Makes my Heart Melt

These two make my heart smile :0) they are wonderful and such a big part of Josh and I's life. She's our sister and Jakey is our nephew :0) I saw this picture and had to share because it definately made my heart melt! Love u sis... And my Jakey Boo you are soooo cool!!


XOXO Bethany

So Tender!

Uncle Joshy with Adoration! So thankful to have the Egles in our family! SO blessed!!! I agree with you Sheri, that definately looks good on him ;O) maybe sooner than later?!...

XOXO

Honoring the Life of Grandpa Kent Gannaway

This post is something very special to Josh and I. Josh's grandpa Kent passed away at the beginning of March and he is going to be missed very much. Ever since Josh and I met he always told me awesome stories about his Grandpa Kent. The fun times they used to share and the stories he would tell Josh are something that truly touched me becuase it showed me how much Josh loved family. Recently this last week, a memorial service was held for Grandpa Kent. Sadly, Josh and I could not attend due to previous arrangements with friends from Rhema out in Tulsa, OK and the service could only be held that particular day due to other family schedules. We wish with all our hearts we could have been there, however, Grandpa Kent totally would have understood our hearts and today I feel it is appropriate to honor him by sharing what an amazing man, grandfather and friend he was to my husband. I only got to know Grandpa Kent for a short while, but the time I did get to know him was absolutely unforgettable. Such a kind heart and completely recieving of me into his family. He welcomed me with open arms, no strings attached and that is something that I will hold onto forever, and hope that I can show that same welcoming spirit to future friendships and families that come along. I know for Josh Grandpa Kent was always there for him. It was such a joy to watch them shoot pool together or just talk about what life was doing at the moment. Josh and I talk of Grandpa Kent often-he tells me stories I smile and think of Josh ans a kid trying to go snipe hunting :O) I think he was also a shining example of a fair man. He treated everyone the same no matter who you were. Today we honor Grandpa Kent Gannaway and are so thankful that one day we will see him again. Here and now we remember the legacy that he has left, with hearts of undeniable gratitude and love. Life is too short to argue and bicker over petty things, lets live life with purpose and love for everyone. Love never fails and there is ALWAYS more than enough for everyone. I am thankful for life today and for everything God has to offer. These verses from the Bible are very special to me-They are my standard and my guide for life. I do not always hit the mark but I try and keep them in my heart and do what they say because I truly believe love is the key to everything. Today when I read them-I saw Grandpa Kent and believed that he truly acted out these verses whenever I had the opportunity to talk to him.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves" 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Joe & Brittany Howard!!

YAY! Joe and Brittany tied the knot!

I am so excited to finally be posting this! I know there aren't a ton of pictures but I wanted to honor Josh and I's wonderful friends, who have really become part of our family!

Josh and I have known Joe for quite a long time, Josh even before me! We knew him in so many different capacities. We both served with him on church leadership in our college group and Josh also knew him even before that! All I have to say is we are SO proud of Joe Howard. It was funny because Joe told both Josh and I he had met a wonderful girl named Brittany. He was a man in love let me tell you. He described her as "the perfect girl" everything he told me was outstanding. Well then I did their save the dates and We insisted on getting together for dinner because I had never met Britt. And let me tell you every word Joe spoke of Brittany was absolutely true. Her heart for God is so pure and wholesome that it is truly an example. She is so sweet and truly has a servants heart. Beautiful inside and out and a heart of gold. We hit it off right away! We shared so much in common-both English majors and some of the same dreams and passion for life.

When she asked me to be a bridesmaid I was completely touched and honored. Joe has gone through SO much and he deserves to be happy. Brittany and Joe are truly the perfect fit for one another. Their wedding was absolutely stunning and the food was incredible! One of the best weddings I have ever been too. That day marked the beginning of something so spiritual and amazing. It is funny where God has brought our relationship with Joe and now Brittany and we couldn't be happier. They are part of our family...because now that we have this friendship we have no plans of letting go.

Love you Joe and Britt!!

THE TWO BEST PROGRAM-GIVER-OUTERS!

LOVE YOU STACEY AND CHRYSTAN!

THE BOYS

HAHA RYAN ROBERTS IS SO FUNNY! I HAD JUST KICKED ONE OF THE CANDLE VOTIVES GOING DOWN THE AISLE...I KNOW SO GRACEFUL RIGHT??

LOL I LOOK KINDA AWKWARD BUT HAS TO POST THIS... THESE GIRLS ARE THE BEST

THEIR AMAZING CENTERPIECES! SO ADORABLE

THE KISS

SO IN LOVE AND SO DESERVING OF EACHOTHER!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to the most wonderful Daddy in the WORLD!

Daddy thank you for always being my number 1 Fan. For teaching me I can do anything through Jesus and hard work. Thank you for setting an example of what a Godly father, husband and man looks like. You have been there for me every step of the way and now that you have Josh as a son you have been there every step for him as well. You are a spectacular human-being. Always doing for others and taking care of them. Watching your generous heart and caring attitude towards others has planted a seed in my heart and I am so grateful. You and mom have shaped me into the woman I am today. I Have you to thank for my political sense and it is growing daily as I hear you talk :O) I still think the Republican Manifesto was the BEST present ever! Thank you for always loving me and letting me dream BIG. You taught me when asked to think of a number not to pick some teeny number like 5 or 7 but pick BIG like a billion! I love you and can't wait for all the adventures in store for us. Thank you for working hard all these years. You have paved a way for Josh and I and we are so thakful. Because of you I will graduate in the fall and be able to start my own business. You are El-Sha DAD! As we embark on this new business together (the other one!) I know it will be nothing short of blessed and favored because of the seed you and mom have sown. I am so proud to have you as my Poppie!

Love you always and forever!

Lets Dream Bigger, Better and Brighter!

Your most awesome Daughter!

P.S. LOVE YOU MORE THAN A BOBA!

Hola amigos!
Just wanted to write a quick post and let all my pals in blogland know we made it back safe and sound and full of pep! Mexico was wonderful! 85-90 degrees and blue waters! The Splendor was a ship to behold! Josh and I loved every minute of our vacation! I will post pics later! Perfect way to kick off summer...and our second year of wedded bliss! <):0) ayy yi yi yi yi!!

Location:Arreeeeebbaaa!

One Year!

I can't believe exactly one year ago Josh and I tied the knot!

This year has been filled with so many memories and happiness and I feel so blessed and honored to have such a great husband!

I am looking forward to this coming year and all the memories and surprises that are sure to happen. We are absolutely loving the journey and thank God everyday for bringing us together.

To celebrate Josh and I are going on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera

BIG thank you to Mom and Dad :O)

We can't wait to post pictures of all the anniversary festivities!

When we get back I will definately do a couple posts!!

Thank you to each individual who encourages and supports our marriage. It is important to have family and friends that invest their hearts and time into our relationship and do not bring strife and division. Thankfully we have been blessed with many people who pour out their very best and make our marriage a joy. Covenant is so important and every person who has honored ours we pray God's undeniable favor, peace and prosperity that you can't even fathom!

Cheers! to YEAR ONE! (the year of paper!)

:O)

Dedicated to Super Woman...

Click to enlarge :O)

MOMMY:

I know that you are reading this because you have been the most faithful and dedicated person to this blog of mine, countless times you come on here only to find the same post that has been up for months, but nonetheless, you still check...one of the MANY reasons why I love you. As I am writing this, I can't help but to be emotional. Whether it be one of my cathartic poems or one of the scenes from a story I am writing, my imagination goes to places that I can explain so easily on paper, but when it comes to writing about you, my mom, no words, no place in my imagination can fully express the gratitude, honor and love that I have for you. With all the drama and crap going on lately you encouraged me to blog whenever God told me and whenever I was ready. I have been waiting and waiting some more and today I realized I do have something worth blogging about... and of course it's you :O)

Growing up you were my rock, my encourager, my everything. You were also my friend, but it is different now. You are still all those things for me, but now you have become my bestest of friends. You have taught me to listen to God with everything I am, you have taught me to have patience and a love for mankind. You have shown me how to be generous and how to let go of wrongs done to me. You have set an example of how to be a Godly wife and most importantly a Godly woman. You have shown me that there is a huge difference between right and wrong and how I should never walk the grey line...its black and white. Your strength this past year is nothing short of inspiring. You have accepted my husband as your son and for that Josh and I will be forever, forever grateful and blessed.

You and Daddy bless me so much, and as I start my family I am so so blessed and honored to have you right along side of us, running our race together. Everyday with you has been pure joy and happiness. I feel like God has given me the best teacher with you. I want you to know how thankful I am and how much I appreciate you. My words may not be as eloquent as one of my papers and filled with long words that you have helped me come up with ;O) but I have tried to bring them out of my heart onto here...albeit difficult..seeing how you are such an amazing person! You and I have alot of plans coming up and I want you to know how excited I am and how dedicated I am to the adventure and seeing all these things through.

Josh and I see you guys almost everyday and it is absolutely one of the reasons our marriage is so blessed, we have such amazing examples! So Mom, I love you very very much, and I know Josh feels the same way! lol (Counselor!!) haha! We look forward to all the great things that are heading our way and sharing every step of the journey with you. Double Stuffed Oreos all the way, I don't care what anyone says, this is exactly how life is supposed to be, at least for us! Can't wait for our big vacation...and whereever else we plan on going!

P.S. I read through this about 5 times, and somehow I know you will find some sort of spelling error! LOL so sorry in advanced! (Thanks also for making me a better writer!)

Love you always and forever,

Your PUMPKIN

Family Visit at Grandma and Grandpa's

On Saturday afternoon we were so blessed to have our family down from San Jose area!

Ti Buddy and Tia Dorothy are my grandma and Tia Helen's brother and sister-in-law. Ti Buddy looked so good and had a blast out in the country! He ate cake and relaxed in the sun. We had such a great time visiting with all our family! It seems like forever since we have seen them so it was an absolute joy to just be with our family. Family is so important and sometimes I think it gets taken for granted. Donnie, Laurie, Dinga and Dillon also came down with Ti Buddy. Also, our fam Joey, Michelle, Cadendce, Uncle Ron, Connie and my Uncle Frank, Aunt Nancy, Caleb, Seth, Ping, and Uncle Mat were all there (can you believe that that is only like 1/8 of my family...LOL)

Where the portuguese family gathers (the kitchen)

What the portuguese family does in the kitchen (cooks for 100)

Maxine was VERY excited to be at Grandmas

The Guys

Josh and I

Ti Buddy waving for the camera

Cadence

Little Donnie

Family Picture!

Tia Helen and her great grand baby!

Ti Buddy, Grandma and Tia Dorothy

Ti Buddy and his 2 sisters (missing sister Ethel!)

Me and my kid cousin Dillon

CADENCE

The Girls

MAXI

Me and my Dinga (my Godmother)

The Kiddos on the golf cart

Don, Donnie and Cadence playing in the dirt

My uncle Mat took this picture and wrote this poem...BEAUTIFUL

Me and Uncle Mat

Josh and Miss Maxi

Me and my Grandpa

The perfect way to end the night... Ping napping!

Honoring the Life of Pastor Jonathan Burgess

It is with sad hearts we write this post as we honor the life of our pastor, our leader, our friend and our spirtual father Jonathan Burgess. Pastor Jon and Corina have been part of our lives since we have started dating. God seemed to know what he was doing when He brought our two families together, as they became our spiritual mother and father. We knew that it was not just a temporary thing but we were connected for life. Pastor Jon brought many smiles, laughter, Godly advice and encouragement into our relationship. He was a consistent voice throughout our relationship challenging us to live our life to God's fullest potential. Pastor Jon and Corina did the Salt Covenent at our wedding ceremony and that moment was something that we will cherish forever. As Pastor Jon spoke the annointing of God was there and it was so precious and amazing how God used Jon to impart such wisdom in our new marriage. One thing Pastor Jon told us was that in a marriage you should be able to look over next to you and see your husband or wife running along side of you toward the same purpose and goal-we should be running the same race. Pastor Jon and Corina have offered us a shining example of a marriage and has set a standard that Josh and I hold in high esteem. Even though Pastor Jon is not with us anymore I know he is hanging out with our Jesus and we look forward to seeing him again. And although he is not with us physically to watch us run our race as a couple, we know he is still with us cheering us on and encouraging us to hear God's voice and laugh along the way. So for now we remember his voice, his words of wisdom, his laughter and we will eat a few cinnamon rolls along the way. We honor Pastor Jon as we remember his legacy and all the lives he touched, because we know he touched ours greatly.

We love you Pastor Jon.

My Visit with Addi Bug

Well today was quite a day... I needed my Addi bug fix so I told mom to call T and see if we could come over! She is absolutely perfect! I actually felt like I wouldn't break her today! LOL she is still so tiny and precious though! T insists I dress her and feed her and burp her... She says it's practice for when Josh and I have ours (and I have to tell you I absolutely LOVE it!) I let T change her diaper though because it was a good one! Haha



Awwww!





We call this her panda express jacket "she wants some orange chicken!"





Yawning big!!


thanks T for my Addi Bug time! You do know I will be back for more! I need my fix!