One down.. eternity to go!

So February 17th officially completed our first year of marriage. It feels like it has gone by so quickly, and so many things have changed. We have grown so much in this year thanks to our family, friends, Home Group, the Church, but mostly thanks to God. We have used the following verses to guide our marriage.

Ephesians 5:22-33 (New International Version)
Wives and Husbands

22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

This just puts it all in perspective for me. How our relatioship should be, not just look from the outside, but actually how we treat one another. The verses help me see that we are in this for so mush more than just ourselves... our marriage is a representation of Christ and the church. How HUGE is that.. how amazing is that! Just something that helps me see how much bigger marriage, than just hanging with the same person everyday. Luckily the person I get to hang with everyday is pretty stinkin Great... and I think he likes me too :)

So, anyway.... as my Christmas (Valentine's and Anniversary) gift, Wes planned a trip to New York. I have been wanting to go back, and he never really had a desire to go until he got a little taste of it on a buisness trip to New Jersey. So here are the photos from the trip.. enjoy.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

We left Saturday (Valentine's) morning and landed in New York around 3. This is the First picture of the trip. We were at the airport for about 2 1/2 hours after landing waiting for the shuttle to pick us up, and when it arrived we were in for a New York driving treat! This is our 'Oh my, we are going to Die' face.

The Excelsior

Our Hotel

Once we got to our Hotel it was already dark, so we just walked around the blocks near our hotel and had dinner at an Indian resteraunt. It was the first time I have had Indian food, and it was pretty good. We went to a pub for awhile, Wes LOVES his pubs, than off the our place for some rest!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

We had the Sex and the City tour at 11 so we had the bright idea to get up early and have breakfast than walk around the area before meeting up with out group. Well this was not such a wonderful idea because NOTHING opens till 11. So we had our breakfast and walked around closed stores for awhile, but we were right next to Central Park so we did get to go watch the 'crazies' that run in the freezing cold. And so many people have dogs there! I was very surprised.

Some type of art exhibit that was on the side walk.

On our Sex and the City Tour we got free Magnolia's cupcakes. Yummy! We went back to another location near our place a few nights later because we had a tip that the Banana Pudding was secretly better than the cupcakes. I agree.



This is the location, Oniel's, they used for the bar 'Scout' that Aidan and Steve open in the show.

After the Tour we had to get back to the Excelsior to get ready for THE LION KING, but we were having a really hard time figuring out the subway. It was the weekend, so everything is different plus it was a holiday weekend (President's Day) so some trains weren't running at all. Wes was getting very upset. But we made it!!

It was so wonderful. I wish we had kids, so they could have seen it! The costumes were fantastic, and the kids playing Simba and Nala were so talented!

This is the view of Times Square, from the Minskoff Theatre.

Monday, February 16,2009

We chose this day to just run all over New York seeing all the predictable sights. Our feet were KILLING us.. so much pain!

Wes on the Brookyn Bridge. In true New York style, someone threw Wes 'the bird' for walking in the bicycle lane.

We were going to see the Statue of Liberty, but Wes decided it was enough from where we were. He didn't want to wait in the line... lucky for us a show was beginning. These men were so funny. And one of the men ran and flipped over 5 of us! It was insane!

We ate an entire pizza, just the two of us, at Lombardi's (the first pizzeria in America)

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

We started the day off with some Starbucks than hopped onto the subway to Greenwich Villiage for our food tour. This was one of the best parts of the entire trip.

A cute shop in Greenwich Villiage, with 2 kitties running around.

A 'swanky' resterraunt in Greenwich.

The thinnest house in New York. It was so skinny. He said no one lives here for very long. The address was 75 1/2 because it was built in between 2 buildings.

Stopped in here for a chocolate chip cookie.. sooo very delicious!

This was our tour guide. He was so full of personality and very informative. It was a great tour, and we would recommend going on this tour to anyone going to New York. The Greenwich area is so great.. with amazing food.

A Baptist church we passed by. The archetecture is so beautiful in New York.

Wednesday, February 17, 2009

OUR ANNIVERSARY

I have been begging Wes to take me Ice Skating since we first started dating, so for our year anniversary of MARRIAGE I finally get to go in New York! It was fate.. because this rink was right next to our place, attached to The Museaum of Natural History.

He didn't want to go because he was afraid he would break something; he is 6'4 so he has a long fall down. He didn't fall though. I did once and it hurt bad enough to keep me from doing it again!

ALSO for our anniversary I got to go to Serendipity. Serendipity is my all time favorite movie, I just love drinking coffee on a cold day, sitting on the couch and watching this movie. Anyway, I have been wanting to go here for as long as I can remeber. Everyone kept telling us the wait is too long, you don't want to go. Well we got there and they told us the wait was an hour, not too bad we thought. So we went down to Dylan's (HUGE candy store) and got all kinds of delicious treats to snack on, and Wes of coures got his favorite sweet other than icecream, Cotton Candy. When we get back to Serendipity they call out like 3 different groups that were not there.. than said 'Okay, who is here that is a party of 2?' SO WE GOT TO SIT RIGHT WHEN WE WALKED IN THE DOOR. It was great!

We weren't really hungry, so we just ordered the clam chowder and the Frozen Hot Chocolate.

It was so adorable!

I know I am very behind on blogging, this is because I could not find the cord to the camera so I could import my photos to the computer. I know I only look at blogs with pictures.

Wes and I have started to really enjoy Houston. We are making wonderful friends through our church, WoodsEdge Community Church. The new campus opened in December, just in time for Christmas, and I was hired onto the Special Hearts Ministry team. I was already volunteering my time with the special needs children, but to be more involved is such a blessing! The children are so wonderful, and they truly have 'Special Hearts.' I have also grown closer to two amazingly, inspirational women through this ministry, Heather and Dionne. They remind me daily to keep my head up and trust the Lord no matter what comes my way.

Wes is still working hard for Biomet. He is loving going into surgeries now. Another absolutely visible gift from God. As most of you know, Wes was terrified of blood and than just woke up one day completely unbothered by it. Fascinating!! He loves everything about his job now. He has a wonderful boss that he can look up to and respect, which means so much to Wes.

Here are some photos to get everyone caught up on what we have been up to while we have been in Houston.

October

Photos from Halloween. Our Home Group had a Pumpkin Carving Contest. We received one sympathy vote. There were a few really GREAT pumpkins!

I was doing MOST of the dirty work... Wes didn't want to get his hands dirty. He just wanted to do the MANLY chopping away at the face!

Here is Wes sawing away with his tiny knife.

The Helmers!! They are the Group leaders of our Home Group.

... and it was finally time for judgement. See ours on the left end! He looks a little drowsy!




NOVEMBER

Coco Chanel Lambard's 4th birthday.

Kristen and Bailey came over for Chanel's birthday and we went to the dog park. More of a treat for us humans, considering we both have fairly anti-social pups. Bailey would prance around and sniff on people, and when Kristen would see them reach down to pet him she would holler out, "No! Don't pet him. He bites." It was great! It is a trick on Bailey's part. Makes you think he likes you than SNAP!

DECEMBER

Our First Christmas Tree together... very special day.

Wes did all the hard labor and I got to put the pretty decorations on! He spent about 45 mins trying to put the tree stand my parents gave us onto the tree... than we had to drive to his parent's to get one of their extra tree stands. It worked perfectly! I am pretty sure Wes was about ready to through the tree out the window! But it was worth the trouble!






We had an early Christmas at Mimi and PaPa's, since I have spent every Christmas Eve and Day with them since I was born this was a little different, but still wonderful to get to be with the family (whatever day).

Chase (my brother) and Brandon (my cousin) trying to figure out their new high tech note taking pens. You write on special paper than you can listen to it later.. or something. I am not sure!

Mimi and Brooke passing out gifts.

Every year Papa gives Mimi something wonderful, sparkly, and it always includes DIAMONDS!

Mimi and Papa

White Elephant Party at Chris's new apartment.

Us Lambards and Jinks.. watching the gift opening


We got a singing pig.. Chanel loves it!

Jinks gave the best White Elephant gift I have ever seen.. a photo collage of himself, and don't you worry he signed it too!

Okay so there is what has been going on since October.. and I am going to try to get the energy to post the New York trip later.. I love you all!

Catching Up...

Many great things are happening for us lately. We are truly blessed. Although I was unable to secure a teaching position this year, I have started a working as a 'tutor' working under a Reading Specialist at a great elementary school in the Tomball school district. I am loving it, and I am looking forward to all the knowledge I will gain working with Kathy.

Wes just returned from training in Warsaw, Indiana. He has recently decided he does not enjoy flying :) Poor thing had to get in one of those tiny planes that hold roughly 15 people. On the other hand, he is ecstatic with his job. So though it is hard being in Houston, I see on my husband's face daily when he returns from work that is was worth the move.

We are making great friends through church. We went camping at the Sam Houston National Park a few weeks back with our Home Group and it was so much fun. I forget how great it is to sit in front of a fire all night and roast marshmallows. Chanel came with us, and was surprisingly well behaved. The guys all went on a bike ride along the trails and the ladies went on a canoeing. It was my first time canoeing, and I had the wonderful Jana to canoe with. She was basically a pro. I have pictures, but I cannot find the cord to upload them to the computer. So I will try to get them up soon.

Evacuees

Wes and I came to Salado for the weekend to distance ourselves from Hurricane Ike. Wes returned to Houston today, and I will return later in the week if the schools re-open. Not much to do with NO electricity!

Thankfully we have all learned so much from our past mistakes and the majority of those in the danger zones evacuated. Unfortunately Galveston and surrounding areas are in pretty bad shape, but I thank the Lord many lives were spared from Ike's distructive path! Please be praying for those whose lives have been changed by Ike.

Birthday month extended...

Wes wanted to throw me a birthday party, so my birthday month was extended into August. We had some friends from Houston and Austin, and my family came down to see me! It was great seeing them more, because until July I had not seen them for 2 months. Wes had a Mexican theme, with margaritas, fajitas, beans, and all that good stuff. He borrowed a margarita machine from his cousin, but we did not have enough people to drink 5 gallons of margs. Although Jinks did try! Once the party slowed down, we all went to ride Go-Karts! It was great, because the guys are big into dirt track racing.. the guys at the Go-Kart place were not so thrilled with the boys aggressive driving, so Chase and G.W. got pulled from the race. BOOOOO!

Wes getting the Margaritas ready for everyone!

His and her's coozies.. I love them! They are so cute!

Everyone getting ready to kick some booty out on the track!

They were so lightning fast, you can't even see them!

G and Sis-ter posing between races.

Here we are sweating our bum-bums off. And YES... we did race in dresses. It was very interesting. You have to wrap the skirt around you as if it were a diaper. Funny to read, even greater to watch!

After Go-Kart racing, we went to eat at Texas Road House.. I wasn't even thinking about my birthday because I had celebrating it to death when all of a sudden... here comes the saddle! Noooo. I got over it quickly when I realized we were shutting the place down, it was like 11 p.m. and NO one else was there! :)

Brooke and G bought a dachshund for Christy. They brought him down to hang for my birthday! He was so adorable. He always slept on his back!

I had a great weekend! And thank you if you came down for it! I am lucky to have such a wonderful family and great friends!

July, MY birthday month!

July was a crazy month! Wes was out of town for most of it completing his training for his new job. First in Florida, than back to New Jersey... he was just there a month or so ago. He got to take the subway to New York though. He has never been. Oh course he loved it and now we are contemplating going for our anniversary in February!! I LOVE NEW YORK!

While he was away I went to Salado to spend time with my family and celebrate my birthday month. We went to Port Aransas with the Egbert's (Brooke's in-laws) and the McLaughlins. It was a blast! I have not spent so much time in a pool since I was 10. We had a horseshoe Tournament with our families and Susan and I got FIRST PLACE. I have only played maybe twice before in my life so it was a complete honor. I think I had two ringers, which has NEVER happened before!

The view from our room, of the pool!

The AMAZING slides in the pool! So much fun! You really need to pinch your nose though.. or suck down a crazy amount of water into your nostrils. We all learned this on our first go down!

Susan hitting the water!

Christy and Susan trying to act like the kids and throw up some peace signs or rocker signs.. I am not really sure. It was just fun to watch!

Sis-ter and I

My partner, throwing ringers left and right!

The WINNERS! Of course Susan and me are at the top.

Chase, Mom, Dad, Brooke, me... we haven't all been on a vacation together in YEARS!

Feeding the troops after a hard day in the sun... horseshoes can take it out of you!

The envied Horseshoe sunglasses I won in the tourney. Everyone wanted these bad boys!!

Wes got back in town just in time for my actual birthday! So we went to P.F. Changs in Austin(every year) with the Simpson clan! We really go for the Great Wall of Chocolate!

Sis-ter and mom looking all cuteness!

Blowing out my candle, on the GREAT WALL OF CHOCOLATE! Isn't it wonderful!

July was a GREAT month.. but my birthday was extended to part of August too!

Tagged

I've been tagged! Here are the ABC's of ME!!!

A. Attached or Single? Very much attached!

B. Best Friend? Wes... and Michelle when I need to talk about Wes :)

C. Cake or Pie? Cake, Red Velvet Cake to be exact

D. Day of choice? Saturday! Because Sunday has the awful feeling knowing the next day is MONDAY!

E. Essential item? Cell Phone, especially now that I live so far from everyone!

F. Favorite color? Red, but not red clothes because I do not look good in red!

G. Gummy bears or worms? Bears!

H. Home town? Salado, Texas

I. Favorite indulgence? Sitting on the couch with Michelle on a cold winter day drinking hot coffee and watching movies! I have been craving that lately!

J. January or July? July, that's my birthday month!

K. Kids? Not yet.. maybe in about 3 years.

L. Life isn’t complete without? Family and friends!

M. Marriage date? February 17, 2008

N. Number of brothers and sisters? 1 sister: Brooke, 1 brother: Chase, 1 sister-in-law: Kim

O. Oranges or Apples? Oranges, I eat one almost everyday!

P. Phobias? Speaking in front of a crowd.. or lately interviews.. I hate the feeling of being judged.

Q. Quotes? Not a quote, but a scripture. Proverbs 31.. it reminds me of the woman I should strive to be.

R. Reasons to smile? When I hear the door open, when Wes gets home from work! And when Chanel humps things, that is just really funny to me!

S. Season of choice? Winter. I love the cold, and the things that come with it! COFFEE and snuggling by the fireplace. Although it also comes with alot of snotty noses on the kiddos. Bitter-sweet!

T. Tag 4 people: Michelle, Jenny, Rebecca, Kirby

U. Unknown fact about me? Some, but not everyone knows.. I am missing 4 teeth. I hate it!!!

V. Vegetable? Fresh Spinach with mushrooms.

W. Worst habit? Chewing my nails when I am nervous.. or bored.

X. Xray or ultrasound? Some day an ultrasound will make me a very happy woman!

Y. Your favorite food? Chinese.. everything at P.F.Changs

Z. Zodiac sign? LEO, I'm a lion baby! Grrr