Guatemala 2014 Photo Book

So, I FINALLY got around to compiling all of our photos (and some of our teammates') from our mission trip to Guatemala last July into a photo book! Shutterfly was having a one-day free photo book sale, so I told myself it had to get done today :)

The people in Chancò are incredible. They are kind, welcoming, hospitable, loving, generous and beautiful. And the children are absolutely adorable - and just as kind! We had the time of our lives, and loved getting to share Jesus with them. We most definitely hope to return!

Enjoy!
C + D

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2014 Round-Up

Surprise! I have blogged a total of TWO times this year. OOPS! I smell a resolution for 2015... But, ending the year didn't feel right without taking a moment to reflect on all that 2014 gave us with our annual Round-Up post! This one will have lots of pictures and might be pretty long - I have a lot of catching up to do!

2014 HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR!

(So great, in fact, that many of these categories have runners-up!)

Our Biggest Accomplishment: House Renovations!

So far, we've redone the kitchen cabinets and countertops, bought new appliances, removed carpet from almost the whole house, put hardwood in most of the house, stained and refinished the concrete floor in one room, and painted the main parts of the house (including trim and doors - which is very time consuming!) We still have miles to go, but we've loved making our house a home.

 

Not the greatest pictures, but you get the idea - they were dark
brown with beige countertops and brass fixtures before!

 

Also, our appliances were mix-matched - so
we finally got all matching stainless!

David hard at work on the floors. Carpet glue is no fun!

Before we put the wood down, we wrote scripture
blessings all throughout on the foundation! 

Preview of the gorgeous dark wood flooring!

New floors! And new blinds courtesy of my parents!

We think Moses likes it in here :)

Runner Up for biggest accomplishment was David starting his own company! He worked so so hard this year (outside of his full time job) - so that we were able to do these renovations... and even upgrade my ride ;)

Our Biggest Frustration: The Blue Jeep 

(She's healed and moved on now though, lol!)

It seems like so long ago now, but in the beginning of the year, we were STILL battling Holt Transmission to get my jeep running right! Finally after countless trips back and forth - and countless days driving David's truck to work - We decided it was time to bid her adieu, and upgrade! So in May, we welcomed this beauty to the family!

We did finally get the Blue Jeep up and running smoothly again - and were able to sell it to David's sister Rebecca. This way, if it has any future problems (which it shouldn't...) at least David can still help her out - it is under warranty for another 2 years!

Our Biggest Adventure: Guatemala 

In July - thanks to God many of our friends and family - we were able to go on a mission trip to Guatemala! This really deserves it's own post...but I'll sum it up in pictures below. We made friendships despite language barriers, spread the Gospel, and even had time for sightseeing in Antigua! It was a trip we'll both remember for a lifetime. (Hoping to post more about this in the future... though I'm already 6 months late!)

SO thankful to experience this together!

Afternoon siesta time :)

Precious Village boys. The one on the left drew David a
picture and gave it to him on the last day.

Always the goofball. 

The Whole Gang

Anderson was our adopted sibling for the week!

David and Tony our driver - these two formed such a great
friendship during the week. Two peas in a pod!

Runner Up for greatest adventure: Courtney's trip to NYC with Kristen! It was certainly an adventure - two southern sisters tackling the Big Apple in 2 1/2 days! But boy, did we do it all! Our favorite show, FRIENDS, set up a temporary Central Perk for it's 20th anniversary - so of course, on a total whim, (and thanks to two wonderful husbands for letting us go!) we packed up and flew out! We saw Central Perk, Central Park, Times Square, Bloomingdales, Rockefeller Center, Little Italy (with Cannoli's!), 9/11 Memorial and Museum (GO see that!), NY Public Library, Tiffany's, FAO Schwarz, The Met, Cinderella on Broadway, got a Cosmopolitan, and even tackled the subways and a tiny hotel in Queens! We totally earned our street cred - no chaperones! :) 

Caroline couldn't come - so we brought her a little blue box!

THE Orange Couch - Just call us Rachel and Monica :)

A little rain couldn't stop us!

These are just a few pics from the trip - for a whole bunch more, click here!

Other great adventures included: Hilton Head for Valentine's Day, Columbia to see Kari Jobe and Rend Collective in concert; Cape Coral, Florida for Thanksgiving; Clemson for a football game; and Spartanburg for Kerri & Aaron's Wedding!

Now, onto the 2014 lists...no real pictures go with these :)

Our Favorite Restaurants: 

They're all tied for first!

Sesame for Burgers, Miyabi Sushi Bar, Moe's, and The Shelter for Sunday Brunch

Our Favorite Music: 

We both love Elevation Worship!

David: Mumford and Sons, Lumineers, Rend Collective, Citizens

Courtney: Kari Jobe, All Sons and Daughters, Frozen Soundtrack

Our Favorite Books Read: 

David: The Tombs, Clive Cussler

Courtney: Return to Tradd Street, Karen White (Runner Up: Beautiful Ruins, Jess Walter)

Our Favorite TV Shows: 

We both LOVE Family Feud!! And Grey's Anatomy on Netflix!

David: The Walking Dead (Runners Up: Impractical Jokers and Prospectors)

Courtney: Tie between Friends and Revenge (Runners Up: Nashville, Hart of Dixie, Gossip Girl on Netflix)

Our Favorite Hobbies: 

David: Learning more on Electric Guitar, Blacksmithing, and still camping, even though we didn't go once this year!

Courtney: Hand Lettering, Painting, and crafting of any kind!

On the Calendar for 2015? 

Cruisin' the Pacific Coast Highway in June! 

More details to come as we begin to plan - suggestions welcome!

That about sums up our year!

We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and will have a very Happy New Year!!!

With Love & Blessings, 

C+D

2013 Round-Up

2013 HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR!

Our Biggest Accomplishment: Becoming Homeowners!

We bought our first home back in October. It was definitely a lot of work...and I think several trees were killed in the process (SO much paperwork!). We are now beginning the long road to renovating & updating. Will try to be better about blogging and posting before and after shots as we go! 

(...thanks, Google Maps...)

Our Biggest Change: Church Switching

Earlier this year I blogged about leaving LifePark and heading back over to FBC Mt. Pleasant. It has been a huge adjustment, but we are happy, growing spiritually, worshipping more than ever and definitely feel confident that the Lord has us where He wants us. We still miss our LP family though!!

"The Foundation" - Our LifeGroup at FBC!

Our Biggest Adventure: Jamaica!

We went on several little trips this year - Myrtle Beach, Columbia, etc. as usual, but our one big trip was our Honeymoon/First Anniversary week in Jamaica! It was the vacation of a lifetime - we climbed a waterfall, snorkeled, danced, ate great food, enjoyed fun drinks, visited Negril, shopped, and most of all relaxed and enjoyed quality time together!! It was everything we hoped it would be!

Sunset over the water, Rick's Cafe, Negril

Our Biggest Frustration: Holt Transmission

I probably shouldn't state their name on here, as they still have not fixed the problem we took to them a MONTH ago. Seriously, I have not had a car for the whole month of December. We took it in with transmission problems and they said they needed to rebuild the transmission, which would take about 3 days. You'd think, by the name of their company, they know how to do that (You had one job....). Don't let the name fool you, they have no idea what they're doing. Bonus, they'll break your AC for you while they're at it!

I do have it now, although it needs to go back for a third time, but I'm just being stubborn and refusing to give it back just quite yet. It's ok that is shakes while in reverse, and sometimes cuts off, right? (Kidding...I know that's bad.)

Our Favorites:

Bands: The Lumineers, Mumford and Sons

Worshipers: Kari Jobe, Rend Collective, Elevation

Restaurants: Still Miyabi Sushi Bar! And The Shelter on Coleman for Brunch

Worship Songs: Give Me Faith, Elevation Worship; Steady My Heart, Kari Jobe

TV Shows: Grey's Anatomy, Duck Dynasty, The Walking Dead (D), Hart of Dixie (C)

Book read this year: The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak (C); Caliban's War, James S.A. Corey (D)


On the calendar for 2014? 

Guatemala - July 2014
We are going on a Mission Trip (My first one out of the country!) for a week in July with our church. David's always had a love for global missions, (He's already been to Nicaragua and Panama), and I've always wanted to go out of the country (My US missions trips have been phenomenal too, though!). Pray for us in the months leading up to our trip. We're SO excited!!

Happy New Year to all of our friends and family!!

C+D

Thankful Thursday 5.30.13

Whew! I'll begin by saying I'm thankful it's almost June! :) Though I'm not sure June is bringing much of a reprieve in the busy-ness category...Going to have to work on that. We're supposed to slow down in the summer, right?

May has been a whirlwind...Seriously, how is it already the 30th? I've been off the blogging bandwagon pretty much all month (as per usual, I'm afraid to say. I just can't for the life of me find the time or think of something important enough to post more regularly) BUT that's also because we've had SO much going on in the real world lately! 

So, take this as our Month-of-May Update and List of thankfulness. :)

We're thankful for our dear friend, Devin, who graduated from USC this month! Been a long time comin'!

We're thankful for my awesome Momma, who celebrated another birthday this month! No, Momma, I won't tell them how old you are ;).

We're also thankful for my Momma's best buddy Beth, who also celebrated a birthday this month! We won't tell them how old you are, either :).

Momma & Beth with their beards at Beth's
Duck Dynasty birthday party! 

We're thankful for this beautiful weather lately! THIS is why we live in Charleston. 

We're thankful for our Health! Thankful for our Great Physician and Healer.

We're thankful for our Mothers - and that we got to spend time with BOTH of them on Mother's Day. 

We're thankful for being a part of our precious niece Lyla's first trip to the beach! Watching her take it all in was pure joy. 

Watching the wave coming!

Just LOOK at those little running legs! :)

We're thankful for the opportunity we had this year to lead our Student Band at LifePark. This past Sunday was "Student Sunday" and they got to lead worship for all three services! And, let me tell you, we felt like Proud Parents! Watching them grow in the Lord and grow in worship since last August was so rewarding - all to culminate in watching them lead our whole church body in worship (excellently, I might add!) was so rewarding. So we're SUPER thankful to have had that role in their life!

We're thankful for all the extra work we've been doing. (Eww, what?) No, we're not always thankful in the moment, but in the big scheme of things, we ARE thankful for all the side jobs both of us have been getting, to help us get ahead in our savings a little bit! And both of us love what we do, so it's not bad :)

We're thankful for all of our great veterans who fought and died to give us the freedom to live the way we do! We don't have to only appreciate and honor them on Memorial Day!

I'm personally thankful for quality time I've gotten to spend with special, Godly women this month! I got to spend a few hours with my Mother in Law one day, and a few hours this past Saturday with my best bud Jenny. I admire both of them so much and truly, truly enjoyed having "Girl talk" with both! So blessed to have these two as such important women in my life!!

David's thankful for: "My new job [still] - Working for a good company that has owners that care about their employees. And for my beautiful wife!" (awww...Can I add that I'm thankful that he responds to my "What are you thankful for" texts each time I make a TT post!?)

Peace & Blessings,

C + D

Steady My Heart

As worshippers, David and I both seem to find the Lord through songs. Worship tunes just seem to speak truths over us. Help us to put music to our thoughts and prayers exactly. I don't necessarily think that's even a trait you get from being musicians, I think everyone can relate to hearing a song and having that "aha" moment - they are singing exactly what you're thinking!

Thus, I've found my thoughts on this week so far in a song by (who else) Kari Jobe. It's one of my favorite tunes by her and has been for a while. She's insanely talented, and so authentic.

My heart needs steadying.
But, He's here, He's real, and we can trust him. 
Hallelujah!

Steady My Heart - Kari Jobe

Wish it could be easy

Why is life so messy

Why is pain a part of us

There are days I feel like

Nothing ever goes right

Sometimes it just hurts so much

But you're here

You're real

I know I can trust you

Even when it hurts

Even when it's hard

Even when it all just falls apart

I will run to you

'Cause I know that you are

Lover of my soul

Healer of my scars

You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry

I know that you've got me

Right inside the palm of your hand

Each and every moment

What's good and what gets broken

Happens just the way you've planned

You are here

You're real

I know I can trust you

Even when it hurts

Even when it's hard

Even when it all just falls apart

I will run to you

'Cause I know that you are

Lover of my soul

Healer of my scars

You steady my heart

You steady my heart

And I will run to you

And find refuge in your arms

And I will sing to you

'Cause of everything you are

You steady my heart

You steady my heart

Even when it hurts

Even when it's hard

Even when it all just falls apart

I will run to you

'Cause I know that you are

Lover of my soul

Healer of my scars

You steady my heart

You steady my heart

I'm not gonna worry

I know that you've got me

Right inside the palm of your hand.

This song will be on repeat all week, until I let it sink in. He's got me (and my family) in the palm of HIS hand. What better place to be, right?

Steady My Heart was followed closely by "Hide Away" by Ben Rector. You should listen to both. :)

Sorry for the "bummer" of a post - don't worry about us, just pray for my family. Just being truthful on a Tuesday. :)

Peace & Love

C

2012 Round-up

2012 was filled with high points, low points, challenges, rewards, emotion, love, life, work, play, rest, prayer, and adventuring. So I've made a little round-up of our year :)

Favorite Picture: This One!

Favorite Month: March 2012 (obvious choice!)

Our Wedding! 11 years and 2 months after first meeting, we became husband and wife. The day was perfect - the weather was perfect - the ceremony was perfect - and our mini-moon was perfect! (Until we both came home with the flu, but we were warned - when you're married you share everything!)

Least Favorite Month: November 2012

The darkest month of our year. We lost David's Great Aunt Coleen, My Grandma Fraylick and My Grandma Young - all within a 9 day period. Seems unbelievable? Yeah, it was tough to swallow. BUT, by the Grace of God, and the LOVE He showered on us, we made it through! And we can rejoice that all three of these beautiful women are in Heaven!

Favorite Meal: Chicken Stir Fry with Peppers & Pineapple

One of David's Specialties - we discovered that adding pineapple to chicken teriyaki stir fry gives it so much more flavor. We made this meal most often this year!

Favorite Restaurant: Miyabi's Sushi Bar!

We may or may not have a standing VIP discount. And, we may or may not have received a Christmas card from them. And, Sota, our favorite sushi chef, may or may not be bringing us a present from Japan when he goes in January. :) Let's just say, it's like our second home!

Favorite TV Shows: Hart of Dixie & Revenge; Dexter & Walking Dead

I'm sure you can guess which shows belong to which of us. 

Favorite "Bucket List" Item Checked off: Recording in Studio!

I've blogged about it before, but we got to each go into Charleston Sound Recording studio to record our Life Songs for a real album! Super cool experience - and fun thing to do together with each other, and our friend Jenny!

Favorite Weekend Activity: Getaways & Mini-Vacations!

We LOVE to get out of town and spend some quality time together. Since getting married, we've been to Myrtle Beach for a quick weekend, Clemson for a Game, Camping in North Carolina, and to Greenville for a weekend.

Favorite Worship Songs: How He Loves (David), How Deep the Father's Love (Court)

We chose these two songs as our life songs this year. If you want to know the reasonings, just ask us sometime!

Favorite Accomplishment: No Wedding or Honeymoon Debt!

With the help of my parents, David and I were able to pay for the majority of our wedding, and save up enough to completely pay for our upcoming honeymoon. All without having to sell anything or open any credit cards. Apparently, wedding debt is really common. We're pretty proud of ourselves that we made it all work out beautifully!

Favorite Overall Moment of the Year: Getting Married!

By and large, in the future, when we think of 2012, we'll undoubtedly think "Our Wedding".  So it will always go down in the books as one of the best years of our lives! As our pastor Chad says, it's the second most important decision of your life (behind accepting Christ as your Savior). I think we made the right choice ;)

On the calendar for 2013? 

Honeymooning in Jamaica in March! Looking like it's going to be a great year!

Happy New Year to all of our friends and family!!

C+D

Gone Campin'

Married Life Adventure #3 - Camping in NC!

A few weeks ago, David and I had a long weekend so we headed up to Mills River for some much needed R & R in the Mountains! We both love camping, so we couldn't wait to go. It was SO nice to be unplugged for 4 days with just each other in God's Creation!

Happy Husband!

Our room for the weekend.

Our happy boy! Moses LOVES camping.

The creek at our site. So peaceful.

Our "Kitchen"

Not sure what this is, but it overlooks the creek.

Naturally, Moses had to check it out!

View from our site

So nice listening to that water run all day!

Moses in his chair

This year, we went on our first hike!

Climbed out on a rock in the river to have a snack!

Another Creek shot.

Daddy and his boy. Love this photo!

Exploring. My two protectors!

We ventured off the path to find this
waterfall, but we couldn't get a great
shot of it through the trees. 

My big boy smiling for the camera! 

We crossed that log to get to a great snack spot, and Moses
attempted. But he fell in. Needless to say, he got a bit chilly!

So he stayed right here for the rest of the night!

All in all, it was a perfect weekend! Hoping to get back out there soon!

C + D