Filling in the Gap

Wow my last post was in August?  I guess not much happened over the last 8 months....Just Kidding!  Actually a lot has happened.  I am going to briefly go over the highlights otherwise, I would be writing all day.

August 7th, 2012 - Josh left for training (He is the handsom fellow on the right)

September 17th, 2012 - Josh and I celebrated our first year of marriage today.  He surprised me with a weekend at the Craddock Terry Hotel, which is where we spent the first night together as husband and wife.  I made him an online scrapbook that i never printed :(  But maybe I'll be able to print it before our second anniversary :)  The theme for the first year of marriage is Paper, so I kept the receipt and card from him.  Once i print the scrap crapbook, then that will be my paper gift to him.  Josh also made reservations to the delicious Shoe Makers.

September 20th, 2012 - I saw my idol in concert.  Florence and the Machine serenaded my mom, sister, and me on this chilly night.  The weather was freezing but it was sooooo worth it!  And the Maccabees opened for her too!!! One of my top moments in my life.  

November 28th, 2012 - Josh left to go over seas.  This was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to go through.  It is difficult to describe the feeling.  I had so many emotions.  Hopeless in having to battle this next year alone.  Helpless because I couldn't really care for Josh this next year.  Excitement to start the year and get it over with.  Determination to stay strong.  I think that was the main thing.  I felt like I had to stay strong.  Of course there has been plenty of times where I have broken down, but I am amazed at the strength that the Lord has given me.  I know a lot of that comes from the outpour of prayers from my family, friends, and church members.  Anyways, these photos capture the beginning of this journey.

December 20th, 2012 - My birthday.  Of course, missing Josh tremendously!  I got a call from him and he stayed on the phone while I went out to grab lunch with my parents.  When I walked out to their car,  they gave me a birthday "day at the spa" gift basket from Josh.  I got to enjoy an 1 1/2 long massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure!  PUUUUURRRREEEE RELAXATION!!!! 

Since Josh left, I got into a series of "hobbies"...(if you will).  I went through a phase of cooking, but that only lasted a month or two because that is expensive and time consuming.  But i have became a better cook :)

I then started having girl parties all the time.  Its important to have girl time and they are great encouragers!  It was also a great time filler.  

I wouldn't count this as a hobby, but I went through a phase (and am currently stuck in it until December) where my life is papers and hw.  Literally, i have been writing for long periods of time where my butt falls asleep!

And my newest hobby started in January.  RUNNING!  I love it I love it I love it!  I have become a running addict!  

April 20th, 2013 - I ran my first marathon!  It was a beautiful moment.  I had been training for 4 months.  I was so nervous the morning of the race and the whole two weeks before.  I couldn't believe it was already here.  It was so exhilarating when the race started.  By mile 16, I was kind of over it, but I got my second wind at mile 19.  I am certain that I could have finished under 5 hours, but I was too busy taking pictures of God's beautiful creation!  It was so incredible!  I looooved it!  I ended up finishing in 5 hours and 22 minutes.  I was happy with it for my first marathon.  

My dad did a great job capturing my first marathon in this link

Even though Josh couldn't make it to my marathon (since he is overseas), he was still there in spirit.  I have the most supportive husband.  When I got back home from my marathon, I had a package waiting for me.  

A Google Nexus Tablet!

I am registered for two half marathons, and another marathon before the end of the year.  I am debating on doing an ultra in October too.  The next marathon I'm doing is in October.  Its the Marine Corps Marathon.  Its going to be amazing!  I will be raising money for the race soon.  Once the website is up, i'll post it if you would like to donate to support our military!

The biggest highlight of this year is I got an incredible surprise in March!  

Josh came to surprise me at my office.  As you can see in the video, I still thought he was overseas.  Excuse my jibber jabber...i was in shock haha.

My big surprise!

Hope everyone is having an incredible week :)