I know it's after Thanksgiving, but does that mean I can't finish my 2-part series? We should always be thankful!
We had a wonderful trip to Santa Clarita from Wednesday to Saturday. It was so relaxing to be with the Jensens, family away from a home that is away from blood family. :-) Linda outdid herself again with the perfect tasting traditional meal! We watched Batman Begins since they had never seen it. Then on Friday, I got to go shopping with Linda...I forgot what it is like to shop with only a woman, have money to spend only on what you WANT, and not be pressed for time. I got my Christmas shirt and earring -- it was exactly what I had in mind! I'll post a picture as soon as I can get it taken. Both drives (down and back) were uneventful and reminded us just how beautiful northern and southern Cali are. And man alive! Has anyone ever seen a wine vinyard in the fall??? A literal SEA of gold and cranberry colored leaves. Simply gorgeous!
Here is a list of 10 things I am Thankful for:
1) God - Sounds like a pat answer. I was thinking of what adjective to use to describe Him, but I can't choose just one. I am thankful for His sovereign control, His faithfulness when I am unfaithful, His nearness even when I am not near Him, His creativity, His goodness, His love, His holiness though I can not fully grasp it. How do you even say everything you are thankful for about Him except to say...just Him?
2) Life - Sounds like another typical answer, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I LOVE the life I have been given. So full of adventure, unknowns, but with a few key stabilities (to be named later). I love the joy that wells up within me when I ponder this abundant life I have been given...I just wish I would always remember that it is because of Christ, not just because.
3) Matt - Which aspect am I most thankful for now? His best friendship. His companionship. We have so much fun together, so much time together because of his schedule. It has been amazing to watch how quickly he has learned to be the husband that God wanted him to be for me. His patience is incredible. His humor keeps me laughing (or rolling my eyes). His love keeps me warm and fuzzy. He truly is an understanding and participating husband, something I need especially right now with being pregnant.
4) Family - My theme song this Christmas is "I'll Be Home for Christmas." Talk about joy overwhelming me! I can not WAIT to see all my family, including those who went to Little Rock from Arizona and Ohio. It seems the older I get, the more I love and appreciate my family. Perhaps it is different now because my own family is increasing by one. And it is fun to have those who've known me my whole life see me pregnant and with a handsome husband. We'll miss our Indiana family -- but part of becoming one is balancing two extended families! It's a little harder than we anticipated, but we are learning that wisdom with finances/time must outweigh emotions alone.
5) Church - I think we are going to start the membership process with GBC after the first of the year. We are SO thankful for the church. Solid teaching and a close-knit fellowship that has open arms is what makes you keep going in a place where lonliness COULD be all around. I am thankful that we are being fed meat every Sunday -- right now on prayer. I am thankful for the instant friendships God blessed us with the first Sunday we were here. Now if only we can do something about that 40 minute drive one-way.
6) Old Friends - In a life that is always changing stages and locations, I am thankful to have a few old friends to count on for unconditional love. I know I am blessed and consider it a rarity to have Rachel, Thea, and Julienne as life long friends. Rachel I've known since we were 3 or 4. Julienne since first grade, and Thea since seventh. That, in my opinion, is a LONG time in this day and age...esp with Rachel. I love how the four of us can still get together at the Coffee Beanery and chat it up like old times -- laughing and teasing with memories, bringing each other up to speed on the present, and dreaming of the future. Though we don't talk often and see each other even less often, to know that I've always got three anchors to my past and steadfast friends for the future is a feeling I will never stop being thankful for.
7) Provision - Back to God...He has provided more than we need to live a comfortable life here in California. A lesson in trusting Him, stepping forward, and then seeing Him do the work. We have a beautiful apartment with all the furniture we need, including Baby's. We have plenty of good clothes. We eat quite nicely for not as much as we feared -- we even had a steak/potato/broccoli treat last night! We have an excellent car, one that I'd wanted for years even. Insurance is good all around, especially the part where having a baby is virtually free! We can't wait to see how much more thankful we will be for Provision after the baby is here, and then when we move back to Maryland.
8) Talents and Skills - I am thankful for the talents and skills God has given both Matt and I. He is such a Renaissance man. He writes, draws, thrives on education, knows so much about technology, builds models, sings, plays sports (when given the chance), and can philosophise with the best of them. There really isn't much he CAN'T do, come to think of it. God has given me the ability to sew, cook, craft, find efficient ways to perform tasks, organize...things that deal with home and family. I think God knew what He was doing when He put a man with broad horizons with a woman of focused detail together -- Matt keeps us moving and broadens our canvas while I make sure each stroke is carefully taken, creating a beautiful masterpiece that will hopefully give glory to the One who chose the brushes and colors.
9) Technology - Not only does it provide my husband with education and a job, but I am thankful for technology because it keeps me connected. Who knew the day would come when a stay-at-home wife/mother would be kept "company" by people on the other side of a computer screen? Were it not for technology, I would have lost good contact with SO many friends and family over the years and even now. Days are lonely when I don't get to say hi to my mom, sister, and a few friends. How spoiled I am. Half-day with friends and family online, then the rest with Matt at home!
10) Until next post... You all will have to wait until tomorrow or Thursday for the 10th thing I am thankful for. Some of you may know, but I'll keep you guessing! ;-)
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving! - Part One
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting!" - Pslam 136:1
Now seems to be the time for thanksgiving posts to be popping up on everyone's blogs. Tracie reflected on where she was a year ago and how much God has blessed her with since then. My mom listed 10 things she was thankful for. I think these are the top two ways we should celebrate Thanksgiving -- reflection and praise. So, without further ado...
A year ago I was a part time secretary and had been married for almost 6 months. On top of melding our lives into one, Matt and I were learning lessons of contentment, patience, and faith as we lived in a small city with only 2 good pre-marriage friends, no good church (not until January), and a hard full-time job for Matt. We had not expected the job he got or the place it was located. I guess we thought we'd live in a big city with a more glamorous job. But, in Jackson at the university, life was financially comfortable, socially uneventful, and slow. We had no idea how we'd get out of there with a "better" job somewhere else. But we knew we did not want to stay ANY longer than 5 years. Our attitude stunk in reality.
THEN we found THE church in Jackson and fell in love. We gained several more good friends and felt like we had family near us again...because the Body is our Family. We got to help plan our pre-married friends' wedding -- and that friendship morphed into an even better one as our lives were up to speed with each other. We got a "random" letter from the DoD that began Matt's security clearance process...and job transition. Meanwhile, God saw fit to use one of our good friends who happened to be an OB/GYN to advise us on my eye/headache issues, and the result was an unexpected baby on the way! We got word that Matt was officially accepted as a DoD employee, and moved within a few weeks from Tennesee to California.
So this year, I am a full-time stay at home wife-soon-mom with lots of time on my hands to relax and do whatever I wish around the house. Matt is a graduate student with every afternoon off which allows us LOTS of time together. We watch my belly grow every week, and feel the baby move every day, knowing we will hold it in a few months. A completely different life than last year.
The lessons we've learned:
1) God knows what HE is doing...our responsibility is to fit into His plan rather than seek our own. Living in Jackson allowed Matt ample opportunity to gain management, customer service, and problem solving skills. It opened our eyes to the fact that even Chrsitian organizations are nowhere near perfect, a motivation to NOT be blinded by rose colored glasses. Jackson taught us that there is no such thing as the Bible belt. It is more of a religion belt. Which brings us to our next lesson.
2) Christ's Church is a precious NECESSITY to the Christian life. Without it, you slowly starve from lack of good instruction and understanding of the Word, fellowship with other Believers, and support in all walks of life. Once we found ECC, we realized that the Body keeps you afloat in the deep waters of life. It refreshes your spirit and restores your soul to spend time with Brothers and Sisters who are LIKE-MINDED, to hear from Scripture rather than a preacher. We learned to not assume there will be several good churches to choose from wherever we go.
3) After we found ECC, the contentment lesson slowly started to take shape. Jackson wasn't so bad after all, in fact, it was comfortable in many ways! The blinders were lifted from our eyes and we saw that we really did have good co-workers, that it was a blessing to work at a Christian place rather than secular, that we had more than enough financially, and life could be lived very nicely because of what God had given us in life. We were close to both of our families and could plan many weekends to visit them. And after we learned to be content with God's plan, we learned that life takes on a much happier and satisfied tone.
4) We learned that God's timing is not our own...His is better. Those who are close to us know how long we waited in between phone calls or letters from the DoD. Those were HARD times. We desperately wanted to know when something would happen, if anything. Then we all saw how QUICKLY things happened after the long wait. The time crunch seemed impossible with paperwork due and moving to California imminent. God can say "Wait....waaaait....now GO!" and it will happen regardless of how it looks to us. The fact that I'm sitting in a wonderful apartment in Salinas while Matt is at class is proof of that.
5) We learned that God will provide for our every need no matter where we are located. Tennessee vs. California? Yeah, I'm sure you all can guess which ones is less comfortable financially. Not only did we see that we would have to get used to a more expensive standard of living, but we also had the looming knowledge of a baby on the way...which means more expenses. Trust. That is what it takes to step out in faith. Trust that this degree/job opportunity came from the Lord and that He would provide everything we need to get it done, baby and all. And we are still learning this lesson -- but in an amazed way. I have no idea if I have done anything differently or what, but food seems to be stretching beyond belief which means our grocery bill is much lower than anticipated. Somehow we keep ending up with much more at the end of each month than we thought we would. Praise the Lord! We don't care if we never find out how it's happened!
And after those five lessons and seeing how fast life can move in one year...we know that it isn't over yet! A baby will bring all sorts of new challenges, lessons, and blessings. Life will never be the same because a child adds a human being to a family, complete with a changing and growing personality and soul. And we know that our time here is temporary, both a sad and exhilerating thought. Come September 2007, we will have to say goodbye to the incredible church family we already have here...but we will be pressing on in this adventure God has planned for our lives. Maryland will be yet another new start in life for us...which makes three fresh starts in 3 years. Now if that's not a fast paced life, I don't know what is! I am just thankful that the pace of each day is relaxing while the years pummel forward.
Give thanks to the Lord...for He is good -- He blesses when we deserve nothing.
His lovingkindess is everlasting -- and His sovereignty is eternal lovingkindess.
Thank you, Father, for not letting us be in control. Our messy lives would only have a pointless Thanksgiving if it weren't for You!
Now seems to be the time for thanksgiving posts to be popping up on everyone's blogs. Tracie reflected on where she was a year ago and how much God has blessed her with since then. My mom listed 10 things she was thankful for. I think these are the top two ways we should celebrate Thanksgiving -- reflection and praise. So, without further ado...
A year ago I was a part time secretary and had been married for almost 6 months. On top of melding our lives into one, Matt and I were learning lessons of contentment, patience, and faith as we lived in a small city with only 2 good pre-marriage friends, no good church (not until January), and a hard full-time job for Matt. We had not expected the job he got or the place it was located. I guess we thought we'd live in a big city with a more glamorous job. But, in Jackson at the university, life was financially comfortable, socially uneventful, and slow. We had no idea how we'd get out of there with a "better" job somewhere else. But we knew we did not want to stay ANY longer than 5 years. Our attitude stunk in reality.
THEN we found THE church in Jackson and fell in love. We gained several more good friends and felt like we had family near us again...because the Body is our Family. We got to help plan our pre-married friends' wedding -- and that friendship morphed into an even better one as our lives were up to speed with each other. We got a "random" letter from the DoD that began Matt's security clearance process...and job transition. Meanwhile, God saw fit to use one of our good friends who happened to be an OB/GYN to advise us on my eye/headache issues, and the result was an unexpected baby on the way! We got word that Matt was officially accepted as a DoD employee, and moved within a few weeks from Tennesee to California.
So this year, I am a full-time stay at home wife-soon-mom with lots of time on my hands to relax and do whatever I wish around the house. Matt is a graduate student with every afternoon off which allows us LOTS of time together. We watch my belly grow every week, and feel the baby move every day, knowing we will hold it in a few months. A completely different life than last year.
The lessons we've learned:
1) God knows what HE is doing...our responsibility is to fit into His plan rather than seek our own. Living in Jackson allowed Matt ample opportunity to gain management, customer service, and problem solving skills. It opened our eyes to the fact that even Chrsitian organizations are nowhere near perfect, a motivation to NOT be blinded by rose colored glasses. Jackson taught us that there is no such thing as the Bible belt. It is more of a religion belt. Which brings us to our next lesson.
2) Christ's Church is a precious NECESSITY to the Christian life. Without it, you slowly starve from lack of good instruction and understanding of the Word, fellowship with other Believers, and support in all walks of life. Once we found ECC, we realized that the Body keeps you afloat in the deep waters of life. It refreshes your spirit and restores your soul to spend time with Brothers and Sisters who are LIKE-MINDED, to hear from Scripture rather than a preacher. We learned to not assume there will be several good churches to choose from wherever we go.
3) After we found ECC, the contentment lesson slowly started to take shape. Jackson wasn't so bad after all, in fact, it was comfortable in many ways! The blinders were lifted from our eyes and we saw that we really did have good co-workers, that it was a blessing to work at a Christian place rather than secular, that we had more than enough financially, and life could be lived very nicely because of what God had given us in life. We were close to both of our families and could plan many weekends to visit them. And after we learned to be content with God's plan, we learned that life takes on a much happier and satisfied tone.
4) We learned that God's timing is not our own...His is better. Those who are close to us know how long we waited in between phone calls or letters from the DoD. Those were HARD times. We desperately wanted to know when something would happen, if anything. Then we all saw how QUICKLY things happened after the long wait. The time crunch seemed impossible with paperwork due and moving to California imminent. God can say "Wait....waaaait....now GO!" and it will happen regardless of how it looks to us. The fact that I'm sitting in a wonderful apartment in Salinas while Matt is at class is proof of that.
5) We learned that God will provide for our every need no matter where we are located. Tennessee vs. California? Yeah, I'm sure you all can guess which ones is less comfortable financially. Not only did we see that we would have to get used to a more expensive standard of living, but we also had the looming knowledge of a baby on the way...which means more expenses. Trust. That is what it takes to step out in faith. Trust that this degree/job opportunity came from the Lord and that He would provide everything we need to get it done, baby and all. And we are still learning this lesson -- but in an amazed way. I have no idea if I have done anything differently or what, but food seems to be stretching beyond belief which means our grocery bill is much lower than anticipated. Somehow we keep ending up with much more at the end of each month than we thought we would. Praise the Lord! We don't care if we never find out how it's happened!
And after those five lessons and seeing how fast life can move in one year...we know that it isn't over yet! A baby will bring all sorts of new challenges, lessons, and blessings. Life will never be the same because a child adds a human being to a family, complete with a changing and growing personality and soul. And we know that our time here is temporary, both a sad and exhilerating thought. Come September 2007, we will have to say goodbye to the incredible church family we already have here...but we will be pressing on in this adventure God has planned for our lives. Maryland will be yet another new start in life for us...which makes three fresh starts in 3 years. Now if that's not a fast paced life, I don't know what is! I am just thankful that the pace of each day is relaxing while the years pummel forward.
Give thanks to the Lord...for He is good -- He blesses when we deserve nothing.
His lovingkindess is everlasting -- and His sovereignty is eternal lovingkindess.
Thank you, Father, for not letting us be in control. Our messy lives would only have a pointless Thanksgiving if it weren't for You!
Monday, November 21, 2005
When It Becomes More Real
Do you ever see a big event on the horizon but not understand the full reality at first? Then something occurs, something visible, that brings reality full force? Well, that has happened for Matt and I. We put together the nursery furniture on Saturday! It was an all day task that brought a little frustration, a lot of humor at ill-written instructions, and a lot of contemplative baby thoughts. I've even caught Matt (as well as myself) sometimes walking back there to just look at the room. I think I have a eensy-teensy glimpse of why Mary "pondered in her heart."
We can now walk in the room and see the place where a baby will be laying in March. We can pretend we're picking up the baby, just to see how it will feel to bend over the crib. We can see the place where many dirty diapers will be changed...where many nights will be spent a few hours at a time nursing and rocking the baby. We know what kind of soft light will be cast by the light. I even did a little silly demonstration for Matt of what it will be like for me to drag myself out of our bed, pick the baby up, change it, sit in the "glider" and nurse it/rock it back to sleep, put it back in the crib, then crash in our own bed again. Good laughs together...but it is REALITY. So fun and WONDER-full at the same time.
We love the color of the wood. We also went with cherry, but I really think it would have been too dark for our taste. Notice both quilt options are hanging on the crib. Pray that we'll get to have a little removal ceremony on Nov 30th when we are to find out what gender the baby is! If it is a girl, we will use the lavender quilt and put butterflies on the walls. If it is a boy, we will use the khaki Noah's ark quilt and put a rainbow above the crib and other colorful designs on the other walls. We still need the crib mattress and glider as well as all the baby linens and goodies. But those will come in time. God has been so faithful to provide even this furniture by way of some very special people who have the gift of generosity. You know who you are. ;-)
Matt said that he thinks it is neat how we can relate what we have just done to what Christ said to the Apostles, "I go to prepare a place for you." We have just prepared a place for our baby, and now we just await the day when we will live together as a family of three. Just like we wait for the day when we all will live together with Christ in the place He's prepared for us!
We can now walk in the room and see the place where a baby will be laying in March. We can pretend we're picking up the baby, just to see how it will feel to bend over the crib. We can see the place where many dirty diapers will be changed...where many nights will be spent a few hours at a time nursing and rocking the baby. We know what kind of soft light will be cast by the light. I even did a little silly demonstration for Matt of what it will be like for me to drag myself out of our bed, pick the baby up, change it, sit in the "glider" and nurse it/rock it back to sleep, put it back in the crib, then crash in our own bed again. Good laughs together...but it is REALITY. So fun and WONDER-full at the same time.
We love the color of the wood. We also went with cherry, but I really think it would have been too dark for our taste. Notice both quilt options are hanging on the crib. Pray that we'll get to have a little removal ceremony on Nov 30th when we are to find out what gender the baby is! If it is a girl, we will use the lavender quilt and put butterflies on the walls. If it is a boy, we will use the khaki Noah's ark quilt and put a rainbow above the crib and other colorful designs on the other walls. We still need the crib mattress and glider as well as all the baby linens and goodies. But those will come in time. God has been so faithful to provide even this furniture by way of some very special people who have the gift of generosity. You know who you are. ;-)
Matt said that he thinks it is neat how we can relate what we have just done to what Christ said to the Apostles, "I go to prepare a place for you." We have just prepared a place for our baby, and now we just await the day when we will live together as a family of three. Just like we wait for the day when we all will live together with Christ in the place He's prepared for us!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Quiet Wednesday
My sister is moving, so she won't be online until Friday. My mom is probably doing school with my little sister. Jaclyn hasn't e-mailed yet to say she's in a chat room. I'm not interested in the news this morning. I don't feel like listening to music. And I'm kinda tired still. Hence the title of this post.
Yesterday was a Titus 2sday at church, when alot of the women get together and fellowship. It was Christmas-oriented with a cheap/excellent gift wrapping demonstration and then a devotional on why we should make sure our Christmas traditions are meaningful. I think I said this in my last post. But I'm going somewhere with this. Well, three places actually.
1) I ride to and from church with Diane, the wife/mother of one of the three Salinas families that attend GBC. So we always have lots of time (1.5 hours) to talk while driving. She gave me a picture yesterday. It was one pose of Rachel (her adorable daughter) for her 1 year birthday mark. I was in shock.
Remember back to the post I had about the doll I made her? Look. CAN NOT believe they actually had that doll in her milestone 1 year pictures. My mom was right when she said it is "such a compliment." Diane told me all over again how much Rich (her hubby) adores homemade stuff. God has been good to relieve my fears that they might think it was dumb or not treasure it as much as I hoped they would! It's humbling at the same time it boosts pride in what my hands have done. Humbling because I thought it was just a simple thing to do to save Matt and I money, try my hand at something new, and give a present to a sweet little girl. And now it is a cherished item. All I can rely on is that God knew what He was doing when He put the idea in my head to hand-make a doll specifically for a girl who's father considers things like that priceless. God cares about the smallest things!
2) One of the traditions the devotion lady talked about was how her family has collected Christmas books, one to be read on each of the 24 nights before Christmas. Not secular books...ones that speak of Christ's coming and our need for the Savior. She read one of her favorites to us called If You're Missing Baby Jesus. I think we were all fighting back tears by the end. It is a precious story...one I am considering adding to my Christmas list. It's about a family that buys a nativity set that has two baby Jesus' in it. The mother had the store owner post a sign saying "If your set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7162." The set was never found, but a woman who had five children and a husband that left her (taking most of their belongings with him) called on Christmas Eve asking for help. She just knew that anyone who would post that sign would be "Good Christian people" willing to help her. So they went over to fix her furnace and ended up giving them blankets, cookies, milk, and the baby Jesus...then the dad goes out and gets some of his friends and they truck over a Christmas tree, some furniture they found, and clothes and linens from their own households. Punch line: "They need Baby Jesus just as much as we do." Find it and read it if you can!
3) I talked with Matt about Christmas traditions that I want to see implemented in our own family. That led me to think about when we will stay in our own home with our own tree ON Christmas Day. I see that day as a VERY long time from now, and I think that is because we are close to our families and our families are young. Therefore we will have somewhere to go for Christmas for quite some time. Doesn't bother me one bit! It makes me have a twinge of sadness to think of not going "home" for Christmas someday. But maybe by that day people will be coming to us for "home"! Anyway, I thought I'd tell you all the two traditions I treasure most from my family's Christmases. It might shock my mom...and that, agrees Matt, is exactly why I should let the world know! So she will know what she started in me though she might have thought I saw it as silly.
~ For as long as I can remember, we only got three presents every year. Why? Because Jesus got three presents from the wise men. As I thought about this, I realized that it really helped keep the materialism out of Christmas. Sure we enjoyed ripping open the packages and bows, seeing what new item we could play with or use. And the gifts got more expensive the older we got. But I never wanted more. It was an accepted tradition, and I always remembered the reason behind it. Because Baby Jesus only got three gifts. Why should I have more? I thought it was fun to get just three...not to mention it didn't take FOREVER to open gifts. I enjoy the family dinner JUST as much, if not more, than opening presents.
~ This will shock my mom, maybe. The other tradition that will be a must is the Pancake Birthday Cake for Jesus. My mom didn't start this until Autumn and I were pretty old and Hope was old enough to understand. Sure, it seemed silly on the surface. Having three pancakes that represent the Trinity, red hearts for each of us, red syrup for Christ's blood, white whipped cream for sins washed away, even lighting candles off of Christ's big white candle and singing Happy Birthday. But you know what? (All of the sudden I feel like I've told her this before.) I loved doing that. Even as a 23 year old with a husband and baby on the way, I'd love to do it this Christmas morning...extra family of Bruckmans and all. It is such a good way to set the tone of Christmas Day, of why we are even having a special day. As I look back, I remember how nice it was to get up to my mom making the pancakes knowing we were going to have breakfast as a family and read the Christmas story from Luke. We never RUSHED right into ravaging packages and going crazy with excitement, only to have it be over just like that and have to wait longer for family to arrive. It made the day seem much more relaxed and even-keeled. Contemplative in a way. It's hard to explain.
I'm gonna make a public appeal to my Momma - I know Christmas is on a Sunday this year and church starts at 10:00 am. I know we'll have 5 extra mouths to feed because Autumn and I have families now. But, you have three grandkids you can remind in a neat way on Christmas morning why we are celebrating on December 25th. And a daughter who misses that tradition and wants her husband to see it. If we start at 7:00, we can be done by 7:30 so everyone can start getting ready for church. Sure it's early. But I think it would be SO worth the memories...and starting off the day quietly as a bigger family this time with contemplation of Christ's birth and a tasty breakfast.
What say you?
Yesterday was a Titus 2sday at church, when alot of the women get together and fellowship. It was Christmas-oriented with a cheap/excellent gift wrapping demonstration and then a devotional on why we should make sure our Christmas traditions are meaningful. I think I said this in my last post. But I'm going somewhere with this. Well, three places actually.
1) I ride to and from church with Diane, the wife/mother of one of the three Salinas families that attend GBC. So we always have lots of time (1.5 hours) to talk while driving. She gave me a picture yesterday. It was one pose of Rachel (her adorable daughter) for her 1 year birthday mark. I was in shock.
Remember back to the post I had about the doll I made her? Look. CAN NOT believe they actually had that doll in her milestone 1 year pictures. My mom was right when she said it is "such a compliment." Diane told me all over again how much Rich (her hubby) adores homemade stuff. God has been good to relieve my fears that they might think it was dumb or not treasure it as much as I hoped they would! It's humbling at the same time it boosts pride in what my hands have done. Humbling because I thought it was just a simple thing to do to save Matt and I money, try my hand at something new, and give a present to a sweet little girl. And now it is a cherished item. All I can rely on is that God knew what He was doing when He put the idea in my head to hand-make a doll specifically for a girl who's father considers things like that priceless. God cares about the smallest things!2) One of the traditions the devotion lady talked about was how her family has collected Christmas books, one to be read on each of the 24 nights before Christmas. Not secular books...ones that speak of Christ's coming and our need for the Savior. She read one of her favorites to us called If You're Missing Baby Jesus. I think we were all fighting back tears by the end. It is a precious story...one I am considering adding to my Christmas list. It's about a family that buys a nativity set that has two baby Jesus' in it. The mother had the store owner post a sign saying "If your set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7162." The set was never found, but a woman who had five children and a husband that left her (taking most of their belongings with him) called on Christmas Eve asking for help. She just knew that anyone who would post that sign would be "Good Christian people" willing to help her. So they went over to fix her furnace and ended up giving them blankets, cookies, milk, and the baby Jesus...then the dad goes out and gets some of his friends and they truck over a Christmas tree, some furniture they found, and clothes and linens from their own households. Punch line: "They need Baby Jesus just as much as we do." Find it and read it if you can!
3) I talked with Matt about Christmas traditions that I want to see implemented in our own family. That led me to think about when we will stay in our own home with our own tree ON Christmas Day. I see that day as a VERY long time from now, and I think that is because we are close to our families and our families are young. Therefore we will have somewhere to go for Christmas for quite some time. Doesn't bother me one bit! It makes me have a twinge of sadness to think of not going "home" for Christmas someday. But maybe by that day people will be coming to us for "home"! Anyway, I thought I'd tell you all the two traditions I treasure most from my family's Christmases. It might shock my mom...and that, agrees Matt, is exactly why I should let the world know! So she will know what she started in me though she might have thought I saw it as silly.
~ For as long as I can remember, we only got three presents every year. Why? Because Jesus got three presents from the wise men. As I thought about this, I realized that it really helped keep the materialism out of Christmas. Sure we enjoyed ripping open the packages and bows, seeing what new item we could play with or use. And the gifts got more expensive the older we got. But I never wanted more. It was an accepted tradition, and I always remembered the reason behind it. Because Baby Jesus only got three gifts. Why should I have more? I thought it was fun to get just three...not to mention it didn't take FOREVER to open gifts. I enjoy the family dinner JUST as much, if not more, than opening presents.
~ This will shock my mom, maybe. The other tradition that will be a must is the Pancake Birthday Cake for Jesus. My mom didn't start this until Autumn and I were pretty old and Hope was old enough to understand. Sure, it seemed silly on the surface. Having three pancakes that represent the Trinity, red hearts for each of us, red syrup for Christ's blood, white whipped cream for sins washed away, even lighting candles off of Christ's big white candle and singing Happy Birthday. But you know what? (All of the sudden I feel like I've told her this before.) I loved doing that. Even as a 23 year old with a husband and baby on the way, I'd love to do it this Christmas morning...extra family of Bruckmans and all. It is such a good way to set the tone of Christmas Day, of why we are even having a special day. As I look back, I remember how nice it was to get up to my mom making the pancakes knowing we were going to have breakfast as a family and read the Christmas story from Luke. We never RUSHED right into ravaging packages and going crazy with excitement, only to have it be over just like that and have to wait longer for family to arrive. It made the day seem much more relaxed and even-keeled. Contemplative in a way. It's hard to explain.
I'm gonna make a public appeal to my Momma - I know Christmas is on a Sunday this year and church starts at 10:00 am. I know we'll have 5 extra mouths to feed because Autumn and I have families now. But, you have three grandkids you can remind in a neat way on Christmas morning why we are celebrating on December 25th. And a daughter who misses that tradition and wants her husband to see it. If we start at 7:00, we can be done by 7:30 so everyone can start getting ready for church. Sure it's early. But I think it would be SO worth the memories...and starting off the day quietly as a bigger family this time with contemplation of Christ's birth and a tasty breakfast.
What say you?
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Just Joy
Do you ever have days when you are just light hearted and full of unexplainable joy that puts a hop in your step? Today is a day like that for me. The weather is GORGEOUS in the 70's with a crystal blue sky. I got to spend the morning with the ladies at church hearing about cheap but awesome gift wrapping ideas (from Doreen) and then about how to make Christmas meaningful in the way it should be. Spending time with the ladies and meeting new ones was also wonderful. Then I got to share some ideas with Diane on the drive home about what she could make for her husband for Christmas, and got to show her...oh wait. I can't say that on my blog yet. ::pouty face:: There's gonna be major picture festage after Christmas...I'm so excited about what's going on in my little apartment.
All that to say...the joy comes from knowing all of these blessings -- even life itself -- comes from a God who loves me. Like Jaclyn said in an e-mail to me, we have the PRIVILEGE of knowing Him, talking to Him, and writing "letters" to Him (if you journal prayers). The God of the universe and we get to take a pen and paper and act as if He is our dearest Friends. Which He is. Simply a beautiful reality.
Maybe I'll lay out today. That sounds relaxing. :-)
All that to say...the joy comes from knowing all of these blessings -- even life itself -- comes from a God who loves me. Like Jaclyn said in an e-mail to me, we have the PRIVILEGE of knowing Him, talking to Him, and writing "letters" to Him (if you journal prayers). The God of the universe and we get to take a pen and paper and act as if He is our dearest Friends. Which He is. Simply a beautiful reality.
Maybe I'll lay out today. That sounds relaxing. :-)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
More Random Ramblings
Mmm, one more cinnamon biscuit roll left. Guess what we'll be SPLITTING tomorrow morning. ;-)
Here is another room completely finished...the other bathroom. (You can click on the pictures to see them bigger.) You notice I attempted to piece together a panorama, mostly for blog-formatting-headache avoidance. Hopefully you'll get the hang of it.
And then to continue being random, here are the results of a personality quiz I took linked from Aut's blog...
You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart. Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people. You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile. You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker. You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.
Matt has already disagreed with the "dry humor." All I know is that I say things to not be funny and people laugh. I say things to be funny, and only I am laughing. Ya learn to live with it.
Well, I am fading quickly. I've done alot today - grocery shopping, Wal-Mart "Sheol Saturday" shopping (never again!), post office, crafting, cleaned both bathrooms, did a load of laundry, cooked dinner. My body is plum tuckered out and my back is sore. And church is tomorrow! I can't wait!
Here is another room completely finished...the other bathroom. (You can click on the pictures to see them bigger.) You notice I attempted to piece together a panorama, mostly for blog-formatting-headache avoidance. Hopefully you'll get the hang of it.
And then to continue being random, here are the results of a personality quiz I took linked from Aut's blog...
You are dreamy, peaceful, and young at heart. Optimistic and caring, you tend to see the best in people. You tend to be always smiling - and making others smile. You are shy and intelligent... and a very hard worker. You're also funny, but many people don't see your funny side. Your subtle dry humor leaves your close friends in stitches.
Matt has already disagreed with the "dry humor." All I know is that I say things to not be funny and people laugh. I say things to be funny, and only I am laughing. Ya learn to live with it.
Well, I am fading quickly. I've done alot today - grocery shopping, Wal-Mart "Sheol Saturday" shopping (never again!), post office, crafting, cleaned both bathrooms, did a load of laundry, cooked dinner. My body is plum tuckered out and my back is sore. And church is tomorrow! I can't wait!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
A Wonderful Day
So Matt had today off since he is a Federal employee and attends a Federal school. It was so splendid to have him here. We slept in until 9:00, and had a "brunch" of a new idea I had. Ya know? I don't know if it's pregnant creative brain or influences of Food Network, but I've been able to "wing" alot of things lately and it turns out well.
So this morning, I decided to "wing" cinnamon rolls. I call them Cinnamon Biscuit Rolls. I had a simple biscuit recipe that we love. Made the dough, spread it with a cinnamon filling concoction, stripped/rolled them, baked 'em, and then iced them. We LOVE LOVE them! They were not as sickenly sweet as regular cinnamon rolls, and the biscuit texture made them much lighter than the typical bread texture. For sure a keeper of a non-recipe recipe!
So this morning, I decided to "wing" cinnamon rolls. I call them Cinnamon Biscuit Rolls. I had a simple biscuit recipe that we love. Made the dough, spread it with a cinnamon filling concoction, stripped/rolled them, baked 'em, and then iced them. We LOVE LOVE them! They were not as sickenly sweet as regular cinnamon rolls, and the biscuit texture made them much lighter than the typical bread texture. For sure a keeper of a non-recipe recipe!
Then I hemmed a final pair of maternity pants, so hopefully I'll be done with chopping 3 inches off pairs of pants and then hemming them one more inch for a while. Then I went to Michael's to pick up a few things for a special present for Christmas. Wish I could tell you about it and post pictures. I'm so excited...but the recipients read this blog. ;-) While I worked on "it" this afternoon, Matt began working on his Enterprise model ship. It's gonna be so awesome! We're both excited about it! I can't wait until we have a house with an extra room to have an office. I've already told Matt it will be decorated for HIM...and that way we can have a place to display all of his cool models and satiate our futuristic side of style.
Then we went to Blockbuster (rented Center Stage 's cause Matt's never seen it and he said because he loves me, he'd watch a straight up chick flick) and Starbucks. Wanted to order a sugar-free low-fat decaf EGG NOG latte...forgot the sugar-free part. Tasted like it wasn't low-fat. Maybe it even had caffeine. Oh well. It was TASTY anyway! Matt said Center Stage had a good plot and helped it be a good movie even though it was all about dancing. ::sigh:: I love that movie! Totally took me back to high school. After the movie, we just kinda lounged around, read, and now I'm posting quite the detailed un-important post. But I feel like rambling. You obviously felt like reading. So it works out.
Oh, and during brunch and late-lunch, we watched deleted scenes/documentary on our Star Wars III DVD that we got for our date last week. It's amazing how much goes into a 1-minute fighting sequence. And did you know that some of the lava geysers in the fight scene between Obi and Anakin was REAL footage from Mount Etna going off in Italy? Cool.
Is it bad that I'm trying to think of something else to say just so I can keep "talking?" Maybe there was caffeine in that latte. But I had that hours ago. Now I've got indigestion from the hot dogs Matt and I just had as our very-late-dinner/snack. Oh, that's one more thing I can say. I think I've officially discovered that tomato products give me indigestion--from pizza to tomato soup to spaghetti. Tum-tum-tum-tum-TUUUUMS! Speaking of...
Ok fine. I leave you now. ::still thinking of something else to say...::
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Thanks for Tagging me, Tracie
Ok, so Tracie tagged me with this blog game thing. This is going to be a brain cramper...I'm not very dynamic or weird in my opinion.
5 Weird Habits I Have
1)
::five minutes later:: Ok, I'm still thinking, I promise. Hey, Matt?.....
1) Is it weird to eat whipped cream and chocolate chips as a small snack?
2) Is saving original packaging and boxes for future repacking weird?
3) Is sticking my thumb in between my pointer and middle finger with my hand in a fist when I am emotionally disturbed weird? Thea has done that since she was a baby. If I got it from her, does it qualify as weird?
4) Is cooking nearly everything at home weird? Matt said if people who don't do that read this, it is weird to them.
5) HA! Is not HAVING any weird habits weird since apparently most people have them?
Please, if you read this and can think of an honest-to-goodness weird habit I have, let me know. Enlighten me to myself so I won't be stuck in the doldrums of "normal and uninteresting"...what with my lack of weirdness and void of hobbies.
By the way, this post took me 10 minutes to think through. And now it's got my heart all beating fast...or maybe that's the peppermint tea...or the cool whip and choco chips I just had.
5 Weird Habits I Have
1)
::five minutes later:: Ok, I'm still thinking, I promise. Hey, Matt?.....
1) Is it weird to eat whipped cream and chocolate chips as a small snack?
2) Is saving original packaging and boxes for future repacking weird?
3) Is sticking my thumb in between my pointer and middle finger with my hand in a fist when I am emotionally disturbed weird? Thea has done that since she was a baby. If I got it from her, does it qualify as weird?
4) Is cooking nearly everything at home weird? Matt said if people who don't do that read this, it is weird to them.
5) HA! Is not HAVING any weird habits weird since apparently most people have them?
Please, if you read this and can think of an honest-to-goodness weird habit I have, let me know. Enlighten me to myself so I won't be stuck in the doldrums of "normal and uninteresting"...what with my lack of weirdness and void of hobbies.
By the way, this post took me 10 minutes to think through. And now it's got my heart all beating fast...or maybe that's the peppermint tea...or the cool whip and choco chips I just had.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Picture Requests
There've been several requests for certain pictures, so I thought I'd start fulfilling them as I can. Not gonna do too much as far as posting today. I'm feeling exhausted and it's only 9:15...in the morning. So I post, and then I nap.This is the only picture I got of the pumpkin pie fiasco. Just the first batch so I could send the pic to Gramps and make sure they looked right. Now, imagine 24 more mini-pies, and then 24 regular muffin sized pies...which were all successfully eaten/doled out at last night's BBQ. But we still have about 36 mini-pies to ourselves. And like 2 and a half tubs of cool whip. :-P
This is a picture of our fall centerpiece. The older I get the more into decorating for the seasons I get. Maybe because I have a place of my own? Or maybe just because I enjoy it more? This was great because all we had to buy were the leaves and pumpkins, and they were on sale. I can't wait to create a Christmas centerpiece. I've already got several ideas I have to choose from...vase filled with ornaments like last Christmas, tiered candleabra with an ornament in each holder, a white basket full of ornaments and greenery, ornaments and candles... As you can see, the ornaments will mainly be displayed on the table. No sense in having a tree if we'll only be here for 14 days in December. But someday, by golly, we'll have our VERY OWN tree that we can decorate all our own and then have egg nog together. Hmm, just had a thought. Maybe we should have a tree next year even though we won't be here for Christmas...it'll be baby's first Christmas. But then, our families always have trees. ::sigh:: Someday. I'll have a tree to call my own.
This is our guest bathroom. Our bathrooms are the only two rooms that are completely finished (though we may not do anything else to the kitchen). I am so excited to have a bathroom with a big enough counter (and no towel rack above the toilet) to display my fishy stuff. Those who've known me a long time know that I had a fish themed room ever since the summer after 6th grade. I still have that bedding too. It's in good shape and I STILL love it! Now I can have a piece of it displayed all the time with our brightly colored
bathroom. Autumn, I again thank you so so much for the set of colorful towels. I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do when they wear out. They match perfectly in color and design...and you can't find towels like that anymore!Ok, so I wrote more than I thought I would. But now my heart is beating fast again and I feel like I could fall asleep right here at the computer.
So off to drink some water I go, and then a nap where crazy dreams will show.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Pumpkin Pie Fiasco
Ok, so this grand idea I had a few weeks back to make mini-pumpkin pies is...um...taking over my kitchen. So far I have made 48 mini-pumpkin pies, got desperate, and put a dozen regular muffin sized pies in the oven. I still have 2 inches to go of pumpkin batter in my LARGE mixing bowl.
These were supposed to be for Sunday night's small group BBQ. There are only about 10 of us. We'd all have to eat approx. 5 mini pumpkin pies and at least 1 small pumpkin pie each to take care of what I've done...........so far.
Note to family members who hold Gramps' pumpkin pie recipe - 2 regular sized pumpkin pies (which is what his recipe makes) will make enough mini or small pumpkin pies to CATER A FALL PARTY...or something! :-P
Perhaps this would be a good time to bless our neighbors' taste buds??? Oh my gosh. I just remembered these have to be refrigerated too.
::distraught:: Good thing Matt and I don't have a packed fridge since it's only two of us. But I still don't know if I'll have enough room..............
ADDENDUM - After one more batch of pie crust, I have perfectly finished off the pumpkin batter. Gramps' recipe makes 48 mini-muffin sized pies and 24 regular muffin sized pies. Glad I opted to start making the regular size...otherwise I'd have almost 100 mini pies sitting in my fridge! And I've only eaten four mini pies today... ::avoids eye contact:: And I'm sure Matt and I will have a regular one each after our date tonight. ::clears throat and nervously walks away::
These were supposed to be for Sunday night's small group BBQ. There are only about 10 of us. We'd all have to eat approx. 5 mini pumpkin pies and at least 1 small pumpkin pie each to take care of what I've done...........so far.
Note to family members who hold Gramps' pumpkin pie recipe - 2 regular sized pumpkin pies (which is what his recipe makes) will make enough mini or small pumpkin pies to CATER A FALL PARTY...or something! :-P
Perhaps this would be a good time to bless our neighbors' taste buds??? Oh my gosh. I just remembered these have to be refrigerated too.
::distraught:: Good thing Matt and I don't have a packed fridge since it's only two of us. But I still don't know if I'll have enough room..............
ADDENDUM - After one more batch of pie crust, I have perfectly finished off the pumpkin batter. Gramps' recipe makes 48 mini-muffin sized pies and 24 regular muffin sized pies. Glad I opted to start making the regular size...otherwise I'd have almost 100 mini pies sitting in my fridge! And I've only eaten four mini pies today... ::avoids eye contact:: And I'm sure Matt and I will have a regular one each after our date tonight. ::clears throat and nervously walks away::
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Indian Summer
We're at the end of our Indian Summer here in Monterey. And the temperatures have risen to make it go out with a bang. Apparently this is what the weather is always like. One week it's sweaters, the next sleeveless shirts. And in the summer, it's usually overcast and cold in the morning, sunny and warm in the afternoon, and cold/overcast by 5:00 again. Diane said you can't go anywhere without a sweater that you may or may not need. :-P Should be fun.Well, here's a recent pic of my growing belly... There is not much to update by way of pregnancy. The only issue I've been having is lower back pain, which several of us KNEW would happen because of family history and my loose joints that are now more loose because of pregnancy hormones. People have begun praying for more restful sleep at night, and that has happened the past two nights. Of course, the three hour nap Matt and I got yesterday afternoon helped with being rested! I had a girl tell me yesterday she thinks I'm having a boy because I'm carrying low for even a 5 month pregnancy. Don't know if that's true or not, but it was fun to have someone "predict with a reason." Jaclyn says it's a boy just because that's what she "feels." I used to "feel" it was a boy, but then sweet Rachel came into my life and now I think I secretly want a girl. Maybe I should just start thinking, "It doesn't matter as long as it's healthy"? ::sigh:: November 30th seems like so long from now!
Speaking of Rachel, her first birthday is tomorrow and we were invited to her b-day party last Saturday since I carry a future play mate. :-) I decided to cut down on cost, give myself something to do, challenge my skill, and most of all make something quite meaningful as a gift. Here are the results...First is a picture of Diane, her daughter Rachel (the baby), and her grandaughter Lysette (Lee Lee for short).
Second is a picture of sweet Rachel. She has the LONGEST curled eyelashes, soft curly jet black hair, very dark eyes, and wears pink better than any other baby!
Then there are a few of the doll.
Hope you have a pleasant November day! Enjoy the gorgeous trees for me if you can!
Friday, October 28, 2005
Why Can't I be Original?
OK, so now Tracie had a really fun post on her blog...so again I copy. Life's been slow and relaxing this week. Hence the lazy, mean-nothing-but-silly posts.
10 Firsts
first best friend: Rachel Shaver.
first screename: MysticalAur0ra .
first kiss: Brooks Weinstein in first grade...for some dumb reason he "Eskimo" kissed me then stuck his lips out. It was no secret he liked me...but none of us like him.
first pet: 3 fish named Polka Dot, Checks, and Stripes.
first piercing: the lowest holes in my ears.
first crush: Patrick Lewis in kindergarten. Who didn't like him?
first music: Probably Michael W. Smith cassette tapes.
first car: White two door '93 Dodge Daytona with maroon interior...complete with spoiler.
first love: Matt, because I didn't really know what true love was until he appeared.
first date: If you count school banquets, Jordan Rosenbaum for 10th grade Christmas.
9 Lasts
last cigarette: 4 years old. My uncle threw his butt down and left. How did I know it was bad...until I got the mouth full of ash. Thank the Lord though because it severely turned me off. Not to mention the asthma troubles I have when second-hand smoking.
last alchoholic drink: Red wine taster at Olive Garden. Much better with twice as much raspberry lemonaid mixed in. :-)
last car ride: On the way home last night from Safeway with delish marshmallows for some homemade hot chocolate while watching Apprentice.
last real kiss: As Matt left for school this morning.
last movie seen: After tonight's date...The Legend of Zorro
last phone call: Umm....it's been a very quiet week for me. My mom calling to talk to Matt.
last CD played: Currently MW Smith's first worship album.
last bubble bath: A few days ago. I'm pregnant. Leave me alone.
last time you cried: Last night...ER was very emotionally intense.
8 Have You Evers
have you ever been arrested: No.
have you ever dated one your best friends: Matt and I were best friends for a year and half before I realized how I REALLY felt about him...and that he'd liked me for several months.
have you ever skinny dipped: No, but I want to if we ever have a pool or hot tub (fenced in).
have you ever been on TV: No.
have you ever kissed someone & then regretted it: No, but I've regretted to guys who kissed me without me wanting it. BLECH! Blake Hendrickson and Alex Constein. ::bitter::
::edited out::
have you ever snuck out: No, but I remember talking Autumn out of it when we were little.
have you ever been in a fight: Yes, a hair pulling fight with Angela Pascoe.
7 Things You're Wearing
5 little hoop earrings
PJ shirt
Matching PJ shorts
Maternity sleep bra (THANK YOU, Aut...so comfortable)
Underwear
Socks
Wedding Ring
...and believe it or not, I have NOTHING else on, so I'm glad it was only 7.
6 Things You've Done Today
Slept in until 8:00 when the bright sunshine filled our room
Had a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee
Watched the Today Show
Worked on the doll for Rachel
Checked my e-mail
Now posting to my blog
5 Favorite Things In No Particular Order
Studying Ecclesiastes
Chatting with Jaclyn, Momma, and Autumn
Cuddling with Matt in the morning while we snooze the alarm
The beautiful beach in Carmel
Thinking about all that has and will go on in my life
4 People You Can Tell Anything To
Matt & Jaclyn...and they are honestly the only two I know 100% I could tell ANYTHING to.
3 Choices
black or white: Black...it brings out the vibrancy in all other colors.
hot or cold: Cold...because that's what I am 95% of the time even though I'm pregant.
chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla for ice cream, chocolate for everything else.
2 Things You Want to Do Before You Die
Unrealistic...tour of major places in the world.
Realistic...see one person come to Christ.
1 thing you regret
Not exercising as often or eating as well as I should have in order to establish the habits BEFORE I got pregnant. :-P
10 Firsts
first best friend: Rachel Shaver.
first screename: MysticalAur0ra .
first kiss: Brooks Weinstein in first grade...for some dumb reason he "Eskimo" kissed me then stuck his lips out. It was no secret he liked me...but none of us like him.
first pet: 3 fish named Polka Dot, Checks, and Stripes.
first piercing: the lowest holes in my ears.
first crush: Patrick Lewis in kindergarten. Who didn't like him?
first music: Probably Michael W. Smith cassette tapes.
first car: White two door '93 Dodge Daytona with maroon interior...complete with spoiler.
first love: Matt, because I didn't really know what true love was until he appeared.
first date: If you count school banquets, Jordan Rosenbaum for 10th grade Christmas.
9 Lasts
last cigarette: 4 years old. My uncle threw his butt down and left. How did I know it was bad...until I got the mouth full of ash. Thank the Lord though because it severely turned me off. Not to mention the asthma troubles I have when second-hand smoking.
last alchoholic drink: Red wine taster at Olive Garden. Much better with twice as much raspberry lemonaid mixed in. :-)
last car ride: On the way home last night from Safeway with delish marshmallows for some homemade hot chocolate while watching Apprentice.
last real kiss: As Matt left for school this morning.
last movie seen: After tonight's date...The Legend of Zorro
last phone call: Umm....it's been a very quiet week for me. My mom calling to talk to Matt.
last CD played: Currently MW Smith's first worship album.
last bubble bath: A few days ago. I'm pregnant. Leave me alone.
last time you cried: Last night...ER was very emotionally intense.
8 Have You Evers
have you ever been arrested: No.
have you ever dated one your best friends: Matt and I were best friends for a year and half before I realized how I REALLY felt about him...and that he'd liked me for several months.
have you ever skinny dipped: No, but I want to if we ever have a pool or hot tub (fenced in).
have you ever been on TV: No.
have you ever kissed someone & then regretted it: No, but I've regretted to guys who kissed me without me wanting it. BLECH! Blake Hendrickson and Alex Constein. ::bitter::
::edited out::
have you ever snuck out: No, but I remember talking Autumn out of it when we were little.
have you ever been in a fight: Yes, a hair pulling fight with Angela Pascoe.
7 Things You're Wearing
5 little hoop earrings
PJ shirt
Matching PJ shorts
Maternity sleep bra (THANK YOU, Aut...so comfortable)
Underwear
Socks
Wedding Ring
...and believe it or not, I have NOTHING else on, so I'm glad it was only 7.
6 Things You've Done Today
Slept in until 8:00 when the bright sunshine filled our room
Had a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee
Watched the Today Show
Worked on the doll for Rachel
Checked my e-mail
Now posting to my blog
5 Favorite Things In No Particular Order
Studying Ecclesiastes
Chatting with Jaclyn, Momma, and Autumn
Cuddling with Matt in the morning while we snooze the alarm
The beautiful beach in Carmel
Thinking about all that has and will go on in my life
4 People You Can Tell Anything To
Matt & Jaclyn...and they are honestly the only two I know 100% I could tell ANYTHING to.
3 Choices
black or white: Black...it brings out the vibrancy in all other colors.
hot or cold: Cold...because that's what I am 95% of the time even though I'm pregant.
chocolate or vanilla: Vanilla for ice cream, chocolate for everything else.
2 Things You Want to Do Before You Die
Unrealistic...tour of major places in the world.
Realistic...see one person come to Christ.
1 thing you regret
Not exercising as often or eating as well as I should have in order to establish the habits BEFORE I got pregnant. :-P
Thursday, October 27, 2005
A Fun Quiz
Thea had a fun quiz on her blog, so I thought I'd do some.
The Keys to My Heart...I bolded the ones I thought most interesting and true.
~ You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
~ In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.
~ You'd like for your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.
~ You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.
~ Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.
~ Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
~ You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.
How Weird am I?
30% Weird Not enough to scare other people, but sometimesyou scare yourself.
My Brain's Pattern (based on selection of a picture)
You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination. (I agree with the first part, but I always thought people could read me easily.)
Ok, enough with the addiction to silly quizzes. But, if you feel like having a break from the seriousness of life... http://www.blogthings.com
The Keys to My Heart...I bolded the ones I thought most interesting and true.
~ You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
~ In love, you feel the most alive when things are straight-forward, and you're told that you're loved.
~ You'd like for your lover to think you are optimistic and happy.
~ You would be forced to break up with someone who was ruthless, cold-blooded, and sarcastic.
~ Your ideal relationship is lasting. You want a relationship that looks to the future... one you can grow with.
~ Your risk of cheating is zero. You care about society and morality. You would never break a commitment.
~ You think of marriage as something precious. You'll treasure marriage and treat it as sacred.
How Weird am I?
30% Weird Not enough to scare other people, but sometimesyou scare yourself.
My Brain's Pattern (based on selection of a picture)
You have a dreamy mind, full of fancy and fantasy. You have the ability to stay forever entertained with your thoughts. People may say you're hard to read, but that's because you're so internally focused. But when you do share what you're thinking, people are impressed with your imagination. (I agree with the first part, but I always thought people could read me easily.)
Ok, enough with the addiction to silly quizzes. But, if you feel like having a break from the seriousness of life... http://www.blogthings.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
4 More Weeks of Waiting
Fine fine. They didn't do an ultrasound yesterday because they do a routine one at 24 weeks anyway. Sooo, perhaps we'll find out then which name we'll get to use for our baby. Everything went fine at the doctor. I haven't gained ANY weight in 5 weeks! Woo hoo! I was quite nervous since I've had sweets for two during the last several weeks (months?). (Dr. Goodwein said weight is so different for everyone, he doesn't worry about it unless the baby or mother look malnourished...and I certainly don't!) My next apt. is November 30th.
Jaclyn. Don't even THREATEN to pray again. Apparently God even hears your threats!
Jaclyn. Don't even THREATEN to pray again. Apparently God even hears your threats!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Two Weeks Later
Ok, so almost two weeks after my last post...
~ We have our stuff now! Praise the Lord for the abilty to actually LIVE life now!
~ My family has come and gone. We had great days - relaxing ones, touristy ones, busy ones.
~ We have finally learned that yes indeed we have insurance though we have no ID cards yet.
~ I have felt the baby kick from the outside...Matt is still waiting for his second time.
~ We have had our first non-family guests over for a Sunday lunch.
~ I've begun having creative thoughts about food combinations. Good ones though. Like garlic mashed potatoes with a little lemon juice (both Momma and I think it is delish! We tried it at Outback), strawberry peach pie, and this morning's first thought was to make mini-pumpkin pies using my mini-muffin pan.
Our apt. is almost completely normal now. We shoved the few upacked boxes into the nursery so we only have to look at them when we want to. Once we get a few items hung on the walls and things finalized, I'll take pics. Today is my first "official" prenatal check-up (as well as the mid-point check-up). Maybe my next post will be another ultrasound picture and I can tell you the baby's name! Pray they'll do the ultrasound and that Baby will not be shy!
Also, say a little pray for my congested, pressurized, itchy-eyed, sneezing head. It's miserable.
~ We have our stuff now! Praise the Lord for the abilty to actually LIVE life now!
~ My family has come and gone. We had great days - relaxing ones, touristy ones, busy ones.
~ We have finally learned that yes indeed we have insurance though we have no ID cards yet.
~ I have felt the baby kick from the outside...Matt is still waiting for his second time.
~ We have had our first non-family guests over for a Sunday lunch.
~ I've begun having creative thoughts about food combinations. Good ones though. Like garlic mashed potatoes with a little lemon juice (both Momma and I think it is delish! We tried it at Outback), strawberry peach pie, and this morning's first thought was to make mini-pumpkin pies using my mini-muffin pan.
Our apt. is almost completely normal now. We shoved the few upacked boxes into the nursery so we only have to look at them when we want to. Once we get a few items hung on the walls and things finalized, I'll take pics. Today is my first "official" prenatal check-up (as well as the mid-point check-up). Maybe my next post will be another ultrasound picture and I can tell you the baby's name! Pray they'll do the ultrasound and that Baby will not be shy!
Also, say a little pray for my congested, pressurized, itchy-eyed, sneezing head. It's miserable.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Lazy but Exciting Day
You'd think I'd post every day since I check blogs every day. :-P Here's an update...
~Matt and I both have developed a cough, mine accompanied by slight asthma. I think Matt's is more superficial than mine and at least it's ok for HIM to sound like a man. I'm tired of the rattling chest, junked up throat, slight difficulty breathing, and hoarse man voice. But an inhaler will arrive on my doorstep today. Pray it helps! I deserately don't want it to develop into bronchitis or anything. We're thinking maybe some of the smoke from the Cali fires has blown up and triggered it all.
~How is the inhaler arriving you ask? MY FAMILY! My dad has a conference to go to in Monterey next week, so my parents and Hope are flying in a few days early and leaving the 22nd (a few days after the conference). I'm so excited for them to see where we are living, even without all our stuff. They'll be staying in a hotel here in Salinas until they go to their hotel in Monterey (Sat I think). They should be able to stay with us in the days after conference because...
~Got a call from the moving guy yesterday. He said he thinks he'll be here next Tuesday. At least we were contacted and have an estimate. And it will be nice to have my mom and sister here if the mover arrives while Matt is gone. I've got a feeling my mom will know where I would want stuff so I don't have to be the only one in charge. :-)
~I'm so excited that Aut and Andy's house sold and that their move is beginning now! She got to watch me go through it, so now it's fun to be on the other side...and I guess to be relieved I had no kids outside of me. Whew! That's got to be SOME adventure moving with three little ones! But I see this as a great change for them, and a turn down a fresh path of life!
~ A couple pictures of the color present in our apartment now. It looks good, but will look AWESOME once the rest of our furniture is here. Peach/Tangerine is living room. Yellow is obviously bedroom. The yellow is much deeper in person, and brings out the embroidery in our bedspread. Don't worry. I didn't pick yellow randomly. It'll look beautiful if I could ever find fake palm fronds to attach to the wall as a headboard to really bring out the theme of Tropical Romance.
~And my MOST EXCITING news for today is what happened this morning. Matt pressed snooze a few more times than usual, but we were both awake. The baby started kicking a little, and Matt put his hand there as I was telling him the baby would stop if he did...because it always does. But, a few seconds later, the baby gave the biggest kick of all so far and Matt felt it!!! We were both joyed to pieces! I think it might have made his morning. I hope he feels more a part of this pregnancy now, and I pray that there will be more frequent times now that he'll get "in touch" with our baby. Goodness, I haven't even gotten to feel a kick with my hand yet. Good baby! Do it again soon!
~Matt and I both have developed a cough, mine accompanied by slight asthma. I think Matt's is more superficial than mine and at least it's ok for HIM to sound like a man. I'm tired of the rattling chest, junked up throat, slight difficulty breathing, and hoarse man voice. But an inhaler will arrive on my doorstep today. Pray it helps! I deserately don't want it to develop into bronchitis or anything. We're thinking maybe some of the smoke from the Cali fires has blown up and triggered it all.
~How is the inhaler arriving you ask? MY FAMILY! My dad has a conference to go to in Monterey next week, so my parents and Hope are flying in a few days early and leaving the 22nd (a few days after the conference). I'm so excited for them to see where we are living, even without all our stuff. They'll be staying in a hotel here in Salinas until they go to their hotel in Monterey (Sat I think). They should be able to stay with us in the days after conference because...
~Got a call from the moving guy yesterday. He said he thinks he'll be here next Tuesday. At least we were contacted and have an estimate. And it will be nice to have my mom and sister here if the mover arrives while Matt is gone. I've got a feeling my mom will know where I would want stuff so I don't have to be the only one in charge. :-)
~I'm so excited that Aut and Andy's house sold and that their move is beginning now! She got to watch me go through it, so now it's fun to be on the other side...and I guess to be relieved I had no kids outside of me. Whew! That's got to be SOME adventure moving with three little ones! But I see this as a great change for them, and a turn down a fresh path of life!
~ A couple pictures of the color present in our apartment now. It looks good, but will look AWESOME once the rest of our furniture is here. Peach/Tangerine is living room. Yellow is obviously bedroom. The yellow is much deeper in person, and brings out the embroidery in our bedspread. Don't worry. I didn't pick yellow randomly. It'll look beautiful if I could ever find fake palm fronds to attach to the wall as a headboard to really bring out the theme of Tropical Romance.
~And my MOST EXCITING news for today is what happened this morning. Matt pressed snooze a few more times than usual, but we were both awake. The baby started kicking a little, and Matt put his hand there as I was telling him the baby would stop if he did...because it always does. But, a few seconds later, the baby gave the biggest kick of all so far and Matt felt it!!! We were both joyed to pieces! I think it might have made his morning. I hope he feels more a part of this pregnancy now, and I pray that there will be more frequent times now that he'll get "in touch" with our baby. Goodness, I haven't even gotten to feel a kick with my hand yet. Good baby! Do it again soon!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
A Glimpse in My Journal
I've begun a study in Ecclesiastes using Matt's study Bible. It is the first time I've used a study Bible in my devotions, and it is what I've been looking for in my walk! Ecclesiastes is a wonderful book...and I'm only halfway through chapter 2. Here are my thoughts that I wanted to share with you all because they hold rebuke and encouragment for ALL of us...
Thoughts about the book as a whole:
1) Avoid walking through life on human wisdom alone. Rahter, live by the revealed wisdom of God.
2) Vanity is the futile attempt to be satisfied apart from God.
3) The "Abundant Life" is obatined by seeing and accepting each day and ALL it contains as a gift from God.
4) The primary issues of life are to enjoy divine blessing and prepare yourself for the divine judgment.
Today's Thought:
2:11 "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled: and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun."
To expend God-given resources for human accomplishment alone is empty. This INCLUDES time and energy. If you only have enough time and energy to either clean the bathroom or spend time with the Lord, which would be more profitable for eternity? Do what is MOST profitable FIRST, then the Lord will show you time to do the rest.
So simple. So clear. And yet I still struggle with consistency?
Thoughts about the book as a whole:
1) Avoid walking through life on human wisdom alone. Rahter, live by the revealed wisdom of God.
2) Vanity is the futile attempt to be satisfied apart from God.
3) The "Abundant Life" is obatined by seeing and accepting each day and ALL it contains as a gift from God.
4) The primary issues of life are to enjoy divine blessing and prepare yourself for the divine judgment.
Today's Thought:
2:11 "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled: and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun."
To expend God-given resources for human accomplishment alone is empty. This INCLUDES time and energy. If you only have enough time and energy to either clean the bathroom or spend time with the Lord, which would be more profitable for eternity? Do what is MOST profitable FIRST, then the Lord will show you time to do the rest.
So simple. So clear. And yet I still struggle with consistency?
Monday, October 03, 2005
Settling In
Well, today was the first day that I actually FELT like doing something around the apartment. I don't know if it was laziness, true pregnancy tiredness, or what last week, but I just was not myself as far as desiring to keep up with home tasks. I personally think alot of it has to do with not having our stuff which makes it feel like we're only here temporarily. Make sense? But, with our stuff on its way and the bit-o-painting we are working on, I feel a little renewed resolve to keep up with what I usually do.
Here are some pictures to show you all the "adventure" we're in right now. Such memories for years to come...and ones we can tell our little one. But we can't say we walked uphill in the snow. This is California, and though it is chilly, there will be no snow.
This was our "living room" before the new computer desk arrived. Now you see why I am much more comfortable at the desk!
I think I may be getting spoiled having our bed in here. It would be so grand and romantic to have a gas fireplace in your bedroom.
This is our living room now...post computer desk and borrowing a TV from some FRIENDS. Skip caught the part of that sentence I wanted him to the other night when he called. We have friends already! We met them through church. Moses and Kim are a couple a little older than us (32, 25) but in the same stage of life (minus baby-on-the-way). They are proving to be a lot of fun and kindred spirits. When Kim gets back from her Nebraska, the four of us are going to get together. Apparently Moses is quite the cook, and I'll be making dessert.
Our lovely BIG kitchen, compared to our Jackson kitchen. We just painted the shelves and drawer bottoms yesterday. Shelf paper...it doesn't work no matter how many times you try or how you prep the wood. So I picked a paint color called Muted Gold and it looks wonderful. I'll have to get used to the texture though. My fingertips have such issues with certain surfaces--the weirdest one being printer paper. ::shiver:: I'm still getting used to tile/grout counters. I hope the grout doesn't stain over time. And I still adore the "stone tile" laminate.
This is Matt putting together our computer desk. Yes, I did help, but he's the man. I'm really hoping that our dining room won't look aweful with the corner desk AND our dining table/chairs in there, but the baby's gotta have a room and Matt needs a space to study where he won't disturb the wee one.
Here are some pictures to show you all the "adventure" we're in right now. Such memories for years to come...and ones we can tell our little one. But we can't say we walked uphill in the snow. This is California, and though it is chilly, there will be no snow.
This was our "living room" before the new computer desk arrived. Now you see why I am much more comfortable at the desk!
I think I may be getting spoiled having our bed in here. It would be so grand and romantic to have a gas fireplace in your bedroom.
This is our living room now...post computer desk and borrowing a TV from some FRIENDS. Skip caught the part of that sentence I wanted him to the other night when he called. We have friends already! We met them through church. Moses and Kim are a couple a little older than us (32, 25) but in the same stage of life (minus baby-on-the-way). They are proving to be a lot of fun and kindred spirits. When Kim gets back from her Nebraska, the four of us are going to get together. Apparently Moses is quite the cook, and I'll be making dessert.
Our lovely BIG kitchen, compared to our Jackson kitchen. We just painted the shelves and drawer bottoms yesterday. Shelf paper...it doesn't work no matter how many times you try or how you prep the wood. So I picked a paint color called Muted Gold and it looks wonderful. I'll have to get used to the texture though. My fingertips have such issues with certain surfaces--the weirdest one being printer paper. ::shiver:: I'm still getting used to tile/grout counters. I hope the grout doesn't stain over time. And I still adore the "stone tile" laminate.This is Matt putting together our computer desk. Yes, I did help, but he's the man. I'm really hoping that our dining room won't look aweful with the corner desk AND our dining table/chairs in there, but the baby's gotta have a room and Matt needs a space to study where he won't disturb the wee one.
This is the baby's room...so far. Fun Noah's Ark will be the theme. :-) And next to it is the master bedroom...so far. We are going to be painting it a muted golden yellow over the next couple days. Fresh Morrocan will be the theme.
And finally, this is our lovely dresser right now. My clothes, Matt's clothes, and our laundry basket. There are some clothes hanging in the closet...can't have a wrinkle clad grad student, now can we!
That's it for now! I hope you enjoyed the tour! We will DEFINITELY post pictures when all is said and done...and delivered to our apt.
Some little girl is meowing ferociously outside. Hope the kitty is ok...good grief. But I welcome the sound of wind blowing and children playing. Very soothing to me!
And the baby must have just woken up...it's kicking around a little. :-D
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Why Everyone Needs A Mom Like Mine
K ind to stranger and friend alike.
A ble-bodied to do hard tasks. Plow Girls my dad calls us.
T eachable, and more-so the older she gets.
H ard to keep secrets from, a sign of a true friend.
E xcellent at gaining whatever information is needed
R enders to others both needs and wants, regardless of time or money.
I nsatiable appetite for time with her children and lets us know it.
N ews gatherer so all can stay up with what's going on.
E early riser to spend time with the Lord and my dad.
M oney is no object when it comes to blessing others.
A rtsy and creative in all things craft and decor.
R ighteousness is ever becoming the desire of her heart.
I nterested in learning about what others are interested in.
E ntertained by what is properly entertaining.
F lexible each and every day to whatever comes along.
I mitates those who are spiritually worthy of imitation.
T eaches others what she has learned--and educates my little sister.
Z ealous in praying for family, friends, and strangers.
R eads then recommends GREAT books.
A nticipates what God is going to do through her children and grandchildren.
N otices when someone needs a pick-me-up and gives it--flowers especially.
D oes not hold back emotion when it is time to show it.
O pens her home and heart to any who need them.
L aughs alot--and spreads it.
P refers to relax over being a busy-body.
H opes for our Lord's return.
If I had to choose just ONE thing that I have learned from my mother, it would be generosity. I never paid attention to it as a child because I didn't care about characters of the heart. But the older I got, the more I saw how much time, money, and self she gave to my sisters and I...and now that I am even older, I see how much she gives to those outside our family. She puts aside whatever she is doing to listen and give advice the moment it is needed. She has no outward qualms about spending money to fulfill a need or even a want. I don't know how many times she has sent me flowers, but it NEVER gets old. Ever. She has the perfect kind of generosity that anticipates the need before it is voiced and then does what she can to meet it. And time and time again, I think about how THAT is what I wish to be known for and I pray God gives me the means to do it as well as my mom does.
Happy 43rd Year, Momma. I love you!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Praise the Lord for Creation and Situation!
In the midst of a combination of situations that can make us feel at a loss, God has still proven faithful!
We got a call yesterday from the Memphis office, and the movers will be packing up and moving out our stuff...on FRIDAY. The last day of the month. This is saving us from having to pay another full month's rent to Cherry Grove for an empty apartment. The manager however is wanting us to pay for three days double rent SIMPLY because the walk-through may not be able to happen until Monday. Empty apartment on Friday. Empty on Saturday. Empty on Sunday. Walk-through on Monday because of their rule of no walk-throughs on weekends (don't know where that's stated). And we pay over $100 for those three empty, unoccupied days. We'll see about that. I just gotta keep calm on the phone while protesting.
AND we got our computer desk delivered yesterday instead of Thursday. No more sitting at three stacked boxes trying to juggle keyboard and mouse...and figure out where to put your legs. So we're up to three pieces of furniture now. Air matress, computer chair, and computer desk! Movin' on up!
Please pray that we will be able to figure out the health insurance election TODAY. I've spent hours (with my wonderful mom) the past two days researching, calling, being frustrated, and trying to find answers. And it's starting to give me an instant tension headache every time I think about it. We know which company we should use (thanks to my dad's final advice), but there are two issues that must be answered. At least now I know what the issues are exactly and who I should call to ATTEMPT to find answers. I pray it works out today.
And now for Cross-Country Trek pictures... PLEASE CLICK on some of them at least so you can see a bigger picture and get more detail of the Grand Canyon.
This was my FIRST view of one of the most awesome places in God's creation. No movie, no IMAX presentation, no person, no photograph can EVER truly prepare you for how vast and deep the Grand Canyon is. I just stood there wondering for a while if it was really REAL. How can something that HUGE possibly exist...aside from a God who is bigger! I describe how big it is by saying if you are standing on a beach looking out at the ocean, THAT is how big the Canyon is. And yet you still know that there is more beyond what you can see. Add the mile depth, and it's even more "grand." Simply astonishing.
Our first "First Real Vacation" picture. More than 3 or 4 hours outside Jackson. Not because we had to. Not to see family. An honest-to-goodness sight-seeing vacation. It was so much fun! Just me and my husband. A vacation with a boy! Alone! Very cool. This was Matt's fourth time to see the Grand Canyon, my first. And now I am the only one in my family who has seen it...even though all of them have lived or still live in Arizona. You all MUST get up to see it! For Thea: The lady who took this picture was from England. When she handed the camera back she said, "Have a good holiday!" in a cute British accent. Made me think of you!
We got a call yesterday from the Memphis office, and the movers will be packing up and moving out our stuff...on FRIDAY. The last day of the month. This is saving us from having to pay another full month's rent to Cherry Grove for an empty apartment. The manager however is wanting us to pay for three days double rent SIMPLY because the walk-through may not be able to happen until Monday. Empty apartment on Friday. Empty on Saturday. Empty on Sunday. Walk-through on Monday because of their rule of no walk-throughs on weekends (don't know where that's stated). And we pay over $100 for those three empty, unoccupied days. We'll see about that. I just gotta keep calm on the phone while protesting.
AND we got our computer desk delivered yesterday instead of Thursday. No more sitting at three stacked boxes trying to juggle keyboard and mouse...and figure out where to put your legs. So we're up to three pieces of furniture now. Air matress, computer chair, and computer desk! Movin' on up!
Please pray that we will be able to figure out the health insurance election TODAY. I've spent hours (with my wonderful mom) the past two days researching, calling, being frustrated, and trying to find answers. And it's starting to give me an instant tension headache every time I think about it. We know which company we should use (thanks to my dad's final advice), but there are two issues that must be answered. At least now I know what the issues are exactly and who I should call to ATTEMPT to find answers. I pray it works out today.
And now for Cross-Country Trek pictures... PLEASE CLICK on some of them at least so you can see a bigger picture and get more detail of the Grand Canyon.
This was my FIRST view of one of the most awesome places in God's creation. No movie, no IMAX presentation, no person, no photograph can EVER truly prepare you for how vast and deep the Grand Canyon is. I just stood there wondering for a while if it was really REAL. How can something that HUGE possibly exist...aside from a God who is bigger! I describe how big it is by saying if you are standing on a beach looking out at the ocean, THAT is how big the Canyon is. And yet you still know that there is more beyond what you can see. Add the mile depth, and it's even more "grand." Simply astonishing.
Our first "First Real Vacation" picture. More than 3 or 4 hours outside Jackson. Not because we had to. Not to see family. An honest-to-goodness sight-seeing vacation. It was so much fun! Just me and my husband. A vacation with a boy! Alone! Very cool. This was Matt's fourth time to see the Grand Canyon, my first. And now I am the only one in my family who has seen it...even though all of them have lived or still live in Arizona. You all MUST get up to see it! For Thea: The lady who took this picture was from England. When she handed the camera back she said, "Have a good holiday!" in a cute British accent. Made me think of you!
And now for what God blessed us with to impress us even more with His creative abilities...
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