Voting

I am not the most politically minded, but I do feel like I should know what I am going to be punching on my ballot in November before I walk in the door to do so.

This year Brian had the opportunity to go to a political breakfast, hosted by one of our candidates for senate, Jason Rapert. During this event, Brian was given a lot of information, but one of the best was a newspaper that showed every candidate for the house and senate seats. They had given all the major issues that are most important to the people of America, such as abortion, homeschooling, and marriage. All of this information came from the Family Council. They give the web address, www.arkansasvotersguide.com, as a means for getting more information on the candidates. I know that a lot of my readers aren’t from Arkansas, but this might be a good place to start finding information for your state and your candidate.

A quote from the Family Council says, “Bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t vote.”, but I would go further and say that bad politicians are elected by good people who don’t educate themselves before they vote. November 6^th is coming up and we don’t just need to be praying about the election, but studying and researching the issues and candidates that will be on the ballot.

Here are a few more sites to help:

For those without TV, CNN has the debates online: http://www.cnn.com/election/2012/debates/first-presidential-debate

Family council: http://www.familycouncil.org/

Just a reminder! :)

 

ABC Dating

I know it sounds a little childish, but, I think if you will hear me out, you will love it! Brian and I lately have fallen into a pattern of being together, but not spending quality time talking and enjoy each other's company. So I set out to find a solution to our dating needs that fit our budget and time schedule. This is what I found...

You start with the first letter of the alphabet...A (for those of you who were a little slow :)

Find things in your area that start with that letter and plan out your whole date using those things.

Foods, parks, museums, attractions, people to visit, hobbies to perfect, movies to watch...whatever floats your boat or I should say puts fuel in your Airplane!
Here's what Brian and I did on our "A" date:

First, we started out at the Art museum in Little Rock.

I think we should get a bonus for having everything start with an
additional "A" for Arkansas!

Next it was dinner time, so we found an amazing wing place. I know what you are thinking.
"Erin, wings does not start with an A, honey." It was called...

See not just one "A", but two...again!

After our delicious wings, we toured the Arkansas State Capital. It had many amazing facts and it was so fun to just walk hand in hand around such an incredible building.

This was a fun CHEAP date! We only had to buy lunch and yet we spent the entire day together. There was no time limits and nothing to do but talk.

Dating your spouse is important. Life gets busy, so even if it is just a cup of coffee on the couch before bed. Talk. Find out their likes and dislikes again. People change over time and if you don't take that time, you will wake up one day to a stranger laying next to you and have to wonder where the person you married went. But if you take the time to share as life changes both of you, your spouse will always be your best friend and you will grow closer to each other as the years go by. :)

What is your spouses favorite place to watch a movie? In your home, a friends house, a theatre? Find out the little things and ask the silliest questions to get to know your spouse better.

Staying in love with my husband,

King's Club

So my last post, I told you about how busy CoHO (City of Hope Outreach) keeps Brian and I. I promised you the why and here it is.

Introducing...

King's Club. Brian and I are co-directors of this initiative with another couple. Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, we go out and get the children to play games, teach a Bible lesson, and feed them a snack. A very simple program, but one that has changed many lives and most of them were well over the age of a 6th grader. 

This is our Oakwood community bunch...they are changing so fast
and I cannot believe how much they pay attention WHEN THEY ARE TALKING! LOL


Oakwood is a trailer park that CoHO started in and it has grown ever since. These are some of the children that come out to enjoy King's Club. They range in age from K through 6th grade (with the occasional stow-away being 3 or 4 and of course they never want to leave so a few 7th and 8th graders too :)

Jack and Kristy (our co-directors) teaching at Brookside.
We are working our way through the Bible stories. This
was creation! :)

This year we have started within a new community, Brookside. It is across town, but the children know all about us from their Oakwood friends. There is so much work to be done in both communities, but already we have seen God moving. During the last King's Club after the lesson was finish (it was on the fall of man), four children came to adult volunteers with questions. 3 out of those 4 walked away with Jesus as the Lord and Master of their life, and now the work begins. There is so much more than just bring them to Christ. Making disciples and teaching them to grow into Godly men and women, who will take over programs like King's Club, with a heart for the work of God takes time and resources. We are always looking for volunteers, but, for those of you who live too far away, please put us on your prayer list. We need the encouragement and the passion of Jesus to "run and not grow weary" in this work. :)

I have learned so much from these children. They have increased my prayer life, my patience, and my passion to teach the next leaders of our communities and country what right living is all about.

No, we don't just sit on the parachute!

Look around your town or community and find a place to plug in, give of yourself, and watch how much God teaches and encourages you on a daily basis.
If you would like to donate time or resources to CoHO, please email me or visit http://www.cityhopeoutreach.com/ for more details.
 

Stay busy in His work!

Here is our "busy"ness!

I know everyone has hectic schedules these days and there is no excuss in this post, but an explanation and detailed description of why Brian and I are SOOOOOO busy! :)

Brian had back surgery in the spring and was unable to keep the job he had because of the probability of re-injury. The Lord had already been working in our hearts though to ready us for this next move.

Brian never went back to work (not because he can't). God led us to join the staff of a non-profit 501(c)3 here in Conway called City of Hope Outreach. This organization seeks to promote holistic community renewal in under resources areas through the gospel of Jesus Christ. Brian goes to work four days a week with them and we find that a lot of our conversations are centered on "work". :) It was a budget decrease for us (Brian doesn't get paid), but we have found that in the will of God His children never lack for necessities. It is an amazing place to be.

Brian and I are King's Club directors, a program that I will explain in my next post! :) (Don't ya love suspense!) We work with children and have learned so much through watching them learn about Jesus and put the pieces of salvation together for themselves through lessons, examples, mentoring, and many other facets.





 
City of Hope Outreach (CoHO for short) provides tutoring through the Oakwood Learning Academy for grades K through 7th. Our tutors come and help with homework, improve reading skills, and spend time investing in the education of the children in the Oakwood community of Conway.




CoHO has opened a technology center to provide educational programs for adults to help them complete their GED, study job skills, and fill out work applications. We encourage the adults to come to us with idea they have for THEIR community and let us help THEM implement them.

We work to provide counseling services, find financial resources and jobs, and most important encourage them to further their education about Jesus Christ.

Brian and I are sold on this non-profit. We are ready to go to battle on this ground of community renewal through the gospel of Jesus Christ because any other way change is impossible and impermanent.

For more information on CoHO or to donate time or resources to our mission, please email me or visit their website. http://www.cityhopeoutreach.com/

I hope that this post encourages you to find those under resourced areas of your community and begin working to help them find a better tomorrow through Jesus Christ.

God bless,
Erin Kingston

Looking ahead...

This week Brian and I have been at church camp in Missouri. We had a great time and loved serving the children, sponsors, and our Savior. But more on that later.

 

Here is a look into the Kingston's coming days:

• We are getting more organized. We have a new idea of what this looks like for us and that is being "INTENTIONAL" with every moment that God gives us to glorify Him.

• We are working around the house. Cleaning, unpacking, and more, since last week was Church Camp! I have learned that my house will never be my mothers, sisters, aunts, or friends. It will be mine and reflect my habits and priorities. You will find on any given night that I might have dirty clothes piled on the couch, dishes in the sink, or dirt on the floor, but I will be curled up next to my husband, who is playing a video game, working on my laptop. This to me is home, where you are always WELCOMED, but you might have to step over the piled luggage to get in!

• We are creating next months lessons for Oakwood South's Kid's Time on Monday nights. I am loving our new structure. Brian and I have been the Kid's Time (really original name right! we are working on it!) for about a month and a half. It is the first ministry that we have worked at together. This alone has been challenging. We are still molding our thoughts and ideas of what this time should look like into one final product, but we are getting there. Brian and I are writing our own curriculum for this time, so the lessons are flexible to the children we have and the topics that come up. It has been GREAT and so EDUCATIONAL!!!!! LOL

• We are trying to find ways to improve our house without running to the store first! Thoughts and Ideas are ALWAYS welcome. Brian and I love being home owners, and could use some more great ideas!

• Lastly, we are learning that being together doesn't always constitute a date, but spending SPECIAL quality memory making time together. (which is oh so hard as a newly wed couple, I might add!) So we have aired up the bike tires and have it on the schedule to go to the park on Thursday and ride. I can't WAIT!

What do the coming days hold for you?

Any special plans or commitments?

Where does God have you working?

Oakwood South

What is that? I can hear you all saying...and that's exactly what I wanted to hear!

Brian and I began church hunting just a few weeks before we got married. Since I was moving to Arkansas and he had just finished a home church, we were both ready to begin at a new church as a married couple.

We visited many different churches and denominations, but never really found our niche or felt the Holy Spirit prompting us to get involved, until Oakwood South! We started attending this church in February of 2012 and never left.

This isn't your every day run of the mill church with a steeple and I think that is why Brian and I gravitated towards it.

We meet in a trailer. We all talk, sing, and share during service. (It's ok, Baptist, it's called participatory time and, yes, it is Biblical! ;] LOL) We all sit in service, from newborn to elderly...the family worships together.

These are just a few of the things that are different about us. Our head elder is Gage Jordan, who does an amazing job at teaching and leading. (check out the Jordan Family Blog @ http://www.oneyearinoakwood.blogspot.com)  We also have a couple of elders in training. Brian started his elder training about a month ago and is thriving in it.

Our church is more than Sunday morning. It is day in, day out. It is in the muck and mire with others. It is rejoicing with and weeping with. It is at all cost, spreading the gospel, living for Christ life.

Since that fateful service when we made it clear that we were all in, Christ has changed both of us, but that's another post entirely!

Curried Pumpkin Soup

Do you ever get tired of having to cook the same thing for dinner at least once a month?

I get in a rut and find a rotation of spaghetti, chicken 'n rice, and tacos gets to be so boring! It makes me not want to cook, which leads to us running out at 7:30 at night to get something to eat or whipping up a quick box of macaroni and cheese!

So...I have committed to finding new recipes so that I actually enjoy the adventure of cooking again! This leads me to my post...a new recipe!!

Okay, so don't pay attention to the fact that my bowl
 is half gone...just know that it was yummy!



Curried Pumpkin Soup! I know it doesn't sound good, but I had pumpkin and had to try it. It was delicious. Don't take my word for it though. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1/4 cup of chopped onions
dash of chopped celery
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup pumpkin
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup ham
salt
pepper
garlic

Instructions:
Saute the onions and celery in the butter in a medium size pot. Once tender, add the curry powder. Stir in the flour to the buttermilk and add to the pot with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and add the ham. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic.

NOTE:
This recipe only makes about 4 or 5 cups once it boils down. For larger families, I would at least double it.

Our Heart and Home: Lilla Rose - Flexi Clip Reveiw and Giveaway

Our Heart and Home: Lilla Rose - Flexi Clip Reveiw and Giveaway

Check out this interesting, beautiful new hair accessory! I love the pictures!

Erin

The Study.

This is Brian's study. (I have a desk in here, but there's no telling him that makes it my study too! LOL) We are still working on it, but most of the frames have pictures in them and at least it is a functioning room now. When we first moved in, it was piled with boxes, mostly filled with books.

Check back for details on the interesting blue wall hanging.
 It has an amazing story and an even better meaning behind it!

Brian insisted on displaying his signed "Trip Lee" t-shirt. We didn't have room on the wall,
 but our futon has a middle section that pulls down so I just put it on there. Look ok?

This room is probably the least done out of what I have already shown you. I like the way it is set up, but need some bookshelve ideas.

This side of the room is my least favorite.
Too much stuff in too little of space! HELP!

What do you think? Any suggestions for this room?

Cards

I know five minutes in the store will give you a funny, sentimental, or sympathetic card, right? I just can't see having to pay the $2 (if you're lucky!) on something that most people will only look at a couple of times. In my world, homemade is much better anyway!
I know we are way past Mother's Day, but I have never been accused of being prompt! Here is a card we made for Brian's mom. It turned out super cute, I think, and I will probably use the format again!

I used sticker letters on the front because I cannot stand my own hand writing and I usually realize after I am done that I have misspelled something. Stickers make for easy corrections!

On the inside of our card, we put pictures of each "child" holding one of the letters to the word LOVE. For each letter we thought of an attribute of our mom, typed it up (again because I always make mistakes or don't like the handwriting!), printed it out, and glued it on. I used 2 pieces of card stock glued together to get the length I needed for the word. We all thought it turned out pretty cute and it was easy to do. Much better than a store bought card!

An apple a day...

     I found this week that I have obviously not been keeping up with my apples because so far this week I have seen a chiropracter, three docters, an ER room, an ultrasound tech and several lab techs. Either the apples in Arkansas are broken or I forgot a couple days!
     Today I finally got a diagnosis...pancreatitis. Let me give a brief explaination for those who don't know what that is (like me!) The pancreas creates enzymes that are sent to your stomach to break down and digest your food. These enzymes are inactive until they get out of the pancreas, but when they become active inside the pancreas, they damage the pancreas tissues causing them to inflame and infect.
     So for the next four days, I will be on a liquid diet, mainly water, sprite, gatoraide, and chicken broth. On Monday, I go back for a check up and if it hasn't improved, the doctor will keep me in the hospital for a couple of days. There they will have me fast, sustaining me through IV fluid. This should give my pancreas time to heal and recover.
     I will keep you as up-to-date as is possible through medical craziness!

Brian and I would appreciate your prayers during this time. We are just recovering from his back surgery. We really don't need another hospital stay in our young marriage! LOL

~Erin

Half 'n Half

This year I was asked to make the cake for mother's day and my mother-in-law's birthday for our family's celebration. I wasn't sure how I was going to do both, since we didn't need two whole cakes. When it all came together though, I was super happy with the outcome.

I made my mother-in-law's birthday cake with flowers because she loves to garden and grow things! She is also one of those people who makes you want to bloom right where you are planted.

As for the rest of the mothers that we were celebrating, I just wanted something that was complimenting to the birthday side with bright and cheerful colors.

The Blood Changes our walk!

    Once we are redeemed, blood purchased believers chosen by God, our loyalties change. We no longer are here to walk to fulfill the flesh to only satisfy ourselves. Jesus tells us in Matthew that he is sending His Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to live with in us. This means that the Eternal God is residing in our Spirits to comfort, convict, strengthen, and to teach us what pleases God and how we are to glorify God, which is our chief end. The Scriptures say in,

Galatians 5:16, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit,

 and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." 

We see here that Paul is telling the Galatians how to avoid the sins of the flesh by walking in the Spirit. We do this through obedience to the words of God that we find in Scripture. In this passage, God shows you how to avoid the sins of the flesh, and further down in the passage, he commands us to avoid them and shows us the things that, as his children, we can do to please him. In this Scripture, we see the importance of Bible study and times of prayer with our Lord. How are we to know his will, if we do not talk with him and listen to His Spirit and read His Word.

So now what does that look like in our lives?

It is as simple as living life as Christ would. The other day, as you know, Erin and I bought chickens at a feed store here in town. When we got home we realized that although we had paid for 6 chicken, the store had given us seven. Faced with the decision of honesty or convenience, God compelled us to honesty, even if it meant going the second mile and returning to the store to pay for the extra chicken. Though this was strange to the workers, Erin and I are trying to live more aware of the way every aspect of our lives needs to be lived walking in the Spirit.

Sola dia agloria
(To God be the glory alone)
Brian Kingston

New ADDITION!!!

Now all of you I am sure thought that I was going to announce a pregnancy...LOL but I am not. Just going to tell you of our newest additions to our home.

Yes, we still live in the city limits, but they allow us to have chickens! We are super excited about fresh eggs!

Check back soon for a post about our chicken coop building experience!

Prayer helps

I showed you our Spiritual Wall yesterday. I thought, "Wait, they might not understand why the prayer portion says forgive. Oh, and I need to put milk on the list". Well that last part wasn't important to anyone, though I did indeed put milk on the list, but the prayer idea turned out so cute I wanted to show it off. Here's the supplies I started with:

The Forgive sign we already had, but I have seen a lot of them at Christian book stores, Craft Stores, like Hobby Lobby, and even at garage sales. Other than that, scissors, a pen, key rings, index cards, and some little clips. I got my clips at Wal-Mart and they fit perfectly.


I cut the index cards in half with my decorative scissors, punched a whole in each card, and then wrote the names of people that we pray for on each card.

 

After placing the cards on key rings, I put one key ring on each clip. It turned out great and had been very usable!

Sorry about the glare...I am definitely NOT a photographer! LOL

 

Spiritual Wall

Brian and I are always looking for more and different way to help us, as a couple, grow closer to Jesus. When we bought our house, we were trying to memorize a verse in Galatians (Brian's future post) and it wasn't going too well. It is difficult when you have so many thing in a day that you need to remember things that need to get done, places you have to go, people you need to call, work that must be turned in...you get the picture.
So when Brian and I moved in, I decided that we were going to put it on the wall (not literally). I typed it in PowerPoint, so that I could add my flare to the Word Art, put it in a frame, and hung it up in our room.
Then it grew...a prayer reminder (praying), a Bible reading accountability chart (Reading), a weekly catechism question (Learning), and of course the memory verse (Memorizing)...all went up, hence the name "spiritual wall". What else can it be called?!!

Brian and I love it! It is right by our door, so when we go out we can take a peak. It brings accountability, many fun "quizzing" moments, and just a centered thought on Christ while in this room. What do you think? Anything we missed?

Our room...

The first room we are going to release for viewing just got done a few nights ago. We have been working non-stop on it and I love the way it has turned out.

Hopefully you can see the progression around the room. I still (obviously need to finish making the curtains for this room..watch for that post. They are gonna be super cute!) We decided to go with black, white, and red in our room and I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out.

The door you can see goes into the bathroom which you will see as we make our way through the house. I found our bed spread at a "Tuesday Mornings". They have a lot of cheap bedding sets. I liked it, but (at the time) it was just black white and grey. I sewed the red ribbon on there and now love it. It just made the blanket and pillows pop!

To complete the tour, you see our closet door (which is closed for good reasons!! LOL) and our bedroom door, which leads down a long hallway past the other rooms and into the living space. The hangings that you see are our "Spiritual Wall".

This is our room. Watch upcoming post for the rest of the house tour!

Too much bleach is a bad thing!

When I was a kid, I remember my mom using bleach for all her whitening needs. Just wanting to be like her (LOL), I decided to bleach my cloth napkins. What I didn't take into account was how much bleach she used or how long she left her items in the bleach water. I washed the napkins out a day later and found that each one was nicely white, but extremely holey as well.

So just FYI, when you're bleaching items, make sure to use the right amount of bleach and a couple hours will probably be sufficient. Just one of those tiny bits from my homemaking attempts I thought I would share.

Our home

Brian and I have just bought our first house. The process was grueling and tiresome. We went through at least three different contracts and banks. Problems came left and right, but then we found a cute little house and everything just fell into place.

It is amazing to me how easy thing are when you are in God's will and how plans just fall into place when He is behind them.
We love our house now and know that God put us right in this neighborhood.

Watch for room by room posts with pictures and details!!
~Erin

The Makeover

Though my life changed a little over six months ago, Brian has just started to have time to realize that he wants in my blog spot. (and in more than just the posts!) He wants to start posting things as well. Instead of managing two blogs, we are combining. Hence the make over!

What you can expect in the future:
No worries, you will still get to hear my ramblings about life, nieces and nephews, baking, and all the homemaking skills I am acquiring! However, Brian will be writing about our life in the adventure realm! LOL He has taken up dog training, is volunteering at a non-profit organization, and finishing up some schooling.

We are hoping that you will join us as we wander through life wondering at the goodness of our Savior!

Missouri travels

Missouri is my home state. I was born and raised there. Now that I have lived away from "home", I love going back. I can tell when I am getting close to home because the smells change, the air is cleaner, and the people become more friendly. It is like stepping back into a time capsule in the sleepy little town that I grew up in. Many people farm, garden, garage sale, cook out, all of those outdoors country things that we can't always do into the city.
Brian and I hate the trip, the packing, and living out of a suitcase, but we enjoy see our family and spending time with them, especially our nieces and nephews. Stay tuned for post and pictures from our last Missouri trip!

Hold on...

I know that it has been forever {again!} since I posted! I am in that stage that so many of you as readers have already walked through so I know you will understand.

I am still learning how to juggle everything. Don't get me wrong the ability to only have to go to school and not work and try to go to school is AMAZING!!!! At the same time, there is a lot more juggling that I haven't gotten down yet. Since I am going to school online, I am at home most days. This is great, but I find that I have prioritized my life incorrectly. I like for the house to be clean and everything done so that I can concentrate on school. Not a good idea. From now on school comes first, but that means pushing other things down the list...like blogging! So please be patient with me as I try to learn what goes where in our schedule!

Thanks for sticking with me!

ABC and 123s

School has started for me for the spring semester. I have two 16 week classes and two 8 week classes. This gives me 12 credits for the semester, which is how many I have to have for my military G.I. Bill. It also is nice because I only have three classes at a time. Since I had to take last semester off for my head, I think that slow is the best way to start off.
It has been going well. I have had to learn that the dishes and laundry have to wait sometimes, so that an asignment can get done.
Hopefully this won't be what I look like in the next few weeks!

Our week

Though we have been waiting for what seem forever to move into our new home, it seems we will have to wait a few more days. Today, February 13th, marks our second closing date and it seems it will pass without signing a single document. We seem to be struggling to find the right lending company to make this house ours. The first didn't complete anything. The second wouldn't accept the appraisal. So now, we are waiting, talking with our realtor, and trying to find patience that is a little allusive these days.

We are confident though that if this is the plan God has for us he will make it happen in His time.

Hope

I don't write much about my injury, but when you receive a blessing I believe you should share it.

 Since I have moved my health care to the Little Rock VA, I have been waiting for my appointment with a neurologist. Last Thursday, I had my first appointment. A resident did my exam and had an idea of care. She took it to the neurologist and he approved it. So they decided to do an occipital nerve block, which is an injection into your occipital nerve (in your neck) that is supposed to stop headaches for 2 to 4 months. They did the block right in the office and, other than some numbness in my head, I had no discomfort. If you want to read more on it, especially for those who suffer from migrains, here is a link that explains the procedure really well.

http://www.medcentral.org/Main/OccipitalNerveBlock.aspx?cpsys_redirect=404

I can't say that I have noticed a difference yet. I haven't had a disabling headache though so hopefully this is good news. We are just waiting and hoping for now. I will do my best to keep you informed on the ups and downs that come. Thank you for your prayers!

Laundry

Ok so we have been packing and preparing for our move.

This process is nuts and you think that as you take things and put them in boxes my house would get more organized...NOT!

We cleaned out the attic and since the stuff in there had been slept on by racoons (yes we have racoons in our attic) and mice, I felt the need to wash the bedding and clothing before I packed it. This also helped me see what we were keeping and what we were going to get rid of.

This is the mess that it created!

Now Mom, before you panic and jump in the car to drive seven hours and "fix" me...I should update you on my progress! LOL

So drop the keys, and relax....its folded and maybe will be put away (or worn) from here!

Hope everyone else is having a productive type day too!

Rain, rain go away

That is what Brian says that I should blog about today. Since it has been rainy here for over a week now, we are both feeling a little of that spring "blues". There are some everyday life things that are happening in our family. Some are fun and some are a little discouraging. Others bring a little fear or apprehension because of lack of knowing how they will turn out. Anyway...here are the latest and greatest developments on our journey.
~We are about (hopefully) to close on a home of our very own. It is on a huge lake and has a great fenced in yard for our dogs. All we are waiting on is the loan to go through. It is at underwriting and we should hear something today!!! YAY!

~I am about to go back to school. Classes start on February 6th. I am taking 12 hours for the semester, but two of my classes are only 8 weeks so I will only have three classes at a time. I think this will be perfect and hope that I will be able to work around my disability this way.
~We are still looking for a church home. We have found several interesting and lovable church families, but God hasn't given his stamp of approval on any of them yet. So we are just trusting and trying to enjoy the variety that we get to experience!

~I have been able to find insurance that accepts pre-existing conditions. It is expensive, but I can now (after two years of looking) see a civilian doctor! This is one of the biggest blessing and takes away a huge concern. Since we are on medical I will just add that I have been doing good. Still the usual symptoms, but they have calmed down a bit for now to only one or two a week instead of everyday.

~Brian's job is busy and he works interesting hours. It is going well though, and we feel blessed that he has it. He has also been looking at a non-profit organization for us to start helping out with. They have several different kinds of ministries (but that's a different post).

I think those are all the happenings for now. Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on life.

Sweetness

Well, I think it is sweetness. It wasn't a bad day. It wasn't a day I needed a pick me up. My husband being the sweet man he is just decided to get me flowers to brighten up our house on a rainy day. I thought they were incredibly beautiful and wanted to share the beauty with you!

Some wedding...

I know it is long overdue! So without further adue, here are some of my favorites from our wedding.

I think that this is one of my favorite pictures. Besides the fact that my hand looks so pretty and feminine (which they aren't!), I love the reminder of the rings. The forever symbol of a never-ending circle reminds me of the commitment that has been made between Brian and I. Not that it is always easy or that the fun never ends, but a commitment that no matter what comes our way we handle it together.

 Most of my family was able to come down and stay the weekend for the wedding. It was great to have all of them there.

This is one of my favorite pictures with me and my mom...showing our silly side, which is our best side!   

Brian's father died when Brian was 16. He was a major part of Brian's life and we wanted to honor him and his love for Brian. So here's how we did it...

My childhood friends and sisters!

 Life is amazing, and so unpredictable sometimes.

What God has in-store for His children, no one can imagine or fathom. He gives immense blessings, even though we don't deserve them. It has made me pause so many times. Brian and I both really, can't believe that we are here. We constantly say to ourselves, "Did you ever think three months ago that we would be here? Married?" LOL God has very strange ways of working in and through our lives.

Noise

Since I have no children and my husband is at work during the day, I have this need for noise in my house at this stage in my life. It helps with all the alone time and the boredom of doing the dishes staring at the wall. I have tried music and television, but the best noise I have found is my dogs. I got Azlan, when she was three months old. She has grown a lot and has become a great dog. Don't get me wrong she still needs more training, but she is well on her way.

The picture on the left is Azlan when I first got her.

The right is a picture of Azlan now...not much has changed.

Brian had a dog when we got married, so I now have another "day-time" companion. His name is Leo and he is quite a bit more "mature" than Azlan. Well, sometimes!

These two are constantly together and love playing, running, and walking. Azlan gets on Leo's nerves I think...Azlan will take Leo's toys and then Leo

 will chase Azlan around and around the kitchen

table and living room to get the toy back. They

provide much laughter and many smiles...some

frustration too.

So now ya see my day...or at least how it sounds! Hoping you all are having a great, noisey day too!

learning

over the last few months, as anyone who is married will confirm, brian and i have been doing a lot of learning. we have learned about each other and our little quirks. we are slowly learning how to communicate and the importance of communicating continuously. we keep learning what it looks like to put our marriage first in our schedule and then add in time with our friends and family. we are learning how to trust God with our decisions.

it is so strange. a lot of times we think that when we become an adult we arrive at a place where we know everything. so not true! since "becoming" an adult, i think i have learned more than i did all through my educational years.

as i continue to learn, i continually realize that learning is one of the biggest blessings God has given us. because of this realization, i have become aware of the astronomical number of people that have helped me learn over my life time.


so here's to all of you, who have taught, prompted, and even sometimes dragged me through lessons in my life. without all those lessons, i wouldn't be where i am today. so thank you to all of you who have been there with me.

Long Time

So it's been a long time I know, but I find myself in the January blues mode. I am unmotivated and so therefore would rather take a break in with a book than get all my work done. But life is going on!

We are in full house contract mode. Which means we have every paper record we have ever kept out for review and refiling! The table to a mess and it stays that way because I refuse to clean it up then have to redo work the next day.
We should be closing on February 13th if everything goes through with the contract. We are super excited and yes a little nervous too!

Here is the link if ya wanna take a look at "almost" our new home!

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/28-Dunbar-Rd-Conway-AR-72032/233043_zpid/

Brian lived here during college for awhile with a friend, which is how we found out that it was on the market. We were able to talk them into backing off the price and are so glad that we did.

I have found that living by faith doesn't always mean living without fear. I am not ejoying signing a contract that puts me into thousands of dollars in debt, but I know that this is where God wants me right now so I follow where he leads and let him do the worrying.

Again, sorry it took so long to write. Hoping to get into a rythme here soon! Thanks for reading!