Grocery Store Fun

Matthew and I were at the grocery store last week and had a really fun encounter. We were strolling down the aisle and getting our monthly supply just like normal. I wish I could remember exactly what Matthew had said but it was something to the effect that he had "made" something that I saw and liked. He always says that when we go somewhere. I will say "oh look, that table looks neat" - or something like that and then he very quickly looks at me and says "thank you so much, I made it"......he's a weird one. Anyway, we were laughing and I lovingly bumped him with my hip. There was an older woman at the end of the aisle we were going down and she stopped us. We thought she might need help or something, but then she told us congratulations and that she was proud of us. We looked at each other really confused for a second and then she continued to say that Matthew was the only husband in the grocery store that day that she had seen smiling with his wife and that we should remember this moment and strive to always be like this. I must admit I instantly started to blush and we thanked her and kept shopping. Matthew told her that his comment had made his day and then squeezed me around the waist. It was so sweet of this elderly woman to give us such an amazing complement and one that Matthew and I will never forget!

Surviving!

We have almost made it through our first week of school and can I just say WOW! It has been an interesting 4 days so far and Matthew and I are praying that tomorrow (Friday) comes quickly. My classes are everywhere. I love them all so far and see no problem with the work load or anything like that. It is the times that are so crazy. I have classes that begin at 8am and classes that begin at 5:45pm! I feel like a yo-yo right now. On the plus side, I have actually been able to cook for my poor hubby who was lucky if I ever cooked for him last semester. I made menu plans for every day of the week for the next month and would you believe I have actually been sticking to them. I have been cooking our dinners around lunch time after we eat that way they are nice and ready for us by the time we actually get to eat again. We have also been doing really good...so far...in doing all of our homework and not shurking it off to watch TV or something. One thing I have really really enjoyed is all the time we are together again. I almost forgot how great that is! Last semester I was off track but went to school anyway and was still working my 40 hour week at nights and Matthew was working his 40 hours during the day so it felt like we were more like roommates that companions last semester. This semester we get to wake up and have breakfast, and most lunches and dinners together, not to mention the time between classes. It has been so great to reconnect with my hubby again and actually flirt and cuddle instead of just having conversations as we pass by each other on our way to something. I cannot even explain how nice it feels to be "back" to us. I love him so much and can honestly say that I missed him a whole bunch. He is my rock and the most supportive husband a girl could ever dream of. I love him, and he loves me.
Something else going on in our lives is that I am contemplating joining Weight Watchers. I have always been "not skinny" we will call it and have slowely gained a few pounds here and there since college and marriage, but this thyroid problem is making me gain like crazy. I have gained around 20 pounds in about 2 months! I do not feel like myself anymore and have troubles doing the tasks I used to be able to do so easily. I feel so out of control and helpless. I can see myself starting to get depressed and avoiding things that I used to like to do. I never get dressed up anymore because none of my clothes fit. I rarely put make up on because I don't like looking in the mirror. My self-esteem is at an all time low and I feel if I don't get control of it now, I never will. Matthew has been so amazing and supportive of me through this whole thyroid experience and stands by me every step of the way. How fortunate am I to have him in my life! I know that not everyone is that lucky and some men might even get upset with their wives for something like this, but Matthew just hugs me, brushes away my tears, tells me he loves me more than ever, and asks how he can help. How did I ever deserve him? He is ready to jump in with me and help me to get healthy again. I am so thankful that I don't have to feel scared to discuss things like this with him and that no judgement is passed between either of us. I am so thankful that he wants to participate WITH me and not just leave me alone to tackle things on my own. I am so thankful for him and everything that he does for our family. I am so thankful for his understanding. As I sit in school typing this, I cannot help but tear up at how blessed my life truly is even though some days are much harder than others. And even though I probably look ridiculous sitting in the lobby with other people around me while I cry at my computer, I know that I am loved and that is all that matters to me.

Getting Ready For School!

We are trying really hard to get back into the swing of things of school. We got our books and schedules and are ready to rock this semester! I am so thrilled for myself because the end is so close! I am officially a senior now....finally and am feeling super motivated and pumped to wiz through these next 2 semesters. Matthew...well he is not so excited. He is so smart and great with his hands. He is literally the hardest working person that I have ever known and I have no doubt or fear for our future. School though....not his forte. I keep telling him he is half way through and every day he goes to class is one last day he will ever have to go.

I am really looking forward to all of my classes actually and I think this semester will be one of my easiest. I was unable to take as many credits as I usually do because not all the classes that I need were available, but that is alright. I will have more time to take fun pictures AND plan my friend Leslie's wedding in July!!

I think that once Matthew gets into his classes, he will really enjoy them. He is taking all boy-ish classes where he will be coming home as dirty as he does when he goes to work so I think he will be just fine. AND every day he goes is one day less!! If you talk to him, tell him that - it will ease the school pain I know he is feeling.

We are so happy to be going to the Lord's University and being able to daily participate is secular and spiritual learning on campus. It is a wonderful blessing and a beautiful feeling. I cannot describe how amazing and warm it feels to see your professor and fellow classmates bow their heads in prayer. It is truly inspirational and an experience everyone should get to have.

Wish Us Luck!!

Happy 2013!

Well, we have officially started a new year and are so excited for all the possibilities that it has in store for us. We have made our resolutions are are pumped to get started and make those changes for the better!  I have to work until midnight on new year's eve but we got off a little early and I got home just in time to kiss my honey at midnight. Granted he was asleep and I had to rustle him around a little to kiss me back, but hey, a kiss is a kiss right? Then I worked on new year's day until 4pm and Matthew had the whole day off. He slept in until 10am which is quite a surprise for him and had a wonderful relaxing day. I was so happy for him because he never lets himself relax and he needed a day with no stress. I decided to start my photography 365 project. I will be taking at least one photo a day for a whole year and I know that it will increase my skills, my creativity, and what I can create! I am really looking forward to it!

The most exciting thing that we did for new year's though was launch one of those awesome chinese lanterns. It is something that I have ALWAYS wanted to do and after watching Tangled, that just sealed the deal for me. So I found some on Amazon.com and it was everything that I hoped it would be. I unfortunatley did not get that many pictures because A) I was more than a little excited and B) it was -4 degrees outside and my finger tips and toes felt like death.

All in all, I would say a successful new year's and exciting stuff to come!!