Hallmark After Christmas Shopping

I took the day after Christmas off. My mom and I woke up ­very early on the 26th and went to Hallmark. We weren’t sure what time they opened, so we arrived a little after 7. Come to find out, they opened at 8, but there were several ladies already in line. I sat in the car for a bit while my mom put on make-up. I questioned the line and she told me that the ladies can be vicious. They stand in line and when the doors open, they scramble for a bag and run to the ornaments. She told me to grab a bag and as many ornaments as I like. You don’t have time to look and make your decision right then. After you get everything you think you may want, you find a spot towards the back of the store and go through and weed out what you don’t want. Since I was a novice to Hallmark after Christmas shopping, I appreciated the advice. A few minutes later, she kicked me out of the warm car to stay in line because more ladies were coming. The ladies in line turned out to be friendly, and we had good conversations until the door opened. Then it was every lady for herself. I held my own, and I got everything I wanted, and a few things I didn’t know I wanted until I saw them. We have so many cute ornaments for next year! We actually already hung them on the tree. I’m not planning on taking it down for a while. I enjoy looking at it and so does Eric. I think Hallmark after Christmas shopping is going to become a tradition for my mom and me.

Hide and Seek

Eric’s mom came into town last night for Christmas. After dinner, we went to his cousin Greg’s house. He and his wife have a precious little girl named Morgan (she was in our wedding). She begged Eric and I to play hide and seek with her. Morgan and I hid while Eric tried to find us. She insisted on hiding wherever I went. I found some really great spots – I was proud of myself. Morgan tried to be quiet by whispering, but her form of whispering was really loud. Eric was able to find us every time. I wasn’t much help though; when Eric would come in the room, I would start giggling. I need to work on that for next time. At one point of the game, Morgan told me to stick out my tongue, so Eric would think we were dead. I told her okay, but he would probably check our heart beat. Her reply was, “Oh, well stick it out anyway.” Of course when Eric came in the room we screamed, so he knew we weren’t dead. :) Hide and Seek is fun; I think Eric and I need to play it sometime at home.

Twilight Before Christmas

Alison emailed me this short video on this site... TOO Funny!!! Twilight fans will appreciate it. :)

Done

Christmas cards are in the mail. :)

Christmas Cards

Eric and I still haven’t sent out our Christmas Cards. Christmas really snuck up on me this year; the time has just flown by! We were going to send out picture cards, but Eric wanted to print them from home. We couldn’t find the template paper anywhere. We ended up buying some from Target that you can just insert the picture in. Oh well, we’ll try to do better next year and get more of a head start. If tonight goes as planned, we’ll have the cards ready to mail tomorrow. As long as everyone gets them by Christmas, we’ll be fine. I can’t believe it’s right around the corner – how exciting!!!

Picture Tag

Mia tagged me!

The object of this Picture Tag is to:

1. Go to the 4th folder in your computer where you store your pictures.

2. Pick the 4th picture in that folder.

3. Explain the picture.

4. Tag 4 people to do the same!

Here is my 4th picture in my 4th folder:

This is Eric and I in November of last year at the Texans game. It was really cold that night! And it took us forever to get home because we rode the transit bus. We couldn't find where to get on the bus after the game - what an adventure! But we had a really fun time! We had great seats under where former President Bush sat.

I'm tagging:

Erin, Stephanie, Alyssa, and Beth

Staff Party

Aren’t we just a good looking group?

We had our Staff Christmas Party at the bowling alley yesterday. We had so much fun – more than I thought we would. I almost broke a 100 on the first game. I panicked on the last frame because of the excitement of possibly breaking a 100 for the first time. I gutter balled it. So sad! But Eric’s taking me on Friday and I’ll try it again. I think I can do it next time. The second game was called wacky bowling. Each frame we did something different like lying on the floor, granny style, backwards, sitting down, putting one hand over your eyes, etc. I actually got a strike on the one I had to lay on the floor. I had the second highest score on my team – 66. There was lots of laughing, so much so that our stomachs ached. Who knew bowling could be so much fun?!

Bed and Breakfast Update

Eric and I had the best weekend we’ve had in a long time. Since our birthdays are so close together we decided to celebrate by getting a Bed and Breakfast in downtown Brenham. What a fun time! Downtown Brenham has the cutest little stores. They’re all old with wooden floors and unique things you can’t find anywhere else. And the have great antique stores. I was so inspired! Too bad the stores closed at 6 for the parade of lights. They had floats and little kids wishing everyone Merry Christmas – so adorable! After that we went to a restaurant with the best hamburgers and it had a relaxing small town atmosphere. Sunday morning after breakfast (which by the way was amazing – the lady lived in England for ten years, so the B&B had an English feel), we went to an ice-cream shop. It was one of those old timey parlors. I felt like I was back in time sixty years. We got to sit at the bar in the parlor chairs. I was so sad when the weekend was over. Monday morning I was pouting a little – back to reality! But we decided that we’re definitely going to have to do that again very soon!

Happy Belated Birthday Shout Out to My SugarBear

My honey’s birthday was on Monday. I was going to officially announce it in the blog-world, but Monday was crazy busy at work. I took him to the Cheesecake Factory for a yummy dinner. Tonight we’re having a joint birthday party with my family and this weekend we’re going on a get-away to a bed and breakfast in Brenham. It’s so fun being married to Eric. I love spending my life with my best friend. Eric finished our wedding video over Thanksgiving weekend, and we showed my parents when we got home. My dad told me that several people including him said I was the happiest bride they’ve ever seen. My dad said he tells them I’m still that happy… and it’s true, I am. I’ve prayed for Eric to come into my life for as long as I can remember, but I’m just blown away that God blessed with someone that could not be any more perfect for me. Thank you Lord for blessing me with a Godly, handsome, loving, gentle, funny, easy-going (the list can go on and on…) man to spend the rest of my life with.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I’m excited about this being Eric and my first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Last year we weren’t even engaged. I thought he was going to propose that day though. His parents were visiting and I just knew he would do it while everyone was around. After lunch, he told me he had a present for me that I had been wanting for a long time. He was going to wait for my birthday, but he thought I needed it now. He acted kinda nervous (or maybe it was just me). When his mom offered to go over the house with him and help him wrap it, I thought that was it – it’s gotta be a ring. I went to the bathroom and brushed my teeth; I wanted fresh breath when I kissed him. He came back over with a bag behind his back. He told me to close my eyes as he handed it to me. I pulled out the tissue only to find an Under Armor fleece sweatshirt. I felt of the pockets – nothing there. I smiled and told him thank you as my eyes filled up with tears that I quickly blinked away hoping he wouldn’t notice. Later he asked me if there was something wrong; if I didn’t like the gift. He thought I needed it for the game we were going to the next day – it was super cold. I busted out crying telling him I thought he was going to propose. He felt SO bad. And I felt bad for not getting excited about his gift. Yeah, that’s one of many Thanksgivings I’ll never forget! Hahaha… At least I didn’t have to wait too much longer for the proposal!

As I look over this past year, I praise the Lord for His abundant blessings. We had high highs and low lows. I had the best day of my life marring Eric and one of the worst days grieving the passing of his dad. But through it all, God was there. He’s never changing, all loving, and all sufficient. Praise the Lord!

I do ask for your prayers though. This Thanksgiving is going to be tough with the loss of Eric’s dad. We’re leaving today when I get off work for Goldthwaite. It’ll be hard seeing the empty chair where his dad’s supposed to sit.

Twilight Movie Review - By Me

My sweet husband took me to see Twilight this weekend. We were in a theater full of teenage girls that sighed every time Robert Pattinson (Edward) came on the screen. I wouldn’t say the movie was horrible, but it certainly didn’t meet my expectations. I already knew it wasn’t going to be as good as the book – there’s no way they can put all the emotion and develop the plot as well as a book can. And besides that, I like hearing what the characters are thinking, although, you can hear some of Bella’s thoughts in the movie. Anyway, I thought the direction and special effects were horrible! I guess they didn’t have a big budget, but some of the actors could not act, music played at inopportune times, the flashbacks were cheesy and the action scenes were lacking. I was sad because this movie had the potential to be SO much better. I want some one who has a lot of money to try it again. It’s worth seeing, but don’t get your hopes up too high.

But on a happy unrelated note, I making my favorite dinner for my sugarbear and me tonight – spaghetti. I’ve been craving it for days now. Yay for yummy food!

Decorations

Eric and I decorated our Christmas Tree last night!!! I’m SO excited! I know I’m the biggest nerd having the tree decorated before Thanksgiving, but I’m just so happy about Christmas that I can’t help myself. We even found Christmas music playing on one of the music stations on TV. It was such a fun night! I love making memories with my husband.

Christmas Time

I’m so excited about Christmas this year!!! It’ll be my first married Christmas with Eric. I’m so giddy I feel like a little girl. We put up the Christmas tree last night. I’ll rephrase that, Eric put up the Christmas tree while I cooked and did laundry. We don’t have the ornaments on yet, but we’ll work on it through out the week. After church yesterday, we went to Crate and Barrel and bought the Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments. Linda, my co-worker, told me we need to start a tradition, so I thought of those ornaments. Starting December 13th, we’ll put out the First Day of Christmas ornament; the 14th, we’ll put out the Second Day of Christmas ornament and so forth. We even have a little metal ornament tree to put them on. YAY for Christmas and New Traditions!!!

Last Week Update

I was sick sick last week. I came down with a sore throat Sunday night, but I didn’t think much of it. Monday I was so so, but by Tuesday I was wiped out. I only had two sick days left, so I saved them for Thursday and Friday. I went to the doctor to get tested for the flu, and the results came back inconclusive. I have no clue what I had, but whatever it was did not feel good. I had to call my mom Thursday to come over my house and bring me breakfast and lunch; I didn’t feel like getting out of bed. So my sweet husband stayed home a half a day with me on Friday and took care of me. And that afternoon, my office sent me a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. They’re the kind that makes you smile when you see them. The colors are so bright and cheery. So last week I slept A LOT, watched movies and I finished my book – Twilight. Which by the way: GREAT book!!! I can’t wait for the movie to come out later this month. I kinda feel like a teenager now, but oh well, I think I may be hooked. After pay day Friday, I’m going to order the rest of the books off Amazon. All that being said, I feel better today. After a week of being sick, I’m still not 100%, but I’m ready to get back in my routine. I’m trying to take it slow, and I’m glad I have a good excuse to take a nap when I get home.

Date Night… At Home

Eric and I wanted to go to the movies last night, but there wasn’t anything out that we wanted to see. I told him it was okay if we didn’t go out, if we had spaghetti (my favorite) and a movie at home. We rented the Incredible Hulk and started it while we ate spaghetti – yummy! My favorite food with my favorite person – what a night! And the movie was REALLY good. The graphics were great, especially in Blue Ray. To top it off, we were in bed by 9:30 (I was really tired). We had the best date night. :)

I Caved In

Everyone has been talking about how amazing the Twilight series is. It’s spurred my interest for a while, but the clincher happened after I talked to Stephanie. She told me how good they were and I just had to read it. I goggled the series and read inserts from the books. I was immediately drawn to it. Who doesn’t love a love story with twists? I went during my lunch break and bought the first book. If I like it, then I’ll just have to order the rest from Amazon. So I'm going to start it tonight and see what the rave is all about.

So American

Eric and I went out to early voting this weekend. Our first try was Saturday. The line was way out the door and the man working there said it was probably close to a two hour wait. Since we had a lot to do Saturday, we decided to come back Sunday. We went straight after church and arrived at the voting location thirty minutes early. I thought for sure we would be one of the first in line. I was wrong. The line was already snaked around like Six Flags inside the building. Eric and I stood outside and waited for the booths to open up. Just ten minutes later the line extended through out the parking lot. Once the booths opened for voting, we stood in line another hour. But, we voted! I told Eric that I felt So American. We executed our right as a citizen - Get out and vote!!!

It’s Finished!

Eric came home from work late last night, so I went over to my parents’ house. My mom and I were able to work on my wreath. Actually, my mom did it and I stood by her and talked. I helped her cut the flower stems, but I didn’t want to get in the way of her genius. The wreath turned out beautifully! It has three giant sunflowers – yellow, red and orange, fall leaves, berries and a bow. It looks a lot prettier than any I've seen in the stores. :) It’s hanging inside our front door now. I smile every time I see it – it’s so cheery. I’ll try to upload a picture later.

Fabulous Weekend

Things that made this weekend wonderful:

o Dinner with friends on Friday
o Buying items to make a Fall wreath
o Baby-sitting for a five month old – so sweet!
o Cleaning house
o Eric throwing away and organizing some of his piles
o Hanging pictures
o Re-arranging furniture
o Finding the perfect boxes for our love notes and wedding cards
o Going to church and worshipping in our new sanctuary
o Sunday afternoon nap
o Going out to eat with Eric
o Strawberry Freckled Lemonade
o Relaxing on the couch and reading my magazine
o Watching Eric play video games
o Putting our new comforter on the bed

I can not tell you how nice it was to stay at home over the weekend and work on long over-do projects. Eric was wonderful and I had the best time just being with him.

Happy

I’m so happy its Friday!!! I’m spending the weekend at home with my precious husband. We haven’t been home on the weekend in over two months. It’s amazing how it’s the little things like sleeping late in our own bed, hanging pictures, organizing, relaxing at home and working out that we miss so much. And we’ll get to worship in the new sanctuary at church for the first time. I’m super excited!

A First

My dad just called. A bromeliad plant was delivered this afternoon for Eric and me in memory of Eric’s dad; I’m so excited!!! I’ve never had my very own plant, and it’s even more special because it’s “our” plant. I told Eric that we need to take really good care of it, and maybe we’ll be more prepared for children one day. I’m going to look on the internet and research how to care for bromeliads. I can’t wait to go home and meet it!!!

Goodbye Mr. Laughlin

Wednesday, October 1st, I was putting on my make-up to get ready for work, when I heard the elevator. I looked at the clock – it was 6:20. I thought Eric must have forgotten something on his way to work. I came out of the bathroom and I could tell by his face that he received a phone call from his mother. His dad’s lungs were filling up with fluid and there wasn’t much time. We tried to pack and remember what all we needed as we fought to see through the tears. We were on the road by 7:15 when we received another call, but this time it was from the pastor’s wife. It was too late; Bill had already taken his last breath and gone to heaven. The rest of the drive to Goldthwaite was sad and quiet. We wanted to say goodbye. But God let me remember the last words he said to Eric and I that Monday – “I love you.” What wonderful last words to leave someone.

When we arrived to Goldthwaite, the house was full of people and food. Donna held on to us a long time and cried. Soon after that we went to the funeral home, the visitation was the next night, and the funeral was Friday. Everything happened so quickly. We stayed through the rest of the following week. You don’t realize how much stuff you have to do once someone leaves this world. Eric didn’t want his mom to have to do it all alone, so we did about a months worth of stuff in a week. I told Eric we were so busy that I don’t feel like we had time to mourn.

We came home late on Sunday, October 12th. It would have been Bill’s 60th birthday. Texas Longhorns won the day before – he would have been happy.

We love him and we miss him terribly. Praise the Lord that we have a hope that is beyond this world. We will see him again one day, but until then we will hold on to the memories. His cousin spoke at his funeral. She mentioned a song called, “I love you Bill, I always will.” So true.

Appreciation

I haven’t written in a while. I didn’t realize how long until I logged on today. It’s been a whirlwind lately with all the hurricane stuff – as I’m sure you all know. Eric and I were able to go to Goldthwaite a day early and stay a day late last week since we had off work.

Last Sunday, the Goldthwaite community held an appreciation celebration for Eric’s dad. There were close to 300 people in attendance. They had a time where some of the staff from the church told funny stories and stories about some of the work Bill has done at their church (he’s been the Music Minister there for the past 28 years). Then some one sang, “Thank You” by Ray Boltz; I cry every time I hear it. As he was singing the song, some one else brought them money tree filled with money. After we dried our eyes, everyone lined up to tell Bill how much they loved him and how he has impacted their lives. Just when we could see the end of the line, more people came. We were there for a couple of hours talking to everyone. As I saw the line forming and the people coming forward I thought of the words from the song:

One by one they came
Far as your eyes could see
Each life somehow touched
By your generosity
Little things that you had done
Sacrifices you made…

Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am a life that was changed
Thank you for giving to the Lord
I am so glad you gave

Most people do not get to see the impact they have made on other people’s lives until after they have passed on. I praise the Lord that Bill and Donna were able to experience people’s gratitude here on earth. What a precious blessing!

The community has really come around their family. They receive phone calls, visits, cards in the mail, monetary gifts, and some one brings food to their house every day. God has been so good to show His love and grace through this tough time.

I encourage you to think of some one that has impacted your life and give them a call or write them a note to tell them just how much they mean to you. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Great Site!

Eric and I finished our wedding book this weekend! It’ll take two weeks to come in and I can’t wait! A friend shared the best website (blurb.com) with us. We downloaded the program, put in our pictures (close to 600 of them) and uploaded it back on the site. Ta Da! Our book was complete. I’m going to start using that website for everything now. I want to make a book about how Eric and I met and put some pictures of us when we first starting dating all the way through our engagement pictures. Our kids will enjoy reading it. How perfect would that be for baby books (I'm getting ahead of myself). And it’s so much cheaper and easier than scrapbooking. The site is very affordable.

Eric and his dad also finished our wedding video. We relived our wedding all weekend through video footage and lots of pictures. It was so fun!

Here's the what the front of our book looks like:

It Makes Me Strangely Happy

I received a card in the mail at work from a precious lady. I helped organize her husband’s funeral, and she was telling me how much she appreciated it. It’s not very often when we get thank yous from people we’ve helped do funerals for. Which is fine, we work for the Lord anyway. This card was extra special though. It was addressed to Kelly Lauthlin. I was actually a little excited to have someone misspell my last name for the first time – don’t ask me why. I’m used to spelling it out for people, but no one has misspelled it yet. I knew it was coming though. Having the maiden name Parker, my last name was never misspelled; it’s so easy and common. In fact my first and last names were both that way. I guess in a way, with the last name Laughlin, I feel special, exotically different than other people. Kelly Nichole Laughlin kinda sounds like a famous person. I like it. :)

Teachers do have a Life

I mentioned earlier that Eric and I left for Goldthwaite after Eric’s volleyball games. My dad and I met him at school and my dad drove Eric’s truck home so we could leave straight from Waller in my car. We hadn’t seen each other all day, so when he came over to the car, we gave one another a big hug and a kiss (nothing intense – my dad and high school kids were around!). When Eric returned to school Tuesday, one of the volleyball girls asked Eric who he was “macking” on (don’t know if I spelled that right). He told her I was his wife and she was taken back that he was actually married. I think it’s funny that students don’t realize teachers have a life outside of school. I admit, when I was in school, I certainly didn’t think about it.

Body of Christ

Eric and I left late Friday after his volleyball games for the four hour drive to Goldthwaite to see his parents. He was exhausted, but God gave us a safe trip. Saturday morning, Eric and I helped his mom trim hedges and tidy up the yard. Two of the staff members at their church came earlier that week to cut the grass. Eric joked with his mom that it looks like some one lives there now.

Donna gave Bill a steroid on Sunday, so he was able to make it through a busy day. It really touched me to see the church’s response to the news from the doctor earlier that week. They prayed for Bill and Donna during service and several people gave them hugs and encouragement afterwards. Some gave them money to help with the extra expenses they’re having, and some one even gave Eric and I gas money since we’ll be going there every weekend. I saw streams of tears flow down their faces and the ones talking to them. It broke my heart. Later this month, the church is having a time of celebration for his 28+ years of service there.

To see how the body of Christ has come around and loved on the Laughlin’s makes me sing praises to the Lord. From the cutting grass, driving Bill to Temple for treatments, giving money, lifting them up in prayer, sending cards, making food, etc - God is so good to show His love for us through His people.

Please especially keep Donna in your prayers. She called family Monday and told them the news. She couldn’t stop crying the rest of the day; pray for comfort. Several family members are coming this weekend; pray it will be a sweet time of fellowship.

And thank you for praying for Eric and I, sending cards to his parents, and helping me make food for this coming weekend. We are blessed by so many wonderful friends. We love you all!

Update

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Things have been a little hectic around our house. Tuesday afternoon, Eric received a call from his dad’s doctor. He told Eric there is nothing more they can do for his dad. They are going to continue the radiation through the end of the week, and then they will stop treatment. Eric asked for a timeline, and he said he’s a bad judge on that, but he would guess anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. They have put him on morphine for the pain and hospice is going by the house a few times a week to check on him. Eric talked to his dad that same night, and Bill said he was ready to go home. He’s ready, but no one else is. We will continue to praise the Lord in the good times and the sad. He is good all the time.

I’m so thankful he was able to be a part of our wedding, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to get to know him. This past weekend when we were in Goldthwaite, I was able to see so much of Eric in his dad – his humor, his personality, his love of music, his eye for detail and other little things.

Eric and I are going to Goldthwaite every weekend until he passes, so we’re able to spend as much time as possible with him. Please continue to pray for peace and comfort. And please also pray for wisdom in the many decisions Eric and his mom will need to make in the weeks ahead. Thank you.

Update and Some Great News

Eric’s dad went to the radiologist yesterday. She seemed optimistic which we’re really happy about. He’ll start treatments soon. Eric and I are going up there this weekend and next to visit. I think it’ll be good for all of us to spend time together.

And now some really great news from the other side of the family: My sister-in-law is five weeks pregnant! We’re so excited!!! They asked Boston (my nephew) what he wanted the baby’s name to be. His response? “Daddy”. They explained that they cannot name the baby “daddy”, so now he wants to name him/her “Baby Jack”. Jack is the name of our cat. Boston loves Jack and chases him around the house; hopefully he’ll be gentler with his baby brother or sister. I’ve nicknamed Matt and Steph’s baby “Jack”, but surely they won’t take Boston’s advice and name the baby that. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with Jack, but the baby can’t possibly be named after our cat. :)

Anyway, thank you for all your prayers for Eric’s dad. Please also pray for a healthy baby for Matt and Stephanie. I’ll keep you all updated.

Please Pray...

As many of you already know, Eric’s dad, Bill, has had cancer for the past year and a half. The particular cancer he has is very aggressive; the longest it’s been in remission is three months and every time it comes back worse. Eric’s mom called Saturday. Bill has a tumor growing in his abdomen. The tumor is deterring circulation in his right leg causing it to swell and it is also pressing on his bladder and bowels. Unfortunately, the doctors are unable to remove the tumor. If they do, it will cause the cancer cells to rapidly spread. They are hoping radiation will work. If it doesn’t help, then they’ve run out of options.

Please pray for healing. I don’t know if it’s selfish of me to pray that God will heal him here on earth rather than take him to heaven right away. I want to get to know my father-in-law better. I want him to know his future grandchildren. My heart especially goes out to Donna and Eric. Joel, Eric’s brother, passed away eight years ago of cancer. Their family has been through so much. How much more can they take?

I think of this and I’m reminded that we do not go through difficulties alone. In times like these God is able to show His glory and strength in the midst of sorrow. So I guess my prayer is God’s perfect healing whether in heaven or on earth. And for peace, comfort and strength for all of us. I’m not going to act tough; it’s hard on everyone. Thank you for praying.

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

My Ministry

For the past few days I’ve really been struggling with the fact that I am unable to go on a mission trip this year. I used all my vacation time for the wedding and the honeymoon. I cannot tell you how much I have missed going to Panama. I really miss mission work. I miss teaching Vacation Bible School, loving and playing with the kids, sharing Christ with people that have never heard His name. I even miss sleeping in a hammock in a grass hut, the sweltering heat of the islands, bucket showers, and other “rough” living conditions of jungle and island living. I was even beginning to wonder if I was doing the right thing by keeping a steady job instead of doing mission work full time.

Yesterday as I brought this before the Lord, He reminded me that there is a season for everything. He assured me that right now my season is learning to be a wife. If I were as busy as I was last year at this time, then I would not be a good wife to Eric. During this season, I need to focus on Christ and being a Godly wife to Eric. Although I do not believe that God wants me to take a break from mission work permanently, I feel that at this time it’s what He wants. So in the mean time, I will serve God at the place He has me. I will seek to serve Him as I become the most effective wife I can be with His help, mercy and grace.

By the way: Please don’t think that God doesn’t want me to be a witness to Him in my everyday life, we are all called to do this. :)

Happy Two Months to Us!

Eric and I went to Bath and Body Works the other day. One of the girls working there asked if we were dating. I told her we were married and she said we were an adorable couple. I have to agree. :)

Today is our two month anniversary. About this time two months ago I was getting ready and anxiously awaiting the “I dos”. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier than I was on that day.

I still have people asking me how married life is. My reply? I LOVE IT! I love being able to come home to my best friend every day. I love snuggling on the couch with Eric and watching a movie. I love going to bed with him by my side. I love living every day life with Eric.

He is such a gift from the Lord. I fall more in love with him every day. I am continually amazed by Eric. He is above and beyond everything I’ve ever prayed for in a husband. Thank you Lord for not allowing me to settle for less than your best for me.

24 Cycling

I joined 24 Hour Fitness Saturday. Eric and I thought it was time to go back to the gym now that things have settled from the wedding. I didn’t realize how out of shape I had gotten over the past few months. I’ve been feeling good after all the workouts until last night. I was really excited about the cycling class they offered. Eric and I and Gilley and Melani tried it out last night. It was an hour of the most intense work out I’ve had. Not only to you peddle as hard and fast as you can, but there were several intervals where you had to lift your bottom off the seat and peddle while squatting. That’s the part that got me. I wanted to quit so bad, but I’m stubborn. I think what made it worse was looking over at Eric and watching him do the work out without a problem. He looked like a pro and I felt like an idiot. He kept telling me how proud he was of me, but I think I may have to work out a bit longer before I try that class again. Needless to say, I can hardly move today and going up the stairs is next to impossible. I’m making every effort not to go to the second floor today! I called Eric this morning to see if he was sore; he said yes – it made me feel better that he was in pain too. Is that bad?

Tic Toc

Only a few more minutes and I can go home to my sweet husband. He’s cooking me dinner tonight. He’s too good to me – I like it. :)

Date Night

Eric and I had a fun date night Friday night. He picked me up from work and we went to Dave and Busters. Eric had a ton of points left over from his bachelor party, so we didn’t have to buy any. We had a blast! I was surprised that I actually beat him in a couple of games. He always wins, so it was nice to revel in the glory of winning for a change. I won’t mention how many games he won compared to me. :) After dinner and games we went to one of my most favorite places – The Chocolate Bar – AMAZING! I just love that place. Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, we invited my parents over to play hand and foot (a card game). It was the first time Eric and I beat my parents at that game. I guess we were just in the winning mode. Most of our date nights are lower key, but I must say that I will never grow tired of dating my husband. With trying to get the house in order and everything else we do during the week, it’s nice to take a break, have fun and enjoy each other.

On another note: My dad left for a mission trip to Panama for three weeks. Please be praying for him and my mom (she’s already cried a few times because he’s going to be gone so long). He and the group are going to be building a feeding center for the children in the village and on another island they will be building a church. Please pray for protection (the conditions are not ideal), traveling safety (they travel by canoe to the islands) and most of all for people to be saved!

FINALLY!

I just wrote my last thank you card for the wedding presents! I’m so excited to be finished! I feel like it’s taken me forever and I feel bad that I haven’t sent them yet. But as soon as we buy stamps, they’re on their way. YAY! :)

Coupon Clipping

I’m trying to be a better steward of the money God has entrusted to Eric and me by stretching our dollars as much as we can. One way I’ve started doing this is by cutting coupons and checking the grocery adds. It’s more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I’ve been spoiled in the past about going wherever I wanted to go and buying whatever I wanted not paying attention to the cost. I started looking at our outrageous grocery bills and I felt convicted that I needed to start doing something about it. So I’ve been cutting coupons and matching them to the grocery adds in the paper. We saved six dollars in coupons at CVS last night and received seven extra care bucks for our next shopping trip. It’s a start. I think it’ll get easier once I get the hang of it. I must say I now have new found appreciation for my mother’s savvy shopping.

Little Anna

Eric and I took dinner to Robbie and Ashly last night. We had an ulterior motive though – we wanted to see the baby! Anna's almost three weeks old and she’s so little bitty and absolutely precious. I just love babies!

… While I’m on the subject of babies, I’m going to venture into a mini rant (not that Robbie and Ashly said anything about it last night, but I’m going to go there). When I was single, people asked when I was going to start dating. When Eric and I started dating, people asked when we were going to get married. Now that we’re married, people are asking when we’re going to have a baby. We haven’t even been married two months! All I’m saying is that we need to enjoy the place God has us – enjoy every minute. Single – enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Dating – enjoy getting to know the person you’re with. Engaged – enjoy the planning process of a wedding. Married – enjoy living with your spouse. Too many of us are never content where we are; we always look to the next “step”. If we’re always looking ahead, then we’ll miss the blessings God has for us in the stage He wants us to be in. Enjoy life where you are.

Bedtime and Pillow Talk

I love snuggling up to Eric as we lie in bed and talk before going to sleep. Our new sleep number bed is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on; we’re so blessed. Every night we sink in the bed next to one another, read the Bible and pray together. I love reading God’s Word, discussing it with Eric and praying. It draws us closer to one another and to the Lord. I am amazed at the gift God has given me in Eric.

The other night before we went to sleep, Eric looked me in the eyes and told me how pretty I was. I laughed because I had no makeup on and I had on my lovely mouth guard. He must really love me! Then he jokingly laughed as I talked back to him; I have a lisp when I talk with my mouth guard on. This may sound funny, but before we married I wondered what he would think of my mouth guard. I mean how can you feel sexy with a mouth guard and a lisp? God is so good to me. He brought me a husband that thinks I’m pretty even when I look my very worst. And that’s how God sees us. Sometimes, we may think we’re ugly to God, but when He looks at us, He sees us through the blood of Christ and He thinks we’re pretty. Thank you Lord!

Now that doesn’t mean we should stay in our sin, but we should feel encouraged that God meets us where we are and rejuvenates us to reflect His glory. He loves us too much to let us stay stagnate. Do I hear an Amen?

Another Mini Trip

Eric and I are leaving again today after work for a mini trip but this time it’s to Corpus and we’re staying longer. I’m excited! He has a conference for work, but he doesn’t have to go to all the classes. We get a fun weekend getaway! I’m ready for a nice hotel, sleeping late and the beach. Oh and Dark Knight. We’re making sure we see that this weekend. Yay! Two and a half more hours and I’m out of here.

On another note: While I’m typing this, the ceiling is falling on my desk – literally. They’re doing construction over my head and little pieces of the ceiling keep falling all over the place. I keep expecting the whole thing to fall down one day.

Mini Road Trip

Eric and I drove to Austin last night for dinner. We met his parents, uncle, and cousin at Cracker Barrel. It was a long drive, but I’m glad we went. His cousin, Maddy, is six years old. When she saw us she started jumping up and down and ran to give us a big hug. The whole night she was talking a hundred miles an hour and had the biggest grin on her face. She informed me that her dad said that we were now cousins. That makes me happy. I’ve never had a younger cousin. It’s so fun having an additional set of family members. We were able to catch up a lot. We haven’t seen his parents since the wedding. Yes, I’m tired today (we crawled into bed at half past midnight last night), but it was worth it.

Hehe

Eric’s former bachelor showed through last night. After dinner he saw that I only wiped my mouth one time with the napkin, so he put it back in the napkin holder. When I questioned him about this, he replied that it wasn’t that dirty and I could use it later. I smiled and threw it away. I love my husband.

So Happy!

My Eric came home Saturday! I was so excited that I didn’t know what to do with myself. I knew I missed him but I didn’t realize just how much until I saw him. This may get a little too mushy, but I must say that he gives my heart wings. Every time I’m with him I feel as if I could fly. I could not get the cheesy grin off my face all weekend, and I’m still smiling. My insides are smiling and it’s spilling over on the outside. Thank you Lord for my sweet husband! He was definitely worth the wait and heartache over past relationships. Somehow, I think it made me appreciate him more. There were many days and nights that I would pray and cry and pray some more for my husband to come. God answered my prayers over and above with Eric. He’s more than I could have ever hoped for. I could go on and on, but Eric would probably be somewhat embarrassed if I did. I’ll wrap up by saying I’m so happy he’s home with me!!!

By the Way

ERIC COMES HOME TOMORROW!!! :)

Smiling...

After five weeks I finally went to the Social Security office and changed my name to Kelly Nichole Laughlin! I'm so excited!!! After work I'm heading to the DPS office to do the same; now I only have 101 more documents to change.

Notes of Interest

I talked to Eric last night and he said 5 guys accepted Christ last night! Praise the Lord!

He also told me that they shot a hog and ate it for dinner Tuesday night. I like eating meat; I just don’t want to see it alive first.

Julie Riley and I went to Starbucks last night. We talked and talked and towards the end we were yawning and feeling tired. Turns out it was past ten o’clock. We talked over three hours without stopping. We need to get together more; there was too much catching up we had to do.

I stepped in gum yesterday. I was wearing really cute silver Jessica Simpson shoes (yes, she has an adorable shoe line!). I was not happy.

Erin Hollister makes me smile. We went to lunch yesterday.

It’s Thursday! Only two more days and Eric will be home!

Letting Go

I miss my Eric. He’s at boy’s camp this week for troubled teens. At 10 am Sunday morning, he was off to Medina, so we’ll have to celebrate our one month anniversary later. It’s hard letting him go, but God reminds me that Eric is ultimately His. HE gently confirmed that HE is first in Eric’s life, and Eric needs to follow after HIM even if it means physical separation from me for a little while. It was a hard pill for me to swallow after a month of marriage, but I’m happy and excited for him. He’s connecting with the kids, and I’ve been praying that God will use him in a mighty way in their lives. Eric is so good with teenagers; he’ll be able to reach them in a different way than the older men. He calls me a couple of times a day, and he’s told me about the great things God is doing so far. One guy accepted Christ last night, and several others are opening up more. He even told me about one teen that didn’t know who God was; he’s asking a lot of questions. Praise the Lord for giving Eric the opportunity to minister to these kids. And praise the Lord for teaching me to let go.

I'm Back

I've re-vamped my blog and changed the name; I guess you've noticed. I thought it was appropriate since I've started a new chapter in life. Here lately I've felt like blogging. Now that things have settled, I'll have more time to write. I loved the wedding planning process, but I must admit, I'm so glad it's over. Being married is a lot better than being engaged! :) God has been teaching me so much about my relationship with Eric paralleling with my relationship with HIM. HE is good. More on that later. I have to run, but I wanted to post a little blurb.