My Favorite Things

A lot going on in my mind lately, and lots of reflecting on life.

Last week, two Marine helicopters were in involved in an accident with 12 Marines aboard.

After a week of intense searching in choppy waters, the search was suspended with none of our 12 Marine brothers recovered. 

I am an empath.

Especially when it comes to matters of my fellow Marines being injured or killed, my heart literally breaks.

I have been praying so hard lately for the families, and just asking God to give their families comfort in their heart.

I know it's easier said than done, but I've been praying that they put all their grief on Him.

One of the Marines is an Aggie...in fact, him and his wife are both Aggies, and they have four children.

His family lives here in College Station and attend a local church that we have many friends that attend and are affiliated with.

When something hits so close to home, it feels like my own family member...and actually, since once you become a Marine, you adopt several hundred thousand brothers and sisters....they are family.

Major Campbell was one of the pilots of the helicopters in the accident.

I have been replaying what might have...could have...happened during his flight.

I keep thinking about his wife and kids, and what their last words were to each other.

Did they tell each other "I love you" before he left for work that day?

Or were they so overwhelmed with life and raising kids that they just assumed he'd be home the next day....and never said I love you or goodbye...

Maybe when he left for work, they were irritated with each other, and didn't say anything....

Lord knows that there have been many days when I have sent Nick off to work or class without saying anything because I was irritated, in a bad mood, or just in a hurry.

All these thoughts have been flooding my mind....

I've made it a point these last few days to say "I love you" to Nick and the kids more than usual.

I've tried to hug them more and love on them more.

I've given "nuggles" to my babies...even when they seem annoyed with my over affection

If God calls me home today, I just want the last memory that my husband and kids have of me is of love, positivity, and laughter.

So today...

I decided to post a few photos that make me happy...

Some things that make me smile...

At 31 years old, my dream of attending Texas A&M is a reality.

I pinch myself, because I figured with Nick's career, there'd be no way in hell I'd ever get to come here.

But here I am....

In my Hunter rainboots on a rainy day on campus....

Even with the drizzle, and millions of miles I have to walk around campus...

I am so grateful for the opportunity to come here, and have a shot at my own Aggie bling!

My sister got me these adorable soap dish and measuring spoons for Christmas.

She knows my taste so well...

I LOVE technology.

I love my iPhone.

But I HATE digital calendars.

I like a good old fashioned planner.

I found this gem at Target for a few bucks, and it's been a lifesaver.

I've got all my assignments and papers that are due written in it from my syllabi, and all my "mom duties" written in it.

I love looking at a snapshot of my month.

This little boy is officially in his "terrible twos".

Some days, Nick and I want to scratch our eyes out.

But when he wants "nuggles" and when he asks us to pray for him...

We can't help but fall in love with him more and more each day.

I love his curiosity of the world around him, and his eagerness to explore it.

Celebratory drink after completing my first week as a full time Aggie!

Cause sometimes...Nick and I can be cheesy....

I do 95% of the cooking.

I love you, Nick, but your cooking is less than.....

BUT...

He can BBQ and smoke some meat like no other...

AND...

He makes a mean homemade pizza!

Just call him Chef Nick....

This is a deer sausage pizza with bell peppers and jalapeño pizza. 

DIVINE...

This sweet daughter of mine.

Birthday party shenanigans this weekend.

I got together with some ladies last night at Painting with a Twist.

It's one of those places where you get step by step instructions with an actual artist to paint a canvas masterpiece.

And you get to drink wine while doing it!

I actually won a free wine glass because I got to most "likes" on Facebook for my painting with a twist selfie!

Thanks to all of y'all who liked my photo!

Here we are with our masterpieces!

 My handy husband found a new hobby!

He hand makes these rustic wooden flags, and sells them!

He donates 10% of the proceeds to the Semper fi fund in his buddy SSgt Vincent Bell's name.

(Vince gave his life heroically in Iraq)

And of course...a photo of my love and me...in our natural state.

Hug your loved ones today...

Hug them every day...

Tell them you love them, and like the cliché goes...

"Live every day as if it were your last....full of love, laughter, and positivity."

Happy Sunday y'all!