Birthday Celebration. 2011.

I had a great birthday. I woke up to a sweet note left by my husband (he leaves me notes every morning, one of the best things about getting out of bed, the other is coffee. oh, and yes, definitely jesus time). He told me that though I'd receive gifts today, I am God's gift to all of us. LOVE.

My family has always celebrated birthdays with joy and enthusiasm, I was telling people all day that it was my birthday. It's the one day where it's okay to be goofy and talk about yourself in that way, non-stop. My sister-in-law greeted me at her doorstep with a cupcake and candle, which was super cute. From there we got mani/pedi's and had a nice lunch at Ruby Tuesday. Later in the afternoon my parents came to town and took Matt and me to a lovely dinner at The Ironwood Cafe. We'd never eaten there but had heard great things. I had a delicious filet, Matt had lamb shank, Mom got salmon, and my Dad got a steak. It was a swanky place and we really enjoyed it.

Back home I opened cards, gifts, and blew out 26 candles! My mom handmade a coconut cake. She's pretty awesome. Look at this:







I got some beautiful Waterford Iced Tea Glasses, a fun necklace, a book, shirt and some great sunglasses! Here are a few more pictures from our evening. So blessed.

25's been good to me.

In a few hours I say goodbye to 25, hello to 26. It's an interesting stage of life here. I'm married. I'm happy.

We just found a house to rent, and honestly, it's way nicer than what I was thinking we'd end up in. It's a house! I was ready and totally willing/excited about a condo, townhome or villa. Yet, we're in a house! Whoa. Grown up. We also signed a contract for a year and a half. We are the most committed to an area that we have been during our whole marriage (i know we haven't been married for that long, but still!). It is freaking me out a bit, knowing that we will be here for at least that long. I feel pressure to find friends, make friends, get connected, find a church home. Commitment of some sort changes your perspective. YET, I'm excited to be able to land somewhere and do all of the previously mentioned things. I KNOW it will take time to get into the groove, and I'm praying that God will lead us and mostly, show us how to serve here in SP.

Thank you God, for a great year. Wonderful memories and many blessings. May "26" honor you.

Moving!

We found a place to live! I apologize for the lack of blogging. It has been a crazy few days. I hope to post/update more soon.

God is good and has provided for us in some great ways. I got a desk to work from home on and I'm so excited about it. Now I can be organized...but first comes lots of unpacking.

Snow

Today, I'm grateful for the snow.
It has given me an unexpected day with my husband.
It has quieted our world, just for a few moments.
It has reminded me that my sins have been washed away, as white as the snow that falls.

Today, snuggled up and in, I'm grateful for all of these things the snow has given me.

Church Shopping

Trying to find a church home is tiring. We've met some great people at several local churches, but we haven't quite figured out which one is going to be "our" church. I ask for your prayers for this decision. We both want to serve and meet some other Christian couples and we know God will show us where He wants us.

No More Christmas Decorations

It's always sad when all the Christmas decorations are gone. Houses go from looking cozy, warm and inviting with candles in the windows... to cold and drab. I miss Christmas lights.



Of course there are those houses that still have all of their lights going strong. Maybe they'll take them down soon.

My hubby's on the news...

Matt's volunteering at Passion in ATl right now. Here he is in action.

Way to go babe. Excited to hear all the stories of what God did through you and the conference.

Check out the live feed of Passion 2011 here. Truly an amazing Christian movement for our generation.