Williams Way

Blogstipation?

2009-03-16T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogger world! I am sure by now no one checks this blog, due to my lack of postings in oh...FOREVER! I admit I don't blame you for leaving me...it is only fair seeing as how I haven't been around since AUGUST! I have had what one might call a little dry spell, creative block, or as the Urban Dictionary puts it - blogstipation...Well, thankfully that writer's dam has been released and the dam floodgates have opened, or at least they have sprung a dam leak ;-)

This past Sunday was mine and Wes' FIRST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY! Can you believe it?!? I honestly am in total shock over the whole situation and spent most of Sunday trying to wrap my brain around such a momentous occasion.

We had an absolutely fabulous day together! The day began with homemade breakfast consisting of Williams Sanoma (only appropriate - Wes says we need to keep it within the family...) waffles with the most AMAZING syrup you have ever tasted and my dad's famous cheese grits - delish!

We hung around the house until about 1 pm and talked about this past year and our goals for this next year - someone gave me that idea and it was so incredible to just be honest and to hear each other's hearts about our future and our past. We spent time reflecting on who God had been to us and what the theme for the year was... I have to say that our first year included it all - highs, lows, excitement, disspointment, thrills and changes. It was definitely a ride, but a ride where we were always reminded of God's presence and provision. Whether we felt him or saw him, we knew he was there - working all things for good.

Then we went to Trellis and had manis/pedis - yes, Wes had a manicure and he felt very MANly during it =) After, we were able to just enjoy the spa and all the amenties they offer (sauna, hot tubs, pool, tranquility room)....ahhh

After leaving the spa, we went to dinner at Flemings - AMAZING! Wes had never been there before and they are running a dinner special for two - delish! We just sat and talked and reminisced more...it was perfect!

Then we watched our wedding video which was hilarious because we saw things that we didn't catch during the ceremony...Brian dropping my ring, the unity candle being completely burned out...it was funny, but also such a great reminder of what we promised each other. That was the big thing for me this year - reflecting on my vows and covenant with Wes. What powerful words we exchanged and promised to each other. It was a great day and I can't believe it has been a year! Truly unbelievable!

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2008-08-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

WOW...what a whirlwind this summer has been! Many of you know that my job is opposite of basically everyone else’s job in terms of busy seasons. The summer is probably the craziest time for me. I have a party almost every night of the week and have events on the weekends, too. This is the first summer that I have been in charge of everything, so it has been a bit more stressful than years past and the people I work with are amazing! I honestly couldn't imagine doing this job if I didn't enjoy the attorneys and other recruiters so much. There has not been a lot of time to breathe, but thankfully things are starting to slow down and in just enough time for Wes to start school! I guess it could be worse - both of us being busy at the same time. It helps having support back at the home front and what AMAZING support he has been! I can't even begin to brag enough - he cleans, cooks, listens to me, and encourages me when I want to give up and call it all quits (he is learning to manage my drama). My family has also been incredible! My mom and sister have both stepped in to do laundry (God bless them) and have cooked when I just didn't have the time.

There is a lot that has happened in my life besides work (thankfully), my mom's book was published, Kay is pregnant and having a little boy!! - Judah Gene Altic, my dad's campaign is in full swing and Wes and I are going to be in a triathalon (more to come regarding this story...should be pretty entertaining).

I wanted to share something that God has been teaching me a lot lately. Our church for the past few months has been going through Exodus. I honestly really enjoy learning more about the Old Testament and I love seeing the parallels of how God responds to the Israelites and how he responds to us. This past weekend, Gregg spoke on the presence of God - how so often in life we bulldoze through each day just trying to make it to the next; never really resting in his presence or trusting in his provision. I know I have really struggled with this throughout the summer. I couldn't wait to be done with the busy schedule and to finally have my life back - sometimes I know causing me to miss the moments God had prepared in advance for me to see his work around me. Gregg talked about how we need to choose His presence over the plan and destination, that the destination is nothing without God. It could be the most amazing place ever, but if you aren't there with the right person, it is pointless. Wes and I have started really focusing each day on his presence; desiring to see him in and throughout our days. He is moving a lot right now and the last thing I want to be is running around, wasting time and missing him.

I hope you have a great Labor day weekend! We are headed to Dallas for a OBU Roomie Reunion - I can't wait! It will be a great time, but we will definitely miss Al and Brad.

Here are a few pictures from the Summer and from family times...

Life so far...

2008-05-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

So, I have to say that being a part of the blogger world is something to be respected. I admire those who are able to think of something thoughtful or creative EVERY day! I thought that I might possibly be able to consider myself a member of their ranks, but as you can see, it might be good if I just get in one blog a month. So here's to you amazing bloggers, my hat's off to you!

A lot has happened in the last month and a half...

First, I have been married for almost 2 MONTHS! How does that happen?!? I mean, I will admit that at times it has felt like we have been married for a lot longer and then others, it feels like only yesterday (ahhh =) ). We are loving life and have enjoyed the process of adjusting to everything new in our lives...there are just so many NEW things!

AND

Second, I am 25!! WHO AM I?!?? I am not really sure...except that I am not only married, but now I am a mid-twentier...this is NUTS!

Now for my post:

There have been many growth moments over these last couple of months that I feel like I must share at least one. They are moments that I feel like every couple can relate to and might even have a few similar stories of their own...if so, I would LOVE to hear them (It only helps one feel sane =) )

Before Wes and I got married, I lived in our town home for nearly 7 months alone. For about 6 of those 7 months, my house was extremely bare and the guest room looked exactly like it did the day I moved in - boxes everywhere and other items that I just didn't have the courage to throw away (who's to say broom skirts won't come back in style one day, a girl needs to be prepared with her vintage apparel) - anyways...

After Wes moved in and we received some wedding presents, our house was starting to become a home. There were a few items, however, that we needed to purchase. One item was an armoire for our bed room. Wes needed a spot to put his clothes and we needed to finally set up the 32' that had been sitting in the box for 7 months (I know, I'm crazy, but really more of a procrastinator). We decided to shop at El Paso Imports in Rice Village. Many of my friends had been there before and told me about their amazingly beautiful furniture. I had never been and was beyond excited to go shopping for some "one of a kind" pieces.

When we arrived, we were like kids in a candy store! Everything they had we wanted and spending a week in Mexico didn't help either. It reminded us of our honeymoon suite and we felt like it was only appropriate to bring a little of the magic home with us. So we purchased 3 pieces of furniture - a beautiful rustic blue armoire, china cabinet and mirror. Later that week, Jerrell was going to help Wes move everything in and get it set up.

Well, moving day arrived and while I was at work I got a call from Wes. He was calling to inform me that, he and Jerrell had picked up the items and were at the house, everything looked great, but there was one problem - the armoire was too tall and wouldn't fit up the stairs, however, he and Jerrell had devised a plan. *At this point in the story, I wish I could go back to this moment in time* This plan included sawing the legs off of my brand new, extremely expensive, blue, perfect armoire. Now, you may think, someone would have to be crazy to allow this to happen, but you have to understand, Jerrell and Wes had BOTH devised this plan and Kay even thought that it would work...so I agreed.

Everyone came over to the house right after work to get the process started. Literally, Jerrell brought over his hand saw and chain saw (a pure country boy) to get the job done. I had never seen a man cut through wood like that (I guess MO is good for something). After about 30 min of sawing, the legs were off - the deed was done. Kay and I were nervously sitting on the couch praying that it would work and that it would fit. So, the boys lifted the armoire...moved it to the stairs and...IT DIDN'T FIT! IT WAS STILL TOO TALL! I would love to admit that I handled this moment with grace and dignity, but unfortunately...that was far from the case. The night ended with me sitting on the stairs, hugging my armoire and mourning the loss.

If you are interested, I am trying to sell the armoire (with no legs)...it is still a beautiful piece of furniture that is sitting on our landing, taking up space and reminding me everyday of the loss. I am sure one day I will look back on this incident and laugh, but right now...there is still a slight pain over my beautiful, blue, legless armoire (tear)...

Moral of the story:

If your husband calls and wants to cut the legs off, for goodness sake, have some sense and let it live!

The beginning of forever...

2008-04-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I seriously can not believe that I am MARRIED! Only old people get married and I have never considered myself to be in that particular category...but here I am almost 25 and married!

Many people have recently asked, "So how is married life? You feel any different?" HECK YES, I feel different and married life is well...wonderfully weird. It's amazing to me how your entire life so quickly and drastically changes after, what for most would be a 15 min ceremony, but thanks to my incredible b-in-law who brought it, an hour long ceremony. Months of planning and preparation can only help you so much before you simply have to be thrown in to live it out.

These last couple of weeks have been so fun "living it out" through laughter, tears, glorious siestas on the beach, hammocks, daily guacamole and pina coladas (the only thing virgin these days =) ).

Laughter - Well, let's just say there has been plenty of this and I pray there will always be an ample supply in our lives! After leaving the church, we arrived at the St. Regis - God bless this man! He had kept our "first night" spot a surprise. I kinda figured that we would be staying there though, only because it was one of the three hotels I gave him as an option =) and I knew that the Icon was under renovation. Earlier in the day Shannon, Wes' sister, had checked us in and decorated the room, so all we had to do was go directly to our room - very convenient. When we got to our room, Wes wanted to make sure everything was perfectly ready and all the candles were lit, so I waited in the hall (still in my dress). I was out there for probably a good 15 minutes and my handsome knight came to sweep me off my feet and carry me over the threshold. However, when he came to pick me up the door quickly slammed shut behind him and we were locked out! It took the security man another 15 minutes to show up to let us back into our room, but only after he saw proper identification. I mean really?!? I was in my dress, Wes was in his tux and there were a thousand candles and rose petals in the room, but ok...

Saturday, we were picked up from the hotel and taken to the airport. We were so excited to get to Mexico and see our amazing hotel (http://www.amuleto.net/). Wes' dad gave us our honeymoon as a gift and told us we could go anywhere we wanted on him - can we say, "bless this man!" Right before landing I was completing all the customs forms for us to enter Mexico, when I realized that there was a problem. Wes' passport was 3 YEARS expired...yes 3 YEARS expired! I tenderly and very sweetly, not entirely calmly, turned to Wes and brought the small, minor, not so big deal problem to his attention. He of course had no idea and we began to BEG for the Lord's mercy on our lives and honeymoon! (This is the type of situation where you make all the promises to never ask for anything else and to live in a grass hut in Africa.) When we left the plane and walked up to the counter, my heart was racing and I was in full "Mary Ann Bridgwater" prayer mode - recounting God's past miracles and praying he would deliver us! To God be the glory, the man let us through and we were free to head on our way to paradise. There was more trouble on our way home, like interrogations and such, but I can save that for another post.

Tears - There have definitely been moments of release. Throughout these past months of planning things were at times stressful, overwhelming and incredibly exciting. Wes and I have allowed and encouraged moments to express and to release this stress and all the various emotions to each other. Marriage creates huge change in your life God has been so incredible in that to give us one another to comfort and walk with during this time of adjusting.

Glorious siestas, hammocks, daily guacamole and pina coladas - AMAZING! Our room was all open air and was situated on the edge of a cliff that overlooked the bay. Every morning we were awakened by the rising sun (and construction - another story). We were so removed from reality with no t.v. or clock that we did what we wanted, when we wanted. Daily naps and snack times were some of my favorite memories from the trip.

It was so crazy coming home from our honeymoon last Sunday and Wes moving his stuff into my, I mean our, townhome. We just kept looking at each other (coming down from the high of paradise and rush of the wedding festivities) and almost hesitantly unpacking our clothes, thinking is this ok, I mean our parents know that this is happening and everyone is ok with it? Well, alright! Let's do this thing...

I know I will never forget these early days of being married and all that the Lord has shown Wes and me. He has been so sweet to us and I honestly do not know how marriage is even possible without Him. He is our foundation and our rock that we cling to daily. There have been times, even on our honeymoon, where I desperately needed a higher-power to cry out to and in His infinite mercy he heard and helped. God is good and so is his divine gift of marriage. I am loving life and my man!