Beauty from Pain.

I sure cannot wait for winter to be over. I know right now is the time of the year that everything dies off and this is what makes the growing process in Spring so beautiful, but it sure has been tough this year. 

I took a course that focused on the literature of the bible and we looked at the bible through a very critical, educated lens. At first, it was fun and interesting, but for me it soon became a huge struggle. I didn't realize at first, but to some degree I was entering into a state of depression because I honestly didn't know what I believed in anymore. I am still not fully healed from this blow, but I am getting there. I really do feel like this is a process for me; my own paschal mystery that goes right along with the seasons of our life. (Dying and moving towards new life.)

 In other news, Tony and I went "home" to Tennessee for nearly two weeks this winter. It was so nice to get out of our normal and get out of town for a bit, especially to see family and friends. However, coming home to lengthy "to-do" lists and Tony's crazy work schedule, not so much fun. Another terrible thing to come back to is a funeral. Becky Anderson, a friend from the TEC community, passed away from us just before the new year. She was 20 years old and had fought against the cancer that was plaguing her for years. Although I wasn't a close personal friend, her death still hit me extremely hard and is still hard for me to deal with. But like I said, I am really moving towards a better place to be in my life. I am searching for the peace I felt from the top of my head to my toes and through my core when I was on my last Wheat Team on our weekend in November of 2009. I spoke on the topic of peace that weekend and I have never felt more at peace in my life. I am chasing after that.

Here are some snapshots of life over the past month or so. Per usual, never a dull moment.

 Tony and I in Nashville trying to take one of those pretty "jump" pictures. Didn't work out. :)

My LOVELY sisters: Amanda & Ashley

 Tony & I celebrating life with a group of Memphis friends at Chili's.

 I got my first tattoo with my awesome friend, Betsy! It was awesome.

 My fiance, my little sister, and myself at the Chattanooga Zoo!

 Dinner at Chili's in Collierville: December 27

 Tony's parents: Selena & Mike

 My nephew, Sammy, and I taking a "dog" nap!

 "Batman" building in Nashville

 Ashley, Sebastian, & Me at the Chattanooga Aquarium

So, that's what's new. School is starting back next week! I'm scared AND excited. When this semester is all said and done, I will be graduating! And will be officially done after a few summer courses. I just need to hold onto that motivation.

Four more months 'til the wedding! Amazing. Hope life is good, everybody.

Wishing everybody peace in their new year,

Baby Fever!

Caution: Just because I am talking about having baby fever does NOT mean I am pregnant.

For the past few years I have watched so many people I know have children. I get my "baby fix" from working with children and babies at the YMCA and it's typically serves as a very effective wake up call that I am not ready to be a mother at this point in my life. But right now, I have full-fledged baby FEVER! Tony and I are good friends with the Grantham family and Ashley Grantham (now Ashley Brister) just had her beautiful baby girl, Macy. Just seeing how precious she is and how much this sweet baby is loved and has been flooded with love since the moment she was born makes me want to have one. Tony and I went to Wal-mart tonight after dinner and we ran into a couple he works with, Rick and Anna. They have a sweet little 7 month old baby girl, Natalie, and we saw her tonight. I don't know what it is about seeing these sweet little baby girls, but she just melted my heart.

I just have to keep reminding myself that we have a wedding - OUR wedding - in a little over 6 months and I have a dress to fit my booty in!!! And speaking of which, I am in need of a serious workout buddy but they are hard to come by. I want to feel comfortable and confident with my body in general, but especially when I know lots of people will be looking at me. It's a Catch-22 for me though because I already have my dress and it already fits me perfect right now, SO, I don't really want to lose much weight or anything because alterations=$$$! But at the same time, I want to get on a consistent exercise schedule and be a great deal more conscience about what I am putting in my body. In addition, I need to tone up my body and could stand to lose a few lbs!

October 16: Tony & I at my big sister, Amanda's, wedding!

So, I am in need of some motivation, energy, AND extra time... let's hope I find some this upcoming week!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

First Post!

Guess who broke down and got on Blogspot? :) However, the last thing I need is another reason to spend my leisure time on the computer. I just know so many people who have been posting on here and it seems like one of the best ways to keep in touch while everyone is heading in so many different directions. So, here we are! And I know we aren't technically "the Duggans" yet... but I plan on having this blog for a while so for now it just means we are "the Duggans in training" !

It's hard to believe November is right around the corner-- because around here November is definitely a time for celebrating. November means it's time for my birthday and for Thanksgiving. Not to mention, this November marks a year of engagement for Tony and I. Everybody kept telling us "This time in your life will fly bye!" and OF COURSE we didn't believe them. But somewhere along the way time has eluded us once again and we are looking at a mere 6+ months before the big day! Life is an incredible thing.

Here we are this year:

And here we are last year in Florida:

November also means that it is time for me to register for the next semester's classes. Spring 2011 will be my last full semester before earning my Bachelors Degree if all goes well! It's such an awesome feeling but it's also frightening to think that I might not be a student much longer. All these years of complaining about doing papers, projects, and reading numerous books and here I am nearly admitting that I will miss learning at the University level. I am sure I will go back for additional studies, but just not sure when or where or even for what yet.

For Tony, November is all about food. If you ask him, he is just ready to sample all that Thanksgiving has to offer him! :) He works up quite an appetite while working all that overtime these days. Another thing Tony's looking forward to is the snow that will no doubt be coming around sooner or later. We are POLAR opposites on this one... I would be just fine if we didn't get more than a light dusting of snow all winter. But, I am so looking forward to the Holiday season! I keep telling Tony I'm getting out all the Christmas decorations the day after Halloween! He says no way but we'll see... :)

That's all for now...