How the Gatlins Came to Be

It seems that enough time has passed since Todd and I met that we are now friends with people who have never heard the story of how we came to be "us," so I thought I'd take some time to write it down while my memory is still kickin' (I tried to cut and paste but theknot.com apparently deletes stuff after so long).

Prepare yourself for a quite an epic story...

I graduated from college in December 2005 from Texas A&M and had applied to several different school districts. I subbed for awhile in College Station for a bit before getting hired by CyFair ISD (in Northwest Houston) at the end of January. I was supposed to start on Valentine's Day, had two weeks to move, and had committed to work at Pine Cove that summer, so getting an apartment was pointless. I moved back to my parents' house in EB and commuted to and from Houston every day that spring. Since I was mostly spending my time on the road or grading papers, I had little time to hang out, and so the youth pastor's wife at my church, Jill Coleman, became my comedic relief and confidant.

After that summer, I found an apartment in Houston, and around that same time Jill and her family relocated to Odessa. Later that fall Jill began working at The Life Center in Midland as an abstinence education presenter, and Todd was the director of the Prevention Dept. After a little time passed, Jill called me to tell me that I should meet her "boss," and if nothing else, we'd make great friends. I laughed at her and the thought of her "boss" as I pictured a middle-aged, balding man. Unbeknown to me, Jill was also talking me up to Todd on his end. However, he'd had a difficult year relationship-wise, so he informed her he was not interested in a relationship. We both shrugged her off, but she continued to tell one about the other throughout that spring and summer.

Fast forward to the first of August 2007. Since my sister, Lindsey Mayberry, had been in Jill and Aaron's youth group as a HS student, she and her then boyfriend, Larry decided to head to Odessa for Rock the Desert. I was finishing up my last session at Pine Cove as a nanny and was soon to be heading home from camp for a new school year. The Life Center always has a booth at RTD, and since Jill worked for them, she took Lindsey and Larry over to say hello. There she introduced Lindsey to Todd as "the sister of the girl you refuse to talk to." Todd, caught off guard, informed her that he never said he wouldn't talk to me; he just wasn't interested in a relationship. Jill spotted an in, and said, "So you'll talk to her???" Todd, probably reluctantly, said he would. Jill called me to get permission to give him my email address, and I very reluctantly told her she could give it to him.

Several weeks went by without word, and then on the first day of school I received my first email from Todd. All he said was something along the lines of, "Hey, this is Todd, Jill's friend. I don't really know how this works, so I'll just start by saying 'Hi.'" I read that, laughed out loud, and responded. I told him just a little about myself and asked him a little about himself. Several weeks passed before I heard from him again. During the next few months I think we emailed maybe 4-5 times.

Towards the end of October, a couple of sweet mentors in my life decided to try to set me up with someone new. He was a local guy, so we were able to talk and meet pretty quickly. The day I went to meet him, Todd called for the first time. Since I'd had very few guys interested in me in the past, I had no idea what to do with two. I ignored Todd's call and went to meet Guy #2. After a week it was clear that he and I were heading nowhere together, and Jill wanted to know why I wasn't returning Todd's call. I felt badly for just ignoring him, so I decided to call him back. After a bit of phone tag, we finally talked for the first time in early November. Our first conversation lasted almost 3 hours. We talked about everything: the Lord, church ministries, family, work, etc. When I told my roommates about our conversation the next day I used the word "refreshing" to describe Todd, which I know sounds ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I'd had some awesome Christian guy friends in college, but there was something totally different about Todd and the way he talked about the Lord that I'd never noticed in anyone else before.

Over the next few weeks we talked maybe 3-4 times a week, and around Thanksgiving I decided I needed to meet this guy. I had already gone through a pretty long, drawn-out setup before and didn't want to waste time and get my hopes up again. Lindsey and I decided we'd come out to Midland/Odessa for New Years to see Aaron and Jill/meet Todd. When the day came, I was a major wreck of emotions; my gag reflex was at an all-time high. Naturally, Jill couldn't pick us up at the airport, so that left just one other person to do the job: Todd. We arrived and made our way down to the baggage claim where Todd stood waiting nervously for us in his UT thermal. He was the best-looking guy I'd ever laid eyes on in spite of that UT shirt.

I could go into major detail, but will try to spare you more time. Todd took us to meet up with the Coleman clan at Chili's, and that night Lindsey and I went to Odessa to watch a football game with Todd and some friends. The next day he came over to babysit the Coleman boys with us, and then we went on our first date, to a hockey game, the third day. He took me out for a nice dinner on New Year's Eve. Several time throughout these few days, we talked about the prospect of dating with the intent to marry. We had talked on the phone enough to get to know each other pretty well, and at 26 and 24 we weren't really interested in just casually dating and causing each other heartache. Once again, unbeknown to me, Lindsey was texting my parents back home about the "fireworks" between me and Todd. It was true. I had never enjoyed being with someone as much as him; he was everything I'd ever prayed for and more.

Our First Date

On my last night in Midland, Todd and I hung out until really late even though he had to be at work the next day. When he left, I asked him what I should call him when I returned to Houston. My friend? Silly girls...we always need a DTR. He answered me with, "What do you want to call me?" (Totally unfair to answer a question with a question.) I said, "My boyfriend?" and he said it sounded good to him. He gave me my very first kiss ever and left. I almost tripped on the curb going back inside the house. If you want the details of the silliness that followed that night, ask Lindsey or Jill. They have some hilarious stories.

Anyway, Todd knew by the end of that week we'd spent together that we'd get married. I knew a few weeks later but waited for him to say "I love you" first. Which is another story in itself that also involves answering a question with a question. By the first week of April we were engaged, and we were married in July. It was super fast, but we both knew the Lord had thrown open wide the doors for us and there was no denying His Hand in our lives and relationship.

Proposing to me in my classroom

First Dance at our Wedding

Three years later, I can say that there is not a doubt in my mind that Todd is the perfect man for me. He is able to put up with me in ways that no one else could, he fits in so perfectly with my family that it's scary, and he shows his love for me in the sweetest, most thoughtful ways. I'm truly blessed and wouldn't trade or change our story for anything in the world.

One of my all-time faves of us with Bonzai

Little Sprouts

So, I realized today that I really am, legitimately the world's worst blogger ever. I don't even think people know we have a blog or care, but hey, writing is fun for me, so I'll just create new blogs about the last few months like I actually did them on time. I'll start by sharing the vision that was cultivated over the last few years and then came to life over the last few months: Little Sprouts Mother's Day Out.

If you know me at all, you know that teaching had been hard for me since my transition to Midland. I will not blame or point fingers (as I was definitely to blame for part), but teaching had become harder and harder, and I didn't like the person I felt I was becoming (or rather had slowly become). The negativity of all of it became unbearable and was pouring over into other aspects of my life. Something had to give.

Over spring break, Todd and I took the junior high youth to Houston on a mission trip. It sounds like a not-so-exciting thing, but it was truly amazing. We saw and experienced people and parts of Houston that I never knew existed. As the lead driver of our pack (since I lived there for so long), I was shocked to pass a place I'd driven by my whole life, only to discover a part of town I never even knew was there. We went to refugee apartments, visited and prayed around a Buddhist temple, and ate a legit Nepalese meal with converted Christian brothers and sisters. It was amazing. During this time and for a week or so after, I found myself wondering what on earth I was doing with my time. My sole purpose is to love the Lord and to make His name known through sharing of His Great Love, and here I was, going to a job that I was disliking more everyday. My mind kept flashing back to school picture day when one of my neediest students came to me for a hug and I was "too busy." What was I doing??

I began to pray that the Lord would open doors and then met with one of the elders in our church and his wife (both of whom we dearly love). Our church was (and is) without a children's minister, so I expressed interest in doing something along those lines. In the conversation, the ideas I've had for the last few years about mother's day out program came to light. When asked to talk a bit more about this idea, the floodgates opened. Years of thoughts - which apparently had piled up in my head - poured out. I was asked to generate a business plan to present to the elders of our church, and then we'd see where it went from there. So I went home, had a weekend alone while Todd was on another youth trip, and the Lord began to give me new and incredible ideas for the program.

That Saturday while Todd was gone, I decided to plant some flowers for my front beds. As I planted, I prayed the Lord would give me a vision and a name for the MDO program. I began to think about the plants I was potting, and the idea of children growing came to mind. Later, as I washed my hair, I was suddenly hit with the term "sprout." I began to throw around things that went with sprout, cleaned up, and began to form notes and google other terms. The Lord just completely put the names and ideas in my head! Little Sprouts became the name of the program, and the class names became the stages of a pea plant: seeds, roots, buds, and pea pods. The Lord also gave me our theme verse: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. 2 Peter 3:18

To try to make a long story, shorter, I researched logistics and presented the name and details, etc. to the elders, and the week of my birthday in May they hired me as the director. During the summer, every second not devoted to youth trips was spent researching, preparing, interviewing, hiring, training, remodeling, etc. And then finally on August 24, the vision came to life when 30 little ones came walking through the doors!!!

This journey has been incredible and some amazing people have helped me in the process. I am blessed to know that the kids who come through the doors every Monday and Wednesday are being taught about our Lord Jesus Christ. I love to sit in my office and just listen to the sounds that come from each room: the cries, the giggles, the burbs, the songs, the squeals. It's an incredible honor to have been given the task of starting something so amazing, and I can honestly say I LOVE what I do!!

Micah Allen

Wow, the last few weeks/months have been such a fun, sweet time for our family. Lindsey and Larry made the decision to adopt in October, went through training in November, and were able to be in the database by January. After just a few weeks they were given a trio of names for which they'd been chosen as one of the "Top 3 couples" candidates. After a couple of heartbreaks and being chosen as the top 3 for a couple of other kids, they found out they were chosen to parent a little boy named Michael. Up until Wednesday, all they knew was that Michael was blond with blue eyes. They read his profile and got see a few pictures, and through that process discovered his biological father's name is Michael, and so they decided to change his name to something similar yet different. They chose to name him Micah Allen Mayberry. Micah means "one who is like God," and Allen is Larry's middle name. Finally today, they were able to meet their baby boy. Lindsey said it could not have gone any better than it did. Micah had been told he would meet his new mommy and daddy, and when they arrived, he rushed out into their arms to meet them. The thought brings sweet tears to my eyes every time I think about it. They get to hang out with him all day on Saturday, set up an overnight stay, and from there, take him home as quickly as he adjusts.

The whole process makes me think of the Lord and how he calls us His children, his adopted heirs. I can just see Him overcome with joy -- even more than Lindsey and Larry today -- as one of His own comes running into His loving arms. What a beautiful picture. And what's more, He already knows our "profiles": sinful, worldly, messy, whatever term fits. Yet He wants us anyway, junk and all. And I bet if He had a Facebook or a blog, He'd be posting about us.

I can hardly wait to squeeze that new little nephew of mine, to spoil him like an aunt gets to, to see him at Christmases, and to watch him grow and learn. I pray one day I'll get to witness his acceptance of Christ and a life of abundance. What a blessing and joy!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

The Power of Words

I'm a horrible blogger. I really love to write, so it should be simple to remember to post on here, but apparently it's difficult.

I've realized this week how mean kids can be and how our words truly make an impact on others. Every week my class writes a composition using a TAKS prompt, and Fridays are share days. Yesterday in class, the kids were sharing their stories about a time they were surprised or surprised someone. So this little boy got up in front of the class, shared his story, and then I gave him a few critiques. As he headed to sit back down, this girl blurted out, "Hey, your fly is down." I gave her the eye and scolded her. The poor boy sat down and put his head in his hands. Then, some other little angel says, "Look, I think he's crying." I could've punted both of them right then and there.

Today I've thought about how many times I say things without thinking. Like those girls, sometimes I say stuff with the intention of helping, but it ends up hurting the person instead. No wonder there are so many scriptures about taming the tongue. May I learn the art of controlling my tongue, and may my words edify those around me.

Things Kids Say

I realize it's been, oh you know, like 5 months since I last blogged so I thought I'd try this out again. And to start off, I thought I'd share a few of the random things kids have said to me lately at school. They say some really random stuff and it makes me laugh... a lot. Hopefully some of these will be as entertaining to you as they are to me.

• Sitting in the middle of a silent classroom, I suddenly hear, "I have a girlfriend. Her name is Delicious."
• This kid walks up to my desk. Now let me give you a little background...he's a little on the stocky side and has a burr haircut. So he walks up and just stands in front of my desk with his mouth partly open. (He's also an open-mouth breather.) Me: Yes, so-in-so, what is it? Kid: (Open mouth) Huh? What? Me: Uh, you walked up to my desk. What do you want? Kid: Oh. Uhh... Oh. Can I go to the bathroom?
• My computer background appears on the smartboard in front of the class. The picture on my background is of Todd holding Bonzai. It's really cute. The class ooohhhs and aawwwws at the picture and then out of nowhere this loud kid says, "WHOA!! You're husband looks like a WWF wrestler" (pronounced "ras-ler").

Oh kids.....

Salad Dressing Face

The other night Todd and I were in the kitchen getting dinner ready. I don't remember what we were having exactly, but I was having a salad as a side. We'd had a baked potato fundraiser at church for the youth group, and I'd come home with this yummy Vidalia Onion salad dressing (for you Midlanders, it's the kind from Pizzeria Venti). After I put the finishing touches on my salad, I spotted the dressing in the refrigerator door. It sounded perfect with my dinner, so I peeled off the plastic from around the top of the new bottle. Meanwhile, Todd and I were in the middle of having a pretty good conversation when Bonzai needed to go out. His doggie door was locked, so I went to the backdoor to unlock it. As I walked to the door, I shook the salad dressing and then took off the lid. After I leaned down to unlock the doggie door, I stood up and proceeded to shake the salad dressing again. Yes that's right...without the lid. For most people, this would have just meant a mess on the floor to clean up, but not for me. You see, when I shake things in jars, I just rotate my wrist towards and away from my body without moving my whole arm. Therefore, the first shake of the bottle without the lid splattered dressing across my face and neck. The shock of the cold salad dressing on my face caused me to squeal and shut my eyes. I stood there, arms apart, salad dressing in hand, trying to figure out what in the world I had just done. Todd didn't know what to do except fall out laughing. Then I busted out laughing, and he brought me some paper towels to clean up. I made it through dinner before needing to change clothes and learned a couple of lessons that evening. 1) Never shake anything without a lid on. 2) Vidalia Onion is NOT a good perfume scent.

A Bird in the House

So, last Thursday was a really rough day at school. Long story, short: I cried. So by 3:30 I was outta there and headed home, ready to just sit and chill for awhile. I come in, head to the back to let Bonzai out of his kennel, and, for some reason, realize there is a bird sitting on our porch window ledge. I think I actually said aloud, "Oh it's a birdie on the window!" I let Bonzai out, and, as I'm changing into my zumba workout sweats, I hear a ruckus from the living room. I walk into the entry hall to see Bonzai chasing something. The bird! It was inside, not outside!! Crap. It lands first on the light in the entry hall, so I run to open the back door and then fling open the front door, too. Instead of just flying out the door, the bird flies into the kitchen and lands on the fridge. I realize that Bonzai is going to run out the door, and I'll have a second crisis on my hands if I don't lock him back up. I lock him up and then return to the kitchen. I scan the living room to find something to throw at the bird, who is sitting rather pleasantly on the top of our fridge still. The first thing I see are the pillows on the couch. Plan A: I grab one, throw it at the fridge, and then run to hide so it won't fly at my face. The stupid thing flew all around the back door and then slammed into the mirrors that back our build-ins in the den. Finally it landed on the mantle. Crap... literally. It's at this time that I realize I have seen bird poop on the living room couch, the floor in the entry hall, the kitchen sink, and splattered on the glass that it apparently had slammed itself into a few times that day. How long had that thing been in the house!? Plan B: I grab a dish towel and chunk it across the room, but this time it flies all around the den and lands on top of the TV. Plan C: We have leftover Valentine's candy in a little bowl by the couch. I grab a mini 3 Muskateers with Mint and throw it at the bird, completely missing it. I try a Snickers next, with the same outcome. Finally I try a Milky Way and scare it enough to fly again. Bad idea. It flies behind our TV. Did I mention that our TV sits in a build-in that is angled in a corner. Behind the enormous slot it fits into, there is nothing but a huge gap. The bird flutters around back there for awhile, and then...silence. Crap. At this point, I decide to call Todd for backup, but he still has to work till 5. I leave the back door open, go to the back of the house, close all the bedroom doors, and sit in the office. Bonzai "the mighty attack dog" is in his kennel, but refuses to come out when I open the door. Some help. I call my mom to vent about the day, and stay in the back until Todd gets home. He heads straight for the TV, moves around the DVDs and other stuff up there, all the while saying, "If you fly at me and scare me, bird, I'll kill you." When nothing happens, he goes to the laundry room, gets the Swiffer duster with the extended handle and starts jabbing it behind the TV. Nothing. Finally, he gets a flashlight and looks back behind the TV to find...nothing again. I guess in my hour-long stay in the back room, the stupid bird flew out the backdoor. Only time will tell. So far no rank smell has emerged from the den....