The Newlywed Life

Catching Up

2010-07-08T13:59:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted since March, but quite frankly sometimes I feel like I don't have much to say that would be exciting. Since I last posted I finished subbing and have spent the summer at home bored out of my mind honestly. Brian has been working hard and I'm so thankful for how hard he works for us. He recently moved to the office he originally started out at in Humble.

Last week I went to Aaron's 4th of July parade at school and it was SO cute! It was raining but we didn't let that rain on our parade and truly had a parade! Here's a cute picture of him riding his bike in the parade.

I truly can't believe that in just a few short months my favorite nephew will be 3!! There are times when I look at him and say holy cow when did he turn into such a person instead of a baby!! The stuff he says will keep you laughing forever!! Aaron I love you and can't imagine a better job than being your aunt!!

This is truly how I feel at this very point in my life!! I am still looking for a teaching job, but I have faith and am trusting God that He has the perfect job out there for me. I'm not good at waiting so waiting for my dream job is hard! Hey anyone that was born 3 months early was not meant to be good at waiting in life is what I always say.

We are leaving today to go to Brian's parent's house because Brian will be turning 27 on Sunday!! I will post about his birthday when we get back. Have a great and safe weekend everyone!

A Whole Year Already?!

2010-03-09T13:36:00.006-06:00

On Sunday (March 7th) Brian and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary and I can honestly say that the last year of our lives has flown by!! We celebrated all weekend...Saturday we went to a movie and out to dinner at Cheesecake Factory and then on Sunday we grilled steaks and corn on the cob for dinner. It was a perfect anniversary weekend!! A few weeks ago Brian got 2 new suits for work so that was his anniversary present (who knew suits were so expensive!) and he got me a diamond heart shaped necklace & yes he went to Jared's!

Everyone told me to enjoy every minute of our wedding day, because it would fly by and then later it would seem like a whirlwind and it definitely has. It's crazy to think that this time last year we were on our honeymoon in Disney World & how I've wanted to go back every month since!

Again thank you to our parent's and awesome friends & family that made our day so special! Also who can forget the crazy adventure that my brother sent us on the night before the wedding! Kim and I are going to have to think of a way to pay him back at his wedding! HaHa!

To my wonderful husband: Thank you for making this last year the best year of my life! We don't always see eye to eye on everything but at the end of the day we love each other and would do anything for one another and that's all that matters. I can't wait to look back on our 2 year anniversary and see what our lives have been like over the last year and for many more years to come! I love you with all my heart!

One of my favorite wedding pics.

My bubba never smiles in pictures but this picture right here let me know that all he'd been through and had to go back and face was worth ever bit of it!

Look how cute & little he is...oh yeah and at my pretty sister too! :)

Such a big boy! He can do everything by himself these days!

Catching Up

2010-02-11T19:59:00.002-06:00

Ok so I know I've been horrible at blogging, but honestly I don't feel like anything that interesting has been going on in our lives! Here's a recap of 2009 (ok so I stole this idea from my friend Michelle) :)

January: I rung in the new year with bronchitis..what fun! We had our wedding shower on January 24th & got lots of great gifts from wonderful friends & family! 4 days later we flew to San Diego, CA to see my lil bubba graduate marine bootcamp!
February: Flight got delayed in San Diego, but we made it home in time to watch the superbowl! We spent our last valentine's as an engaged couple & were busy putting the last minute touches on our wedding!
March: WE FINALLY SAID I DO!! It was a crazy few days leading up to the wedding, but it all came together & lil bubba even made it home!! We spent a wonderful week in Disney World & I've asked to go back every month since!! We started looking for our first home!! My best friend Julie had her beautiful baby girl Olivia!!
April: Closed on our house on April 30th!!
May: Moved out of our 1 bedroom apartment and into our beautiful new home!!
June: Started Summer School (last math class ever) with fingers crossed!
July: Brian turned 26!! Ended summer school with a surprising B & a huge sigh of relief to have taken my last math class ever! Thanked God for saving dad a year ago on July 17th!
August: Saw George Strait in concert for the 1st time ever and it was AMAZING!! I turned 24!! I also quit my job of 5 years and started student teaching!! Lil bubba came home!! Applied for graduation!! Celebrated Melinda's birthday!
September: fully into student teaching & working on my huge graduation project (AKA...Teacher Work Sample) Julie came home!!
October: Turned in above mentioned TWS...Finally! Celebrated dad, Aaron, and Guy's birthdays! Still can't believe Aaron turned 2!! Had a fun kids dress up party on Halloween at Kim's. Where Aaron was superman and Olivia was a ladybug! 2nd part of student teaching began!
November: Celebrated Matt, Mikey, and Kim's birthday's!! Kim & Guy hosted their 1st Thanksgiving!!
December: Graduation month had finally arrived!! Celebrated mom and Granny's birthday (they have the same bday) We spent the entire month counting down the days til graduation, Brian working, attending Christmas programs and parties, and visited Brian's parent's twice (we visited them other times during the year too, but I can't remember when)!! GRADUATION DAY FINALLY ARRIVED!! After 5 long years I finally had my degree!!

So far this year we've: celebrated Mikey's dad's 90th birthday, celebrated Nan's birthday, I got my teacher's certification & degree, Brian moved to The Woodlands office, and now we're getting ready to celebrate our 1st Valentine's as a married couple and in just 24 days will celebrate our 1 year anniversary!! The last year of my life has literally flown by & I can't wait to see what the next year has in store!!

Tomorrow's The Day!!

2009-12-17T08:06:00.004-06:00

WOW....I can't believe that graduation day is just 1 day away!! It feels like forever I've waited forever for this day to get here!! When I look back on my college experience it really has gone by fast!! I know there were many times when I wondered if graduation would ever get here, but it really did fly by!! I couldn't have gotten to this day without some very important people, so here's a few thank you's for them, though thank you is not nearly enough!!

Brian: I couldn't have made it this far without you! You have been there to encourage and support me every step of the way since the day I met you! You have always made sure that I've had whatever I needed for school and just wanted me to do the best I could. You have worked so hard over the last 4 months so that I could student teach and get to this point and for that I thank you more than you know! I know at times I get aggrivated because you work so much, but it really is a huge blessing to me to have a husband that works so hard! I love you with all my heart! I'm ready to start my "big girl" job and enjoy the next stage of our life! Oh and by the way you're running out of exscuses!! ;)

My Parents: I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for you! Thank you for constantly encouraging me and reminding me that the reward at the end is well worth it! I can remember all the times I would have a final that I was so worried about, I would call my mom while I was driving to my final and she'd always pray for me! Those prayers got me through alot of tough finals! I remember calling my dad and crying because I didn't know how I was going to pay for summer school 2 years ago and he said you don't worry about how to pay for it, I will figure something out! Thank you mom, dad, & Melinda for all that you've done for me!

Granny & Mikey: Wow I definitely would not be here without you! I'm following in my granny's footsteps of being a teacher and she's helped me more times than I can count. Whether it was needing an idea for a lesson or just giving me advice on a lesson, or helping me decorate a weather bear on her kitchen table as part of a project! Mikey and I have spent hundreds of hours at their kitchen table studying! He has definitely gotten me through some tough classes! I remember calling him this summer and telling him that I got a B in my math class (that we studied so hard for!) and I was so surprised, because I really just wanted a C so I could pass the class. He told me that he'd prayed and told my granny that he really believed that I would receive a B. My grandparent's have been huge prayer warriors and have prayed before every big test that I've had!

Kim: Thank you for always encouraging me! Thank you for understanding when I had to go home and study rather than hang out! It wasn't fun to say no I couldn't hang out, but it worked out in the end. You have always been excited for every test that I've passed or good news that I've gotten! Thank you for being such a great sister, but also one of my best friends! Thank you also for making me an aunt...being Aaron's aunt has brought more joy to my life than I ever thought possible! Being an aunt is one of the greatest jobs in the whole world & I promise to give you that opportunity eventually! :) Oh yeah thanks for marrying Guy...he's a pretty cool brother in law too :)

Lil Bubba: You have always been there for me, you are not only my baby brother but one of my best friends! You have always encouraged me and been excited for me when I got good news! I have no doubt that I will hear you when I walk across the stage tomorrow night! I also had no doubt that some way some how you would be there tomorrow night! Like you said you were 1700 miles away from home for my wedding and you made it! I better hear you tomorrow night!

If I've forgotten anyone please forgive me! You know I love each and every one of you and couldn't have made it to this day without all of you!

Congrats to my fellow education majors....we did it ladies...we made it to graduation!!

I Am Thankful

2009-11-25T15:52:00.003-06:00

Today I just want to reflect on everything that I am thankful for. I think sometimes we all forget that we have alot to be thankful for and sometimes it helps to be reminded.

I am thankful first and foremost for God always providing for me and my family's needs no matter how big or small! I have learned alot this year to not worry about the small stuff (or the big stuff for that matter) and to just let God have it and He'll take care of it! Not always in my timing but in His perfect timing!
A husband that will give me the world and tries to whenever possible. He is a very hard worker. He works alot of long hours, but he always makes sure we have everything we need and most things that I want ;) even if sometimes he doesn't understand why I want (aka need) them!
Parent's that are some of my very best friends! I would truly be lost without them! They have always been there (and always will be) cheering me on and without them I would not be where I am today.
My sister and brother that I would do anything for! Kim & I may not always see eye to eye on everything but we always have eachother's back! She brought a wonderful brother in law & the most adorable nephew into my life! I am proud of her and the person she has become! I am thankful for my lil bubba, because I know that no matter what he will always be there. We have been through alot with him, but it has all worked out for the best. He always keeps us on our toes and is the proudest uncle to our sweet nephew! I am thankful that he's here this Thanksgiving and not in California!
My adorable, oh so sweet (well most of the time...hehe!) nephew! He makes me life and smile no matter what! He has taught me to see the world through his eyes. I love how he says Kel Kel and I love you and he can always make me laugh! I love how excited he gest when he sees me! I love that he would live outside if his momma would let him and that he's 100% boy! I love that he will still let us hold him (well sometimes) and that he is always willing to give the sweetest hugs!
For my grandparent's...these two mean more to me than they'll ever know! I would definitely not be here without them today! They have helped me get through school and have always believed in me. If I've ever needed anything (or still do) they are never more than a phone call away.
I am thankful that in just a few short weeks I will be getting my degree, something that will be an asset to me all of my life and will allow me to do something that I absolutely love and can't imagine myself doing anything else!
I am thankful for a wonderful student teaching experience! This is something that I have prayed for, for a very long time! I have been blessed to have had 2 very WONDERFUL mentor teachers!
I am thankful that my best friend (who I've had since I was 6) was finally able to move back home in September! She is a wonderful mother to a beautiful baby girl and has always been such a wonderful friend to me!
I am thankful for the wonderful teaching job that God has in store for me, at just the right place that He picked out for me!

I have so much to be thankful for and I'm sure I've forgotten something or someone, so if I have please forgive me! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and get to spend alot of time with your family. We will spend it at Kim's where there will be good food and lots of family!

One Year Ago Today!!

2009-11-03T19:10:00.003-06:00

One year ago today my baby brother started his journey of Marine bootcamp! A year ago was by far one of the HARDEST times in my life. It was SO hard to see my brother load up on a bus and know that we wouldn't see him for another 3 months. He missed his 19th birthday, my sister's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's at home and it just kept feeling surreal. I remember getting that first letter from him and you would have thought that Christmas came early that day and in fact it did! I really do believe that everything happens for a reason and all I can say is I will always support my baby brother in whatever he decides to do and love him just the same! I was the 1st person to get to him the day we got to see him and boy that was a great feeling!

Lil Bubba,

First and foremost I am so proud of the man you have become! You left here last year my carefree, 18 year old baby brother and came back a man! It was the BEST feeling in the whole wide world to be able to finally see you and then to be the first person to hug you in San Diego! I love you so much and will always love and support you no matter what! You know that no matter what I will always be on your side! I pray that you find all you want in life and that you see that you really do deserve to have all the best that life has to offer! I love you and no matter what am so glad that you're home!

Love,

Your Big Sis

Happy 2nd Birthday Aaron!

2009-10-01T17:55:00.003-05:00

Happy 2nd Birthday to the most adorable nephew in the whole wide world even if it is a day early!

I can't believe my sweet nephew is no longer a baby but a full blown toddler who makes me laugh constantly! 2 years ago today little did we know that at 9;30 that night our lives would forever change when Guy called and said they "might" be staying at the hospital...well that was good enough for us and before they could say no we were all there waiting on my sweet nephew to be born! At 2:37 on October 2nd by sweet Aaron Baron made his way into this world and changed all of our lives forever!

Aaron,

I know you can't read this (but someday you will be able to) but I want you to know that being your aunt is one of the greatest jobs I could ever have hoped for and I can't imagine life without you! I love that you call me Kel Kel now and that you are so excited to see me all the time! I love how you would live outside if your momma would let you, I love how you say I love you and most of all I love you more than you'll ever be able to imagine! Your 1st birthday picture is sitting in my living room and I can't believe that you are 2 already! You are so sweet (well most of the time!) and are so much fun to be around! Uncle Brian and I love you very much! We can't wait to see you Sunday and celebrate your birthday with you! Don't worry you know whatever you want your Aunt Kel Kel will get you!

A very proud aunt & uncle!

This picture makes me laugh so much!

Our sweet Aaron Baron

1st Birthday!

Can't believe you're 2 already! Ilove you more than you'll ever know!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

2009-08-28T17:29:00.002-05:00

Time sure does fly when you're having fun!! This has been a busy year for Brian and I and the summer was no different!! I can hardly believe that August is nearly over and before we know it we will be getting ready for Aaron's 2nd birthday and the holidays!!

I really can't remember what I last blogged about, but here's what we've been up to lately:

My lil bubba came home for good on August 7th! It was very fun to be able to surprise everyone with him being home! He called me early that morning and told me that he was flying home (he has already been given his final papers, but was going to have to wait for 3 days before the Marines could process a bus ticket for him) so he got a flight out of San Diego and was on his way home! A friend picked him up at the airport and I met them that afternoon. I took him to the bank to see Kim and she immediately started crying! It had been 5 months since we last saw him! Then we were able to surprise my moma nd Granny and that was fun! I wasn't with them when they went to surprise dad, but I heard that was great too!
We went to see George Strait on August 8th (yes Lil Bubba made it home just in time) and it was AWESOME! By far the best concert I have EVER been too! I definitely hope we get to see him again soon!
My last day at the bank was on August 12th...boy what a weird feeling! It was a great job while I have been in college and I had been there for 5 years so it was bittersweet to leave! My lil bubba took my place their and has been there a week now! He has big shoes to fill! ;)
Brian and I have recently taken up bike riding...and we really like it! We don't get to ride nearly as much as we'd like (or I'd like because I don't know that Brian likes it as much as I) but it's something fun and free to do!
We hope to get our wedding pictures back this weekend! I can't wait to see them printed rather than on a CD!
I started student teaching this week and I LOVE IT! It really makes me want my own class so bad! Just a few more months and I'll officially be SHSU alumni!
Brian is busy working away and when I say busy I mean BUSY! I am so thankful and so blessed to have a husband that works SO hard and provides a great life for us! He works like crazy so that I can finish going to school and I'm so blessed!
Aaron is as cute as ever and I think he gets cuter everytime I see him! I can hardly believe that my sweet nephew is no longer a baby and will definitely be every bit of 2 in October! I do have a bone to pick with him though, because he says Matt Matt (or yells Matt) when he wants to talk to Uncle Matt but will hardly ever say Kel and he hasn't seen Matt in 5 months! That is one boy that sure does love his Uncle Brian lately!
We are loving our house still and hope to get some projects accomplished eventually. We need to get our guest room together and I'd like to organize our office better, we'd also like to put in some more and new flower beds. I wonder if Brian will put Christmas lights on our house?! Somehow I doubt it so I won't hold my breath!
Oh yeah and last but certainly not least my best friend since childhood, Julie will be home sometime in the next month or so for good! I can't wait to see her and her sweet baby girl Olivia all the time! :)

Well I'd better go...I need to find something for dinner since Brian informed me that he didn't get a lunch break and he's starving! I'll try to do better at blogging.

Shopping Anyone?!

2009-08-16T09:30:00.003-05:00

Have you already completed your back to school shopping for your kiddos?! Do you have birthday's coming up, or for all my friends out there who are moving into a new house, please check out a website that a friend of mine has just launched. What is it you ask?! Well it's called Linden Tree Boutique of course! For all of my teacher friends out there she has GREAT new Wild About Teaching shirts that are ADORABLE & I plan to order one soon! For my friends out there that have kids, nieces/nephews, in daycare she has great ways lable sippy cups and my sister swears by these labels! If you don't see something here that you'd like please contact Lindsay and I'm sure she can help you come up with something that will meet your needs and she is constantly updating her website so please check it out at www.lindentreeboutique.com

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

Salsa Chicken

2009-07-30T16:16:00.002-05:00

I definitely can't take credit for this recipe, but I do thank my friend Ashley for passing it along. I am sure she won't mind me passing it along to all of you, so here goes. If I can make this ANYONE can make this!

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the 98% fat free kind, and you can't tell the difference)
1 packet of taco seasoning (I use the low sodium one)
1 cup of salsaplace
chicken breasts on the bottom of crockpot, sprinkle taco packet on top, add mushroom soup and salsa. cook on low for 6-8 hours. THAT'S IT!!!
Ashley added that she usually serves it over rice, which is what I did and it was delish!

We tried this on Tuesday night and it was DELISH! This will definitely be something I cook again.

Happy 3 Years!!

2009-07-22T16:09:00.001-05:00

Happy 3 year anniversary to my sister & Guy! I can't believe it's been three years since you guys tied the knot! I think that was the hottest July day ever...the rain didn't help...but you guys had an awesome wedding and have come along way in three years!! I love you both and hope you have a great day!!

What A Difference A Year Makes...

2009-07-17T15:28:00.002-05:00

What a difference a year makes!! One year ago today was one of the scariest days of our families life. A year ago today my dad went in for a simple procedure for his heart and it went horribly wrong! I will never forget Melinda calling me and telling me that we needed to get to the hospital now! I called Kim who quickly dropped Aaron off with mom and then decided to all meet at my apartment. Guy would pick up Matt on the way and we would be on our way...it seemed like FOREVER before Guy and Matt got to the apartment so we could leave. We all crammed into my car and drove as fast as we could to downtown..except there was one thing wrong with that situation...it was rush hour traffic! It felt like it took us 2 hours to get there. When we finally did we met Melinda and Nan in the cardiac ICU waiting room where finally (after what felt like forever and I'm sure felt like an eternity to Nan & Melinda who had already been waiting so long) the doctor or nurse (I can't really remember who because it's all a blur now) came out and said that he was stable and in CICU (cardiac ICU) and that we could see him shortly. Nothing Melinda or Nan could have said (though they tried their hardest) could have prepared me to see dad in the condition that he was in! All I could do was cry and barely say I love you to dad who honestly looked like death warmed over as he lay there. I told Brian I hope he couldn't hear me crying, because that was all I could do was cry! He spent a total of 5 days in ICU and those were the longest 5 days of our lives! The first time my dad woke up was on Sunday and he asked Brian what day it was and we told him Sunday (he knew he had gone in on Thursday) and all he could do was say he was sorry and I kept telling him not to worry about it that he was going to be fine! He spent another 7-8 days in the hospital and was finally released to come home the last day of July!! What a day that was!! There was honestly a moment in that hospital that I wondered if that day would ever get here! I am so thankful that God was there watching over my dad that day (as He always does) but that he had some extra protection over him! I can't imagine a single day without my dad and am so greatful that we had so many people praying for us for those 12 days! Dad I love you more than you'll ever know and don't know what I'd do without you! Your love is unwavering and I love you as big as Texas! Thank you for being the best dad that Kim, Matt, or I could ever ask for and loving us unconditionally! Thank you for being the best Pops to our sweet Aaron Baron!

Miracles Do Happen...

2009-07-09T16:48:00.001-05:00

Miracles do happen....I NEVER HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER MATH CLASS AGAIN!! I GOT A B IN MY SUMMER MATH CLASS!!! Now it's on to student teaching and GRADUATION in December!!!! Thank you all for your prayers!!!! LET SUMMER BEGIN!!!!!!!!

Summer School, Heat, Birthdays, & Life

2009-07-08T18:13:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's been a month since I last posted..our life has been CRAZY busy! I started summer school on June 9th (or sometime around then) and have been working my tail off...my final was yesterday and I'm waiting and waiting..did I mention waiting some more on the grades to be posted...the suspense is killing me!

We have been very busy with work and school for me and of course with our house. We have had friends and family over a few times over the last month and we can't wait to have more over!

I will call myself a whimp because this heat is CRAZY! I can't stand to be hot and I think this year is worse than ever! This is the time when I wish I had a pool or owned a boat! My poor husband is mowing the yard as I write this!

Our 4th was great but laid back. My mom went to the ER last Monday with horrible stomach pains and just got out today! Between now and then she had surgery to remove a build up of scar tissue from a previous surgery which was causing the horrible stomach pains. My sister was a real trooper and stayed several nights with my mom, with me being in summer school and also my crazy fear of hospitals it was hard for me to be there all the time like Kim was. We went and visited my mom in the hospital to start out our 4th and then went to my grandparent's for lunch and for me to have study session for math with Mikey and then finally it was over to dad's for a BBQ and fireworks!

My sweet husband is turning 26 on Saturday! We are headed to his parent's for his birthday and I hope he has a great day! I keep asking him what he wants for his birthday and he says nothing. Brian is the type of person that if he really doesn't want anything he doesn't want anything or if he does he will buy it for himself! He is also the person that don't buy him something he won't use, because he REALLY won't use it! I love you babe and hope you have a great birthday on Saturday! I'm sure I'll find something to get him between now and Saturday..after all we are going to see George Strait in August for both our birthdays.

I am excited that my best friend will be moving back home very shortly. She is stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado right now with the Army and will be getting out soon and moving back home! I can't wait to have her and her sweet baby girl Olivia just a few minutes away! Also we are just playing the waiting game on when my brother is coming home...he did a major part of his paperwork today, so hopefully he'll be here soon. We're really hoping he gets to come to the George Strait concert with us!

I have also realized recently that my sweet nephew isn't a baby anymore and is a full blown toddler and is definitely looking like one! Besides my daddy and Brian this sweet boy has my heart! I love this kid more than he could imagine! It's hard to believe he'll be 2 in October!

Say A Prayer

2009-06-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

Please say a prayer for me this next month. I start summer school tomorrow and it is my last class (it's a math class) that stands between me and student teaching. I did well last summer in math and I know that I can do it again this summer it's just that math isn't my best subject. Please pray for favor with my professor (I've heard good and bad about him) and a clear understanding of the subject matter.

Busy Busy

2009-06-01T07:44:00.002-05:00

We're still alive we've just been busy. We've been busy getting settled into our house and working like crazy! We had a great weekend and Brian is nearly finished building our deck! I finally convinced Brian to hang some pictures on the wall (okay it was only 3...but still it's a start!) and they look great! We hung out with Kim & Guy and my friend David and his wife Meghan on Saturday night and had a great time! This is my last week of freedom before summer school starts on June 9th! It will be my last math class EVER so I'm ready to get that over with!

In other news I found out my student teaching placement this past week and I am SO blessed! It is a school that is literally maybe 5 minutes from my house! I will be in a Kindergarten class for 6 weeks and then in a 4th grade class for 6 weeks! I am a little nervous about 4th grade, because the only experience that I've ever had in the classroom has been with Kindergarten, but I know it will be a great semester!

We're just busy working away. We have Chelsea's graduation this weekend and we're also hoping that Brian's parent's will be able to come visit this weekend. We're excited for them to see our new house! We're also just waiting on them to send Matt home...it's all a waiting game at this point!

The King of Country

2009-05-19T16:14:00.002-05:00

That's right Brian, Matt, and I are going to see The King of Country...aka George Strait!! He is coming to Houston in August (happy early birthday to me!) and bringing Sugarlang, Blake Shelton, and Julianne Houghe with him! Brian and I have always said that if he ever came to town or close to town that we would go see him...he's on the top of my list of people to see in concert (and I've seen alot of concerts). We knew he'd be coming to Arlington in July with Reba (he's opening the cowboy's new stadium) and we figured that we'd go stay with Brian's parent's and see the concert, but we couldn't get tickets. Brian's assistant read in the Chronicle Friday morning that you could buy tickets on the website so my wonderful husband bought 3 tickets!! We are super excited and since Brian's birthday is in July and mine is in August (the weekend after the concert) that is our birthday present to eachother and Matt's ticket is his present to himself because he's coming home!

I SURVIVED...

2009-05-18T21:48:00.003-05:00

I SURVIVED METHODS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel extremely accomplished and am very proud to say that I received A's in all 4 of my classes and that I received a perfect 3 on my mini TWS...this is a HUGE project and feel alot more prepared for student teaching. I already know that I will be in Conroe ISD for my student teaching, but I am one of the people that don't know their campus placement yet, so please pray that a) I get a campus close to my house and b) that one of my best friends, Lauren and I get the same campus!

I will update more tomorrow, but now it's time to get ready for bed....5:20 sure comes early!

It's Starting To Look Like Home

2009-05-14T10:21:00.006-05:00

It's starting to look more like home around here. I haven't taken pictures yet because I want to get everything in place before I take pictures, but I will get them taken eventually. We were extremely blessed to have a HUGE amount of help from my family last weekend when we moved in. Brian and my grandpa have been working hard on our backyard and Brian finished one of their backyard projects last night. Our backyard doesn't have grass in it right now, but Brian hopes to get the guy out to put grass back there this week or next. All in all everything is getting there. I just got done waiting on Rooms To Go to deliver our entertainment center (they delivered the original one last week but dropped it off the truck!) so I have few boxes to unpack in our living room and then my other project for today is to work on upacking the room that will be our office. We still need to get pictures on the walls and decorations up but that will come in time.

In other news I have officially survived methods!! I have about a three week break until summer school starts in June. I am taking my LAST MATH CLASS EVER in June and then will have a break until student teaching starts in August. I am still waiting on my exact school assignment, but do know that it will be in Conroe ISD.

Take A Tour

2009-05-05T16:50:00.006-05:00

Ok so we're still alive just busy as can be because we're moving this weekend!! Brian and I are very excited to move into our first home and have been busy packing up our apartment. It will be a little sad to leave this apartment as we have some great memories here, but we've definitely outgrown this place and it will be nice to have more room. My Granny told us that right now it will seem like our house is huge (it's a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2 story) right now but before we know it that house will be filled up too!

Here's some pictures of our new house and our current apartment all packed up! This is what it looked like before we started packing up! Thank you to my mother in law for all of the boxes!

This is what it looks like every evening...this is our pile to take the the house tonight!

Front View

Living Room

Looking Into Kitchen

Garage (finally I get to park my car in a garage!)

Garden Tub in Master Bath

More Master Bath

Kitchen View

One of the extra bedrooms

Our HUGE backyard...I couldn't even get the whole backyard in one picture! My little dog might get lost back there!

View from front of the house

Say a prayer that the weather will cooperate with us for a great weekend to move!

It's Official...

2009-04-30T20:56:00.004-05:00

I'm proud to announce that we are officially homeowners!! We signed all of our paperwork tonight and went by and got our keys...we even stopped by AT&T on the way home and got uverse!!

Here is a picture from the builder's website of our house...I promise to get more pictures up this weekend.

We will officially move in next weekend but until then we'll keep packing up our apartment and move boxes over there this next week and then move all the big stuff next weekend. I charged the battery to my camera because I wanted to take a picture at closing but I forgot it at home.

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T15:50:00.003-05:00

We had a great but busy Easter! Brian started off the Easter weekend by going with my family to the egg hunt at church (I had to work of course!) and he said that Aaron loved it and new exactly what to do! We went to church on Easter with my dad & Melinda (like we always do) and were glad that my mom was able to come with us also! We did have a pretty special moment in church on Sunday when I saw a young guy (about Matt's age) walk into church in his Marine dress blues! As soon as I told Kim and she saw who I was talking about we both started crying..it was truly touching! It definitely made us with that Matt could have been there, but we are proud of what he is doing! After church we all went back to dad & Melinda's and had lunch and an Easter egg hunt. We were glad that Nan, Jason, Sonya Marie, and Sophie were able to join us. Here are some pictures of our sweet little nephew....it's hard to believe that last year he barely understood the concept of Easter and this year he was completely into it! He also very much loved the Cars themed Easter basket that Aunt Kelly & Uncle Brian got him!

Aaron sharing his Easter goodies with Pops! I think he had enough Easter egg hunting for one Easter! He carefully went through his Easter goodies!
This is just because this pictures makes me laugh! Now we know what Guy does to Aaron when Kim's not home!

This past week I also had the priviledge of meeting my best friend's BEAUTIFUL baby girl Olivia! Julie you have an absolutely adorable baby girl and I can't wait to see both of you again! I love you both!

In other news we are just busy working away and waiting on a CLOSING DATE FOR OUR HOUSE!! I haven't wanted to ginx it so I haven't said much about it and I do have pictures but I'll wait until we close to post them!

A Month Already?!

2009-04-10T08:44:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that Brian and I walked down the aisle over a month ago!! This last month has been great and whirlwind all at the same time! We got back to reality after our honeymoon and hit the ground running with work and school. I think that Brian was glad to be able to just focus on work for awhile and it was good to get back into a routine with school and work for me. We also have started looking for a house during the last month and hopefully have found one. Everytime I see a commercial for Disney World I constantly tell Brian that I want to go back!! We had the time of our lives and can't wait to go back one day hopefully sooner than later! We were also glad to have my brother here for the last few days. He flew in Friday and left on Wednesday afternoon. No matter how he gets here it is always good to see him! Please keep him in your prayers! I am getting ready to go meet my best friend Julie's sweet baby girl today! I am so excited and can't wait to meet Olivia! I will post more this weekend.

All Things Wedding

2009-03-18T16:31:00.008-05:00

Brian and I are definitely blessed with a great family and great friends! We had the wedding of our dreams on March 7th and couldn't be happier! I had my bachelorette party on Thursday the 5th and had a great night with the girls.

Friday we woke up and were getting ready for our bridal luncheon that my grandparent's were hosting at their house. I woke up crying because I was afraid that my brother wasn't going to make it home (we still hadn't heard anything for sure from him at this point) and Brian kept assuring me that he would make it here if he could. I called my dad while Brian got ready to see if he'd heard from him and he said that he couldn't keep it a secret anymore but that he'd bought my brother a ticket a week earlier and he would have to fly all night but he'd land in Houston at 6am on my wedding day! We had a wonderful bridal luncheon and then it was time for a rehearsal...well after finding Brian's parent's a hotel room because apparently the hotel near my parent's house was booked for another wedding! We had a great rehearsal and ate some yummy BBQ at McKenzie's.

We went our separate ways after the rehearsal (Brian with Guy and some of my family to the Cactus Lounge) and Kim, Mom, & I to her house to watch a movie and make cookies....well my brother had other plans for us!! My dad calls us around 9:00 and tells us that my brother has gone UA (unapproved absence) and the Marines are looking for him!! I was balling my eyes out all the while begging my dad to turn him into the Marines after my wedding, but my dad said that he had to do the right thing and turn him in right away. We spent the next several hours crying and begging my brother to turn around and go back to San Diego (all the while he was at the airport and all ready to get on a plane to Houston while the Marines are scaring us by telling us what could happen to Matt if he didn't come back right then) Chelsea and I frantically ran to Wal-Mart at 11:30pm to get phone chargers for our phones so that when Matt did call (he was calling periodically during all of this) we would be able to talk to him. We knew that if he could make it to Las Vegas (one of his layover sites) he could probably make it to Houston. Long story short he made it to Houston at 6am and was there when I walked down the aisle! He also received favor (much prayed for favor) with the Marines when he got back. We had a beautiful day of fun, family, and friends! Brian and I are truly blessed and I am blessed to have married the man of my dreams! I will leave you with pictures of the big day. For more pictures check out my myspace or facebook.

Stay tuned for pictures from our AMAZING honeymoon to Disney World! It will take me awhile to get those pictures up but I will get them up soon! I love you Brian and I'm so blessed to have such an amazing husband!

The Newlywed Life

2009-03-15T19:01:00.001-05:00

We are back from our AWESOME honeymoon and unfortunately are back to work tomorrow ;) I will post more details & of course pictures later, but I just wanted to let everyone know that we had an AMAZING wedding and honeymoon.

Tomorrow's The Big Day!

2009-03-06T08:08:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day and we're so excited!! We've been running around this morning trying to get everything packed and I think it's all ready to go!! We have a bridal lunch at my grandparent's today and then our rehearsal and rehearsal dinner tonight. Please continue to say a prayer, because we still don't know if the Marines are letting my brother come home this weekend, I just hope they do and that he's on a plane to Houston tonight!!

Well I'd better go so I can get a few last minute things together...I'll post when I get back & next time I post I'll be a Mrs!!!

Please Pray

2009-03-01T20:41:00.001-06:00

Please say a prayer of favor with us...we are still waiting to hear if Matt will be able to come home for the wedding on Saturday!! Please say a huge prayer of favor with us, because I can't imagine walking down the aisle without my lil bubba being there. Also please pray for him because he is feeling discouraged and also cut his head today and should have really gone to get stitches. I will keep everyone updated on whether he makes it home. Thank you all for praying!

Proud To Be An American

2009-02-26T16:20:00.005-06:00

All I can say is WOW I am proud to be an American (as I hear that song playing in my head)...I am watching Oprah right now and she is at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. talking to the servicemen and women who have been injured while serving OUR country! Time after time everyone says the same exact thing...they would do it again in a heartbeat! Seeing these men and women makes me think of my amazing baby brother and best friend who are proudly serving our country! I am about to see Julie on Sunday for the first time since she came home from Iraq last August and I am hoping to hear good news from my baby brother this weekend about him being able to come home for my wedding. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about how I felt the first time we saw my brother when he was getting ready to graduate bootcamp. All I can say is thank you to everyone who is serving our country so unselfishly and a big thank you to my baby brother and best friend Julie! I love you both so much and am so proud of you! Julie I can't wait to see you on Sunday and Lil Bubba I sure do hope you make it home and are standing next to Brian and Guy when I walk down the aisle!!

11 Days & Counting

2009-02-24T20:19:00.003-06:00

While Brian and I don't feel like that yet....well I don't feel that way, Brian has alot to get done at work before he leaves next Tuesday to start his vacation time, so he may feel like that! We just finished the final touches on our wedding program and all that's left to do is go and buy the gifts for the kids in our wedding, bachelorette party, bridal lunch, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner, and then we'll be married! I can hardly believe that we're 11 days away! I truly am blessed to be marrying the man of my dreams and can't wait to start this next chapter in our lives! We are very excited to see everyone, for our families to get to spend more time together, and just to enjoy this time in our lives and take it all in. I am excited to see everyone all dressed up, to see Aaron & Bryson in their little suits, and to see Summer in her beautiful dress!! I also can't wait to see what they'll do in the wedding, because as we all know something is bound to happen when you have kids in your wedding.

Please say a prayer for our family, mostly my brother because we are still unsure if he's going to be home for the wedding! He is in the field (i.e. camping) all this week and we're anxiously awaiting to see if he'll get a text message out to us to make his flight arrangements to come home. We will know for sure (well I say for sure, but with the Marines I guess nothing is ever for sure) this weekend if he's going to be able to come home. He's told me that even if he only gets to be here for literally 24 hours he'll be here! Please say a huge prayer that he will have favor with those in charge and will be here standing next to Brian & Guy when I walk down the aisle.

Update on Life

2009-02-20T07:24:00.002-06:00

Hello blog world! Things have been good, but crazy around here. We are 15 days away from the wedding and I can't believe it is almost here. It feels like we've been planning forever and now it is finally here! I can't believe that just 2 weeks from today we'll be getting ready for our bridal luncheon and then getting ready for our rehearsal! We've just been working and going to school for me. I am in a Kindergarten class that I really love and am excited about teaching! Please continue to say a prayer of encouragement for my brother! I haven't talked to him since Monday and he should be able to use his phone by this weekend, but I really do hope that his spirits are lifted and also that he got approved to come home for the wedding! Anyways I just wanted to post an update, be sure to watch this blog for the next few weeks as we'll have pictures of all of the events leading up to our wedding.

Prayer Request

2009-02-16T18:48:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to ask everyone to please say a prayer of encouragement for my brother whenever you think about it please. He had to report to Camp Pendleton last Tuesday and though we did get to talk to him via text message some last week and then on the phone several times this weekend, it was harder for him to leave this time than it was for him to leave for bootcamp. He just really needs some encouragement right now and needs all the prayers that he can get right now. It breaks my heart to see him so discouraged and homesick and would do whatever I could to make it better, but there's not really much I can do except encourage him and pray for him. Thank you for all of your prayers and words of encouragement while he was in bootcamp, they meant so much! Thank you all for your prayers and I promise that I'll get a better post up soon.

San Diego Trip

2009-02-10T15:51:00.014-06:00

I finally have time to blog about our trip to San Diego. I'm sorry I haven't blogged before now (we've been home for 10 days) but Matt was only here for 10 days and we wanted to spend every minute we could with him. We got on a plane on January 28th and headed to San Diego, we got to see Matt for the first time in 86 days the next day!! It was definitely a moment that I'll never forget and am so very proud!! We first saw Matt during what is called the Moto Run, but we couldn't talk to him or hug him, but it sure was good to see him. We took Matt's girlfriend Chelsea and her mom with us as a suprise for Matt & boy was he surprised! So surprised that when he saw Chelsea and my sister during his run he ran into the guy in front of him! Here are some pictures of our trip that I will tell the whole story with.

This is where Matt spent the last 3 months!!
The Moto Run..this was the 1st time we saw Matt!!
Here He Is!!

After we saw Matt complete the Moto Run we still weren't able to see him (it's all about hurry up and wait!) we went into the auditorium at MCRD and were briefed on everything that they had been through in the last 3 months. When we finally did get to see Matt and hug him it was an amazing feeling! We were seated in bleachers during the family day ceremony (the day we first saw Matt) and were on about the 10th row up, but somehow I made it down their in record time and was the first to be able to hug Matt!! What a day that was!!

He Sees Us!!Getting Ready To Be Dismissed For On Base Liberty!!

We Were So Happy To Be All Together Again!!

Matt & MomMatt, Chelsea, DadHis 2nd "real" meal...he had to hurry & eat because he was about to be late.
Friday was graduation day and boy were we glad that it was finally here!! It was definitely one of the most amazing ceremonies that I have ever been too and is definitely something I recommend to everyone!!

Matt's Platoon

There's Matt!!He's Trying Not To Smile Because He Sees Us!!Getting ready to be dismissed for the final time at MCRD!! I am SO proud!!
Kim & Matt
Dad, Matt, Melinda
Mom & Matt Matt & Chelsea
Matt & Rob (they signed together and did pretty much everything in bootcamp together)The guys bags all lined up and ready to go home!!Brian carrying Matt's bag (that bag weighs about 125lbs)

Sunday was a great day...it was the first time that Matt was able to come to church with us since he left!! Everyone was so glad to see him and he looked so handsome in his uniform!! It was amazing how many people came up to him and thanked him for serving. My good friend Rhonda said it best when she started crying when she saw him!!

Matt in his uniform at church!!

I got a text message from Matt around 2:30 this afternoon and he made it to San Diego and was on the bus heading to Camp Pendleton. He will spend 7 1/2 weeks here completing his infantry training. He gets weekends off and was able to take his cell phone with him, so we'll be able to talk to him alot more often than we did when he was in bootcamp. I am a little sad that 10 days are over already, but he will be back for my wedding in a few weeks, so we'll definitely be glad to see him. Also please be praying for us that he will receive Recruiter's Assistance (RA) when he completes infantry school, because that will mean that he will get 30 days leave before he has to go to his next duty station.

In other news we've just been working, going to school, and getting ready for our wedding that is in 24 days!! I can hardly believe that our wedding is almost here!! I love you Brian and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!!

Today's The Day!!!!

2009-01-28T07:06:00.003-06:00

Well today is finally the day....in less than 12 hours we'll be on a plane to San Diego and we'll be seeing Matt for the first time in 86 days tomorrow!! For now I have to go to class (yes one last class before we leave for a few days), pick up dad, pick up Brian and then we'll meet Melinda at the airport and be on our way!! I can hardly believe that today is here and I'm so excited to see my brother in the morning!! I'll definitely have pictures to post when we get back.

Wedding Shower

2009-01-26T19:42:00.001-06:00

Brian and I had a wonderful weekend and were truly blessed by our friends and family. I had my wedding shower this weekend and we were truly blessed with beautiful gifts. We received nearly all of our dishes and alot of other items for our kitchen. Here is a picture of what our plates look like:

We want to say a huge thank you to all of our family and friends for coming out and showing your love to us on Saturday! We really appreciate it and all that you do for us all year long!

We had a great day yesterday. We went to church with dad and Melinda and then out to lunch with them and Kim and Aaron. While we were in church I kept sitting there thinking WOW next time we're in church (we fly home Sunday afternoon so we will miss church next Sunday) Matt will be there with us!! I can hardly believe that day after tomorrow we'll be on a plane to San Diego!! We are all very excited and can't wait to see Matt!! Matt we're so proud of you and we hope that you know that!! Dad got a letter from Matt tonight and he's officially a U.S. Marine (well he's official in the DI's eyes)...technically he'll be "official" on Friday!!

**I will post pics of the shower, but they're on my grandparent's camera.

The Newest Marine..

2009-01-22T17:13:00.003-06:00

I am very proud to introduce the newest memeber of the Marine Corps family...my baby brother!! He completed The Crucible today around noon our time!! This was a very grueling 54 hour test of mental and physical strength, where the guys put together everything that they have learned for the past 11 weeks. I am so very proud of him and can't wait to see him!! It is so hard to believe that in just 6 days we'll be on a plane to San Diego and that by this time next week we will be seeing him for the first time in 86 days!! Thank you all for your prayers for Matt, they are appreciated more than you'll ever know!!

This will be a busy weekend for us. My sister is throwing a wedding shower for me on Saturday and we're very happy to have Brian's parent's coming into town for it. Brian will get the chance to hang out with his dad while we're having the shower and his mom will get to meet my family and friends, and then hopefully our families will be able to meet for dinner. That and we'll be getting ready to leave on Wednesday!!

**I'm trying to get a picture put up of Matt in his uniform, but I'm still trying to figure out how to get his picture off of his platoon video.

Letter To My Baby Brother

2009-01-21T16:47:00.002-06:00

Dear Lil Bubba,

Today is Wednesday, January 21st and just ONE week from now we will be at the airport waiting to board a plane to come and see you FINALLY!! I feel like we have waited forever for this day, as I'm sure you feel like you've waited forever too. I just want you and everyone else to know how very proud I am of you! You are doing something that you really want to do and something that not alot of people could handle. You are in the second day of The Crucible and in less than 24 hours you will finally be a Marine, though you've been a Marine to me this whole time. I am sure you've been through some things that none of us can even imagine, and I admire you for that. Dad told me last night that if he could do The Crucible for you, he would. I was watching a video online earlier of recruits receiving their Medal, Anchor, and Globe emblems and I was filled with unbelievable pride in what you are doing. I know it will be an amazing feeling when tomorrow you finally receive that and are called a Marine for the first time by your DI's. I do have to admit that the day we dropped you off at the recruiting station I felt like my heart was broken into a million pieces, after we watched ya'll load up and leave for Houston, however with each letter and each phone call dad has received it get's put back together knowing that you're almost finished with this crazy ride called bootcamp. I just want you to know how proud of you that I am, and that I can't wait to see you in just 8 days!!

Love,
Your VERY proud big sis!!

**Please continue to say a prayer for Matt as he finishes up The Crucible tomorrow and pray for us to have safe flights (mom and Kim are leaving on an earlier flight & dad, melinda, brian, and I are leaving on a later flight).

Single Digits, The Crucible, & 6 Months

2009-01-19T18:51:00.002-06:00

We are now in the single digits...just 9 more days until we are on a plane to San Diego!! We are so excited and can't wait to finally see my baby brother!! We were able to see him this weekend via his platoon video for the first time since we dropped him off at the recruiting station on November 2nd!! He definitely look so grown up and handsome in his uniform.

Please say a prayer for him tomorrow (Tuesday). He will begin what is called The Crucible tomorrow which is an incredibly grueling 54 hour mental, physical test of strength, endurance and everything that they have learned in the last 11 weeks. At the end of the 54 hours they will have what is called a Warrior's Breakfast and this is where they will be called Marines for the very first time since they arrived at bootcamp!! Lil Bubba we are so proud of you and can't wait to see you in just 10 days!!

Also Saturday was exactly 6 months since my dad's surgery and he is doing GREAT! The doctors exact words are that he looks healthy and happy! We are so thankful for God watching over my dad.

Also I have a wonderful fiancee who on his day off of work today (while I was working) went and bought me my IPOD touch today!! I don't know if it was because he was tired of me saying that I wanted one before we went to San Diego or because he loves me, but I choose to believe it was a little of both! He even downloaded all of the songs that are in our music library on it for me!! Now we just need to pack and we're all ready to go!!

School, Haircuts, Phone Calls

2009-01-15T16:51:00.003-06:00

Well I went back to school this week and so far it hasn't been too bad & it hasn't even been that overwhelming. Hopefully it will stay that way!! I honestly think that I have been blessed with great professors this semester.

Our sweet Aaron baron got his first hair cut yesterday!! I have 2 pictures on my phone, but can't figure out how to e-mail them off of my phone, but I'll get a picture up soon. He looks SO cute but he definitely doesn't look like a baby anymore. He literally looks like a 2 year old!! His Uncle Matt will be so shocked when he comes home to see how much our sweet little nephew has grown...Matt's afraid that Aaron won't remember him when he comes home, but I told him that I know he will because everytime we show Aaron a picture of Matt he just smiles and gives the picture kisses.

Speaking of Matt....my dad heard from him on Tuesday night for about a minute and a half. He was calling to get our flight number so that he could go make his travel plans to fly home with us and he told my dad that he starts the Crucible on Tuesday.

In other news everything is going great, we are just busy getting last minute wedding plans taken care of. Brian got a confirmation e-mail that some of the things we ordered online were shipped today, so we're right on our way to walking down the aisle on March 7th! We leave for San Diego in just 13 days and we all can't wait...by this time in 2 weeks we will have seen my brother for the first time in 86 days!! Also Rhonda and I are meeting tomorrow to order Summer's dress for my wedding. She will be the most beautiful flower girl ever and I couldn't imagine my wedding without her.

My Amazing Fiancee

2009-01-13T15:25:00.002-06:00

I have to brag about my amazing fiacee for a minute. Brian is truly the man of my dreams and I can't wait to marry him in just 52 days!! He works so hard so that I can finish school and can cut my hours back at work, he cooks dinner on the nights that I have to work late (and even on the nights that I don't work late sometime), he helps me around the house (now if I could just teach him to iron his dress shirts...haha), but most of all he loves me for me. He understands that I get stressed about things that sometimes don't matter, even though at the time I think they do, he took time off from work to be apart of my brother's graduation and is excited about going, he is excited for me when I get a letter from my brother, and understands my need to talk to my dad everyday. I love him because he makes me smile and laugh and because he takes good care of me. He would do anything to make me happy and always tries to give me what I want...though I'm still waiting on my IPOD touch (hint hint).

Brian, I love you more than you'll know and I can't wait to marry you and see where this crazy journey called life takes us. Thank you for all that you do for me and for loving me the way you do!

9 Weeks Down..3 More To Go!!

2009-01-12T20:16:00.002-06:00

Well my lil bubba is starting his 10th week as of today...just 2 more weeks to go after this one. If you think about it please say a prayer for him next week as he will be doing what is called The Crucible, it is a very intense 54 hour test of mental and physical strength. After he completes this he will officially be a U.S. Marine, but of course he already is to us. We can't wait to see you in 17 days lil bubba!!

I start school tomorrow...so say a prayer for me...only 11 more months til graduation!! Also a big congratulations to Kristen on the birth of her adorable baby boy and to Michelle for becoming an aunt!!

Calm Before The Storm

2009-01-09T09:37:00.004-06:00

Well I am actually hoping that this semester won't be a storm but more like a walk in the park! Today is the last day of Christmas break if you will....well technically Monday is for me, but since I have to work ALL day Monday today is my last day to just enjoy the day..well except for the part about going to work later...Brian seems to think I need to contribute to our finances or something ;) It has been a nice relaxing break and looking back at the list of things that I had hoped to get done over the break I am proud to say that I was able to get all but one of them done! I was able to spend quality time with Brian and my family, see Aaron Baron alot, clean out my car, clean out my closet, and clean and organize our apartment!

Everything is going great! Our final wedding plans are well underway, Kim has sent out the invitations for my shower, and we're getting excited that in just 19 days we'll be on a plane to San Diego to see my brother for the first time in 86 days!! I do have to brag for a minute and say that I am very proud of Brian, he finally wrote my brother a letter (and it was over half a page!) the other day. I have been writing him a letter everyday since he's been gone and I told Brian that it was time he write to him (he says that he figures I say enough for the both of us!). I told him that he should get a blog, but I know that will probably never happen...who knows maybe he'll comment on this one soon enough.

Please say a prayer for my brother as he has what is called The Crucible in 10 days!! This is the hardest part of Marine bootcamp, after he completes this he will officially be referred to as a Marine!! Please pray for mental as well as physical strength and especially strength for his ankle, as he's been having trouble with his ankle. We are so very proud of him and can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees all of us!

Brian and I are looking forward to a relaxing weekend. I have to work in the morning and then Brian and I are going to our niece Sophie's 1st birthday party and then Sunday we are getting some final things done for the wedding and getting ready to go back to school. Oh yeah hopefully I'll get my IPOD touch this weekend! ;)

Hot Chocolate Surprise

2009-01-06T15:36:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Brian e-mails me at work and says that he has a surprise for me. After alot of begging he still would not tell me what my surprise was. I hate surprises but love them at the same time. This weekend we went to the apple store in the mall and got Brian an awesome new toy! He got an IPOD touch and it is AWESOME!Well all day I am thinking sweet Brian got me an IPOD touch and I was so excited that I even told my friend Matt that I'd bring it to work on Wednesday and show him. Well I get home and find a letter from my brother (that was a nice surprise too) and find a box of hot chocolate! Not just any hot chocolate but Butternut Hot Chocolate which is the BEST hot chocolate ever!I grew up drinking this stuff and it's hard to find (my sister tells me you can find it at some Kroger's and HEB's) but Brian and I have been unable to find it. The company that supplies coffee to Brian's bank came to re-stock his bank yesterday and he asked the representative if he could buy a box from him and the guy told him that he wasn't allowed to sell it, but to check at World Market that they might have it. Brian goes back to his office and a little while later the representative shows up in his office and throws him a box and says Merry Christmas! While it was a sweet surprise and very delicious I was still a little bummed that it wasn't and IPOD touch! Oh well it is the sweet thought that counts! Brian promises me that we'll get another one before we go to San Diego so I hope that is true. He was sweet enough to leave the IPOD here for me to use today while I'm home.

Everything is going good we are just busy working and getting last minute wedding plans together. We are very excited to be flying to San Diego in just 22 days! If you think about it please say a prayer for my brother as he has what is called the Crucible coming up which is their final test in boot camp and it is a very hard, grueling four days.

Happy Birthday to our sweet niece Sophie who turns a year old tomorrow! She's such a sweet baby and we love hanging out with her. We can't wait for her party this weekend.

Goodbye 2008 Hello 2009!!

2008-12-30T16:16:00.002-06:00

WOW...I can't believe that this year will be over tomorrow at midnight!! 2008 has just flown by and Brian and I have truly been blessed this year!! We are of course very happy to see 2009 to get here, because we are getting married in 66 days!! Here are some of the things that we have been blessed with this year:

We were blessed to have two beautiful nieces born this year. Sophie was born to my brother Jason and Sonya on January 7th and Kenlee was born to Brian's brother and sister in law in February (my mind draws a blank to her actual birthdate)
Our sweet and oh so adorable nephew Aaron turned 1 this year!! He definitely had a birthday fit for a prince!!
I was blessed to pass both of my math classes this summer...pray for me as I take one more (and my last math class EVER this summer)
God had His hand on my dad and had the right doctors at the right place at the right time when he had his emergency heart surgery.
We saw my brother off to the Marines on November 3rd and are so excited that in just 28 days we'll be on a plane to San Diego!
I am blessed with a fiancee that can work one heck of a deal and got me a brand new car this year!

Things that we're looking forward to most in 2009:

OUR WEDDING...of course
Our amazing honeymoon in Disney World
Seeing my brother for the first time in 86 days on January 29th
By this time next year I will officially be SHSU alumni
Possibly buying a house
I look forward to meeting Julie's sweet baby girl
Watching our nieces and nephews grow up and learn more each day

Brian and I have definitely been blessed this year and are looking forward to the blessings that God has for us in 2009. I will get a post up about Christmas ASAP. Have a very happy and safe new year!!

Ice Skating

2008-12-23T08:21:00.006-06:00

This past Friday Brian and I were able to spend time with two of my favorite people...Rhonda & Summer. We met them at the mall where Summer had just gone to Libby Lou and then had a very yummy & entertaining dinner courtesy of Summer at P.F. Changs. After we had some yummy food at P.F. Changs we went over to the ice rink and went ice skating. Well Aunt Kelly took Summer ice skating while Rhonda and Brian watched. We had a great time and even though Summer had a hard time staying up on ice skates (even taking me down with her once!) we had a great time! Thank you Rhonda and Summer for inviting us to enjoy you on a fun adventure! We love you guys and can't wait to have Summer be the flower girl in our wedding!

Brian and I are starting a new tradition and having our own Christmas tonight! We will open the gifts that we got eachother and just spend time hanging out and enjoying our last Christmas as fiancee's! We will leave tomorrow afternoon when I get off work to drive to his parent's house to enjoy Christmas with his family and then we will drive back on Christmas morning to split Christmas up between my mom and dad. We are hoping for a Christmas day phone call from my lil bubba, but it is the marines so we never know. We definitely wish that Lil Bubba was going to be there, but before we know it we'll be in San Diego with him! We are so proud of you Lil Bubba and can't wait to see you! Brian and I wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Tag You're It

2008-12-17T16:36:00.002-06:00

Trying To Catch Up

2008-12-16T17:05:00.003-06:00

This will be a long post and I apologize in advance. I'm just trying to catch up on what has been going on in our lives. I am happy to say that I completed the semester with all A's and hope to make the dean's list again! This semester was challenging at times, but I have learned alot and made alot of new, close friends along the way and am happy to be on the other side of this semester! I am looking forward to next semester and taking my methods classes. It will require me to cut down on the hours that I will be able to work some, but I am kind of glad for the break, but won't be glad for the cut in pay! Thankfully I have an amazing fiancee that would do anything for me, just to see me finish school.

It feels really good to be out of school and here are some things that I hope to accomplish over the break (which is shorter this year than last year)...

1. Spend Quality Time With Brian & My Family
2. See Aaron Baron as much as possible...he probably thinks his Aunt Kelly has forgotten about him these last few weeks.
3. REALLLY clean my apartment...and maybe organize it too
4. Clean the inside of my car out
5. Read a good book...if I can find one
6. Finalize the plans for our wedding rehearsal
7. Maybe if Brian's lucky I'll clean out my closet and get rid of about 30 pairs of jeans that I never wear
8. I'm sure there's more that I can add to the list but I also need to have some fun too!!

We took some pictures in the snow last week. I literally could not believe that it was snowing. I had my work Christmas party that night, so when we got home I made Brian go outside with me and we took some pictures for Matt...I could not believe that he was missing this!! Kim took Aaron out to see the snow and he wasn't really that impressed, but at least he didn't have to wait FOREVER to see snow in Texas!!

Snow on Brian's Car We wrote a message to Matt on a complete stranger's car!!We Were Cold!Another Message To Matt
Brian's SnowmanI Was FREEZING!!

We were able to go to Brian's parent's house this weekend and had a good visit with them. We will spend Christmas Eve with them and then drive back here Christmas morning to spend lunch with my mom and grandparent's and then we'll end the night at Dad & Melinda's. We will definitely be missing Matt and wishing that he was there, but we're hoping for a phone call on Christmas day!!

Speaking of Matt...he is doing really well and entered the halfway mark yesterday. Only 43 more days until we fly to San Diego to go and see him! Please keep him in your prayers (and the rest of his platoon as well) as this is the harder part of bootcamp (more physical stuff) plus they are all getting over pneumonia. Also please say an extra prayer for Matt's ankle as it is really bothering him, he says that it is okay if he has his combat boots on, but once he takes them off it really hurts and is swollen. This is a previous injury (from cross country) but he can't go to medical about it, or they will set him back. He is getting ready to do several hikes with packs that way several pounds, so he could definitely use the prayers please!

Brian and I hope that each of you and your families has a wonderful Christmas and a blessed new year. We have definitely been blessed this year and can't wait to see what next year holds for us!

We're Still Alive

2008-12-08T14:00:00.014-06:00

Yes Brian and I are still alive...it's been a BUSY few weeks! I am happy to say though that in just two days I will be DONE for the semester! I have had a pretty good semester and am hoping that it will be another all A semester!

We spent Thanksgiving with both of our families. We drove to Brian's parent's house on Wednesday afternoon...note to self don't drive anywhere the day before a holiday! We spent Wednesday night with Brian's parent's and had lunch with his family on Thanksgiving day and then drove to Huntsville to have Thanksgiving with my family at my Nan's house. It was all in all a quiet Thanksgiving, but it was nice. We definitely missed my brother though!

My brother is doing great, but please keep him in your prayers. He entered what is called Phase 2 today and they moved to Camp Pendelton on Saturday. He will be here until December 28th and then will go back to Marine Recruit Depot. Please say an extra prayer for him, because he is trying to get over pneumonia! It is going around his platoon and he really can't afford to be sick. He also could use prayer for his ankle as well. Overall we are just praying for his safety and no set backs for him. He is in better spirits, but still misses home ALOT! We definitely miss him! We paid my dad and step mom last night for our tickets and on January 28th we will get on a plane and fly to San Diego where we can't wait to see my brother on Thursday morning! He even gets to fly home with us on Sunday! Please also pray that he will get what is called Recruiter's Assistance (RA) so that he can be here for an extra 30 days after his scheduled 10 day leave...this would mean he would be here for my wedding with no problems about getting leave!

We mailed out our wedding invitations last week and my Granny and sister get the award for being the first to mail back their RSVP's. We are really excited about our wedding and can't believe that in just 89 days we'll be saying I Do!

We have our Christmas tree up and our apartment decorated. I am hoping to get some presents wrapped and under our tree this week.

I will leave you with some pictures of our Christmas tree and of Thanksgiving. I hope you are all blessed this Christmas season!

Aaron likes to look at the world upside down!

He's so cute!

Dad & His Girls!

The whole family...we wish lil bubba was here!

His cool winter hat!

There's Aunt Kelly with that camera!

Our Cute Lil Christmas Tree!

Bridal Pictures & A Wedding

2008-11-18T16:56:00.002-06:00

This weekend was a great weekend. Friday night wasn't so great, because I had to work on a project that I thought was due tomorrow but actually turned out to be due yesterday! I had written the wrong date down in my planner, though I was able to get it done with the help of my wonderful fiancee!

Saturday was nice, well minus the part where I had to work from 7-2, but after that Brian and I went over to Humble to have my ring cleaned. The Woodlands mall definitely needs a Jared's. Then we just ran over to the mall over there and looked around and then had a nice dinner at Texas Roadhouse...one of my favorite places ever! Also we came home to find a letter from my brother in our mail!!

Sunday I had my bridal portraits done, but started out the day with the girl that does my hair coming to my house to fix it. It looked AMAZING...thank you Cyon!! Mom, Kim, and I went to get my pictures done where we will be having the ceremony and it was great. The only bad part was that I was FREEZING!! I had stopped by my dad's house to pick up some make up that I had sent there, and while I was there grabbed a jacket out of Matt's room to take with me...good thing I did! The photographer ended up taking some pictures of me in the jacket...it was Matt's letter jacket, which I think will turn out good and turn out to be funny. I know that Matt will laugh when he sees that I have a wedding dress on with his letter jacket!! We hurried home and changed clothes so that mom, Brian, and I could go to my friend Aaron's wedding. It was a great wedding in a very neat little chapel! Congrats to Aaron & Rachel!

I had better be heading off to class, but just wanted to post a quick update. Oh and before I forget I want to say a very happy birthday to my sister!! I love you and hope you have a great day!! I will work on your birthday letter tomorrow.

The Mailman Is My Best Friend

2008-11-15T22:24:00.002-06:00

Today was a GREAT day!! Brian and I were at the mall getting a few last minute things before my bridal portraits tomorrow and my dad calls. He called to tell me that he got a letter from my lil bubba!! I was so excited to hear about Matt's letter that dad had to remind me to give him some time to get it out of the envelope..haha!! The thing that made me laugh the most is that he told my dad he gets 8 hours of sleep a night so he's not tired! HaHa! If you know my brother you know that kid doesn't know what 8 hours of sleep a night means if his life depended on it!! I called my mom to let her know my dad got a letter and she ecstatically tells me she got 2 letters!! I couldn't wait to get home and see if my mailbox had a great suprise in it for me and guess what?!...IT DID!! My brother was so greatful for all of my LONG letters!! He told me to keep them coming with lots of pictures!! He is doing well, but he says that he does miss home alot and it's hard being away from home. He also says that the airport is right by their base and he watched probably a hundred planes come and go a day and that makes it hard. He says he wishes he was on one of those planes home or that we were on one of the ones landing there. If you think about it please say a prayer for him that he would be encouraged and wouldn't be so home sick. Today was a GREAT day!!

Happy 5th Birthday Summer!!

2008-11-15T20:34:00.001-06:00

Today is my friend Summer's birthday and she is 5!! Her and her mom Rhonda mean more to me than they will ever know and I love both of them so much!! Summer I can't believe you are 5 today!! It seems just like yesterday that your mom was calling me from the hospital telling me that you were finally here and for me to come and see you. I remember holding you and you started crying, I wasn't sure if you like Aunt Kelly very much, but now I know you love me so much!! I hope you've had a wonderful birthday in Disney World!! I can't wait to see you and to hear all about it, especially about your dinner with the princess'!! I love how you get so excited when you see me and always give me such sweet hugs, I love how you always want me to come over and have a slumber party. I love how you are so excited that you are going to be in my wedding and I know that you will make a beautiful and the most perfect flower girl ever!! I love you so much and hope you have a great birthday!!

Love,
Aunt Kelly

Congrats Julie!!

2008-11-12T20:41:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to say a big congratulations to my best friend Julie who found out she is having a little girl today!! Julie I am so happy for you and I know you will make a great mom!! I miss you so much and hope to see you soon!! We've been through just about everything together and I am so happy to be on this incredible journey with you. I can't imagine a better best friend to share the last 16 years with! LYLAS!!

Updates & Pictures

2008-11-12T09:19:00.004-06:00

We have been busy busy since about Halloween. Halloween this year was alot more fun than last year, because Aaron was able to enjoy it more. Last year he was barely 3 weeks old and could care less that he was dressed up like a monkey and just wanted to sleep the whole time....not this time! He wanted to be into everything and did not want anyone trying to hold him or hardly take a picture of him. Here are a few pictures though of the little man as Tigger.

Isn't he cute...don't mind the dog bed

He had to take a break

Are you talking to me?!

He did not want his picture taken

Dad let me go!

My brother is doing great...well we are believing and hoping! My dad was able to get a phone call from him last Thursday (his 19th birthday) but thought that the call might have been recorded. His recruiter called on Friday and talked to my mom Melinda and reassured us that it was actually Matt talking to my dad, but that he was reading from a script, because they had so many recruits that had to make phone calls (this was their first phone call) and plus at that point (4 days into boot camp) so many of them were very homesick and this was best for all. He did manage to tell my dad he loved him and then the phone got hung up. He stated that we should expect a letter from him in 2-3 weeks, but his recruiter was able to give us his address. We have all sent several letters, but I think I win because I have sent probably 10 letters and an envelope of pictures! The first week Matt was gone was really hard, but it has gotten better and is something that we are adjusting to. We are looking forward to going to San Diego in January and can't wait to see my baby brother! Thank you all for your prayers and please keep them coming!

My grandparent's left to go on a cruise on Monday. They left out of Galveston and are going to Cozumel I think. I hope they are having fun, because it has rained everyday since they left! I do miss them and can't wait for them to come home!

My good friend Rhonda took her daughter Summer, along with Rhonda's parent's to Walt Disney World this week. Summer will be 5 on Saturday so this is her birthday present! She is going to have dinner with the princess'! I hope they are having a great time and I can't wait to celebrate Summer's birthday with her when she comes back.

Wedding plans are coming along. We went this week and picked out the tuxes for Brian and the guys. We also had a bridesmaid drop out yesterday, but we will survive. I don't have time to find another bridesmaid, because the dresses have to be ordered by this weekend and I wouldn't do that to someone on short notice. Oh well such is life and we will survive.

Today is a rare day that I have no school or work. I was suppose to have school all day, but our class got cancelled. I am going to get my nails done for my bridal portaits on Sunday and then I have a few errands to run and then I am going to work on some school stuff. Tonight Brian and I are having my mom over for dinner and we're going to watch the country music awards!

Thank you for all the sweet comments from everyone! They really do mean alot! Oh yeah today is also an exciting day, because my best friend Julie is finding out the sex of her baby today! I can't wait to hear what she's having! Love you Julie!

He Has An Address!!!

2008-11-07T20:08:00.003-06:00

Today has been a good day....our mom Melinda got a call from Matt's recruiter this morning and he gave her his address!! I have about 6 letters that I am sending out tomorrow!!

I will write more later. This weekend is just going to be a hang out weekend. I have to work in the morning and then Brian and I are going to have a date night and then Sunday we'll be at church with dad and Melinda. I need to get Aaron's halloween pictures up as well. Have a great weekend and thank you for the prayers and Denise especially thank you for the sweet comments!

Happy 19th Birthday Baby Brother!!

2008-11-06T16:45:00.000-06:00

Lil Bubba,

Today is your 19th birthday!! You have been gone to bootcamp for three days now, and it's been harder than I ever imagined, but I am so proud of you!! I am probably the proudest that I have ever been in my life!! I hope today is a good day for you and that you remember how much we love you and how proud of you that we are. I wish you were here to celebrate your birthday with us, and for us to take you out for your birthday, but there will be lots of celebrating when you graduate!! Mom, Kim, Guy, Me, Brian, Aaron, and maybe dad and Melinda are going to eat at Olive Garden tonight to celebrate your birthday for you! I can't believe that you're 19 today lil bubba! It seems just like yesterday that Kim and I were praying for a baby brother and so excited when we got to go meet you in the hospital and now you are a marine!! There's not a day that goes by that I haven't thought about you a thousand times, I'm always wondering what you're doing. Jake & JHud came into the bank to see me the other day and we were wondering if they had cut your hair yet, we were laughing at your one tatoo thinking what do they think of that! We also agreed that they will probably only let dad come to California one time, because after he opens his mouth it will all be over...haha! I love you lil bubba and I'm so proud of the man that you are becoming! I miss you more than you know, but am so proud and so blessed to have you as my lil bubba! Happy 19th birthday baby brother!! Only 85 more days til we get to see you!!

Love,
Your Very Proud Big Sister

Proudest Sister Ever!!

2008-11-05T16:57:00.007-06:00

Well this weekend was a hard one, but it was one of the proudest weekends of my life. For months me and my sister and our mom Melinda have been working on a surprise going away/birthday party for my brother before he left. We had the party on Saturday night and though my brother was not 100% surprised we all had a great time! It was a great time with lots of family and close friends and a lot of my brother's friends! Thank you to everyone who came out to show their support for my baby brother! It meant more than you know to our family and it was so great to have everyone there.

Sunday was a hard day. Brian and I spent the night at Kim and Guy's on Saturday night after the party and then we all woke up and just hung out for awhile, Aaron entertained us and we just waited for my brother to call and say he was ready for us to come and pick him up to get him ready to go to the recruiting station (in case you are wondering why we didn't spend time with him that morning it was because he was busy getting last minute things done and seeing some of his friends). We went to my dad's and picked him up and me, mom, and Kim took him out to lunch and to run by a few more people's houses to say goodbye. We went out to lunch at Lenny's sub shop and then took him to the recruiting station where my dad, our mom Melinda, and Brian met us (Guy supports Matt 110% but someone had to stay home with Aaron). We all said our goodbyes and gave hugs their in the parking lot and then Matt told us it was time for him to leave, so my mom and Kim left and dad, Melinda, Brian, and I hung around for a bit. We ended up staying for about an hour longer and were able to meet Matt's recruiter and tell him goodbye one more time. As they loaded up in the van that would take them to the hotel in Houston, dad, Melinda, Brian, and I stood by the truck and watched them drive off. It was very hard watching them drive off knowing that we won't get to see Matt again until January 30th but we are so proud of him! I was doing good until Brian and I got in the car to drive home and then I just lost it. I thought that I knew what to expect with having several of my friends go through the same thing, but it's totally different when it's family...especially your baby brother. Matt called me on Sunday from the hotel and it was so good to talk to him and then I was able to talk to him again on Monday while he was at the airport. He got on a plane on Monday around 3 or so and headed to Chicago where he got on another plane bound for San Diego. We expect that he got there sometime during the middle of the night. We were told that one of us would get a phone call from him letting us know that he got there, but we haven't gotten that call yet....still waiting! Enough rambling on, so now I am going to add some pictures from Matt's party and also the message that I received from him on Sunday night....he writes everything like a text message, so that's why it's a little misspelled, but right about now I would take even a text message from him!

HEY I FOUND A COMPUTER ROOM AT THE HOTEL, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR SENDING THOSE FLOWERS FOR ME.
AND I AM GNNA MISS ALL OF U VERY MUCH, IF I HAVE EVER NEEDED ANYTHING ALL IVE HAD TO DO IS TALK TO YOU, AND IT MEANS ALOT.
BUT I WILL C YALL IN JANUARY AND CAN NOT WAIT TO C U.
KEEP AN EYE ON DAD 4 ME, AND MAKE SURE YALL SEND ME LOTS OF PICS OF AARON I HAVE A FEELING HE ISNT GNNA LOOK THE SAME IN 3 MONTHS. WELL TELL MOM DAD MELINDA BRIAN KIM GUY AND AARON I SAID HI AND THAT I LOVE THEM ALL. I CANT WAIT TO C YALL

LOVE
MATT

The awesome cake

The marine bear I made my daddy for his bday

He will miss his Uncle Matt

So Cute!

He's Watching for His Uncle Matt

I Love Him So Much!

We're Lucky Sisters

He Was Tired & Decided To Rest!

Poppy, Matt, Mom, Nana

Jake Dean & Me

Matt & His Brother From Another Mother..Mac

Dad & All Us Kids (the six of us are rarely together at the same time)

All 6 Of Us!

He Was Heavy & Has To Gain 50lbs while he's gone!

Mom & Her Kids & Aaron Baron

Matt & His Buddies

I Hope They Give Him A Bigger Hat In The Marines!

Matt & Chelsea

Thank you all for keeping my baby brother in your prayers! These last few days have been hard, but hopefully they get easier everyday! Only 85 more days til he graduates!

Say A Prayer

2008-10-29T15:57:00.002-05:00

Please say a prayer for our family this weekend, but mostly for my Lil Bubba. These are his last few days at home before he leaves on Sunday for the marines. We support him 110% but will miss him greatly, especially since he will be gone during the holidays. We had a great time last Sunday with my whole family going to church together and then at the end of the service Pastor Maddoux prayed over him. It was so neat to see everyone come up to Lil Bubba after church and shake his hand and thank him for his service to our country. Brian and I will spend Friday night at my grandparents so that we can be there when Aaron comes to trick or treat at his Gigi's and great Granny's house. Aaron is also excited to trick or treat at his Pops and Meme's house so that Uncle Matt can see him in his Tigger costume. Saturday we will spend the day hanging out with my brother and then Sunday is the day...the day we take my lil bubba to officially join the marines!

Lil Bubba I am so proud of you and support you 110%!! I will miss you more than you know and can't wait to see you in San Diego!!

Thank you all for keeping my brother and all of our troops in your prayers!!

10 Facts About Me

2008-10-27T17:12:00.004-05:00

I have read several people's posts on this and think this is a neat idea, so here goes...

1. I am 23 years old and still scared of extreme darkness. It is silly I know, but yes to an extent I am scared of the dark.
2. I always have to leave for things at certain specific times. For example when I leave for work I always have to leave my house at 6:05 am or when I have class I always have to leave my house at 7:15 am or I feel like my day is all messed up and start to feel stressed.
3. I do not like tomatoes but will eat ketchup, the same goes for hot dogs I will never eat hot dogs, but will eat a corn dog.
4. My car has to be clean at all times, this includes the inside and outside. It really bothers me if my car is dirty.
5. I can remember alot of random numbers: codes for work, birthdays, cell phone numbers, etc. but can't seem to memorize stuff for math!
6. I feel like I always have to change my status on myspace or facebook to match whatever I am doing.
7. I have to be completely covered up when I sleep, I do not like my feet or arms exposed at all, this includes during the summer.
8. I have this irrational fear that someone will be hiding under my car and will grab my feet when I go to get in. Yes it is irrational and weird, but oh well. Often times my friend Matt likes to tell me that he's going to do this to me.
9. I can not stand clowns whatsoever, especially if they are in a haunted house.
10. I can not watch scary movies or I start to think that the things that happen in those movies can happen to me, this may be why I am think someone will grab my feet and why I am scared of clowns.

I tag Denise and Maranda.

This is what makes me proud to be a marine sister!

2008-10-23T16:56:00.002-05:00

This is a bulletin that my lil bubba posted on myspace, and this is what makes me proud to be a marine sister! I love you lil bubba and will miss you like crazy, but can't wait to see you in San Diego!! **Ignore the spelling he writes everything like a text message**

SO IN 10 SHORT DAYS, I WILL BE LEAVING EVERYTING I HAVE EVER KNOWN AND HEADING TO SAN DIEGO FOR MARINE CORPS BOOTCAMP, WITH MY BOY ROB!!!!

I WILL GET INTO SAN DIEGO ON NOVEMBER 3RD, 3 DAYS BEFORE MY 19TH BIRTHDAY, I WILL BE THEIR FOR 13 WEEKS, I WILL MISS THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEARS WITH MY FAMILY.

AFTER MY 13 WEEKS OF TRAINING I WILL GRADUATE, WHERE MY DAD STEPMOM, MOM, AND SISTERS WILL COME C ME GRADUATE, AFTER GRADUTAION I WILL BE HEADING BACK HOME FOR ROUGHLY 10 DAYS, THAN BACK TO SAN DIEGO FOR INFANTRY SCHOOL.

I WILL MISS MY FAMILY ALOT, I WILL MISS HANGN OUT WITH THE BOYS, AND JUST THE EVERYDAY THINGS OF LIFE.

BUT I AM EXTREMELY EXCITED AND CAN NOT WAIT TO GO, I DONT EXPECT FOR ANY OF YALL TO FORGET ABOUT ME WHILE IM GONE, CUZ I WILL BE BACK.

MATT>>>

2008-10-15T19:36:00.003-05:00

I saw both of these today and they are so true! In 19 days my baby brother (aka lil bubba) will leave for marine bootcamp! I will miss him more than he will ever know, but I am proud beyond words! I have friends that serve in the Army and Navy and I love them all and are so proud of each of them, but having your baby brother join is a totally different feeling. Lil Bubba we will miss you more than you know, but you are always in our thoughts and prayers and we will write to all the time!! Get ready San Diego because our crazy, loud family will be there cheering the loudest when he graduates! My lil bubba is not only my brother but also one of my best friends and Kim and I will be lost without him while he's gone.
Thank you to all of my friends who are serving our country in the military, and a very special thank you to my baby brother who is my hero! I love you lil bubba!

Other than that Brian and I have just been working and finalizing wedding plans!! I recently found out that I made the dean's list for last semester, which I was really excited about, because this is the first time I have ever done that!!

We also celebrated my dad's birthday last Thursday with a surprise birthday dinner for him and he was truly surprised! We are always excited to celebrate birthdays in our family, but this birthday was extra special, because we were reminded that had God not had his hand on my dad this summer that he may not have been here to celebrate this birthday with us. We are so thankful for all that God has done for our family and for my dad, because like I told him in his birthday card, I can't begin to imagine my life without him.

Aaron's 1st Birthday

2008-10-08T15:30:00.006-05:00

A picture w/Aunt Kelly before the party!

He probably thinks Aunt Kelly help me I look silly!

The cake!!

He wasn't so sure at first!

Am I suppose to eat this?!

Bring that back mom!

Am I going to get in trouble for this?!

Wait I wasn't done!

Please bring me more!!

Yes I eat EVERYTHING!

How can this sweet face be 1 already?!

He LOVED his slide!

A picture w/Uncle Matt before he leaves us for the marines!

Happy 1st Birthday Aaron Baron!!

2008-10-02T16:54:00.013-05:00

Aaron Barker October 2, 2007
2:37 am
Today my sweet, adorable nephew turns a year old!! I am writing this post in orange because Tigger is his favorite thing ever!! I can't believe that he's been in our lives for a year already, it seems like he's been here forever!! I remember us all waiting anxiously for him to get here and then I remember Guy coming out to tell us that he was here. I am still pretty sure that the nurses on duty that night and Kim's doctor probably thought we were all crazy, they couldn't believe the whole waiting room was filled with so many people waiting for one baby!! I remember Lil Bubba being asleep on the floor in the waiting room and me waking him up to tell him that we finally had a nephew. Aaron Baron makes me smile everday whether I see him or not. He is so funny and makes us laugh so much. Aaron I love you more than you'll ever know and will always be here for you. I remember the first time I held you, your first halloween dressed up as a monkey you looked so cute..even if you were asleep the whole time, taking you swimming at Granny's was so much fun, watching you chase after the puppies, watching you make your funny faces and every other minute that we've spent with you, I can't wait for a million more!! I can't wait to watch you try to eat your cake this weekend and I can't wait to see what you will think of all the presents and decorations. Thank you Kim and Guy for giving me the cutest, best nephew in the whole world...ya'll never cease to amaze me as parent's!! I love the three of you very much!!

A Year Ago Today

2008-10-01T15:36:00.003-05:00

A year ago today I was getting ready to go to my night class and take a test. Little did I know that after that test I would come home and watch the Bachelor anxiously wanting to know who he (Bachelor Brad) would narrow it down to in the final 2 when my phone rings and it is Guy. Mind you everytime our phone rang around this time last year and it was Kim or Guy we wondered if today was the day...well I answer anxiously wanting to know what Guy will say and he tells me that they're at the hospital waiting to see what will happen!! By this time my phone is ringing off the wall and my whole family is running around trying to get ready to go to the hospital!! Brian and I hurry and get ready and meet my Lil Bubba in the parking lot of the hospital...Lil Bubba and I were determined to be the first ones there to see our sweet nephew make his way into this world!! My family sat in the waiting room for what seemed like forever and finally at 2:37 am (so technically October 2nd) my sweet nephew made his presence known in this world!! I can't believe that tomorrow my sweet Aaron Baron will be a year old!!

We are getting ready for a busy weekend. We are going to a concert with my friend Alicia on Friday night in Huntsville and then Saturday is the big party day (as Kim calls it Aaron's Birthday Extravaganza) and then Sunday I am sure we'll go to church with my dad and step mom. Other than that we're just busy working like crazy and me going to school. I will post more after our fun weekend.

Exscuse Me I'm Trying To Study!!

2008-09-29T15:31:00.002-05:00

I just want to take a break from working on some homework to post real fast. The people above us sound like a heard of elephants!! I keep waiting for our ceiling to fall in!! Part of me just wants to go up their (mind you I've never even met these people) and tell them what the heck are you thinking?!?!?! Though I can hear my mom saying now Kelly they might have small children that just don't know how to be quiet to which I would reply well for heaven's sake they need to teach them!! I did see some carpet cleaning company or something of such outside when I came home, so maybe just by chance it is them, but I would sure like it if it didn't sound like our ceiling was falling in!!

P.S. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but it's been like that for 2 hours!!

Ahh The Joys Of Electricity!!

2008-09-23T16:58:00.002-05:00

I am proud to say that Brian and I now have power at our apartment!! Say it with me now...HALLELUJAH!!! We have been living with my grandparent's for the last 11 days and now we get to go home!!!! We love my grandparent's and being with them, but it's always nice to get back into a routine in your own house!!

I will post more updates later...just wanted to share the great news!!

Just Checking In

2008-09-04T17:04:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged in awhile so I just thought I would write this quick update. Brian and I have been busy busy....sometimes it feels like we are never in more than one place for very long! This past weekend we went to see Brian's parent's for the long weekend and we had a great time! Brian was able to help his dad with some things that needed to get done and I hung out with Brian's mom and his adorable 2 year old nephew Bryson. We all had a great time along with some family friends of their's there were in town for the weekend. We came home on Monday night in time to go to my grandparent's for dinner and it was great to see everyone there!

In just six months (well six months as of Sunday) Brian and I will be walking down the aisle and we can hardly believe it!! In some ways it feels like it has taken forever to get here and in other ways it has flown by!! Brian booked our honeymoon recently we are going to the happiest place on earth....Disney World!! Some of you might be asking why in the world do you want to spend your honeymoon with a bunch of kids running around everywhere?? Well I have always wanted to go there and Brian is sweet enough to take us there (he would give me the world if he could) and plus Brian and I are not the kind of people to go on vacation somewhere and just hang out. Some of the exact details are still a surprise to me and Brian tells me that it will stay that way...he is even having everything sent to him at work so he knows for sure that it will stay a surprise!

School is going pretty well for me. It will be a busy semester that's for sure, but I really like what I am doing. I am going to be working with a Kindergarten class with a veteran teacher so I am hoping that she will have lots of good ideas and advice for me.

On a side note I don't have alot of time to watch t.v. but there are a few things that I watch occassionally and one of those things is John & Kate Plus 8. I love that show...I think it is hilarious to watch her with all the kiddos! Brian can't stand that show and thus I record it and watch it when he's not home! I even asked him if he'd buy me the show on DVD for Christmas and he said absolutely not! Anyways they were on Oprah yesterday and I just thought that was cool.

P.S. I will get some vacation pictures up soon!

Birthday, Vacation, & Back to Reality

2008-08-26T16:55:00.002-05:00

Alot has been going on in our world since I blogged last. I celebrated my 23rd birthday, we went on vacation, and have since gone back to reality!

My birthday was on the 15th and it was nice to get off work early...like 1:00 early!! Those of you that know where I work know that it is a pure miracle that, that happened!! Brian and I went and ran some errands and then had a nice birthday lunch at Chick Fil A (hey that's what I wanted) after that we went to see my dad and then that night celebrated at Roadhouse with Kim, Guy, Lil Bubba, and sweet Aaron Baron!! I do feel older this year but I guess that is because my Lil Bubba will be 19 this year and leaves for the marines in a few shorts months, plus I am about to have a 1 year old nephew and I will get married when I'm 23...time flies when you're having fun!!

On the 17th we left for vacation in Destin and boy was it FANTASTIC!! We had an awesome time...well most of the time and got some great pictures (those are coming!) but mostly we just relaxed and had fun!! Aaron Baron did great and stayed with his grandma and grandpa Barker the first part of the week and then finished the week out with his GiGi (my mom). He's one cute kiddo and yet I still havent' seen him since we came home!!

Since coming home we have gone back to reality....boy it sure would be nice to stay on vacation FOREVER! Brian went back to work on Monday and I started school...just two semesters left after this one and then I am officially SHSU alumni!! I started what is called my reading block and it will definitely be alot of work but will be fun too. I went back to work today and I was glad to see the people I work with (they truly are my second family) but was not ready to go back to work....boo to alarms going off at 5:30!!

I just wanted to say a quick congratulations to my best friend Julie on the exciting news that she is going to be a mommy!! I know she will make a great mom and I can't wait to meet the lil one!! Love you Jules!!

Also if everyone will please say a prayer for my friend Jessica's fiancee (his name is Taylor). He was involved in a bad boating accident on Saturday night and could really use all of our prayers!! Thanks so much for praying & check back soon because I will post recent pictures!!

FREE AT LAST!!

2008-08-08T08:28:00.003-05:00

It's been a long summer but at last the hard part of the summer is over!! I took my last final of the summer yesterday and made a C in the class. I wanted to make a B, but will take a C because it allows me to move on. I just have to say a huge thank you to a wonderful fiancee who has put up with the craziness of this summer as well as a wonderful family supporting me all the way!! I have to say a huge thank you to my grandpa, Mikey as well because without his help I wouldn't have gotten through these classes. It wasn't easy, but I am glad that I accomplished all that I have this summer.

Now that all the hard work is over, it is time to have lots of fun, well at least until the 25th when it's back to school!! A week from today is my birthday and I can't wait!! I love birthdays so much!! Then next Sunday night all five of us (me, Brian, Kim, Guy, and Lil Bubba) are piling in Guy's car and heading to Destin!! We can't wait and are all so excited to be going!! Aaron Baron will have a great week with his Gigi!!

My Lil Bubba is officially a U.S. Marine now as he swore in on Monday and will be going to boot camp on October 20th. It makes me sad to know that he won't be here for his birthday (or for all the birthdays that our family has in November and December) or Thanksgiving or Christmas, but we will all be there cheering the loudest when he graduates in San Diego!! I also heard from Julie this week and it's always great to hear from her!!

3 Days Til Freedom!!

2008-08-04T10:23:00.004-05:00

YES THAT IS RIGHT ONLY THREE MORE DAYS UNTIL FREEDOM!! It has been a LONG summer but I feel very productive, a little smarter, and very ready for a much needed vacation!! I will post more later but just wanted to let everyone know that I have only 3 days until I get my life back for awhile, also if you'd send a few prayers my way as I take my final on Thursday morning that would be greatly appreciated!!

Less Than A Week & I'm Done!!

2008-08-01T08:33:00.009-05:00

That's right....less than a week left of summer school and I'm DONE!! It has been a very crazy and busy summer, but I feel very productive and have accomplished alot this summer!! I didn't do as well as I would have liked on my first test, but then again I don't think I did half bad considering I studied in the ICU waiting room in the hospital!! Just 7 more days and I'm finally done with summer school and then I'll work for a week, then it will be my birthday (2 weeks from toady) and then we are off to Florida for our much needed vacation!!

Being that this summer is so crazy and busy I really don't ever have time to sit down and really watch t.v. but I do make time for one show imparticular....Nashville Star!!! These next two people are me and Brian's favorites and we know that one of them will definitely win!!

Melissa and Gabe are definitely our favorites and one of them will make a great Nashville Star!!

Here are some pictures of Aaron Baron, just because I think he's so cute...then again I'm a little partial!!

He's thinking about what else he can get into and he's a proud Bearkat!

He Thinks I'm Funny!

He learned how to crawl a few weeks ago and we were taking pictures for his Pops while he was in the hospital so he could see him crawling and yes I am bribing him to crawl to me.

He's tired of crawling and thinks it's time to rest on Gigi's lap.

That is our life in a nutshell right now. I will post more later after I take my final on Thursday until then say a prayer for me and please continue to pray for dad!

HE'S COMING HOME!!!

2008-07-28T10:22:00.003-05:00

After a very long 12 days my dad is finally COMING HOME TODAY!! Actually they are getting released from the hospital as I type this!! I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been praying, calling, text messaging, or emailing to get an update!! The prayers are greatly appreciated and still very much needed, after all he did have emergency open heart surgery 12 days ago!! I have been holding off on this post until we knew for sure he was coming home and besides I didn't want to ginx it!! For any of you that know my dad knows that he can make friends anywhere and he has made lots of friends at the hospital. We continue to thank the Lord everyday for saving my dads life, because he still has so much left to do, not only does he get to walk me down the aisle in March he gets to watch Aaron Baron grow up and so much more!! It has been a long 12 days for all of us, but we are glad that his chapter is coming to a close and the recovery chapter is beginning!!

I will post more later, I just wanted to post this quick update, plus I finally downloaded my pictures of Aaron crawling!!

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Update on Dad

2008-07-21T10:00:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to post a quick update on my dad and to say thank you to all of you out there who are praying!! The prayers are what has made him make huge improvements and what have gotten us all through. I was in a wedding on Saturday night, so I was not able to see my dad on Saturday, but Brian and I did see him twice yesterday. Saturday morning my step mom called and said that he was doing much better and things were really looking up. Then Saturday night she calls my sister before the wedding and tells her that dad has started running a fever again and he is having some a-fib (don't know the complete medical term for that, but that was why he went in to have the first procedure done in the first place) and that he became agitated so they sedated him again! My step mom finally figured out that when they had tried to take the ventilator out on Saturday morning they explained things to my dad on his right side (which he's deaf on) and that was the reason he panicked! She explained to his nurses that he can only hear you on his left side, and once we got that straight he did alot better. We saw him yesterday and he was awake enough to know that we were there and would talk to us a little bit (well mouth words, because he can't talk with the ventilator in). He was joking with us by the time the night visit rolled around. He still doesn't know completely what has happened, but that is better that way for now. I must say that Brian is an excellent lip reader and that the rest of my family sucks at lip reading!! Brian could catch almost everything that dad said while the rest of us were still guessing! Plus dad is getting a little aggrivated that he can't talk and we can't lip read! I called and checked on him this morning and they took the venitaltor out (much to dad's liking considering that yesterday he was begging us to take it out) and when I asked the nurse to give him a message, she said well hold on he wants to talk to you and he was able to whishper that he loves me and asked how I did on my test this morning.

I just want to say thank you to everyone who is praying and to everyone who has called for updates. We definitely appreciate them! This has been one of the hardest things that I have ever been through and don't think that I have gone one day without crying. I would live at the hospital if I could! We kept encouraging dad that he was getting better everday and that before he knew it, he would be at home watching Aaron Baron crawl (by the way he learned to crawl recently). Kim and Guy did have to bring him to the hospital last night because they didn't have a babysitter, and we all took turns watching him while we went back to see dad, but believe me for a split second (and yes I do mean a split second as we know that babies are not allowed in ICU) we thought about how could we sneak him back to see his pops. Brian and I will go and see him tomorrow and I will post updates as they come. Thank you all again for the prayers and phone calls!

PRAYER REQUEST

2008-07-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to ask everyone to please say a prayer for my dad. He went into St. Lukes hospital in the medical center yesterday to have a realitively simple procedure and they ended up running into some unexpected complications that led to him needing emergency surgery last night. He is in ICU right now and is expected to be there for a few days until he is stable enough to be moved into a regular room. I am waiting for Kim to get off work and then we are headed back to the hospital as there is only certain times of the day that we can see him. I am so thankful for everyone's prayers already and especially thankful for a great God that has been watching over my dad. It was very hard for me to see my dad in ICU last night hooked up to everything, but he is tough and I know that everything will turn out great. I spoke to his ICU nurse this morning and he did better than they expected him to do last night, but are going to keep him heavily sedated today and keep him on the ventilator and will reasses things in the morning. Thank you all for your prayers!

Proud Big Sister

2008-07-15T10:23:00.004-05:00

As of yesterday I am a PROUD BIG SISTER OF A U.S. MARINE!! My lil bubba joined the marines yesterday. He has been thinking about this for about 2 years and officially joined yesterday. I will be the first to admit that I didn't want him to go and part of me still doesn't, but I am so proud of him and will be there cheering the loudest when he graduates from boot camp. He will be here until the middle of October and then he goes to boot camp for 12 weeks and will get to come home for a few days after that...I think and then he goes to specialist school, which he promises me he will be home for my wedding so I sure hope so! It was a hard realization to realize that Julie may not be back from her tour of duty to be here for my wedding (which is like getting married without Kim being there) but I know she will be there in spirit and I hope Lil Bubba will be here too!! Lil Bubba will get to be here for Aaron Baron's 1st birthday which I am really glad about! I hope he will be here for Christmas too!! We are all going on vacation here in a few weeks and we can't wait to spend some time with Lil Bubba!

Here is a message that I got from my Lil Bubba the night before he enlisted. As I read this tears were streaming down my face.

FIRST OFF, I CAN NOT WAIT TO GO ON VACATION WITH YOU, BRIAN, KIM, AND GUY YALL ARE SOME OF MY BEST FRIENDS IN THE WORLD!!!SECOND, IVE THOUGHT ABOUT IT LONG AND HARD AND I REALLY DO WANNA JOIN THE MARINES, SO IM SIGNING THE PAPERS ON MONDAY.I WILL LEAVE FOR BOOTCAMP THE FRIST PART OF OCTOBER, THAT WILL PUT ME BACK HOME EARLY DECEMBER, AFTER THAT I WILL LEAVE FOR INFANTRY SCHOOL IN JANUARY, I WILL BE BACK HERE END OF FEBRUARY. I PROMISE YOU THAT NO MATTER WHAT I WILL BE THERE ON MARCH 7TH, TO SEE MY BEST FRIEND AND MY SISTER WALK DOWN THE AISLE!!!!! I WOULD NOT MISS THAT FOR THE WORLD.

LOVE,LIL BUBBA

So I am now not only the proud best friend of a U.S. soldier but I am also the very proud big sister of a U.S. marine! I know he did not come by this decision lightly, and I know that he talked to Julie alot about it and that makes me feel better. I love them both and I am so proud of them!! I will post more later!

JULIE AND MATT I AM SO PROUD OF YOU AND ALL THAT YOU ARE DOING/WILL DO FOR OUR COUNTRY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!

2008-07-11T10:01:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my love!! He turns 25 today!! I love you babe and hope you have a great day!! I know this will be a great year for us and I can't wait to share it with you!! Thank you for all you do for me!! I love you more than you'll ever know!!

I'll post more later, but for now just wanted to wish Brian a happy birthday!!

1 Down 1 To Go

2008-07-03T08:37:00.006-05:00

Well I did it I finished my second class of summer school and have one more to go!! I am VERY happy to say that I got a B in the class and worked my tail off for it!! I owe alot to my grandpa who tutored me every free minute, to Brian for understanding that I didn't have alot of extra time, and to my parent's for encouraging me every step of the way. I am believing and praying that my second math class of the summer (which starts Tuesday) will go as smoothly as this one did. I am half way through summer school and looking forward to my vacation!!

I also want to take a second and ask everyone to remember those that are fighting for our country as we are about to celebrate the 4th of July! I want to say a special thank you to my best friend Julie who is serving in Iraq right now. I am happy to say that I received an e-mail from her earlier this week and am always relieved to get an e-mail from her. Julie thank you for all that you are doing for our country and know that we are always thinking about you and praying for you and are so proud of you!! God bless our troops!!

Brian and I are going to spend the 4th hanging out with my family at my grandparent's house on the lake. I can't wait to see how Lil Man likes the fireworks! Mom and I bought him a special 4th of July outfit and I just hope it fits. Our family has always loved the 4th of July and I can't wait to see what Aaron Baron thinks of it. I will definitely take lots of pictures and post them soon.

Happy Birthday Rhonda!!

2008-06-26T10:12:00.005-05:00

This is an old picture (from Kim & Guy's wedding actually) but wanted to put it on here anyways.

I don't know what I'd do without them!

I just wanted to say a Happy Birthday to my wonderful friend Rhonda!! Today is her birthday and Brian and I can't wait to celebrate with her and Summer tomorrow!! I don't know what I would do without her or Summer and I love them both very much!! We can't wait to see you and celebrate with you tomorrow!! I love you both!!

Also I wanted to say happy birthday to my soon to be in-laws...Brian's mom's birthday was earlier this month and Brian's dad's 50th birthday is tomorrow. Happy Birthday Tommy & Helen!!

Other than that Brian and I are working like crazy, I'm about to finish the first part of summer school and trying to plan a wedding in between.

Pictures Pictures Pictures

2008-06-10T21:16:00.016-05:00

I finally had time to get these pictures off my camera. These are from Lil Bubba's graduation, my sister Becky's wedding, and some of Aaron just because I think he's adorable...enjoy!!
Aaron Loves His Pops & Uncle Matt

Guy & Sonya Marie

Me & Birthday Boy Jason

We Love Guy

Chelsea & Me

Brian & I

My Beautiful Sister

Family Pic

We Love Our Daddy

Mom & Her Kiddos

So Proud of Lil Bubba!

He Loved Popsicles!

Wearing Uncle Matt's Hat

Hello World!!

2008-06-05T10:31:00.004-05:00

I feel like it's been forever since I've blogged....ok so it has been forever!! It has been a crazy few weeks!! I just finished taking a mini-mester class in 10 days...yes a class that would normally take a semester to complete I did in 10 days!! I started summer school on Tuesday so needless to say it's been busy!

In other GREAT news...I GOT A NEW CAR!! I will post a picture on here that I got off the website, I have some pictures I just need to upload them from my camera. I am the proud owner of a 2008 Tungston Grey Mazda 6!!! This isn't the exact color but you get the gist!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!! It's a long story about what happened to my other car, but needless to say it went to car heaven!! It is a little sad, simply because that was the first car I ever bought and paid for myself. I am thankful for an amazing fiancee that wants me to be safe with all the crazy miles I drive and helped me to find the perfect car!! Finding the perfect car is a hilarious post in itself which I will post later.

In other news my lil bubba graduated from high school last Friday night!! I am so proud of him and love him so much!!

I will post more later when I have time, but I need to get going so I can make it to work on time. I will post more pictures later!!

End of Semester Craziness

2008-05-14T10:34:00.002-05:00

Well it has been a crazy semester but this semester is over!! I feel pretty good about all of my grades and I'm actually thinking that I may get all A's this semester!! It has been nice to have a few days out of school but I start my mini mester on Friday...a whole class in 10 days!! Then I am going to school all summer but will have a great vacation at the end of it to look forward too.

Brian and I have been staying busy with work and me with work and school. We are getting ready for my step sister Becky's wedding this weekend so that will be fun plus it's Jason's birthday so good times are sure to be had by all!!

My lil bubba is graduating in 16 days and I can't believe it!! We love you lil bubba!!

Lil Bubba Goes To Prom!

2008-04-28T12:00:00.009-05:00

Yes this sounds like it could be the name of a movie or something, but it's true this past weekend my baby brother went to his senior prom! Of course the whole family had to be there to see him off to prom and we even managed to get a few pictures in the process!!

Aaron wasn't thrilled to have his picture taken. That or he wasn't sure who that was in a tux!

Matt & Chelsea

Mom, Matt, & Chelsea

We love our lil bubba!

We are all standing in the kitchen window making sure he opened the door for her! He was so mad when he saw all of us standing there!

Aaron thought it was funny that Uncle Matt was going to prom!

Ramblings of Life

2008-04-16T15:32:00.005-05:00

Ok I just had a whole post typed and it deleted it...let's try this again!

Life has been crazy for us right now! It is almost the end of the semester (only three more weeks!) and then it will be time for my mini-mester to start and then summer session 1 and then summer session 2 yes I am insane for doing this and working, but it gets me that much closer to graduation! I could use all the prayers I can get for summer school this summer, because I am taking 2 math classes and me and math usually don't mix very well. Though these classes are imperative to the classes that I will take in the fall, so send the prayers my way! Also after summer session 2 ends it will nearly be time for the fall semester to begin, but not before we go on vacation to Destin! I can't wait! A whole week of fun and laying out on the beach...I need that vacation today! Brian is doing good...just working like crazy!

A few congrats are in order....first of all congrats to my pal Allison who got engaged about 2 weeks ago!! Her wedding is July 19th and I can't wait to stand up there beside her as one of her bridesmaids! Allison and I have been friends since oh forever ago!! Love ya girl & so excited for you!! Also congrats to my friend Jamie who got married last weekend! I couldn't be there, but I heard it was beautiful!!

Also a big congrats to my lil bubba who is about 6 weeks away from graduation! I can't believe my baby brother is about to graduate from high school! Way to make me feel old lil bubba! Brian and I can't wait to cheer the loudest on graduation night! You know I'll probably get kicked out for having an air horn but oh well! He's also going to the prom next week!!

Well it's been nearly 3 three weeks since Julie's been home and unfortunately she has to go back to Iraq on Sunday morning. Julie you know that I love you and will miss you like crazy...three weeks wasn't long enough! I am getting a care package in the mail ASAP and maybe it will get there before you do! I am so proud of you! Thank you for all the you do for our freedom!

Ok I'd better get back to work on some productive things! We are headed to Brian's parent's house this weekend after I get off work.

Cheers: To working our DJ situation out...I think!
Jeers: To the lab assistant making me throw my drink away!

Help....Wedding Stuff!!

2008-04-16T13:51:00.002-05:00

Does anyone out there have any suggestions for a DJ, florist, or a place to get a cake from for a wedding? These are three things that Brian and I are trying to tackle at the momement and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I will post more later!

SHSU Ring Ceremony & Wedding Updates

2008-04-10T16:59:00.011-05:00

On April 1st I got my SHSU ring (hence the orange font) and I couldn't believe the day finally got here! I ordered it back in October (the day Aaron was born actually) and didn't get it until last week. I can't wait to be an alumni of that great university! We are a big bearkat family with Brian, Guy, and Mikey all being alumni from there (I must mention that Mikey is first and foremost a fightin Texas Aggie...he just got his masters from SHSU) as well as some other family members. We can't wait for Lil Bubba to follow in all of our footsteps and become a bearkat as well! When I walked across the stage to get my ring I could hear my daddy cheering the loudest!

Here are a few pictures from that day, they're not the best quality because I had to scan them in.

Brian and I have also changed our wedding plans a bit. We are still have our wedding at The Vineyards at Waverly House Manor but are just having our ceremony here and then we will have our reception at the new Point Aquarius cluhouse. We decided to change our plans to better fit the needs of our budget and plus I think this will end up working out better. We have some planning still to do, but can't wait for our big day to get here!

I will put some recent pictures of Aaron in this post, just because he's the most adorable nephew in the whole world and I think he's so cute! I want to say a big congratulations to a good family friend, James McKeehan who got married last weekend!

Julie's Coming Home!!

2008-03-30T20:34:00.003-05:00

After three long months I am very proud to announce that as I type this blog JULIE IS ON HER WAY HOME!! She was suppose to be here Friday but had some delays in leaving, but she is now on her way!! She will be here for about two weeks for some very much needed R&R!! For those of you that don't know Julie and I have been best friends since we were 6 years old. We have been through everything together, through good and bad and I can't imagine spending the last 16 (almost 17) years without Julie in my life!! I have missed her like crazy since she left to go to Iraq and I am so glad she is on her way home!! I missed her when she was gone to boot camp, AIT training, and then stationed in Colorado of course, but at least I could pick up the phone and call her. Besides my family she is the person that knows me best and there have been so many times since she's been deployed that I have wanted and needed to pick up the phone and call her for advice or just to talk!!

Jules I can't wait to see you and am so glad you're coming home!! I can't wait until you are home for good, but for now we will take two weeks!! I am so proud of you!! LYLAS!!

Easter & 3 Day & Counting!

2008-03-25T21:32:00.004-05:00

We had a great Easter! We went to my grandparent's Saturday afternoon for lunch and had a great time! We also decided to take Aaron down to the lake for a walk and he seemed to really like it, now if I could just find a way to get Kim to let me put him on the jet ski! ;) We (well more Kim than anyone else) decided to go to church on Saturday night (the church we go to...The Crossing...has Saturday night services as well as regular Sunday services) and it was great. Sunday we went over to Kim's and had lunch with my mom's dad and step mom and had a great time! Aaron got his first tastes of cheesecake and LOVED it! I was the one that was brave enough to give it to him! I kept telling him two bites for Aunt Kelly and one bite for you and each time I would take a bite, he would look at me like hey where's my bite! Needless to say he did not want the baby food that mom tried to feed him later!

In other news JULIE WILL BE HERE IN THREE DAYS!! She is coming home for R&R and I can not wait to see her! I have missed her like crazy and can't wait to spend some much needed best friend time together! Jules I love ya and have missed you like crazy!!

Also Brian is at an Aeros hockey game with some customers tonight...must be nice! While I am at home working on homework all night!

Rodeo & Anniversary

2008-03-17T11:04:00.010-05:00

It's been awhile since I've psoted, because Brian and I have been so busy!! Busy definitely describes the last week of our lives.

Last Tuesday we took my lil bubba to the rodeo with us as our Christmas present to him. We went to see Rascal Flatts & had a great time! Needless to say we had no repeats of last year when we left the lights on resulting in a dead battery and locked keys in the car! Kim and her friend Julie had way better seats than we did and we were jealous, but we still had a great time! Rascal Flatts is by far one of my very favorite groups!!

This past Friday was me and Brian's 1 year anniversary of being together! We had a pretty good day, considering what a crazy week it had been. We had tickets to go see Clay Walker at the rodeo with Brian's bank. We had a great time and I must say that I was jealous of the people that got to touch Clay Walker's hand, but hey I have gotten to touch Brad Paisley's hand twice and got his autograph! I must say that I feel bad because I still haven't gotten Brian anything for our annivesary, well except for a card, but he's harder to buy for than I am. He did surprise me last night with a beautiful necklace!

Also last weekend we went to take my ring to the jewlers to have it cleaned and inspected and while we were there we happened to find the ring that Brian loved and we bought it! It is beautiful and I can't wait to give it to him. Though I must say that when he tried it on I didn't know if he was going to get it off and thought he may just have to keep it on until the big day!

This week has been so crazy because Brian's dad's boss (who is more like a grandpa) to Brian passed away this past Tuesday, and Brian has made several trips since then to his parent's house (which is about 2.5 hours from here!). It has made for a crazy week, but I am glad that Brian was able to be with his dad and Mr. Emerson's family. I hadn't known him long, but it won't be the same going to Brian's parent's house and not stopping in at the ranch to say hi. He will be greatly missed!

1 YEAR FROM TODAY!!

2008-03-07T18:34:00.003-06:00

Exactly one year from today I will marry my best friend and the man of my dreams!! Today is a very special day for Brian and I!! Everyone has told me how fast the next year will go and I am sure that it will, especially with as busy as we are with our jobs and me with school. Hopefully by the end of the summer I will have my wedding dress bought!! We still have some planning to do (if you want to check out the place check out one of my first posts for the link) and some money to come up with, but I know that everthing will fall into place!! We are blessed to have wonderful families and friends to share in this amazing journey with and are both blessed to be marrying into great families!! The only thing that makes me sad is the thought that Julie may still be in Iraq and not here for my wedding.

I LOVE YOU BRIAN AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MARRY YOU!! XOXO!!

Being Sick Is No Fun!

2008-02-27T16:41:00.006-06:00

Yes here I am wasting time at school yet again. I have printed out everything that I will need for tonight's class though so that is productive! I met with my advisor this morning and I'm on track for graduation....always good to hear! Now if I can just figure out my schedule for summer school. I have enjoyed college, at moments more than others, but I am ready to put this part of my life behind me.

In other news I am sick and it stinks! I have the worst head cold ever...at least I think that's what it is. I have drank more theraflu than I care to count or ever drink again! I either got this from one of my observations at my elementary schools this week, from customers that come into the bank, or from a co-worker, needless to say whoever gave it to me can have it back! Only problem is now I think I've given it to Brian...oops!

Here are some recent pictures of Aaron. The first picture he really looks like my sister to me and if any of you have seen him in person you definitely know that he's his daddy's child. My sister is such a great mother and never ceases to amaze me with him!

Valentine's & Vacations

2008-02-26T21:30:00.004-06:00

Brian and I had a wonderful first Valentine's day together! Luckily I did not have class on Valentine's night so Brian and I were able to go out and have a nice dinner together. I got home first and saw my Valentine's presents from Brian sitting out on the counter. He had gotten me a box of reeces chocolates (my absolute favorite candy) and a stuffed dog! This of course was a joke! I had been telling well more like begging Brian for a dog for Valentine's day and he kept saying no! Brian's no isn't like my daddy's no which really means yes! Now yes I do have a dog, but she lives with my Granny & as I like to say would die of shock if she didn't live there, as she has quite the life there. Brian's main reasons for not letting us have a dog is he says we don't have enough time for a dog, we have to pay a hefty pet depsit, and plus we have to have a house first. We don't see eye to eye on these points but needless to say Brian could say he got me a dog for Valentine's! We had a wonderful dinner at Saltgrass and then came home and watched The Heartbreak Kid which was a cute movie, but not nearly as good as I thought. All in all we had a great Valentine's day! I love you Brian & thanks again for a great first Valentine's day!

Last but certainly not least I am pleased to announce that we are going to DESTIN, FLORIDA!! Kim, Guy, Brian, and I decided that we have to get out of here for a few days, so we're all taking vacation together and we're renting a condo in Destin, Florida for a whole week! We are leaving August 18th and can't wait!! I love Kim & Guy more than they could ever know and we can't wait to go on vacation with them!! Mom will be keeping Aaron for a week which I'm sure once we come back he will be even more spoiled than before!! It's going to be a hard life for a week, but we're going to spend it soaking up the sun and just having fun!!

Missing Julie

2008-02-13T16:37:00.004-06:00

I've been missing Julie alot lately and I just wanted to ask everyone to remember her in their prayers! She is proudly and bravely serving our country in Iraq! She's been there for a month already....praise God one month down! I am constantly getting stuff together to send to her in care packages so if there's ever something you want to include just let me know and I'll be glad to get it to her. If you'd like her e-mail address, let me know and I'd be glad to get that to you as well. She always loves hearing from us, so when you get a chance send her an email or a comment on myspace and let her know you are thinking about her!

Jules I miss you and you are in my thoughts and prayers daily! I can't imagine the last 16 years without you! LYLAS!

This One's For You Babe

2008-02-13T16:14:00.004-06:00

I have the most wonderful fiance in the whole world! He would do anything to give the world to me and I am so blessed to be marrying this man! Brian and I are different in so many ways, but no one makes me smile or laugh like he does! We will celebrate our 1 year anniverary of being together next month and I can't believe it's been a year almost already! We were talking last night and this time next year will only be THREE weeks until our wedding! I know that time will fly by fast and I can't wait to marry the man of my dreams.

Here are some of the many reasons that I love Brian:

He's calm and I'm like a tornado!
He's quiet (even though sometimes that drives me crazy) & I'm loud & often times speak before thinking!
He's a good cook and well I'm working on that one!
He always obeys the speed limit and well I'm working on that one too!
He plans things out and likes to have a plan and well I'm stubborn and like to do things on my own time!
He likes to go to bed early and well I could stay up half the night!
He doesn't understand why me and Alicia have to have dinner and gossip, but he lets us just the same.
He helps me with projects for school even though sometimes I think he wonders if this will school thing will ever end!
He remembers how he took something apart (i.e. the tv, stereo, dvr, printer cartridges, etc.) and I tell him that's what I have Matt & Jason for, because they hook those things up for me!
He doesn't get mad when I've made the cell phone bill go over because of all of my incessant text messaging!

Most of all the reason that I love Brian is because he is the man of my dreams. He loves my family, no matter how crazy things get sometimes. Hey when you have such a big family things get crazy at times! He is a great uncle to my adorable nephew! He understands that I am a daddy's girl 100 percent and have to talk to my dad EVERYDAY! He lets me cry when something isn't going my way or I'm stressed and loves me just the same. He is always cheering me on and one of my biggest fans!

Babe I love you and I can't wait to marry you! March 7th 2009 will be here before we know it! I can't wait to spend our first Valentine's together! Thank you for being the man of my dreams! I love you more than you'll ever know!

This To Shall Pass

2008-02-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

I titled my blog that because this time about three weeks ago I was freaking out because I was so overwhelmed with school. I have alot to do this semester and just did not know how I was going to get this all done and this too shall pass is what my Granny told me. Well here I am three weeks later and things seem to be working out nicely! I was mostly worried because we have a new manager at work and I was afraid she wouldn't be so understanding. Luckily since she is now managing two branches she is not at ours all the time and so my teller supervisor said that all my observation hours would work out or we would just make them work out! I have all the observation hours for all of my classes set up, now I'm just waiting on them to start! As I said in my last post I am beginning to see the light (a faint light) at the end of the tunnel!

This past weekend we had Aaron's baby dedication at church which was so much fun! He did just great at church and I think our family had the most people there out of anyone! We also had an anniversary dinner at the church that I grew up in (1st Assembly) for pastor and his wife. It was really good to see so many old faces! When we got there Rhonda had told Summer that I was coming so she immediately ran to me when she saw me and wouldn't let me put her down for nearly 30 minutes! She then wanted to sit at our table and share a chair with me to eat dinner! I loved it! She kept our table entertained and then she wanted me to tell her the story of the three little pigs, so I start telling it to her and she proceeds to tell me Aunt Kelly you aren't telling it right! HaHa! She would correct me and make me go back and say the correct part! Summer Lynn I love you and can't wait to see you again soon so we can have our slumber party!

Here are two pictures: one with Summer from this past weekend and then one that I found on my camera of Aaron! Doesn't he look adorable! I love my lil chipmunk! I can't believe he's changed so much even since that picture was taken!

School Work & More School

2008-01-30T08:10:00.000-06:00

Well school is going pretty good so far. I had a brief moment of freaking out a few weeks ago when I realized how much field experience (which for those of you that don't know education majors have to have so much in classroom time called field experience that is documented before we can receive our certification to teach and to receive our degree) I would have to do this semester....32 hours worth!! Plus the 18 hours of classes that I'm already taking! It's beginning to all fit in and hopefully this semester will work out just nicely. As my Granny says this too shall pass! Though I atleast can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel as I have just this semester, and then three more regular semesters and school this summer and then I will officially be a college graduate! It's a faint light but atleast I can start to see it! In other news my sister has decided to go back to school and be a teacher! I am so happy for her and so proud of her! Kim it will be hard work at times, but it will be so worth it!

It hit me yesterday that January was almost over, which means that Julie has been gone for a month already! Now if all of the rest of the months would just hurry up and fly by that would be great! I have been lucky enough to get 2 e-mails and several myspace messages since she's been gone! Continue to keep her in your prayers though!

Ok I'd better wrap this up so that I can head to class pretty soon. For those of you that don't know Wednesdays are the day that I go to school ALL day so it makes for a long day! Other than school I'm always working but atleast I have some great friends to keep me laughing along the way!

Aaron We Love You!!

2008-01-23T08:28:00.000-06:00

Today marks one year since my sister came and told me that she was pregnant!! I remember it like it was yesterday. Kim had called me a few days before and asked if she could borrow $30 to go to the doctor, but she had told me that she was going to the doctor because at the time she was considering having surgery done on her sinuses. I loaned her my credit card with strict instructions to bring it back to me right after her appointment, because I love my sister but she's not the best at having a credit card at her disposal! She comes into the bank and gives me my credit card back and then tells me to come outside, well we are standing outside the bank and she tells me Kelly I didn't go to the doctor about my surgery, and immediately I started crying (as Brian would say I do about everything) and knew exactly what she was going to tell me she was PREGNANT!! I was the first person she had told...she hadn't even told Guy it was a for sure thing yet!! She told me to keep it quiet, because she was going to tell Guy and our parent's that night!! Both of my parents called me just thrilled but also wanting to know why and how I'd kept that secret from them!! We were all so excited and just couldn't wait for Aaron to get here, I will admit that at first I wanted a niece, but now I can't imagine my life without my Aaron Aaron as I like to call him!! We thought we'd all just die waiting for Kim's due date to get her and it came and went and still no baby. Aaron decided he was going to make his entrance into this world just when he wanted to!! I will never forget Guy calling me on October 2nd and telling me that they were at the hospital, but that they weren't sure they were staying. Well that was all I needed to hear and Brian and I were in the car and off to the hospital with my Lil Bubba right behind us. Lil Bubba & I couldn't wait to meet our nephew and there was no doubt in our minds that we weren't going to not be the first ones there! Our family and Guy's parent's crowded into the waiting room and waited and waited and finally at 2:37 am Guy Aaron Barker was born!! Lil Bubba was asleep on the floor and I remember waking him up and telling him Aaron was here!! The first time I held Aaron I told him that we'd all been waiting a really long time to meet him!!

Aaron,

Uncle Brian and I love you so much!! It always makes me so happy to see your cute lil chipmunk cheeks and to see you smile and talk to us!! We have had a great four months with you and can't wait for many more!! I love you my lil Aaron Aaron!!

Love,

Aunt Kelly!!

2008-01-16T08:17:00.000-06:00

HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY JULES!!! I just wanted to say happy birthday to Julie!!! Today is technically the beginning of her birthday in the states, but her birthday is almost over, over seas. Julie I can't wait for you to be back in the states so we can celebrate together again!! I miss you & hope you have had a great day!! Your present is in the mail...sorry it didn't make it in time for your birthday!! LYLAS!! Here's to 22 more years of friendship!!

In other news I start back to school today. I am actually in the computer lab at school waiting for my first class to begin. It will be a busy semester that is for sure!! Though I am looking on the bright side and I am finally a SENIOR!!

Houston...We Have A Place!!

2008-01-14T10:04:00.000-06:00

In the summer Brian and I went to check out a few places to have our wedding. My dad kept insisting that we go to this place in New Waverly called The Vineyards at Waverly House Manor and boy I am glad that we did! This was the last place that we looked at that day, and we knew that if everything could be worked out we wanted to have our wedding here! My dad had done some electrical work for them when they were first starting up and so we asked my dad and Melinda to come along with us this weekend, so that we could go over a few questions we had about the contract with Mary (the sweet lady that owns the place). When we got there she showed my dad and Melinda around (them having not seen the finished product) and then sat down and started talking about things. Brian and I were truly blessed when we sat down to talk to her, because she ended up giving us a really good deal on the wedding package that we chose, because of all the hard work my dad did for them when they were just starting out! I literally wanted to start crying when she told us this, because it was such a relief! When we got back in the car I told Brian that it pays to have people that know and love your daddy! Everyone should check out the website, because this place is absolutely beautiful and Brian and I can't wait to have the wedding of our dreams here! The website is: www.thevineyardsofwaverlymanor.com

In other news I want to say congratulations to Jason & Sonya Marie on the birth of little Sophie! She was born last Monday and is absolutely beautiful! She felt so small, but I guess that is because I am use to holding Aaron!

I start back to school on Wednesday and I am sad that the break is over, but I am glad to be getting back to another semester. Each semester I just tell myself that it is one more semester closer to graduation! This will be a CRAZY BUSY semester for me, as I am taking all education classes that require alot of in classroom time, so if I am not returning phone calls or messages, please know that it's not because I don't want to.

Here's a few cheers & jeers of the day:
Cheers: To finding a wedding place and getting a discount this weekend!
Jeers: Starting School on Wednesday
Jeers: Aaron being sick & me not seeing him this weekend...oh yeah and Kim too!
Jeers: To why I can't figure out why my ipod won't work...get back to me on that one!
Cheers: To having friends at work like Alicia, Rick, and Matt that make me laugh, which in turns makes going to work not so bad!

Oh yeah one last thing I just want to say Happy 10 Months to Brian!! I love you babe!! Yes Brian and I are one of those couples that celebrate our anniversary every month...I can hear my sister now saying oh please! I can't believe that it's almost been a year! Before we know it, we will be walking down the aisle!!

Christmas 2007

2008-01-07T09:13:00.000-06:00

Brian and I were so blessed this Christmas!! It was a little crazy at times, between finishing up school for the semester, working like crazy, wrapping presents, and packing to go everywhere but we had a great first Christmas together. We both worked part of the day on Christmas Eve and then we drove to Brian's parent's house in Fairfield (not too far from Dallas if you don't know where it's at). We enjoyed dinner with his parents, brother, sister in law, two adorable nephews, and family friends. We had a great time watching his nephews Riley & Bryson open presents, but somehow the only pictures we have are on Brian's mom's camera! Brian and I each took a present for eachother to open there. He gave me my diamond stud earrings that I absolutely love!! I gave him his diploma framed to put in his office and a tie rack...kinda nerdy I know, but he needed one!

Brian and I woke up early Christmas morning in time to have breakfast with his parent's and then stop by his grandma's on our way out of town and then we were on the road again to my grandparent's. We always open presents in the gameroom at my granny's house and it never ceases to amaze me at how the gameroom is exploding with presents. This was a really fun Christmas, because it was Aaron's first!! He was definitely spoiled this Christmas!! We ended the night at my dad's where we got to hang out with family and just have a really great time. We got to spend alot of time with my big brother Jason and Sonya and that was great. Even though they just live in Huntsville we're always all so busy that we don't get to spend alot of time together.

Brian and I were truly blessed this Christmas and it was a great first Christmas, but I think we're both glad it's over because it was crazy busy! We are still working on taking the tree down, but hey we may get it down by Valentine's!

Aaron is just chilling waiting to open his presents!!

Aaron is tired of opening presents!!

Celebrating our 1st Christmas together!!

Aaron loves his GiGi!!

Jason & Sonya Marie (& lil Sophie too!)

Me & Sonya Marie!!

Jason & I!!

For those of you that are wondering where the pictures of Kim & Matt are, I have them, but Kim refuses to let me put them up!!

We Love You Julie!!

2008-01-07T09:05:00.000-06:00

On December 20th we all got together to have dinner with Julie before she left for Iraq. It is always great to see Julie and it's always great having her home. This time was bittersweet because we knew that Julie would be leaving for Iraq in just a few days, but also this was the first time that Julie got to meet Aaron. He definitely loved Julie and let her hold him for quite awhile! I am so proud of you Jules! I miss you like crazy, but I know you are doing great!

Aaron is ready to go meet Julie!

Best Friends Forever!! LYLAS!!

The three of us have been through everything together!

I Love This Time Of The Year!!

2007-12-19T08:31:00.000-06:00

I decided to start this blog to keep our family and friends updated on all of our wedding plans as well as for my best friend Julie. Julie is about to leave to proudly go and serve our country over seas and I couldn't be more proud of her, but because she is overseas there is a good possibility that she won't be back in time for my wedding. I can't imagine my wedding without her, so I want her to be apart of everything that I am planning and what a better way to do it than on here.

Brian and I are so blessed beyond belief this year. We both have amazing families that we can not imagine our lives without. We have jobs that though we spend too much time at, most of the time we love. I am well on my way to getting my degree in Elementary Education at SHSU, and we have amazing friends to share in this journey with.

Here are some pictures from our favorite moments this year. We hope you enjoy the pictures and keeping up with all of our wedding plans!!

Here is my first trip home with Brian to meet his family.

Brian and I celebrating our engagement!!

Matt (Lil Bubba), Brian, and I at Big State Festival!!

The Day After Aaron Was Born!! We

Love Our Nephew!!

The Newlywed Life

Catching Up

A Whole Year Already?!

Catching Up

Tomorrow's The Day!!

I Am Thankful

One Year Ago Today!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Aaron!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Shopping Anyone?!

Salsa Chicken

Happy 3 Years!!

What A Difference A Year Makes...

Miracles Do Happen...

Summer School, Heat, Birthdays, & Life

Say A Prayer

Busy Busy

The King of Country

I SURVIVED...

It's Starting To Look Like Home

Take A Tour

It's Official...

Easter 2009

A Month Already?!

All Things Wedding

The Newlywed Life

Tomorrow's The Big Day!

Please Pray

Proud To Be An American

11 Days & Counting

Update on Life

Prayer Request

San Diego Trip

Today's The Day!!!!

Wedding Shower

The Newest Marine..

Letter To My Baby Brother

Single Digits, The Crucible, & 6 Months

School, Haircuts, Phone Calls

My Amazing Fiancee

9 Weeks Down..3 More To Go!!

Calm Before The Storm

Hot Chocolate Surprise

Goodbye 2008 Hello 2009!!

Ice Skating

Tag You're It

TAG YOU ARE IT

Trying To Catch Up

We're Still Alive

Bridal Pictures & A Wedding

The Mailman Is My Best Friend

Happy 5th Birthday Summer!!

Congrats Julie!!

Updates & Pictures

He Has An Address!!!

Happy 19th Birthday Baby Brother!!

Proudest Sister Ever!!

Say A Prayer

10 Facts About Me

This is what makes me proud to be a marine sister!

Aaron's 1st Birthday

Happy 1st Birthday Aaron Baron!!

A Year Ago Today

Exscuse Me I'm Trying To Study!!

Ahh The Joys Of Electricity!!

Just Checking In

Birthday, Vacation, & Back to Reality

FREE AT LAST!!

3 Days Til Freedom!!

Less Than A Week & I'm Done!!

HE'S COMING HOME!!!

Update on Dad

PRAYER REQUEST

Proud Big Sister

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE!!

1 Down 1 To Go

Happy Birthday Rhonda!!

Pictures Pictures Pictures

Hello World!!

End of Semester Craziness