The Cotswolds and a Snowy Easter!!

It's hard to believe, but we woke up Easter morning to a beautiful blanket of pure white snow covering our neighborhood!  We decided to take the Defender to church...we weren't sure that the Sunfire would make it!  After a few close calls (navigating the English roads in the snow can be pretty tricky) we finally made it in time for fantastic Easter service.  That evening, we went to the Hilburns for a potluck dinner.  Since Chris and I decided to have an untraditional Christmas feast by cooking all of our favorite mexican foods, it was awesome to get to have ham, yeast rolls, green bean casserole, potatoes and all the other traditional stuff on Easter.  The Birds, and our friend Cody also came over, which made it even cozier.  There is nothing I like more on holidays than spending time with the ones I love.  I'm so glad that the Hilburns invited all of us into their home, it was a great night!

The weekend before Easter, Chris and I decided to venture out to the Cotswolds.  We found a cute little B&B in Chipping Campden and planned on spending the entire weekend hiking around the many trails in the area.  Sadly, the weather didn't really cooperate with us, but we did get to make the 1.5 mile trek up to Broadway Tower before the clouds unloaded on us.  We also forgot our hiking boots, so we had to make do by rolling up our jeans and jumping over puddles!  It was a great hike, and we got to see some beautiful countryside on the way up.  Herds of sheep surrounded us, and I even saw some deer when we finally got to the top!  Chris climbed to the top of the Tower while I stayed securely on the ground and took in the scenery :)  It was much quicker going down, and it's a good thing because as soon as we reached our car, it started raining like crazy!  We lounged around the rest of the day visiting the quaint villages of Stow on the Wold & Bourton on the Water.  We ate at two great restaurants over the weekend, and visited Shakespeare's birthplace on  Sunday.  It was a nice, relaxing trip and exactly what we needed!

I've been tagged!

My great friend Kate recently "tagged" me, so here are some things that you might not know about me...

1) What are some of your preferences that have changed since you were young?

~When I was younger I was a SUPER picky eater. Now, I eat pretty much everything...not sure if that's a good, or a bad thing :)
~I've just discovered how much I like to travel. When I was younger, I wasn't as adventurous as I am now.
~I used to prefer to be around huge groups of people, but now I like to get together with small groups of good friends. I've learned the importance of relationships, and that it's really quality not quantity :)

2) Rank the seasons in the order you like them most.
Fall, Spring, Winter, Summer
I love the colors of Fall, so beautiful!

3) If you could only live in one city for the rest of your life, which one would it be? And if you could only live in one country (besides the USA) for the rest of your life, and never go anywhere else, where would it be?
~Somewhere in the Hill Country in Texas. Really, I'd be happy anywhere in Texas...it has my heart!
~Country...Italy. I've only been a few times, but I enjoy it more with each visit.

**If you blog, I'd love to see your answers to these questions...so Jenn & Wendy, consider yourself "tagged"!!

Answered Prayers

Do you ever feel like God sends huge, neon "signs" your way, and you just happen to be tying your shoe at the exact same moment? Or could it be that everything is so fast-paced in today's world that no matter how bright and shiny that "sign" might be, we're going to fly right by it because if we stop...well, we might miss a newer, brighter, shinier sign! This is the story of my life! I am going-going-going so fast that I sometimes forget to stop to appreciate the now. But this week has been a testament to living in the moment, and cherishing the gifts that are so lovingly sprinkled throughout our lives.
I haven't posted about it (something about that going-going-going thing), but I did get that job that I interviewed for a few months ago! My heart has longed for the opportunity to work in the non-profit field again, and I am thrilled to be working for an organization that I believe in so passionately. Obviously, answered prayer #1! Since Chris is off this week, and I have been working, I've experienced a slight sense of "bed jealousy" that tugs me back towards the warm, snuggly pillow-haven that my husband is happily hogging. But, if that is the only down-side, I'm content to settle! Another desire of mine is to write a Children's Book. Until recently, this desire was just a little nagging voice in the back of my head. But, with a little encouragement from some very sweet supporters, I've ventured out and started doing a little research. Baby step, I know...but it's something. And by-golly if there hasn't been an article in the last 3 magazines I've picked up about how to get your book published, as well as a website pop-up on my computer at work today! Ummm, hello neon, flashing sign! Yes, Lord...I'm listening :) And as if that weren't enough, my little brother found out today that he too has been offered a new job. This is extremely exciting news, and I am so very proud of him for following his heart. I might be flying by the seat of my pants most of the time, but I know good things when I see them. And at the moment, I feel like I'm surrounded.

Coming Home

Packed my suitcase and I racked my brain

Bought a ticket on a late night train

Took a taxi through the pourin' rain

I'm comin' home to you.

~Robert Earl Keen~

Well, after a few changes to the itinerary, a brief stop in Maine, and a 2 day delay...Chris is home safe and sound! I can't tell you how excited I am just to have him back in the house again. I've had to stay out of it for the past few days just so I wouldn't mess it up again after cleaning it last weekend! Oh, very sad, but very true! I'm not sure whether to take his comment, "Wow! I've never seen the house look this good!" as a compliment, or a hint at my housekeeping skills (or lack thereof)!

Anyway, all the families met up at the squadron this afternoon to see the guys land and welcome them home. We got to greet them all, and get some quick hugs and kisses in before going back up to the squadron where they could eat, visit, and recharge after their flight. It was so fun to ride out to greet them with all the other ladies & their kids. There was so much excitement, I actually felt butterflies as we ran out to the jets. Though being apart is hard, the feeling that we get when we see each other again is always so fulfilling and special. It doesn't make it easier, but it sure makes me feel incredible in the moment, and reminds me of how much I truly love my husband.

Thank you all for all your prayers over the last few months. They have been of great comfort to us both.

WooHoo!! He's home!

Song of Solomon 3:4

"I have found the one whom my soul loves."

Song of Solomon 3:4

A little over 2 years ago, I walked down a rose petal covered aisle towards a handsome man in an Air Force uniform. I remember the beautiful church, my dad's hand holding the crook of my arm, and being surrounded by our family & friends. But even more than those things, I remember locking eyes with my best friend and mouthing "I love you" because I just couldn't wait any longer. I was walking towards my new life; a life filled with adventure & spontaneity. A life spent with someone who God purposefully made, just for me...and me for him. A life of understanding, support, and unconditional love. Our anniversary this year was especially meaningful as we had spent more than a month apart before finally reconnecting in Vegas. Being apart so much is often times really (REALLY) tough. But it also reminds us both how important we are to one another, and how imperative it is that we not take each other (or our relationship) for granted. As I threw my arms around him when I first saw him in Vegas, my heart was instantly flooded with memories of our wedding day...it was a sweet, sweet moment. I look forward to a lifetime of those moments, of many more happy memories, and of love that takes my breath away.

Chris ~ I love you more today, than yesterday. And I will love you more tomorrow still.

Happy Anniversary!

San Antonio Rose

Deep within my heart lies a melody,

A song of old San Antone,

Where in dreams I live with a memory

Beneath the Stars all alone.

~Bob Wills : New San Antonio Rose~

I am proud to say that I am indeed one of the "crazies" who swear, hand over heart, that Texas is, by far, the best state in America. Though I don't live there anymore, after spending the past month reacquainting myself with my hometown, I realized how much I miss it. I had almost forgotten how much I love the slow & steady pace, the brilliant blue skies, the low-key down-to-earth people, and the soft southern drawl that greets me like an old friend no matter where I go. I went to the Ft. Worth rodeo and teared up when one by one, cowboys on horseback took off their hats while riding past the American flag. When the lights dimmed, and the Star Spangled Banner was played, everyone stood (EVERYONE), took off their hats, and sang. Maybe it's because I've been out of the country for the past year, but I haven't been filled with that much pride in a long time. I went to Canton with my mom for 1st Monday (it's a Texas thing) and spent about 15 minutes talking an older gentleman about his faith, his land, & his family. We had just stopped in his stall to browse his merchandise and he brought up the Lord (in that ever-present drawl that I was describing before!). We talked, and the conversation turned to Chris and him being in the military. This man, this total stranger, stopped the conversation and told me how proud he was of Chris, of what he is doing, and thanked him & I both for our commitment to our great country. It was touching & kind, and it reminded me of all the loving support we have...even if it's not always portrayed that way on the news. I went with my Dad to a Bob Wills tribute concert at the beautiful Bass Hall in Ft. Worth. Asleep at the Wheel did an amazing job of "tipping their hat" to the great Texas Swing icon. We heard the Quebe Sisters Band as well, which was a trio of fabulous Texas-style fiddlers who sang as well. It was an awesome concert, and I had a great date too :) I ate at the scrumptious Manny's in Dallas w/ Gayle (Chris's mom) & Shirley (Chris's aunt), and continued the Tex-Mex trend @ On the Border w/ Chris's grandmama & his aunt Dianne. I got my fill of some much needed country music too...England is severely lacking in that arena! All in all, it was a great trip home. I spent some wonderful, quality time with my family, and had the chance to catch up with a lot of my old friends as well. I miss Texas already, and I can't deny that a tear rolled down my cheek as my plane rose above the Dallas skyline.

Dad, Me, Casey & Michael @ the Ft. Worth Rodeo

Michael & I...bowling!!

Mike, Grandmama, Me & Donna...eating at Olan Jack's...Yummy!!

"You American...You Pay!!"

My friend Kelly and I decided to take a trip to Italy a few weeks ago to visit one of her friends in the beautiful village of Lapadona. From the moment I stepped on the airplane, I knew it was going to be a trip to remember! We arrived in Ancona airport at around 1:30pm (right at the start of "siesta time" for those of you who are not familiar with Italian snoozing hours). We quickly found our rental car and proceeded to try to reverse out of our parking spot. (I will mark this exact moment as the starting point of the continuous fits of laughter that I experienced for the remainder of the trip). That Italian reverse gear is tricky, but luckily with a little help from our friendly Avis representative, we were on the road in no time! We stopped in the small town of Loreto, known for it's remarkable shrine to Mary. We found a quaint little restaurant and politely asked if they were open for lunch. The cliche'-ness (is that a word?) of this sweet little restaurant is one of my most favorite memories from our journey. The restaurant was run by a family who were all sitting around a large table enjoying a feast of delicious Italian food. And when I say they were ALL sitting there, I mean ALL...mother, father, kids, grandmother, grandkids...everyone. That is, until we showed up...at which point a kind older man got up and acted as our host/waiter/possible chef. He didn't speak a word of English (no, not even one), but I can't tell you how gracious he was, and how hard he tried to communicate with us (picture hand signs, large gestures, and LOTS of smiling). After an amazing meal of lasagne (it's the only thing we could understand him say) he gave us both a charm of the Madonna, a postcard of the Pope, and a tiny silver manger scene. It was a fantastic way to start the trip.
Our next stop was Fermo, a town that was rumored to have a great little market. Well, we didn't see the market, but we did get very familiar with the local police :) We accidentally went down a one-way street...the wrong way! Hey...we were Americans in a foriegn country, how were we supposed to know?!? (No, I don't really believe that...but yes, we did try to use it as an excuse to get out of the ticket...no dice.) Anyway, next thing we know, there are sirens and flashing lights coming from behind us, and plenty of sleepy Italians hanging their heads out of their windows to see what all the commotion is about. Long story short, the policemen speak no English (I'm beginning to see a trend) and the only words we understand are, "You American....You Pay!" Suffice to say, we were 36 Euros poorer, but one truly awesome story richer when we left the town of Fermo. (Don't tell Kelly, but I totally think it was worth it!)
The rest of the weekend was filled with great food, great conversation, great wine, and amazing Italian hospitality. I loved the Italian culture...the slow pace & the family values. Since we went to a very rural area, we were able to enjoy the non-touristy side of Italy. We went to the St. Antonio celebration where the townspeople all brought their pets to the town center to be blessed by the priest. Families showed up with dogs, turtles, cats & horses to participate in this great ritual. It was so fun to be able to be a part of that. We ate lunch with a group of about 14 people who all spoke several different languages. It was another experience that I will never forget. It was incredible to even be included in company like that...what a tremendous blessing! Kelly's friend, Gina, her husband & their triplets were the best hosts in the world. They embraced us like family and showed us a truly spectacular time. It was a great way to spend a weekend, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet such terrific people.