Months of Moments

I haven't captured moments or the last several months on here.  I haven't done a wonderful job at living up to the purpose of my blog..."to delight" in the small, simple things...in daily life.  But, I've been given at least this next minute to change that.

We have had some wonderfully fun and joyful happenings around the Wilson home these past few months.  I have enjoyed them and loved them! My job has really taken over my time and energy, just because of the odd hours I work. However, I need not to let that dictate my attitude or how I enjoy my time.  I've been trying to captivate the balance of working nights, yet seeing my husband who works during the day (AKA: normal people hours, haha).  Even though, I will be switching to day shift very soon, and it will help our schedule, the lesson of "delighting" in the time, the hour, or the second God has given me still needs to be learned because it won't change just with my work hours.  So here's to stepping back, looking at what matters, and enjoying the "moment". No counting down the hours or complaining.

I'm going to stop and document the lovely happenings within the last several months.

Necklaces I made using these instructions for Mother Day gifts. A lot of detail, but turned out prettier than I expected and my mom and MIL loved them!

Micah graduated high school in May. Moved to Fayetteville in August. It's been a blast having him here. He is a stud of a little brother and we love having him 5 min away!

My suitemate, Molly, my freshman year of college got married at a beautiful venue in Little Rock. I got to spend time with my roommate, Casey, of that same year (who got married in April) who was in the wedding.  It was a fun reunion! Loved living with those girls.

I had to learn to do the whole "sleep during the day" thing.  Started night shifts in June! I discovered the humor and use of eye masks through my dear friend Paige, who had a fetish with them.

Speaking of Paige - she said "YES" to the rest of her life with Matt, her long time friend and now love of her life! Her proposed in New York and they flew to Dallas to see family and I was able to surprise her! It was the best of times :)

We traveled to Missouri and Dallas in June to see our families. Oh, how we wish we ALL lived closer. We both have incredible families that I wish we could do "daily" type of things together. Ah, maybe one day...

Celebrated 4th of July and had a summer cook out with friends.  We love having the Gorman's here in NWA.  Never would have thought that my 7th grade friend, Ryan, and I would go to the same college, he would marry my good friend and suitemate, and then we would all end up in NWA.  Love His plans.

In July, we went to California to celebrate the life of my Grandpa Jim.  It turned to be a wonderful time of just being with family. We loved it and needed it. 

We parked our car to meet my Aunt at a restaurant after we flew in to California. Then I saw THE store: Rachel Ashwell.  If you do not know about her stores, designs, or farm in texas. You must. Only if you are Shabby Chic fan.  Then you will drool and also be in heaven. At the same time.

Each morning we sat on my Aunt's porch and had coffee and breakfast as a family: brothers, sisters, cousins, Aunts, Uncles.  It was delightful.  She has the cutest, quaint home with the most gorgeous view you can see through the window.  

The boy cousins posing so...flawlessly..

on the beach.

together.

It was fantastic.

Our trip included shopping, exploring, family time, relaxing on the beach, and a lot of laughing. My family has the best humor and we had permanent laugh lines around our mouth that weekend. 

In August, two of my beautiful dear friends became brides to the love of their lives!  Summer, who became an immediate friend in college full of real conversations and an open, loving heart, married her love, Ryan! 

Charlcie, who I met when I moved to Fayetteville, married her high school sweetheart, Jordan! Laura, Lizzie, Charlcie, and I have become dear friends. We were so honored to share and celebrate this joyful day with Charlcie :)

In September, Lee and I decided to take a vacation to Florida! We turned into little kids as we walked through Disney World.  We laughed as we were convinced (or maybe more me) that Disney World really IS a magical place! 

Our second day, we went to Universal Studios.  Here I am at 'Harry Potter World'.  Even though i am not a Harry Potter fan, this place was amazing! The ride was fantastic and so was the butter beer ;)

For our last two days we headed to Cocoa Beach, where we ended the trip with relaxation and no agenda! It was a treasured, needed time.  Everyone must get away even if its an hour away for one night....and with no agenda. 

Later in September, two of my dearest friends Summer and Elizabeth came to Fayetteville to be bridesmaids in one of our friend's weddings! It was such a sweet time to see them and spend time with them.  It was so fun to catch up on Summer's first month of marriage and Elizabeth's first weeks of being a FIANCEE!  She called me in the beginning of September with the beautiful news of her engagement!  Watching dear friends enter a time that is ordained and blessed entirely by the Lord is a treat. I am so thrilled for her and Chris.  I love her and so thankful for our friendship!

The best news of all summer that we discovered was my brother and sister-in-law, Matt and Erin, are going to have a sweet sweet BABY! Lee and I are thrilled to be an Aunt and Uncle to this precious child.  We cannot wait to celebrate the arrival of little Baby Baxter! 

We've had a lot of fun over the past five or six months.  I want to be better about documenting the little things so I can look back and "delight". A lot of learning as well of how to balance weird sleep schedules, time with each other, moments with friends. I feel like I have been half asleep for most of these months trying to learn how to do the night shift thing, but despite that I want to delight. 

99 Experiences

I have always felt that it was important to travel and see places as much as possible in my life time! It may not be far away, expensive places, but just to explore and see God's creativity, the "normal" for other people, and the fun new experiences that I would not know otherwise.

However, I started this blog with the mindsent of reminding myself to delight in the now and not just when I am going somewhere awesome and or doing something interesting!  I've been forcing myself to look at the delight in different things of the day that would otherwise seem so...."daily".  I was reminded again when I found this list below at Leslyn's blog.  This list allows me to realize all the small or big things I've experienced and also some things that would be great to do in the life He has given me.  The things that I have done I will make that word or phrase bold.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain (...and I've also climbed a volcano, not pictured)

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (...embarrassing karaoke count? ;) )

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightening storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch (...teaching myself the piano)

15. Adopted a child (...no, not into our physical family but through Food for the Hungry. If God ever leads us to actually adopt we would be so honored). Shared about him in this post.

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill (I call them "mental health days")

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb (...my grandma's cousin has a farm and I got to feed the little lamb with a bottle when I was a little girl).

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (...always so peaceful and refreshing).

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community (...near my Grandma's house. Loved buying homemade butter and bread from them and their delicious country restaurant).

36. Taught yourself a new language (...not in full, but I taught myself  good amount of Russian). 

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing 

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (...bought an extra meal for a homeless person who was sitting outside).

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted (...awkward caricature in Central Park, anyone?)

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (...Xel Ha in Mexico on our Honeymoon.  Amazing!)

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud (...OBU's Tiger Track's, people!)

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie 

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason (...Thank you, Farmer's Market).

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt (...used to sew Log Cabin Quilts when I was younger)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve <-- OK, won't ever happen.

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (...partially assisted with a deer, we didn't do all the work)

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit 

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Ok, so as Leslyn mentioned, there are some that will never happen, such as #85 unless I pretend I don't know my husband...and some of them aren't happy things that are listed #97...however, most of them sparked a hilarious or adventurous memory and reminded me of many "DELIGHTFUL" things I've been able to experience.  It also suggested some things that I would really like to do in my lifetime. 

Here's to taking advantage of this LIFE that we have been given by the Giver of Life.  May we experience its richness and value.  

A First for Me: New York City

Recently, I got to make a trip to New York for my first time! One of my best friends, Paige, just  moved up there in September because she is adventurous and spontaneous.  No really, she moved up there because this was a perfect time in her life to just move to a new city, find a job, and love life! I mean, how fun is that?  I am so glad she took advantage of this time in her life, because there are not many times (if none at all) in life where you can just say "I am going to go live in New York for a while!"  I am so happy for her that she is experiencing another pace of life, another culture, a new job, and new relationships!

Before I left, do you know what one thing that I might have been only slightly nervous about? Getting a taxi.  I know, I know laugh at me.  I am really not nervous to do or try anything new.  I think I was picturing a bunch of people waving down taxis along with me trying to do the same and someone abruptly jumping in the one I hailed down. Because, well, that is how I pictured New York.  I grew up in Dallas, so I know what a "big city" is like; however, I knew that New York was different level of "big city".  Don't worry, the taxi issue played out just fine except when me or the taxi driver didn't really know where we were going at one point.  To ease nerves (mostly my mom's nerves), we figured it out together and he was the nicest taxi driver!

As we were circling NYC and preparing for landing, I am pretty sure I saw Times Square from the airplane.  Once I was on the ground and got to see Times Square for myself, I realized how that was a great possibility considering it is so bright that for a second you might think it was daytime.  Anyways, I got to Paige's apartment and waited for a little bit for her to get back from work.  She is a nanny to a great family and has the most hilarious stories about one of the kiddos.  I think Paige might be secretly in a nanny reality show considering the consistent hilarious moment she shares with me.  It had been five months since I had seen this girl, so needless to say we embraced each other for a good couple minutes.  Anybody else might find that an awkward amount of time, but I consider it just making it up for all the hugs that would've been given and received during five months.  A lot of squealing and "Omg, I am so happy", "I can't believe I am here" moments occurred.  We didn't waste any time and headed out towards Times Square. Let me just say, I had my first NYC subway system experience this night and it was the most confusing, "how did you know to get on this one?", "how do you know all of these streets and where the subway stops are? moment ever for me.  I was so impressed with Paige and kept telling how proud I was of her, because I don't think she would mind me saying that directions were not her strong suite while we were in Dallas :-) I was so happy to see her grow up in front of my eyes, hehe.

We went and ate at this restaurant (Oops, forgot the name) and had some amazing pizza.  We met Matt, Paige's awesome boyfriend, for dessert at Juniors.  It was so great to see Matt because I met Matt and Paige at the same time when we all worked at Pine Cove a couple years ago.  Sunday morning we got up and went straight to the roof of her apartment to take some pictures against an amazing view of New York.

This is actually a view from Paige's apartment window. What a great view!

We headed from there to indulge ourselves in the most amazing burger-shake-fry combination I would experience to date.  (Note: I still have a committed love to In-N-Out. This was just an East Coast version, ok? Settle down).  I am not embarrassed to say that we actually talked about this meal for the rest of the day.  Ok, maybe I should be embarrassed of that.  Oh well, it happened. I loved it. Then I got more Shake Shack before I left for Arkansas. The end.  

We frolicked and skipped and giggled our way down to Central Park. Ok, maybe none of those actions took place.  However, our moods would've matched them perfectly.  Central Park is bigger than I ever expected.  People are getting their work out on, food trucks and carts, children playing, fountains, and... caricatures? Yes. Guess what? Paige thought it would be a great idea to sit down and let the guy draw us and let people laugh at us.  Do you know what the hilarious result was? It looked like the SAME person, twice! Paige and I have come to realize we look nothing a like.  So, when we saw this...sketch.  We were confused and I think the poor artist could see it on our face.  However, it was a hilarious adventure that we will remember!

On our way out, we had a magical idea of topping our cheesiest moment ever and capturing it.  We asked this gentlemen to take our picture.  When he grabbed the camera, I stopped him and said "Please don't judge us.  We are about to get really cheesy and you might laugh at us".  We took our places and BAM! Cheesiness captured.  I am not ashamed.  It captures our relationship perfectly.  Also, I will not complain about the amazing background!

We walked around any girls' dream location: 5th avenue.  Tiffany's, Louie Vuitton, Bergdorff Goodman, and all their fellow, luxurious sisters.  Obviously, Paige and I tried to walk in and acted like it was a reality for us shopping there, but I am not sure our dropped jaws and "oohhhss aahhhs" hid that very well.  

That night, we went to the famous restaurant, Serendipity's for some serious dessert! Happy that I got to experience some of the restaurants everyone talks about when they go visit New York.  Monday morning, we got up early to go get tickets for Sister Act on Broadway for that night's show.  So exciting!! I am just going to go ahead and say that it was a flawless, entertaining performance.  I think my jaw may have been dropped several times from the amazing talent that was on the stage.  I was amazed that they performed like it was their first time, even though they do this night after night! 

We decided to head to Rockefeller Center to stop by the Today Show.  By this time, it was about 10:45am and so we weren't expecting to see anything since the show wraps up around 11:00am (I think).  Nevertheless, I was so excited to go because I watch the Today Show all.the.time.  If I am home in the mornings it is at least on in the background!  When I can watch the later segment, Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb crack me up.  Anyways, we walk around the corner and there they are sitting in the window! It was so strange seeing someone you have seen on TV for several years right there. We were both very giddy!! 

At this point, there is a lady next to me screaming "KATHIE LEE!!! KATHIE!!!!".  I immediately ducked out of the way because I didn't want to be on TV with her.  I am sorry, ok? I am sure she is a really fun woman.  I mean you would have to be really fun to be willing to yell at Kathie with the camera pointing at you.  So, kindly, I stepped away because I wanted her to have her moment of glory, because those were my intentions of course. In reality, I laughed really hard and actually did duck out of the way.  In the end, Kathie Lee kindly turned around smiled and waved.  Happy Ending for funny, nice lady.  

Our frolicking in NY continued.  That day, we had the most delicious thai lunch, stopped at Magnolia Bakery (so delish!), went to the most giant, fun M&M store, strolled around Chelsea Market - one of my favorite parts of NY - and saw Sister Act!

At one point during our miles of walking, I realized we were sprinting.  Ok, not really. Sprint-walking.  Everyone is in a hurry in NY, even if you are not actually in a hurry. I mean, I got a great workout.  But, hey, let's stop and smell the....cement or just take it in.  I loved diving into NY culture.  That is a main reason why I love traveling.  I love to see the "normal" for other people. What they see and do on a normal day.  It is so interesting and exciting to me!

Sweet, cute Magnolia Bakery

On that day, we stopped into a Forever 21.  A four story forever 21.  I tried to capture all the escalators into one picture.  Excuse, the terrifying manikins that looked like they were thinking about attacking me. That's beside the point.  We were mindlessly shopping and this lady with a headset and clipboard comes up to me and says "Hey, I'm with MTV.  We are shooting a pilot downstairs for a fashion-type show.  We need extras to line the runway and be interviewed on their votes.  Would you  be interested?" I immediately think, Why not?  We didn't have a schedule or anywhere to be at any time.  So, Paige and I went downstairs and became extras.  We watched as the models walked down the runway, then voted on which designer we liked the best and then were interviewed about it.  They never told us the show's name or when it would air, so I'll try and keep my eyes out for it.  The designers had to come up with a "Night Out" outfit under $100.  We voted.  I later told my husband "Babe, I think I might have been super awkward on camera during the interview". Do you know what his response was? "Probably".  How supportive and encouraging!! :) Haha, I thought it was funny though.  I think Paige and I kept looking at one another for affirmation as we were talking in the interview.  Oh goodness....

The next day, Paige had to work, so I was on my own to explore the city!  This was exciting for me.  At this time, I felt fairly confident of my subway skills.  I am sure I did not appear confident, since many of my friends have told me that you can tell what I am clearly thinking by looking at my face.  I have been working on that recently, because as you can imagine, that is not always a very good quality and could ensue an awkward situation.  I had the opportunity of going to Greenwich Village to go see my Mom's cousin Debra, her husband John, Jake (son), and Jessica (Debra's niece). They were SO gracious to take me to lunch and show me around Greenwich Village.  I loved it!

 I think if I ever lived in NYC that is where I would want to live.  The next day, I said goodbye to NYC with a farewell meal at Shake Shack with a new friend, Sarah, Paige's roommate :) Thanks for showing me around Brooklyn!

Even though my post was long, I wanted to record my amazing adventure in New York City with Paige and all that I was thinking and seeing while I was there.  I am so grateful that I was able to go and visit her and see her life there.  She was an excellent tour guide. I am so thankful for her! She has been a loyal, loving, adventurous best friend.  I loved that even though it had been five months, as soon as I saw her it felt like I saw her yesterday!