Our Story.

I suppose I should have made this the very first post in my blog. Our family's story is filled with love, laughs, and non-stop memory making. Our life is no where near perfect and we don't intend it to be. The house always needs to be cleaned, dishes pile up in the sink, Bryan and I don't agree on everything. Hardships always seems to find it's way through our door, but by the end of each day, we still thank God for the trials and tribulations and for blessing us with such strength to get through them together. This is our story, we hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed making it.

I'm Morgan (twenty-two years old as of today) and I grew up between two cities in Texas (Midland + Arlington). Once graduating High School I knew I wanted to go to medical school but was not quite ready to walk down the road of long night studying and time management. I was wanting to join a sorority and "live it up" so to speak. Instead I did the best thing for me at the time and I enlisted in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman (scope of practice is nursing and anything the Doctor can trust you with) I spent 7 months in Chicago then moved to Beaufort, South Carolina. There I found out who I was among many other life lessons that I will forever keepclose to me.

Bryan (twenty-eight years old as of today) was my "boss" in the clinic, I didn't care for him much, in fact I couldn't stand him. Like all my relationships though, personal and social, it always works out if I dislike them in the beginning. Bryan and I went through many Ups and Downs, the majority of me dragging him through. He showed me that its okay to give myself whole heartedly and that putting walls up towards the people that we "love" are unnecessary. I knew about a month in that he was the one, no man ever treated me the way he did and with my many moods swings, most wouldn't have stood for it.

Bryan saved me in a way, he first handedly showed me who I was and who I strived to be. We were married 4 months later on Christmas eve and began our life story.

We found out we were pregnant, let me tell you that was the most scariest news that has ever been delivered to me. After many OB appointments, it was finally time to find out what we were having... it was a Girl! It brought tears to Bryan's eyes and I knew right from that moment that he would be a wonderful father and I fear for the boy that makes the wrong decision with Blakely.

Blakely was born June 21st 2012 and has brought more joy and more learning experiences to the both of us.


She truly was a blessing in disguise and we couldn't begin to think how our life would be without this little one. She likes to live her life on the edge by doing things that she clearly shouldn't. I suppose though that's the curiosity that comes with being a toddler. Her favorite movie is The Lion King and unfortunately Bryan and I have come to a STRONG disliking of the movie. Her favorite snacks are apples, goldfish, and popcorn. She loves going to Crossfit with her daddy and being just like him.

 Bryan is from Rochester, New york where the best hot sauce burgers are made. He went to college on a soccer scholarship which lead to him tearing his ACL his freshman year, in result he joined the Navy in 2008 (I was just a sophomore in high school) then later deployed to Marjah, Afghanistan in 2010 ( I was still in my Senior year) I have little insight to what all he experienced there but I do believe that difficult journey has molded him in who he is today. He's considered a hero to most and humbly declines the title as such.

This is Riley, Bryan's Marine that lost both of his legs due to an IED. If it weren't for Bryan, Riley wouldn't be with us today. 

Bryan is a devoted crossfitter, father, and husband. God could have not placed a better man in my path to father my children. He is the most understanding and patient man, I don't believe he will ever begin to know how much he means to me. He spends his time washing and waxing both of our cars, swimming, driving, cooking, and making me laugh with his "jokes."




 Chinese is one of Bryan's major food groups and protein sources for building muscle. Right now he is going down the road to becoming a PJ (pararescue) for the Air Force. It's going to be difficult but we know that God is looking out for us as a family and if it's meant to be, it will happen. He has my full support even though I am going to miss him like crazy.

As for myself, I'm a mess. I'm fickle about most of my decisions due to the lack and inability of being the very thing I wish I could be... Decisive.

I'm apart of a wonderful religion, even though I don't go as often as I need to, without a doubt this is the foundation of who I am and what I would like our family to stand on.

I enjoy my ice coffee black and my hot coffee with Hazelnut creamer. I'm a fat kid at heart and am always eating. I find more comfort in my workout clothes than I do in my Gap jeans and a J.Crew tshirt. I enjoy the vintage and shabby chic style in which I try to decorate our flat with. I've painted + distressed two pieces of furniture but thats about the extent to my creativity. I like to chase blakely around for hugs and kisses and much like her father, the two of them don't like to be smothered. I crossfit as well which is one of my outlet sources. I like routine and organization but change is always a good thing. Rearranging the furniture and cleaning is a good stress reliever. I enjoy learning about health and fitness as well as World War II ( Completely different aspects, I know). Seinfeld and any Audrey Hepburn movie can put me in a good mood after a long day. As of right now, I still have my sights set on becoming a Neonatologist in a respectable Hospital, and I look forward to fulfilling that dream. 

One of my personal goals for the year of 2014 is to simplify my way of living. I just ordered a book called 7 by Jen Hatmaker. Thanks to some inspiring words from a fellow blogger, I look forward to reading it and becoming a better person in the aspect where excess is something I won't need in my life. 

So this is us, the Vande Sandes. We live, we love, and we learn through each and every circumstance that comes our way. We're thankful for everything that God has blessed us with and continues to bless us with. We could not be a more happier family and I'm thankful for each individual that has touched our lives.

What's your story? I would love to hear about it! 

Xo

-M.