THANKSGIVING & WEEKEND RECAP {11.30.2015}

It's officially the last day of November! Time seems to be more of a thief the older I get, so it's nice when I get to spend time with my family. Over the Thanksgiving break, E and I made the long thirteen hour drive from Texas to Florida. Considering the fact that the only living relative I have is my grandmother and my step-grandfather, it's an emotional time when we visit. Aside from spending Thanksgiving day together, E and I were able to pick lots of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons fresh from their backyard. We mostly relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful view from my grandparents lake house, but we also managed to visit Gainesville, Fl. It's such a small town, but the University of Florida is there so we walked around the city and the campus. To our surprise, it was not cold in Florida. Last year, we were freezing and this year we were dying of heat, especially since we only packed winter clothes. No worries though, when we returned home to Texas, we were greeted with very cold weather.

 

After arriving home around 4am on Saturday, we spent most of the day sleeping. Trying to catch up on it before work. Needless to say, Saturday was a lazy day in our house. Sunday, we watched the Texans get a big win, though I couldn't be too happy because they beat my home team, the New Orleans Saints. When the game ended, we stopped by E's parents house to drop off the grapefruits we had picked for his dad, and spent some time with them before heading to the grocery store. We managed to snag a few more Christmas decorations before the shelves were bare. Once we got home, we started working on the Christmas tree and decorations around the house. It didn't start out great. We literally had the entire tree wrapped and then all the sudden, the lights just blew. We're assuming that the wires were damaged, but it was frustrating to have to completely unstring the lights, find new ones to put up, and then re-string the tree up. Thankfully, after that little mishap, the rest of the decorating process went flawlessly. We usually put the tree in the living room, but this year, we got new sofas and there was no room left for the tree. We decided to shuffle the table from the dining room out to the patio and made the dining room home to the tree.

 

Aside from all that, I was able to get the laundry done. I still have a few things left to deal with, but I'm trying not to get to "unpacked" as we are going to be heading to Louisiana on Saturday (more on that later). All in all, it was a truly wonderful Thanksgiving, and although we missed E's family, we are thankful to have my wonderful grandparents.

 

iPhone Photo Dump 

Delicious Thanksgiving Feast 

E and I with the gorgeous lake in the background 

Picking oranges (ignore the fact that I have no makeup on) 

Our views all weekend 

E picking oranges and grapefruits 

Huge alligator on the wall at Blue Water Bay in Melrose, Fl 

Best shrimp I've had in a while at Blue Water Bay in Melrose, Fl  

University and Main St. in Gainesville, Fl 

Sights around Gainesville, Fl 

E was so impressed that they spelled his name right

Stopped to grab a Starbucks and just loved all the production posters on the walls in Gainesville, Fl

My sweet grandparents 

They love E so much and that makes my heart truly happy 

The resemblance between us is amazing 

Two of my favorite men 

Love doesn't have to be by blood 

They kept asking how to take a selfie, so we took one with them 

Back home, our tree and decorations; I absolutely adore my Nutcracker that my grandmother gave me during our trip, ironically, the Nutcracker is my all time favorite holiday play

 

Thank you for reading, we hope you had a happy Thanksgiving!

 

P.S. - Happy Cyber Monday!!!

 

 

LET'S TALK LIFE {08.05.2015}

Can you believe we are in August? This is craziness! The years are flying by and sometimes I find myself coming to the realization that that means I am getting older. Sure, I'm not that old, but I'm also five years, almost six years out of High School. E and I sometimes find ourselves trying to remember our age. We both feel like we are still only 18. I definitely don't feel like we are nine months away from our fourth year of marriage. I don't feel like we've been together for almost six years.

 

I guess, time really does fly when you're having fun.

 

When E and I first moved in together, January 14, 2011: Huntsville, TX (I still remember that day like it was yesterday), we had literally $0.00 in our bank account. E had only lived with his roommates in college for one semester. We were just fresh, baby-faced 18 and 19 year olds trying to make it "work." We had to learn how to live together. I had never lived with anyone besides family so this was a huge change for me. The first year we lived together was, to put it in best terms, rough. Aside from not having money, E was in school and I was only able to find a part-time job paying $7.25 an hour. We were barely scraping by. We managed to get approved for government assistance which we only stayed on for about four months, this gave me time to move into the full time position at my job and E had left school to also get a job.

 

At the start of 2012, we were eagerly waiting to get married. By this point in time, we both had new jobs. E was working three jobs making about $250 a month and I was working for Keller Williams Bryan-College Station making about $8.50 an hour working full time. We managed to make it by but we still had our moments where our account was either overdrawn or just plain empty. May 12, 2012, I walked down the aisle, not really knowing where our life was headed. I think we both had our heads in the air. Neither of us knew the trials we would face together, but neither of us expected that even through those trials, we would come out stronger than ever! Immediately after our wedding and "honeymoon," E headed to Houston to live with his parents and start working in the Union. I stayed behind in Bryan, eagerly waiting to rejoin him. After a few months apart, many weekends back and forth traveling, we had finally saved enough money to move into our apartment in Cypress. This would be the start of our trials.

 

2013 proved to be one of the hardest years ever! In March, my grandmother (who was like my mother and practically raised me) passed away from Stage 5 Cancer. Four weeks later in April, my mother passed away in a total accident. Only 3 months after that, I lost my job, two days after that E's grandmother passed away suddenly in her sleep, and two months after that we miscarried our first baby. Somehow, we managed to come out of all of that darkness. We decided to move away from that apartment and find something new. A brand new start was what we needed.

 

In August 2013, we moved to Katy, where we met in fourth grade. We settled into a gorgeous apartment, I found a wonderful job, and E was just starting school for his Union Pipefitter job. 2014 was our turning point. I managed to find a new, even better job working for Capital One Bank as a Fraud Investigator, we were able to travel. We took a five-day cruise to Mexico, we enjoyed a full week in Las Vegas, and we even headed to Florida for a week during November. After returning from Florida, we decided to start our weight loss journey. I was about 200 pounds, and E was about 300 pounds.

 

By January 2015, we had both managed to drop about 10 pounds each. We endured another miscarriage, this one much earlier than the first. But we picked up the pieces and kept on. Today, we have managed to lose 35 pounds each, we are days away from another long vacation, we both have really amazing jobs, and I can officially say that we have made a wonderful life for ourselves. We came from $0.00 to being able to afford things and never have to ask for help with bills. We take trips and enjoy each others company by working out together daily. This gives us time to spend together and is my favorite thing, especially because we are both very competitive so we push each other to go further than we thought possible.

 

All this to say, I love our life. It's not always easy, but it's an interesting ride. I still find it hard to believe that just four years ago, we were in a completely different situation, living a completely opposite life. I don't think that when we lived in Huntsville, I could have envisioned us being where we are today in just four years. So where do we go from here? Well, Christmas is on the way, so there's that. But really, we go up. We climb the ladder and work hard. We are eagerly looking forward to being able to build our first home together. We are eagerly looking forward to all that life will throw our away.

 

Side note, it's hard to believe that I will be 23 in just a months time, and E will be 24 in two! That's just unbelievable.

 

Thank you for reading and letting me be "chatty".

 

May life and God bless you with happiness and even when you go through the dark, may you always find the door to lead you into the light.

 

God Bless

 

Ahoy! {04.14.2014}

This weekend we were busy!!! First we attended a Mom Expo where both E and I won door prizes, we recieved lots of information, and a ton of free samples! It was a really great experience and we are looking forward to attending more. On Saturday afternoon we finally sat down together and worked on our adoption packet. I really hoped we would have had it finished before today but it didn't work out. So far we only have one more page to do together and then the last thing will be E’s questionnaire. I completed my questionnaire earlier last week. We’ve been thinking a lot about what we wanted to do for the bedroom and I think we both settled on a theme. I have a huge thing with quotes, and so does E. Right now I am just loving the bible verse from Hebrews that says “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul” for us that has been the bible verse that has gotten us through every storm we have faced and it certainly has been in our hearts and minds throughout this process thus far. {Oh sorry, the theme…duh!} The theme will be chevron navy blue and white with anchors and, of course, the bible verse will be somewhere in the bedroom. I’m really looking forward to moving into our new place because my first focus will be getting our son’s room setup. The good thing is that, by the grace of God, if we do end up getting pregnant, we still want the theme to stay the same. The colors would change a little for a girl, but everything else would remain. Below are a few of the photos and ideas I have for the room. Not everything will be just as you see it, but there will definitely be some similarities.

For this picture, my focus is on the wall! I am really loving the stripes! 

Here, I adore the beds and the white! I don't want stripes on the bed though. 

I am loving these monogrammed pillows! I'm thinking they are definitely going in the room.

I am looking forward to making this! I just think it is precious! 

Of course the room is not complete without an anchor somewhere! 

And of course, a lamp!!! This is just the shade but isn't it adorable?! I will also be buying the chevron navy and white scentsy warmer as well but it will only go up high out of reach. 

 

God Bless,

 

Megan

Waiting for You {04.10.2014}

Last night I worked on our application a little more, managing to complete my questionnaire and the first few introductory pages which include information about E and I, such as our marriage, expenses, and just life in general. I skipped over the questions about how our family deals with things, like happiness, stress, arguments, etc. because I felt that those pages were for E and I to sit down and discuss together. I also started working through the checklist, trying to find things that we already have and checking them off one by one. I also started making reservations for our training classes. So far it looks like we will only be able to take them on the weekends, but I am hoping that maybe we can move it to during the week like on a Thursday or a Friday, mostly because I have photo shoots on the weekends and I hate making clients wait. I will probably end up having to call the agency because we realized that in order to turn the application in, we have to have an address for the home study to take place {which we can’t do until all the training classes are completed}, and we are planning on moving to a new place with more room in September so we have few questions regarding that. As far as everything else goes, it’s one day at a time. There is so much that needs to get done and I am trying to make sure that all the classes and paperwork are done before September. My ideal situation would be we would get everything done by mid to late August, move into our new house, and then have the home study around late September – early October. That would be the most ideal situation, especially since we are really trying to have the child in our home before Christmas. They say the whole process takes about nine months to a year and nine months from now would be January. I guess it’s a just one of those “we will have to wait and see” processes but either way we both feel confident that we will be able to welcome a child into our home once everything is done. Oh, one of the things I really can’t wait to accomplish is our photo book. It will detail everything!!! Things about E and I, our friends, our families, our life, and will be filled with lots and lots of pictures. E and I are talking about attending the Adoption family meetings at our church but aren’t sure if we are able to make them since they are usually during the 11am service and that’s typically the service we attend but I think we can make arrangements for a class that will support us and we can listen to and support others through their journey. That’s all I have for now, until next time!

This quote has been one of the greatest quotes that explains why we are choosing to adopt.

 

God Bless,

 

Megan

 

Adoption Checklist {04.09.2014}

So there were quite a few people interested in finding out what the adoption process checklist details, so I thought I would go ahead and share with you the three checklists we recieved. ***Please note: not all adoption agencies are alike, you may not have the same checklists as we do, this is just what we have as requirements for our particular agency***

Checklist 1 is just a brief overview of what we need to do:

1) Attend information session - check

2) Submit a complete application - in progress

3) Complete required training - will being at the end of April

4) Participate in Home Study

5) Recieve approval to be an adoptive home

6) Welcome child into home

So that was just a brief overall summary, this next checklist is more detailed and really goes over what they are looking for in adoptive families.

Checklist 2 is a yes/no checklist:

-attend required training

-participate in home study

-provide references

-meet finanical needs

-at least 21 years of age

-be married for two years

 

Those were just a few of the 30-something yes/no requirements, I thought those were extremely important because not many people know that you have to be married for two years or provide references.

The last checklist details all the paperwork and documents needed to apply.  I will post just a few of the ones that stood out to me.

Checklist 3 is just a regular checklist:

-copies of birth certificates, driver's license, social security card, marriage license, high school diploma, paycheck stubs, auto insurance, photos of everyone in the house, background check, finger prints, and driving records

So as you can see, there is quite a lot that goes into the adoption process and there are a lot of things that are needed, but I feel like in the end all the hard work will pay off when you get to welcome a child into your home to be apart of your family forever. 

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you or someone you know is adopting, please share your story!

God Bless,

Megan

Adoption Meeting-Check! {04.08.2014}

Well, the meeting was fantastic!! It started out a little off track, we waited about 30 minutes before realizing that the whole group was in the wrong location, thankfully one of the workers came and escorted us to the correct location. After we entered the meeting room, we were handed a piece of paper to fill out brief information regarding ourselves and what we are wanting to do. Afterwards each couple was handed a packet which detailed all the information regarding the adoption process and what the adoption company would look for when choosing adoptive parents. Another piece of paper was handed out and that was a checklist {and yes! the planner in me was thrilled lol}. Our meeting leader took us through the packet while pausing to answer questions along the way, I was very thrilled to have her because she was very detailed and honest through the whole meeting. After reading the packet, we were asked to raise our hands for those of us still interested in moving forward with the process, and, of course, Erik and I raised our hands. We were then handed a large packet {aka: the application} which had question after question and some more questions. So many in fact that I was only able to complete the first three pages. The meeting was brief but very detailed and I must say, we walked out feeling positive and excited. We have a lot of work to do over the next few months including attending lots of training classes, gathering together the millions of documents needed, and even preparing a room for our childs forever home. But in the meantime, we are thankful that we feel confident enough to move forward with the process. 

God Bless,

Megan

First Adoption Meeting Day {04.08.2014}

Today is the day! We are overjoyed, thrilled, and just so very happy to attend our first of many meetings for our adoption process. The meeting starts at 6pm and will end at 8pm and is located in The Woodlands, TX. From what we've read, this meeting will cover all the basics and important details of the entire process, what we can expect, and what we will need to do to be able to adopt. Like I said yesterday, we have so many questions and I’m looking forward to the answers, hoping that they are all positive and that we will feel confident when we leave. We are hoping to leave with all the knowledge and maybe a checklist or two, because as most of you know, I love to plan and with a checklist planning is so easy! We will be sure to take lots of notes and will post about what took place, maybe some of you who are thinking about adopting will get some answers and positive encouragement.

God Bless,

 

Megan

Waiting for Tomorrow {04.07.2014}

Tomorrow is the first meeting, we can't believe it's already here but we are very excited. We both have so many questions and we are really looking forward to getting those questions answered and learning more about the adoption process. We've been reading about the adoption process through personal stories from others, but everyone's adoption is different and that's a very important thing to remember  when going through the process. We have learned that looking at others and how their story went will not be the same or even similar to our story, but ours will still be unique in it's own way. We were talking over the weekend about things we are looking forward to throughout this process, and aside from all the little things like the meetings and home study, we are most looking forward to meeting our new son or daughter and, of course, adoption day! I must admit that I think our biggest fear is the "financially stable" part. Yes, we have money and good jobs but what one persons idea of "stability" is may differ radically from what someone else thinks. Either way, I'm very excited and I know Erik is too. We feel like this is an amazing opportunity and feel so blessed that God has led us down this path wholeheartedly. After tomorrow, the nine months to a year process begins and we will be running around like crazy trying to get things done. We can't wait to share all the excitement and hard work we will be going through with friends and family! We thank you for following our journey and if you have an adoption story, please share with us!!! If you are currently going through the adoption process, we pray that God may bless you with your sweet angel quickly and without delay. 

God Bless,

Megan

So Much To Do, Such Little Time {10.14.2013}

So this past weekend was a very, very busy weekend for Erik and I. Let's start with the fact that our electricity went out at 4 am Saturday morning when we had to be up at 7 am. It was so frustrating!!! Erik and I are hot natured so as soon as the electricity kicked off...BOOM...we were WIDE awake. We decided to just try and sleep through it but 30 minutes later our alarms were screaming at us. We got up, got ready, and headed to E's parents house. We jumped in their car and sped off to the BBVA Compass stadium for the University of Houston vs. Memphis football game. It was HOT!!! {That's really an understatement, it was MISERABLY HOT!!!} But we still had a fun time. During halftime, we were able to go down on the field and let the Cougars run through us. That was such a fun moment for the family, we've never done anything like that before! Afterwards, we hoped in the car and drove over to Harwin. Harwin is a place where they sell things at wholesale prices. It's kind of a scary area, but it's so fun! After we left Harwin, we were dropped off at E's parents house and off we went to the Katy Rice Harvest Festival. It was fun but it was a little rainy and so humid. We walked around and checked out the 300 and something vendors. Before leaving we had to get me a Turkey Leg but it was nothing like the Ren Fest Turkey Legs! Speaking of Ren Fest, we can't go until the Halloween weekend because E's mom and I are going to be participating in the Katy Market Day this upcoming weekend so we won't be able to attend Ren Fest this weekend. {Back to this weekend...} So after spending a good hour or so at the Katy Rice Harvest Fest, we went home, kicked back, and relaxed until we were just too tired. Sunday was a lazy day in our house! We didn't get up until 11:30 am!!! {I know, I was shocked myself!!!!} We jumped up, got dressed, and ran out to E's parents house for the Texans game {which was soooo embarrassing to watch but it's E's team so I can't complain}. Sunday night was spent resting and getting E ready for work this morning. Coming up soon is E's 22nd birthday! Last year I threw him a surprise party so I think this year I will try to do something a little more calm. He's not really one to want a party, he just likes spending time with close family and friends. I'm trying to plan something I know he will enjoy, so we will see what I come up. Now, I have to get back to making bows for our craft show this weekend. Looking forward to posting pictures. If you have a baby girl, or two, check out www.squareup.com/market/bayou-baby for baby accessories and bows galore! 

Oh and I just have to say, I can't wait to head out to the pumpkin patch this weekend. I just really love pumpkin patch pictures!!! Hope to post some of those this weekend. And did I mention how absolutely excited I am for Christmas?? Oh, it is my favorite time of year!!! I'm already planning gifts and stocking stuffers. I even started buying a few things. I bought two ornaments, one for each of our little fur-babies, and I even bought one for our SweetPea in Heaven, to remind us of our first baby that we lost. We try to buy one ornament each year to symbolize what happened that year and I just knew that I would want to buy something for our first ultrasound picture. (See photos below for ornaments).

Thanks for reading and God Bless 

Megan