A Beau Ideal

Esther's Quilt

2012-01-11T18:26:00.003-06:00

It is finished!!

I'm so happy with it too! Thank you so much to everyone who gave to this family to bring her home. They are actually in Uganda now in the process of bringing her home! Praise the Lord!

Year in a Glance

2011-12-31T16:48:00.002-06:00

Well I 've been terrible about posting this year. I try every year to be better, but every year I fail. :) I thought I'd go back and just recount an important or memorable event that happened each month this year.

JANUARY

I bought myself a new computer. (Might not seem like a memorable event for most, but this was huge for me and Blake)

FEBRUARY

Found out that we were going to be an Aunt and Uncle!

MARCH

Went to Disney World with the Penfield family!

APRIL

Attended the first craft show for the year in Ennis, Texas with my mom and sister.

MAY

Saw my little sister graduate from high school!

JUNE

Celebrated our 2nd anniversary!

JULY

Had a bit of a scare when our niece, Cali Jayne, thought she was coming early, but she didn't. Thank God!

AUGUST

Blake started his last year of Law School! I wrecked my car, but was extremely blessed to be safe and have great insurance! :) Was able to get myself a new car!

SEPTEMBER

Celebrated on the first day of the month the birth of our first niece and goddaughter Cali Jayne!!

OCTOBER

Blake's brother married our new sister-in-love Jackie! Also, Blake finished Practice Court 1 and 2, which happens to be the absolute hardest part of law school.

NOVEMBER

Celebrated Thanksgiving with the Gager Family in Uvalde!

DECEMBER

Celebrated Christmas morning with the Penfield Family and then the evening with the Gager's.

It's been a great year. There were definitely times that I felt like Job. In all the blessings there was a multitude of trials. But the Lord stood by us and brought us through every trial into a new blessing. While there were moments where I couldn't see beyond the day or week ahead, it's awesome to look back and see how the Lord helped us through it all.

I know 2012 has a lot of changes ahead. Blake will be graduating and taking the BAR and we will probably be moving away from Waco. I'm a planner and like to know what the plan is for our future. At this moment I honestly can't see past about mid-May. But I know the Lord is in control and will be there every step of the way. I can't wait to see what he has in store!

Buy a Quilt Block for Esther

2011-08-03T15:39:00.006-05:00

If you read my sister's blog you might have read her story about a little girl name Esther that she met in Uganda. She met her for the first time 2 years ago on her first trip to Uganda. She was a tiny little girl with a big beautiful smile. Back in June when Lexie returned to Uganda she was surprised to find Esther still at the orphanage. At first she wasn't the same cheerful little girl that she remembered. Years in the orphanage had changed sweet Esther's cheerful nature. After a while Lexie was finally able to see her smile and saw that glimmer of the Esther she knew.

When she returned home she was on a mission to find a family for sweet Esther. By God's amazing plan and provision she found them! So now it's our turn to step up and fight for Esther and help bring her home. Let's help the Stonebrook family raise the funds needed to adopt her.

Buy a quilt block for $10. All proceeds will go to the Stonebrook family adoption fund. I will then sew a quilt with all the blocks that I will send to sweet Esther and her family. To buy a block you can either send a check to me or click on the donate button the right column and pay by credit card or pay pal.

Thank you in advance for all donations. God has a great plan for Esther and her new family. Let's help bring her home!

Zig Zag Quilt

2011-08-02T19:09:00.003-05:00

I am almost finished with a quilt top that I've been working on for the last few months. It's taken me so long because I keep stopping it and starting another project. But I told myself that I would not start another quilt or project until I had this quilt finished. I have a few strips to add to the sides and top and bottom, but I just had to share it!

My sweet husband agreed to hold it up for me while I took the picture. I love his feet sticking out at the bottom! :)

I got the pattern from here. It was super easy to use! I totally recommend you purchasing patterns from her! I used a mix of Heather Bailey lines for the fabric including Nicey Jane, Pop Garden and Bijoux.

Kitchen

2011-07-31T16:38:00.002-05:00

Two posts in one day?! What's the world coming to? :) I just wanted to share with you guys a little "face lift" I did in our kitchen. I never loved the area over our kitchen sink so I did something about it. Here's what I did.....

I found this idea on Pinterest (place where I spend waaaay too much time!) to color clear vases with acrylic paint. It was super easy and I love the result. You just pick a few different colors of acrylic that you like, drip it down in the vase and twirl it around till it covers all the surfaces. Let it dry over night and voila! Super cute vases!

The framed applique bird idea I also got from Pinterest. A woman had posted a pillow she made with appliqued birds on a line in different color fabrics. It was super easy also. And those are my favorite part!

Pillows for my Sister

2011-07-31T09:01:00.003-05:00

It's been too long since I last posted. At one point I tried to change the layout of our blog and I messed it up so bad. I got so frustrated that for a long time I just didn't want to look at it because I didn't know how to fix it. But no worries! It's fixed now. It's a silly reason not to post, but it's my silly reason.

Ok so I know the last thing I posted about was pillows, but I've made more. Not for me this time, but for my sister. She is going off to college in less than a month and I needed to make her some cute decorative pillow for her bed! So here they are....

I am very happy with them and how they turned out! I got the tutorial for the flower one here and I came up with the pattern for the chevron one. I'm actually thinking of putting together a tutorial for how to do that one and posting it on here. Does anyone even read this blog any more? And if so, would you want a tutorial?? Let me know!

Sprocket Pillows

2011-06-02T20:25:00.003-05:00

So it's been a really long time! Sorry guys! :) I don't have a lot to say, but wanted to share some pictures of some pillows that I'm making for our couch. I really like how they turned out!

I got the idea from here: http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2011/03/tutorial-sprocket-pillows.html

Dress A Girl Around the World

2011-03-23T18:36:00.003-05:00

Do you like to sew? Do you need a good cause to sew for? :)

Well I have the perfect organization for you! It's called Dress A Girl Around the World. Their motto:

Imagine a world where every little girl owned at least one dress.

Plain and Simple, but so very meaningful for little girls all over the world. Join me in making pillow case dresses to donate to this organization. Use pillowcases, scraps of fabric, etc. to make perfect little sundress for girls. It's a super easy pattern that even a beginner could master! You can find the pattern here:

http://littlebiggirlstudio.blogspot.com/2011/03/dress-girl-around-world-sew-long-day-1.html

They have a pillowcase option as well as a full pattern option. I am going to create a facebook group dedicated just to the people who are coming together to make dresses. Let me know if you're interested and I will invite you to the group! Please share pictures of your finished creations!

After you finish your dress mail it off to:

Rachel Eggum Cinader

Hope 4 Women International

P.O Box 74010

Phoenix, AZ 85087

Please join me in dressing girls around the world!

Pillow Case

2011-02-06T16:15:00.003-06:00

I found this fabric that I absolutely loved at Hobby Lobby. I bought two yards of it to use for a blanket that I will make sometime in the future. It's been sitting there on my shelf since I bought it and I admire it everyday. :) The other day I was at Hobby Lobby and saw in there "clearance scrap pile" a roll of the same material! It was 3/4 of a yard for only $1.50. So of course I snatched it up.

I had seen this really simple tutorial for making pillow cases recently and had just stored it away in my "To-Do" crafts folder. So when I came home with this small role of fabric I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. Here's the result:

Doesn't that just make you happy? :)

Project Couch: COMPLETED!

2011-02-05T18:11:00.006-06:00

Ok so I know there really weren't many posts about my couch project, but I don't really care because it's finished!! :) And I LOVE them! While the actual slip covers aren't as brown as I'd like them, the fabric of the pillows makes everything better. Let me stop talking and just show you some pics!

I just love the fabric of the pillows! And I got it all for 40% off at Hobby Lobby!
Close up of the back....you can see where I added the zipper. Which I must say was way easier than I thought it'd be.
My cute husband sitting on the love seat reading a comic book. Isn't he cute?! :)

Baby Shoes and a Skirt

2011-02-02T19:04:00.004-06:00

Let me start this post by first giving this disclaimer: we are NOT pregnant. Let me repeat myself (for those of you who skipped over the word NOT)....we are NOT pregnant. Just want to make that clear. I know many of you out there would see that I'm making things for a baby and your wondering brains would go straight to our future babies. :) That's kind of you to think of them, but that's not who these shoes are for!

The shoes are for my baby sister, Annie! :) They are actually a sort of Valentine's surprise for her. So don't tell her! :) I bought the pattern what I thought was a few months ago. Until today I noticed the purchase date was actually on Valentines day one year ago. I didn't know who I was buying the pattern for, but little did I know a precious little girl would be entering all of our lives. I am so happy that she's the first person I've made them for!

I also made a skirt for my other sister Karleigh Mei as a Valentine's surprise for her! It's basically just a reverse applique skirt out of an adult t-shirt. It was like the easiest thing I've ever made! :)

Project Couch: Step 1

2011-01-29T21:19:00.004-06:00

I have decided to call my project to change the way my couches look "Project Couch". Today was day one/step one.....dye the slip covers brown. I decided that I wanted to go with the dark brown look. Like I said in the last post the first thing I was going to do was bleach the already blue denim slip covers and then dye them brown. Well let's just say the bleaching step didn't work. NOT at all.

So I'm standing there in this dirty, creepy laundromat with all these semi-scary looking people staring at me because I'm the only white girl in the place, and I am just wanting to get this done. I used three washers and with a gallon of bleach split evenly between the three, I was ready to say good bye to the blue. But I quickly realized the blue was not ready to part with me. I stood there for a while just looking at the now sopping wet blue slip covers trying to decide what I should do next. Desperate to start seeing brown, I poured a bottle of Rit dye in each washer and let it do it's thing.

After the first soak/cycle I realized that one bottle wasn't going to cut it. So I ran to the store, leaving my soaking slip covers in the machines, praying that no one would steal them. I mean really, who'd want them anyways?? To my joy, they were still there waiting for me. So I put another bottle in each washer and let it run it's cycle. Then I rinsed one more time to make sure all the extra dye was gone.

I have to admit when I was leaving the laundromat the slipcovers were looking anything but brown to me. Maybe it was just the harsh sunlight, but I saw a brownish blue and a purple. NOT the look I was going for. By the time I got them back on the couches they looked a lot better.

I don't have any pictures to share yet because I was too lazy to take them today! :) But I promise I will get some tomorrow when the lighting is better and I will post them first thing!

New Project: Quilt

2011-01-27T17:41:00.003-06:00

So I made a quilt one time before.....and let's just say it didn't work out. :) But I've decided to give it another shot. So while passing through Walmart the other day I casually looked at the fabrics. To my delight I found a bunch of fabrics on sale for very cheap. I bought a yard of each and decided to figure out a plan when I got home. I will actually be using this fabric for several things, but the quilt if first. Here's a few pics of the beginning of this project....

Wristlet Purse

2011-01-20T18:14:00.002-06:00

So last night I decided I was going to try out a purse pattern I'd found online. So I headed over to Hobby Lobby to pick out some cute fabrics. I was pleasantly surprised to find some really super cute fabrics! Here's some pics of the finished product:

Let me know what you think!

Craft Projects

2011-01-18T15:24:00.002-06:00

So I can already tell that 2011 is going to be a year of craft projects.....or at least for the first couple of months it is! :) Why you might ask.....because right now I'm in a very crafty mood!

I have always loved doing crafts. Especially crafts that create fun items that you can use or decorate with in your home. I had a friend in high school that nick-named me "Crafty Kate". :) So I guess I'm just living up to my nick-name! Last year I attempted to make a quilt....which I might add was a bit of a flop. I now know what I did wrong though....so it was a learning lesson. About a month ago I found another pattern for a quilt sort of blanket that I LOVED. And even better yet, it seemed pretty easy and do-able. So as soon as we were back in Waco after all the holiday traveling I went to the store to buy some fabric.

The result.....a blanket that I LOVE! I love it so much that I am actually ready to make more. While it does take a lot of time to make because it is very, very, very....I must repeat very repetitive. But, with patience and a little bit of soreness, the end result is a gorgeous blanket.

The first one I made is about the size of a throw blanket. Perfect for curling up on the couch with and watching a good movie. I must say, that there have been a few "fights" between Blake and I over who gets to use the cool new blanket. Guess that just means I will have to make another! :) My goal is actually to figure out how to make one big enough to use as a quilt on a bed. I will update you on that when it happens.

My next big craft project....do something about my couches. Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, I love your couches and am so very grateful that you gave them to us. But I must be honest......I am really sick and tired of the fabric that is on them. :) Thankfully the fabric is a slip cover! So here's the plan....

- bleach the slip covers for the couches themselves
- re-die the slip covers a lovely tanish brown/chocolate brown....haven't decided yet
- sew new pillow covers for the existing pillows with some fun vibrant fabrics....another pattern/color yet to be determined
- make a few smaller throw pillows to add

So I decided to post my progress on our blog. It will keep me accountable to get it done. The only thing that is holding me back is 1) not wanting to destroy our ok couches and 2) money. While it will be cheaper than buying new couches it will still be a little bit of an investment. But if you know me, you know that I will find a good deal. I can't buy anything without knowing I got a good deal. For instance....the other day at Old Navy I got four shirts and a pair of pants for $25. That. is. a. good. deal. :)

Anyways....that's about all for now. I will post pics along the way. And if don't see any updates on the couch situation in the next couple of weeks.....ask me about it. Keep me accountable. :)

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T22:03:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe 2010 is over! I know I say that every year, but this year really went by quickly. They always say that as you get older, time seems to fly by even faster. It's kinda funny because I knew that the year was coming to an end, but it really wasn't until yesterday that it hit me that it was the last day of 2010! I think that was a combination of the year flying by and me being so busy, that I have barely had time to sit down and think about what day it is, let alone what month it is!

2010 was a really great year for the Penfields! Here's a little summary of some of the major events that happened in our lives (this is in no particular order):

- Blake completed his first year of law school! (hooray!)

- we were in 2 car accidents, but walked away without even a scratch or bruise (praise the Lord!)

- I successfully began my own little felt flower headband and hair clip business (abeauideal.etsy.com)

- related to the headband business....I participated in my first 3 craft shows and had a really great time!

- I continued to build my photography business and had an amazingly busy, but great year!

- my family welcomed in my soon-to-be sister Annie (who, if I might add, is the cutest thing ever!)

- Blake began writing for a movie review website and is loving it (themoviepool.com)

- Blake began his second year of law school

- Blake participated in a client counseling competition in school and made it to the semi-finals (I'm very proud:) )

- Blake's brother, Travis, got engaged to an amazing beautiful woman (both inside and out)

That's all I can think of right now, but let me just re-iterate....it was a busy year! We have a lot to look forward to in 2011! We have already booked a trip with Blake's parents to go to Disney World in March! That was our big Christmas present. We are SUPER excited! And of course, as I mentioned before, we will be having a wedding in the family. I really can't wait to see what all the Lord has in store for us.

For now Happy New Year to you all and God bless!

Quick Update

2010-12-15T21:25:00.003-06:00

Oh wow! It's been a long time! Saying that I haven't posted because we have been busy would be an understatement! Let's just say I can't wait till Christmas break where I can sit back and relax for a few days! :)

So here's what's been keeping us busy....

I (Katie) have been super busy with not only my photography business, but also my felt flower headband business. I am so very grateful for both business and creative outlets. I have been traveling almost every weekend for the last 3 months for either photo shoots or craft shows. It's been great! I can feel myself getting closer and closer to being able to just do photography and headbands full time! My daily job has kept me super busy as well. Just like in any other business, people want their stones just in time for Christmas so their visiting families can see them. So we've been on full speed for the last few months.

Blake has been busy, as usual, with school. He finished up his first quarter in the beginning of November and is now half way through the winter quarter. He has really enjoyed his classes this year. He recently competed in a client counseling competition with a good friend of ours, Mallory. They made it into the top 9! I am so happy and proud of both of them. I know they really enjoyed it!

That's about it for the Penfield's at this time. I had to share one of our Christmas pics that we took of ourselves with a tripod for our Christmas card. :) This is not one that we actually used on our Christmas card. Didn't want to give it away before everyone gets the card....but it's still one of my favorites!

I hope to be a little better about posting on here in the next few weeks! If I don't though....Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! :)

Happy Birthday Blake!

2010-09-19T17:42:00.004-05:00

Today is Blake's 24th birthday!! I am blessed to be able to celebrate another year with my sweet husband on his birthday!

He is the most amazing man and deserves to be celebrated! I love you Blake and am so proud to be your wife. Happy Birthday babe!

Love,

your Katie

busy, busy, busy

2010-09-09T16:44:00.003-05:00

Well it's been over a month. My only excuse....we have been busy. And when I say busy, I mean BUSY! :) I was sort of looking for the summer to be over because I thought that meant we would slow down, but it didn't. We only got busier! For the month of August we were only home 1 weekend and September and October are quickly becoming like that as well. The good thing about all this busyness is that a lot of it is because of my photography. I have been driving all over Texas taking pictures of weddings, seniors, families, etc. I have to say that I absolutely LOVE it though! Being a full time photographer is my absolute dream and I feel myself getting closer and closer with each new photo session.

Right now the biggest thing is senior portraits. Everyone wants to get them done in the fall because they are due in, in early spring. So it has kept me running. But they've been fun! Young people are always the most fun to photograph, whether they are 2 or 18! I have also been really busy planning for the craft fair that I will participating in, in early November. I will be in the Waxahachie Civic Center in Waxahachie, TX. I am really, REALLY looking forward to it! I will have my own booth selling my felt flower headbands and hair clips. So come out and visit if you are around the area! :)

Blake has also been super busy with school starting back up. It's back to the grind and the end is a little nearer in sight! I'm so proud of him and everything he's accomplished thus far. Law school is no easy thing and he has done so well.

Other than that not much else is going on in our lives. Of course we hardly have room or time for anything else! I will try to be better about updating on a weekly basis!

family reunion

2010-08-01T08:17:00.006-05:00

On to a much lighter post! :) Last weekend I got to meet our little baby and if I wasn't in absolute love before now I totally am! She is so so so so sooooo sweet. As I was walking around holding her at the hotel that we stayed at for our family reunion, I kept having people stop to look at her and they kept asking if she was mine. My initial reactions was, "oh no! She's not mine, she's my parents foster baby!" A lot of people would then ask oh so you guys only get to keep her for a little while? And that broke my heart. So then when people would ask I would say with joy, "Yes she is mine. She is my baby sister!" :)

There was a few times that Blake would be walking with me when someone would ask that and it was pretty funny to see his face. He is definitely not ready for kids right now. Which is completely understandable! For one, he's still in law school and it would make it very difficult. But also you need more that an hour of time to prepare for having a child! :) She was a good practice for him though. And I must say, she had him wrapped around her little finger just like the rest of us.

Overall we had a wonderful time visiting with family this past weekend. We also got to see some really good friends of ours that are living in Abilene. Blake finally got to see their super cute house! We'll actually be back in Abilene at the end of the month for a wedding that Blake is in and that I am photographing! Really looking forward to that weekend!

This weekend has been a nice and productive, but relaxing weekend. I was able to deep clean my apartment for the first time in a very very long time. I mean I've kept it clean, but this was a serious clean. Like cleaning baseboards, fan blades and inside the oven. Yep....that's a deep clean. It feels good though.

I also got in the mail an order for new felt colors that I've been anxiously waiting for!! So I've been busy with some new designs. The couple of new designs I've made are on my etsy shop. Here's a few pics of the new ones:

All of the styles are $8 and can be found on my etsy shop. You can choose between stretchy or hard headbands.

That's it for now! I'll try to get better on keeping you informed of the Penfield happenings! :)

a plan and a future

2010-07-21T22:15:00.002-05:00

So a lot has been going on in our little babies life. I won't begin or even try to explain all the legal things going on mainly because I can't share them, but mostly because I don't understand them. All I know is that we are all fighting to keep her and are praying that in the end we get to.

I've been thinking a lot about her life already so very complicated. I know in my heart that God knew everything about her and everything about her life before even time begin. But it doesn't stop me from hurting for her. I praise God that she is so small and does not have a clue of what is going on.

When my Mom was telling me today about some of the things that are going on right now I couldn't help but think of this verse:

Joshua 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"

I've heard this verse so often when a student graduates from high school or finishes college and begins their life. It is a very fitting verse for all of these occasions, but never has it spoken so strongly to me as it did today thinking of our sweet baby. The Lord has mighty plans for her even at only 6 pounds and 4 ounces! He knows all that will happen in her life and wants to prosper her and not to harm her. And boy do we all feel the same.

Everything that we are doing and hopefully the state is doing is with the intention of giving her a hope and a future. Though we don't know what her future will be like, we are attempting to direct it in our own human abilities. When my Mom told me about what was happening I immediately started thinking of all the things we could do as humans to try and fix the situation. But it quickly dawned on me that it is only God's plans that matters. And it is only by his ways and his will that her little life should and will follow.

Like a said in a couple posts back, I am loving her with all I've got. And that's all I can do for her now no matter how much I want to protect her. It will hurt at times and I am prepared for that. But I will continue to remind myself that the Lord knows the plans he has for her and he will direct her future. With only a few weeks lived on this earth behind her, this little girl is already taken over the hearts and lives of our family. We love you sweet baby no matter what, you are ours.

grandparent time

2010-07-19T20:36:00.003-05:00

Blake and I traveled over to my grandparents house last weekend to spend a little time with them and my great-grandmother. It had been a while since we had both seen them and almost a year since Blake last went to their house. It's funny how no matter what age you are there is something magical about going to your grandparents house. Knowing for a weekend you can just relax and enjoy your time together. Knowing you will get lots of good food and yummy desserts.

As a kid I would spend a week every summer at each of my grandparents house. Those two weeks were the best weeks of the summer. They each were a week where YOU were the center of attention and you got to have ice cream after dinner every day.

Anyways...we had a wonderful time and truly enjoyed getting to spend time with my grandparents and my great-grandmother. Can't wait for this coming weekend when I get to see all my family again! :)

little baby

2010-07-10T20:41:00.003-05:00

Well we've experienced some big changes on the Gager side of the family in the last few days. My parents recently became licensed to foster children. After several weeks of waiting they were offered a 5 day old baby and they accepted! Crazy right?!

I can't share much about her or her name, but I can say this.....she is absolutely beautiful. I have only "seen" her through pictures and skype, but I can't wait to hold her and love on her in person. My parents just got her yesterday afternoon, but have also already fallen in love with her. She's super tiny, weighing only 5 pounds. But let me just say, she has a super big name to grow in to! :)

When my parents first told me that they were wanting to start fostering children I was surprised. I mean yes we adopted Karleigh Mei, but I guess I thought my parents were done. Obviously the Lord had bigger plans. They told me that their plan was to foster with the hope of one day of adopting. It was kind of a strange and new idea to me because last time around I knew that whoever we were "assigned" we'd be adopting no matter what. Once I saw KM's picture I knew for sure that one day she'd be my sister.

Part of me immediately put up walls around my heart. Not that I didn't want to love with my whole heart whoever the Lord gave to our family to foster, but I just didn't want to get my hopes up only to have them crushed when for some reason we were not able to adopt this child we've come to know and love. Even when my Mom sent me a text on Thursday saying that they had been accepted to receive a 5 day old baby the walls came up and I prepared myself. I mean my heart did break at the thought of such a small baby going into foster care, but like I said before....I didn't want to get my hopes up.

I don't want to make it sound cliche like it was "love at first sight", but when we talked on skype and my Mom held up this fragile little five pound baby, that at this point has no one else but us, my heart melted. All the walls I had been building came crashing down. I quickly realized that these thoughts I had been having were very selfish thoughts. All I could think of was my own pain and heartaches. Yes I would love her and yes I would want to take care of her, but I couldn't think of anything, but what it'd be like to lose her and the heartbreak. So to remedy that I'd just bar my heart from complete and utter love.

As soon as I saw that sweet baby I heard the Lord say to me, "I dare you to love her with all you've got. I dare you to love her as your own sister and cherish her. I dare you to love her so much that if one day you were to lose her you'd be heart broken. And SO WHAT if you are. At least for this time, YOU loved her with all you had. And for that she will be grateful."

So sweet little baby.....I love you with all I've got. You're mine and I will always love you. If for some reason in the future I am forced to part with you my heart will be broken, I promise you that. But for now I will cherish you like we have forever together and I love you with all my heart.

Love,

Your Big Sister....Katie

our anniversary trip

2010-07-02T22:28:00.007-05:00

We had so much fun on our anniversary trip. We traveled down to Austin for a few days and hung out there. We arrived on Saturday, late afternoon, and checked into the Holiday Inn downtown on the lake. Then we headed down to 6th street to witness all the crazies and get tickets for a showing of the A-Team at the Alamo Drafthouse. 6th Street is definitely an interesting experience! We only lost about $3 to hobos! :)

That night we saw our movie and enjoy a super yummy dinner there at the drafthouse. The next morning we went to breakfast at a place called Juan in a Million. It was super yummy and we were completely stuff by their famous "Don Juan" taco that is enormous! Then we went to the Capitol to tour it. Here's some pics on our crummy little camera:

Then we visited the historic home of Clara Driskell called the Laguna-Gloria. It was right on the lake and is now owned by the Austin Museum of Art. It was really pretty and had an interesting mix of Italian and Mexican architecture. Sorry but I didn't take any photos. :( After that we headed downtown to try out a little coffee shop called Little City. We got some super yummy frozen coffees and italian sodas because it was super hot outside!

That night for dinner we had a super fancy dinner at a place called Sullivan's. We had some AMAZING prime rib and for dessert banana bread pudding. Here's a pic of Blake with his!

Then that night we used our champagne glasses that were given to us by Blake's Paw-Paw on our wedding day to be used every year on our anniversary!! Here's some pics:

Thanks Paw-Paw Penfield! :)

The next day we headed down to Schlitterbahn for the day! We had sooooo much fun! Unfortunately I don't have any photos because I did not bring my camera for fear of it getting wet. That evening on our drive back to Austin we stopped off at a little BBQ restaurant called the Salt Lick. It was out in the middle of no where and we got a little lost. We definitely drove more than was necessary, but we made it eventually with the help of my Mom! :)

Finally the last day on our way back home we stopped off in Round Rock at the famous Round Rock Donuts and enjoyed a super tasty breakfast!! They have a donut that is enormous and weighs about 2 pounds. Here's a picture of me with my regular sized donut:

That is the end of our trip. We had a super wonderful time celebrating our first year of marriage!!

happy anniversary

2010-06-27T00:00:00.001-05:00

our happenings...

2010-06-20T09:10:00.005-05:00

So you might be wondering.....what has happened to the Penfield's?! A lot. That is for sure. Obviously I have been terrible at keeping our blog updated, but this will be my attempt at catching you up on everything that has happened since my last post on April 21.

May was a SUPER busy month for us. There wasn't a weekend that we were actually in Waco. The first weekend we traveled up to my aunt and uncles house to celebrate my cousin's first birthday! Here's a picture:

Isn't she cute?! I don't know if you can tell, but she likes cake! :)

Then the following weekend Blake went down to San Antonio with our friend Seth for a bachelor party and Seth's wife Jennifer came up to Waco with me to hang out. We had lots of fun shopping and just sitting and talking about old times, new times, etc. :)

The weekend after that we headed down to San Antonio for our friend's wedding, which was on a Sunday evening so I ended up taking that Monday off and having a long weekend. Which was nice. :)

The weekend after that we went down to San Antonio again for Blake's sister, Chelsea's, graduation. GO Chelsea!! We are soooo proud of you!

The weekend after that I traveled up to Ft. Worth to photograph a wedding and got to see some family while I was up there.

And finally the next weekend, which was the first weekend of June, we traveled to San Antonio yet again to see my little sister, Karleigh Mei, in her first dance recital. Here's a picture of that cuteness:

She was the best one up there!!

So the last two weekends after that we've been enjoying just hanging out here in Waco. Next weekend, I can hardly believe it, is our 1 year anniversary!!! We are going to celebrate and go out of town on a little vacation! :) I CAN'T WAIT! :)

I will try to be better about posting on here and keep everyone up to date on our lives. One little bit of exciting news that I have to share really quick is that Blake got an internship with the DA's office here! He's only gone one day so far, but is really enjoying it already! I am so proud of him and so happy that he got this awesome opportunity. Anyways...that's all for now!

some pics of us....

2010-04-21T17:57:00.007-05:00

I was just itching to go and take some photos around Waco. For the last few months I've been scoping out some cool locations to take photos around down town. Yesterday I finally decided I couldn't take it any longer and just had to take some photos in these cool locations. So I asked Blake to be my model. :)

Here he is eating his orange that he brought along.

His feet...

Our feet....we both have Tom's Shoes

Super cool wall that I really want to take more pics in front of....

busy, busy, busy

2010-04-17T13:36:00.003-05:00

We have had the craziest past month and still have another crazy month ahead of us! About a month ago on March 20 we were down in Kerrville, Texas for our good friend's Seth and Jennifer's wedding. Nothing is cooler than seeing friends that you grew up with get married. Blake and I were both in the wedding and it was just absolutely awesome experience. I thought I'd be fine and not cry, but before Jennifer could even get down the aisle I lost it! :)

Two weeks after the wedding we headed down to San Antonio for Easter. This year we spent easter with my (Katie's) family and had a wonderful time. It was a nice three day weekend! I even got to take some photos of my siblings while I was there, which is always fun for me!

The week before Easter Blake's grandfather was in the hospital because he was developing some fluid on his lungs. We were able to visit him at the hospital on Good Friday. He's out now and has gained a pacemaker through the whole ordeal. We talked with him just a few days ago and he seems to be doing really well. Right after that on Easter Sunday my grandfather was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly with a hernia in his colon. He was able to have surgery the Monday after Easter. He spent about a week in the hospital and is still recovering and healing from all that. I was able to travel to San Angelo this past weekend to visit my grandparents. It was really good to see them and spend some time with them.

This weekend we are resting the Waco, but have a full couple of weeks ahead of us. Next weekend I will be traveling to Abilene for some photo shoots while Blake stays in Waco and begins his finals for this quarter. The following weekend, after Blake is finished with finals, we will be traveling up to the DFW area to celebrate my cousin, Ella's, first birthday! Then the next two weekends we will be in San Antonio for a friend's wedding and then Blake's sisters graduation! So as you can see we are going to be busy!!

What an exciting time of year though! When I think back a year ago, Blake and I were about to graduate from ACU and were about 2 months away from our wedding. Hard to believe how time flies! What an amazing amount of things the Lord has done in our lives!

Finally the last bit of news in the Penfield house is that I got my hair cut. And when I say cut, I mean CUT! :) Here's some pics:

i choose

2010-04-10T07:40:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my sister shared a quote of Max Lucado's on her FB status. It is actually an excerpt from one of my favorite things that Max Lucado wrote. He wrote:

I CHOOSE LOVE…..
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness.
I choose love. Today I will love God, and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…..
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical ….. the tool of the lazy thinker.
I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…..
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…..
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…..
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…..
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…..
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…..
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL…..
I am a spiritual being…… After this Body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control. To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on His pillow and rest.

Max Lucado
When God Whispers Your Name

I absolutely love this little piece. The first time I read it was when I was in high school and honestly I don't think I've read it since then. When I saw it on my sister's status I was reminded again of this awesome writing so I decided to find it on the internet so that I could read it once again.

It spoke volumes to me the first time I read it and it speaks volumes to me once again. Now it touches me and my experience at work and as a married woman. It caused me to reflect on each of the fruits of the spirit and why I, Katie Penfield, choose each one, each day.

I choose love....

I choose to love those around me both near and far. Those that are hard to love and those that are easy. I choose to show those that I love, that I love them and never take a single day with them for granted.

I choose joy....

Each day I will choose to begin my day with an attitude of joy. I will not look at rising early for work as a chore, but as a blessing that God has provided a job. I will choose in the midst of hatred, chaos and bitterness around me to be joyful from the inside out.

I choose peace....

I choose each day to take a deep breath and be at peace. I will seek to remind my self of the peace that passes all understanding and I will share this peace with those around me.

I choose patience....

I choose to be patient despite the circumstance. If those around me seek help and are unwilling to take no for answer, I will be patient. I will seek to be the source of aid despite the difficulty it might take to reach the solution.

I choose kindness....

In the midst of the unkind and angry attitudes around me I will choose to be kind. No matter what words are spoken against me or those around me I will not gossip and become a part of the source, but will be kind.

I choose goodness....

I will seek the favor of those around me in honestly and trust. I will provide those that know me with a person that can be depended upon.

I choose faithfulness....

My husband will never doubt my love, my employer will never doubt my loyalty and my family will never doubt my devotion.

I choose gentleness....

A soft word spoken in the midst of turmoil will soothe the soul and provide a gentleness that encompasses all unsurities.

I choose self-control....

I will love, be joyful, have peace, be patient, show kindness, offer goodness, be faithful, delight in gentleness and in these things I will exhibit self-control.

end of winter, beginning of spring

2010-03-13T11:11:00.004-06:00

I meant to share some photos from a few weeks ago when we had snow here in Waco! Blake and I went out to this old historic cemetery that is right next to the law school and took some pictures of the snow.

And on a totally different note....I've planted some flowers in pots outside our apartment!! Spring is in the air! Here's some pics of these beautiful flowers!

2010-03-08T17:29:00.003-06:00

I can hardly believe it's already March!! 2010 is already starting to just fly by. We've been pretty busy lately and have a busy month ahead of us still. Two weekends ago we traveled down the SA to visit family and for me to throw a lingerie shower for one of my best friends that is getting married to one of Blake's best friends. That was a lot of fun and we are now gearing up for their wedding that is less than two weeks away! Here's one of their engagement photos that I took of them that same weekend:

Just this last weekend we headed down to Houston on Friday and stayed with some family of mine. Then on Saturday evening we went to a John Mayer concert with Blake's brother, Travis, and his girlfriend Jackie. We had a lot of fun!! It was a really great concert.

Blake is now on spring break this week. I took today, Monday, off so I could hang out with him and re-coup from our busy weekend. It has been well worth it! We have just been relaxing all day and went to the movies to see Alice in Wonderland. We were a little disappointed with the movie, but still had a great time.

Anyways....that's about all for now. We'll have a semi-restful week and weekend this week with Blake off and us just staying home this weekend. But the following weekend we will be off the Kerrville for our friend's wedding, which Blake and I are both in! I am sure I will have lots of pictures to share from that!

my wonderful husband

2010-02-17T20:13:00.003-06:00

Well we had a really great weekend just relaxing at home and a really wonderful Valentines day. We both kind of considered it our first valentines day in a way. You see, before we got married our "anniversary" was on Feb. 6. So we always kind of combined our celebration and gift-giving of valentines day and our anniversary. This year we will be celebrating our new anniversary on June 27 so it left Valentines day to be celebrated all on it's own on Feb. 14!

In the morning while getting ready to go to church Blake presented me first with a beautiful card that included a super sweet message to me. He talked about in the message how he is so blessed and happy that we are now a family, just me and him, our own little family. It was so sweet and thoughtful and of course brought lots of tears to me eyes. He then gave me a beautiful necklace that is a sterling silver chain with a round pendant that has a tree in the middle with each branch ending in a little heart. A little card was attached to the necklace that described how the tree represented family and around the edge of the pendant it says, "A family's love is natures masterpiece." It is sooooo cool!

I was of course blown away by his thoughtfulness and carefully thought out gift. What an amazing man I am married to! And as if that wasn't enough he also got me a super cute green zipper/hoodie jacket! He did awesome! My gift to him was not as exciting, but given with as much love! :) I got him a new leather Fossil wallet! Something that was much needed since his old one was ripping.

So after gift giving we headed off to church and then stopped off at Panera for lunch, which was soooo yummy! Then we just hung around the apartment, watched the Olympics and relaxed all afternoon until the evening when we went to Texas Roadhouse for a super yummy dinner!! All in all it was a wonderful day! Although I have to admit that every day with my Blake is a wonderful day! :)

jump starting a car

2010-02-12T09:01:00.011-06:00

So our lives hadn't been too crazy here lately until this last Tuesday night. I went to the mall at about 6pm to get a Valentines day gift for Blake. All day my car had been acting kind of funny every time I tried to turn it on so I wasn't super surprised when leaving the mall I discovered that the battery of my car was completely dead. So of course, what did I do? I called Blake. Unfortunately, neither he or I had jumper cables (lesson learned: need to buy some and keep them in our cars). So he had to call a law school buddy to borrow some.

About 20 minutes after I called him he arrives at the mall. It's about 7 pm at this time. We get our hoods open and find my battery very easily and then begin looking for his. Apparently, PT Cruiser's are built differently than every other car out there. And we could not find anything that even resembled a battery. We finally discovered something in the back right hand corner that said something about the positive connnection for jump starting a car. But it was pointing to a regular looking bolt that was sticking up out of something else. Here's a little picture of an engine to give you an idea:

See what I mean? So after trying to figure it out for about 15-20 minutes (It's now 7:20 and getting dangerously close to the start of the new LOST episode) we decide that we just are going to have to get another friend to bring their car. Meanwhile I am on the phone with my Dad trying to get his advice. Thanks Dad for being so patient! :)

So we call our friend Mallory, we absolutely love, and she comes with her car. We knew it'd take her about 15 mins. to get there so we go into the mall to get some food for dinner. Cause it is like 7:30 at this point. So while waiting for our food Mallory calls to say she is there so Blake goes out to meet her while I wait for our food. Thinking that they were well on their way to getting my car started I go out to meet them only to find that Mallory's battery is just as complicated. It had absolutely zero labels as to which part on the battery was positive and which was negative.

Of course, what do I do? I call my Dad again. I explain to him that the only discernable difference is that there is a cover on my battery over the positive and she has a cover over one of her's. So my Dad says that we should just assume that a cover means positive and take a risk. He was correct!! We got my car started!

So now it's about 8 (forget getting home in time for LOST) and my Dad recommends that we park my car in front of a car repair place so that we don't have to re-jump it the next day to get my battery checked out. Our food is getting cold so I want to hurry and the only place I could think of was Pep Boys. Now I loved the Pep Boys in Abilene, but the one here is AWFUL!!! I had my oil changed by them a few months back and promised I would never go back. However, I couldn't think of anywhere else and I just wanted to get home so to Pep Boys we went.

When we pulled up we discovered that they were still open so I sat in my car while Blake ran in to see if they could take a look at my car. Luckly they could so I pulled into the garage. Now you think at about 8:15 at night when NO ONE is there it wouldn't take more than 30 mins. to look at a battery, change a battery and pay for a battery. But no....the guy there checked our battery pretty quick, but from then until the time we were finished was about an hour. The guy at the counter was not very good at organization or multi-tasking and seriously lacked in customer service skills. All a very bad combination.

So needless to say and without further explination we got home around 9:30-9:45 with a new battery, but cold food and zero patience. We ate our dinner and then went to bed because we were so exhausted. At least we have a good story to tell and while at times we were a little frusterated with each other we made it through our first big frusteration as a married couple. And praise the Lord we had just gotten our tax return money deposited so the battery expenses weren't too big of a heartache. I guess there always is a little blessing despite all the frusterations. :)

On Function, Worship, and Heaven

2010-02-10T21:19:00.003-06:00

Been a while since I've posted (read 6 months). Thought I'd share something I've been working on. Work in progress:

Heaven will be a place where we are perpetually fulfilling our function. We will be full. Like a cup fulfilling its function, we will be full. Here, we experience fleeting moments where we truly feel like we are fulfilling our functions. We will have just finished a speech where we felt we provoked real thought in our audience; we will have had an intimate conversation with a friend that leaves us with a buzzing of happiness and purpose; or, we will have finished a large project that has been looming over our heads and be able to look at our completed masterpiece with complete satisfaction. Or, maybe we’re walking along the street and just look into the sky. We’re moved by its beauty and, in this moment of reverential awe, we feel a tremendous gratification. I intentionally give relatively mundane examples to illustrate how this fulfillment of function can exist outside of spiritual heights. God has made us to take supreme satisfaction in work well done — be it our own, others’, or His.

Worship is fulfillment of function. It is not exclusive to singing or praying or tithing or any number of other things traditionally defined as worship. God created us with a longing to feel function. We desire nothing more than a validation of our existence. This is why we are constantly seeking the approval of our peers. This is why we are so obsessed with success. This is why we need something to believe in and some ideal with which to identify ourselves. At the end of the day, we want to believe that we are important. We need religion because we desperately want to find something larger than ourselves that we can graft ourselves onto in an attempt to escape our own perceived insignificance.

Lewis referred to the fleeting moments of incomparable satisfaction as joy. In his autobiography, he credits these precise moments as the gateway to his salvation. These are flickers of divinity escaping the trap of apathy we’ve been cursed with.

Heaven will be made up of nothing but these moments. While they are elusive and fleeting here, heaven will be nothing but these moments stacked one on top of the other. And it will never end. Right when we would normally feel this wondrous feeling flee, it will make way for an even more exhilarating one. It will never end. Like a gushing geyser, our function will be positively replete with fulfillment to the point of exudation.

- BLAKE

sure and certain

2010-02-07T15:01:00.002-06:00

A status of my Mom's on Facebook prompted me to revisit the verse we have all heard from Hebrews 1 about faith. "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." As I read this verse again two words truly jump out to me when I think of the things in life that I have chosen to have faith in, sure and certain. Most of the time in life it seems like being sure or certain in anything is very hard. When someone tells us something that we don't think could be right we always ask, "Are you sure? Are you certain?".

When you really think about it, there are very few things in life that we can say we are sure and certain about, simply because of human nature. So often we make promises that we can not keep which leads those around us to question our certainty. My mom's status talked about "curve balls" that we experience in life. When I begin to think back on curve balls in my life and those around me, I see that time after time that is when our faith is most tested. And in those times when we choose to have faith in God's will, we experience the greatest blessings in our life. We may have to go through pain or be uncomfortable for a little while, but in the end we look back and see the blessings to come from it.

The one thing in my life that I am completely sure and certain of is my faith in the Lord. I know with full certainty that Jesus died on the cross and rose again to save the world from death, a death that separates us from eternal life in him. When the things of my life begin to become uncertain I turn back to my sure and certain Savior.

Happy Birthday Mama Gager!

2010-01-31T16:45:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom!! I love you soooo much and am so glad I got to spend this weekend with you for your birthday!! You are the best!

Love,

Blake and Katie

goings on

2010-01-25T18:21:00.002-06:00

It's Monday again. Ugh... Monday's are my least favorite day of the week. Sorry Monday, that's just the way the cookie crumbles.

Blake has a pretty big week ahead of him. His finals for the 2nd quarter begin this Saturday morning and continue throughout all next week. I wasn't a big fan of finals in undergrad and I've obviously never taken a final in law school, but I can tell you one thing that I've observed....they are horrible, awful things. Actually I think I can safely say that all of law school is a horrible, awful thing. :) I am so proud of Blake for pulling through and almost surviving his second quarter. I know we are both very ready for the summer.

Work is going good for me. Just the same old, same old. Design monuments, processing orders and sometimes dealing with unhappy customers. But all in all I really do enjoy my job. My photography has slowed down a bit for the holidays and the beginning of the year, but I am really hoping it will kick into full gear over the next few months. I have several weddings booked over the next few months and am hoping to book a couple of more. I already shot one earlier this month for my friend Kristen and had an absolutely awesome time! So fun to see your friend get married and be the one to capture all those special moments.

I thought it'd be more stressful since it was my friend. But it turned out to be so much fun. I really can't wait till the next wedding! So if you know any one getting married that needs a photographer....point them my way. www.katiepenfield.com

I can't believe we are nearing the end of January. I can already tell that 2010 is going to be another year that just literally flies by. It's my mom's birthday this weekend so I will be heading to SA to celebrate. Unfortunately, because of his final, Blake won't be able to make it.

Anyways....that's about all of the goings on for the Penfield's at this time. I will share more when I know more!

definition of grace

2010-01-19T17:48:00.003-06:00

The other day at church my pastor said something that has really stuck out in my mind for the last few days. He said, "Grace is not when God removes the pain, but when he walks through the pain with you." I thought that this was such a good definition of grace. I have realized more and more as I get older and I learn more about life that every sin or mistake you make has consequences that come along with them. Whether they are big or small, they are still consequences.

I like this definition because even in the midst of your sins God bestows grace upon you. This doesn't mean that he makes the pain of your consequences go away, but that he walks beside your through that pain, comforting and guiding you along the way.

Anyways....that's really all I have to say about that. It's a powerful one sentence statement that sums up a lot about grace. :)

married friends and ham

2010-01-17T13:26:00.003-06:00

It's so fun having married friends that live in the same city as us. The newly married Kristen and Joey came over to our apartment last night for a dinner of Ham, mashed potatoes, dressing and rolls! My awesome boss gave everyone at work a big ham for Christmas as a gift. Blake and I had just put it in the freezer and were waiting for a time to get it out and eat it. It was so big that we just kept putting it off. Yesterday morning I was thinking, you know, we should have Kristen and Joey over to help eat that ham. :)

So over they came and quite the feast we had. Now it was a spiral cut, pre-cooked ham, but I had still never cooked a ham in my life. So I was a little concerned at how it would turn out. And while the honey glaze did boil over the pan a bit and burn in the bottom of my oven (annoying to clean), we did still have a pretty good meal.

I absolutely love cooking and love entertaining friends, so it was a perfect evening! And now we still have quite a bit of ham to show for it. It was a 6 pound ham and we ate about a fourth of it last night. So needless to say, Blake and I have been trying to come up with recipes for this next week that include ham in some way. :) Today for our Sunday lunch I made a big egg, ham and jalapeno quiche. It was soooo yummy! :)

Other ideas include: potato soup with ham, pizza with ham and maybe some kind of beans and rice that have some ham in it for flavoring. Feel free to give us any ideas that you might have. We will be working on the ham for a while. :)

Happy Birthday Dad Gager!

2010-01-12T08:08:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad! Hope you're having an absolutely wonderful day! We are sorry that we cannot spend the day with you, but know that we love you and are thinking of you all day long!!

Love,

Blake and Katie

weddings, weddings, weddings

2010-01-10T08:58:00.002-06:00

I just realized yesterday that by the end of this year I will have either attended or photographed at least 6 weddings this year! I love weddings so I am pretty darn excited! :) We attended/photographed our good friend Kristen's wedding on January 2. I say attended/photographed because Blake and I attended and I photographed. :) Then last night, January 9, we attended our other good friend, Amanda's, wedding. They were both absolutely beautiful and such special occasions.

Next on the list of weddings is our friend's Seth and Jennifer's that will be in March. What a super fun and blessed year this is already turning out to be! Speaking of blessings I mentioned in my last post that I would post at least once a month about blessings that are happening in our life. I want to start out the year with a few blessings, that though are not new for the year, are huge blessings none the less.

First we are so blessed to be living in Waco with a job for me and law school for Blake. While at times we wish that we had more money than we do, we truly are blessed with what we have. We have a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, food on the table every day (including some extra sweets from time to time :) ), as wells as 2 working cars and tons of different gadgets and things that are just extra perks in life! I have also been extremely blessed over the last few month with the growth of my photography business.

With all of this I can't help but praise the Lord for our lives as they are now. Everyone always tells us that one day we will look back on the first years of our marriage when we are poor and just have each other and will miss it greatly. I can see why because I am loving every minute of it! So until next time....what are your blessings for today?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T12:06:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year everyone!! I can hardly believe that 2009 is gone and done. It seems like just yesterday we were starting 2009 with big events ahead of us like graduation, our wedding, starting law school, moving to Waco and starting my first job! It was a very very good year! I can't wait to see what 2010 has in store for us!

As we all do every year, I was thinking the other day about new years resolutions. I haven't been to successful at actually sitting down and writing some down yet, but I thought I'd share a few that I have for this blog in particular.

1. Create at least 10 blog posts every month. (this is one down for January!)
2. Include more pictures of things that we do. (you'd think as a photographer I'd be better at this)
3. Change the layout and background to fit with the season, holidays, etc.
4. Share at least once a month what blessings are happening in our lives.
5. Make my blog into a book at the end of the year. (That's why I need to stay consistant with my posting!)

That's all I have for now. We will see how it goes. I really want to do more with the blog. I just need to make more time for it.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T10:42:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve to everyone!! Only one more day till Christmas! :)

leadership

2009-12-12T09:51:00.003-06:00

So I am sure EVERYONE has seen or heard the news about Tiger Woods and the unfortunate mistakes he has made. Like everyone else I was surprised at first. Of course he just isn't the person that you expect to hear those kind of gossipy headlines about. But the more and more this has built up and the more that has been revealed, has made me become more and more sad. Not for Tiger Woods, but for the world we live in.

In this situation I can see so very clearly the pedestal that we put our so called "leaders" upon. It is interesting because at what point do sports stars and celebrity's become "leaders". They never ran for the position and got voted in. They never intentionally stepped up to the role and promised to guide us. Based on their own talents, hard work and determination they simply became the icons we know them as today. And they became these icons because of you and me and everyone in the world who turned on the TV to watch them play or act. Who bought the clothes and items that they were advertising for sponsorship. Those who believed that they were truly the greatest at what they did.

And in the same craze and unbelievably quick admiration and obsession that we create those "leaders" in, we also tear down and reject those "leaders" when they mess up. Now I am not saying that I agree with what Tiger did. And I also believe that when sports stars and celebrity's take on this role that we give them, they should strive to be good role models for the weak minded that obsess over them.

But what I am trying to get across is the very reason that we even found out about his mess ups and the very reason why we even care. It is because of this pedestal that we have put him upon and in turn expected him to be perfect. I have heard all the recounts of when Jesus was on earth and how he did not have a very good reputation among the unbelievers. They didn't "worship" him as we do celebrity's today. They didn't put him on a pedestal and expect him to be perfect. What a shame. For once the world would have chosen a leader who they could worship, put on a pedestal and to their amazement would remain perfect forever.

Unfortunately, we will never choose any one person to be a leader and see a life that is perfect and worthy to be copied. And unfortunately for Tiger, we will never see society fully forgive him and place back in the position he once was. That has been tarnished forever. I pray for him and his family. I pray that he sees the wrong he has done, repents and more than anything is forgiven by those who love him. That more than any of his fame, glory and golfing abilities is what is important.

an orphan no more

2009-12-08T13:29:00.003-06:00

Today marks the one year anniversary of the day that my parents first met Karleigh Mei in China. It's hard to believe she's been my sister for a year now. I can't imagine my life without her!! Here's a poem I wrote a year ago today after I found out that they had her:

An Orphan No More
You are an orphan no more
Sweet child full of grace
with desperate pleas your
mother cried that you would find a place

A place where you could grow
a place where you could sing
a place where you could dance the dance
that life continuously brings

With each step she took she faltered
with each loving glance she winced
no more to be her child
no more from that moment since

On that humble step she laid you
with such care I've never seen
a baby girl you were hers
clothes, food and a basket to keep clean

When she turned away were there
tears she wept or simply a mothers prayer?
Did she linger hidden or did she run
in sorrow and in fear?

Our hearts are open; our arms held wide
for you are now our own
God has placed you in our life
God has given you a home.

For it's only by his grace and love
that we ever find our way
Life's journey never seems to end
with each new passing day.

While your mother could only dream of the life God had planned for you
You sweet baby have made it home
all your dreams have now come true.

thanksgiving families

2009-12-03T17:38:00.001-06:00

This is a collection of photos that I took of my family during thanksgiving at the beach. :)

My Family....I took this with a tripod :)

Uncle Brian, Aunt Amy, Riley, Ross and Zoe

Uncle Darrin, Aunt Jennie, Daniel, David, Andrew and Emily

Uncle Don, Aunt Tanya, Rebekah, Matthew, Sarah, Michael, Hannah, Deborah, John, Joseph and Jeremiah (that's a mouth full!)

Mimi and Paw-Paw

Uncle Michael, Aunt Jennifer and Lexy

Uncle Walker, Aunt Sarah, Noah, Dawson, Grayson and Ella

And the whole gang!

at the beach

2009-12-01T19:05:00.004-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving at the beach with my (Katie's) side of the family this year! We had so much fun getting to see everyone and hang out down at the beach. After the beach we went to Blake's parents house to spend the rest of break. It was a very good Thanksgiving break! Here's a couple of photos!

Our feet on Thanksgiving :)

And no, we did not have a child....KM decided to join us! :)

football game

2009-11-22T10:11:00.006-06:00

This weekend we traveled over to College Station to watch Baylor play A&M with the Penfield clan. Sadly Baylor was very very badly defeated. We had a lot of fun though and I thought I'd share some photos from the game. They are on our new digital point and
shoot camera that we got as a wedding gift. So I am still trying to figure out all the settings that come on this camera.

On the car ride there...

Chelsea, Travis and Tonya...

me and my mother-in-law...

me in Kyle field....you can't tell here because the sun was coming out, but it was very cold and had been raining so I was kind of shivering at this point. :) I also have a dumb look on my face

Kyle Field

At one point in the game....and probably the most entertaining point....Tonya and I realized that the blanket we had been wrapped up in had all this weird zippers and snaps and basically became a sort of "snuggie". I snapped and zipped her up in it and this is what the result was. Here she is pretending it's a Japanese Kimono. :)

Blake and I....as you can see were supporting Baylor and A&M with our mixed shirts and hats. :)

Travis and Chelsea

We ended up getting tickets in the "Baylor" section so it worked out that we could safely cheer for Baylor without getting booed at. Unfortunately, Baylor never even scored a touchdown so there wasn't much to cheer for. :) hahaha

our new haircuts

2009-11-06T17:49:00.001-06:00

We both got our haircut today!

4 months

2009-10-27T19:36:00.002-05:00

We have been married for 4 months today!! Crazy how time flies isn't it?! It's been very busy in the Penfield house lately with my photography and Blake's studying for finals. And it doesn't look like November will let us slow down much either.

I traveled to SA two weekends ago to do some photography and of course visit family. Then this last weekend I traveled up to DFW to take more photos. My photography business has really started to pick up, which is super exciting! I just love taking photos so very much and wish I could do it every day! Plus it's always nice to make a little extra money. :)

Blake stayed here both weekends in order to continue preparing for his finals that are coming up, starting this Saturday. I know he is ready for them to all be over and finished. I am so proud of him though and all he's already persevered through! I know he is going to do well.

I will be traveling to SA again this weekend for a big birthday party for Ms. Karleigh Mei! I have been told that little else has been on that 3 almost 4 year olds brain here as of late. :) I can't imagine why?! haha

Anyways...that's about all for now. Maybe next post I will post some pics of the birthday party! :)

penfield pumpkins

2009-10-23T20:36:00.005-05:00

We carved some pumpkins to put outside our door for the fall season!! I thought I'd share some pics. :)

Hard at work carving

my finished pumpkin

my finished pumpkin!

very concentrated :)

Our glowing pumpkins! The Joker's face and a peacock

Blake's finished pumpkin

lazy saturday

2009-10-10T17:48:00.002-05:00

Well we made it through the first 5 days. Basically. :) Last night we did cheat because my Mimi came into town and we went to dinner with her and definitely splurged and ate whatever we wanted. But today we got back on track and we have 4 days left. We are more than half way through! Hooray!

While I have done a lot of whining and complaining through this whole thing, I definitely can see the benefit in doing this diet. It has really made us pay far more attention to what we are putting in our bodies. I find myself constantly reading the ingredient list on everything now to see what exactly is in it. I mean I am not going to be crazy about it. I will eat my fair share of unhealthy things from time to time. But the majority of the time I am committed to eating far healthier.

Other than the diet, not too much new stuff is happening with the Penfield's. It's been nice and cool up around these parts and we've been enjoying it a LOT! Today I went to Target and got myself a new cardigan sweater. I have to admit I am slightly obsessed with cardigan sweaters.

Anyways.....that's about all for this lazy Saturday.

day 2

2009-10-06T20:09:00.003-05:00

We survived another day of diet.....barely. :) hahaha When will this ever get easier?! It won't.

Tonight we went downtown to watch the rodeo parade, which was a lot of fun. Unfortunately for us "dieters," we did not know that those in the parade would be chunking candy at those watching the parade. And while most of the time, paraders just junk gross, cheapy candy these people were chunking full size candy bars.....like Snickers for instance. It was like we were trying to tempt ourselves by asking some crazy people on horses or riding in trailers to chunk food at us that we couldn't have. It was quite humorous actually.

At least we'll be healthier than all the crazy little kids in front of us that had Walmart bags full by the end. :)

Anyways....lunch today was better. I made an omelet with the allowed egg whites and bell peppers, jalapenos, onions and salsa. I then had some yougurt with raspberries and for a snake later I had an apple with peanut butter. That peanut butter is the BEST part of the day. :)

For dinner I basically had the same thing has lunch. hehe Just because we only had about 30 minutes to eat before we had to leave for the parade. So I whipped up another omelet for Blake and I and I also re-heated some of my left over veggie chili. And finally we topped it off with a strawberry, banana, kiwi and orange juice smoothie. Yummy!

So that's it for day 2. Continue praying for us. Hahaha :)

Go Penfields!

first day of diet

2009-10-05T18:43:00.004-05:00

It's our first day of dieting and let me just say this is gonna be rough. :) hahaha Blake and I were laughing at ourselves because at lunch today we were both like this is awful, why'd we decide to do this, this is dumb!! But we survived the first day and I think we have a bit of a better plan on what to eat tomorrow.

This first phase is just hard because it's an all fruit and veggie diet. It does allow for some brown rice, a little milk, yougurt, oatmeal and egg whites. So we have a plan on how to maximize on all of those items while still incorporating a LOT of fruits and veggies. :)

Tonight I made a Vegetarian Chili. It was actually really good except for my mistake of putting a little too much cayenne pepper in it so it absolutely burned our mouths to death! But hey...it was better than salad!

Anyways...I will keep you all updated on how it's going. I am pretty determined to beat this thing!!

Go Penfields!

my dislike of journaling

2009-10-03T08:40:00.005-05:00

I know, I know we are super bad at posting regularly. This whole "keeping you updated on the Penfield's" thing is not working out so well. :) The beginning of my 4th grade year I was home-schooled by my wonderful Mom. During that time she tried to make me keep a journal. And the reason why I say tried was because though I did write entries like she wanted they didn't say much. Most of them said something along the lines of:

"My mom is making me write in this thing. Not much happened today. I'm home doing school and very bored." The end

So as you can see it wasn't much of a journal and it didn't tell you too much about my life as a 4th grader. Again my junior year of high school my teacher made us write a journal once a week at the beginning of class. Her's was a little more structured because we were required to write about a certain subject and how it pertained to or affected our life. But still had this loathing for having to journal. And I basically wrote just enough to get by with a good grade. :)

So I guess basically what I am trying to say is that I am not good at journaling and in turn not good at blogging, but I am trying. My biggest problem is that I always feel like nothing significant enough happens to tell "the world" about it on our blog. Not that our life isn't great and wonderful, I just always wonder if people really care to hear about our daily schedule. :)

As you can see even now I am trying avoid getting to the part where I actually have write about what's happening in our life, because not much is new from my last post. But I will attempt anyways.

Blake I have decided we will be starting a new sort of "diet". I put the word diet in quotes because it's more of a life change in our eating habits. Just basically deciding to eat more healthy and possibly lose some weight in the process. :) We are going to do the Fat S*mash Diet. Basically it's a diet that starts you out with a 9 day detox where you can only eat fruits and veggies. Then for 2 weeks you still detox, but add in chicken and small portions of beef as well as very small amounts of grains. And finally in the last phase, as they call it, they allow you to have more of all of the above as well as incorporating have a sweet or a "less" healthy entree every now and then. This phase is to set the habit of eating healthy for life.

I will keep you updated on how all that goes. That's about it for now, but we start our "diet" on Monday so I will report more later. :)

till you're better

2009-09-23T20:14:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about a single line in a song that we sang at church this past Sunday. It's from the fairly well known hymn called "Come ye Sinners". While the entire song is a very powerful and moving song, one line in particular really stood out to me this last Sunday as we sang the words:

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

What really hit me was that last line about if you tarry until you're better than you will never come at all. So often in life we think we need to wait until we've gained more skill in something, made more money for something, become more comfortable in our surroundings or in the case of this song just simply become a better person or better at living life before we can ever accept the blessings that the Lord has in wait for us.

My heart aches when I think of the many people in the world who simply refuse the Lord because they believe that they must become "better" in order to be worthy of being accepted by Him. How wrong they truly are! Jesus did not die for people who are perfect and worthy of salvation. He died for sinners.

That means all mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, doctors, lawyers, photographers, artists, prostitutes, criminals, police officers, tax collectors, fishermen, the poor, the rich, the strong, the weak, the blind, the lame, the disfigured, the models, the mentally handicapped, the genius, the student, the teacher, the child, the adult, the CEO, and the homeless, the white, the black, men, women....

The list could go on and on. He died for us all. So please do not tarry any longer, thinking you must wait until you're better or you will never come at all.

Happy Birthday Blake!

2009-09-19T00:00:00.004-05:00

It's my wonderful hubby's birthday today!

I love you sooo much Blake and can't tell you how much I absolutely love being your wife. You are an amazing man and I truly look up to you. You show a kindness and love to me that I could never have dreamed of. I am so very blessed to be loved by you. I love you, babe!

Love,

your Katie

our busy life

2009-09-15T13:19:00.003-05:00

I am sorry that it's been so long since I last posted. We have just been so busy getting settled into our schedules of work and school that I haven't even thought of our blog.

Blake started school on Aug. 24 and now has a pretty good idea of what to expect from daily classes, etc. He seems to be really enjoying it though it does keep him very busy. We have been traveling a lot lately seeing family all over Texas. This last weekend we traveled over to San Angelo to visit my grandparents and great-grandmother for my great-grandmother's 90th birthday. It was so fun to see everyone and celebrate with her on her special day.

This next weekend we are staying in Waco, which we are very excited about because we love just staying in town and doing nothing! :) Saturday is Blake's birthday so we will definitely be doing some celebrating. We had originally planned on going to SA for his birthday, but everyone's schedules did not match up so we are going the following weekend instead.

Well not to much else is new with the Penfield's. Just enjoying our first home and life together. Today we have been married for 80 days! Crazy how time flies! Anyways...hopefully I will get better about posting more often.

we've got crickets

2009-08-30T14:25:00.003-05:00

So on a little lighter note, but still just as serious :)......we've got crickets. And when I say that I mean we HAVE GOT crickets. haha

We are having a ridiculous cricket infestation in our apartment. Every night they sing us to sleep in their "beautiful" shrill type of song. And it doesn't matter where you are sitting you will generally find a cricket on your shoulder after about 5 minutes. So basically if you don't like crickets, don't come to our house. :)

Every morning we wake up we find a couple floating in our toilet. However, yesterday we found quite a few more...

The pest control person is coming on Tuesday so I am praying that will help!

life decisions

2009-08-19T13:36:00.002-05:00

I was thinking a lot today about the decisions we make in life. For our own lives me make hundreds of decisions every week. What we will wear, what we eat, the things we will watch on TV and the places we will go. However, the decisions I have been thinking a lot about are the decisions that we have to make for other people who are either unable or unwilling to make the decisions for themselves.

For instance for a child, making the decision of what they will wear and eat for the day because they are unable to choose wisely for themselves. Another decision would be for elderly, deciding to put them in a nursing home because they can no longer take care of themselves. One of the most heart breaking would be deciding to take someone off of life support because it is the only thing keeping them alive.

When I think about making tough decisions, it makes me feel tingly and anxious, but when I think about making tough decisions for other people it makes me feel nauseous. Having the responsibility of deciding something that could affect or change a life for another person it terrifying. I mean sure I can handle making small decisions for people like where to go eat and what they should wear, but it's the life impacting one's that scare me.

What got me thinking about all this was a text conversation I had with a friend of mine today. We were talking about having to make the decision for a child whether their birth father should remain in their lives or not. She was asking my opinion about the decisions my mother made for myself and how it affected my life. I've always recognized and respected that the decisions my mother made for me when I was first born were incredibly hard. And because of that I have always had an immense amount of respect for my mother and her ability to make those decisions.

I mean, yeah, I might give her a hard time now about how hard it is for her to decide if she's going to buy an outfit or not when we go shopping :), BUT the big, life-changing decisions she made for me when I was born have no room for ridicule or joking.....they have my ultimate respect and gratitude.

I told my friend that I have no advice for how to make those decisions and I can't imagine how hard it must be. However, I did tell her that I know the Lord has a plan and that he is in control of all. And that no matter the decisions you make, as long as you trust in him and seek to follow his will, the decisions won't matter whether they are "right" or "wrong", because the Lord will be in control of all.

So the next time you choose a pair of shoes or grab a bite to eat, praise God for his guidance in all decisions we make in life for both ourselves and those we love.

our new home

2009-08-09T18:06:00.007-05:00

Here are some photos of our new home. Sorry it took me so long to get them up. I just had to find the right opportunity when it was clean and looked presentable! :)

Here is a couple of our bedroom:

Here is our bathroom:

This is Blake's office/guest bedroom:

Guest bathroom:

Livingroom:

The book case in our entryway, breakfast area and kitchen:

our jobs

2009-07-29T20:27:00.002-05:00

Well as you can see my wonderful husband has discovered our blog and has begun posting. I am excited to see what kinds of things he adds to this blog. He's a brilliant writer and has incredible wisdom that the Lord has blessed him with.

For my post I am finally sharing about my new job and I thought I'd share about Blake's as well. First Blake has gotten himself a job at Blockbuster at least until school starts. After that we will just have to see how school turns out for him and what kind of time he will have on his hands. He's enjoying it and is able to get mainly day shifts so we still get to spend our evenings together....which is a huge blessing!

I have now worked at my job for 2 and a half weeks. If you didn't know I am working at a wholesale monument company in a sort of secretarial position, but helping out also with some of the art and layouts on the monuments. I am really really enjoying the job and really enjoying all the people that I work with. It is such a blessing to have this job. The Lord has truly provided for us thus far. I trust him fully with our future.

That's all for now, but I hope to post pics of our new home soon! :)

On Forgiveness

2009-07-29T17:56:00.001-05:00

People are hesitant to forgive because deep down they understand that true forgiveness would be an invitation to the offender back up to the same moral level as the offended. When we ask for forgiveness what we are asking for is grace. We are asking for the one we have offended to forget the offense altogether and carry on as if it had never happened. This is an audacious concept and why true forgiveness is such a difficult thing to give.

After a person realizes that they have done wrong they are moved to a lower moral level than they previously occupied. They know it and the offended knows it. It is natural, perhaps even just, for the offended to relish their newfound position on a higher moral level as a consolation prize for having been offended. This, however, is where grace comes in. Grace understands that this perceived moral discrepancy, while extremely evident, is an illusion. In reality each of us have committed offenses against one another and have lowered our moral standing consequently. Grace remembers Paul’s words, “In humility consider others better than yourselves.” Allowing someone who has offended us to remain on this illusory lower moral level is impossible if we are considering that person better than ourselves. Therefore, the Christian has no choice but to forgive. Not only to emulate Christ’s forgiveness of ourselves, but to combat pride in thinking of ourselves above others.
- BLAKE

On the Wireless Mouse

2009-07-28T18:51:00.000-05:00

Unless you’re working on a desktop with a monitor that is excessively far away from the port for the mouse, there is absolutely no reason anyone needs a wireless mouse. They suck up batteries, they are inherently less reliable, and they are easier to lose. Yet, here I find myself typing this on a laptop with a wireless mouse. The same wireless mouse I’ve had for four years. I know I have put far more money into the batteries for the mouse than I would ever dream of paying for the actual mouse. The replacement procedure for the mouse is a difficult and frustrating one, often resulting in a loss of connection between the USB input and the mouse that forces me to try to figure out the completely random pattern of button presses and unplugging necessary to reignite communication between the two infernal devices. On top of all of that, I’m out of batteries now and find myself forced to work with the two square-inch touchpad on the laptop with a broken left click and low sensitivity.
But, I have no intention of buying a wired mouse, though they only cost about $10. For whatever reason ,when the batteries aren’t dead and the communication between the mouse and USB is working, when the sliding panel is not stuck and the mouse is on the right surface, I beam with pride over my wireless mouse. Occasionally I even place the mouse on the armrest of my chair where no corded mouse could go and work from there for a while. Not because there is any necessity in doing this; just because I can.
- BLAKE

Our Wedding!

2009-07-21T21:13:00.012-05:00

Here are some photos from our wedding that I edited!

Honeymoon

2009-07-18T18:08:00.008-05:00

Well we are married! haha sorry it took me so long to post about all this. It's actually been three weeks ago today that we got married! Crazy how time flies. The last three weeks have been crazy. I am going to do a separate blog for each of the three weeks and then when I receive my wedding pics back from the photographer I will post those. The week directly after the wedding we were on our honeymoon, which was wonderful.

For those of you who didn't know we went on a cruise out of New York City up to Canada. We stopped in St. Johns, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was beautiful in both places and stayed in the 60's so it was nice to get away from hot Texas weather. When we docked back in NY at the end of the trip we spent that day in NY, which was the fourth of July. It was cool because we got to see the fireworks! Here's some of my favorite pics from our trip:

As you can see we did a lot of fun things. In both places that we stopped in Canada we went on what the ship called "excursions". They were coordinated and put together by the ship and it just made it super easy to get around and plan your day on land. In New Brunswick we went to the little fishing village of St. Martins and had some yummy seafood chowder and walked into sea caves while the tide was low. In Nova Scotia we took a boat out into the harbor of Halifax and saw lighthouses and pulled up a lobster trap. They they took us back to a restaurant where we learned out how to crack and eat a whole lobster. It was messy and fun.

While in New York we had a cab drop us off in Times Square and we just walked around all day seeing famous sights like: NBC studios, times square, central park, FAO Schwartz, Toys 'R Us, Empire State building, etc. Then in the afternoon after being super super tired of walking we went to the movies and saw Public Enemies. Finally in the evening we got dinner from a hot dog vendor and sat and watched the fireworks. It was so wonderful!

Well that's about all for now....next post: Moving to Waco!

Pa-Paw

2009-07-12T13:48:00.002-05:00

It was only a few months ago that I found myself writing a post about my Nonnie and her passing. Now her dear husband has joined her in eternal life. This morning my Pa-Paw passed away peacefully in the arms of my Mimi his daughter-in-law. I loved my Pa-Paw very much and while I am sad that he is no longer here, I rejoice in knowing that he is with our Lord dancing in heaven with my Nonnie, his wife.

By the grace of God I got to see him for the last time the day after my wedding. He had not attended the wedding due to his heath and the high temperatures that we experienced on the day of our outdoor wedding. He did come the day after though, to my parents house to a sort of brunch they had for our family. It was wonderful to see him and spend such an exciting time with him.

One thing I will never forget about my Pa-Paw was his tender love and compassion he always showed to his family. The devotion in which he took care of my Nonnie was breath taking. He stayed by her side through thick and thin, sickness and health, poorness and wealth literally until death did them part. On the day of our wedding while I was saying my vows I not only thought of the husband I was saying them too, but each of the couples in my family who have been shining examples of life-long marriages and love. My Nonnie and Pa-Paw were one of those examples. I also thought particularly of the men in those relationships and the way they treated their wives and how they acted out the Biblical command of "cherishing". My Pa-Paw was an incredible example of that.

On that last day that I saw him he didn't say much, but sang the entire song that he has always sang to me since the first day that I met him. It goes:

K-K-K-Katie, beautiful Katie,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the c-c-c-cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door.

I love you, Pa-Paw and I can't wait till one day we are together again in heaven with our dear Lord.

1 day

2009-06-26T07:29:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe I am saying this, but we are 1 DAY away from the wedding!!!! I am kind of in a state of excitement, nervousness and shock! :) But more than anything I am just loving every moment of this time that Blake and I are sharing with all our friends and family. Tonight is the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. I can't wait to see everyone and spend some time with the people we love. I know that when I get to the rehearsal is when things will really begin to sink in.

Last night I dropped my brothers off at Blake's bachelor party and stopped in to say hello. I just talked with Blake and his Dad for a bit, but I peaked in the windows of their "party room" to see who all was there. Seeing all those guys, both from college and high school, almost made me lose it right there. haha I just was so excited to see all these dear friends of Blake's there supporting him and celebrating with him during this special time.

I pulled myself back together pretty quickly though because I had a sneaky trick to play on my wonderful husband-to-be! :) I gave it to his Dad knowing he'd find the most opportune time to present him with it. It was just a small cardboard box that on top read: "To Blake, Love Katie, A little something from our registry! (Make sure you dig all the way to the bottom.)" Well when he opened it he found black see-through lingerie sprinkled with fake rose petals! haha then once he pulled that out there was a paper that said: "Surprise! The real gift is underneath." And under there was a wireless x*box controller that he had added to our registry not too long ago!

Nothing like a practical joke, but then a much wanted surprise underneath! Anyways...that's about all for now. Next time I post will probably be on my wedding day!!!!

4 days

2009-06-23T21:32:00.002-05:00

Only 4 days left! Everyone has been paid and all the final meetings have been had. Now I'm just sitting around strumming my fingers waiting for it to hurry up and get here! :)

5 days!

2009-06-22T08:35:00.002-05:00

We only have 5 days left to the wedding!!! So exciting! We also are going today to pick up our kitchen table and chairs. By the amazing provision of God we found someone who was wanting to give away their table and 4 chairs to someone who needed it. Well, we needed it! It was actually perfect timing because my sister just happen to be on FB and saw this person's status said something about giving away a table. She quickly messaged her and told her that Blake and I would really like to take it off her hands!

Well that's about all I have to say now....just counting down the days! :)

bachelorette party

2009-06-21T09:48:00.002-05:00

This weekend my wonderful friends threw me a bachelorette party. With only a week left to the wedding it was the perfect beginning to a week full of excitement, anxiety and so much fun. Friday we drove up to my friend, Kristen's lake house. We stayed the night up there just hanging out and enjoying one another's company. Alyrose drove us up in a car decked out in "bachelorette" decorations and I was "forced" to wear a crown with a veil. :) That night we had some yummy fajitas and talked late into the night. Saturday we slept in, hung out and then went to lunch where the girls presented me with an awesome little scrap book thing that they put together for me with old photos and awesome Bible verses.

All I can say is that I am so blessed to have the amazing friends that I have. You are awesome girls and I so enjoyed getting to hang out with all of you. I simply can't wait for this coming weekend. It's going to be soooo much fun!

he's not finished with me yet

2009-06-17T00:33:00.003-05:00

I have so much on my heart and mind today that I just have to share. There are those times in your life that I can really feel the Lord working and doing things. As I shared a couple of days ago I was amazed at his faithfulness in the job interview he provided. I was so content in knowing that he would provide and prepare my heart for whatever was to come. Well I was offered the job and accepted it. What an amazing relief it is to know I have found a job!

But what moves me more than anything is the timing of the Lord. He is so good and knew that if I would just be patient and wait on him he would provide. Yesterday I went to Waco for the interview and on the road back home they called to offer the job to me. They gave me a few days to get back with them and let them know my decision. I decided to take a day to think it over, talk it over and more importantly pray it over. I have discovered that the Lord seems to answer me when I choose to follow his will and just act as my heart feels led and that the Lord will stop me or close doors if it's not to be. So I had every intention of calling them back today and accepting the job.

But the Lord is good and not only did he allow me to go through it, he gave me a bit of a confirmation before I had even called. It was a different confirmation that I would have expected, but it was so cool. I was in the car on the way to do a photo lesson and on the radio came the song called Wait and See by Brandon Heath. The Lord knows that I am very moved by music and he definitely spoke to me through this song. The words of the chorus are:

There is hope, for me yet,
because God won't forget,
all the plans he's made for me
I have to wait and see,
he's not finished with me yet, he's not finished with me yet

And it's funny because you might read that and think that's something he would have spoke to me when I was still searching with no end in sight, but in that moment it spoke so greatly to me right now at this moment. I know that God has not finished with me yet. He has so much planned for me and so many things for me to still learn. And I know that though I've found a job and feel like that stage is finished, he's not finished. He has more planned for me than JUST finding a job. I'm scared and excited and nervous and anxious about it all, but I am ready and I can't wait to see where he is going to take me.

So I will praise him for all he's done, is doing and is going to do. I will cherish the moments, but also look forward to what is to come. I end with the song that always comes into my head when I am overwhelmed by the amazing faithfulness of God....

Great is thy faithfulness, Oh God my father.
Great is thy faithfulness, great is thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
all I have needed thy hand has provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto thee

it's so close

2009-06-13T12:35:00.003-05:00

job maybe?

2009-06-10T17:55:00.003-05:00

The Lord is so faithful. I see his goodness and faithfulness every day. While some days it may be more obvious than others, he is ever faithful. Yesterday I got a call about a potential job. I won't say too much about it now, because it's nothing set yet, but it's looking pretty promising. I am going on Monday (June 15) to interview and talk with the guys there.

You know I am so content in knowing that the Lord will provide. I know a lot about the job, but at the same time am unsure about some of the technical details. All will be revealed in the interview. But more than anything I am peaceful and still in the Lord's care. I am leaving it totally up to him and trusting that not only will He provide, but will make it completely obvious to me whether or not this is where I am supposed to be. This picture of the rose I took last week and to me it is such a perfect reminder of God's perfect faithfulness, beauty and power.

I would appreciate your prayers on Monday around noon, which is when I am meeting with them. I will let you all know when I find out the end result! :) Also, just as a quick update :)....we are getting married in 17 days! I simply can't wait!

need I say more...

2009-06-07T23:02:00.000-05:00

Bridal portraits!

2009-06-04T13:34:00.002-05:00

I got my bridal portraits back and I love them! They look really great. Since I can't post any photos cause I don't want Blake to see here's just a sneak peak! :)

25 days!

2009-06-02T08:33:00.002-05:00

I might still be looking for a job, which is kinda depressing, BUT I am getting married in 25 days!!! I simply can't wait. I had my lingerie shower this past weekend, which was sooooo much fun! My friends Jennifer and Samantha did an awesome job! It was wonderful. This weekend is my "pots and pans" shower and some would call it! :) I am super excited for this one too.

I bought my dress for the rehearsal dinner! So glad to have that done too. I searched and searched and searched and had a really hard time. But I finally found one I really liked and of course....it was a good deal. :) I never buy anything that isn't a good deal. :)

Anyways....not much more to say than that. I'll write more later!

1 month

2009-05-27T20:09:00.002-05:00

It is only one month till our wedding today! I can hardly believe it! Time has gone by so quickly. Blake and I went out to Castroville today to meet with our caterer and get everything squared away. We also ordered flowers for the tables. I am just so ready for the day to arrive. I can't wait to see all the pieces come together. So exciting!

I have already begun to receive gifts in the mail as well. It's always fun to receive a big ol' box in the mail with your name on it! Today it was from Pottery Barn bearing our towels! hooray!! They are even monogrammed with a "P" on them! And if you know me even a little bit you know that I am a little obsessed with monogramming "P"'s on things! :) It's kind of funny actually because I was never into the purses with letters on them, or the shirts, or the bags or the key changes, etc. It's just now I am so excited about becoming a Penfield and being Blake's little wife and sharing his name that I just want it on everything. I guess it's kinda like how when you are a young girl and there is some guy that you like and you begin writing your name and his last name together just to see what it looked like. hehehe

There have been many many times over the years that I've wrote Katie Penfield on pieces of paper. :) Lately I've been writing it again, but mainly for practice. hahaha I want to be able to just sign it with out having to stop and think. Anyways....that's about all for now. My lingerie shower is this Saturday and I can hardly wait. Though I am slightly scared to see what I receive. Oh dear! :)

Our Apartment

2009-05-19T15:31:00.009-05:00

So first off I missed day 40....it was yesterday, but that means we are now 39 days away from the wedding!! hooray!!

This past weekend we traveled up to Waco and spent a couple of days up there looking for apartments and visiting the law school. The law school visit was very cool. It was so pretty and we got some really good information and little better understanding of what it will be like for Blake. I really appreciated the hospitality that they showed even me. It sounds like Blake is really going to have a hard but rewarding and awesome experience there.

We also picked the apartment that we will be living in and signed the lease!! Pretty exciting!! We didn't get to look at the exact one that we will be living in, but we did get to see one that is the exact same layout. What's cool about ours is that the lady that owns it is going to replace the carpeting possibly with vinal wood plank flooring if it's not too expensive. But for sure will replace it with new carpet if not. She is also going to replace the linoleum in the kitchen and bathrooms and is going to repaint the whole apartment a short of light brown/cream color. Our lease beings July 1 and we will be moving in after we get back from our honeymoon!

Here's some pics of the one we viewed that will be very similar to ours:

50 days

2009-05-08T09:10:00.003-05:00

In 50 days
our love we will seal
and I will then be
Mrs. Penfield

Crazy!!!! I can hardly believe that we are that close to our wedding. I know this is cliché but it seems like just yesterday I was writing my little "poem" about 101 days! Ok this is kinda tricky to understand but........at 100 days I was 50 days from graduating and from graduating I was 50 days from getting married. Yes I know...I'm crazy. :)

But what a wonderful time of our lives this is. When I woke up this morning I had nothing to do so I just laid in bed for a little while thinking. I was thinking about what a blessing it is that Blake and I went to the same college and that we are both graduating together tomorrow. What great memories we've made. I was also thinking about how amazing it is that both of our families live in SA and we will be able to be near each other for the beginning of the summer before our wedding. Those are just a few of our blessings for I can't count them all. I praise the Lord for everything he has done in our lives. For it is only because of him that we are at this 50 day mark graduating the very next day!

ella bella

2009-05-04T21:01:00.006-05:00

I just couldn't help it! I had to put a photo of my sweet baby cousin on here. Isn't she just perfect?! She's only been here for 6 days I just love her so much! Blake and I headed to DFW this weekend to visit her and our family. It was so good to see everyone and have a little time of relaxation before this week of finals. You can see more photos of her on my photo blog www.apictureof1000words.blogspot.com

Let me just say that senioritis has set in bad. I don't want to study! I have two tomorrow, but I'm not too worried about either of them. Still on the job hunt, but believing again and again that the Lord will provide. Let's just say there will be a day of celebration when I get a job!

That's all for now. Later!

need a job

2009-04-29T12:42:00.002-05:00

I need a job. It's plain and simple, but very very true. I need a part time job that I can work at while I am in San Antonio from May 11-June 26 and I need a full time job when I move to Waco starting about mid-July! So if anyone knows something I don't know....spread the wealth, or information really! :)

At times I let this whole job search get me stressed and overwhelmed, but I keep telling myself to trust in God. I know he is going to provide for Blake and I, though it may be a hard road there. I have so cherished this time of faith and trusting in him. It's only by his grace that have made it thus far. Plus I'm graduating in about week! Which is amazing!! Never thought this day would come, but at the same time my time at ACU seemed like a sprint rather than a marathon! It went by so fast.

So anyways...I don't really have much more to write than the fact that I am an available and worthy employee looking for a position! :)

Blessings!

see my glory

2009-04-20T20:36:00.003-05:00

Yesterday at church our pastor gave a really great sermon about the difference between serving God and Money. You know how there are those sermons that you feel like were meant especially for you? Well, yep....this was one of those for me.

While I'm not going to go into full detail about what the sermon talked about exactly, I am going to mention one point that he made that I felt hit me the hardest. He said that money says, "Show me the money", while God says, "See my glory." This simple statement spoke volumes to me. Lately I have been so wrapped up on focusing on getting a job to make money, having enough money to buy everything that I need for the wedding and planning the budget of the wedding that I have gotten to a point of almost serving money over God. I wouldn't have thought of it all this way a week ago, but this sermon really made it become clear.

I let my self get so worked up and stressed out about money situations that I forget to trust in the Lord for his guidance and support. I, like money, keep yelling "show me the money!" and through all of it God is whispering in my ear, "see my glory."

I will make every effort on a daily basis to trust in God and see His glory in my life and the life around me. For it is only by his grace that I have any blessings.

life of love

2009-04-18T08:17:00.003-05:00

It's amazing how in the midst of so much life and talk of birth there is a death. Just last post I was talking of a sweet families story to their precious baby in Ethiopia. Yesterday, I sat by the phone waiting to hear news of the birth of my sweet baby girl cousin. However, the only call I got yesterday was the call that my great-grandmother, Nonnie, had passed away.

It was something we've been preparing for, for a long time. But still, when you hear those words, your heart still skips a beat. My Nonnie had lived a long and beautiful life. She had a wealth of memories and bountiful family to show for it. Her husband, my PaPaw is going through a difficult time now as well, but had his prayers answered that she would go before him. What grace and humility is that! To be in prayer that she would not experience the pain of losing him, but go on before him in peace.

While I will miss my Nonnie greatly, I praise the Lord for the dancing and singing she is doing in Heaven with the Lord Jesus as we speak. And if anyone were to be dancing and singing in heaven, it'd be my Nonnie. Maybe even playing away at a baby grand.

Because this blog is a blog for my future marriage I can't help, but think of the marriage that my great-grandparents had. It may not have always been easy, but it lasted and there was true love. Like I said before, the desires of my PaPaw for my Nonnie to go first speaks volumes about the love he had for his wife. And my Nonnie shared just as much for him. Life is hard there right at the end. Seeing the love that they still shared until their dying day was breath taking. Or I should say breath catching as I wrote about in my last post. The love I have for Blake now is so strong and so real, but I can not wait to experience the love that we will have on our dying day. It is so strong and so incredible that the room permeates with it.

Its funny because people always say they see a couples love the strongest on their wedding day. And unfortunately, that might be true for many couples today. However, there is nothing on this earth like seeing a love that is 100x stronger than the love on a wedding day as a love on their dying day. Like Solomon's wisdom and David's might I pray to the Lord that Blake and I will share a love all our lives that grows and is an example for our children and grand children and great grand children.

I love you Nonnie and will miss you greatly, but I know I will see you again one day in heaven. I know it might be a long time for me before I go, but I know you'll still be dancing and singing. My Dad once told me that I remind him of you because of my love of bright and colorful shoes and fun sparkly jewelry. Well I'll be wearing both on my wedding day, and I know you'll be smiling down on me. I love you and thank the Lord for the amazing life you lived and the amazing love you showed.

the prayers of a child

2009-04-16T17:39:00.003-05:00

I have not shared any stories on here about other people, but I have a story that i must share with you all because it moved me so greatly.

Some dear friends of our family are in the process of adopting a little girl from Ethiopia. They just received her referral yesterday and are anxious to go and get her. They found out that she is only 3 months old and is severely malnourished. They found out that they are having special formula from the US shipped over to her that she needs to survive. The part that gives me chills and leaves me in awe is that at about the same time that the orphanage was trying to figure out what kind of formula she needed, her waiting sister here in the United States, who is only 3 years old, told her mother that they needed to pray for Aria (the baby in Ethiopia). She told her mother that Aria was crying and needed her milk and before the mother could respond the 3 year old sister broke into prayer and asked that the Lord would help Aria and send her the milk she needed.

Is that not incredible?! I read that story while at work and in the middle of work broke into tears. I was so moved by the power of the Lord and His amazing grace to provide for Aria in such a powerful way. To see the faith of the child in prayer providing for another child across the world.

I believe very very strongly in the power of prayer. When I think of someone, I haven't thought about in a while I immediately begin praying for them. Whether they are going through a difficult time or not at that time or in need of prayer I do not know. But I have always felt that if the Lord places someone random on my heart that I should pray for them.

I praise the Lord for his amazing grace and provision and the amazing things he is doing in this sweet family. I pray that he continues to protect little Aria and provide her with the needed nutrition and milk to continue to strengthen her.

catching my breath

2009-04-14T09:51:00.005-05:00

Many parts of the wedding are really beginning to sink in. This past weekend I went to get my dress fitted. Amazingly the fit and length were perfect! I hadn't gotten a chance to try it on before I got to the dress store and when I first ordered it the only size they had in stock was quite a bit bigger than what I wear. So I hadn't really gotten the full effect of what it would look like when it was meant for me. I have to say I am very very pleased! I love the dress. I've also been slowly putting together all the pieces....dress, jewelry, shoes, veil, etc. I still have not gotten the entire picture of what it will all look like together, but I have a better idea and am very happy!

I had a bit of a scare last week with what turned out to be a minor medical problem, easily fixed with antibiotics. But it sure did stress me out for about a day or two. Looking back now....knowing what I know now, I can't help but be in awe of God's grace and love. I have gotten so caught up in my schedule and planning, trying to make everything fit into the calendar just right. Even after graduation I will be super busy with wedding things and parties. I am super excited about it all, but am also having to closely manage my time. This potential medical problem was one of those times where I don't know how else to describe it but a "breath catching moment."

You can all probably relate to those types of moments. They are the kind that in the midst of your busy life and your going, going, going something huge happens and it literally takes your breath away or knocks the wind out of you...either for good or bad. While I prefer those moments that are good, it sometimes takes the bad to wake me up. Not that this situation was super bad or anything life threatening, but it was a big enough deal to really affect my life for the next few months. Praise the Lord for his wonderful provision.

To end on a joyful note...I love to think about those good "breath carthing moments." Here are just a few in no particular order:

- coming around the corner to read "Will you marry me Katie?"
- standing in the airport as I saw my baby sister for the first time
- rolling over in a car and realizing Blake and I are completely safe
- being accepted into ACU and receiving a scholarship
- standing outside the delivery room and hearing the doctor say, "it's a boy!" at my brother's birth
- coming into the living room on christmas morning and finding it covered in Barbies and Barbie clothes :)
- standing at the alter as a bridesmaid at my aunts wedding
- being asked to be Blake's girlfriend one late school night
- watching my dear friend become a mother to her sweet baby boy

There's tons more and I sure can't wait for hundreds to come in this life.

one of those moments...

2009-04-06T22:22:00.002-05:00

So I just had one of those moments. Those moments that any woman would understand because all of us have them from time to time. I'm talking about one of those moments where life just hits you in the face and you need to have a good cry. :) BUT to clarify it wasn't a cry of hurt or pain or even sadness it was of overwhelming joy. I was looking at my Mom's blog and just looking through some pictures and I got emotional. They were pictures of my two beautiful pictures and I couldn't help but cry for joy. The Lord has greatly blessed me and many times I take that for granted.

My older of my younger sisters, Lexie, I will say with a very grateful heart has become, within the last couple of years, my best friend. When we were younger we did not always get along. I always loved her very dearly but there were those moments when we fought like sisters that I was slightly frustrated by her. Ok, I'll admit....very frustrated! But within the last 3-4 years we have grown closer and closer and she has become a very very dear friend to me. I look forward to our conversations together and the time we can spend together. There are those phone calls that we have where we just open our hearts and tell each other everything that is there. Even those things we wouldn't tell anyone else. And I so praise the Lord for those times. She has such a gentle spirit, but she is very passionate about those things that she believes in and for that I look up to her.

My other little sister, while only being my "official" little sister for almost a year now feels as if she has been my precious baby sister forever!! When we began the adoption process I always wondered what it would be like when building that relationship. I never doubted that I couldn't or wouldn't love her, but I wondered how different it would be. But I have to tell you that the moment I first laid eyes on her sweet face as she arrived to the airport and she was home I absolutely fell in love. I love that precious girl so very much and it hurts so much sometimes that I can't see her and hug her and love her every day. But I praise the Lord for the times that we do have together and the sweet conversations I have with her on the phone. (Though for now, they generally consist of her singing her ABC's and hanging up on me!) :)

All this to say that I love my two sisters so very much. And in about 2 and a half months I will be getting married and have a new sister. I love Chelsea very dearly already and can not wait to continue to develop the relationship that we have already began. She is very precious to me and I am very proud to call her my sister.

And the last thing that I must write about that was kind of the straw that broke the camels back on the flood of tears was the song playing on my mom's blog. It is called "Where I Land" and it is by JJ Heller. When I listened to the words I just cried and cried. They reminded me perfectly of Blake and how I feel when I am with him. Here are the lyrics and I have it playing on my blog now as well!

Where I Land

You’re different from the way I thought you’d be
But here you are in front of me
So full of light I watch it overflow
A lovely mystery

And I am lost for words
You’re more than I deserve

You have a way of stirring up my soul
Did you know
When you hold me in your arms the way you do
It feels like coming home

And I am lost for words
You’re more than I deserve
And when I cannot stand
You are where I land

And when the years have stolen youth away
I will stay
You will be the keeper of my heart
Until my final day

Half way there!

2009-03-28T10:38:00.002-05:00

I can hardly believe it.....yesterday marked the half way point from the day we got engaged to our wedding! Boy has time flown by. I know that is such cliché thing to say, but as I am getting older and big events are happening in my life I am feeling it more and more. As of now everything is officially "booked" for the wedding...which is a good feeling.

Some one was asking me the other day what my plans are for the summer and it was funny because I told her, "You know, my life is booked up until July 5 and after that I have absolutely no idea." And it's true....July 5 is when we get back from our honeymoon and on July 6 (as of now) I have no idea where I will be. Maybe San Antonio? Maybe Waco? Who knows. For those of you who don't know yet Bayl*r is pretty much for sure, for Blake. We've heard back from all the schools and none of them offered him a scholarship like Bayl*r did and he wants to study trial law, which they have the best.

I had another person ask me the other day, when finding out that Waco is where we would be, if I was ok with that. And it's funny because despite all the worrying, praying, hoping and dreaming that I have done about living everywhere else, but Waco....I am completely content with that. I think that over the last couple months the Lord knew that he needed to prepare my heart. And after all the waiting on him, being patient and fearing the unknown of the future, it feels so good to be able to "plan" our future in Waco.

While I still see that so much of it is in the Lord's hands, I can feel that he is allowing me to be the planner that I am and begin preparing for the road ahead. But I also come out of this time of my life as less of a control freak about my future and more of a person that desires only to follow God's will.....and it is good.

FilmFest Awards!

2009-03-21T09:57:00.003-05:00

I am just soooo proud of Blake and all of his friends who entered the movie "The Hunger" into this year's ACU FilmFest. Last night was the premiere and awards show and Blake won best writer as well as the film winning: best drama, best technical director, best director, best actress and best film overall! It was an exciting night!! Here's some photos. The first is of him and the other three guys that made the film and the second is the entire cast and crew!

in 101, I'll marry the ONE who makes my life wONEderful

2009-03-18T17:57:00.003-05:00

I like my catchy little title! :) I also used it as my facebook status. hehe

The invitations have been ordered. Dun dun dun!!!! haha It is really starting to hit home now. Not completely, but a little more than it had. I am sure one day (probably a day AFTER I am married) I am going to wake up and reality is going to just slap me across the face! And you know I'm pretty sure I will just close my eyes, smile and sigh! :)

We had our engagement photos taken over our break which was last week and I am pretty darn pleased with them. I just can't wait to do some editing on them. I should be getting some "web versions" from our photographer pretty soon and when I do I will post them on here and on our wedding website which is www.mywedding.com/blakeandkatieswedding.

Also....we are currently working on booking our honeymoon. It looks like it will be a cruise to New England/Canada leaving out of NY and we'll stay an extra night in NY so I can see the Big Apple!! I am soooooo excited!! Just pray it all works out and gets booked ok! The night we'd be in NY would be 4th of July too!!! Which, I think, would be sooooo cool!

Ok that's all for now....I might post later.

His will, not mine

2009-03-05T23:14:00.002-06:00

I am a planner. I like to have things planned out far in advance so that I will be completely ready for what to expect. I mean I know things can change last minute, but at least I have some kind of a security in knowing basically what the future holds. I am at a point in my life that really stresses me as a planner out, because I don't know the plan. I don't know where we will be living after we are married, I don't know what kind of a job I will have, I don't know what we will be living in be it a house or an apartment. I don't know so many things and quite frankly it terrifies me.

The longer I spend in this position of unknown the more I fret and the more antsy I get. Each day I struggle with dwelling on the unknown and each day the Lord teaches me that it is in the unknown that I will find Him and find His peace. I know God has a plan for me that is far greater than I could ever plan. It is far greater than even what I think that I need in my future.

So I am living in a time that we planners call a time of complete blindness, but in reality it is a time of complete faith. I trust in the Lord with all my heart that he will provide and yet at times my selfish will thinks it can take over and plan as it wants. Just tonight I spent about an hour searching every job search engine possible on the internet for photography, journalism, graphic design and media related jobs in Waco, TX. (Which is where my mind is wanting to say we will be just to have a "plan") Only time and again to find nothing, nada, zip! At a moment of pure frustration and the tears gathered in my eyes, because I couldn't just do it on my own, the Lord convicted me yet again.

The weight on my heart grew heavy as a felt the Lord saying that it is HE who will provide and it will be in HIS time, not mine. Now I will admit for most people they will simply sigh and say ok! But I just became overwhelmed. I wanted so bad for God to appear to me and just tell me what the future held. But he continued to break my stubborn spirit and show me his mercy.

I finally just exhaled, gave up my will and opened the Bible.....some what kamikaze style just landing on whatever passage I opened to. To my surprise I landed on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25. We all know the story, three guys given different amounts. The first two take it and make more and the last takes it and buries it. The master gives those that made more, more and took it all away from the one that just buried it.

I felt the Lord speaking to me in a new way through this parable. I felt as if he was saying that when I attempt to plan my life myself and take over my will I am like the man that buried his talent. God has so much more planned for me that is so much better, but I refuse and I bury it and never reap the benefit. If I would just allow the Lord to work through my life I will be like the man that had 2 and returned with 4 and in complete brokenness and willingness to serve I could then be like the 5 and returned with 10.

Anyways....this is a long post that I needed to write to clear my mind and work out the many thoughts in my head. Prayers are much appreciated through this time. I pray that the Lord continues to break my will and that I will seek constantly to follow his alone.

4 months or 120 days!

2009-02-27T11:53:00.002-06:00

I can hardly believe it.....today marks 120 days or 4 months to our wedding!! Before I know it I'm going to be a married woman. I can't wait. I also just found out that the girl making my bridal jewelry is finished and will be shipping it to me! I am so excited!! Here's some pictures....

Well there's not much else to tell. Maybe I will come back and add another story or something later! :)

venus or satellite?

2009-02-19T17:18:00.004-06:00

Ok so what story to tell....I've been thinking and trying to decide what to tell next! :) Then I decided to just tell a random funny story that I have always laughed about when remembering.

So last year for our 5 year anniversary I surprised Blake by buying him tickets to the Rush concert in the Dallas area. Our anniversary is in February, but the concert wasn't till April so he had to wait a bit. But I think it was well worth the wait because we had a WONDERFUL time!

Ok so we had lawn seating which was actually really nice because we could stretch out on a blanket and just enjoy the night. There were also extremely amusing people to watch around us....which I personally did more of than actually watching the concert. (I'm not a huge Rush fan!) :) During the intermission Blake and I decided to lay back on our blanket and look at the stars. Obviously, the concert was in Dallas so it was hard to see a lot of stars, but there was this one that was particularly bright.

Blake saw it and pointed to it and this dialogue proceeded:

B- (pointing at a bright star) Hey, look! It's Venus!
K- Are you sure? How do you know?
B- It's really bright!
(a few minutes of staring at it and thinking he can't be right)
K- Blake, it's blinking.
B- Venus blinks.
K- Blake, it's moving....I think it's a space station.
B- Oh ok, well whatever.
(few more minutes of silence goes by)
B- (pointing at another bright star) Hey look! It's Venus!

Haha! It was just a silly moment that we shared together, but it's one of those moments that I cherish! So I wanted to share it with you all!:)

time flies

2009-02-18T23:30:00.003-06:00

Nearly a week has gone by since I last posted and I can hardly believe it! Where is the time going? I was just looking on my wedding count down yesterday to discover it is now only 129 more days to the wedding! AND it is almost only 4 months! Everyone said time would fly, but it is soaring.

I just called today to schedule our engagement photo session! We will have them taken during spring break. I am anxious to get those done and have some nice photos of us! I am sure I will post some on here once I've received them!

So I don't really have a whole lot to post about because it is late and I am tired, but I will try to post a new story tomorrow. Good night all and God bless! :)

engagement

2009-02-12T22:27:00.000-06:00

So I have decided to take a break from the stories today and talk about life that's going on right now...

I see this blog as something like a treasure to look back on sometime in the future and read about this cherished time of being an engaged woman. It's funny because people talk so much about being single. There are books about being single, tons of songs about being single (especially country) and everyone has something to say about being single. Then of course there is being married. Books, songs, and opinions about marriage as well. Not often do you see a book, hear a song or get an opinion about being engaged. It's kind of a funny time that society makes it seem you are in a kind of limbo. You can't be "single" by any means, but in no way are you "married".

I did what I always tend to do when I am fully examining a subject and turned to trusty ol' Webster. The dictionary that is. There were several definitions, of course the one about being betrothed, being pledged, being involved, etc. But there were two definitions that I found interesting. One had to do with mechanics and the other with architecture.

The mechanics one said: "interlocked or in gear with each other".

The architecture one said: "built so as to be truly or seemingly attached in part to the structure before which it stands".

Being engaged (as in betrothed) is such an interesting time of a couple's life. You've taken that initial commitment to one another and you are anticipating the future ahead. Like the first definition you are becoming in gear with one another. You are starting to take those beginning steps of becoming one. I have so enjoyed the beginning of our engagement. I mean yeah it's been fun planning the wedding and preparing for the future, but more than all of that I enjoy just simply being engaged to the man I love.

Our relationship has developed at a new level. There's something that we now share that I can't explain, but it is there and it is special. At times it grips me with fear because I've never experienced it before, but more than anything just the feeling of it makes me smile without my lips being consciously aware. It adds a little unknown skip to my step. And if it was culturally acceptable and after years of learning societal norms and how to control my subconscious, it would make me twirl around in circles of excitement. What a wonderful time engagement truly is.

Now as for the second definition. I feel like the time of engagement is like this structure that is built to be attached to the main structure. It is the column that upholds the massive building around it. Engagement is a time where you begin to learn the important things of marriage. While you won't ever learn it all engagement, it at least provides a foundation for the structure to come.

I am by no means an expert on this "engagement" thing. But I have learned a lot in this time being and what I've learned I've enjoyed. Blake and I are so excited about our future to come, but for now we are so enjoying being engaged. I know so many women talk about how they want a short engagement and they just can't wait for the wedding. At first I thought I would be like that, but I have really come to enjoy this time and am cherishing every moment.

So here I am...a fiancee, a bride-to-be, an engaged woman and I'm loving every minute of it!

when he asked me to be his girlfriend

2009-02-11T13:56:00.000-06:00

Now to continue the story from yesterday...

So after our banquet we talked off and on for about a month, but never really spent a lot of time together. I remember one evening after school he called me and was pretty upset, because he had just found out that his grandmother had cancer. He had called to ask me to pray. I remember being so surprised that he would call me, who I felt like he didn't know well, but he kept saying that I was the first one he thought of. I was so touched that he felt that way.

Another couple of weeks went by and we talked off and on and one evening he called me again. This time to tell me that his other grandmother had cancer. I remember being in such pain for him. I could not imagine what he and his family were going through. Once again though, I felt so honored that he would ask me to be in prayer.

So another couple of weeks went by with not much talking other than over AOL instant messenger. :) Then on Feb. 2 we both went to a mutual friend (Amanda) of ours birthday party. (Yes, I know, we have a thing with parties) I remember when I saw him there I was so excited because by this point I was starting to kinda like him. I was hoping that I'd have an opportunity at the party to talk with more. The night went on and I never found a chance to talk with him. I was always either with a bunch of friends or he was with a bunch of friends.

At the very end of the party when everyone was leaving I noticed him sitting by himself off to the side. I thought here's my chance to talk with him. I of course hesitated, but then got the guts and walked over there. Well praise God I did because we had the most wonderful conversation. We told each other a lot about ourselves and talked about his grandmothers and the struggle he was going through with that situation. Many years later Blake told me that it was at the moment that I walked over to talk with him that he fell in love with me. :)

I remember leaving the party on cloud nine. I was so impressed with this amazing guy and so excited about the chance of getting to know him better. So on Feb. 6 much to my surprise (and with much joy!) Blake called my house and asked me to be his girlfriend! We just celebrated our 6 year anniversary of dating about a week ago!

my re-design and how we met

2009-02-10T17:09:00.001-06:00

Well I was bored last night and decided to redesign my blog for the time being. Like I said this blog will be about my married life, but for now I will post about my time as an engaged woman planning for the big shin-dig....AKA wedding. :)

I saw this scrapbook pack on www.pimpmyscrapbook.com and while I wouldn't have usually gone crazy over "prince" and "dragon" page elements they just seemed to fit the need for my design right now. I thought the prince looked very similar to my prince and of course he HAS to be fighting off a terrible dragon! :)

Well wedding planning is going well. We've pretty much gotten everything booked at this point except for the music and we haven't ordered the invitations...which requires me to sit for hours flipping through the invite books. Does that not sound like a blast?! jk!

So I've decided that for the time being I will post different stories about Blake and my dating through the years. I figured the best place to start would be the very beginning! So here goes....

We actually probably met for the first time in 8th grade, but I don't really remember it and we obviously didn't make a huge impression on each other. Freshman year of high school went by and finally our sophomore year came and we were both at some friends of ours party (Johnny and Jimmy). I was actually standing out by the pool talking to a good friend of mine named James and Blake came up to join the conversation. We talked for a while and enjoyed each others company. Blake later told me that, that was the first time he ever really "noticed" me and kept thinking "how'd I miss this cool girl before?!" hehe

So towards the end of the party Blake approached me and asked if he could talk to me in the other room (away from all the people). I was a little confused because I couldn't imagine what a guy I just met could have to tell me in confidence. He of course shocked me asked me to be his date at our Christmas banquet. I stood there in shock and after he started to look sheepishly away I finally came to my senses and said yes!

I remember going home in shock that night. I kept thinking....he's a nice guy....he's cute....but who is he?! haha So about a month later we went to banquet together. I remember is was rather awkward because we didn't have anything to talk about. I actually ended up talking to my other friends more than him that night. I will never forget that while we were eating dinner we were served pretty rare steaks and Blake exclaimed, "This meat is so rare it's still 'mooing'!" I couldn't help, but laugh.

So that's the end of that part of "our" story. Next time I'll tell the story of how he asked me out. :)

New Blog Purpose!

2009-02-03T21:40:00.000-06:00

Well I've finally discovered a use for this awesome blog name....it will be the blog that covers Blake and my life together!! yay!! It won't officially begin till June 27, but I can get it ready....right?! :)

2008-05-15T23:19:00.000-05:00

this is a blog that I created because I REALLY like the name and I decided to create it and grab the name so I could use it for the future!