Christmas Joy

This time of year just brings back a million memories of last year when I was anxiously awaiting my precious baby. Every time I drink egg nog I remember drinking it before I went to sleep last year because it helped my heartburn (really, it did). And when I put on my coats I remember not being able to button them because my belly was so big. And I remember looking forward to Christmas as a family of three. I have such fond memories of being very pregnant at this wonderful time of the year. At this time last year we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, but we could have never imagined the joy that this little girl has brought into our lives. It is simply indescribable.

We are heading to Amarillo in the morning. I am so excited for Christmas I can barely contain myself. Although Saylor doesn't get it yet, I love that we get to share Christmas this year with our little angel. And my niece, Averey, is 2 1/2 and is going to have a ball. I can't wait to see her excitement on Christmas morning. She called me a few days ago and sang me "jingle bells". It was so sweet! I love the togetherness of Christmas and am looking forward to sharing this special time with my family. AND celebrating the birth of our Savior, the best Christmas present ever! God knew exactly what we needed!

All the women who are independent....throw your hands up at me

....not really!
Independence is definitely a fault of mine sometimes and a topic of many discussions in our marriage.
I am independent, I want to be in control, I dont want to rely on anyone, because I can do it myself! I struggle with this so much. I need to submit to and depend on my husband and I sort of cringe at the idea of that. Part of it is just my personality, the other is probably how I was raised. My mom is a very strong, independent (and absolutely wonderful) woman....and had to be, because my dad was gone a lot due to work. But regardless of where it came from, I struggle.
For example, since our move, I haven't worked. And I hate not having "my own" money. But why is this an issue at all? My money became our money they day we said our vows and became one before God. I know this, but I struggle.
Thankfully, I have an amazing husband that wants nothing more than to provide for his family, lead his family, and protect his family. And thankfully he loves me AND my independence. I am blessed with an honorable man that I SHOULD submit to. But I still struggle.

Good Word and Good Friends

Yesterday we visited People's Church for the second time and have really liked it both times--YAY!! Both times we went with our friends that just happen to move here, Snap (R.L) and Jessica. He just got transferred with his job a few weeks ago and we are soooooo glad that they are here!! What a blessing to have friends closer than 4 hours away! (They live about 40 min away--but again, still better than 4 hours).

Again, it's beginning to feel more and more like home here! Finding a church is a big part of that, and we (actually Mas) FINALLY met our neighbors and they seem really great (we were beginning to wonder).

Mas left again last night for Fort Worth and I am trying to stay as busy as humanly possible while stuck in a house because it's FREEZING cold outside. Wish me luck with that! Dont get me wrong, Saylor keeps me plenty busy, but I just wish we could take a walk or do something outside to break up the day a little! It hasn't even been 24 hours and I already miss him tons! Just knowing he isn't coming home tonight makes the day drag out a bit!

Home again!

Since I last blogged, I have thought of a million thought-provoking things to blog about, but just haven't had the chance to sit down and do it, and now I have forgotten most of the really interesting things I had to say! Oh well!
On Tuesday I headed to Amarillo (yet again) because Mas was in Fort Worth for the week doing MORE training and I get really really bored and lonely here in this place that I dont know anyone, especially when its really cold outside because I just feel really cooped up and it makes me go a little crazy! Even though 4 hours in a car with the kid and the dog by myselft aren't my idea of a good time, once we finally got there, we had a lot of fun!
We came home this afternoon and for the first time I was really ready to be HOME (in Oklahoma). Its finally starting to feel like home!! And of course I was sooooo glad to see my hubby! So we are going to spend some quality time together this weekend because he leaves for Fort Worth again next week. UGGH! But this time I'm gonna tough it out and stay here by myself! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

First, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We reluctantly returned home from Amarillo today. We had a great trip!!
Second, our oven is broken and a repairman cant come out until Dec. 10th so if any of you have a tasty (and easy) crock pot recipe, I would love for you to send it my way!! Thanks a bunch!

Out of Commission

On Friday night we went and ran a few errands, came home and discovered the cable was out! I was trying to remain calm--I had waited all week to watch the Tech vs OU game on Saturday. My very sweet and understanding husband spent quite a bit of time outside in the freezing cold checking out the cable with a flashlight to make sure that Samson didn't decide to make a snack out of the wires. He called Cox, who went through the whole troubleshooting mess without any success and then said the soonest they could get anyone out to fix it would be Sunday. UGGGH!!
Then Saturday morning, Mas got up bright and early to check out the cable in the daylight. Still no answers, so he called Cox again just in case to see if they had had any cancellations--and they HAD!! YAY! Our cable was fixed by noon and I was so thankful!
Now I am wondering if I would have been better off missing the game. It was pitiful and embarassing! My cable was fixed but my team is what needed some work!! And I have to live here amongst all these OU fans. They are everywhere! Our neighbors have like a 16ft flagpole with a huge OU flag! I miss Texas!
On a happier note--we leave Tuesday night for Amarillo for Thanksgiving! Im so pumped to see family and friends and eat my weight in Thanksgiving food! Last year I had full intentions on eating disgusting amounts of food because I was big and pregnant and got to wear elastic waist pants. But because my little munchkin was crowding every organ--including my stomach, I didn't really achieve that goal. I will make up for it this year!!

butterfly kisses

We painted this plate at Brush with Art in Amarillo (actually we got the paint and printed her feet at home--it was entirely too cold to get a brand new baby out) when Saylor was 10 days old!! We never hung it at our old house because by the time we took it to be fired and then got it back, we were moving within a month or two--so it never got hung!
I finally hung her plate tonight--and the pictures just do not do it justice--it is the sweetest thing ever. It just amazes me how fast she has grown...her feet were so little!

And if you have never been to Brush with Art, you should so go--its tons of fun--and the people that own it are awesome!




(*the colors really are cute in person--it just looks a little funky because I couldn't get the flash quite right on my camera)

Deck the Halls

Its a little early, I know, but last night the Christmas decorations went up around our house! I am so excited for Christmas this year I can hardly stand it. I am really ahead of the game which is not usually the case for me. I even have most of my shopping finished. I just can't wait to share this special time of year filled with love and traditions and family with my sweet Saylor on her very first Christmas. We have already started listening to her Baby Einstien Holiday songs! And being away from home makes me cherish the fun family times we have around the holidays even more!

any suggestions?

Does anyone happen to know of a good church that we could try in the Oklahoma City area? We would greatly appreciate any suggestions!

And look at this face, dont you just want to squeeze her!?!

Great Progress

I've debated and contemplated on how to write this post or to even write it at all, in fear of offending people, but here goes....
Although I may disagree with some political views of Barack Obama, I think that in a different sense, this election was a major victory for our country. And I know this is a personal issue for me because I AM married to a black man with whom I have a beautiful baby girl. And someday when I tell her that she can be anything she wants to be, I want her to truly believe and know that. I never want the color of her skin and people's judgment to hinder her dreams!! This is a little cliche, but Im going to quote him anyways because I desperately hope this for our country and it speaks to me now that I am a mother--Martin Luther King Jr. said "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." That is exactly what I want for my daughter, and last night I think we took a giant leap in that direction!
So please pray for our new president and our nation. And look at the bright side of this election--even if he is not who you voted for. I am amazed and proud of how far our country has come!!
May God Bless America

Aahh, what a day!!

Today has been amazing...
*my mom came to visit this morning, which is a gift in itself, but she also came to give Mas and I a much needed afternoon away from the little munchkin. I dont even remember the last time we had a meal alone together, its been months. I missed Saylor every second I was gone but it was so nice to actually talk to my husband without also trying to entertain her at the same time. We strolled around Bricktown on a beautiful afternoon, fed our faces, and just enjoyed each other....it was so refreshing!
*Then we watched the RED RAIDERS wreck the longhorns! It was so exciting, Im still having a hard time believing it!
*Im about to go to bed and GAIN an hour! (Not that Saylor follows the rules of daylight savings time, but I still love the thought of it)
Goodnight and.....way to go TECH!

My Little Pumpkin

Home sweet home

We are here in OKC and getting unpacked and settled and trying to make this house a home. We got new carpet on Saturday and Saylor is absolutely loving crawling all over the place! We still have lots of work to do, so not much time to blog!
Hope everyone has a great week!

the countdown is on

Its finally here....I will be out of this hotel in less than ONE week!! I cant believe we've made it. Back in early June when we started this whole thing, I was a bit skeptical, but after lots of tears, prayers, and memories, it's finally here! Plans are still on schedule with the house and we should be closing in less than 2 weeks (thank you Lord)!

Things I can't wait to do:
*do laundry again in my OWN washer and dryer (this is a BIG one)
*put samson in the backyard
*let saylor crawl all over the place
*put saylor to bed in HER OWN ROOM in a real crib, not a pack n play
*have all of my own cleaning supplies and get things my kind of clean (not the housekeeper's kind of clean...there is definitely a difference. But I guess I can't complain, she is doing it for me since I dont have a broom, mop, vacuum, etc here with me)
*cook (I didn't think I would ever say that, and neither did Mas, Im sure)
*take long walks in my neighborhood
*have a garage again
*have 2 bathrooms again
*sleep on my own sheets
*use my own towels
*have dressers and our own closets instead of all just sharing one small one
*be completely unpacked and not live partially out of suitcases
*bake in an oven
*walk barefoot on my own CLEAN carpet that I dont have to wonder about!
*sprawl out on my own couch that I dont have to wonder about!


Im sure there are many more to add to this list, but this is a start!
This has been such a humbling experience, and I am so very thankful for everything I used to take for granted.



And of course a few pictures, just because pictures are fun!

Saylor and Daddy taking a nap! Saylor wont go to sleep on her own any more. We have to hold her just like this to put her to sleep. The problem is, you usually put yourself to sleep while you are at it!


My sweet munchkin in her shades!

MOMMA

Saylor has been saying "momma" all weekend!! I LOVE IT! Im really doubting that she is associating me with the word, I think it might just be a new combination of babbles she has added to her vocabulary, but Mas swears she knows what she is saying. She does seem to look just at me when she says it....regardless, it makes my heart swell a little! I cant help but smile when she says it :)
And speaking of mommas, I miss mine a lot today! I always miss her, she is my best friend (other than Mas), but today I really really miss her. More than anything, I wish she were here to enjoy Saylor more and watch her constantly growing and learning, I miss how much she laughs at my sweet angel, I miss our lunches together, I miss her hugs, and I miss knowing she is just right across town!
But thankfully we live in a time that everyone is just a phone call away, regardless of where you are, and pictures can be emailed with just a simple click....it makes this whole long distance thing a little easier. There is nothing better than a real live hug, but things could be a WHOLE LOT worse!

Just a few sweet pictures

These are just a few random pictures, but worth sharing:


Yes, she really fell asleep like this (6 months)


Playing guitar with Daddy (6 months)



My dear friend Missy, Reid, Saylor and I (7 months)

Auntie Erin and Saylor (8 months)

Our busy week

Last week was FULL of fun, family and friends. We started off in Oklahoma City looking for houses...which wasn't as successful as we hoped, but we did decide on a house. It's not everything I had hoped for, which is frustrating, especially when you have to write a large check for a mortgage each month, but after lots of praying, we decided on one. Our first house was a year old when we moved into it. It was small and plain but it was NEW. The houses in our price range in Moore, Oklahoma were older...and definitely have different layouts and architecture than the newer houses, but hopefully with just a little work, we will make this one home! Im just not all about redoing everything in houses, it kinda stresses me out. Im a little OCD and home improvements are a little overwhelming for me. However....I am soooo beyond excited to finally call somewhere home and cannot wait to get settled!! Just a little less than a month away!


Then in Amarillo, we packed as much as possible into the little time that we had. We spent time with friends and family, we took Saylor to the doctor (more about that later), went to the fair with our great friends Ross, Missy and their son Reid, Saylor got her first haircut, I worked, I did lots of laundry at my parent's house (which is WAY better than a laundromat), ate at most of the places we have missed, hung out with grandparents, parents, and Kellen, Tana, and Averey (who I miss the most) etc, etc. It was so busy and we are so tired, and Saylor's sleep schedule is now TOTALLY off, but it was absolutely FANTASTIC! Here are a few pictures of Saylor's haircut, and a few of her playing:

Before:

During:

House Hunting

Tomorrow morning we leave to go to Oklahoma City for our "house hunting" trip. Please be praying for us to find the perfect house (at the perfect price). We have just a few days to make that huge decision! Although, this trip means we are slowly nearing the end of this life on the road thing!! YAY!
And then on Tuesday, we are heading to Amarillo to spend some MUCH NEEDED time with friends and family! Im am soooo excited! I miss everyone and everything so much! I know there isn't much to Amarillo, which I have truly realized after being in other places these past few months...but it is my home! Kansas was beyond beautiful, and I can definitely understand how people that aren't from the panhandle might hate it.....but there is no feeling like the comfort of home! Can't wait to be back in those windy, flat, dry surroundings with all the people I love! And Saylor gets to show off her crawling abilities which she didn't have about a month and a half ago when we were there. She is all over the place! Trying to keep her corraled on a sheet instead of the disgusting hotel floor has been a challenge. And I can't wait for her to go to Yonna's and have full reign of the entire floor! I even get to work a night! I know, might sound crazy, but I cant wait to be back on the third floor delivering babies with some of my best friends! I love getting to stay at home with my sweet munchkin, but the challenge of that kind of work is a nice change as well! Im so blessed with such a rewarding job that I truly LOVE (and miss a lot!)
So keep us in your prayers on the house hunt! Hopefully we will have good news soon!

My First Blog!

I finally decided to start a blog for a few reasons....first because now that we dont live in Amarillo with friends and family, this will be a great way to keep in touch with them (and post new pictures of Saylor), second because Mas thinks it will help me be "creative" (we will see about that) and third because I have kinda become a blog-stalker...I love reading about everyone else's exciting lives. But the problem is, and the reason I have put this off until now, is that I really dont have anything to write about. Not too many interesting things go on here in our hotel room! Hotel room you ask? Ah, yes. Mas got a new job and so, since the first of June, we have been between Fort Worth and Overland Park, Kansas for his training--and living in a hotel! Definitely not the ideal situation with a baby and a huge dog, but I am trying to maintain a positive attitude and although I fall short of that quite often, I am thankful that we are all together....even if it is in a hotel! Then, in the middle of October we will settle down in his assigned location--Oklahoma City. So, I will try to write something entertaining now and then to keep your coming back for more!
Here are a few sweet pictures of my princess that my friend, Erin's dad took this weekend.