Fightin' Texas Aggie Ring Day!

Last weekend was FINALLY my fightin' Texas Aggie Ring Day! I can't believe how much I love that little ring. I guess I thought I would like it and wear it most of the time, but oh no I never want to take it off. I'm sure some of the new will wear off, but right now I can't get enough of wearing it. I guess I'm just really proud. It was such a fun day! It was a little stressful at first- finding our group, being on time et cetera- but it was so special. Terry & Jim and my Aunt Diane & cousins Oksana and Phil were able to make it for the whole day. I really appreciate it, and I'm humbled by your love. After we took lots of pictures on the grounds (see bellow) we headed to Koppe Bridge. Aunt Mary & Uncle Jeff, and Aunt Karen & Uncle John met us at the restaurant to share in the celebration. It was so, so sweet of you all to come. It meant so much to me! Y'all are the best! The rest of the evening was filled with fun fellowship and dunking, which went really well actually. The rest of the weekend we hung out with Phil & Uncle Jeff, and were able to have brunch with M&J and K&J on Sunday. That was so nice, we miss spending time with everybody. It was all so fun and I'm a little sad it's over, but this semester is definitely not lacking in celebratory events. Next up, my senior recital (November 13 2:30). Eek.

Small side note: Joe's job is now hopefully ending in October/early November and not later like we thought. There is the possibility that it will end next week. So Joe needs a job starting in November. Pray that the Lord would grant peace while we wait for a job to come up, that this would draw us nearer to God & eachother, and that if/when we are doing long distance marriage I would have joy.

Haul out the Holly...?

As most of you know few things in life bring me as much instant happiness as Christmas. All things Christmas... but especially decorations. I L-O-V-E decorating for Christmas. Christmas music, hot chocolate, white chocolate dipped oreos... ooh I can hardly wait. Don't get me wrong my all time favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, but Thanksgiving is the official start to the Christmas season... is it not? Of course, because we are newlyweds, our budget does not really allow us to go crazy with Christmas, so I'm spreading my shopping over the next few months ;). This month I purchased our Christmas stockings (shown above: the two on the left). I am so stinking excited. I love them. I can't wait to hang them on our chimney with care for years to come... or in our case this year pin them with a thumb tack on the wall.

Peace I Give to You

Well the first week of class is under my belt, and I have to say I'm feeling pretty good. I am more motivated than ever before, and I'm taking the lightest load since my freshman year. Whew, I can breath... or not. Now that the anxiety of school has subsided, anxiety over the future has welcomed itself into the forefront of my thoughts. Unfortunately for most of my 'mature' life the need for control has been a real struggle for me. This struggle takes shape in many ways, and right now it's shape is: the city where we will be moving to in three months- THREE MONTHS! It is not in the so distant future anymore. Since applying for college, I have never felt more out of control. Needless to say, in my deepest thoughts I'm a wreck. My poor husband. I'm constantly showing him apartments/houses in various cities. I guess this is the only way I feel I can prepare. I love surprises, and when people ask me where we are going to head I usually respond- "I don't know, it's like a really big surprise". While I sound like I'm excited by this prospect, I am SO not! It's not even that I have a city in my head I want to end up in (ok maybe I do slightly) but I really do not care! I just want to know!!! Where we end up I totally trust God and believe he will provide a job in the right city, it is just the knowledge of that city that I desire so badly. Another trait of mine is the love of planning. I mean I really love it. I love researching, making lists, planning outfits, activities, class schedules... you name it, I love to plan it. I'm very much being deprived of this love right now. Joe and I have been encouraged by numerous pre-marriage counselors, mentors et cetera (if possible) to move somewhere besides Houston. This would provide us the opportunity to really depend on the Lord and each other and to become our own family. Ok... we are both pretty close to our families, but again I'm fine with being away for a while; however, I have to admit that today the idea of moving somewhere more then a two and a half hour plane ride away scares me a bit. Not only because of my 'slight' fear of flying, but also because it means we will come to Houston maybe twice a year. The left side of my brain finds this exciting and mysterious, but the right side... oh the right side finds this sad and terrifying. When I think about missing out on seeing our cousins Josh and Gabe, Oksana, Conner and Donavan, Ashlin grow up it makes me not want to go... Anyway this is way longer than I meant it to be, but I'm asking for you to go before the Father for us. If you are reading this you most likely know us quite well and care for us. I want so badly to be in the middle of God's will, and this means waiting on his timing. Pray that I would have peace beyond understanding and patience. This morning I have been surrounding myself with verses on peace, here are a few:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.

Proverbs 3:13-17

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

—Romans 5:1

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

—Colossians 3:15

As of right now, here are the cities we are looking into:

New York City: I guess our 1st choice

Washington D.C.
New Orleans
Boston

& Houston

Of course we are applying in other cities in Texas, but these are our "hopes and dreams" if you will & where we are going to apply at numerous companies. I thought it would be helpful if you knew what we are thinking. It is going to be a grand adventure. All we have to do is wait.