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

Fall Break

Fall Break was just one of the many things I loved about Baylor. Not many other schools in Texas give their students a three day weekend "just because," and just because I'm graduated doesn't mean I can't still observe the holiday!

Last weekend was Baylor's Fall Break, so since Thomas didn't have class on Friday, we decided to fly out to Albuquerque to visit my sweet grandparents. The weather was beautiful and we had an absolute blast!

On Friday, Grandpa joined Thomas and me for a ride up the World's Longest Tramway to the top of Sandia Peak. My grandparents live in the foothills of the mountains, but the last time I've been up the tram was at least 10 years ago.

It was 45 degrees at the top and there was even a little bit of snow. The view of Albuquerque was awesome and made for some great pictures. Before heading back down, we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant called High Finance.

Excited for all the traveling we'll do together!

My amazing Grandpa

On Friday night, we all went to Savoy for dinner. A flight of white wine, a filet mignon and creme brulee... what a treat!

On Saturday, we woke up just in time for the Baylor/A&M football game. The outcome was not at all what we were hoping for, but it was still fun to watch, and Thomas introduced my grandparents to his awesome gumbo for lunch!

We relaxed for a little while that afternoon, and then Grandma brought out her Speech Pathology textbooks from the 1950s to give to Thomas. It was adorable to see her and Thomas bond as Grandma offered up stories of her days as a speech pathologist and Thomas shared stories of his graduate studies.

[Almost forgot to mention... two weeks ago, Thomas was given his internship placement for next summer. At the end of May, he'll officially move to Austin to intern at a hospital 10 minutes from my house!! I could not be happier!!]

Saturday night entailed a trip to the casino followed by dinner at a little hole-in-the-wall Italian place called Paisano's, where I had the most amazing butternut squash ravioli with brown butter and sage with fresh parmesan.

Our trip was over all too soon, and on Sunday we flew back to Texas. Grandma and Grandpa, thank you so much for having us! We can't wait to come back and visit!!