Amarillo by Morning

Palo Duro Canyon outside of Amarillo, Texas

Nathaniel was lucky enough to have graduated with a job. I am at once incredibly proud and jealous! Nathaniel accepted a position with Child Protective Services out of Amarillo, Texas. We are both excited for the opportunities it will provide for him!

60th Wedding Anniversary

My grandparents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary over the weekend. I was so grateful to be able to be back in California to celebrate such a milestone with them and my entire family (save for three cousins and a few in-laws).

It was a special occasion to have most of us in the same spot, and I will forever cherish the conversations I had with both of my grandparents. Grandad, 84, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer has spread to his spine. Though we don't yet know his prognosis, we know at his age, it's only a matter of time — month or years. We sat and talked about life lessons he has learned, and I asked him for advice he'd give me as I approach motherhood and anything he'd want to tell his great-grandchildren. It was a tender exchange between the two of us and my cousins, mom and aunt that were also gathered around. I loved seeing my grandma, 79, tear up as she viewed a printed version of one of her wedding photos.

All of us! I am so grateful that my family can be mine for eternity!

Pregnancy News Reactions

We obviously had a lot of positive feedback upon breaking the news that we're expecting a baby. A few ranked up there as my favorites.

Among them, Kathleen and Brandon's reaction after I texted them the good news:

This straight up made me laugh out loud.

My other fav was when Nathaniel was on the phone with his abuela. He told her I was due in August, and she said, "Oh, of next year?" I literally could not stop laughing. Yes, Abuela, a two-year pregnancy — what?!

Always,

Baby Cruz

Art I made shortly after finding out I was pregnant.

We are over the moon excited to announce baby GIRL Cruz is coming mid-August 2014!

We had our first ultrasound today and got to see our little love! Healthy at 11 oz. at 19 weeks, measuring 4 days ahead! Can't wait to meet her!

My sweet — probably dramatic — girl with her hand on her forehead. 

Valentine's Column

I surprised my love this year with a column written just about him. It was so fun to share my feelings in such a public way and hear Nathaniel and other's reactions about a relationship that is so near and dear to my heart!

The picture that accompanied the column. The two of us at the salsa club in Lubbock, Texas, the summer we started dating.

Always,

Hilary's Art

My sweet cousin, Hilary, commissioned me to create a piece of art work depicting herself and her husband. Early in their relationship they had a discussion where her husband said he was black and his wife was red — adding all the color into his life. They also have a family crest they designed that uses symbols to depict themselves as individuals and as a family. I used her story and the crest to design this piece of work. It took me unreasonably long because I wasn't ever totally satisfied with it, but Hilary loved it — and that's what counts!

Details. I used ink and colored pencil.

The finished product. Framed and ready to go.

Always,

2013: Highlights

For me, 2013 was a year of many ups and downs. There were a few heartbreaks and also a handful of triumphs. Read on for a recap of my last twelve months.

January:
The year started off with a bang when I found out I was pregnant. I was shocked, thrilled and absolutely terrified.

February:
February started off without a hitch, and I felt incredibly lucky on Valentine's Day to be celebrating a new chapter in our lives — I even made a card themed around how big our baby was supposed to be that week: an olive. Unfortunately, a few days later, I was devastated when I was blindsided by the beginning of a miscarriage.

NYE 2013

Despite the both of us battling a week-long's illness, by the time New Year's Eve rolled around we were both feeling stir crazy. We headed up to Oklahoma City to join hundreds of others during Oklahoma City Art Council's Opening Night. We purchased a wrist band for the night and were then allowed access to roller derby, live music, magic shows, etc. It was nice to celebrate the new year with so many others in a festive atmosphere, and oddly enough, it's the first time Nathaniel and I have actually celebrated New Year's together. It was about time! And miraculously, neither of us wimped out before midnight!

 We watched a roller derby match. It was surprisingly easy to get into the fun!

Big Brother Big Sister benefit

We had the chance to go to the Big Brother Big Sister benefit this year. It was wonderful to spend some quality time together. Plus, we always love a silly shot.

Always,

Three Years

Three years of marriage today. After both of us working all day we grabbed a pizookie from BJ's to celebrate.
Love this man.

Nathaniel,

Three years have come and gone in the blink of an eye. This last year has been filled with some of the greatest joys and deepest sorrows. The thing that has touched me the most is your capacity to love and serve, no matter the circumstances. When things are up, you're there to celebrate with me and are undoubtedly my biggest cheerleader. You are joyful and though you don't see it, I view it as one of the greatest gifts a person could ever have. You bring happiness to me and those around you just by being yourself. I am grateful for that example.

In the days I felt I couldn't move forward this year, you were there to hold me, wipe my tears and whisper encouragements. Your heart ached with mine when I felt my own heart was beyond repair and I can't thank you enough for that. In those moments you taught me more about love than I ever have before. Thank you for serving me in all times, the good and the bad, and for always reminding me that marriage is about following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I love you. Thank you for choosing me as your forever.

Always,

Taylor + Logan

I woke up bright and early June 1 to get ready to be a bridesmaid in Taylor's wedding. We all had a blast getting ready in anticipation of Tay's big day!

Myself and the bride.

I think we were all well and ready once the ceremony finally came around and it was perfect! The weather was beautiful and the pastor's delivery even sweeter. The entire ceremony focused around the marital covenant and its connection to the Savior Jesus Christ. It was simple, tender and so sweet. I'm so grateful I was there to witness and support my dear friend marry the man of her life! Marriage is such a gift and I know they will make big things from it!

High school friends :)

To top off a perfect ceremony, the reception was awesome! The food was delicious, company great and the music kept us dancing all night! And did I mention the view? The reception was at a lighthouse, right on the water...so breathtaking!

With the bride, with my love, at the reception.

You can check out some of the professional photos here.

Always,

The Moore's: A Love Story

Once upon a time a woman named Joyzella (she went by Joyce, smart move) fell in love with a man named Sammy (yes, Sammy, not Samuel). He went off to serve in the military, but Joyce couldn't forget him. She didn't want to be forgotten either. So she sent a photo:

Joyce

And Sammy took a few photos of himself, too, lookin' all kinds of handsome.

Taylor's Bachelorette Party

Remember when I was asked to be a bridesmaid? The final days of being a Clark finally arrived for the future Mrs. McBride! We arrived in San Diego just in time for me to head out to the bachelorette party. We — the bride, bridesmaids and a few friends — spent the night in Downtown San Diego dancing, bar hoping and all around just having a good time! Definitely a success celebrating Taylor's last week of singledom!

Always,

Allison + Diego

My sweet friend and former college roommate Allison married her honey, Diego, in Palestine, Texas, on April 26 and we were able to go and help her celebrate. The grounds were beautiful, the ceremony was sincere, the bride was gorgeous, the couple happy and the party filled with laughter and dancing — a great time for everyone!

Congrats you two, love you both!

The beautiful ceremony site at Elmwood Gardens.

Hope: A Miscarriage

Note: I recognize this is a topic that makes many people uncomfortable, and for whatever reason, people don't like talking about miscarriages openly. But because I know I am not the only one to endure such an experience and I have always maintained frank, honest openness about my life — I figured this shouldn't be an off-limits topic.

When I found out I was pregnant in Jan. 2013, I was shocked. I got pregnant almost immediately and it wasn't the result I was expecting. Save for some extreme tiredness, I felt like my pregnancy was progressing quite well. As every week passed, I eagerly read up on the progress of my baby and eagerly anticipated the day I would embrace my baby in my very own arms.

To say I was smitten would be an understatement. I was absolutely in love. I have dreamed my entire life of being a mother, and could hardly believe it was finally happening.

To say the least, when I started spotting on Feb. 15, at 9 weeks pregnant I felt blindsided. I yelled Nathaniel's name and instantly started crying and praying. I was terrified.

Happy Lover's Day

Happy Valentine's Day to my love, Nathaniel! Olive you!

Hand-painted "olive you" Valentine's card for my love.

Always,

2012: Highlights

Honestly, 2012 has largely been a blur for me. Let's recap it, shall we, before I lose track of 2013, too.

January:

I wrote story after story and enjoyed a visit from two sets of friends! I got my first real taste of Oklahoma weather, and was deeply touched by a group of local students and their teacher.

February:

We headed to Lubbock to celebrate my only nephew's first birthday, watched my brother jam out with his band, and laughed at the weird books I get in the mail at work. I got a double-dose of Disney, both at work and in Orlando.

Allison's Wedding

While we were in California for Christmas we were blessed to attend the wedding of my sweet high school friend, Allison. The two of us were on swim team together and enjoyed many, many hours together in the pool, talking at school or giggling at sleepovers. It made my heart soar to see her with a man that makes her so happy! Congrats, Allison and Josh! Thanks for letting us be apart of your big day!

During the ceremony

Thanksgiving 2012

Like last year, I spent this Thanksgiving bouncing between my house and the newsroom. I headed over to the community dinner, spoke to a handful of people, slammed out a short story (basically the same one I wrote the year before!) and headed back to our place to chow down on turkey with Nathaniel. 

I must admit, I didn't give much thought to Thanksgiving this year. We didn't have any plans, and we didn't even go to the grocery store until Wednesday night, where we contemplated just buying a lasagna and not even bothering with a turkey. I nearly started crying in the middle of the grocery store, feeling sorry for ourselves that we'd be spending Thanksgiving with just the two of us. It was definitely silly of me, but I was having a moment of shallow self-pity. Nathaniel lovingly reminded me that we are our own family and we're starting our own traditions. So we bought ourselves some turkey breast to prepare for our quiet, humble — but thankful — Thanksgiving dinner.

Nathaniel had to go at cooking dinner by himself with me bouncing between work, and he did the most fantastic job! After dinner, we called up some family members via FaceTime, and suddenly I felt like we were transported to California. Our quiet Thanksgiving wasn't so bad anymore...thanks, technology!

My mom 

Wedding gift art/new baby gift art

A very belated wedding gift and baby gift for my friend, Rachel!

I did this couple's wedding portrait with inks. The size is about 8'x10''.