I love the pictures, but hate how the date is at the bottom. I need to figure that out....
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Friday, March 25, 2011
Good Friends and Good Times
This past week, one of my best friends and her boyfriend came to visit. It was soooo good to see her and get to catch up. Here are a few pics:
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Birthdays
The last two months have been filled with birthdays, and we have another coming this weekend. Which is always fun! So, here's a recap:
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| My Personal Pan Pizza at Ben's Pizza Party |
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| Up close. |
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| Alyshia's super fun sushi party. I think we brought cucumbers to this. They knew better than to ask me to come up with sushi something. |
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| I also contributed my charming personality. |
About a month ago, our good friend Hailey celebrated her birthday. We were in AR for the actual day, but celebrated it late with cake and Rock Band!
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| Dairy Queen Ice Cream Cake |
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| Yay! |
Sunday, November 21, 2010
My List Continued
13. My brothers- they are fun, funny, and really awesome guys. I miss them!
14. Healthy food options. After eating McDonalds for lunch today I feel disgusting. I am thankful I don't have to eat such greasy food all the time.
15. Hailey- she encourages me in EVERYTHING. And keeps me laughing.
16. Kohls- for their great deals and great selection!
17. The holidays- they are a time of family, food, and fun!
18. Having a job when so many don't.
19. Facebook- I don't think I need to explain.
I really could go on forever. Life is full of blessings any way you look at it.
14. Healthy food options. After eating McDonalds for lunch today I feel disgusting. I am thankful I don't have to eat such greasy food all the time.
15. Hailey- she encourages me in EVERYTHING. And keeps me laughing.
16. Kohls- for their great deals and great selection!
17. The holidays- they are a time of family, food, and fun!
18. Having a job when so many don't.
19. Facebook- I don't think I need to explain.
I really could go on forever. Life is full of blessings any way you look at it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Thankful? At Thanksgiving? And a few additional thoughts.
"She thought about everything she wanted to say to God, and it always started with, Thank you."
This is my desk calender quote of the day. It got me thinking about how blessed I am and how often I forget to be thankful. I get so worked-up about school, grading, running, softball, and other things that tend to use a lot of my time. I focus on how busy I am. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I honestly don't think I have thought about giving thanks. I am too focused on whether I want to use my China or regular dishes. How will I do the place settings? Do I even want to have place settings? It's been a while since I stopped and thought about the blessings the Lord has showered on me. So here it is. My list of of blessings (in no particular order).
1. Chris- my husband is my best friend. He makes me smile and he makes me coffee. Two very important things. He also has taken care of me while I recover from a recent surgery. I am so blessed.
2. Sharon and Becky- these two ladies get me through the school day. They keep me positive and keep me sane. They also shop with me. :)
3. Katie and Casey- I don't know what I would do without my two best friends. They know me better than anyone (other than Chris, of course). I miss them terribly, but am thankful for the phone chats!
4. My momma- she loves me- unconditionally- which is hard. She also gives good advice. I should listen more often.
5. And I can't say my momma without mentioning my daddy. And yes, I call him daddy. I am just like him. Of course, I only hope I can be as giving as he is.
6. My job- I complain, but I love it.
7. My church family. For obvious reasons. :D
8. My dog, Dixie- she loves me. Even when I push her away because she is licking me too early in the morning, she always comes back for more. I wish I could love like her...
9. West Lafayette- yes, the whole town. I love it. I love the people, the atmosphere, and my life here. I love my life in general, but I really love living here. Being able to move has been a bigger blessing than I could have every imagined.
10. My health. As always. Especially as I hear of others my age who are suffering. I am blessed.
11. My faith and the people everyday who encourage it.
12. My new black boots. They're super cute. And I got them for 70% off.
13. My students, and all of the things they teach me.
14. Being able to run- even though the doctor has me resting for three weeks.
15. My Under Armour running Capri's. They are awesome.
16. Our Element.The box car. I love it.
* I started this post yesterday, with plans to add today. I wanted time to think about all I was thankful for. But I didn't add. It's the same as when I stopped writing yesterday.
After softball practice yesterday I called my mom as always. She informed me that my dad, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, was being recommended for further testing. That didn't sound too bad. I mean, I have had further testing with different things. The more questions I asked, the more reality set in. This could be serious. Like this could be really, really serious. Or it could be nothing but diabetes (not that diabetes isn't serious itself, but compared to the options...). I didn't know what else to do but cry. And so I did. I don't think I have been that scared in a while. Once I got off the phone I just sat down on the couch. I didn't really know what to do. And then I asked the questions that I have so often answered for others: "Why is God doing this to my family? Why could this even be an option? My parents are good people. My dad doesn't deserve this." I have answered it before, but I couldn't answer it now. It was different. It was real. I began questioning God's motives. I tend to expect the worst and especially with this. Not that my dad has been diagnosed with anything- but just the fact that they're testing him for conditions so serious terrifies me.
On my way to school this morning I was thinking about my dad. I was thinking about how I would get through the next few weeks not knowing what's going on. And then I heard a song. I don't remember who it was by or what it was called, but it talked about the "God of perfect Peace." And I thought, "Duh. The God of perfect Peace. Why am I running from him now? Why am I irritated now? Why am I not running to him? Why am I not seeking his peace? The peace that passes all human understanding?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed to have faith. I needed to be hopeful and stop expecting the worst. I needed God. I needed his peace.
And so here I am... trusting. Or trying to. And so I reflect on my thankfulness of yesterday, and I realize that maybe I am not thankful enough for the PEOPLE in my life. Black boots? Seriously. I mean I do really like them, but why am I not focusing on those things that cannot be replaced. And place settings? What is happening to me? Why am I not more thankful for the people who have made me and continue to make me who I am? I focus on material things so much. I want this and I want that. And in the end- who cares? These "things" mean nothing when it comes down to it. They are pointless.
I pray for all of you, my 11 readers, that this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, are able to see the beauty in your life. That you are able to see and appreciate the people that God has blessed you with. And that your families are healthy and happy.
I also ask for your prayers for my dad's health. That the tests are able to be done quickly and results are made known. Pray that whatever the results say, treatment can begin and health restored. That God would provide my family with peace and comfort knowing that he is in control. That his plans are perfect.
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension (understanding), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 5:4 "Remind each other of God's goodness and be thankful."
This is my desk calender quote of the day. It got me thinking about how blessed I am and how often I forget to be thankful. I get so worked-up about school, grading, running, softball, and other things that tend to use a lot of my time. I focus on how busy I am. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I honestly don't think I have thought about giving thanks. I am too focused on whether I want to use my China or regular dishes. How will I do the place settings? Do I even want to have place settings? It's been a while since I stopped and thought about the blessings the Lord has showered on me. So here it is. My list of of blessings (in no particular order).
1. Chris- my husband is my best friend. He makes me smile and he makes me coffee. Two very important things. He also has taken care of me while I recover from a recent surgery. I am so blessed.
2. Sharon and Becky- these two ladies get me through the school day. They keep me positive and keep me sane. They also shop with me. :)
3. Katie and Casey- I don't know what I would do without my two best friends. They know me better than anyone (other than Chris, of course). I miss them terribly, but am thankful for the phone chats!
4. My momma- she loves me- unconditionally- which is hard. She also gives good advice. I should listen more often.
5. And I can't say my momma without mentioning my daddy. And yes, I call him daddy. I am just like him. Of course, I only hope I can be as giving as he is.
6. My job- I complain, but I love it.
7. My church family. For obvious reasons. :D
8. My dog, Dixie- she loves me. Even when I push her away because she is licking me too early in the morning, she always comes back for more. I wish I could love like her...
9. West Lafayette- yes, the whole town. I love it. I love the people, the atmosphere, and my life here. I love my life in general, but I really love living here. Being able to move has been a bigger blessing than I could have every imagined.
10. My health. As always. Especially as I hear of others my age who are suffering. I am blessed.
11. My faith and the people everyday who encourage it.
12. My new black boots. They're super cute. And I got them for 70% off.
13. My students, and all of the things they teach me.
14. Being able to run- even though the doctor has me resting for three weeks.
15. My Under Armour running Capri's. They are awesome.
16. Our Element.The box car. I love it.
* I started this post yesterday, with plans to add today. I wanted time to think about all I was thankful for. But I didn't add. It's the same as when I stopped writing yesterday.
After softball practice yesterday I called my mom as always. She informed me that my dad, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes, was being recommended for further testing. That didn't sound too bad. I mean, I have had further testing with different things. The more questions I asked, the more reality set in. This could be serious. Like this could be really, really serious. Or it could be nothing but diabetes (not that diabetes isn't serious itself, but compared to the options...). I didn't know what else to do but cry. And so I did. I don't think I have been that scared in a while. Once I got off the phone I just sat down on the couch. I didn't really know what to do. And then I asked the questions that I have so often answered for others: "Why is God doing this to my family? Why could this even be an option? My parents are good people. My dad doesn't deserve this." I have answered it before, but I couldn't answer it now. It was different. It was real. I began questioning God's motives. I tend to expect the worst and especially with this. Not that my dad has been diagnosed with anything- but just the fact that they're testing him for conditions so serious terrifies me.
On my way to school this morning I was thinking about my dad. I was thinking about how I would get through the next few weeks not knowing what's going on. And then I heard a song. I don't remember who it was by or what it was called, but it talked about the "God of perfect Peace." And I thought, "Duh. The God of perfect Peace. Why am I running from him now? Why am I irritated now? Why am I not running to him? Why am I not seeking his peace? The peace that passes all human understanding?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I needed to have faith. I needed to be hopeful and stop expecting the worst. I needed God. I needed his peace.
And so here I am... trusting. Or trying to. And so I reflect on my thankfulness of yesterday, and I realize that maybe I am not thankful enough for the PEOPLE in my life. Black boots? Seriously. I mean I do really like them, but why am I not focusing on those things that cannot be replaced. And place settings? What is happening to me? Why am I not more thankful for the people who have made me and continue to make me who I am? I focus on material things so much. I want this and I want that. And in the end- who cares? These "things" mean nothing when it comes down to it. They are pointless.
I pray for all of you, my 11 readers, that this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, are able to see the beauty in your life. That you are able to see and appreciate the people that God has blessed you with. And that your families are healthy and happy.
I also ask for your prayers for my dad's health. That the tests are able to be done quickly and results are made known. Pray that whatever the results say, treatment can begin and health restored. That God would provide my family with peace and comfort knowing that he is in control. That his plans are perfect.
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension (understanding), will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Ephesians 5:4 "Remind each other of God's goodness and be thankful."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Katie's engagement!
One of my very best friends, Katie, got engaged on April 10! Her fiance invited us to meet them in St. Louis so we could be a part of such a great event. He proposed at the same place he asked her to be his girlfriend- a bar! Also significant because that's where they met. I think a wedding in a bar would be a blast- but I guess it's not up to me. ;) It was a perfect proposal and her rind is beautiful! Here are a few pics from the weekend!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The Natural State
I miss Arkansas. Here are a few specifics.
Friends.
Arkansas Razorback spirit.
Pedestrian Bridge.
Family.
The River Market- including the used book store.
Downtown.
I miss the Buffalo River- I am in need of a nice long river float!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dave Barnes
During college I was introduced to a wonderful, sweet, completely romantic man. I became slight obsessed. I made (along with Katie) a playlist for what we like to call "Love Song Friday", and it was pretty much filled with his wonderful words of love. His name is Dave Barnes. If you haven't heard of Dave, you should go to itunes right now and download something of his. Anything will due. It's all wonderful. I am a complete sap though, so please realize that they are pretty romantic.
I just discovered this gem and thought I would share it with those of you (Katie) who love Dave Barnes as much as I do.
"God Gave Me You"
I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be
But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
& I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could baby, never undo
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you."
I just discovered this gem and thought I would share it with those of you (Katie) who love Dave Barnes as much as I do.
"God Gave Me You"
I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be
But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
& I need you
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could baby, never undo
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you."
Monday, September 21, 2009
Burgers, Friends, and a Beautiful Wedding
You know the person at weddings who cries... a ridiculous amount? Well, that used to be me. I think it stopped when I got married. That sounds bad, but it's totally true. I would cry at weddings on TV, weddings of people I barely knew... even weddings of those I had never met. Something about them just made me cry- alot. At a friends wedding, just 3 weeks before ours, I was a bridesmaid and cried the entire time, beginning with the rehearsal the night before. Luckily Katie cried too. And of course, no one cared if we cried- they were there for the bride and groom. So, I was terrified when we got married that I would make a fool of myself during the ceremony. I just knew that I was going to cry all through the vows. But the opposite was true- I couldn't stop smiling. There was no room for tears. Chris cried- but he doesn't like to talk about it. Since our wedding we have been blessed to watch two couples get married and I didn't cry at all. It was the weirdest thing. Maybe because I know how happy they are? But I always cried because I was happy for them. Who knows. At the wedding we went to this past weekend we got to watch a great friends of ours get married. Zack and I have known each other for years and have shared lots of memories. I only recently met his beautiful bride, Cris. She is wonderful though. They are both very deserving. One confession on the crying that I have to make, is that although I didn't cry at the wedding, I cried two times the week before when I heard love songs on the radio. I don't know if I was just tired, but I felt pathetic. Who cried the week before a wedding- other than the bride and parents? I guess close friends maybe, but geez! I didn't think I would be emotional. the wedding was beautiful and so much fun! Zack and Cris are a fabulous couple and I can't wait to see what all God does through their relationship!
Chris and me at the wedding.
Chris, me, and the groom (Zack)
Me and Zack
Chris and me at the wedding.
Chris, me, and the groom (Zack)
Me and ZackOther than the wedding, we were able to visit with all sorts of people! We left West Lafayette around 4 on Friday and got to Little Rock around 2 am. The drive was good, except for a small traffic jam... that left me hitting the steering wheel in frustration. :) Saturday morning we were able to go to the farmers market with my parents and visit. When we got there, we got out of the car and immediately saw Will (Chris's friend from college) and before we left we also ran into quite a few of my sorority sisters! It was so great seeing everyone! Then, we met a few friends at the Middaugh's house for burgers and fries! We were so blessed to see everyone- including a few that made the trip from Jonesboro just to see us breifly.It was good to catch-up with friends who are such an important part of our lives! We got to see people from church at the wedding, which was fun! And of course, the wedding was a blast anyways! Sunday we got to see some of Chris's family at lunch and then visit with my family and grandma before heading back home. It was such a refreshing weekend! I didn't realize how much I missed everyone- which of course makes it hard to leave. We were happy to get back home early this morning. We couldn't have bee more blessed with such a great weekend.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
So, we went to our first wedding since we got married, and I must say, it was much less stressful! :) It was nice to just sit back and watch- well for me. Chris was a groomsman. Ryan and Megan got married in Harrison, AR, and the wedding was beautiful!
Our wedding pictures are done! Yay! I am waiting on the CD so I can post some.
Other than that, there's nothing really interesting going on. I still haven't signed a contract at Frontier- so I am anxiously awaiting that event. I am ready to get started!
We found a church that we really like. It's Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Lafayette. It's very small and very friendly! We are excited about getting involved there. There are a bunch of kids, a few young couples, and some older folks- so, it will be interesting to see how God uses us.
As far as home improvements lately...I've been lazy. We are working on getting blinds up in the kitchen and Chris's office painted. I did finally organize all my craft 'crud'.
Chris has started on his grad school research! He has gone on two sample collecting trips in northern Indiana. I am not really sure what he does... I know he shocks fish. The next few weeks he will be processing those samples and getting ready to teach in the fall.
We have met a few fun people that we are excited about getting to know. Everything is great and we are looking forward to what is to come. =)
Our wedding pictures are done! Yay! I am waiting on the CD so I can post some.
Other than that, there's nothing really interesting going on. I still haven't signed a contract at Frontier- so I am anxiously awaiting that event. I am ready to get started!
We found a church that we really like. It's Redeemer Lutheran Church in West Lafayette. It's very small and very friendly! We are excited about getting involved there. There are a bunch of kids, a few young couples, and some older folks- so, it will be interesting to see how God uses us.
As far as home improvements lately...I've been lazy. We are working on getting blinds up in the kitchen and Chris's office painted. I did finally organize all my craft 'crud'.
Chris has started on his grad school research! He has gone on two sample collecting trips in northern Indiana. I am not really sure what he does... I know he shocks fish. The next few weeks he will be processing those samples and getting ready to teach in the fall.
We have met a few fun people that we are excited about getting to know. Everything is great and we are looking forward to what is to come. =)
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