Unspeakable Joy

"Joy, unspeakable joy, rises in my soul, never lets me go." -Chris Tomlin's "Joy to the World"

When Thomas and I got engaged in April, a 16-month engagement felt like an eternity. He was transitioning to graduate school and I was starting my career. We would be living in two different cities, learning to grow closer as a couple even in a long-distance relationship.

But as I sit here on the couch in my pajamas, sipping tea and munching on Christmas cookies, I'm reflecting on God's goodness, His peace that sustains, and the many blessings He has given us since that April evening.

Last Sunday, December 18, marked the halfway point in our engagement. Eight months have flown by and we now have less than eight to go until our wedding day. I'm filled with such JOY.

That day will be here before we know it, and so much has happened in the past few weeks:

Baylor beat Texas Tech (my little sister's school) on November 26 for the first time since 1995, ending the Red Raider's season. We got to sit on the Baylor side this year and it was an amazing victory!

On December 2nd, our Bears went on to defeat the University of Texas 48-24, making us undefeated at home with our first nine-win season since 1986. It was also the second time we beat the Longhorns in two years, so it was extra sweet.

Robert Griffin III won the Heisman Trophy! It was truly our proudest moment as members of Baylor Nation. And in less than a week, our team takes on Washington in the Alamo Bowl. It may be our last time to see the Heisman winner wearing green and gold, but none of us will ever forget where we were when we heard the award announced!

On December 11th, Thomas and I took our engagement photos with the incredibly talented Rebecca Cash of Captivating Photography. With the busyness of the holidays, we probably won't see the images until after the new year, but we had an absolute blast and can't wait to see them!

Once Sarah finished her final exams, the four of us took off on a four-night cruise to Cozumel. It was most likely our last family vacation before I'm married, and it was so fun to relax and soak up some sun with my parents and little sister.

With that little update, I'm now signing off for three days of Christmas bliss. Three days without work. Three days of family, food and gifts. Three days of sleeping in, cozying up with a good book and watching movies. But once Tuesday comes and I have to return to the office, I'll still be reflecting on God's graciousness to us. And the greatest joy of this season is celebrating the birth of our Savior and the freedom we have in Christ.

Wishing you the merriest of Christmases!!

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." 2 Corinthians 9:15

Thankful

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1

This Thanksgiving, I'm so humbled by God's faithfulness to provide and His love that sustains me.

Last year, Thomas and I spent Thanksgiving with the Reeds in Memphis, and this year he's joining me in Austin to celebrate with my family. I'm thankful that this Thanksgiving is just a preview of the holidays to come once we're married. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast, curling up on the couch to watch the Macy's parade, cooking and eating with family... in 268 days, Thomas and I will be husband and wife and we'll be together for every holiday. So very thankful for him!

I'm thankful for my wonderful family. Sarah came home from school on Tuesday and we've already had so many laughs. She's so darn smart and was just elected to executive board of Alpha Delta Pi at Tech. So proud of her! I have the greatest parents too, and I'm so thankful for the blessings of living at home with them until I'm married!

I have so much more to be thankful for this year... graduating from Baylor in May, having incredible friends that love me and challenge me, even from afar, and being blessed by a wonderful job that I enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Hope you all enjoy time to relax and reflect on God's goodness with family and friends this week!

Yet Another Waco Weekend

During my years at Baylor, I often made trips to my cousin's house to spend time with her and her husband and kids. It was nice to have family in town, even though I was only 90 miles from home. When I was overwhelmed with the stress of school and internships or when I started freaking out about graduating, hanging out with her kiddos seemed to make everything better. Nothing like a three-year-old to bring you back to earth. Caleb and Bayleigh are such a fun part of our family!

Two Saturdays ago, Thomas and I spent the afternoon at Caleb's soccer game. It was so fun to see him running around the field, and he even scored a time or two. So. Adorable.

With the star player!

What a stud.

In this video clip, Caleb tries his hardest to play defense and turn the ball around. When your legs are that short, it's harder than it looks! You can hear us all saying, "other way, other way!"

After his game, we were on our way to the next - the Baylor game against the Iowa State Cyclones. We hung out at the Phi Chi tailgate for a little bit and then headed inside to watch the Bears secure another win. I just love having season tickets!

Melissa, Alex and me

Sooo windy. Excuse the hair.

Heather came to visit for the day!

After the game, a bunch of us got together for homemade Dr Pepper floats to celebrate the win. It was another wonderful weekend in Waco! And an added bonus? That Friday night, I was reunited with my dear dear friend Jennica who was in town from Thailand. I'm so bummed I didn't get a picture. Follow her blog as she spends 5 more months teaching English in Bangkok! You'll thank me - she's huh-larious.

Tribute to Dad

Every time I tell my dad that I love him, he playfully pouts and asks me why. I always smile, hug him, and say something like "because I just do!" or "because you loved me first." Daddy, there are just too many reasons to list.

You are my example of strength, humility, integrity, and compassion. Your servant's heart is inspiring and you're one of the hardest working people I've ever met!

I love that we share our passion for photography, traveling, and great food, and you always have me laughing!! Thank you for everything you do and for being the man of God you are!

Happy Father's Day!