Life update: Houston, we have a BABY!

It’s been awhile since I’ve written anything on this blog. So why not the first time back at it be sharing my birth story about our brand new daughter!


First off, I’m so glad that the L&D staff were understanding that if my mask slipped off my face during labor no one freaked out and forced it back on to my face. It’s hard enough to breathe and walk or sit with a mask on. It’s another to be in active labor. This is also probably because I tested negative so that reduced concern too. Anyways, enough about COVID and all the precautions. We are ALL over hearing about that!

July 13,2020 I woke up early for my OB appointments. The first was at 7:45a and the second at 9:30a. The high risk OB was first and girlfriend was still SUPER low, per ultrasound, but was looking good. My regular OB said I had NOT dilated any further than 1cm which was the same as last week. We discussed the induction and coming in July 22 to do some preparations at the hospital and getting admitted. I left my appointment, alerted family and friends about the most recent update and then talked to Devin and my Aunt as I drove home.

Devin was off from work so he was running errands and would be home later. I was a little disappointed I had not dilated further especially since it felt like she had dropped more and my right hip was becoming more and more bothersome making it very hard to walk but it was what it was. Girl was just not ready to make her entrance into the world yet.

I got home and started the pre registration process for the hospital for July 23 and made some phone calls about the 22nd too. As I was on hold with labor and delivery, I felt a gush and then wet.  I looked down and thought “Man, that’s a lot!” So I stood up and more rushed down my leg. By this time, I was no longer on hold with labor and delivery but I wasn’t listening to one word the lady on the phone was saying. 

When she was done talking I said , “Yep uh huh so I think I’ll be seeing y’all sooner than expected because my water just broke!”

The lady on the phone replied, “ Oh my gosh really?!”      I said, “Oh yes!”  She took my information down and said she would see me soon!

I called my OB and they were still at lunch so I informed the answering service so they could let my OB know. The answering service employee I spoke to was shocked how calm I was. She kept asking if I was first time mom or not and then would compliment me as to how calm I was. Haha I called Devin and told him my water just broke and to head home now! Then, I texted family in a group text to alert them. Devin did not want to get off the phone until he got back home in case anything changed. Such a good husband. 

I tried to walk around the house when I thought the fluid was done leaking out and putting last minute items in our “GO” bag, but I had to sit down because more and more fluid just kept coming out.

When Devin came into the house, it was like the doors just opened automatically for him! He came rushing in through the laundry room from the garage and was like, “OK! What do we need?” I had already made a list of the things to grab to add to the bag such as wallets, toothpaste and toothbrush stuff like that that’s used on a daily basis. He knew the list was pinned on the wall by the door in our bedroom so when he went to look it wasn’t there. I had it because I had tried to put some of that stuff in there before I had to sit back down. He yells , “ Where is that list at?!” I replied, “ I have it babe,” as I’m hysterically laughing. 

As Devin collected things to put in our bag, I sat at the dining table continuing to  HYSTERICALLY laugh! I could NOT stop. I don’t know if it was nerves or what but I was crying laughing. Anything Devin said or did was just the funniest thing ever. To me, he was frantically going in and out of rooms and grabbing things and taking the dogs out before we left. He says he wasn’t frantic that he was  just trying to grab things fast so we could leave. Okay... haha 

 I ate something for lunch since I hadn’t eaten yet while he packed the car. I go to put the leftover pizza back in the fridge so we can leave  and he tells me to leave it out because he is going to eat some. He proceeds to take the whole bag of 7 pieces of pizza. I said, “ Are you going to eat all of that?” “Oh,” he says and takes out 1 slice. I,again, cannot stop laughing. I can tell Devin is getting annoyed with me laughing so much but I seriously couldn’t stop. I tried thinking about other things than what he was doing but it was as if I had no control over myself. We rush out the dirt and get in the car. 

I have NEVER seen Devin drive so fast other than being on his drag bike. On the every day road, he is all about staying the speed limit so him going at least 10 over the limit the entire way made me laugh more!

It was a weird traffic day too. A train on FM 78 hit an 18 wheeler for the millionth time and so the supply of mayo and pickles the 18 wheeler was carrying was all over the place! Fire trucks, EMS,and police had been there since I drove by for my OB appointments earlier and now it was 2pm. 35 south had an accident where a delivery truck caught on fire so we had to go around it as well.

When we arrived at the hospital, we pulled into valet parking.  Devin’s mom was waiting for us at the entry of the hospital outside to give hugs before we went in. Only 1 support person was allowed in with me due to COVID so of course Devin was going in with me.  At first, I was nervous about that, but as time went on I realized it’s better for many reasons why it should just be Devin and I in the delivery room.


We went to triage for L&D and checked in. They took us back right away. We were the only people back there. They checked and made sure that my water did break. They did labs, COVID test, and set up an IV and IV fluids. I was in a room by 5pm and Pitocin was started since I wasn’t having contractions and my water had been  broken since 1pm. As the Pitocin dose increased, so did my contractions.

By 6:30pm, I could feel them pretty good. The nurses had given us various tips and Devin was being a huge help by rubbing my back. He figured out how to read the monitor to see when a contraction was about to happen and when it would end. He would even pay attention to baby girl’s heart rate and when it was time for my blood pressure to be taken. He was on it and in fully daddy mode!

I sat on a birthing ball around 7:30p and would walk off and on in the room. About 8pm, the contractions were getting stronger and starting to be more unbearable. My nurse had to be with her other patient so other nurses came to check on me and checked that I was 3cm dilated. Even when my water broke and triage first checked me, I was still 1cm so at least the Pitocin was working. The nurses asked if I wanted the epidural now. We discussed if it was too soon, if I do it now will it last til I have her, etc. I decided to go ahead and get the epidural at this time but the anesthesiologist was in the middle of a c section. Devin looked at me and said, “ of course you choose to do it when he’s in surgery.” Haha Typical.

  As we are waiting, we hear a baby cry near by so we knew a baby had just been born. Some time goes by and then we hear a lady scream to the high heavens. I looked at Devin scared to death. He looked back at me in shock. We both spoke to each other without speaking. I was nervous now that I was going to sound just like her. 

At 10:30pm, I was finally able to get the epidural. They made Devin sit down for it. They didn’t even give him a chance to see if he wanted to stand and let me squeeze the crap out of his hand. (FYI He did fine through out the procedure and didn’t even think about passing out.) I had a HUGE contraction come right as he was about to insert the needle after numbing. The poor L&D nurse. I grabbed her jacket so tight that it probably felt as if I drug her down to the ground by her shoulders! Everything went well with the epidural. I wasn’t a fan of the anesthesiologist but that’s another story. 

The anesthesiologist said it would take about 10 minutes for the medication to kick in. I could already feel my legs and toes going numb. It was such a weird sensation seeing that you have legs but not being able to feel if you are moving them. I felt like Ariel in little mermaid when she first gets legs! Haha

Within 20minutes, I felt extreme pressure! I mean pressure that you have never felt unless you have had a baby. I told the nurse I felt like I had to push and if I couldn’t we were going to have BIG problems! She said to hold on and checked to see where I was dilation wise. When she said the number out loud, Devin and I couldn’t believe it! 9cm! I was at 9cm. She said,” It’s okay go ahead and push. I’m gunna call the doctor.”

I pushed who knows how many times. It felt like an eternity and that I was going to pass out from the shear amount of pressure and discomfort I was feeling. I didn’t think I could keep breathing and pushing long enough for her to come out and the OB wasn’t even there yet. Devin kept looking at me and telling me “You can do it.” He didn’t even know I was doubting myself and my ability to be able to push out a watermelon. Haha

The nurse stayed at the bottom of the bed until the OB finally came in. I figured the nurse was staying at the end of the bed because baby girl’s head was in sight.

 ( Per Devin after delivery, yes that’s true)

The on call OB arrived after who knows how long. It felt like an eternity since I was so uncomfortable but I know in reality it was less than 20 minutes. She had a medical student with her that I gave consent to be in the room hours prior. A group of people flooded the room setting everything up ready to deliver baby girl. All I could think was, “ I NEED to push!” 

Once the OB was all dressed ready to go, I pushed 3 times and baby girl was here. Devin and I just looked at each other in shock. Wow. We really have a baby. This really just happened. I was also feeling huge relief because the pressure/pain was completely gone. Devin cut baby girl’s umbilical cord and walked over to watch her get all her measurements taken. 

When she was done getting checked out, the nurse wrapped her in a blanket and Devin brought our daughter to me. I was in so much shock that we really had a baby after years of trying I thought I was dreaming. Nurses who helped me through out my labor and delivery stay came in to congratulate us and told us how shocked and impressed they were by how fast I delivered as a first time mom. Honestly, we were shocked too and couldn’t believe she didn’t come on July 14th. 

We were able to spend the first hour of baby girl’s life just Devin and I. It was sweet, amazing, and peaceful. Baby girl just lay quiet on my chest taking life in. Our phone’s are going off as if a million state wide alerts are in place. Devin is taking pictures as if he is paparazzi. It was pure bliss. 

We were extremely lucky and were able to get a suite on the postpartum floor without paying an extra fee because it was the only room available by the time we were released from labor and delivery. Devin and I couldn’t believe this room. It was literally like a hotel suite with a separate room where a couch, mini fridge and coffee pot were. 

After 2 1/2 days at the hospital, baby girl and I were released with clean bills of health and ready to meet family waiting for us at our house. 

She is absolutely perfect and extremely spoiled and loved already. 

My Story with God

        This is Easter weekend. A time that I usually just had a relative understanding that Jesus died on the cross and rose again. Period. The end.

         After attending church, most consistent in awhile, and being part of a bible study group for the first time, I have realized even more meaning behind Jesus dying on the cross. Yes, I knew he died for our sins, but it never really HIT me that he died for ALL of our sins, past, present, and future. How in the world did he know what sin I was going to commit at age 24? Or how does he know what sin I am going to commit at age 66? It's still unknown to me. Why would he take over EVERYONE's sins even those who killed? I don't know, but imagining and putting myself in the overwhelming shoes he filled leaves me speechless. Jesus was/is amazing.

     We have been asked at church numerous times to invite a "plethora" of people to NorthRock this Easter to find Jesus and hear his message. Along with the invitation, we have been asked to share our story of how we found God. To be honest, I haven't really ever told anyone. I remember last semester at school we had a prayer group. The girl who led it asked us one day when did we find Christ. I skipped my return. I honestly was unsure at the time. My faith was present but it wasn't as strong then as it is now. So I'd like to now share my story with you. Publically. Super public even :) I mean shoot it's on the internet for all to read, but I hope that by me sharing my story you feel encouraged to attend church this Sunday (whether it be our church or another) and find Jesus.

How I found God

I was baptised when I was a baby. I attended Sunday school as a child. I went to what my sister and I called, "big people" church when I got to be around 13. ( Going into the sanctuary and hearing the sermon vs attending a sermon with our peers). We stopped going for awhile and would attend Christmas and Easter services. Then I got married and we tried to attend a church on post, but it wasn't clicking for us so we didn't attend church. During our time in Korea, my mom became very ill ( as I talk about often). My faith with God was like a roller coaster then. I believed but there were times I wasn't sure if I did because my mom was so sick. I remember when she tried a study drug and it was looking like it was working. Her tumor wasn't growing anymore! Praise God! Then all of a sudden another tumor in her brain appeared. I was in denial. I didn't want to believe it. I dreaded having to come home to see my mom in a state where she didn't know my name. Devin encouraged me to go home to see her before she died and I'm glad I did. because I don't regret one thing. I do wish I would have come home sooner, but I think on her last good day she knew who we all were. I had a really hard night one of the nights I was home before she died. I had to leave the nursing home and I sobbed and sobbed. I couldn't understand why God was doing this to me. My mother in law explained to me that he is still here. He is helping me through this. After my mom passed away, we got stationed in Washington state and attended a church there. We loved it. I cried at a sermon for the first time. Ironically, it was about forgiveness. The pastor said you need to forgive those who you have had a difficult time with. I immediately thought of some of my family members who I had been upset with and God. I cried and cried in the seat at church at that day. I realized God was speaking to me and knew I needed to move on and forgive because there was no point in harboring any anger. Unfortunately, with moving back to San Antonio and then Devin going to Florida for school we fell off the church wagon again. Recently, though we have reconnected with God and my faith is stronger than ever. God reminded me of that Wednesday night at the One Voice service our church held. After an hour of singing worship songs, our small group leader took us to the side, along with members of our small group, and prayed for me. Only me. I was taken aback. He prayed that I no longer be scared and afraid and that I remember why I am going to nursing school. It shocked me so because this week in clinical was a harder week for me. How did Gregg know that? How did he know I was scared and questioning if nursing was truly what God was calling me to do? God told him. I didn't even tell Devin that. I didn't tell anyone then out of nowhere God told Gregg without me knowing. The next day I texted my best friend Jessica asking her if I was choosing the right profession. I knew she would be honest with me and she said, "You can do this. You will love it. It is the most awarding profession and this is what you are meant to do." God told Jessica too. He didn't want me to quit because I am suppose to heal and touch people's lives as a nurse. I am speechless this weekend as to how amazing God and Jesus are. They have done so much for us on Earth and continue to do so.

     If you want to hear about Jesus and sing amazing songs and learn about his love please join us this Sunday at North Rock. We will be there at 9am to serve ( me at the doors to greet, and Devin fixing a surprise with the events teams) and then will attend the 12pm service.

Hope to see you there!

What we've been up to lately

Wow. It's been a looooong time since I last wrote. Sorry to those who enjoy reading this! Nursing school has been kicking my behind! Clearly, I was very busy last semester since I didn't get to write anything and the first half of this semester has been consumed with unpacking and studying. SOOO now finally I have a little bit of time and I can write really quick.

For starters,  Devin has graduated from MMI and is working at Cowboys Alamo City Harley Davidson. I am in my 3rd semester of nursing school and will graduate December 2015 with by BSN. We are still unpacking and getting settled into our temporary home :) thanks to Devin's parents and we have recently taken big steps in bringing Jesus into our lives even more.

As many of you could probably agree, going to church and making it a habit is difficult. Life happens and sometimes we get distracted and think we don't have time to go to church. Devin has always said, "If I can't wear jeans and a tshirt, then it's not the church for me." We found a church in WA when we lived there and loved it, but one Sunday we didn't attend and didn't find the time to go back. Now a few years late, we are settled in one town together and on a mission to find a church that we could connect with in order to make time for Jesus and make going to church a habit.

About a month ago now, we stumbled upon North Rock church off of 1604 and 281 near Stone Oak. Our first time we weren't 100% sure if it was the church for us, but the sermon on love was amazing and we clicked with every thing the pastor said. We weren't able to go the following week because family was visiting, but we went the week after that and felt 100% that this was the church for us. I had wanted to "church shop" a little more, but God was telling us to continue attending and participate in what North Rock calls Growth Track. We attended for 3 weeks straight ( 3rd sunday in a row being today) and are pleased to announce that we have become members of North Rock and are serving on the Rock Start Team. I joined to be a part of the greet team and Devin joined to be a part of the events and cafe team. We feel at home.

Last week, we attended a marriage bible study group and enjoyed it as well. We plan to make Tuesday night another time to learn about Jesus.

In all my 24 years of life, I have never felt so close to God and Jesus as I do now. Devin and I are working on strengthening our marriage with God. I love seeing Devin grow in his faith and becoming an even more well rounded man of God. We have gone through many trials and tribulations in our 9 years of being together and we plan on being together for eternity.

I just wanted to share with you how great God is and how great North Rock is. If you feel that you would like to attend, come join us! We will be there at 9am to greet you and give you coffee! It's an awesome place with awesome people.

     Psalm 23: 1-6

Missing you

I just got home from Jessica's house a little bit ago and I decide I want to update my profile picture on facebook. As I'm scrolling through the pictures, I am taken back to when each picture was taken. I'm trying to remember the conversations I had with who ever is in the picture, the reason why the picture was taken, what milestone may have been happening, what emotions were felt, etc.

I find this picture of my mom which has a comment she left. The caption I wrote when I posted the photo was, " this is my mama, i love this lady." She commented, " Always and forever! I love you and always and forever. I am honored to be 'mom'".

I can hear her voice saying it. It's comforting and sad. Kinda weird. How can something be comforting and sad?

Sometimes I forget what her voice sounds like. I have my wedding video where I can hear her voice because she gave an interview saying how proud and happy she was of Devin and I. I love that I have that.

No one knows this, but I have kept the text messages we had up until the last time I was able to use my iphone before I arrived in Korea in July 2011. On days I really miss her, I look back at the text messages and read what she wrote.

I'm beyond happy to know that she truly loved me and would move mountains for Janna and I. One day, we will meet again. Until then, continue to be the best guardian angel a daughter could ask for Mama.

God gives you opportunities

           This morning I decided to start my Sunday off at the gym. I usually like to workout in the afternoon, but I felt really energized when I woke up so I figured why not! I started out with my arm workout which consisted of using the different weight machines. I listen to my ipod during weight time and then when it's time for cardio I watch the tv.

           Since I'm not usually there on Sunday, I didn't know what was on at 12pm so I decided I'd just watch the HGTV channel cause seriously what isn't good on there? :) I find the treadmill that is perfectly centered in front of that tv and look down to see a sign that says OUT OF ORDER. I was bummed, but I just moved over to the right ( since the left was taken). I start the treadmill up and plug my headphones in. I look up and I am now in front of the TBS channel which had a movie on. ( Score!) I thought, " eh this won't be bad to watch after all," and realized it was Evan Almighty. It might be cheesy and not that good to some, but I really like that movie.

             As I am at an incline of 15 and a speed of 3mph, feeling the burn might I add, I have been on the machine for 15 minutes now. My mind is tricking me and telling me you have done enough just finish, but I know I can do more. The movie returns and grabs my attention. Evan's family has decided that he is a crazy man and can no longer take the chaos so they leave him to go to his mother in law's house. In the next scene, the boys and their mother are sitting in this restaurant watching the latest about their Dad/Husband building this ark while listening to people bash him verbally. The boys leave the table while the mother debates what to do next. God aka Morgan Freeman ( lol) comes up to her and strikes up a conversation. She reveals that Evan aka NYC Noah is her husband.  God says he loves that story. She asks for advice and he tells her powerful information. He says, "When you pray to God for patience, does he give you patience or does he give you an opportunity to be patient? When you pray to God for courage, does he give you courage or does he give you an opportunity to be courageous? When you pray to God to bring your family closer, does he fill you up with a warm fuzzy feeling or does he give you an opportunity to bring your family closer?" The answer ladies and gents..... He gives you the opportunity.

           I have seen this movie numerous times and I have never caught that part. God spoke to me. He may not have spoken to me to where I could hear him, but God shows us he is there for us in ways we can't explain sometimes. I know I often pray to him for things such as focus, determination, less stress, etc. As I heard the scene in the movie it made me think for a second. It took me back to the times I prayed for focus before a test or patience to not yell at someone who erked me the day before. I realized God didn't give me those things he gave me the opportunity to be focused, patient, etc.

           Friends and family take a second to think back to a time you prayed for "things" and try to think if he truly gave you those things or gave you an opportunity. Remember to continue to pray for eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

4th of July weekend, Infection City, and 15 pounds down!

              I'm going to try and make this short and sweet, but I tend to blab on and on. LOL Anyways, so Devin got SUPER lucky and had the entire 4th of July weekend off! ( Pays off not asking off hehe) He has been wanting to see this museum in Alabama for a little bit now and it was the perfect opportunity to break in the motorcycle Monaco style! It was a LLOOONNGGG ride, but it was loads of fun. Once we got out of Florida the scenery was beautiful, especially in Alabama. We loved Birmingham so much we decided that if for some reason we get tired of Texas ( like that's even possible) then our next option would be to move to Birmingham. I mean seriously the scenery on the highway is spectacular! You don't see any buildings because the trees are so tall! They have to 1,000 feet billboards just so people can see what's coming up at the exits. Also, they have great BBQ!

               We got to Alabama Friday night, enjoyed some Whataburger on the way to the hotel and were ready for Saturday! We had wanted to relax in the pool but this La Quinta didn't have a pool. ( Weird) So Saturday morning we woke up at the butt crack of dawn because Devin said we needed to go by the largest Harley in Alabama before heading off to the museum ( which he thought was literally going to take us from open to close to see everything). I really enjoyed the Harley location because I got to shop! :) They had so much stuff it was amazing! Pretty much our house decor is going to be western/harley theme. Don't worry it will still be lovely. It took us 2 hours or 2 1/2 hours to get through everything in the museum and then we headed off to Bass Pro. Again, the scenery on the way up to the Bass Pro was phenomenal with all the trees and steep uphill windy roads. We had lunch there and of course looked around then headed back to the hotel for a nap. We had  dinner at a highly recommended BBQ place ( recommended by Trip Advisor) called Dreamland. OMG it was delicious! After, we got to see the sunset overlooking Birmingham and rode back to the hotel. All in all it was a great weekend.

                 Sunday we start our trek back to Florida. Unfortunately for me, I woke up with a lovely UTI and my monthly visitor. Great. As much as I wanted to deny it ( the UTI that is) , throughout the day it just got worse. When we got to GA, I finally decided to take some over the counter stuff, but it didn't seem to help. Once we got a little further, Devin found a med clinic we could go to. ( Thank God for health insurance!) In 30 minutes, I was in and out and was able to get my antibiotic. I was in so much pain and with stopping every 20 miles to pee it felt like we were never going to get back to Florida! Devin suggested that I stay in Valdosta ( which was like 200 miles from Orlando) and take a bus back Monday since it seemed like I wasn't going to be able to make back on the bike. I refused and told him, " I am going to suck it up and deal with it. Let's go!" We did just that. When we stopped the next time, Devin texted Brodie to see if he could come pick me up when he got off work so I wouldn't have to suffer on the back anymore. ( Thank God for Devin!) I started to feel better, but I was so glad to see Brodie in Ocala, Fl to rescue me and my arse.

                 The next day I woke up feeling very funny. I don't exactly know how to describe it except for that it was just weird. As the day went by I realized I was having symptoms of a yeast infection ( which is very common with taking antibiotics). Great. So now I had to take something to get rid of that. Finally, after a week of nonsense, I felt so much better. I didn't want to scream it out loud and jinx anything but I was so ecstatic. Ever since I was little, I have been prone to getting UTI. They never quite knew what caused it, but when we were in WA my doctor told me that some women are just more prone to them for no explained reason. I debated about even blogging about this incident because I get embarrassed about it and think people will think I am "dirty", but honestly that is not it. I haven't had one in 2 years and then before that it had been even longer so I don't know it's just something that happens. In school, I learned that women are more prone than men to get them because their urethra's are shorter so they aren't able to fully rid of urine. God had a reason for making us like that unannounced to us.

                   So due to not feeling well for a week (because with the meds I got really nauseous so I wasn't hungry for much) I didn't go to the gym for a week. When I finally felt good enough to go back, I just did arm weights and was pooped. The next day I went and did some cardio. I've been gradually getting back into my normal routine, but man when you get sick you literally get the life knocked out of you! Now that I am 2 weeks healthy I am back to my normal routine somewhat. I measured myself Sunday to see how many inches and how much weight I have lost in a month. Wellll, I lost 3 pounds from June 10-July 20 ( yea I missed July 10 since I was sick), lost an inch off my waist and 1/4 inch off my butt and thighs. It's progress, but I happy with it.  Overall, I have lost 15 pounds since March. Yea that might seem like a long time, but I am doing it my way. I'm not doing some crazy diet or crazy exercises. I am losing the weight how I know best and being realistic about it. I know that if I go and do some crazy paleo diet or atkins diet or jenny craig I won't last because my meals are being decided for me. I honestly don't have the money to constantly buy fresh veggies, but I am taking the steps one at a time to increase my veggie and fruit intake. I'm making better choices when we eat out, but occasionally I will enjoy pizza or a burger. I am human and I am not perfect.

                 This is the longest I have kept with a workout and whatnot ever. I am proud of myself and I am finally noticing the progress too. I'd like to lose 10 more pounds, but that will come as I keep this up. I was hard on myself at the beginning of summer, but I am seeing now there is no reason for that. God made us all different for a reason. You have to love yourself to be happy. If you are constantly down on yourself you will stress out and end up gaining weight without realizing it. So I remember to always pray for eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.

            

Joyeux anniversaire Devin ( Happy Birthday Devin)

       Today is my husband Devin's 26th birthday.  He started his day off like every day during the week with school and then went off to work. He insisted on not having a cake or even a cupcake to celebrate his birthday.

       The other day, He requested a steak grilled by me, but that wasn't going to happen seeing as how I don't even know the first thing about grilling. ( Hence, why he is the griller in this relationship.) I told him if he really wanted a steak I would get it to go ( because he didn't want to go out to eat after work either) from Longhorn Steak House, but all of a sudden a KFC commercial came on and BAM! Fried Chicken was the birthday wish. He wanted me to get it from Church's but let's just say where this Church's is located I'd rather not risk my life. ( Yes, I am be exaggerating a bit, but seriously there are people hanging around there that look they are about to make drug deals so I will pass). When he got home from school, I took the truck and went by redbox and KFC. Once I arrived back home, I made Devin a plate and TA- DA the birthday wish was granted! I still tried to convince him to let me get him some type of sweet, but he still was adamant about not wanting it. I dropped him off work and then headed to the gym.

       Even though this day has been pretty uneventful I am confident it is quite perfect to Devin. As long as I have known him, he has not been the type for "fancy" outings to celebrate his birthday or make "big deals" out of his birthday. He is perfectly fine with sitting at home watching a movie eating ice cream or something. I on the other hand would like to celebrate my birthday WEEK, but since my birthday is so close to Christmas and our anniversary I spare him and his pocketbook. :)

       Yesterday made me realize even more why I love Devin so much and decided to be his wife. I decided I would take the motorcycle riding course to get my endorsement since I have been saying I wanted to for awhile now. I finally struck up enough courage to do it and with it being summer and me having nothing to do I figured why not! Well, it's harder than it looks. I lasted up until the point you were needed to weave through cones. Yea that just wasn't happening. I was nervous and tensed my arms up and dropped the bike 3 times. I just couldn't face the fear yet. I have also NEVER ridden a motorcycle or dirtbike just me, myself, and I so I felt VERY accomplished that I was able to even make it from one cone to another and turn with my feet off the ground. I was basking in the essence of accomplishment too long I guess and ended up freaking myself twice and grabbed the front brake to hard ( first 2 drops) and then the whole tensing of the arms ( making it the lucky 3rd time) ordeal.

       I was shaken a bit, but mostly frustrated I wasn't going to be able to mark it off the list for the summer. I was disappointed and embarrassed too. I felt like Devin had spent money on me taking the class and I wasn't even going to be able to finish. I left the class and cried all the way home. ( Yes, I know crying come on! but seriously I did.) I think my pride was hurt because I was the only one who dropped the bike, but in my defense I am 5' 1'' people and this bike was 500cc Harley cruiser that I just wasn't ready to handle and couldn't maneuver too well with my height just yet. ( Yea yea laugh it up some of you. I'm sticking my tongue out at you while you do!) I was so upset. I called my mother in law on the way home since Devin was in school and she assured me that I just needed more practice.

        When Devin got home, I told him the whole story beginning to end while crying. He consoled me and said over and over, " Don't cry. The class is meant to help you. The guards are there because they fall all the time. You should see the bikes at school! They are so messed up from people dropping them all the time." I knew he was right, but I didn't want to hear it. He told me we will get me a dirt bike so I can practice on my own and then when I am ready again I can take the endorsement class. I agreed. He hugged me and then tried to make me laugh. Gotta love him.

       I know I chose the right man to marry just by those actions ( along with many more he does on a daily basis) because someone could have easily screamed and yelled and told me to suck it up and go again or not have been as understanding. Devin was. Devin has a big heart and doesn't judge people for what they have or have not done. I love that about him. He helps people as much as he can whenever he can. He is a huge animal lover ( hence why we have two dogs and a bird and have had a cat and 2 snakes and 2 other birds). He loves to do fun things like go on motorcycle rides. He loves to go to the movies  and try new foods. He is a big momma's boy and loves his family and mine. I am honored to be his wife and so glad God put us in each other's paths.

                Remember to always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad and a soul that never loses faith in God. 

Happy 26th Birthday Devin!