and I headed back home where everyone was getting ready!!!
My mom, Amber, Liz and I headed out to the church where all my girls were meeting up in the bridesroom. Getting ready seemed to go by so fast. Melody was an AMAZING hair stylist and makeup artist. She took great care of me.
After I was ready and in my dress, it was time to meet David. Ashley and Meryl guarded the doors and I walked in, and there he was. My groom. David looked amazing in his white tuxedo. David and I sat down and prayed - thanking God for each other, for this day, for this covenant that we were about to make. It was such a sweet special time. But it was over too soon....and in came all the family and attendants and pictures began!!
After I was finished with pictures, I went back to the bridesroom with all the girls and my mom. We had a sweet sweet time of prayer (and later I found out David's guys prayed over him too). Then, before I knew it, it was time.
It was a LOT easier walking down the aisle because I had already seen David.
Everything went well in the service... the songs, the readings, Jerome and Dr. Marshall... everything was great. I was so grateful, and so excited!
After a few more pictures, we headed to the reception. When we came in, we were introduced. At first, we didn't know what to do or where to go. Everyone was looking at us, but finally one of my bridesmaids led us to our table. The evening was filled with eating, talking, cake cutting, toasts, dancing, and more dancing.
Some special moments to remember:
- I loved dancing with my dad to "I loved her first." it was such a special time. so grateful for my daddy.
- david and i LOVED that we had so much support from pecan grove there. and we loved that they joined in on all the dancing. we imagined that our college buds would be out there line dancing and such, but we loved having our church family join in on all the fun too!
-having laura there, like i said before, was so great. she means the world to me, and i was so grateful for her and rachel both to be there.
- it was also great to have family there. we see family sometimes but never all together and never both families together.
- grateful for my mom and all her help that went into helping me plan this. i couldnt have done it without her and i would not have wanted to! thank you mom!
Well, David was also graduating that morning, so I guess we will begin there :) My friend Liz and I snuck into graduation and watched him walk across the stage. Even though I couldn't be there WITH him, I was so grateful for the chance to see him walk across the stage. Liz and I headed back home where everyone was getting ready!!!
My mom, Amber, Liz and I headed out to the church where all my girls were meeting up in the bridesroom. Getting ready seemed to go by so fast. Melody was an AMAZING hair stylist and makeup artist. She took great care of me.
After I was ready and in my dress, it was time to meet David. Ashley and Meryl guarded the doors and I walked in, and there he was. My groom. David looked amazing in his white tuxedo. David and I sat down and prayed - thanking God for each other, for this day, for this covenant that we were about to make. It was such a sweet special time. But it was over too soon....and in came all the family and attendants and pictures began!!
After I was finished with pictures, I went back to the bridesroom with all the girls and my mom. We had a sweet sweet time of prayer (and later I found out David's guys prayed over him too). Then, before I knew it, it was time.
It was a LOT easier walking down the aisle because I had already seen David.
Everything went well in the service... the songs, the readings, Jerome and Dr. Marshall... everything was great. I was so grateful, and so excited!
After a few more pictures, we headed to the reception. When we came in, we were introduced. At first, we didn't know what to do or where to go. Everyone was looking at us, but finally one of my bridesmaids led us to our table. The evening was filled with eating, talking, cake cutting, toasts, dancing, and more dancing.
Some special moments to remember:
- I loved dancing with my dad to "I loved her first." it was such a special time. so grateful for my daddy.
- david and i LOVED that we had so much support from pecan grove there. and we loved that they joined in on all the dancing. we imagined that our college buds would be out there line dancing and such, but we loved having our church family join in on all the fun too!
-having laura there, like i said before, was so great. she means the world to me, and i was so grateful for her and rachel both to be there.
- it was also great to have family there. we see family sometimes but never all together and never both families together.
- grateful for my mom and all her help that went into helping me plan this. i couldnt have done it without her and i would not have wanted to! thank you mom!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Rehearsal Dinner
I was so grateful for the rehearsal dinner. Everything on the day of the wedding was SUCH a whirlwind, so I was grateful for some time that moved a little slower (although, honestly, that evening flew by too. just not as bad as THE day!)
We did the typically rehearsal thing, and then moved onto the dinner. David's Dad and Jennifer had planned the rehearsal - we had yummy barbecue and cheesecake for dessert. They decorated the table with adorable pics of us. The pictures were printed on vellum, and folded in a trifold. Then there were tea lights in the middle of them, so the image on the vellum showed up better. Might sound confusing, but super cute.
My dad led us in a song of prayer and David surprised me (finally) with our honeymoon location! I didn't know until just then! He told everybody not to bother us next week because we would be in New York City!!!
Just wanted to say that I LOVED having Laura here. It meant the WORLD to me that she was here. and I got to meet the lovely Rachel. Isn't she adorable?
So grateful for my friend.
We did the typically rehearsal thing, and then moved onto the dinner. David's Dad and Jennifer had planned the rehearsal - we had yummy barbecue and cheesecake for dessert. They decorated the table with adorable pics of us. The pictures were printed on vellum, and folded in a trifold. Then there were tea lights in the middle of them, so the image on the vellum showed up better. Might sound confusing, but super cute.
My dad led us in a song of prayer and David surprised me (finally) with our honeymoon location! I didn't know until just then! He told everybody not to bother us next week because we would be in New York City!!!
Just wanted to say that I LOVED having Laura here. It meant the WORLD to me that she was here. and I got to meet the lovely Rachel. Isn't she adorable?
So grateful for my friend.
Wedding Showers
I was SO blessed - like it knocked my socks off - with wedding showers. Although, I only remembered to take pictures at two (boo!), I thought I would write a bit about each one in hopes of remembering them some day down the road.
My first shower was thrown by some of my bridesmaids. It was at Lisa's apt, and the guests were college buddies. My sweet friends threw a wonderful party -from the beautiful decorations, to the sweet guests and great presents, we had a great time. We also played some really fun games :) The guests all took a trivia quiz on David and I and our relationship - where we met, details about us, about the wedding... But then the tables turned, and I had to take a trivia quiz about David. And everytime I got an answer wrong, I had to put a HUGE piece of bubble gum in my mouth. Luckily, I know my man well and only had to succumb to two pieces :) Great games, such a sweet celebration of mine and David's relationship. I am so grateful!
Next, I had a shower at Pecan Grove. I was so surprised by this shower. David and I had only been going to this church a little while, and we didn't know the people all that well, but I could not believe how many women showed up the shower. These people know how to love so well - they didn't even know us that well and they just jumped in and loved on us. I am hugely grateful for my church family.
I also had a shower at Tallowood, thrown by all the children's directors. This was so great -these women have known me practically my whole life and have watched me grow up. It was a special special time.
Here is a picture of the wonderful hostesses.
And a few others...
My first shower was thrown by some of my bridesmaids. It was at Lisa's apt, and the guests were college buddies. My sweet friends threw a wonderful party -from the beautiful decorations, to the sweet guests and great presents, we had a great time. We also played some really fun games :) The guests all took a trivia quiz on David and I and our relationship - where we met, details about us, about the wedding... But then the tables turned, and I had to take a trivia quiz about David. And everytime I got an answer wrong, I had to put a HUGE piece of bubble gum in my mouth. Luckily, I know my man well and only had to succumb to two pieces :) Great games, such a sweet celebration of mine and David's relationship. I am so grateful!
Next, I had a shower at Pecan Grove. I was so surprised by this shower. David and I had only been going to this church a little while, and we didn't know the people all that well, but I could not believe how many women showed up the shower. These people know how to love so well - they didn't even know us that well and they just jumped in and loved on us. I am hugely grateful for my church family.
I also had a shower at Tallowood, thrown by all the children's directors. This was so great -these women have known me practically my whole life and have watched me grow up. It was a special special time.
Here is a picture of the wonderful hostesses.
And a few others...
The Wedding Plans begin!
So much to tell!!!
First, I made these cute little boxes that contained a silly poem asking the girls to be my bridesmaids.
We met up at Panera (minus my two far-away bridesmaids) and I told the girls how much I loved and appreciated them and would be HONORED if they would join in my day :)
Great night!
Then there was the dress shopping!
We looked long and hard, but in the end, we ended up with this dress, which I absolutely LOVE. Everytime I put it on, I didn't want to take it off. I was so grateful for this dress. And grateful for my mom, Amber, and Meryl who were my shopping buddies!
Then there was the cake tasting. We ended up going with Julie's Cakes. We LOVED them and would definitely recommend them to anybody for any cake needs. They took great care of us, and the cakes tasted great :)
First, I made these cute little boxes that contained a silly poem asking the girls to be my bridesmaids.
We met up at Panera (minus my two far-away bridesmaids) and I told the girls how much I loved and appreciated them and would be HONORED if they would join in my day :)
Great night!
Then there was the dress shopping!
We looked long and hard, but in the end, we ended up with this dress, which I absolutely LOVE. Everytime I put it on, I didn't want to take it off. I was so grateful for this dress. And grateful for my mom, Amber, and Meryl who were my shopping buddies!
Then there was the cake tasting. We ended up going with Julie's Cakes. We LOVED them and would definitely recommend them to anybody for any cake needs. They took great care of us, and the cakes tasted great :)
The Engagment
Well, I guess we should begin with the engagement.
David told me that he was working late, and so I decided to go out to dinner with my family before he got back. We went way out of our way for dinner. I wasn't sure why, but it seems like it was all part of the master plan ....so that on the way home we could stop by New Territory park.
My dad suggested we stop for a walk on the way home. I said I didn't really want to because David was at home waiting on us. But my family insisted on stopping for a walk, but I just couldn't understand this... why we would make David wait, while we stopped for a walk.
Well, little did I know Mr David was waiting for me at the park. There's a beautiful gazebo there, he had decorated it with candles, and was standing there holding roses. I was SO surprised!
David sang me a song, got down on one knee and delivered the most romantic speech known to man, and then asked me to be his wife. Then, he stood up and asked me for our first dance as an engaged couple.
We spend the rest of the evening calling friends, making plans and just being happy together :)
David told me that he was working late, and so I decided to go out to dinner with my family before he got back. We went way out of our way for dinner. I wasn't sure why, but it seems like it was all part of the master plan ....so that on the way home we could stop by New Territory park.
My dad suggested we stop for a walk on the way home. I said I didn't really want to because David was at home waiting on us. But my family insisted on stopping for a walk, but I just couldn't understand this... why we would make David wait, while we stopped for a walk.
Well, little did I know Mr David was waiting for me at the park. There's a beautiful gazebo there, he had decorated it with candles, and was standing there holding roses. I was SO surprised!
David sang me a song, got down on one knee and delivered the most romantic speech known to man, and then asked me to be his wife. Then, he stood up and asked me for our first dance as an engaged couple.
We spend the rest of the evening calling friends, making plans and just being happy together :)
Long Time No See
So, I haven't written in I don't know how long, but I've decided to at least come back to write some about the life leading up to the wedding, and life since. Mainly just because I have a horrible memory, and if I don't write it down, I won't remember it :)
Stay tuned!
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