Changed Laynes

One year ago today we pulled into the great (big) state of Texas. I think my first question was, "Is there always this much construction? Is it like this where we are going to live?" To my delight, we were still a couple of hours from Dallas and although we live in a lively area and there is construction surrounding us, I feel more settled than I thought I would a year later as I asked those questions.

A year has gone by so quickly! I have been thinking about this post for a couple of weeks . . . wondering if I should write about what I've learned (if anything) in a year, or sharing comedic stories of life in a big city. I'm sorry to say that I didn't really land on a direction. This past year has been filled with so many highs and a few lows of course. Over the past 12 months I've spent quite a few hours crying over family I miss but at the same time praising God for bringing us here so Chris and I can start a life together. I'm thankful for the friends I've started to make along the way and pray the Lord only deepens relationships in the years to come.

Our marriage has grown of course, too! We celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary with a trip to San Antonio's (forgive me for not posting about that!) River Walk and Sea World and we are approaching the year and a half mark in a couple of months. I can definitely say circumstances have pushed us into understanding one another better and growing as people, spouses, and children of God. I remember I was excited to get to Texas and have the long move over with, but it took me several hours in the car to get to that point! I don't think I spoke to Chris for the first three hours of our car trip (other than answering questions of if I needed to stop for a bathroom break). I wasn't angry at him! Just soaking it all in.

My sisters (thank you SO much Bita and Rachel!!!!) had put together little packages and cards to open at very specified times throughout the trip. I can't say how wonderful this was! Not only did it help the drive go a little bit faster, but I think it helped me ease my way out of home and into something new. It was reassuring to know that even though I wouldn't be able to see my sisters, brother-in-law, niece, and parents on a regular basis, I was still loved and not forgotten!
Here is a snapshot of Chris and I well into the drive. Since I'm smiling, I can assume I had a little bit of sleep, the "silent treatment" was over and I had opened a few cards.

I'm looking forward to year two in Dallas and excited to see what God has planned! I feel a little more secure, a little more settled, and although I might say something different in a moment of weakness, a lot more sure of God's leading us here.

Just as a before and after, here is a picture of Chris and I from a couple of weeks ago. We were at a Rangers game and despite the 104 degrees we were sitting in, we had a lot of fun! One year from today, I'll be sure to post a new picture. I could start a timeline!

Before ending this post, I just have to give an update of how I (we) are doing on our "List of Things Not Allowed to do Once Moved to Texas!" In the Scrapbook my sisters made Chris and I before leaving, there is a list with this title. I'm happy to say I have held strong to my Hoosier roots so far and not strayed!

"When you move to Texas, don't.... "
1. Say "Y'all" - have not said this yet!
2. Start rooting for the Cowboys over the Colts - safe on this point
3. Wear cowboy hats - nope
4. Make fun of Hoosiers - never!
5. Go line dancing - came close
6. Wear cowboy boots - I do secretly want some, but only a little bit
7. Use the chili pepper as decorating inspiration - haha
8. Wear a belt that has a buckle bigger than a credit card - the suburbs have saved me from this!

And there you have it :)