Peace

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

First Thing:

This past week has been the hardest week of my life.  Harder than when Nate left for Iraq.  My dearest grandmother passed away.  She was such a beautiful person and my heart aches without her.  I used to talk with her about every week and would look forward to seeing her every chance I got.  She taught me so much about being a godly woman, about living life, and being a good wife.  We traveled back to Colorado this week to celebrate her life and for the first time in my life I heard my grandpa cry (which was probably the hardest part of the trip).  On a lighter note, I did get to see a lot of my cousins and I mean a lot.  In the photo below, not even all of them are there. It's blurry but I'll find a better one.

When I got home, it was time to celebrate Nate's birthday.  So we did.  I bought him an assorted six-pack of his favorite beers, made pesto cavatappi (a knock off version of Noodle's & Co. found here.) because it's green, and baked Guinness chocolate cupcakes with Bailey's Irish Cream cream cheese frosting.  I made them in 1/2 pint mason jars to test it out before the wedding shower I'm hosting this weekend.  They are so good.  They are so good I could eat them every night for the rest of my life, literally.  Despite the fact that he had to report for guard at 3:30 AM on Sunday morning, he said it was the best birthday ever.  He's 26 now, which means he's on the downward slope to 30. . . . YIKES!

Today I spent the afternoon with my family and we went through my grandmother's jewelry, dividing it up among the "five girls".  I was blessed enough to end up with her wedding rings; the first one my grandfather gave my grandmother and the second one he gave her later once he saved enough money to buy her a bigger one.  We will be getting them appraised, so for now I will be wearing my grandmother's original wedding band.  It's so nice to have a special piece of her so close to me.

All I can say is . . . "it is well with my soul". That has been my comfort as of late.

Nate has been a true gentleman through all of this and has been a tremendous comfort.  I can go to sleep without him by my side and he's been so patient, kind, and comforting.  He's a special guy and I'm excited I get to spend the rest of my life with him.  I hope to be married to him for 59 years like my grandparents.

Good Things

First Thing:
My pearls have been missing since August.  Yesterday morning Nate found them in his sock drawer.  Praise!  Nate gave them to me for my birthday three years ago losing them was the worst thing ever.  I cried (more than once).  What's even better than Nate giving them to me is finding them for me.

Second Thing:
I made my way up to NE (again) this weekend for the wedding of a dear friend.  It was a lot of fun and very exhausting.  I can't wait to crawl in to bed tonight, sleep in the middle, and be cozy for 8 long hours.

Third Thing:
This afternoon (after my very first filling at the dentist) I went wedding dress shopping with my newly engaged friend Kasondra.  It was so much fun!  My friend Diedra still works at David's Bridal and she was able to help Kasondra find the perfect dress.  We worked together at my very first job at Hancock Fabrics (when I was 16) and she helped me find the perfect wedding dress when I got married.  It was also fun to relive the experience of wedding dress shopping.  I'm very excited to help with planning and ideas.  After I planned my wedding I thought I would never EVER want to do that again but . . . . it's a lot more fun and a lot less stressful than planning my wedding.  Tonight I will enjoy a glass of wine, an few minutes of Pinterest and wedding blogs, and some Real Housewives.  Yes, this means I will be heading to be around 8:30.  Don't judge.  It's fantastic. 

My two favorite things

First Favorite Thing:
When Nate jumps in and warms up my side of the bed before I crawl in.  It's wonderful in the winter with our flannel sheets.

Second Favorite Thing:
When Nate heats my car up outside (even if it'll make him a little late getting to class).


I don't ask for or expect these things; he just does them.  He's such a nice husband.

So much more fun

First Thing:
Weddings are so much more fun when you don't have to plan them.  I'm in Salem, MO this weekend for the wedding of a friend from college/one of Nate's good friends.  Thus far, the best part of this weekend was the road trip up here with Nate and his/our friend Jon.  I really enjoy getting to know Nate's friends, especially Jon, since he's been a big part of Nate's life for so long.  Until this weekend, I'm not sure we've spent any "quality" time together.  Neither of us are in the wedding so that provides a lot of opportunity to get to know one another and develop a relationship outside of having Nate in common.  I also have the opportunity to spend time with Collin, the photographer/Nate's good friend, who I've also never had the privilege of getting to know beyond Nate.  I like hanging out with Nate's friends which often means I'm the only girl among boys (sometimes a very large number of boys like tonight) but i don't mind because he does have good taste in friends.

Second Thing:
Speaking of good taste in friends, our friend Mark, stationed in Afghanistan, is on leave for two weeks and is coming to visit us this next week!!!  I can't wait!  I believe he's my favorite friend of all of Nate's friends and I can actually call him one of my good friends.  WE'RE SO EXCITED TO SEE HIM!

Third Thing:
I enjoyed Martini Asti Sparkling Wine tonight for the first time.  It's delicious! : )
The bottle says it's imported from Italy . . . I'm not sure about that but who cares.  I'm definitely enjoying it.  I'm also watching 500 Days of Summer again while the boys are bowling.  I couldn't ask for a better Friday night.

Fourth Thing:
I love my life with Nate.  Every time I go to a wedding I am reminded about how great of a marriage and life we have together.  He's the greatest and marrying him was the best decision I've made.

Husband

It makes me laugh when I search for "Nate Norton" and facebook tells me he's my husband.  I just might forget if facebook didn't remind me.

Travels

First Thing:
This weekend I traveled to Austin to surprise my best friend Lauren.  I traveled down with my friend Sarah and Lauren didn't know I was coming until she opened her door.  It was so fun to see her apartment and the city through her eyes.  Of course we spend nearly 6 hours at a Husker watch spot with the Central Texas Nebraskans.  It was a stressful game but the huskers ended up winning, which definitely helped my College Pick ' Em score.

Second Thing:
Nate learned to play When the Rain Comes by Third Day.  We had this song at our wedding during the lighting of the unity candle.  My dear friend Anna sang, my sister Rachel played the guitar, and my brother-in-law Ben played the piano.  It was a special moment.  (I wish I could remember every detail of it).  I love having this piano in our house!

Antelope

Not only did we spend a lot of time on and around campus, we spent much of our time at Antelope Park.

Running.

Walking.

Laughing.

Smooching.

**as a continuation of my earlier series about the history of my relationship with the mister

The Good One

First Thing:
I come home to a house smelling of garlic and oregano.  The mister is making his specialty tonight: chicken pasta in a white wine tomato alfredo sauce. Delicious.  (He's amazing.)

Now this picture kind of looks like it's some sort of seafood dinner. . . and you may be questioning the tomatoes in the alfredo wine sauce.  Don't question it, just do it.  The sauce gets kind of pink and there are pieces of cooked tomatoes and it's delicious.  And although I'm satisfied from tonight's dinner . . . I can't but think about what tomorrow's dinner will bring . . .

Second Thing:
Tomorrow I get to enjoy Village Burger Bar with my co-workers for a birthday celebration.  Normally I get the Chicken Burger with swiss cheese, avocado, bacon, tomatoes, baby greens, and basil mayo (sometimes I sub a turkey burger instead of chicken).  However, this time I've been craving a panini and at Village Burger Bar it's basically a grilled cheese on steroids.  I think I'm going to go with the Four Cheese & Bacon with tomato, avocado, and basil mayo.  Of course all of this comes with a substitute of sweet potato fries because they are DELICIOUS!

Lots of Thing

First Thing:
It's been a busy few months.  I think that's usually how the summer goes.  Lots of changes have occurred.

Second Thing:
A very dear friend of ours is in a land far away . . . camping . . . for the next year.  When I first met Mark, I didn't realize how much I'd come to like him and enjoy his company.  Little did I realize I'd be filling flat rate APO boxes and mailing them across the seas.  He's been a good friend.  Can't wait to have him back in the states and at baseball games.

Third Thing:

Mi hermana está en México por un mes.  Estoy muy emocionada por ella.  Volverá unos días antes de salir de Nebraska.  

I'm so excited for her and all she'll learn.  Now we'll actually be able to talk about lots of things when we have our "Spanish only" time in the car on road trips.  (Although I'm not sure we'll have very many road trips together left in our future, when it's just the two of us . . . listening to Shakira, trying to learn all the words in Spanish, eating Salt & Pepper and Salt & Vinegar chips from Target)

Fourth Thing:

Midnight Blue

Natural Tan

Light Mint

Bright Coral

Nate and I spent the night at Home Depot and Lowes looking at paint samples.  Samples to come soon.  I think we've narrowed it down to our exact colors and we're excited to move in and paint.  Speaking of moving . . . that will be taking place next week.  Crazy that we'll actually have space and not hear anyone above us or next to us.  

Fifth Thing:

Apparently you can strain your back and pull a muscle by running casually on the treadmill while watching Real Housewives of New Jersey.  I learned that the hard way and am suffering nightly trying to sleep and daily driving to and from work.  Luckily I have a very helpful husband.

Sixth Thing:

My sister-in-law, Brielle, just posted pictures from Nate's arrival from Iraq.

This is my first sight of Nate after he returned from Iraq.

I love this picture of his family and now my family.  So happy he returned.

This is my favorite picture.  Walking to my car after picking him up from the Lincoln airport.  In the distance are his grandparents.  That's what I want to be like when I'm a grandma.

People said

First Thing:
I can't even remember the number of people who told me the first year of marriage is the hardest.  People who I barely even knew told me that (way to be encouraging, thanks).  Looking back on this past year, Nate and I have to disagree.  Either that or we are in for some glorious smooth sailing.  Really it's the first six months that are hard.  After that we kind of just forgot about the little things that annoyed us and they don't seem to bother us anymore. I think we have our rhythm down.  Of course we expect the next 60 years to have their ups and downs, but I'm no longer going to agree with the statement that the first year is the hardest.

Second Thing:
I think I've started studying for the GRE.  I bought an old version of a study guide at Half Price Books (which by the way, it's dangerous to live 5 minutes away from one) last night and I'll need to figure out my game plan for studying.

Third Thing:
Nate and I have started going to the gym in the morning.  We wake up at 4:30 and are at they gym by 5.  It is fantastic and we feel so good.  I will have to start heading to bed around 9:30 but it frees up my evenings and I don't actually feel that tired at the end of the day.  I am liking this.  Plus it's extra time we get to spend together since he studies all night almost every night.  It's the best idea we've had (besides Austin and marriage).

Numero Uno

Our anniversary weekend started out a little early on Thursday afternoon.  {I got out of work around 2:00 instead of 5:00, which was awesome!}  We exchanged gifts almost as soon as Nate got home from class, because his package came in the mail and I could hardly wait for him to open it.

Some UA Asset Running Shoes and a few UA Workout Shirts 

And much to my wonderful surprise, I opened a tiny little box . . . that contained this . . .

A Trigold ring.  Rose gold knot around a white rose band, with a gold back. It's a little big so it'll need to be re-sized very soon.  I love it!

That was followed by a bizarre trip to the mall and a brief stop at the arcade for three games of Crusin' World.  I have to say . . . it was so much fun and very spontaneous.

That was followed by Bed Bath & Beyond.  We desperately needed new pillows and I am in heaven now.  It's like sleeping on a cloud.  

After happy hour at Chuy's, we took a nap.  Yes, we fell asleep at 7:30 pm in our bed and woke up around 10:00 pm.  I jumped up, packed for Austin, and crawled back into bed.  There is nothing better than a good night sleep in a comfy bed with a cloud-like pillow.  : ) 

Friday afternoon Nate picked me up early from work with a beautiful bouquet of yellow and orange sunflowers!!! Flowers are always unexpected but very welcomed. 

The road trip down was accompanied by the sounds of Stephen Kellogg & the 6ers, courtesy of the mister.

Saturday included a trip to the capitol, the Austin Museum of Art, south Congress and Magnolia Cafe.

Then of course, we took a nap.  We're big fans of sleeping whenever we can.  And followed our nap with a dinner at Stubb's BBQ, where we shared this . . .

I'm pretty sure we've never enjoyed anything so much.  Well except for heading to bed slightly early on Saturday night.  Yes, we love to sleep.

Sunday was Father's Day and our actually anniversary.  It was a special day.  To celebrate the two most important men in my life on the same day.

And Sunday evening brought Norton wine.  Nate and I saved a bottle of Norton Malbec from our wedding to open on our anniversary.  We opened it and it was just as delicious as we remember.  Only this time we actually had time to enjoy it.

I also received my first card from Nate (in the history of our relationship, this is the first one).  Finally!  I appreciate it. 

In bed

First Thing:
Apparently you're supposed to add in bed to then end of every fortune in a fortune cookie and it makes it a lot funnier.  It's not so funny when you add in bed after the sentence I'm sick.  But my wonderful husband made  me some delicious soup and toast with Panera's asiago cheese bread.  I always knew I picked a good one but he definitely confirmed it tonight. : )

Second Thing:
Working on a Saturday isn't so bad when my co-workers are so awesome.  Although after a crazy rush weekend to Nebraska to visit family and friends (who will soon be going overseas) it makes the week extra long and the weekend extra short.

Knock, knock

We left off with our first official date right before Nate left for Kentucky for a month and a half.

Did I forget to mention this was the night of our first kiss?  Yes, it was.  Right in the middle of the Haymarket.

Most of our relationship (at least the beginning anyway) was spent swing dancing . . .

and spending time at Store Hours events (the college ministry we were involved in).

 We also spent time at concerts. (Dave Barnes here but Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers as soon as they're here again)

Acting goofy around campus.

Swimming. 

And walks around campus with a Mocha Pacifico from Kopeli.

Little did we realize one of our favorite places (not because of the coffee but because of the atmosphere) would disappear while he was in Iraq.

Second Thing:

I want a good glass of wine and all the rain that happened 30 minutes ago to come back and continue all night.

I WIN!

First Thing:

Sometimes, when I'm trying to fall asleep, I look at old pictures and reminisce.  I was reminded tonight how much I love my husband.  It made me laugh thinking about how we began, realizing we had little idea that a roll down a giant hill would bring us to a small apartment in TX.  For the next few posts, I will be reminiscing about our relationship and putting my thoughts here.  I feel it will really help with my creativity when it comes to Nate's one year anniversary gift (which will occur approximate 41 days from today).  I know the gifts are typically paper (but I'm so hoping for a tri-gold ring, which I will blog about later).

 

The first picture.  On our way to a bonfire with a church group.  We rolled down the hill together.  Before we left we sat on my couch talking about his life.

Our first hang out . . . alone (ooo la la), which is why Doozy's is our place.  Finding out we had the same views on the church and religion.  Staying out way too late with a a final project due the next day.

Fast forward a few months.

Followed by a trip to the zoo and Wheatfield's (special memories).  Followed by a walk, a very long 12 conversation (footsie in the Piper Pit) and an "I like you" at 4:30 in the morning.

The very first day we were officially dating.  Following a walk, another longer conversation, and our first public appearance as a couple.  (This picture is not what it seems).

 

After our first official date.  Before a long mission trip to Kentucky and some very long telephone conversations.

Best night ever!

First Thing:
I had the best week night ever.
First it was because Nate and I made burgers. Second it was because we fell asleep cuddling on the couch at 6:30 and woke up at 9:00. It was much needed and much loved.

Second Thing:
Taxes are done finally and my doctor says I'm healthy. Score!

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Life

First Thing:
Nate the great had a birthday on Thursday and we went to Texas Land and Cattle  . . . Nate loved it; I'm over steak.  But I think he had a good birthday.  He's the greatest husband in the world. : )

Second Thing:
Nate is reenlisting today.  We'll see where the next 6 years leads us.

Third Thing:
I've wanted to post about quite a few things lately, but after reading The Lone Survivor, nothing really seems that important.

Fourth Thing:
My sisters are coming in to town today for Spring Break!!!!  

Sometimes, I cry

First Thing:
Nate told me tonight that he loved my family.  Not loved as in liked a lot, but loved as in they are his family too.  He said, "I love them in my heart".  What a nice boy.
Tonight we toasted to the Piper Pit.  That is where our life began. I remember playing footsie when he told me he liked me.  I remember taking our first pictures together as a "couple" there, right before he left for Kentucky.

While we toasted, I was trying some Beringer White Zin sparkling wine.  I highly recommend it.  Espeically for Valentine's Day.

I know this is cheesy and no one actually believes it, but I've come to believe it's true.  I believe I have fallen more in love with Nate.  I love him more today than the day we got married.  I love him more today than the day he proposed.  I love him more than the day I said, "I agree".  I know it sounds totally dorky and like I belong in an LMN movie, but I am sincere.  Being married to him is just about the greatest adventure I could embark on. 

Second Thing:
Sometimes I still tear up or cry when I hear about military homecomings from overseas.  The Coming Home preview on Lifetime made me cry.  I was remembering what it was like to have Nate gone and what it was like when he came home.  Although when I initially saw him step into the airport, I didn't feel a rush of emotion.  However, thinking back on that moment I feel a lot more emotion.  Perhaps it's because I know that I will have to go through all of it again, only this time we'll be married. No big deal, though sometimes I cry. 
[I would like to say that just because my husband is in the military and has served overseas and will serve again (though, hopefully not), I am not a military wife.  I am the wife of a man in the military.  It does not define me.  I do not want to be dramatic.  I am not reaching for someone to call me brave.  I love my husband and I love his uniform.  I love my country and I love his defense.  But my identity does not come from his choice to serve and what follows.]

Third Thing:
Weddings make me happy.  Especially weddings of best friends.  Today I celebrated the sexy part of marriage at a bachelorette party for a dear friend and had so much fun.  I can't wait for her to marry the man God has chosen for her.

Fourth Thing:
Tomorrow I am going to try and find a souffle to enjoy.

You should too.

L-o. V .:.e

my bed

[going to sleep early and never wanting to wake up]

cupcake wars

[especially the wine and cheese episode]

long sleeve gray striped shirts

[from the limited on sale]

moosejaw's awesome reward points

[because now i live in this sweatshirt]

target's mustard yellow

[in the form of a new shirt]

the best thing i ever ate ______

[fill in the blank. on food network always]

the new blogs i've found.

[simply breakfast.you are my fave.simply photo]

five hundred days of summer

[it will never get old. ever]

being wrapped up in bulls eye quilts

[anytime i'm on a couch]

remembering what i did last year for vday

[and missing my potluck friends]

the mixed cd a dear friend made

[and mentioned in her blog. i still listen to it]

riding in the elevator with alec baldwin

[not even kidding]

watching my husband studying

[and glad it's not me anymore]

pearl earrings nate gave me

[which might just be my favorite gift ever, even more than my ring]

thinking about my wedding

[i thoroughly enjoy being married to a husband who throws his checkbook at my feet trying to get my attention and flopping on the bed with me every day after work]

apple butter and peanut butter

[on toast or in a sandwhich]

i     L-o.  V .:.e     all of these things.  it's valentine's season.  the season of love [kind of].  not that this means any of you are interested in the little things i think about when i lay on the couch waiting for nate to finish studying.  maybe there will be more later. at least until valentine's day.

thank you for reading.

Yes, Bean Pie

First Thing:
Yes, I like bean pie.  I wanted to get past this experience as soon as possible.  Nate loved it growing up.  It looks disgusting before you bake it.  It sounds disgusting when you say it.  It is disgusting when you read the recipe.  However, it is actually pretty good.  It's even better when my husband makes it and I don't have to do anything but enjoy it.

Second Thing:
I enjoyed a nice glass of Riesling tonight.  More than one in fact.  It's because my wonderful husband bought it for me at the store.  He bought my favorite brand and type of white wine. We've enjoyed the wine and have already finished the bottle.  (shhhh..... don't tell).  AND HE BOUGHT ME ORANGES!

Third Thing:
We are presently enjoying the movie RED.  It is hilarious.  Nate told me Bruce Willis was discovered as a bartender.  I'm going to have to research this tomorrow because after the movie, I AM GOING TO BED.

"People mostly get paper cuts, not shot!"
"No, mostly I get shot."

Fourth Thing:
Nate suggested we toast to Doozy's tonight.  I cried.
I actually cried.
It's because I miss Lincoln (and because I have such fond memories of the beginning of our relationship).  AND BECAUSE IT'S DELICIOUS!

Fifth Thing:
Yesterday, it felt a little like Nebraska.  They weather was Nebraska on a good, normal winter day.

Sixth Thing:
Erik Howard.  I am praying for you and your surgery.  You are the reason Nate and I are happily married.  You are the link that brought us together.  For that, I love you.  For you, I am grateful.  You are Nate's dearest friend.  Every night we'll pray for your brain tumor.  We pray for your surgery.  We pray for your recovery. We pray for your healing.

And thanks a million for the wonderful future you've provided me with (MOSTLY thanks to God, but a little to you, ; ) . . . you're the greatest).
Love you always, Erik Paul Howard.

Snow

First Thing:
No work for me today.  The road were (are) terrible and with the idiots who drive in Texas, it could have been very dangerous to travel this morning.  Little did I realize that the road in front of my house is closed.  Yes.  A little side street is close. I cannot leave.  I'm assuming tomorrow the roads will be cleared and open for me to drive.  Luckily I have Saturday to make up for missing today.

Second Thing:
This snow day means TAXES.
It kind of feels like college.  Everyone studying (Nate and Sarah) and me doing our taxes.  It's kind of complicated and confusing to do our taxes this year.  I was a student for part of it.  Nate has to file a state income tax.  He has some taxable military income (and some non, while he was overseas).  He is receiving two 1099s and a W-2 from the military and another company.  Why wasn't a finance major?!

Third Thing:
I love 500 Days of Summer.  I could watch this movie every day. 
Summer says good in about 15 different ways. 
I love that they spend time in Ikea.
You're good.
That's because it is delicious!
The soundtrack makes me happy.  Incredibly happy.

The end.