Sunday, July 31, 2011

Needs

Have you ever gone through a time when you just felt like, all at once, there are so many needs around you?  It seems like bad news and trying times are all around right now.  Three different situations that have been brought to my attention-and all I can do is pray.  Will you join me?

  • Deborah passed away last night.  I have written about her on this blog.  Sudden cancer in an otherwise extremely healthy women.  She leaves behind her husband and 6 year old daughter.
  • A friend who is struggling with an intense case of baby blues.  Adding to it, she is by herself with her newborn daughter temporarily. 
  • Some friends in San Antonio who recently discovered that their unborn daughter has a chromosomal disorder that will prevent her from living a normal life.
Isaiah 40:26-31.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Cousin Time!!



I know I don't mention them much on this blog, but I have a niece and a nephew.  They are W's only cousins.  One of the hard parts of living so far away is that I am missing out on so much with them.  The last time I saw baby "B", he was 3 months old.  Now, he is nearly walking.  His big sister "C" is such fun.  She is into all the girly things that my boy doesn't like.  She even taught me the names of all of the Disney Princess's horses-talk about something I would NEVER learn as a mother of a boy!

  I really wish that W had the opportunity to see them more often, but we are taking advantage of this summer vacation to schedule lots of playdates.  We rode up to Birmingham last week for a short morning together followed by lunch.  I plan to schedule several more before we leave.

 Gotta love cousins!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

8 Years

What does 8 years of marriage look like to this gal?  Let's see....
~3 moves
~2 states
~2 countries
~lots of laughs
~a few tears
~1 funny little dog
~1 final round at the Masters
~2 teaching jobs
~2 rank changes
~an unknown number of Pappasito's fajitas
~1 BCS Championship and Heisman Trophy
~1 amazing little boy

....and that's just the beginning.  I am so blessed by Ryan and so lucky he chose me.  I am not one to get get overly sappy or cheesy (especially on a public blog), but I sure do love that guy and can't wait to see where life's adventure will take us next!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Silver and Gold


"Make new friends, but keep the old.  One is silver and the other gold."

I have known the ladies in this picture since I was an awkward, annoying 7th grader.  We have shared laughs, tears, and New Kids on the Block concerts.  When we are together, the years melt away and we giggle and chat like high schoolers.  We got together at a lake house this weekend for a sleepover and "girl time".  We stayed up until 3:00!  That's the thing about old friends-you can pick up right where you left off as if no time has passed.  The same day as this picture was taken, I had lunch with Kelley.  It might be hard to believe, but we STILL talk almost every day-even though an ocean separates us.  She knows me as well as anyone.  That's another thing about old friends-they really KNOW you.  They remember you as a teenager, a college student, a young adult.  They were there for your triumphs, failures, and embarrassments.  They have seen it all-and still love you.

The funny thing is, I find myself missing my "new" friends too.  I thought that once I got home, I could just press the "pause" button on Turkey for a little bit.  What I failed to realize is that they too are an important part of who I am.  One great advantage to frequent moving is the opportunity to constantly make new friends.  I think that when you live in the same place for an extended period, you tend to socialize with the same people day after day, year after year.  Nothing wrong with that, but making new friends is just as important as keeping old ones.  They meet you where you are, and might walk you through a particular season of life.  They inject fresh energy and life into you.  They don't know the "old you" and never have too.  They too are a great blessing.

So today, I am thankful for ALL of my friends-both the silver and the golden ones :).

Sunday, July 3, 2011

She was.......an American Girl

Any Tom Petty fans out there?  I have always loved this song.  And man, can I identify with it's chorus.

We arrived in the States 2 days ago.  I am just relishing everything.  Driving my car.  Listening to my favorite radio stations.  Shopping and more shopping.  Seeing my family and friends.  Going to Wal-Mart for the first time in almost a year was amazing for both me and W.  I am seeing everything through fresh eyes.

In the last year, I have seen amazing places.  Biblical ruins.  Charming German villages.  The stunning Austrian Alps.  But nothing is so beautiful as my home.

July 4th is tomorrow.  I can't think of it coming at a better time for me personally.  I am so in love with my country right now-everything about it.  I know this place isn't perfect.  I know that in a few weeks the newness will fade.  But right now, I am so grateful to celebrate the USA while actually being in the USA.

Happy 4th everyone!!