So many things to be thankful for...

I would have titled this blog the same if I had written it last week, but even more so after this week. John and I have seen God interact with us in a special way over the past few days and since this afternoon my fingers have been itching to blog about it and put my thoughts down.
On Monday morning as I was backing out of my parking spot in front of our apartment my bumper was side swiped by one of neighbors. A paint job is the main thing it will need. The car is still driveable and neither one of us was injured or hurt. It was an inconvenience that made me late for work, but it could have been worse.
Last night we dropped my car off at the local mechanic shop for the state inspection. John had noticed his battery light had lit up in his car but after a trip to Auto Zone found out the battery was in good shape. He figured that the alternator must be going, but it may be a while.
This morning, I took John's car to work and drove home to meet him for lunch and to go pick up my car from the mechanic shop. When we got in the car the battery was dead and the car wouldn't start. At just this moment our neighbor drives up (different than the one who I had an accident with on Monday am) in his work van and is able to jump start the car. So, we start off...again... only this time the car starts jerking and not shifting and the gauges on the dash board aren't working! I wasn't sure we were going to make it to the mechanic shop, but thank the Lord we did. We also began to wonder if the alternator was instead the transmission going...
Many things to be thankful to the LORD about in the midst of this...

1. My accident could have been much worse.
2. John's car behaved while I was driving (because I would have not known what to do if it had started acting like that while I was driving)
3. Our neighbor drove up just as we needed him.
4. We made it to the Mechanics.
5. My car was driveable - so thankful an accident had not rendered it useless
6. We had left extra early so John wasn't late to work (small, I know - but important).
7. The Lord will provide for the repair, whatever it is...
8. More details to come on #8....
9. Not every day I get extra time with my husband on a ride to work!

I do have to say that the beginning of this week has felt a little bit like falling down the last few steps of a staircase - bump, bump, ? but we are so thankful for our God's provision and even the way He has turned our hearts to Him! We don't know the outcome yet but we trust Him. Hasn't He been good? So, I guess I would sum up the rest of my Thanksgiving as follows...

Thank you for the cross, Thank You, Lord, for drawing me
Out of millions lost, Thank You, Lord, for saving me
Haven't you been good?
Glory to Your name, Glory to Your holy name,
Thankfulness and praise for grace and mercy never changing
Haven't you been so good to me?

Running is better with good shoes...

Recently, I have joined a Fitness Group at work that has exposed me to running again. I used to run a lot in college and since we were married I have fallen away from running. One of my new friends at work freakishly enjoys it and I have to say that the exposure has been contagious! I have been slowly working back into running and realized if I'm going to be serious about this it's time for some new shoes. So, today John and I took a trip to Running Etc. in Virginia Beach. What an experience!! Not only do they watch you run on a treadmill to see the 'pronation' of your feet as you run in order to outfit you with your best shoe, but they also bring out A LOT of shoes for you to try on and they spend time educating their customer. I had a blast! We really should have taken the camera along so I had pics to post other than just my shoes. The odd thing is that when you walk in there you aren't going to be buying shoes because they are cute...it's more about function (which is not how I normally shop for shoes). I learned that I had been buying my tennis shoes with the wrong perception of what I needed. I love experiences that teach and broaden perspectives. So, we'll see how they work out over the next few weeks. There is a Shamrock Half -Marathon (you can also choose to do 8k or 5k) in March...if the shoes work out well, I may be participating in my first race. Once again - something else to experience to broaden my perspectives!

Contentment in Disappointment

I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time; possibly since mid summer. Every Fall my dad and mom come for a visit. It's normally in October, but this year we had to push it back to November due to a busy month in October for my parents. So, I waited all through September and into the beautiful Fall days of October waiting for the second weekend of November to roll around. I had made changes around the house, bought their favorite biscotti and cereal, planned to have coffee mugs they would enjoy and activities that would suit my vacationing folks. I was so excited. This would be the first time for my parents to come and see the University and there are always people I want them to meet at church and work. They were supposed to arrive today. Monday my dad called to tell me they weren't coming. Due to circumstances that only God could have put into place, they decided that this was not the time for them to come. It hit me harder and sadder than I expected. It's so special to have your parents come to your house - it's your turn to take care of them. And I have really missed my parents since we have moved. I was the last one living at home for 4 years before I was married. In those 4 years we became such good friends. Long dinners and going for coffee on afternoons I didn't have to work - conversations I have missed. Another reason I was looking forward to them coming - couldn't wait to spend some time with my friends like we do each Fall. I had planned for coffee, breakfast, explore a historical site, and find a great restaurant and celebrate their birthdays on Saturday evening. All things that are not happening this weekend.

It's just one more way we learn to trust the Lord. It's one thing to be content when circumstances fall into place as we had planned and hoped and another to be content when we don't understand why the good things we have hoped and planned for don't come together. The important thing is that we can trust and find contentment in our Sovereign Lord. He knows what is best and He only gives us what is best.

'For the Lord our God is a SUN and SHIELD, He gives GRACE and GLORY. No good thing will He withhold from them who walk uprightly. Blessed is the man who trusts in HIM."

Did you get your sticker today?

At 5:30 AM this morning (after doing laudry until midnight the night before) John and I donned our sweatshirts, warm-up pants, tennis shoes and umbrellas to stand in line with over 200 other people to get a sticker...and we did...after a two hour wait in the pouring rain...and it was cold! (and one of my first thoughts at 5:30 in the morning as I was struggling to sleepily pull on my shoes was, 'At least this is blog-worthy':)) I was so tired and cold, but I was also excited to experience this part of my American history on Election Day. I was pleased to see so many of my fellow Americans taking advantage of our privilege to cast our vote in the election. And the demographic of those voting was so broad - different ages (we saw a mom with three children under the age of 4 standing in line and behind her was an elderly man), different ethnicity and I'm sure if we would have discussed it - many different political views. After months of disagreement and debates leading up to Election Day, I thought it was oddly pleasant that I felt a comradery with the other folks I stood in line with this morning. And I was also reminded that God has already chosen and He has not left His throne nor has He been caught off guard by the outcome of today's election.
My office suite mate and I decided today should be a holiday. What with the kids out of school and all the free food and the freedom to vote? Sounds like a holiday to me!

Happy Birthday, Krista!

Happy Birthday to our one year old niece Krista! It's so hard to believe it's been a year already since we welcomed her to our world. And now we are waiting for our third niece to arrive...any day now - we are so excited for Megan to arrive.
I have a confession. Sadly, I did not realize it had been Krista's birthday until today. Part of it is because she's so new - but also, they are just so far away. It really made me sad when I realized this (I won't elaborate on this point because it will make my mama-in-law and Karis cry - but you know my heart is with you). But it also strengthened my resolve to keep close contact with Dan and Karis even though our continents are so far apart. It was neat to see their family pic in Africa...made me very happy to see they have made it and they are doing what the Lord has for them! So, I took a few pictures from Dan's FB for you all to enjoy...these were my favorites!

Hooray!!!

Yea for my husband, John, who just finished a hard few weeks of school. So now, he can be home and help me with the dishes again...didn't realize how much he did until he didn't have time to do anything other than research John Bunyan and Counseling.
Way to go, Babe!! He sent me flowers at the office today just because he's missed me in the midst of the late nights and studying...red, yellow, and orange Gerber Daisies. I'm so proud of him and his hard work.

Circle of Friends

Last week my sisters and I joined together (all of us together at the same time that is) to enjoy our 2nd Sister's Weekend. What a weekend! It included lots of traveling, lots of coffee, lots of laughing, and lots of talking. I think I learned something new about each of my sisters that weekend. I remember when we were young and lived at home all together we all promised we would never drift a part. It's funny how life does that to you...without you even knowing it's taking place. It was such a reconnecting weekend. It was, in a word, Priceless. I mean it. All the traveling and the shortness of the trip was of no consequence. It was worth it to be with each of them and be able to put my arms around them and kiss them and cry with them about situations and laugh about others. How does it happen? How do we drift from the people we share parents with? I'm not sure of the answer. I would like to know how to keep it from happening. And I think all of my sisters and I have the same sentiment...keeping our relationships close takes work and priority. And I always think...I can make friends now, but someday when I'm old and friends have drifted apart after years, I'll still have my sisters.

Unfortunately....

The Miracle Grow advice came a little late for my sweet ivy which I unceremoniously disposed of on Tuesday...on to the next plant!

My Green Thumb is Waning....

I know - not such a pretty picture to pull up of my ivy that is dying off. I bought these the same day that I found out I had gotten my new job - kind of a celebration - you know, a new phase in my life, a new plant to grow and thrive...only no one told the plant - well, I tried to, but John laughs at me when I talk to my plants (even though I tell him the co2 from my breath is good for them). Anyhow - my ivy is dying and I want to have beautiful ivy! When I bought these plants they said - 'easy to grow'. Not sure if I'm missing something. I'm hoping someone can help me out on this one. First - are they already dead? Should I just gracefully dispose of them? Second - if they are not dead, what else can I try? I have tried keeping them moist, not keeping them too moist, keeping them in full light, keeping them in moderate light...Comments and suggestions are welcome!!

Change of Seasons....Part 2

In my last blog I wrote about the excitement and anticipation for the change of seasons. Our family is currently going through another 'change of seasons' - one that I am not so keen on. Dan and Karis left for Yaounde', Cameroon on Thursday and tomorrow Tim drives out the truck to Kansas and Kristen will fly out on Thursday. For the last two years we have enjoyed having John's family close. And even more so, have enjoyed them as friends. Tim and Kristen shared John's schedule so we found ourselves spending a lot of time with them and their Wii. And in our first year of marriage Dan and Karis would spend a lot of time at our house on their weekends off of deputation. We said one good-bye last Thursday and I found myself saying another good-bye already today. Thinking that Tim and Kristen won't be around has taken a lot to get used to. I don't think I can fully express all in a blog...my heart is sad. I know the Lord still has us here and has led them to where they are supposed to be - what more blessed place to be. In the midst of these two years of adjustment to Virginia Beach John's family has not only become my family, but my friends. They have helped to strengthen through tears and laughter. And not all of his family is gone...just two so close together. I think about the past two years and I think about the future - how it is uncertain. We all enjoyed a season together with baby nieces, dating, engaged, and newly married couples, Thanksgivings with so much food, late Sunday night football games and coffee, Dr. Pepper and plenty of laptops. It was our season. I hope our children have a season similar to the one I just shared with my husband's family. It has been blessed.

Change of Seasons!

I get so excited about Fall...pumpkins, new scented candles, rust orange decorations, crisp air, pumpkin spice coffee, sweaters, leaves turning colors and rustling out my window...something about it. I think it has to be my favorite season. I have been seeing decorations in the stores already and I'm trying not to rush it and keep myself from putting out Fall decor until the end of September - but I am already getting ready for it to come!! 'Just enjoy summer' I keep thinking. But as temperatures start to even out from the summer humidity I can smell it in the air and I can't wait for it!!

Yea for Berres Brothers!

There is something about coffee bringing a feel of home and even more so when it is transported to you by a thoughtful friend. Recently, a new couple joined our church. Both of them are originally from WI and share my love and appreciation for our hometown coffe makers, Berres Brothers. I was so elated when Jenny showed up at church this morning with a bag of my favorite Highlander Grogg Coffee!! I was so blessed by their thoughtfulness and felt like they brought me the spirit and a piece of home.

As Long as You are Glorified...

It's a hard thing to trust our Lord. And I was just thinking two weeks ago how easy and natural it felt. Yet when my expectations don't pan out the way I think they should then I begin to wonder. Today, I made a phone call as led by the Lord that shut the door to my safety net. I have had two interviews this week and I do not feel strongly about either one. Where to next? So, I speak the Gospel to myself.... think on Christ...return to the truth of the Word. It's an unfamiliar feeling that I deal with these days...a pit in my stomach and fear. But our Christ is not the author of fear...
My prayer in the beginning of this was for Christ to be glorified. I think I have lost sight of that. Even as I am writing this my mind is returning to the view of our Sovereign One Who sits on the throne, Whose train fills the temple and we bow down...how can I, His lowly creation, question or fear the workings of the Creator of the universe and His love for me...

Shall I take from Your hand Your blessings
Yet not welcome any pain
Shall I thank You for days of sunshine
Yet grumble in days of rain
Shall I love You in times of plenty
Then leave You in days of drought
Shall I trust when I reap a harvest
But when winter winds blow, then doubt

Oh let your will be done in me
In Your love I will abide
Oh I long for nothing else as long
As you are glorified

Are You good only when I proper
And true only when I'm filled
Are You King only when I'm carefree
And God only when I'm well
You are good when I'm poor and needy
You are true when I'm parched and dry
You still reign in the deepest valley
You're still God in the darkest night

So quite my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart
Quiet my restless heart in you

Christmas in June???

I truly had a discovery yesterday. With being home I have begun to clean out sundry items from our house - basically, so we would be able to have a place for everything. I'm always up for a good clean and organize. The evening before I had told John what I was going to do and how I was going to get something to organize his shoes and go through the shoes and get rid of the ones he didn't need....he looks at me and tells me not to touch his stuff. Okay, fine, I'm thinking. I'll throw all the stuff on the bed that I think needs to be given to Goodwill and you can put it in the bag...So, I was not deterred from cleaning everything out of our closet the next morning. I am pulling down shoe boxes and John has a paticular shoe box that he has kept all of my notes and letters from our dating and engagement tucked up on a shelf. And in my mind (I'm thinking purley organizational), I decide I need to combine some more of his stuff into this box. So, I open the box and inside I find the little red bag from his trip to the Dominican Republic (he had bought me a necklace there in college only it was stolen out of his bag as it passed through customs so I've never seen it). But I found it curious that the bag had something in it. I opened it only to find that it was my mistake and the little red bag was not from the Dominican Republic, but rather from the Jewelry Boutique from our hotel in Cancun....and there was the necklace I had wanted! And I knew I was holding something I wasn't supposed to be holding until Christmas...'Oh, no' were the first words uttered and then giggles as I tied the bag back up and then, hey - why not, I opened it and took the necklace out for a looooong look - then some more giggling followed by more 'Oh, nos' and my deed was done - unintentionally I might add....What was I to do? (I'd be interested to know what you think I should have done).
What was I to do, but of course call my best girlfriend and blab about it and ask her if I should tell my husband or not...she, trying to protect his hero mentality and ego told me to forget I ever saw it and not to mention a word about it to John...'How am I going to do that?' I asked her, 'I tell him everything' (and in reality I do too). She told me to spare his feelings I should keep my mouth shut and forget about it until Christmas. Okay. So it was decided, I would be a good wife and go on with life...as if I had never seen my gift. I slid the box under the bed and left it in its new spot...
That evening, John comes home from work and I am so excited to show him all my work and endeavor to organize our home and prepare for guests. As I am showing him our new closet he says, 'Where's my box?' Not even thinking, I say, 'What box?' and then it clicks with me THE box. 'Oh, it's under the bed' I said trying to be all nonchalant and somehow he saw right through it and said, 'YOU LOOKED!!' And then ensued an interesting discussion that I won't take the time for commas and quotes to type it all out...but needless to say, my girlfriend was right. But he didn't like it that she had told me not to tell him, but he was awfully disappointed at my discovery. His big suprise was ruined even though I tried to assure him it wasn't and he did a great job picking out a Christmas gift I would love!!(The closet looks smashing by the way...what a shoe hanger can do - wonders!!)For all those of you who are wondering... I still won't get my gift until December...So, for future reference I found when my husband says 'Don't touch my stuff' it's not because he's afraid of my perpetual need to declutter and that I would donate his favorite sneakers to Goodwill, but rather there may be a Christmas present lurking...

Grace upon Grace...

This week has been one for John and I to see the grace of our Lord poured down in our lives and His peace bestowed upon us. One of the songs that I have been listening to this week puts it all so well into words...

You have ordained every breath we take
In pleasure or pain, there is no mistake
Gladness and grief, both are in Your hand
And sufferings brief carry out Your plan
And our fleeting sorrows
Will yield an endless prize
When some bright tomorrow
We'll see You with our eyes, and

Grace upon grace flows down, flows down
Grace upon grace flows down, flows down
Through the precious blood of Christ

Father of lights, Giver or all grace
Your mercies crown our lives all our days
River of Life, quench our thirsty souls
For no true delight does Your love withhold
And in every season
We are satisfied
For just one reason
Christ was crucified, and

All good gifts, every good thing
Comes to us freely, so freely
All good gifts, every good thing
Comes to us freely, so freely
Through the precious blood
Through the precious blood

Grace upon grace flows down, flows down...

Our Cancun Trip....

Our eventful Memorial Day Weekend...

Almost 2 years...

I can't believe John and I are coming up to our 2nd year anniversary...we've had two Christmases, two Thanksgivings, two birthdays (apiece), two years of seminary, so many wonderful things to celebrate! And I think I'm happier as each day passes as I know him better. When we got married I was so elated that I would finally see him everyday, be with him everyday...and now we don't see each other as often as we would like, but it is everyday! And when he comes home we have some laughs and hang out and talk about each other's days - nothing fantastic or ground breaking, but it's those times that I really love - that I know we are befriending one another even after two years of marriage.
I wanted to post some of our wedding pics in honor of our upcoming anniversary and I know that the next few weeks before our celebration will be very busy, so I figured sooner, better than later...and I love to look at them too. Maybe that is a little conceited, but I think everyone should love and cherish their wedding so much that they love their pictures and memories - it's the best when I get to share them. And as I think about that day that joined John and I together I also think about all the prep my mom and I did and all the time I spent with my parents that last year at home. I was just sharing with my mom on the phone tonight how my trip home for Mother's Day was different than the last time I went to see them...it's changed somehow...that is, I've changed somehow and that has become my parents house. It will always be where I grew up but John has really become home. I couldn't wait to get home to him from when I had been away. And that's the way it should be. Some of us come along a bit more quickly than others, but we all eventually make the break and start our own way, which can be difficult because it's all changes, but it's what we need to do...We'll always have the memories and experiences from our 'parent's house' that made us who we are - who we have grown to be and who we want to be. Even in my mid - 20's I have visions of who I want to be. So thankful to know the Lord isn't done with me yet.
Hope you enjoy the pictures...I've enjoyed sharing them...

This makes me smile...

The Lovely Month of May...so far...

Just a little recap for pictures. John and I celebrated his birthday with dinner and shopping for a new pair of shoes - it's so much fun to shop for your husband. He is always so generous to me - I love it when it's my turn to spoil him. His work schedule has been a little different lately and we have gotten more opportunities to see each other - which has been so nice. And of course I had to post pics of my Flea Market finds for my mom so she could see what I found. And speaking of my Mom I had such a great time suprising her on Mother's Day. My Dad and sister Steph helped me pull it off - and she was so suprised - you should have seen her face. It was so great. I got to see two of my three sisters while I was at home too. Steph was up for Saturday and Sunday and then Sunday night Jenn and Randy and their family came to visit for the evening. I had not seen them since last year - my nieces and nephew have gotten so much bigger!!
Hopefully, more (and better) pictures to come in the future - I know how much our mom's love them!

Picture Update...

Update on 'Lately'...

Once again I have taken a hiatus from the blog world for so long and with so much going on too! It feels like things have been going and going and going and just now we are about to catch a breath. I'm so looking forward to when John gets through his week of finals and school is finished for the summer - he is probably looking forward to it more than I am.
I started a new position at work in February and it has just been a whirlwind since then...
We had a special Easter with John's family. Tim and Kristen announced that they are expecting in November. And then we had to keep quiet for two weeks until Mom and Dad Varner came for Dan's Ordination so Tim and Kristen could tell them about the baby in person. But it was worth it to see their faces (as you can see in the picture).
John and I are going to CanCun in June and I am so looking forward to it. The water, the beach,... I'm just having trouble finding a good swimsuit...any suggestions would be really appreciated!
Lately, I've been thinking a lot about friends and family. I love close friends. I love to make close friends and so often it's so hard to keep our good friends close! Reminiscing over good friends come and gone has taught me some good lessons. Seminary is a precious time for me to befriend my husband and grow in a relationship with him - In whatever phase of life we are in John will still be there. Seminary may be the time of our lives that it is solely 'us'. The second thing I have realized is to treasure the friendships I have at the points that I have them because friendships don't always last due to relocation, etc. (although it's always our desire and endeavor to make them last - circumstances in life don't always allow this...) I know it sounds a little like 'a reason, a season, a lifetime...' but it's true! Treasuring friends and family while they are close and learning what you can from them while your lives intertwine.
I've also been thinking about 'life balance'. Balancing home, work, relationships and ministry ... and learning to say 'no' when necassary, but how do you know when to say yes and when to say no? All these things I'm learning.
Just a couple of blog topics to get me back into it...anyone had some good coffe lately? Three words...Gevalia Organic Peruvian....

Springtime is so busy!

Clips from Valentines Season!

Recap for the Pictures...

Since I posted pictures and I didn't tag them, I'll offer some explanation. John decided to chronicle my whole birthday- I didn't even post all the pictures he took. When we have kids he will be the one with the camera more than I will- but I'm thankful he enjoys it because it allows me to have some great material for my blog!
We met up with Dan and Karis, James (Laura was in KS), and Tim and Kristen at PF Changs for birthday dinner on Monday night. There was A LOT of food ordered and everyone was passing their plates to try their neighbors dish. We had a great time together. This was our first time seeing Dan and Karis since Thanksgiving. You can see that I was treated to a birthday cheesecake- with no singing, thankful for that. We all went back to our house after dinner and we got to see the girls and I opened up gifts and cards. I had such a great time with all of them and enjoyed my presents. I was unsure what the next day held, but John told me he had it figured out.
On the morning of my birthday he had me go out grocery shopping so he could get some things set at the house. I had just finished shopping when he called and said I could come home- he was ready! When I got home he had some beautiful flowers for me as you can see- so bright and cheerful- I loved them!! Then I sat down to read all my well wishes on Facebook- loved that part too- so many sweet well wishes. After that I opened his card and my scavenger hunt began. I went from spot to spot around the apartment finding another clue and then another. My final certificate told me that we were going to MacArthur Mall to pick out a Coach bag!!! I was so excited- never did I expect that! We had such a great time on our trip down (I enjoyed my skinny latte) to MacArthur. We just walked around and then spent a bit of time in the Coach store. I had such a hard time picking out one. John was laughing at me because I had purses all over the place- but I wanted to choose one that would endure for a long time and be classic. It was such a neat experience. I think John was almost more excited than I was!! We got home and did some laundry and had dinner. I had to post the picture of our wooden salad bowl- my mom passed it on to me from a dear friend of hers and between John and I- I think he was more excited about it, so we pulled it out for our special occasion of salad and pizza. It really was such a lovely birthday. I received so many thoughtful cards and gifts from people who were a part of making it a super day! I have to mention my other favorite gift was from my girl, Katie and her husband Wes. I was so excited to receive my very own milk frother!!! I have heisted theirs on occasion to enjoy a great cup of coffee with some froth and was happy to receive my own. I think I'm going to initiate it this evening! (If you don't drink and enjoy coffee you're wondering right now what the big deal is over a jar that mixes milk). But belive me- it's a great tool to have! It was a special birthday- one that I will not soon forget!

Catching up from the weekend....

I was just thinking how surreal blogs can be sometime. How we only blog about the great things that happen- but I just wanted to share how the Lord has used some difficult circumstances in our lives to help us meditate on His character.
Two weeks ago on Sunday night John's mom fell and broke both of her wrists. She was in a lot of pain and we were so thankful that on Thursday Laura was able to fly out to be with her for a week. On that Tuesday we found out that John's Aunt Stella was killed in a car accident on her way to work (sorry if this is a recap of Karis' blog at this point). We are so thankful to know that she was a believer and her life was a testament to Christ and His love.
It just seemed like a lot all at once. And I could see it weighing on my husband. We talked about he and James flying out to the funeral for Aunt Stella but tickets were really expensive. Mom and Dad were really struggling because they would not be able to travel out to be with Uncle Terry during this time due to mom's injuries and the amount of pain she was dealing with. On Thursday morning the Lord impressed it on my heart that maybe I should have encouraged John a little more to go to the funeral.
On Friday we both worked day shift together. When we met up for lunch we began to talk again about the funeral. James wasn't going to be able to go, Tim and Kristen were already out of town and Dan and Karis were just getting back into town. James had called John to see if he would be interested in flying out to Indiana. I told John if he was going to go to the funeral I would go to. So, last minute we decided to ask our managers if we could leave after lunch and take Saturday and Monday off of work too. They agreed and we got home and packed up and started off to Indiana. The trip got to be really long, but around 5:00 in the morning we pulled into Plymouth, Indiana and fell into our motel bed to sleep before the funeral. It was great to see and meet so many of John's cousins and Aunts and Uncles. When we got to the funeral and saw Uncle Terry and his boys and were able to hug them and offer our condolences- it was definitley worth the trip. We took some extra time getting back home. We stopped in southern Indiana to visit our friends Sean and Brittney and their family- and ate ALOT at this little spot called 'Grey Brothers Cafeteria'. After getting extremely full we finally got on the road and headed to our stop at Cumberland, MD to spend the night. We were able to have breakfast at a little coffee shop on Monday morning before starting a lot of travel back home to Virginia Beach. We got home just in time to change and meet up with the family for dinner for my birthday... is this getting to be too long of a post? I kind of feel like I'm overflowing into another post...So, I'll blog about that in the next post.
All that to say...the song that has been going through my head in the midst of all of this has been "I Stand in Awe"-
'You are beautiful beyond description, Too marvelous for words, Too wonderful for comprehension, Like nothing ever seen of heard. Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of Your love? You are beautiful beyond description, Majesty, enthroned above. And I stand, I stand in awe of You. I stand, I stand in awe of You. Holy God, to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!

Birthday Blast!

Extra fun pictures from our holiday!

Wrapping up Christmas...

I posted pictures from our trip to WI. We tallied up that between our drive to WI and then to IA and then back to WI from IA and then back home to Va Beach we were in the car for 50 hours- five- oh!! Sooooo long. We had a lot of good bonding time. John had bought me a ipod nano for Christmas and we were so thankful for that since my cd player decided to be defunct and quit working. 3,300 miles later we were back at our doorstep unloading. We had a great trip and enjoyed our short time with a lot of old friends and family. It almost makes it harder to come back to things after you have spent time with them.
So, now on to the next national holiday...one week from tomorrow. Can you guess what it is??