the lake

Do you have a favorite place? You know one of those places that when your there it instantly feels like home. One of those places that always puts a smile on your face. One of those places that holds so many good memories. For me that place is the lake.

When I was about 14 or 15 we went to the lake for the first time. I don't remember a lot about that trip. But a few months later my parents purchased a house there and so began our weekends and summers at the lake. We spent countless weekends there when I was in high school. My parents were great sports putting up me and my wild bunch of friends! In college i'm pretty sure we were there every weekend, since it was only 45 minutes away. It was our escape from dorm life and a free place to do laundry! One of the first weekends my freshman year, my suite mates and across the hall suite mates all went to the lake. I remember being a little nervous because we were all still getting to know each other and wasn't quite sure how the weekend would play out, but it was one of the best weekends. It was the start of a great friendship between me and those 7 girls. Throughout college the lake was our favorite place to be! I remember skipping class, maybe once or twice...driving to the lake with some girl friends in the middle of the week, taking the boat out and enjoying the peace and calm feeling of having the lake to ourselves...until the dance party on the boat began. 

Then after college when I moved to LR the lake became our escape from the "real world" you know, being grown ups with full time jobs and all that stuff! We celebrated birthdays there, had amazing bonfires, saw some of the most beautiful sunsets, and made so many amazing memories over the years. To this day are some of my favorite memories. There were also some memories I would love to forget, like the time my cousin and his friends had an accident on the seadoos and not only did we have to call the paramedics to come out to the boat (don't worry he only had a few broken ribs!) but I also had to call my dad and ask him how we could take the seadoo back to the marina when it was floating in pieces in the lake. Then there was the time my friend was having a little too much fun and busted his chin on the seadoo and we spent the afternoon in the ER. 

When I was living in Australia, I missed the lake. I know...crazy! But for me the lake feels like home. I had some of my best growing up years there and so many of my favorite memories were made there. For me the lake feels like home, I feel like myself there and its one the most relaxing and beautiful places. 

We don't get to spend as much time at the lake now days. But this past weekend the hubby and I, and my parents got to spend a few days together, in one of our favorite places. We didn't do a lot, but it was the perfect weekend.

As you can tell, Marley really loves the lake too! It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend that we all needed.

lately

 I would love to fill you in on all the super fun things I've been doing this summer, but I haven't been doing much anything thats super fun. Depressing...I know. Grad school has taken over my life and my summer...depressing. Thankfully only 3 days left of classes! And teachers go back to school in exactly 2.5 weeks...again, depressing. I love my job. I really do love teaching, but staying home is kinda nice! The first few days I had no idea what to do with myself, but that passed pretty quickly! Now I have a good routine...besides grad school homework, I actually have time to go to the gym/spin class, grocery shopping, clean the house, lunch with friends, afternoons at the pool, errands, etc. I'm really enjoying it. Its going to be really hard to get back into my work routine in a few weeks...and have to wear normal clothes again because I have been living gym clothes and I'm not going to lie, I kind of love it.

So thats our life lately, or my life at least. The hubby is doing great! Loving his new job and praise the Lord, he starts working full time in less than 2 weeks! Our house is still a work in progress and will be for a while, I'm sure. I can't believe we've been homeowners for almost 4 months! We are loving summer in LR and enjoying some weekend getaways since Ben is off on Fridays. Summer has flown by, really this whole year has! Fall will be here before we know it. I will say that is one thing I love about being home in the US is having 4 seasons. In Australia all the seasons just kind of ran together. For example here in the US we have spring everything blooms, and fall the leaves change colors and fall, etc...you get the idea. In Australia everything was green all year round, that was just weird!

Sorry, so short and sweet but its time to go watch a movie and snuggle with my boys (aka-sweet puppy and handsome hubby)!

2 years

I had every intention of posting this on Tuesday...so pretend its Tuesday, y'all! :)

I seriously cannot believe this was 2 years ago!

I married this handsome man! This may be one of my favorite pictures from our 

wedding day...just look at that smile!

We had the most incredible day, surrounded by our family and friends.

It was a beautiful winter day for a wine country wedding. 

I loved him so much on our wedding day.

But 2 years later, I love him more than I ever knew I could!

We've had a roller coaster of a ride during our first 2 years of marriage! But I wouldn't have it any other way. Marriage is hard, but sharing life with this guy is better than I could have ever asked for. I'm proud of us, we've gone through so many ups and downs in our short two years of marriage that most people never experience, and many wouldn't make it through. But he is my partner, for life, no matter what. A few weeks ago had to complete a 'stat dec' not sure if that term is used in the US...I don't think it is...basically its a form with questions and you have to complete it and someone has to notarize that it is in fact truthful. Not sure if I explained that right? Oh, well...moving on. We had to complete stat decs regarding our relationship, to complete my Australian visa. My visa was approved last year, but they want to check up on us and make sure we're still married. The form asked questions about our relationship, how we share responsibilities around the house, about our social lives, etc. We sat down at the kitchen table with each of our forms writing away. At the end we shared with each other what we wrote. Leave it to my sweet husband and an immigration document to make me end up in tears! 

Everyday I am thankful to have him by my side. I love him more than I ever thought I could love another person. He is my best friend, he makes me laugh when I want to cry, he prays for me and with me, he works hard to provide for us, he is passionate, kind, and a really great cook! He puts a smile on my face everyday and he puts up with me when I'm a handful! 

Our first year of being married we spent in Australia, trying to get settled only to find out that was not where we were suppose to be. We spent our second year, starting our life in a new country. I can't wait to see how God will bless us as we start this next year together. 

A year ago

 Today I'm feeling a little sentimental...or maybe nostalgic, so continue reading at your own risk :)

Today is July 3rd in the US and the wee early hours of July 4th in Australia. It was exactly a year ago we were snug in our beds at the Wyndham in Sydney, probably not sleeping because we were so excited about leaving to go to the US that morning! I think July 4th was the perfect day for us to travel to the US. Most people would say Christmas or Thanksgiving would be at the top of their list for their favorite holiday, mine is July 4th! What can I say...I love summer time, BBQ's, fireworks, etc!

We didn't decide to make our trip to the US on July 4th because it was my favorite holiday, but more importantly it was the cheapest day to travel that week! But it couldn't have worked out any better.

I really can't believe we've been here for a year! We left Australia with 2 suitcases each, excited for our few months traveling in the US, not knowing all the blessings God had in store for us. Not only is it the anniversary of when we moved to the US, but it also just a few days before our 2nd wedding anniversary! We have had quite the whirlwind in our first 2 years of being married, but thats deserves a whole post of its own.

I'm so thankful God brought us to the US, just like I'm thankful he took me to Australia. We have been so incredibly blessed in the last year and settled so well into our new life in the US. My heart is extra full today!