And With Thanksgiving

This past Friday my parents flew to Midland for the first time since Cash and I have been married. What an awesome feeling to pull up to the airport, jump out, and hug your momma! Oh, and your daddy too.

 

We met Cash for lunch at Graham's Pharmacy, one of my favorite nooks in town since it's so cheap and unique. It was there that I realized even more that I married a man just like my father. So much alike in fact that you can SEE the resemblance. My lanta.

 

twinks!!

 Then I showed them around the best I could. Y'all, I still can't get it down how to get around here. Just yesterday my MIL asked if I had any luck at Sam's. All I could was I was still looking for Sam's!!

Anyway. They got to stop at Suzie's and stock up on the most amazing chocolates. Then I showed them the real shabang of this town: HEB. I have been boasting about HEB since my first trip to Midland almost 2 years ago. Let me tell ya. It lived up to the hype. Mom found some fresh Sushi rolls to take to the tailgate that night.

 

Yes, we tailgate for high school games. We live in TEXAS, y'all!!! Luckily, MHS won. It wasn't even close. And although the stadium seats 18,000 people (!!!!!!), they knew it wouldn't be close so not near that many people were there. Two weeks previous at the Midland-Lee game, you couldn't find a seat! (Well, you had to have your season tickets to find a seat. Amazeballs.)



Texas High School football tailgating!

 

The day before my parents got to town I sat for my Series 7--the most stressful, the hardest, the most stomach-problem-indulging test I have ever taken. And although I studied 40 hours/week for 2 1/2 months for this one test and my average score on practice tests was 12 points above passing, I didn't pass the real one. Yeah. That was crushing.

 

I didn't expect the words "fail" to pop up on the screen when I was done. After getting my paperwork, I ran to my vehicle, called Cash, and just bawled. I knew what it meant--and it meant I not only lost the dream I had of being a financial advisor for an amazing company. I also lost my job entirely.

 

It was a blow to my ego for sure. I prided myself in my ability to test and learn finance. Perhaps it was a good thing I did not pass as I have been so much humbled in the past several days.

 

That afternoon my parents sent me flowers--for the first time ever in my entire life!!! My mom just put the verse "Jeremiah 29:11" on the card. And how true is that but much harder to believe when times are tough. It's the only peace I've found though, and I have ran with it.

 

Jeremiah 29:11

 

Luckily, I have a husband who supports me to the ends of the earth. He took the entire afternoon off even though he had a golf game set up with a vendor. Instead he came home, took me to Chick-fil-a, and just hung out with me like I had just hung the moon itself.

 

What I'm going to do now is still undecided. I cleaned out my office Monday night, and by then I was at such peace (maybe because I felt it would be hard to be a FA over the next 4 years! ha). I know God has a great plan. And while I'm anxiously awaiting the results of that plan and looking at every bank's website for jobs, Cash has been an angel telling me to be patient, find something I love, and enjoy holidays with our families.

 

In 4 months I haven't spent a lot of time being a great wife. I've been a wife, but I'm not sure a great one. So I'm trying to find joy in relaxing, cooking dinner for my husband, being the support role. Lord knows I've never done any of those things, but right now I'm getting that opportunity. Know any good cookbooks?!

 

Oh. My parents were in town. Yes.

 

Mom had this brilliant idea for us to do Thanksgiving together this weekend since we wouldn't see them until Christmas. It was a great blessing! I was able to learn how to cook a Thanksgiving meal. Well, except green bean casserole. And we won't talk about that.

 

first Thanksgiving table, new Pilgrim apron, and pumpkin pie made with my new mixer!

A couple years ago my best friend Leslie and I were hosting a banquet at our church. She taught me how to fold napkins in the fanciest of ways, and I've always wanted a reason to do that again. I sat the table Saturday all by myself, fancy folded napkins and all! I even incoporated the flowers my parents had sent me as they were the most beautiful fall colors. (Colors we don't get to see in the desert!)

My MIL had given me this pilgrim apron Thursday night, and she even had my name embroidered on it for my first Thanksgiving to cook! It was such a treat! I sported that bad boy all day. It is no lie I have an obsession with aprons, and my collection is getting close to hitting every major holiday.

sporting the aprons and holding down the kitchen

My husband also likes an apron--a very manly apron. We bought him this in Kennebunkport on our honeymoon as it reminded us of the crawfish boils we like to have. This time, though, it was whipped cream he was making. Yes, my man can make homemade whipped cream with a hint of bourbon. Scooch on over, Paula Deen, we are taking over the kitchen!

 

After the meal my mom, my MIL, and I went to the community theater to watch the Pickwicks' production of Anne of Green Gables--my all time favorite story!! And side note about the Pickwicks. Ever seen Twilight? Know Jasper? He's a former Pickwick of Midland!! We are full of famous presidents and vampires 'round here.

 

The play was fabulous. The girl who played Anne was brilliant, and a boy from my in-laws' church had a few parts. It is so fun to watch someone you know!!

 

Sunday we hit up the Anglican church. It was a first for my parents, but they were great sports and even went up to take communion with us. It is much different than my Baptist upbringing with the tradition and communion and wine. But one thing remains the same--the love of the Lord. 

Missing my parents already!

That afternoon I was sad to take them back to the airport, but we got this picture in right before we left. Only thing missing is my sister's family. And while we're thinking about it, do you mind saying a quick or long or medium sized prayer for my nephew? He's been sick the past several months, and their much anticipated visit to Arkansas Children's Hospital is today. I pray for great results and a healthy little Braeson. And I pray for a calm mom for him. I know she's nervous.

Thanks a million.

Missing all my folks back in Arkansas but loving on some Midland! Until next time...

Avery Jane

Hello, Out There!

Well, HELLO! I have missed the ol' blogging world!!

So last Friday I was supposed to take my first big test for work, and I was super stressed out. Why? Glad you asked. Because if I don't pass this test, I lose my job. Ya, fo' real.

I've been studying for over 2 months now, and since my test last Friday was canceled I have it rescheduled for next Thursday. My nerves are shot, and I don't think I can be any more anxious than I have been for the past 3 weeks. But be anxious about nothing, right? I am reiterating that to myself as we speak.

The great news is that my parents are flying into town next Friday. HIP HIP HOORAY!! I haven't seen those cats since we were in Ruidoso. We're going to tailgate at the MHS football game that Friday night (Texas High School football, y'all!!) then have Thanksgiving with them on Saturday. I'm stoked!!

A few weeks ago Cash, his parents, and I joined Claytie to celebrate yet another birthday and another ranch party. It was fa-reezing! It was different this year than last because I didn't have the same amigos to hang out with. Nonetheless I got to meet so many neat people and enjoy some great food and entertainment.

Ranch Party 2012

 As always, it was great snuggling up next to this guy! He even looks like a cowboy with boots and a beard. I always knew I'd marry a cowboy. *sigh*

the in-laws

My in-laws are so much fun. Cash's dad works for Claytie too, so we get to hang out with them at the Ranch Party every year. I wouldn't know a soul in this town if it wasn't for them and Cash. My MIL is the closest friend I have here. When I hear people talk about their in-laws and stresses they have, I am just thankful I have in-laws I am so close to and who treat me so well. I honestly can't say enough wonderful things about them. (Plus, they raised some amazing sons!!!)

mariachi band

 As always---the mariachi band when you first arrive. I mean, that's just cool.

Clint Black

Last year it was the Oak Ridge Boys, but this year Clint Black took the stage. He did a GREAT job. Probably not as entertaining as the wonders of Elvira, but that guy flat out sang some tunes! At one point he sang "Desparado" and some guy looked at us and said, "I knew he'd sing that. It's like one of his biggest hits." Cash looked at the guy and said, "Funny, it was also a big hit for the Eagles."

Learn something new every single day!

Back in September we also got to attend the Pink Elephant Ball with the Republican Women of Midland County. I was a little nervous as I had never been to a "ball" before, but my mentor at work told me it was not what I was thinking. Some people would have on gowns, some cocktail dresses, etc. So...you can guess who picked out my dress from the pictures below.

I need that big elephant to go with the rest of the decor in our house!

Gosh, I have a sexy husband. I do!

It was a fun night, and Cash was really working his arm during the auction. I thought we were going to come away from there with this elephant statue with different autographs on it. It was cool. Super cool. Laura Bush, Karl Rove, Mitt Romney, all the TX delegation--tons of politicians had signed it. Congressman Conaway's wife ended up buying it, and I stopped her a few weeks later and asked if I could buy it from her b/c I felt so bad I made Cash quit bidding. She said yes and for me to call her, but actually pulling out the checkbook was making my stomach turn. I really should have though.

We went to their house a few weeks later to help during the VP debate. They had a watch party/fundraiser for the congressman. It was so much fun, and we met a couple from Oklahoma who had just moved to town. The man actually went to undergrad with me in Arkansas!!! We have become pretty good friends now, and they even met us at the Midland/Lee game last Friday night.

I also ran into a high school friend in the grocery store the other night! Here I am 600 miles from home and see a guy I went to HS with. Such a small world..and so stinkin' exciting!!

Well, my pretty little nieces are in town and I want to go see their faces. I have so many more fun things to share--including the hunting equipment pieces I've recently obtained, our new book club, and so on!! How much do I love working in the finance world all day then come home to talk politics and hunting (holla, Duck Dynasty). That's life, y'all, and I love it!!

Good luck to all the scenes up at Contran in Arkansas this weekend. Have a fun and safe hay ride!!! Miss that gang and wish I could be there with y'all. Send me pics! Much love.

Happy happy happy Thursday!!

Avery Jane

We Did!

Now that my unplanned sabbatical from blogging is over, I just want to give a big HEY Y'ALL from Texas!!! Cash and I have been so busy. Excuses, right?!

We have been meeting with Women's Republican club and Young Republicans here in town. I study 8 hours a day and have been since I've started back to work. Cash bought me a new bike while we were in Santa Fe, so we've been riding (we'll use that term loosely) as many nights as we can. We even went to Ruidoso this past weekend for a race!



Post-Race: Tour de Ruidoso

One weekend we spent down at the hog lease putting up feeders and blinds. We went to South Texas during Labor Day weekend to see his extended family. I've spent the past 3 weekends also in tears watching the Razorbacks. It's going to hit even harder this weekend when the game is actually in Texas.

hog at feeders..maybe the only hog I care about seeing the rest of the year!

I was out of commission with using a computer for almost an entire week because of the big crash I had on my bike...right on the boulevard in front of one of the biggest country clubs in this town! So embarrassing yet so funny.

Oh, and if that wasn't bad enough, I wasn't watching where I was walking last weekend and ran head first into the bike rack on the back of the truck. It literally knocked me on my behind in the middle of the road. Cash felt the truck shake and looked back to realize I wasn't in his line of sight. When he got out, I was getting off the ground laughing so hard I was crying. We've had some wild few weeks!!

I meant to do an entire wedding post of just the wedding ceremony, but I failed. And quite frankly at this point we've done so much that it just seems pointless to dedicate a whole night to feeding you with 40-11 pictures of our wedding. So...a few highlights:

walking with my dad!!!!

ceremony--notice the Methodist preacher marrying a Lutheran to a Baptist!

married!!

 

"Wedding Crashers" our bluegrass band for the night--they were amazeballs

cake topper in honor of my husband who played rugby for 7 years

Braeson asked me to dance to "Wagon Wheel"..and he rocked it!

my mom's side of the family

 I could've put so many family pictures up, but I chose my mom's side of the family. Until the past couple of years, literally, we all lived in our hometown. Every aunt, uncle, and all but 1 cousin graduated from Ozark High School. Every single daughter and granddaughter was in OHS homecoming. At some point in the past 5 years, eight of us have worked for the Ozark School District in some capacity.

I love being married, but it's hard to leave that when it's all you really know. I love my dad's side of the family equally..and in fact I was the 7th generation born and raised in North Franklin County. It's just harder for me to go back through that picture without my grandmother here.

being married is the best

The love I have for my family is why this picture meant so much when I saw what our photographer did. Of course I love Cash, but she also put the handkerchief I carried around my bouquet in the background. It was my granny's grandmother's handkerchief that my granny attached a penny to. That penny is the one my granny wore in her shoe when she married my pa over 50 years ago. I seriously draw tears when I think about it.

I hope one day our grandkids want just a little something from our wedding.

The past 2 months have been the best, hardest 2 months of my life. My sister texted me a picture last week of my niece framing a picture of me because she was missing me. So we skyped until our hearts were happy. I hadn't seen my parents since the night we flew in from our honeymoon, so they drove 12 hours to meet us in Ruidoso this weekend. When they left I wanted to cry so hard knowing I won't see them again until November.

It's hard, but I can honestly say I feel I'm right where I'm supposed to be. I've grown a lot being away from my parents, yet I've grown so dependent on my husband as he's the only deep friend I have here. I've made friends and enjoyed company, but nothing will ever compare to the smile I get on my face when I see his truck pull up and him walk in with that brown leather briefcase he carries back and forth every single day.

I love lunch with him. I love brushing my teeth with him (gross, I know). I love Sunday afternoons when I don't have to go catch a plane. I love when I'm hurt and how he takes care of me. I love seeing his e-mails pop up the moment I log in to my computer at work. I love the little stamp he bought with our names and address on it so I can stamp letters I send to my aunt back home. I love that he lets me read my hometown newspaper's 40 years ago column to him like he really is listening. I love that he puts the dogs out and feeds them so I don't have to get my dress dirty. And I love that he takes me to eat Chick-fil-A or King & I because I didn't even think about if I should cook supper that night.

So that sting of missing my family hurts, but I'm not too far removed from that deep pain I felt leaving Cash for weeks at a time. I do feel sorry for myself at times, but I would never go back to 4 months ago. I love my family, but now I have my own family. It may be me, a man, and 2 self-absorbed dogs, but it's my family--and leaving that would be even more painful.

Okay...gush gush gush. I think you get the point. I just had to catch you up in case you had forgotten in the weeks since my latest post. :) And Toi--I'm so sorry I haven't responded!! I got your message and have been meaning to e-mail you, but I am in a whirlwind. Thanks for it! I will catch up with you soon.

As I say everyday in the elevator at work...Hope y'all have a good one.

More next time.

...Avery...