Where we live we don't get snow all the time but when we do, we make the most of it. We spent this snowy day riding our ATV around, throwing snowballs at each other and building a snowman, (yes, those are skittles for eyes and his nose and chips ahoy cookies for the mouth) :) It was a beautiful sight and a fun day!
Where we live we don't get snow all the time but when we do, we make the most of it. We spent this snowy day riding our ATV around, throwing snowballs at each other and building a snowman, (yes, those are skittles for eyes and his nose and chips ahoy cookies for the mouth) :) It was a beautiful sight and a fun day!
We have not been able to travel like we normally do each summer but we did take a road trip to Oklahoma and enjoyed the peace and quite of the lake for a few days. We cannot wait to go back and make more memories at this wonderful place.
A few years ago, after a tough time of fertility treatments, Jay and I decided to take a road trip. We both enjoy shopping for antiques, repurposed goods and other "treasures" and decided to check out a flea market one morning. I came across this quote painted on old printing screens. It resonated with me immediately, tears running down my face I handed this sweet lady my credit card. She was obviously concerned and asked if I was ok, I ended up telling her why we were visiting the area and she asked if we could pray with me and over this sign. It was so sweet and needed at this particular time. Once we decided to prepare a nursery there was no doubt in my mind that this saying would be hung in that room! And there it is, right above where a precious child will sleep one day. You are Braver than you Believe, Stronger than you Seem, Smarter than you Think & Loved more than you know --
During this time of social distancing and while we are both working from home, we have been able to have lunch on the patio together and enjoy this view each day. This time of uncertainty and self-quarantine has been full of activities... from work, YouTube concerts, playing dominos, puzzles to cooking and eating. We are taking this season in stride and allowing ourselves to be reminded of the things most precious to us and to prepare for what our future holds.
Piper is our 16-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, with the biggest, cutest ears you have ever seen! We rescued her while we were in college where she primarily lived with Jay. She would go with us everywhere and loved all the attention our friends would give her. She has since slowed down and spends most of her days sleeping in one of her many beds, rugs or blankets throughout the house. When we are traveling, she loves to go see "grandma" and "grandpa" at the farm. She loves a good ATV ride, chasing rabbits and feeding fish each evening. It is often said that Piper "has lived a life better than most humans”.
We have settled in a small suburb that is only about 2 hours from where we grew up and we travel back as often as we can for events, hunting and to simply visit. We have been in our current home for 3 years and absolutely adore it. Since we both grew up in the “country”, we knew we wanted to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city and see the stars at night. We have a little over an acre of land in a neighborhood where neighbors have horses and chickens. Our home is a modern farmhouse style with a big front and back porch. It has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a media room and game room. Kids basically take over the game room when they come to visit. Jay is a really good cook and our kitchen is a hub whenever friends are over. Everyone congregates around the island and eats his delicious cooking. Our backyard is our favorite space and where the majority of our time is spent. We have a large back porch that has a TV, tables and a couch to lounge and eat around when we are not swimming in the pool or relaxing in the hot tub. There is also an outdoor kitchen that Jay smokes chicken, brisket and all sorts of food. We love our little piece of paradise and plan on this being our forever home.
Adoption has come to our hearts over time and has been a common topic since we were seriously dating. After years of infertility treatments, heartbreak and unanswered questions, adoption became a very bright light in our hearts. It's like God allowed us to travel a path to learn more about each other, to grieve together, to support each other and build a supportive community around us. All of that has come full circle and now we have been brought together with you. Jay’s family has worked very closely with a Children’s Home for 3 generations and his grandparents adopted his aunt when she was an infant. His great grandmother and grandmother were head dietitians and his Aunt was the Kitchen Director as well as Manager of the Family Care Unit for the Children’s Home. His father now plays Santa each year at the Christmas events. Our best friends recently adopted their daughter and she is an amazing little girl. She has taught us all how to love BIG and know that we can do so much more than we ever thought possible. Having been through these experiences, we have listened to our hearts and are excited to grow our family.