Our 4th of July Recap

It's been a long time since I've blogged.  Almost a month to be exact. This summer has been the summer of weddings.  In the months of June and July, I had or will have 3 weddings and 4 showers.  Phew.  Even though it's been busy, I have so enjoyed soaking up this time with friends and family.

In particular, the 4th of July was a great time spent with friends and family.  My brother was able to take off a few days and fly in from Montana.  I know I saw him in March, but it seems like it's been a long time. He just passed his boards to become a certified medical physicist (yay so proud) so he wanted to hang out and relax. We spent 4 straight days hanging out at the pool! So great.  And Brett found his new passion of treading water.  He reached 1 hour of treading by day 4.  Oh and Brett FINALLY started liking Duck Dynasty (he's watching it as I type).

Jessica was able to come over on the 4th to partake in our fireworks display.  Mom and Dad's neighbors even stopped by.  We had all sorts of goodies, capped off by something special by my dad.  Let's just say, if you've never experienced a Veale 4th of July, you're completely missing out.

Miss Priss

Tradition since I was in grade school.

The first time Jess has ever personally lit a firework.

Woohoo

Let's just say those large mud holes are from my dad's finale.

We had my birthday celebration a little early since all of us were together.  It was so nice to have Chris there to celebrate with us.  Dad made his BBQ chicken, my favorite food, and Mom made a 1-2-3 cake, my favorite dessert.  It was a fantastic celebration followed by some gun shooting.

Mom still likes to decorate the house, including a "The Party is Here" door covering.

Brett's not sure what to think about the Duke mug Chris got me.  Actually he does know what he thinks.

Used to be our triannual sibling kiss on the cheek.  Doesn't happen often with him in Montana now.

Funny how Dad and Chris' faces are similar. They love me. I promise

So happy.  With the hubby and brother. However, Brett told Chris to get his Duke shirt off him after this picture.

Hubby is starting to like this hobby.

Chris with the manly gun.

At least Brett seems to be having fun.

Love my little Japanese lady.

On Sunday, our friends Kyle and Amy with their little girl Grace Ann came over to hang out at the pool.  Amy and Chris go back to his freshman year in college.  I met Amy back when I was in high school.  She is such a sweet, honest friend. Kyle was one of Brett's groomsmen in our wedding.  This family holds a special place in our heart.

Anyway, Grace Ann loved the water! She is so brave too.  She already knows how to blow bubbles.  And let me say, she knows when there is a camera pointed at her.  She just stares at it until it is put away. She must get practice at home ;)

The aftermath of Chris' cannon ball. He's definitely my older brother.

Sweet girl

Chris lounging in his makeshift pool chair

GA looking right at the camera

Love these people

Overall, it was a much needed break full of lots of family and friends. Hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July weekend too!

Happy 1 Year

As of 4 pm, I have officially been married a year!  It is hard to believe how quickly it flies by.  The past year has been filled with many joys and struggles.  We went through two health scares, two coaching jobs and moves, and times of loneliness for me.  We also strengthened our friendship and love, prayed for each other in our decision-making, bought a house, and challenged each other to act like Christ.

I have learned so much about myself.  I am selfish and needy. I often rely on Brett to fill the need that only Jesus can fill.  There are definitely many times in the past year where I can say I have made Brett an idol.  After moving to a new place (TWICE) where I didn't know many people, Brett was my only friend in the beginning.  Poor guy. We went pretty much right into football season after we got married.  He would work so hard 16 hours a day.  When he'd get home, I would want to talk his ear off since I didn't see anyone all day with working from home.  All he wanted to do was unwind.  There would be many weeks where Brett would be the only person I would see. If I didn't get enough conversation with Brett, I would feel alone, forgetting that Jesus never left me for one moment.

Brett has shown me what God's grace and love looks like.  I am a control freak.  There were and still are moments I would mother Brett instead of respecting and treating him as my husband.  He would take it in stride.  He forgives, moves on, and doesn't bring up past mistakes.  It reminds me of Pslam 103:12: "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he [God] removed our transgressions from us."  It is something that I am in the process of learning and living out.

No one really tells you what marriage is going to be like.  I think our culture romanticizes love so, so much.  Marriage and loving someone every day is a choice.  There were days I didn't "like" Brett, but I made a commitment to him before God that I would choose to love him on not only the easy days, but also the hard days. Don't get me wrong, marriage is very romantic and wonderful.  It's the best thing in the world to have someone to go through life with and to challenge you.  It also takes work, work I am looking forward to the rest of my life.

Here's to many more years of joys and struggles to share with my best friend!  I love you Brett.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to some very important men in my life.

Dad- You are my protector and my go-to man  You never kept silent about whether or not I should be dating someone or what the right choice is in a situation.  You have so much discernment.  You always tell me what you think is the Godly thing to do. If I ever have a question, I always call you first because you have so much common sense and are so handy.  I can't tell you how much money the John Honda Shop has saved me.  You give without me asking.  You helped shaped my view of God, as a protector, a dad who disciplines out of loves, and one who gives unconditionally.  You set the bar high for the type of man I would marry.  I know we butt heads sometimes, but I think that's because we are so much alike.  I often say, "I am my father's daughter."  I wouldn't have it any other way. I'll always be your baby girl. I love you Daddy!

Pappaw- I am so very thankful that you are my Pappaw.  I don't know anyone else who commands so much respect just with his presence.  I think storytelling is a lost art, but you have mastered it.  I (and Brett) often just sit there and listen to your stories.  You are so full of wisdom.  I have learned so much about business and how to treat people.  You are the epitome of a hard worker and someone who made something of himself despite his meager beginning.  I think you need to write a book for my generation to read about how hard work pays off.  My generation has so much they could learn from you about work ethic.

Yogi- I have you to thank for a lot of Brett's personality.  Obviously, I doubt he'd be a coach right now if it weren't for you.  He sees his job as a ministry opportunity because of you.  He grew up seeing how much you cared for your players.  You disciplined them in love and gave a lot of them what they were lacking: a male figure to respect, please, and emulate.  You would do anything for your family, and for your "girls."  Will, Brett, and Sam must have learned from you how to catch a good wife :)