Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast."



Monday, January 31, 2011

So in Love

So this past weekend seemed like a blur for Reagan and I, we both were just so darn busy!  Though, last night we finally had time to come home and relax and it was so wonderful.  Last night we cooked at home and we had grilled chicken, whole wheat pasta, and salad.  We then went to get frozen yogurt and try the yogurt shop that a pastor from our church started.  It was absolutely delicious and we saw lots of familiar faces while we were there; so it was nice to catch up with friends!  After yogurt, Reagan and I decided that we needed a break from homework so we rented a redbox movie.  We got home, got ready for bed, all snuggled in our PJ's and we were ready to watch the movie.  I really wanted to watch the movie cuddled in our bed but Reagan really wanted to watch it downstairs on the couches.  I was going to settle for anything, and then all of the sudden he turned around and said no lets watch it upstairs, it will be like old times in your college dorm when we would sit on the bed (because that was the only place to sit) and watch the movie.  I just had to look at him and smile, he truly is my best friend and the cutest man ever!  I really enjoyed last night with him... just cuddled up and loving life.  He makes me feel so safe and secure in our home, and that is the best feeling ever.  I smile when I look at him because I know this journey on our first year of marriage has not been the best, but we are learning to better understand each other and celebrate the moments we have together.  I am so grateful for all the good and bad moments we have endured together because life has become so much sweeter with him by my side.

On another note, today the challenge has started.  So for the next 6 weeks be praying for me!  I really feel in my heart that this is going to be a great 6 weeks of learning and finally being able to see who God has made me to be!  Well I am off to the gym to get my hour workout in, and then to the grocery store I go because we are supposed to get SNOW tomorrow, crazy after the weather was so beautiful this weekend.  I am definitely not complaining though, I would LOVE to have a day off from school tomorrow, I am in need of a break!

Oh my handsome hubby how I love him so!!
You are so incredible and definitely a gift from God :)

"Marriage is a beautiful gift, one wrapped with struggles and excitement--- but a journey that is definitely worth taking and enduring."

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Challenging myself

So yesterday, a sweet friend treated me to a pedicure.  I was amazed but yet so grateful... she said it was for all the help I had been with her 2 sweet girls, and I told her she did not owe me a thing and that I loved to do it but she insisted.  The pedicures were wonderful and both the little girls went with us.  Her oldest daughter who is 2 sat in my lap and absolutely loved getting her toes painted.  It was the cutest thing ever and it made me want to have a little girl one day so bad so that I can do fun things like that with her.  Her other little girl just slept in her carseat and was an angel like usual!  So grateful for such a wonderful friend, it was so nice to be loved on yesterday.

So I am challenging myself for the next 6 weeks.  The same sweet friend I talked about above is doing a weight loss challenge with people in our church and other friends she has from other places.  I was very weary to say that I wanted to be a part with my past weight issues and body images, but deep down I knew this would be good for me because I would have people who knew my story keeping me accountable and loving me through the hard days.  So, for the next 6 weeks it is no sweets or fried food for me... which shouldn't be too hard since these are not the things I crave on a regular basis.  I have also decided at least once a week I am going to treat myself to frozen yogurt with fruit on top since she said that didn't count as a cheat, and one of the sweet pastors at our church just opened up a frozen yogurt shop right across the street from where we live!
A part of me is nervous for this challenge.  In a way I feel like this could be good for me because it will allow me to let go of my past and help me to see I do not have to be controlled by my body image... or at least that is what I am hoping this challenge will help me do.  Also, for the first time today I had to purchase a scale because we weigh in every week.  I think this is the thing I am most nervous about... I have never gotten a scale because I did not want to focus in so hard on what the number said and become discouraged with myself.  Though, I am hoping with all the exercising I have been doing I can look at the scale and smile and be satisfied with myself.  So, my prayer through these next 6 weeks is that I do not let Satan into this situation and tempt me with my body image.I want to do this solely to become more healthy and to finally feel content with the person God has made me to be.  So prayers are much needed as I begin this journey tomorrow!

Well I am off to fold laundry, and start some homework.  I spent all morning cleaning the townhouse, which wasn't the best way to start off my Saturday morning but it definitely needed to be done!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the beautiful weather outside!!!

"God, allow me to enter into this challenge with a pure mind and a heart that strives to understand the woman you have molded me to be."

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The simple things in life

All I can do is sit here and smile as I write this post.  Even though there is so much going on around me and so much I should be doing, I am filled with great joy for the simple things God has given me in my life. 

Tonight after I got home from class, Reagan was waiting for me to eat dinner with him.  He had the casserole in the oven and it was just finishing as I sat my backpack down.  We started chatting about our days, eating dinner, and then he got ready to leave for youth.  I on the other hand am stuck at home studying for a test I have tomorrow, washing dishes, washing laundry, and trying to pick up... I would much rather be at youth than studying!  Though, as he left he told me what time he was going to be home and I told him I would see him later.  He walked to the door and I thought he had left and when I looked up he was standing right next to me.  I asked him what he was doing and he said he came back to give me a hug and kiss because he didn't want to miss out on the little things.  Totally a proud wife moment and it made my heart melt a little too.  Even though I am exhausted by the end of the day with everything I have going on, I love those moments that give me a little pick me up. 

I also love knowing that each day when I finish my classes the first person I can call is my mom and we talk about our days and how things are going.  These simple moments make me miss my mom more than anything, but make me realize even more that my mom is one of my very best friends and I can tell her anything.  I love how much she loves me, my crazy passion for kids and families, and that she supports me in my endeavors. I also love knowing that my dad will try to Skype me multiple times in the day just so we can see each other, talk about our day, tell each other how much we miss one another... without this little piece of technology I would definitely miss seeing my dad's face and hearing his voice as we chat.  I am so blessed to have two incredible parents that stand behind me through all life's craziness, and love me as the person God has molded me into.

I also love knowing that each day I will have a long chat with my best friend Hannah.  She is definitely my sound board, my idea person, my go to girl, my other half, my sister.  Talking to her each day gives me such a great boost and lets me know that I always have someone there to pick up the phone and talk to.  I will admit at times in my life as our friendship has blossomed I have taken for granted some of the most beautiful things that I love most about this relationship.  Though, lately I start my day out praying for this sweet family and God's blessings upon them.  True best friends are the best to have and the most valuable to cherish, and this beautiful one is a relationship I hold tight to my heart.  For all that we have been through together, by simply hearing her voice on the other end of the phone makes me smile and stop and thank God for all the good things that have flown from this relationship.

These three simple things have most definitely made me smile today and let me know that at the end of the day everything is going to be ok and that God has me cradled perfectly in His arms... what a comforting thought!  My challenge is that you really sit down tonight and reflect on your day and the simple things that you saw God had a hand in and made you smile.


"Take time to enjoy the simple things in life; they are beautiful gifts from our Heavenly Father."

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Another Week Down!

Another week down, and weeks closer to graduation... haha wow I am pathetic.  If you cannot tell, I am antsy and am ready to be done with school NOW!

Reagan and I were busy as usual this week, but we have both done really good keeping up with our new year challenges and have been to the gym a whole lot and we both met our workout goals for this week!

My Saturday is going to consist of laundry, cleaning and homework... does not sound like fun at all!  Reagan will be working most of the day and I really wish he was home with me so we could just have some nice time to ourselves to hang out!

My job with Stretch-n-Grow is going wonderful and I absolutely love working with the kids on MWF mornings, and it is amazing to have the most incredible and Godly woman as your boss.... makes work so much more enjoyable!

Last night for our surprise date, Reagan took me to Fort Worth to go to the rodeo.  It was a lot of fun, but very different from the San Antonio rodeo that we are so used to going to.  It was nice to just have time to ourselves last night!  Oh and I wish I would have taken pictures last night but I forgot.  We have gotten so bad about taking pictures lately... we need to work on that pronto because there are quite a few picture frames in our house that are dying to have pictures in them!

Tonight, we have dinner plans with a couple who is getting married soon... so that should be fun too!  We now just need to figure out where we are going to dinner and what we are going to do!

I hope everyone has a restful weekend, and enjoys time with friends and family!


"Life is busy, but take time to stop and enjoy the little things in life."

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Life as I know it... at least for right now!

An update from the Farish Family!  We have been very busy in our house.  Reagan is working 3 days a week at Carmax, going to seminary for Greek classes in Fort Worth, and working for the church.  I am finishing my last 15 hours at TCU, searching for a job for after college, working for an amazing children's company part time called Stretch-N-Grow, working on my teaching certificates online, and working out at least 3 days a week with a great friend in hope for us both to tone up and get in better shape.  To say the least life is way too tiring!  Last night I looked at Reagan and told him I needed more time in the day just so I could catch up with him and love on him.  He laughed and I think deep down secretly wished the same thing.
We both love our lives right now, but at least for me I am wondering what the next year holds for both of us.  Honestly, it is a little scary to wonder if I will get a job and what will happen in our marriage, etc. Thus, I find it easier to live each day and not worry about life-- easier said than done!

Weird side note, I am in need of some yummy new recipes.  Reagan and I will pretty much try anything at least once, and my taste buds have definitely expanded since I got married.  So any good sites for recipes, send them my way... oh and we love to use our crock pot!

Reagan's home youth groups start up this Wednesday and I think he is really excited for his students and to see all that they will learn this semester.  We have some really great families in our church that have opened their home for different age groups of youth, so it should be a really great experience for everyone!

OK, back to needing and wanting to spend more time with Reagan--- he told me last night that he is taking me on a date on Friday night.  I asked him where we were going and he said it was a secret... I hate secrets.  Though, deep down I am excited that he is such a thoughtful man and he has planned a special evening for just the two of us.  I will post pics after our date!

Well off to more reading for school... ughh, I can't say it enough, but May 7th you need to get here quick!  I am ready for night class to start and be over so that I can go home and relax with my hubby.  I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

"Fact for the day: life is exhausting and busy, but I am trying to cherish and enjoy each moment of life I get to live."

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

my last semester of college... really?!

My last semester of college has begun and I cannot believe the day is finally here! It feels so surreal to me, but in 18 weeks I will be graduating! That sounds like a long time when I say it, but really that is not long at all... and then it is off to the real world for me, holy moly!

Last night in my professional development class for child development majors my professor gave us an assignment to outline our career goals and how we will achieve them and where we ultimately want to be. Well today I started working on mine and all I could write down for the center as my main cause was to change the lives of children and families... that is my ultimate goal in life but I am not sure how I am going to do that exactly. I hope and pray my first job out of school is with Gladney Adoption agency working with amazing Christian people, but I just do not know. What I do know is that I want to love on kids like no has before and show them the love of God. SO, whether that is through an adoption agency, a children's organization or charity, a children's hospital or teaching school I want to pour my love and passion into children.

Tonight in night class we watched a video clip of how children's lives have been changed over the years at the TCU Hope Connection Camp (this is a camp for at risk kids). It was amazing to watch and brought tears to my eyes to see what God did in the lives of those children and how they were a completely different child. I want to make those kind of impacts, where the child is changed because I came in contact with them.
So Lord, that is my goal-- I want to impact the lives of little children and love on them how you loved all the little children. So please make paths for me to follow so that I can fulfill my goal to live and honor your passion for my life.

That's about all that is on my mind tonight, it has been a long day, I am sleepy,and reality has hit that this is it, the end of college is near--- watch out world, here I come!

"Jesus loved the little children, all the children of the world..."

Friday, January 7, 2011

Seeing the Stewart's

These past couple of days I got to visit my best friend and her beautiful family in the great Olney, Texas.  My time spent there was so relaxing and I enjoyed every minute there.  I cannot believe how big Ava has gotten, and she was talking up a storm!
Yesterday Hannah and I did what we know best, we went shopping in Witchita.  We had such a good time getting things to decorate their new home, and it brought back so many sweet memories from college at TCU!
The whole time there I was so grateful.  Grateful to be spending my last days before I go back to school with my best friend.  Though, while I was there this weekend Hannah said something to me that I think will last a lifetime.  She said "we are not just best friends, I consider you as a sister."  It is moments like that where I am filled with joy and so grateful that God has given me a friend like her to cherish for forever.
Now I am back home and there are things to be done and clothes to be washed, but I was so glad to get away to Olney for a little peace and quiet before school starts back up again!


"Best friends are those we hold closely to our heart."

Monday, January 3, 2011

Getting things done!

Today I had quite a long to-do list and I can proudly say that all but 2 items on my checklist are not completed.  It feels so good to check things off and know they have been taken care of :)
Part of me is kinda ready to start my last semester of college because I know there will be a routine and I love following a routine... Reagan does not so much like my crazy routine schedule but I love it!!

Today I also get to see a sweet friend and her newborn baby girl.  I am so excited to see that little bundle of joy and love on her!

Tonight we are also having some friends over for dinner... grilled pork chops, YUM!  It will be nice to fellowship with them tonight and catch up with them and their busy life!

Well my last couple of items on my to-do list are calling my name!  I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Oh... and I cannot wait to go see my best friend Hannah on Wednesday.  It has been way too long and I miss my love bug!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Hello 2011

I cannot believe 2010 is over... what a wonderful and memorable year it was!  Reagan and I have so much to be grateful for.  We got married, moved into our first home together (love our townhouse), met amazing new couples who we cherish their friendships so much, overcame obstacles together, and watched God fulfill and meet our needs and provide for us in ways we could not even imagine.  To say the least we were extremely blessed in 2010.  We are so grateful for our friends and family who were with us as we walked through this passed year, we love you all.

We rang 2011 in on the road last night... LOL! We went to a sweet couples lake house from our church last night.  We had yummy food, played games, and hung out-- simple and so good!  Though, before midnight we started getting sleepy and we had over an hour drive home.  So we started driving and welcomed in the new year driving home!  The conversation on the ride home was wonderful... until Reagan fell asleep!! We talked about what our most memorable events of 2010 were and we both agreed on the wedding for sure!  We talked about our goals for 2011 as a couple and as individuals.  It was awesome to hear that we both have some of the same goals for the new year!  All I can say is that I am so blessed and I love my hubby so so much!
So to say the least Hello 2011 -- I cannot wait to see what you have in-store for us :)

"2011- a new year, a new you!"