Saying goodbye to our neighbors

Last Thursday I spent the afternoon at Gattiland saying bye to our sweet neighbors who moved away. Jennifer and I became friends the moment we introduced ourselves two years ago. Our husbands work for the same company and were both doing quite a bit of traveling at the time, so I loved having someone right across the street to share those experiences with!

We spent the afternoon eating pizza and playing games, and with all of the tickets her boys won they chose to get a big bag of army men that they could play with together. They were seriously some of the sweetest, most polite kids I've ever met! I'm really going to miss all of them!

Looking Back {on 2012} Part I

For me 2012 was a year of personal growth. As the year began I found myself searching for meaning and purpose in my life. It was a year of challenges, but those challenges eventually turned into triumphs, and as the year came to a close I felt at peace. I had learned to seek happiness for myself, instead of waiting for it to find me. 

January

We celebrated the new year in Texarkana for Britt and Dustin's wedding weekend. It was such a memorable weekend and a wonderful start to 2012. 

At some point in January it became a reality that Brandon actually had to leave for three months, starting at the end of March. I began worrying about what this meant for me. I didn't have anything holding me back in Corpus, but I started to wonder if having a job would make the coming months easier. I looked into possibilities outside of child life, and I considered going into teaching. After weighing all my options I decided against it. I didn't want to jump into something just because I was scared of the challenge ahead. 

February 

I spent the month of February taking advantage of my time with Brandon, since I knew he would be leaving in a matter of weeks. Although we squeezed in as many date nights and fun outings as we could, it still felt like there was cloud of sadness hanging over us. Even though we tried not to think about it, we knew that we were quickly approaching the biggest challenge we had ever faced as a married couple. 

Towards the end of the month I made my first Austin trip of 2012. Shell and I experienced the Campus Candy Store for the first time and attended a Texas Country benefit concert that was close to my heart.

March

I realized I had spent so much time trying to figure out the next step in God's plan that I hadn't even noticed His presence in the present moment. I began to see Him working in my life in ways that I hadn't even considered. I learned to accept the stage I was in, and life seemed fun again. 

We spent a weekend in Yoakum before Brandon started his rig training, and at the end of the month we began our Dallas adventures. 

April

I did a lot of traveling in April. I was either in Yoakum with my parents, in Austin with Michelle, or in Dallas with Brandon. I had a lot of time to myself, which I spent running, reading, and just thinking about life. 

We also celebrated my PaPaw's 90th birthday, and we felt so blessed to have him in our lives. 

April was also the beginning of Courtney and Kyle's wedding festivities. My maid of honor duties included a day in College Station for Courtney's bridal portraits, a day I will never forget.

Stay tuned for parts two and three...

10 Week YOU Challenge: Week 5

Happy Tuesday!

via

Six Places

Each of these places has played a big part in my life,
but the people and experiences that I encountered in each place
are what make each one special.
  

Austin
My all-time favorite place to live.
The first place we lived when we got married.

Yoakum
Our hometown.

Georgia
Home of my Aunt Betty and Uncle Robert.
My all-time favorite summer vacation spot.

The Forty Acres
Read more here.

Red Rock / Rockne
Home of my grandparents,
and the place that holds my favorite childhood memories.

Corpus Christi
Our current city.
Although it's not my favorite place to live,
I'm sure I'll look back one day and appreciate everything this city has taught me.

Weekend Update

This weekend was one of my favorite weekends! Brandon came home Friday after being out of town all of last week, which already made Princess and I happy. Add in a few college football games, good food, the Texas Longhorns, and my first ever fantasy draft...

...Now that's what you call a good weekend.

1: Chili dog, 2: Princess's football season collar, 3: Longhorns taking the field,
4: Princess {and B in the background} in their game day attire, 5: Our first Longhorn Network experience



The first weekend of college football for Brandon is huge. I knew this. And I wanted to make sure that we made the most of it. I knew our weekend would be spent in front of the TV watching football, and the one way I knew I could make it even better was by planning our menu.

I decided to carry on my parents tradition of having 'game food'. All weekend. I went to the store on Friday and bought everything we needed for nachos, burgers, and hot dogs. Oh, the hot dogs.

When I was younger my family ate the same thing during almost every Texas football game. Mom would make a pot of chili, Dad grilled hot dogs, and when everything was ready Dad would say, "The concession stand is open!" If we got hungry again in the fourth quarter? That's when they'd bring out the nachos. It was their little way of bringing a bit of DKR right into our living room.

So... On Saturday I was really looking forward to the hot dogs. Like I almost made them for breakfast.

After spending the morning watching Game Day and eating way too much we showered and got ready for our game. The Texas game. Russel {Brandon's friend from work who is also a Texas Ex and loves Longhorn football just as much as we do} came over, and we headed to the Texas Exes watch party.

Me, Brandon, Russel

The party was held at a local bar, and if I couldn't be at the game then this was definitely the next best place to be. We were in a huge room full of fellow Longhorns, watching the game on a giant screen, singing 'The Eyes of Texas' in a crowd of burnt orange.

We. Were. Loving it.

After the game, which Texas won, we started making plans to go back next week. It was just such a good feeling to be in a room full of people who understand, who get it, who know what it's like to yell Texas Fight  at the top of your lungs in a crowd of 100,000+. For the first time since we've lived here, I felt 'at home'.

And let me tell you, that is a good feeling.

Sunday morning after church we we started focusing on our draft for The Pivo League.

I wonder what this could be??

Come back Wednesday to meet my first ever fantasy football team...

In case we have to run from a hurricane...

Driving down the highway yesterday I saw this:

{via}

And it made me think.

We do live pretty close to the water.

And our house came with hurricane boards for all the windows.

What if there was a hurricane?

What if we had to leave our house, not knowing what the damage would be when we returned?

What would I take?

I made a list...

Besides B and Princess {duh} I would hopefully have time to grab...

- Our wedding rings

- Our college rings

- Our wedding album, video, and photo discs

- My MaMaw's mothers ring

- The hand carved University of Texas tower my dad made me for graduation

- Our college diplomas

- My camera {only to have the pictures on it that were already taken}

- The file box with all our important papers {a responsible choice}

- Our pillows {The child life specialist in me knows we should each have a 'comfort item', ha!}

Now if we are ever placed in this situation,

I do know that the people in our lives mean so much more than these things.

After all, most of these things can be replaced.  

I also know that my dad has worked during a few hurricane evacuations,

and that he might even tell us to stay put,

because the traffic can be more dangerous than the storm.

But if we do ever find ourselves packing and running from a storm,

I will know exactly what to grab on our way out the door.

We're back!

We've been back in our own house for about two weeks now, and after lots of unpacking, laundry, and putting everything back in its place we are finally settled in. We've stayed busy catching up on all the fun summer things we've missed since we were gone.

 

Our days included yard work, our first Hooks game, and several meals from the grill. We also had Michelle over for the weekend, spent a day at the beach with friends, and watched 4th of July fireworks.

 

We're back home, so come for a visit!

 

Absence makes the heart...

Go crazy.
Or at least that's the case for me.

~~~

For the past three months {twelve weeks, 5 days to be exact} Brandon has been in Dallas.

We knew when he took this job that there would be a three-month training course he would have to attend. That's three months that he would have to leave our home and live somewhere else.

Without me.

We knew this, but we tried not to think about it. We tried, I tried, to tell myself it would never come.

But it did.

~~~

On March 24th we went to a wedding in the Austin area. And the next morning we said goodbye. Brandon drove to Dallas, and I caught a ride back to Yoakum.

"I can do this," I told myself. "Maybe it will be like a vacation...I'll go to Dallas, Corpus, Yoakum, and Austin, and it will be fun!"

That thinking lasted about six hours.

Sunday evening, after I got to my parents house, we started gettting ready for church. I walked into my room to change clothes, and it hit me.

I opened the closet to choose a shirt, and I realized it wasn't my closet. Sure it had my old prom dresses, my tucked-away trinkets and suvenirs, and my wedding gifts that I don't have room for, but it wasn't my closet at my home. {And, I only had about three shirts to choose from for church, ha!}

I started crying. And my mom and dad immediately began to comfort me.
I got the feeling that they knew this was coming.

Me {crying}: "I just don't know what to do!" ..sniff, sniff... "If I go home to my house I'll be so lonely, because no one is there!..But that's where all my stuff is...And if I stay here I won't have any of my stuff!"

Mom {in her very calm I'm-always-going-to-take-care-of-you voice}: "Emily honey, you can bring as much stuff here as you want! You can bring your whole closet if you want! We want you to do whatever you need to to be happy here."

Me {still crying}: "I know, but I'm a grown up now and I should be at my own house."...sniff..."I shouldn't have to stay with my parents."

Dad {in his very wise voice}: "Emily, you have the rest of your life to be at your house. It's okay if you want to stay with us while Brandon is gone."

Me {a little less emotional}: "Okay." ..tiny sniff.. "But I'm going to need some more clothes."

~~~

And at some point during the following weeks I went down to our house in Corpus to get more clothes. And shoes. And hair stuff, and swim suits, and my yoga mat, and weights, and my favorite blanket, and after a few more trips I had everything I needed.    Thank goodness!

~~~

I've now spent the last three months hanging out with my mom and dad. I drove to Dallas every few weeks and stayed with B for about a week at a time, but I spent most of my time in Yoakum.

We've stayed pretty busy. And after 2 couples showers, 3 bridal showers, 2 funerals, 2 softball tournaments, 1 5k, 1 weekend in Austin, 2 weddings and at least 4 trips to Dallas {for me}....

...After 89 days...

B is coming home!...

...On Friday! And I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me, how happy this makes us!

Check back soon for P's side of the story...

Maybe this is the plan?

As you know I have not been working {full-time} since we relocated to Corpus. It's been about 8 months, and I've spent that time trying to figure out God's plan for me.

My plan was to get married, work as a child life specialist for 3-5 years, stay home once we had kids, and then work again when they were in school.

Well, you can see how that turned out.

So like I said, instead of me coming up with a new plan I've been trying to figure out what His plan for me us is.

And then this week I started thinking.

Maybe this is the plan?

Maybe I'm right where I'm supposed to be? Maybe I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing?

As we started meeting new people {right after the move} I was constantly asked "What do you like to do?" "What are your hobbies?" "What do you enjoy?"

My answer?

"I don't really have hobbies." "I don't really do anything for fun."

Sad, I know.

And just a few months ago we were having dinner with Julian, a guy B works with, and Julian's girlfriend, Michelle. Michelle and I were getting to know each other, and I told her that I was a child life specialist {and of course I loved telling her all about my profession} but that I stay home now and sub when I can. And she, of course, asked "So what do you do for fun?" And out of habbit I said, "Oh I don't really have any hobbies..."

But before I could finish my sentance B jumped in the conversation and said "You do too have hobbies!" I looked at him, wondering what he was talking about. "You run, you do yoga, you cook, you blog..." 

And it hit me. I have a whole list of things that I enjoy. 

And for someone who has always been too busy stressing or worrying to have fun;

this is an accomplishment.

So that's why I'm starting to see that this is God's plan. For the first time in a long time I'm taking care of me. And I know that {hopefully} when I do get to work as a child life specialist again I'll be even better because of this time. Because when the job gets emotionally tough, I'll have a whole list of outlets, of ways to release those emotions.

So I am at peace.

I know that I'm living out His plan.

And that when the next phase comes along I'll be ready.

Moving Forward

My last post left me feeling a little down. But I was reminded this week that no matter what, life does go on. And here in Corpus, we are moving forward.

This week I FINALLY had the chance to substitute. I went to the Tuloso Midway substitute orientation a few weeks ago, but there hadn't been any openings until this week. Wednesday I taught a second grade class, which was interesting. It was my first day in a classroom, and I was a little nervous. I had gotten so used to having one-on-one interactions with kids in the hospital, and I hadn't worked with a group of kids in years. I was quickly reminded what it's like to have 20 or so youngsters demanding my attention. My favorite was a boy who came up to me during the noisiest time of the day and said "I can sing a song about the seven continents of the world! Want to hear it??!" I was thinking to myself, "Do you really think this is the best time for me to sit and listen to your song??" But, I smiled and said "Yes, let me hear it!" He started singing, and I continued to walk around the room monitoring the chaotic situation at hand (with the continent-singing boy following me). Every few seconds I'd turn around and aknowledge his song, and each time I turned around he stood a little taller and sang a little louder. When I noticed he wasn't singing anymore I said "Wow, you sang the whole song! You should feel proud of yourself!" Instead of smiling and running off to his seat, he said sadly "But you didn't see the dance I did at the end." Just when I thought I had figured out the balancing act of the classroom, I missed the continent-singing boy's dance. Great. He had worked so hard on this song, and I missed the best part. I paused for a second, and asked him to show me the dance. He gladly did, and after I smiled and aknowledged his dancing abilities he smiled and ran off to his seat. Thank goodness!

Thursday I subbed for a third grade class, and it was a much quieter day. There weren't as many look-at-me's or watch-what-I-can-do's, which meant more time for teaching. I really enjoyed being in front of the classroom and the actual teaching part. It made me really start to think about getting my teaching certification. My degree was in human development, and I chose classes that focused in child development, so I feel like I have a strong knowledge base. And teaching for a few years would put me closer to becoming a Play Therapist, which I would absolutely LOVE.

So we will see. I'll continue to sub and see how it goes. And I'll keep you updated on the certification part. And for anyone who's wondering, Princess is doing great! She's sitting on my lap as I type :)

"What the heck am I doing here??"

This week I'm feeling frustrated. It's been almost three months since we've moved, and I'm starting to get antsy. Ever since I can remember I have been involved in numerous activities at one time. In high school it was school, work, cheer (high school and competative), UIL, and just about every club offered at YHS. When I moved to Austin I was attending THE University of Texas (Hook 'Em!!), working, babysitting, and volunteering in as many places as I could. After graduation I was doing my Child Life internship and planning our wedding, and after the wedding I was learning how to be a wife and getting used to the working world all at once. (I don't even know how I had time to breathe during all of that!) And now my days consist of playing with Princess, watching TV, reading, running, and housework. That's it.

I think the frustration is coming from several places. I strongly believe that God has a plan for each of us, and that He uses us and works through us every day. When we (Brandon and I) decided  to start this new adventure, I realized that God was finished with me in Austin. I had done so much growing and learning, worked with so many inspiring children and families, and been there for my little sister's first year of college. And now it was time for me to move on and for God to use me somewhere else. Well, I found the 'somewhere else', but I'm still not sure why I'm here. And don't tell God, but I'm becoming impatient.

It is also hard to go from doing such rewarding and inspiring work to being a housewife. Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for women who stay at home. My mom stayed at home when we were little, and she worked so hard to make sure the house was clean, the laundry was done, and that we got to dance class on time. But right now it's just me and Princess at home, and she doesn't require much. I'm just not sure how meaningful my days are, and if anyone is even affected by them.

I know when my dad reads this he will call me and say, "Emily, God will reveal His plan when HE is ready. Not when YOU are ready." And I know, Dad. It's just so hard to wait. So like I told a friend earlier, I guess I'll just keep praying, cooking, and playing with Princess until I know what my purpose in Corpus is.

Inspired by a song

Hello! And welcome to my new blog! I've been contemplating starting a blog recently, and finally decided to go for it. I love to write, and I thought this would be a good way to stay connected with all of you while I'm continuing this new chapter of life by the Corpus Christi Bay.

"This is the Life for Me" was inspired by a song that really explains where I am and what's taken place over the last several months. I was in the car with my mom, listening to her new Francesca Battistelli CD, and "I'm Letting Go" came on. I really felt that this song captured exactly what I had been experiencing. After researching the song a bit, I found that Francesca wrote it after moving to Nashville and leaving everything she knew and loved behind. Let me explain the similiarities...

The year 2010 was quite a whirlwind, and by the end of it I had an amazing husband, loved my job, and loved living in Austin with my little sister and my Pa-Paw right down the road. When 2011 came around I was ready to slow down and enjoy where I was in life. If you asked me in January, I would have said we'd be in Austin for at least five years.

I was wrong. In June I found myself packing up our first apartment and shopping for houses in Corpus, a city that I knew nothing about that is two hours away from anyone I know. I think it's funny how right when I think I have a plan for my life, God steps in and gently reminds me that He is is control, not me. And I'm so glad he is!

Life in Corpus has been great! Brandon has been working really hard at his new job, and I couldn't be happier for him. Seeing him excited about his work and career is such a good feeling! I have enjoyed setting up our new home, and helping Princess (our miniature dotson) get adjusted to her new life also. We are all so happy, and after two months I've decided that "This is the Life for Me."

Brandon and I at the Corpus Christi Bay on our first night here.
I still can't believe we live so close to the water!