Superman

My disengagement with this blog is due in large part to my relationship with "Superman." My parents, specifically my father; have this cute way of categorizing our boyfriends with special names that relate to a portion of their name, location or hobby. For example, little Kayt's BF is Chris, so when they started dating during the holidays, my dad dubbed him "Chris Kringle," which may or may not have been a step up from his previous title "Missouri" often pronounced "Misery." Many of you may also be familiar with Alli's main man, Eric, affectionately known as "Tractor Boy." Eric is a boy wonder when it comes to fixing anything mechanical and seems to have a special fondness for old tractors, thus the awkward moniker.

So, why did I title this blog, Superman? Well, because I'm dating Kent. Not Clark Kent, but a young man of exceptional taste and fortitude, who goes by Kent, ergo, my dad calls him "Superman."

I know it's really cheese-ball to blog about your boyfriend, but it's really the only way I could figure out how to involve those I love, in the unfolding story of life here in Texas with the man I love. Awh...(just get out all those sappy sighs or reflex gags out now, because it doesn't get any better from here).

Our story began on October 10th, in a goat barn, at the Texas State Fair...

I was going to the fair with Kate on a friday night (reference earlier blog) and Kent was there with his sister Adrianne, brother in law, Travis and two nephews, Logan and Cole. While waltzing through the goat barns, I spotted Adrianne, my co-worker, and we exchanged brief hellos and introductions. All I remember about Kent was that he was semi hiding behind his three year old nephew. The following week I was a bit taken-back when Adrianne asked me if she could give Kent my cell phone number. After asking a few follow up questions about her knowledge of Kent's intentions, I acquiesced, and the following evening received a phone call from a man with the voice of a double bass. I nearly laughed out loud--the voice simply did not match the cute guy I'd seen the previous weekend hiding behind his nephew. I said yes to dinner the following weekend and from there on, started a very slow, cautious friendship.

Those who know more of our story in depth, have already heard of how God used our friendship to bring Kent back into relationship with Christ. Suffice it to say, we both had to give up control and in doing so, I saw God's power and faithfulness and Kent experienced again the peace that honestly, the struggle that comes with being confronted with both God's grace and his holiness. We're still journeying, but it's been fruitful--Praise God!

It's been a blast to share life together. We're a part of a small community within our larger church body that meets nearly every week to be accountable and to grow in knowledge and love of our savior. Most of us are young, some married couples, some singles, it's wonderful. While we're all still working towards being more authentic with each other, it's awesome to just be in community with people who are there with that as their goal. There is also a young couple who just had the most adorable little boy, and Kate and I go over to their place on Thursdays for baby time and to watch The Office :)

Kent has introduced me to his friends. They have a LONG history that is wonderful and a bit intimidating, but it's good for me to be the outsider, being in the "in crowd" so much in my little world back home. Kent has also introduced me to hockey. I honestly had never so much as watched a game on TV, unless Disney's Mighty Ducks counts ("the flying V!"). We've gone to a few Dallas Star's games, and while I've yet to see a fight, I've learned that icing isn't merely for cupcakes and that you can catch and throw the puck with your hands if you're on defense, and that it's not uncommon to see fans place their hands over their hearts and pledge allegiance during both "O Canada" and "The Star Spangled Banner." Really people? Pick a country!

We can also often be found in a tiny rubber composite floor gymnasium in Mansfield on Saturday mornings watching the Dragons take on whomever dares to stand in their way of running down the half court while attempting one, or at best two dribbles. Kent's oldest nephew Logan is on a bitty ball team through UpWard, a Christian basketball league. It's like Parks and Rec meets Royal Rangers (Christian Boy Scouts). During half time they hear a devotional and then watch the kindergarten cheerleaders do a little cheer (in uniform). Logan never misses the cheerleaders :) After the game they give out iron on stars for "best offense" or "most Christian like." Too cute. I kind of want to coach next year.

We're both pretty much home bodies, so going out usually means to eat at a local restaurant or going shopping at Wal-Mart. Here are a few recent pics of us, really entertained while cruising the aisles of Ross...

These shoes were awesome. They were bright pink and said "Kool-Aid" on the heels. I didn't buy them.

One of our new favorite local restaurants is Twisted Root Burger Company. They make everything from scratch, including their buffalo burgers and homemade rootbeer. When you order your meal at the counter they give you a slip with a famous name and then call it out over the mic when it's ready. Last time I was "Your Fairy Godmother" and Kent was "Harry Potter."

So much for "Superman." :)