Looking back on 2009

WOW! What a year is all I can say! So many life-changing events...
On this tired Thursday, I wonder to myself why I am not more motivated to get moving and get ready for our New Year's Eve party tonight... And then I realize why... I am tired after such an amazing, eventful, and intense 2009.

Some of the most memorable events of 2009...
1. Neil and I got married!
2. Amar and Emiea got married!
3. Missy and Kevin got married!
4. Holly and Mike got married!
5. Baby Andre was born!
6. Posey and Philly joined our family.
7. Abby joined B & S's family.
8. I got a new job!
9. We re-modeled our master bedroom and bathroom.
10. We painted our house.
11. Lindsey and Clayton got pregnant!
12. Zach got a new job!
13. My dad started a new business!
14. Neil survived a major injury and surgery!
15. We installed an alarm system in our house.
16. We got a new car.
17. Miranda and Adam got engaged!
18. I did 3 pull-ups for the first time in my life.
19. Monique got a new job.
20. I took a more active role in the Central Texas Writing Project.
21. Michele bought her first house.
22. Alex and Brandon bought their first house.
23. Nichole and Matt bought their first house.

What a wonderful life we live. Last year's word was grow. And BOY did I ever grow in 2009! So many events to stretch and grow me as a woman, wife, sister, daughter, leader and in-law...

As I grew into unfamiliar roles and circumstances- I was reminded that even though our own carefully designed plans may be laid - we never know what's around the next corner of life. We're not supposed to. If we did, there would be no need for one of the most important parts of becoming the person we are meant to be- the ability to walk in faith. We grow into faith for a purpose- seen or unseen. We are part of something bigger than we could ever manifest on our own.

In 2010, I will lean on faith, live in faith, talk in faith and THINK in faith.

I will have faith that our Lord will guide our steps each day, each week, each month into another perfectly made- wildest-dream-surpassing- year of life.

Happy New Year!

Burgers for Babes...

Several weeks ago a gauntlet was thrown in our direction...
"Double Meat Boecking" (aka Neil) was challenged to a Slider Eating Contest by an un-named competitor. I will withhold his name to protect his privacy. I will say, he is about my size.

As I hear the details of this challenge... I think to myself - Neil has it in the bag. I do not exaggerate when I say- one of Neil's relative college nicknames was the trash compactor. The man can eat! I don't know where he puts it... but the man can eat!

However, we were all surprised when the challenger ate 21 sliders to Neil's 13! A clear and amazing victory! The best part was catching up with the friends to turned out to support and cheer this fun-filled contest and contribute to the Austin Children's Shelter. What a funny memory. I am laughing just thinking about it.

Grown Up Giddy

The halls are alive... With the sound of high-schoolers!

The species of the high school age student is a fascinating creature to study. They are full of unbridled passion and spirit for what they do - football, cheer-leading, debate, band or theater...

They walk the halls with wide, but guarded eyes - too cool for school. They test the waters to see if it's safe to show their true colors with the world. They test your patience as they push the boundaries of where their world starts and ends. I once heard someone say - the only time I was ever convinced I was a grown up was between the ages of 14 and 19. Welcome to high school!

But Friday -when snowflakes began to fall on this enormous high school campus. You would have thought it was raining dollar bills as the students flooded out of their classroom, squealing, jumping, running, spinning and filming in all on their camera phones. You see- my friends - this is a sight to remember! Remember that no matter how "grown-up" you are- you are never to grown up to be giddy with the excitement of life's simple pleasures.

Here's wishing something brings the "grown up giddy" out of you this holiday season.

Thankful

I am thankful! I am thankful to have a healthy, happy husband, who I love more than I ever knew I could love anything. He defies the odds and leads fearlessly. His character and heart inspire me. He is my smile, my heart and my soul mate. He is my best friend. I could write a million words and still not express how much I love my sweet and amazing husband.

I am thankful for my house, which is now a little more secure, thanks to our new security system that was installed on Wednesday after an attempted break in. My furry friends inside that house who keep me company and remind me how to love unconditionally.

I am thankful for the family and friends that came to my aid when I was facing this situation head on - with Neil out of town. Thanks B, for bringing the shot gun. Thanks R, for checking the perimeter of the house after they came the first time. Thanks Dad, for waiting with me in the middle of the night until Neil got home. Thanks to the Austin Police Department who arrived at my house within 7 minutes of calling 911. Thanks A & S for the help with a trustworthy security system company. Thanks to my friends who are praying for protection around our home.

I am thankful that my Heavenly Father watches over us and holds us tight, even in our scariest moments. He is there; He is in control.

¹ The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

² When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

³ Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

Psalms 27:1-3

Count your blessings

This sweet and comforting phrase is only 3 words long- but its meaning is far-reaching into the corners of my world. It is possible to be very, very thankful and sad and the same time. It is possible to feel both faithful and anxious at the same time. These dichotomies of emotions are part of the human and spiritual complexity that is us. I believe we are allowed to feel this mess of emotion in order to become stronger and see the truth of life. And, just like level 10 on the stair climber- it's not so easy! Sometimes you just want to jump off and puke!

But that is not the way to become stronger, not the way to victory. Even in the face of adversity, or a trial, or sadness, or fear, or uncertainty, or _______ fill in the blank if you will. We must continue to take another step, with gratitude and faith, with the same positive outlook that comes so easy when life is dripping with the good stuff.

NO MATTER WHAT -my list of blessings is unending, so I will never stop counting; never stop being thankful, never stop growing in my faith. I will keep climbing and keep counting.

Meaning in the Mission

My life is devoted to young souls- not yet adults, but not children.
Their fates lies in their hands, and in God's- to unfold undoubtedly with bumps along the way.
My hope is- my mission is - I will send a message that a young one will hear.
A message that allows them to realize they can make their own opportunities appear before their very eyes.
They can choose a life that is remarkable and meaningful... or just full- full of spirit - full of conquered adventures- full of peace, love and joy.
If I can say this - it is well with my soul.
It is well, it is well, it is well with my soul.

No need to worry

Dreams are Heaven's rain.
They mix together in my imagination, budding in my daydreams, to fly from my fingers and live in the clouds.
Rain falls in perfect timing, to refresh the lakes, to grow the trees, to sculpt the mountains, to fill the cup.
No need to worry- will the flowers bloom?
No need to worry- will the boat float?
The Son shines upon these calm waters. I cast the worries into the wind that carries me - wistfully, willfully, wonderfully.

Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shall find it after many days. Eccleslastes 11:1

Hearing the Message in the Silence

Our normal days are full of welcome noise - voices, laughter, cheers and clatter.
Thousands of messages bombard me everyday... e-mail messages, voice messages, text messages, post-it messages...

In this shaken September - the messages have come in the silence.
In the silence of the night Neil hit his head, a message to pray.
In the silence of the neurosurgeon's office, a message to be attentive.
In the silence of our home that evening, a message to be faithful.
In the silence before Neil went into surgery, a message to be in love.
In the silence while Neil was in surgery, a message to be strong.
In the silence of the ICU, a message to reside in love, joy and peace.
In the silence of recovery, a message to surrender.

And just as the familiar tide of commotion begins to flood our shores, I find myself alone at home again in the silence. This time, the message is to remember.

A Shepard watched over us and kept us safe.
A Spirit sent us words to pray.
A Deliverer gave us strength.
A King showed us reasons to rejoice.
A Teacher taught us to take account.
Our people showed us they cared.
Our Guider reminded us that our path is purposeful.

In this silence, I sit and remember.
I allow tears of the world's weight and of joy to fall together because I feel them both.
My soul hears my Father's promises.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Flues Blues

The flu is a terrible doozy. Yes, I got it on Friday and am beginning to feel better today. I'm back at work, starting to come out of my flues blues. Why does everything seem so bleak after 5 days of the flu?

I call it the Flues Blues - brought on by - nausea, sore throat, congestion, aches, fevers, vomiting, loss of appetite, and fatigue. I read more than 50% of Americans will have had the flu by the end of flu season. The hospitals have set up tents in the parking lots. The local new channels are covering the flu shot lines in the evening news. 127 students went home sick yesterday from my local high school. So, I hope people are able to keep their chins up and realize the the flu will eventually end and the sun will shine on them again.

In the meantime- here are my flu remedies:
Sambugaurd - a bottle a day - found at Whole Foods
Throat Coat Tea - for sore throats
Cold Remedy Tea - for the congestion
Oscillum - homeopathic flu medicine
Soup
Ice packs for aches
Vaporizer with eucalyptus for congestion
Kittens and pups for cheer
A wonderful hubby for support.

Thankfully- I think I am starting to see the end of the flu and the beginning of what might be energy and health. Stay Healthy!

Day by Day by Day...

Neil was growing quite the beard. Between the scrapes on his face and the stitches in his head, he didn't feel much like shaving. And kissing him did feel much like kissing a porcupine. A sign of progress- Neil is returning to us. He shaved off the beard and is feeling better and better each day. I returned to work on Tuesday- it was good to be back in a somewhat familiar routine. Neil ate a chicken breast and his jaw muscle is feeling better by the day.

We did an MRI on his ankle and it looks like he won't need surgery for it. Another thing to be thankful for. Neil still needs lots of rest- and somehow be BOTH still feel tired, but everyday is better than the last and I can't ask for much more than that. My faith is strong that Neil will triumph away from this experience- stronger and better than ever before in his life. That was our prayer when we found the hematoma and it is still our prayer.

I've made 2 books on blurb.com - I love that site. I calculated that it's actually more cost efficient to make a book than it is to develop all the prints! Neil drifts in and out of sleep and I click away creating lovely picture books of memories in the tender silence that is our home. Although, the welcome noise is slowly beginning to return... and it's tall, dark, and clean shaven.

Home from the Hospital

Neil tells, the doctor- also the best neurosurgeon in the Austin area- and our hero- "I am ready to go home. I want to go home." He says, "Okay." These magic words actually brought a smile to my husbands face- something I have not seen in over a week. That smile was champagne to my soul. My head could have popped off right there.

Sallie and I created a plan to move all of the hospital gear and Neil down and out of the hospital in record time. In only 3 short loads we were all home safely. I had vacuumed and dusted already so the house was allergen-free when Neil arrived. He can't get congested or do anything else for that matter that could cause inter-cranial pressure.

Sallie helped us get some of the supplements and prescriptions we needed. I helped Neil shower and change out of his hospital clothes. As the rain began to fall- I felt another wave of thankfulness wash over us. Thankful to be home. Thankful to have rain. Thankful to have Neil alive and on his way to recovery.

Today is a quiet day. Minimal noise, lots of soup, shakes and other non-chewable foods. Neil is in good spirits. He is icing his head several times a day in an effort to relieve the swelling. He has kept all his meals down today. Noise and stimulation is a little too much to handle for now- so tired out pups- thanks to Barb and Steve- and sweet kittens are enough company for this day.

Neil slept most of the night, he woke every two hours to move around - helps the dizziness, and drink water. I slept like a log... didn't hear a thing all night. Our bed was a welcome sight for sore eyes after a week of pseudo-sleeping in the hospital.

We will continue to be quiet and rest today. Watching TV with no volume and eating soup. I am becoming a very good nurse.

Please Pray for my Husband - Neil

A few days ago- Neil hit his head riding our scooter. He was going less that 5 mph and fell due to the rain. The impact caused a broken ankle and a skull fracture and brain bleed. His ankle is fine. He went in for a craniotomy to remove a hematoma the size of a small orange. He is now recovering from the surgery. We have moved out of intensive care and into a regular hospital room. At this time, there is no sign of neurological damage which is also a miracle. We do not know why the bleeding stopped- could have been the cold laser treatments we were administering and the hand of God - but the bleeding stopped and he survived to receive the surgery. He survived the surgery and we now ask for your prayers to support his recovery. He will be resting for several weeks- and then he should be able to return to work. For now, we are at St. David's Hospital in Austin. Thank you for your prayers. Thank God for allowing Neil to stay on this Earth.

Precious Babies

My new job, a thankful blessing- at familiar and large district! I am already started and loving it so far. Before the students return to fill up the classrooms- Neil and I filled our house with 2 little kittens.

We rescued them from the Animal Shelter. We went to get just one, but fell in love with them both. They are so adorable and they bring us so many laughs with their crazy antics!

They play around the house and have become friends with our other two furry children- Little and Maisie. We will all soon be one happy family... or funny farm.

Today I am babysitting our friends' little baby girl while her mama meets her appointments and her daddy is wakeboarding with Neil and the guys. They left bright and early to find good water. So all the little ones and I are here having a playful and quiet morning at our house. I feel like a "stay-at-home-mom" doing housework and playing with babies. Soon enough, soon enough, I'm sure... but for now... one morning is just perfect for me. ;)

Baby Gifts!

Two lovely friends at work are expecting...

I made these personalized burp clothes as baby gifts for them.

There's something about seeing your little baby's name in embroidery that makes a new mommy smile.

Stop and Smell the Dillo Dirt...

View from the Kitchen Window...


Succulent Chic!


These little ferns help purify the air in your home :)


Sago Palm and Purslane


This cactus can handle -20 degrees F


Giving the garden a personal touch!

And the renovations move outdoors! What do you do when you spend all your spare change on a wedding and a master suite makeover? You tighten the belt and break a sweat to make the world just a little prettier. AKA - Yard WORK! And they don't call it that for nothing. What a great work out! Sweating and getting your hands dirty!

I am working on taming the jungle around my casa. Luckily, a previous owner spent lots of his own green on many plants, trees and shrubs all around our house. BUT- while Neil and I have collectively opened 2 multi-disciplinary spine and medical clinics, completed grad school, remodeled our house and tied the knot... the once lovely xeriscape has turned into a jurassic jungle which I am on a mission to tame.

So! Here's the proof of my new green thumb!

Our growing family- Lantana, Salva, Daisies, Japanese Ligustrum, Japanese Mahonia, Holly, Wandering Jew, Sago Palms, Calla Lilies, Oak Trees, Pecan Trees, Buck Eye Trees and MORE that I have yet to name.

It feels good to make your outdoor living world a beautiful place. Soon a deck will follow, maybe a pond with some goldfish in it. Off to my home away from home... LOWES!

End of the year...

For School that is...

I always get sentimental on the last day of school. The students buzz with summer energy, push the boundaries since they know it's the last day, teachers are half in half out- trying to get the needed signatures for the sign out sheets and keep overzealous students from blasting right through the roof of the building on pure sugar highs (cokes, candy cake for the little ones, red bull and hormones for the big ones) -same effect.

But, there is a twinkle of achievement in their eyes. They know they will have fun this summer on a family trip to the beach, to visit family out of state, summer camp and sleeping late. Next year they will be one grade bigger, one step higher than now- one step closer to... well they're not sure to what yet... but just they know they want to be closer to it.

It's a whirlwind, it's a roller coaster, it's a kick in the teeth sometimes... it's a joy most of the time. Life- what a gift. Thank you for another year!

Good luck students.
May you always find your hearts values when things are new.
May you always find your family when you need support.
May you always find your dreams when you need an adventure.
May you always find your Guide when you are lost.

Changes!

Well, the economy has kicked education in the teeth. Due to funding, the entire Instructional Technology department no longer exists. We are all being "re-purposed."
Lots of emotions. Lots of thoughts.
Life is a journey; God's pathway is His own for me, not mine.
I will serve and honor Him wherever He may lead me next.

What a blessing to have a husband and family that support and love me. Thank you.

Excitement, an anxious heart and a faithful spirit wait for my Father to show me what's next.

My desire is to serve the Lord, to honor Him, to do my best to shine for Him everyday, every way.

I put my agenda at His feet, faithful that He will guide my own on His path.

Crazy Nesting Syndrome

New Wives, New Home-owners... beware. Beware of Crazy Nesting Syndrome. What are the signs of Crazy Nesting Syndrome? Contemplating throw pillows for days at a time. Negotiating buying food and paper towels for a new bedspread. Obsessive compulsive decorating. Reoccurring dreams about dinner parties that include menus, centerpieces, play lists, themes and atmosphere. Although, no real health risks result from Crazy Nesting Syndrome, side effects may include: reduced pedicures, increased cooking at home, decreased fashion trendiness, increased ponytails, mild panic attacks when you realize you have to spring for a destination wedding after you just paid the biggest bill of your life and redecorated your house.

Nickel slots, here we come! We wouldn't miss it for the world.

RENT

Over spicy salmon dinner:

Melanie says, " Don't forget, tomorrow we are going to see RENT! I am so excited!"

Neil says, "Babe, it wouldn't hurt my feelings if you took a girlfriend to RENT instead of me."

Hmm. My love is a man a carefully chosen words. I couldn't help but laugh before I called to invite Alex who excitedly agreed citing she herself had been dying to go, but her hubby hadn't the slightest desire either. As our husbands settled in to watch the game in true testosterone style. Alex and I gabbed away at the Blue Dahlia Bistro over chilled Pinot Grigio, Tuna Tar Tar, and seared Scallops... aka divine.

We drove over to our pre-paid parking spot and dashed in to our orchestra section seats. The show was fantastic - a true NY energy, polished and shiny performances, and I'm still singing. God bless thoughtful mother-in-laws. God bless honest husbands. But most of all... God bless good girlfriends! What a blast!

It is possible to forget how alive we are. We can become dry, tired, busy, cranky, just exsisting and going through the motions. We need to remind oursleves daily- how blessed, how rich, how lucky we all are to live another day. Find a reason everyday to jump for joy.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a busy day. Neil and I woke bright and early, well Neil woke bright and early. I prefer to draw a sleepy morning out as long as possible at every given opportunity- which seem fewer and fewer with each passing month.

Neil had a fire in him to clean out our boxes piled high garage. For my car to park in there? NO- the cart was coming to it's new home- from the race track- to our garage. Nevertheless- we were up and at 'em- piling boxes into the truck to haul off to an undisclosed dumpster. Then came the old water heater from the backyard, the old baseboards the workers didn't clean up, paint cans, a folding gazebo screen and more, much, much, much, more.

After all that hard work- it was time to prepare a lovey dinner for my and Neil's mother's. I planned a special menu:
Mexican Style Tilapia
Oregano Cheesy Potatoes
Savory Beets
Organic Spinach Salad
Lemon Berry Cheesecake

Sallie brought the awesome wine and margaritas. Steve and Barbara brought the homemade salsa and pico de gallo. Dinner was served on heirloom china and silver, drinks in new Waterford crystal. Many meals had been served by mothers, grandmothers, and great grand mothers and great great grandmothers on those dishes and silver. From the place settings, to the entrees to the drinks- it was delicious!

I am thankful to have such lovely ladies in my life and planned very carefully to make sure they felt special and appreciated. There really are not words enough for a child to tell their mother just how much they love them and appreciate them. So I've found simple, heartfelt expressions to be the best. They each left with a jasmine yankee candle and these simple words- Thank you for helping to make our house a home. We love you.

My new vacuum SUCKS!

I have to admit I was less than eager to pay the price tag on this futuristic looking household helper. BUT- when it arrived on my doorstep I raced to open it, assemble it and vacuum my whole house with it! It's AMAZING! It really never loses suction! The ends of the vacuum head are just as powerful at the middle! It doesn't put the dust back into the air! It doesn't clog with pet hair. My new Dyson Ball Animal DC25 is the best vacuum I have ever used. With a 5 year warranty it is the only vacuum I will ever use! I sucked up all the dust, dog hair and dirt in my house in no time flat. As my bff Michele says... Every domestic superstar has to have her tools! This one is my new favorite! :)

The Peices are Coming Together...

Our niece, B turned six this weekend. We celebrated at her parents' house with pizza and pokemon. B has only small bits of teeth poking through the front of her mouth- but she managed to eat her yummy pizza in no time... as did her newest aunt. ;) Grandmudder brought wine (thank you! because it was Friday night). And there were puppies and tots running around with birthday party cheer. B's friend L and and me made pokemon characters from Styrofoam balls, pipe cleaners, and a new found joy... glue dots. (Super-sticky gel dots that work the same a glue but without the mess or hot-glue gun blisters- sweet!)

Neil had fun bowling with B the following day. My new furniture was delivered, Sallie and I spent the afternoon cleaning, arranging and playing with dishes, furniture and other home decor items.... it was pure joy! The end result will surely receive more editing... but this house is really starting to come together as a home... OUR home. Joy, Joy, Joy Jumping up and down JOY!!

My mom and I spent Sunday picking up a few more necessities at Barton Creek mall. I had gift cards burning a hole in my purse as we passed a jewelry counter full of diamonds, pearls, sapphires, blue topaz, aquamarine and then some... marked 70% OFF! We looked, we coveted, we walked away. A new vacuum had been placed on the top of the list by my husband, rightly so, ours stinks- literally.

We bought new candles from a long time favorite spot- yankee candle. If you have never had the joy of these brightly colored, sweet smelling jar- you're missing out. It's $25 bucks to fill your whole house with the tantalizing scent of your choice for 350 hours. And, the new found delight- jar toppers. These metal wreaths top the jar to prevent the black soot from accumulating at the top of the jar, as well as encourage the candle to burn down evenly. Something about the air circulation. The find of the day was a beautiful green candle holder to sit atop my new sideboard.
Home is not just a perfect arrangement of furniture and accessories suited for appeal as well as function... home is soothing sounds of Westminster bells from my repaired seth thomas and sweet smells of yankee candle's featured fragrance- Lemon Lavender. All these come together to make a place you want to be, a place full of love, peace, and spirit.

A new space for a new marriage...

It's finally finished! Six weeks ago, as I prepared for my bachelorette party, Neil rolled in with a stack of tile samples. "We're going to re-model our master bathroom!" he surprises me, "Pick out the tiles you want to use!" Our master bath was in need of a total re-do. We love the layout of our house, and appreciate our awesome location on a daily basis... but the 30 year old bathrooms left a little to be desired! With the wedding on the approaching horizon- I never thought this would be added to our mix. But it was. And we finally moved in, in spite of exhaustion, last night!

GLORY! We are so thrilled to be back where we belong! The bathroom quickly turned into the bedroom, bathroom, and closet; and then we like the knotty alder baseboards so much- we continued them throughout the house. One more step in this little spot becoming our home.

So here are the pictures... A beautiful shower, heritage bronze fixtures, peacock granite, travertine, and natural stone tiles, knotty alder baseboards, custom vanity and hand trough texture. All comes together to create a fresh space for a fresh marriage. A place free of the world's distractions, deadlines and tasks. A place for Neil and me to rejuvenate, rest and re-connect.

A New Era...

What a month! A wedding, a new nephew, and a new start in our house. Our master bedroom and bathroom are almost finished being remodeled. They are beautiful! And with a new bathroom comes new towels- soft, fresh and perfect. With a new bedroom comes new curtains and bed pillows and bedspread... Neil would prefer not so many pillows ;)

With a new marriage comes new dishes and new pots and pans. We also said good-bye to our old couches. Sallie bought some "new to us" couches for Neil and I for our up-coming birthdays! THIS is a great gift! Neil and I each had a lingering couch from our college days. Mine, a green velvet couch, with one cushion that could not be flipped over. I tried to clean it with carpet cleaner... and bleached the heck out of it. One glue stain on the arm, and one small hole in the corner- strategically covered with a throw blanket. Neil's was the former dog-couch. A not so comfortable khaki couch formerly loved by Little and the late Lucky.

A moment for Lucky- Lucky was a Rhodesian ridgeback that was found left for dead on the side of a highway. He was neglected, starving and almost dead and a very young age. He was rescued and brought back to health. The vet who saw him first named him Lucky. He came to Neil during grad school and spent weeks behind a couch in his apartment before he was finally ready to come out, live life and trust his new dad. From then on- he was Neil's dog. I was scared of him the first time I met him. He was huge, had a huge bark, and killed huge rats, a couple of cats (I know- sorry), even bit another dog's leg off in one snap-no problem. But- Lucky became my dear friend and protector. He lived to the old age of 12 years old until he went to heaven. He let us know that he was ready to go. I still think of him and believe I will see him again.

Lucky's dog couch was scrubbed by me and my mom, until it was clean enough to use in our house for a few more years. Yesterday it left on a truck to go to a young man's first apartment. Even though I had awesome new couches in my living room- it was bittersweet to say goodbye to that silly old dog couch. It's funny to notice the things you get sentimental about.

The rest of the evening- I spent unboxing new dishes, silverware and other new kitchen and house hold items. New, beautiful and promising of the many fun meals to come! SO exciting. So much fun. What a ride we are on. The up's the down's - and end of one era and the beginning of another. Surrounded by friends, family to ease the bumps and celebrate along side you.

The Planner...

So, I am a very good planner- not the best, not exceptional, but very good. I do know some of these exceptional planners. They are quite impressive to me. And I do believe that I will also one day be exceptional at putting things together.

However, my hubby is not a planner. We have had to come together to communicate from 2 different planes of thinking. Neil easily goes from point a to point z- instantly in fact. I prefer to work through a, b, c, d, e, f, and so on. This is the way I feel I have a through understanding when I reach z.

It is a good thing to have these differences in your communication or planning styles. As a true team should be- each player brings different skills to the game and in the end we balance each other's weaker points and enhance the talents... both of which are plentiful. :)

I begin my morning with a small, constant whisper of worry as a new plan is introduced. I try to silence it- but I'm not wired that way. Not my mind, or my heart... but my spirit- my Heavenly Guider can overcome worry. He guides me through the what's in between point a and point z. I'm not in control. I'm not in control. I'm not in control.

Our team in guided by the One who sees this life from every direction. He's not stuck in my through a, b, c, plan or Neil's a to z brilliance. He is the reason we are faithful.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD."As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."Isaiah 55:8-9

To Him be the glory.

Exploding with Joy!

Joy in a family! Through my marriage to Neil- my family has grown to include two brothers and sisters in law, mother in law, father in law, step father in law, and one niece and da da da daaaaaaaaa THREE nephews! Brent and Ana's new addition was born on Saturday, April 18. He is 6.4 lbs. and he was a little early to arrive- hence the slightly smaller birth weight for a Boecking boy.

What a joyful day! New addition was not scheduled to come join the world until today, BUT he had other plans in mind. Friday, Ana was on my mind- I called to make sure she didn't need anything... Then Neil awoke a little early to check his phone- a text arrived! "It's happening- we'll have a new baby in a hour!" he read excitedly! "What?!" I said! My sleepiness disappeared instantly to be replaced with adrenaline! "Let's go!" we tell each other with wide, happy eyes. We race to get dressed and collected, in minutes we were having a quick breakfast. We chatted about what the name might be, and what he will be like. What will his big brother think of him...? What dinners should we bring them...

Finally we arrived at the hospital and anxiously walked together to see Brent, Ana and the new baby. He was just adorable, Ana was glowing- calm and collected. She rested quietly as everyone buzzed around her- recovering from her c-section with juice, water and a little food.

Brent, Neil and I walked down to the viewing area. New addition rested under the heat lamp, moving around a getting warmed up. He was tinier than his big brother who was all head and chest at birth. New addition has a neck and loooong skinny arms and legs, big feet and hands, and a beautiful face! He was just perfect.

What a magical day. And new bright boy arrives on his own accord. He's surrounded by a loving family who will cheer him on through life. His most popular big brother will be a best friend. He's perfect, and life is good. Welcome to the new addition from Uncle Neil and Aunt Melanie.

The "Mini-Honey"

My husband and I are in a world of weddings, house re-modeling and the numerous events events surrounding both... including a much anticipated arrival of our new nephew on April 20! Due to our eventful state, we are postponing the honeymoon until later this summer. So after the wedding, we took a "mini-honey." :)

Neil booked a beautiful cottage in Fredricksburg. It was just what we needed, calming, charming, comfortable and convenient! We rolled in after a lovely brunch at the Slick Rock Grill. As we sat enjoying the perfect sunny sky and cool breeze, my mimosa was interrupted by a small thump! I caught the tiniest of objects hit the glass wall behind us and then fall to the ground. Upon further inspection, I found a tiny green hummingbird had taken a wrong turn and now lay stunned on the deck floor. We watched him for a minute or two, and then I placed one small, newlywed finger in front of him. To my surprise and delight- he immediately jumped onto the gentle perch.
He sat there for several minutes to be admired by the others and gather his senses about him before flying off to a nearby tree. This lovely moment was the first of many on our mini-honey.

As tired as we were, sitting in cafes, wandering through shops, and sipping wine at wineries was the perfect order for Neil and I. The weather made for perfect comfort, the area was charming and the company was blissful. Yes, blissful- the perfect start.

The Big Day...

Pictures by our Photographer - Melissa Olson

Here are a few pictures taken by friends... more to come!

Melanie

Amar & Emiea


Shawn & Shilpi

Michele & Nolan

Melanie on the way to see Neil

Melanie & Alex

Missy & Amye

At the alter

After months of planning and preparing... Neil and I headed to Horseshoe Bay Resort early on Friday morning. Brent organized golf for Neil, Randy, Steve, Zach, Tom and Brandon. They enjoyed the great views of the Apple Rock course while the girls hung out at the hotel getting settled in and making sure everything was ready for friends to arrive that evening.

We enjoyed the beautiful putt putt course in teams of four, Amy was the big winner with 10 under par! After golf we headed to Sallie's condo to enjoy some great Salt Lick BBQ and drinks. The food and fun atmosphere was the perfect end to the day and start to the weekend celebration. Drinks and cigars by the pool was the wrap up to the night- full of laughs, stories and music.

Saturday morning began with brunch at Lantana Grill. The ladies: Barbara, Sallie, Alex, Missy, Amye, Jenn, Ana, Debbie, Vicki, Birdie, Dot, Beverley & I enjoyed some girl talk and breakfast to kick off the big day. After breakfast, Neil and I visited each of the parents to deliver a gift of thanks- crystal picture frames to fill with happy family memories. Then we went our separate ways to begin getting ready. The cool air blew in and we made the call to move the reception inside after the outdoor ceremony. Alex delivered Neil's gift - engraved cuff links, and mine, a gorgeous bracelet to wear on my wedding day and forever. Pictures in the spa gardens went great and soon it was time for the ceremony to begin.

The ceremony was beautiful- on the Whitewater Lawn. An acoustic guitar player set the atmosphere of love and joy. My brother did a wonderful job with the ceremony- one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Everyone looked beautiful and Neil was the only one I could see.

Like our first song- I will love him come rain or come shine.

We danced the night away after a great meal. It was a dream come true. I'm still floating.

Pictures to come...