Happy Birthday, John!!

Tomorrow is John's birthday. His birthday always comes as a capstone to our school year. One more year done and a few left to finish. Good job being so diligent, Sweetie! I'm so proud of you! Wishing you a special birthday!

I thought I'd include some recent pictures of us since I have just realized that for some reason since we got married, we haven't taken as many pictures! Easter, finishing the semester, DC and Klembash (we will dearly miss the Klems as they relocate this summer!)

Graduation was a different experience for me this year. This was the first year that we didn't have a family member graduating. This was the first year that I had close friends with husbands graduating. And that was sad. This was the first year that I have felt ownership of our seminary experience. That change started at the beginning of the year, but I really saw how deep it had taken hold of me at the completion of this semester. And... this is the first year we are past our mid point of our Seminary experience. This year's Graduation left me with much to think about.

Speaking of monumental experiences, we're preparing for our trip! I can't believe it's already just around the corner!

Training and lovin' it...

I love to workout. I like to run. And these ladies are a big part of my enjoyment when it comes to fitness. I participate in evening workouts on campus after a day in the office. We all come together from different offices, different backgrounds, but the same goal - to get through the next hour of workout. This group has allowed me to go further with fitness than I thought I could. We all work hard during workout, but a huge part of it is that we all really like one another and have a great time in workout and outside of it. We have Friday night dinners, encourage each other on with our families and husbands, laugh over happenings in the office... A few of them have husbands who are also students - so we share in the studies and discipline of student life. Their encouragement has enabled me in so many ways. They are a great part of my life - an amazing part of my life that I am thankful to the Lord for. And for real - we have so much fun!

Can I Just Be Real?

I have frustration with coupons. My sisters in law get all of these great deals by 'manipulating' the coupon system at different drug stores. I see posts on blogs about massive amounts (okay, maybe not massive - but a good amount) of money being saved by taking advantage of double coupons, triple coupons. This has not worked for me. I have had the Sunday paper delivered, clipped my coupons, and spent more money as a result of it. So, I confess. I don't use coupons. I don't like coupons. But...it works for some of you. I stood in line behind a man in Farm Fresh tonight who cut his bill in half with coupons. I watched his total go from $38 to $17 and I had great respect for him and I didn't mind standing in line while the clerk punched each coupon in to the register... and now I want in on the secret. What is it - time? scanning the fliers? I'd be curious to hear about your experience with coupons or if you don't use coupons what you do to stretch your dollar at the Grocery store.

A Day in Old Towne

I participated in my first 'yard sale' this past Saturday. What a great time with friends to spend the morning out in Old Towne with a cup of coffee and 70 degree weather! This whole idea started about 4 months ago. I am naturally a 'clutter free' person (I hate clutter). My husband accuses me of getting rid of perfectly good stuff just because I like space. Whether there's truth to that or not is not for me to say - but I will say, it felt great to unload a whole bunch of stuff in one day. It changed the way I arranged our house - I kid you not!



I know that yard sales are about making money and getting rid of your old stuff, but I really think I was the one to aquire the deals. I had extra time to spend with some friends from church as well as make some new friends and just mingle with my fellow mortals in the sun and the bliss of a Saturday morning. It was great - did I mention I enjoyed a large cup of coffee from the local coffee shop also - would have driven there just for that. Thanks to my sweet friend, Kerry, for the invite to join her neighbors in the sale!