Wesley & Beth

The Annual Pie Festival in Celebration

2010-04-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

So Wes and I have found our Favorite Spot In Florida. It is none other than Celebration Florida. It's 10 minutes down the road and right under our nose but we didn't discover it until a few months ago. How do I describe it? Picture perfect, front porch houses, flowers, trails, restaurants, Starbucks (of course!), electric cars, horse drawn carriages, hand fed squirrels, turtles, and tons of wildlife. We trek down there several times a week whether it's for dinner, a long bike ride or ice cream (my favorite is cake batter from Kilwins) and a rock in the rocking chairs lining one of the lakes. It's breathtaking!

This weekend happened to be the Annual Pie Festival in Celebration and wow..what a sight! It was a pretty big ta-dah. A PIE BUFFET where you can taste all kinds of pies! Here are some pics from our day!

Bits from My Weekend

2010-03-11T14:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm starting to do a post each week called Bits from My Weekend. Got the idea from a friend, Michelle Arnold (http://www.mysixinthecity.blogspot.com/) who has an awesome blog and check her blog out to do this as well! So, I'm a bit late doing the first one..but better late than never right? Next week, I'll be on time.

So, here are some pics from my weekend!

A delicious avocado, gorgonzola, cucumber, tomatoe and ginger lettuce wrap on such a gorgeous day!!Went for a 3 mile run.....wishing it was a bit warmer to jump in the pool.

We grilled out hotdogs to enjoy the sunny afternoon...don't tell anyone that I like Nathan's Hotdogs!
Kayaking the 1000 Islands in Cocoa Beach, Florida...our new found love!

Our spontaneous and awesome friend, Trina came with us!! She is always up for something last minute! Short post...but looking forward to the next one! Florida definitly has its perks.....

Beth

New Shoes....

2010-03-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

So, I've never been a runner....I always said I wasn't made to be a runner. So instead I participated in VHS workout videos at home(when I was young), or once I finally made it on my own, I went to the YMCA and did Kickboxing, Pilates and Zumba 5 times a week. I found that I love those classes and it kept me fit! Well now after our temporary (going on 9 months...wow!) move to Florida, we live in touristville where there are no gyms....uh hum....how am I supposed to stay fit?? So, I have decided to become a runner.......the weather is nice so I have no excuse and I love enjoying the outside..so it's perfect. Well, I've changed...and I researched every tennis shoe out there to find the perfect running shoe for my feet! I quickly realized most running shoes that are perfect for your feet are NOT pretty, but I managed to find one pair that I liked! They have pink in them...love it! I ordered them online in hopes that the reviews I read were right. I got them, tried them on, jumped around, ran around the kitchen...and smiled. I'm very excited about this new journey I'm on! I worked myself up to running a 5K a couple weeks ago...and who knows what's next. I must say, there is something in me that is really proud of myself. Kind of a feeling that I showed myself that I could do what I thought I wasn't made to do. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the gym back any day....but this will do for now. Who knows what you can overcome when you put your heart to it!!!

Weekend with the fam!

2009-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

A couple weekends ago Wes and I met up with my sister, her fam, my dad and his wife and her fam in Evans, GA. It was a blast! I haven't seen them all since Christmas so it was a nice reunion. I sure do miss my two little nieces...they are just the cutest things! I only got a few pics, but they are good ones! Sadly I ended up with no pics of my dad and Pat..ahh...next time!

Wes's fishing passion

2009-10-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

Wes's newest passion is fishing....saltwater and freshwater, which is why he took all his personal money for the last couple months and went all out on fish stuff! I'm so proud of him..he's really learned what he has to do to catch certain fish. And he's just the cutest thing ever! We drive quite a bit for work, and almost everyday we will find a little fishing hole and fish for a while..still waiting to catch the big shark though! This is a fun new sport we get to enjoy together!

Date night @ Universal's City Walk

2009-10-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Date night at Universal's City Walk. Ok, this is a beautiful area! Tons of restaurants, a Starbucks, and ferry rides to the close resorts! Well after dinner we decide to take a ferry ride to check out one of the Universal Hotels. Let's just say, we were more than floored...it was just amazing! And I definitly wanted to take home that chair!

We've been married 2 years!!

2009-10-25T11:04:00.000-07:00

So Wes and I celebrated our 2nd Year anniversary on Oct. 13th!! Woohoo...only 80 more to go! (because I plan on living until I'm 110). We celebrated by enjoying our newfound love...Kayaking!

Who knew? We first went kayak fishing on Wes's birthday and after that we have been dying to go again (I can't tell you how many times Wes says..."We just need to buy a couple kayaks"...we will see...

I caught some kind of fish, and Wes caught a Snook(which is in the pic above)..which was just what he was wanting!!! We had a blast, even in the hot of the day!

Riviera Maya Hotels

2009-10-14T10:49:00.001-07:00

Hey friends! Check out my website when you have a chance!!!
www.riviera-maya-hotels.com

Bless ya
Beth

Vero Beach/Beth's Bday/Our House

2009-08-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

So we finally moved to a house in Davenport, FL that we will stay in for a while...it's hard around here because everything is a vacation home so we had to find one that wasn't booked for a while. Let's just say after hours and hours of looking, I found the one that we love! We moved in Aug. 1st and it couldn't be more perfect for us! It's in Tuscan Hills, which is the subdivision I wanted! Thank you Jesus!

This is Shamu...he came with the house....you have no idea how much fun it is to take a running start and jump on him....and then try to not fall over into the pool! Here are pics of the Master Guest Suite & bathroom...so if you come to visit...this will be all yours!!!! Here are a few pics...Here are the other 2 guest rooms and bathroom! Plenty of room!

We were totally surprised to find out that we also had a game room in the garage!!!!!

We spent a day at Vero Beach and quickly realized this is quite the ritzy area!! The beach was gorgeous! Here we are having a blast.........

So, August 6th was my birthday!!!! I turned 30....wow!!!!

It was a wonderful day! I woke up to a cute sign my hubby put up.....We had breakfast and then got ready and went to Animal Kingdom at Disney. You get in free on your birthday...so we figured it was the best time to go. It was a hot day for sure, but a really neat place. We realized we like Seaworld better, but we did enjoy the Everest rollercoaster, safari and raft ride...which we both got completely soaked.....here's a pic right after that ride...

After Animal Kingdom, we went home and grilled out for dinner (my favorite!!!) and then we made Skookies for dessert. I didn't want a cake..and we thought this was fun! It's a cookie you make in a skillet! It was tasty too!!!

My special day was wonderful!!!! I loved spending it with my most favorite person...Wes!

Thanks for all the special wishes from all my friends and family! I truly am blessed to be loved by so many!

Seaworld & The Beaches....

2009-08-09T08:20:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted! I'm ganna try to do this post with Precious sitting on my lap and the computer..because I don't think she is planning on moving! Well July was fun!! Wes and I were busy working claims but definitly made time for some fun activities! We were blessed to have my in-laws visit us as well!

We made it back to one of our favorite spots..Hudson Beach! Our favorite restaurant there is Sam's and they have a killer gator sandwich and fried green tomatoe sandwich! mmm...my mouth is watering! On this occasion we watched a guy fishing and he caught a flounder..but then it got away....good for the fish!!

Then....we went to the Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce area and found an incredible place called Hutchinson Island. We have decided we want to move there! It's right on the beach, but yet undiscovered! There are state parks that are just filled with mangroves and lush greenery and then you step over the hill and the breathtaking ocean meets you! There are only a few houses But there, so I think our mansion will fit!

Here are some pics from our fun day on Hutchinson Island!

Wes is so funny with pictures! It's hard to get a normal pic with him!! This one made me laugh..don't worry...it's only sand!

After our fun day on the beach, we went to Jenson Beach and celebrating 4 years of being together (includes dating...) at an awesome local joint called Conchy Joes! It overlooked the ocean and the breeze felt great as we watched the dolphins playing in the background! Simply...perfect!

We checked out the Fort Pierce Marina....wish I owned one of those boats..they were just beautiful!!!!

We are now season pass holders to Seaworld!!! Wes didn't realize how much I would love Shamu.....it truly is breathtaking...

The Manatees were pretty amazing too!! We got there during feeding time...and they were working that lettuce!!! I kinda want to take one home and put it in our swimming pool!!

Well, that's it for now! I've got more pics on my camera from my birthday and some of August stuff and our new house..so I'll get to that soon! Thanks for reading!!!

July 4th in Ft. Lauderdale with the Hanford's!

2009-07-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

Wes and I were so blessed to spend the July 4th weekend with David and Lynda Hanford! I met Lynda at Teen Mania and we hit it off immediately! Even with Lynda moving all over the country, we have remained wonderful friends! It was the first time we all got to hang out as couples! It was such a blast! We at at the Fisheries..yum! Wes and David went deep sea fishing on the morning of July 4th! They both caught a King Fish! Check out some pics from their trip!

Lynda and I did a little shopping that afternoon...check out the cool hat!!! I felt like I was ready for the Kentucky Derby!

Another cute pic of David & Lynda! They are the sweetest couple!

The Hanford's live at the beach so we enjoyed watching the fireworks and eating ice cream at Ft. Lauderdale beach! It was so much fun!

We truly had a wonderful time!

Yummy food in Florida!!

2009-07-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Wesley and I were so thrilled to find a Bojangle's in Orlando. I grew up with one and we ate there all the time! They have the best cajun chicken..mmm..my mouth is watering! Since Wes and I have been married he has had the privilege of enjoying it too!Wes and I have been spending several nights a week grilling out on our porch! I told Wes I wanted to learn to grill, so he has let me take the reigns...I definitly made a few things that didn't taste too good...a few not cooked all the way through...but this meal...I was proud of! Cajun chicken sandwiches with grilled Zucchini boats!

Here we are enjoying our yummy dinner by the pool!

We grilled hamburgers and hotdogs...and accidentally dropped one of the hamburgers into the charcoal...here is my sweet hubby cleaning it off!!! 2 second rule right!

The Florida Beaches

2009-06-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Our tour of the Florida beaches has begun!!! Because of our job we travel all over central Florida so whenever we are by the beach we try to arrange a walk on the beach or maybe a lunch! It's been so fun thus far!!

The first beach ...well maybe not beach...was Tampa Bay.......

Here we are at the lovely...smells like fish...Tampa Bay.

The very same day we got to go to Clearwater Beach!!! We tried to find a place on the ocean to eat, but couldn't...it was all residential...so....that was a bummer but it was beautiful! And no worries...we found a super cheap mexican place on the way home!

Just yesterday we went to Hudson Beach which is on the westside, north of Tampa. We did a claim a few miles from the beach...and then ate at this place called Sam's. It was right on the water and quite yummy! Wes was excited to get a Buffalo Alligator sandwich!
And we had to pose by the ocean! We both were talking about how amazing it is...we feel so blessed by Jesus to be able to enjoy this....we have both always wanted to live in Florida.

By the way, the bottle on the table is pepper.....

Today we were on the east coast and after we finished claims we went to Cocoa Beach! This beach reminded me of NC! We just loved it!! Here are some pics from our day! Well, that's it for now! Keep us in your prayers. We love journeying with God!

Now we are in Orlando......

2009-06-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks since I've written and wow...a lot has changed again! Wesley and I were in Austin for only one week when we had a much better opportunity arise for us! It was not a hard decision because Austin just did not seem to be working out well for us. Wesley and I are enjoying this crazy journey together and with the hand of Jesus guiding us and we love it!

So...we are now temporarily living in Orlando Florida!!!! Yep...the home of Disney World.....:)

We met with a guy from the company that gives us claims to do and they had several opportunities for us and gave us the option of which one to take. We had decided to go to North Carolina to be around my family, and we were packed and ready to move that day when he told us of another opportunity in Orlando Florida that would offer a better financial return. Since we are wanting to pay off debt we prayed and felt the Lord leading us to do that! So we were already packed....and instead of going to NC, we went to Orlando. Wes and I drove here to Orlando almost two weeks ago and we drove the 18 hours without stopping. We were excited.....

We took Precious with us..and surprisingly she loved the car ride!! And crawling on top of Wes while he was trying to sleep!

We made it...exhausted...but we made it and stayed at a hotel for the night in Brandon, FL. The next day we were blessed to be able to find a home to rent for at least a month. It's super cute. The house is in Davenport, FL, only a few minutes from Disney and it is a vacation area. It's actually full of people from the UK...why? not sure...maybe Disney?

We love this area and will probably stay in this subdivision as long as we are in Orlando.

Here are some pics...my favorite part...the pool of course!! I've always wanted a pool!

Precious, our cat likes it too....she is afraid of the pool...but has found a few other favorite places!

So we really like Orlando..the weather is lovely and getting to swim everyday is such a blessing!

We are working insurance claims everyday which is so great! Wes and I love working together and on our own schedule! We hope this will help pay off debt:):)

We went to Disney Downtown one day and had a blast. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe...overpriced for the little food...but nice view. We are excited to see all that this area has to offer!

Luckily with our job we travel to Tampa, Orlando and the coasts on both sides. We are wanting to visit the beaches as much as possible! We have already been to 3! Pictures to follow!

Where in the World are the Wileys? Austin Texas...

2009-05-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

So we got back from India and had a voicemail about a temporary job opportunity in Austin, TX related to insurance adjusting. So, within 2 days, we packed up our clothes and a few things and got a short term apartment in Round Rock Texas to pursue this job thing. God is our provider and we really felt like He was leading us to make this decision.

So, here we are....a cute little apartment in La Frontera Lakeside....bottom floor overlooking the lovely lake that is about half full of water lilies! It is just gorgeous!

It was hard leaving Waco, but we plan to still be involved in our church and lifegroup by commuting.

Here are a few pics of our tiny apartment ...and rental furniture.

Precious seems to be right at home..she loves rolling around on the carpet since we don't have any at our Waco home. Her new favorite getaway...underneath the mattress...it was already like this when the furniture people brought it...
She also loves the window sill and time with Wes...
We so love the view from our apartment!! There are a few hedges that need to be cut down in front of our patio, but needless to say here is our view! Much better than our view in Waco....you Wacoans know what I mean!

So our first day here I didn't have time to get groceries yet, so we found this tiny little NY pizza place where you could get a GIANT slice of pizza for $3! Check out this slice!!

We took a day off on Memorial Day and went down to Zilker Park and enjoyed the Botanical Gardens! We rummaged to find $3 cash for the parking fee (entry was free), and we got to the ticket booth and the lady said "we just ran out of tickets, you get in for free!!!". Now that is the favor of the Lord!! He knows what we need right?!!!

They had tons of 4 leaf clovers!!!!! Aunt Patti...do you remember when we were little kids and all the cousins were together..you told us you would give us $20 if we could find a 4 leaf clover...and then Tara tried to make one out of a 3 leaf clover..well...does the offer still stand? hee hee

So yesterday I found an amazing deal!!! I was searching for free stuff to do in Austin and found this website where I bought a $10 gift certificate for only $.26...yep that's right! It was for this place called Geno's Pizza. So Wes and I set out about 15 minutes away to find this place in a small town called Manor, TX...and it was quite interesting...Genos Pizza was also a Chinese Restaurant...they served both...how weird is that! But totally Texas..
so needless to say, we got a 20" pizza from Geno's Pizza and only paid $9. Can you believe that! We have lots of leftovers!!!

Thanks for reading our update!! Bless you all and keep in touch:)
Wes and Beth

Our Trip to Bangalore, India

2009-05-19T05:09:00.000-07:00

Wesley and I had the most wonderful opportunity to serve and share the gospel with the people in Bangalore, India over the last two weeks! We just got back and are still trying to get over jet lag...we seem to still be going to bed at 9pm and getting up at 5am!

We had an incredible time in India! Most days we would go from shop to shop and asking if we could pray for people and sharing the gospel. It was a challenge but the Lord gave us so much grace to do it! It's amazing how open people are to prayer and how many healings we saw with our very own eyes! God is truly doing something amazing!! At one restaurant we saw 6 people healed immediately after we prayed for them! My heart was so thrilled because I've really only read about the miracles God does but haven't seen it with my own eyes.

We spent one day in a home that is for the destitute and dying of Bangalore. It is owned by a christian man that used to be a rickshaw driver but saw a need....it was incredible. We loved on people and prayed for people that had been through the toughest lives. Our heart was to be Jesus to them!

Everyday we lived life...so if we needed to go shopping for gifts we did that, and shared Jesus as we went....if we needed to go to the coffee shop (and you know we did!!!!), then we shared Jesus there as well. It became a lifestyle that we are bringing back to Texas! We want our lives to reflect Jesus and live that Jesus did!! We are thrilled that our lives have been forever changed and really look forward to seeing what He does in and through us!

We saw salvations and many healings as a team and we as well were changed forever!

What a heart God can give us for people when we ask! Thank you all for sowing into us...we saw amazing fruit in India!

We did a horrible job with taking pictures while we were there, but here are a few of the city of Bangalore, the view from our apartment, and Wes and I on our date at the top of a 13 story building overlooking the city!

Recent Happenings....

2009-04-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

So I know it's been a long time since I posted last! I guess not much has happened lately!

Wes and I have been having a good time in Waco....I'm working on a website about the Riviera Maya in hopes of making money through Google very soon! Wes is part of a soccer team and that has been keeping him quite busy and in shape!

Here are a few pics of my amazing man in action...oh did I mention he has never played soccer before!!!

I was in the creative mood a couple months ago! Wes and I redid our guest bathroom and painted it a charcoal color. We bought a new shower curtain and gave it a fresh, green feel! I decided to try to make a 'river rock' bath mat and I love it!!! It's like a foot massage every time you step on it!
The weather has really been beautiful lately so we have grilled out a few times! And my amazing husband rescreened part of our porch and power washed it so it's all clean and beautiful!! He also hung my bird and hummingbird feeders! I'm so blessed by him!

We are soooo excited to go to India in 3 weeks!!! Wes has been like 6 times and I've been twice! We might just not come back...just kidding! We have weekly team meetings on Sunday nights and it was our turn to cook dinner so Wes and I made Indian food! Yummy Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken & Chana Masala...and of course Parathas. A few pics from our day of cooking!

Of course we have more pictures of our sweet Precious! Her new favorite spot is on the porch underneath the flower pot. She has gotten used to going outside in the mornings with me and now wakes us up meowing until we let her outside...ahhh what have we done!

Monday marks a very special day!!! Our 1 1/2 year anniversary! I can't believe we have been married this long. I just love being married to Wes! Life is never boring..that is for sure!!

A few pics to remember that beautiful day! Thanks Kathryn Krueger for taking such great pics!

This is only the beginning of our journey together!

Our Trip to India!

2009-03-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are going to India!! OK, not to live (at least not yet) but we are going on a short term trip to Bangalore, India in May!! We want you to be a part of it in any way!!

Here is our newsletter about it!

Beth and I are so blessed that you all are in our lives! We have had quite a journey of transition and seeking God in the last few months as we embarked in new jobs and trusting God all the way as he continues to lead us! We are enjoying being married for over a year and 4 months and can’t even believe it’s been that long! We are really enjoying each other and God in our marriage!

As most of you know, Beth and I have a huge desire to serve and minister to the people of Asia. In January, we prayed and set a goal to go to India this year if the Lord willed. We were fully aware that God would have to open the door with both our schedule and finances. A few days ago, out of the blue, Beth and I were asked to be a part of a small team from our church going to India in May for 2 weeks. The team consists of about 6 people from our church, Antioch Community Church. We will be working with a church plant that we have in Bangalore, India. India has more unreached people groups than any nation on earth, but is experiencing a revival that is unprecedented in the nation’s history. In the last 6 months, the village house church movement we are connected with has grown from 55 to 114 house churches. In that same time, Antioch’s team in the city of Bangalore has seen hundreds of salvations, many miracles, and has started over ten new house churches. Across India, people are hungry for the Gospel. Because so many are turning to Jesus, there is a desperate need for discipleship and training.

Usually the lower castes in India are more easily reached with the gospel because of their greater physical need, but in Bangalore it is the middle class that is saying yes to Jesus. On a daily basis, our ministry will be going from shop to shop sharing the gospel, praying for the sick and discipling new believers. We are filled with faith for the many ways God desires to move in and through us. We are inviting you to partner with us in two areas of need.

Prayer Support: Be believing with us and praying for us as we journey to India to share the good news of Jesus Christ! Grace to abide in Jesus, wisdom and discernment, financial provision and team unity.

Financial Support: We still need to raise $1500 total for airfare, lodging, and food. Please pray about supporting us financially and respond however God leads you.

How to Give

Tax deductible: Write check to “AMI” (stands for Antioch Ministries International) and send to:
Wesley Wiley
2800 Gorman Ave
Waco, TX 76707

Thank you for all your love, support and prayers! We are very grateful for you!

Blessings,

Wesley & Beth Wiley

Mexican Riveria Feb. 2009

2009-02-20T18:31:00.000-08:00

Wesley and I were so blessed to be able to take a vacation to the Mexican Riviera again this year! We originally had it scheduled for our one year anniversary (Oct. 08), but due to our transition, we were in Houston during that time and had to reschedule our trip. Because of that, we booked a different hotel...the Valentin Imperial Maya All Inclusive Resort.

Wes and I spent lots of time on the beach...reading books.....laying under our handmade Palapas (Wes pulled our beach chairs under the real palm trees!) I got food poisoning for 24 hours and that was sad...but Wes was an amazing and loving husband...stayed with me all that day! So sweet he is...We brought two books about trafficking in Cambodia and Asia. Ah...such hard stuff to read, but our hearts are so soft to the horrors going on in the world to our children that we are so stirred to do something! We read The Road to Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam, and Wes also read Sold. It is simply unbelievable what is going on in the world and the abuse that is happening. We are always asking Jesus to lead us...our heart is social justice and we so desire to fight for the kids in the world that cannot fight for themselves but instead are stuck in prostitution and being sold for only pennies. Ahh! Sorry, didn't realize that would come out. You can tell it is very fresh on our hearts! Jesus use us we pray!!! Send us to the world to protect these children and show them the choice of eternal life!

On a lighter note...here are some pics from our fun times on the beach!

When we weren't on the beach, we were enjoying the resort. One of our favorite things was to ride bikes around the resort! These bikes sure were old, but that made it all the more fun! Everything is different in Mexico! Here are a few pics of our bike travels...Wes just loves to explore...so we explored one day and went to places we shouldn't...it was a blast!

This was at the very front part of the entrance. I bet it was several miles from the ocean...we rode our bikes a long time to get to this point!

We saw so many iguanas! I would try to get close and they didn't seem to mind, but Wes would try and they ran pretty quick! We quit counting, there were just so many! We went to the 'chapel'. It was just beautiful!

We stole a kiss in the chapel.....ooooooohhhhhh

We enjoyed the specialty coffees they had! This was the famous...Mayan Coffee.....mmmmm

Marriage is sooo wonderful!!! I'm so glad I married my best friend! Life would be way to boring without my man! I am blessed!

Does this remind anyone of high school? yea.....we couldn't believe all the balloon arches on Valentines day!

We loved the Japanese Restaurant at the Resort...however, I think that might have been the source of my food poisoning! yuck::)

Wes and I walked what seemed like forever, to get to the resort beside us...the great Iberostar! We were only there for a minute when we realized they had wristbands on...and we didn't...wups:):) So we walked back!

and finally....a few cute pics of me and my honey!

Vacation in Mexico....

2009-02-19T17:39:00.001-08:00

So just a little update...Wes and I just got back from an awesome 6 day vacation in the Riveria Maya, Mexico and it was incredible! The food is delightful and the beach is just unbelievable! I highly recommend anyone to go if you can! We went to the Valentin Imperial Maya all inclusive resort. A few highlights....Catamarans, Kayaks, Clear Ocean, White sands, 5 star food...at least that is what they say. The down side..I got food poisoning for a day but better now...ok enough to wet your appetite...I"ll post more with pics hopefully tomorrow!! Till later, Adios Amigos!

Holiday Season 2008

2009-01-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Wow...what a crazy several months it has been...Wesley and I started a Hanging Xmas light Business called Waco Lights...and that kept us pretty busy during the Holiday Months! Check out a few pics..

Christmas quickly approached since we were swamped putting up lights. And so it began...our road trip around the world...or so it felt like. Our first stop...Missouri to visit the Wiley side of the family. We had a wonderful time with the whole family together...watching and laughing at the amazing creativity of kids, who were at one point playing "We are poor and so we have to live outside". And enjoying good times opening presents and playing games with family...and of course eating really good food!
These are our beautiful nieces and nephews on the Wiley side of the fam....aren't they just beautiful and so fun! Grandma Wiley is still just beautiful...and I am so blessed to have the most wonderful, sincere, loving, and beautiful mother in law! I could not be more blessed....same with my father in law...but none of the pics turned out with him in them... After Missouri we drove to Cleveland TN, where we stayed the night with a sweet, close friend of mine from college. Noelle and I were best friends and still keep in touch quite frequently. She will always be one of my closest friends! She and her family live in Cleveland and we invaded her family Xmas...since it was the night we were driving through. They were great and we had a wonderful time seeing her beautiful custom home in the mountains and her family. Sweet conversation and a memorable time!

After Cleveland, TN we were off to Evans, GA to see my dad and Pat. We had such a wonderful time with them! Tara and Gerry and the kids were all there and we had a great time of opening gifts, playing dominoes and spending good time together. They are amazing hosts! We were so blessed by them!

I spent some time with our niece Ella down by the lake and Wes was taking pics of us! I just love Ella...there was a black Sam Bo down by the lake and Ella called him Baby Jesus...I loved it! So everytime we would pass him she would say "Hi Baby Geesus", "Bye Baby Geesus"...I miss her so much!

Cute little Ella showing off her tummy! And a pic of my dad....so handsome eh?! Natalie is the newest addition to the Warren family..and she is just always happy...I don't think she ever cried..My sister's family is just beautiful!! Not to mention fun!

And sweet Pat...my dad's wife. She is just lovely and so fun to be around. She always makes us feel right at home. We like Pat! Here is my cute hubby feeding the geese! We had a blast...Rocky the cat loved to chase them too!

On New Years Eve my family had a Murder Mystery Party at my sister's house and Wes was Ralph...the 'just got out of prison' wine owner....and I was Tiny Bubbles, the wine owners wife..kinda bubbly! We had a blast...my accent never was consistent...but Wes had a great Italian accent! Here are a few others pics..everyone was amazing in character! And our host made the best food! yum!

After New Years we headed back to Texas and started taking down Xmas lights from our business. I was zip tying some lights...and accidentally ziptied my ring too!! Wes got the picture......

Here is a great pic of Wes taking down lights from this ginormous tree!

Oh and lastly...on the way home from our road trip a deer decided to run into the back side of our 4 runner while we were going 75 on the Highway....not too much damage..but sad for the deer.....the deer hair is still on the truck...eek!

Our house & Christmas

2008-12-21T14:11:00.001-08:00

Before I show you pics of our house...this is how we found Precious the other day...she found her way inside one of my fleece shirts and was sleeping!!

Anywho...Wesley and I have lived in our first house for over a year and I don't think I've ever showed pictures!!!! We do love our house..it's old...built in 1918 or something crazy like that. It has lots of character..all hardwood floors, glass french doors and built in bookshelves. We love our house.

A few of our favorite places are the screened in porch (above) and relaxing on the hammock and enjoying the fire pit on a cold night!

Here are some pictures of the inside of the house. First is our bedroom.....the cat followed me as I was taking pictures so she might be in a lot of these...

This is our sunroom....lots of windows....we spend a lot of time in this room! Coffee in the mornings while checking email and just relaxing with friends. Love it! This is our kitchen...nice and spacious!

This is the used to be 'dark blue' room that after a year we got to repaint! now it's Seaside Villa paint and very crisp and clean feeling! I love the way the sun comes in this room!

This is the door that leads upstairs...there are 2 huge bedrooms and one bathroom upstairs. We don't use them unless guests are here...one is for storage. But it's really cute..complete with a reading nook. Didn't take pics of it though....use your imagination:)

Here are some pictures of the livingroom that I just took so they are a bit Christmasy!

Our Christmas tree! We just love the way it sparkles!

Wes loves the(mostly his) office...it's a big room with lots of windows...it's his favorite room.

We just repainted the guest bathroom and love the results. It's painted a charcoal dark grey and everything else is bright white! It looks so beautiful! By the way, Precious likes to try to eat our fake plants...she liked this one temporarily planted in the bathroom. . . . So I dared Wes to try our cats food..just one piece and if he ate it and swollowed it without any drink then I would give him $10. I didn't think he would do it...but he did....turned out he wanted something on Itunes for $10 so the dare was worth it! What a man I'm married to!!!!!!

We celebrated our Christmas together on Sunday and Wes got me Mikimoto pearl earrings...I was so excited....I surprised Wes by putting an IPod connection into his 4Runner. We had a blast...and Precious liked her presents too...catnip filled candy canes:) Merry Christmas everyone!!! In one day we are off on a road trip to Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina! Here we come!

Thanksgiving in Waco

2008-12-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well this was our first year to celebrate Thanksgiving at our home in Waco! It was fun learning how to cook homemade stuffing and mashed potatoes and sweet potatoe casserole (thanks to my mother in law!) We were so blessed to have our cousins, Andrea and Kellie to come stay with us and celebrate Thanksgiving together! We had a blast...late nights playing cards and The Office Trivia game! Not to mention eating Indian and taking them on a tour of the Wiley Lights Tour (we hang Xmas lights for the Holiday...more to blog on that once I get pictures!) Anywho..here are some pics from our fun time of going to a Christmas Tree Farm (even though we got our tree at HEB)...

Dewberry Farm

2008-11-02T05:56:00.000-08:00

We spent our last day in the Woodlands at Dewberry Farm, west of Katy, Texas! This place was a sight to see. They had a huge corn maze, pick your own pumpkins, and more than I could imagine for the kids! Beth has always wanted to go to a pick your own pumpkin patch so this was very exciting! Here's a few pics from our day! We got a beautiful pumpkin and had a great time racing to see who get get through the corn maze first! There is a birds eye view of the corn maze below! It was a lot of fun!!

The Woodlands Waterway

2008-10-31T08:08:00.001-07:00

So we have finished our claims and plan to return back to Waco on Sunday and see what the Lord may have in store for us next! This is an exciting journey with my sweetheart and with the Lord! We are growing in trust of Him more and more each day! My husband is so great and is a great provider...give him an excel spreadsheet and he whips up the most amazing budget in days! He keeps our finances in order! I just love him:)

So Precious found a new little hiding place she liked...

She has been enjoying having Wesley home all the time now! She wants ALL his attention..so often she sits right on whatever Wes is reading!

We went down to the Woodlands Waterway and enjoyed the weather yesterday! It was beautiful! We are sure going to miss this beautiful place!

They had beautiful mosaic murals inside the archways!

The fountains were immaculate...we even got a bit wet from trying to get a great picture.

Wesley found a ladies purse just sitting there.......hee hee

Random week of pictures

2008-10-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

Well this last week wasn't too eventful, but we got some fun pics!

To catch up on Precious pictures..for you Precious fanatics....I could only be talking to myself here....

She found a new warm spot to sit and get a tan...

she's behind the 'curtain' hee hee...

Here's a short video of Precious..don't be jealous of our seashell comforter....it's a rental place OK...we didn't buy it:)

Precious loves to be underneath things...and we will find her often as a lump under our comforter....

So Wes and I spend most days out of the house by 7:30am and then returning around 4:30pm. some days we have extra time around breakfast where we like to go to a Donut shop..because they are EVERYWHERE in Texas and sit and work on estimates. Here is our favorite place...

The Happy Donut...mm..makes me happy just saying it!

At one of our home inspections, Wes was offered a ride in the tractor up to the roof! Daring Wes took him up on the offer.

Wes and I found a random pretty place on the side of the road after driving about 10 miles on this horrific pothole road trying to find a certain home ...it made it worth it when we found this place...

Here are some pics from Wesley's birthday, Sept. 23rd! He woke up with balloons covering the bed and opened his presents on the porch with our coffee and cat. It was a fun morning! He now has The Office..the first 4 seasons..so that is all we watch now! We love it! I sure do love him!!!

Our One Year Anniversary

2008-10-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

So Wes and I have now officially been married for 1 year!! I can hardly believe it!! Seems like a few months ago we were getting married. It has been the most wonderful year!! It's been easier than we both thought to live together and walk through that transition! We have seen the Lord's hand over our marriage and His amazing guidance in leading us to all that He has for us and our marriage! The Lord is so good to us!

We spent our anniversary on a boat on Lake Conroe. It was a perfect day!!

One of the best parts...a Starbucks on the Lake!!!! We pulled our boat up to it and stopped for some coffee!! It was one of my most wonderful Starbucks experiences ever!

Wes drove the boat most of the time....He was a fabulous captain!! And not to mention..studly!

This was the view as we were going under the bridge!

And we decided to buy a house! HA! just kidding...but if we could...we would want it to be this one!!

Galveston Island

2008-10-12T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was our day off and we decided to go to Galvaston Island to have dinner and check out the Hurricane damage from Ike. We went to a delicious Mexican place called Salsa's. It was on the ocean, and to our surprise was open! About 40% of the restaurants on the ocean were open.

Look mom...I"m eating my spinach!

Prior to dinner we went to Moody Gardens Aquarium. It was so fun! They had 3 baby shark embrios that were due any day! They also had about 60 penguins....that was my favorite part!

And of course...we took a couple pictures by the ocean!! It wasn't Mexico...but it was fun!

Below are some pics we took in Galveston of the damage...what a site. It was so sad!

The craziest things we have seen this week:

1) Big black pig named Charlotte

2) 16 chickens that just got welcommed to their new home

3) Two boats stranded in the median on the highway in Galveston

4) Three baby sharks moving around in their embryo about to be born

Discovering Lake Conroe

2008-10-10T07:13:00.000-07:00

So we discovered a new beautiful place in our area! It's called Lake Conroe! It's about 20 minutes from where we live and it's just georgous!! We had some extra time in between inspections and decided to have lunch there! We ate at The Famous "Sam's Boat"...or at least everything on the menu said they were famous!

The food was good! I convinced Wes that we had to get fried pickles...and they rate #1 for all the ones I have tried. The view of the lake was just perfect! The area is developing and they are adding more restaurants, so hopefully we will be here long enough to try them all!!

Not to mention....they have a STARBUCKS overlooking Lake Conroe!! Can you believe it! Forgive me for not posting a picture...we didn't have time to relax there..but believe me...we will! I must say that is the Starbucks with the best view as far as I'm concerned! Lynda...if only you could join me there!

Wes and I are wanting to get a Tassimo since we drink so much coffee...so hopefully in the new few posts I can say that we bought one!!! My friend, Lynda has convinced me that it's worth it!! Not to mention I had 4 at her condo a month ago!!

OK...so after lunch yesterday we walked out on the boat deck and fed the catfish!! That was a site...hundreds of catfish diving for the little bit of food we offered them. Then we took some pictures on the deck!

And just for my father in law...here is the picture of the week........another Precious picture:)

We're caught up!!

2008-10-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I believe we have been in the Woodlands for about 1 1/2 or 2 weeks now and we just got caught up!!!! That means that the inspections we did, we were finally able to write up the estimates and turn them in the same day we did the inspection!! This is a huge accomplishment and brings hope that the learning curve is near the end!!! In celebration....we went to the Cheesecake Factory right down the road! After I got the wrong soda, a soda with no syrup and then fish tacos (which I did not order...and I don't eat fish)..they finally got my meal right. We laughed! Not to mention I was under an air vent that was leaking water. We were in such a great mood none of that mattered!!! This was us in the truck on our way!!!

And here we are at the Cheesecake Factory! It overlooked the Woodlands Waterway! It was so beautiful!

Wes got to enjoy the view from a roof that was extremely steep! It was 8am in the morning and dew was still on the roof...but like always...he does an amazing job of not scaring me half to death!!! I think he is enjoying this roof climbing a little too much:)

Well...we have been out in the country quite a bit and look who made friends with Wes!!

Today's Adventure

2008-10-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! Today was crazy! Wes got to bed around 5am last night........he was up late working on Estimates...and I pooped out at 9pm...sad..I know. But we are mostly caught up and we have learned a ton so things are on the up swing! We are definitly getting the hang of this and I think we are pretty good at it!!

I think Wes climbed the biggest house today to get on the roof! It scares me so I try not to watch!! Not to mention it was 11/12 out of steepness....12/12 is straight up and down! I'm so proud of him...and he loves it!!! Here's a pic looking down...

When Wes had a moment he took a breather and snuggled with Precious.....

So we have a lot of claims for people out in the country...well water and all! So we are learning a lot....Wes and I are gaining more of a country accent than ever before...and he says "Howdy" to every person we see! we are working on that!! So we arrived at one house...and what did they have for us...well they had cooked lunch for us...yep..chicken and dumplings, with cornbread, beans and homemade peach cobbler! We are starting to love the country! They even sent us home with two different homemade jams! I love country folk:) Maybe I'll bring it for our Christmas gathering.....and even Thanksgiving Andrea and Kellie!

Wes is sleeping and I'm missing everyone! Wish I could run to Starbucks and hangout with friends:) Wes and I are really getting to know each other well. It's great....with all the time we spend together..it's amazing how well we get along:) more later.

Oh...but of course...one more cute picture of Precious...meow...

Our temporary new life.....

2008-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

So a lot has changed in the last few weeks. Beth quit her job, Wes quit his job and we both are now independent insurance adjusters! Who knew this is what we would be doing 3 weeks ago! We have been praying since we got married that the Lord would lead us to exactly what He has for us! We have lots of debt that we need to pay off and at the rate we were going it would have taken a while. This new opportunity will hopefully help us pay off debt! We are still working through Wardlaw Claims Insurance (whom Wes worked for, for the last 3 years) and are currently do claims in the Woodlands area, North of Houston. We got a temporary apartment here, and along with Precious our cat...we ventured to our new home to work insurance claims. We have no idea how long we will be here..maybe a month..or two...or 6? Only the Lord knows and we are trusting Him with everything we have!!!

Check out our apartment building! We are at Alexan Springs in the Woodlands...we are the one on the 2nd floor!

We haven't been getting a lot of sleep. We are averaging 5 hours. Wes stays up longer than Beth every night, but Beth at least tries to keep him company during the wee hours of the morning. Let's just say Precious does too...

Wes is wonderful! He takes amazing care of me...and despite how busy we are...still takes out the trash! I'm telling you....I sure did get a great man!!!!!

So today, has been our first day off since we got here over a week ago! Although we have a lot of work to do in our home office...we managed to take a walk around our apartment complex to enjoy the weather! Hopefully we will be able to take a dip in the pool soon...but today we just admired it....

Isn't my husband so handsome! The nice thing about Houston...and Texas is the weather is still in the 80's at 11 in the morning...crazy!!!

So in preparing to do insurance adjusting....Wesley and I had to buy a few needed items..since both of us had laptops from work....and he had a cell phone through his work...so he bought a new phone...and to make things a little easier in the field...we also bought something a little bigger than a cell phone.......

what could it be you might ask????

keep scrolling.....

We bought a Black, 2002 Toyota 4 Runner!!! We got a great deal on this used beauty and it runs so much better than the Civic! We were really excited and blessed to get a great deal!! Not to mention it's automatic!!!!

I think Wes will always have pictures where he makes Elvis faces...

Well...that's all for now!! Please email us and stay in touch!! We miss you all!

Beth & Wesley