tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46830463377088549772024-03-13T07:00:54.169-05:00Reckless TrustMy attempt at falling freely into the capable hands of God with RECKLESS TRUST in every aspect of my life.
The ups, the downs, and the laughable moments in between.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-80275462352155993292015-12-11T15:40:00.000-06:002016-02-15T14:41:05.030-06:00Waiting. Longing. Hoping.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I wrote this in October last year -- the month I ended up getting pregnant. I wrote because I needed to get my feelings out of my head. I shared this with 3 people back then - the one friend who encouraged me to write my feelings since she knows writing can be cathartic for me, and two other women who I had told I was trying to get pregnant. As I read back on what was on my heart then, tears still flood my eyes. Tears of thankfulness, but also tears of pain - knowing those feelings are or have been reality for many friends of mine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This topic is taboo. It shouldn't be taboo. Trying to get pregnant can be really hard. My waiting was about 6 or 7 months and it felt like eternity. For those who have waited years and years, I can't imagine. For those who are in the waiting or the trying - I'm here. I'd love to talk to you or pray with you. You are not alone. Being able to talk through my heartache with a few close friends during my season of waiting opened doors for conversations that were absolutely life giving and deepened relationships to a new level of authenticity. </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Waiting. Longing. Hoping. In the Christian world there’s a
name for that season. It’s called Advent. From an article on the Gospel
Coalition Blog:</span></i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">“Advent links our hearts with those
of ancient prophets who pined for a long-promised Messiah but who passed away
long before his arrival…Advent reminds us that we too are waiting. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In Advent, Christians embrace the
groaning and recognize it not as hopeless whimpering over the paucity of the
present moment but as expectant yearning for a divine banquet that Jesus is
preparing for us even now. In Advent, the church admits, as poet R.S. Thomas
has put it, that “the meaning is in the waiting.” And what we await is a final
Advent that is yet to come. Just as the ancient Israelites waited for the
coming of the Messiah in flesh, we await the consummation of the good news
through the Messiah’s return in glory. In Advent, believers confess that the
infant who drew his first ragged breath between a virgin’s knees has yet to
speak his final word.”</span></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> <i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">If I’ve learned anything over the past 5 years, it’s that
God has distinct purpose in all that He does. In the Bible it talks about how
At the RIGHT TIME, Christ died for the ungodly. Not a moment of my life has
been neglected by my creator. No timing was accidental in any season I’ve
walked through. In His great kindness towards me, he has used many different
life experiences to mold me into the woman I am today. Some seasons required severe
mercies to teach me hard lessons others were learned through his lavish
blessings.</span></i></span></blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">
Those severe mercies are what I remember now: </span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has allowed pain to cut my heart
wide open so that he might be my healer and bind me back together with his
promises and history of faithfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has allowed unemployment and
disappointment to infiltrate my life so that I might turn from my skills and my
achievements to recount those He has accomplished on my behalf and claim the
future victory I will ultimately experience through Him. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has allowed my family to battle
sickness and trials so that we might experience the body of Christ around us and
know that death has no power when you know and love Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has allowed me to walk through
the unknown in various seasons of life to point me to Him as the only answer
that will satisfy all of my “what-if’s” and the true constant amidst chaos.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He had me experience a long
distance relationship so that I could learn that neither Joel nor any other
person can be my fullness. My fullness, identity and satisfaction must come
from Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>He let multiple friends of mine to
walk away from our relationship after my personal failures to show me that no
matter what I do, HE will NEVER walk away from me. In fact, he will pursue me
without abandon and pour out his love over me until I realize the giver of
every good gift is HIM. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And now I’m experiencing a
different kind of hope and waiting and longing. It’s a quiet and more subtle
waiting. A private longing that is unique for me, but known by many. This is
the season of trying to get pregnant; something so personal between a husband
and wife. In all of the blogs and books and coffee break conversations, there’s
a common question asked to most newlyweds regarding when they are going to
start trying to have kids. There is a gray area as to what is appropriate to share
as the recipient of those questions and comments. At what point or do you ever
invite others in? At first- it’s exciting to know you’re entering the time you
want to start a family. Coworkers or friends might be clued into you saying it
MIGHT be time to start trying.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then as the months tick by without
a positive pregnancy test – everything about trying to have a baby starts to
get scary. People know I said I wanted to have kids – but don’t know we’ve
already been trying for months. Their excitement and hope on our behalf –
asking questions about when we will announce; they mean well, but their
questions hurt. Those very questions stir up haunting fears inside my head. Am
I broken? Will I disappoint my husband and fail to give him a child? Is my body
a barrier between me and my biggest dream to be mom?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There’s a LONGING in that moment
when a friend or family member asks those questions to spill my heart.
Sometimes I do – I tell them, I hope to have something exciting to announce
soon more than anything in the world! But sometimes (and more often) I don’t
want to be that vulnerable. I want to keep my tears and hopes and dreams to
myself. I want to protect the privacy of my marriage. Yet – it’s lonely.
Each month there’s the exciting possibility that THIS COULD BE THE MONTH. That
excitement has lessened each month as the undercurrent of previous months’
disappointment stirs louder fears telling me that it will never be my month.
No, I’m not saying I’m infertile. I’m not saying I’m not either –I think that’s
the tricky part. I don’t KNOW. We’re still in the “try for a year before
you see a specialist” phase. The quiet phase. The silently hoping phase that
people don’t talk about.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As I wait and hope and long for the
day we have a positive pregnancy test or the day we sign adoption papers, I can
look back at the faithfulness of God to combat my anxiety in waiting. Before
Jesus came and became the ultimate Passover lamb – humanity had the true
advent. Waiting for the Messiah. After DECADES OF SILENCE, he came. His timing
has proven over and over again to be right and good. Who am I to question the
timing of a faithful God? <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Moment by moment in trying to come
alongside God’s timing, I struggle. A new month and a new heartache as that
month isn’t the magical month we’ve been waiting for. As each of those
difficult seasons I mentioned above were happening, everyday life was SO hard.
With eyes that can now look back to those teachable times knowing the heartache
and also knowing the fruit those times produced, I see that I’m at a crossroads.
</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Option 1: Look to myself. Listen to
the voices. Let the what ifs haunt my late night hours and keep me from
sleeping. Live in fear that one of my biggest dreams (to be a mom) won’t
happen. Barter with God and beg Him to give me a baby. Look around me and get
jealous of all the women in my life that are pregnant or already have children.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u1:p></u1:p>
<u1:p></u1:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Option 2: Look to Him. Yes,
sometimes with a tear stained face. Yes, often on my knees. Sing his praises.
Read through the rich history of His faithfulness to all generations through
scripture. Be thankful that I am child of God, adopted into his family by the
sacrifice of Jesus. Continue calling out to Him. Dare to hope, even though hope
risks disappointment. Hope trusts that Jesus has His best in mind, no matter what
the outcome. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Women – if you’re in the same season of trying to conceive and are having similar fears/anxieties, you can talk to me. I’m not going to think you’re crazy. I won’t resent you if you get pregnant first. I can’t guarantee that it will be pretty – but I will be real and raw and honest with my feelings and try to love you well through the journey.</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Verses I’m praying for me and praying over each trial you currently face:</span></i></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Romans 5:1-8</b> Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Hebrews 6:17-20</b> <b><span style="background: white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: grey; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;"> </span></b>7 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Tt1.2/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">l</span></a>it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.</span></i></div>
</blockquote>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-12774238265951008732015-11-10T11:49:00.002-06:002015-11-10T11:52:45.777-06:00Tricks of the Trade<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life is officially back to "normal" with Joel on days again (Hallelujah!). I can't properly express how thankful I am to have someone to tag team with during the everyday (especially evening) baby routine. I had so many questions before I had Harrison - wondering if I had the right stuff or what I'd actually need. We borrowed or were given 95% of the gear we have, so I was able to test out a bunch of stuff to see if Harrison actually liked it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lessons learned, gear tips, and general observations from 4 months in:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy carpet cleaner. You laugh - but you'll be amazed at how talented babies are at projectile vomiting, pooping, peeing and general messiness. We got carpet and upholstery cleaner with the built in scrubber and it has been used frequently. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhM6o0tALGI/VkIcNChuERI/AAAAAAAABi4/rpPoKP7x4Bo/s1600/carpetcleaner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhM6o0tALGI/VkIcNChuERI/AAAAAAAABi4/rpPoKP7x4Bo/s320/carpetcleaner.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White onesies - if your baby is born in the summer, you really don't need these (at least not the exorbitant amount all of the websites tell you to buy). Winter babes, these go under clothes. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Butt Paste (Boudreaux's) - it's awesome. Buy it. It seems expensive (like $16 for a tub), but it lasts. We are still on the same jar from when HWB was born and have about 1/3 left. He has yet to have a diaper rash and we put it on after every poopy diaper and about 50% of wet ones. The pop top is clutch for one handed opening and diaper change madness. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Buy lots of burp rags. Size is more important than looks. I made some really cute contoured ones I thought would be awesome - we never use those. We use the plain white hospital grade ones because they cover more surface area. If you want cute ones - start with big ones as a base and make THOSE cute!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Also buy shout spray/stain remover for clothes. If your baby has a blowout, get the clothes down to laundry room to rinse with hot water stat. Rinse the offending stain, spray with stain remover and throw it in the washer (doesn't need to be washed right away, but helps to soak). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Carriers - if you buy a carrier. K'Tan - they run big! Size down (I got a medium and probably should have had a small, and normally wore Medium or Large shirts at the time I was using it). Soft carriers are great for teeny tiny babies. Harrison slept during a lot of grocery trips or walks when he was itty bitty because he was in a carrier. I love my Ergo 360 too - I never bought the infant insert. A rolled up blanket under baby's buns works just as well (started using it when Harrison was about 2.5 months) - far more comfortable for me than the soft carrier because it had more support.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wn1wib2c0_E/VkIcNfHJ90I/AAAAAAAABi0/EZsWE9Gg6tk/s320/carrier.jpg" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;" width="240" /><br />
<ul style="text-align: start;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baby laundry detergent - we used it at the beginning, but already have moved to all laundry together. Harrison hasn't had any reactions to regular detergent - and I like the smell of normal detergent to get spit up smells out of clothes!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Swings/Bouncers - if you can, buy these used, borrow etc. The not so fancy ones work just fine. For swings - the "on the go" or travel version are awesome. The travel feature means it's smaller with a carrying handle - so you can move it from room to room! We tend to put Harrison in it during meal time or when I'm cooking. If he can see me, he's fine - so portability is key. Bouncer - we just got a super plain one that vibrates. We rarely used the vibrate function, but use it propped up on the counter, kitchen table, or in the room where we are so he can see us. Again - fancy is not needed. Just a seat with a belt function in case you put him on an elevated surface. You probably don't need both of these - if you are given them or can borrow, great - if not, choose one (I'd say travel swing). </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Boppy - dual purpose. Great for nursing, also great as a napping device to fake the baby into thinking he/she is still cuddling with you. It takes some skill to transition baby from your arms to the boppy, but once you have it down - boppy got us extended naps so I could get up and get some things done around the house! Before he was moving much, I'd just leave him napping on the boppy on the couch. Once he got more wiggly, I'd put the boppy napper on the ground.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsuX4vbxRvA/VkIi-PdXF2I/AAAAAAAABj4/UvmkyRuwTDY/s1600/12019820_10105510334163098_3035953966283152068_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsuX4vbxRvA/VkIi-PdXF2I/AAAAAAAABj4/UvmkyRuwTDY/s320/12019820_10105510334163098_3035953966283152068_n.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jumparoo - Harrison loves this thing. He finally is big enough for it now at 4 months. Great for solo play while mom/dad need to do things around the house (ours lives in the kitchen so I can make dinner!)</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_X2Nn_POerwLCCml6mv51WjCTVySSCpzuPzzbsYRiVZSsxbkDc3leR5YiU3XF_BoO7jH5Jm6Is3isWXvMkg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Diaper caddy - if your nursery is on a different floor than your main living area, I highly recommend getting a changing mat and a tub/caddy with diapers/wipes/cream/outfit change for your main living area (especially for those first few weeks postpartum). It makes your life so much easier not to have to do stairs early on for those frequent diaper changes. We still do 90% of Harrison't diaper changes with that. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bibs - great for outfit protection if baby is eating or hasn't burped yet and you need to go! I recommend 1 in the diaper bag at all times. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Diaper bag - great for full day adventures. If you're not going to be gone all day - a travel case of wipes and a few diapers in the purse will do the trick</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tiny baby clothes - you need sleepers. That's about it. The tiny real clothes are cute - but anything non stretchy/sweatpants material just doesn't seem comfy. We had some adorable outfits that we never used because we just had Harrison in sleepers or onesie/sweatpants all the time (yes, even in the summer)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Humidifier - worth it to have on hand for the first time your baby gets sick. It makes a big difference with congestion. Speaking of sick - have one of those bulb snot sucker things too (or a nose frieda). Kind of traumatizing to use, but really helps the baby breathe. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Diapers - stock up during sales. You know you're going to need them - and places like target will exchange sizes / return with no hassle (no receipt needed either). We like pampers swaddlers. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baby shoes - who needs them? Ha - we have yet to put Harrison in shoes. Personal preference. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How many bottles do you really need? I have 6 that we actually use - we put the rest in storage because it was more of a hassle to have bottles everywhere than to just wash them and re-use. Tommee Tippee and Avent natural were the two kinds that Harrison preferred. I have about 8-10 of the containers that attach to my pump with matching lids - that numbers makes it so I don't have to wash them out every time I pump. I send 4 bottles to daycare, then have 2 back up for evenings/extra in the fridge. </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ask me questions if you have them - I'm a pretty open book. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's hard to believe we already celebrated Harrison turning 4 months old this weekend. He such a happy little guy most of the time. It's fun to see character traits of ours already coming out in him at such a young age. He is very particular (sometimes will only nurse from one side, or I have to not touch him while he eats, or prop him up a certain way) like his daddy, he sometimes stays up too late for his own good if he's around people like his mommy (if we have people over, he doesn't want to miss out so fights bedtime, then ends up a hot mess from over exposure). He doesn't have much of an inbetween - he's either happy and playing and socializing or he's DONE. Yup, he gets that from me too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Still really enjoying being a mom. I got to experience the helpless feeling of watching Harrison be sick over the past weekend. It's awful. I can only imagine the pain of more serious health concerns, death of a child, future bullying etc. The mama bear mentality is real - wanting to ferociously protect him from harm, but realizing that I can't. He has to live. Putting him in a bubble might seem like the best option in today's society -- but he can't thrive there. Trusting Jesus has new meaning when my precious son is growing up. Being a mom has already changed my prayer life. Now I ache over politics - over the world Harrison will grow up in. Some of the current "concerns" in society - I wonder what school will be like for him. and it makes me pray. I pray for his teachers, for his character to be strong so he can stand alone, and for him to be rooted in Christ above all else. And I pray for God to continue working in our family - that our home would be a haven, a place where Jesus comes first and TRUE love (Kingdom love) is known. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeATTbP3yC8/VkIcLoGEM4I/AAAAAAAABiQ/yuIbwriEc5g/s1600/1weekquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HeATTbP3yC8/VkIcLoGEM4I/AAAAAAAABiQ/yuIbwriEc5g/s320/1weekquilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sfW3LcIoM/VkIcLRGfotI/AAAAAAAABiI/vY3VmP4qU6I/s1600/1month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sfW3LcIoM/VkIcLRGfotI/AAAAAAAABiI/vY3VmP4qU6I/s320/1month.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdUi_Zc7wrI/VkIcLjwwsEI/AAAAAAAABiM/YYstOGyhJak/s1600/2month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PdUi_Zc7wrI/VkIcLjwwsEI/AAAAAAAABiM/YYstOGyhJak/s320/2month.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDrjHsDpzkg/VkIcMDTB1QI/AAAAAAAABiU/sTFvhsqM3kw/s1600/3month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CDrjHsDpzkg/VkIcMDTB1QI/AAAAAAAABiU/sTFvhsqM3kw/s320/3month.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3s3Fv-8U_Sc/VkIcMUs7SSI/AAAAAAAABic/p_5IdDvHEuI/s1600/4month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3s3Fv-8U_Sc/VkIcMUs7SSI/AAAAAAAABic/p_5IdDvHEuI/s320/4month.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-55995882945209158202015-09-24T13:31:00.000-05:002015-09-29T10:28:45.630-05:00A birth story and maternity musings<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I really enjoyed being pregnant. I loved feeling the baby move, seeing my body transform kind of amazed me, and I thought it was fun how nice everyone is to pregnant women. By the end, I was having trouble getting comfortable at night (or anywhere), needed help getting up off our big sectional couch, and sometimes had to give myself pep talks to stand back up after squatting down to get something from a low shelf of the pantry. I had a crazy last few weeks before baby with flying out to Vegas at 35 weeks for work due to a co-worker's family emergency. I realllly tested those Travel Director uniforms' stretchiness. I had some major foot and calf swelling from about 24 weeks onward....it would come and go (especially when I traveled), but HOLY COW. After getting checked out by a few doctors and getting an ultrasound on one leg to check for clots, they determined it was just how the baby was situated. He must have been blocking a vein/artery, so blood was pooling in my lower extremities. <br /><br />Last picture before baby - taken 6 days before he was born: <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86wj0tBcsXY/VgQOe9luiVI/AAAAAAAABfM/y-dufNNE8I8/s1600/11825054_10105376869686978_7283927339948622817_n.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86wj0tBcsXY/VgQOe9luiVI/AAAAAAAABfM/y-dufNNE8I8/s320/11825054_10105376869686978_7283927339948622817_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br />On to the birth story: <br /><br />I had been steadily progressing towards go time since they starting checking 'down there' at 36 weeks. I had one false alarm where I thought I was in labor. Early on Friday July 3 I woke up in the night with contractions. I ended up being awake for around 4 hours before they got painful and long enough for me to actually get up to call the dr. As soon as I called the dr, contractions stopped (SERIOUSLY?). With that in the back of my mind, I was skeptical when only 3 day later I woke up at 11pm on Monday night (July 6) with mild contractions. I'd had my 39 week appt that morning and was dilated to 3cm (no change from the week prior). I starting timing the contractions around midnight--They were about a minute long and varying in time between from 4.5-8 minutes. <br /><br />I got up out of bed and walked/paced to make sure the contractions continued to intensify since the last time they had stopped when I got up. They did keep coming and started getting a little bit more intense. Between pacing, sitting on the edge of the leather recliner, and grabbing the edge of our bathroom counter- I waited them out for about 3 hours. My goal was to let Joel sleep as long as possible to make sure this was really it (and in case it wasn't, so he could get a pretty normal night of sleep if he ended up having to go to work!). I took a hot shower then woke Joel at 3 to tell him I thought this was it - he could shower and not be in a huge hurry, but then we needed to go. Our bags had all been packed for a week or two, so once he showered - we were off! <br /><br />We got to the hospital around 345am (after getting detoured by brand new road construction on the way to the hospital!) and got checked in. I was still able to talk/answer questions at this point and was curious if I was having a fake out again, especially as a first time mom. I was kind of anxious at this point. Nurse checked my cervix and said I was at 7cm (holy crap!). This was really it!! I got to skip most of the vitals and normal process so they could get me into a room on the delivery wing in a hurry. Was admitted officially at 445AM. I was really excited that I had been able to get through that much of labor at home with walking/moving prior to wanting the epidural. They hooked me up to IVs since I had tested positive for something requiring 4 hours of antibiotics before delivery. <br /><br />Contractions got worse fast-- I asked for the epidural around 5:30 (thank goodness). The anesthesiologist had just started surgery, so it took about an hour for them to get to me. I got my epidural around 630AM. They had the nurse on one side of me and Joel on the other to kind of "hold me steady" while they put the epidural in. Joel got a little pale/clammy during that part-- the nurse had him to go lay down and brought him juice. I think he just had trouble seeing me in that much pain since the biggest contraction yet hit while they administered the epidural and I was squeezing the HECK out of his hand. I got a bolster of lidocaine after my epidural because I could feel contractions just as bad as pre epidural on one side of my lower abdomen. The epidural helped the pain be much more manageable and get through the strongest contractions (I could barely feel anything!). Right after the put in the epidural, they said I was at 9cm (SO CLOSE!). <br /><br />So excited to have the epidural! <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3Eg7vGUkng/VgQOeYgZaRI/AAAAAAAABeY/H6-T-AXOVMU/s1600/11823040_10105376869672008_8366740873580666279_o.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3Eg7vGUkng/VgQOeYgZaRI/AAAAAAAABeY/H6-T-AXOVMU/s320/11823040_10105376869672008_8366740873580666279_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />My doctor came in to check on me around 8AM. She broke my water and put me on pitocin to help move the baby down since baby hadn't progressed down at all. Ends up my water was all that was keeping him up! She said that she guessed I'd have a baby at 1130 that morning. She was going to finish rounds at the hospital and run over to the clinic next door then she would head back to deliver the baby. I started pushing around 9:25AM with just the nurse and Joel in the room. Yes, I had an epidural - but my experience was still feeling PLENTY down there (I don't want to think about the pain level with no epidural during the pushing!!). After a few minutes of pushing, the nurse called my dr back in to check me again. She took one look at me at and said - it's time to have a baby now! The quiet, intimate scene quickly changed to lights on, Dr suited up in a full gown, hustle and bustle of nurses. A short time later - Baby Harrison was born at 9:56 AM. It was a pretty special moment when Joel told me we had a little boy (we had waited to find out his gender!). <br /><br />We had a scare during those first few minutes when Harrison wasn't breathing at all. He was bagged for about 5 min as they tried to get him to respond. He finally perked up then stopped breathing again for another few minutes. Fear turned to happy tears when I finally heard him start crying and they put him on my chest for skin to skin. We didn't get much time together as he was whisked away to the specialty care nursery for chest X-rays and tests. Joel went with Harrison for the first few hours while I waited for the epidural to wear off enough to be able to go see him. Both of our parents were able to get to the hospital and be in the waiting room by the time he was born. Joel got to go out and tell them they had a new Grandson! <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r94hPCBWoXU/VgQOgcEqlrI/AAAAAAAABe8/nBR-LNCWl9Y/s1600/6d5fRR0AeOy9SU6x8o7RzZ6S8V3xECg6wmrLDpRVA7M%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r94hPCBWoXU/VgQOgcEqlrI/AAAAAAAABe8/nBR-LNCWl9Y/s320/6d5fRR0AeOy9SU6x8o7RzZ6S8V3xECg6wmrLDpRVA7M%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq7YXYz4ylw/VgQOg68EHcI/AAAAAAAABfc/zek33Ve6xHw/s1600/6xlH-xrKniLdqA0fWMH9ApRDC4cX-hEljVrUUppNzgk%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yq7YXYz4ylw/VgQOg68EHcI/AAAAAAAABfc/zek33Ve6xHw/s320/6xlH-xrKniLdqA0fWMH9ApRDC4cX-hEljVrUUppNzgk%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOXk9vADio/VgQOh9DOWaI/AAAAAAAABfg/faa8vOwDiUY/s1600/D9wcL01qRTQKirln7UGN2UILNb1uMbPVuAXTsg0PSf8.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DLOXk9vADio/VgQOh9DOWaI/AAAAAAAABfg/faa8vOwDiUY/s320/D9wcL01qRTQKirln7UGN2UILNb1uMbPVuAXTsg0PSf8.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awvQK2b0mbw/VgQOhGdzgQI/AAAAAAAABfQ/r-tSI47G_bE/s1600/7qVq7owdW4XdoRxS-lNDZnlg3lbEdZJLuTo-kcfefKw%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-awvQK2b0mbw/VgQOhGdzgQI/AAAAAAAABfQ/r-tSI47G_bE/s320/7qVq7owdW4XdoRxS-lNDZnlg3lbEdZJLuTo-kcfefKw%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfqLNyjyqbI/VgQOlU_EeVI/AAAAAAAABgk/N-MR5omKvvU/s1600/dACjdsJE2uEdcAXVMBqe-bb4xdY_lXlwXk_nvSq_ow8.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfqLNyjyqbI/VgQOlU_EeVI/AAAAAAAABgk/N-MR5omKvvU/s320/dACjdsJE2uEdcAXVMBqe-bb4xdY_lXlwXk_nvSq_ow8.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppz4XUiXeJA/VgQOlKw7D4I/AAAAAAAABgg/N2oECxKP90s/s1600/_7xVu7QSG8CkwmZcjAX1V2nosldE3hfpMeZ0rrDd3as%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppz4XUiXeJA/VgQOlKw7D4I/AAAAAAAABgg/N2oECxKP90s/s320/_7xVu7QSG8CkwmZcjAX1V2nosldE3hfpMeZ0rrDd3as%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Those first few nights were kind of a blur - with me in the L&D wing and Harrison on another floor in the Specialty Care nursery, we had a lot of going back and forth between floors. I was in a lot of pain, so the process wasn't as simple as "just walk down there". I wanted to breastfeed him as much as possible (he had to supplement some since he was in the specialty care unit and they had different rules as to how much weight he could lose/gain before they would allow him to leave the hospital), so that meant going down there about every 2-3 hours. <br /><br />After 2 days in the specialty care unit, he was released so we could all go home!<br /><br />Headed home! <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ku-QtKCxjY/VgQOhVg0WKI/AAAAAAAABfU/mMW640Stz9Q/s1600/9rebrkrN2-IB90i6EbSk-Rbhdryj9YnXFHW6O5Sd6TM%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ku-QtKCxjY/VgQOhVg0WKI/AAAAAAAABfU/mMW640Stz9Q/s320/9rebrkrN2-IB90i6EbSk-Rbhdryj9YnXFHW6O5Sd6TM%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Overall - I had a great experience. The nurses and doctors at the Mother Baby Center were fantastic. The nurse shift change at 7AM gave me the exact personality of nurse I needed for each phase of labor (the nice encouraging one for pre epidural and getting the epidural, the more direct and less touchy/nice one for pushing). The only part that I was not a fan was how fast the epidural meds stop once the baby is out. I mean - they still have things to do down there that HURT. Luckily, I had a cute baby to look at for the majority of that time. Joel was a fantastic partner during the whole experience. I didn't say much/yell at all during labor - he could tell I was having a contraction every time my feet curled/tensed. He would rub my feet, or just be there. His quiet presence was perfect. <br /><br /> My birth experience confirmed that our doctor, hospital, and plan were just right. <br /><br /><br />Our plan? Have a baby. No - really. This is what I told my doctor my birth plan was.<br /><br />Our labor classes? None. Neither of us were really wanting to take any classes and my OB said she didn't really think they were necessary if I was willing to take instructions and not necessarily "run the charge" in the room. Why would I want to run the birth? I'm not a doctor. I told her I was perfectly okay with her being in charge. <br /><br />Our doctor? Super low key and relaxed. She was calm, so I was calm. My whole pregnancy she allayed me fears and told me all was well. Even in the midst of Harrison not breathing and me starting to panic a little bit, she calmed me down and told me his heart was strong, they were just having to work a little harder to get him going. She assured me that this was pretty normal for a baby born at 38.5 weeks. <br /><br />We decided to savor that first week at home with just us as a family of three. Joel and I wanted to figure out feeding, sleeping, and Harrison as much as we could together.We had a few adventures out and about together before Joel had to go back to work-- home depot, the mall, out for margaritas and nachos. Mostly though, we spent the time rocking Harrison, watching him sleep, and just being together. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_ymYQNErD8/VgQOetrMSII/AAAAAAAABeg/WnP0BybCuGc/s1600/-zA0rfKGdqTbGaZASk01UkROWOQ376VrZbRsus9hmm4.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_ymYQNErD8/VgQOetrMSII/AAAAAAAABeg/WnP0BybCuGc/s320/-zA0rfKGdqTbGaZASk01UkROWOQ376VrZbRsus9hmm4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaokHrTf0AQ/VgQOfkaBVmI/AAAAAAAABeo/EPjdZoue_3g/s1600/5zwA3vMfMiFTc6ZGSGMsvrf2rl-AFG3FVbcshSQsMwM%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaokHrTf0AQ/VgQOfkaBVmI/AAAAAAAABeo/EPjdZoue_3g/s320/5zwA3vMfMiFTc6ZGSGMsvrf2rl-AFG3FVbcshSQsMwM%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubYaIW0XdlQ/VgQOgZSd_MI/AAAAAAAABfA/I0JjFJydWhM/s1600/6cVHDSzAoM42BNFQUx_WEw98XE1YJ5lD0iA9YoDXplI%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ubYaIW0XdlQ/VgQOgZSd_MI/AAAAAAAABfA/I0JjFJydWhM/s320/6cVHDSzAoM42BNFQUx_WEw98XE1YJ5lD0iA9YoDXplI%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br />One week after we got home, my sister Ellen came to help/visit. Immediately after Ellen left, my mom came, then the next week Joel's mom came. They all helped us with food, cleaning, laundry, and helped my sanity once Joel went back to work, and just loved us so well. <br /><br />Breastfeeding was definitely a bit of a challenge at the beginning. Little man had some trouble getting enough initially, so I was sent to see a lactation consultant. I saw two different ladies at my two different appointments -the first time was a great experience, second one was horrible. After the horrid appointment (which led to being told to use a supplemental feeding device for a week, and based on his poop color he wasn't getting the right nutrients AND that he might need his lip clipped etc), I decided that MANY women have done this whole breastfeeding thing without tubes and extra nonsense. So, I canceled my third appointment, threw away the supplemental device and went back to basics. I fed him when he seemed hungry. If he didn't seem to be getting enough from me - I gave him formula. Ya know what? A few days into that - we were both thriving. He was gaining weight just fine, I was less stressed out, and we were able to ditch formula altogether. Plus I was getting probably twice as much sleep since I no longer had to pump, breastfeed with the device, then bottle feed the remainder. <br /><br />I loved my time on maternity leave. The first 6 or 7 weeks, I really was just healing. Everyday tasks like going to the grocery store were fine, but by the end of it - I was pretty tired or sore. I wanted to get out and go for walks etc, but the reality was - my body needed more time to heal. At about 7 or 8 weeks, I was finally able to get out and about like I had envisioned in all my sparkly pregnancy visions of me with baby. I started putting Harrison in one of his carriers and we'd go on adventures. Most mornings, we'd walk around the Lake for at least an hour. I wasn't walking fast, but it was good. We sent a lot of selfies to Joel at work, wishing he could be home with us too.<br /><br />I had some really late nights and some days with tears. I had one night in particular that I remember - I was SO tired and Harrison kept crying and wouldn't go to sleep. 3 hours in to what turned out to be a 4 hour crying/freak out phase, I had tears running down my face rocking him and just started praying for him. This tiny, crying and writhing baby - praying for the man he would become. I was realizing in that moment, that as tired as I was - he would never be this tiny again. One day, the cries would turn into words. Those words could build others up or tear them down. That moment - me rocking that baby was an answered prayer. I can distinctly remember the night when I lived in Austin, Texas when I felt God start putting it on my heart to pray for my future children. I hoped and prayed that one day, I would indeed get married and have kids. This boy - this baby - HE was who I had been praying over for all of those years. That's amazing. God is faithful. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj-lfmqY7vE/VgQOlb6k_aI/AAAAAAAABgo/BBwWz30zGng/s1600/eqEzqYbTJzYEaHKz9jNZW30ZsOp-cR7oLTWRz1WyGmc.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj-lfmqY7vE/VgQOlb6k_aI/AAAAAAAABgo/BBwWz30zGng/s320/eqEzqYbTJzYEaHKz9jNZW30ZsOp-cR7oLTWRz1WyGmc.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlGocP5_iHg/VgQOfeFR_VI/AAAAAAAABes/4euWuVJ46_g/s1600/1DjJJnxSOZzvn3Mrzn75izSZSNbC7qkqmNQUuQB24Y0%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlGocP5_iHg/VgQOfeFR_VI/AAAAAAAABes/4euWuVJ46_g/s320/1DjJJnxSOZzvn3Mrzn75izSZSNbC7qkqmNQUuQB24Y0%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPgQBbaM7Xk/VgQOj8Hyl_I/AAAAAAAABgE/7nTnKav39jA/s1600/OsldSsVDLhLJIBW3XidX01UADrLVYIOQeCTrFaALV6c.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPgQBbaM7Xk/VgQOj8Hyl_I/AAAAAAAABgE/7nTnKav39jA/s320/OsldSsVDLhLJIBW3XidX01UADrLVYIOQeCTrFaALV6c.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKqbp2iuoPs/VgQOkb9t2VI/AAAAAAAABgM/7uxFQpoBpf8/s1600/OvBA6qfSG7r5srEOCKcxNGljrxOHznvAJC7KTblHKfE.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oKqbp2iuoPs/VgQOkb9t2VI/AAAAAAAABgM/7uxFQpoBpf8/s320/OvBA6qfSG7r5srEOCKcxNGljrxOHznvAJC7KTblHKfE.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGmOLpTvopg/VgQOl58t8PI/AAAAAAAABgw/-GJWrcsdv0w/s1600/q5gr3Ltjhg5HvKtI4mNMC-P_xzg6bQ2HCn3hf8wp0Z4.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGmOLpTvopg/VgQOl58t8PI/AAAAAAAABgw/-GJWrcsdv0w/s320/q5gr3Ltjhg5HvKtI4mNMC-P_xzg6bQ2HCn3hf8wp0Z4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pItRNbQKjeQ/VgQOl6W8TRI/AAAAAAAABg0/CYk8TukfR5M/s1600/qQ96zPucDx47dy0nmrj9XhSpyrrAOs8mXVMHEyyQiT4.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pItRNbQKjeQ/VgQOl6W8TRI/AAAAAAAABg0/CYk8TukfR5M/s320/qQ96zPucDx47dy0nmrj9XhSpyrrAOs8mXVMHEyyQiT4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFBxAVvBQho/VgQOkl0wuVI/AAAAAAAABgU/mzxoiCYlWYo/s1600/RRSJZy_hUvOQHcIABPtxTAelZDZqoKwZ84mG5huPjB8.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFBxAVvBQho/VgQOkl0wuVI/AAAAAAAABgU/mzxoiCYlWYo/s320/RRSJZy_hUvOQHcIABPtxTAelZDZqoKwZ84mG5huPjB8.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIZreXW8WMs/VgQOkgnzi-I/AAAAAAAABgY/X74tDmvj6CM/s1600/Z58EHDXjoYx8KzENFbsBPoso8jwGidPzhcarIKQAtzw.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIZreXW8WMs/VgQOkgnzi-I/AAAAAAAABgY/X74tDmvj6CM/s320/Z58EHDXjoYx8KzENFbsBPoso8jwGidPzhcarIKQAtzw.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The transition to daycare and official end of maternity leave (this week) has been challenging. The at home daycare provider that I found suggested I drop him off for a few hours the Friday before my leave ended for a test run. I'm so glad I took her up on that offer. I went into it all happy and fine, dropped him at the door with his gear and instructions, got to my car to turn the key and the tears started flowing. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMlIClL_s2I/VgQOiOhSOTI/AAAAAAAABfk/RNlHAPMxGyI/s1600/DR_f59u00OCECFQWE3_4JaDF9atftvg1Il3-b1GA-YY.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMlIClL_s2I/VgQOiOhSOTI/AAAAAAAABfk/RNlHAPMxGyI/s320/DR_f59u00OCECFQWE3_4JaDF9atftvg1Il3-b1GA-YY.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I didn't expect that. I thought I was fine - rational and knowing this time had to come. Well. feelings trumped rationality. I cried hard. Then went to the grocery and cried there while walking down the aisles. Then got myself together then got all teary in the parking lot again. I didn't want someone else to get to spend so much time with Harrison. I didn't want to miss his smiles or his milestones. I didn't want him to get attached to someone other than me. Monday went significantly better- no tears. He has been a happy, smiley baby and gets all great reports from daycare. <br /><br />We've been soaking up the after work snuggles and loving the time we have. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-1yGFLPZdI/VgQOjpfW4JI/AAAAAAAABgI/PBjpDaD74wE/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-1yGFLPZdI/VgQOjpfW4JI/AAAAAAAABgI/PBjpDaD74wE/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLU7ha4tAVg/VgQOjV1RxYI/AAAAAAAABgA/CL3L2llitVU/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nLU7ha4tAVg/VgQOjV1RxYI/AAAAAAAABgA/CL3L2llitVU/s320/IMG_0877.JPG" /></a><br /><br /> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tT-hqqXbm7I/VgQOeaWpklI/AAAAAAAABec/2_BmoWu_k4g/s1600/0Y-I-mOudX3yPl7UOgKVV7CzW3GJ9nw22oCpfv3bBTU%2B-%2BCopy.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tT-hqqXbm7I/VgQOeaWpklI/AAAAAAAABec/2_BmoWu_k4g/s320/0Y-I-mOudX3yPl7UOgKVV7CzW3GJ9nw22oCpfv3bBTU%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" /></a><br /><br />So. I love being a mom. Being back at work is hard, but good. I'm ready for Joel to be done on nights. The transition back has been doubly strange with just Harrison and I in the evenings. Harrison overall is a pretty relaxed/chill little baby - but he can get kind of cranky at night! Joel is so good at taking over when he can tell I'm getting stressed out, so I really miss that. November can't come soon enough! </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-11998604367625324312015-06-23T10:54:00.000-05:002015-06-23T12:00:10.788-05:00Ok. We're ready for you now. <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This spring flew by --work really made me sideline the whole pregnancy gig until the last month or so. Now I'm unquestionably pregnant - to myself and to strangers. The pregnancy waddle/moans when I stand up are more noticeable, sleep comes in shorter spurts, and the comments about how close I HAVE to be to delivery from anyone and everyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have noticed one thing - strangers are so nice to pregnant women. In general, everyone smiles at me at the grocery these days. Everyone! I haven't really had any strangers try to touch my belly (just friends - and I'm fine with that). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Side by sides I should have posted before (since I'm now way past this point): </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">12 and 28 weeks: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3rGC8x5DQ/VYl0x2esecI/AAAAAAAABX8/JjoYo7O6GYY/s1600/12-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb3rGC8x5DQ/VYl0x2esecI/AAAAAAAABX8/JjoYo7O6GYY/s320/12-28.jpg" width="318" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">17 and 32 weeks:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1x7fX6WOy00/VYl1pOHdJ8I/AAAAAAAABYU/uWqdWq4EgEo/s1600/17-32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1x7fX6WOy00/VYl1pOHdJ8I/AAAAAAAABYU/uWqdWq4EgEo/s320/17-32.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">36 weeks:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjXU98W8fyA/VYl4_GoVbJI/AAAAAAAABYs/vWOFcpKuLTM/s1600/36weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjXU98W8fyA/VYl4_GoVbJI/AAAAAAAABYs/vWOFcpKuLTM/s320/36weeks.JPG" width="227" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I'm now at a whopping 37 weeks and ready to meet Baby Boggs! To quote Joel from last night - yeah. Anytime now. I think we're ready. We hung pictures, washed clothes, folded tiny onesies, packed the hospital go bag, packed the diaper bag, packed Joel's to go diaper changing kit, Joel built an Ikea side table, I hemmed curtains and made a crib skirt out of the extra curtain fabric, and I arranged and rearranged stuffed animals and diapers. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Not finding out the gender has been such fun. The chance to have friends (and strangers) guess the gender. Funny- early in my pregnancy, overwhelming majority of guesses were for GIRL (other than Joel). Now - almost all the guesses are for BOY. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A peek into Baby Boggs' nursery. I'm not big on themes or accent walls or anything restrictive, really. So I found a light light aqua paint color that Joel and I both liked, kept the crib we were getting from Joel's sister in mind, and picked pieces of furniture and art that I thought would be functional now and later. I love the room. The paint color is light and soothing, the stuffed animals we've been gifted from showers look like they were purposefully chosen to match the room, and the art from Etsy gives the room a bit of life (Minneapolis Skyline Watercolor and the Yellow Bike). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--alPA3_BO5g/VYl6lerUTDI/AAAAAAAABZc/MpjOA7jiGWU/s1600/diaperstation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--alPA3_BO5g/VYl6lerUTDI/AAAAAAAABZc/MpjOA7jiGWU/s320/diaperstation.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy5srbnyNCI/VYl6mF06o2I/AAAAAAAABZM/3EATAtr7SBA/s1600/nurseryart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy5srbnyNCI/VYl6mF06o2I/AAAAAAAABZM/3EATAtr7SBA/s320/nurseryart.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaVGaw_6S6A/VYl6lhTkKCI/AAAAAAAABZE/M9reoL5P7Sg/s1600/nursery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jaVGaw_6S6A/VYl6lhTkKCI/AAAAAAAABZE/M9reoL5P7Sg/s320/nursery2.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_DvEnykYKw/VYl_Epgir0I/AAAAAAAABZ0/W_RdODA65Gs/s1600/crib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_DvEnykYKw/VYl_Epgir0I/AAAAAAAABZ0/W_RdODA65Gs/s320/crib.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have felt so loved and encouraged during this pregnancy by my community of friends. My Connection Group ladies threw a baby shower complete with a table of my cravings (citrus juice with stripey straws, apple fritters from Mel-O-Glaze, rhubarb anything, fruit), prayer, and fun games. I completely spaced taking any pictures at the church shower!! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My work colleagues also threw a beautiful shower when I headed back to the DSM office. We did a fun baby picture game, ate great food, and more than anything - just enjoyed getting to be around such fun friends. My mom and sister got to join that one too! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOSdip5Xuw/VYmQd27MphI/AAAAAAAABaM/Rmh6OIWIIdI/s1600/11536149_10207168882244013_2014996033277313681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOSdip5Xuw/VYmQd27MphI/AAAAAAAABaM/Rmh6OIWIIdI/s320/11536149_10207168882244013_2014996033277313681_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gea5iR8FfAY/VYmQdiAqyWI/AAAAAAAABaI/d0sIQTwnu5U/s1600/11000042_10207168863763551_8595904075143064483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gea5iR8FfAY/VYmQdiAqyWI/AAAAAAAABaI/d0sIQTwnu5U/s320/11000042_10207168863763551_8595904075143064483_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The latest baby event was a Diaper Shower / Baby-Q co hosted by my bestest best friend Steph/Her husband Jon and Joel/myself. Beer was flowing, diapers and wipes were generously given, food was plentiful, and neighbors stayed til Midnight. Again - I only got before and after pictures, none during. What a bummer! We had a great turnout of Joel's co-workers, our community group, family and neighbors. What a fun night! For any expectant parents - I HIGHLY recommend the baby-q/diaper party idea. Co hosting with close friends was perfect so Joel wasn't tied to the grill and I wasn't the only one watching the food inside. It was a relaxing night to hang out with friends - no agenda, no pressure, open house style. Baby is SET on diapers for at least a few months (I THINK a lot longer than that, but I don't want to make a first time mom over estimate). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEJT9V-coQI/VYl6k5MxD2I/AAAAAAAABY8/HJTrSyiiCYo/s1600/diaperparty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WEJT9V-coQI/VYl6k5MxD2I/AAAAAAAABY8/HJTrSyiiCYo/s320/diaperparty2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1okTw4N73qE/VYl6kxMFdXI/AAAAAAAABZA/xVaA2eDHAl8/s1600/diaperparty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1okTw4N73qE/VYl6kxMFdXI/AAAAAAAABZA/xVaA2eDHAl8/s320/diaperparty3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfM2aM_fhI/VYl6kkTh6ZI/AAAAAAAABY4/RGDoovD1Wqg/s1600/diaperparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfM2aM_fhI/VYl6kkTh6ZI/AAAAAAAABY4/RGDoovD1Wqg/s320/diaperparty.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> We're eagerly anticipating the arrival of our newest family member. We have big dreams for this little soul. We're praying for patience, rest, lots of laughter, grace with one another, and exceeding joy during this transition. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The closer I get to meeting this little one face to face, the more sappy and prayer-focused I've become. I realize that this child is not my own. God is the creator and giver of life. He is the one who has the power to breathe physical life into baby's little body and to breathe spiritual life into our baby. Joel and I can do everything within our power to have a home that reflects Christ but without God opening our baby's eyes to the truth, our efforts are in vain. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So pray with me and with Joel for our baby. For him or her to become a mighty vessel for the use of Christ. For God to move in his or her heart at a young age and to powerfully raise up Baby Boggs to be a part of the next generation of his kingdom. For God to give Joel and I the knowledge, humility, and grace to parent in a way that points our child to Jesus and reflects Kingdom glory to other families around us. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-42007888089513431802015-02-04T12:12:00.001-06:002015-02-04T14:28:59.962-06:00BUMP<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Busy season is upon us: Work, holidays, winter doldrums, and the usual suspects. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This year we have a few more things keeping us busy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We're in the process of buying a house. As long as all goes as planned, we'll close on February 27. We're very excited about the new house. It's in a great location a little North and East from where we currently are in Minneapolis. To make the home even more special - it's only 2 blocks from where one of my best friends in the world lives! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The second big ticket item keeping us busy is the prospect of being parents! I'm due July 15th with our first baby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">cravings: apple fritters (so strange), oranges, runny yolk eggs, sandwiches</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">aversions: salads, coffee, super salty foods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">gender: we're team green!! Not finding out til the delivery room</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I still wasn't feeling like I looked pregnant -- then I compared two 'bump' pictures where I was wearing the same sweater. I'm convinced - the bump is real! First pic was taken at 7 weeks, Second at 16 weeks. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnl89nhkc1w/VNJguv9WYmI/AAAAAAAABWA/yo68aTs8l94/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnl89nhkc1w/VNJguv9WYmI/AAAAAAAABWA/yo68aTs8l94/s1600/image2.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-20488035248938404492014-09-29T21:24:00.002-05:002014-09-29T22:02:58.365-05:00Dream Worthy Taco Pizza<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Guys. This pizza is great. I've made it a few times and it has topped Joel's dinner favorites list. I HIGHLY recommend!! This is my version of the Taco Pizza that I first tried at The OP.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay1zI-aGZ9o/VCoT3EPMBJI/AAAAAAAABRs/QYIZl0r1e98/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ay1zI-aGZ9o/VCoT3EPMBJI/AAAAAAAABRs/QYIZl0r1e98/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">INGREDIENTS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 recipe of your favorite pizza dough at room temperature (mine</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> is </span><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/pizza-dough-recipe.html" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">this one</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> by Bob</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by Flay)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2-3/4 lb ground beef (depends how meaty you want it!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 pkg taco seasoning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 can refried beans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 cups shredded cheese (I use a blend of mozzarella and mexican blend or cheddar)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tomatoes, diced </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, rinsed and thinly sliced (or you can buy shredded lettuce)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A few giant handfuls of Taco doritos (crushed)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Taco Sauce and Sour Cream for garnish</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">INSTRUCTIONS: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 475</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Brown beef, drain and rinse. Pour taco seasoning and 1/3-1/2 cup water into the pan. Mix well, set taco meat aside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stretch dough out using your favorite method on pizza pan or stone. I swear by my 16 inch Calphalon pizza pan I got at target -- perfect crust EVERY TIME! Spread 1/2 can refried beans over dough like sauce. Spread meat mixture over beans, then sprinkle cheese on top. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bake 10-12 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and dough is medium brown (bake this slightly longer than your normal pizza time - we need the crust to be kind of crispy to hold all of these glorious toppings!).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pull pizza out of of the oven once it is browned to your liking. Generously sprinkle with diced tomatoes and lettuce. Crush 2-3 handfuls of taco doritos (OR MORE) over the top of the pizza. Drizzle with taco sauce of your choice. Serve with extra taco sauce and sour cream. Cut and eat immediately. ENJOY!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-13144660993057057412014-06-26T14:11:00.003-05:002014-07-17T16:13:14.396-05:00Burger Cravings<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Big huge juicy beef burgers are my thing. I'm the girl that ordered a huge burger at my bachelorette party two days before the wedding. One that orders a burger when all the other girls order salads. The girl that once cried when they brought me a veggie burger when it was supposed to be a turkey burger (it had been a REALLY long program and the turkey burger was the one redeeming quality of the hotel). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've found a veggie burger that I reallllly like. Not like as a back up burger -- as the burger I've starting craving on a semi-regular basis. I know, I KNOW. Dangerous words from a carnivore like me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's worth sharing. I know. A blog post on a veggie burger from ME. Alas. I digress. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It all started when Joel and I had our friends over for a grill out. They are vegetarians, so we wanted to honor them with the food we had (we were still in the -- do they eat fish? part of the friendship -- answer, yes they do). I went on a search for a great black bean burger. Of course I had to make it myself. I started reading -- these were the links that tickled my fancy the most. Being Anna, I couldn't just follow a recipe - I combined a few. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2014/03/the-best-black-bean-burger-recipe.html?ref=vegetarian" target="_blank">Serious Eats - Best Black Bean Burger</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/07/13/our-perfect-veggie-burger/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows - Our Perfect Veggie Burger</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/06/spicy-black-bean-burgers-with-chipotle.html" target="_blank">Skinny Taste - Spicy Black Bean Burgers with Chipotle</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> this recipe has quite a bit of prep and ingredients, but I definitely think it's worth it. Spices and mix ins are totally flexible if you're not a fan of one or two - these are just what I like. </span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">****</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>THE BOGGS BURGER (SPICY BLACK BEAN VEGGIE BURGERS)</u></span></div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ingredients:</span></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: 1.4;">
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup oats, pulsed in a good blender or food processor (doesn't have to be ground down to flour, but chopped work better than whole oats)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1.5 cups bread crumbs (I use whatever I have on hand - usually comes out to about 3 slices)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup grated carrots (I use the largest holes on my grater)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 can black beans, rinsed, drained and mashed (I mashed with my potato masher for a chunkier mash or you can use a fork for more pasty mash -- up to you)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup almonds, chopped KIND of finely. but still enough to be crunchy in the burger patty! (I've also used cashews successfully)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 chopped bell pepper (I used a mix of red/yellow that I had leftover, doesn't matter what kind!)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup onion, diced</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2-4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped finely (I used 4 of them and the burgers are not overwhelmingly hot) </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp minced garlic </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 egg</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp soy sauce</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp chili powder</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tbsp cumin</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tbsp coriander</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tbsp oregano</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Salt and black pepper, to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp onion salt and 1 tsp black pepper)</span></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 1.4;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><u>Accompaniments: </u></span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Chipotle mayo (Use a 3 to 1 ration of mayo to adobo sauce, leftover from can of chipotle in adobo peppers used in the recipe)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Sliced avocado</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">Additional items I like: cheese (favorites are pepperjack or provolone), Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 14px;">hamburger buns</span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Prep ingredients. Mash up the black beans, pulse the bread crumbs and oats, chop the almonds / peppers / onions, shred the carrots </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, oats, carrots, almonds, bell pepper, chipotle pepper, onion,garlic and black beans. Mix together thoroughly with a spoon or your hands. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In a small bowl, combine dry spices and mix together. Add spices to the big bowl along with soy sauce and olive oil. Stir together. Stop. TASTE THE MIX - do you like how it tastes? No? Add more spice / soy sauce / garlic to taste. I loved that one of the recipes I read said that if you don't like the mix- you won't like the burger! Once you like how it tastes, add the egg and mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon. The mix will be pretty gooey (similar to how a beef burger mix feels). </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grab a big cookie sheet and put wax paper down to cover the whole cookie sheet. Form the mix into patties and evenly space patties on the wax paper. This recipe made 8 generous patties for me. Once you are happy with how the patties look, put the entire cookie sheet into the freezer (if your freezer is smaller than your cookie sheet, you might need to use 2 smaller pans like cake pans or pie tins for this part). Freeze for at least one hour, or until patties are firm. Once frozen, cut squares of wax paper around each burger, then place the individual burgers together in a large ziplock back. Store in the freezer.** </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Once ready to cook - peel off the wax paper. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Grill - brush the top of the patty with oil and place frozen patty directly on a medium heat grill - oil side down, about 4-6 minutes. Brush the top of the burger with oil, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. I'd suggest adding a slice of cheese in the last 2 or so minutes of cooking! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Skillet - place frozen patty in a highly sprayed or oiled skillet at medium heat, cook about 4-5 minutes per side. Sometimes I have to get a lid from another pot to put over the top of the burger (it gets a little smoky). I'd suggest adding a slice of cheese in the last 2 or so minutes of cooking! </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oven- I'm sure you can bake these in the oven. The other recipes said a 375 degree oven</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">**If you are wanting to make these right away and NOT freeze them, I'd suggest putting in an additional 1/4 cup pulsed oats to hold them together a little better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
****<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ENJOY. I really hope you do. These have made me into a veggie burger fan. My new summer favorite thing is to keep these in the freezer for an easy and super yummy lunch. 10 or 12 minutes later, and I have an awesome burger to eat. Just as good without a bun if you're avoiding gluten - pile toppings on and knife & fork the heck out of it! I would post a picture of the veggie burger I ate for lunch-- but I ate it too quickly. oops. </span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-56883506150603695802014-06-06T09:13:00.000-05:002014-06-06T09:18:57.556-05:00Spring makes way to Summer<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Married life. Minneapolis. Working remotely. These have all been new territories for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Married life is good. Hard at times, but great. Joel is wonderful. He is a servant. He's ornery and gives me crap (which I totally need), but also loves me so well. These first 5 months have been a challenge as we learn to navigate the waters of the forever "us" -- with budgets, friendships, everyday life, disagreements, family time etc. When two become one, God miraculously joins them together -- but a lot of human JUNK remains (opinions, pride, independence). These things in and of themselves aren't bad or wrong, but they are learning opportunities and struggles in a new marriage. Joel and I are both in our upper 20s -- that means we had a lot of time to learn independence / living alone / managing our own time. Walking and talking through how our individual ideas of a great plan become OUR idea of a great plan is still a work in progress. We are learning new things about one another regularly -- about family history, about personal quirks. It's fun. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the things I"m most thankful for in marrying Joel is the way he loves family. The day we got married, I became his family. Joel is protective of me physically and spiritually, exceedingly kind to me in the midst of my emotional highs and lows, and shows patience and encouragement towards me as I navigate the newness of being a wife. Joel learned much of this from his family. They are now my family too -- I'm so grateful to be joined into a family who loves Jesus first. This family also loves through food (I feel at home). This family treasures building up children through encouragement. This family ENJOYS being together. I'm glad that I'm a part of it all. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Minneapolis is a fun city to live in. Once the snow finally melted and the polar vortex dissipated, spring made way to a beautiful city. We are enjoying new restaurants, the huge farmer's market downtown, and seeing the city transition from hibernation to life. One of my favorite things in the city (big surprise) are all the bike trails! Joel and I have been on a few bike adventures. The trail network is extensive with lots of options for afternoon or evening explorations. Just last weekend we biked to the summit brewery to meet up with friends of ours from church then came back for a bbq. As biking has come into season again, I've realized how much I miss McKenzie Sauser. She was always my biking pal in Des Moines, and the afternoon rides and conversation are missed even more as the physical distance between us grows. Mack and I have transitioned to late night phone calls for encouragement and accountability. I love how deep friendships don't end with distance - they change and sometimes 'grow up' -- but in a really neat way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is a certain loneliness in starting over with community. I've gotten pretty good at starting over in new places over the years. In the past, my singleness has created an urgency for community. I've lived alone and not really known ANYONE, meaning that it was on me to dig in and start relationships or suffer the consequences of not doing so. Being married, specifically a newlywed, changes the urgency. Since Joel and I were long distance for so long, I craved time with him. So the balance of learning to lean into other people is hard. I need friends, I need women to walk alongside me, WE need other married couple friends -- but sometimes it's hard to get outside of just us. God is providing us with community through our church. I'm finally starting to feel rooted to the point of friendships going beyond the surface. SUCH an answered prayer. I'm hoping that this summer will be a season for those friendships to deepen as we explore the city together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">As the days turn into months of working remotely, I see what a blessing my job is. I was and am so fortunate to be in the position of keeping my job despite moving a state away. Having my job be a constant in the midst of so much change has been life giving. Although the transition to being a one woman office is a challenge, the camaraderie with my teammates continues over email / chat / phone calls. I miss seeing those friends a lot. It makes me a treasure my trips to Des Moines even more and VERY thankful when I get paired with a co-worker on big programs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life is still good. I'm looking forward to seeing more Des Moines friends this summer at weddings, to my big work trip next week where I get to see more friends, and for endless long weekends at the lake this summer. This post is a lot of words and no pictures, but it will have to do. </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-69807734953478060702014-01-08T16:55:00.003-06:002015-02-04T15:01:56.782-06:00Life Happened...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After my last post...life got a little crazy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had a wonderful time with Joel. I continued to enjoy a few weeks of bike riding, farmer's market adventures, and general summer merriment. Two weeks later, my dad had a really serious stroke (my blogging went <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gwstevenson/journal" target="_blank">here</a> to his caring bridge site instead of my usual blog). We had been out on a bike ride when things just went sour. Two nights in Ames hospitals then a life flight to the Neuro ICU in Iowa City had us pretty shaken up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life stood still. It was like watching from a distance while another family went through chaos and terror -- but it wasn't someone else. It was me. And my family. All of the little things I had been so worried about before - traveling, missing friends, wondering if Joel was going to propose - they seemed so trivial. We trucked on...making trips to Iowa City until my dad got released from their Neuro ICU then back to Ames to see him enter inpatient rehab at the hospital. He stayed in inpatient care for a little over a month. We visited frequently to chat and encourage him as he started the journey to recovery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiDlOHQr88k/Us3WAQHTnvI/AAAAAAAABNY/6yMjtVxUCjE/s1600/hospital.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SiDlOHQr88k/Us3WAQHTnvI/AAAAAAAABNY/6yMjtVxUCjE/s1600/hospital.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Two weeks after my dad's stroke, Joel proposed. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tpx_3BKr_c/Us3RdB8xXAI/AAAAAAAABMk/ra2IY1odYU4/s1600/proposal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9tpx_3BKr_c/Us3RdB8xXAI/AAAAAAAABMk/ra2IY1odYU4/s1600/proposal.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The back story is that Joel had set up a time to have dinner with my parents and ask permission to marry me. The dinner never happened because the date that was set was just days after my dad's stroke. Joel loved me and my family well through that trial. He listened, served. and represented what a Godly man he is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My mom and dad encouraged Joel to still propose, even though my dad was still in the hospital recovering. They didn't want my dad's health to be a barrier to something wonderful happening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">August 10th, I said yes to Joel's proposal. We settled on a winter wedding date and started planning for a December wedding. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In that 4 month span, I gained 3 more nieces and a nephew. Ha - my sister in law had twin girls the last week of August, then she and my brother's adoption waiting game finally came to an end. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_14HhlKr3jg/Us3Rd-LJaII/AAAAAAAABM0/tG8omLI6lbQ/s1600/twins.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_14HhlKr3jg/Us3Rd-LJaII/AAAAAAAABM0/tG8omLI6lbQ/s1600/twins.JPG" height="320" width="318" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I spent a month and a half living up in Ames with my dad while my mom was out of the country. My mom was in the Congo with my brother trying to get his two kids' adoption documents finalized so they could come home. A process we initially guessed to take a few weeks turned into 40 days of praying, waiting, and trusting God to move. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FvXMCZTpCA/Us3RN1U_pKI/AAAAAAAABLw/FxkOSRbLMWA/s1600/1379443_10202097733426154_1422740218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FvXMCZTpCA/Us3RN1U_pKI/AAAAAAAABLw/FxkOSRbLMWA/s1600/1379443_10202097733426154_1422740218_n.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I flew out to the East Coast to present an Account Review for the main account I work on the first week of October. It was a great opportunity to stretch my comfort level and strengthen my analytic portfolio. I was terrified, but it went really well (better than I expected!). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Joel and I made it through another turnaround for his work. I saw another great friend get married -- Amy and Dan are on the left. They got married in November. Amy and I work together -- we had a great time planning winter weddings concurrently. I've been so encouraged by her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKHVjb435t4/Us3RdkdLMvI/AAAAAAAABMw/40FIHBlCmAo/s1600/img_3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKHVjb435t4/Us3RdkdLMvI/AAAAAAAABMw/40FIHBlCmAo/s1600/img_3883.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our whirlwind 4 month engagement passed (rather quickly!!), and we got married December 14th. Highlights of the day were sunshine, a bit of snow falling, my dad being able to walk me down the aisle, my brother performing the wedding ceremony, and the 16 piece live band at the reception. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhtFQkf0rdw/Us3RZ-fIHuI/AAAAAAAABMM/09Rw38kXiQ0/s1600/Joel++Anna++winter+wedding+2013-80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XhtFQkf0rdw/Us3RZ-fIHuI/AAAAAAAABMM/09Rw38kXiQ0/s1600/Joel++Anna++winter+wedding+2013-80.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnpFOy-TVCI/Us3SwqLijVI/AAAAAAAABNM/b7oUnfEtGQc/s1600/Dad+walking+down+aisle+-+compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnpFOy-TVCI/Us3SwqLijVI/AAAAAAAABNM/b7oUnfEtGQc/s1600/Dad+walking+down+aisle+-+compressed.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(wedding pics by Libby Asay Studios)</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THEN Joel and I went on a honeymoon to Punta Cana. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Went straight from our honeymoon to Christmas in Iowa with my family. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THEN drove up I-35 to our new house in Minneapolis, Minnesota. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We've spend the past few weeks getting our house to feel more like a home. It finally does. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My life is full. Gloriously full. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-39312338316144453262013-07-18T12:00:00.000-05:002013-07-18T12:00:08.408-05:00Sweet Summertime<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The day finally came! After the epic paper chain countdown at work -- I got to see Joel. My co workers were so fun to celebrate the happy day with me!! Joel and I spent all of Memorial Day weekend together. Fun times including his cousin's wedding, two different days out on the water (I got up wakeboarding!), finding some new favorite restaurants in Minneapolis, brunch with my best friend Steph and her husband, and a 3:30 AM trip to the airport to send me off on my next program. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4y5XXwbNPM/UcoWbG2XTqI/AAAAAAAABA8/ctwxOBZVwIA/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4y5XXwbNPM/UcoWbG2XTqI/AAAAAAAABA8/ctwxOBZVwIA/s320/IMG_3950.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnAiLGpNWB0/UcoWS_do0JI/AAAAAAAABAI/pIIlAzTWsWM/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnAiLGpNWB0/UcoWS_do0JI/AAAAAAAABAI/pIIlAzTWsWM/s320/IMG_3952.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzz6RYfcohQ/UcoWcWDHOyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/eAYtISowfKM/s1600/IMG_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzz6RYfcohQ/UcoWcWDHOyI/AAAAAAAABBQ/eAYtISowfKM/s320/IMG_4109.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpGmTA8ZLs/UcoWTN4DkFI/AAAAAAAABAQ/mnLVowr-3xo/s1600/IMG_3960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqpGmTA8ZLs/UcoWTN4DkFI/AAAAAAAABAQ/mnLVowr-3xo/s320/IMG_3960.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXeei51fl70/UcoWZVTbgVI/AAAAAAAABAo/bvwsQ49PuGA/s1600/IMG_3968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DXeei51fl70/UcoWZVTbgVI/AAAAAAAABAo/bvwsQ49PuGA/s320/IMG_3968.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvW_mTS06dw/UcoWVOuRIYI/AAAAAAAABAY/AAXLIpdS340/s1600/IMG_3977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CvW_mTS06dw/UcoWVOuRIYI/AAAAAAAABAY/AAXLIpdS340/s320/IMG_3977.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Mary and I spent 16 days in sunny Puerto Rico for our program. I was super thankful to be paired with such a fun co-worker for such a LONG trip! We made it through unscathed. We were both DEFINITELY ready to be home once the trip was done. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FmfEe0B_dE/UcoWWe4AzzI/AAAAAAAABAg/L1tJdxIA0pM/s1600/IMG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FmfEe0B_dE/UcoWWe4AzzI/AAAAAAAABAg/L1tJdxIA0pM/s320/IMG_3988.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP4tKpcfrlk/UcoWaz_PhNI/AAAAAAAABA4/kjlIz78d9Yk/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lP4tKpcfrlk/UcoWaz_PhNI/AAAAAAAABA4/kjlIz78d9Yk/s320/IMG_4058.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjbNTb5z_Ig/UcoWanSE7II/AAAAAAAABAw/tXw85QbTApQ/s1600/IMG_4066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjbNTb5z_Ig/UcoWanSE7II/AAAAAAAABAw/tXw85QbTApQ/s320/IMG_4066.JPG" width="235" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When I got back from my trip -- Joel and I had another weekend together! I'm getting spoiled with all of the together time this summer. No complaints here -- I'll soak it while I can. He makes wakeboarding and wakesurfing look a LOT easier than I do. He's a pro! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3CdLiYzNpY/UcoWbqqw24I/AAAAAAAABBI/2Zavd6Y_FJA/s1600/IMG_4122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3CdLiYzNpY/UcoWbqqw24I/AAAAAAAABBI/2Zavd6Y_FJA/s320/IMG_4122.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAZxxEv6V-I/UcoWdtrXUgI/AAAAAAAABBY/wl4KLrv0X1g/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yAZxxEv6V-I/UcoWdtrXUgI/AAAAAAAABBY/wl4KLrv0X1g/s320/IMG_4126.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oR54fxO9tPQ/UcoWkqOrT6I/AAAAAAAABBw/vP2oJ6PwFLE/s1600/IMG_4151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oR54fxO9tPQ/UcoWkqOrT6I/AAAAAAAABBw/vP2oJ6PwFLE/s320/IMG_4151.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">BIKE RIDES! What? I like bike riding?! Yes, I do. Most recent favorite thing has been the Taco Tuesday ride. It's a nice 16-17 mile round trip ride from the South side of Des Moines to Cummings, IA. The special treat?! Fat Tire beer on draft and Tacopocalypse tacos as a reward. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBuQAs4dj5Y/UcoWk030q1I/AAAAAAAABB0/MrZ7sKHM1Zg/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBuQAs4dj5Y/UcoWk030q1I/AAAAAAAABB0/MrZ7sKHM1Zg/s320/IMG_4131.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had no idea that Thursdays at Jasper Winery were such a big deal--but they are! I went with friends and saw the crazy lines of cars waiting to park. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzd_1HgENcE/UcoWeTpEDuI/AAAAAAAABBg/Ej53r7ZtM7w/s1600/IMG_4143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzd_1HgENcE/UcoWeTpEDuI/AAAAAAAABBg/Ej53r7ZtM7w/s320/IMG_4143.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More Bike Rides. We survived (BARELY) the WAR Ride from Waukee to Redfield and back. If you know me at all, you probably know that I don't do so well in super hot/humid weather. Add my longest bike ride to date to upper 90s weather with a head wind? Yeah - those 39 miles felt like 80! Having a boyfriend that can ride like a pro a few short weeks after getting a road bike is good for my pride. I definitely took a long nap after the ride. Fun bonding time with Joel and Helzer, though. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOvGv3Njw4k/UcoWeuxzyII/AAAAAAAABBk/IS-PbqfiD_U/s1600/IMG_4149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QOvGv3Njw4k/UcoWeuxzyII/AAAAAAAABBk/IS-PbqfiD_U/s320/IMG_4149.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkyCEGd30XM/UcoWln-44QI/AAAAAAAABCA/XYZ_ffEFsPk/s1600/IMG_4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EkyCEGd30XM/UcoWln-44QI/AAAAAAAABCA/XYZ_ffEFsPk/s320/IMG_4150.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-71223072375963412412013-05-21T13:27:00.002-05:002013-05-21T15:07:51.432-05:00April Showers Bring May Flowers<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jesus continues to remind me of his faithfulness. </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium;">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Seeing Melissa be pregnant (with TWINS) and now waiting with my brother for the two adopted kiddos after years of waiting and praying. Crying out to God to answer -- he was answering. in HIS time. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In my moments or days of doubting if I can handle a long distance relationship -- He reminds me that no, I can't - but HE can. A long distance relationship will continue to stir fear, insecurity, and loneliness every moment I focus on ME. When my eyes are on Christ as my fullness, Christ as my future, Christ as my timeline, Christ as my identity, Christ as my goal -- then my fears or aches to know what's coming fade. I know that my future is to pursue Christ. That is more than enough. It's a lesson in learning to loose my grip on knowing all and leading my future and letting Joel lead us. It's laying down my pride and my fear of what is to come, and trusting Joel to lead me through it as we pursue Christ together. </span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Spring is finally here. Well - kind of. Spring sort of got left by the wayside with the MAY snow storm and quick ushering in a week later of 90 degree temperatures. Even if it's delayed, even if it's not by my timeline, even if it makes me laugh--- the season do change. They come when the time is right for the creator of the universe. He is faithful. </span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The last month in pictures: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Site visit to Cancun</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ct3npb9uzx0/UZu4MTWOKvI/AAAAAAAAA7c/RG_H1nKTUNE/s1600/IMG_3678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ct3npb9uzx0/UZu4MTWOKvI/AAAAAAAAA7c/RG_H1nKTUNE/s320/IMG_3678.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFl3PzpMzR4/UZu4MLsn_EI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/cCw_mNBFcec/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CFl3PzpMzR4/UZu4MLsn_EI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/cCw_mNBFcec/s320/IMG_3695.JPG" width="230" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utcxjADHoTg/UZu4N7vZSZI/AAAAAAAAA7o/7RMmgC2rUTg/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So beautiful!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEx4MDqb9aE/UZu4OYqdwHI/AAAAAAAAA7w/npxugTC9o4s/s1600/IMG_3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEx4MDqb9aE/UZu4OYqdwHI/AAAAAAAAA7w/npxugTC9o4s/s320/IMG_3727.JPG" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reUSjFYukec/UZu4QKmbFeI/AAAAAAAAA74/Ce7d_DRLCVc/s320/IMG_3748.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could get used to this...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Work fun</span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMyDbEPSI3k/UZu4nieX3OI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/ZhbHdG15YyA/s320/IMG_3769.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="238" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine and Canvas- fun, moderately stressful for 'type A' folks (read: all of my coworkers and me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMyDbEPSI3k/UZu4nieX3OI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/ZhbHdG15YyA/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxqhC98pbGg/UZu4jrLNXNI/AAAAAAAAA8A/OYp1svHxKqQ/s1600/IMG_3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vxqhC98pbGg/UZu4jrLNXNI/AAAAAAAAA8A/OYp1svHxKqQ/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88zKvFo6tcI/UZu4lbwTxSI/AAAAAAAAA8I/GeQ9MyaDo80/s1600/IMG_3812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88zKvFo6tcI/UZu4lbwTxSI/AAAAAAAAA8I/GeQ9MyaDo80/s320/IMG_3812.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0cEvIBUosA/UZu4m6V4pvI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/49wTmqNNq9g/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0cEvIBUosA/UZu4m6V4pvI/AAAAAAAAA8Q/49wTmqNNq9g/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Helped throw a bridal shower for a co-worker -- hosted at my apartment. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hAHYDn4dYLg/UZu480Ln0bI/AAAAAAAAA8o/kLX1waSZIX4/s320/IMG_3784.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangria station!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgqWHp0a79U/UZu488gcZRI/AAAAAAAAA8s/XhXVE9zuZig/s1600/IMG_3787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgqWHp0a79U/UZu488gcZRI/AAAAAAAAA8s/XhXVE9zuZig/s320/IMG_3787.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SerP49_uiwg/UZu42nVfDlI/AAAAAAAAA8g/Szd6dL-2zxg/s320/IMG_3789.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely bride is on the right - Jess! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Epic baking fail...but I got a new oven out of it!! It pays to take lots of pictures -- my cupcake failure picture helped convince my property management company that my oven really was broken. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDVnEvMSSy0/UZu6G-tjHFI/AAAAAAAAA9A/NXk8i8oVe5g/s1600/IMG_3772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDVnEvMSSy0/UZu6G-tjHFI/AAAAAAAAA9A/NXk8i8oVe5g/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wedding weekend for aformentioned co-worker</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCKZmIrrRM/UZvSmNo7tQI/AAAAAAAAA_M/1aBJIhW5H54/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hKCKZmIrrRM/UZvSmNo7tQI/AAAAAAAAA_M/1aBJIhW5H54/s320/photo+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJajw7TS-Lk/UZvSnGgvX4I/AAAAAAAAA_k/zr9Xn9J76Bc/s1600/wedding.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJajw7TS-Lk/UZvSnGgvX4I/AAAAAAAAA_k/zr9Xn9J76Bc/s320/wedding.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">BIKING SEASON IS FINALLY HERE</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyPx_w3PnS8/UZu6d9BkKhI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Yb6xqXwsRRo/s1600/IMG_3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AyPx_w3PnS8/UZu6d9BkKhI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/Yb6xqXwsRRo/s320/IMG_3600.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-TNrVo2e4g/UZu6a32qsTI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Wwlc2eZdWb4/s1600/IMG_3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E-TNrVo2e4g/UZu6a32qsTI/AAAAAAAAA9M/Wwlc2eZdWb4/s320/IMG_3601.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKcsIrAQsIk/UZu6akGU2qI/AAAAAAAAA9I/Zv30sbrAcnQ/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKcsIrAQsIk/UZu6akGU2qI/AAAAAAAAA9I/Zv30sbrAcnQ/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qnqW3iO4Qc/UZu6ecd82KI/AAAAAAAAA9g/rhGc-_CfDzU/s1600/IMG_3849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qnqW3iO4Qc/UZu6ecd82KI/AAAAAAAAA9g/rhGc-_CfDzU/s320/IMG_3849.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Baby shower for my sister in law and a weekend of family fun. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvZ5BKCILk4/UZu65Bzr5ZI/AAAAAAAAA94/0Ve8-ovB3M4/s1600/IMG_3898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tvZ5BKCILk4/UZu65Bzr5ZI/AAAAAAAAA94/0Ve8-ovB3M4/s320/IMG_3898.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-17V5fwwbA/UZu64CGUm5I/AAAAAAAAA9s/zuIGJFlzrvo/s1600/IMG_3901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-17V5fwwbA/UZu64CGUm5I/AAAAAAAAA9s/zuIGJFlzrvo/s320/IMG_3901.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aci6Ws0eOQ0/UZu63yfyN2I/AAAAAAAAA9o/XLq1Unbwqkk/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aci6Ws0eOQ0/UZu63yfyN2I/AAAAAAAAA9o/XLq1Unbwqkk/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkj73IVEsns/UZu7Bzz8g-I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/EMH9edCgtcM/s1600/IMG_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkj73IVEsns/UZu7Bzz8g-I/AAAAAAAAA-Y/EMH9edCgtcM/s320/IMG_3907.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FakFK6koeMM/UZvSmVFgYHI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/sSH3WxAqnfY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FakFK6koeMM/UZvSmVFgYHI/AAAAAAAAA_Q/sSH3WxAqnfY/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnniZ2GzGnY/UZvSnBIcP2I/AAAAAAAAA_o/QsrRQKHrV1Y/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnniZ2GzGnY/UZvSnBIcP2I/AAAAAAAAA_o/QsrRQKHrV1Y/s320/photo+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pNPmuqEq5Q/UZvSmTT1T8I/AAAAAAAAA_g/y-CFCWLKAtQ/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1pNPmuqEq5Q/UZvSmTT1T8I/AAAAAAAAA_g/y-CFCWLKAtQ/s320/photo+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44M2n_hBIDg/UZu7CAzY4FI/AAAAAAAAA-g/toMu7qRCavQ/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-44M2n_hBIDg/UZu7CAzY4FI/AAAAAAAAA-g/toMu7qRCavQ/s320/IMG_3909.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qc0H3I281o/UZu68bYKbuI/AAAAAAAAA-A/DN9_E9PAJfk/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Qc0H3I281o/UZu68bYKbuI/AAAAAAAAA-A/DN9_E9PAJfk/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyDcirbaigU/UZu7AyiAJ7I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Kl4Cx_3FFP4/s1600/IMG_3923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SyDcirbaigU/UZu7AyiAJ7I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/Kl4Cx_3FFP4/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">59 days of waiting to see Joel...my countdown is now at 3 more days. I'm VERY ready to actually get to see him in person and hug him. I'm so thankful for technology that has allowed us to keep talking /seeing eachother / texting / video messaging etc throughout this season apart. It has caused a few semi-awkward moments (what? Me? no I'm not taking awkward selfies repeatedly -- I'm actually sending a video message to my boyfriend. I didn't see you on the sidewalk. I usually check for other people so I don't have an audience.). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RibkXkDBCQ/UZu7c1WSfrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/PcNp6lSmc3I/s1600/IMG_3605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4RibkXkDBCQ/UZu7c1WSfrI/AAAAAAAAA-s/PcNp6lSmc3I/s320/IMG_3605.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There are only 3 RINGS left on my "days til I see him" paper chain countdown :) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRdlDnJ35cc/UZu7f0DHDpI/AAAAAAAAA-0/rb7JUV7BL2M/s1600/IMG_3809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gRdlDnJ35cc/UZu7f0DHDpI/AAAAAAAAA-0/rb7JUV7BL2M/s320/IMG_3809.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Flowers from him. They came the day of the snowstorm (see next picture)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adAlRDp-fvQ/UZu73YizQiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/s6IHp7f4EfU/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-adAlRDp-fvQ/UZu73YizQiI/AAAAAAAAA-8/s6IHp7f4EfU/s320/IMG_3797.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-61749641582140035332013-04-15T18:29:00.004-05:002013-04-15T18:29:57.745-05:00Spring Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since we last spoke:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I moved into a duplex with a friend. Living alone for a season was fantastic -- but Sara and I are a great match. Having a person to do life with and come home to has been great. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEG7Ff6LhM/UWyIXhCAlBI/AAAAAAAAAzU/08u3CSWX0pA/s1600/IMG_2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEG7Ff6LhM/UWyIXhCAlBI/AAAAAAAAAzU/08u3CSWX0pA/s320/IMG_2473.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I went to the Cayman Islands for work. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Td4iD46gj0/UWyIS-ZzUWI/AAAAAAAAAzI/h-7BQx0VCWA/s1600/IMG_2439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Td4iD46gj0/UWyIS-ZzUWI/AAAAAAAAAzI/h-7BQx0VCWA/s320/IMG_2439.JPG" width="221" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvKZgnFYUJU/UWyJfYfWXTI/AAAAAAAAA2U/MpffTTBGHKo/s1600/IMG_2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvKZgnFYUJU/UWyJfYfWXTI/AAAAAAAAA2U/MpffTTBGHKo/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcx5WVjl9VE/UWyJgnWEzDI/AAAAAAAAA2c/t141BkSUX2Q/s1600/IMG_2314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vcx5WVjl9VE/UWyJgnWEzDI/AAAAAAAAA2c/t141BkSUX2Q/s320/IMG_2314.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I said yes to "officially" dating a wonderful guy I have been talking to and spending time with. His name is Joel. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59TQHPwY--I/UWyIUboEfvI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/34_m2aX-Or8/s1600/IMG_2477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-59TQHPwY--I/UWyIUboEfvI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/34_m2aX-Or8/s320/IMG_2477.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nPLeoMnEY/UWyJ8bTNmeI/AAAAAAAAA2s/fShfnEwH_lc/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j6nPLeoMnEY/UWyJ8bTNmeI/AAAAAAAAA2s/fShfnEwH_lc/s320/IMG_2667.JPG" width="234" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He moved to Minnesota.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has driven down to see me and me up to see him a few times. It's hard - but we're figuring it out. One Skype call and care package at a time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">During one of my visits to see Joel, I got to spend some time with my bestie. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lV3FW0UcACc/UWyIYrIJETI/AAAAAAAAAzs/QVI94Ln6YH0/s1600/IMG_2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lV3FW0UcACc/UWyIYrIJETI/AAAAAAAAAzs/QVI94Ln6YH0/s320/IMG_2742.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmCcLLcwNMY/UWyIZL_M4DI/AAAAAAAAAzw/XH9XS8YZZv8/s1600/IMG_2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PmCcLLcwNMY/UWyIZL_M4DI/AAAAAAAAAzw/XH9XS8YZZv8/s320/IMG_2743.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Had a visit from my sister and niece.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d-jXmnCvN8/UWyIX7L1EUI/AAAAAAAAAzg/rRoyv-fq5Zc/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7d-jXmnCvN8/UWyIX7L1EUI/AAAAAAAAAzg/rRoyv-fq5Zc/s320/IMG_2702.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQbm5XkvmmA/UWyIclVCWyI/AAAAAAAAA0E/8t1Pa3UO3yw/s1600/IMG_2681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQbm5XkvmmA/UWyIclVCWyI/AAAAAAAAA0E/8t1Pa3UO3yw/s320/IMG_2681.JPG" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO1sqTWruj8/UWyMkhl_3FI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Vv_lgpsYyBI/s1600/IMG_2691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NO1sqTWruj8/UWyMkhl_3FI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Vv_lgpsYyBI/s320/IMG_2691.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6y4Q33-C2Y/UWyMlR49JVI/AAAAAAAAA3c/Mev4dBH7G_w/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P6y4Q33-C2Y/UWyMlR49JVI/AAAAAAAAA3c/Mev4dBH7G_w/s320/IMG_2682.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I went to Hungary for work.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tYqcSrvRHM/UWyIcz0HO6I/AAAAAAAAA0I/AyhHhhlQmM4/s1600/IMG_3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7tYqcSrvRHM/UWyIcz0HO6I/AAAAAAAAA0I/AyhHhhlQmM4/s320/IMG_3233.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWGobWaEhFA/UWyIiayVy7I/AAAAAAAAA0g/N54t9GLJW3w/s1600/IMG_3294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWGobWaEhFA/UWyIiayVy7I/AAAAAAAAA0g/N54t9GLJW3w/s320/IMG_3294.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I took an extra week off after the work portion and went to Austria then back to Hungary.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I saw my sweet friend Jen for the first time in a few years (in Austria...then we traveled together to Hungary. WHAT?! Who arranges a rendezvous in Eastern Europe? We do, folks. We do.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fqIgL2qpww/UWyIlykFI-I/AAAAAAAAA04/hm_dFvnnxTs/s1600/IMG_3369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8fqIgL2qpww/UWyIlykFI-I/AAAAAAAAA04/hm_dFvnnxTs/s320/IMG_3369.JPG" width="239" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxPFB7Y6gCo/UWyIgxxLcqI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/thVdGGvguG0/s1600/IMG_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxPFB7Y6gCo/UWyIgxxLcqI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/thVdGGvguG0/s320/IMG_3022.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATpXwDg9gRI/UWyIfCunmhI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Um3jMdCqvRs/s1600/IMG_3291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATpXwDg9gRI/UWyIfCunmhI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Um3jMdCqvRs/s320/IMG_3291.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ONdWACLncA/UWyIjSyXKOI/AAAAAAAAA0o/5usQrtZC69M/s1600/IMG_3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_ONdWACLncA/UWyIjSyXKOI/AAAAAAAAA0o/5usQrtZC69M/s320/IMG_3292.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4AyXQEZfFI/UWyIw_xR_1I/AAAAAAAAA1o/jNvZXzuzyGo/s1600/IMG_3380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4AyXQEZfFI/UWyIw_xR_1I/AAAAAAAAA1o/jNvZXzuzyGo/s320/IMG_3380.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3vzRtgTLyM/UWyIyBwg_cI/AAAAAAAAA2A/KfXWNbkZIiQ/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3vzRtgTLyM/UWyIyBwg_cI/AAAAAAAAA2A/KfXWNbkZIiQ/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_rnPL3J5Qs/UWyIrt90YII/AAAAAAAAA1Y/n59M40Pzst4/s1600/IMG_3393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_rnPL3J5Qs/UWyIrt90YII/AAAAAAAAA1Y/n59M40Pzst4/s320/IMG_3393.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBiDuesej4g/UWyIx0OTBpI/AAAAAAAAA14/jEKAW8ZoW4Y/s1600/IMG_3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBiDuesej4g/UWyIx0OTBpI/AAAAAAAAA14/jEKAW8ZoW4Y/s320/IMG_3477.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG6iB61X1Mg/UWyIzw2f13I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/RUiCkkdOfoc/s1600/IMG_3485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG6iB61X1Mg/UWyIzw2f13I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/RUiCkkdOfoc/s320/IMG_3485.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ggu1BHWwIk/UWyIzbceqPI/AAAAAAAAA2I/IXltZVuYePg/s1600/IMG_3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ggu1BHWwIk/UWyIzbceqPI/AAAAAAAAA2I/IXltZVuYePg/s320/IMG_3486.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UATcGvPWiQE/UWyMHDnbzFI/AAAAAAAAA24/Avh2bNt4qN0/s1600/46595_639385150669_897830574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UATcGvPWiQE/UWyMHDnbzFI/AAAAAAAAA24/Avh2bNt4qN0/s320/46595_639385150669_897830574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds6AzyGk-4s/UWyMHeZRuAI/AAAAAAAAA28/rUHPaSaGKgw/s1600/521777_639354841409_169682352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ds6AzyGk-4s/UWyMHeZRuAI/AAAAAAAAA28/rUHPaSaGKgw/s320/521777_639354841409_169682352_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNwSMVM-QwI/UWyMH55LCjI/AAAAAAAAA3I/afa6wUbVqeU/s1600/IMG_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BNwSMVM-QwI/UWyMH55LCjI/AAAAAAAAA3I/afa6wUbVqeU/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TsrPYHSfKQ/UWyMHLbq1fI/AAAAAAAAA20/FV_goYV_2WM/s1600/549696_639153250399_354195947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0TsrPYHSfKQ/UWyMHLbq1fI/AAAAAAAAA20/FV_goYV_2WM/s320/549696_639153250399_354195947_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I had a Birthday. 27 to be exact. Celebrated once in Budapest with my co-worker, then again in Vienna with Jen. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_uQ2_sqTKo/UWyIjoqYqSI/AAAAAAAAA0w/zMO8r_-2cxw/s1600/IMG_3241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_uQ2_sqTKo/UWyIjoqYqSI/AAAAAAAAA0w/zMO8r_-2cxw/s320/IMG_3241.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the record: the top item from my someday list? CONQUERED! Highlight of my trip was seeing an orchestra perform in Vienna on my birthday courtesy of Jen. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My life is delightfully full. My cup runneth over. </span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-67658450333368797282013-01-31T22:55:00.002-06:002013-01-31T23:10:25.649-06:00Just Another Thursday<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Super busy at work.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Super busy with friends.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Super busy being happy.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight was my night to de-stress and just be.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found this glorious recipe last week during my blog trolling:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">http://joythebaker.com/2011/03/cinnamon-sugar-pull-apart-bread/</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I saw her pictures and I just KNEW that I had to try it...SOON.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I started making the bread last night --but only had time to make the dough and let it rise the first time. I refrigerated it overnight and finished it today after work. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpFuHITBwr8/UQtIzHQO9bI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zCZpcQhSV-s/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cpFuHITBwr8/UQtIzHQO9bI/AAAAAAAAAb4/zCZpcQhSV-s/s320/image.jpeg" width="239" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsMpMJpJXW8/UQtIyE-4F2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/Z3yMsVLhBh0/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsMpMJpJXW8/UQtIyE-4F2I/AAAAAAAAAbw/Z3yMsVLhBh0/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhDaQ8zoe-k/UQtI1AEXnPI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PdAzmaSKyZ0/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhDaQ8zoe-k/UQtI1AEXnPI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PdAzmaSKyZ0/s320/image_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy_LeyZmLJY/UQtI0cPQoNI/AAAAAAAAAcA/F5TFfR3udPU/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy_LeyZmLJY/UQtI0cPQoNI/AAAAAAAAAcA/F5TFfR3udPU/s320/image_3.jpeg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlG_TDa5Phs/UQtI0XNh86I/AAAAAAAAAcE/nxFs-_h3v7U/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UlG_TDa5Phs/UQtI0XNh86I/AAAAAAAAAcE/nxFs-_h3v7U/s320/image_4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWTx2hMIdzU/UQtI1dKHdgI/AAAAAAAAAcU/P3lsXKuyND8/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VWTx2hMIdzU/UQtI1dKHdgI/AAAAAAAAAcU/P3lsXKuyND8/s320/image_5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I was (impatiently) waiting for the cinnamon pull apart bread to finish baking, whipped up a lemon cream cheese glaze. I mean...cinnamon rolls are magical with it, so I figured cinnamon bread might feel naked without. A little Cream cheese, margarine, lemon extract, vanilla extract and powdered sugar later -- I was in business. Ooey gooey melted and glorious. My partner in crime and I polished off about a third of the loaf before starting to feel a little sick. SO GOOD.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I also realized I was kind of hungry while said bread was baking. I decided that trying to make quiche for the first time was a great idea. I had a pie shell already made from one of the times I made bulk pie crust. I mean - who doesn't decide to make a GIANT quiche at 7PM on a random Thursday night? The quiche ALSO turned out well. Next time, I'll take the time to tent the crust so it doesn't get quite as brown. The quiche had sausage, potato, mozzarella cheese, spinach, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, eggs, garlic, skim milk, and Salt/pepper. I'm a fan. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzKJnuDDJBE/UQtI1mNSg6I/AAAAAAAAAcc/JlSAxPJIHeg/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzKJnuDDJBE/UQtI1mNSg6I/AAAAAAAAAcc/JlSAxPJIHeg/s320/image_6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-59087380315127611312013-01-24T16:30:00.000-06:002013-01-24T16:30:01.173-06:00Prayers and Les Mis<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A while ago I started a list of things I wanted to write about on the blog. It looked like this:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Redemption</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Les Mis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Christmas Encouragement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Dolce & Gabbana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Perspective</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Then I waited and waited and work got busy... And forgot to write. And everyone else under the sun already wrote about redemption and Les Mis symbolism. I don't care. I'm still going to write :) Consider this the first in my list series. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">On Les Mis: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My take on it? I was overwhelmed by Les Mis. By the sheer beauty of the entire film. The ability of film to take something I already loved (the music and storyline of Les Mis) to another depth. The stunning detail of vocal inflection and subtle facial expressions. The beauty of being able to mic people on film so you can hear every word, every lyric, every caught breath. Were there weak characters in the film? Yes. Did it really upset me? No. The film as a whole was such a piece of art that I didn't want to leave the theater. I didn't want the moment to end. The final choruses of "Do You Hear the People Sing" and "TOMORROW COMES" had my pulse racing. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Favorite two scenes: </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fantine's I Dreamed a Dream. This was the song that took my breath away more than anything else. Anne Hathaway brilliantly portrayed the pain and depth in those lyrics that I had never heard before. I've always loved stage productions -- but something I didn't realize that I missed in them was the power of each word in the lyrics. I've never been great at memorizing lyrics, so seeing the show is when I hear the whole story. If I miss words because of staging or getting distracted by the instrumentation, I miss so much. The film medium allowed me to hear the lyrics much more clearly because I could see the mouths singing too (I can read lips). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Valjean's Bring Him Home. The vice grip I had on my sister's hand lasted the entire song. I just felt the need to TOUCH someone while that scene unfolded. Tears ran down my cheeks. </span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"God on high, hear my prayer, in my need, you have always been there"</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Isn't that our prayer? For relatives, for us? To have God bring us home? To beg God for peace? To recognize God's power, but also seek out his ear for needs. To honor His holiness, but beg for his mercy? </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Do I pray like that? Is that the deepest cry of my heart? KNOWING that God can give and take away, but still letting him know the desires inside? I was convicted by that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Did you see Les Mis? Did it impact you? </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-18112467941872419722012-12-07T11:20:00.000-06:002012-12-07T13:41:12.990-06:00Late Fall and Early Winter Review: 2012 Edition<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So much has happened, yet so little has changed. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been traveling a decent amount. Most of the travels have been through work, a few with family or for fun. Recent trips include New Jersey, Washington D.C., Chicago, and heading to Puerto Rico next week. Also on the docket for the next few months are St Thomas and San Diego! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I have a new niece. Her name is Sophia Elizabeth and I'm absolutely in love with her. I rode across Iowa/Illinois/Indiana with my mom in a flurry and was there in time for the birth. Can't express how thankful I am that my sister and all are happy and healthy. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My niece and nephew, Emma and Luke, will be coming home soon. The adoption process has been grueling and time consuming for my brother and his wife. My heart aches for them to be at home with Drew and Melissa. Advent and waiting brings on new meaning when you experience the longing and pining of adoption through the eyes of people you love. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THIS quote by Tullian Tchividjian has resonated with me lately: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Our dire need for God’s grace doesn’t get smaller after God saves us. We never outgrow our need for Christ’s finished work on our behalf-we never graduate beyond our desperate need for Christ’s righteousness and his strong and perfect blood-soaked plea “before the throne of God above.”</span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The crafty, crazy, apron wearing, spatula weilding side of me has been having a hey day lately.</span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span style="color: navy;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I've been working on sewing a few Christmas gifts as well as baking up a storm. I also had a booth at the work Holiday Bazaar this week. I sold homemade oatmeal bread, 4 kinds of homemade granola, and 5 kinds of biscotti. I enjoyed the process of baking and packaging everything cutely for the bazaar, but was kind of freaking out the day before/day of the event. I realized that I had never been PAID to bake treats before. Part of the fun of baking wonderful goodies is the surprise and delight when they are gifts. This sneaky and scary voice in my head was making me super nervous about putting something so dear to me "for sale". Just plain afraid. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Things went swimmingly at the bazaar. I sold almost everything I had prepared and had a ton of positive feedback. I needn't have feared. Then people at work started asking if I wanted to open a bakery or do that full time. I just don't know. A part of me thinks that would be amazing -- but having to run the legal and business fronts. Or even THINKING about getting funds to start that kind of endeavor? That terrifies me. And the what ifs start all over again -- what if I stop loving to bake if it's my job? What if I lose connection with humanity since I'd be working alone or with very few others? GAH. Someday. SOMEDAY, maybe I'll look into it further. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For now - I'm loving my job. The people I work with are wonderful. I finally feel like I'm in a place with my co-workers like I was in Austin at the Hyatt. We had our days of craziness with the actual WORK, but the co-workers and interaction made those stresses melt away. The PEOPLE made the job. Yes. I'm in a role that combines my past experinces (hotel sales, DMC internships, media sales etc) into this job that uses them all. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Life. Life is good. I'm thankful. Usually quiet seasons on my blog mean that I'm too busy living to remember to tell you about it. <span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm okay with that :) </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pictures to go with the <span style="font-size: x-small;">recent shenanigans: </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSDZldTTLSw/UMF2X-SL5WI/AAAAAAAAAZE/evpzv3xuYxQ/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xSDZldTTLSw/UMF2X-SL5WI/AAAAAAAAAZE/evpzv3xuYxQ/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue sweater = work trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOmz_YsI56E/UMF3jjgntGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/uPN335wkCBA/s1600/302279_10100855577842110_505256199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oOmz_YsI56E/UMF3jjgntGI/AAAAAAAAAZM/uPN335wkCBA/s320/302279_10100855577842110_505256199_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ran a 5K :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26YIy_fb2mA/UMF3kkjXETI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rPHQ8Rx0dRU/s1600/580369_10101066010817719_669846681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26YIy_fb2mA/UMF3kkjXETI/AAAAAAAAAZU/rPHQ8Rx0dRU/s320/580369_10101066010817719_669846681_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tza7-WIvWBA/UMF3sNhP_GI/AAAAAAAAAZc/WzbL_NFvrL8/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tza7-WIvWBA/UMF3sNhP_GI/AAAAAAAAAZc/WzbL_NFvrL8/s320/IMG_1376.JPG" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu23Zyqrhic/UMF3u5gWC7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/3TZGL__XlNk/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu23Zyqrhic/UMF3u5gWC7I/AAAAAAAAAZk/3TZGL__XlNk/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved getting to spend LOTS of time with my coworker Jess as we worked on a big program together. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MECu-75yU3M/UMF3zzzh0SI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/HGZ4MKIA5fc/s1600/IMG_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MECu-75yU3M/UMF3zzzh0SI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/HGZ4MKIA5fc/s320/IMG_1677.JPG" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophia is so CUTE! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0OEhXTaKjY/UMF4JNtaA7I/AAAAAAAAAaM/lgfucudD16g/s1600/IMG_1733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J0OEhXTaKjY/UMF4JNtaA7I/AAAAAAAAAaM/lgfucudD16g/s320/IMG_1733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-db0qXFc2RT8/UMF4kIZzgwI/AAAAAAAAAak/_Nn6VGBe78U/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-db0qXFc2RT8/UMF4kIZzgwI/AAAAAAAAAak/_Nn6VGBe78U/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2e1UseA7YrQ/UMF4l5tC6zI/AAAAAAAAAa0/ohajQN1OAcs/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2e1UseA7YrQ/UMF4l5tC6zI/AAAAAAAAAa0/ohajQN1OAcs/s320/IMG_1686.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhAgh2vlToM/UMF37wNVWgI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/j7mgeE0ZEBg/s1600/IMG_1701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhAgh2vlToM/UMF37wNVWgI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/j7mgeE0ZEBg/s320/IMG_1701.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving with Sophia in Chicago!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JpD28UyE2g/UMF3v8-svgI/AAAAAAAAAZs/vmz0VCaNQhc/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1JpD28UyE2g/UMF3v8-svgI/AAAAAAAAAZs/vmz0VCaNQhc/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's right...those are matching bowling shirts. Company outing with the Pharma Team! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6_NQVt6TDM/UMF4msRrdrI/AAAAAAAAAa8/LeJX4dkNfQU/s1600/IMG_1688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--6_NQVt6TDM/UMF4msRrdrI/AAAAAAAAAa8/LeJX4dkNfQU/s320/IMG_1688.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8K2MT8uuo/UMF4LdDlrtI/AAAAAAAAAaU/PnMOF7I9ors/s1600/IMG_1746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J8K2MT8uuo/UMF4LdDlrtI/AAAAAAAAAaU/PnMOF7I9ors/s320/IMG_1746.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-3816643474582545482012-09-07T08:00:00.000-05:002012-09-07T08:00:03.692-05:00My Someday List<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was recently asked if I had a list of things I wanted to do before I turn 30. I kind of stuttered a bit-- I dream big dreams, but had I ever really put a timeline on any of them?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This is a glimpse into some of the things I hope to do...someday. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. See a Symphony performance in Vienna</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2. Go sailing (bonus points if the sailing trip involves overnights on the boat)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3. Go on a weekend group bike ride with my dad and my sister. Or one with my dad. And then also one eventually with just my sister. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4. Take adult piano lessons</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">5. Go to an Opera at the Met in NYC</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">6. Worship with people in a third world country</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">7. Host an epic fancy dinner party </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">8. Experience Carnival in Brazil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">9. Go skiing in real mountains (No, I don't think skiing in Minnesota counts)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">10. Wine tour (top choices: Europe, Chile, South Africa, or Cali)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">11. Give an anonymous gift that changes someone's life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">12. Have kids- biological and/or through adoption</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">13. Hear Handel's Messiah performed well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">14. Write a book and get it published. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">15. See the Pacific NW</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">16. Learn how to shoot a gun so I'm no longer afraid of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">17. Memorize Ephesians 1, Romans 8, and Isaiah 35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">18. Take some kind of cooking class</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">19. See the tulips and windmills in Holland</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">20. Do a Fall driving tour on the east coast to see the leaves and eat lots of seafood </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">21. Make and decorate a gingerbread house from scratch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">22. Make a queen-sized quilt that I'm proud of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">23. Attempt to like/enjoy golf or tennis (also involves finding a patient and kind teacher or friend to help!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">24. Learn what all of the referee signals in football mean</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">25. Go on a hot air balloon ride</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">26. Learn how to grill a perfect medium rare steak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">27. Visit Spain--Barcelona in particular</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">28. Overcome my fear of horses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">29. Do a food, wine, and culture tour of Italy. Really <u>see</u> the country -- if I could make it for one of the Opera Festivals, that would be even more amazing. And hiking? I'd do that too. Especially if I could drink wine during the breaks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">30. Learn how to slalom water ski</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">31. Learn how to make homemade croissants and tarts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">32. See the white cliffs of Dover</span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-67985023849332029102012-09-04T09:49:00.000-05:002012-09-04T09:49:02.656-05:00The Uncommon Marvel<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've recently become more and more aware that there's a certain amount of faith required to be a single woman in the conservative dating scene. As I chit chat with female friends who are in various stages of the scene -- we concur. Waiting stinks. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't get me wrong -- every female has an obligation to let a guy know that she'd be okay with him mayyybe asking her out. You know - that subtle hint that she's giving him the "green light". YET - there's the waiting. The meandering around and moving on with life while we wait for him to take notice or initiate or pursue. Waiting for the uncommon marvel: the "ask". </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Scenario one - the green light the girl is attempting to give off is coming across as more LIME GREEN or NEON ORANGE and scary/needy to the guy - guy avoids. girl waits (and probably pines unhealthily). </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Scenario two - the green light is marred by an awkward friend comment by one of the two parties involved, or even worse -- an outside party- guy avoids, girl waits or also avoids. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Scenario three - the green light is pleasantly ignored - the guy is not interested. The girl waits and then hopefully moves on (depending on the attachment level - this realization can take a while. What can I say - some females are very adept at dreaming and not so adept at facing reality). </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Scenario four - the green light is acknowledged and the guy pursues - GUY ASKS GIRL OUT! WOOHOOOO! Girl is thrilled.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Next step: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Date (or hangout, or awkward encounter. FYI for the guys -- the girl wants a date. A real date. She wants you to preferably call (not facebook or tweet or text) and say - Hi _____(her name here). This is ______(guy's name here). I'm interested in getting to know you more and taking you out on a date. I thought we could go to_____(fill in activity). Would you be up for that? Can I pick you up? ) </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Moving on with the scenario: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Scenario one - Date is super. She lets him know she had a great time. Maybe a text (mayybe). And she waits. Waits for him to lead out. Waits for him to follow up. Waits for him to signal that he also had a great time. She avoids being needy. Avoids getting too attached. WAITS. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Scenario two - Date is so so, date is horrible, or date is just awkward. Start pattern again, don't pass go, don't collect a diamond, don't change your facebook relationship status. Consider joining a new online dating program to fill in the waiting or at least entertain yourself during the process. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The waiting is so hard. This reality of first and foremost - pursuing CHRIST. Resting in HIS pursuit. Finding intimacy in His word and His promises. All the while - knowing that you do want to someday be in a relationship. Sometimes pretending you don't care. Inside - you do. You want it, but you force the smile every time someone asks -- SOO are you SEEING ANYONE?! Or you politely say -- not currently! Or perhaps frighten them by saying you are browsing the inter webs for the next potential! Or even more boldly - nope, I'm up for blind dates, though! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Once the possibility arises and maybe a date has happened -- finding the balance between affirming this gent, yet letting him pursue. Trying to figure out the "code" of interest. Or do I just pay attention to movies like He's just not that into you? If he's interested -- I'll KNOW. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I hate the code. Screw the code. Waiting is hard. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">BRAVO to the guys out there that are willing to risk. Willing to face the possibility of rejection. Willing to be one of the few single men that will genuinely ask a girl out on a real date. Not friend-card awkwardly sliding towards late night hangouts alone after group sessions. No - taking the time to plan, take her out, and get to know her intentionally. It means a ton. It shows her she has value. It sets a precedent for future beaus. So - yes. I see you out there. I applaud you. Keep it up. </span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-72014882180899225272012-09-03T21:43:00.000-05:002012-12-07T11:28:35.516-06:00My First Car Accident<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-896E5AcsKNw/UEVoOFOvi8I/AAAAAAAAAWs/xXIguD0qnzI/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-896E5AcsKNw/UEVoOFOvi8I/AAAAAAAAAWs/xXIguD0qnzI/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HTabpXce30/UEVoOQVmAkI/AAAAAAAAAW0/5AKYYK4iGL8/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3HTabpXce30/UEVoOQVmAkI/AAAAAAAAAW0/5AKYYK4iGL8/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG9NXNtom7U/UEVoROUMT3I/AAAAAAAAAW8/ftpUC2RuJUM/s1600/IMG_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bG9NXNtom7U/UEVoROUMT3I/AAAAAAAAAW8/ftpUC2RuJUM/s320/IMG_0929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6iTTDuaqhE/UEVoS8RcKKI/AAAAAAAAAXM/ZGbG49AgpIs/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q6iTTDuaqhE/UEVoS8RcKKI/AAAAAAAAAXM/ZGbG49AgpIs/s320/IMG_0940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0tfhR-RXVvA/UEVoUYPE8kI/AAAAAAAAAXc/vxMpXgohtxE/s1600/IMG_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0tfhR-RXVvA/UEVoUYPE8kI/AAAAAAAAAXc/vxMpXgohtxE/s320/IMG_0944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ01wFYbNLI/UEVo2Wse9GI/AAAAAAAAAXw/ex2W1PQ-XZ8/s1600/IMG_0941.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQ01wFYbNLI/UEVo2Wse9GI/AAAAAAAAAXw/ex2W1PQ-XZ8/s320/IMG_0941.PNG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOygke1P3FQ/UEVoT4pTPgI/AAAAAAAAAXU/a-L5oGKWWuY/s1600/IMG_0942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOygke1P3FQ/UEVoT4pTPgI/AAAAAAAAAXU/a-L5oGKWWuY/s320/IMG_0942.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdG1b3ngLK4/UEVoR19l7rI/AAAAAAAAAXE/fWBPLH5MoSw/s1600/IMG_0939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdG1b3ngLK4/UEVoR19l7rI/AAAAAAAAAXE/fWBPLH5MoSw/s320/IMG_0939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">FRIENDS. FOOTBALL. BARBEQUE. CRASH. SIRENS. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yup. I hit a girl in a black honda with my trusty Malibu. Total accident. Totally my fault. I didn't see her as I was pulling out of a parking lot after a post-game barbeque. My car now has some sweet scratches/dents on the left front AND my door makes an awesome sound when I open it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I got a ticket. I get to send the accident report to my insurance. My first accident (other than scraping my own car on the garage) since starting to drive at 16.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fortunately, no one was hurt. Both of us were not thrilled with the predicament, BUT the police officer (His name was Brad) was very nice. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my "extra paycheck" from the month of August. Oh well. I was able to drive away. I'm thankful! </span></span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-89196912438024325852012-08-28T07:45:00.000-05:002012-08-28T07:49:44.556-05:00A snapshot. <div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Reading: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Roy Hession, We Would See Jesus</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This book is rocking my world. I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for a solid read. More than anything, I love that it's making me think and pointing me to Jesus. The book talks about one thing commonly missing in faith stories today is an ardent passion to see God. Talks about how we see people pursuing holiness with the desire to do service FOR God, rather than pursuing holiness to SEE God. Also talks about how we pursue this great feeling or experience with God rather than God himself. "Both these ends fall utterly short of the great end that God has designed for man, that of glorifying Him forever. They fail to satisfy God's heart and they fail to satisfy ours." </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Listening: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All About Worship Collective </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Praying: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For a bigger heart for this city. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For God's eyes to be given to me to see Des Moines as He does. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For the politicians and authorities of this country. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">For the health of my nieces and nephews and their safety in making it home soon -- for my sister's baby girl to be born and my brother's kids to make it through the grueling adoption process. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Feeling: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Eager expectation for what God is doing with the young professional demographic at Westwind Church. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thankful for the stirring in my soul to CARE more for people around me. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Needy- realizing how quickly I place my worth or daily temperament in feedback or praise from people. Seeking to turn my eyes upward to the One who can and will fulfill every desire and need if my heart. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Vulnerable because I'm happy. There's seemingly so much more to lose when you're soaring. The blessing and curse of being a passionate person that feels deeply. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Delighting: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In seeing new parts of Des Moines - via bicycle, kayak, car. ALL SORTS of ways. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In making new friends. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In sharing the day to day joys with co-workers and family. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In loving life. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In having so much that I have been delighting in that I don't know where to start. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In fall quickly approaching. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In Trader Joe's simmer sauces. No really- they are SO GOOD. Go make a curry - I dare you. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seeing: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfnQYCaXj38/UDw7r_zImLI/AAAAAAAAAUc/QHCMZIIMwNY/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfnQYCaXj38/UDw7r_zImLI/AAAAAAAAAUc/QHCMZIIMwNY/s320/IMG_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ml3eno88Wk/UDw7ue9YrFI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gn1cF1g_3nQ/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ml3eno88Wk/UDw7ue9YrFI/AAAAAAAAAUk/gn1cF1g_3nQ/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W12xRLba7DI/UDw7vTkihzI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ab9QCdAjPz0/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W12xRLba7DI/UDw7vTkihzI/AAAAAAAAAUs/ab9QCdAjPz0/s320/image_1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oujLXJCZ_E0/UDw7v3nUb6I/AAAAAAAAAU0/XK_12hGeNpI/s1600/image_1_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oujLXJCZ_E0/UDw7v3nUb6I/AAAAAAAAAU0/XK_12hGeNpI/s320/image_1_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4j_sjKp-ac/UDw7wohvSvI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jrvkFGTC4Us/s1600/image_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4j_sjKp-ac/UDw7wohvSvI/AAAAAAAAAU8/jrvkFGTC4Us/s320/image_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x08CsbEUdcM/UDw7xhqQOWI/AAAAAAAAAVE/cWTU3tntW9s/s1600/image_2_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x08CsbEUdcM/UDw7xhqQOWI/AAAAAAAAAVE/cWTU3tntW9s/s320/image_2_2.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpg8IEsa-o/UDw7yDNK7QI/AAAAAAAAAVM/sChdav8OPyg/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZpg8IEsa-o/UDw7yDNK7QI/AAAAAAAAAVM/sChdav8OPyg/s320/image_3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNpCfVtZjEM/UDw758Q6u8I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ibWE8YcqXVc/s1600/image_3_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNpCfVtZjEM/UDw758Q6u8I/AAAAAAAAAVU/ibWE8YcqXVc/s320/image_3_2.jpeg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWYk45QJMak/UDw78JK2s8I/AAAAAAAAAVc/texhoA3bDLc/s1600/image_4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oWYk45QJMak/UDw78JK2s8I/AAAAAAAAAVc/texhoA3bDLc/s320/image_4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy7aSaTQ4aI/UDw79XnD6sI/AAAAAAAAAVk/PSCGcs3plX4/s1600/image_4_2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sy7aSaTQ4aI/UDw79XnD6sI/AAAAAAAAAVk/PSCGcs3plX4/s320/image_4_2.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbbv6dq9MAA/UDw7-dI5lxI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7F3YckmxJLg/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gbbv6dq9MAA/UDw7-dI5lxI/AAAAAAAAAVs/7F3YckmxJLg/s320/image_5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRDISvLfvg/UDw9g3-D_2I/AAAAAAAAAV0/H4ujTEY2dWo/s1600/IMG_0710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LVRDISvLfvg/UDw9g3-D_2I/AAAAAAAAAV0/H4ujTEY2dWo/s320/IMG_0710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-62388566200138225022012-08-03T10:35:00.002-05:002012-08-03T11:10:19.343-05:00Inspired.I watch this and am just amazed. Such talent. Stripped down, beautiful music. Wanted to share. <object height="374" width="526"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param>
<param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param>
<param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2009G/Blank/ImogenHeap_WaitItOut_2009G-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/ImogenHeap-WaitItOut-2009G.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=639&lang=en&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=imogen_heap_wait;year=2009;theme=live_music;theme=spectacular_performance;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TEDGlobal+2009;tag=creativity;tag=entertainment;tag=live+music;tag=music;tag=performance;tag=piano;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="526" height="374" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2009G/Blank/ImogenHeap_WaitItOut_2009G-320k.mp4&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/ImogenHeap-WaitItOut-2009G.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=512&vh=288&ap=0&ti=639&lang=en&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=imogen_heap_wait;year=2009;theme=live_music;theme=spectacular_performance;theme=the_creative_spark;event=TEDGlobal+2009;tag=creativity;tag=entertainment;tag=live+music;tag=music;tag=performance;tag=piano;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;"></embed></object> <br />
http://www.ted.com/talks/imogen_heap_wait.htmlAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-38534992215292294722012-08-02T07:45:00.000-05:002012-08-02T07:47:48.926-05:00Life, Truth, and Pictures<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm loving Des Moines a lot. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've made some awesome friends here - we do things like trivia, bike rides, movie nights, worship etc. It's pretty grand. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've become a somewhat avid bike rider. Most recent addition to my mania are shoes with clips and the special pedals. I've only completely bitten it once. I came away unscathed, other than my pride. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm surviving and thriving at work. My team rocks and I'm still alive.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I have a new neighbor. Has allergies - I can hear his sneezes through the walls. It's quite annoying. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I've made 2 of 3 baby quilts for nieces/nephews on the way. They turned out really well. Pics of the newest below. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm finally getting truly plugged in at Church -- recently went to a women's event, have some solid relationships with people around me, and finding ways to serve. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I went on my first "vacation" using paid time off in a long time -- it was so fun and good for my soul. I went with my sister and parents down to Clearwater Beach, Florida. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Lord continues to blow me away with His provision, timing, humor, and presence in my life.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">In short, friends - I'm blessed.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">A prayer that is my prayer as of late from my favorite devotional ever -- Valley of Vision: </span></div>
<blockquote style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> <i><b>The Gospel Way</b></i> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>No human mind could conceive or invent the gospel.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Acting in eternal grace, thou art both its messenger and its message,
lived out on earth through infinite compassion, applying thy life to
insult, injury, death, that I might be redeemed, ransomed, freed.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Blessed be thou, O Father, for contriving this way, Eternal thanks to
thee, O Lamb of God, for opening this way, Praise everlasting to thee, O
Holy Spirit, for applying this way to my heart.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Glorious Trinity, impress the gospel on my soul, until its virtue
diffuses every faculty; Let it be heard, acknowledged, professed, felt.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Teach me to secure this mighty blessing; Help me to give up every
darling lust, to submit heart and life to its command, to have it in my
will, controlling my affections, moulding my understanding; to adhere
strictly to the rules of true religion, not departing from them in any
instance, nor for any advantage in order to escape evil, inconvenience
or danger.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Take me to the cross to seek glory from its infamy; Strip me of every pleasing pretence of righteousness by my own doings.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>O gracious Redeemer, I have neglected thee too long, often crucified
thee, crucified thee afresh by my impenitence, put thee to open shame.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I thank thee for the patience that has borne with me so long, and for the grace that now makes me willing to be thine.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>O unite me to thyself with inseparable bonds, that nothing may ever draw me back from thee, my Lord, my Saviour.</i></span></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">And a photo dump to cover the last few months of life...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOHWee0TTYs/UBn_r_i9wgI/AAAAAAAAASA/0JNY7QgLeJg/s1600/IMG_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOHWee0TTYs/UBn_r_i9wgI/AAAAAAAAASA/0JNY7QgLeJg/s320/IMG_0233.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCq9Rs4BlA/UBn_zFmGrLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8n3reGWdYN8/s1600/IMG_0337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fSCq9Rs4BlA/UBn_zFmGrLI/AAAAAAAAASQ/8n3reGWdYN8/s320/IMG_0337.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HieWW405Gg4/UBn_1CgsKWI/AAAAAAAAASY/8_GH6HuwgJ8/s1600/IMG_0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HieWW405Gg4/UBn_1CgsKWI/AAAAAAAAASY/8_GH6HuwgJ8/s320/IMG_0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Connection Group Women. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tY9XnLlgXS8/UBn_8wnaEAI/AAAAAAAAASg/5V0d5MLg1GA/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tY9XnLlgXS8/UBn_8wnaEAI/AAAAAAAAASg/5V0d5MLg1GA/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgO4zl-JaHI/UBn_9tNA-BI/AAAAAAAAASo/c1_s7TjtUEo/s1600/IMG_0437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgO4zl-JaHI/UBn_9tNA-BI/AAAAAAAAASo/c1_s7TjtUEo/s320/IMG_0437.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">BIKING FRIEND! And just life friend. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgPgQ-kzklc/UBoAAiLpm8I/AAAAAAAAAS4/05914QvfQUs/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgPgQ-kzklc/UBoAAiLpm8I/AAAAAAAAAS4/05914QvfQUs/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Women's Event for Church</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyv2yfaFyHo/UBoADM_l-bI/AAAAAAAAAS8/UpPHq_pjKWk/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyv2yfaFyHo/UBoADM_l-bI/AAAAAAAAAS8/UpPHq_pjKWk/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Newest Baby Quilt for my sister's baby! </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ2xidzXxIA/UBoAGrHN7EI/AAAAAAAAATI/wvfhN-o7gwg/s1600/IMG_0594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ2xidzXxIA/UBoAGrHN7EI/AAAAAAAAATI/wvfhN-o7gwg/s320/IMG_0594.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21B86Po7e34/UBoAHMTTs4I/AAAAAAAAATM/hH9xM_KA-kk/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-21B86Po7e34/UBoAHMTTs4I/AAAAAAAAATM/hH9xM_KA-kk/s320/IMG_0609.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epGhEAmXlEo/UBoAMIMotsI/AAAAAAAAATg/RVOsBo-5C7o/s1600/IMG_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epGhEAmXlEo/UBoAMIMotsI/AAAAAAAAATg/RVOsBo-5C7o/s320/IMG_0614.JPG" width="238" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubCNpPyQbOs/UBoAPim0vMI/AAAAAAAAATo/fAIrr4g2aZc/s1600/IMG_0659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubCNpPyQbOs/UBoAPim0vMI/AAAAAAAAATo/fAIrr4g2aZc/s320/IMG_0659.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bianchi - Italian for AWESOME </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkRUWh8xuuc/UBoBtLQ_FzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/a7thbC5RB0Q/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkRUWh8xuuc/UBoBtLQ_FzI/AAAAAAAAAT8/a7thbC5RB0Q/s320/IMG_0665.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I love self portraits. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-70028595749494805242012-05-08T07:00:00.000-05:002012-05-08T07:00:11.439-05:00Glass Case of Emotions.<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sad. To see the end of 180. To say goodbye to the girls I've grown to love. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVQDQf-bYac/T6iLVpwKe4I/AAAAAAAAAQs/tnY3GWbgLdQ/s1600/IMG_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RVQDQf-bYac/T6iLVpwKe4I/AAAAAAAAAQs/tnY3GWbgLdQ/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Proud. Proud of my Older brother. Proud of him for finishing his Seminary classes. Had a blast getting to go to his graduation lunch. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnTXXRccdCU/T6iLkAjaPrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/mP95xEcGlzA/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnTXXRccdCU/T6iLkAjaPrI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/mP95xEcGlzA/s320/IMG_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stressed, but accomplished. Seeing projects come to fruition under my care. Managing crisis situations. Finally starting to understand what I'm doing at work. Learning to balance the have to do now list and the can wait til later list. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ArWhcA9gxU/T6iLn6uyy-I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/jNDnSGv4xsc/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ArWhcA9gxU/T6iLn6uyy-I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/jNDnSGv4xsc/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Empty. Painfully aware of how much I need Jesus. Seeing how often I THINK I have things under control, only to see them spiral away again. Those scary idols I thought I was rid of? They still come back. My need for security? My hate of dependence on others? My desire to have control? My elevation of money to the point of danger? Me. Getting in the way again. So good to reminded of my Need of Jesus. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxR6QZrDa1w/T6iLra_5grI/AAAAAAAAARE/mJCdyMglUBU/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxR6QZrDa1w/T6iLra_5grI/AAAAAAAAARE/mJCdyMglUBU/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Longing. Longing for the day when there is no more hunger. No more pain. No more need for people to pack boxes of food for starving people around the world. I was so moved by the experience helping with Meal from the Heartland. The promo video they showed at the beginning before we served made me cry. The statistics of starvation are staggering. It made me ache inside and want so badly to get my niece and nephew HOME from Africa. The girls in the picture are another answer to prayer. Friends from my new Connection Group. The Sarahs. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtGz5gHEv8Y/T6iNbWQLvzI/AAAAAAAAARk/K2en20m90VY/s1600/IMG_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WtGz5gHEv8Y/T6iNbWQLvzI/AAAAAAAAARk/K2en20m90VY/s320/IMG_0030.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Thankful. For answered prayers. A while ago I specifically prayed for at least one friend at work. God provided. Her name is Amy. She is my cube-mate. And she is awesome. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUy_L3-JV04/T6iNcFx4UxI/AAAAAAAAARs/wP8_9ARcEBQ/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUy_L3-JV04/T6iNcFx4UxI/AAAAAAAAARs/wP8_9ARcEBQ/s320/IMG_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Delight. In creating new delicious treats. In making something beautiful. In sharing them with others. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJ6rHQt-CM/T6iL0SG-8iI/AAAAAAAAARc/Ek3uEP_4oaw/s1600/IMG_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HyJ6rHQt-CM/T6iL0SG-8iI/AAAAAAAAARc/Ek3uEP_4oaw/s320/IMG_0041.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-12786167379742021122012-04-03T21:56:00.010-05:002012-04-06T23:54:14.601-05:00The accidentally fabulous night<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leave work. Windows down, sunglasses on, jamming to the radio. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Trader Joe's stop: sparkling pink lemonade, random produce, wine for sangria</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dinner of leftover quinoa with avocado and chicken.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Leave for new connection group. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Google map fail. I was going to try out a new connection group tonight. After driving around trying to find the "1st street/70th ave" exit for 30 minutes, I finally found the house where the Connection Group was supposed to meet. At that point -- I was going to be 30 minutes late. So, I drove away figuring that NEXT week I'll try it and be able to drive right to it. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Got home. Decided to make homemade granola. See recipe below adapted from this <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/granola-recipe/index.html">recipe</a> that my friend Hayden posted on my wall when I moved into my new place. During my aisle wandering at Trader Joe's, I started craving granola that doesn't cost $5 for a tiny box. BONUS: my apartment smells amazing!! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMa5QWQY3Uo/T3u9CmVD8wI/AAAAAAAAAQc/nwPefXbBWEo/s1600/0403122206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JMa5QWQY3Uo/T3u9CmVD8wI/AAAAAAAAAQc/nwPefXbBWEo/s200/0403122206.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">While the granola was baking, I made myself a margarita using my brand new margarita set that I decided that I couldn't live without from Pier 1. Want to join me? Check out the recipes I used below.</span></div><div class="kv-ingred" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="kv-ingred" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>GRANOLA</b> - "best home smell ever" (thanks Hayden)</span></div><ul class="kv-ingred-list1" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 cups rolled oats</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup slivered almonds </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup cashews</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 cup chopped pecans </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup flax seed</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup shredded sweet coconut</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup brown sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup maple syrup</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/8-1/4 cup honey (depends how sweet you want to make it!), I used about 1/8 cup. </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2 teaspoon cinnamon</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/8 teaspoon nutmeg</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4 teaspoon vanilla </span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 cup dried bing cherries (original recipe suggested raisins. use any dried fruit! get creative.)</span></li>
</ul><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Directions</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="instructions"><div class="instruction" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, flax seed, coconut, and brown sugar.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, honey, oil, spices and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto 2 sheet pans. Cook for 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. After 45 min, increase temperature to 275 - continue baking for 30 minutes still stirring every 15 minutes. Turn off oven, prop open oven door. I left it like that for about 15-20 more minutes so it would get nice and crunchy. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Remove from oven and transfer into a large bowl. Add dried fruit and mix until evenly distributed. </span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="item"></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount">MARGARITA </span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 oz tequila <br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 oz</span> Gran Gala orange liqueur</span><br />
<span class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 oz</span> sweet and sour mix (or just 1 oz fresh lime juice instead of this for a more tart version)</span><br />
<span class="ingredient"><span class="amount"> juice of 1/4</span> of a lime</span></span></div><h1 class="fn recipe_title" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient">Pour Tequila, orange liqueur, and sweet and sour over ice. Add lime juice. Optional: rim glass with lime juice and salt or sugar (I used sugar!). Can be made frozen --blend in blender w/ 3 cups of ice. ENJOY!</span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhNzsIQmL5c/T3u9VBUtfDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/FzFl3Gnb0ko/s1600/0403122023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FhNzsIQmL5c/T3u9VBUtfDI/AAAAAAAAAQk/FzFl3Gnb0ko/s1600/0403122023.jpg" /></a></div><h1 class="fn recipe_title" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"> </span></span></h1><div class="recipe_data" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="ingredients"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ingredient"><span class="name"></span></span></span></div></div></div>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-85538817694082781882012-04-02T21:57:00.002-05:002012-04-02T21:59:05.394-05:00How is it April?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh wait. I KNOW how it's April.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">February is a short month - so no explanation needed for no post in February.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Highlights of the month were landing the job I've been waiting and waiting for and my valentine's girl date with my friend Lauren.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">March -- well. March just FLEW by. I started my job on February 27th. It has been a whirlwind so far. Like drinking water from a fire hydrant. There's SO much to learn, and everyone is SO BUSY. I'm trying to take as much in as I can. Another highlight of March was hearing that my brother and his wife FINALLY got their referrals for their babies. I will be an aunt! Praying for process to fly by so those babies can be home with their mom and dad. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Things I'm learning:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> - I am a huge perfectionist at work. I HATE not knowing how to do things and HATE having to ask for help or feel like a bother to my co-workers.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Community takes time. I had the chance to go to a wedding last weekend for some sweet friends that were in my Ames Connection Group. I hadn't realized that I was lonely living in West Des Moines until I spent time around the people that make me feel the most alive. Leaving felt empty. I'm ready to dig in and find community in WDM.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> - I've missed traveling. A LOT. I got to go to Orlando for a week for work and LOVED every second of it. I came back exhausted physically, but excited. So ready to travel for FUN or extend a work trip. Exhilarated about the thought.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">So. I'm trying really hard at work, but realizing that I can only do what I can do. I cannot set unrealistic expectations for myself to be able to do everything perfectly right away. I need to give myself grace. I need to do my BEST, but not expect to know everything. I'm trying out connection groups at the new church I've been going to. Trying to find the right fit. To find a place where I can do life with people and seek Jesus together.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">For now. Seeking Jesus. Trusting in Him day by day. Reminded every time that I panic about work that He is in control. And every time that I start to freak out about the tasks at hand, I'm denying that God's got it under control. Fully and completely. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9vruBxOSGs/T3pl_C1FcyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/6tqsjVgWcmQ/s1600/539651_10150646212957672_502652671_9303139_185892243_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S9vruBxOSGs/T3pl_C1FcyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/6tqsjVgWcmQ/s400/539651_10150646212957672_502652671_9303139_185892243_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4683046337708854977.post-60407706789720852952012-01-30T20:37:00.000-06:002012-01-30T20:37:42.968-06:00Life Anew<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">New Kari Jobe album on repeat, Americano in my hand, bible open at Cafe Milo.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Especially loving this song lately:</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SsrP1Hqa4UY" width="560"></iframe></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm hyped up on my quiet time (and previously mentioned americano) and wanted to share what the Lord pressed upon my heart.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I started reading in Zephaniah tonight. Chapter 3 talks about the day of the Lord. How we can graze and lie down and not be afraid--because we are under the care of the Good Shepherd. The chapter goes on to sing praise. To give us reason to praise: Exult and rejoice with my whole heart because the Lord has taken away the judgments against me. The Lord is HERE (in my midst). Let not my hands grow weak. This is the third scripture that has referenced weak hands or weak knees over the past week that I have come across (others are Hebrews 12:12 and Isaiah 35:3). This continued season of waiting requires me to persevere. To trust in the strength of the Lord. He gives strength or purpose when I have none. His action, presence, plan and words give me reason to REJOICE. Reason to HOPE. Reason to TRUST. Reason for LIFE ITSELF. How can I not be overwhelmed? </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I started reading through cross references, which took me to Ezekiel 36. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I kept reading into the next chapter: (Ezekiel 37:1-14 ESV) </span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of the valley; it was full of bones. And he led me around among them, and behold, there were very many on the surface of the valley, and behold, they were very dry. And he said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the LORD.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And I looked, and behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Then he said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.”</span></blockquote><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What is my response when I see death? Or brokenness? Or despair? If God asked, Anna- Can these dry bones live? Or to paraphrase--Anna, what is possible here? Do I have the faith to respond in a positive manner?</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">They say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">God says: Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people. And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Death cannot hold back the King of the Universe. Depression cannot stop Him. Pain and brokenness don't scare Him away. He sees it. He breathes life into dry and dead bones. For HIS NAME'S SAKE. For HIS glory. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Tonight he breathed life anew into my Spirit. He beckoned me to believe that nothing is impossible with him. To see my life and the lives of others through HIS eyes. To believe in faith that He can breathe life into death. I pray this over my heart and over the hearts of the women in my life I know are struggling with depression. That we would believe God is who He says He is. That we would cling to Him. That we would depend on his strength to lift up our weary hands. To praise Him through His power that He gladly pours over us. </span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09387243448683034686noreply@blogger.com0