One Year

In a few short weeks I will have been married to the love of my life for an entire year...it seems like just yesterday I was getting ready to walk down the aisle to say my vows to my husband. This year has been filled with tears, laughter, smiles, family and friends. I can't thank God enough for all we have been blessed with. In one year our life together has transformed in ways we didn't think possible.

Papa

Immediately following our honeymoon in August 2010, I joined Tyler in Austin Texas. I didn't have a job and was actually finding it quite hard to come by a teaching position at all. I remained unemployed and was slowly losing my faith and passion for life. As I sat at home alone, day after day, I was beginning to question my purpose for living. A few short weeks into the move and the painful job hunt I was informed that my granddad was in the hospital and not doing so well. Because I didn't have a job tying me down, I made the decision to go home. Some amazing friends blessed me with a plane ride to back Lubbock. Over the next month I sat with my granddad and watched his health go on a roller coaster of changes. Unfortunately he did not survive the battle he was fighting. The day he passed away was easily the most difficult I have ever had to endure. However, I slowly began to realize that because I didn't have a job at the time, I was able to be with Papa every day. In hindsight, this became the biggest unanswered prayer I have ever received. Through Papa I learned to take time to love those around me and to not take a single moment for granted. I thank God for the blessing of a wonderful grandfather.

Nicolas

Upon returning home from Lubbock, I took a nannying job for a little boy named Nicolas. Not the most glamorous job, but hey, it payed the bills. He taught me patience. Nicolas taught me to see the beauty in the little things. He taught me to be silly, because who really cares what others think if you're having fun? We as adults take everything so seriously... When you hang out with a 2 year old 24/7 you begin to see the world through the innocence of a child. Its beautiful. I recommend spending time with a little one...if only for a mere reality check. I thank God for bringing this little one to me. I not only had a blast, but I made lifelong friends in his parents.

Law School

Tyler has been planning to be a lawyer for a really long time. I feel like a lot of people dream of being lawyers and doctors and such, but those hopes disappear as they go through school and their dreams suddnely become inconvenient. Tyler is different...some may say he's stubborn, but I like to say he's driven. Tyler will always accomplish anything put in front of him. We spent this year looking at perspective law schools and new places to live. We have looked at it as an opportunity for an adventure set before us. We have thrown around places like Malibu, Colorado, New York, etc. Well, we waited for months to finally figure out where we will be living and as of two weeks ago, we are new residents in the quaint little town of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I am back in the position of no job and relying on faith to get us through each day. But with the help of friends and family alike, we are here. We made it. Finally. Tyler has taught me to be persistent. To always follow my dreams no matter how challenging they may seem. In him I see my future. I see protection. I see love. I am so proud of him I could go on and on. I am excited to see what life has in store for us and I couldn't be happier than where we are right now.

It has been a crazy year and at times I didn't think I would make it through. But I did. We have so much life ahead of us to live together. I thank God for all the opportunities and blessings set before us.

Those of steadfast mind You keep in peace—because they trust in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock. 
Isaiah 26: 3-4