Yep, I'm definitely referencing the song title here. It's Monday and it is definitely rainy. And I'm sad. Chris flew out yesterday to Seattle. So he's there and it's sunny and nice and I'm here and it's rainy and cold. Even my fingers and toes are cold.
Still trying to study (read - CRAM) for my written comps which start Friday, but honestly, it's hard to study without Chris here. And work is very busy so there's no time to take a break and read for 5 minutes. I think I am just very glad that one week from this moment the written section of the exam will be all done. And hopefully, we will be out somewhere in a quiet, little restaurant celebrating Chris' birthday. Or, if all else fails, snuggling and crashed on the couch.
Must get back to the books. Hope you're all having a great week!
3.27.2006
3.21.2006
A couple photos
We have been receiving some photos, both via e-mail and snail mail, from family and friends who took photos at the wedding. It's been fun seeing what different people captured. My friend Amy K. out in Philly sent me these pictures from the wedding and they are two of my favorite non-Chris and I photos. I really liked them so I had to share. These were scanned in so they don't look as good at the originals but I still like them.
This first one is of Amy K., me, and Amyla. The photo was taken in the church library about 10 minutes before the ceremony began. Amy K. and her mom, Elaine, came all the way from Philly for our wedding. The thing that amazed me the most is that we had only met once - about 4 months prior when I was out visiting Amyla. Amy K. and Elaine are just such awesome people. They have both been through so much in the past year, including losing Amy's Dad/Elaine's husband in early August. Then Amy went through a rough breakup. But she is such an amazing person - and she makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world!
This next pic is of Amyla and I - hold the cookies Amy K. baked and brought to Iowa with her! Amyla wouldn't let me eat one before the wedding but I got to snack on them later - and Chris and I finished them off the next morning. How many people would bake cookies and bring them all the way to Iowa to deliver them??? My friend Amy K. will! Love ya Ame! And you too Amyla! And Rossypoo too! If you look close, you can see Ian in the corner - he is my baby! And he turns 4 this June! I can't believe it. The other night I was on the phone with Katia, Ian's mom. She asked him if he wanted to go see Nae and Chis (what he calls us). His response, "OK, right now." He was ready to go! We are looking forward to seeing Katia and Sean Ian when I take my oral comps. We're hoping to spend a long weekend with them either before or after my comps.
This first one is of Amy K., me, and Amyla. The photo was taken in the church library about 10 minutes before the ceremony began. Amy K. and her mom, Elaine, came all the way from Philly for our wedding. The thing that amazed me the most is that we had only met once - about 4 months prior when I was out visiting Amyla. Amy K. and Elaine are just such awesome people. They have both been through so much in the past year, including losing Amy's Dad/Elaine's husband in early August. Then Amy went through a rough breakup. But she is such an amazing person - and she makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world!
This next pic is of Amyla and I - hold the cookies Amy K. baked and brought to Iowa with her! Amyla wouldn't let me eat one before the wedding but I got to snack on them later - and Chris and I finished them off the next morning. How many people would bake cookies and bring them all the way to Iowa to deliver them??? My friend Amy K. will! Love ya Ame! And you too Amyla! And Rossypoo too! If you look close, you can see Ian in the corner - he is my baby! And he turns 4 this June! I can't believe it. The other night I was on the phone with Katia, Ian's mom. She asked him if he wanted to go see Nae and Chis (what he calls us). His response, "OK, right now." He was ready to go! We are looking forward to seeing Katia and Sean Ian when I take my oral comps. We're hoping to spend a long weekend with them either before or after my comps.
3.20.2006
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to my little sister, Reann! She turns 21 today!
Chris and I had a nice, quiet weekend. We stayed in Friday night, ate leftovers and relaxed. I studied most of the evening while Chris played computer games and cleaned up around the house. I spent most of Saturday studying. We managed to get in a nice long walk down our country road and then after some more studying, we headed into town for a dinner and a movie. We ate at our favorite place in town, Joe's on the Square, and then went to see Failure to Launch. It was a cute movie. We got done with that and headed home. On Sunday we went to church and Sunday School. Chris cooked fantastic steaks for lunch while I made potatoes to go with dinner, and then veggie pizza and barbequed beef for small group and brownies for the office on Monday. Chris squeezed in a nap but I was a little too hyper. I ended up working on laundry and studying. Small group was great last night! We were missing quite a few people but it was just really good to be there.
Tonight we meet with our CPA to start on our taxes. I am not looking forward to it but at the same time I'm looking forward to them being done and knowing if we owe or will get anything back. Then it's back home again for a late supper and more studying.
I finally feel like I'm getting more of a handle on the Donne poems. They have been giving me fits but after some thorough reading and some new essays I found, I am feeling much better about at least the poems. Angels in America is also coming along fairly well. I am almost done with the movie and already feel like I have a good handle on it. I found the film version of Middlemarch and am hoping that will help in my understanding of that text. I am definitely feeling more at peace about taking comps. I was getting myself pretty worked up on Saturday night but did some serious praying Saturday night and Sunday and I am feeling so much better. I also asked the women in our small group to be praying over the next 2 weeks and I can already feel their prayers! It's hard to believe but 2 weeks from right now I will be done with the written comps! YEAH!!!!
Chris and I had a nice, quiet weekend. We stayed in Friday night, ate leftovers and relaxed. I studied most of the evening while Chris played computer games and cleaned up around the house. I spent most of Saturday studying. We managed to get in a nice long walk down our country road and then after some more studying, we headed into town for a dinner and a movie. We ate at our favorite place in town, Joe's on the Square, and then went to see Failure to Launch. It was a cute movie. We got done with that and headed home. On Sunday we went to church and Sunday School. Chris cooked fantastic steaks for lunch while I made potatoes to go with dinner, and then veggie pizza and barbequed beef for small group and brownies for the office on Monday. Chris squeezed in a nap but I was a little too hyper. I ended up working on laundry and studying. Small group was great last night! We were missing quite a few people but it was just really good to be there.
Tonight we meet with our CPA to start on our taxes. I am not looking forward to it but at the same time I'm looking forward to them being done and knowing if we owe or will get anything back. Then it's back home again for a late supper and more studying.
I finally feel like I'm getting more of a handle on the Donne poems. They have been giving me fits but after some thorough reading and some new essays I found, I am feeling much better about at least the poems. Angels in America is also coming along fairly well. I am almost done with the movie and already feel like I have a good handle on it. I found the film version of Middlemarch and am hoping that will help in my understanding of that text. I am definitely feeling more at peace about taking comps. I was getting myself pretty worked up on Saturday night but did some serious praying Saturday night and Sunday and I am feeling so much better. I also asked the women in our small group to be praying over the next 2 weeks and I can already feel their prayers! It's hard to believe but 2 weeks from right now I will be done with the written comps! YEAH!!!!
3.16.2006
Prayer Request
I forgot to mention these in my last post but I have a couple of prayer requests I would so appreciate prayer on.
My friend Tammy's brother and sister-in-law are going through a tough situation right now and I know the whole family would appreciate your prayer.
My friend Mike lost his teenage son on Tuesday. Their family is grieving hard and they still have a visitation and funeral and burial to get through this week. Please pray for comfort and for them to be able to feel the hand of God as they grieve and say goodbye.
Trever, the 11-month old son of our friends, Kathi and Tony, is still fighting RSV in the local hospital. Prayer for good health for him and his twin sister, Jennika (who was in the hospital last Wednesday through Sunday) would be so appreciated - especially by Tony and Kathi. Prayers for strength and rest for Tony and Kathi would also be appreciated - and for patience and understanding for big brother, 3 year old Cameron.
Thanks all!
My friend Tammy's brother and sister-in-law are going through a tough situation right now and I know the whole family would appreciate your prayer.
My friend Mike lost his teenage son on Tuesday. Their family is grieving hard and they still have a visitation and funeral and burial to get through this week. Please pray for comfort and for them to be able to feel the hand of God as they grieve and say goodbye.
Trever, the 11-month old son of our friends, Kathi and Tony, is still fighting RSV in the local hospital. Prayer for good health for him and his twin sister, Jennika (who was in the hospital last Wednesday through Sunday) would be so appreciated - especially by Tony and Kathi. Prayers for strength and rest for Tony and Kathi would also be appreciated - and for patience and understanding for big brother, 3 year old Cameron.
Thanks all!
A little more catch-up
It's already Thursday and my new resolution to blog more is already toast. So let me catch you up on the last week and then I can start fresh.
Last Friday, Chris and I went with several friends to see a Christian comedian in Des Moines. Holy smokes - the guy was hilarious! Go check out his website www.kendavis.com. If he is coming to your area, get tickets! We didn't stop laughing most of the night. We are hoping to get tickets to take Chris' parents when Ken is in Michigan.
The rest of our weekend was spent with me studying and Chris working on projects. Have I mentioned that my MA comprehensive exams are coming up? To be more specific, at 12:00 noon on March 31st, I will be faxed an exam that I must then take home and write on for 3 days on specific questions about selected poetry of John Donne, George Eliot's Middlemarch, and Tony Kushner's Angels in America. I have until Monday, April 3rd at 5:00 pm to turn it in. Within 2 weeks of the completion of the written exam, I will have to be in Cedar Falls on the UNI campus to complete my oral exam. Am I looking forward to any of this? Well, only in the sense that I cannot wait for it to be done. All I do is read and study, search for critical theory, read, study, read study. Thank God for my amazing husband! Chris has been doing the majority of the housework as I study my little brain out. He also makes me go to bed and makes me take breaks so I don't go insane. Last night he even brought me in strawberries and cool whip! YUM!
This week has been about studying and more studying. Last night we handled nursery for BYF and had fun - and we only had one little one to take care of. In fact, at one point, there were 6 adults with one baby! Talk about a great child:adult ratio! I think I mentioned last week that Chris and I would be babysitting our friend's 11 month old twins, Jennika and Trever, last Tuesday night. Kathi, the mom, had jokingly told someone that she couldn't leave her kids anymore because one always ended up in the hospital afterwards - in January, she and hubby Tony had a night or two away and Jennika ended up in the hospital. Then at the end of January, she and Tony (and 3 yr old Cameron) accompanied the band kids to Disney World. When they got back Trever ended up in the hospital. So last Tuesday night, Chris and I babysat the twins while Tony, Kathi and Cameron went to see the Harlan girls play in their substate game. Jennika wasn't doing so hot and had had a cold for several weeks. They got home that night and we told Kathi how awful Jennika sounded. Well the next day they popped Jennika in the hospital. On Sunday, Trever got admitted and Jennika got out. Trever is doing better but still in the hospital as of this morning. Jennika is out and is a happy little stinker. She had a blast all on her own last night. And of course, she didn't get spoiled or anything. :o)
Speaking of babies, I have yet to post a picture of my super cute new little nephew! Ryan was born in December and he is the funniest little guy. He is already quite the womanizer. He has a Minnie Mouse doll that he won't let go of. And my sister and bro-in-law put up pics of Mickey and Minnie over his changing table and Ryan just coos and talks to Minnie all the time. What a guy! Here he is with his woman!
Last Friday, Chris and I went with several friends to see a Christian comedian in Des Moines. Holy smokes - the guy was hilarious! Go check out his website www.kendavis.com. If he is coming to your area, get tickets! We didn't stop laughing most of the night. We are hoping to get tickets to take Chris' parents when Ken is in Michigan.
The rest of our weekend was spent with me studying and Chris working on projects. Have I mentioned that my MA comprehensive exams are coming up? To be more specific, at 12:00 noon on March 31st, I will be faxed an exam that I must then take home and write on for 3 days on specific questions about selected poetry of John Donne, George Eliot's Middlemarch, and Tony Kushner's Angels in America. I have until Monday, April 3rd at 5:00 pm to turn it in. Within 2 weeks of the completion of the written exam, I will have to be in Cedar Falls on the UNI campus to complete my oral exam. Am I looking forward to any of this? Well, only in the sense that I cannot wait for it to be done. All I do is read and study, search for critical theory, read, study, read study. Thank God for my amazing husband! Chris has been doing the majority of the housework as I study my little brain out. He also makes me go to bed and makes me take breaks so I don't go insane. Last night he even brought me in strawberries and cool whip! YUM!
This week has been about studying and more studying. Last night we handled nursery for BYF and had fun - and we only had one little one to take care of. In fact, at one point, there were 6 adults with one baby! Talk about a great child:adult ratio! I think I mentioned last week that Chris and I would be babysitting our friend's 11 month old twins, Jennika and Trever, last Tuesday night. Kathi, the mom, had jokingly told someone that she couldn't leave her kids anymore because one always ended up in the hospital afterwards - in January, she and hubby Tony had a night or two away and Jennika ended up in the hospital. Then at the end of January, she and Tony (and 3 yr old Cameron) accompanied the band kids to Disney World. When they got back Trever ended up in the hospital. So last Tuesday night, Chris and I babysat the twins while Tony, Kathi and Cameron went to see the Harlan girls play in their substate game. Jennika wasn't doing so hot and had had a cold for several weeks. They got home that night and we told Kathi how awful Jennika sounded. Well the next day they popped Jennika in the hospital. On Sunday, Trever got admitted and Jennika got out. Trever is doing better but still in the hospital as of this morning. Jennika is out and is a happy little stinker. She had a blast all on her own last night. And of course, she didn't get spoiled or anything. :o)
Speaking of babies, I have yet to post a picture of my super cute new little nephew! Ryan was born in December and he is the funniest little guy. He is already quite the womanizer. He has a Minnie Mouse doll that he won't let go of. And my sister and bro-in-law put up pics of Mickey and Minnie over his changing table and Ryan just coos and talks to Minnie all the time. What a guy! Here he is with his woman!
And another of him with his bright eyes!
And his pouting face - this is hilarious!
And another Minnie one:
The Minnie ones crack me up! It is so funny - Ryan looks SO much like his dad but also SO much like my sister. He is definitely their kid!
3.13.2006
A True or False Plethora of Information
Something for fun...borrowed from Fantastagirl...
True or False....
I am a cuddler: True
I am a great dancer: False
I am a morning person: False mostly
I am a perfectionist: Um
I am an only child: False
I am Catholic: True and False (Raised Catholic, attend a Baptist church)
I am currently in my pajamas: False
I am currently pregnant: False
I am currently single: False
I am currently suffering from a broken heart: False
I am okay at styling other people's hair: True
I am left handed: False
I am married: True
I am addicted to myspace.com: False (hear worse and worse things about it every day)
I am very shy around the opposite gender at first: False (at least not anymore)
I bite my nails: False
I can be paranoid at times: True - only about being alone in my house
I currently have a crush on someone: True (and he loves me back... Yeah!)
I currently regret something that I have done: Not lately
I curse frequently when I get mad: False
I don't like anyone: what?
I enjoy country music: True
I enjoy jazz music: True (I like all music)
I enjoy smoothies: True
I enjoy talking on the phone: True
I have a car: True
I have a cell phone: True
I have/had a hard time paying attention in school: False
I have a hidden talent: True (I just don't know what it is yet!)
I have a lot to learn: TrueI have a pet: False
I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal: False
I have a tendency to fall for the "wrong" person: False – he’s perfect for me!
I have all my grandparents: False (they are in my heart but no longer on earth)
I have at least one brother and/or sister: True – well no brothers but 5 sisters
I have been to another country: True
I have been told that I am smart: True
I have been told that I have an unusual sense of humor: True
I have/had broken a bone: True – do noses count?
I have caller ID on my phone: True
I have bathed someone: True
I have changed a diaper: True
I have changed a lot over the past year: True
I have done something illegal: True (just a little speeding...)
I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color: True
I have had major/minor surgery: True - minor
I have had my hair cut within the last week: True – just got it trimmed and layered on Saturday
I have had the cops call on me: True (But it really wasn’t about me)
I have kissed someone and knew I shouldn't: True
I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life: True, except be with Chris
I have rejected someone before: True
I have seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy: True – multiple times
I have seen the television show The O.C.: False
I have watched Sex and the City: False
I like Shakespeare: True
I like the taste of blood: False
I love to cook: True – especially if someone else cleans up after me!
I like to sing: True (but not in public)
I like Michael Jackson: False
I love sleeping: True
I love to play video games: False
I love to shop: Depends
I miss someone right now: True
I own 100 or more CDs: True
I own and use a library card: True
I practice a religion that is not considered mainstream: False
I read for pleasure in my spare time: True
I sleep a lot during the day: False (they tend to discourage that where I work)
I strongly dislike math: False
I think Britney Spears is pretty: False
I was born in a country other than the US: False
I watch soap operas on a regular basis: False
I will try almost anything once: True but within boundaries
I work at a job that I enjoy: True
I would classify myself as ghetto: False (where did this question come from?!)
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost and scar-free: False
I can name all 7 dwarfs from Snow White: True
I am currently wearing socks: True
I am tired: True
I love to paint/draw/sketch/sculpt: True, but just for me
True or False....
I am a cuddler: True
I am a great dancer: False
I am a morning person: False mostly
I am a perfectionist: Um
I am an only child: False
I am Catholic: True and False (Raised Catholic, attend a Baptist church)
I am currently in my pajamas: False
I am currently pregnant: False
I am currently single: False
I am currently suffering from a broken heart: False
I am okay at styling other people's hair: True
I am left handed: False
I am married: True
I am addicted to myspace.com: False (hear worse and worse things about it every day)
I am very shy around the opposite gender at first: False (at least not anymore)
I bite my nails: False
I can be paranoid at times: True - only about being alone in my house
I currently have a crush on someone: True (and he loves me back... Yeah!)
I currently regret something that I have done: Not lately
I curse frequently when I get mad: False
I don't like anyone: what?
I enjoy country music: True
I enjoy jazz music: True (I like all music)
I enjoy smoothies: True
I enjoy talking on the phone: True
I have a car: True
I have a cell phone: True
I have/had a hard time paying attention in school: False
I have a hidden talent: True (I just don't know what it is yet!)
I have a lot to learn: TrueI have a pet: False
I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal: False
I have a tendency to fall for the "wrong" person: False – he’s perfect for me!
I have all my grandparents: False (they are in my heart but no longer on earth)
I have at least one brother and/or sister: True – well no brothers but 5 sisters
I have been to another country: True
I have been told that I am smart: True
I have been told that I have an unusual sense of humor: True
I have/had broken a bone: True – do noses count?
I have caller ID on my phone: True
I have bathed someone: True
I have changed a diaper: True
I have changed a lot over the past year: True
I have done something illegal: True (just a little speeding...)
I have friends who have never seen my natural hair color: True
I have had major/minor surgery: True - minor
I have had my hair cut within the last week: True – just got it trimmed and layered on Saturday
I have had the cops call on me: True (But it really wasn’t about me)
I have kissed someone and knew I shouldn't: True
I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life: True, except be with Chris
I have rejected someone before: True
I have seen The Lord of the Rings trilogy: True – multiple times
I have seen the television show The O.C.: False
I have watched Sex and the City: False
I like Shakespeare: True
I like the taste of blood: False
I love to cook: True – especially if someone else cleans up after me!
I like to sing: True (but not in public)
I like Michael Jackson: False
I love sleeping: True
I love to play video games: False
I love to shop: Depends
I miss someone right now: True
I own 100 or more CDs: True
I own and use a library card: True
I practice a religion that is not considered mainstream: False
I read for pleasure in my spare time: True
I sleep a lot during the day: False (they tend to discourage that where I work)
I strongly dislike math: False
I think Britney Spears is pretty: False
I was born in a country other than the US: False
I watch soap operas on a regular basis: False
I will try almost anything once: True but within boundaries
I work at a job that I enjoy: True
I would classify myself as ghetto: False (where did this question come from?!)
I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost and scar-free: False
I can name all 7 dwarfs from Snow White: True
I am currently wearing socks: True
I am tired: True
I love to paint/draw/sketch/sculpt: True, but just for me
3.08.2006
Some Fun Things to Share
Four, Four and More Four
Four jobs you've had in your life:
~Grocery Store cashier/stock person
~Lab assistant in a soils lab
~Newspaper Carrier
~Soil Conservationist
Four movies you could watch over and over:
~All 3 Lord of the Rings movies
~Finding Nemo
~Sixteen Candles
~Sense and Sensibility
Four places you've lived:
~A house in suburban Sioux City, IA
~Dorms and apartments in Brookings, SD
~A condo in Waterloo, IA
~A farmhouse 3 miles outside of Irwin, IA
Four TV shows you love to watch:
~Gray’s Anatomy
~American Idol
~That 70s Show
~Kim Possible
Four places you've been on vacation:
~Philadelphia, PA
~Playa del Carmen, Mexico
~NYC, NY
~Black Hills, SD and Devils Tower, WY
Four websites you visit daily:
~My email
~My bank sites
~My nephew’s site to watch him grow!
~News site
Four of your favorite foods:
~Beef stroganoff
~Rosemary chicken
~Chocolate cake
~Taco dip
Four places you'd rather be right now:
~With Chris
~At home, snuggled on the couch watching the rain and reading
~Chocolate tasting in Europe!
~In Michigan
Four jobs you've had in your life:
~Grocery Store cashier/stock person
~Lab assistant in a soils lab
~Newspaper Carrier
~Soil Conservationist
Four movies you could watch over and over:
~All 3 Lord of the Rings movies
~Finding Nemo
~Sixteen Candles
~Sense and Sensibility
Four places you've lived:
~A house in suburban Sioux City, IA
~Dorms and apartments in Brookings, SD
~A condo in Waterloo, IA
~A farmhouse 3 miles outside of Irwin, IA
Four TV shows you love to watch:
~Gray’s Anatomy
~American Idol
~That 70s Show
~Kim Possible
Four places you've been on vacation:
~Philadelphia, PA
~Playa del Carmen, Mexico
~NYC, NY
~Black Hills, SD and Devils Tower, WY
Four websites you visit daily:
~My email
~My bank sites
~My nephew’s site to watch him grow!
~News site
Four of your favorite foods:
~Beef stroganoff
~Rosemary chicken
~Chocolate cake
~Taco dip
Four places you'd rather be right now:
~With Chris
~At home, snuggled on the couch watching the rain and reading
~Chocolate tasting in Europe!
~In Michigan
3.03.2006
Oops
So I forgot to mention something Chris and I did 2 weekends ago. We got an e-mail in early February mentioning a group called Teen Mania that was coming to do a program in our area and how our church would need to house 9 of the kids. Chris and I decided that we had the room and volunteered to house 2 or 3 girls. We had no idea what this experience might bring.
So on February 19th, we got done with small group and headed to Abundant Life (another local church right near our's) to pick up the girls. The bus was already there and in short order we had been introduced to Teresa and Rachael, successfully fit their luggage into the car, stopped at the grocery store for snackage for the girls and were on our way home. It was dark so they had no idea that we were driving them 15 miles into the middle of nowhere. But they both noticed the stars when we got home. They both commented that it'd been a long time since they'd seen so very many stars.
We got the car unloaded and headed in to relax and visit. The four of us grabbed some snacks and settled into the family room. We found out that Rachael was 20 and from California and Teresa was 23 and from Michigan of all places! We all got to share our stories and we heard all about Teen Mania and Acquire the Fire. They were delighted to find out that Chris and I were newlyweds and asked us tons of questions. After finally realizing that it very close to midnight, we got the girls settled in the guest room and headed to bed.
Chris had to work on Monday but since it was a Federal holiday (thank you Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington!) I had the day off. The girls and I slept in and then headed down to see Chris' office and visit him. Then it was off to Council Bluffs and Omaha for some serious shopping. We all had success finding some great deals and finally headed home in the late afternoon. We stopped on the way home and grabbed pizza and wings and a keyboard (piano kind) from a friend and met Chris at the house. The next few hours were spent visiting and watching Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. After Rachael realized that Teresa had never seen it, she (and Chris) insisted that Teresa really needed to see it. And mind you, this was the extended version, so it was a late night again.
On Tuesday, both Chris and I had to head to work but the girls' program for that day had been cancelled so they were content to stick around the house and relax. Rachael had brought her guitar and Teresa is the pianist so they enjoyed playing and relaxing. After Chris and I got home, the girls and I fixed a healthy dinner (Rosemary chicken, brown rice and green beans - Yum!) and we all ate. Then it was time to start on Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. We had to take a little break to make chocolate malts and then it was back to the movie.
The Teen Mania event was scheduled for Wednesday evening so the girls had to be back in Harlan on Wednesday afternoon. I took off an hour from work and ran to get them and bring them into town. It was sad saying goodbye to them. Chris and I both really enjoyed having them with us and getting to share with them and have them share with us. It's so unique these days to hear about positive things with high school and college youth so this was very special for us to host these girls. We feel so blessed by the experience.
Just wanted to share! Have a great weekend!
So on February 19th, we got done with small group and headed to Abundant Life (another local church right near our's) to pick up the girls. The bus was already there and in short order we had been introduced to Teresa and Rachael, successfully fit their luggage into the car, stopped at the grocery store for snackage for the girls and were on our way home. It was dark so they had no idea that we were driving them 15 miles into the middle of nowhere. But they both noticed the stars when we got home. They both commented that it'd been a long time since they'd seen so very many stars.
We got the car unloaded and headed in to relax and visit. The four of us grabbed some snacks and settled into the family room. We found out that Rachael was 20 and from California and Teresa was 23 and from Michigan of all places! We all got to share our stories and we heard all about Teen Mania and Acquire the Fire. They were delighted to find out that Chris and I were newlyweds and asked us tons of questions. After finally realizing that it very close to midnight, we got the girls settled in the guest room and headed to bed.
Chris had to work on Monday but since it was a Federal holiday (thank you Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington!) I had the day off. The girls and I slept in and then headed down to see Chris' office and visit him. Then it was off to Council Bluffs and Omaha for some serious shopping. We all had success finding some great deals and finally headed home in the late afternoon. We stopped on the way home and grabbed pizza and wings and a keyboard (piano kind) from a friend and met Chris at the house. The next few hours were spent visiting and watching Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. After Rachael realized that Teresa had never seen it, she (and Chris) insisted that Teresa really needed to see it. And mind you, this was the extended version, so it was a late night again.
On Tuesday, both Chris and I had to head to work but the girls' program for that day had been cancelled so they were content to stick around the house and relax. Rachael had brought her guitar and Teresa is the pianist so they enjoyed playing and relaxing. After Chris and I got home, the girls and I fixed a healthy dinner (Rosemary chicken, brown rice and green beans - Yum!) and we all ate. Then it was time to start on Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. We had to take a little break to make chocolate malts and then it was back to the movie.
The Teen Mania event was scheduled for Wednesday evening so the girls had to be back in Harlan on Wednesday afternoon. I took off an hour from work and ran to get them and bring them into town. It was sad saying goodbye to them. Chris and I both really enjoyed having them with us and getting to share with them and have them share with us. It's so unique these days to hear about positive things with high school and college youth so this was very special for us to host these girls. We feel so blessed by the experience.
Just wanted to share! Have a great weekend!
Catching Up
After realizing that it's been almost 2 months since I've posted, I figured I should catch you up on the past couple of months.
After Chris' brief hospital stay, we got in a little downtime at home which was so needed. The following week Chris had an upper endoscopy done at the local hospital and received a clean bill of health. Unless his cough comes back we are in the clear. We followed that up with a weekend visiting Katia and the boys up in Waverly. Another quick trip but it was so good to see her and Sean and Ian - the first time we've seen them since the wedding.
The next weekend Chris' friends from Michigan, Brian and Tonia, flew in. We had invited them down to attend a marriage conference with us. Our small group leader, Arlin, had rented a bus in the hopes of getting 20+ couples from our area up to the conference. So we met the rest of the group in our church parking lot and loaded the bus. We arrived in Sioux City just in time to get checked in and send everyone else off to the conference. To help some of our other friends be able to attend the conference, Chris and I had volunteered to watch our friend's little guy, Noah for the duration. (We attended the conference back in October and wanted our friends to be able to experience it.) So we played and swam with Noah - talk about a little water baby! He loved being in the pool and even puts his head underwater and he's only 17 months (15 at the time of the conference). Things went great until Daddy tried to visit Noah later in the evening - and then left. Noah was not a happy camper after that and the three of us had a loooooooonngg night. We got to sleep in on Saturday, though, and took it easy as we all got ready for the day and ready to check out. After the conference, we all loaded the bus again and headed back to Harlan. Chris and I and Brian and Tonia made homemade pizza and played Settlers of Catan all the while chatting and talking about the conference. On Sunday morning, the four of us headed to church and Sunday school followed by a great brunch at our friend's Ken and Edie's place. After brunch, the four of us headed home to relax and get Brian and Tonia packed up. Chris and I took them to the airport and headed back to Harlan for small group.
The rest of the month was fairly uneventful, just lots of work and studying. We did start February off with some excitement though! Chris and I, along with our friends Dan and Melanie, got to see Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Louis Giglio in concert on February 2nd. Matt Redman wrote and originally sang one of Chris and my favorite songs "Blessed Be Your Name." It was a very intense worship experience and we all had an amazing time. It was made even more fun since we got to sit with our other friends, Mike and Deb, and saw a bunch of friends from church in the crowd.
The following week Chris and I flew out to Philadelphia to visit my best friend Amy. We also got to meet Amy's boyfriend Ross for the first time! Ross is the best and a perfect match for Amy! Ross just put out his first CD and it is amazing! Go here www.rossmlevy.com to hear song samples or to order the CD. On Friday night, we went to services with Amy and both Amy and Ross helped to lead services with their music - it was so awesome to get to hear them sing together. Saturday was a crazy, fun day! We slept in way late which was great! The four of us headed to Germantown to meet my friend Victoria for a late brunch/lunch. We headed down to South Street after that so Chris could have a real Philly cheesesteak. Amy found some fun jewelry at one of the shops and I found a cute hat. But Ross found the steal of the day - a guitar at one of the pawn shops. He was a happy camper! It had been pretty nice all day but as we were walking, it started snowing really hard. So we headed home to get ready for Amy's birthday party that night. Despite the crazy weather, many of Ame's friends were still able to make it - Amy K, Dana and Dean, Rachel and her husband, and Janet. Dana made a fantastic lasagna and the rest of us all brought something to share. After dinner, Ross gave us a little impromtu concert which was wonderful.
After Chris' brief hospital stay, we got in a little downtime at home which was so needed. The following week Chris had an upper endoscopy done at the local hospital and received a clean bill of health. Unless his cough comes back we are in the clear. We followed that up with a weekend visiting Katia and the boys up in Waverly. Another quick trip but it was so good to see her and Sean and Ian - the first time we've seen them since the wedding.
The next weekend Chris' friends from Michigan, Brian and Tonia, flew in. We had invited them down to attend a marriage conference with us. Our small group leader, Arlin, had rented a bus in the hopes of getting 20+ couples from our area up to the conference. So we met the rest of the group in our church parking lot and loaded the bus. We arrived in Sioux City just in time to get checked in and send everyone else off to the conference. To help some of our other friends be able to attend the conference, Chris and I had volunteered to watch our friend's little guy, Noah for the duration. (We attended the conference back in October and wanted our friends to be able to experience it.) So we played and swam with Noah - talk about a little water baby! He loved being in the pool and even puts his head underwater and he's only 17 months (15 at the time of the conference). Things went great until Daddy tried to visit Noah later in the evening - and then left. Noah was not a happy camper after that and the three of us had a loooooooonngg night. We got to sleep in on Saturday, though, and took it easy as we all got ready for the day and ready to check out. After the conference, we all loaded the bus again and headed back to Harlan. Chris and I and Brian and Tonia made homemade pizza and played Settlers of Catan all the while chatting and talking about the conference. On Sunday morning, the four of us headed to church and Sunday school followed by a great brunch at our friend's Ken and Edie's place. After brunch, the four of us headed home to relax and get Brian and Tonia packed up. Chris and I took them to the airport and headed back to Harlan for small group.
The rest of the month was fairly uneventful, just lots of work and studying. We did start February off with some excitement though! Chris and I, along with our friends Dan and Melanie, got to see Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Louis Giglio in concert on February 2nd. Matt Redman wrote and originally sang one of Chris and my favorite songs "Blessed Be Your Name." It was a very intense worship experience and we all had an amazing time. It was made even more fun since we got to sit with our other friends, Mike and Deb, and saw a bunch of friends from church in the crowd.
The following week Chris and I flew out to Philadelphia to visit my best friend Amy. We also got to meet Amy's boyfriend Ross for the first time! Ross is the best and a perfect match for Amy! Ross just put out his first CD and it is amazing! Go here www.rossmlevy.com to hear song samples or to order the CD. On Friday night, we went to services with Amy and both Amy and Ross helped to lead services with their music - it was so awesome to get to hear them sing together. Saturday was a crazy, fun day! We slept in way late which was great! The four of us headed to Germantown to meet my friend Victoria for a late brunch/lunch. We headed down to South Street after that so Chris could have a real Philly cheesesteak. Amy found some fun jewelry at one of the shops and I found a cute hat. But Ross found the steal of the day - a guitar at one of the pawn shops. He was a happy camper! It had been pretty nice all day but as we were walking, it started snowing really hard. So we headed home to get ready for Amy's birthday party that night. Despite the crazy weather, many of Ame's friends were still able to make it - Amy K, Dana and Dean, Rachel and her husband, and Janet. Dana made a fantastic lasagna and the rest of us all brought something to share. After dinner, Ross gave us a little impromtu concert which was wonderful.
Janet and Amy watching as Ross brings in the birthday cake.
Dana, Amy and I
In the morning, we woke to over a foot of snow! We all headed out to get the car cleaned off and dug out so we could get Ross to the train station. After a nerve wracking drive to the train station and back, we got home and all crashed - lots of naps, talking, eating and movie watching. Chris and I got packed up and after digging the car out again (thank you Mr. snowplow driver!) Amy took us to the airport so we could head back to Iowa. Our flight attendant from Atlanta to Philadelphia was fantastic and we had a great time. We got in late, late Sunday night after nearly perfect flights. We drove part way home, crashed in a motel room and headed right to work the next morning. It was such a great trip and so much fun to spend time with Amy and Ross. It's the first time that Amy and I have ever both had a significant other at the same time so it was really awesome to spend time both as friends and as couples. Ross is definitely the guy for her and Chris and I both really like him. I am so thankful that my friend is so happy!
Our first Valentine's Day as a married couple was great! We both had to work, obviously, but spent a relaxing evening talking and just being together. We turned off the phones and just vegged together. It was so nice!
We've spent the past few weekends around here, hanging out with friends, babysitting, working on projects and generally keeping busy. Chris is busy working on a couple of projects with church and I've been diligently studying for my written comprehensive exams which are scheduled for March 31st - April 3rd. Only 4 weeks to go!
Hope you have all been well!
3.02.2006
So out of touch...
Can't believe it's been almost 2 months since I've posted. Life has been busy here but I have lots of fun stuff to post about. Will return shortly with a fun-filled post!
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