The world of blogging is about to get even more exciting!!! I admit that I have wanted to start this blog for a while but had to wait for a special occasion. I settled on this week. Why? Because within 9 days of each other, Ryan and I are both turning 27 this month! And of course every girl (or at least Katharine) insists on stretching out a Birthday for a week-long celebration instead of only a day.
This blog site will definitely take me a while to figure out. Right now I barely know how to type a post, but I promise to figure this thing out and keep everyone up to date on the insanity that is my life.
Highlights of 2011 thus far:
MINE AND RYAN'S WEDDING!!! Who ever thought that after a year and three months of planning, it would come and go so quickly?? I will eventually add a wedding link to my blog and go in much more detail, but I do have to say that it was a perfectly wonderful day. I had a vision, and it came to life. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful time with my friends, family, and loved ones. Most importantly, the focus was on Jesus Christ and His love for each and every one in attendance.
Daddy's triple bypass surgery. The day after returning from our honeymoon (after the third time our luggage was lost...another story in itself) I got a phone call from my Mom telling me that she and Jay (my incredible brother) were taking Daddy to the hospital for a racing heartbeat. A couple of weeks and many tests later, we learned that he had actually suffered from a heart attack and needed triple bypass surgery. You can imagine how this shook my family. My Dad has always been in great shape with no high cholesterol and no history of heart complications. The initial surgeon we met with would not work on him, but Dr. Allen at Providence in Columbia took on the task- and performed an incredibly successful operation. It seems like a blur now, but I learned to lean on Jesus like never before during those few weeks. “Lean not unto your own understanding” came to mind throughout that whole process. I didn’t understand it, but I told God that I needed my Dad and that I hoped and prayed that his continued health would be in His will. While Daddy is still recovering from a neck operation he had in April, he is doing very well, and I will be forever grateful to the One who guided those doctors. My Mom has always said, “Each and every day that we have each other is a blessing.” I will always remember this.
My parents’ 31st Anniversary. The sweet people of their church planned a surprise anniversary lunch in their honor- it worked, and they were certainly surprised! I don’t know WHAT I would do without my parents. They have made so many decisions that have benefitted me throughout my whole life and guided and encouraged me since the day I was born.
This summer/fall has been wonderful so far! Two weekends ago the whole Moody clan took Asheville by storm for Scott and Laura’s wedding. It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun. Congratulations again to such a wonderful couple!
Joy, one of my best friends since first grade, came to stay with Ryan and me for a few days recently for a conference. We had a great time and went to the Greek festival, out to eat (of COURSE!), and to the USC/Navy game. It was so great to have her here! It was also awesome to have Jamie and Dorothy join us!
Last week our office had a bowling event for United Way. It was awesome!! Here are some of my coworkers. Wesley (the other girl here) just started. She's awesome!
This past weekend my dear parents came to Columbia on Friday night. We headed to my grandparents’ house for a Birthday celebration for Ryan, Papa (my beloved grandfather) and me. As always, we had a wonderful time. I love spending time with my family SO much!!! On Saturday I went to Katelyn Thompson’s 13th Birthday party! It was great fun and the food from Mandy’s Flour Shoppe was incredible, as usual. Plus, any excuse to see Katelyn, Anna, and Jordan is always welcome. After the party, Meagan (one of my other best friends since first grade!) and I went to see the Lion King in 3D!!! Just so you’ll know, that movie defined part of our childhood, and it was so awesome to see and enjoy it in a theater so many years later.
Sunday, October 2nd was my Birthday!!! I woke up to find Ryan creeping out of the house on some sort of secret mission. Little did I know that he was going to the grocery store to buy ingredients for his first cake ever- just for me! I fell back asleep for a little while and came downstairs to not only find a lovely assortment of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, but also a Funfetti (one of my favorites!) cake in the oven. Such a sweet boy! Ryan went out of his way to make my Birthday very special. After a delicious breakfast, we both headed to Shandon for a wonderful morning of worship (we have attended both Shandon and First Baptist here in Columbia, and they are both excellent!). Out of the hundreds of people attending on Sunday morning, we actually ended up running into my boss, Wayne, and his wife, Tammy. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting with them and listening to such a great/applicable message from Dick Lincoln! Seriously, I thought that it had been crafted for me!
After church, Ryan took me to the Riverbanks Zoo, which was very special, and then we did a little shopping topped off by a delicious dinner at Longhorn. Ryan was so, so good to me, and I am incredibly thankful for him, not to mention how many people took time out of their day to wish me Happy Birthday on Facebook. It meant so very much!!! Mark Zuckerburg is a genius. I mean honestly, name another time when people from all walks of life contacted you in honor of your Birthday?
The beginning of fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The leaves turning and the cooler weather make me anticipate the upcoming holidays! I just LOVE Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, partly because of all the cute home decorations that come with celebrating these occasions. For example, I’m sure it brightens Ryan’s day when he uses our “Spooky” soap dispenser to wash his hands! Oh, and I have big plans for my Christmas tree this year- can’t wait!!! And I am REALLY looking forward to Thanksgiving when Jay will be coming home from Houston for the first time!!! Jay, consider yourself warned.
Ok, I think that’s enough of my world (for now). I promise to come back very soon with more exciting tales!!!
