BIG and EXCITING update!

Hello all! I have been the worst at updating lately. I'm sorry! 

I've been busy with my new job that I have....working at a daycare at a fitness center in Yazoo City. Definitely challenging, definitely birth control. It gets better everyday but it's a hard job to have!

Thanksgiving was so fun! I ate and ate and ate, of course. This was my first Thanksgiving to contribute to the menu, and it was so fun! I made potatoes romanoff, sweet potato casserole, and Pioneer Woman's dreamy apple pie. We ate even better food the rest of the weekend, including split pea soup and Pioneer Woman's braised short ribs with goat cheese polenta. YUM!! Woody made the latter dinner, and it was fabulous! :) not surprised.... he's gifted!

Another tornado hit our area this past week. This area has really been devastated in the past 8 months by tornadoes, and we are so blessed that this tornado did a lot less damage. However, there is still damage and injuries, so please put those affected in your prayers. 

I killed my first (and probably only) deer of the season at Buford Flats in Greenwood. It was fun! Dane and I both got deer that weekend, so our deep freezer is jam packed! Loving it.

And last but not least, the most fun part of this post!

This cutie:

Surprised me with THIS this week!!!! An AWESOME early Christmas present!!

I was completely surprised and completely excited!!!! I have been playing and learning and having a BLAST with it! I can't believe it still!! It's so awesome and I can't explain to you how excited I am (notice the exclamation points). Dane---THANK YOU! I love you and I'm blessed to have a husband that does all he can to make me happy. Dane got us this camera and gave it to me early mainly because he wants to take it with us when we travel to JUNCTION, TEXAS this week with the Lesley family to an incredible hunting ranch. No telling what the deerslayers will get out of this trip, but I'm predicting BIG things! Dane and I are so lucky to have Cameron and his parents in our lives. They give and give and give to us so much--I seriously feel a part of that family. We leave Wednesday and are there til the next Wednesday. SO-expect some (hopefully) great pictures of the scenery and wildlife! 

Here are some pictures I've taken since I've gotten the camera (I've taken more but you would get so bored if I showed you everything!) Click to enlarge.

 (one of the kids in the daycare)

 (cousin love)

 (some tornado damage from the LAST tornado)

 (our front porch)

 (Courtney's cousin's dog Bella)

What I've Learned in 6 Months...

I'm taking a break from my intense attempt at studying for the GRE (which I take today.....hm......) to tell you all that today, Dane and I have been married for 6 months. We're halfway through the treacherous "first year of marriage". It's been a breeze, let me tell ya :) Kidding! To celebrate the 6 months we've been patiently, lovingly, happily, perfectly united in marriage, here are 6 things I've learned so far (I've learned more than 6, by the way.... just in case you were worried):

#1: Love/Marriage does not equal met expectations. 
It took me most, if not all and probably more, of these 6 months to understand that expectations are dangerous. They can hurt and frustrate and damage a beautiful relationship. I've had to learn that, no, Dane cannot read my mind and do the exact thing I want him to do in the way I want it done. It took me a long time to understand this. I feel like I've gotten better at this (and maybe thinking I have means I really still suck at it...). It's hard to not get disappointed when I say something and not get the response out of him I want...or when I've had a bad day and I don't get the exact amount of love and care that I need. It's hard to not get frustrated when I clean up and don't get the compliment I want or expect. See, expectations equal frustration, disappointment, etc. This leads to negative emotions, most likely an argument or a cold shoulder, and it never turns out good. Just a little heads up for those planning on tying the knot.......

#2: Budgeting isn't always fun.
It's hard, especially when I'm used to going out to eat when I want, buying clothes I need want when I need want them. But, I will say that it is comforting and securing to know that we're gonna make it comfortably on what  we have. Necessity is the mother of invention........ and I'm grateful that Dane takes our budget seriously. Thank you, Lord, for that!


#3: Marriage can turn a cynic into a sap.
Yes, it's true. I never considered myself the marrying type. I never dreamed about my wedding when I was little, or in high school, or in college. I never saw myself settling down until later in life, and never really dreamed or thought about having kids. Now, when I think about how lucky I am to have an incredible husband and a God who planned this path for me, I (8 times out of 10) cry out of happiness. When I see a child or hear a child's voice, I tear up and wish, wish, wish. What in the world......... I'm telling you, I've been blindsided.

#4: I've become a cleaner.
If you ever stepped into any of my living quarters throughout my life (my room at home, my dorm, my room in the chi o house) you would've never thought of me as a cleaner or an organizer. SURPRISE: I've become one. I can't stand to have dirty dishes, I sweep twice a week, I clean the bathroom once a week.... I'm telling you. Marriage changes you (for the better :)). I'm still not much of an organizer (not that I like clutter), but luckily, I married a slightly OCD man who organizes things. So, I'm off the hook. It's so funny to see him get in my car and just sigh out of slight frustration at the items strewn all over my car. But hey, I'm workin' on it :)

#5: I'd rather hang out with my husband than do anything else.
What can I say....I'm a newlywed loser. And I know this will fade. And it doesn't come in handy when I need to get things done (a.k.a. thank-you notes, studying for the GRE, etc.) And I'm just a loser. :) But hey, at least he's cute.

#6: God is not a God of coincidence.
 It blows me away to think of the path I've traveled on to get where I am. Who ever thought this would happen? God's plan for Dane and I has blown me out of the water, and will continue to. Who thought that when I went through the Happening in high school that I'd meet friends who'd influence me to work at Camp Wesley Pines, who would influence me to choose MSU, which would influence me to become a Chi O, where I would meet friends and go through circumstances that brought me to RUF, that I would meet Jessica Merriam Akin, who would invite me to the RUF Halloween party, where I would meet Dane, and the rest would be history? CRAZY, AWESOME, EXTRAORDINARY. I couldn't have done it..... Thank you, Lord, for where I've been, where I am now, and where You will lead us. You're good, really really good. You got me big time.

      
  

Updates and a few pictures...

Hello faithful followers! I've been an unfaithful blog updater... I'm sorry! When you don't have internet at your home, it's hard to get it done. Anyways, Dane and I are doing GREAT! Life has been eventful and good. Here's a few things we've been doing lately:

-Dane is loving his job still!

-My last day at my job is this coming Thursday. :)

-I am currently working on studying for the GRE and finishing my application for grad school. I was offered the early admission program at Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) in Jackson for the MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy program). I am SO PUMPED about this program! It's something I've been interested in for a few years, and God has led Dane and I's path in a really neat way there. I think about how we got here, and how there's no way either of us could've planned it out like it happened. His plan is perfect for those who wait. Thank you Lord for a patient heart. I will (prayerfully and hopefully) start in January. Dane and I visited the campus this past Tuesday, and I fell in love. My heart is full.

-We are planning on moving, in the next few months or so, to the Links in Madison County. I am excited! It will be fun to have more things to do and to move closer to Madison/Jackson. I'm going to miss seeing people that we've gotten to know as often as we do now, but we're going to continue going to church at FPC Yazoo City. We LOVE the church and the people so much!

-FALL IS HERE! :)

-Here are a few pictures of the outside of our house and my small Fall display :)

I know, my mums aren't the prettiest. I'm not much of a gardener... I don't know why. I've just never learned and/or cared, but now I do! Luckily, Dane has a great knowledge of these things :) YAY!

One more thing: Yesterday (10/29/10) was our year 'anniversary' of getting engaged :) This year has truly flown by in a million ways! I cannot believe it. Here's a little picture of the big night that will forever remain in my memory as one of the greatest moments of my life. Dane, I know I'm sappy sometimes and I care about anniversaries as small as this one, but I love you (for the whole world to know) and you're a wonderful husband. Can't wait for what's in store. You're the best!

WE'RE ALIVE!!

I promise we're still alive. It's been a whirlwind of a month. WHIRLWIND! Let me just try to give you a quick update on our lives.

Dane is still loving his job. I know how much of a blessing it is to have a job you love, and I'm so happy that he has found one!

I'm working at a hardware store/gift shop called Gilberts in Yazoo City at the moment. It's been fun. I was offered a couple of jobs, but I felt the Lord leading me away from those opportunities. Even though some of those offers surrounded my major and education, I didn't feel like it's where I was supposed to be. It's made me excited/anxious about what His plan is. Who knows!!?? But He has provided................................... as always.

Dane leaves the house at 6:40 every morning, and I leave around 8:15. We don't get home til around 5:30. And we're in bed by 9:30/10:00. Officially senior citizens? YES. We're enjoying the life of future geriatrics.

We've found a church home at First Pres in Yazoo City. We LOVE it. We LOVE the people, we LOVE their mission, and we've been welcomed in so many ways it's almost uncanny. We've gotten plugged in and been reached out to and been given free meals and advice and even gotten me my job at Gilberts (Thank you, Bob Bailey!). We're so happy there!

Hunting season has started. That's all I'll say. Most of you know what that means. Every day, the most common form of conversation for my husband revolves around deer hunting. Now, it's being put into practice. Some of you know his bow hunting record for last season (Dane, I won't share with the world), but good news is that he's broken his streak! He killed a doe last weekend, and got another deer this morning. Yay for a stocked deep freezer! I'm about to start the process of getting my hunting license (welcome to my marriage) and join the Hunting Season Widows Club. (It's not a real club, but it should be). I'm just glad Dane has a passion for something, I really am. VERY thankful for him just in general.

Moving to a place where we don't know anyone has done some cool things in our relationship. We've been married 5 months as of yesterday. We have experienced and done SO much! It's really overwhelming when I think of how much I've learned and changed and experienced with Dane in the past 5 months. And I have him for the (God-willing) rest of my life?! That makes me smile just thinking about it. He makes me the happiest person in the world and the maddest person in the world. Typical of everyone? Glad to know it :)

Love you all. PICTURES and more updates and stories to come!

PW kind of day..........

Hey everybody!

Not much has been happening here in Benton, MS. Dane started his job and is really enjoying it! We've been getting in to the groove of going to bed early and waking up early....... senior citizens already? probably. I've been trying to keep myself busy by cleaning, cooking, applying for jobs, digging through Dirt Cheap, and becoming a regular at the city library. The job search is going well, but I haven't settled on one yet. Please be in prayer for that.

Anyways, today has been a Pioneer Woman sort of day. I shared her link a few posts ago, and she's constantly an entertainment when I get bored. Plus I just want her life and her humor/wit. So why has this been a PW kind of day? Well, it started off with an email from my brother-in-law Woody. He was set on making some of PW's cinnamon rolls (by the way, the Pioneer Woman [Ree Drummond] is a hilarious, witty mother of 4 who lives on a cattle ranch in Oklahoma with her husband [who she affectionately calls Marlboro Man] and her basset hound Charlie and kitten. She cooks, blogs, takes awesome pictures, and is an all-around cool woman).  If these don't make your mouth water, I don't know what will!

I already asked for them for Christmas. No lie.

So after my morning of thinking about Woody's (or PW's) cinnamon rolls, I decided I'd fix her barbeque chicken pizza for dinner tonight. I've done it before.......it's sooo good! Then, I figured I'd better exercise. If you read one of PW's posts a few back, she hilarious accounts her attempt at running, which sounds A LOT like my experiences. So I went on a walk, and what did I come across (and was 2 steps away from stepping on?)..........THIS!

Not only did I freak out, I called Dane so he could talk me through my drama of being terrified of walking around it. Let's just say I lack sense/cooth when it comes to situations like these. Afterwards, I felt like the Pioneer Woman. The rest of my walk consisted of me daydreaming about my life as a PW. I mean, it could happen! I could easily have 4 kids, live on a ranch in the middle of no-where, and have a cowboy husband (I think Dane could pass as Marlboro Man easily). I could make money blogging about my thoughts, what I cook, my overloaded laundry room, my best friend Charlie the Basset Hound, my awesome pictures that I take with my awesome camera, and live the life of a wife of a cattle rancher. I COULD DO IT!

Instead, I'm currently living the life of the wife of a Fertilizer Supervisor (it rhymes), in a 600 square foot house that I love in a weird way, keeping myself entertained with my library friends and cooking adventures, and every time I try to go walking, something dramatic happens (I was really, really close to being attacked by a dog, and I'm now terrified of walking alone in fear of other dogs....when I finally muster the courage to go alone, guess what happens. Dogs. Big, mean, barking dogs.)

I need to start blogging about my life. I need a nickname.

Trouse Tribute

Well, we have been running around like crazy! We have successfully moved into our new house in Benton, enjoyed our last unemployed weekend cheering on the Bulldogs and tailgating in the Junction, and relaxed (on my part) and dove hunted (on Dane's end) in Philadelphia.  

We are officially moved in, and Dane is an official employee of Jimmy Sanders as of today! I'm so anxious for him to get home so I can hear all about it. I have been SO ready for today, and I've been so excited! Not gonna lie though, it's going to be a little bit of an adjustment not being around each other as much. Since we've been married, we've pretty much been around each other as much as we wanted. I was in school for 2 months, but we've pretty much been unemployed the whole time. SO - with God's blessings comes change, but it's a good change. Now I just need to find a job! Ah! Now that we're settled, that's my priority. I'm at Barnes and Noble at the Renaissance right now searching (except to break for a much-needed blog update). Say a prayer! It's hard trying to keep myself busy. 

Anyways, now I will share with you some pictures of our last days in our beloved trailer. Excuse some of the mess, we were packing and I realized I needed pictures to remind us of our first place :) We will miss this trailer! AND STARKVILLE! Now we're on to smaller towns, smaller houses, new friends, and a new chapter! God is good to those who wait and trust. 

And now, I will introduce our trouse/mobile mansion!

A sneak peak at our new place!

More pictures to come of the new place!

Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped us move, loved on us, encouraged us, and prayed for us in the past couple of months.  We love you all!

Headin' Up and Movin' Out........

Well everyone, we've been in Jackson a lot lately. Last Friday, we drove to Yazoo City so Dane could accept his new job! YAY! Then we spent the rest of the very long day searching for a place to live. 

We came home late that night, and spent the rest of the weekend in Starkville. It was such a great weekend, just relaxing and enjoying ourselves and our friends. It made the reality of leaving soon very bittersweet. 

Monday night, we headed back to Jackson. We searched relentlessly for a place! We found a few in Yazoo, but we just weren't 100% sold on any of them.

Anyways, to get to the bottom of it, we finally found a place in a tiny, tiny town in Benton, MS. It's about 15 minutes from Dane's work, and about 30 minutes from Madison. It's a decent halfway point, so we're happy about that! Benton is super small (only has a post office and a gas station), but we're just glad to have somewhere to lay our heads. 

Anyways, thus begins our packing up and good-byes. I won't say much about it now, because I'm already missing our friends and my trailer and our church and so much more. :(

Please keep us in your prayers as we transition from college town USA to really really small town and we start getting plugged in. During our search in Yazoo, God blessed us by already putting people in our lives to help us in Yazoo. We've met a lot of people, even a bunch that are members at a church we're looking to visit, and we're excited about our next step!

A more entertaining post to come....... :)

I'll leave you with a link to my new favorite website/person. Her blog posts are so witty and her recipes are awesome! www.thepioneerwoman.com.  The pioneer woman is great and I want to be like her!

Love you all.

We have BIG NEWS!

Theme for this post: 

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." -Proverbs 19:21

So, we told you in the last post that we had some news! Many of you know how job hunting and unemployment has been for us over the past 5 or so months. It's been a long process (I use "long process" to spare you the gory details). It's been hard and discouraging and, at times, emotional, to say the least. But guess what........................................................

DANE GOT A JOB!!!

Dane was offered a job this Thursday at Jimmy Sanders and he has accepted it as of yesterday! The job is in Yazoo City, so we will be moving to the Jackson area! We are SO excited about this awesome job for Dane, and it's a little bittersweet leaving Starkville. We've made so many friends here over the years, and we'll miss everyone! Luckily, we won't be far away! We are not sure on the details of where we'll be living and when exactly we'll be moving, but his job starts at the beginning of September, so we have to move fast! God has been gracious to us, even when we don't deserve this incredible blessing. Thank you to everyone who prayed for us over the past few months. It was a time of failure and growth and perseverance, all in one. We love you all!

Wedding Pictures!

Hey everyone! Life has been busy, as always. News to come soon, but we'll have to wait until next time. :) We've been everywhere I feel like! 2 weekends ago, we were in Jackson and Natchez to visit family and for my grandfather's memorial service. We got home Sunday night and then Tuesday morning we left for Hot Springs, Arkansas for the Buford family vacation. We TRULY relaxed, ate, laid out, and just enjoyed each other's company.

God has really been working on my heart lately. Selfishly, I've kind of kept it to myself. But multiple times a day, I'm being overwhelmed with so many thoughts about our life and how much His hand is in it. I feel so incredibly blessed that I tear up almost every time I think about it. I know, I'm a girl and I'm emotional. But, He is real in my heart. It's been so hard not to be angry and doubtful during the stresses and uncertainty of finding jobs and trying to make it financially. I won't lie, there have been moments where I am angry at God and I am doubtful of His promises, but then I'm reminded in odd ways that He's still there. These ways come in many forms. I've been walking (or trying to) the past few mornings, and I listen to my ipod. So many songs reassure me of the beauty of my God. One song that keeps coming on and I just love and it literally makes me cry every time I hear it is "Revelation Song" by Kari Jobe. Her voice is incredible and her words are so heartfelt and full. I guess I say all of this to say that God has been tugging on my heart to share how I'm doing spiritually on this blog. Our friends have been prayer warriors for us and our family has been so loving and supportive and our God has been the foundation of it all. He has made our foundation out of rock, and we aren't going anywhere. All I can say is, "those who wait for Him shall renew their strength" [Isaiah 40:31]---and our strength has been renewed.

Ok, SO, here are some of my favorite pictures from our wedding. I FINALLY got them uploaded (thanks, Rachael!) and I'm excited to share some of them.

Of course, there are about 600 more pictures that I want to share so badly! But that would take forever for me to upload :) Hopefully I can share then with you a little at a time. There are so many more that mean so much to me. I love looking through them! Anyways, hope all is well. Love you all!