A Child's Innocence

I think I mentioned in a previous post about how my parents are awesome. I mean they really are. They have been foster parents to five siblings since October. There has been a lot of discussion lately on where the kids will live and with whom. I think we are all having a hard time with trying to figure out what is really the best situation for the kids. And let's be honest. It's not really up to us. I guess it's more of realizing that it's not really in our hands. Or the courts hands for that matter. It's in God's hands. He has put these five children into our lives for a reason. And no matter how long they are with us, or where they end up, it is all meant to be. Sometimes that is a hard concept for me to grasp. I am more worried about how these decisions will effect me. I just want what is best for these kids. Period. I wanted to give you an example of why these kids are amazing. Here is a conversation my 6 year old foster brother had with Chelsea (Scott's girlfriend/chauffeur/awesome person).

Chelsea: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Brother: Well...how do you even get a job?
C: Well there is this form you fill out, it's called an application.
B: But what happens if you don't have a car, how are you supposed to get to work?
C: You can take a bus. Or if it is close enough, you may be able to walk.
B: Do you think you have to speak Spanish to work at Los Portales?
C: No buddy I don't think you do.
B: Ok good. Then I want to work at Los Portales when I grow up!

Now anyone that knows our family knows that we like to eat at Los Portales. A lot. I wanted to cry when I heard this story. With all the decisions that are being made for the kids' futures, sometimes it takes something like this to make us stop, smile, and say a quick thanks to God. At the end of the day, it's not really in our hands anyways, is it?

1,463 Miles Away....

I realize that I haven't blogged in awhile. I keep telling myself I don't have anything to blog about. In truth, I don't. I guess I could talk about Nathan being gone for the summer. But that might make me sad. He is working up in Maine, and although I know this is great for him, it is still hard for me. He had my blessing to go, but it sure is tough being stuck in Illinois by myself while he is away. It makes me think about all the military families that go for months upon months without seeing their loved ones. Makes me feel kinda ashamed that I can't handle two months. It's a good thing I have an awesome family in Tennessee that I can visit while Nathan is away. I sure do miss my hubby.

Lambuth is my Home

For those of you that are familiar with Lambuth University, we received some really sad news. Lambuth will be closing its doors on June 30, 2011. This news breaks my heart for multiple reasons:
*I graduated from this school in 2010.
*I played soccer for this awesome institution.
*I met my husband here.
*I married my husband in the chapel in the middle of campus.
*I met so many friends and feel my life was enhanced just by being a part of Lambuth.

Another reason is that my brother Scott and his girlfriend Chelsea are juniors this year. I hope and pray that they will be able to work everything out in the best way for them. I love these two so much and want nothing but the best for them. I know how much Lambuth has meant to them as well. It breaks my heart.

I was going to try to get through this post without crying, but alas, that did not happen. I feel as though they are trying to take away a part of who I am. I would be nowhere near the person and wife I am today if it weren't for Lambuth. I will love Lambuth and my time there forever.

The campus at Lambuth is one of the special things about this school, and I will forever cherish my engagement and wedding pictures that highlight and capture the glory of Lambuth.


















To Lambuth thee my loyalty.
I will love Lambuth forever.

My Best Friend

So as I was sitting here on this dreary Monday afternoon, I was contemplating the topic of my next blog. Since my life is pretty boring, it took a few minutes to think if anything interesting enough to post about had happened lately. It really didn't take a few minutes, more like a few seconds, for me to get the answer. No. So I decided that I should write about how lucky I am to be married to my best friend.

Nathan is seriously the most awesome guy ever. I know most women say that about their husbands, but mine is really true. I will admit that at some points I may not be the easiest person to be around. After all, I am female. But Nathan has never yelled at me or said mean things to me. If I am upset he lets me vent, then calmly tells me that my thinking is irrational. But let me tell you, if he came right out and said it, that would not go over so well. He always seems to word it in a way where I understand, but don't get angry. I don't even know if that makes sense. And yes, I am aware that I am rambling. :) I don't know what I did to deserve someone as special, loving, patient, and cute as him, but I thank God everyday that He put Nathan in my life. I would be lost without Nathan. He is my everything.

And since I dedicated a whole post to my awesome husband, I figured it would only be fair to post a picture or two of him.


This is Nathan running the St. Jude marathon in Memphis


Nathan and his dad getting ready for one of their many bike rides


Nathan having a blast at the city museum


My favorite, Nathan's face when he first saw me walking down the aisle on our wedding day

And speaking of wedding days, I can't believe next month will be our 1 year anniversary. Where did the time go? Anyways, even though Nathan will probably never read this, I love you with all my heart!

Expecting Great Things

There has been one major development recently in our lives. And, no, Beth I'm not pregnant. I got a promotion at work!!!! I have been working at Kohl's for the past 5 months just as a regular sales associate. I enjoyed the work, but the paycheck left a little to be desired. So imagine my shock and surprise when our store manager asked if I would be interested in applying for another position that is opening up. My immediate thought was: HOW SOON CAN I SIGN UP?!?! Needless to say, I found out last week that I got the position. That position: administrative assistant. I know, sounds pretty official right? Basically I am now in charge of scheduling our 100+ employees, making sure payroll is where its supposed to be, working with the new hires, etc. I am back in the office with all the managers and I even have my own desk! Oh, and my picture is now on the wall as one of the administrators. I seriously considered taking a picture of my picture that is on the wall, but I thought that may be a bit ridiculous. So, I didn't. There are also many perks to this new job. A nice little payraise, and better hours. I never have to work past 2:30 and I have the weekends off! My first day of training was today, and although I feel a little overwhelmed at the amount of information I must learn, I am very excited for this new opportunity.

Every So Often...

So I realize that I am awful at updating my blog. I love reading everyone else's blog, yet do not ever update my own. It may be because my life is really not that interesting. And by may, I mean that is the reason why. But since it has been a couple of months, here is what has been happening in Illinois...

*Nathan completed his first semester of Graduate School. He came out with 2 A's and a B...needless to say he did awesome!!!

*We had our first Christmas as a married couple here in Illinois...

(We ended up adding a litte village on top of the televsion where the picture frames are, but I don't have a picture of that at the moment)

*We went up to St. Louis and visited my cousin Leslie (who is currently in Africa) and ended up going skiing and snowboarding. Leslie and I skiied, while Nathan snowboarded.

This is me and my cousin Leslie


Nathan and I taking a break in the lodge

*I was very lucky to be able to spend some time with my awesome niece Ellie. I know I am a little biased, but isn't she beautiful?? Being an aunt is awesome and I always look forward to seeing Andy, Natalie, and Ellie. Just in case you haven't seen her, here are some pictures...:)






There are now words to describe how much I love this little girl and how blessed I feel to be her aunt!!!

The Great State of Illinois

So Nathan and I have officially lived in Carbondale, IL for a month now. Things are going well and we have settled in nicely. Nathan is enjoying grad school (as much as one can enjoy school) and I am passing the time working my new job at Kohl's. I figured I would take the time to give everyone a virtual tour of our apartment. So, here you go Beth...:)


This is the view to the right when you walk in the door...our dining area


The view from the front door of our amazingly large kitchen


It is amazing that our kitchen could fit in one frame...it is just too large...and our sweet puke colored countertops


The view to the left of the front door...our family room


This is what is outside the sliding glass doors off of the family room...our very own porch of sorts...and as you can see Nathan's babies (his bikes) rest here.


The hallway that is straight ahead when coming in the door


When you round the corner into the "hallway" you see the bathroom straight ahead and our bedroom door to the left


This is our bathroom...and the only thing you are missing is...


The shower to the left


The view into our bedroom from the door...Nathan wanted me to insert here that this is where the magic happens...a la MTV Cribs :)


And our sweet little window

So now that you all have seen our cute little place...you are more than welcome to come visit. We have an air matress with your name on it...:)