When Two Get Together

A few weeks ago I started going through my shoe boxes full of old photos. Nate and I were getting ready to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary and I decided I would make him a video dating all the way back to when we first met. As I was going through all my old pictures I ran across several that I thought were fun and sat them aside so I could send them to the people that they were of. One of those was this photo of one of my college roommates Lanessa and her then boyfriend (now husband) Jason.

I thought it was cute and that she might enjoy having it. I also knew she was busy at the moment giving birth to her fourth little boy Clark and I had a little time before she would really be checking her email, so I sat it aside. I have been running across it and moving it from pile to pile in my house ever since. I keep thinking when I see it about how life was when this photo was taken. We were college kids in Belton, TX...and for those of you that don't know there isn't a whole lot going on in Belton. Which leads to a whole lot of just hanging out and getting to know the people you're friends with. The lack of "stuff" to do just might be to blame for some of the funnest years of my life. You don't realize it at the time but as a college student you have very little to really worry about or be responsible for...or maybe that was just me as a college student. Needless to say looking back it was a ton of fun and I'll always have a special little place in my heart for the friends who meant so much to me during that time. We've all progressed and gained the responsibilities that come with getting older, getting married, having kids...you know "grown up" stuff. Lanessa and Jason have done all these things (and done them well) but, the last few weeks they've been facing challenges on a whole new level. I posted a little bit about this a couple of weeks ago. I know anyone who is associated with UMHB is well aware of this, but I also know quite a few people read this that don't. I don't think I'm being overly dramatic when I say Lanessa has spent the better part of the last few weeks fighting for her life. She was diagnosed and has been battling Encephalitis. I won't even attempt to go into all the details...but if you would like to have an accurate account of what she has been going through her brother-in-law Chris (a.k.a the guy I spent the better part of my college years trying to impress, before Nate of course) has been posting a couple of times a day on his blog as to her condition, progress, etc. I am writing because they have had several really encouraging days in terms of progress and improvement. It is always so amazing to pray hard for something and then see it change. While we were at church this morning I kept thinking about this verse...

When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. Mathew 18:20

I know a lot of you have already been praying for this, but I'm asking those of you who haven't to "get together" with us and pray. I just think it would be so awesome for this family to have nothing but good news, progress, and things to be thankful for in the days ahead. I'm just really praying that the battle is all downhill from here. For any of you who feel compelled to lift them up I know it would be greatly appreciated...thank you.

All Grown Up

It's official. It hit me. I'm all grown up. After enjoying a week that has consisted largely of nothing but just being together we had our friends the Kephart's over for dinner. We are so thankful that they are a part of our lives. Carter (as I've mentioned before) loves Elli and Ava and that just works out GREAT because we really like their parents Marcus and Mindi. As we sat around after dinner chatting and laughing while our kids played in the background I had the realization that this is what grown ups do. They cookout, they visit, they watch their kids play. I also realized I really like being a grown up. Another thing that grown ups do is publicly share all the little and small things they love about their kid...so, I thought I would do that too! I had been meaning to share some pictures from the slumber party we had with Elli and Ava a couple of weeks ago so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. Carter and I were really excited that they spent the night hanging out with us while their parents attended the Prowler Bawl. FYI the Prowler is a jet, that's what their dad does...he flies jets...that makes him real cool! Here's a little re-cap of our night...

3 Bathing Beauties...Check!
Fun in the Tub...Check!
Cute PJ's...Check!
Brush Teeth...Check!

Quick "performance" before bed...Check!Giggle before sleep...Check!Wake Beth up at the crack of dawn...CHECK, CHECK!!!! :)

Seriously...I love these girls!

I also wanted to introduce ya'll to Carter's new sister. Her babysitter "created" her for her while I was gone one afternoon. She told me she wanted me to take her picture with her sister...I'm thinking this may mean she is REALLY ready for a sibling!I also had to post this pic of the poster she worked SO hard on for her daddy. Isn't she just the cutest artist! I love this little chick!

Reunited...and it feels so good!

Nate's back and so is "normal" life! I told him as we were driving in the car yesterday how surreal it always is. I feel like for three months hardly a moment goes by that I don't wish he was home, and then suddenly here he is and it's just so incredibly normal and perfect and did I mention normal. I love it. I had one very happy little two year old as soon as we spotted Nate's plane on the runway....

Carter never disappoints when it comes to fulfilling the scenario I've played out in my imagination...she sprints straight to Nate the second he walks into the air terminal:

These two are always SO happy to see each other...

And, I'm sure it goes without saying...but, these two are always pretty happy to see each other too!And, I think when you are two peace is about as simple as having your daddy home...it sort of makes everything right in the world.Welcome home Nate! Our hearts are so happy you're here.

Welcome to Our Home

Today's the day! Carter and I are headed to get Nate in just a couple of short hours!! Other than the fact that I feel like I'm going to throw up (don't worry, that's normal for me) everything is ready! Our house is spic and span (because let's face it, nothing says welcome home honey like a freshly mopped floor and a sparkling toilet)! In all honesty I know most of my friends are like this too, and I think the real reason we clean is to keep ourselves busy. So, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to welcome YOU to our home, I mean being that it's clean and all! So, without further ado...Come on In (and don't mind the Saturday morning cartoons playing in the background)...

Back to School COOL

In honor of the back-to-school craze I had to share this super cute gear with ya'll! Technically Carter isn't heading "back-to-school" she's just heading to mother's day out once a week...but that was justification enough for this OH SO CUTE polka-dotted backpack from Room It Up!
I did some major internet searching people and this line of fun patterns and designs is by far the cutest stuff I've seen (they even have a camo for little boys). They make really great little lunch boxes too! The best deal I found on it is on a site called Taylor Nicole. She is actually selling it about $5 cheaper than anyone else and that includes a custom monogram or name embroidery (and come to think of it that camo with a hot pink name on would look really cute on a little girl too)! Woo-Hoo...is that exciting or what! K, I realize I'm a mom, these are the things that fire me up in life, can we say SCARY!

Looks Like We Made It

Well, it's no secret that the ups and downs of being separated from Nate over the last 3 months have sometimes left me feeling like this...When your husband works for Uncle Sam you sometimes feel like you live on an emotional roller coaster. I realize that most of you who read this have "read" about mine over the last few months and I just want to say THANKS! Thanks for all the support, encouragement, and prayers. This blog has truly become an outlet for me. I don't filter a lot of what I put on here...meaning I've given myself permission to be honest. Even though that may mean I sometimes go back re-read something at a later date and don't love what I had to say. I've always been someone who likes to get my feelings out on paper, and although I never dreamed that "paper" would become something anyone else would read I am thankful for this little spot. It has truly helped me through some of the tough moments and so again I say thank you. And, in case it's not blatantly obvious I'm thankful and sentimental and have knots in my stomach because...drum roll please...my hubby's on his way home!!! I just got that "official" call that he's leaving and is really on his way. It's always a bit surreal. I mean you think about the day he'll be home from the second he leaves and then suddenly it's here and it dawns on you, "hey, we made it through another one of these things!" Tonight as Carter and I prayed I just felt overwhelmed and thanked God for seeing us through. He knows better than anyone how this has felt and how this has affected each member of our family. He has also faithfully seen us to this place where we will soon be reunited. He is so good. After our prayers Carter did what she has done every night for the last couple of weeks. During a sleepover with Elli and Ava (blog on that later) we made a paper chain to help us count the days until Daddy got home. It started off looking like this...And after tonight it looks like this...

Needless to say that makes us both VERY excited. So, around 1 o'clock on Saturday this guy~pictured here with his crew (he's the very tan, very good looking, blonde in the center of the photo, you see him right? He's the one with the huge white smile)...He's going to be showered with love, adoration and attention from a couple of girls who just can't wait to see him!!! We love you Nate, hurry home!!!

Pictures & Prayers

I wanted to share the latest photos I've taken. We spent a sunny summer evening last week hanging out with our good friends the Kepharts. Their friendship has meant so much to us and Elli and Ava are about the closest thing Carter has to cousins! I love these girls! They are patient, kind and loving friends for my daughter~what more could a mom ask for! Carter can often be a feisty little 2 year old, but they take her in stride and she loves them dearly. They are a beautiful reflection of their wonderful parents. This family makes it easy to get great pictures! Here's a little slide show of our evening together:









And, on an entirely different subject...I would like to ask you to join with those who are praying for my friend Lanessa and her family. Lanessa was one of my college roommates and is a devoted Army wife and mom to her four boy's. She just gave birth and shortly after began having complications due to Encephalitis. My friend Sara has a little more information about her current condition in this post. Prayer is so powerful...I know that they would appreciate yours. Thank you so much...

Six Years Ago

I carry your heart with me

(I carry it in my heart)




I am never without it



(anywhere I go you go, my dear;




and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)




I fear no fate

(for you are my fate, my sweet)

I want no world

(for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and its you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root

and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky

of a tree called life;

which grows higher than the soul can hope

or a mind can hide)

and this is the wonder

that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart

(I carry it in my heart) e.e.cummings

Six years ago today...I married my very best friend. Nathan, I can honestly say I don't have the words to express what my heart feels for you. Thank you for winning me over...thank you for making our romance the center of your adventure...thank you for being the man I always dreamed of spending my life with. In spite of the miles between us I know you are right here with me...I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart).

J-E-L-L-O

So, in an attempt to be a little more "healthy" I've been trying to refrain from buying those things that I know I'll regret eating. For me that means no double stuffed Oreos. I've been doing my best to give myself alternatives to satisfy my sweet tooth. One thing that seemed like a great option are these sugar free, low calorie, pudding snacks, with get this...ONLY 60 calories (I tend to prefer the vanilla)...
It all sounds so good in theory...the problem is I just ate 3. I'm pretty sure that defeats the whole purpose. Valiant effort. Off to bed...gotta' go sleep off my pudding hangover.

Dirty Cuba

I know most of you who read this are people who pray. As a follow up to the post I wrote yesterday please be praying for our good friends the Nix's and their son Jayson. Jayson was injured in yesterday's U.S. game against Cuba. It was nothing but dirty if you ask me...I couldn't help but get fired up after watching and reading the article. I know Leslie and Lyndsay are the ones who read this blog...we love you and are praying for quick healing!!

Happiest Girl in the Whole U.S.A

I've been loving the Olympics. I think enjoying competition is something that has been a part of me for about as long as I can remember. Maybe that is why watching these amazing athletes compete is so fun. It takes me back to the days when that was so much a part of my life. The other night I caught a commercial that Nike aired about girl's softball. That really took me back. For so many of my growing up years there was softball and little else around our house. This commercial captures that perfectly:


When I was 6 my dad, who just happens to be one of the best high school football coaches in the state of Texas, had taken a job with an oil company in West Texas. "Giving up" his passion was not an easy thing. Lucky for me he decided coaching his kids just might fill the void. When I was 7 he signed me up for Little League. As the only girl on my team I learned fast. The next year someone suggested fast pitch softball. My dad took coaching me and the other girls that would become a part of our family very seriously...it felt good to have someone believe in you like that. I played throughout my childhood for various league teams and the same club team every summer. It was a blast. We were little girls who were tough...and that felt good. It's been a good long while now since I played my last game for my college softball team...but the lessons you learn from athletics just don't go away. I have heard my dad in my ear so many times when things get tough. I can hear him passionately telling this group of young women that someday we would be moms, we would be wives, we would no longer be softball players, but the lessons we learned playing softball would be what would get us through the hard times. I think what he meant was that in a lot of way's life is a competition. And, let's face it, being a mom could be an Olympic sport of its own! We're all faced with those moments day in and day out, do you quit when things get a little rough or do you push through. I'm thankful my dad taught me what it means to "grind". I'm thankful that deep down I know I've got what it takes. I hope I can teach my daughter the same thing about herself. It's a priceless lesson to learn.

And while we're on the topic of competition and the Olympics I must make a small claim to fame. Our good friends growing up have gone on to make competition a way of life. They both play baseball for a living (yeah they're pretty cool). So, this year Jayson Nix is the starting second baseman for the U.S.A. Olympic team! Yeah, he's kind of a big deal! Look even George Bush thinks so:

Congratulations Jayson...you've come a long way!

And actually, come to think of it, when I see my hair in that photo, SO HAVE I!!!

You're It!

I was "tagged" to do this a few weeks ago by my friend Casey and meant to, but totally forgot! Better late than never I guess! I thought it was a fun idea...

The Rules: Take 10 pictures (no cleaning up first) and then tag 3 more friends.

1. Favorite Destination

I have Nate on the brain in a big way (seeing as we'll hopefully be seeing him a week from Saturday for the first time in almost 3 months). So, my favorite destination has to be the arms of the guy who my heart belongs to (I'm looking REALLY forward to visiting them very soon) :

2. Self-Portrait:

Fresh from a day at the beach!

3. What the Kiddo's are doing:

Well, I just have one kiddo, and she's currently working on "figuring out" how to operate the dishwasher, did I hit the jackpot or what!?

4. My closet:

It's no walk-in but I'm thankful for both sides. I need all the space I can get! This side is currently sporting my summer wardrobe:

5. Laundry Room

Whistle while you work:

6. The Refrigerator:

My favorite gift in quite a while were these storage containers from French Bull. They make leftovers fun!

7. Favorite room in the house:

I couldn't choose between either our bedroom (most people who know me know I LOVE to sleep! I also LOVE my hubby so this room is an obvious choice)!
My other favorite room is right next door! It belongs to my sweet little Carter. I love that it looks like "girliness" just exploded in here. I also love the games that get played, books that get read, and what it "represents" in my life overall!

8. The Bathroom:

Carter's made the list...it was cleaner!

9. The Kitchen Sink:

Pretty clean, except for the lone brownie pan that sits a soakin'. The secret to surviving your husbands abscence...lots and lots of brownies (which should be followed up by lots and lots of working out, so he still recognizes you when he returns)!

10. Favorite Shoes

Easy decision. Hands down my Rainbow Flip Flops...thanks Kim for enlightening me...

I tag Sam, Sara, and Janelle (who to the best of my recollection never followed through on your tag from Elaine, or I guess it was Shannon :), I would also love to tag Lanessa but seeing as the newest Allman just arrived I'll save you for next time! :)