Anniversary and Heritage Day

We have been without internet for about a week now, so I am a little behind on blogging. Last Sunday, Jarred and I went to Duluth for our "anniversary gift we gave ourselves." We had dinner at Opa! a yummy Greek restaurant. It was delicious, and now I want to go to Greece more than ever. Then we headed over to the Michael Buble concert. I felt like we were at a "grown-up" concert. It was a little more formal than other concerts I have been to, but it was perfect for our anniversary!

 

This weekend, my family came to Lineville for a visit. . . . just in time for a Central football game and Heritage Day.

 

Jarred giving a tour through his hometown . . .

 

Vendors were set up all through the town. There were so many talented people selling their arts and crafts.

 

I really enjoyed having Mom, Dad, and Joseph in town, experiencing life in Clay County.

 

 

I spent an hour working the bounce house for the church. . . .

 

And ended up inside, after my little friend Chloe asked me to join her.

 

After lunch and nap time (a necessity in my family!), we met up with our friends, the Upchurchs, for a "tour" of their family chicken houses.

 

Today, I went out to the car show to finish up some shopping at the booths (plus I was curious to see some of the cars).

 

Cars aren't necessarily my hobby, but I really enjoyed seeing all the fancy cars that people have put work into.

 

I don't need another hobby (especially an expensive one), but I do hope to get to go back to the car show next year.

 

My friend's engagement

One of my best friends got engaged last weekend. Since it's been posted on Facebook I've been able to brag on this sweet friend on Facebook, Instagram, and now my blog. The reason this engagement is so exciting to me is because of how special of a friend Lacey is to me. So tonight, I have gone through pictures of me and Lacey, and it has been a bit emotional (happy emotional!). I'm so happy for Lacey to have found her "prince charming" as cheesy as that is.

 

Lacey was my roommate for 2+ years. She is unlike any other girl friend my age, because she is so mature in her faith. Literally, I can't think of anyone else my age who is so humble. I'm sure anyone that knows Lacey would agree. So, after picking through pictures, this is what I narrowed it down to. . . . . I know it's ALOT of pictures, but we have shared a lot of good times in the last 6 years of our friendship. I'm not adding any captions, even though every picture has a story. Congrats to my friend, Lacey!

 

 

        

Two Year Anniversary

Jarred and I celebrated our two year anniversary yesterday. Because of how busy things have been lately, it was a laid back celebration. Sunday, my grandparents and parents came to visit for the day. It always makes me so happy to be surrounded by family. With Monday being a holiday, we had a relaxed day and caught up on some sleep. That evening we headed to Oxford to have an anniversary dinner at Long Horn Steakhouse. Tuesday, on our anniversary, it was back to routine. We had a few sweet friends bring by cards and food. With this being a more laid back anniversary, all I cared about was getting to spend time with Jarred. Last year, we watched our wedding video. This year I read through the list of all the wedding gifts that people gave us. I'm thankful for all those that either came to our wedding and/or gave us a wedding gift that has helped make our house a home.  

 

 

 

Two years down, many more to go.

Lake Charles visit

After a busy week (I took the Praxis in Birmingham and thankfully passed), Jarred and I headed out of Lineville early (and by early I mean 3:15am) to fly out of Atlanta. I was so thankful to get to fly on this visit. When we go to Jarred's graduation in December, we are taking the drive.

 

This weekend we went for a "business trip" as Jarred called it. I liked calling it a social trip. Anyways, he had a comprehensive exam at McNeese. Friday I got to swing by the Trinity Center where I used to work to see how things are going. Also, I got a chance to have coffee with a couple of old clients, which I really enjoyed.

 

For dinner, we went with friends to a newer place in downtown Lake Charles. It's an upscale hotdog restaurant. I don't like hotdogs (and yes, I am an American), but I am always willing to try things. It turned out to be really good along with some sweet potato fries!

 

 

Saturday morning, I did some reading while Jarred took his exam. Lola decided to snuggle up with me under the blanket.

 

I "borrowed" Brodie to go on a walk with my friend Holly and her dog. I ended up having to carry the poor thing half the way. I guess short legs make for twice the work to keep up. He pretty much passed out when we got home.

 

We couldn't visit LC without a visit to Chick-fil-A. We were glad to have a few friends to meet up with us, including Jarred's buddy, Isabella.

 

Ms. Bessie, one of our favorite "guests" from working at Chick-fil-A, ate lunch with us.

 

I'm think Bella may have stolen my husband's heart for about an hour ;)

 

 

Saturday night, I went to a baby shower for a friend and got to catch up with some people from our Sunday School class. Jarred opted for watching Auburn football with his brother.

 

We had such a blast hanging out with David and Kimberly. I had forgotten how hilarious they are as a couple and it makes me miss them more.

The weekend just went by too fast. . . . 

 

But we look forward to the next get together :)

 

One another topic. . . I've been thinking about this blog some. The last couple years I've used it to keep our family and friends updated on the latest in our lives. I'm thinking I want to change the purpose of the blog. I still want to give updates. But, I would like for it to be spiritual inspiration to people too. I would like to share things that God is showing/teaching us in our life.

 

I feel like so much has changed in our lives since we moved to Lineville (even though it hasn't even been three months). Our first couple years of marriage in Lake Charles were a lot of fun and seemed like the typical newlywed stage. As we settle into this next stage of life in Lineville, I pray that my devotion to the Lord deepens and grows.

 

Here's a super short summary of some the things God is teaching me: grace, unconditional love, patience, perseverance, and much more!

 

In Sunday School at Trinity yesterday, Rickey spoke on James 5. Here's a quick summary of what I took away from it:

1. Warning to Rich Oppressors - I don't want to envy or desire monetary wealth

2. Patience in Suffering - I have got to wait on the Lord

3. The Prayer of Faith - Pray for others