Thankful

Maybe it's my hormones, but more than ever I feel as if I have so much to be thankful for this year. 

I am thankful for my job.
I have made some of the sweetest friends, like Rebeca, who encourage me, bring yummy homemade enchilada leftovers for me to have at lunch, and know what I mean when I say that I am going to lose my mind if I hear one more person tattle. Three years ago when I was desperately looking for a job, I couldn't imagine how perfectly things would fall into place. I work at a school where I love my coworkers and more than anything those sweet kiddos I get to spend every day with.

I am thankful for our home.
 I think so many times I get caught up in wanting our house to look perfect; I focus on the rooms that still need to be decorated, the counters I want to redo and the paint that still needs to be touched up that I forget how lucky we are to even have a home.

I am thankful for my family.
(and my amazing mother and father in law, too!)
I can't wait to see my parents become grandparents and know that our baby is going to be so, so lucky to have so many people love him/her.

I am thankful for my husband.
There was an article floating around the internet a few months ago written by a women who said that she didn't believe God designed one perfect person for anyone. And while I do think that there are a number of men who could have fit the bill for my husband, I do wholeheartedly believe that God had a hand in putting Ryan and I together. I am thankful for all Ryan does for our family and I can't imagine doing life with anyone else.
Plus, there isn't anyone else who would put up with my crazy. :)

I am thankful for our baby. 

My pregnancy has been a dream so far and I cannot even put into words the joy it brings me to know that there is a precious little baby growing inside me. I can't even type any more on that topic or I'll become a crying mess and I've already done my makeup today. :)

But more than anything I am thankful for Jesus. 

I am thankful for my Saviour who not only gave His life for me, but has blessed me beyond measure. I pray that I always have a spirit continuously praising and thanking Him for his faithfulness, love and undeserving grace. Homes, husbands, children and loved ones are all just the icing on the cake, because if we truly know Jesus then we understand that He is all we need in this life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

One Last Hurrah

At the end of July, Ryan and I had one last Summer hurrah when we went to Sandestin, Florida with his family. Glynda and Dan (my sweet MIL & FIL) have a time share there and we were so lucky to get to tag along with them! {warning...picture overload occurring in this post!}

Loaded down and headed to Florida!

We drove to Louisiana and spent the night in New Orleans. Can you believe I had never been there!? It was so nice to break up the long drive with a little layover!

We met up with the rest of the family for dinner and then went out on Bourbon Street with Lyn and Bethany (our niece and nephew...who are our age. don't worry, we didn't take 12 year olds out to see the sights :) )

Ryan enjoying something yummy!

Let me just say that I was not prepared for what occurs here. My eyes may never recover. Lord. Have. Mercy.

The next day we got up and enjoyed some beignets from Cafe du Monde (where I forgot to take a picture. bad blogger) and then walked around a bit.

We finally reached Sandestin Sunday evening and got right to work relaxin'!

Ryan had to do a little work, but with a bay view it wasn't too painful!

I finally got to read 'Sparkly Green Earrings' and it was hilarious! The perfect beach read! Thanks, KGK! :)

Ryan also was lucky enough to get a brand new background for his phone while we were there! Lucky him! #selfie

 One night Ryan and I went out for dinner and drinks and I may or may not have had a little too much fun. As in the equivalent of college fun. Well worth it though. :)

 Baytown wharf was a quick 5 minute walk from where we were staying, so we ventured down there several evenings. Ryan had to have some cotton candy and I went ahead and booked a dentist appointment to fill all the cavities he was bound to get while enjoying his sticky treat.

Glynda cooked dinner one night for all the family and it was delish!

 Ironically, we were in Florida for our engagement date, so we went to dinner at Bud and Ally's which is the same restaurant that Ryan took me to right before he proposed!

Left: me at dinner right before Ryan popped the question

Right: now!

(yes, I wore the same dress. I'm a sucker for a before and after and to be honest, that maxi is one of my faves. My sister will tell me how ridiculous I am for doing that, but I own it)

Funny story....when we sat down to dinner at Bud and Ally's Ryan and I looked at the menu and decided that nothing there really sounded good. So we ordered an appetizer and then hit up a burger stand where we enjoyed a hot dog and corn dog. No one could ever accuse me of being high maintenance when it comes to food! I'm an American food kinda girl all the way!

Here we are in the (round about) same spot where Ryan proposed! Can't believe it's already been two years. I know in the blink of an eye it will be 20.

Florida was the perfect way to end our summer.
Beaches, family, yummy food, and my favorite guy. What more could a girl ask for?

Love, Sweet Love

28 years ago these two kids got married.

They said "I Do" to love, faithfulness and a life that was sure to be full of ups and downs. 

Together, they have raised two daughters (well, almost... Macey still has one more year!), shared lots of laughs along with plenty of tears, and made sacrifices that I have only just begun to understand. 

Those bangs. Thank goodness I wised up and let those babies grow out!

I am so grateful for parents who taught me the importance of forgiveness, loving deeply, and most importantly loving Jesus. 

Thank you, Mom and Dad for giving me a curfew even when my friends didn't have one, fixing my car every time I got in a wreck (not that I've had many of those or anything), and taking me to church on Sundays when I would have preferred to sleep in. 

I pray that one day Ryan and I will be the kind of parents to our children that you have been to me.

Happy 28th Anniversary!