here's to 730 days of love

Today, I celebrate 2 years of wedded bliss to best man I know. When I think back over the last two years, I'm amazed at how fast they have flown by and all that we have seen and experienced.  I think back to September 3, 2011 and see a 20 year old girl who thought she had love all figured out-- little did she know how much she had left to learn.  I knew I was jumping into the ride of my life, but I didn't know that ride would be so exciting and frustrating, joyous and painful, lively and exhausting.  Marriage is hard work and don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise.  This love that you've never felt for another person before takes lots of nurturing and protecting, and sometimes it just wears you out.

But with all of that said, these have been the best 2 years of my life.  I truly didn't know my heart could love this much.  I didn't know I was capable of caring for someone so deeply.  I had no idea I could literally fall more in love with the same man day after day after day.  Jeremy Davis rocks my world.

As we've been approaching this anniversary, I sort of had this idea that this year wasn't really that special. You know its just 2 years right? Like your first anniversary is so special, and then 5 years, 10 years, and so on.  But 2? No big deal... just another year.  However, as I woke up this morning (late as usual) I was reminded during the rush of both of us tripping over each other trying to get out the door on time, that 2 years is a big deal. 730 days. Why do we only choose to celebrate "big" or "important" milestones? You always hear about people's firsts and lasts, but how often do you hear about the in-between?

So this year I'm committing to living and loving each and every new day that God gives me and Jeremy to its absolute fullest. I want to appreciate and treasure the every day sameness.  I want to cherish all the "unimportant" moments that I so easily forget.  I want to pause a little longer to listen to Jeremy when he shares his dreams with me. I want to live in the moment even if that means getting behind on my ever-so-important to do list. I want to laugh a little harder when Jeremy teases me, even when I really "need" him to hurry. I want to intentionally smile when I'm going around picking up all of the things he's left out throughout the day. I want to "stop and smell the roses" a little more this year than I did the last.  I heard a quote the other day that said life only passes us by because we let it.  I think thats true.  We get so wrapped up into our routines and schedules and chores and obligations that life's little moments just fly right on past us.

So Jeremy, this year I vow to love you more intentionally, more passionately, and more thoughtfully than I did last year.  Every day that I wake up with you by my side is going to be a good day, regardless of what it may hold.  Together we are going to make it through the hard days, and we're going to share the laughs of all the wonderful days. Keep holding my hand as we walk this crazy journey and tackle whatever comes our way.

I love you MORE.

happy birthday, america Part 2

On July 4th, Jeremy and I slept in (which was wonderful) and then got up and dressed in our red, white, and blue and headed to my parents house! We spent the day there making festive desserts for the cookout later in the day.

^^I love anything cheesy on a holiday, and these star spangled sugar cookies and American flag cake just made my day! A big shout out to my mom and sister for a fun day of baking!^^

^^He is such a good sport with all of my holiday celebrating, and I think he even enjoys it at times but shhh he won't admit that to anyone!^^ 

^^my little old Papa grilling for the family. He's cute.^^

^^this little guy turned 3 that day! Happy Birthday, Aden!^^

^^we played outside after dinner. They were crazy, hyper, and couldn't wait for fireworks!^^

^^Jeremy brought his fishing gear and had a little help from two cute mini fishermen after dinner.^^

Another fourth of July in the books! Lots of fun was had by all.  Thankful for a wonderful country to celebrate, and praying we never take our freedoms for granted! 

Happy Birthday, America

I love to celebrate and I love holidays! Here's a few photos of how we celebrated the good 'ole USA...

^^This year we had an entire week of Fourth of July celebrations starting with the annual Mustang Firework show! We went to Jeremy's little hometown of Mustang, Oklahoma and headed out to the the park with his parents.^^

^^The band Super Freak played and they were so fun! They kind of have a 70's disco sound which apparently I really like because I couldn't get enough of it! You can check them out here and find out where you can see them play around OKC.^^

^^he's my favorite.^^

A wonderful firework show and an all-around fantastic night! Part 2 coming soon...

fishing weekend fun

Jeremy and I kicked off our summer with a short weekend trip to Arkansas to see my Grandpa and do a little fishing! We had a great time even though we didn't catch anything. Here's a few pics to enjoy from our little get away.... 

We loved this little jump-start to our summer, and can't wait to get back for another visit soon! 

a day of gratefulness

During the aftermath of the violent tornado that destroyed a good portion of our city, Jeremy and I had our last Sunday at our home church.  It snuck up on us, and came quicker than we had anticipated.  Everyone was distracted by the week's tragic events, and we had little time to reflect on our time there. I'm just now getting around to this post because life is been one crazy thing after another. But now I'm thankful that life has slowed down just a little, and I can look back on the good times I had at Graceway Baptist Church. 

I first came to this church when I was 5 years old... that's almost 17 years ago... a long time. I grew up at this church quite literally. Many of my days were spent inside that funny looking building in the picture above. The majority of my memories are somehow connected with this church.  I met some of my best friends at this church.  I went to countless vacation bible schools, children's camps, youth camps, and mission trips with Graceway.  I was saved and baptized there, and learned so many foundational truths that will guide me through the rest of my life. I met my husband through a church trip, and later married him at this church. Graceway will forever and always be apart of me.  I am so thankful for this place, and grateful for the many people there who helped raise me.  I'm thankful for parents who placed me in a church where I heard the truth every time I was there. I'm thankful my brother and sister and I have such wonderful memories together at this church.  I'm thankful for the friendships that I made at a young age that are still with me today. I'm thankful that this church and the truth taught there assisted my husband in surrendering his life to the Lord, and being baptized there as well.  I'm just thankful. God is so good!

I am flooded with countless memories and good times as I write this. Jeremy and I are so thankful for Graceway, and will always hold the people there in our hearts and in our prayers. We are excited to see where God takes us next, and anticipate it to be an awesome ride! We know the people of Graceway will be faithful to pray for us, and we are forever grateful for that. We will be back often to visit, and will take the truths taught to us to advance the kingdom of Christ for His glory! 

We love you, Graceway!

this is my home.

So thankful for all the rescue workers, medical staff, volunteers, churches, etc that are helping to rebuild the city of Moore. Please do your part by volunteering your time or making a donation. This is our time to "let our light shine before men, and glorify our Father in heaven."

Check out this video that is going around on Facebook... it captures the spirit of the community in Moore, Oklahoma perfectly! Together we will be OK!
City of Moore Facebook Video

Pray for Oklahoma

So thankful to be safe and sound after the horrific tornado ripped through Oklahoma yesterday.  Our prayers are with those who are less fortunate, and we are grieving with those who lost lives of loved ones and homes.  I love Oklahoma, and I love seeing our community come together and help each other out. Proud to be an Okie! Here's an update from Jeremy's blog, check it out!

A Deadly Tornado Hits Moore Oklahoma, Again.

I am so grateful to report that Chelsea and I made it through the recent storms safely and do not have any damage. As most of your know, we live in the South OKC/Moore Oklahoma area. The tornado did come very close to us and our home but we only lost power and water.

I left my work on the north side of OKC at about 2:10, thinking I had plenty of time to get some things from our home then go to a storm cellar of some family friends. By the time I got to the south side of OKC I realized I need to get to the cellar ASAP, and that is what I did. Chelsea was at work in Moore and went to a safe room in the building. Chelsea was very close to the tornado and because of the jammed phone lines I wasn't sure if she was okay for 30 mins- 1 hour after the tornado was over.

The day of the tornado and the day after my church family at Graceway Baptist began to collect donations and open up the church for victims of the storm. We were able to get into the destroyed areas and pass out food and water. I have attached some pictures I took while we were out as well as pictures posted on New Channel 4's kfor.com. I have also added the live stream of News Channel 4 so you can see live coverage of the relief efforts.

If you would like to help or give to relief efforts please go to www.okdisasterhelp.com or call Graceway Baptist Church at (405) 691-1934.

>>Click on the photo to view the full size<<

These are my pictures:

 New Channel 4's pictures: