Little Things Make Me Happy

Thoughts on Graduation...

2010-05-18T21:10:00.003-05:00

Congrats, Wes...next year...our turn!

Feeling Thankful...

2009-11-25T23:27:00.003-05:00

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend
The agonies of Calvary
You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son
Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me

Your blood has washed away my sin
Jesus, thank You
The Father’s wrath completely satisfied
Jesus, thank You
Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table
Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near
Your enemy You’ve made Your friend
Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace
Your mercy and Your kindness know no end

Lover of my soul
I want to live for You

A blur of a week...

2009-10-10T08:35:00.003-05:00

No, it's not just you - the picture is blurry, but I thought 'What an appropriate picture to illustrate the week - i.e. it was a blur'. And with much encouragement from my husband (he brought home Annie's Bunny Grahams and Dunkin' Donuts Coffee - what a wonderful man!), I turned in my first Seminary level paper...sigh...now to clean the house.

Too busy to blog...

2009-10-03T21:11:00.003-05:00

... and yet, I'll find a few moments tonight to say hello to the blog world. Mainly to solicit your thoughts on balancing life. This has been a really busy semester for John and I. And though I have always considered myself very organized and on top of things, I'm hearing a few 'plates' hit the floor occasionally. Which is frustrating to me and my peculiarities. My situations and plans have yet again shown me my need for a Saviour. Someone to save me from obsessing over calendars and commitments. And also, in the midst of all the 'good' things - why am I doing it? Where is Christ? Let my eyes be lifted to Him in the midst of my small trial and find contentment in the place He has put me.

One of the things that has filled up my calendar this semester is my Intro to Biblical Counseling Class. This class has been so eye opening of the world views that find their way into our churches and counseling discussions. I think about the desperate situations that people find themselves in and my heart is warmed to know that the Gospel meets every need - we have a Messiah. And I have been convicted of all the ways we can fabricate our own messiah apart from Christ. Left to ourselves we can reason and diagnose, but there can be no permanent healing or joy and peace until Christ is enough. It has caused me to meditate on Isaiah 53 - one of my favorite passages. Take a moment to read it and meditate on our Messiah in the midst of our busy schedules.

Isaiah 53 Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

2009-07-28T19:34:00.006-05:00

My sister Steph lives in the cutest little vintage apartment. I visited her last month and just loved the pieces she had chosen to decorate with. Her motto - only decorate with the things you really love. Her little place is so reflective of her personality and taste. She's inspired me to think differently about the things I bring into our home.

So, this past weekend when we visited Kansas (more pictures to come on that) my sister-in-laws and I hit up the local thrift store and I was so pleased with the unique vase I found. So pleased, that I flew with it on my lap home to Virginia from Kansas - and it made it with no incidents! A few things I love about it - there's no seams in the texture, the bottom is imprinted (I'll have to do some research on that), and it has weight to it with a great shape and a fabulous price! Great finish to a memorable weekend with the family! (free flowers from the tree in the backyard topped off my deal!)

Finally, a rainy Sunday night...

2009-07-12T19:26:00.012-05:00

So, here we are with a Sunday night without something to do... finally a moment to sit down and post some pictures on the blog from Israel. I was just thinking about it yesterday. I find myself actually missing Israel and our trip we took. It was just that great. I told John last night that when we talk about Christ or the difference Jesus makes in our lives my heart emotionally warms to the thought of my Saviour (yes, I know that's the old English way to spell Saviour - but I love to spell it that way because of the 'our' at the end, He's our Saviour). I just sat down and looked through some of these and I thought it would be an appropro time to finally post some, considering we're finally settled at home and getting back into routine. These may be random, but they are some of my favorites - Enjoy!

John at the top of Bet She'an (sp?). It was a long hike!

Roadside stand in the Golan Heights - the man sold his own spices and dried fruit

Tour bus

Mosaic of shells on the Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee (my favorite)

The Synagogue in Nazerath

One of the nice crew from the boat we sailed on the Sea of Galilee

Mt. Carmel

An aqueduct along the Medditeranean Sea by Cesarea

Herod's Palace along the Medditeranean

Medditeranean Sea

Our flight on the way over (the pictures are a little out of order)

My new friend, Carolyn Hannah

Joppa

Pincas (Phineas), our wonderful bus driver

John with our tour guide, Yuval

Bob and Louise :)

Dome of the Rock - we weren't allowed to touch or show any affection while we were visiting this holy site...

Loved this...

Farewell Dinner

Our First Grown Up Anniversary

2009-06-08T20:19:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow is John and my 3rd Wedding Anniversary (!!!!) I think, Wow. I'm calling it our first grown up anniversary because it's our first anniversary since we have been married that we are both working and not taking the day off to leisurely hang out. With our new home on the horizon and new floors coming into play - it's off to work we go. (Thank the Lord for the good jobs He has given to us that He uses to continually provide for us).

Anyhow, I think of where we are right now in comparison to Day 1, Year 1, 2 and now 3. It has gone so fast so far. And I beg the Lord to give us many years more. Sometimes I think of what life would be like without John now that I have had him in my life. Morbid? - possibly. I tend to be morbid by nature, I suppose. However, it does make me hold him tighter and sit closer to him when I get the chance. I have such admiration for him for so many things. One thing primarily - he has taught me to not take myself so seriously. I never knew he was so silly and funny until after we were married - never knew I needed that in my life and I needed to change and laugh more and contemplate less. If I am amazed at how the Lord has changed us in three years, I can only imagine how He will continue to use our marriage to sanctify our lives for his honor. It's good to look back and remember. It's puts life into perspective.

I cherish what my husband has brought to my life. I can only hope I add as much to his life as he has added to mine.

On the Sea of Galilee in Israel a few weeks ago...

Moving On...

2009-05-28T18:37:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting in the midst of our cluttered - from vacation - apartment wondering where to start with packing boxes. I have to admit that I didn't think this day would come for another 2 years until after John had finished School. This house has come as such a blessed surprise to us and the reality has not set in. So as I sit on my couch wondering where to begin, I think of what this apartment has held for us and our first three years of marriage. I'll never forget the first time John swung the door open to reveal our new home filled with our boxes unloaded by my brother and sister in law and their kind friends. White walls, white floors...breath held as I walked in a daze (we had driven through the night) through the apartment - not too long of a walk. It was close to church and school, but not in a kind of location that I had ever lived in before. With some time and a scrub brush though I think we made it our own 'ghetto apartment' as we some times affectionately would call it. But wow... think of how much of our life has been formed in these four walls...we grew from newlyweds to comfortable husband and wife and best friends. We shared our first Christmas and our first Anniversary and our first family visits. And I suppose many of you are thinking, 'Sheesh, if she's this nostalgic over their first place I can't imagine what it's going to be like in the future'. Well... boo. I love filling my heart with memories and the emotions of each part of my life. I want to sit here and remember everything just as it is in our first home before I put it in a box to move on. I want to remember it when I'm old or when our son or daughter gets married and we visit them in their first home. It's been part of us. I have learned myself and I have learned and loved my husband more in this place. I believe that is worthy of a few nostalgic moments.

Wow...

2009-05-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

I am amazed. I am amazed at God's hand in our lives and his direction. John and I just returned from our trip this morning and while I am brimming over with thoughts and stories, at the same time I find it hard to put the experience into words. So, it will have to wait. But not to fear, I do have another thing to share.

The Sunday night before we departed (we were departing Tuesday afternoon) I went for a walk with my friend who lives around the corner. John and I had been talking about looking for a home to purchase when we returned, but we held the idea pretty loosely considering everything we had looked at thus far was quite out of our price range. Sunday evening I walked past a little brick town home with a For Sale sign out front. I immediately loved the little rose bush that loomed out front and made a mental note to look it up online when I got home.

That evening at home I pulled up the realtor's site and was surprised to find this 'ready to move in' home right in our price range. John called a realtor and by Tuesday afernoon we had made an offer on the home, had it accepted, had an inspection, and signed loan papers and set up our closing date!!! This really is more than we could 'ask or think' from our Heavenly Father. The location and set up of the house is just what we were looking for. I feel so blessed. A trip to open our hearts to the Lord's goodness and blessing upon blessing. Every time I recount the story I am struck how His timing works.

I will say one thing about our trip - that after two weeks of walking where Jesus walked, following the Via Dolorosa, exploring the corridors of Jerusalem and standing where he was mocked and broken for me - I'm praying I never lose the wonder of it all.

Happy Birthday, John!!

2009-04-29T20:35:00.010-05:00

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...

2009-04-14T19:06:00.004-05:00

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?

2009-04-08T20:35:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-06T19:14:00.005-05:00

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!

Sham Rock On...

2009-03-31T19:57:00.005-05:00

So, I've been waiting for pictures of the race to come before I posted on my Shamrock experience... unfortunately, the picture they sent to me was for the person with bib number 2022...mine was 2072. That part aside... I completed my first race a few weeks ago. It was an amazing experience - it was an early experience. I cannot tell you the anticipation that was inside of me the night before. I was so nervous about what to expect and going it alone since Laura (who had planned to run with me) had gotten sick that week and wasn't going to be able to run. It was almost a dread in my stomach.

I left our house a little after 6:00 am to meet up with some friends and drive down to the oceanfront where the race was being held. Once we got there, it was so much chillier than I had anticipated - which turned out to be a good thing once the race began. After waiting for awhile, we gathered at the START. I felt calm and so excited waiting for them to shoot the gun off to get started. 8:00 am arrived and the gun went off and the sea of people began to disperse and spread out. It was incredible. On the second half of my first mile I was struck with the realization that I was doing this...I'm doing this!

Running along the boardwalk was incredible - smelling the salt of the water and the sand, watching the sun climb higher over the water. I relished every part of it and completed in a time I was pleased with. I'll never forget running towards the King Neptune statue hearing my friend yelling my name from the crowd and me hollering back at her (like you would only do in an athletic/competition setting or camp, I guess) and busting across the Finish Line. Great experience...awesome feeling...and that was only an 8k... what do you think a half marathon would feel like?

My husband and ...

2009-03-17T19:13:00.002-05:00

The way I love to start out this story... Guess who John and I had breakfast with on Monday while in Alexandria? Well, technically he was eating two booths over. John and I had gone to DC for the weekend (a cloudy, rainy weekend - but still it was great to be in the city and together) and we decided to leave on Monday morning after having breakfast at an 'out of the way' corner diner. We walk in and take a seat. Our waitress greets us - rather distractedly - and tells us that Val Kilmer is sitting in the booth behind us. Which at first I didn't believe because there was an African American man sitting behind us and I knew that Val Kilmer was White... So... finally I see him - or rather hear his deep voice and I know it's him - two booths away. It was quiet enough that I think he enjoyed his breakfast, but there was enough commotion for the waitress and the owner to get their pictures with him, a local to have a full conversation with him (and get a phone number), for my eggs to be delivered to another table (and I got to watch them get eaten), and the customer service to be less than great. I think our waitress forgot about us in the midst of the excitement. John couldn't place who he was so he wanted to get a picture. I chickened out - my thoughts - he gets enough of that - let's just leave him alone...So, out to the car we go. John grabs the camera and I take a seat in the car and call my sister to tell her about our morning. I wait a couple of minutes before I see him coming out and looking a little smug - he met his movie star and took a picture to prove it...

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2009-03-04T21:41:00.004-05:00

Just a few things I've been thinking of lately that I really love and am so glad I have been introduced to... (it's the little things!)

- My Cuisinart Coffeemaker and Krups grinder - makes the BEST coffee ever. Especially when coupled with my next favorite thing...

- Trader Joe's coffee... or Trader Joe's anything for that matter - but especially the coffee. Currently, I'm loving their Breakfast Blend. Their Blends are decently priced and fabulous!

- Trips to Trader Joe's. I love it that Grocery Shopping has again become an adventure - browsing the aisles and finding some unique selections. Granted, it's not every week which makes it more special - Even better when you take a friend along!

- A good running route to prepare for the Shamrock.

- Don't hate me for this next one... my Melaleuca cleaning products.

- Monday nights with my husband.

- A free set of hi-lites from my Stylist on Saturday - did you hear me say FREE!

- Cereal...anytime.

- Moving furniture and rearraning the dishes in the cupboard

- Dinner with our friends, Wes and Katie (we had a great time Saturday night, guys!)

- Random emails from my sister, Debs, during the day while I'm at work.

- My husband John's laugh

In general, there are so many things in our every day life to enjoy - so blessed beyond thought.

2009-01-20T21:00:00.005-05:00

Today, I signed up for my first run. I'll be participating in the Shamrock this year in the 8K run. I am so excited about this. The training schedule is printed and hung on the refrigerator and I am avidly reading about training for a long run. I am also a little bit nervous about this. Once you pay your fee - you're committed. No second thought - just hitting submit on the Registration Form and focusing on the fact that if you train right - you're body is capable of more than you give it credit for. So, let the training begin...see you at the Finish Line Celebration!

New Year - new goals...

2009-01-13T18:50:00.002-05:00

I'm not one for New Years resolution. I do find that the beginning of the year lends itself to evaluation of one's life and activities. I'm also thankful that our Lord is the one who works in our hearts to bring us to desire change. I believe He has been doing so in my life lately. I'll be 27 at the end of this month...(if you are already over 27 - bear with me on this...) I'm not where I thought I'd be. And I guess we can each say that at every birthday, but the fact remains that life is passing - each year a little faster and fuller. Who am I becoming, what have I done, whose life have I touched, how much more do I love and know my Saviour this year? Seminary is half way over for us - are we ready for the ministry ahead - what have I done to prepare post college? All thoughts that have played through my mind last week.

On Thursday night our associate pastor spoke in Women of CBTS. What he shared with us continued my thinking with training and preparation. I decided to come home and make a list of books I'd tackle this year. Last year I wanted to do this also, but the difference this year is I've already stacked up my selections next to my bed. I also decided to read a few categories (thanks to Pastor Jim). History (David McCullough's John Adams - very excited for this), theology, Counseling (How People Change), Marriage (When Sinners Say I Do), Fiction, Bible Study. And I guess I'm posting for some accountablity. John challenged me to blog my 'book reviews' so we'll see what you all get. Maybe I can encourage my readers in this small way. If there's an aspect of personal growth you have endeavored to see in your life over the past years - let this be the year you see it take hold in your life. I hope to see this happen in my own life...I wish it for you also!

Have you tried Nutella?

2009-01-09T22:44:00.003-05:00

So, my sister Debs received a multi pack of Nutella in her stocking for Christmas. My first thought... What is Nutella and what's the big deal about it? Tonight I was browsing through Farm Fresh (one of my favoirte things to do after a busy week is hit a 'nice' grocery store) and found some Nutella so I figured I'd give it a try. Wow! I see what the excitement is about! Fabulous. Chocolate in place of peanut butter (which I'm also a BIG fan of)!! Why didn't I think of that?

So many things to be thankful for...

2008-11-25T20:15:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-11-08T18:50:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-07T21:53:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-11-04T19:50:00.004-05:00

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!

2008-10-28T20:02:00.003-05:00

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!!!

2008-10-10T22:27:00.003-05:00

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

2008-09-26T21:11:00.004-05:00

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....

2008-09-06T21:15:00.002-05:00

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....

2008-08-30T15:20:00.002-05:00

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

2008-08-25T19:31:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-08-12T21:17:00.003-05:00

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!

2008-08-10T15:44:00.003-05:00

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...

2008-06-26T12:17:00.007-05:00

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???

2008-06-21T09:19:00.006-05:00

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...

2008-06-15T21:14:00.002-05:00

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....

2008-06-15T18:09:00.001-05:00

Our eventful Memorial Day Weekend...

2008-05-28T19:31:00.001-05:00

Almost 2 years...

2008-05-21T19:07:00.002-05:00

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...

2008-05-21T19:04:00.001-05:00

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

2008-05-19T19:04:00.005-05:00

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...

2008-05-19T19:03:00.001-05:00

Update on 'Lately'...

2008-04-22T19:45:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-04-22T19:41:00.001-05:00

Clips from Valentines Season!

2008-03-04T19:13:00.002-05:00

Recap for the Pictures...

2008-02-01T19:34:00.000-05:00

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....

2008-02-01T19:06:00.000-05:00

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!

2008-02-01T19:04:00.001-05:00

Extra fun pictures from our holiday!

2008-01-21T19:29:00.001-05:00

Wrapping up Christmas...

2008-01-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

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??

Christmas at the Varners- Part 2

2007-12-25T15:57:00.001-05:00

Christmastime at the Varner home

2007-12-17T19:45:00.001-05:00

Christmas Time is Here...

2007-12-01T15:32:00.000-05:00

How was your Thanksgiving? You can see the pics below for our Thanksgiving/Christmas with the Varners. We had such a wonderful and relaxing time with the family. Our little apartment was quite full as you can see, but we loved being able to host all of them - even more so considering this may have been our last year for awhile for us all to be together.
Christmas Time is indeed here...I think it's been here for a few weeks if you walk through the stores. Today I officially pulled out most of the decor for the season although I'll wait for John to put up our big (not being really that big) Christmas tree together. When I was getting ready for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago I was busy just like everyone else running through the Grocery Stores. I couldn't help but think about all these people hurrying through the stores in prep for a holiday celebrating thankfulness with their carts filled high and yet their faces devoid of any joy. A good reminder to myself that even if we celebrated a Christmas like my parents did for their first Christmas (no job for my mom who was expecting and my dad was going to school and working and money was tight so they made their Christmas ornaments out of cardboard and tinfoil which they shaped into little stars- I have one hanging on our little Christmas tree as a reminder of their first Christmas and the goodness of the Lord to them) if that was the case for us- what joy to celebrate the coming of a Savior. I heard recently of a school where the children would not be allowed to sing the verses to 'Joy to the World' in their Christmas Concert. All they could sing was 'Joy to the World' over and over again to the tune. My thought was, "Joy to the World the Lord has come...." if not for His coming, what would there be to be joyful about? New games and gear under a tree that will satisfy for a short month or two? I love this time of year and the decorations and ornaments and the warm colors and magnificent foods we enjoy during this Holiday. But it is all quite empty without the Joy of the Lord. I hope it reigns in your heart this Season.

Holiday with the Varners!

2007-12-01T15:31:00.001-05:00

How Sweet it is...

2007-11-08T19:54:00.000-05:00

In a society where marriage is down played and bad mouthed a lot I would like to give testimony of a young, happily married woman. I would be lost without my husband, John. One of my greatest joys in life has become to be John's wife. I used to fear losing my own identity with being married and being so absorbed into my husband I would lose who I was. If anything, John has helped me define who I am and who I want to be. Seminary is hard for any couple- especially newlywed couples. Long weeks of work and different schedules can often make me feel like I am single again. John goes to school in the morning when I go to work and then we meet for a quick lunch and he starts his work day when I'm halfway through mine. He works a long day and we have some time together before he studies but never long enough. Our weekends are always great- Saturday night to Sunday night it's the two of us for the whole time! I hate to see those weekends end. It brings me again to a new, full week of what we have been doing for a little over a year now. And I have to remember- why. Why do we go through the separation and my husband spends long evenings studying and we invest our money into books and schooling...because the Lord has called us to the Gospel. No greater calling. This will resonate within me as long as I live and we serve Him.
Lately, I have been struggling consistently with some issues and my husband has been my encourager, the one to talk me straight to the point and turn me to the truth of the Scriptures, and the one to help me start over and get up and face it again. With him, it's easy to put so many fears aside. John is so many things I am not and I benefit greatly from his wisdom and consistency. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving him to me. I could not have chosen anything so good on my own. And after a year of marriage I love him more- I'm so comfortable with him, more trusting towards him, the best of friends with him, and so in love with him I can't help walking away from his desk after he tells me he loves me (with that impish grin, dimples, and his headset still on) with a big, toothy grin- all the way to my car. This is not merely a testament to my husband's good character and the love he shows me, but to the goodness of the Lord and what His love can bring to two mortals marriage. He binds us together to stand together during the difficult times and gives us joy to exhibit to our unsaved co-workers in the midst of overtime and long evenings apart. I have missed him much lately if you can't tell.

Happy Holidays....

2007-11-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

I know...I grew up not listening to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving- it was wrong- well not really, but we were pretty serious about it. But I don't care- I'm listening to a Christmas cd tonight and getting out all my Christmas stuff to look at it...because this year with Thanksgiving we will be celebrating Christmas with the Varners since we will all be together. Since the holiday is at our house I have been doing planning with the menu and finding some deals on a table cloth and napkins and trying to decide on my centerpiece. Since we are celebrating Christmas too I have been on the hunt for a 3 foot tall Christmas tree for a few weeks. All the ones I found were about $30- $40.00! I knew I didn't want to spend that much on one and I had been to Garden Ridge and Michaels ane even with a coupon I didn't want to pay that much! I randomly checked Target and found a perfect one- only catch, it had no tags, so I kept checking thinking they had to put the tags on it soon. Well, today was my third time to check and all their trees were decorated- except one- you guessed it- the one I wanted. It was sitting by it's cold and lonesome self. So, I decided, "Forget this..." and began rummaging through the boxes and found my three-foot Fir tree for ....$9.99. I was soooooo happy. I picked that thing up and almost tripped up to the register with excitement (that and the fact I was wearing heels and Target really waxes their floors- yeesh!)
So, now I'm going to go rummage through all the clearance Christmas stuff we picked up last year on the day after Christmas sales and see what we have to decorate with for Thanksgiving.
I really feel so blessed to be the one to be able to host our family for Thanksgiving. I grew up in a home where half the fun was preparing the food and setting a table with beautiful flatware and glassware and freshly pressed napkins and a crisp tablecloth underneath it all. My sisters and I shared so many great memories with my mom during setting the table and preparing the food from menus we had all planned weeks in advance (while we cleaned out the relish tray and the special breads that Steph made- no wonder Dad was the only one to really eat when we all sat down!) All that to say to be able to carry on those same traditions in my own home means so much to me! So thanks to my sisters in law for letting me be so compulsive about the whole thing and nail you down to a menu item four weeks before the date. We are so excited to have you all come and celebrate with us- and we have so much to celebrate this year too!! Two Marriages, a new life, a highschool graduate turned College student and a loving family together once again! I'll miss my little Gordon Thanksgiving, but I have a feeling the love and spirit of gratefulness will still be present with my -sometimes still new- family.

That's Life

2007-10-25T18:53:00.000-05:00

I have been among the bloggers that have taken a 'hiatus' according to my cousin, Missy. Things have been pretty busy, but even more so I got tired of trying to blog without internet connection- which we have. And I know most of you are thinking, 'Big Deal'- precisely- when you've lived without it for over a year it is a big deal.
In August James and Laura got married, we had grandparents, parents and friends in town. The next weekend I went home...to where I used to live. It wasn't where I belonged anymore and it was the strangest thing. I have always belonged where my mom and dad are and now I belong where John is. It took me over a year to get there and some days I'm still getting there. I loved getting to spend time with Steph too- she spoiled me with an Alterra tea when she picked me up at the airport- it was such a cool, rainy day too- it was perfect. We went shoe shopping and hung out with Danielle and Lafe and out to Maggiano's with Mom and Dad - and even more special my Grandpa came up to see me too- I hadn't seen him since our wedding and he is doing so well health wise. It was such a special treat. When I came home John had a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me- I am blessed to have such a loving family!
September was full of getting into the school year and visiting with Randy and Jenn in Richmond and getting ready for my parents to come for a visit. We had a wonderful time together and soooooo much fun. We went shopping and sightseeing and out to eat and sat around and talked and laughed- my folks are awesome to hang out with.
And now it's October. Work has been crazy since October came and a lot of evenings have been full also. Krista Joy (Dan and Karis' new baby) should be here any day and we are anxiously awaiting our chance to meet her.
So much for the updates, let me just take this opportunity to blog a little about nonsense... I have new pumpkin coffee that I am loving- makes my mornings so much more enjoyable. If you have a washer and dryer in your house be very thankful. We are having John's family here for Thanksgiving when we will also celebrate Christmas so I'm looking for a mini Christmas tree...It was a wonderful rainy day today...I'm learning to love my Pilates dvd again...Greased Lightning cleaner really is the thing to use on a scummy shower- wow!

August Updates

2007-10-25T18:52:00.001-05:00

Jenn and Randy's visit

2007-08-07T20:02:00.001-05:00

We had such a blast with Randy and Jennifer visiting this weekend. It was great to show them our home and where we attend church. Jenn and I went to Portsmouth for the Flea Market on Saturday morning and for some coffee and tea afterwards- I love those chats and just getting to catch up with each other!
We spent the afternoon at the beach. It was hot, but the waves weren't that great for boogey boarding. We hoped for better ones as the afternoon wore on so we stayed until close to 6:00pm. For dinner we had been going back and forth with what to do. John and I were trying to think of a place exclusive to Virginia Beach that we could take them. We didn't find a place exclusive to Va Beach but we did give them Beach experience by going to Ruby Tuesday's for dinner in our swimsuits straight from the beach- sand and all!!! Everyone slept well on Saturday night after such a busy day!
On Sunday we went to church and treated Randy and Jenn to our favorite Mexican spot. That afternoon Randy and John decided to return to the beach at Sandbridge to see if the waves were any better while Jenn and I took naps. I woke up about 3:40ish to thunder. I found Jenn in the living room reading the tornado warnings on TV- they advised us to get in the bathroom and cover up with blankets and pillows. Of course we are both wondering--- Where are our husbands?? We took our tea and the laptop and hung out in the bathroom just to be safe- oddly enough this is what Randy and John came home too- hahahaha!!! Thankfully, the tornado didn't end up coming near us like we thought.
We had a wonderful time with them, but we sure missed our nieces and nephew. We hope they can come visit sometime so we spoil them and take them to the beach. Round 2 of Family comes this weekend and then it's time to head home!

Blueberries, Books, Baseball, a Bloomin' Onion and the local BP!!

2007-08-07T19:25:00.000-05:00

A couple of Saturdays ago I went and did a few things I had never done before...
The morning started with blueberry picking with some of the girls from church. It was early and the sun was hot! Needless to say, it's been two weeks since we went and the blueberries are already gone...soooo much fun.
That evening we joined up with Wes and Katie Kouba for a trip to Norfolk for another Tides game. Wes had a great idea to stop at Ollies on the way to check out their books. For those of you who haven't heard of Ollies (because I had not until we moved here) it's a huge discount store and they actually get in some really good books that John finds useful for studying. We left with a lot of great books. Which is so exciting when you consider how much books cost and how much we saved on some really good titles.
We had a great time at the Tides Game- once again with funnel cakes and ice cream. Wes and Kate generously let us get in on their free tickets that Katie won at work. We have so enjoyed getting to know them. They just recently moved in around the corner in their new house. Katie works with me and I love to have her there to shoot emails to during the day and go for coffee runs. How I'd miss her if she wasn't there!
After the game Wes and Katie took us to the loval Outback to have our first bloomin' onion. Fried onion with this amazing dressing...We thought we could down two of them, but I think we would have had a car full of sick people if we would have proceeded with that thought.
Now is where it gets interesting...on our way home (it was late) we pass someone pushing there car on the side of 264. Thinking it looks like an old lady we pull over and reverse down the shoulder (never done that before either). It wasn't an old lady- in fact it turned out be a girl who must have worked as a chauffer??? She was all too thankful to see John and Wes arrive to help her. She gave them $20 and we went and found the closest gas station, which turned out to be a BP (hence the aliteration. It all turned out to be well though- There was a Public Service vehicle gassing up her car when we arrived. I guess I could also have called this post 'Adventures with Wes and Katie'. Thanks guys, we had a great time!!

What Fun August Will Be!!

2007-07-24T19:51:00.001-05:00

I have loved July...don't get me wrong...but I cannot wait for August. Seeing all of my family in one month!! Jen and Randy are coming to visit us the first weekend of August. They will be showing up on Friday night and leaving Monday morning so we should get the most out of the weekend. I'm already planning things. I'm so excited for them to see our home and church and where John is going to school. Randy and Jen were in Seminary after they got married- very similar to the experience John and I are having. It has been a blessing to have them gone before us- I have loved asking Jennifer questions and gleaning from her wisdom. This should also be a great time for Randy and John to get to know each other better. Too bad Courtney, Luke, and Chole will have to stay home with Grandma and Grandpa Hockema. We will miss having them visit.
The next weekend will be James and Laura's wedding and we'll have John's family here. We have gotten to see them quite a bit this summer with weddings and graduations which has been really nice.
The third weekend of the month will be time to fly home to HARTFORD!!! YEA! I am so excited if you can't tell. So much that I want to do while I'm at home. I'll get to see Steph and Debs and Olivia and my parents- my friends, how I have missed them! I can't wait for that cup of coffee on the patio with my family - that was one of my favorite things to do at home. Virginia is home because it's where my husband is- but I can't wait to go back to my parent's home. It will be a really special time... only drawback is John is staying home...talk about not having your cake and eating it too...I'll miss him!!

"New Finds"

2007-07-24T19:36:00.000-05:00

So, a new coffee shop called Bean There Cafe went in across the street from work. It has been so much fun to have a little home grown coffee shop so close. I have become a little more and more weary of the Starbucks bitter coffee and the hiking up of the prices...again...did you hear about the $.09 increase July 31?? Don't get me wrong- I'll still make my contributions and enjoy an afternoon there with a friend every now and then but yea for some diversity- not to mention competition in the neighborhood.
Anyhow- I have missed my home coffee shop Perc Place in Hartford and it has been a refreshing taste to have a new coffee shop so close. I haven't gotten to take John yet, but my friend Katie and I have enjoyed a couple of hours of fellowship in their cozy atmosphere. So, here's to the small buiness- I hope they do well and make it!! If you come visit- I'll take you for a cup- this is paticularly directed towards my sisters- they have good tea too, Jenn!!!

Summertime...

2007-07-10T18:52:00.001-05:00

We have really been enjoying getting to know some people better. A couple of weekends ago we went to our first Tides Game with TJ and Shannon Logsdon and had a great time. John and TJ kept on talking about the Funnel Cakes- I'm still not sure what all the excitement was about- but they waited until the bottom of the 3rd Inning and then went and found the Funnel Cake stand to fulfill their craving. Shannon and I were not as enchanted with the cakes as the guys were (which is unusual for me not to be enchanted with cake). And to make the night even better the Tides even won!!
I don't have pictures of our 4th of July festivities other than our morning of. John and I had been wanting to get Monopoly for a while so I suprised him with chocolate chip pancakes and Monopoly for our 4th of July morning breakfast. It was so nice to have the morning together. We just hung out at home until about 4:30ish when we drove to Portsmouth to meet up with some couples from our Sunday School Class to enjoy a picnic. Some of us migrated to fireworks in Portsmouth afterwards. Fireworks traffic is pretty intense so we decided to put all the guys in one car and all the girls in another so we could drive 2 cars (since there was 5 couples it worked out great). We got down there and found parking spots fairly quick, but unfortunately for me (I was driving the girls car) while I was getting lined up to execute a stellar parallel park job someone cut me off and took my spot!!!! Well, I took the advice that my brother in law Dan gave me when John and I first moved to Virginia Beach and used my horn- a few times- just to let them know I was there... just in case they hadn't figured it out....Either way we found another parking spot. It was a good night and we enjoyed our time getting to know some of the couples from church.
On Friday night Amanda and Kristen and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip to the beach. It was a hot day and a picnic and some water was the perfect cure. We had a great time floating around on the boogie (sp??) boards in the water. Kristen and I caught some waves and hats off to Amanda for her endeavor with her 7 months pregnant belly- I'm sure Baby Gretta loved it! I have loved getting to know Kristen and Amanda better. I really feel so blessed to have found some friends who I can form a bond with and share Christian struggles and life experiences- that night was such an encouragement to me!!
Anyhow- more pics to come and more to blog-- this was the preliminary. I must admit though I like it better when I can blog on a whim and not give a narrative of what's going on lately- but it's for the moms-- Love you!!!

Hello, Old Friend

2007-06-26T19:22:00.001-05:00

The cold I had picked up at Tim and Kristen's wedding has all but left except for some coughing and congestion that Sudafed keeps under control. But one thing that cold has affected is the taste of coffee- that treacherous cold. (pls note the tone of disdain)
So, tonight I took another effort at it. Pulled out my best Gevalia- used extra rounded scoops and valiantly pushed the "ON" button on the coffee pot. I poured my cup- took a sniff- and (inhale) Hello, Old Friend- the cold is letting go.
I'm making out like a bandit with Tim and Kristen moving out of their old places into their new apartment. So far I've gotten a smashing silverware tray, some old silverware to use for work, a new food chopper (electric!!), a lazy susan tray, three Chicago Cutlery knives (just call me Rachael Ray), a really neat chair to go with my desk, and since they don't have wireless we've inherited Kristen's computer for a little bit- (can you tell with all the extra blogging?)
It's been like a free rummage sale...which is so much better than a regular rummage sale.

Lifesong

2007-06-25T18:49:00.000-05:00

What would be your theme song?

Last night in church I really enjoyed our song service. I always enjoy learning new songs that have such strong words- Complete in Thee, Be Unto Your Name, O Great God...

And so I started thinking about it- what would be my life theme song? I think it changes. When we moved to Virginia it was Mark Schultz's He Will Carry Me. When I was a Junior in college I loved the song I Touched the Heart of God. Being a Senior in college and facing an uncertain future I clung to Be Still My Soul and really identified with A Place in This World -as I'm sure many seniors do. After one year into school and marriage with John and being away from the familiar home and family the song that comes to mind the most is Complete in Thee and Follow Love. It's funny how different songs take you through different phases of life.

So, I pose the question to you- what would be your 'life song'?

The Wedding Weekend

2007-06-16T23:20:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post- will write more later about the wonderful weekend and the beautiful wedding. We came, we saw, they got married-- yea!!! Great trip and great time with family and it was so exciting to see Tim and Kristen finally joined together!

Looks Like We've Made It!

2007-06-16T22:30:00.001-05:00

Just to catch you up on some of the things going on in the Varner home...
John and I have taken up tennis and are really enjoying it. It's nice to get out and get some exercise without realizing that you are getting good execise! John is a good teacher. I love having a husband who can pick up a sport and do fairly well after he tells me he's not very good (I used to believe this- after bowling with him the other night and he scored over 130 I don't believe him anymore!)

We also enjoyed our Labor Day weekend with Tim and Kristen at the mall helping them pick out their comforter and playing arcade basketball- a new experience for me!

Our first anniversary was last week. We really enjoyed our evening together. I made a duplicate of our wedding cake top and we celebrated with sparkling cider and strawberries and cake. John suprised me with a big bouquet of flowers that were from our wedding (lilies, peach and ivory roses, and hydranga (sp?)). Such a suprise and it was so beautiful it really made me cry. After all my tears about not getting flowers at work my husband spoiled me with a bouquet better than I could have imagined!! And he had flowers in the refrigerator at the seminary the whole time-- spoiled? Quite possibly.

The next morning we took off and went to Williamsburg and got our year passes. We enjoyed a few sites before the heat pushed us over to the outlet mall to enjoy an afternoon of shopping. We ended up at home later on after some good Mexican food and enjoyed the rest of the evening with a movie. These anniversaries are just like birthdays- count us in for many more!!!

We've Only Just Begun...

2007-06-14T22:23:00.000-05:00

Pictures are coming...John and I have embarked on some more firsts for us over the past few weeks. Tennis, our first Memorial Day, our first year Anniversary- that has to be the biggest first!!

Lately I had been thinking a lot about what life was like a year ago- thinking back through our wedding week and the end of things last year. The last day of my job, packing boxes, wrapping presents for thank you's, picking my fiance' up from the airport, the last night in my childhood room, the last morning at home- that's never home like it was when your name was Gordon. Now it's Mom and Dad's house- somewhere I hope to go back and visit. Even though Virginia doesn't feel completely like home, I can never go Wisconsin home again- once choosing to enter into that new covenant with the man I love - so much has to change. And think of the marvelous things that have brought about change...I see John everyday- he has become more of my best friend than he was when we were dating and he has become such a solid support for myself.
I have learned that a new environment will show you what you are made of. Characteristics I did not realize possessed- a sobering realization when they are not all Christ-like...You disconver the good and bad- the fact that you are stronger and weaker than you thought, more persistent yet easily wearied, convinced of God's working- but often questioning His plans and purpose for you when He feels far away. And I think , "When will it be normal and Virginia will be home?" Maybe that is not in my good and righteous God's plan- I can only look at this as His way of pursuing me through more than I can comprehend.
I used to listen to 'Home' and think of John and place him as my home- and he is my home- if nothing else seems 'normal' there is the constancy of my husband and the relationship that we share...and even with all of that it's not enough without the pursuit of Christ between both of us- really, with Christ we should be content wherever we are with the knowledge of His love and the opportunity to glorify Him- in the end this world is not where we belong anyways- we have a heavenly country and a heavenly Bridegroom. Even so come, Lord Jesus...

There's No Place Like Home

2007-05-25T19:56:00.000-05:00

Home from Kansas! And what a whirlwind trip!! (I should warn you, this is going to be like three blogs in one).We had a great time celebrating Karen's Graduation from High School and we are so proud of her! After a long plane ride (that left us all a little sleepy from getting up around 3:30 am) we met up with the family complete with Grandmas and Grandpas and had lunch. I wimped out and took a nap before the evening got started. And let me tell you, Varners can last for a loooooong day!
Karen's Graduatoin was very nice, a little lengthy (my husband and his brother got a little squirrely during the Benediction- myself possibly included, but we'll blame it on lack of sleep and a long Commencement) and once we got home Uncle Robert and Aunt Nancy came over and chatted up a party until around midnight...needless to say, I faded before the party was supposed to be over.
The next day was a laid back day around the house- some games, a little shopping, dinner at McDonalds, and a LOT of socializing! We even got out in the church yard and played softball. I was never much of a softball player, but my new family introduced me right to it. Turns out I actually can connect with the ball! Surprise for all of us- especially me!
Another big monument in John and I's life...we decided to take the plunge and buy in bulk (Sam's Club)! You should have seen us- strolling our cart up and down the aisles with wide eyes laughing at the huge packages of gallon plastic bags- which we purchased while John was saying, "When are we ever going to use 252 gallon sized plastic bags?" I told him, "Babe, to shop here- you can' t think that way because it will kind of defeat the purpose." (That's right - I'm telling him that- the man who relishes buying bulked items.)
Sadly enough, coming home brought about the stomach flu and a very sick me for the next few days- work is overflowing at my Place of Employment- definite job security going on. What a bout! I would not wish that on anyone, but so glad I have a wonderful husband to love me in sickness and in health.

I like the Outdoors...just not our Outdoors...

2007-05-25T19:39:00.000-05:00

After a long day indoors what could be more refreshing than getting Outdoors!! Thus was my plan for the evening. I would put my lawn chair and tray table on the little slab outside our back patio and enjoy my bowl of cereal along with my Real Simple magazine for dinner. I envisioned a slight breeze with a little Josh Groban musing in the background...unforunately...
I poured the milk on my cereal before I had continued with the rest of this thought. So I scrambled to get my chair and my tray set up outside. After getting my phone, magazine, cereal, and water on the tray I realized I had to close the back door (because it was hotter outside than I realized) which shut out my musical guest Josh Groban. Okay- better to enjoy the birds, right? Once I get settled into my chair and get my bowl of cereal my attitude again becomes optimistic- first bite of my cereal my optimism took a nose dive- mushy cereal- mmmmmm. And with that I couldn't even balance the magazine on my lap while eating (maybe I'm innate) because I had to swap the bugs that began to descend upon me. Arms flailing (just a little bit)and squirrels bouncing around the branches over my head, I then notice the questionable activity of the neighbors across the street (which if you know our neighborhood- you understand) so that makes me a little bit uncomfortable. And then my luck, the neighbor who lives upstairs decides to open the window while she's cooking dinner- and since the stomach flu has left me still a little queasy I wasn't too crazy about the scent. I finished my cereal and got through the section on the summer purses and decided- I like the Outdoors...just not our Outdoors. So, I lugged everything back inside and finished the supper hour with Judge Judy.

3:15 AM...not a very happy thought....

2007-05-17T21:49:00.000-05:00

Here it is ten minutes to 11:00 pm. I'm sitting on the couch bemoaning the time of the morning our plane departs for Kansas. 6:00 am is too early for flights....especially in our post- 9/11 world. But what a wonderful thought to see family, Karen's graduation, and time away from work! The thing I am really looking forward to is a Starbucks during our layover before flying into Kansas and traveling with my best friend and boyfriend, John.
I reached a goal last night. I found a new hairdresser. Small, I know. But it is part of my phasing in plan of moving here. It was December when I realized I had not officially moved to Virginia Beach. I didn't have a Dentist, Doctor, Beautician, place to buy products, Mary Kay lady, etc. I have just about marked them all of the list- almost officially moved in - a year later. Talk about a slow adjuster.

Yea for Pictures! (for the things I've been telling my mom about!!!)

2007-05-12T18:36:00.000-05:00

John and I in downtown CanCun, Mexico in March

Kayla in her new swimsuit and Easter Bunny ears that
were in her Easter Basket from John and I.

Flowers that John had sent me for Easter

Our new chair for our bedroom that was given to us

and the lamp next to it is one of the antique lamps I found

for a steal at a Garage Sale.

The inside of my new writer's desk I found a the Flea Market

A full shot of the desk- I am still looking to replace

three of the drawer pulls

Call me ideal but...

2007-05-09T17:45:00.000-05:00

Really...the little things make me happy.
I suppose it's time to explain my blog title- although, I have to admit I think it's pretty self explanatory.
I am finding more and more that little things going right just make the day. I don't ask for much- really. So, when I can hit all the green lights on my way to work or happen to run into a friend at the grocery store the day seems to take on a new perspective. I love to get a package at the door or a new Real Simple magazine in the mail. Cards made by my nieces and nephew and letters from my parents with the previous Sunday bulletin from home inside- these little things make me happy.
My husband knows that the little things matter to me. When I come home from work and the bed is made and the dishes are done and the ironing board is put away (I kind of leave the house in a hurry in the AM while John is still sleeping but anyhow,) when he has taken the effort to fold the quilt and put it back on the back of the couch where it belongs- I'm ELATED!! Not that he's messy- it's just that I value the little things.
Today I came home from work to find the house picked up and a note telling me he loved me along with the new Michael Buble' cd for our 11 month anniversary. That just made the end of a very long, very drudgerous day take on a whole new light. I guess that's one of the reasons I love John so much- He's so great at the little things.

Rainy Days and Tuesdays

2007-05-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

Talking to myself and feelin' old...
Sadness. Our laptop is out of commission...again. It seems our cord is not working so I'm reduced to going to the library to write. Quite appropo actually.
Another rainy day here in Virginia. But, with rainy days come warm Starbucks (and cold coffees I accidentally dumped all over the sidewalk in front of my office), an excuse to veg on the couch during the evening and an empty grocery store for free roaming of the aisles. But it also includes flat hair, watching too much tv, and buying entirely way too many groceries. How was your evening?
Also, we are really out in the open- no more viewing by invitation only!!

I'm on the Bandwagon

2007-05-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

Hi Mom and Dad- this is so for you (and Debs). After a very full week of softball, new job, flea markets (and a new antique desk with a $.08 stamp with Eisenhower's face on it- that has to be worth something, right?), Ladies Spring Tea, and lamps from a rummage sale that I couldn't describe to mom over the phone I decided it was time for a blog- not for me, but for each of you! Not that I'm so great, but I'm Mom and Dad's favorite.

My first post

2007-05-05T18:57:00.000-05:00

Hi, my name is Bethany (Hi, Bethany!!)

I've been a closet blogger. I blog in my head, but never comment on the blogs I read. I now realize it is time to come out in the open blog world and stop resisting the urge to journal openly and uninhibited. That's why you only get a select invitation to my blog...for now.