It's the Most Horrible Time of the Year

Ok, not really - I love the Christmas season! And as I get older and as my family grows, I enjoy it more and more. But for a sugar addict, such as myself, it is the most horrible time of the year.

I admit that I consume more than the normal amount of sugar on a regular (daily) basis, but between Thanksgiving and Christmas I consume EVEN more. That's not a good thing.

It first began with deciding to make fudge, again, for my side of the family. If you've ever made fudge, it usually makes quite a bit, so we ended up keeping some for ourselves. What was I thinking?!?

Then Thanksgiving weekend came. I consumed more Starbucks drinks over 6 days than I do in 1 month. Well, of course that's all justified as 2 of those drinks were because we had woken up early to finish the second half of our drive, 1 of those drinks was meeting up with my BFF and the other one was doing a "traditional" Starbucks run with my mom and sister. Then there's the after Thanksgiving dinner PIE and ICE CREAM, which you MUST top with Reddi Whip. Plus it doesn't help when you have a massive family gathering 2 days after Thanksgiving and people bring very tasty looking desserts - cookies that look like pilgrim hats, bite size pieces of cheesecake, family tradition kolacky cookies...Come on folks! And because K was such a good bowler, he won a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies, which of course I ate since I have a sweet tooth.

K and I celebrated our anniversary at the beginning of the month. On our anniversary, K came home over his lunch break and presented me with a card, flowers and cookies. Not just any cookies, my all time favorite - Pepperidge Farm Bordeaux...DE-LICIOUS!

This past weekend a group of ladies from our church took part in a Christmas Ornament and Cookie Exchange. So you know what that means - I had to bake THREE dozen cookies AND I brought home a variety of other cookies. I made Caramel-Filled Chocolate cookies which require Rolo candy and of course I didn't need all the Rolos, SO the remaining candy was placed in our pantry...waiting to be consumed by  none other than ME.

K asked me to make some sort of dessert for a co-worker's farewell party. I went out and bought a simple brownie mix. Yesterday K came home with the leftover brownies - thankfully there were only two, but of course they've already been eaten.

And then there's the Limited/Seasonal Christmas goodies!! I swear, stores intentionally torture sugar addicts during the holidays. While in IL for Thanksgiving my sister reminded me of the wonderful Mint M&Ms - which I purchased during the last big grocery shopping trip. Saturday I purchased Candy Cane Oreos to bring to someone's house in hopes that there would be some left to bring back home. Also, during my last grocery shopping trip I came across Peppermint flavored miniature marshmallows which I had to get so I could put them in my almost daily hot chocolate. At some point, I plan on getting Hershey's Mint Truffle Kisses and Hershey's Peppermint Kisses. Seriously Walmart, are you trying to kill me?!?

It won't stop at that either. We'll be with K's family for Christmas and I'm sure his parents will have some sweets around the house because they know I have a sweet tooth.

I would like to make something clear...I'm not worried about gaining weight from the sugar, I'm simply worried about the amount of sugar consumed - pretty confident it's not normal (or healthy).

Hi, my name is E and I'm a sugar addict...



Not pictured: Brownies (already gone...)



Over the River & Through the Woods to Grandmother's House we Go!

For Thanksgiving this year K, IB, J and I drove to Illinois - to my parents' house. Let's just say it was a bit of a tight squeeze - IB and J had to share the backseat with each other along with other items we packed. Our original plan was to leave EARLY Wednesday morning (like 4am) and get to my parents' early evening, but thankfully a few of K's co-workers suggested we leave Tuesday after K got off work. After discussing the pros and cons, we decided to leave Tuesday - which was for the best. The motel we stayed at in Newton Falls, OH is where I'm sure they filmed the movie Identity with John Cusack and to make things "worse" it was raining....Identity 2 anyone? In reality, it wasn't that bad - I'm not too picky when it comes to staying in a motel/hotel for one night. I'm glad we did leave Tuesday because we were able to surprise my mom and dad by arriving a lot earlier than expected.

It had been almost a year since I'd seen my siblings and their families. It was so fun Thursday morning when my nieces met their youngest cousin for the first time, they totally loved on her ALL weekend! "Auntie Erin, can I hold IB now?...Auntie Erin, is it my turn to hold IB?...Auntie Erin, where's IB?" Later on Thursday my 2 brothers, their families and my great uncle came over, what a full house - 11 adults and 12 kids 9 years old an younger!

Unfortunately, my grandma couldn't be with us on Thanksgiving. A couple weeks ago she fell outside of church which resulted in a hairline fracture in her hip, so she's been staying at a Senior Living community where she's getting rehab. Even though she couldn't come to us, we all took turns going to visit her.

My mom, sister and I were worried we may not be able to do the generational picture, but turns out we were able to. How many people have been part of a 4 generation family picture? My guess is not too many - boy, am I blessed!

While in town, I was able to meet up with my best friend and two other very close friends! Even though it was a short trip, I made it a priority to see E, A and K. What I love about these 3 girls is that we can go weeks without talking and months without seeing one another, yet when we are together it's like we saw each other last week. That's what I call true friendship. I think the most exciting part about seeing my friends was E meeting IB for the first time! I had been WAITING for them to meet.

On Saturday we took part in some Forced Family Fun, which meant getting together with my aunts, uncles, cousins and second cousins. With some of my family, I can't remember the last time I saw them - that's pretty sad. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we had a great time! There was bowling, food, laughing, food, kids running around screaming, food, catching up - oh, did I mention food? Hopefully it'll be sooner rather than later when we're all together again.

Now we're back home, after another long drive from IL to VA. Despite long hours in a car, cramped seating, stops to feed and change IB and stops to let J stretch, it was ALL worth it! This road trip gave me time to sit back and reflect on what I am truly thankful for and family and friends are certainly a part of that!

Life Lately

A very good friend told me on Facebook that I need to update my blog (in fact, the same friend that told me to start a blog) because she wants to know what's going on in my life. You will notice some changes in my writing - I am no longer using the names of people. To sum it up, due to a recent comment on my blog I do not feel comfortable using names. So if you're at all familiar with my life, I'm confident you will pick up on who I'm talking about. Also, I apologize ahead of time for the LONG post...after all, it has been a good amount of time since I've posted actual life updates, rather than just moments or thoughts. And if this helps, I've titled each section, so read what you want.

BIBLE STUDY:

You may recall a post back in August when I wrote about a Bible Study K & I had been doing together. Well, I am pleased to announce that we completed the "40 day challenge" - granted not 40 days in a row, but pretty close. It was really interesting to go through the Bible, sequentially, and learn things I never knew before. You might say I'm a tad more confident in what the Bible says - more than just your typical Sunday School stories. After we completed that journey, we wanted to venture on to a new study. We decided to use the book "Quiet Time Bible Guide: 365 Days Through the New Testament and Psalms" - a devotional book I got in 2005 and managed to stick with for only 18 days. Turns out I stuck with it longer back in 2005 than K & I did - we got 15 days into it when K said he doesn't really like it and wants to try something else. K suggested we pick a book of the Bible, individually read one section (heading) a day and then discuss it together. The book we chose is Romans - not the easiest book to read, but one all Christians should be familiar with. We've been reading Romans for the past several days and already there's SO much material! K likes to read the passage, think about it, ask his own questions and read the commentary. As for me, I need questions to answer so I found one website that had some good questions, but it only had up to a certain verse then you had to purchase the remainder of the study...no thanks. K, knowing how I do devos, found another website that has Bible Study questions for all of Romans - way to go, babe! 

BABY GIRL:

IB turned 8 months old today! Where has the time gone? I'll save you the "I feel like just yesterday..." IB has grown up quite a bit in the past 8 months. She has her two bottom teeth and now I'm just waiting for the two top teeth to come in. You read in a previous blog that she started solids - well she's tried a whole bunch of foods! Carrots, green beans, peas, squash, sweet potatoes, bananas and now pears. Wednesday we'll be starting apples. Thankfully, unlike her mommy, she has yet to be picky about what she eats. With the first few bites of some of the veggies I thought they'd be on her "I don't like" list, but turns out she pretty much enjoys it all - guess she's more like her dad when it comes to what she'll eat. One of my favorite things is to watch IB make herself laugh. She'll be sitting or laying on the floor playing with something and she'll just start to laugh - it's nice to know she can entertain herself already. Originally I wasn't planning on

getting a Halloween costume for IB, but K (easily) convinved me otherwise, so I purchased a cow costume at a consignmnet sale for like 3 bucks. I guess it was worth it, she did look rather adorable! On Halloween we met up with another couple and their daughter and took the girls to a Trunk or Treat at a church nearby. We walked around checking things out - basically we wanted to show our cow and fish off. IB hasn't quite picked up on the concept of crawling forward yet. She's able to "crawl" backwards and rotates herself anywhere between 0-360 degrees, but no forward motion. Eh, she'll get there. Plus, why rush it? At least right now when we put her down and leave the room for a minute we'll know where she is when we return.


SOCIAL LIFE:

MOPS - I have really enjoyed being a part of MOPS! It's nice to have 2 hours with other moms every other Friday, not to mention play dates on the weeks we don't meet. Having more experienced moms around is nice, too, because I can learn from them and also know that what I'm doing as a mom is what they have done as well. I also think it's been good for IB to be around other babies her age - get her used to being around other kids.

GAME NIGHT - A couple weekends ago K & I hosted a game night at our place with our small group. It had been quite awhile since we'd all been together - the leaders recently had a baby, so they've been a bit busy. I made chili for the first time, which turned out pretty darn good if I do say so myself, while all the other couples brought sides, desserts, chips and drinks. I really enjoyed myself - it was nice to all be together again. We ended up playing Battle of the Sexes and of course us ladies won. Woot woot! :-) Hopefully we'll be together again sooner rather than later.

THANKSGIVING - Thanksgiving is coming up and I'm SUPER-DUPER excited! It may be because of all the yummy food, but mostly because I get to see the people I care about the most. With Turkey Day festivities coming up, I've been making plans on who I'm going to see and when - so many people, so little time. But there are truly NO WORDS to describe my excitement!

WORLD RELIGIONS/CULTS CLASS - K & I have been taking a World Religions and Cults class at our church over the past 9 weeks (this Sunday is the last class). At the first class the teacher asked, "What's the purpose of taking this class?" The purpose is for us to have a basic understanding of the people we are trying to share the Gospel with. The class has covered Islam, Protestant Aberrations, Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Hinduism and Buddhism and will end with New Age. What an eye opener this class has been! Mainly because I have really comprehended that SO MANY people are on the path leading to eternity in hell all because of their non-Christian beliefs. With having taken this class, I can only pray that God will give me the opportunities and courage to speak to people so I may plant seeds with an end result of Jesus Christ saving them from hell. Possibly more to come on this topic once I've gone to the final class.

Well, there it is...life lately.

My Daily 15...

cups of coffee? No, I don't drink coffee

throws of a tennis ball to Jack? No, it's probably more than 15

diaper changes? No, not nearly that many

minutes of ME time in the shower? YES! YES! YES!

Now that I've become a Mom, a stay-at-home Mom nonetheless, I noticed I lost a lot of me time. The majority of the day I am caring for someone else - my daughter, my husband or my dog. I'm either playing with IB, making K's lunch or throwing a ball to J. Where has the ME time gone?

This may sound pathetic, but I look forward to taking my shower because for fifteen minutes the focus is on me and me alone. Whether IB is napping or playing in her ExerSaucer, whether K is home or not, and whether J is sleeping or wanting to go outside I get fifteen minutes all to myself. No interruptions and no distractions. I tune out everything that is going on around me so I can take time for myself, even if it is in the shower. Stepping into that warm waterfall of water some how puts my mind and body at ease - as if I don't have a care in the world. But as soon as I turn the water off and walk out of the bathroom, the chaos resumes.

Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter and love being home with her...I love my husband and love serving him...I love my dog and love throwing the ball to him, but I also love myself and love taking time for myself. Even though I am a wife and a mom, I have to remember I'm also a woman and I NEED to take time for myself here and there, otherwise I'll go crazy!

SO HERE'S TO ME AND MY DAILY 15 MINUTES!

Child Dedication

On Sunday, September 25, 2011 K and I had the privilege of dedicating our daughter during the church service. Child dedication is a ceremony in which a commitment is made by the child's parents to honor the Will and Word of God. K and I, along with three other couples, publicly made six vows.

Vow #1: Will you do your best to raise this child to honor, revere, and love Jesus Christ?

K & E: Yes

Vow #2: Will you do your best to maintain a home where Jesus Christ is honored and obeyed, where the Word of God is the authority and Jesus Christ is the head?

K & E: Yes

Vow #3: Will you commit this child to God in prayer on a regular basis, trusting God to override your mistakes and make up for your shortcomings?

K & E: Yes

Vow #4: Will you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to raise this child and to incline his or her heart to the Lord?
K & E: Yes

Vow #5: Will you do your best to release this child to the will of God, whatever that might be, without bitterness or resistance?

K & E: Yes

Vow #6: Will you do your best to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, so that this child has godly examples to follow?
K & E: Yes

We chose two Bible verses to help remind us of what God calls godly parents to do:

Genesis 18:19 For I have chosen him (Abraham), that he may command his children and household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.

A Whole New World

It's a whole new world for IB - a world that involves solids, that is. K was able to come with me to IB's 6-month check-up yesterday. The pediatrician told us IB could start on solids (at her 4-month she told us to hold off until 6 months). We were informed of some basics and then given some suggestions - after cereal, try veggies then fruit otherwise she will not eat the veggies.  I don't know about other moms out there, but I was oober excited to start feeding IB solids. Maybe it was because I thought she was going to be starting at 4-months, but had to wait until 6-months. Needless to say, I couldn't wait for IB's next bottle so I could attempt some rice cereal. Around 11am, I gave IB a bottle and then happily pulled out a baby bowl, baby spoon and the rice cereal.

Let's just say, IB was rather confused and did NOT know what to do. This whole solids thing was foreign to her. K and I enjoyed watching the facial expressions after cereal was put in her mouth and laughing when cereal was "tongued" out of her mouth because she doesn't understand how to eat it. It's strange to think that each and every one of us had to LEARN how to eat solid foods, that it wasn't just second nature for us from the get go. With that in mind, I LOVE being a part of this learning process for Isabelle.

184 Days!!

Happy SIX  Months to My Baby Girl!!

This morning I woke up thinking, "Really? Six months already?" Where has the time gone?!? I know it's cliche to say this, but I feel like IB was born yesterday. This little girl has been growing before our eyes. From weighing 8lbs 11oz at birth to a guesstimate of low 17lbs at six months (6-month checkup is Monday). Not to mention the personality she has already developed. IB certainly inherited her mommy and daddy's laid-backness, but we'll see if that sticks once she becomes mobile.

MILESTONES:

1st Month --> Smile

2nd Month --> Found Thumb & Laugh; National Zoo in DC

3rd Month --> Rolled from Tummy to Back; First Time in a Pool and First Plane Ride

4th Month --> Found Feet and Feet in Mouth

5th Month --> Responds to Name and First Tooth Coming in; First Earthquake

TODAY --> Sitting for as long as 30 Seconds Unassisted



This little one has been a true blessing in our lives. I am so excited to see the new things IB learns to do throughout the second half of her first year.

When It Rains, It Pours

Figures, it would land butter side down


Since our recent move on 9.10.11, we've encountered a handful of  hurdles...

FROM BOXES ALL OVER AND NOT ENOUGH CLOSET SPACE

 

TO LEAKY SINKS AND WASHING MACHINES THAT DON'T DRAIN

 

In addition, having to "ghettofy" the way we brought home a 70" portable 2-door pantry in our Subaru Legacy Wagon - with a baby in the back seat. And when we thought things couldn't get worse, earlier this evening a fuse blew, or something, so now we have NO overhead lighting in the main area and our refrigerator is plugged into an outlet in the hallway.

Do you ever feel like someone or something is out to get you? That's what it feels like lately. Before moving to our new inhabitance, K and I knew improvising and creativity was going to be needed due to the lack of storage and a smaller kitchen. We just didn't know all these unexpected occurances would happen, especially so quickly. But I guess I'd rather get all the kinks out sooner rather than later.

As I was giving IB her first bottle of the day Tuesday morning I sat thinking about our move and the mishaps we'd already encountered. "I'm not so sure I'm happy about this move. I'm usually excited when we move into a new place, but not this time." After venting to my mom I decided to do a load of laundry. BAD IDEA! I went to retrieve the clothes out of the washer to put them in the dryer and to my surprise when I opened the lid ALL the water was still there. I thought, "maybe I didn't let the cycle finish," so I closed the lid - nothing, nada, zilch. So after sending K a text message telling him the sink wasn't fixed yet, I sent another one saying the washing machine doesn't work - and saying outloud, "What did we get ourselves into?" Thankfully, the handyman came and fixed the sink and the Landlord offered her washing machine for the time being.

It is literally one thing after another. I was in the beginning stages of making dinner tonight, went to go turn the lights on and nothing happened. While looking at K I said, "Oh great." I opened the refrigerator to get something out, low and behold there was no light. You know what that means, right? No power. K let the Landlord know and in return she tried her best to figure out what happened. Unfortunately, that problem was not fixed tonight. Although, yours truly came up with a brilliant idea - plug the refrigerator into a working outlet.

I'll be honest, I've been depressed the past few days. I never expected so much to go wrong. But I believe God is trying to teach me a lesson - to be content. "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."-Philippians 4:11.
**I should NOT be complaining about lack of closet space because at least I have clothes.
**I should NOT be complaining about a leaky sink because at least I have water.
**I should NOT be complaining about not having overhead lights because at least I have electricity.

It may not seem like it now, but I think it's safe to say that when the dust settles I will really enjoy our new home.

Milk, It Does a Body Good

Before IB was born, I was VERY anti-formula and was going to strictly breastfeed. K was working on the budget one day and asked me, "How much will we need to add to groceries for formula?" My response, "Well, none. I'm planning on only breastfeeding." K was rather excited, "Oh good! 'Cuz I've heard, besides diapers, that's the most expensive part of having a baby." Boy, did God have a different plan for me...

As I'm sure all you mothers out there know, your viewpoints can change on "baby stuff" once you have a baby. If something you were gun-ho about isn't working, you'll do what you need to do to make things work. Both the OB/GYN office and the hospital had given us samples of formula, which once brought home, were tucked away for "just in case." Within the first couple weeks of IB's life, I reluctantly pulled out some of the samples - I had to because IB wasn't getting as much as she needed without the formula. To spare you details, it took about 8 weeks before IB AND I got the hang of the whole breastfeeding act. Thankfully, after those 8 weeks the formula was not necessary - "Yay! I can stick with breastmilk, which is better for her." It was apparent that I still had the "no formula" notion running through my mind. But then a few months had passed and we were struggling with nursing again. Despite my best effort, I had to incorporate formula into IB's feedings - usually giving her 2-3 ounces of formula after she nursed. "Ok, ok. At least she's still getting breastmilk." While on vacation, I expressed my nursing frustrations to my sister-in-law (mommy of twins 6 weeks older than IB), telling her I felt guilty I couldn't fully provide what IB needs through breastfeeding. My sister-in-law empathized with me because she went through the same struggle, but assured me it's normal to feel guilty and that I have to do what is best for IB. At IB's 4-month appointment, I was asked if I'm still nursing. Unenthusiastically, I said, "I'm breastfeeding and formula feeding. She doesn't seem to be getting enough, so I'm topping her off with some formula after she nurses." Shortly after that appointment, I switched from "topping" her off to alternating breastfeeding (3x/day) and formula (2x/day). This appeared to be working decently well, but IB started to get rather mobile and vocal while nursing, simply put she wasn't very happy. Not to mention, she no longer seemed satisfied after she was breastfed.

So on 9.27.11 we went from only needing & having 2 - 9oz bottles to having 7 - 9oz bottles.

                   

Obviously, my opinion on formula has changed drastically! Yes, my little girl is now strictly formula fed, but I had to do what I had to do to make sure she was getting enough to eat. She seems pretty happy about the switch - she no longer cries after she finishes eating. *knock on wood* Granted I feel extremely guilty after making the switch because I had my heart set on breastfeeding my daughter for at least the first year, but I tell myself that she got what she needed out of breastfeeding for the first few months - which is the most crucial time, anyway. It helps that during a recent phone call with my mom, she mentioned how she ended up giving one of my brothers formula pretty early on and wasn't able to nurse me as long as she'd hoped because she was incredibly busy with my 3 older siblings. It's nice to know I have support with this decision, makes me feel less guilty. Plus, like I said, IB doesn't seem to mind.

Swimming in a Sea of Boxes

Oh the joys of moving...

Some people collect stamps, some collect baseball cards and some even collect old metal spoons...what do we collect? BOXES!! A couple months ago, before we even knew we were officially going to be moving, we decided to save boxes. I think I found the first few - sitting next to the apartment complex recycling bins. Great! When K got home from work I told him, "Hey, not sure when the move will happen, but I got some boxes. They're in the back of the Subaru." K responded with, "Ooh, good thinking." Since that day, we have given our notice of not renewing our current lease and signing a new lease elsewhere. And what has that resulted in? More BOXES!

About 1/3 of our balcony is occupied by empty boxes of all shapes and sizes - we don't discriminate. We've accumulated these boxes via K's work, friends and yes, even the dumpster (don't hate 'cuz I dumpster dive). Call us cheap, but if we can avoid having to buy EMPTY boxes, we will do what it takes. Buying empty boxes, what an oxymoron. About a week ago a couple moved in below us, I was SO close to putting a sticky note on their door that said, "We're moving soon. Can we have your boxes? - #304," but instead I checked the dumpster occasionally. Thanks #203 for your boxes. *wink* I hit the mother load the other day while taking J on his daily walk around the complex. For whatever reason, I felt compelled to check all the dumpsters as we walked by them, and low and behold I found these awesome, heavy duty Sterlite boxes - like 6 of 'em. FAB-U-LOUS!! I guess it pays to live in an apartment complex, there's always people moving in and getting rid of the boxes they PAID for...haha, suckers! When we got home from small group last night I went to put a few more boxes we got from one of the couples on the balcony and K asked, "Did you get more boxes today?" "Sure did," I replied. While looking outside, K said, "Um, I think we've got enough now."

Unfortunately, these boxes can't just be collectors items, they have to be filled with STUFF. So now the task at hand is the dreadful packing. Ugh! If I were rich, there is no doubt in my mind that I would hire someone to pack for me. Sure, I've been packing a bit here and a bit there over the past week or so, but it's such a tedious job. The packing job I cringe about the most is the kitchen - there's just so much stuff in there that needs to be INDIVIDUALLY wrapped. K's great, he'll ask me what he can pack so that he can help, but realistically there's not much he can do. I'll say something and he'll respond with, "Do you really trust me doing that?" He's got a point. Basically, he'll end up packing his part of the closet and the front closet items - tool boxes, painting stuff, etc. I am grateful, though, he packed ALL the books. I appreciate his willingness to help, but since he won't be much help with the packing, he can make up for it with the actual moving. hehe.

Saturday, September 10th will be a sad day...for on that day, I will no longer be adding to my box collection. I guess I'll just have to come up with something new to collect...any ideas?? 

A Work In Progress...the Blog or Me?

The other night it took me FOR-EV-ER to fall asleep because I had a bazillion thoughts running through my mind - mainly of blog titles and things that may (or may not) be fun to write about - this stupid thing has already started consuming my life. I thought of the above title, minus "the Blog or Me?" portion, and was going to quasi apologize for my blog because I'll most likely be revamping my profile, the background, the fonts, etc for awhile. As one thought led to another, I asked myself, "is the blog the only thing that's a work in progress?" Deep, right?? I began considering the fact that I am - and will always be - a work in progress.

On behalf of the blog, yes, it is for sure a work in progress. After all, I JUST started it and because I am the way I am, I will change and alter my blog until I get it "just right" - at least in my opinion. I mean, this blog is merely one representation of who I am and I have to make sure it represents me accurately. I must say, though, I am excited to post updates, stories, thoughts, etc. There are A LOT of ideas stored in my brain right now, but I have to pace myself and not overdo this whole blogging thing. So please, be patient with me as I figure out (not sure that's the best word to use) the blogging scene - the blog itself and the things I post.

As for me being a work in progress, I think Brandon Heath says it well, "God's not finished with me yet." Now, I'm not saying I'm an absolute mess, but there is certainily a lot of work that still needs to be done in/with me. God's work in me is a project that will be ongoing until my last breath or Jesus Christ comes again - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. - Phil 1:6. I don't know about you, but this EXCITES me! To think that God is continuously working in me to become MORE and MORE like Him, how GREAT! Looking back over my life, I've seen where God has changed me and directed me towards the path He wants me to go. The biggest change was how my group of friends was completely altered my junior year of high school (Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."-1 Cor. 15:33). And you want to know the craziest part, I did not regret for one day leaving my old friends because I absolutely loved my new group friends. Another way God worked in me was when K & I moved from IL to WA and then from WA to VA - both times away from my family (and friends). I know this was God's way of telling me "E, you and your husband need to learn to fully rely on me and each other." Those 2 moves have tested my faith and reliance on Him - trusting they were the "right" move.

Recently, I've been digging into God's Word more - which has been wonderful. In a "pocket" Bible my mom gave me not long ago, there's a 40-day reading plan that takes you through the Bible to get the jist of it. I am glad I decided to take this 40-day journey because it's allowing me to get an overview of the Bible, so I am more confident about what's in it. Growing up and even up until recently, I knew the typical stories and ideas, but there's SO MUCH more to the Bible than that. I have learned A TON over the last 11 days, I've also made connections that had never been made before between people, situations and other stories. I have such a thirst right now for God and His Word...I LOVE IT! K's been going through it with me and has loved all the thought provoking questions I've had along with the connections I've made. I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for God - this is a desire He's placed in my heart. God is all around me working and I couldn't be more excited. I want to be more like Him and the only way that's possible is for me to allow Him to continue His work.

I AM A WORK IN PROGRESS...

A Bit of "Herstory"

So...A friend of mine tried to convince me, via Facebook, to create a blog because she wanted to be in the loop in regards to what's going on in my life. Welp, guess it didn't take too much convincing 'cuz here I am.

Overview:

I grew up in a Christian home in a suburb of Chicago with my parents, older sister and 2 older brothers. My sister is 12 years older and my brothers are 10 and 7 1/2 years older. My mom has said on multiple occasions that I kept her and my dad young, but I think that's her polite way of saying "you were an oops." Eh, no shame...I'm proud of it!

Gotta love the mid-80's

I met my best friend, E, in Kindergarten, didn't know it then that she'd become my best friend. As kindergarteners, we walked home from school together sharing snacks. We didn't really interact with each other from 1st grade - 7th grade. We eventually established the same group of friends in 8th grade. Ironically, we didn't really get along too well the first couple years of high school. Our "best friendness" didn't come about until we went to Jamaica on a mission trip our junior year of high school. Upon our return, we simply got closer and closer and really did life together. 

Powder Puff Senior Year

After high school, I attended a private Christian University, where I met 2 of my closest friends. The 3 of us met freshman year. A and I lived in the same suite while K was roommates with someone I knew from church. As seniors, we lived together and couldn't have had a better ending to our college career. Throughout 4 years, our friendship blossomed and we may or may not have gotten into some mischief.



Freshman Year





Senior Year

Boys came and went during college. Hung out with a few guys throughout college, but hardly anything serious. At the tail end of my junior year, I met K. I'll tell his version of the story: he saw me leading Chapel, asked to be my friend on Facebook, asked someone about me, we met and then talked all summer. We began dating in the Fall of our senior year.


K was a Kicker




Halloween...yes, a litle creepy








Post graduation, I was still best friends with E, remained friends with A and K and continued dating K. In July 2007, K proposed and we got married December 2007 - I'll do the math for you, we were engaged 2 days shy of 5 months. E was my maid of honor and, surprise surprise, A and K were also bridesmaids.

ENGAGED!!



Bridal Party...Massive, right??

Since that blizzardy December day, K and I have moved from Illinois to eastern Washington to northern Virginia. Not only have we moved several times, we have also traveled to Mexico, Alaska, New York, Switzerland and Germany. In April 2009, we welcomed the first addition to our family, J - a yellow lab. In March 2011, we welcomed the second addition to our family, a baby girl - IB.
 



I am currently a stay-at-home mom and LOVING it!! And yes, just in case you were wondering, I am STILL friends with E, A & K...not to mention I've added some friends along the way. =)



A & K came to visit this past July



Well, I guess that sums it up...in sort of a nutshell.

This is my life and my thoughts. Hopefully you will enjoy...!?!