Out of Hibernation...

 Well..after a LONG time away from the blog, I am wanting to jump back on this bandwagon. It's amazing how time flies but yet only feels like a few days. 

From my last blog, I think I was celebrating 3 months. Well folks...It's now been a whopping 9 1/2 months of marriage! I can't believe we are coming up on our 1 year mark. Hmm..what to do on our 1 year anniversary!?!? (I will get back to that subject later..but any suggestions??..please post in the comments) I should also wish you a HAPPY 2014!! Another year in the books. I just wonder what is it in store...

My Mom, Jordan & I on New Years Eve

  Jordan and I had a crazy start to our school year in August. We were optimistic going into it but we soon faced the exhaustion head on. Not only were we taking on our regular hours of work, but we both took on additional after hours of coaching. I ended up coaching both our varsity and jv volleyball teams, while he stepped in as the middle school soccer coach. Along with Coaching we were adjusting to new class schedules and routines, plus the most important aspect...being married (my favorite job) ! I tell you what, it was a stressful semester but overtime it leveled out and the Lord carried us through. I look back at those months as a huge stepping stone going forward in our marriage. I came away learning what I can handle and what I can't; what I should say or not to say; and simply when I should ask for help. It's humbling and I probably will be continuing to learn those lessons throughout my life. 

Weekends and holidays are what we lived for during the fall semester. It was during those times we got to take a breath, rest and get rejuvenated. We have found such pleasure in quality time with one another as well as our family. The Lord was so gracious to give us so much time with them. Our Thanksgiving break was spent at the Cross J Ranch along with all my siblings and their kids. The house was busting at the seams with people, but oh how we all enjoyed visiting, watching football and cooking food. Through that, we have created a family recipe blog so we could all share our favorite foods with one another. (I have yet to post in it but will be doing it soon!) 

Christmas break was a long vacation for Jordan and I. We left New Braunfels on a Friday afternoon and didn't return until 2 weeks later. We picked my mom up and headed for Red River, NM to spend Christmas with my in-laws and brother-in-law and his wife. We had a few days to ski and just relax. The snow was beautiful and fires were warm! After a week with the Sugg's, my brother and sister, along with their families came in for a few days. We all packed up on Jan 3 and drove back to Texas. 

Jordan, Me, Kristy & Cory on the slopes

Jordan & I being look alike ski patrol

Jordan & I found "our tree" we marked last summer..we added year '14

Celebrating 9 months in Taos Ski Valley!

  We just finished our first week of school this semester & into our second week. The spring semester looks much more promising in every aspect. Jordan is finishing up high school soccer in 5 weeks and then we switch to wedding celebrations. It's hard to believe this time last year I was in high gear trying to pull off a wedding in 3 months. I love how God brings things full circle!! Praise God!

Looking back, we have had our ups and downs as we tackle one month of marriage at a time. It's been an adventure learning all about how to be a wife, taking care of household chores and serving my husband. To be honest, it's hard due to my ugly and selfish desires. It's a process that takes time. I wouldn't change where I am for anything because to be honest...being married is the greatest challenge, yet most rewarding gift I could've asked for. Jordan is the best gift for me and God chose my husband for me, to ministry to my heart in becoming more like Christ. Each day with Jordan is a blessing and I'm humbled to be called his wife. 

Walking in Grace,

Joy