Catching Up Part 1

First of all, I want to start by saying I'm sorry for never updating my blog. So much has been going on lately and I have much to update about. I will not even begin to mention birthdays in fear that I might leave someone out. But, I guess I will start from my last update........ last January:( Yes that is horrible I know! Well anyways... here goes:
First off Jared and I went on a cruise with his family and the McQuaids for spring break.We cruised on the Carnival Ecstasy to Progresso and Cozumel Mexico. We left out of Galveston on a rainy Saturday afternoon and woke up Sunday to a breezy sunny day. It was an amazing experience! We all came back as crispy as bacon but enjoyed ourselves so much.
I graduated Pulaski Tech in May with my Associate of Science and Associate of Arts. It felt so good to complete that phase of my life. I was able to walk down the aisle with many of my friends that I have walked along side since kindergarten. It was such a bittersweet moment. I then continued on to UAMS for my Bachelors in Nursing. I met many new friends and enjoyed my time there, but soon figured out that nursing was not he path I wanted to take. God blessed me in so many ways and enabled me to attend nursing school and I was very appreciative. This was just not the career I wanted to be a part of. I learned a lot of things and spent a lot of $$$ but God will give you the desires of your heart and nursing was mine at that moment. I prayed and fasted about what career I should choose and felt that I needed to do something that I would be happy doing. I missed my job at the bank and also all the friends I had met while working there. I looked around at UALR too see what I could find that dealt with Business. I found a Business Management degree that you can obtain online. As soon as I saw it, I knew that this was the path I wished to take. God helped me through all the hardships and stumbles of nursing school so I know he will help me along this path also.
July 10, I gained another sister. Josh and Janna were married on a VERY hot summer day. It could not have been any more beautiful. There is just something about outside weddings. We were all sweltering in the heat, but seemed to forget about it once the wedding started.
Jared and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary July 18. Yes, it was the BEST year of my life. I can't believe we have been married for almost 2 years now, but time flies when you are with your best friend. We celebrated by taking a weekend trip to Branson. It was a short trip but very relaxing and enjoyable. I can't wait to see what the next few years have in store for the Matlocks:)
August 21 my cousin Mandy married Logan Massey. It was a very sweet and beautiful wedding. Mandy made a gorgeous bride. My mom, Victoria, and I headed to Anna, Texas that Friday after I got off work. It was a very interesting trip. My mom tried a Monster drink for the first time and I will say that it changed her life. Lol! She was.... shall I say, VERY ALERT for the drive:) We made it in one piece and managed to make it just in time for the rehearsal. Saturday we woke up and I headed off with the bridesmaids for a day of pampering. We all had manicures, pedicures, and eyebrow waxes. My aunt was so kind to bring us all Starbucks and muffins:) :) My FAVORITE! The wedding was simply stunning!
I will post pics of all these events as soon as possible. And I promise it won't take me a year!! :)