This is my life...
Photos and design by Howard Chen
In tenth grade, I wrote in a journal: "God, if you don't want us to be together, why can't you just let me GET OVER THIS BOY?" Oh, the drama and stress of a sophomore in high school!
Today, I am married to that boy, I teach tenth graders, and I blog instead of journal... Isn't it weird how life turns out?
Throughout high school, I asked Jeff to be my date to three dances. He always said no. (He wants me to add that he wasn't mean - he just didn't "do" school functions. Haha!) Then, in October of our senior year he finally came around... little did he know!!
After graduation, I moved five hours away to attend Clemson University in South Carolina (GO TIGERS) while Jeff stayed closer to home at Virginia Tech. Although it was incredibly challenging at times, I am SO thankful for the opportunities and experiences Jeff & I had while we were "apart" in college. We both were blessed to make wonderful life-long friends and learn more about ourselves and our God during this time. Plus, we got to spend one unbelievable semester studying abroad together in London, England... Seriously, a dream come true!
Finally, after five years of dating, Jeff and I got married in my family church (the same one my parents were married in almost exactly 25 years earlier) on June 30th, 2007. It was the happiest day of my life, and a wonderful celebration of our future and all the people who shaped our past!
(Photo by Paul Calhoun Photography... Check out the rest of our bright orange wedding here!)
Today, we are living in our hometown in Virginia and loving being so close to our amazing families and a great community of friends - both old and new! I am in my fourth year of teaching English at our old alma-mater and LOVE my job! I feel so lucky to have a job that is SO fun and really has a purpose. Besides an occasional stack of research papers or a cranky adolescent, I couldn't be happier.
The picture above is from the postcard we sent out when we first moved into our house in May of 2008. (I blurred our actual street name just to be safe from the creepers out there, but you get the idea!) This is our first house and a dream --- although sometimes, when the backyard is covered in leaves, the dishwasher is broken, and the windows look like they've been finger-painted on - we have to remind ourselves of that! More importantly, how cute is little Addy?!? After literally a year of BEGGING, Jeff and I got her at six-weeks old that same May. Best decision ever... we are both so in love (and, maybe, a little obsessed).
I am about as "Type A" as they come, and LOVE organizing, making lists, and (most of the time) cleaning. I truthfully can't function if my house is a mess... which, trust me, it IS more often that I'd like. Thank goodness Jeff is my perfect opposite - he keeps me sane!
I love Jesus more than ANYTHING! And, am happy for the chance to 'give my life away' mainly by opening my home and just building relationships. Jeff and I also host a weekly bible study for "young adults" at our house on Wednesdays, and are actively involved in the area Young Life Committee. We definitely feel like we have been called to love the community around us and minister with our time, energy, and home at this stage of our lives. Plus, we are having so much fun being close to our families and friends - both young and old. :)
I started my blog as a chance to get back to one of my first loves - writing - and chronicle these crazy adventures of "growing up." I know one day we will look back at these days of learning and transition and share a good belly laugh! In addition to that, over the last two years the "blog world" has introduced me to hundreds of incredible people... It has become a community that I really value and enjoy!
THANK YOU for reading... I hope you enjoy!!
Photos and design by Howard Chen
Our Christmas Card 2009, but a good message for year-around. We REALLY value a good laugh and hope to never take ourselves too seriously. (Yes, we actually sent this out to people in the mail... Jeff is a really good sport.)
Photo by Howard Chen
A crowd favorite -- Our (first) child in her pumpkin costume. She outgrew the body and now "proudly" sports ONLY the stem every Halloween. Love her!
And... An UPDATE: In July 2011 we will welcome our first little one!! (Unless you count Addy.) We feel so blessed and couldn't be more excited! Expect LOTS more info on Baby Chapman on the blog in the months to come!!
Photo by Howard Chen
Christmas 2010 - Our Big Announcement! (Can you tell how thrilled Addy is?)
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