Pizzas and Pictures

If you know Sean at all (or the Townsends) then you know they love Chicago and Chicago style pizza!  It's pretty much Sean's favorite thing to eat, but obviously he doesn't get to eat good Chicago style pizza too much down here!  Because his mom and dad are as precious as can be and so thoughtful, they ordered him pizza from this favorite place in Chicago Lou Malnati's and had it sent to us!  We got it today in the mail and already devoured one delicious, pepperoni, deep dish, Chicago style pizza :)

(Sean doesn't look nearly as excited as he was eating 3/4s of the pizza)

Second big news: THE WEDDING PICTURES ARE IN!  If you want to check out the slideshow you can go to our page on Caleb's website.  He did the most wonderful job and we're so so so pleased with them!  If you have all the time in the world on your hands, you can look through all of them at his Big Box Photo website.  We love how he truly captured the joy of that day in every picture :) 

We're the Same Age!

As many of you know, yesterday was my HUSBAND'S 22nd birthday!  This means that for two whole weeks, we will finally be the same age!  I think this year I'm just going to pretend I'm turning 22 also haha


We celebrated Sean's bday on Saturday since he has to study for his Friday test this week.  We went to Las Brisas, a steak restaurant in LBK, that was awesome!  I don't usually get steak, but it looked too good to pass up!  We both got steaks and split a bottle of wine...their cheapest one because most of them were over $100! Ah!  It was d-e-l-i-cious!  After that we came home and literally conked out after a long first week of student teaching and a busy week of med school.  Jennifer Lipman, I know understand your whole going to bed early thing :)  I give in!


On Monday, his actual birthday, we spent the evening trying out a new class offered at Redeemer.  It's called "Perspectives."  It's basically a class that brings in different speakers to tell how and why Christ is moving among the nations!  Last night the speaker, Jeff Lewis, talked basically about the bible and how it relates to Christ's love for the nations.  He really emphasized that nations includes America, our own neighborhoods.  He said that yes this class would tug at your heart to go over seas, yes it would awaken your eyes to the needs around the world.  He also said that if that is all you get out of it, you've missed your calling completely.  Jeff encouraged us that we are all "called" and many times we are passive about that.


Luke 24:44-47


Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." ⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, ⁴⁶ and said to them,"Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,⁴⁷and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.


He stated that most God centered churches proclaim the first two as necessary, or without a doubts, but the last one is many times over looked and not proclaimed as truth!  In other words it isn't an option.  I could go on and on about all the stuff that Jeff said that literally rocked our worlds, but this would be a very long blog!


Basically, the talk stimulated great conversation and reflection for Sean and I.  We know that we both have careers that are needed in other places of the world (locally, globally, and nationally), and we are positive Christ is going to use that somehow.  We know that Christ is training us right now to produce Christ follower characteristics, and that this journey goes beyond us.  He has blessed us so much it blows our mines, and our prayer is that God's purpose would shine through.  How are you challenging yourself with Christ?  Are you proactively seeking out Christ?  Do you know him intimately, so you can better understand his purpose for you?  These are questions we are truly asking ourselves and praying that they change our lives!

In the weeee hours of the morning

Yes I'm writing this blog at 6:45 in the morning FULLY dressed and ready to leave for school at 7:20.  Why you may ask?  The past two mornings I have woken up LATE FOR SCHOOL therefore NOT showered, therefore looking like a slacker because I'm a little late, therefore NOT being able to spend time with Jesus in the morning, therefore being a little stressed all day haha So today I decided to set my alarm at 5:45 and put it on the other side of the room to ensure I would be up in time :)  Sean thought it was pretty nasty that I didn't shower for two days, but hey I still rocked it haha

Sean and I had a WONDERFUL date night last night!  When I came home from school I worked out to "Coach Cliff's Workout Videos" and Sean, being the wonderful husband he is, picked up the dry cleaning and ran to Wal-Mart to pick up some potatoes.  (Wal-Mart is quickly becoming our go to place if we forget something, and I have to admit it's very handy!)  

After that I finally showered for the day and got all ready because I've looked like poo the last few days via no shower!  I made the Tuna Steaks with a side salad and potatoes.  You have to try this one!  The dressing is to DIE for, and it's a weight watchers meal....ps you must like sushi to enjoy it because the fish is rather raw and the dressing literally taste like Benihanas....http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/03/sesame-crusted-tuna-steak-on-arugula-5.html

Once dinner was finished, we walked over to Bahama Bucks and got shaved ice. Probably my favorite thing about Lubbock is the weather. It's the middle of August and it felt amazing last night outside! Bahama Bucks is so close to our house....which could be dangerous....but at least it's not ice cream! I got the fat free toasted coconut one and ate every bit! Sean got Hurricane Daiquiri and at 1/4 haha Once we got back, we were having so much fun he decided NOT to study! Wahoo! I'm sure I'll pay for that this weekend, but it was fun last night to have a date night :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Student Teaching 101

The first three days of student teaching is down and it has been going "fab" in the words of Mrs. Gammill.  The school is like friday night lights, the other teachers are so sweet, and the students are precious!  My favorite line so far is from a little boy in my class, please remember I'm student teaching in the country.  He came up to me and a rather big texas twang and said, "Do you have frogs or toads in your house?  We do!  Well we have liiiiittle baby frogs and toooooads at night!"  It was precious and I'm quickly getting too big of a heart for each one of them!

Next, CONGRATULATIONS KATE AND DREW!  This fabulous couple got engaged on Sunday evening, and I couldn't be more excited for them.  They are a wonderful couple who loves the Lord.  I cannot wait to see what kind of work God does in their lives, and to watch them fall even more in love over their engagement time.  

Sean and I are really excited to get involved in our church Redeemer.  God is doing some awesome stuff there, and we're really learning what it looks like to follow Christ on a daily basis and through our marriage.  It's crazy how God places things on your heart, and then guides us to a church that is already actively pursuing those things.  We are excited to get involved in a small group and become challenged as followers of Christ!  I've already been blessed with meeting some wonderful girls in a Med School Wives bible study that I've been going to!  They are so precious, and I know God placed them in my life to help Sean and I do this whole "med school/marriage" thing :)  Please be praying about Sean's future with 3rd/4th year and residency.  It's crazy how those things are already talked about.  We know Christ already has a place laid out for us, but pray that we will be following his will.

So I know this is Meal Planning "Wednesday," but it's better late than never!  So far every meal has been good....and it only cost me $100 at the grocery story!

Monday:  Scallops with capers and tomatoes, served with pasta and grilled veggies

Tuesday:  Orange Chicken with brown rice and stir fry

Wednesday:  Baked Chicken Parmesan with pasta and okra (This one was SO easy and DELICIOUS!)

     http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/04/baked-chicken-parmesan.html

Thursday: Sesame Crusted Tuna Steak with edamame and.....unknown? Suggestions?

Friday: Beef Chimichangas with bacon wrapped jalapenos, veggies, and rice. (Sean has been dying for bacon wrapped jalapenos....we'll see if I can eat them!)

Saturday: Sean's Surprise Birthday Dinner!

Sunday: Thai Beef with chiles

Life after a Med School test...

(Favorite scene from
Young Frankenstein...aka
Sean's studying Neuroanatomy!)

When people said you have to study night and day in med school, I thought to myself, "It's a good thing I have a brilliant husband.  This won't be that bad!"  And lucky for me...he is brilliant...but he still has to study.  Since this was "my first med school test as a wife" I had to learn how to get through the dreaded test time also.  It was more difficult than I thought, but I learned through it.  I learned how selfish I was in wanting to hang out with Sean, how I sometimes let my emotions get the best of me, and how I doubted God was in control.  I had to learn that during "test time" it will be hard, but that is a time where I can selflessly serve Sean and take care of him.  I had to learn that I have to put my own desires behind me, and be there for my husband!  I had to learn that being married isn't about your wants and needs, but trying to love and put the other person before you!  And I had to learn Christ is in control.

So even though it may be hard before the test, last night we got to have DATE NIGHT!  In the middle of the week :)  Sean knew that it was harder than I expected and he responded to that...he took care of me and we spent some quality time hanging out!  The best part was that Sean didn't have to worry about school or the test or anything...because it was over!  God is good!  So...in conclusion...I learned that I have to be patient in love.  I have to be aware of Sean's needs and not my own.  I have to fill myself with Christ :)

Get excited because I start in Idalou on Monday!  I have been going up there this week to help out my precious teacher Mrs. Johnson set up her classroom.  I truly love it because it is a small town, everybody knows everyone, and everybody is willing to help out!  I have met some lovely ladies that I know will be a huge help this semester.  God is truly amazing in how he takes care of us.  Because of what it took, and how easy it was to place me in Idalou for st, I KNOW this is where I am supposed to be!  I have such a peace about belonging to this school, and I'm excited to meet all the students!

"...all things were created through him and for him.  And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Few more things :)  We're so excited for my sister's husband, Andrew Lipman!  He is starting grad school this week and DEFINITELY praying for him and J!  Whoop!  Also, precious Catherine Cotton is going to Baylor this weekend to move in!  We're routing her on from LBK and know this year is going to be great for her!  Sic em bears?!

Meal Planning Monday

How is it already Monday again?!  I THINK this weeks meals will be pretty delish....I'll let ya know :)

Monday: Tomato Bisque and "Grown Up" Grilled Cheese....I made up this grown up grilled cheese and it rocks!  It is sourdough or rye bread with asiago, mozzarella, and colby/monterey cheese...yum!


Tuesday: Marinated Chicken with homemade Baked Mac and Cheese with fresh, steamed broccoli


Wednesday: Shrimp Stuffed Avocados with black beans and mexican rice 


Thursday: Mustard Apricot Pork Chops with fingerling potatoes and blue cheese wedge salad


Friday: Going out!


Saturday: Thai Beef with chiles, brown rice, and edamame 

Sunday: Pancakes with fresh fruit...yes Sean's will most likely include chocolate chips :)

Monday in LBK

Today has been a wonderful day!  It started off receiving a precious bracelet from my Sister in the mail!  When she came to visit us in Lubbock, she was wearing one, and I fell in love with it! Next thing I know, she sent me one in the mail!  She's always so thoughtful and giving...definitely her spiritual gift :)










This afternoon, I went up to the coffee shop to study with Sean.  We are LOVING seeing each other during the day, and sad this is the last week for it!  I finished "The Lovely Bones" today!  Weird....but good!  I could stay up at night and read it which is saying alot because normally I fall asleep when I read.  True, I was used to trying to read text books at night, but still :)

Sean has his first test on Wednesday over neuroanatomy...yikes! Of course he will rock it, but I'm sure he would appreciate some prayers too.  Pray that he will have favor with the questions, and pray that he will be able to remember all that he is studying.

(Sean studying at Daybreak...and me
distracting him by taking his picture)

So I have to brag for a second on my fabulous husband!  Yesterday, Stephanie had suggested we go get pedicures while the hubs study!  I thought this was a wonderful idea, but I didn't have enough money left in the "Mellie's Spending Money" envelope.  Sean said, "Just take some of my spending money, I don't need anything!"  Is that not the sweetest thing!  What is super cool, is that goes so much further than giving me his extra money.  It reflects the humbleness that is necessary in a marriage, and Sean having a servants heart.  I'm so blessed to have a husband that reflects Christ love for us, and is a "servant leader" in our marriage.


Today, also remember the Cotton Family in your prayers.

Last night Sean and I went on a "double date" with Ronnie and Stephanie Winters.  Ronnie is in med school with Sean, and Stephanie is his new precious wife!  I have loved getting to know her, and can't wait to get to know her more!  

We went to Spoonfulls, a yogurt place here, then went on a top secret med school adventure.  Even though Spoonfulls has nothing on Spoons in College Station, it is pretty delicious.  I of course got my usual toppings of strawberries, coconut, and chocolate chips :)  After that we went up to the med school and the boys gave us a tour including a top secret surprise ;)

This morning Sean and I went on a date to Crackle Barrel!  Mom and Dad sent us a gift card for our one month anniversary (so sweet), so we were able to have a breakfast date before Sean has a day of studying.  We are realizing just how poor we will be while he's in school, luckily, so is everybody else :) While Seanathan and Ronnie are studying, Stephanie and I are going up to the Tech Rec to lay out!  I cannot believe I'm doing anything related to Tech, but I guess a girl will do anything for a tan right?  Happy Weekend!

Favorite quotes love Sean to Mel

-"This is so good!  You should be a chef!"

- "You can't park by big trucks!  Those guys just don't think, open their doors, and hit yours!"

- "Do you like this song?  It sounds like you!" (talking about an AT&T commercial haha)

I'll also be making a list of "You know you're in Lubbock when..." Thanks to Stephanie Winters :)

These are a few of my favorite things...

Married life is everything I've hoped and dreamed for...and then some :)  Living with my best friend, getting to see him everyday, and being able to serve him has been the best thing ever!  With him in school and me hanging out until student teaching starts lets just say I have some time on my hands...alot of time actually!  So I've developed an appreciation for the small stuff and loved discovering new things!  Here are some of my new, very random, favorites:

• My new book "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold
• Using wine corks to decorate...adds a very rustic feel.
• Coach Cliffs Adventure Bootcamp at home work outs...a little piece of College Station bootcamp everyday! (Yes that would be Shayla and I showing off our "muscles")

• Looking up new, fun things that I wish I could buy on Etsy like a white, ruffled, new purse! 
• Looking up dream ways to decorate our future home
• Skyping
• Cooking WAY to much food for Sean and I....many of the delicious recipes are currently come from his mom!
• Discovering new blogs!
• Getting overly organized for student teaching
• Bethany Getting Married

• Reading with Sean
• So You Think You Can Dance...wahoo!
• Daybreak Coffee House in LBK
• 40 & Below Boutique 
• La Diosa Cellars with live music of course
• Morning coffee dates with Sean
• Looking up future roadtrips
• Protein Shakes
• "All Out Of" lists

Life is good, and we're extremely blessed :)  

Any fun new things/hobbies/crafts/shows/books/workouts/websites/restaurants/recipes I should try out?

Every Morning We...

Something Sean and I both feel very strongly about is praying for others.  We realize that it's so important to not only just pray for our relationship, but to pray for others around us...people we love...people we support!  Therefore, every morning we decided to spend a few minutes in prayer about those people in our lives (or that we don't even know) that have major things going on in their lives, or people that don't know Christ, or just that that group or person would continue to follow Christ!

So here are a few of the people/groups we've been praying for!  ***Note:  This is not a we're holier than thou thing!  I'm posting this so ya'll can be praying for these people too :)

 The Cotton Family:  This is a family that is TRULY special to us, whom we love very, very much!  The 5 of them just moved to Austin to start building relationships with people there, and then start a church that reaches the lost and proclaims Jesus Christ's name.  We know that God is going to move mountains with them there because Satan has been attacking them in every way the past few months.  Praise the Lord :)  This family is strong, loves people, loves the Lord, and we are on our knees for them daily!  Check it out at greenhouseprojects.

 Jerrod and Amanda Carpenter:  We just found out that the Carpenters (who practically introduced Sean and I) will be moving to Africa next summer...wow!  Missions is on both of their hearts and we're so proud that they are taking this step of faith, following Christ, and moving to Africa.  This is a couple who loves life, loves family, and loves Christ above all.  They have alot to prepare for emotionally, physically, and spiritually, but we are know that God is going to rock their world over the next few months before they leave :)  We're so proud of them, and excited to see how God uses them!  You can check them out and learn how to support them at Jerrod and Amanda Carpenter.

Redeemer:  This is our church here in Lubbock.  We are working on finding a small group and figuring out what Sean and I should get plugged into.  We are praying that that church is lead by Christ alone, and that they continue to have a heart for what God calls them to!  This month Redeemer is also praying for the Karamajong people group.

Shayla and Mollie:  These two wonderful ladies will be new teachers in the Fall!  We are praying that they would be Godly examples to their coworkers and their students.  We are praying for the kids in their classroom, that they would need and be longing for a relationship with Christ.  We're praying that they would see that in Shay and Mollie!

Wow there is so much more, but I realize this is getting pretty lengthy haha

"And so, from this day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled wit hteh knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
          Colossians 1:9-10

Meal Planning Monday

Thanks to my wonderful sister, I'm planning out (or attempting to plan out) the meals for the week.  Part of my "being a good wife" goal is to cook dinner at home most of the nights!  So far, so good....even though the dishes are rather annoying!  Here's what is in store for this week:

Monday: Mexican Chicken with homemade guacamole
Tuesday: Homemade Lasagna with fresh french bread
Wednesday:  Savory Chicken with asparagus and rice
Thursday: Parmesan Crusted Snapper with grilled veggies and crushed potatoes

Not too bad right?

Hopefully the First of Many!

Being way out here in Lubbock, Sean and I decided we should update everybody of our fabulous journey together through blogging....since apparently it's what you do when you get married :)

Thanks to my wonderful sister (and Canton First Mondays!) our place is now finally decorated and, in my opinion, very pottery barnish!  Unless somebody just gets the itch for open plains or a Tech game, we know it will be hard for people to make it up here to visit so I'll post pictures of our place soon!  Sean has officially started his school year, while I have about 3 more weeks of summer.  Thank goodness because learning to be a housewife can be hard work....rewarding, but I have found that there's always so much to do!  I asked my sister if it will always be like that....she simply shook her head :)  Being Sean's wife has been so wonderful, and I truly do feel privileged with the role Christ has given me.  We're learning so much about each other, quirks and all, and we're finding so much joy in it.  God has blessed me with being able to marry my best friend...what could be better :)