Many Moments of Marital Bliss

Hello family and friends,

We both hope this finds you happy and well. Doug and I are catching up on the Olympics right now. I need to be honest when I say that I am on a little bit of Olympic overload, so I, Beth, am writing to all of you. This update is long overdue. I meant to write last Monday. Last Saturday and Sunday (Aug 16-17), we spent a wonderful weekend with Doug's side of the family. The trip was so fun. While it had to be short, the weekend was packed with memorable moments. We stayed at the Avila Hot Springs Campground. It was an intimate campground. The purpose of this weekend was not only to have fun with the family, but to also bid Kelly a warm and friendly aloha, before her big move to Iowa. Kelly, Doug's sister, received a basketball scholarship to play for an NAIA school in Iowa (I am refraining from listing the school, just in case there is some psycho out there who wants to hunt her down). I don't like to say that we said "goodbye" to Kelly, because she will be back. Kelly, we are so proud of you. We know that you will be nothing but successful in your newest adventure. Luckily, we are going to be able to see her in action in San Diego this coming December. Until then, we will have to catch the highlights on ESPN.

The weekend started very early in the morning. Jeff arrive at our house at 5am. We left the house soon after. Our road trip was nice, and pretty short. We arrived at the campsite around 9:30. The Haney's beat us there by about a minute. We saw everyone, Grandma and Grandpa Wright, The Haneys, the Calamia's, and my wonderful new family (Gayle, Rich, and Kelly). We spent half the morning camping, and then headed for Pismo Beach. The Pismo Beach area is absolutely gorgeous. I can see why my mom wants to live there. We met up with the rest of Doug's family. Most of the Wright side of the family was present. I am sure Kelly will never forget this weekend. As the newbie of the family, a lot was put into perspective for me in such a short amount of time. I have been loved, accepted, and welcomed by this family for so long. It was just awesome to be there not as Doug's girlfriend, or fiance, but as his wife! As I sat there, just chilling with the family, I was able to step outside myself and see myself as family. It is a very awesome, and somewhat indescribable feeling. I know a lot of people probably won't experience this. I can only wish this for my own baby sister, Kelly, and Jeff one day (and for all of you still waiting to experience it). I am truly blessed to have such great in-laws.

As we were in the midst of breath-taking Pismo, we cruised along a pier. There were certainly some wonderful picture moments. My favorite was when Doug braved the aggressive seals/sea lions for some pictures. After the adventures on the pier, we headed to downtown Pismo, and enjoyed Mo's BBQ. Some of the family got some clam chowder. The day was cool, the city bustled ever so slightly, and the family was in good spirits. It truly was such a memorable, and essentially perfect. We had no worries, and good company. To top this all off, Rich treated us to my favorite treat- ICE CREAM. If you look at the picture immediately to the right, you can see a family picture. Looking at this picture has really been a moment of pride and joy for me. It's one of those moments that you realize you are permanent in a family. :) Doug's family took a picture in front of this same ice cream shop years ago. This time his wife got to be in the picture. :) I love it. Even though a person can spend most of their life away from the LOVE OF THEIR LIFE, it doesn't matter the time apart, because the time together truly does breath new life, excitement, and joy. I am proud to be married to Doug. I am proud to be permanent in his family. Wow..... God is good. :)

When we got back from Pismo, a lot of us headed to the mineral pool. Our campground was located on a natural hot spring. Even after a wash, my swimsuit still has a bit of the sulfer smell lingering. The evening proved to be relaxing, and a bit nostalgic. Doug built the biggest fire we had seen in a long time. The family sat around the area, some just chatting, others playing chess. Dusk fell as quickly as the dawn came. Stomachs growled, and we headed all of a couple hundred feet away to Mama's Meatballs. The campground had an uncovered treasure trove- a great Italian restaurant. The entire family headed down for a night of wonderful food, wine, and toasts to Kelly. On the way down, all of the girls took a picture with their beaded flower rings (from downtown Pismo). This classic shot will probably be repeated nearly a year from now as all if these ladies will be heading to Vegas to celebrate Kelly's big 21 and Meg's bday! Yet again, another moment where I experienced BEING a part of the family. I hope you all enjoy the picture.

Dinner was incredibly sweet. We fit all 17 of us on a long table. The family shared tears, toasts, and what Rich would call "Roasts." Really though, there were few roasts, because Kelly is just that loved.

It is an awesome reality to know that your family is there for you. Not all people have the comforting knowledge. I know that Kelly walk away from the family, just like Jeff & Doug did, because she knows she will walk back successful, a different woman, independent, but still incredibly loved by her family. I am happy to say that I have seen a foreshadowing of it with my own family. Julia went away five years ago now. She has blossomed immensely, and there will never be a moment where my parent, (Doug,) or myself won't love her every bit as much as the moment she was born. So as it is often hardest to let go of the baby, it is equally as easy to see them grow.

I know this entry has been super long. If you haven't had the change to visit the Pismo Beach area, it is a must sea! The town has really built itself up, so the next time I'd like to go is during off-season (and hopefully Doug and I can go with my mom too :)). Back to the Olympics. The "Redeem Team" is currently taking a beating on Argentina. Go USA!

God's richest blessings to you all.

Hello Family and Friends,

Greetings from Palm Springs! Doug and I went (or are currently on) our first vacation together since the wedding/honeymoon. WOW! What a breath of fresh air. Like most of you hard working people out there, we have been going to the grind, non-stop since we graduated college. While our honeymoon was AMAZING, we were so tired from the preparation, anticipation, and implementation of the wedding, that we pretty much crashed. That is not to say that we aren't exhausted now, but there is something so refreshing about being here!

I, Beth, spent that last week in San Diego. Now, when one thinks San Diego, I am sure the thought of seeing friends, enjoying the scenery, and eating lots of wonderful food comes to mind. No, this trip was not like that for me. I went on my first "business trip." Obviously, teachers are not in the corporate world, so this came in the form of the AVID Summer Institute conference. It was a week long conference. There were valuable moments that definitely contributed to my professional growth, but I left the area exhausted, EATEN ALIVE BY BUGS (yes, my hotel had bugs, and I left with 9 bug bits... GROSS HUH! DONT EVER STAY AT THE TOWN AND COUNTRY IN HOTEL CIRCLE... GROSS). I spent my first week away from Doug. :( Now, I won't go on this rant of complaining (because I did learn a lot and it is just wasting space), but on Friday 8-8-08, I took the trek back to the OC. When I got home, I expected to see a house that was a little bit messy (Doug is not a slob, but he did have the opportunity to go back to his bachelor days for a week.... and he is BUSY!).... as I walked in, I saw a perfectly immaculate house. I was so happy. I LOVE A CLEAN HOUSE! :) Then as I looked to the right I noticed a sign. Then to the right of that were a dozen gorgeous pink roses! Can you imagine my excitement to return to that! Soon after, Doug was able to come home for his lunch break, so I was in HEAVEN! Doug and I definitely stand by the thought that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. THANK GOD we are back together again!

So right now, I write to you from Palm Springs. Friday after Doug got off or work, we drove to my parents house. My mom and dad took us out to our FAVORITE Mexican Restaurant, Cucas. Really, we could eat GOOD Mexican food everyday. :) Thank you Mom and Dad. Orange County has NASTY food. Saturday morning we woke up at 5:30. We headed out for some morning coffee (that used to be our dates, just a year ago, when we were working on my parents backyard). Then we hung out with our parents and headed for the real desert! At first, Doug was not impressed with the Palm Springs area. Then we pulled up to our hotel! I had the opportunity to stay here before with some of my girlfriends from college, so I knew what we were getting ourselves into; however, nothing beats exploring places with the love of your life. Doug and I always have the discussion about visiting places that we have seen together as individuals, but really, it is like exploring it for the first time. :)

We arrived in P.S. just before noon and hit the pool! :) We were there for hours. Afterwards, we checked out our amazing room. They have gone through renovations since the last time I was here, and they did a great job. We had some rest relaxation, hour long massage, and relaxed in the air condition. Then, we went to a fabulous Mexican Restaurant, Las Casuelas Terrzas in downtown Palm Springs. WE WERE IN HEAVEN! Of course, we had to get our Millers, and we enjoyed them on our little balcony.

This morning Doug is checking out the gym while I write to you. We know the rest of the day will be filled with fun and relaxation. We hope that you all can find rest as well. God bless you all!

Hello Family and Friends,

As I pause from what I call a "housewife day", I want to share some of the progress that we have made with our little bungalow. As you know and might imagine, we don't have enough money to own our own house; however, we were blessed enough to be able to rent one! We are so spoiled to have a house be our first little place. If you remember way back to January, we told you a little bit about the house. It's one of those antiquated 1920's craftsman houses. It has all of it's original floors and craftsman features. Today I would like to share just a few spaces that we have made ours. Obviously we are limited in our decorating abilities, since it is a rental. Seriously, it is so amazing to come home to each other in this little space that we created as ours. I almost entitled this entry "your wedding gifts to work", because we truly could not have set this place up without all of your generous love and gifts. The whole concept of a wedding is pretty awesome. Doug and I got to stand before GOD, family, and friends, and commit our love and lives to each other and our precious Savior. Not only were you all there, but you so graciously gave so much to us to help get us on our feet. So I wanted to share the love of your labor and ours. We want to have so many of you over, but as you know, time slips away so quickly. So we will have you over one day, but until then, check out the house that we made into OUR HOME!

Before we moved into the dining room....

Note, we are obviously still your typical young couple who is struggling to put it all together. Our dining room won't permanently stay like this, but it will suffice for the next five years or so. I love this hand-me-down table from my parents. Doug's parents graciously offered Doug's grandmother's table, but unfortunately we live too far away!

The Dining Room AFTER we moved in.....

If you notice, we used a lot of the decorations from the wedding. We have placed some of the candle centerpieces all along the walls. Notice the beautiful picture by Jonilyn Brown. We al


The living room before.....

The Living Room After....


Many of you may remember the fun story of my first night at the place (I say my first night because Doug did not move in until March, so he was only here for half of the evening). We tried to be romantic and light a fire. We laid down a blanket, because we had no furniture, bought 5 dollar Little Caesar's Hot and Ready pizza, and got some Miller Lite. The fire was romantic until it filled the entire room with smoke filled the entire room. I went to school smelling like smoke for probably about a month!

We hope you enjoyed a look at how we are making a house OUR HOME. :) Thank you for caring about our lives. Until next time (which will probably be tomorrow)....

Happy Saturday Afternoon to our wonderful family and friends!

We hope this finds you all happy and well. Doug and I kind of relived our college days last night. I was about to write "younger days", but then I thought... wait we are still young! It's so funny how sometimes we can get so wrapped up in our busy work weeks, that we find ourselves dead by the end of the weekend. We got a chance to visit our good friend (and one of our groomsmen) Rob last night. He had a wonderful housewarming party, and cooked us a killer dinner. It was truly restaurant style! It's always nice to see good friends. I am enclosing some pictures we took before the night really began. The transition from college to "the real world" is definitely an interesting one on the friends scale. In college, everyone sees each other all the time. In "the real world", we really need to make the effort to see one another. It doesn't help that we are all spread throughout southern California, but we do the best we can. Thank God I get to live for my best friend, and even in spite of busy schedules, we don't have to make time for one another. Hehehe. I still get the giggles when I think about that.... I get to live with my best friend. :) Right now he is watching TV on OUR couch (that a lot of your generously helped get us from the wedding..... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Your gifts truly give on in our household... so if you havent heard it enough from us... THANK YOU).

As you all know, I am a teacher. I am teaching summer school this summer. Now, I try not to complain about the school system. It comes out of course, but there are enough teachers in the world who do it. I do have my weak moments, but I truly try to keep my optimistic perspective that all students are wonderful and deserve a high caliber education. That being said, the particular curriculum that was given to me was extremely skim, and how do I say this nicely.... too simple for the intellectual minds of soon-to-be seniors. So, I have been having to supplement. After going over 20 intense grammar rules, added daily vocabulary, supplemental reading, debating the top 10 supreme court cases every student should know, I found myself still running out of material to teach (we are in the classroom for 4 and a half hours a day!). So I brought in one of my favorite lesson plans.... THE VELVETEEN RABBIT! I stumbled across basically a self-help book that relates to the principle's of this story. The book is called "The Principles of the Velveteen Rabbit." I have left the book in my car, so when I go and get it, I will share the particular passage that I speak of in this post. Well you all know that the Velveteen Rabbit is a children's story. But it is packed with so many lessons! As I was going through the overview of the lesson, I read how the author came about writing the velveteen principles. She was in a doctor's office and saw a very old couple walk in. Well, actually, the husband was walking, and pushing his wife in her wheelchair. Long story short, the author of this book in modern day terms would be considered an extremely attractive and "hot" woman. However, she looked at that older couple and the older woman with such jealously. She saw the calm confidence the woman had in herself, and in the love of her husband. She had absolutely nothing going for her physically. She was really falling apart. The author had said this woman was "everything we as women have been taught to avoid becoming." Then the author was at home, and overheard her kids reading the velveteen rabbit. She realized that it wasn't the physical outside nature that made that woman lovely and LOVED, it was her true inner beauty. And I was absolutely stunned by that, and in that moment I wanted to cry. I had read that particular book to students before, but then I realized that I am headed for that old life with Doug. It is very close to the poem Doug's mom read at the wedding about old love. While Doug and I are still a bit superficial (and come on, what young people are not), I truly do hope that even in our younger years, we live vivaciously, but try to strive for the old love. :)









NOW THURSDAY, July 31st.....


It's been close to a week since I wrote the above story. I realized that I never published it, so I'm adding an additional post. I'M FREE! Well I am almost free. I can't consider the next week the most horrible thing in the world, but I am dreading being away from my husband for an entire work week. :( I love him so much.... and we are just too new in our marriage to be away from each other! :( I get to go to San Diego for an AVID conference. I am excited about the actual conference and the people I'm going with, but I am NOT excited about being away from my husband. I love being around him all the time. :) Lol. He is so fun! He is so entertaining.... and well to save this from being a blog about how wonderful Doug is... I will stop. But I do have one more cute story to share before I sign off I want to share a very cute, short story with you. So I am busy updating my address book. A lot of our college friends have been through transition. So I know Rob just moved, because we went to his "Housewarming party." And on that note.... Rob is not a drunk. He likes to take funny posed pictures. This one to the right is a POSED picture! So when Rob responded to my request for his new address, he signed off as "Official Co-guardian and lifelong groomsman." That just meant so much to me. Doug truly did find the best guy friends. Even though we all don't get to see each other that much, I am just happy to say that I have some loyal brothers in Christ.... to both Doug and me. It just all really means so much!

One last note, last night as I was working on some unfinished business from the wedding, I went on theknot.com. The counter said that Doug and I had been married for 150 days! WOHOO! So 150 days later, I am finally finishing up our wedding business. You will see a post about that in about a week. Im finally on break. I only have one more week of obligations, then its time to really finish up what Doug and I needed to say months ago (most of you probably know what I'm talking about.... and thank you for your patience). Lots of love to you all!

Hello Family and Friends,

We hope that this Sunday afternoon finds you all with many blessings. This afternoon Doug started off on a new venture. The next few months are going to be pretty tough, but Doug is always up for a challenge! I am so proud of his intelligence and determination. He has started a new program in the legal field. That is all that I am going to say for now. For those of you who know Doug, you know that he is an extremely private and personable man. He prefers to share the specifics of what he is up to in person. As his wife though, I would just like to say how proud I am of him, and ask that you keep his newest challenge in your prayers!

I entitled this blog "time goes by too fast" for many reasons. It's now the middle of July. I physically feel like it was just yesterday that Doug was traveling through Europe and I was so love sick for him to come home it hurt. So much has happened between that time and now. It seems like it was minutes ago that Doug asked me to marry him, and seconds ago that we tied the knot. Now I know that we have plenty of time, but there are moments that I would just like to savor, and make last for longer than the passing split second it goes by! Even if it as simple as a weekend, anniversary, birthday, vacation day, or whatever it may be.... everything goes by so quickly! Now, please don't take this as a complaint. All that I am saying is really, stop and notice what God has given to you. Today I am really mindful of that, and how quickly God's blessings come and go. When it comes down to it though, all I have to say is "THANK YOU GOD!"

Doug and I have been busy bee's lately. Since the 4th we have been busy at work. Summer school is nearly killing me. I have 9 more days left! I cannot wait for my little two week vacation! I will probably sit around and do absolutely nothing.... and I will love every second of it! Doug has been extremely supportive of me as I get ready for the new year. As many of you know, not much money is given to the schools, so often times we are left paying for a lot of things that help make a classroom successful. I am looking forward to the possibility of having my own classroom this year! I was told by the office that I have been assigned my own room, but with that said I must share a lesson the my current school district has taught me.... "Don't believe anything until you see it, and even then.... just wait." I am not bitter in any way, but I have found some interesting lessons as I have made my plunge into the so-called "real world." Everyone has their stories. I do need to say that mine are no where near as bad as most. I am thankful for that!

We got a chance to visit my parents last weekend. Nearly a year ago, Doug and I started to demolish their backyard. My dad has finally installed the last piece of rock, and my parents backyard is complete! My dad received some enormous help from some of the gentlemen in our church (Larry A. and Gary M). Something that Doug and I have in common with my parents is our love for HGTV. Their backyard project would be a good episode on HGTV. Doug and I both need to give them a huge hand of applause and say "JOB WELL DONE!" It was so relaxing to sit with them in the backyard. We bbqed and talked the day away. I am posting some pictures here for your enjoyment!

I hope that this Sunday doesnt pass by too quickly for you. May God richly and deeply bless you. Thank you for caring about our lives and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

I know it's the day after, but Doug and I hope that you all had a wonderful and blessed 4th of July! It's certainly awesome to know that we have this incredible freedom as Americans, and, of course, as redeemed children of God! :) So Happy 4th of July!

Our 4th of July has been fabulous. We got into Sacramento about 1:30 in the morning the night of the 3rd/early morning of the 4th. We are still in Sacramento. We are enjoying the pool, the sun, and eating our hearts out. This morning as Doug and I were laying on the Calamia's hammock, I looked over at all of the family and just thought "WOW I LOVE THIS FAMILY." I feel so blessed to be a part of their lives and share so many wonderful experiences with them. This is as tight knit as a family as they come! Seriously, we have been having the best time. We are incredibly tired from the drive. It's hard to recover from LA traffic...lol... but we are managing to find relaxing ways to deal with it up here. :)

We also just want to say THANK YOU to the Calamia's for hosting this amazing day. You always go above and beyond to take care of your family. No one ever leaves your house hungry. Lol. Thank you for taking care of us, loving us, and letting us lounge in your pool!

Coming from Southern California, we don't do too many fireworks. In fact, last year was the first year I had done my own fireworks. They are illegal where I grew up. The fireworks this year were awesome. The grand finale was one of the best that I have seen. I know that 4th of July will constantly be in our memories as very special!

It's a little weird to be "grown up." I was thinking back to this time last year. Doug had just graduated college, and his family was about to go on their Europe trip. We had the entire summer off. Now are are both working and trying to find time to rest. It's just crazy how quickly life can change. But, I wouldnt change it for the world. If I had to trade my married life for being back in college and having summers off, I'd rather work my butt off to get to experience all of these amazing times with my oh so handsome and wonderful hubby! :)

We took so many more pictures. You can check them out by copying and pasting the links at the end of this post. You need to check out the firework pictures.... awesome! Thank you again to the Calamias! :) We look forward to seeing everyone again at Kelly's camping trip. We love you all!


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2266679&l=6f2e7&id=3304510

Hello Family & Friends,

I am so sorry that is has been a while since I last wrote. Today Doug and I have officially been married for 4 months! I was just talking with a friend yesterday about how it feels like time is slipping away so quickly. I'm not just referring to the last 4 months when I say that. It's hard to believe that a year ago our lives were so incredibly different. I was still in my teaching program, Doug just graduated college and was about to take off for Europe, and we had no clue what God had in store for us then! We still have no clue what he has in store for us now, but we are blessed to figure it out together.

Work has been challenging for the both of us lately. Doug is certainly a trooper, as he really tries to perfect everything at his job. That is one of the reasons that I love him (of the many). He works so hard at everything he does. I am receiving a renewed sense of excitement for the coming school year. The teaching profession is so comedic. Most new teachers go in with the attitude that they can save the world and that every child deserves to get the best education possible. I still believe that. But, it is sad how many obstacles are thrown in the way of that idea, which often seems like an unattainable dream. For instance, I signed up to teach summer school. I walk in the first day and guess how many kids I have.... 50. Then they kept adding until I had 63. It's just insane. I finally have it down (as well as I possibly could). I just feel bad for the kids. They get cooped up in a small, hot room for four and a half hours. But, this has been a great experience for me. I am seeing some of my strengths and weaknesses and where I want to focus to help these kids! By the way, have any of you seen "The Secret Life of an American Teenager" on ABC Family. Molly Ringwald is in it. I watched the first episode last night. It was so trippy how part of that is my life (at work). SO TRIPPY. You should watch it and tell me what you think.

Doug and I are super excited about the 4th of July holiday. Of course, we are number 1 PROUD TO BE AMERICANS, and it's also the annual 4th of July celebration at the Calamia's in Sacramento. Doug's family (which is now my family... hehehehe) is so tightly knit. I feel honored to be a part of it. :) I'm just happy that this year I'm not balling my eyes out dreading leaving Doug for about a month. :) Thank GOD for the BONDS of marriage. :) Look forward to a recap on that fun and some pictures. It will be fun to have Steve come along with us as well! Doug, Jeff, Steve, and I are all going to be road trippin it up north. It should be good times.

Doug and I were able to go to a baseball game last night. I got a horrible stomach flu, so we were planning on going with a group of people, but that ended up changing. Other than that, Doug and I have been finding some fun things to do around town in Orange. We do fun things like go to (gross) Starbucks and play scrabble. Turn on the TV and listen to classical music and sit on the porch. We don't travel too much with the crazy economy! I just can't believe the price of gas, groceries and what not. I am sure a lot of you are laughing and saying "welcome to the real world." Doug and I both know the reality of the real world, but that doesn't stop it from being perplexing... no matter how short or long anyone has been in the real world. When challenges do come our way, we have been pretty good at handling them. Then again, we also do have THE BIG GUY on our side. You do have to check out this picture to the left. It got REALLY hot in Orange lately. We live in a very old 1920's craftsman house original. As cute as this little bungalow (or bugalow as we love to call it right now) is, it is VERY HOT. So after nights of restless sleep, Doug and I went and bought an airconditioner. I believe I mentioned this in our last post. Well check out this picture of how incredibly HUNKY my handyman husband is! I am one lucky girl!

Well we hope that you have a SAFE and HAPPY 4th of July! :) God bless American and GOD BLESS YOU!