Baby Makes Three

Well, yet again it's been quite a while since I've posted. I'm not going to update on what all has happened, but just one big highlight....we're having a baby! We are so excited! We truly feel blessed and can't wait for what is in store. I'm now 16 weeks and I'm feeling pretty good! The first trimester was a little rough. I was nauseated all the time and was SO tired. I swear I hit 13 weeks and it immediately went away!

Another fun fact: I've only gained 2 lbs but everything has redistributed! I am already into maternity clothes and let me tell you--they are cute AND comfortable! That really helps!

I will try to keep this updated with the progression of the pregnancy and the baby!

Here is Baby Evans at 12 weeks:

Stay tuned for more!

Worth the Wait?

Wow, I'm almost embarrassed to realize that it has been 3 months since my last post. So much has happened....I'm not sure if anyone is still following me or reading this, but in case there is, I won't inundate you with all the happenings...just the highlights. I don't really do New Year's resolutions, because let's be honest, they never really last, right? Well, this year I decided I would like to try and document better....in blog and pictures. I've done better on the picture part, but obviously not on the blog part. So, I'll do an update through pictures.

We had a fun weekend skeet shooting with some friends


We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary!


We celebrated Christmas...multiple times



Happy New Year!

I got my new monogramming machine! (For more on that adventure, follow me here)


Snow:

We also had some friends over for the Super Bowl, but I forgot to take pictures. I think that pretty much brings us up to date! I feel better now. Do you?

Thankful

So, it's been entirely too long since I've last posted...So sorry! But we're coming up on my absolute favorite time of year: Thanksgiving and Christmas!!!!!! I can't keep silent now. I don't know if it's the gathering of family and memories being made and shared or the excitement that surrounds both holidays, but I love it so very much. I'm taking inspiration from a FB friend and blogging what I'm thankful for. Each person or thing that I am thankful for deserves its own post, and rightly so. Let's get started!

I am so very thankful for my Savior, Jesus. I truly don't know where I would be without His love and grace. So many times I can think back and see Him working in my life. No, I am by no means perfect but He loves me anyway. I want to be the best I can be..It's the least I can do in return. I want others to see Him through me and see what He's done in my life. Everything that I have achieved or have has been through Him. So many times I have failed and sinned, but he doesn't see that. He sees me as I am--His child. And he loves me and blesses me. He picks me up when I fall and puts me right back on my feet. I do not deserve any of it. But by His stripes, we are healed. I am so thankful that He died for me....and for you, so that we might live.

I could tell you story after story of how He has worked in my life. I never tire of telling them and can't wait to see what all He will do in my life. I thank my Nana and Mother for introducing me to His love and showing me what a true relationship with Him is. I don't know where I would be without their influences in my life. How lucky I am!

He has blessed me with a wonderful family, an amazing husband, friends and more.

Thank you Lord!

Two amazing Women of God!

Workin' 9 to 5...

Or 10-6....Or whatever schedule I need to work to get things done! I cannot tell you how much I love love being at home! I get up in the morning, cook John breakfast, go to the gym (Ok, today was the first day I went in the morning but I'm making it my routine...now it's in print!), get ready and head to my office to work! I feel so blessed. My friends, family and wonderful husband are all supporting me in this endeavor and this is my chance to make it work! I know that God has blessed me with this talent and now I have the opportunity to devote 100% to this. I'm really excited with the response that I've gotten so far and with what I've produced. I know that if this is what I'm meant to do, then God will bless it and this business will prosper.

I'm going to try to keep this blog "personal" and devoted to what's going on in our lives, but I'm also going to try and update the Lindsey Lou blog with what is going on business wise. You can check it out here.

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating my Grandmother's 90th birthday. She is so amazing. I will post pictures of that soon....too much fun!

My machine is beeping at me which means that my latest creation is done! Check out the LL blog to see pics! :)

Blessings!

Lindsey

Let's play catchup!

Well, it's been a long time since I've posted! A lot has definitely happened since November! Ok, I'll try to give the condensed version..... Here goes!

Well, I had a lot of time to think while John was gone. I realized that I finally would stop fighting the urge and try to start teaching. I've been fighting it since I was in college, I think. My sister-in-law told me about a potential opening in Cherokee county. I applied and actually interviewed with the principal in February. He really seemed to like me, but since I'm not certified AND he needed someone who could teach French and Spanish, I was on hold for months. We planned that I would take the Spanish GACE and then we would go from there. Well, then everything fell apart with teachers in Georgia, and the Principal didn't have an answer yet because he didn't know what he was going to be able to do, so I assumed it wasn't going to work out.

Well, then it was time for John to come home!!! Praise Jesus! I picked him up on May 26th. I don't know how to describe it other than AMAZING. It has been two months of pure happiness. :) I had just seen him in March, but to know that he was home for good was so surreal and exciting. I should also mention that I had not stopped thinking and hoping for this teaching job. My mom gave me the best words of wisdom that I will always remember.... "Give God the responsibility." Wow. What a simple phrase that holds so much power. He really wants us to come to Him with EVERYTHING. So, I figured I didn't have anything to lose! So, I let go of it and gave God the responsibility to work it out. After we got home that afternoon, I got a phone call from the principal. His exact words were "The job is yours, Lindsey, if you want it." Umm, Yes! I was scheduled to take the Spanish GACE in June but even if I didn't pass, he had it worked out where I could still teach. What a miracle! Thank you Lord! What an amazing day. Two miracles!

Well, after a week I turned in my notice at work. It wasn't too hard because I knew that I was leaving to pursue my dream (albeit a newer one) and something I was passionate about. Well, the day before my last day at work, I got an e-mail (yes, e-mail) from the principal letting me know that they had found someone more qualified with experience. Ouch. What a blow. No, I didn't have a contract yet, but I had filled out paperwork and been to the county office. As hard as that was, I had faith that something better was in store and for some reason God closed one door and then another one soon after, but that a huge window is in my future!

One blessing to come out of it is that I was able to spend a whole month at home with my husband before he went back to work. We were able to go visit friends and family and even go on vacation, while spending most every day together. Another blessing is that I have the opportunity now to start my business up full-time. Every time I think about having my own business, a passion rises up in me. I have been fortunate enough to have great work experiences where I was able to really shine....however, being at home is so great. I cook breakfast for John before he leaves for work and then come upstairs to work (and then cleaning up the house and laundry is thrown in too). I really feel that God has given me this talent and passion for crafting and having my business. So, that's what I'm working on right now. I'm not ready to launch Lindsey Lou to the world just yet, but it's coming....very soon!

To sum up the past 8 months, my life has been full of blessings and favor. No it's not perfect, but God is so good and I am blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive husband and a great family. What more could I ask for?

Maybe a baby...... but that will come in due time. ;)

The day I picked him up!

Happy Anniversary

So, Friday was our 4th wedding anniversary. What a tough day. John called on Tuesday to let me know that he had bought me 3 sessions to Spa Sydell. He told me in advance so that I could book a session for Friday. What a wonderful husband!! I was able to book an hour massage. Boy, did I need it. It was an okay work day, but just knowing that I was going home to an empty house was a little hard. So, I came home, straightened up, then went off to get pampered. After my wonderful massage, I went home to relax. At least I have the comfort that he will be home to celebrate with next year!

In case you didn't know, he was deployed when we got married. He came home on a Sunday, we got married the next Sunday and he left the following week! What a whirlwind. Here are some pictures from that wonderful time...

Seeing each other for the first time in 6 months


Yay!!

We're married!


Quick honeymoon!


Saying goodbye...


The last 4 years have been quite eventful, to say the least. It hasn't always been perfect but I wouldn't want to go through life with anyone else.

I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, providing husband and best friend.

Here's to many many more!

Wordless Wednesday

A trip to see Thomas... (taking my nephew Bo)

What's Going On?

Well, once again I have fallen behind in blogging. I feel like life is on an upswing right now, so I will try to be more faithful in updating!

Not too much exciting has happened since my last post. Well, I take that back. I battled a few plagues:

• A rice weevil was living in a bag of rice I bought from the store. It burrowed its way out and decided to make a home and reproduce in my cabinets. That was a fun experience. That happened about the same time that the plumbing was on the fritz.
• Fleas took residence on my dogs. What a nightmare. I think they must have been living in the carpet because they kept appearing!

Now things have seemed to settle around the house. Externally, I have been staying busy with the Junior League of Atlanta, Alpha Gam (both as an Advisor and an Alum) and I've also joined a small group. Oh, I think I'm also going to be on the HOA board this time around too....Maybe one day I'll learn to say no. However, all of this activity has really helped to distract me. The time that I am home, I'm usually catching up on my tv shows (I know, super important), cleaning (this is a new one I'm trying to be dedicated to) or crafting. I have this passion for my jewelry and have a dream of owning my own business with famous people wearing my pieces and knowing who I am. Maybe one day that will happen! :)

John is also staying busy. His days are pretty filled with work, which is good. He doesn't have too much downtime. On Veterans Day, Governor Perdue was actually at John's base. John was able to meet him and also have his picture taken. Maybe that will get posted soon...

Like I said, I hope to post more frequently. Besides, who wouldn't want to know about all the super-exciting things going on!

Blessings!

This Old House

So, too many crazy and I guess, funny, things have been going on here lately not to post! I'm going through some self-changes and I'm trying to focus on myself (i.e. losing weight/getting in shape, finding a church, trying to stay better in touch...), so one of my goals is to blog more often. I must say, it's quite therapeutic.

So, funny story number 1 from a few weeks ago:

Most of you (all 2 of you that read this!) probably don't know that we have someone who rents our basement. He is super nice--he came with the house! The couple that lived here before us rented the basement to a young man who they found from their church. He is a landscaper and needed a place to live. So, they took him in. He does the yard every week and pays rent. So yes, our house came with a live-in gardener! :)

Well, he knocked on the door on a Tuesday night about 3 weeks ago and told me that the water wasn't draining well in the bathroom downstairs. So, the next day I go get some Liquid Plumbr, leave it in his mailbox and then Thursday I left to go to Americus after work for my grandmother's birthday. Sunday night, he knocked on the door again (with the bottle in his hand) and said, "You need to come see this." Well, the toilet had overflowed, obviously days earlier as evident by the dried blobs on the floor (I won't go into detail, you get where I'm going) and there was water standing in the tub. It reeked. I wanted to cry because I had no idea what to do.

Well, I was able to talk to John and he reminded me that we purchased Home Warranty service...So, I called them. Only $60 to come clean the sewer line. Not bad right? Well, after a less than desirable experience with the Rooter guy, he informed me that there are roots in our line, which means we will probably need a new pipe. But it would be $300+ for the camera to see if it is busted or not. I'm going to call a different, trustworthy plumber to come check the pipe.

Well, I still had to get the issue about the cleanup resolved. I called this company that the Rooter guy suggested; minimum $1500 for cleanup. So, I called State Farm and they said they would cover it...but our deductible is $2000. So, after almost having a panic attack, I called my in-laws to see if they had any ideas. My AMAZING mother-in-law volunteered to come help clean it up. So, we put on nasty old clothes and a clean white dentist-like mask and went to work. We got it all cleaned up...for FREE! I can never thank her enough for that.

I still need to call the plumber, but everything has been ok so far. I'm growing up! :)

I'm going to try and post more often...There are way too many funny things to update on!

My Last (Pinched) Nerve

Wow, so I apparently carry stress in my neck. Thursday I had this terrible neckache accompanied by a throbbing headache which also made me feel queasy. Great. Friday, it didn't get any better. I could move my head slightly and get a throbbing headache. But, my chiropractor, was of course closed. So, I had to suffer through the weekend. I barely got off the couch on Saturday, but had already planned to go to an Advisor Dinner for us to plan this upcoming year for the chapter. So, I made myself get up and take a quick shower to make myself presentable. We had a great time, but I didn't get home until around 1:30 a.m. John was of course online, starting his day. It was perfect timing! He convinced me to take a muscle relaxer. What a great idea. I had planned to go to church that morning with some neighbors, but I didn't wake up until, oh about 1:00 p.m.! Then I moved downstairs to the couch and barely left for the rest of the day.

Yesterday, I had had enough. I felt like poo (my allergies were acting up too) so I called my boss and asked for the day off. I had no energy. So, I went to the Chiropractor and told him about how this was a Pain in the Neck (literally!). He checked it out and told me that I had a pinched nerve! I figured that's what it was. So, I went back home and rested some.

I did feel much better and went back today for him to adjust more. It's still sore and there's not much I can do to help it except for using ice.

In other news, John has made it to Iraq! Yay, let the countdown begin!!!! :)

I am counting down until I can go rest and hopefully get better!

Living Single

Well, John has left for his year in the desert, and I am home with Felipe and the dogs, of course.
He has been in Kuwait for about a week and will be soon moving to Iraq. If any of you would like his contact info, let me know. I have his address and Skype name. Speaking of which, how great is Skype?! I can't express how nice it has been to video chat with John. He has been going to Starbucks at like 5 am so that we can chat. :) Pretty cool. It's so nice to be able to see him and it's like having an actual phone conversation, hands free. I hope they never charge!


It's interesting being on my own. I've never lived on my own before...ever. So, when issues arise, It's up to me to take care of them now. So, I'm learning about my weaknesses and trying to improve. I can see that are some good things that will out of this time apart. I mean, I would so choose John over that, but I have to focus on the positive!

I will try to post more often...it's been super busy!

Saying Goodbye at the Airport

Left Behind

So, it's been two weeks today since John (Click to follow his journey) left for his last round of training. People keep asking me if I'm okay and if it's been hard. My plan is to stay busy. I plan to do that by:

• Being more socialable than ever...or at least the first in a long time
• Hanging out with friends
• Joining Junior League of Atlanta
• Crafting projects
• Baking (I know my co-workers are so upset by this b/c they benefit from it)
  
• Babysitting a precious 3 month old
• Getting to know my neighbors better
• Oh, and being on the HOA Board
• Alpha Gam Advisor
• Alpha Gam Alumnae Group
  
• Trying to get into shape
• Playing with my dogs
• Visiting family
• Re-decorating the house (Yes John, you read that right...)

Just to name a few...

So far (in my two weeks), I've been doing pretty well. Last week, every day in my calendar was booked. This week is ... slowing down.

And, after a frustrating day at work plus not being able to talk to John just put things into perspective. As much as I can try to keep myself busy, I'm going to have these days. And, as strange as it sounds, I'm kind of thankful for today. When I tried to call John earlier (with no answer) and then called to say Goodnight, only to hear "I can't talk because I'm in a meeting...but I love you.", made me realize that it's starting. I need to get back into the habit of not being able to talk to him whenever I want. When he's gone, I can't just pick up the phone and call him to vent. I have to be the strong one. Lord knows that he has enough craziness and will have enough work to keep him busy, I can't distract him with my bad days or worries. I have to be the strong front; I have to put on my game face so that he can focus on his job there and not worry about me. Now I feel guilty--how selfish of me to call him and vent about something petty that I got upset about today when he is preparing his soldiers and their supplies for their upcoming deployment. He will be away from everything he knows and loves for a whole year, while being in a war-torn country, taking care of our soldiers who put their lives on the line for us everyday. Talk about a reality check.

So, that's why I have great friends that I can lean on... and, of course, my relationship with God that I can turn to as well. And if you want to be one of these friends, I'm accepting applications. :) It's these things that will get me through this next year...not to mention my long list above.

So, yes...Left Behind. But am I bitter or upset? No. I will be better for it... and so will we.

Jamaica, Mon!

So, we're back from Jamaica...Yeah, mon! We had such a great time! Since John is leaving in two weeks for training, we decided to take a vacation to have some memories together before he leaves. So, a few months ago we decided to go to Jamaica! We went to the Sandals Grande Ocho Rios and we had such a wonderful time. It's so nice to have everything completely included---food, drinks and fun are already paid for! We mostly hung out on the beach during the days and enjoyed the restaurants at night. We got to see a steel drum band one night but really didn't get to the other planned activities. It was rainy off and on but we still enjoyed our time. The last day we didactually get to climb Dunn's River falls. . .which is a 600 foot climb. Yes, we climbed 600 feet up the falls. Pictures to come! And, speaking of pictures, here are a few, but I also have links to our albums too.

On our way there!!!

Fun on the beach!!


Our beautiful photo shoot!


And, this is just a teaser of our pictures. So, if you want to see more, here you go!

Jamaica album

Jamaica Photo Shoot

Welcome, John!

Ok, so my hubby has decided to start a blog for his big trip to the "Beach with no Ocean," as one of our friends termed it.

So, if you would like to keep up with his journey, you can find him here.

In other news, we had a Going Away party for John this weekend. It was a great turnout! One of John's co-workers even was gracious enough to make BBQ and Brunswick Stew...as a gift. Yeah, it's a very gracious gift when there are close to 50 mouths to feed. So, that was a blessing.

Now that my Mom is retired, she is able to help out more...So, she came up on Thursday to help clean around the house. She was a tremendous help and we had fun shopping together (for the party) and preparing for the party. I absolutely could not have pulled this off without her...another blessing.

Lots of our family, friends and neighbors came to show their support for John and for us in this time. We received so many well-wishes and promises of prayers while he is gone to keep him safe and prayers for us both during the time apart...yet again, a blessing.

Not to mention a wonderful house for entertaining and the bad weather holding off so that we could host partly outside!

So, yes, we are blessed beyond belief. It's nice to stop and notice the little things. After all, it's the little things that help make it through the hard times.

A Breaking Heart

So, one of my dear friends, Ashley, has a new post that almost completely broke my heart. One thing that I will never understand is how someone can abuse another human being, much less a child. I cannot begin to imagine the hurt and anger that this family must be feeling. Now, I don't have children, but I love children and have a soft heart. After having babysat for half of my life, I know that screaming babies can grate on one's nerves....HOWEVER, I don't know and cannot comprehend how one can shake a baby. What good comes from that? Anyway, before I rant further, visit this site to see their story and to pray for Baby Noah.

To read their words are quite amazing. This is a family that has such a strong relationship with the Lord. Instead of harboring anger, they are seeking forgiveness. Instead of seeking retribution, they are focusing their thoughts and prayers to God for the healing of their child.

Now, I am a Christian, and I know that I am in no way near perfect; nor can I imagine what I would even do in this situation. But this couple, that I don't even know, is an inspiration to me...and should be to us all.

My prayers are with Noah and his family.

Lindsey Lou Designs

Ok, so I'm still in the process of figuring out where to house my jewelry items for sale. It seems that everyone wants a cut of the profits! So, in the mean time, I have a blog. As I get items made, I will post them on the Lindsey Lou Designs blog.

Thanks!

Too Cute Tuesday

So, John loves to take pictures of me while I'm sleeping. This one, I thought, was too cute! :)

Too-Cute Tuesday

So, I decided that I would dedicate my Tuesday blogs to something super cute: pictures, stories, etc.

Today's cuteness:

Well, it's more fun-cute. Our team outing at work was today at Jillian's. Durand was nice enough to appease me to a game of DDR. We both received an awesome score of "F."
Yeah, we're awesome. Have I mentioned that I LOVE my job? I mean seriously, once a quarter we get to go play or do something fun out of the office as a team...and get paid. Yeah, I love it.

So Much To Say...

So, for those of you who actually read my blog, I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in a while. Quite a lot has been going on here.

First of all, we found out that John is being deployed to Iraq again. He leaves in June for Ft. Lewis and then will leave in July for a year in Iraq. (Be on the lookout for his blog!) We're not excited, of course, especially because we were just starting to talk about having children. I had even started charting (thanks Ashley!) but God had another plan in mind. Yeah, I learned there is no use in arguing a fight I won't win. :) So, we're trusting in Him. There are some better factors this time: I know what to expect, I don't hate my job, I have 2 dogs, Mom is retired, we can save some money...so, there are some positive aspects. However, I would trade it for him to stay home.

Second, I love my job but things are definitely different in this economy. Our success depends largely on companies still hiring! But, I'm thankful to have a job and to work for a company that has great values and an optimistic outlook. So, I can't complain.

Third, I guess my life isn't as exciting as I thought. That's pretty much all that has been going on in our lives. One thing that we can say is there is never a dull moment!

Just thankful to be so blessed and to have a Father that loves me and is there no matter what! I feel like such a failure sometimes, but I am so thankful that He is still there!

Philippians 4:4-8

All About Me

1. I have never broken a bone in my body.

2. My front two teeth are fake--I broke my front two teeth in a 4-wheeler accident when I was 10.

3. I have a dent in my left leg from where I crashed into the side of Mt. Yonah while rappelling. Maybe that contradicts number 1.

4. I despise anything bubble gum flavored. I will get sick if I even smell it. Same for Juicy Fruit gum.

5. I love grapes, grape juice and raisins. However, I hate anything fake-grape. See #4.

6. I'm terrified of needles...I almost passed out just by waiting to give blood when I was 17. Needless to say I don't do blood drives.

7. If blood has to be taken, it MUST be taken from the top of my hand--I have small veins.

8. I can pop my hip out of joint. I would be happy to show you.

9. You can make me throw up just by making gagging noises. (I tell you this in confidence.)

10. I finally met Jimmy Carter (my lifelong dream) last summer and he kissed me on the cheek.

11. I am an excellent drummer on Rock Band. Just ask my husband.

12. At sleepovers as a child, I often kept my friends' parents up by my man-like snoring. I later had my tonsils taken out.

13. I would love to be an actress.

14. I am the worst housekeeper ever.

15. I sometimes feel like an 80 year old is trapped in my body--I love to cross-stitch and crochet.

16. I have danced since I was 4...I have an uncanny ability to remember dances..some from 9 years ago.

17. I sometimes have problems saying no when people need help or volunteers... ok so strike sometimes.

18. I am still frustrated that my parents decided to call me by my middle name. They should have rearranged it!

19. I love being in the spotlight or being on stage. That does not make me conceited.

20. I'm probably one of the most humble people you meet...I never want anyone to feel "beneath" me. I'm totally blessed--that I do know and admit.

21. I'm terribly afraid of screwing up. And 99% of the time you don't have to tell me...I beat myself up enough for it.

22. I hate snow skiing...I've only been once when I was 15. I decided I hated it when I couldn't snow plow and had to lunge myself forward to stop. A 6 yr old flew by me on a snowboard. My brother, Ryan, was a saint for sticking with me the whole way down as I was being a teenager. It was of course "the worst day of my life." Therefore, I don't ski.

23. I had a near-death experience in a canoe in Quebec with Allison. Yes, it was scary and yes we are still friends.

24. I like even numbers...If I'm pumping gas, the price should end at .25, .50, or .75 unless gas will spew all over my car. Then I'll settle for an even .30, .40, etc.

25. I am very impatient...which often leads to impulse buying.