Surprise!

We got a great surprise today that just made our day and our Christmas! I am 15 weeks along today, so we have known that we had 4-5 more weeks before we could find out if we were having a boy or girl. As you know, 3 weeks ago we went to see a specialist to check for genetic disorders. While there, the sonographer made a prediction that we would have a boy; but we kept that under our hat. Today, my OB asked us if the specialist had made a prediction. We told her yes, a boy; and she asked if we wanted her to take a peek. YES! Of course! So, she did, and with a little wiggling around from her HE moved around and let us take a peek. He is for sure a boy! :) We are going to name him Carter Ashton! We are so excited to know! So excited to call him "him" or "Carter" or "Little Man" or anything else boy-ish. And, so excited to start planning the nursery! Baseball/Texas Rangers theme-here we come!!!

Before leaving for the doctor we snapped this 15 week belly shot!

Labor of Love

This holiday season I have found myself a little more reflective than usual on Mary as she carried and birthed Jesus. Something about being pregnant has made me really think about how her situation differs from mine, and if I'm feeling so many different things what in the world must she have been feeling? And then, while working today, this new song from Point of Grace captured my attention. On Monday night we toured the hospital where we will be delivering our precious child. It's a beautiful, pristine Women's Center that strives to make moms and dads feel comfortable and at-home through the entire experience. Listening to this song, I am reminded that Mary's experience was far from what mine will be. It makes the scary part of labor and delivery not so scary when I think about what she went through to deliver the Savior of the World!

Labor of Love by Point of Grace

It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
And you could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David's town
And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother's hand to hold

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love

Noble Joseph at her side
Calloused hands and weary eyes
There were no mid-wives to be found
On the streets of David's town
In the middle of the night
So he held her and he prayed
Shafts of moonlight on his face
For the baby in her womb
He was the Maker of the Moon
He was the Author of the Faith
That could make the mountains move

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love

For little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
It was a labor of love.

It was not a silent night
On the streets of David's town.

12 weeks pic with silly face

Baby B Update

Hi all,

Just thought I'd do a quick update on me and Baby B. Things are going really well. At 11 1/2 weeks along I find each week that I am feeling a little better. Taking only 1 pill first thing in the morning to help with the nausea and eating much better! We went in last Friday for a checkup, and the baby's heartbeat was good and strong at 168 beats per minute. That is just a precious sound that does my heart so much good! My belly has popped. Actually, it popped pretty early-during my 9th week. There is something nice about looking pregnant and not just feeling pregnant, but it also takes some getting used to as my body seems to change every few days. I will begin posting regular belly shots in a few days. Taylor and I have narrowed down our name choices, and are anxiously awaiting mid-January when we find out what we are having and can officially name our child. We are so excited that in just a few weeks the baby will be able to hear us. Much singing to, talking to, and even reading to will begin in the near future! Hopefully in another month or so, I will begin feeling sweet little flutters of our baby moving around!

We are going to see a perinatal specialist on Monday (the 22nd). We elected to do the genetic screening that screens for indicators of Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 18, and a couple other genetic disorders. We have no fears that this will be the case, but if it is we would like to prepare for how best to take care of our baby if that is the situation. While doing this screening, they will also do a detailed look at the baby's heart. Many of you know that Taylor had a birth defect that was not discovered until he was 19 resulting in him needing to have major open heart surgery at 19 in the middle of his sophomore year of college. It is unlikely that his condition is hereditary, but because of his history we are taking a few simple extra steps to monitor the baby's heart. If for some reason Baby B has the same problem it is a much simpler fix now with a minimally invasive surgery instead of open heart. The screening on Monday will help give us some details, and a pediatric cardiologist will do an exam after the baby is born. Neither of us is worried about this, and we are very thankful and encouraged by how our doctor is helping us prepare and educate ourselves. We are actually really looking forward to Monday cause this screening is really a high tech sonogram, so we will get to see the baby. I think it will be very fascinating as they take very detailed looks at several different parts and major organs in the baby's body documenting exactly how everything is right now.

Anyway, that is a brief update on how things are right now. We are beginning to make preparations for taking some classes at the hospital, reading some books, early choosing of items for the nursery even though we aren't ready to buy, and praying lots! It's so incredibly exciting even when at times a little overwhelming. But, that's okay. We are very ready and are delighting in each step of this process!

Inspiration

Pretty much since we were engaged it has been known that should we ever have a boy the nursery will be a baseball theme-specifically Texas Rangers. In the little bit of looking I've done so far, I have found several cute blue and white crib sets that could easily be paired with baseball-themed decorations. It's all very exciting.

That being said, I have been lacking inspiration for a girl's nursery. I always thought I would find it easier to come up with a girl's nursery than a boy's. Tis not true for me.

Until today.

I went to a training today for my business, and while walking through the snack line I was hit with my inspiration. It came in the form of a napkin. Yes, a napkin.

Here's the napkin we used today:



Isn't that so much fun!!! I don't know yet what I'll do with it, but it's definitely my inspiration!

We won't know whether Baby B will be boy or girl until mid-January, but I am SO excited to have inspiration in either direction that I can run with.

Coming Soon to the Belt Home

Baby B will be making his/her debut around June 3, 2011!

Update on Fall Into Reading 2010

So I'm not off to a fantastic start for my Fall Into Reading 2010 list. Here's where I stand:

I took Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix off the list. I just decided I didn't want to go back to #5. I've read 1-5 enough that I didn't feel the need. So, I scratched it off the list and moved on to #6. I have since finished #6 and started #7.

I'm abandoning Screwtape Letters. I cannot get in to the writing style on this book. It does not hold my interest, and I don't feel myself excited to pick it up to read. I have this rule that if I'm not looking forward to reading something, then I don't read it. I'm not sure why, but I feel like it's my prerogative as a reader. Having said that, I'm not holding out much hope for The Four Loves, but I will give it a go.

So, just a few weeks in, and I've already scratched 2 books off of my list of 10. Hmmmm...I'm gonna keep reading, and maybe I'll add a few extra in the end. :)

Happy Reading!

Fall Into Reading 2010

So, a friend sent me the link to this blog the other day because she knows my taste and thought it would be something I would enjoy. I immediately loved it. The author is doing a fabulous fall activity on her blog that she is inviting others to join. It's called Fall Into Reading 2010. I'm making a list of books I'd like to read during the autumn season-from September 22nd until December 20th. I will be posting my progress along the way and then do a final update in December. The following is my list of 10 books. I might read more than this, but I just discovered this blog and tossed a list together very quickly without much time to pursue additional interests. Enjoy! (Please excuse my inability to line up my book pictures with the words. I need some work with that!)

1) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling - I have read all the Harry Potter books multiple times. Because the first part of the seventh movie is coming out in November, I decided to reread the last 3 of the series to refresh my memory.









2) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling














3) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling














4) Jane Austen Ruined My Life by Beth Pattillo - Taylor and I recently when to get our new library cards now that we are in Arlington, and while we were there I was looking through the new book section. A book called Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart caught my attention. I checked on the computer to see if it was part of a series. This book was listed by the same author, but it did not appear to be part of a series. I picked up Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart, read it, and LOVED it! I decided I wanted to try out this book as well, so we'll see how it compares!






5) The Shack by William P. Young - I read this a few years ago when it was still pretty new. I really enjoyed it, but have recently been wanting to revisit it. I thought this fall reading activity was a great time to do just that!













6) Sabrina by Lori Wick - I'm currently reading a book called Cassidy by Lori Wick. Lori Wick has long been a favorite Christian fiction author of mine. The Big Sky Dreams series is one of hers that I have never read. Therefore I added Sabrina and Jessie (see below) to this list so that I could finish the series.










7) Jessie by Lori Wick
















8) The Sweetgum Knit Lit Society by Beth Pattillo - While looking for some books to add to this list, I googled this author to see what else she had since I liked Mr. Darcy Ruined My Life. Honestly, this book is on here purely because I like the title. The title is too much fun, and it's apparently about a group of ladies that love literature and knitting. I really like that premise, so I could not help but add it to the list.









9) The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis - This book and the next book are on my list as sort of a challenge. I've never read C.S. Lewis. I own 3 or 4 of this books, but have never read them. It was time to change that, and I wanted to use my fall reading list as accountability to get out there and read something new and different!









10) The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis

Fall Ideas

Hello to my fabulous blog friends! I am looking to have some of your creativity rub off on me! I have a little cash set aside that I would like to use for fall decorations this year! I've never done fall decorations before, but I'd really like to. I'm not really into Halloween, so think just regular fall-that will take me all the way until Christmas decorating time! I would also love new and different ideas aside from carved pumpkins and wreaths on the door--love those ideas, but I already know them! I thinking about stealing this idea from my friend Jennifer! It's super cute!!!

Anyone else have any other fun fall ideas?

Mental Wonderings

The following are the random thoughts in my head today. Enjoy!

1) I had my second FriendSpeak session with Julia on Sunday. I have no idea if we made much, if any, progress with her English skills, but I got her to smile. :) That was worth the hour long session to me!

2) I think I need a creative outlet. Let me back up: I love being a stay-at-home wife. I feel productive and purposeful in our home. Between housewife and jewelry lady duties most of my days stay comfortably busy. But, there is an "ache" of sorts that I cannot diagnose. At first glance, one would think it's boredom. No, I'm not bored. What I keep landing on is a need to be creative. I do know how to crochet, but I am notorious for not finishing these projects that I start. I'm being cautious about starting another crocheting project for fear that once again I won't finish. Anyway, I'm doing some soul searching about what kind of creative project I might be able to do that will have purpose as well as satisfy my small inner "ache."

3) I think I'm going to start doing more book recommendations here on my blog. I've made recommendations in the past, but always focused on what I was reading for pleasure-mainly adult literature. But, since my background has left me with a fabulous library of children's and young adult literature I thought I might focus there. That way any mom's reading my blog might hear of a book or two they were not previously aware of that could be a possible choice for their child/family. So, be watching for this in the future!

4) The Christmas budget has been set! I have started perusing stores for gift ideas! I LOVE shopping for Christmas gifts! It's just so much fun to find something you think someone else will love! Let the fall and shopping season begin!

FriendSpeak Experience #1

Well, yesterday was the day that I "jumped off the cliff" and started participating in the FriendSpeak ministry. It ended up vastly different than I imagined. First of all, I was expecting to be matched with a college age student. I was also expecting to be placed with someone who knew English and is simply wanting to strengthen their skills and pronunciation--because that's the majority of who comes. Instead, I was placed with a terrified 7th grade girl who is simply here for 6 months (beginning in June) because her mom wants her to learn English-and she knows none. Whew! I immediately abandoned the FriendSpeak material that uses the Gospel of Luke, and tracked down some books from the preschool library at the church. Through our time together and conversations with her cousin, I was able to learn that she can read English fairly well; but she is only pronouncing it. She doesn't know what any of the words mean, and she doesn't know any conversational English. My job? To teach her conversational English in the next 4 months before she returns to China. I have absolutely no idea how to do this. But, my heart is so burdened for this young girl. She is terrified. She just sat through the first week of 7th grade probably without a clue as to what is going on around her. My guess is she's a sweet girl that has many thoughts and ideas to share but she's trapped in an environment where she cannot share them. I know this is a proven method of second language acquisition, but I am at a loss as to how to help! I'm praying fervently that God will open a way for us to learn to communicate with each other. I'm going to do some research on how to teach beginning conversational skills. We can read books all day long where she can use the pictures to tell the meaning, but that won't do her any service to make any friends at school in the next 4 months.

Needless to say, this is going to be an adventure. Whatever comes out of it, I pray simply that God will let me be an encouragement and blessing to this young girl.

Because it Scares Me

Now that the moving craziness is over, and the last two weeks we have found a fabulous new routine to our new life's chapter-the Lord is beginning to press many things upon my heart. Actually, I'm beginning to wonder if He's always been pressing these things on my heart, but I've just been too busy to pay attention. I'm not going to go into all of them today. Some of them are still so deeply personal that God and I just need to commune about them right now on our own. But, I do want to share one of them.

We received a church email last week regarding the FriendSpeak ministry that some in our congregation participate in. If you are not familiar with FriendSpeak, here's a quick synopsis: This is a ministry designed to teach individuals how to speak English using the Gospel of Luke. Most, if not all, of the individuals involved in this come from a country of Oriental origin. Most of the individuals our congregation works with are students at University of Texas at Arlington. I have always found this ministry fascinating. The goal is not to convert these sweet people, but simply to build a relationship by teaching English using the Bible. However, the "side effect" is often lengthy conversations about Jesus Christ, and many of these individuals begin exploring their own personal relationship with Him. So, back to this past week:

We received an email asking for more volunteers because UTA starts back in session this week, and it's time to be ready for these hungering students. Immediately, I realized I have the time for this now (which I always used lack of time as my excuse while I was teaching). I first thought, "I could do this." Almost immediately another thought crossed my mind, "Well, maybe I should wait and volunteer next semester instead. That way I can see how things are going to look with the college ministry. We are still so up in the air about how busy we will be with those students, and I don't want to over commit myself." I felt good about this thought process. Over committing yourself is not a great God-quality. Cause then your yes can't stay your yes...etc, etc. And, I don't want to wear myself out cause then I can't give 100% to the things I am involved in. So, I decided to go with this thought process, but run it by Taylor as well just for his confirmation. Here's how that conversation went:

Me: I was thinking about doing FriendSpeak.
Taylor: Me too.
Me: I think I'm going to wait until the Spring though.
Taylor: Why?
Me: Well, we don't know what the college ministry is going to look like, and I don't want to over commit myself and not be able to help you out.
Taylor: It's only an hour a week. We just won't schedule any college activities during that time.
Me: oh, okay. (left to my swirling thoughts)

So, just like God designed things in marriage to sometimes be - my husband, unknowingly, set me straight. My real reasons were not fear of over-commitment. There really is plenty of time in my life right now. It's true I want to use it wisely and give my best to everything unlike what I was able to do while teaching, but that was a dumb excuse in this area. Basically, I'm scared. Not of teaching someone to read in English. If you know me at all, you know I'm qualified for that! I'm terrified about what kinds of questions regarding my faith that I might be asked. I don't like doing things I'm not 100% prepared for...with 100% the "right"/"best" answers ready. Well, that's not what God calls me too. Cause He is the Answer, the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Therefore, I'm going to go build a relationship with a Taiwanese student that has a need that I can meet. I can meet the need this student will have to strengthen their English reading/speaking skills. This is his/her cup of cold water that I can give! God will take care of the rest of it if I just continue to be obedient to Him! Throughout the Bible He simply encourages us to build relationships! Through that relationship, He makes the sharing of the Gospel happen! So, pray with/for me on this journey. Taylor will be doing this as well. We begin this coming Sunday at 4:00 in the afternoon! I'm very excited, but yes, a little scared. But, once again, in the quietness of this new chapter of my life, I firmly believe God is calling me to this!

Always, Sometimes, Never

I saw this type of post on my friend Amy's blog the other day. Thought I would join in on the fun!

I Always...
...drink a cup of hot tea in the morning.
...put Carmex on before turning out the light and before getting back in bed after a middle of the night potty run.
...buckle my seatbelt.
...start a new book when I finish one cause I have to be "in the middle" of a book at all times.
...am a picky eater.
...like chocolate.
...eat breakfast.
...pull the shower curtain closed after a shower so the liner doesn't mildew.
...take a bath/shower before bed and again in the morning.

I Sometimes...
...play Wii with my husband.
...listen to a CD or the radio in my car.
...like to eat Mexican food, but not very often!
...enjoy going golfing with my husband so I can drive the cart.
...wish I could be a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech pathologist in another lifetime.
...have a good sense of direction.
...choose not to make the bed.

I Never...
...like to sweat.
...like flying!
...like rap or heavy metal music.
...get tired of shoe shopping...okay, clothes shopping, in general.
...get tired of hearing my husband tell me he loves me.
...like to have my feet tickled.
...regret buying my sweet dog, Rori.
...like Chinese food.

I'm sure there are more, but that's all my brain is thinking about for now! :) What about you?

Behind

So, I'm WAY behind in blog world. If you are a Facebook friend then you know the moving drama we have experienced and therefore understand the said blog behindness. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you will just have to wait a little longer. :) I am almost completely settled and will then get back to blogging about all the crazy and wonderful things happening in our life! :)

Random

Here's some random pics of the beginnings of the moving process. In one of them you can tell that Rori is a little unsure of what is happening and why these boxes are crowding her favorite place to lay down! On another note, I am wanting to make these Pillow Cookies that I found on the Bakerella blog. All I can say is, "YUM!" I think I will make them for our 4th of July get together. I'll let you know how they turn out! Without further ado...here's the pics:

Excitements and Sorrows

These days I am finding myself in a complex emotional state: I'm dying to move, but I'm dreading moving-all at the same time. I'm so ready to get there and be closer to where Taylor works, where the majority of our social life is, and where we will be ministering! I'm dreading packing and moving in the heat. Every move is pretty much this way. Full of excitements and sorrows.

Things I Will Miss About Our Current Place:
-This was our first place together. Because of that, it will always hold a special place in our hearts.
-garden bathtub
-walk-in closets
-big bedrooms
-fireplace
-the fabulous area all around the apartment complex
-the wonderful office staff

Things I'm Really Excited About Our New Place:
-LOTS of windows
-a huge kitchen
-beautiful laminate wood floors
-my own office that's not part of the guest room
-an aMaZiNg, big laundry room
-1.3 miles from the church
-not living on the 3rd floor
-everything is brand new
-a great storage space under the stairs

Despite the few sad "goodbyes" I'm beside myself excited and can't wait to get on with the move!!!

Random Observations

-With this job change, my husband comes home tired but happy (not grumpy); and gets up in the morning energized and excited to go to work. It's fabulous.

-Taylor told me the other day that he loves me being a stay-at-home wife. He said I'm happier, more relaxed, less grumpy, and small issues stay small issues and don't become overwhelming problems.

-I like doing at least one load of laundry a day. It doesn't get overwhelming, and it is always something I can count on getting done in a day. This may change when we have kids...I may flip to an all-laundry-in-one-day gal, but for now I'm liking this.

-My house is staying cleaner and more picked up, and that makes me feel really good.

-I am getting the luxury of being really creative with my jewelry business. I L-O-V-E it!

-This new schedule is freeing up all kinds of time to be servants at a moments notice. I love being able to say, "Yes, I can help out with that. When do you need me?"

-Taylor and I have energy to get out and do stuff together instead of just having "date nights at home." We aren't too exhausted to get out and about and just enjoy being together away from the house.

That's just a small sampling of some of the fabulous things I am discovering about the joys of this new season of our lives. More to come later, I'm sure.

Yea!

I was finally able to get my blog updated in a way I liked it. I still don't think I'm doing the banners "correctly." I can't get the banners to download, so I end up saving them as images and adding text boxes. Then I can link it into my blog as a picture. I'm sure that is the most complicated way to do it, but that's how I am able to get it to work and look cute! I love it now! A new look for this new chapter in our lives! Happy Weekend!

Under Construction

So, as you can see, I had the urge to redesign my blog again. I'm learning when it comes to blog world that background are easy. However, I have the toughest time with banners. I found a banner that I love ( Tickled Pink (Text) ), but when I click on it to download it won't do anything. Does anyone have any tips for how to get this banner into my blog? For now, please excuse the mix-matched look.

The End of an Era

It's finally here. My time to begin letting my to-do list and schedule actually follow the same path as my heart's priorities. School finished today at the end of a very long, emotionally draining week that I may choose to talk about at another time. But, it's over. I moved out my personal things. I turned in my keys. And, I left. For 24 years my life has operated on a school calendar. That will happen again, of course, once we have children in school; but for now I get to revel in what I would do if my life didn't revolve around an August to May schedule. Since I was 5 years old I have dreamed about being a teacher, and for 5 years I have been one. There were parts I thoroughly loved about it. There were parts I could have done without. A brief parent note today summed up the part I enjoyed when it said, "It is because of you that [my son] reads." That touched my heart in a place that is only touched when I'm a teacher.

But, I've reached a point in my life right now where getting up and going to work all day everyday isn't my top priority. When I started teaching, I wasn't married. I needed the job to live on, and I needed the job to provide some substance to my life. Now, I'm married, and I'm dying to make being a wife my top job! I want to be able to serve my husband by having more energy and focus at home. I am going to be able to work from home on my jewelry business touching the lives of other women while my number one focus (after my spiritual walk, of course) gets to be towards my husband and our home. I honestly don't know what to do first. I've longed for months to be at this point because there was so much I wanted to do, and now that I'm here I don't know where to start. Granted, I've only been "here" for 4 1/2 hours. I fully expect to spend the next several days and weeks learning what the rhythm of being a full-time wife while working from home feels like. I'm beside myself excited, but I'm also quietly contemplating how fabulous this feels inside.

So, for now, the teacher part of me is taking a break. Someday, Lord willing, I will open my home and heart to other children that need help learning to read--beginning my own therapy business. There is still a part inside of me that gets such joy from unlocking the door in the child that opens them up to the world of reading; and I want to one day be back doing that again. In the meantime, I am closing the back cover on this chapter of my life, curling up with a brand new book, and longing deeply to see what's inside.

Memory Verse 9

I have been debating today whether or not this passage should be part of this memory verse journey. The reason? Because I memorized it in high school. Since I grew up receiving my education at a Christian school, I was challenged weekly to memorize Scripture as part of my academic work. I can't say that many of these verses have stayed strongly memorized in my mind, but this one has. Because of this, I debated putting it into my 2010 memory verses cause it isn't new to me. But, I remembered that one of the reasons I wanted to venture out on this journey was to not only memorize but also meditate.

I have grown very weary recently of the overwhelming scream from our culture that says it's okay to be selfish and entitled. And, I hate it when that attitude comes out in me. While driving home today this verse came to mind, and I decided it was time to dedicate some mental/emotional/spiritual energy to meditating on this passage for a little while.

So, Philippians 2:4-8 is my passage for the first two weeks of May.

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!"

Memory Verse 8

Hi all! I don't have much to comment on with my next choice in Scripture memory. It's just a verse I came across that I think is important for me to have written on my heart. I find that I personally find too many things to be fearful of on a regular basis, and I want to have this verse at ready recall in those moments!

Psalm 112:7-8 (NLT)
"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly."

A New Season for The Belts

Today, on this cherished holiday, I get to let everyone know how the good Lord is living in our lives!!! We are embarking on a new journey together, and I'm thrilled to finally be able to share this with you.

For a couple years now, Taylor has been feeling the pull to leave band directing. He loves teaching; he loves music; and he's loved his students. But, the demanding schedule has caught up with him and neither of us are satisfied that a band director's schedule will fit into the way we would like our lives and family to look. Last June, we were blessed to join the Park Row congregation in Arlington here in the metroplex; and Taylor has been serving in a part-time role as the worship minister. Our time with Park Row has been incredibly fulfilling and has allowed Taylor to see more clearly the new passions and direction God is giving him! The elders at Park Row have invited us to stay on with Taylor serving as one of the full-time ministers, and we have accepted their invitation!!! Beginning June 1st, Taylor will be serving full time at the church; and we could not be more excited! He will continue his work with the worship ministry still fulfilling his passion for music. In addition to worship Taylor also has a little-known passion for college-aged young adults. Park Row is situated right next to The University of Texas at Arlington and there is a huge need for a college ministry in this area. This summer, Taylor is going to embark on the journey of building a college ministry from the ground up. At this point, this is one of the most exciting things for us on this new journey! We are getting to be totally open to the Lord's leading and getting an opportunity to get out into the community around the church in ways that have not yet been pursued. It's a very exciting time for both us and the congregation.

So, what does this mean for me? Well, this new season just would not be complete without me making a big change as well. After much praying and talking, Taylor and I have decided to allow this change in his career to also be the time for me to go ahead and transition to staying at home. We knew that would happen when we had kids anyway, and have just decided to go ahead and make this change a little earlier. There are really two reasons for this decision. First of all, as you know, last summer I joined the Premier Designs Jewelry team as an independent consultant. This business has filled areas of passion in my life that I did not know existed. I have loved the ease with which this "job" has allowed to me to get out into the community and minister to women outside of my congregation! I also did not realize how thoroughly satisfying having a home-based business would be to me. I love how I can help our family out financially while being at home and also fulfilling my role as wife at the same time. I am in the process of transitioning this business from part time to full time beginning in June. This will, Lord willing, be able to seamlessly transition into motherhood as well. Secondly, I wanted to have as much flexibility and time as possible to help Taylor out with his new endeavors at the church. I'm fully involved in his worship ministry, and we are still exploring all the ways I can be involved in a college ministry. It is SO exciting to us to work side by side on this journey, and by working from home I will be much more flexible to join him (and HIM) in this work.

Am I done with teaching forever? I hope not. I will be finishing up my training as a dyslexia therapist at the end of this school year. Sometime in the next year I will be taking my Academic Language Therapist exam, and intend to keep up my teacher's license and my C.A.L.T. even while working from home. My goal is to eventually begin private therapy for dyslexia children. Taylor and I are unsure as to the timeline on that journey, but it is something both of us want for me at some point in the future.

For now, this is where God is leading us. Taylor into a full-time supported ministry position, and me to stay home, minister to women through Premier Designs, and serve alongside my husband. In several ways, this is a huge "Abraham and Sarah," leap of faith decision; but it is one we are fully at peace about and so excited we can't stand it!! We will be moving from Lewisville to Arlington this summer to be closer and more involved with the congregation, so that will be a huge thing as well. :)

So many changes...so much God! We love you all! Thank you so much for praying us through this journey!

Memory Verse 7

I feel a little behind with this verse since it's already April 2nd. :) I've let my busy life distract me this week from my time in Bible study, so of course, it was harder to find a verse for the next two weeks. Part of this verse was mentioned in a book I am reading, so I looked it up in context. A large chunk really resonated with me for several reasons. I have had a very tough week at work this week (school not the jewelry business), and this verse really gave me strength and hope that I can get through the next 46 days! This verse is very fitting to meditate on in light of the Easter season and what this amazing weekend means to us as Christians. I hope that by spending the next two weeks meditating on this Scripture and writing it on my heart I will be more prepared to embrace the victory given to me in Christ Jesus!!! It's a long one, so here I go!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Cor 4:7-12 NIV

Quirkiness

I got this fun idea from the Living Proof Ministries blog. I thought it would be fun, and I'm in the mood for silly and fun.

Post a comment listing 10 things about yourself that I may or may not know. Not too deep, philosophical, or serious. Just facts about yourself-however quirky that you'd like. Then, come back later and visit reading the others. It's fun to see how quirky others our--it makes me feel normal. Ha!

I'll start off:

1. I have had 18 teeth pulled by a dentist in my lifetime.
2. I lived in 4 different states, 6 different cities (2 of them twice), and 13 different houses before the age of 12.
3. I love to read.
4. When I finish a book in bed at night I have to at least read one page of another book before I fall asleep-even if I'm exhausted. I have to know that I am in the middle of a book at all times.
5. I hate to fly-have to take Xanax. Not really scared we will crash-just feel trapped...I think it's claustrophia.
6. I almost cannot go to sleep without taking a bath first. I have to be beyond exhausted to do it.
7. I have a home business where I constantly get to give away hundreds of dollars in free jewelry and make other women's dreams come true of starting a home business. All with a company that is Biblically based! It's amazing. If you want more info about this...let me know in your comment.
8. I want to match my purse to my outfit, but I don't.
9. I'm a cover hog.
10. My prissy, girly dog is named Rori after Rory on the WB show Gilmore Girls.

I'm It!

So, I was reading my friend Leah's blog this afternoon and came across this fun little blog game. So, I'm going for it as well. Here's what you do:

1. Open your first photo folder on your computer
2. Scroll to the 10th picture
3. Post that picture and the story behind it



When Taylor and I had been dating for less than two months we went to visit my parents in Albuquerque. They had just recently moved there and I had not been to see them yet. The purpose of the trip was two-fold: to introduce Taylor to my parents and for Taylor to ask my dad's permission to marry me. All in one fell swoop!

Anyway, Taylor and I loved their new house (which they were renting) and we took pictures all around. This picture is obviously of the kitchen. They have since bought a house and moved to the complete other side of Albuquerque.

It's not the most fascinating picture, but I sure love the story behind the weekend we took this picture!

Who else wants to play???? Your it!!!!

Memory Verse 6

I am sitting here with my morning cup of tea enjoying my first morning of Spring Break. I have a short to-do list for the week including some intense spring cleaning as well as getting ahead with some home business objectives. But, that aside, this week will include lots of rest and lots of time spent with my hubby! When I am able to sleep in and have a little different routine than normal, I usually fail to be as great at my Bible study time. I'm going to work really hard this week to have that not be the case. In fact, I'd love to be able to use the lack of routine as a way to spend lots of time in Bible study and reflection because I don't have a clock staring me down! We'll see how it goes!!!

I have found two verses for the next two weeks that are very important to me right now. At this point in the school year I'm very overwhelmed. At school there is more to do than time to do it in the next 11 weeks. And because I also have a job from home right now it seems often that there is always work to do somewhere without a minute to rest. This overwhelmed, 2 job feeling is for a season that is quickly approaching an end; but in the meantime I need to cling to the One who will get me through this season peacefully and with purpose! So, here's my verses for the last half of March:

Isaiah 46:4
"I am He. I am He who will sustain you. For I have made you and I will carry you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Isaiah 26:3
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."

Enjoy my dear friends!

Memory Verse 5

Wow! We are done with 2 months in 2010. Time sure flies when there is lots going on. I have been working very hard this year to become more self-disciplined! It has been quite a journey-mostly mental. I have to work so hard to take control of my thoughts in order to encourage myself and hold myself accountable to several things including eating healthy, making time for exercise, and especially making time for Bible study and prayer.

The following are positives on this journey:
-Meal planning has become a much more important part of my week-for both Taylor and I. Choosing to stick with our meal plan has been even more important. 8 weeks into 2010 how are we doing? The last 2 weeks things are finally falling into a great pattern!! We eat healthier and save money!
-I am learning to take prayer into more parts of my day.
-I am learning to praise more and to choose to surround myself in praise and uplifting music more often!
-I have had small handful of weeks with 3 days of exercise.

Areas to grow:
-Continue to talk myself out of snacking in unhealthy ways!
-Until school is out-more consistently have weeks of 3 days of exercise (starting in June I hope to increase that to 4-5).
-During my quiet time in the mornings, put more emphasis on Bible reading. I'm doing more journaling, blogging, reading a book with Biblical purpose, and working on memory verses than digging deeper into Scripture. I began to discover I was lacking ideas for new memory verses cause I wasn't spending enough time in Scripture in general.

I have loved this journey I have set myself on. There are moments when I feel like Paul-that what I want to do, I don't do and what I don't want to do I do. :) There are times I end up kicking myself, but then there are times when I give God glory for giving me strength in my weaknesses.

I simply want to become more Christ-like and be a better steward to what He has given me-especially my body. By focusing on my spiritual and physical beings, I am more apt to serve God more fully!

With all of these thoughts in mind, I chose my next memory verse for March 1-15!

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7

May God bless you and yours as we exit February for 2010 and enter into March!

Deep Mourning

It's early on Tuesday morning. I just finished some much needed quiet time. I should be getting ready for school, but will most likely be running a little late today. My heart is burdened and mourning, and I needed to take a minute to share something with all of you.

We lost a sister-in-Christ yesterday. Jenny Bizaillion went home to be with the Lord around 3:30 yesterday afternoon. There is no more infection in her body. Her liver and kidneys no longer have to work. There are no more brain lesions to be concerned about. And, she is now dancing with Jesus on two healthy legs! Her husband, 9-year-old daughter, parents, brothers, and the rest of the family are currently in a state of total loss and mourning where I'm sure they each wonder how they will do this thing called life without their sweet Jenny. It is a heart-wrenching story that makes me hurt more than I have hurt in awhile. It's not fair and it leaves us with so many questions of "why" or "what if."

The following is a song that Taylor and I have been spending a lot of time listening to. I listened to this song multiple times yesterday thinking of Jenny constantly, but not knowing the news that was coming. This song speaks to the hope and the promises that are awaiting us at the end of this road called life. It doesn't stop the pain, questions, or mourning-nor should it. But, it does feed the deepest part of our souls that knows in the end we will find rest from all of this pain and hardship.

Haven Called Heaven by The Hoppers

"I have journeyed a lifetime in search of a city,
A haven of rest for my tired soul.
By faith I have seen it just o'er the horizon
From all I can tell it sure looks like home.

The winds of temptation will not blow against me.
The rains of defeat won't beat on my face.
I'll not run for shelter; I'll be safe forever.
For nothing can harm me
There in that place.

There's a Haven called Heaven
A place for the weary.
Where those with a burden
Can lay down their load.
I will rest from my labor
In the Arms of my Savior
In that Haven called Heaven
At the end of the road.

I will rest from my labor
In the Arms of my Savior
In that Haven called Heaven
At the end of the road."

I Believe...

I took a walk this afternoon. I'm working hard to become a more regular exerciser this year. My mood and my health both thank me for it! Today, the sun was out and the temp above 50 so I grabbed at the chance to walk the dog, get some exercise myself while soaking up some much needed Vitamin D!!! Often when I go on a walk by myself, I use that time alone to think and pray and soak up God's creation. Today, for some reason (aka The Holy Spirit), I found myself changing my request-prayers into believe-prayers. For example,

I believe, dear Lord, that You will heal Jenny. (see The Power of Prayer)

I believe that You are working through me in the lives of my students.

I believe that You will use me to show Christ to the ladies I encounter at my home show tomorrow night.

I believe that You will give Taylor and I wisdom as we make financial changes in our lives.

I believe that You will guide and give purpose to our ministry at Park Row.

I believe that you are daily molding me into a more Christ-like wife.

And, so on and so forth my prayer continued through my entire 25 minute walk. It was one of the most spiritually energizing walks I have ever had!!! I returned home to a short list of housework that needs to be done feeling lighter as I do when I give my burdens over to the Lord. But, I also felt like I had not spent my time just asking for things but truly praising the Lord for Who He is and What He can do! Our God is worthy of praise!

The Power of Prayer

Hello all,

I am going to take a very long story and make it short, so please bear with me if it gets confusing.

My husband grew up in Mesquite, Tx on the east side of Dallas. For years, Rick Ross preached at the Mesquite Church of Christ. My husband grew up with the three Ross children: Jenny (Now Bizaillion), Josh, and Jonathan. Almost 2 weeks ago we received word that Jenny had been admitted to the hospital in critical condition. Jenny had contracted strep while substituting at a school. Strep turned to the flu which turned to pneumonia which somehow turned into sepsis. Jenny quickly fell into severe septic shock. For two weeks things have been extremely up and down with Jenny literally fighting for her life minute by minute the first several days she was in ICU. Currently, Jenny has made huge progress, but is still very much in critical condition. She is on a ventilator and dialysis. The family is praying fervently for all of her organs to begin working again as well as for Jenny to come off of the ventilator. In addition to these complications, Jenny has also developed gangrene in her feet due to the lack of circulation from the sepsis. Her circulation is better, but the infection is still in her body. Yesterday there were serious talks of amputating both of her legs beneath the knees to stop the infection from spreading. For the time being, they have postponed that surgery, and the family is asking for prayers for a miracle.

Why am I sharing all of this? Because I deeply believe in the power of prayer. Months ago, before she was sick, Jenny blogged about her desire for Christians to be unified-to stop the bickering and divisiveness that is so prevalent among Christians these days. Due to her illness over 5000 Christians have joined her CarePages online to follow her story, offer the family encouragement, and most importantly-pray for Jenny's healing! God has been moving mountains minute by minute healing Jenny. Jenny's story has been an amazing testiment to the power of prayer and faith of believers everywhere!!! Below you will find a link to her carepages account where you can sign up for email updates where the family sends out very specific requests and updates multiple times a day. Please join the saints in praying for a fellow sister!!! May God be glorified!!!

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Jenny Bizaillion's CarePages Update

Memory Verse 4

Hello readers!

It is early on Saturday morning February 13th. Taylor and I are getting ready to leave to go meet with a sweet new couple that has been visiting our church. Before we left though, I had to take a few minutes and find a new verse for the next two weeks! I have two reasons for needing this verse right now and therefore deciding to commit it to memory. First, I am putting a lot of focus right now into expanding my Premier Designs Jewelry business. I really believe God has given me this opportunity in business as a ministry to women. I want to commit this verse to memory as I move forward in my business with God's purpose on my heart! Secondly, I am currently participating in Living Proof Ministry's blog discussion of Beth Moore's new book So Long, Insecurity. Beth referenced this verse in the chapter I was reading last night, and I quickly looked it up for full context. It is absolutely a perfect verse to wield while fighting the spiritual battle against womanly insecurities!

So, for the next two weeks I will be memorizing and meditating on Ephesians 2:10.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

I am really enjoying this journey towards committing 24 verses to heart by the end of 2010. It has been a blessing in my life already.

How about you? Is anyone joining me in this endeavor? If not, what spiritual disciplines are you pursuing at this point in your spiritual walk?

God bless!

Can I be The Pioneer Woman?

Last weekend I watched Julie and Julia. I ADORED this movie!!! My husband lovingly watched it with me because he's just that great. He laughed and liked parts of it, but if he didn't see if again he'd be okay with that. I, on the other hand, have found a new movie to add to my list of favorites.

I sat down on this beautiful snow day to make a meal plan for the next week. I try to cook new things on a regular basis to keep my husband and I from getting tired of eating the same things over and over again. We both want to be disciplined about eating at home both to keep eating healthy and to save our budget. But, I believe the only way we can do this successfully is to change up our menus on a regular basis. Last week I discovered The Pioneer Woman website for the first time!!!! So, this week in very much a Julie/Julia-fashion I will be making 4 new recipes from her website. The recipes are listed below, and I will definitely make sure I let everyone know how they turn out!

Steak Bites
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Baked Chicken with Raspberry Sauce
Simple, Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Memory Verse 3

For the next two weeks I am going to memorize two short passages that focus on giving glory to the Lord for faithfulness and success. Many of you know that I have a home business as a jewelry consultant for Premier Designs Jewelry. I am in the process of setting some specific goals for 2010 to build my business into a full-time occupation for me starting this summer. I'm beginning to reach out to other women that could use the hope that the Premier Business Opportunity brings to them and their families. But, not one step of this process has happened without God. As I work hard and strive to build this business, I wanted to implant Scriptures deep into my memory that will help maintain my focus for Who is in control of this business. In that light, I will be meditating on and committing the following to Scriptures to memory between now and February 15th:

"Not to us, O Lord, but to you goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

"The wall was finally finished. . . . When our enemies and the surrounding nations heard about it, they . . . realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." Nehemiah 6:15-16

Comments-oops

Hello friends and readers,

My mom let me know this week that she had been unable to post comments on my blog. Now, I'm sure there are not thousands of you out there just dying to comment and you haven't been able too-but a few of you might have wanted to and found yourself unable to. In addition to comment moderation, I have accidentally checked that you had to be a member of the blog to post comments. That would be the problem. So, I've fixed that. Anyone can leave a comment, but I will still keep comment moderation up and going! So, if you were wanting to join in my Memory Verse commitment feel free to come back and comment now. :) Sorry about the mishap. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Storms of Life

*Prayer and groaning for the life of a loved one living far from God
*Doubt and resistance towards following the will of God
*Hurt and pain caused by fellow Christians
*Poor countries devastated by earthquakes
*Small east Texas towns turned upside down by tornados

Storms take all kinds of forms in our lives. Some storms are not all consuming. They ebb and flow throughout our days, weeks, or months dropping us to our knees for a moment in time crying out to Almighty God. These types of storms don't necessarily rock your entire world 100% of the time. They exist, yes; but they don't cripple. They are still difficult, but they aren't debilitating.

Other storms drop us to our knees and refuse to let us up for some given period of time. Those in Haiti at this time are experiencing this type of a storm right now. There is no escape from the pain and suffering. Those with a faith in God may find themselves constantly crying out to God because if they stop for even a moment the pain will overwhelm them. A tornado hit a small east Texas town yesterday. While the devastation is nothing compared to Haiti, to the people living there it rocked their world.

As Christians we experience times in our lives with both types of storms. Some all-consuming, some not. I am at a point right now where the storm is minimal. There are moments of hurt and crying out to God; but I am not crippled. I am not devastated. I am at a peak not a valley at this point in my walk. However, others around me are in the pit. Their worlds have been rocked, and they are hurting beyond what they thought possible. I find myself today praying for these people-especially for those in Haiti.

The following song is one of my favorites that has carried me through times of devastating storms. I heard it this morning, and couldn't help but praise God for carrying me through times of pain so intense I thought I'd never see the end. I pray for Haiti, those in east Texas, and anyone else experiencing strong storms in life that this song can bring comfort to you!

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now that You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away; stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say, "Amen;" and it's still raining
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain, "I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands
And praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise You in this storm.
and I will lift my hands,
for You are who You are
No matter where I am.
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side,
and though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm.

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you and raised me up again
But my strength is almost gone
How can I carry on if I can't find You?
And as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands
and praise the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your Hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth!!

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
Cause You are who You are, no matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your Hand
You never left my side
Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

Though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm.

Memory Verse 2

I'm a little late on posting the memory verse for this second half of January. I had an incredibly wonderful, busy weekend; and I'm just now having a moment to write. The verse I chose for this part of January is something that I remembering memorizing in college. It popped up on my phone's Verse of the Day app at just the right moment last week; so, I felt it was worth revisiting and spending time meditating on for these next two weeks. There are some amazing things going on in our lives right now. I can't go into details yet on this public forum, but I can say that God is crafting an amazing story for Taylor and me. As plans for our future have been forming, we have been from one end of emotions to the next all the while speaking truth into this situation knowing God was in control! This verse directly touched my heart and emotions last week, and therefore I could not think of anything better to spend two weeks dwelling on than this.

"And we know that in ALL things GOD works for the GOOD of those who love him, who have been CALLED according to His PURPOSE." Romans 8:28

It's so very, very nice to rest in God's working and His purpose.

What is your verse for the last half of January?

Memory Verse 1

Last July, I began reading Beth Moore's Living Proof Ministries blog. I realized that last January she began a Memory Verse Team with her readers asking them to memorize 2 Scriptures a month. Here is a link to the 2nd Memory Verse post she made for the year. I never did get my act together the last half of 2009 to join up with her and the others readers. But, I committed to doing this on my own for 2010. I wanted to encourage others to do this as well. For the first two weeks of January (which are rapidly approaching an end) I chose a verse that I felt was a great launch point for the rest of my verses. Here is it:

"Since then, you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7

In 2010, I want to:
-"continue to live in Him" by being daily in His word, continually reminding myself of His power, grace, and guidance in my life
-be "rooted and built up in Him"-The Bible refers to the power of the Word of God and by daily being in the Word and committing His words to my heart and mind I hope to deepen my roots and grow taller in Him.
-be "strengthened in the faith as you were taught" - Just like so many of us, my faith has peaks and valleys. Too often I find myself praying, "Lord, help my unbelief." I want my faith strengthened. I need the Word of God flowing through me in order for that strengthening to occur.
-"overflow with thankfulness" - despite peaks and valleys that each new year brings, overflowing with thankfulness is key to helping me faith grow through the times of trials and periods of wilderness. I am committing to finding abundance with which I can overflow in thankfulness.

So, my question is, would anyone like to join me? If so, please just post your verses in my comments section so I can see what verses are important to you right now as well. Feel free to comment on your verses if you'd like or to just post your Scriptures. I'm currently praying through what I should choose for the last half of January. Verse #2 will appear this weekend! Until next time, I will pray this verse over each of you!

"Since then, you have accepted Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness!"

It's a New Year and a New Decade

Question: do you like resolutions? Do you like starting your year with fresh goals and a "to-do list" of the personal improvement variety?

I've learned something about myself in the last year. I like resolutions and setting goals to improve myself. What I don't like is New Year's resolutions. I like resolutions a few at a time whenever it's time to tackle something new. Even if it's August 5th. I think one of the reasons for this is because a long list of resolutions makes me stressed out. Tackling a few things at a time to incorporate into my daily routine is a much better plan for me! So, having said all that, here's a list of a few things that I am currently resolved to make habits. 2010 is going to be a good year!!!

1) Start the day off with Bible study and quiet time - this is 5:00 am on school days. It's really hard, but it's amazing how much better and more Christ-focused my day is when I do this. I've been doing 5:00 am for awhile now; but am discovering I need to add to this resolution the discipline to do this on the weekends and school holidays when my routine is different.

2) Eat healthy and exercise regularly. Summer of 2009 my nutritionist and I made headway on discovering some sensitivities that I have to food, and I was able to learn how to eat in a way that better managed my IBS and chronic fatigue. During the holidays (really from Thanksgiving until yesterday), I didn't stick with it as well; and I'm ready to get back in the ball game. This resolution isn't about losing weight (although I could stand to lose about 5lbs-we'll see); it's definitely about taking care of myself so that I feel good and have energy throughout my life's activities.

3) Allow a change of activity to bring with it rest. For several years now I have developed a sense that if I'm not doing absolutely nothing then I must not be resting. Of course, there is definitely something to be said for being still and quiet and resting! But, I don't need a resolution for that one-I do that well. :) I am working on accepting the fact that sometimes doing something different than my routine can bring plenty of rest. It's been very freeing, and I'm excited to continue to experiment with this.

That's just a handful of resolutions for me. I spent some time over the break thinking about and visiting with Taylor about a few other things that for the time being are going to stay between my God, my husband, and myself. The Lord is really working on me these days, and I'm excited to see what He has in store for me!

What are you resolving to do/be at this point in your life?

Christmas 2009

It's January 1st, but instead of a post about resolutions and the New Year; I'm going to post about Christmas. I'll get to the resolutions and New Year stuff in a few days! We spent a week in ABQ, NM visiting mom and dad for Christmas this year! My grandmother came up from Corpus Christi, so all five of us were together. We spend most of the week talking, laughing, watching movies, cooking, and eating. It was fabulous! In the Lowery family it's been a tradition to have Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve. This year we had another couple over to enjoy it with us. Joe and Anne Rose have known my grandparents since their college days. In fact, Joe and my Papa (Lowery) went to high school together. We sat for 3 1/2 hours on Christmas Eve and listened to Joe tell stories about those days and how my grandfather impacted his life. It was an incredible memory. We got most of it on video tape which will be a treasure always! It snowed for us 2 days before Christmas. It was beautiful, and I loved it! It turned out I would have had a little bit whiter Christmas here in Dallas, but snow is snow and 2 days before Christmas is good enough for me to call it a White Christmas! Though technically not our first Christmas as a married couple, Taylor and I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the entire Christmas season as a married couple. It was so much fun and incredibly romantic, making me all the more glad we decided to get married at Christmas time. It's such a wonderful time to rejoice in the birth of our Lord and the love He allows us to share with each other all at the same time! I'm attaching a handful of pictures from our Christmas. The complete album is on Facebook! Enjoy!