The Wedding of the Century!

Suppose it is my turn to post about the wedding weekend. Loretta's already posted two times and other friends are posting...and I'm family for goodness sake!! Better get on it eh? I haven't posted yet for the simple fact that I'm speechless. I don't know if words can really describe all that went on this weekend. Indescribable. Amazing really. Breath-taking. Beautiful. Holy and pure. Worship. WOW! I would say the ceremony was like nothing I have ever experienced before. Yes, the spotlight and live-camera feed as I'm coming down the aisle made me feel like I was in Hollywood, but that's not the stuff I'm talking about. I'm talking about the touches of God, HIS fingerprints that were EVERYWHERE!

From moments alone in the bride's room, circled around Shawna praying to a "toast of love" given by the bride's father...HE was all over the place. I have seen God at work in this relationship for quite some time. I still remember the night at camp when Shawna pulled John aside and they sat in the canteen area and talked and she had the guts to tell him she liked him. That girl has more courage than I will ever have - he was even dating someone at the time. But she knew...she knew and pursued (well, more or less waited for John to wise up) and the rest is history!

Top 10 Favorite Moments from the weekend:

10. Feeling like it was Christmas at the rehearsal dinner when Sha gave us the bridesmaids gifts! (pink sunglasses - hot stuff!)

9. The rehearsal that felt like a family reunion. Erin, Laura, Ricki, Jenny, Tyler, Jon, Jessica, Becca, Keith, Matt, Gil & Ang...family...they just kept coming through the door and I couldn't get to everyone fast enough.

8. Goofy pics with the girls!

7. Loretta's heart-warming, "make you want to cry" speech to us girls before the wedding. Oh wait, I did cry!

6. Teaching Max all the names of the Hollensteiner clan and then watching him score major points with the family when he remembered all their names and could pick them out of a crowd (proud of you babe)!

5. Dancing with my brother Matt towards the end of the night...most everyone was gone and I let loose!

4. Watching and listening to Loretta scream and just about loose it as Shawna's big moment arrived when she walked down the aisle. Then, of course, watching Sha, in all her beauty, slowly walk down the aisle with the sea of people rising behind her...breath-taking!

3. As Loretta put it...the circle of pink tulle surrounding Sha before the ceremony...praying for the future of the couple.

2. Taking a glimpse at the screen and seeing John's face completely covered in tears of sheer joy. Nothing compares. I was so happy for the both of them!

1. I say nothing compares to the last one...maybe this one is in its own category. Funniest moment for me was the "Dance Off" between John and my uncle Bruce. Holy Cow - HILARIOUS! Max has the whole thing recorded on his camera and I still laugh hysterically whenever I watch it. Looks like it is a tradition now - watch out world!

Many moments are still incredible and I will remember them always. Thanks for such a special weekend! :)

The Long Awaited Weekend

Polka dots, pink dresses, chocolate brown suits, truffles, chocolate fountains, music, dancing, candles, pictures, presents, laughter and tears...

It's what we've all been anticipating for quite some time now. It's been over a year of planning and getting things prepared. Trips to bridal shops, dresses being made, suits being bought, appointments with caterers,

long nights of stuffing envelopes,

tiling floors...and ceilings, painting walls, fixing things...

every little detail important

every moment irreplacable

every memory embedded

Such anticipation and it will be here very very soon!

The wedding...the union of this incredible couple.

Some saw it long before others,

but I think we can all agree that this is a match made in Heaven!

I would say that in 4 days it will all be over...but no...

the best is yet to come!

Corrections...

It was brought to my attention (by someone very special to me) that I've made a couple errors in my recent blogs entries. So please allow me to correct myself...

In Blog entry entitled "The Guy"...
- Max is getting his M Div. NOT his MA. This is a HUGE mistake on my part. My apologies dear!

In Blog entry entitled "Finally"...
-It was pointed out that "finger-jausting" is actually spelled "finger-jousting". Emphasis being that I mispelled it with an A instead of an O. My bad! Never claimed to have won any spelling bee championships. Actually if you want to get personal for a moment. I did make it to the Baldwin North Spelling Bee Competition, but failed to spell "tenderloin" correctly. Instead, in the first or second round I spelled it "tenderlion". At that moment, all you could hear were the moans and sighs of my 6th grade class as I walked off the stage in utter embarrassment and shame. But I have NEVER mispelled the word tenderloin since then!

Honey...thank you for bringing these important mishaps to my attention...and for helping me recall one of the most horrific events that happened in my childhood years! You're the best!! :)
(by the way sweetie...I'm just messing with ya! You knew it was coming!)

12 hours of driving and worth the trip

Made a quick trip home this weekend for Easter. We didn't have Elementary Services at SECC, so I took advantage and hit and the road for home. Got in Friday afternoon, just in time for a snip n' clip at InSPArations with my favorite stylist - Shawna Lynn! She's a styling genius:) Made a quick zip over to MPCC for the Good Friday service (a little late, so I sat by myself, but it was probably for the best - no distractions). It was a good service, the choir singing, the acapella ensembles, the communion, the candles...solemn and beautiful. Later that evening, got to watch John's v-ball team destroy their opponent, hang out with my Fuel pals at TCBY, then when John, Sha and I were about to fall asleep in their living room, we hear Neal's mobile pull up in front of their house. An hour later...we go home!

Saturday, Neal and I spent some quality time together...recording and perfecting...recording and perfecting. But the song is finished and we were pleased. More importantly the bride and groom were pleased! And we can check it off the list of things to do! Saturday evening was spent at the Crossing with mom and pop and then Pam and Yvonne joined our family for dinner at Lakeview (a local delight). Had myself the BEST fried chicken salad this side of the Mississippi (that sounds hickish and silly, but I like it). Pam and Ret can attest to this - we've shared many a lunch over fried chicken salads and iced tea. Yummy!

Sunday was delightful...of course being a wonderful and beautiful Easter morning. Didn't have to wake up at the crack of dawn this year and enjoyed going to the 2nd service at MPCC with family. It was a beautiful time of worship. Special music rocked!! The choir sang and gave me goose bumps and the men's ensemble amazed me with their power-house voices! What a celebration! Off to Grandma's house for the egg hunt and mounds of delicious food! Family is all doing well - love em to pieces! Lots of wedding talk with 3 other cousins besides John getting married within the next year or so. Trying not to catch the fever:)

Great weekend, but pretty pooped out. Gotta rest up...wedding weekend in 18 days!!

P.S. Praise the Lord though that the bridesmaid dresses are nearing completion and look smashing! The bride and the MOTB can rest knowing all will be well!

Finally...

I've made it back from the beautiful beaches of Florida with a nice tan and a nice chest cold....how pleasant! Bible and Beach '06 was pretty great I must admit. High schoolers are way different from Elementary kiddos that is for sure. Wish I had pics to show...Panama City was gorgeous and the sunsets were amazing.

For all you "non-registered" blog users...
You may now post a comment on my blog. (a.k.a. mom) :)
I've finally changed the settings to allow anonymous comments. Just make sure to sign your name to the comment!

By the way - my main squeeze was the "finger-jausting" champion at Bible and Beach this year (similar to arm wrestling). I'm so proud of him (and his strong arms that kicked everyone's behind-including mine)! Way to go Max:)

The Guy

So I'm breaking the "Blog Silence" with this post. It was going to happen sooner or later, but I thought I would wait a few weeks before I mentioned anything. Everybody...this is Max! Some of you have heard about him...some of you haven't. Some of you have seen him...now all of you have seen him. :) We've been dating for a few weeks now and I think he's pretty incredible. He is currently pursuing his MA at Cincinnati Christian University (preaching/ministry) and is also a Chaplain with the Army National Guard. Met here at Southeast and have been friends since the Fall. Something sparked between us at a Superbowl Party and it's been a surprising and exciting journey ever since. He caught me off guard when he asked me out. I wasn't real sure about the whole thing, but boy am I glad that I said yes! Wow God...Thank YOU!!

Taxes

Uncle Sam will be happy...I finally got my tax returns done and in the mail today!!
This was quite the process for me this year. Normally, I give my W2s to my parents, throw in $ for fees and say "see ya lata...and don't forget to put my return check in the mail"! Well, this year, I decided to do it the so-called "easy way" and do them myself on Turbo Tax. I learned I know nothing when it comes to taxes, big financial words, or anything of the sort. I'm a moron! Karla walked me through step by step on my federal stuff and then of course since I lived in 2 different states this year, I had to fill out 2 Part-Time Resident State forms (which I couldn't do on Turbo Tax without paying through the nose)...confusing to high heaven if you ask me!! So that's where I pulled my friend Stevey aside and said "I'll treat you to Texas Roadhouse if you help me with my state taxes!" (So in reality, I'm still paying someone to do my taxes...so what have I gained from this go-round??) Well, at least we finished em - thank Jesus!

Lesson learned...the "easy way" is not so easy for me. Next year, H & R Block may be getting a call from me:)

IPOD??

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
Where are you?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
They told me I had won the prize?
So excited about your little size?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
How I long to listen to you
And hold you in my hand.
Did you get lost in the sand?

IPOD, Oh Little IPOD
I pray you do not fear
I think UPS needs a little kick in the rear!!
:)

Kentucky Here I Come

I would say "I'm coming home tomorrow", but my mom would slap me upside the head and say "you are home honey!" Finishing up the last of the laundry and packing tonight. Flying out from St. Louis tomorrow. Long week. Here are some highlights:

-Meeting Lisa Whelchel ("Blair Warner" - Facts of Life tv show)
-Being 3 feet from God's magnificent creation - a.k.a. Kurt Warner from the St. Louis Rams (Jo, Karla...talk about it huh?)
-Listening to the coolest and hippest new version of the "muffin man" in the minivan with 5 other grown adults...rapping and having a marvelous time.
-Being harassed in front of 1,000 people by Chagy the Clown (have pictures to prove it)!
-WINNING AN IPOD!!!
-Finding out I'm going to be an aunt October 12, 2006!! (Matt and Melissa are pregnant:)
-Finally learning how to play Texas Hold Em and taking 3rd place...Beginner's Luck!
-Becca's surprise visit home for the shower:)
-Shawna's first bridal shower. Just got done helping them unload a couple cars full of stuff. Their house is already getting full...and they still have 4 showers to go, plus the wedding! Holy Moly!
It's been a great weekend. Really tired. Ready to get back in the groove. Praying that my bag will once again not exceed 50 lbs. tomorrow at the baggage check-in! We'll see:)

Good to see all you Quincians!! Love ya:)

Blogging Vacation

I'll be taking a little break from the blogging world for the next week or so.
Heading to the Children's Pastors Conference in Kansas City, MO (my old home!). I'll get to see dear friends in the Burg and then hob nob with all the children's ministry goo-roos. Finishing up the week in Q-town for a little Q-time with family and friends. I'll be seeing some of you really soon. Have a great week my friends:)

Cincinnati Weekend

Had a great trip to Cincinnati this past Friday and Saturday. My buddy Josh and I took a little road trip to see some friends of ours. Went to the CIY Believe Conference at the Cinergy Center where my good friend Monte Hunt was playing the drums for Foundation Red. Can't even begin to tell you how amazing it was to watch him in his element...I was so proud of him. Real sad that Amy couldn't be there, but I got an extra big hug from Monte from her...so it's all good! MISS THEM SO MUCH!! It stinks sometimes living multiple states away from best friends, but the Lord always makes sure our paths cross every once in awhile.

Later that evening, drove up to Dayton to stay with my long lost college buddy...the infamous red-head, Jessica Armstrong. Haven't seen her in over two years...crazy! We stayed up til about 3 am chatting and catching up. It was a blast to recap what's been happening in our lives and to relive old college memories. I just have to say, "What were we thinking?" Sometimes we did the craziest things, but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. It was a great time! And I must say the next morning (after we had coffee), we busted out the old N'SYNC CD and jammed to our favorite tunes from the old days. Actually, I can't say the old days...we both confessed that we keep the CD in our cars still and listen every once in awhile. Real tragic and pathetic I know. So that's that. Good friends, great weekend...

Surprising...

This entry is being written for a friend of mine who encouraged me to post something new for him to read. Don't have any specifics to write about, but here's a recap of some highlights...

1. Valentine's Day was seriously the best Heart Day EVER (it's a bold statement, but I'm making it). For various reasons that I can't reveal in blog world, but for those of you who know me pretty well, you will understand. It was a day FULL of SMILES and lots of God Winks!! :) He's been evident in many different parts of my life. Heck, I'm just thankful He's looking in my direction and hasn't given up on me.

2. New love. Dave Barnes. Didn't go on a date with him, but I'm listening to his music and thinking it is pretty phenomenal. Heart warming, fun, good feelings, sweet as can be lyrics. Loving him and recommending him. Doesn't quite take the place of Michael Buble in my heart, but finding a special place these days for little ole Davey. Check him out!

That's all for now my blogging friends...

S.A.A.P.G.O.N.

Seventh Annual Action Packed Groovy Over Nighter.
Friday and Saturday became ONE WHOLE DAY.
6:00 p.m. (really started at noon with prep work) - 9:00 a.m.
Pizza, cookies, cotton candy, popcorn, movies, worship, putt-putt, bingo, hair salon, bandanas, face paint, gigantic inflatables, stinky smelly sweaty kids(and feet) :), Jello Olympics, prizes and .... absolutely NO SLEEP!!
703 - 4th and 5th graders (set a new SECC record)!!!
Insane...yes!
Would I do it again...in a heartbeat!!

Having hair regrets after only 4 days...this can't be good!
Thinking it is just a mourning period.
Hoping "this too shall pass...or grow fast"!

fyi - now would not be a good time to say "I told ya so".

The Weight's Been Lifted

Lost 5 lbs!! Unfortunately it's not body weight my friends...it's hair weight!! I took the plunge Friday afternoon and went and cut my hair. Looking back I wonder what the heck was I thinking, but I'm getting used to it. To be honest, I couldn't take the weight of it anymore...it was SOOO heavy! It feels 100% lighter and it now saves me drying time and $ for shampoo, conditioner, mousse, hair spray and anything else I would use to tame the mop.

Now, my long haired fans, do not fret, it is still below my shoulders (we won't be revisiting that short hair high school/college nightmare anytime soon). I have the swooping bang effect going on now, which I'm liking. You'll have to judge for yourself.

A special shout out to Shawna. I'm sorry girl...I couldn't wait a month to see you. The lady gave you props on your highlighting job! You're still the best and my favorite:) Love ya!

Sam's Club Outing

Today, Karla and I made our usual 3-month visit to Sam's Club to buy snacks for the little kiddies on Saturday nights. To be honest, it is really my job and I drag Karla along because she is a willing soul...and a dinga-dang-dong good friend:) And this trip is no easy task. Many many preparations go into this outing...from check requisitions to borrowing John O's truck. It is not uncommon for us (basically me today) to make a complete and utter specticals of ourselves at Sam's Club with the amount of stuff we buy.

We walk in and show our club member card and proceed to the cart area. This job requires more than just an oversized cart. It's serious business folks...flatbed all the way...sometimes maybe 2! I've gotten pretty good about the route to take with these big ole honkin thangs...straight to the juice aisle. We load up about 30 4-packs of Capri Suns (basically filling up an entire flatbed). Definite all-over muscle toning exercise! Next, we head to the snack aisle and buy lots of fatty good snacks for the kiddos to eat. We've gotten into a routine which makes shopping just that more enjoyable. Only today, I was quite the spectical. I had my flatbed piled up to my eyeballs with boxes and couldn't see a stinking thing in front of me. Karla was my guide, watching out for small children and everyone else in the store found it pretty hilarious. Ha. Ha. Ha to you all. To be honest though, I was chuckling right along with them. I was a sight to see!

After loading, unloading and putting away this mass of goodies...I can finally call it a day. Whew!

Brownies with a little surprise

Attempted to make goodies for my D-Group girls last night at home. First of all, must give props to my friend Karla for the recipe idea. She made these wonderful little delights Sunday for our football watching extravaganza. Thought I would attempt to make them myself because they changed my life.

Explanation: Brownies made in little muffin pans with a little bit of heaven in the middle. (i.e. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups)

First batch: Amazing taste...not so pretty. Overfilled the pan and they all looked like mushrooms. As I went to get them out of the pan, the tops popped off. Grrr!

Second batch: "Let's use baking cups and not fill them so full." Amazing taste again, but this time much better looking! Thank the Lord! :)

For those of you Weight Watcher People...this is not a recipe I would recommend. My apologies!

For Your Viewing Pleasure

This is a little chance to brag on my friends from Kentucky. This was taken yesterday at the Broncos vs. Steelers football watching bash...if you can't tell, most of them are Broncos fans...and then there's SteveO and I staying strong with our Steelers colors! These people are great!!
Front row: Amanda(from IL), Madonna (from IL) Middle row: John O, Karla(from IL), Steve, Tammy
Back row: Kevin, me(from IL) and Nate(from IL)
*Notice how 5 of the 9 are from IL and it took moving to Kentucky for all of us to meet. Funny!

First Snow

Woke up to 3 inches of snow on the ground this morning...incredible!
Didn't think I wanted it after the gorgeous spring weather we've been having, but I'll take it:)
Hopefully, all you snow lovers out there aren't jealous. It is b-e-a-utiful!! Come to Kentucky and see if you want!

PS - just found out that if you start your car to warm it up and leave it unattended in Louisville, you get a TICKET!! Even in your own driveway! What is this world coming to?

Drama, Drama, Drama...

Oh the dramas of the dating life...
Will it ever end?
Recently a book was recommended to me to read about a new approach to dating. It is a book by Dr. Henry Cloud (a reliable and intelligent source). He wrote all the "Boundaries" books for those who've never heard of him. How to Get a Date Worth Keeping - Be Dating in Six Months or Your Money Back. I know the title sounds cheesy, but hang with me. I've read a couple chapters in it so far...intriguing. Really nothing new. My mom has been telling me to do this for as long as I can remember, but I've stuck to my "I'm a lady in waiting" mentality. For instance, if God has the right man out there...He will bring him to me. Well, this knight in shining armor has yet to find me and lately I've found myself waiting at my front door hoping the FedEx man will be gorgeous. You get what I'm saying?? Cloud says, "I haven't been "out there" enough meeting new people." In his book, he offers himself as a dating coach, and has a program for you to follow. One of the first steps is to meet 5 new guys a week...that's right 5!! And not just say hi, but they 1) have to be new to you. 2)have to be interested in you. 3) you have to exchange phone #s. And let me just say it again. 5 guys! I'm lucky if I get 5 guys in 5 years, let alone 5 guys in one week. Talk about it! Supposedly, this program teaches you to find your real issues with dating and help you conquer them. Helping you to come out of your shell. We'll see about that! So, this past week I tried to branch out and meet some new people at Awake(our 23-30 yr. olds gathering)...not so much a success. I'm horrible at it! Still deciding if I'm going to finish this book.
For those of you who have found your special someone for life...what a blessing!
For those still waiting/hunting...bet you are wishing it were as easy as waiting for the FedEx man at this point in time....hang in there!! :)

The Cat's Out of the Bag

It was a monumental day in Southeast history...

We heard about it Thursday. The announcement was made to the staff, but our lips were sealed. It was exciting beyond words to have been a part of that staff meeting. I sat there as Bob Russell addressed all of us. And this weekend...the rest of the congregation heard. Bob handed over the reigns to Dave Stone in services this weekend. In a sense he "passed the baton...or the tie" for that matter. Bob's official retirement won't happen until July of this year, but from here on out, Dave Stone is now the "prime" minister of SECC. It was a bitter sweet moment. I watched as Bob made his announcement in 3rd service and as he walked down the steps to his seat...it was sad. The man has been God's vessel in building this church for the last 40 years. His fingerprints are all over this place. He will be missed.

But oh the excitement I felt as I watched my friend Dave walk up to the pulpit and address the congregation. I've never before been so 100% behind a leader like this before. I've heard his vision for the future and I believe it is definitely God-ordained and that it will connect thousands more to Jesus Christ in the near future. Oooo...gives me goosebumps.

The basic idea to his vision is...

• Subtraction
• Addition
• Division
• Multiplication

Subtraction - 1. From our Membership Roll. Finding out whose really committed to Jesus and to evangelizing the community. 2. From our Programming. Getting away from the Smorgesboard approach and focusing more on certain areas.

Addition - 1. Using intentional language. Connecting People to Jesus and to One Another. 2. Having an Intentional Pathway. Teaching us the Value of Focus.

Division - 1. Dividing into Regions for Bible Study and Service. Connecting with people in your area through home Bible Study groups and service opportunities. Teaching us the value of connecting.

Multiplication - 1. Regional Small Groups. 2. Neighborhood Community Centers with numerous outreach programs. 3. Multi-site Worship Settings. A branch off of the main campus using live via satellite communications, so we could experience worship together and the multi-site centers could still feel connected to the body.

I was pumped about his vision. I know it will be supported. A few standing ovations are an indication of that. Pray for Dave, pray for the leadership, pray for the staff, pray for the congregation. This place is used to change, but this is the biggest change this place has ever seen. We are having to say goodbye to a living legend, but what we are about to experience is the 2nd Movement of His Orchestral Masterpiece....and it's just beginning. Maybe a change of tempo, maybe a change in key, but amazing nevertheless. Taking a moment to sit back and listen...

Routine...What's That?

First day back to work in over a week. Took a Christmas vacation and went home to Quincy for the Holidays. Great trip, but WAY too quick! Here are some highlights...

1. Kazoo Caroling with the Nobis Clan.
2. Shopping with Mom for Christmas presents.
3. Spending Christmas Eve with the family that just keeps growing!
4. Enjoying 3 Christmas services (2 at MPCC and 1 at the Crossing).
5. The smile I had on my face as I watched some pretty special people lead a congregation in worship Sunday morning. Just made my heart bubble over with joy to see them in their element again...love them. The Christmas Carols rocked and "it's not about the box" (2 of the many things I took home from that service).
6. Having more presents than John to open up Christmas day :) (Only because he got a pretty expensive drill - not because mom and dad love me more...at least that's what we told him!!) hehe
7. Watching the "scarf receivers" open up their gifts and enjoy (or at least acting like they were thankful). A lot of work(probably the beginning of long road of arthritis)...alot of hours...alot of great scarves I wish I could have kept cause I liked em so much.
8. Listening to the countless times John made fun of my scarves and realizing that he was just jealous cause he didn't get one!
9. Spending almost every day of last week at John and Sha's new place painting their front room. Hearing their ideas about what they're going to do with the rest of it and experiencing the excitement of it all. Must admit I'm a little jealous that he was the first of the Mitchell kids to buy a house.
10. Meeting Bobo!
11. Spending an evening in Macomb watching high school basketball and then eating the most delicious pizza thingy afterwards...mmmm.
12. Taking a pit-stop on the way back to Kentucky to meet Karla's family in Centralia IL! They have an incredible Walgreens:)
13. Having funny conversations with my buddy Ben - who will always be the one I call for a quick cheering up session!
14. Seeing and spending some QT with buddy Neal and hearing about his upcoming adventures at The Crossing....so proud of him.
15. All the special moments spent at home around our 4 ft. Christmas tree this year:) Just kidding mom! It was all great and I love ya!
16. And last but not least...sleeping in my Heavenly Cloud of a Bed for an entire week!!!

Quiet Week in the Office...so you all get random thoughts.

Southeast is getting pretty close to "ghost town" status this week. Everyone is using up their vacation days and taking off the rest of the month, but those of us who get a hand full of those precious days are hanging out trying to fill our days with whatever projects we can get our hands on to make the day go a bit faster. Between projects though are emails and the devouring of Christmas yummy goodies that everyone has brought in for all of us devourees to gain 10 pounds before the holidays. Thank you. For all of you who want to know..."Puppy Chow" is the snack of choice for this afternoon.

Random thought for my lady readers...
Last night I was extremely thankful for self-checkout lanes at a 24 hour Wal-Mart. It was one of those moments where I didn't really feel like talking to anyone (plus it was a late night run) and I needed to get some "personals". Usually when women have to make one of these stops, we tend to buy a few other items to "mask" the fact that we are buying personals, but in all honesty a loaf of bread and a bag of M&Ms is not going to mask the big blue box your carrying. Seriously. So last night, I had no shame...I went in got my personals and went straight to the self checkout line where I quickly scanned the big blue box and safely trotted out the door not having made eye contact with any awkward young male employees. It was the one of the best moments ever...a sense of achievement really. Who would have thought that such a modern convenience would change the way women shop. It certainly is saving me $ in the long run!

Visitors from Afar...
Yesterday Dane and I were blessed to have some visitors from Q-town come and take us out to lunch. Dale and Brenda Hess were visiting Louisville and decided to look us up - and I'm thankful they did. It was SOO nice to see some faces from home and to catch up and hear stories. It made me miss some folks all the more, but then I realized that I would see them in a few days:) We chatted for a couple hours at Mark's Feed Store (delicious Kentucky BBQ wonderland) and then said our goodbyes. Nice afternoon spent. Now, I'm going to make a plea to all you Q-town readers...and all my other friends who live far away too.
COME VISIT ME!!! Louisville's a good time, good eatin, good sweet tea, good horse races, good baseball bats, good shoppin...
Mom and dad...you're due! John, Sha, Matt and Melissa...you're way over due! M&M - we have a "Howl at the Moon" here too ya know:) Ben Cuni is still at the top of the coolest friend list, cause he's been the only friend to come out and visit me since I moved here. Thank you Ben! So we'll see if anyone picks up on my subtly and follows through! I think it's finally time for me to go home. lata...

Jingle Blast Pictures...More To Follow...Someday!

Jingle Blast was a Blast and a Half!

So I figured 10 days between posts was long enough. Sorry to my two dedicated readers! :)

If you've been able to get ahold of me at all this past week it's been a miracle. Finally starting to return all the phone calls and emails. Our big Jingle Blast Family Christmas event took place Thursday and Friday of this past week at the church. It was a fun concert event featuring JUMP 5 - a Christian teen band often seen on the Disney Channel. The four kids in the group were pretty great if you ask me. They were fun and down to earth and they put on one heck of a show for our families!

Thursday we had a bit of a scare. They were predicting a HUGE Winter Storm to come through and so they cancelled all schools and everyone began going into seclusion - because they freak out over here in Kentucky over 5 inches of snow! Seriously - that's like dust in Illinois...come on now! So, we thought for sure that no one would show up that night for the event. Well, the storm lessened and we ended up having close to 2,000 people show!! Whew hew! First night of fun - success!

Friday...good weather...almost 5,000 in attendance! It's alot different being on stage in front of 5,000 than it is sitting amongst the many on Sunday mornings. The highlight of the evening though was when the 1-minute countdown began for the band to come out. We had given blue glowsticks to everyone that came and at the countdown we had everyone swing their glowsticks like crazy. We shut off the lights and all you could see was this b-e-a-utiful sea of blue lights...kids screaming...adrenaline pumping...it was awesome!

Another highlight was my friend (and good sport) Josh playing the part of our 9 ft. inflatable snowman. He looked like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters! We had so much fun with that thing and after all the autographs were signed Friday night, Brandon from Jump5, tackled the snowman...talk about hilarious!

The event was a success in my book...why you ask?
- Families were able to spend a cheap evening out together having fun.
- Kids were dancing in every aisle throughout the entire night and having a blast.
- Hurricane victims were blessed with some incredible gifts and a night they won't forget anytime soon.
- Our team worked together to pull off an incredible event...and all did a fantastic job!
- I didn't wreck the rental van and kill Jump5 and all their band members.
- The message of Christ was spoken to about 7,000 people...some old, some young, and some who've never heard the Good News!

All glory goes to God for making it all come together...it was pretty evident He was there!!

Trolley Hopping

Not to be confused with Bar Hopping! For kicks and giggles, a bunch of us decided to go to Downtown Louisville tonight and go Trolley Hopping. My friend Amanda heard about this free adventure and we all thought it sounded like a fun thing to do on a Friday night. Basically, you head downtown and hop up on a trolley that takes you around to different stopping points, which could include a variety of art galleries, antique shops, and even a shop where they "blow the glass" to make cool sculptures, vases, etc. We got to see fancy-schmancy restaurants and found a new hot-spot called the Jazz Factory (where we will hopefully head back to someday soon). I had no idea these cool places even existed...but now we know thanks to the Trolley Hop!

Funny story. At one point on our Trolley adventure, a couple of us decided to hang out on the back of the trolley (freezing our behinds off - but it was still fun). We were saying "hey" to all the people on the sidewalks, waving at cars, basically just being obnoxious and having a good time. Well, some of the people inside the trolley made some comments about how they thought we were "drunk"! Little did they know that some of our friends were sitting next to them. They told us after we got off and we just laughed. If you can't have a good time on the back of a trolley, where can you have a good time?? (btw-you don't have to be drunk to have a good time!)

It's been good for me to venture out and try some new things...meet some new friends and hang out with people I've not gotten to know since I moved here. Tonight was a blast...it was a little cold, but nothing a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato couldn't fix! Love those things:)

Bitter Sweet Day

Ever have one of those days where even though it seems nothing is going right...God is still in control? I call them Bitter Sweet Days. Knowing that God is there and that His plan is being worked out is comforting, but knowing that you'll have to say goodbye to people or the way things were is so heartbreaking.

My heart is breaking right now. Withing a week, I've had to hear the words, "I'm leaving and I wanted to be the one to tell you" from 2 people on our team here at Southeast. Seriously! 2 of the coolest people you'll ever know in ministry...wise beyond their years and hearts full of passion for children's ministry. I've enjoyed working with them immensely and will miss them a whole bunch. They both are moving on to ministries where they will get to work closely with the kids and families of their churches, they will both be closer to their families and I think they are going to make a huge impact. I'm SO happy for their opportunities, but I'm REALLY sad for us.

Like I said...Bitter Sweet. Can't decide if I really like these kind of days or not. I'll have to give it some more thought.

Whirlwind

Been in 3 states in a day and a half.
Had an incredible visit with Doug.
Had lunch with Stan and Misty and their 2 adorably cute boys.
Drove home and almost ran out of gas...God does answer prayers!
Saw The Crossing Crew - John, Nathan and Neal.
Saw the MPCC Crew and had a wonderful talk with Keith.
Finally made it home to the good old 1500 block where the parentals and I are currently kicking back and waiting for the boys to come home for supper. Mmmm...spaghetti and cresent rolls...my favorite!!
Awaiting the 8:00 hour for the LOST party with the Quincy Crew.
All of this in 24 hours!! :)

Morning Bliss

So I'm sitting here this morning at my desk and thinking what a great day today is.

The weather is not perfect by any means, but the cool and cloudy drive to work this morning was pleasant.

Reading everyones' blogs this morning and it sounds like God has been good to my friends lately.

Getting to leave this afternoon for home.

(Well, first I'll be stopping in Springfield to spend the evening with my good friend Doug Welk...who I might add I haven't seen since May.)

Can't wait!

Then I'll be heading home Wednesday for the blessed town of Quincy. Oooo buddy:)

Pondering all of this while eating the perfect banana...talk about it!!

Home Awaits!

5 days remaining before I head home for Thanksgiving.
Things I'm thankful for this year...

1. My family who is expanding. My new sister-in-law, Melissa, who was added to our family in October. Shawna who is promised to be added in May:) My two brothers who are incredible guys that I wouldn't trade for the world and for my parents who continue to be the most dedicated and loving parents anyone could ask for.
2. My friends...old and the new. For friends, who over the years have become like family, and remain a constant source of joy and for the new ones I have met since I've moved to Kentucky. You all are my God winks!
3. For the opportunity to be working with this tremendous church. I'm learning so many valuable things from the people that work here and have been blessed by every one I've come in contact with.
4. For a place to live. The Allen family has been so gracious and wonderful.
5. For email and cell phones to keep in contact with everyone. :)
6. For growing churches back home in IL and for ministries being blessed.
7. For friends and loved ones to have found their nitch and seeing how God has used their struggles to produce glorious things for the Kingdom.
8. For an opportunity to daily fall in love with Jesus. To feel His presence, to see His provisions, to sense His love and to know He is God. To know that no matter where I live or what I do, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever".
9. For the opportunity and freedom to study His Word and to see how my faith has grown because of it. To see my spiritual heritage come to life in the pages of Genesis and to be thankful for the many who have gone before whose faith has been tested and strengthed and blessed.
10. For life, for love, for happiness, for all the things that bring smiles to our faces. God is good and I am thankful.

Hawaiian Christmas: Tacky or Just Plain Fun??

Southeast hosted their annual Women's Christmas Tea last night. The place is filled with gorgeously decorated tables with beautiful center pieces, Christmas China, creative themes, etc. It's basically a women's "fru-fru" event...something I've never really been into, but I've come to terms with my "anti-fru-fru-ness".

A bunch of staff girls got together and decided to decorate 2 tables. The theme chosen this year was Hawaiian Christmas. On the back of the chairs were grass skirts and flowers, we had plastic plates, bright colored everything, flamingo forks, funky paper cups, blow-up pink flamingo on the table and to top it off Santa and Mrs. Claus wearing grass skirts and lais!! It was SOOO TACKY...but SO INCREDIBLE FUN!!

Ladies showed up in nice Christmas dresses, gowns, sweaters...
Our table showed up in Jeans, Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts and lais...
We got tons of comments on our "fun" table. Everyone seemed to love it!
The night was a good time. :)

Cell Phones

Left my phone in Steve's car yesterday. Must have thought it made it into my purse...nope! Felt completely lost and out of touch with the world...disoriented...didn't know what to do for about 4 hours.

Seriously...what is our obsession with these little things anyways???
I'm way too attached to this little bugger. I take it with me everywhere. If I miss a call, it's like it's the end of the world. (Not that I get many anyways...but that's beside the point.)

Realizing this morning that I'm pathetic.

The Incident

Funny story today involving....

A. Shower
B. Shaving Legs
C. Slippery Tub
D. Savior of a Shower Curtain
E. Sore Bottom
F. Soaking Wet Floor

If you want to hear details LADIES...I'll be glad to laugh through it again with you!! :)

The King and I

Went to the Kentucky Center last night for what we thought would be an incredible performance of The King and I, paid a good chunk of change for our pretty spectacular seats in Row Z (serious about that one), got our programs and awaited for the curtains to open....

In one word we can describe the whole show. It was TERRIBLE! The whole lead cast was pitiful. It was a real shame. If any of you know who Stephanie Powers is - Hart to Hart lady - well, she is now maybe 50 or 60 years old. They casted her as Anna, the schoolteacher, who is written to be a 30 year old young lady. Talk about gross! The guy who was the King of Siam was actually younger than her in real life...it was just sad my friends...just sad. I brought back the word "grotee" into my vocabulary last night when I was describing the romantic scenes...it was the only thing I could think of that could do it justice.

Even though the casting was horrible, the set, the support casting, and the orchestra were great. Good times were had in Row Z by my friends Karla and Jeff. "Can't touch this!" :)

Weekend in NashVegas

Karla and I took a roadtrip to Nashville this weekend and had a Grand Ole Time!! Headed out Thursday after work to visit her friend Traci. Nashville is a great city! Didn't get to go downtown too much (which is my favorite part) - just drove through the outskirts and walked across the Pedestrian Bridge. So many cool restaurants and shops. It's all fun and full of history...especially the Ryman Auditorium - LOVE that place!

We did however make it to the Opry Mills Mall which is one of the coolest malls...big circle of fun! Got sucked into the vortex of Old Navy and spent more than I should, but I got 10% off:) Watched The Wedding Date with Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney (sweet eye candy). Eehh-the movie was just okay, but the soundtrack was amazing. Lots of songs by Michael Buble (who is my new found favorite)!! If any of you like Harry Connick Jr., then you will love Michael - go by the CD...it's incredible! And his last name is fun to say too:)

Roadtrips are such a blast! And spending time with friends whom you can laugh with makes it ten times better. Karla and I learned so much about each other this weekend and I found out that I've become an influence on her in various and interesting ways:) Sorry bout that girl!! Thanks for the invite this weekend!

The Magical Post

The post below has a special secret...you have to highlight and scroll over the text to get it to appear. Don't understand why, but it has serious magical powers! Watch Out...it's weird:)

Big Night at SECC!

So REAL excited that Nichole Nordemann is here in concert tonight! Heard over the Events radio earlier that she was about 15 minutes away and after lunch we drove around the back of the Worship Center and saw her tour bus. I like her...I think she's great. Met her once before at the GMA week. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. It was meaningful and really deep...

"Hi there! Would you like a bottle of water?" I said.
Nichole responded, "That would be so great! Thank You! Hey I have a spot open on my tour for a personal assistant...would you be interested? I think you have an incredible personality and would love to work with you!"
So I said..."Oh, that would be great, but I just got offered the internship position at Southeast CC...thanks for asking though!"

Okay, so that last part after thank you was a complete fib, but I thought it would be hilarious! Enjoy your day...:)

Birthday Fun Inspired by Erin

Your Birthdate: September 30

Your birthday on the 30th day of the month shows individual self-expression is necessary for your happiness. You tend to have a good way of expressing yourself with words, certainly in a manner that is clear and understandable. You have a good chance of success in fields requiring skill with words. You can be very dramatic in your presentation and you may be a good actor or a natural mimic. You have a vivid imagination that can assist you in becoming a good writer or story-teller. Strong in your opinions, you always tend to think you are on the right side of an issue. There may be a tendency to scatter your energies and have a lot of loose ends in your work. You may have significant artistic talent and be very creative.

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Fun Is Bowling

Today was our farewell fun time with Robin, a lady on our elementary team. Her last day with us is Wednesday:( She decided we should all have a fun day together...so, we went to Logan's Steakhouse for lunch and then it was off to the Bowling Alley for some "fierce" competition:)

Logan's was fun and goody yum-yums. We threw peanuts on the floor, we threw peanuts at each other, we threw peanuts in each others glasses...they were everywhere! And we won't even talk about the onions:)

Bowling Alley was a blast. There were 11 of us, so to make it even with 4 on each lane...Jesus was added to our team. There was a crazy bouncy ball that happened to be thrown my yours truly in the 4th frame. I had the corner pin to pick up and about 2 feet before it hit the pin, it sank in the gutter...but then decided to have a spasm and busted out of the gutter and slammed the pin down for a spare!! Never in all my bowling days have I ever done something so cool!

The highlight of the afternoon was having Jesus on our team. We each took turns bowling for Him, but He was losing miserably. By the 7th frame He had a score of 42. Coming into the 8th, I decided it was time for Jesus to be resurrected again...I got a strike. Olivia steps up to the plate in the 9th and strikes Him one again. Karla (who...we'll just say hadn't gotten a strike yet!) :) (love ya Kar-Kar!) struts up in the 10th and blasts one home to give Jesus a Turkey. We went NUTS!! She steps up again and blasts another one away - Holy Cow! We seriously went NUTS this time! She steps up for the last time...we thought NO WAY...and we were right, but she did hit 9 pins down. Jesus went from a score of 42 to 131! Yep, He got the high score:) Just goes to prove that Jesus is better than us all...even at bowling!

Lynn and the Magic Pants

Once upon a time, in the land of Lu-a-vul, there lived two princesses named Karlita and Sarai. These two fair maidens decided to go on an adventure one Friday night in search for a magnificent feast. Karlita remembered that once or twice before she had stumbled upon a place called Lynn's Paradise Cafe and Sarai thought to herself that dining in a place such as this would bring happiness and joy to a melancholy day. So the two maidens set out in search for this so called place of paradise with no earthly idea of how to get there.

Already approaching dusk, the two maidens found themselves in a pickle (a.k.a. East Broadway) where they encountered many frightful creatures in the dark night staring at them from a distance. Karlita quickly sent word to her dear friend, Sir John O'Neal, and told him of the pickle they were in. He then pulled out his map and discovered that the two maidens were completely off course in their search for Paradise and directed them to take the Barret Pathway which would lead them directly to Paradise. The two maidens then suddenly found themselves on Barret and were delighted. After their hour long trek through the dark and scary hills of Lu-a-vul, they arrived at Lynn's Paradise Cafe....a place full of color, life, food and exquisite taste!

After a long awaited period, the two maidens received their feast...(it was a little dried up and hard because it had sat in the food prep window a little too long.) Karlita and Sarai still enjoyed their food with a smile, but knew that in a few moments they would receive the way-over priced ticket for their not-so-wonderful feast. Their servant ended up being a bitter college student who unfortunately had not been paid enough for her services from her last party, and the two maidens tried to feel sorry for her, but were too broke and cheap from their own bill that they couldn't help her out too much.

When the two maidens finished their dinner, they proceeded to the gift shop where they stumbled upon a treasure beyond explanation. There with a heavenly glow surrounding were what most would call "Magic Pants". Magic pants you ask? Yes, these pants were magical and there were many varieties and colors. There was a plaque (newspaper article) next to them stating why they were considered magical. It simply said that whoever wore these pants would look incredible in them! You could wear them to work out in and then out to dinner in them. They were amazing and Sarai was drawn into their vortex...she was ready to buy a pair...then, she turned the price tag and saw that these pants were priceless...excuse me, pricey!! $80 for one pair...the maiden quickly walked away and realized that she would not ever get the opportunity to look so incredible in this pair of magical pants.

A night of adventure...
A night of frightening encounters...
A night of weirdies...
A night of memories...
The End

Triumph!!

For those Fellow Weight Watcher Friends of mine...
Received my first bookmark today!!!
In laymen's terms...I've lost over 5 lbs. so far (close to 7 to be exact)
Whew hew!!! :)

Autumn Thoughts...

There's something about Fall that makes me light up inside. It has and will always be my absolute favorite season of the year. I can appreciate things about each season...Summer is delightfully warm with sunshine and trips to the pool, barbeques and roasting marshmallows at campfires, etc. Winter brings Christmas and holiday extravaganzas, families reunited and warm fuzzies. Spring brings a much needed break from the deadness and dullness of winter weather...it brings life and beauty back into creation. But there's something mysterious about Fall that I LOVE! The cooling of the weather, sweatshirts, jeans and jackets, football games, camping trips, beautiful scenery(can I get an Amen?), apple orchards, hayrides, cinnamon spice & pumpkiny smells permeating the room, and who can resist all the delicious chili and soups...(I sure haven't resisted the past couple days!)

I don't see the Fall season as a time when things are "dying", but just a mere season of change. I know the trees will come alive again and that no season lasts forever. Truthfully, I wish Fall would last a little longer, that the trees would keep that magnificent color a few weeks longer and that the temperatures would stay cool enough, but warm enough to keep the winter gloves and heavy jackets put away a little longer. This season is simply my favorite! I see God's Artistic Hand brushstroking the deep rich colors onto the trees and sending us perfect rainy days to slow us down a bit, maybe so we can take a nap or spend time at home. You see we can get so caught up in life that we forget to appreciate the little things. I, for one, am loving these chilly rainy days. Watching movies, cooking, taking up new hobbies...just slowing down - AHH! What are your thoughts? Do you love a certain season? Do tell...leave a comment!!! :)

Wedding Pictures

Me next to the two most wonderful guys in the world!
Our family, Sha & John, Grandma, Mom, Matt (Melissa-in brides room!), me, Dad, Michael & Santina, Kaylee and Mikey. It was really great to have them there all the way from California:)
The beautiful couple cutting their wedding cake.

Me and my niece Kaylee - crazy how cute she is!
The Parentals: They looked REAL good!!
The whole weekend was beautiful! These pictures don't do it justice. So many more memories that will stay with us forever. Melissa was a beautiful bride...wish I had more pics to show her off. They will be heading to Italy for their honeymoon sometime next week I think. Hope you enjoy the pictures! :)

Silencing the Astrodome!!

So Monday night's game was pretty incredible! Watched (completely annoyed) when Berkman hit his 3-run homer and stayed annoyed through the 20 replays they showed. Watched in awe as the Cards came back in the 9th with 2 outs...David Eckstein (aka "the man") got on base, Edmonds got walked, and good ole Albert stepped up and slammed a beautiful 3 run homerun! I screamed with no one around, called home, called Karla...and we all screamed together. It was a beautiful night...especially when the Astros fans had nothing left to shout about! :) hehe

Tonight brings another anticipate game...this time at Busch Stadium. Our home! Hoping we can see some good baseball tonight...and hoping for another Redbird Victory!

It's All Over

Matt and Melissa are finally married!! The weekend was absolutely beautiful and now we are all very tired. All the family was there, so a fun time was sure to be had by all:) Melissa's family was great and they put on a fabulous event! Still trying to recover, so attempting to blog about all the details is virtually impossible. Hope to get pictures up so you all can see soon. Now, we have 7 months til the next big event...John and Sha's wedding. Can't wait!!!

Two Things I Know as of Monday

1. That some of my dearest friends lost a loved one this weekend and their hearts are breaking. He was the sweetest man who was always looking to make someone else feel better by giving them a hug, a kiss, a cup of coffee, a smile, a piece of candy or a kind word. Many lives have been blessed by this man and this irresistable lovable man will forever be remembered by numerous of adults and children whom he loved. Well Pappa G...we love you too!!

2. My brother, Matt, is getting married in 5 days. He's marrying Melissa, a beautiful and incredible woman...she's pretty great I think! I'm thankful that both of my brothers have chosen some amazing women for me to have as sisters. Not that it's about me...just thankful that's all! The wedding will take place in Dixon IL (Home of the Tulip Festival I believe) and should prove to be the party of the century...or at least the year:)! We're just thankful that Matt's getting married - he always protested he never would. Good times ahead this weekend!

Need to Post

Feeling bad cause I haven't written in a few days. Can't expect people to keep commenting on old posts...so here's an update on what's been happening!

1. Turned 25 last Friday, the 30th. Went to see the movie "Just Like Heaven" (really sweet chic flic with cutie Mark Ruffalo - go check him...I mean it out!). Had a 6-hour event at the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday dinner. Tried to put in our names around 3:30ish...they told us to come back when we had 75% of our party there. Shopped, came back at 5:00ish and put our names in...2.5 hour wait!! Okay...shopped some more and got sat around 7:15. Great food, great cheesecake, terrible service, ended up getting all drinks, appetizers and cheesecake for free!! Happy Birthday to me and my party of 15:)

2. Got some great birthday gifts from friends! Phantom of the Opera DVD and CD Soundtrack - LOVE IT! Bracelets, calendar(we won't mention what's on it), Yummy Bath & Body Works stuff, big mega air gun popper thing - it'll be great once I get it assembled, a hand-knitted scarf...and some other great stuff.

3. Weight Watchers...stayin in the race and feeling like I'm starving. Working it hard though. Get past the 2-week mark and I know I'll be fine. Weighing-in in 3 days!

4. John started his new job today. Mom gave him crap for not being dressed up enough. Funny! I guess Tuesdays are their "dress up" days!

5. David Crowder is still #1 on my playlist lately...amazing!

6. My friend Ryan is flying to Boston tomorrow for a "fun day"...jealous!

7. My time of productiveness here has come to an end and I'm ready to call it quits for the day.
Lata...

Ya'll are Sweet!

To all my sweet commenters...
Thanks for the compliments and encouragement!
Two reasons for me to go to Weight Watchers.
1 - I stink at eating healthy and need to discipline myself with healthy portions and the right foods. Pizza, chicken strips, mac n cheese, and eating out ALL THE TIME can only make it so long before the spare tire starts showin up. I know I don't have a ton to lose, but I also know how much weight I've gained since I've moved to Kentucky (gross) andI just want to feel better about myself and know that I'm doing what I can to take care of my body.
2 - It's a support thing. I believe in my friends and know that they can reach their goals with a little encouragement. Two are always better than one when it comes to changing eating habits and exercise...okay, they are better in any facet of life!

So , there you have it friends. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Weight Watchers

So I guess you can say that I'm jumping on the bandwagon. Tomorrow, Karla (weight watchers extraordinare), Nevan, Amanda and I will all be heading to the meeting to sign up. We figure that doing it together will be much more effective and fun bonding time:)

2 years ago I was poking fun at the WW's ladies down in the fellowship hall at Northside and tomorrow, I will be joining the clan. So many success stories and I love the challenge of seeing if I can do it. My goal is to be healthy and more fit...gotta a few pounds to shed, but with the accountability of friends, it should be no problem!! Our bandwagon still has room if anyone wants to join:)

David Crowder Band

What a night of worship! 9,500 people gathered to be led in song by the David Crowder Band last night here at Southeast. The place was packed (and probably a HUGE fire hazard), but it was incredible!! We were on the 2nd level and to be able to look down (and up) at a "sea of people" raising their hands in praise and jumping like crazy people...WOW! Seriously thought the floors were going to collapse, but we jumped like fools anyway:) Absolutely the most amazing moment (no pun intended) was when the entire room sand the melody and harmonies of Amazing Grace. Satan couldn't have touched a heart in the room at that moment...all praise was being raised to Our Sweet Jesus. One can begin to forget what it's like to completely give themselves to God in worship...but I was reminded once again to let go and be undignified.

The new CD was released last night and I have been listening to it constantly. Come Tuesday, you all better be in the stores buying this one out of stock. AMAZING!! 21 songs and each one will surprise you. Lots of variety - new worship, new rock, new rock opera (believe it baby)...David Crowder Band is simply one of God's best instruments. It's fun, it's catchy, it's heartfelt and will make you want to raise your face, close your eyes and smile. Go buy it now!!! (Or I guess whenever it comes out Tuesday). :)

Check out #15 - will definitely be the new favorite soon. And pretty sure John will love #10 (southern gospel always makes him smile and begin to do that air drum thing)!!

LOST

UNBELIEVEABLE!! Last night's episode of LOST was THE most incredible one so far...hands down! They revealed so much info, it was awesome! The hatch - who would have thunk it? Desmond??? Walt in the woods and why Shannon?? All very creepy, all very mysterious, and all way too exciting! I don't think I've ever been captivated by a show before like this. John, I will thank you personally, brother, for getting me hooked into it last season. And since we're far apart, you can count on me calling you every week to hear your thoughts. Glad you sucked in Neal and Shawna to our little LOST world! :) Great time at Steve's...see you all next week at 9:00!!

Cards VS. Reds

In 45 minutes, I am busting out of this joint to head to Cincinnati for the St. Louis Cardinals game!! Karla got tickets for her birthday, so she asked me to go (since she knew I LOVED the Cards) and then our friend Shelli from Lexington will be joining us as well. Since our Cards have now clinched the division title (whew-hew!!), we're not for sure if they will be playing the 2nd string guys tonight or if we will get to see our favorite players out on the field. Regardless, it should be a great game and we're really pumped about it!! We will have our Cardinals gear on and if you want to watch us on TV...mom said their games have been showing on FOX SPORTS NET - MIDWEST this week. Check it out and call my cell if you want to know where we're sitting. Have a great night...I know I will!! :)

Parties

Party that is approaching quickly...in 4 hours...SEASON PREMIERE OF LOST!!
Been waiting all summer for this day and the hatch is so close I can taste it.
The LOST clan will be meeting at Steve's house tonight to catch the first glimpse of the unforgettable season. So many mysteries yet to unfold...can't wait!! John, I'll be calling ya brother:)

Party that is approaching sooner than thought...in 9 days...MY BIRTHDAY BASH!!
25 is coming close and it is making me feel really old. I keep telling myself that I'm as young as I feel, but I'm starting to feel old, so that's not helping. My body is aching and I can't do the things I once could...real sad. The only thing that is making me look forward to next Friday is that we will end up celebrating at The Cheesecake Factory. MMMmmm....
One more thing that 25 will bring...lower car insurance (so I've been told)! Dad...work it out bud:)

Allergies

Never in my life have I suffered from allergies. I have now found one downfall to living in Kentucky(besides being away from family)...allergies! Lately my eyes have felt like they are going to explode. I used to enjoy the feeling of rubbing your eyes for a really long time after an itch, but I'm finding that to be not so much of a good thing anymore. It stinks to be quite honest...the itching, the burning...I want some relief. I'm beginning to sound like a commercial! Can't figure out if it's just the Ohio Valley thing or if it's because I'm living with pets now....who knows?? Heading to the store tonight to get some Visine though...that I know for sure!! :)

NFL Football Sundays

Good times have been had by all these past two weeks at the Shields' house here in Kentucky. These gracious and wonderful people from church have somehow 'adopted' the elementary team and they invite them over every Sunday to watch football and feed us enormous amounts of delicious food. This house has a total of 15 TVs, so no matter where you go in the house, you can watch your favorite game (except for the bathroom of course...but I wouldn't put it passed em to have something hooked up by the end of the season). They have NFL Ticket, so we get to watch all the games...all day long! Today we were there from about 1-8pm...7 hours of food, football, and fun. Today they even had a contest going. We all drew a team out of a bowl and which ever team got beat the worst, the lucky holder of that team won a $20 gas card!! How cool is that. Unfortunately, I got Denver and they won the stinkin game...not fair! Great day for the Chicago Bears though! I don't think they've won a game by that many points in years...Yippee!! Sorry Steve...I know you really wanted the Lions to pull through for ya! Anyways...callin it a night. Pretty pooped from sitting around all day and doing nothing:)

Missing Out

Melissa and Matt are having their pre-wedding parties tonight (aka. bachelorette/bachelor parties) and even though I'm not a big partier, I still wish I could be there with the girls. They were taking a limo out tonight and going to dinner and then of course having some "fun" after that. They called me from the limo and it was really great to hear from them, but it made me a little sad that I had to miss out on the fun.

Being here in Kentucky is great and I'm so thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow, but it's seriously the most difficult time to be away from home. I feel like I'm missing out on some wonderful things with my family. The wedding plans, the showers, the trips to the bridal stores, the sifting through bridal magazines with my future sisters...I'm missing it all. I hate that! I want to be there to experience it with them, to watch them plan for their big days, to celebrate with them, to watch them love on my brothers...just to be there to bond with them...ahh, I want it so badly!

But after teaching a lesson to the kiddies tonight about how God knows what's best for us, I trust there is a reasoning why I'm not there. Who knows why? Maybe in a few years, I'll look back and see the purpose behind it all, but until then...just gotta trust The Big Guy! Know I love ya girls...and I'd be there if I could. I'll be there for the weddings...you can bet your bottom $!!

The Patriarchs

Women's Bible Study began this morning...well, at least for me it did. A whole slew of women have been wandering through the church for bible studies since Tuesday. Our group met this morning in a large theater type room with a big screen (we'll just say lots of women were there - holy cow!). As soon as we found our facilitator's group, we sat down and I got serious..."down to business" as they say. I've been out of the bible study realm for a few months now and I was ready to study and learn.

It was chaos with all these women trying to fit in one room. They were herding them in and the noise reached the boistrous level...let me tell ya. I'm trying to fill out my registration card and listen to the poor women up at the microphone trying to silence everyone. They started the video...no one would be quiet!! It went through this whole intro and still "chat chat chat". I mean come on...seriously!! Reverting back to my "teacher mode", I caught myself shooshing the crowd. Karla who was sitting next to me just laughed! "Well", I said smiling, "this is ridiculous!" After about 15 minutes the ladies finally got the picture that we were starting. Then during the prayer, someone's cell phone starting ringing with "The Entertainer Tune". I just shook my head. This annoying ring continued for the next 15 seconds...seriously. There should be a "Be Courteous to Others" workshop when you purchase your cell phone, so you can be reminded to silence your phones when you are in a quiet atmosphere. Can I get an Amen?

All of this to lead up to the reason why I'm writing today. This Bible study that Beth Moore is leading us through is going to be incredible. After I went through her Believing God series, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for her and her insights. She is very challenging and pushes you to see things that you would have never known before if you hadn't taken the hour each day to study God's Word. The "homework" is a stretch for those of us who are limited in their daylight hours, but this time I'm really going to strive to stick to it everyday.

It's an entire study about "The Patriarchs - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob". I've studied these guys in the past, but I do believe I will be enlightened on so many more biblical truths and applications from their lives this time around. I was already learning more about my spiritual heritage today...incredible insights into the past!

Thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to learn more about You and for allowing me to gain access to so many wonderful hidden treasures in Your Word. You're Amazing...

Updates...

1. Loving my new Shawn McDonald: Live in Seattle CD - amazing! (listening to it now)
2. Starting the new Beth Moore Bible Study of The Patriarchs in 2 days - real excited!
3. Organizing a SchoolTool Kit Campaign with our kiddos to collect items for Katrina victims - kicking it off this weekend in worship services. Hoping to fill at least 700 kits!
4. Had a fun luncheon with the Volunteer Services and IT team for all their help with the new FRED data system. We had lots of yummy Mexican food and played me some SkeeBall!
5. Heading to Bob Russell's house Thursday night for a little intern fellowship - should be fun, although I'm feelin bad about letting my volleyball team down...sorry guys!
6. Getting to go to a Cards/Reds game next week with Karla's birthday gift of 3 tickets:) GO CARDS!!
7. 17 days until I turn 25...feelin old guys...feelin really old!

Seven updates are enough for today...I'm tired and think I'm gonna call it a day.

You're Still #1 In My Book

John, Sha and Neal...I still think you're great!! Points or no points, Dooley or no Dooley, Great sound or crappy sound...I think you ROCK!! You all sounded amazing when I heard you practice I think you should keep on truckin! You have an entire community behind ya - WE LOVE YA!!

Pay Day

Walking to the mailboxes today...looking forward to my check stub.
Get there and pull the envelope...open it with anticipation.
Get disappointed when it's about 15-20 hours short of what I normally work.
Get depressed for a sec...then realize it was worth it to go home for 5 days!!
It's been a week and I miss ya all at home already...I'm a sap:)

Free Time??

Last night I experienced the best feeling in the world (as I'm sure Nevan did as well). The finished product came back to us and Karla, Steve, Kari, Nevan and I watched some of the episodes on the big screen...we laughed, we cried and we cheered that it was completed!! Then we took all 70 bags downstairs for the facilitators to pick up. Sense of relief...you betcha!! Another great feeling came when some were talking how the "big guys" didn't have all their DVDs finished yet. WAY TO GO ELEMENTARY TEAM!!! It felt good to be on top of the ball:) I'm extremely proud of our team and the way we pulled together to finished this task...and I'm proud especially of Nevan for making it a pretty spectacular series that will hopefully bless tons of families in this community!

Lots of hours, lots of planning, lots of pulling our hair out, lots of laughter, lots of decisions, lots of GOD!!! It's done!! Now what do I do??? :)

So Close to Amen

The Building U DVD Project is almost finished....can I get an Amen? Nevan just left the office this morning around 9:00 after a long 22 hour stretch of editing and last minute touch ups. By 6:00 tonight this project will be out of our hands!!!
Promising to write more later...a whole week has practically gone by! My apologies...

Lunch at the Best Place in the World

Today is Jon Smith's birthday - he's on our team! When anyone on the team has a birthday, they get to choose wherever they want to go for lunch...he chose Chuck-e-Cheese!!! Let me tell you this place is amazing...I LOVE IT! First of all, they have awesome pizza (and dessert pizza for your sweet tooth). Secondly, EVERY GAME IS 25 CENTS!! Can it get any better than that? Oh yes it can....cause they have SKEE BALL there!! :) I had a blast! I highly recommend it for a fun date night...if you don't mind spending it with kiddos running everywhere.

FYI - I will be leaving in 24 hours for home...see some of you all real soon! THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME....There's No Place Like Home...there's no place like home....

Movies...

Some movies will just make you cry every time you watch them! I had another ridiculous girl moment today as I was watching one of my all time favorite chic-flicks...Beaches...you know the one with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey?

It was a rainy day here in Louisville, so I relaxed a bit and soaked in a good movie. Being a girl and feeling the need to have a good cry, I went ahead and decided to stop the tv clicker on this heart-felt flick. I knew it would come...that rush of emotion...those stinkin tears...so I let em loose. I did, I cried at those key moments of sweet friendship and tragedy...and almost busted out in song like I always do when "The Wind Beneath My Wings" came on...I resisted this time though. But, I must admit that when "The Story of Love" song came on at the end...I hummed a little and have been singing that sweet song around the house tonight.

You must admit that it is a great story of friendship. Makes me think of all my best buds out there. There's nothing like a friend and nothing sweeter than a best friend. Couldn't live without all my special people, they are there through every joy and every pain...I love em!

Take a moment and call your best friend and tell how much you love and appreciate them...go ahead...do it...it'll feel good!! :)

Volleyball...The Game of Choice

The work week ended on a bright note last night. It was sand volleyball night at Southeast. I'm in a fall league and we're having a blast. We stepped it up a little bit last night and won 2 out of 3...we won't talk about the third game though:) I love our team...they are so fun! Kevin and Gina are volleyball extraorinares with their height and killer arms....and Steve, well, he's got hops and can do some amazing things when you tell him which way his hips need to face when he's hitting. He likes to do silly dances on the court - hilarious! Then you got Tracy and Sherry who are pretty awesome ladies. We also have John and Neal - who we don't see much of cause they play softball, but when they do play - they are all over the court! :)

Last night I also had the privilege of playing with Team #5 who were short some girl players. They are a ton of fun as well...most of them are from Student Ministries. Phil Heller, Josh Irwin, James Hauser...and some others. Found out that James Hauser is related to Bill Hauser from Keokuk and that James is also the Best Man in Jason & Whitney's wedding in December. Crazy small world!! Good times on the court and off:) Good way to end the week!!

Glad to hear incredible things are happening at Fuel...113...WOW!!! Yeah God! :)

By the way....6 more days!

Paranoia Issues

Isn't it funny how sometimes we go around thinking that everyone's talking about us? Maybe you happen to walk into a room and those in there look at you and stop talking...or their voices get softer as you approach...or it's obvious they just changed the subject cause you came near? Sound familiar to anyone?? Could it be that 99.9% of the time...the conversation really has nothing to do with us and yet we continue to allow ourselves to think that others are talking about us behind our backs? It's called "paranoia" folks and to be honest, I stuggle with it. And if other people were honest, I'm sure 9 out of 10 people would tell you they struggle with it too.

I hate being paranoid. I had an incident or two...or ten today alone! It never fails...Satan sees me in my weak moments and attacks. He tempts my mind to wander off to think these people are making fun of me, bad-mouthing me or critiquing me. It's ridiculous, I know...but this frustration is real and it's been haunting me for as long as I can remember. It would be nice to be free from this problem, but the chains stay attached....and even though I have the key in my hand, I struggle with the lock.

God is the key. His love and approval are exactly what I need to get past all this ridiculous paranoia. My worth and acceptance are found only in Christ Jesus and if I could just keep replaying that in my head through the day like a broken record, I would probably be a different person. But for some reason, I allow Satan to change the tune every so often and I revert back to finding acceptance from those around me....people...family, friends, co-workers, strangers even!!

Maybe this all sounds crazy to you, because you are the 1 out of the 10 who don't deal with this day in and day out...sorry you had to read this. Wait, no I'm not...it's probably good for you to hear about what other people deal with, so the next time you consider gossipping...you'll think twice. It's never fun being on the "talked about" end....I hope it never happens to you. I've seen too many friends' lives destroyed from gossip and senseless negative chatter. We'd do ourselves a world of good if we would have listened to our mamas in the first place when she told us, "If you don't have anything nice to say...don't say it at all!!"

This is a serious entry and probably one that will step on some toes...it's out of my usual realm...I know, but it's just on my heart today. Praying for deliverance in my life from this daily struggle. If you have any thoughts or comments or any helpful tips of encouragement...feel free to spill it!!

It's Wednesday

So are you feelin my creativity this morning?? As you can see by my title, my mind isn't working like the energizer bunny quite yet today. Went to bed by 9:00 last night and still don't feel rested. Just a truckin along at a turtle's pace...
I had website training this morning...they want me to learn the "trade" so I can help update when needed. Had it been about 5 hours later, I may have learned something!
No big happenings lately...just lettin you know it's now 8 days and counting... :)

Countdown

It's down to 10 days...that means...
10 more days and I get to go home!
10 more days til I get to see my family!
10 more days and I'll be hanging out with friends!
10 more days til I sleep in my own bed (or at least on my couch)!
10 more days til Tom & Whitney's wedding weekend!
10 more days til I get to see my bridesmaids dress for Matt & Melissa's wedding!
10 more days til I get to rest from hustle and bustle of Southeast life!
10 more days til Building U:Home becomes a word used alot less in my vocabulary:)
Looking forward to seeing everyone back in Q-town...miss you all!!
It'll be here before you know it!

Girly Day

So I took the day off yesterday...and it was wonderful!!! I got to spend it with two of my good buddies - Karla and Shelli. We completely made it a "girly day". Here's a little of what we did...
-Went out to eat
-Went and had manicures and pedicures done. It was Karla's first time for both, so it was fun to experience that with her. Her hands look awesome...have her flash em for ya! And I got to have little flowers painted on my toenails...they're so bee-u-ti-ful!
-Then of course, we had to go to the mall:) Shopped around at some of my favorite stores (Old Navy, Victoria Secret...real girly)!
-Headed to a Single Women's Event at church - which really wasn't the highlight of the evening, but we tried to make it fun. (We left early - shh!)
-Headed back to Karla's house, ordered pizza and ate ice cream while watching Little Women. We cried, we laughed, it was great!

Girly days are so much fun and so needed:) Be grateful for the girl friends you have in your life - cherish them...and definitely remember to make time for them...even when life gets crazy!

I GOT FLOWERS!

My best buddy Karla brought me this gorgeous bouquet of flowers this morning. I wish you could see and smell them...they are beautiful!! She is such a special friend...love her to pieces! What a God-send she is :)

Seriously...

I am so ready for a vacation! I have 16 more days til I head back to Quincy...the countdown has begun. Never in my life have I been more ready...that's probably an exaggeration, but today I'm feelin it. Haven't had a "full day off" in literally weeks. Some brought on by self, but mostly brought on by the nature of the job and the season of summer/fall kick off. Ready for this DVD project to be finished...that's for sure. Had a meltdown today...thankful for Karla's listening ear.

I got lost in the midst of this project today. I completely lost focus and got frustrated because I found myself wanting to please man with this...get man's approval. I was extremely negative and caught myself tearing down others on the team...I was ashamed. Then, I was reminded thru a song on the way home that..."it's all about You, Jesus". The realization set in that some things I did today probably were incredibly repulsive to Him.

Forgive my attitude Lord, forgive my tendancy to be self-sufficient, forgive my impatience, and help me to trust You...help us to rely on You to accomplish this project. We know that without You...all of this is in vain and impossible!

Happenings...

Seems like alot happening this week. Still filming for the Building U:Home Family Bible Study DVD, getting ready for Fall Kick-Off this weekend, saying goodbye to our most incredible volunteer and good friend, Brandon, this week before he heads off to college...it all seems to be happening at once!

With the fall kick-off comes change...change in age break-ups for worship, change in rooms, change in set-up. It seems like just when I finally started getting the hang of things around here, it changes...that's the theme around here! And you know what...I'm grateful it is the theme of this church. Always looking how to better reach out and equip those who come through our doors is an incredible mind-set to have. I'm thankful we're not stagnant and stuck in ideas from the 70s. Just my opinion. Just praying that with all the changes, everyone will get on board and realize we are looking out for the best interests of their children.

Personally, I will be switching up responsibilities on Saturday from previously leading the 2nd/3rd grade worship to leading the 3rd/4th/5th grade worship service. I'm pretty excited cause I love working with that age, but also a little nervous because it is such a large service and the kids are older. I'll have to get rid of some of the cheesiness I've been using and put on the "cool act" for the older kiddos. :) Please pray all goes well!

Otis, My New Friend

Our Team is in the process of producing an in-home DVD bible study for families coming this fall. Every day Nevan and I have been shooting scenes at various locations in Louisville and yesterday we began filming the lesson on fear. So you may be trying to figure out what kind of illustration we would film for a lesson on fear??? Well, let's just say my new friend Otis is a tarantula:)

We set up the scene at Brandon's house. Here's the situation...Brandon and his family welcomed home his best friend from Iraq. Austin, little brother, has new pet tarantula. Otis, gets loose in the night and crawls in bed with best friend Pedro. Otis wakes Pedro up in the morning by crawling on his chest and his face. Seriously, the guy who played Pedro (his name is really Gerado, but we called him Larlo cause we couldn't pronounce it right)...he is my new hero. He played with Otis, picked him up, let him crawl all over him...crazy ridiculous!!! I about wet myself a few times during the shooting...unbelieveable!!

Then came time for the funny "behind the scenes" shots, where we all had to touch/hold Otis...I refused for awhile, but then was succumbed by peer pressure. We all went upstairs and held out our hands for Otis to crawl across...please remember we are talking about a BIG, HAIRY TARANTULA!!! Otis begins to crawl...first Austin, then Krista, then me. Krista pulls her hand away too fast and starts screaming which meant that Otis clings on to me for dear life and is dangling from my wrist. OK...seriously...FREAK ME OUT!!! I started screaming like the girl that I am and jumping and shaking...of course, scaring poor Otis out of his mind. Larlo saved the day and rescued me:) The best part about the whole thing...Nevan got it all on tape. So you may see me make an appearance in the bloopers reel!! I'll let you see the finished product someday:)

Release...and Hope

These are two key words that describe my weekend at FACES of Christ. This retreat was the most intense 67 hours of my life...spiritually, emotionally and physically. Without giving away too much detail of the events, I can say it was a life-changing weekend. God poked and prodded at my heart and soul and helped me to "purge" so much junk from inside that had been harvesting itself there for years. I took many "trips to the basement" and God met me there. He revealed sins, shortcomings, horrible habits and behaviors, and issues I've never acknowledged. It was a time of Sweet Release ! I left my burdens and my sins at the feet of Jesus and He washed my spirit clean.
The Hope came Saturday night...
During a time of quiet personal devotion, I received a stack full of letters of love and encouragement from team members, friends, loved ones back home and from my sweet Savior. As I read these precious gifts, I had friends come to my room and surprise me (one after the other) and they prayed for me. I even had friends call me on the phone to pray for me. This was all a surprise to me - my team leader, Steve, orchestrated the entire thing - in kahoots with my mom...I was blessed beyond belief! Thank you to all who wrote those sweet letters of love and encouragement. These things I will cherish the rest of my life.
Through all of it, I realized the genuine love that Christ has for me...it is real and it is true. I've been ignoring this perfect love before me for so many years, and now I have been changed.
He is good...He is faithful...He is wonderful...He is all-sufficient!

Checking In For a Moment

So I've been home for a brief 21 hour period resting up from the long stretch of camp and now am headed back out to Country Lake for a weekend retreat called FACES of Christ. I will be staying at the lodge retreat center on the other side of the lake and hopefully will be experiencing an incredible weekend of spiritual renewal...a much needed thing!

Coming home from camp yesterday was bitter sweet - body was saying YES, but heart was saying NO! It was an awesome summer full of memories and new friendships. I will have to show you all the DVD collection of all the memories when I come home - it was incredible!

Came back to read in an email that a family back in Warrensburg suffered a terrible loss this past Saturday. Luke and Lori Ford became new members while I was there, a young family with 2 young children and Lori was one of my key volunteers in children's worship. Wonderful people - sweet and willing! I received the news that Luke, 31, died Saturday after collapsing at church a week or so before. He never recovered from his unconsciousness and was announced completely brain dead about a week ago. They took him off life support last Tuesday and he passed away this past Saturday. My heart goes out to Lori and the boys and to the church family for their loss. Please keep them in your prayers.

Got an email from my dear sweet sister, Erin Shaffer, when I got back from camp. She was just checking in, but it was great to hear from her. She's been in Africa the entire summer and just returned a couple weeks ago. I love her and miss her so much. Since she went to college...our "keeping in contact" skills have diminished, but hoping that will change here very soon! Hoping Sha and the girls had a lovely time in St. Louis today (and hoping a decision was made too!)

Random entry today, but trying to condense my life the past couple weeks into one entry. I promise to get back on a regular schedule once my life gets back to normal next week! Hoping this finds you all doing well:) Blessings on your life!

Another Great Week...

Most of you are probably sick of visiting my blog and seeing the same entry sitting there for way over a week now...so I thought I would quit slacking and take a moment to freshen up the blog! So hello to all of my faithful readers (the whole handful of you)! :)

Highlights of my week at camp...
-Weather Girl was resurrected and LOVED this time!
-Got to play keys in the worship band and sing a little!
-Got to be a team leaders for a good bunch of kids. They were crowned the "Most Out of Control Group" for the week, but we were still proud of our kiddies!
-Got to lead a group with JD Pavkovich (my new buddy) and had a blast! :)
-Went canoeing with JD and also went kayacking (sp?) for the first time ever!! (Had a splash war out on the lake and all the kids got soaked...including myself!)
-Got to decision counsel a young lady and 10 other kids made decisions to follow Christ!
-God had his hand in the entire week and I got to see His Handy Work in full swing!

Heading out for the last and final week starting Sunday and will be back on Wednesday night. Only to head out again Thursday night to be a part of an incredible spiritual retreat from Thursday-Sunday at Country Lake Lodge called FACES of Christ Retreat. All the interns are supposed to be there, including maybe 30 other men and women. Everyone I've talked to says it is a life changing experience...looking forward to the spiritual boost. Thanks for your prayers and I'll be planning to catch up with many of you when all this crazy camp business comes to an end! Love to all my family and friends...

Just Taking a Moment

Thought it best to stop by the church today and catch up on emails and phone messages. Took some time to read up on my buddies' blogs and I am just amazed at how God is working in their lives. To read about all the blessings and everything He is doing just gives me warm fuzzies. It reminds me once again that He is God and that He knows His stuff (even when we doubt or question). I love Him so much!

Another week at camp is finished - felt the exhaustion a little more this week than last. The rain stopped and the heat kicked in! Thankful for the sunshine...let me tell ya! Which meant I spent a ton of time at the lake playing with the little luv dumplins. With these kids weighing about 50-60 lbs. each...I could easily blob them to heights they've never seen. Still torn with what's better 1) being cool by sending these kids flying or 2) being a "Fatty McButter Pants". Mmmm...pizza is sounding good. Better gear up for next week!

No major injuries this week. Got to dress up like an egg (Karla and I were the "Extreme Game Girls". Get it? We talked with huge southern accents and led the games. We looked ridiculous...but it was a blast! I hosed kids down with a hose for 2 hours straight on Wednesday because our Slip and Slide busted...but it was fun and got a great tan while I was at it! Received about 100 "tally marks" with the life guards (too funny - ask me later!) Headed back Sunday for ROUND 3!! Good times:)

A Wet One...But a Good One!

I know it sounds like I am about to write an entry about a certain bodily function, but REALLY...I'd like to take a moment to tell you how incredible the first week of camp was!
First of all, it rained every single day. But through it all we were able to see some awesome God-Stops! The rain never hindered ANY of our plans for the week. When it was time for the kids to be outside, the rain would cease to a drizzle and when it was time for us to be inside, it would POUR! It was amazing!

There were 7 decisions made for Christ this week.
We got soaked filling thousands of water balloons.
We bobbed for Spam.
We did Extreme Makeovers with Wendi & Wendall (our hilarious German characters)
I went off the Zip Line
I got Blobbed...then Double Blobbed! (a huge air-filled tube in the middle of the lake where one person sits on the edge and another person - or 2 - jumps down on the other end and sends the poor soul on the edge flying in the air) IT WAS A BLAST!!
I got thrown off a golf cart.
...oh wait! You must hear the story...

Monday night the team were launching water balloons at targets in the field - we were the targets standing still and then there were 2 golf carts driving around as well. I got bored standing, so I hopped in the cart with Jon (the dean) and we took off dodging as many balloons as we could. At one point, we were too close to the teams and they were nailing us left and right. He said, "HOLD ON! WE GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE!!" And that's when it happened. I reached to the other side to grab the bar and suddenly he took a sharp turn (before I could get a grip)...and I flew out the other side and rolled like nobody's business! To an onlooker...the sight must have been shockingly hilarious (and now we laugh about it constantly), but at the time it was the scariest thing I have encountered...and extremely painful. (HOLY COW it hurt!) I rolled on my neck which brought on the most ginormous headache and then somehow, I don't know how, but I must have whacked my leg on something cause there is still a huge knot and a bruise on the front of my leg that extends the length from knee to below the calf. It's pretty let me tell ya! I try to cover it up when I go out in public, only because it looks as though I'm in an abusive relationship...and we don't need those kind of rumors to spread! :) Anyways...now we have lots of stories to tell and lots of good memories!

We leave again tomorrow for another week - this time with 2nd & 3rd graders! Should be a blast. Pray it will be a spiritually encouraging week for the campers...and for the staff!
Love to all!

signing off for a week

Getting packed up and ready to leave tomorrow afternoon for camp. It's what we've been working our behinds off for the past couple weeks and it'll be here before you know it. Still have a list of things to do, but somehow I'm finding the time to drop a quick entry to say farewell.

With the hurricane happening, we should be blessed with lots of moisture this week - yippee! Pray for it all...so many details, so many kids, not so many adults helping, and who knows what else! Trying to remain positive:) Really...it's gonna be great!!

BTW - got a surprise email from my good friend Doug who's in Africa right now. Didn't expect to hear from him until later this month or August. He's doing well, but it sounds like he's ready to be home. Just so good to hear from him:)

Lots going on...
Lots to be thankful for...
Blessings on your week...

Strange Girl in the Basement

This weekend Rob's parents are staying at the house taking care of the kids while the two of them are vacationing in Seattle. I come upstairs this morning and meet them and I was referred to as "the girl living in the basement" (sounds like a creepy horror movie if you think about it). Then as I was in the kitchen filling up my water bottle, I heard Sammy say, "Dat's ouw Miss Sawa" (translation..."That's our Miss Sara"). It was the cutest darn thing I'd ever heard! Hopefully I'll become more than just the "girl who lives in the basement" to these boys as the year progresses.
BTW - the boys both just had their birthdays. Spencer turned 5 and Sammy is now the big 3!

Surprise from Home

Yesterday was a long day - we'll just leave it at that. I finally got home and I saw that I had received a couple cards in the mail. One was from my best friend in Joplin and the other was a slightly larger card from the "We Miss Sara Clan"...had no idea who that was! I opened it up and it was covered with signatures and little notes from all my pals at Fuel!!! It was the most thoughtful thing:) As I was reading, I didn't know whether to cry or laugh...so I did both. I loved how someone signed "this is my first fuel, but I thought I'd sign anyway" - I'm excited for that young man...he's in for a treat! But the best was from Nathan Rector, "Move home now!" :) It all gave me warm fuzzies! So thanks to all my buddies back home...I miss ya!

Exhausting...BUT Wonderful!

This past weekend was great...it was long, but great! The parentals and my good buddy Ben came to visit Kentucky and we had a great time. They got to meet some of my friends and see what kind of work I'm doing here at Southeast. I took them to Mark's Feed Store (best BBQ place in town!), Louisville Slugger Museum (got us some free mini-bats), saw fireworks at Tom Sawyer Park, went shopping, went to the Vine, had numerous cookouts and delicious eating sessions...it was all fabulous! And who could forget the intense Catch Phrase game...the ladies won by the way! But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. They hit the road again on Monday :(

Fireworks were beautiful...
Time spent with family and friends was incredible...
All around great weekend...
Good times had by all!

PS - Met a new friend, Matt Hodges, this weekend thru Ben. He saw him at the Vine and found out he just moved to Louisville to work with Team Expansion. He's from Keokuk and grew up with Nathan, Neal and all the guys from camp. What a small world!