Where to begin? Chris and I have started going around Watertown on Sunday's to try and find a Church "home". I haven't ever had to do this since the Church I'm a member of is the one my mom took me to growing up. Never thought it would be so difficult. We've tried 3 different Churches. This is going to sound awful, but I really haven't felt "comfortable" at any of them! I never knew how blessed I was to call Antioch Baptist Church in Conway my "home" church until now! The main reason we really didn't like the Churches we tried was because the preachers had no "life" to their preaching. We both had a hard time paying attention because he read straight from his notes. One thing I'm not used to is praying when everyone says the same thing. I don't know how to explain it, and I don't want to offend anyone that practices this at their Church. I don't think there's anything wrong with it, it's just not my cup of tea.
Anyway, we visited a Church this last sunday and the preacher really didn't seem to be into his message. It dissapointed me. Neither Chris or I are the type to be at every chruch event, but I think it's important that we do show up when we do. This particular Sunday I just wasn't feeling it. I don't know why I had such a bad attitude about it. I mean, it was my idea to find a Church, and I got Chris on board with me, and here I am slacking on the one thing I've been working so hard at trying to do. My thought was, "Great, I really really want this to be a part of our lives. But if Chris see's that I'm not that into it I'll be letting us both down." I was mad at myself. We left the Church inbetween the first and second service. Before we got to the Church that morning I prayed that something great would happen. That I would feel uplifted and there would be something "different" about this Church. Chris had even told me if God would send him a direct message, he would be more into the idea also. So I also prayed that he would touch Chris, and give him a sign.
We went to a Chinese resturant after the service and ate lunch. He could clearly see how dissapointed I was, and promised me we wouldn't give up. I just simply told him I was slowly losing hope, and I missed my church in my home town. As we were leaving, we got our fortune cookies. Chris opened his, read the note, and just sat back for a minute. I asked if I could read what it said. "God will help you overcome any hardship." I literally wanted to cry! It just goes to show even when you are down, God will find a way to reach out to you and show you not to give up on him. At that moment, I looked at Chris jokingly and said "There's your sign!" Like Larry the cable guy says. Lol. It was just what I needed, and I think what Chris needed to help us not to give up hope. Hopefully we will find a church Home soon...
I just wanted to share this story, maybe it will reach out and touch someone with little hope. It kind of reminds me of the story "Footprints In The Sand".
You never know what to expect, but you can always pray for the best!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Moving to NY and getting used to everything
I was born and raised in Conway, AR. Besides visiting Arizona and California to visit family, I've never had a long term stay anywhere besides my home town! Moving to Fort Drum, NY, has been quite an expierence! It snows here... A LOT. We had snow near Halloween, Thanksgiving, and of course Christmas. Hubby says it won't stop until around April. Arkansas is lucky to get ONE snow day. This was definetly something to get used to. I did come visit here summer '10 with Tami to see Chris when he got back from his tour, and it was really nice. No humidity:) I love the snow, don't get me wrong, but I'm sooo excited to see the sunshine again and go out and play in a pool!
Anyway, moving to a new place is always different. I had to start over, new friends, new culture. I've made a few friends with other army wives here and they make me feel like I belong! I do miss my friends from AR a lot, but when I log onto Facebook I am quickly reminded that we are all growing up. My friends are constantly getting married or having babies or both. I just can't believe how much time has passed! I'm truly happy here! chris and I have moved into our own house, which I quickly started decorating with all the great things we got at our wedding showers! Zebra print is everywhere! I love the fact he doesn't gripe about that:) I'm truly blessed! My mom plans to come visit for a couple of weeks in a few months, and Kyle, Chris' middle brother is coming after graudation! I can't wait to see both of them:) We sure do miss our families. I guess I'm rambling, and if you are still reading this, BLESS YOU! lol I'm sorry I'm trying to get better at this. Just thought I would add another post.
Oh wait!!!! I almost forgot to mention we have a new addition to our family! No, I'm not pregnant! We have a 3 month old boxer. Her name is Laila. She is a complete mess, but we love her so much. She's absloutely spoiled and keeps me on my toes:)
Anyway, moving to a new place is always different. I had to start over, new friends, new culture. I've made a few friends with other army wives here and they make me feel like I belong! I do miss my friends from AR a lot, but when I log onto Facebook I am quickly reminded that we are all growing up. My friends are constantly getting married or having babies or both. I just can't believe how much time has passed! I'm truly happy here! chris and I have moved into our own house, which I quickly started decorating with all the great things we got at our wedding showers! Zebra print is everywhere! I love the fact he doesn't gripe about that:) I'm truly blessed! My mom plans to come visit for a couple of weeks in a few months, and Kyle, Chris' middle brother is coming after graudation! I can't wait to see both of them:) We sure do miss our families. I guess I'm rambling, and if you are still reading this, BLESS YOU! lol I'm sorry I'm trying to get better at this. Just thought I would add another post.
Oh wait!!!! I almost forgot to mention we have a new addition to our family! No, I'm not pregnant! We have a 3 month old boxer. Her name is Laila. She is a complete mess, but we love her so much. She's absloutely spoiled and keeps me on my toes:)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Tieing the Knot...
I remember that morning like it was yesterday. I was running on about 3 hours of sleep because I was so exicted! My wonderful matron of honor, Haley Frerichs, and my bridesmaid Stephanie McMuntrey and I were all running around the church trying to get ready. The funny thing is Tami and I had a hair appointment at the same salon at the same time, so we got to talk a little while getting our hair done. I got my make up done at dillards, and my favorite aunt (my moms sister) bought me a pair of shoes that morning at dillards! It was going to be a good day! We finally got to the church and the girls got ready... I snacked here and there on a granola bar Haley bought me, but I swear I thought I was going to throw up I was so nervous! The photographer got there and took a bunch of pictures of everyone! I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting, in the room with my gorgeous flower girl Harlie, and Haley and Stephanie, until they announced it. ITS TIME TO GO! I got to see my brother a few minutes before my mom walked me down the isle. It was sooo great to see him there! And meet his cute girlfriend too!
Now it was time, the music started and I held on to my mom with a permanet smile on my face and walked down the isle to my soon-to-be husband. It felt like it took forever! We didnt use a unity candle, instead we decided to pour sand into a decorative vase with an "H" printed on it. I was so nervous I spilled my sand! But most of it made it into the glass thank the Lord! Mo, Chris' other dad sang "love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice, and my aunt sang "From this moment" By Shiana Twain. Both were amazing.
30 mintues later, we were officially "Mr and Mrs Christopher Herron!" We danced our first dance to "When you say nothing at all" by Allison Krauss. Cut the cake, and left on our journey!
Now it was time, the music started and I held on to my mom with a permanet smile on my face and walked down the isle to my soon-to-be husband. It felt like it took forever! We didnt use a unity candle, instead we decided to pour sand into a decorative vase with an "H" printed on it. I was so nervous I spilled my sand! But most of it made it into the glass thank the Lord! Mo, Chris' other dad sang "love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice, and my aunt sang "From this moment" By Shiana Twain. Both were amazing.
30 mintues later, we were officially "Mr and Mrs Christopher Herron!" We danced our first dance to "When you say nothing at all" by Allison Krauss. Cut the cake, and left on our journey!
The Engagement
Chris announced he was nearing the end of his tour, and would be home soon, so his mom, Tami, and I quickly began getting our trip to Fort Drum ready!! I know I haven't mentioned this yet, but our birthday's are exactly one week apart. He was born July 13, 1989, and I was born July 20, 1988. We got to see our Scout come "home" from fighting on July 18, it couldn't have come at a better time! We got up around 12:30am to head to the post where their homecoming ceremony would be held. After what seemed like forever of waiting, the troop finally walked in. Now keep in mind a bunch of soldiers in ACU's, it took us a minute to find him in the crowd, but we finally spotted him! After a few short speeches, the released the soldiers!!!! I nearly fell down the bleachers trying to get to him! It felt like heaven being back in his arms after months!! He introduced me to some of his friends in the army, gathered his stuff, and we headed to the hotel to relax for a little while. He wanted to go out to dinner for a celebratory night since he was finally done, so we went to Texas Road House. This was as I was told, my birthday dinner. Yay! He had me sit side sattle on the bull (I was wearing a dress) and every waitress sang happy birthday to me. It was so sweet!! As soon as they were done singing, Chris got down on one knee and said "I love you with all my heart, will you marry me?" I was completely in shock! I knew it was coming, but had NO CLUE when! I instantly said yes!! The best part of it all was his wonderful mother was there so she got picture's of the whole thing:) We wanted to get married as soon as possible, especially since I still lived in AR, and he was in NY. We set the date for September 4, 2010. What a memorable day that would be!
Let's try this out...
This is my first experience with blogging, so be patient with me as I learn:)
Chris and I have a unique story, as many of you know. We started communicating on facebook while he was overseas in Iraq fighting. The wonderful and unique thing about the beginning of our relationship is that we had no physical contact until he came home for R&R, a little over a month later. I haven't always been a big believer on long-distance relationships, but something about this man just caught me. Not only the fact that he fought for our country, but that he was very compassionate, loving and caring. He treated me like a lady. I truly felt like a princess when talking to him. Every time I opened my facebook to see he had written me a message, or responded to something I'd written him, it was like opening presents on Christmas day! Although I'd never met him physically, we learned so much about each other in the weeks before we actually met face to face. I had the opportunity to talk with his family, mainly his mom, while he was still overseas, and she gave me a lot of insight about the military life style. I honestly felt like I had known him for years. The things we talked about, whether it was just small talk or deep conversation about our lives, I felt closer and closer to him. It gave me the "warm fuzzies" as corny as it sounds. We actually met for the first time at Little Rock National Airport. I met his mom, brothers, dad, and other mother before even meeting him! I was so excited to finally see in person the man I'd fallen for! When he walked out of the terminal, and was still a good 30 feet away from me, our eyes instantly locked. Right then and there I knew he was the one I would marry. Just seeing him in his glory, ACU uniform, so happy to see his family and me, filled me with such euphoria.
We spent the next couple weeks getting to know each other even better, and I certainly enjoyed spending time with such a big family! They all made me feel welcome! A few days before he had to return to duty, we went out shopping, and he surprised me with a promise ring. It was beautiful. As soon as we got in the car to leave the Jewelry store parking lot he couldn't wait, he unwrapped it and opened it and asked me if I would wait for him while he finished his tour... now how could I turn that down?! I now had a beautiful symbol that this was something that would last!
Chris and I have a unique story, as many of you know. We started communicating on facebook while he was overseas in Iraq fighting. The wonderful and unique thing about the beginning of our relationship is that we had no physical contact until he came home for R&R, a little over a month later. I haven't always been a big believer on long-distance relationships, but something about this man just caught me. Not only the fact that he fought for our country, but that he was very compassionate, loving and caring. He treated me like a lady. I truly felt like a princess when talking to him. Every time I opened my facebook to see he had written me a message, or responded to something I'd written him, it was like opening presents on Christmas day! Although I'd never met him physically, we learned so much about each other in the weeks before we actually met face to face. I had the opportunity to talk with his family, mainly his mom, while he was still overseas, and she gave me a lot of insight about the military life style. I honestly felt like I had known him for years. The things we talked about, whether it was just small talk or deep conversation about our lives, I felt closer and closer to him. It gave me the "warm fuzzies" as corny as it sounds. We actually met for the first time at Little Rock National Airport. I met his mom, brothers, dad, and other mother before even meeting him! I was so excited to finally see in person the man I'd fallen for! When he walked out of the terminal, and was still a good 30 feet away from me, our eyes instantly locked. Right then and there I knew he was the one I would marry. Just seeing him in his glory, ACU uniform, so happy to see his family and me, filled me with such euphoria.
We spent the next couple weeks getting to know each other even better, and I certainly enjoyed spending time with such a big family! They all made me feel welcome! A few days before he had to return to duty, we went out shopping, and he surprised me with a promise ring. It was beautiful. As soon as we got in the car to leave the Jewelry store parking lot he couldn't wait, he unwrapped it and opened it and asked me if I would wait for him while he finished his tour... now how could I turn that down?! I now had a beautiful symbol that this was something that would last!
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