Our "not dates" turned into "Will you marry me?"

After 2 “not dates”, a hand full of real dates and a million Skype dates I am engaged to the man of my dreams.

I was surprised with a phone call on September 29^th. He was home from Afghaniston for leave. I was so excited that when I hung up the phone I sprained my foot from jumping up and down screaming. That didn’t keep me from running outside to tell my dad the best news I’ve ever received.

We’ve known each other for 4 years but have really gotten to know each other the beginning of this year. When John started emailing me I was cautious. I would wait a few days or so before emailing him back. I did not want him thinking I was interested in a relationship. That was the last thing on my list and I was just fine all by myself. I even told my sisters I wasn't sure about his intentions and I thought it was weird. Well, I do believe God had other plans for me and was laughing the whole time. April 25^th was our first “not date” and our second on April 29^th before he left for the month of May for training. May 21^st was our first real date. But he was only home for the weekend. That is the most we had dated up until this point. He left, gone for 130 days. I believe that we have one of the strongest foundations any two people could ever ask for in a relationship. So, He was home. We dated. We laughed. We had Christmas in October. We meet family. We made plans for the future. We got to hold hands. One of my favorite sayings now is “Don’t take things for granted” Holding his hand means more to me than I ever thought it would.

October 2^nd, He asked my dad for his blessing. Thankfully, my dad likes him! Jthat’s a huge bonus! October 8^th, I thought he was having second thoughts. Come to find out it was the little boy coming out of him that was so nervous. We were sitting in the gazebo, it was dark and the frogs and bugs were chirping. The most romantic moment ever. I could feel his heart start to spend up, he pulls away looking at me with the biggest smile on his face, gets down on one knee and asks, “Will you marry me?” I, of course replied with the biggest smile “YES”

I get to marry my best friend. The one that I’ve been waiting for to come into my life. The man that I want to grow old with, to have babies with, that I can be myself with. We’ve finally found each other and we get to say “I do” before our God and families in 280 days. I can truly feel God pouring down his blessings on John and I.

He's now back in Afghanistan and has been for just shy of a month. The home stretch of the deployment! Only 148 days until April 1st. It will be later in the month when we will finally be reunited but I don't really feel like counting those days! :)

Hours turn into days. Days turn into weeks. Weeks turn into months. The next 148 days will be over before we know it! I love you so much John!

I almost forgot something so important.....I finally faced my biggest fear and John got to go with me. We went skydiving together. It was amazing but that is a blog in its self ! ;)

My not so boring summer

I am sure it is hard to imagine me complaining about how boring my summer was. But I did.

A lot.

So, I decided what I really needed to do is still down and write out every fun thing I could possibly remember from my summer 2011. And that is what I did.

1. Went rock wall climbing for the first time and became belay certified.

2. Went to Fedora and had fondue for the first time.

3. Ziplined with my mom, dad and two younger sisters.

4. Went to Chicago over Memorial Day weekend with Brandi.

5. Went on a romantic carriage ride.

6. Tried BBQ chicken pizza with pineapple....it was interesting!

7. Fell head over heels for the greatest man ever.

8. Jumped in the pool fully clothed.

9. Went to urgent care for the first time in my life for a dog bite.

10. Went antiquing with Leandra and Hannah.

11. Tried grilling for the first time. Failed and tried again two months later and succeeded.

12. Went to St. Louis 3 times which included going to the Cheesecake factory, visiting a wonderful friend, and going to the U2 concert with Rebekah.

13. Bought my wedding dress while accompanied by my great friend Nila.

14. Went to Murphy's orchard.

15. Had a wonderful 4th of July which included our awesome homemade slip n slide.

16. Played Just danced and liked it....for the most part.

17. Tried Andy's key lime pie concrete for the first time. I'd rather have something with chocolate but it was good.

18. Went to moonshine beach.

19. Went to Big Surf.

20. Kickball and game nights with the posse.

21. Had great family days and sister days.

22. Tons of skype dates! I've never dated so much in my life!

23. Had Fun random days with my baby sisters. (e.g. Falling off Tiffany's bed trying to make fun of her, Dancing like idiots to random songs, going to McDonald's for a .50 cone, jumping in the pool fully clothed.....and so many more)

 

I'd say that I had a pretty awesome summer! I know my fall is going to be even better and for the first time ever in my life, I can't wait until winter. Only because that means John will be home on his short leave and then just a short few months until the deployment is over. Oh, how I can't wait for the day to have him home.

I am so blessed.



Missing my soldier

We all miss or have missed someone in life. Whether they are down the street, across the world or have passed on. We've all been there. However, I'm not sure anyone can really grasp missing someone until they are unreachable. You can't travel there and they can't travel home until their orders have been completed.

You have to learn patience. You sometimes live in fear. You have to learn to smile even when you want to cry. You cherish the smallest things. You accept that 3 minute skype call when it never seems long enough. You learn to be silent when there is silence. You learn to lean on God even more. You learn that there is so much more to life.

I am grateful for my soldier and couldn't be more proud of the stand that he makes daily.

So, when you miss that person down the street, go see them and cherish every moment you have.

I would like to introduce you to my art.

This is the first tattoo I got. I was 19 and didn't really know what I wanted. I took my mom into the tattoo parlor looking at the pictures on the wall. Of course stars are one of my absolute favorite creations God made. My mom actually picked this one out. A couple days later I was back getting it done. You may be able to tell but this one is on my low back. Crazy, because some times I forget I even have this one but still love it. However, Not sure I'll ever get it touched up! Most painful one yet.

This next one I got when I was 20 and was designed by my brother-in-law. It is a four leaf clover and a horseshoe, In memory of my Grandpa. His life was way to short but he sure did leave such a great impression on my life. Three of my sisters, 1 cousin and I all have this one. This one is placed on my right inner ankle.

And last but most likely not least, I was 23 when I put so much thought into what I wanted so badly as a daily reminder of my faith. The word strength does not refer to my personal strength but the strength that God provides me with and a reminder that its ok for me to be weak and completely fall into God's arms and let him carry me through and be my strength. The Sparrow is for the old hymn "His eye is on the sparrow" one of the most amazing songs ever and a reminder that He will never take his eyes off of me. This one is placed on my left side.

                             

To me if you are going to put any type of permanent ink on your body, make sure it means something.
                                          I love every one of mine.

Little things that make my heart smile.

So many times in life we over look the small stuff in life. The little things that just make our hearts smile.

Today I had a few hours to waste so I went to a flea market. As soon as I walked in I heard a meow. I looked down and the sweetest little cat was looking at me. So, of course I had to pet her. She started to follow me through the market. I found it hilarious. I just wanted to pick her up and take her home with me!

The second thing is going to make me sound like a crazy lady that would fight over the dessert bar at the buffet! Back in what? October I believe, when the Andy's on Sunshine burnt down I vowed that I would not eat Andy's until they re-opened. Well, Today as I came to Springfield to the dentist (I don't have cavities so its ok!) I thought I would just go ahead and use my birthday coupon not knowing that they just re-opened on Sunshine! Crazy! But it made me smile! I can't wait until I leave Toyota to indulge in a James Brown Funky Jackhammer!

That's the most exciting thing going on around here! Life is grand!

Living by faith. Not just talking about it.

Having Faith is easy. Actually putting faith into action is a little more difficult.

I have dreamt since I was a little girl of working with animals. For some crazy reason never pursued it. I have now been presented with a huge opportunity to join a clinic in Springfield. Full, on the job training.I never thought I'd have such a great offer placed before me.

Looking back on my faith, 5+ years ago and how I didn't truly relying on God  has changed drastically. Now, by no means am I saying I have perfected my walk with God but I can honestly tell you that when I sat on my bed in tears knowing that "I couldn't" give my tithe because I thought I "don't think I can" make it until next payday but did it anyway, That He pulled through! Just in this past week He as amazed me with His wonderful works!

I am so stinking excited to start this new chapter in life! And thanking God for blessing my life.

If there is one thing I have learned most in my life is to never stop trusting, Never stop being faithful, and never stop giving God what's His.


Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future.
     It's  simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.
                                                                   - Joni Erickson Tada

Our first embarkation

I love to travel. Seeing new things is so exciting. In March this year I started researching Cruise lines out of bordem. Than realized how cheap it really was. So, 7 months later here we are 3 days away from our very first embarkation. It doesn't even seem real at this point. We truly have all been blessed to be able to go on such an adventure that most people never will have the privilege to go on. In the last month I have seen God provide in so many ways for all four of us! I love the fact that I know without a doubt that I can rely on Him for everything!
For those left behind, please do not take our excitement as bragging or boosting. None of us never thought we'd be going on such a trip and this is all out of excitement and God blessing us beyond our belief.  We want you to share in our excitement with us!
The last thing I ask of all you readers is to keep us in your prayers. We are driving from Missouri to Miami, Florida......Close to a 24 hour trip one way! Most people think we are crazy, We can't wait to make memories!
Well, I've got packing to do and errands to run! Don't miss us to much! XO