Kelly's Korner

Blogging...

2008-12-04T19:01:00.000-08:00

Someone please tell me when I am going to have time to blog again?! Addison was two months old on Wednesday and I am hoping that soon I will have some time in my (I mean Addison's) schedule to blog again! I'm looking forward to reconnecting with all of my blogging buddies! :)

Addison Grace Weinberg

2008-10-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Addison Grace was born on October 8, 2008 at 3:46 p.m.. She weighed 8 lbs 12 oz. and was 21 inches long. To see pictures of our new baby girl go to:

http://addisongraceweinberg.shutterfly.com/

We are so very blessed!!!

CUBS...

2008-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

I HATE BEING A CUBS FAN!!! That's it, that is all I am going to say right now b/c I am to upset to write anything more about it!! Really...can we PLEASE start playing some baseball before it's too late again!

I Wonder...

2008-09-17T15:35:00.001-07:00

What my baby looks like? Will she have blue eyes or brown? Will she have Rick's adorable dimples or my freckled face? Is my baby really a girl??? I hope the ultrasound was right, otherwise my son will be going home in pink clothes!!!

I wonder if my baby will be cute when she is born or will people just tell me she is cute and really think she looks like an alien? I know that no matter what she looks like I am going to love her with all of my heart!! I can't wait to meet my precious baby! I have three weeks left until my due date, but something inside of me tells me that she is going to be born before then. We will see! A good friend of mine reminded me today that God already knows her birthday & he planned for her to be born on that specific day! I think that is so awesome!

I can't wait to meet you baby Addison! I already love you more than words could ever express!!!

Epidural?

2008-09-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rick and I attended a 7 hour birthing class!! I didn't think I was going to make it through! There was so much information to take in, but I am still so glad that we went.

During the class one of the things the instructor, who has also been a Doula for 18 years talked about was the option for an epidural. I personally don't handle physical pain very well, so early on in my pregnancy I had decided that I was going to ask for an epidural no matter what during my labor. Now after this class and hearing about all of the side effects for both me and my precious new baby I don't know what to do! I guess I will try to handle labor the "natural" way and if I can't bear it anymore I will ask for one.

To all of my educated mommy friends, what are your thoughts on epidurals and did any of you have them during labor? If you did have one, what was your experience?

It's Been Awhile...

2008-08-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

It has been over a month since I last blogged! I wanted to be really good at blogging and posting pictures this summer, but it hasn't worked out as I planned.

First of all we still don't have internet at our house!! We ordered the bundle package from AT&T which includes cable, phone and Internet, and when the guy came to install the phone and cable LAST MONTH he said that there were too many people with AT&T Internet in our area and that we would need to wait to see if a line opened up! WHAT?!!! I've never heard of that before!! After MANY frustrating calls to AT&T we have decided just to find another provider for our internet. Unfortunately, it is not cheap to just order internet. Hopefully SOON we will be able to have it up and running so I don't have to rely on the Library to get online!

On a happier note...I will be 34 weeks along in my pregnancy tomorrow and I am getting so excited to meet my precious little girl! She is so active inside my belly and the last couple of days she has had the hiccups on and off throughout the day (my Dr. said this is normal). Yesterday our crib got delivered and now we just need to find the time to set it up. The directions say that it takes an hour and 1/2 to put together! WOW, this is quite the project!! Hopefully after I get Addison's room set up I can take some pictures and post them.

Well...I'm off to a doctor's appointment now. :)

No Internet!

2008-07-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

My blogging and internet use has been put on hold the last couple of weeks due to the fact that we aren't going to have internet hooked up until this Wednesday. The only time I can get on the internet is when I am visiting my mom or I run to the library. I don't know what we did in life before the internet!! I feel so disconnected from everyone. Thankfully I only have three more days without it!

I have a ton of pictures to post and lots of stories to share, so check my blog in a couple of days.

Moving Day!

2008-07-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

Rick and I moved into our new place today! It's nice to have a home again! I am exhausted and ready to go to bed so I will post pictures and blog more at a later date.

Oh, and did I mention that I never want to move again when I am almost 7 months pregnant!!

Three Years!

2008-07-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today is my three year wedding anniversary! Wow how the time has flown by so quickly! Rick is the love of my life and I am so glad that I waited for God to bring him into my life! There were times when I wondered if I would ever get married and why God was waiting so long to bring the right man into my life. Now I look back and smile knowing that he was preparing Rick and I for one another.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband and best friend Richard Weinberg!! I'm looking forward to MANY more incredible years together!

Sweet Home Chicago!

2008-06-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Rick and I are back in Chicago! YEAH! This past week has been super busy as we are trying to find a house quickly. I thought this would be the fun and easy part of moving back, but it is quickly turning stressful and frustrating instead of fun. Please pray that we find a place to live soon!

Rick started his new job today. I talked to him an hour ago and he absolutely loves it! Of course it is the first day, but it's a nice change to talk to him at work and hear him sound happy.

I'll keep everyone posted on our house hunt. Hopefully I will have good news to share in the next couple of days.

Lots of Packing!

2008-06-17T08:35:00.001-07:00

Packing, packing, and more packing! Those are my plans for the rest of this week! I wish I could be like I dream of Jeanie and just blink my eyes a couple of times and have my whole apartment packed and cleaned!

Yesterday while I was packing I was getting really tired and I started repeating the Bob The Builder chant, "Can we fix it?" "Yes we can!" Only I was saying, "Can I do this?" "Yes I can!" Hey, whatever keeps me motivated, right?!

A week from today the movers will be loading the truck and the next day we fly back to Chicago to start a new chapter of our lives.

We're Moving!!

2008-06-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yes...it's true!! I am so excited! Rick found out on Monday that he got a job in Chicago that he really wanted! God is so GOOD!! We are moving to Chicago (west suburbs) on June 24th!! I can't believe my dream to move back has finally come true! Now my sweet little baby will grow up knowing her grandparents! That was really important to me. Not too mention I will get to see the sun A LOT more often in Chicago and also we will finally be able to afford to live in something other than a small apartment. All I can say is THANK YOU JESUS over and over again!

Right now...I am in panic mode b/c I have so much to do in a matter of 13 days! Whoa! "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength!" Thank you to all of my wonderful friends who have been praying for God's direction and guidance in my life. Our prayers have been answered!

Please Rescue Us!!

2008-06-05T16:03:00.001-07:00

Something is really wrong with this picture:

I am sitting at my desk at work sipping on some hot chocolate with my space heater blasting on high!! Excuse me, what month are we in?!!! I absolutely HATE the weather here in Seattle! It is 52 degrees and raining today! The sad part is I just checked the 10 day forecast and it doesn't get over 60 degrees for the next 10 days! Not to mention there are only 2 days in that forecast that say we may get some peaks of sunshine here and there.

God please rescue us from this place! I feel like I have put in my time here! In July it will be two years that I have dealt with the clouds and rain in the Pacific Northwest! The punishment needs to end!!!

Pictures From California!

2008-06-02T14:28:00.001-07:00

I am finally posting pictures of me with my short hair-cut and my pregnant belly. These are a few pictures from our trip to California we took a couple of weeks ago for my brother Mark's graduation. Unfortunately, we are learning how to use our new camera and none of the pictures turned out super great (not very clear). Hopefully, I can post some more pics soon with a closer view. Until then here are some not so clear shots - Enjoy!

This is my family with my brother Mark who graduated from Claremont University with a PHD. in Philosophy (I did not inherit those brains!).

This is Rick and I on the Santa Monica Beach (I think using the flash would have helped! oops!).

This is us out to eat at Tony Roma's to celebrate my brother's graduation.

This is me sitting down on a swing with some sparkling apple cider trying to cool off from a 104 degree hot California day!

Rick and I after eating at a Chinese restaurant in Ontario, CA.

My silly husband posing at the Getty Art Museum.

Me at Sea World looking at the Killer Whales.

Sick Day!

2008-05-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

I am home sick today with a sore throat and congestion. No fun!! I wish I could take something to help me feel better, but being pregnant limits my over the counter medicine choices! I have been drinking a lot of herbal hot tea (which makes me have to get up and pee every 20 minutes!), and sucking on honey lemon throat drops, but that is the extent of my relief from pain.

Do any of you reading this have any home remedies that help with a sore throat and congestion? I'll take any suggestions I can get!!

WE ARE HAVING A....

2008-05-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!! I can't believe it!! I was sure it was a little boy! I guess my intuition was wrong!

I am so excited b/c now I can start buying all of the cute girly things I have wanted to buy and resisted since we didn't know for sure what we were having! YEAH!

Boy or Girl?!!

2008-05-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today I have an ultrasound appointment at 1 pm (PST) to find out what gender our baby is! I am so excited!! I think it is a boy, but that is just my intuition and I know that I could be wrong! I'll blog again later today to let everyone know what we are having!

***On a side note I have a bunch of pictures to post online from my trip to California. Hopefully I can get them posted sometime today or tomorrow.

Prince Caspian Movie

2008-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Last night Rick and I went to see a pre-screening of the Chronicles of Narnia movie, Prince Caspian. I highly recommend this movie. It was absolutely incredible! Every time I see Aslan, (the lion who represents Jesus in the movie), I am brought to tears. C.S. Lewis is one of the most talented authors ever published, and Walden Media did a terrific job making this book into a movie that nobody will want to miss seeing!

The highlight of the movie for me was when Aslan talked to Lucy in the forest (don't worry I'm not giving anything away). I felt like he was talking directly to me. His words are full of wisdom and conviction. I found myself wishing during the movie that I could run up to Aslan and wrap my arms around his mane just like Lucy did! This movie made me fall in love with Jesus more. There aren't many movies out today that you can say that about! Definitely go see it if you get a chance.

On a side note...Rick and I leave for vacation tomorrow. Yippee!! We are going to LA, San Diego, and Palm Springs all in the span of 9 days! I can't wait for some sun and warm weather!

Mother's Day Card

2008-05-09T13:34:00.001-07:00

I know many of you have probably seen this video clip on you tube, but I laugh harder each time I watch it, so I thought I would post it on my blog. Happy Mother's Day!!

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhcA4Ry65FU

Hope & A Future....

2008-05-07T08:29:00.001-07:00

Last night as I was doing my devotions I came across a verse that has been highlighted in my Bible since high school. We are all very familiar with this verse as most of us heard it quoted many times upon graduating both high school and college. The verse I am referring to is Jeremiah 29:11:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I read this verse along with verses 12 & 13 and peace came over me in such an amazing way. I always thought of this verse for others, specifically seniors who were graduating and stepping out into the real world, but this verse is meant for all of us in whatever season we are in right now. I know as Rick and I seek direction for our future this verse gives me comfort and hope. God has plans for all of us to prosper and he gives us hope and a bright future. I will end my post today with the entire passage I read last night, verses 11-13. Hopefully it will bring as much hope to your day as it has to mine.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29-11-13

Discouraged

2008-05-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say today. I actually feel very discouraged. You know those times you go through when you wonder if God is listening (which we all know he is at all times!). I am going through one of those times in life right now. As most of you know Rick has been looking for a new job for about 5 months now. I get excited every time he has an interview, and then for some reason or another that door will close and it doesn't work out. We have been praying and asking God for direction, but so far we have gotten no answer. I panic sometimes b/c I'd like to make any big move soon before our baby is due! I have to remind myself that God knows all the details and right now I must have faith, even if it is as tiny as a mustard seed!!

Pregnancy Question?

2008-04-30T13:18:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I bought some really cute maternity clothes for the summer. I decided to wear one of the outfits on Sunday to church and came to the realization that I am VERY WHITE!! As you know we don't get much sun in this part of the country and of course tanning beds are a big no, no for pregnant women. So yesterday while I was at Target I bought a bottle of sunless tanning lotion thinking that I could at least get some color that way.

Here is my big question...is it okay to use sunless tanning lotion while you are pregnant? There is not warning on the bottle. I tried to ask my question on Google to see what answers I got online, but I was so confused after reading all of the info. Some women say it's fine, and others say it is harmful to the baby. I probably should just call my doctor and find out directly, but I thought I would see If any of you had input or an answer to my question.

Goodbye To My 20's!!

2008-04-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Today I say goodbye to my 20's! The last decade of my life is filled with memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life! Although my first thoughts when looking back on the last 10 years are mostly happy times; there have been times I didn't think I was going to make it through! Thankfully during those times Jesus carried me through!

A part of me is sad to say goodbye to my 20's (as silly as that sounds!), but the other part of me is excited for what God has in store for my life in my 30's. HE has already created a beautiful miracle inside of my womb! I will get to meet this precious baby when I'm 30! I'd say I'm off to a great start!

Goodbye 20's...hello 30's!!!

Trust

2008-04-21T09:21:00.001-07:00

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I memorized this verse as a little girl in Sunday school. With each passing year this verse becomes more real to me. It has become my life verse. Even now in the midst of all of my questions for the future I cling to this verse.

I choose to trust God with all of my heart!!

Pictures Coming...

2008-04-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Rick and I went up to the annual Tulip Festival in Mount Vernon, Washington. We had a blast! We even borrowed a friend's camera to take pictures so that I could post pics of my new hair cut. I'm just waiting to get the cord to the camera so that I can upload the pictures to my computer. Hopefully I will be able to post the pictures by tomorrow.

It really stinks not having a camera right now! I know for sure I will have a new one by the end of this month. It will be nice to be able to post more pictures on my blog!

Hair Change...

2008-04-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning nervous as ever! I have a haircut scheduled for 2pm today. Now normally this would not be something that makes me nervous. The reason for the butterflies in my stomach today is that I have decided to cut my hair short again. I love my hair long, but I'm ready for a change. Not too mention that after washing/drying/flat ironing my hair it takes me about 45 minutes in the morning. That is a lot of time every other day dedicated to hair!

Hopefully it will turn out great and I will be happy with my decision. My fingers are crossed!!

My New Nephew!

2008-04-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

My twin brother Justin and his wife Andrea had their sweet baby boy today.
His name is Parker Dean Lathrop. He weighed 7lbs 4 oz. and he was 19 3/4 inches long. I'm waiting for Justin to send me pictures so I can post them for the world to see!

It's times like these that I am really sad that he lives in Dallas and I live in Seattle! Someday (hopefully) we will live close by each other again.

Welcome to the world Parker!!

Maternity Clothes?!!

2008-04-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's official .....I no longer fit in my pants! I'm 13 weeks and my baby bumps is becoming more defined! On Sunday my sweet husband took me shopping for maternity clothes. I was excited about all of the fun clothes that I was going to buy!! The first store I walked into at the mall was Mimi Maternity. I saw this really cute summer dress on a hanger as I walked in the store entrance. I was so excited I found something so cute, and then I looked at the price tag. The dress was $109.00. Are you kidding me?!! I can buy a lot more that just a dress with $109.00. The start of my fun shopping excursion turned sour quickly. I decided to check out department stores thinking they may have cheaper prices, and some of them did, but with the price reduction went the cuteness!! Sadly, I left the mall that day with a Jamba Juice and no clothes!

Okay...so a question for all of you mom's out there. Where did you buy your maternity clothes? Is there a place where I can buy CUTE maternity clothes at a fair price? I heard Old Navy has a maternity section at some of their stores, but the one by me doesn't. Any suggestions?

It has been awhile

2008-03-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

since I last blogged! It's amazing how busy life has been over the past week. I really can't believe that today is the last day of March! I am officially in the second tri-mester of my pregnancy! YEAH! Rick went with me to my doctor appointment on Friday and he got to see our baby on the ultrasound. I can't believe how much he/she has grown since our last months appointment! Now instead of looking like a kidney bean...our baby actually looks like a human being! I can't wait until I get to hold that bundle of joy in my arms!!

So on another subject...have you ever lost something and gotten really frustrated that you couldn't find it?!! I am in that predicament right now! Rick and I have lost our camera in our move. We have searched every box in our apartment and still have not come across it! Last weekend we were on a hike and I saw the most beautiful lake with the mountains outlining the sky, and I thought this would be such a great picture, and then I remembered our camera was M.I.A.! I just don't get where it could have gone! Hopefully for my birthday at the end of next month I can get a new one. Especially since this is a pretty significant year to have a camera!! OK...now that I have cleared my mind of that frustration I can move on (at least for now).

I'm off to enjoy a chocolate shake from McDonald's. Go Cubs!! Let's get an opening day win!! :)

Feeling Better!

2008-03-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day I did not feel nauseous all day!! YEAH!! It was such a great feeling! I was even hungry for dinner, which has been the first time I have really wanted to eat anything for dinner since finding out I was pregnant. I am hoping that I am over the horribly nauseous phase of my pregnancy. I go for my 11 week ultrasound a week from today! I can't wait! Hopefully my baby will look more like a person this time and less like a kidney bean! =)

This weekend I went shopping for an Easter outfit. The problem is I am not quite big enough to wear maternity clothes, but all the cute skirts in the juniors department just make me look like I need to get to the gym and do some sit-ups! The nice thing is I found some cute tops that are baby doll dress style so I may be able to cover up my stomach by wearing one of those tops.

I'm looking forward to actually looking pregnant in the next couple of months. I know all of you ladies who are pregnant or have had children are saying....just wait!! That's the response I am getting from my friends around here who have kids.

Pretty soon I will start posting pictures of my baby bump. I am going to print them out after I have my baby to keep as a memory.

When Will it Stop?!!

2008-03-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am so tired of feeling nauseous!! When does this stop in pregnancy? I've heard some women have it all the way through their pregnancy and some feel much better after their first trimester. I am praying that I will only feel this way through my first trimester. I have three weeks left to go!

I know I am supposed to be eating healthy for my baby, but the only thing that even appeals to me at this point is potato chips and pretzels. How's that for healthy! I did eat a banana this morning, so that was good for me. I can't wait until I get to the point where I don't feel like I have the flu all of the time and I can actually eat food with substance!

American Idol Recap

2008-03-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have been watching American Idol from the beginning, you know the Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini days! In my opinion this season # 7 has been the best so far! I have a hard time deciding who I really want to vote for each week. Last night it was Brooke White hands down. Her version of "Let Be" was absolutely amazing. I still think despite David Archuleta forgetting the lyrics to his song that he did a good job vocally (until the end), and he will definitely NOT be voted off tonight. There are way too many girl's in this country that will see that NEVER happens!

The one thing that frustrated me last night or should say really ticked me off...was Simon Cowell and his comments to both Paula and Ryan. I hate how he disrespects Paula (even if she is a little flaky most of the time). I also don't like that he assumes Ryan is gay. I'm really hoping that is not true! I can see how some would wonder in that the guy has never really had a girlfriend since he has been in the spotlight over the past 7 years! I'm just going to believe he hasn't found the right GIRL to settle down with!

All in all it was a good night of performances. Oh except for Kristy Lee Cook's country version of "Eight Days a Week"! I almost had to change the channel. Unfortunately, I think that cost her this competition. I wouldn't be surprised if Kristy was voted off tonight. We'll see what happens in the result show tonight!

My Twin

2008-03-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

My twin brother Justin flew into Seattle last Wednesday for a youth conference. It was so nice to see him!! It has been 8 months since I last saw him. I miss living close to Justin! We have so many fun memories growing up together! Of course being a twin we have a special bond with each other that I just can't put into words. I hope someday we can live close to each other again!!

I took pictures while he was in town, but I had to take them on a disposable camera b/c Rick and I lost our digital camera in our move last month! =( As soon as I get our pictures developed I will scan them and post them on my blog.

I'M PREGNANT!!!

2008-03-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

I am finally allowed to tell the world my good news!! I am 8 weeks pregnant and the happiest woman alive!! I had my first ultrasound last Friday and the doctor said that my baby had a strong heart beat and everything looked great! Thank you to all of my friends and family for praying for Rick and I over the last year to be able to conceive. God has answered our prayers!! I'm officially due October 11, 2008. I have so much to look forward to this year! Please keep praying that our baby continues to develop into a healthy and strong boy or girl.

Amazing!!

2008-02-29T14:39:00.001-08:00

All I have to say is WOW!! Our God is truly AMAZING!!!

The Sheep and the Goats

2008-02-27T12:47:00.000-08:00

Today in chapel the speaker talked about the story of The Sheep and the Goats found in Matthew 25. Now this story has always been one of my favorites! I remember in high school our youth group did a human video (remember those days!) to the Keith Green song about the Sheep and the Goats. I think I actually had to be a goat in this particular human video. I love the message in this story it is so clear what our assignment is here on earth...to serve others and reach out to those in need. Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

As I was listening to this message I was reminded today that I need to be reaching out to others more. When I was the Outreach Pastor in Denver it was really easy to reach out to others b/c that was what I did day in and day out! It seems like over the years I haven't been as motivated to reach out. Why is that? I love Jesus with all of my heart, but I have lost the sense of urgency I once had to reach those who are in need. My prayer is that the fire I once had will be reignited! I want to serve those in need in any way that I can. I may not have a big group of people to help me do an outreach, but I can surely go out on the streets and feed the homeless. I'm getting excited just thinking about the ways that I can be a Sheep and make the King proud!!

I copied the story of The Sheep and the Goats below just in case you wanted to read it today.

He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Stinky Smell - HELP!

2008-02-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

I need a place to vent and let out my frustration, so today I am going to use my blog as my outlet. As most of you know last weekend Rick and I moved into an apartment on the Northwest University campus (where I am employed). When we first moved in I noticed a faint garlic and spice smell, but I just figured it was left over from the tenants who lived there before us. After we were completely moved in I sprayed the entire apartment down with Febreeze and lit candles in every room. At the time it seemed like it had gotten better, but then dinner time came around and the smell became so repulsive that I actually had to get out of the apartment for a few hours!

After doing some under cover investigation at the school I found out that a Korean couple lives in the apartment below us. Now the only reason this solves the mysterious smell is b/c there is a certain spice they are cooking with every evening that is coming into our apartment through the vents. I really don't know what to do about this situation! I want to walk down to the apartment below us and kindly ask this couple if they could refrain from cooking with this certain spice b/c it makes me sick, but #1 I don't want to offend them or their culture and #2 I just don't have the guts to do it! Hopefully with the temperatures warming up a bit here in the Pacific Northwest I can keep the windows open all evening. Do any of you have advice on ways I could clear up a really BAD smell?!! Bethany...I know you are the queen of cleaning supplies - have you used any good are fresheners that eliminate smell & not just cover them up? I'm desperate!!

The Cost of Beauty!

2008-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

This morning while I was getting ready for work I realized that I desperately need to get my hair cut and highlighted again. The problem is that the people I trust the most with my hair are the most expensive!! It's really hard for me to pay $100 (sometimes more) to get my hair cut and colored. Is that too much? What do those of you reading this blog pay for your haircuts and highlights? I went to this beauty school to get my haircut and colored a while back and the girl did a good job, but the problem was It took her over 4 hours to do my hair. I promised myself I would never go back to a beauty school again to get my hair done!!

I am going to do some research online today and see if there are any first time customer coupons for any of these salons. Sometimes you can get some good deals when you try new places! Hopefully I can find a good salon at a good price! =)

Moved In!

2008-02-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

We are finally all moved in!! I didn't think that was ever going to happen! Saturday was a very LONG day!! We did have very nice weather for our move, so that was good. I have spring fever right now BIG TIME!! I am ready for 60 and 70 degree weather and sun! The good news is...that Spring is just around the corner.

I am actually too tired right now to write much more, but I just wanted to let everyone know that our move went well and we are now living in an on campus apartment for a very short time! :)

Moving Saturday!

2008-02-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely exhausted!! This past weekend and yesterday I have been packing and sorting through all of our stuff for our move on Saturday. I know moving is hard, but I thought it would be easier this time b/c a lot of our stuff is still packed and in storage. It's amazing how much we have accumulated over the past year and a half that we have lived in this apartment!

The good news is that we will be completely moved by Saturday and then Rick is hitting the job market hard! For those of you who don't know, this move we are making is a temporary move. We are hoping & praying that Rick finds a new job somewhere close to family and that we will be moving again by early summer.

I am excited to see what God has next for us. This is going to be a great year of change! :)

Summer Vacation???

2008-02-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Rick and I started planning our summer vacation and we are down to three choices. Over the past two years our summer vacations have been to Chicago to visit family and friends, but this year we wanted to plan a romantic get-away for just the two of us. So here are the three places we have narrowed it down to:

1. Cancun, Mexico (Riviera Maya) - this is where we went on our honeymoon!

2. Jamaica

3. Caribbean Carnival Cruise

So now it's time for your votes...which place would you rather go on vacation? Maybe you have been to one of these places and recommend one over the other. I know they are all wonderful places, but I'm curious where my friends and family would choose.

We're Moving!!

2008-02-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

I wish I could say that we were moving out of the state and close to all of our friends and family, but unfortunately, we are only moving 10 minutes from our apartment. To make a really long story short, our apartment complex has been bought by a company who is going to turn our apartments into condominiums. So in short we are being forced to move. The nice thing is that we get $500 towards our moving costs b/c of the short notice.

Over the last week I have been frantically searching for an affordable apartment close to work. The only thing I came up with in our price range was ghetto apartments that were built in 1972 with all of the orange and green kitchen appliances to go with it! YUK!! After praying with some close friends about our search, I received an email from our housing office at work (Northwest University) telling me that there was a married housing apartment that just opened up and it would be ready by February 1st (today!). Now these apartments are not the most glamorous on the market, but they are nice and the price is absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! :) Not too mention I could walk to my office from my home! What an answer to prayer!

I'm kind tired of living in apartments and I am really ready to be in my own house, but I know shortly Rick and I will be moving (out of state, hopefully) and into a new home! It's funny how God takes us through seasons of life, but with each turn we grow, learn, and trust that he is still the FAITHFUL God he has always been!

Prayer Request

2008-01-29T09:37:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post my blog today as a prayer request. Rick and I are really seeking God right now for direction. We both feel like God is getting ready to make some BIG changes in our life. My prayer is that we would be obedient children and wait for his direction. Will you pray for us please?

"This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17

Heath Ledger

2008-01-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I logged on to yahoo to check my email and saw the headline that read "Heath Ledger is dead at age 28." I was so shocked and sad all at the same time. I'm sure most of you reading this right now ( if anyone still reads my blogs) has heard of his death either on the Internet or on the news. I don't know why I am sad about this I mean I never personally knew Heath Ledger, but I guess sometimes I catch myself thinking of celebrities as fictional characters alone, and in reality they are REAL people with REAL souls. Although I may not know the eternity of Heath Ledger; I know that Jesus loves him just as he loves you and me. my heart is stirred to pray for celebrities who have filled their lives with temporary joy and if they are not reached with love of Jesus before it's too late, their eternity is going to be a horrible realization that there is more to life than what money & fame can buy!

Rick's Birthday

2008-01-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today is my hubby's 29th birthday! I love celebrating birthdays!! I could spend hours in a party store picking out streamers and balloons that match! I guess I just like to decorate and to celebrate of course! Okay, I just got the song..."Celebrate good times, come on" in my head!! I think I roller-skated to that song all through my junior high years! Anyway...tonight Rick and I are going out for a nice dinner and if it's not too late we may catch a movie before the night is over.

Yeah for birthday fun!!

God's Voice???

2008-01-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

This morning while I was praying and doing my devotions I felt this voice inside speak something to me. It is something that for a long time I have been praying and asking God for. I immediately began to thank God for His blessing that is soon to come, but in the midst of my rejoicing I started to wonder if that was really God or if it was just me wanting to believe so badly for this prayer to be answered. I have faith and believe that God will answer my prayers, but how do we as Christians know if it is really God speaking to us or our own positive faith inspired feelings speaking to us?! Is it wrong to ask God to confirm what we feel he was speaking to us? Does asking for a confirmation from God demonstrate a lack of faith on my part?

My Catholic Church Experience

2008-01-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

This weekend Rick and I attended a christening service for a friend's baby at St. James Parish in Seattle. Now I have been to two Catholic wedding's and a Catholic funeral, so I sort of knew what to expect at the service. As we walked into the HUGE and I stress huge b/c I have never seen a Catholic church this big in all of my life....I was waiting for the Pope to walk in! Anyway, as we walked into the service I was overtaken by the beauty of all of the pillars and stain glass everywhere. The organ was playing loudly and the congregation begin to sing in unison a song I had never heard before.

I stood there looking around (like a child at a museum), and I wondered how many of these people around me really know what a relationship with Jesus feels like?!! I know that there are many Catholics who have a loving relationship with Jesus and have asked HIM to be Lord of their lives, but I also know there are many that just make Sunday morning Mass there routine without any emotion or connection made during their entire time in church. As I had that thought I begin to pray for those around me, and then it hit me it's not just people in the Catholic church, but people in every church around the world that need to know Jesus as their personal Savior! Even people in Assemblies of God Churches (the denomination I grew up in) there are "lost" people who make Sunday services a routine and never really connect with God!

Since attending that service on Sunday I have a renewed desire to pray for the who don't know Jesus and for those who have grown complacent in their walk with the Lord. May we hunger and thirst for Jesus more and more each day!!

I Miss My Husband!!

2008-01-09T08:26:00.001-08:00

Well I made it another night without my hubby! Rick has been gone on a business trip to Mexico since Monday morning. At first I thought I could stay by myself while he was gone, but the first night he was gone I slept with the living room and hall lights on. Every time I heard a noise my heart would start race and I would start praying. Last night wasn't as bad b/c I think I wore myself out the first night with my lack of sleep. I don't know how wives who have husbands who travel every week do it. I guess with kids it wouldn't be as lonely, but maybe I'm wrong. I think it is just hard all together! I really miss my husband!!! The good news is Rick is being sent to Australia in March and I get the honor of going with him on this trip! He will work during the days and I will visit the Kola bears and kangaroos! :)

Tonight I am going to head up to Snohomish, Washington, which is about 45 minutes from my apartment to stay with my brother and his family. I love my nieces and nephews, and I know we will have a lot of fun together. The bad part is going to be the commute into work tomorrow on the express way! I am going to have to leave by 6:15 a.m. to make it to work on time! Two more days and Rick will return. YEAH!!!!

A New Year's Commitment!

2008-01-07T09:05:00.000-08:00

I'm not big on New Year's Resolutions b/c it seems that every year I make one I seem to lose my motivation about the time February rolls around. It's more like a one month resolution! Ha! This year I want to make a New Year's Commitment! A renewed commitment to live my life as Jesus commanded and to reach out to people with His love! I love to do outreach, but for some reason since I have moved to Seattle I have not had the drive I used to have to tell people about Jesus! I want to make an impact in this world for Christ! I want to see soul's saved, hearts mended, sicknesses healed, and peace restored to everyone in this city that God has strategically put me in! 2008 is going to be an unforgettable year!! My mission is outlined in a well known scripture found in Isaiah 61.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor

Isaiah 61:1-3

Chicago Here We Come!

2007-12-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

We are off to Chicago for Christmas!

Merry Christmas to everyone! May you have a blessed New Year!

Christmas Shopping

2007-12-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

In a few minutes I will venture out in the pouring rain (big surprise here in Seattle) to do the last of my Christmas shopping! Over the weekend Rick and I went to the Seattle Premium Outlets to do some shopping and the people were like vultures there!! I picked up a sweater in Banana Republic only to find that it was a large when I needed a medium, as soon as I went to lay it back down on the table a lady came up from behind me and grabbed it! I guess that's what happens seven days before Christmas!

Well we leave for Chicago on Friday morning....two more days left in the countdown! The thing I am most excited about over Christmas is seeing my friends and family that I have not seen in awhile. I miss my Mom more than ever, and I miss all of the wonderful friends that I have in the Chicagoland area. It will be fun to just relax and hang out with people I'm close to!

Well...I'm off to fight the crowds at the mall, but first I must make a much needed stop at Starbucks!!

Waiting

2007-12-17T15:07:00.000-08:00

Waiting is so hard at times!! Okay, so maybe it's hard all of the time. Right now I'm pretty tired of waiting. Hopefully someday I will look back and be thankful for the waiting that I have had to do this year. All I can do now is to keep waiting with hope and faith that the waiting will soon be over and the blessing will be given!

A Boy's Wise Words!

2007-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

This morning when I got to work I did my daily routine of turning on my computer and checking my email. As I scrolled down my email I came upon a forward that was sent from my sister in law Liz. I clicked on the link that she sent to listen to a little boys conversation with a man on the radio. I began to cry listening to this boy's understanding and heart for God!! Matthew 18:2-4 came to my mind as I listened.

"He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Please take a moment and watch this clip. Hopefully it will touch your heart the way it did mine!

http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/morningShow/

PRAYER

2007-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Last night and this morning I have been reflecting on prayer. I know many of us at one point in our lives have felt like our prayers were not being heard. My thoughts go to David as he wrote Psalm 28:1-2;

"To you I call, O'Lord my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit.
Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your most holy place."

I feel as though this verse has been my hearts cry over the past eight months! Where are you God? Do you hear me? I will worship him regardless of him answering my prayers, and he has answered my prayers, but maybe just not the way I had hoped he would. His thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are my ways his ways, but as the heavens are higher than the earth so are HIS ways higher than my ways and his thoughts than my thoughts! It comes down to this, God knows what is best for his children and he surely does bless all of us far beyond all we could think or imagine!!

I think it would be great to start praying for one another daily! I know this may sound cheesy, but what if over the next 30 days we would commit to pray for each other's needs every single day! I will make that commitment to each one of you reading my blog today. If you want to post a comment with your need I will promise to pray every day for that need. If your request is personal than I will just pray that God would meet the needs that you have b/c HE knows all of our requests before we even ask! The amazing part of this will be that we can all celebrate and praise God together when those requests have been answered!!

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands in not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12

"If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"
Romans 8:31-32

Denver Pictures

2007-12-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my pictures from our trip to Colorado. I will post more on my facebook & myspace account later.

These are the Alvino girl's. Becky, Abby, Lisa, and Andrea (and Andrea's dog Lucy).

The Alvino Family

This is a picture from the train.

This is us on the Cog train on our way up Pike's Peak.

This is Rick and I on Pike's Peak. I think I am squinting in every picture b/c I am not used to it being so sunny. I live in Seattle now so I have been used to gray skies!

Beautiful Colorado Scenery!

Denver

2007-12-06T10:21:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Denver was amazing!! I feel so refreshed and rested!! I am really bummed b/c last night I downloaded all of our pictures to a CD (I thought) so that I could bring them to work and upload them to my blog. Well I downloaded them on to a blank DVD instead of a CD so they won't open at my work computer!! :( I will try and post the pictures tonight on my home computer. As for our trip here is a brief summary:

Thursday: Flew out from Seattle to Denver at 7:00 pm. We landed in Denver at 11:00 pm and after we got our bags and our rental car we headed to a very beautiful hotel. We arrived at the hotel at about 1:00 am and we were both exhausted and excited all at the same time so we stayed up another hour and a half and watched TV in bed together.

Friday: We went over to Pastor Gene and Rhonda Roncone's home. They took us out to lunch at PF Chang's (my favorite!!). After lunch we went sight seeing and shopping around town. In the evening we went to see my second family in Denver...the Alvino's. It's funny most of my second families in life have been Italian. The Elton's and the Alvino's. :) We had fun at Andrea's house who is now not an Alvino anymore, she is Andrea Kissler. It was so wonderful to see everyone!

Saturday: We planned on heading to Breckenridge for the day, but due to some really heavy snow fall the night before most of the roads were not safe to drive on in the mountains. Instead we went to Park Meadows mall with Pastor Gene and Rhonda and did some Christmas shopping. That evening Rick and I went out for a nice dinner and then headed to the theaters to see the movie August Rush, which by the way was an incredible movie!! It's a must see!!

Sunday: It was time to see everyone at the church I where I used to be Outreach Pastor. It was a fun reunion with lots of old friends!! It felt like I had never left Denver. Oh, how I miss those days!! That afternoon we had lunch with some friends and then headed over to the Alvino's to watch the Bears and the Broncos both get beat! Not a good day in the NFL for either of us!

Monday: Our day in the mountains. We headed to Pike's Peak in the morning to ride the Cog Rail up to the top. Unfortunately, we only made it 12,500 feet above sea level b/c once again there was too much snow and wind at the top. I think it is 14,000 feet at the top. Anyway...it was still a gorgeous train ride. After Pike's Peak we headed to Breckenridge to eat dinner and do some shopping. Breckenridge was breathtaking!! I can't wait to post my pictures. There was lots of snow and Christmas lights everywhere! It looked like a painting I would hang on my wall!

Tuesday: We headed to the airport to fly back to Seattle. I dreaded this day! I didn't want to leave. I love Denver and I hope someday before the end of my life I can live there again!!

That's our trip in a nutshell. Now we are getting ready to leave in two weeks for Chicago. I am really excited to see all of my family and friends over Christmas!

We Are Off!!

2007-11-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

We are off to Denver for a MUCH NEEDED vacation!! We leave at 4:30 this afternoon. I will be away from the internet for a few days, but I will be sure and give you an update on our trip when we return on Tuesday.

My Weekend

2007-11-26T08:42:00.000-08:00

It's Monday morning and I am back at work! I wish we had four day weekends more often! Rick and I had a wonderful time at my brother's house for Thanksgiving! I made my first ever homemade pumpkin pie and I am happy to say that it actually tasted good! Friday morning at 6:30 am my sister in law and my two nieces headed out to the black Friday sales. I wasn't as impressed this year as I have in years past. Although, I must say I did find some good bargains at Old Navy and Macy's. The hard part for me about black Friday sales is that I want to shop for me and I know that I should be Christmas shopping for other people. I allowed myself $30 and the rest of my money went to other people. I do love shopping for family and friends, but you know how it is when you see a sweater or a pair of pants that you want and the price is drastically reduced! I had to spoil myself a little bit!!

Okay, so I must say that I am officially sick of football!! I never thought those words would come out of my mouth, but Rick literally watched almost every pro and college game that was on T.V.! Last night after the Bears won due to Devin Hester making some incredible plays; I finally got Rick to agree to watch the colored version (he doesn't watch black and white movies) of Miracle on 34th Street. At one point during the movie he asked if he could just check the score of the Eagles and Patriots game and I reluctantly said okay. That checking the score for a minute request turned into watching the whole 4th quarter of the game! All I am saying is that I would be doing great if I didn't watch football for the next week!!

I am really excited b/c Rick and I leave for our get away to Denver Colorado on Thursday! We are going to have so much fun!! The nice part is that this will be another shorter work week for both Rick and I. YEAH!!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I hope all of you have a wonderful time with your family and friends! I am so thankful for each one of you!

BEARS GAME

2007-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

My wonderful brother Paul got four free tickets to the Seahawks vs. Bears game for this Sunday! He asked Rick and I to go with him and his wife Liz. I am super excited!! The last Bears game I went to was three years ago in Dallas. I'm pretty sure the Bears lost that game, but hopefully they will win Sunday's game. I will post pictures of us at the game on Monday. If you watch the game look for Rick and I - we will try to find a way to get the cameras to look our direction (without breaking the law of course!-ha!).

Real or Fake?

2007-11-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Rick and I were out shopping for Christmas decorations, and I found a really beautiful fake Christmas tree at the store which was on sale for 30% off. I told Rick we should buy it, but he didn't want to buy it b/c he prefers real Christmas trees. Growing up we always had fake trees, mainly because my mom didn't like vacuuming up pine needles all of the time. Rick on the other hand has had real trees his whole life. Since we have been married we have only gotten real trees, and I have really enjoyed the whole experience of cutting the tree down together, and the fresh smell of pine lingering in the air. The only reason I want a fake one this year is due to the fact that we will be out of town for Christmas this year. I think the tree will die if we don't water it while we are gone for a week and half.

So my question is how many of you buy real trees at Christmas and how many of you have fake trees that you store each year? Is one better than the other, or is it just a matter of preference?

Redeeming Love

2007-11-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever read the book, "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers? I started reading this book last week and I cannot put it down! Many people have recommended that I read this book, but I usually don't have much time to read so I never got around to it. Last week I found the book at a book outlet store for $8 so I bought it and I am glad that I did!

The book is fiction although it is taken from the story of Hosea in the Bible. As I read the first three chapters of this book my heart broke for this little girl who was sold into sex slavery. I wanted so badly to jump into the story and take this girl into my home and tell her just how precious she was to Jesus (Michael Hosea does that for me!). I have felt for a long time that God was calling me to minister to prostitutes, and as I read this book I am reminded of that call on my life. I'm not sure when it will happen, but I know someday I will help rescue women from a life of prostitution and sexual bondage. If you haven't read this book I completely recommend it! I am usually a person who would rather watch a movie than read a book, but this book is an exception, I would much rather read it than watch a movie!

I AM FREE!!!

2007-11-09T13:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I went with my mentor to a women's conference and it totally changed me! Lisa Bevere was the speaker and she challenged us to let go of the "fears" that we have in our lives. Every woman has some kind of fear in their life, and the enemy loves to debilitate us in those fears. Well I'm going to be really transparent and tell you that one of my biggest fears lately has been the fear of infertility. Rick and I have been trying to conceive for awhile now, and every month that I get a big fat negative result on my pregnancy test that fear seeps into my life again. I didn't realize how much this fear was keeping me in bondage!!

During the service Lisa had us take our fear and physically with our hands throw it down and stomp on it. I know it sounds kind of funny, but it was so POWERFUL!! I begin to cry and rejoice all at the same time as the Lord released me and set me free from that fear. God also spoke to my heart and told me that I was NOT infertile and that he is going to bless us with a child soon. My mentor Sandy prayed with me after the service and today I can honestly say that I AM FREE!! I am completely trusting the Lord with my future and I know that HE has incredible things planned!! Thank you to all of my wonderful family and friends that are praying for Rick and I. It means so much to me!!

Denver, Colorado

2007-11-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!!! Rick and I booked tickets a couple of weeks ago for a little get away to Denver, Colorado! Today, I reserved the rental car and I got butterflies just thinking about how much fun we are going to have! We are leaving on November 29th and returning on December 4th.

When I lived in Denver 4 years ago, it was not only the most beautiful place to live geographically, but hands down the best ministry position I was ever blessed to have. I was the Outreach Pastor at the church I was working at, and they actually paid me a nice salary to plan outreaches in the community and tell people about Jesus!! I pray someday I will be able to find a position like that again!

It will be so much fun to visit that church again while we are in Denver, and of course to see all of the wonderful people I grew to know and love while working there. I'm looking forward to this trip as it will be a time for Rick and I to rest and relax before we head into the BUSY Christmas schedule. Isn't it funny that we need a vacation before we go on vacation to visit our family at Christmas?!! Last summer when we came home to Chicago in July we ran until the minute we boarded the plane to come back to Seattle. When we returned to Seattle I told Rick I felt like I needed another vacation! Funny how that works!

Christmas Music Rule Broken!

2007-10-29T10:19:00.001-07:00

As I was driving into work this morning I heard an advertisement on the radio for the production of The Nutcracker. I immediately got into the Christmas spirit! I was trying really hard to hold off until after Halloween to start playing my Christmas music, but after hearing the music from The Nutcracker being played this morning I gave in to my temptation. I am now at work playing Bing Crosby's White Christmas. I just love Christmas time!! I really hope that when Rick and I are in Chicago at Christmas it snows! I want a white Christmas this year! Last year we had a rainy Christmas in Seattle. No fun!

I think since I broke my Christmas music rule (the one I made to not listen to Christmas music until after Halloween), I will break my Christmas movie rule too!! Tonight I just might have to watch White Christmas or Home Alone. I LOVE Christmas time...."It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!!

Dreams

2007-10-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream that Rick bought me a red Ford Mustang convertible for Christmas. In this dream I drove the car up into the mountains at great speed. Rick kept telling me to slow down, but for some reason I loved going fast while driving my new car. At one point in my dream I remember looking down at the speedometer and it said I was going 120 MPH! Luckily this was just a dream b/c going that fast in the mountains could be deadly!

So here is the funny part; I was getting ready for work this morning and I begin to tell Rick about the dream I had last night. He told me that we switched dreams last night. I questioned him about what he meant by that, and he told me that he had a dream that we gave birth to a baby girl! How crazy is that?!! I dream about cars and he dreams about babies! I think we did have each other's dreams last night!! Anyway...I thought that was pretty funny! It would be really nice if both of our dreams came true! :)

TAGGED

2007-10-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

I was blog tagged by Judith to write 7 unknown facts about myself that most readers don't know about me. I don't have many blogger friends to tag and Judith already tagged Sharon so....I will tag Bethany, Heather, Angel, and Rick (I know that's only four, but I will try and make more friends in the blogging world so I have 7)!

1. I am rooting for the Colorado Rockies to win the World Series
2. Summer is my absolute favorite time of year! (the hotter the temperature the better!)
3. I have been in three car accidents since living in Seattle over the last year (none of them where my fault!)
4. My favorite drink from Starbucks is a Grande Non-Fat Vanilla Latte
5. I love monkeys and I have always wanted one as a pet (not a stuffed animal a real live monkey!)
6. I always wanted to be on the Mickey Mouse Club and I used to play like I was on the show with my friends in the neighborhood. M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!
7. I drove a year before I have my drivers license. My boyfriend Dan used to let me drive his Chevy when I was a freshman in high school. I am thankful that I was never pulled over!!

Lincoln Brewster Concert

2007-10-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Church was amazing this morning!! Rick and I went to hear Lincoln Brewster play at a church that is about 20 minutes from our home. I am still covered in goose bumps from this concert. As Lincoln was singing many of the worship songs he has written I imagined being in heaven gathered around Jesus worshipping and praising him!! What a glorious feeling! All of my worries, doubts, frustrations, and trials didn't seem to even matter as I stood in that sanctuary this morning just worshipping God! I thought...wow, if I could just be disciplined again and have this much worship in the morning before I start my day what a difference that would make in my life!!! I am challenging myself at this very moment to commit to starting each morning in worship!

If you want to check out Lincoln Brewster's music you can go to http://www.lincolnbrewster.com/.

Colorado Rockies!

2007-10-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have to admit I am really excited that the Colorado Rockies are going to the World Series!! Ever since I lived in Denver 4 years ago a piece of my heart stayed in that great city! My favorite teams will always be the Chicago Cubs and the the Chicago Bears, but my second favorite teams are the Colorado Rockies, and the Denver Bronchos! It's good to have a back up team when your favorite baseball team hasn't won a World Series title since 1908!!

I really hope that the Rockies can pull of a World Series title! I remember when the Rockies first became a team back in 1993. I was actually dating a guy who had moved to Chicago from Denver and he was so excited that Denver was about to get a major league baseball team. After 14 years of playing in the MLB they are going to the World Series. Way to make history Colorado!!

GO ROCKIES!!!!

SO GOOD!

2007-10-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

God is so good!! Today, I feel HIS presence in a special way, and I am so thankful that I have Jesus guiding my life! "Thank you Lord for your unconditional love! I'm so glad that I am your daughter!"

Operation Iraq Outreach

2007-10-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have blogged b/c I have been so busy planning our annual Operation Iraq Outreach for this year. Each year Northwest University helps pack boxes that are filled with things like chapstick, lotion, toothbrushes, candy, chips (non-perishable items), books, bibles, magazines, letters from kids, and college students and the list goes on. Most of the items we send are donated from Costco, Wal-mart, grocery stores, etc...- it is amazing how many items get donated each year. From November 1st until December 1st we pack boxes and then we send them to the Chaplains that are over in Iraq to hand out to the soldiers on Christmas day. It is a lot of work putting this outreach together, but so rewarding! The picture above was taken at our Outreach chapel last year. The students packed over 5,000 boxes that were sent to Iraq for Christmas!

The war has been going on so long that I think at times we forget that there are still soldiers who are risking and giving their lives for our country. These soldiers are husbands, wives, dads, moms, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, and friends. We need to be praying for their protection, and most of all for their salvation!! Please pray that the boxes we send this year will touch the hearts of all of those men and women who have to be away from their families this Christmas season.

Rejoice Always!

2007-10-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

This has been a hard week for me in many ways, but through the tough situations I have been going through I have chosen to rejoice! It is amazing that when we make an effort (and I stress the word effort) to rejoice and praise God despite our our difficult circumstances, HE fills our hearts with unexplainable joy and peace!! I have felt the love and compassion of Jesus like never before this week! I challenge all of you that no matter what doubt or fear floods your heart, to just trust and rejoice in the Lord! I remember growing up in church singing this song;

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice....Rejoice! (and then we would repeat it like 10 or 15 times over!). That song has been in my heart this week! I will rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS! Today I read Psalms 5 in my morning devotions. Verses 11-12 really spoke to me.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12

The Chicago Cubs!!

2007-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Well the weeks of nail biting for me are over (at least for the time being). The Cubbies are finally the National League Central Division champions!! These are the times in my life when I wished I lived in Chicago! I felt this way last year when the Bears went to the Superbowl. There is just something about living in the city you grew up in when all of your favorite sports teams are doing so well. I told Rick last night if by some great miracle the Cubs go to the World Series, we are going to sell his BMW and buy tickets! He laughed at me and thought I was making a cute joke, but he doesn't realize inside I am really serious!!

Hopefully this is our year!! All I have to say is...Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, Hey Chicago What'ya say the Cubs are gonna win today!!!

Flu

2007-09-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have some sort of flu bug today. I feel achy, nauseous, and exhausted. I hate being sick! I have so much to get done at work and at home. It's so hard for me to just lay on the couch and rest when I have a to do list a mile long going through my head! I am going to force myself to rest and hopefully I will be on the road to recovery soon!! Your prayers are much appreciated!

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2007-09-24T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited...my favorite drink is back at Starbucks! The Pumpkin Spice Latte! I know it's kind of pathetic that I am blogging about a coffee drink from Starbucks, but it's the little things in life that make me the happiest! I am sipping on my yummy drink right now at work! mmmmmm...It tastes like fall delight!

90 Minutes in Heaven

2007-09-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening I stopped at Barnes & Noble to wait for my hubby to get off work. B&N is right across the street from the building Rick works at, which is nice because then I don't have to wait in the car for him. He gets off work anywhere between 5:00 - 6:30 pm. and then just walks across the street to meet me.

As I walked into the store I noticed the best seller shelf at the front entrance and I decided to take a look. One of the books that caught my attention was a book that I had seen before, but had never read. It was called 90 Minutes in Heaven and it was written by Don Piper. I picked up the book and started reading it as I stood there. I was immediately overtaken by this incredible true story. I noticed a chair had opened up across the store and I quickly made my way to the big comfy chair to continue my reading.

This man's story is amazing. He was hit by a semi truck on his way back from speaking at conference and pronounced dead by the EMT's just minutes later. I won't give the chapter's I read away in case some of you reading my blog want to read this book, but the man (Don Piper) spends 90 minutes in heaven before he is conscious again and back on earth. His description of heaven made me yearn for the day when I will get the chance to live there eternally. It was a reminder to me that the BEST is yet to come! Our life here on earth is temporary, but our life in heaven is eternal. I'm thankful that Jesus went to the cross so that I could live eternally!

I only got to chapter 5 in this book before Rick came and met me, and I am so anxious to read the rest of the book now. I think I will stop by the library this afternoon and check it out, so I can finish it without any interruptions.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 1 Corinthians 4:16-18

His Ways are Higher

2007-09-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

So after a very busy weekend I am back at work again for the start of another week. Sometimes I feel like my M-F are so mundane! You know the predictable routine work week that starts every Monday and ends on Friday. I know my life isn't boring, in fact God has blessed Rick and I with some very fun and exciting memories over the past year. I just feel like I could be doing so much more for the Kingdom other than sitting at a desk tracking chapel attendance, and doing all of the other various jobs I do as an administrative assistant in this office. Don't get me wrong I know that what I do in this office is ministry and that the Lord is blessed by it, however when I was in Bible College I saw a M-F a lot differently than it actually has turned out to be! I want to be out on the streets feeding the homeless or working in a pregnancy center for unwed mothers, or leading missions trips all over the world. Instead I feel like I am locked up in a jail cell unable to do all the ministry my heart yearns to be doing!

My thoughts go to a verse I have heard a million times before: "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Today I will remember this promise and hold to it tightly.

A Painful Day at the Spa!

2007-09-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

As I began this blog I am wondering if I should really write about my painful experience today. I've decided that I will be vague, but I will share because I want to remember that I actually was crazy enough to do this!

It all began a few months ago when my husband and I decided at the last minute to go swimming. I quickly shaved my bikini line so that I wouldn't be embarrassed at the beach. Unfortunately it left a razor burn due to my hurried shaving in the shower. Rick suggested that instead of going through the pain all the time of shaving that area that I should get a bikini wax. I was a little worried about that b/c I have heard they are very painful. I asked a friend of mine that get these waxes on a normal basis if in fact it was really as painful as it sounded. She told me the first time it hurts like someone is pinching you, but after you go every 6 weeks the pain is less. YEAH RIGHT!!!!

This brings me to my adventure today at lunch. I decided to make an appointment this morning to go on my lunch break. As I arrived at the Day Spa a nice woman took me back to what looked like a Victorian style bedroom. I was worried that I made a reservation for a hotel instead of a bikini wax!! A minute later a European woman with a thick accent walked in the room and told me to take off my pants. Let the pain begin!! I will spare you the details b/c I really don't think they are appropriate to share over the Internet, but let me just say that I would rather be stabbed in the side then have that done ever again in my life!!! Oh, and one minor thing I forgot to mention; I had a brazilian wax done b/c the lady thought that is what I made an appointment for and by the time I realized that she misunderstood that I just wanted a bikini wax I had wax EVERYWHERE!!

For those of you that get these waxes done - I have three words for you; YOU ARE CRAZY! I'm going to be doing a lot of swimming at our gym's pool after all the pain I went through to wear a bathing suit!

If You Say Go

2007-09-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Over the last two or three months Rick and I have been seeking God's direction for our future. We want HIS will to be done and not our own! As I was asking the Lord for direction this morning I was reminded of this song that we sing at my church. It's Vineyard song and the lyrics go like this:

If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You.

This worship song sums up my heart toward God's leading. At times I have to remind myself that GOD IS IN CONTROL! I am really good at trying to plan out our life and our future on my own. I know that never works!! I will trust the Lord to lead us...If he HE says go (where ever that my be) we will go, if he says wait, we will wait (even though I am not very good at waiting part)! I'm waiting in anticipation for all of the wonderful things God has in store for my life!

Starbucks

2007-09-05T09:07:00.001-07:00

After I drop Rick off at work in the morning I occasionally stop at Starbucks on 106Th Street for a hot cup of Joe before heading to work myself. Every morning that I have stopped at this particular Starbucks for the past three months there has been a homeless man sitting outside of the Starbucks with a cup of coffee in his hand. The first time I saw him there I was sad for him and even said a prayer for him as I walked in to order my drink. Every day since then that I have stopped, this homeless man has sort of just become like a statue to me. Actually, I think if I would stop now at this Starbucks and he wasn't there I would realize there was something missing from outside the front door.

This morning was a different morning for me. I stopped at Starbucks on 106Th street and as I walked up to the door this homeless man looked me straight in the eye. His eyes were sad I could tell with out him even uttering a word that he was lonely and hurting inside. After I ordered my drink, I walked outside to my car and took one more glance at this man. I began to get teary eyed in the car as I prayed for this man. I wondered if I should run to the bank and get out a $20 bill to give him. I knew I didn't have time to do that this morning so I just prayed for him. I don't ever want to look at a homeless person again and feel untouched by it! These are real people; they are sons and daughters of our loving and compassionate Father God!! My prayer is that I am stirred every time I see someone on the street who is in need! God loves them just as much as he loves us and we always need to CARE about people whether they are family or friends, rich or poor, or dirty and homeless!!

Happy Labor Day!

2007-08-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

God has been doing so many amazing things in my life this week, but with the school year just starting and my work load tripling I have had no time to share these incredible stories on my blog! I am hoping to write again on Monday since it's Labor Day!!

We are leaving tomorrow morning for Leavenworth. Leavenworth is a beautiful Bavarian village about two hours southeast of here. If you get a chance check out their website http://www.leavenworth.org/. The scenery is gorgeous!! We are going to camp again, but this time the camp site has bathrooms and hot showers - now that is my kind of camping! :) I know that I said last weekend was the last of our adventures, but I was wrong. Rick and I have decided to make the best of the time God has us living here in Washington, so we want to see and do all that we can while we have the chance!

Happy Labor Day (on Monday) to all!!

Camping

2007-08-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well I'm alive and I didn't even see one black bear! Hallelujah! Our camping trip was so much fun! Friday evening we arrived at the site at about 7:30 and set up camp. We made smores and talked with our friends until about 10:30 and then I was off to bed. I didn't sleep so well the first night b/c I was so cold!! It got down to about 40 degrees that night, so I woke up in the middle of the night with a cold nose and then of course because I woke up I had to pee!! I quietly unzipped the tent and found the closest tree to use as my bathroom! Brrrrrr..........I was freezing! I ran quickly back into the tent and pulled the sleeping bag over my head! Before I knew it, it was 6:30 a.m. and Rick was being awakened by our friend David who was ready to go catch some fish. Luckily I got to sleep for another hour! :)

While the boys where out fishing the girls' went on a hike around some beautiful caves! Some of the history about these caves really intrigued me. After our hike we went back to the camp site for some turkey sandwiches. When the boys returned from fishing we all went down by the river to swim and relax! The scenery was breathtaking!! Mount Rainer stood high above the river with thousands of evergreen trees just inches a part from each other all around us! Our God is a beautiful artist! That evening David and his wife Christine prepared a yummy shrimp dinner and we sat around talking about life into the wee hours of the night. Okay...so I wasn't up until the wee hours of the night b/c about 11:00 p.m. I was exhausted and off to bed, but everyone else stayed up. Growing up I was always the girl at sleepovers that was the first one to sleep. Unfortunately, I had a lot of tricks played on my because of it!!

On Sunday morning after breakfast we tore down our camping gear and loaded up the cars. We drove to the east side of Mount Rainer to do some hiking, but because of the altitude we were at it was about 42 degrees! Rick and I were not prepared with enough warm clothes so after about 15 minutes outside we decided to find the nearest restaurant for a nice warm lunch!

We had a great weekend camping! I think our summer adventures have come to end this year! Now it's time to get refocused for rest of this year, and ready for whatever God has planned for us in the near future!

Another Weinberg Adventure

2007-08-24T13:28:00.001-07:00

So we are off this weekend on another Weinberg adventure. Rick was invited to go camping & fishing with a friend from his work. His friend said that his wife was coming too and that I should come along. I agreed - who doesn't love the great outdoors! On Thursday while we were packing up our camping gear Rick informed me that we need to pack the toilet paper because there are no bathrooms where we are camping. I lovingly asked him to repeat what he had just said, and again he said, "there are no bathrooms, but there are a lot of great bushes for you to use." I think the last time I went out in the great wild outdoors was when I was a junior in high school on a mission trip in Venezuela. This should be interesting. The other bit of information Rick mentioned last night was the tiny little fact that there is no cell phone service where we are going either. Okay, are we trying out for Survivor or what?!! I am going to have to bring the video camera b/c I might enter us in the competition!

Despite camping in the wilderness with no bathrooms or cell phone service; I think this should be a fun little trip. I just hope there are no black bears!! I hear they are all over the forests this time of year! If you don't hear from me by Monday you may want file a missing persons report b/c I won't have cell phone service to call in case of an emergency. HA! I'll let you know how it goes.

Memories

2007-08-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

Rick and I had a fun weekend despite all of the rain this weekend! On Saturday afternoon our church had a huge garage sale that we helped out at, and on Saturday evening we went with our good friends Doug and Sandy to the Mariner's Vs. White Sox game at Safeco field. I rooted for the Mariner's because I am a LOYAL Cubs fan!! The Mariners won 5-3! Yay!

It's Monday now, and back to the work week! All of the freshman are arriving on campus today, as I look out the window I see student's & their parents unloading their cars and vans. I remember being so excited and nervous as I arrived on the campus of North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, Minnesota for my first year as a college student. I have so many fun memories from that year! I only lasted at NCBC for one year, mostly due to the fact that I could not take the sub zero temperature's four month's out of the year! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr....!! The next year it was off to Springfield, Missouri for the last 3 years of my college education! The milder winter's were nice, but the most amazing thing I remember from those three years were the God given friendships I established and for the indescribable intimate moments I had with the Lord. Wow...I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it!! :)

It's been seven years since I graduated from college and God has been so faithful in my life during these years! I am so glad that he has directed my path! I'm reminded of one of my favorite verses:

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all of your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Positive Belief

2007-08-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever questioned God? Have you felt like he has forgotten about you and turned a deaf ear to your prayer requests? I know that I am not the only one that has felt that way just by reading the scriptures, however, these questions have been going through my mind frequently this week. You would think a being a christian who seeks after God with their whole heart wouldn't be asking such silly questions, but I know that God doesn't see these questions as silly, but merely a chance to build character in me and to show me once again that HE is a FAITHFUL and LOVING God!!

I was reading my devotional book this morning and the topic of today's devotion was "Positive Belief" It spoke to my heart directly. I was fighting back the tears as I was reminded once again how faithful God really is. Here is excerpt from my book;

"Getting what we want immediately may not be best for us. Sometimes waiting is the best thing because it helps develop the character of God in us. The Lord chooses to do good to us and to make us happy; the devil chooses to do wrong and make us miserable. We can remain patient and keep believing God's promises, or we can allow the evil one's whisper to fill our ears and lead us astray."

(Here is the really good part)
"Too many of us have ignored the fact that God is the originator of miracles. He specializes in doing the impossible: He provided a son to barren Sarah; He opened the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across dry land; He destroyed Goliath with a single stone from a slingshot. Those are miracles. That's the Holy Spirit at work, defying the laws of nature!"

I was so encouraged today during my time with the Lord. I know that He sees my heart and he hears my cry. I am his daughter and he loves to give good gifts to his children. Though I have many questions for God; I know the answer to all of them now is simply Jesus. I choose to trust despite my disbelief; I choose to rest in the promise that my God is faithful and He will do it; maybe not in my timing, but in the best possible timing....HIS TIMING!

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Summertime

2007-08-08T15:36:00.001-07:00

Is it just me, or did this summer just fly by?!! When I was a kid summer's felt like they lasted forever, and now it feels like I just blinked and we went from June to August in a matter of seconds! Summer time is my absolute favorite time of year! Although I must say living out here in Seattle this summer has not really felt like the Chicago summer's I am used to. I remember hot summer days swimming at North side Park pool in Wheaton, and playing tag and capture the flag with all of the neighbor kids. I also remember riding my bike with friends to the Popcorn Shop downtown Wheaton and filling my little white candy bag full of gummy bears and lots of sugary treats!! One of my favorite things about summer was falling asleep at night with the windows open and the sound of crickets ringing through the air. Ah...those were the wonderful summers I remember as a child.

I hope someday soon Rick and I will be back in the Midwest. I used to think I could live anywhere in the world and be happy, but there is just no place like the Midwest....it will always be my home!!

Lake Chelan

2007-08-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Rick and I went to Lake Chelan. It was so beautiful!! We were laying out at the beach on Saturday and in the distance we saw a bunch of people out on boats and jet ski's. Rick and I started talking about how much fun it would be if we owned a boat or a jet ski. Maybe someday we will be able to own one, but that dream is in the distant future.

On Saturday evening we went out for dinner at the place called The Apple Wood Grill. It was so much fun! They had a live band that sounded like Dave Matthews and everyone was yelling out requests from their tables. Over dinner Rick and I started planning our next day at the lake. We decided it would be fun to rent a kayak or row boat. I love being out on the water, so I was very excited for our adventure ahead!

The next morning after breakfast we went to the little shop that rented out Kayak's. After viewing the colorful brochure that was displayed as you walk in the door; Rick and I decided it would be more fun to rent a jet ski. We paid for our rental and went outside to get our life jackets on...I felt like a little girl getting to ride a carousel! After getting our safety instructions from a guy who looked to be 12; we jumped on the jet ski. Rick started out driving while I sat in the back. A little advice to those of you who are planning on riding on back of a jet ski; don't eat right before you ride! Despite feeling a little queasy at first; I had such a fun time.

Okay ladies...this one is for you. After about a half hour of Rick being in front, I told him I wanted a chance to drive. So Rick and I carefully switched places on the ski, and I was now in control!! It took me a minute to get used to driving, but then I was comfortable and off at great speed. At one point I hit a wave that was made by a speed boat that had just passed by, and all of the sudden my husband went flying in the air and then into the water. I looked back and at first I thought Rick is going to be so mad at me, and then all I could do was laugh!! I picked my husband up on the ski, and he told me he couldn't believe I threw him off, but then later on we laughed about it! I'm so glad my husband has a sense of humor! :)

I love the weekends...I wish they lasted longer than two days! It's Monday now and there are only five more days until the weekend, Woo-hoo!!

The Minneapolis Bridge Tragedy

2007-08-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

It was 4:45 in the afternoon yesterday when my mom called to tell me the news that the 35W bridge had collapsed in Minneapolis. I was stunned at the news! I immediately turned on the evening news only see the most the horrific sight! I couldn't believe my eyes!! I drove over that bridge many times when I used to live in Minneapolis. I am thankful that there were a lot of people who survived the bridge collapsing, but I am also very sad that there are quite a few people who died as a result of what seems like such a crazy catastrophe. I was talking to a very close friend of mine today who lives in Minneapolis, and she said this tragedy reminds you how precious life really is!! That is so true. Who would have thought that driving home from work yesterday a bridge that has been in place for over 40 years would just fall apart while you were driving over it!! We are not promised tomorrow!

My twin brother Justin called me last night and told me that he is in Minneapolis preaching this week, and he drove over that bridge two hours before it collapsed! I am so thankful that Lord protected him from being involved in this tragedy!! I will continue to pray for those who are injured and for all of the families that are mourning the loss of a loved one (s) to this horrible tragedy!

A Healthy New Perspective

2007-07-31T16:11:00.001-07:00

I am on a quest this week to start eating healthier, so last weekend I bought some Kashi Oat cereal, whole wheat crackers, soy crisps, dried fruit, yogurt, and some low fat cottage cheese. I was all excited to start my new healthy eating plan until I poured a bowl of my Kashi Oat cereal this morning, only to pour it down the drain after three bites! YUK!!! How do people honestly eat that stuff! At lunch today I had planned on having some fruit and crackers, but my hunger pains were craving something a little more substantial than what I had brought with me to work today.

Why is it so hard at times to enjoy eating healthy? It's nice when I see the results of my sacrifice, but until that time, it is hard work to discipline myself to eat things that are at times tasteless! As I pondered about my new eating plan I thought it was a great illustration of my own spiritual walk. There are times that I feel like my devotional life is dry and "tasteless", but I know that if I just pull through the dry times, the results are well worth the sacrifice!! I've decided to keep on track with eating healthy (minus the cereal), I know that eventually it will pay off, and then I will celebrate over a lobster dinner with my husband (without all of the butter of course!!).

Car Accident

2007-07-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I last blogged. Last Thursday morning on my way to work I was in a car accident. I was going north bound toward work and another lady was going south bound on the same road; we both had green lights. A lady going east bound ran a red light and hit both the other lady and myself. OUCH!! It's funny; everything happened so quickly, yet every time I play the accident over in my head it's in slow motion. I am alright (thank you Jesus)!! I went to the doctor and I have a few bruises and whip lash that is painful, but God's is healing me quickly! :) As for our car...it may be time for a new one! Everything is still going through insurance right now, so we will see what happens.

The part of this accident that is a miracle is the fact that the lady (Jessie) who was driving the Chevy, Tahoe was going south and the lady that hit us was traveling east, so the Tahoe was hit first and took the brunt of the impact, while I; driving a much small vehicle was hit with less impact. I can't even imagine what would have happened to me if that Tahoe was not hit first. I could be seriously injured right now. Now, I am not saying that I am happy that the poor lady driving the Tahoe was hit the hardest, I am just saying that she had a big vehicle that could handle the impact a lot better than my little car. I am praying for her and the lady who ran the red light too. I know that both of them were hurting after this accident, and I pray that God would heal all of their injuries!!

I spent all day Thursday just thanking Jesus for his protection over me!! HE is our protector and HE made sure I was protected from serious injury! Thank you Lord for your protection over us! "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalms 32:7

A Fun Get Away

2007-07-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Rick and I had a blast this weekend!! On Friday afternoon I looked up the weather for the weekend, and it called for rain and cool temps, so we decided to drive to the east side of the mountains where the weather was sunny and absolutely gorgeous!! We headed out on our adventure at 11:00 Saturday morning. The drive to the east was beautiful. The bummer is I forgot to bring the battery charger for our camera, so we didn't get to take pictures. :( We are planning to go out there again before the summer is over, so I will make sure I don't forget the battery charger or the camera.

Saturday afternoon we checked into our hotel (which online stated that it was a three star hotel), only to find out that it looked like we were staying in the projects of downtown Chicago. I have to say that I have no idea where Hotwire got the pictures they placed online b/c it didn't look nearly as luxurious in person as it did online! To get a little more visual for those of you reading this; do you remember the movie National Lampoon's Vacation? The hotel we booked looked like the hotel the Griswold's stayed in on their way to Wally World. Well we called Hotwire and after 40 minutes on hold they were kind enough to rebook our stay at a different hotel. The new hotel was A LOT better!! The pool was clean and the place was immaculate! YEAH for us!!

On Saturday evening after we got settled in our room we swam at the pool, and then got cleaned up and headed out for a nice Italian (my favorite) dinner downtown Yakima. It was yummy!

On Sunday morning we went to church with our friends Doug and Sandy who were out the same direction we were visiting family. The service was incredible! I'm so glad that we overcame the temptation to sleep in on Sunday morning, because I know we were supposed to be at that service! After church we went to lunch with our friends and then headed to the beach to swim and get some much needed sun! I finally have some color on my skin other than white!! No more sunless tanner for me (at least for this week!).

The drive home from our little excursion was neat! We put in Chris Tomlin's CD, Arriving; and worshipped the whole way home. When the song, "How Great is our God" came on we were driving over a bridge that was surrounded by tall green pine trees and mountains all around us. I sang that song with all my heart, and both Rick and I got goose bumps! He sure is a great God! I love admiring his artistry - what an awesome creator we serve!!

I am thankful for such a great trip. I learned and grew more than I thought I ever would when we left on Saturday morning.

Road Trip

2007-07-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

It's Friday afternoon and I have one hour of work left before the weekend! I love Friday's!! Unfortunately, the weather here in Seattle this weekend is going to be crummy. It supposed to be in the 60's with rain. Rick and I decided to plan a spontaneous road trip to Yakima (eastern Washington) where the weather forecast this weekend calls for 80 degree temperatures and sun (now that's more like the summer's I grew up in)! It's amazing to me that you can drive two hours east and have warmth and sun!! I think we are going to go hiking and canoeing on Saturday, so that should be fun!! I'll be sure to update all of you on my trip when we return. Enjoy the weekend!

The Ultimate Giver

2007-07-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

I was reading a passage in Matthew today that I have read a hundred times before, but today it spoke to me in a very significant way. Let me share the passage with you.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:7-11

I have been asking the Lord over the past couple of months for some important things in my life. There are days when I doubt that He is even listening or cares (yes, even as Christians we have those days!). After reading this passage today it became clear to me again that God has the best in store for my life. He knows what need even before I ask him. Jesus wants us to pursue him and NOT to give up after a week or a month when we don't have the answers to our prayers. I am not a mother yet, but I love verse 11 of this passage. "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! I know that when I am a mother someday I will want to give my children "good gifts". I love to give gifts to people now, and encourage; even surprise them, but our heavenly father wants to give us so much more than we could ever give to those we love. The Bible says that all we have to do is ASK!

I would encourage those of you reading my blog today to keep on believing for those things you have asked the Lord for! He is the ultimate giver and he wants to give you more than you could even think to ask for, and even more than you could possibly imagine!! Keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. He is faithful and he will answer!

I Sing Because I'm Happy

2007-07-18T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today has been a really busy day! The phones have been ringing all day at the switchboard. Students are calling to get everything squared away to come back in the fall. It's hard to believe that school will be back in session a month from now! What is even more crazy than that is the fact that I have been out of college now for seven years!! Where has time gone?!! Those were some of the most fun and memorable days of my life!

Well...nothing really eventful has happened today (other than the phone ringing over & over again), but one thing I will say is that despite another rainy day in Seattle; I am happy! I spent some time digging into God's word this morning and at lunch I went to the gym and worked out, and now I just feel great!

For some reason I have had the hymn, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head all afternoon. It's weird because I haven't heard that song in quite awhile. I love the lyrics to that hymn! Especially the chorus:

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
For his eye is on the sparrow,
And I know he watches me.

Those of you who know me really well know that I like to sing ALL OF THE TIME!! Most of the time it is a random song that gets stuck in my head, because someone said something that reminded me of that song. For instance if you said something like, "I don't like Monday's", I would break out in to song like this:

"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday

For those of you who don't know this song, it is by The Bangels and it came out in the 1980's. I don't know why, but to this day I still love 80's music!! Okay, now I went from having "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in my head to having "Manic Monday" in my head. I better get the other song stuck in my head again because Rick doesn't really like when I belt out 80's music in the car on the way home from a long day at work!

Rain Rain Go Away!!

2007-07-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that it is a lot harder to get out of bed when it is raining? That was my predicament this morning. After hitting the snooze button three times I was finally able to drag myself to the shower. After I arrived at work I checked weather.com to see what the weather was going to be like this week and sadly enough it is supposed to rain from now until Sunday. Yes, you heard me correctly the WHOLE rest of the week!! :( I understand that rain is important for the earth, so that things can grow and look pretty, but right now I just need a break from the rain!

I know that I have already blogged about the weather and the fact that it rains in Washington A LOT more than I would like, but I am just writing what is on my mind and right now that seems to be at the forefront! I know the sun will come out again soon, and I am looking forward to that day! This is the first summer that I have had to buy my tan in a bottle! I guess self tanner is a lot healthier for my skin, so maybe it's a good thing it's raining! :)

The Hike With A Purpose

2007-07-16T09:59:00.000-07:00

I could hardly get out of bed this morning after my alarm went off! I am so sore!!! On Saturday Rick and I went on a 5 mile hike on Mount Si (2.5 up and 2.5 down). It was the most gorgeous hike, but also the most strenuous and exhausting hike!! I took some pretty amazing pictures that I will post once I get them downloaded from my camera.

Something really cool happened on the hike that I wanted to share. Saturday started out with a fun picnic that I packed for Rick and I. We ate our picnic at this beautiful park right next to Mount Si. After we ate we drove to the trail to start our hike. It is four miles to the top of this mountain (most of it uphill with lots of stones everywhere). After about .5 miles (notice the period before the five, which means half a mile!), I was ready to turn back. I guess I am more out of shape than I thought I was!! Rick convinced me that I could make it at least a mile, so I was determined to make it ONE mile. After we hit the one mile marker I thought I would have to camp out at this point b/c I had no energy to walk all the way back down!! I sat on a rock and drank a bottle of water, and after a 5 a minute break my energy was restored. Rick said he would really like to make it half way up the mountain, which was at 2 miles, and that he believed we could do it! I didn't have as much faith as he did, but after the little break I was ready to give it a try. Well I did it....I made it to the two mile marker!!!! I was really proud of myself. So proud that I actually went another half mile!! As I said before this hike was intense...people actually train before hiking all the way to the top!!

Okay...so here is the really cool part of the story. On our way back down from the two and a half miles we hiked up, Rick and I ran into two guys that were hiking on the trail, and one of them was sitting on a rock keeled over in pain. Rick stopped and asked if everything was okay. The injured man said that he had pulled his hamstring and his muscles in his legs were all locked up. We offered him water and Rick helped this man all the way down the mountain (which was a lot harder to hike down than up b/c of all of the fallen rocks everywhere). You are probably wondering why the injured man's friend did not help him down the mountain (okay so maybe you weren't wondering, but I sure was that day!!).

The man's friends name was John and I started talking to him as we walked down the mountain. It turns out John asked Don (injured man) to go on the hike with him that morning and Don thought the hike was only a one mile, so he decided to run up the mountain. John warned Don that it was a long way up, and to pace himself, but Don continued to run. To get to the point...John didn't have much sympathy for Don and therefore wasn't much help. Rick helped Don down the mountain and also got the opportunity to talk to him about a lot of things including church and God. And at the end of the trip Don and Rick exchanged cell phone numbers. Don was so thankful to Rick for his help and care. We are hoping to get together with Don and his family sometime. I'm glad that we hiked up to the two mile point b/c I believe God really used Rick to help this man down the mountain, and to open the door for great conversation!

As for my soreness today....I took some Advil. I am determined now to get in shape so that I can hike the 4 miles to the top of Mount Si. I think I will try it in two weeks. I'll keep you posted.

A Tragic News Story...

2007-07-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I am sitting here at my desk with hot cup of french vanilla coffee and a heart that is heavy with grief over the loss of a missing Tacoma (about 25 minutes from where I live) girl who was found dead yesterday. Her name was Zina Linnick and she was a twelve year old girl who was kidnapped from an alley by her house while watching fireworks. If you want to read the whole story you can go to http://www.foxnews.com/ it's the top story for today.

Last night I caught the first headline of the news...Zina Linnick's body has been found. For some reason I started to cry. I didn't know this girl or her family, but my heart was grieving in a way that it would if I had lost someone dear and close to me. Now I watch the news often and hear about a lot of tragic things that take place, but this one was different. At first I started to think about the horrible person who killed this sweet little innocent 12 year old girl! I hoped that he was caught and thrown into prison for the rest of his life! Then somewhere in my fiery and anger I started pray; Lord save this man from his sin, and help him to realize that what he did was horribly wrong. "You were to Israel a forgiving God, though you PUNISHED their misdeeds." Psalms 99:8.

I started to think about Zina's family and how they took the news when the police informed them that her body was found; the verse Psalm 34:18 came to my heart, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." I started to pray for her family, and then my thoughts were brought to the moments leading up to Zina's death. What was going through her mind? I'm sure she was full of terror and scared beyond belief. I know this is a horrible thing to think about, but I couldn't help but wonder. Then the passage from Psalm 23 came to my mind...the last verse of that chapter says..."and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever". My prayer is that Zina is in heaven with Jesus today rejoicing with the angels with her innocence and beauty restored!

I realized this morning that my thoughts and emotions from last night and even into this morning were directly from the Lord. I believe He put this story on my heart for a reason. I will continue to pray for this family as they go through this horrific loss. It's kind of neat that as Christ followers we get the privilege of being called upon by God to pray!! I'm so glad that I know HIM and HE knows me!!

100 Degrees!

2007-07-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in Seattle it was 100 degrees and all of the natives of the fine state of Washington were freaking out. I on the other hand thoroughly enjoyed it!! Hot weather just makes me happy - I could probably live somewhere where it was warm all year round. Well...except at Christmas time, because you have to have snow on Christmas! I guess I could just fly home to Chicago at Christmas time for the cold weather and snow. It's funny (or sad) out of all of the states I could live in I am living in one of the rainiest, coolest (not cold, just cool), most dreary places in the nation. I know that Seattle doesn't get the most rainfall when it comes to inches of rain per year, but we have to be up there for the amount of days that it rains per year. I didn't think I would see the day when it got sunny again in 2007!!! Okay, so I need to stop talking about rain and just rejoice that it is sunny and warm now. One great thing about this state is that b/c of the rain everything is so green and lush! The mountains and lakes are all so beautiful too! My advice...take a family vacation to Washington during the months of July or August, but don't move here unless you really enjoy rain nine months out of the year (there are lots of people out there who do!).

The Dollar Store

2007-07-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am dedicating my first blog to Bethany Scottberg for her recommendation for me to blog :) I love to write, but it's usually done privately in my journal rather than posted on the internet for the world to read. I know I'm a little behind the times, but I'm catching up!

Since I am dedicating my first blog to Bethany I thought it would be appropriate for my first blog to be about her. One of the greatest things Bethany has taught me in life was how great The Dollar Store is. I never really stepped into many dollar stores until my sophomore year of College when Bethany took me shopping at one to buy things for our dorm room. I couldn't believe how many things you could actually buy for one dollar each!! We bought candles (mulberry), cleaning supplies, snacks, dishes and the list goes on. To this day I love the Dollar Store (just ask my husband!). Now I know there are some things that you just don't buy at the Dollar Store, but there is much more than expected that you can purchase for only ONE DOLLAR!! I want to thank you Bethany for introducing me to a store that has saved me tons of money through years!!