a youngin' a comin'

a fall tree in our yard

It's been awhile. I have somewhat been a slacker when it comes to writing. We haven't been up to anything spectacular so it seems there have been less things to write about.

I had my first experience with the dreaded jury duty. Well, I guess I didn't have to serve on the jury but I spent my morning telling these law people and other poor folks called in all about myself, who I know, what I do and so on. In the end, I guess I wasn't the sympathetic female for which they were looking. Seven other unlucky ladies and one man were chosen... seems a little fishy to me.

Davis has been having a good fall. His alma mater's football team, Mississippi State, is ranked currently #1 in the country. I think it's the first time ever. He used to play in their marching band and sat through several bad to mediocre seasons. He is excited to finally have some good recognition. Fingers crossed they can keep it up.

Ingrid managed to need another unscheduled vet visit. Somehow she cracked her dewclaw in half. She acted as though she were dying, she is a bit dramatic. I am sure it hurt though. She had to be sedated and fixed up. She is a cute and pathetic little patient.

little pink bandage for this gal

We have been in full swing with youth group. We started meeting weekly instead of bi-weekly. It has really helped build familiarity and continuity with the students. It has been an interesting challenge starting a multi-church youth group from scratch. I have never felt particularly gifted for helping in this role but we are trusting God for the fruit of this joyful yet stretching experience. We are working through Romans and have made it all the way to chapter 9.


I guess we haven't had an uneventful late summer and fall. It's been a big one for us. Late August we found out we are going to be parents. There is a young one coming in early May. We've told family and some friends. Since my 13 week appointment was yesterday, I suppose it's time we can let everyone in on our secret. I won't have updated ultra sound for another month.

9 weeks, gummy bear-like baby
(sorry it is side ways)

We are both extremely excited, scared, and thrilled to be given such a gift. I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing to prepare for such a huge life change. We are just going day by day. Depending on how I feel, some of those days are great while other ones are full of nausea and fatigue. I tend towards being an anxious busy body, so I am trying to take a step back and relax more. I am hoping these coming weeks brings a  better appetite, less nausea, and more energy to start actually preparing for this huge transition. We know our life is about to change drastically. The days of "just the two of us" (plus Ingrid) are numbered. However, I can't imagine the different kinds of trials and joys we have yet to experience. It's pretty exciting.


So, in case you want to know, I haven't had hardly any cravings except for lemonade and mustard. However, not together. Just thought I'd share that tid bit.

We are eager for advice, prayers, encouragement, wisdom, hand-me-downs...  :)

Autumn thus far

The leaves are changing, the air is getting cooler, and the days are shortening. Autumn is here and life continues to fly by at break neck speed. I do love fall. So, I am happy it is here.

Since our last desert adventure, a lot has happened. Davis' dear Gran passed away. Thankfully he was able to make it back to Mississippi to celebrate her life with his family. I stayed at home and snuggled with Ingrid. It was an expected passing and we are all thankful she is no longer in her frail body in this broken world but finally made complete for all eternity.

I have had my 28th Birthday recently. I spent it in Virginia with most of my family, post wedding festivities. Everyone treated me to all the tapas I could eat and fancy desert. Davis missed out on the partying since he had to fly back to SLC early for work. I can't believe how much closer to 30 I am getting. I am not really sad about it, it's just way crazy. Davis and I met when we were just 20. A significant portion of our lives have now been spent together. There isn't a thing you can do about getting older, might as well celebrate it and be thankful. I guess so far I am aging well, most patients and co-workers still guess that I am in my early twenties.

One of the biggest things of recent is a little wedding at a beautiful winery in the Virginian country side. My younger brother Daniel (finally) married his sweetheart, Ashley. She has basically been in the family for four years now, but now she is more stuck with us. It was such a beautiful but chilly day to celebrate their union. I love watching people's faces as they make such glorious, life changing promises. Their faces were precious as they went from tears of joy to beaming smiles. We literally celebrated all night long, these two throw a good party.

Perks of being family, front row seats.
Don't they look like barbie and ken? They are too pretty to be real

Vows exchanged, rings on, kiss complete. These two walked down the aisle to the Star Wars
theme. Can't imagine anything more perfect :) (Really... they are too pretty!)

We clean up nicely. Isn't this view fantastic? Oh green Virginia. You are lovely.

Davis and Trey may have eaten more than their share of the
raw oysters.

My cute sister, Sarah, and her boyfriend, Trey. We FINALLY got to meet him.
They are adorable too.

Older brother, Richard, and my sister, Angel, (in law but she is my sister) at dinner.
Gosh, my family is pretty  and awesome.
(Little foot baby niece or nephew coming in Jan!)

These are my fantastic parents. Sweet mom and rad dad.
They got down on the dance floor. Party on!

We sent the happy couple off with a shower of glow-sticks (light sabers?).
We collected them off the ground and had a little post partying rave. Davis
is a neon peacock here :)

It is just so sweet and comforting to be with family and celebrate adding more wonderful people to the clan. There were a lot of overt hints that we should move back east. My heart is torn and yet so full. I am astounded at the friends and family we have been privileged to "do life" with whether near or far and for a season or lifelong.  Ahhhh...  Happy Fall y'all!