To everything, turn turn turn..there is a season...

I've heard that the only thing (other than God) that you can count on in life is change. I've definitely seen that in my own life.

Professionally, I have a tendency to start a new job without knowing much about it, and spend the first year or two learning as much as I can. Once I reach the point where I'm the "go to girl", I leave. I did that at JBU admissions--I resigned right after I won the Midwest Regional Service Award. I left development just as the department really started to come together. I left Lindsey Management once I was the most experienced person in my department and the one that others turned to when they had questions. Now I'm at OCU, but I'm not leaving anytime soon. I'm still in the learning phase.

I feel settled in Oklahoma City now. I know my way around, can take alternate routes to get around traffic, and have favorite restaurants. I know the best place to park at the mall (on the top level by Macy's, in case you're wondering).

I'm also in the lifelong process of learning how to be a good wife. Of all the jobs and roles I've ever had, I've never wanted to succeed more than I have in this role. Two things I've learned so far are: Men like home cooked meals and they need encouragement from their wives. That's what I've learned about being a wife. So, I cook and encourage. I'm continuing to learn about this mysterious union of marriage.

I'm settled in OKC and into my role as a wife. So, what's next, you might ask? If your life has been characterized as being in a constant state of flux, what could be around the next corner?

One big change that will occur soon is that David's parents are moving to our neighborhood. We saw this open house sign and decided to go in and take a look. It was exactly what they were looking for--small yard, 3 car garage, beautiful interior. To make a long story short, they sold their house before it was even on the market, and bought the one in our neighborhood in short order. They are moving September 21.

Despite the look of horror that some people (who don't know my in-laws) have given me when I told them, this is actually a wonderful thing. I love them, and to have them nearby when we have a baby is going to be amazing! I'm also looking forward to the simple things like family dinners and pedicures with my mother-in-law. They are very respectful of our privacy and time.

We are also hoping to adopt another golden retriever later this fall. There is a golden retriever rescue in town, and we've been searching the website for a good match. They are all adorable, so it will be hard to choose. We need one that is kitty-friendly and completely housebroken. Check out http://www.sgrr.org/ to see these precious puppies.

Hopefully, a baby will be on the way in the next year or so and that will be our next big change! I will have another echo cardiogram in October to make sure my heart is still doing well. Then, we'll just have to see what God has in store! I've turned this over to Him, but that is a process that takes daily prayer. David and I have our individual worries about me getting pregnant. David's are for my safety and that my heart is strong enough. I worry more about having enough energy and money, and about the changes having a baby would bring to our lives. When I come home exhausted at the end of the day, I wonder what I'd do if I had a baby screaming at 2 am.

The only regret I have about meeting David is that it didn't happen sooner. As a result, I tend to feel like I'm playing the love version of Beat the Clock. I never feel like I have enough time with him. It's as if the sand of time that we get to live together slips through our hands so quickly. I wish we had several more years of time as a couple before having kids, but we don't have that luxury if we want to have a child.

I know our blissed out newlywed lifestyle would change forever. No more sleeping late on Saturdays, lingering romantic dinners, and constant couple time? I will miss those times, but my desire to be a family with David and a child outweighs those luxuries. Maybe we can sneak in a dinner out now and then...that's where my wonderful in-laws come in!

So many wonderful changes! Both my family and David's have seen that things can change forever in the blink of an eye. All we can really do is love God today and trust Him for tomorrow. God has great plans in store.