in love.

On 7.7.07 Mark and I got married! I cannot believe how fast the time gone and what all has happened since that wonderful day in July two years ago.

We have so many fantastic memories from our first two years of marriage and I can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us. I truly grow more in love with my dear hubby every day and couldn't be more thankful for what an incredible man and husband he is. He is always there to support, laugh, encourage, challenge and love me. I don't know what I'd do without him.

Here we are at a fun, romantic dinner on 7.7.09:

Sweet Quote:

"Duty can pack an adequate sack lunch, but love may decide to enclose a little love note inside.... Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs (even to teenagers!) .... Duty gets offended quickly if it isn't appreciated, but love learns to laugh a lot and to work for the sheer joy of doing it. Obligation can pour a glass of milk, but quite often, love adds a little chocolate."

(from 'Love Adds a Little Chocolate' quoted in 'Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World')

my happy place

We spent the week of July 4th in Perdido Key, Florida with my family hanging out at the beach - my favorite place in the whole world. It was the most wonderful week ever! The weather was perfect and the water was crystal clear most of the time. We had a blast laying out, laughing, working on puzzles, playing in the waves on the sand bar in the ocean, eating awesome food, shopping and just being together. I am so thankful for such an incredible family and for the time we get to spend together!

Kaitlyn (my brother's girlfriend) and my cousins Anna and Aimee:

all the cousins:

We all drove from Perdido Key to the Hallums (my cousins') house in Baton Rouge on the 4th and my aunt and uncle hosted a big shrimp boil! It was amazing!

They surprised Mark and I with a cake to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary! So sweet!

It was a great getaway.... especially since the day we got back Mark started his third year of med school in Amarillo and it has been a whirlwind ever since. I feel like I have hardly seen him all week :( He is enjoying it but he has to work 12 hour days at the hospital and is just exhausted. I've heard this week was the worst though... so we'll see. I hope it gets better! I miss my hubby but couldn't be more proud of him.

beachtime!

We're off.... as soon as Mark finishes his test today we'll be footloose and fancy free in Perdido Key for a whole week!! Can't wait to be with my fam and all the cousins! It's my all time favorite time of year. See you tomorrow beach :)

pray with me.

My dear hubby has been studying day and night for six weeks for his STEP 1 board exam and it's here! He takes it from 8-5 (all stinkin' day long!) this Friday. No matter how the test goes, I really couldn't be more proud of him! Please join me in praying for his knowledge, understanding, strength, determination, confidence, endurance and peace as he prepares these next few days and then as he goes in to take it on Friday!! I know he would appreciate it!

Here's what I've been praying for him today:

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul." Proverbs 2:6-10

325 Sunset

Finally finished... home sweet home.

hair.

Since December I've been saying I am going to chop my hair off before we go to the beach.... well it's here now and we're leaving for the beach in a week and now I can't decide if I should do it. My hair grows like a snail and the thought of just chopping it all off after I've been so patient to let it grow throughout the last two years is killing me. But then I think, why am I even growing it out anyway since it basically doesn't grow..... ahhhh. I need advice! Do you think I should cut it or let is stay "long"??

ok... I cut it and I love it :) Now I'm ready for the beach!

as of late...

There is no other way to start this blog than to say GOD IS SO GOOD! Things aren't perfect and most things in our life are still a little crazy but in the midst of everything it is just so freeing to know that GOD IS GOOD, ALWAYS, NO MATTER WHAT. I know He has a plan for our lives and will carry it on until the day of completion (Phil 1:6).... and that gives me HOPE.

With that said... these past few weeks have certainly been a whirlwind. A few days after moving into our new house in Amarillo, we traveled to the Texas Star Ranch near Ft. Worth for the wedding of Chris & Meredith Lancaster. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and we were excited to get to be there. Here are some pics from the wedding:
The following weekend my parents drove down from Missouri to stay with us for five days and help us get moved in and set up. It was such a blessing to have so much help from my parents and from the Masons! (especially since Mark doesn't have much free time to work on stuff because he's studying) It really was a special time with my parents and I couldn't be more thankful for their love, their generosity and their willingness to help in every way!

Our main project was the flower beds in the front of the house. We added the porch and brick columns and we're still waiting on the iron railing to be put it. We also added a cute black awning over the front window. We tore out all the old plants, brought in new soil, framed it in rock, planted a crepe myrtle tree and a bush, planted boxwoods in the back and monkey grass in the front, then filled in the rest with pretty flowers! My parents also got us a fun rocker bench for the porch (which is now my favorite spot!!) One of my other favorites is our new red door!! My sweet mom labored over at least five coats of red paint on that door and it looks fantastic! I love it. The whole proces was A LOT of hard work but it all looks soooo much better.

BEFORE:

IN PROGRESS:

AFTER:

My dad and Mark spent almost a whole day trimming trees on the side of the house and cleaning up the backyard. It seriously looks like a new house! My dad also spent A LOT of time trying to fix our washer and finally got it working! He's such a fix-it-man. There were about a million other things we did while they were here and I'm going to make a list later. I was so sad to see them go but cannot wait to see them when we head to the beach in a few short weeks!! Thanks for all your help mom and dad!! I love you more than words.

AND MORE IMPORTANTLY: June 4, 2009 my best bestie in the whole world and her husband (Lindsay and Elliott) welcomed their first little baby girl into the world - Avery Elizabeth Drake. Praise Jesus! They live in the DR so unfortunately I won't be able to meet baby Avery for a while :( but skype will have to suffice for now. She's a week old today and just the cutest thing you've ever seen!! Lindsay and Elliott are doing great and I know they are already the most incredible parents! I couldn't be more excited for them!

More updates and pictures to come...