Twins

In college I joined a sorority and met Danielle.  Her and I became "twins" in our sorority, where we created our own "family" within our sorority called the Bella Family.  Creating a "family" in a sorority is basically finding your best friend within the sorority, and having that other person to depend on no matter what.

Danielle and I connected and always had a special bond, like sisters.  Over the last couple years of college, we stayed in touch despite our careers pulling us separate ways.  It's funny how we were "twins" in our sorority and how "twin-like" our last year has been for us...

Danielle and I were both engaged within a couple months of each other, both experienced unexpected life trials with cancer within a few months of our weddings, and both shared the same wedding date; June 11, 2011 (which was not planned!).

I believe we share a special bond, where, despite the distance and life pursuits, we will always understand, encourage, and support each other.  It's incredible to know that God placed an amazing woman in my life who I can relate with and I look forward to see what other "twin-like" experiences come our way!

"This"

The first time I visited Trevor in Washington, we bought the new Darius Rucker CD before driving up to Canada for the day.  The first song on the album that came on was called "This."  I vividly remember the moment we heard this song together in his truck. As we listened to the lyrics, I looked over at him with tears of joy rolling down my face, and he smiled back with the happiest smile I have ever seen!  It's crazy to think how a song can be so significant and fitting for the moment:

For every stoplight I didn't make
Every chance I did or I didn't take
All the nights I went too far
All the girls that broke my heart
All the doors that I had to close
All the things I knew but I didn't know
Thank God for all I missed
Cause it led me here to
This

"This" is one of those songs that expresses how thankful Trevor and I are for our path's crossing a year ago, and is still one of those songs that bring us back to basics in our relationship.  It seems to come on whenever we are in the car together; and when it does, Trevor and I crank up the volume and sing!  We also joke about the song because of it's title... try describing to someone that you like "This" (Talk about confusing, right?).

Darius Rucker songs were played throughout our wedding, in fact, our first dance was to another one of his songs, "History in the Making."  Darius Rucker is a romantic song writer and his albums are based on love and how much fun it is to be in love with someone.  I am so thankful to be in love with someone who makes it fun to be in love, everyday.

For date night this week, Trevor and I are going to his concert, and it couldn't be a more fitting date for us!

God Moment

Normally, I wouldn't write about mine and Trevor's trip to the chiropractor yesterday, but this experience was definitely a "God Moment."

Since Trevor and I have been living in Washington, we have been meeting many new people and actively seeking out a church community to get involved with.  In addition to finding a church, we are also trying to find our new doctors, dermatologist, dentists, and chiropractors... which can be difficult to find a good match!

We went to Twin Lakes Chiropractic yesterday for a consultation and adjustment to get us realigned after moving a few weeks ago.  Our first impression upon walking in was the very friendly receptionist, full of laughing and jokes towards the "newlyweds."

We were then taken into the exam room where the assistant asked us, "Why did you guys move yourselves? That's what friends are for... you know, host a BBQ and have them help you move."

We replied, "Um, we don't have friends yet...We're new here..."

She quickly replied saying, "Well, you guys better join a church fast! You will meet all kinds of people!"

As it turns out, she doesn't even go to church, but the doctor and the entire office goes to the same church.  The doctor came in, full smiles and all.  He is incredibly friendly, loves to laugh, and really finds a way to connect to his patients. Meet Dr. Larry:

After an hour and a half consultation and adjustment, with humor and friendliness, Dr. Larry ended the appointment by very lovingly sharing with us the five main reasons for going to church:

1. To Worship
2. Fellowship
3. To Learn
4. To Rest
5. To be in the Holy Spirit (which he added that this means to serve others by the talents God has given you)

Now, I have been to MANY doctors in the past, but I have never been to a doctor so open and passionate about his love for Christ and his church community.  I have also never left a doctor appointment with an invitation to church!  How incredible is this?!

Trevor and I both felt that going to this appointment was a total God moment and that we were supposed to be connected with this chiropractic office.  We are so excited to attend a new church this weekend where we already know people! 

It feels so good to finally start connecting with other people and not feel alone in a new city.  God is so good and His timing is perfect!

xxoo

Change

For those who know me well, you know I don't do well with change.  What can I say, I'm a control freak and Kristen+Change= Uh-Oh.  This past week has been filled with lots of emotional highs and lows and I am so thankful that Trevor has EXTREME patience and love for me. 

For starters, I have been applying to several jobs up here ranging from retail to hotel sales.  This past week I had an interview with a hotel in Seattle to work temporarily while their catering manager is coping with some health issues.  I initially thought it was a God-send opportunity; giving me the chance to work while still looking for the perfect job.  Unfortunately, working for Kimpton Hotels has spoiled my taste in what it means to be a boutique hotel.  This hotel I interviewed for was not something I would consider boutique, more like antique, which would make it really hard to put on a passionate face to sell their event space.  Upon leaving the interview, I was disappointed.

I'm trying really hard to work any network I might have up here, and I am thankful to be meeting more and more people who know people up here as well.  I truly know that I will find the perfect job soon, I just need to stay optimistic and focused.  I'm only two weeks into serious job hunting... :-)

Aside from jobs, feeling disconnected from friends and family has been hard this week.  I'm very thankful for the life Trevor and I are starting up here, but at the same time, we need friends.  The instant change from seeing your friends 5 times a week to not at all has been difficult coping with.  I know that with us finding a church home and getting involved will help us make new friends. We are trying a new church tomorrow called Mars Hill Church (http://www.marshill.com/) and we are prayerful this church will be the one!  We are also making a trip to El Dorado Hills in August where we will see both of our families; we can't wait!

I am seriously so thankful for my husband and the love and patience he has for me.  Trevor does VERY well with change and is helping me roll with the punches instead of trying to control everything.  It's GOOD FOR ME.  He always knows how to brighten my day, whether it's a random comment that makes me laugh, offering to play Skip-Bo (even though I win every time), surprising me with flowers, and still wanting to take me on dates.

Happiness is in our life, there are just some missing pieces that will come with time.  I just need to keep telling myself that God already has our future all planned out for us... All we have to do is simply wait for His timing to bring it to us.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5  

Beginnings

Well, I decided to do it.  I am officially a "blogger."  Over the last year or so, I have seen friends get married and then start a blog about their life... I think it comes with marriage!  I hope to share "housewife" tools to make life simpler, creative recipes, life accomplishments and trials, and share the joy of everyday life with you!

For starters, Trevor and I have been married for a month as of yesterday, and it has been quite the ride already!  From the wedding to the honeymoon, to packing up the apartment to move to Alabama, to now staying in Washington and settling into our new home, life sure does change tides fast.  I already feel as if Trevor and I can move mountains together.  :-)  

We are just starting to get into our own family groove where we are starting traditions such as Date Night and Taco Tuesday every week.  I have also taken the spatula with both hands and have been experimenting with new recipes and cooking ideas... So far so good!  Trevor is loving his new garage and is anxious to get it all setup to start new projects for the house and his truck- I love his talents!

Although I love being a housewife right now, I know my skills can be used to help benefit our family.  I am currently seeking a job within the hospitality realm and am hoping to lock something in soon.  I know my time as a housewife will come sooner or later, just hopefully later than sooner!  We aren't planning on having any Trevor Jr.'s for at least 2 years.  Please keep me in your prayers as I am searching for jobs.

Alrighty, I'm going to wrap up my first blog... Success? I am excited to share mine and Trevor's life to friends and family via blogging and hope that my blogs will capture you over the years.

xxoo