Super Fast Summer

Terry & I enjoyed a week in the most southern point of USA, Key West, Flordia. And can I just say, we certainly did not feel like we were in the states. We took part in some jet skiing, snorkeling, sight-seeing and yummy cuisine. Although enjoyable, relaxing and fun, we can now say we have "been there - done that!" Upon our return to Amarillo, Jack and Kate had one more week of school and then we moved to Ransom Canyon. Ransom is a quaint community about 15 minutes from Lubbock. A beautiful, small lake set in a canyon with water front home as well as homes on the rim overlooking a spectacular view. Not what you expect in the flat land of the high plains.

June and July flew by in leaps and bounds. I think we spent all but 3 weekends at our place at Lake Stamford. The kids happily & quickly adjusted to that!! It's a place to kick back, have fun, grill out, and swim...if you like dark red water that you can see about 1 inch through! I'm kidding...well sort of! (I did manage to swim around a little without to much fear of what would nibble my toes!) Jack learned what it means to be the "low man on the totum pole" when it came to some good ole fashion work in 100 plus degrees...Reese dug 2 holes in some cantankerous red clay for new trees; Travis helped lay out a pallet of sod; Kate discovered what fire ants feel like; Terry did a lot of everything and I tried to stay indoors and keep the liquids and popsicles coming.

 

Upon the arrival of August, I started a new job at Southcrest Baptist Church in Lubbock. A total blessing in God's perfect timing, of course. I work for the Senior Pastor and am surrounded by an outstanding group of people. I continue to stand amazed at how blessed we are. Besides the fact that I was able to stay home with Jack and Kate for the bulk of the summer, this adjustment of blending our families has been something beautiful!

Our Day to Become One

This is a day that ranks right up there with the birth of my children...actually higher because there was no pain involved, only joy. These pictures tell the story of the day I married the man I longed for ever since I first started to dream about love...the man who swept me off my feet...and still does; the man who loves me unconditionally and respects me; the man who allows me to love him back; the man who gives me chills with his touch and brings home flowers for no reason at all; the man who is my friend, partner, confidant, inspiration, lover, encourager...the man who is my husband! This was our day!!

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Our Engagement

On January 16, 2011, Terry proposed (with some help from Kate to cover my eyes) after dinner one evening at my home with my parents present. One of the many reasons I love this man is his keen sense of honoring others and including their feelings. He recognized that it would probably be very pleasing for my parents to witness such a happy moment for me. As hard as it was, my mom and dad have been so very non-intrusive and patient over the last couple of years. Their support came mostly in the form of prayer, even though they very much wanted to be closer to me physically to lend helping hands. And as much as they asked to be available to "help out," it was just not what I needed at the time. So through tears of joy...my mom's tears...I eagerly accepted. We set the date for May 14, 2011 at a quaint 'barn' for our family to attend.