Lately

Ok, I am going to skip past the bemoaning I was prepared to do in regards to not having blogged in 5 months, and just pick up with life. Enough now said about my delinquency.

Cole has been out of town since Friday, and I'm so excited he gets back tonight. He hosted a bachelor party this weekend at the Riverhouse, and then has been working at the Ranchito with his dad the past few days putting the finishing touches on the turtle habitat. It is a huge structure that makes me laugh (not in a making-fun sort of way, but more of a I-am-so-amused-that-you-built-a-giant-turtle-habitat-and-love-you-so-much-so-don't-be-mad-I-am-laughing sort of way). Here is a pic of the progress:



I think it is amazing and will be so perfect for all the babies!

Meanwhile, in Cole's absence, I went to Arkansas this weekend for my grandfather's 90th birthday party at Petit Jean Mountain. It was sweet and quite humorous - there were so many old people there, and I mean OLD! My dad tried to carve out a special time during which people could get up and share stories about my grandfather, but unfortunately the majority of folks there couldn't hear anything, so they just kept talking to each other through the speeches. It was sort of frustrating, but hilarious none the less. After the party my parents, Laura and I hiked down to the beautiful waterfall and back. It was a great time together. Fortunately I was also able to spend time with nearly all of my relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) while I was there, and I am so glad I went.

Since I've been back, 3 new baby turtles have hatched, and it has been so neat to be the one to welcome them into the world! I've transfered two into the newborn tank, and the 3rd is still working his way out of his shell. I noticed this morning there is also a hole poked through a 4th egg too (one that was indented in quite significantly, and I was afraid the occupant must have died)! Hopefully he'll be "born out" tomorrow! Here's a pic of the two additions from yesterday though; its a rather poor cell phone pic, but its all I have (the concave egg that is now hatching is the one in between the babies):



Alright, this was my blogging-length record, and I shall relish in my success all day!

-Meredith

wedding rehersal dinner slideshow

wanted to post the awesome video Cole made for our rehersal dinner. love it :)

F for Effort...

Wow ok, so I apparently take to blogging like I take to working-out. I'm in amazement at those of you who diligently keep up with this sort of thing - I'm envious! I thought it would be easy, but I came back here a few times after that first post and stared at the blank "create posting" screen and realized I had nothing interesting to say. Ok well now I vow(ish) to work on this more often.

Life update as of now: Cole and my dad just returned last night from a 5 day cross country ski excursion on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. They brought back a lot of gorgeous pictures and hilarious videos and I'm so glad they were able to spend such "manly" time together. Am more thankful, however, that they both returned alive and unscathed.



This morning was Cole's first day at his new job at Tangle.com. He was with eInstruction for about 3 years, and we are thrilled about the transition. If you dont know, Tangle.com was formerly Godtube.com. Cole's official job title is Advertising Operations Specialist, and we are staying tuned to find out what exatly that entails!? :) As for me, I'm back in school getting my teaching certification (planning to teach high school English) and am subbing in Lewisville ISD part time. It's been a crazy transition, but I'm excited for my future. On days when I'm not subbing, I like to spend my time not cleaning the house.

Cole and I are having an amazing time getting to know each other more and more as husband and wife. Being able to see our pride, selfishness, and insecurity on a regualr basis is really hard, but we are learning to be humble enough to admit we're not perfect (this will get easier someday right?). Marriage is such an amazing experience; there is just nothing like it, and I couldn't imagine having a better partner in it!

Ok well, how did I do!? Hopefully the next post will be sooner than later :)

-Meredith

It begins!

So along with venturing into marriage, we've also decided to foray into the online blogging scene as well! We think it will be a great way to keep everyone updated and involved in what's going on with this new Sauter crew.

We've now been officially married for 12 days and are loving almost every bit of it! And even the parts that we haven't loved (food poisoning, scrubbing kitchen cabinets, and the fact that I still don't have anywhere to officially put my toothbrush ), I think we'll look back on and love nostalgically. It's pretty overwhelming trying to merge lives (especially the lives of 2 pack rats) and Cole has been SUCH a wonderful sport about sacrificing things like his beloved (but huge) sailfish and framed shag carpet interpretation of the Last Supper for the greater good of a bachelor-free home. His wife thanks him immensely. Lots of work to go though, and as soon as I familiarize myself with this website, we'll post some before and after pictures.

For now though, much love from the Sauters
-meredith