I'm baaaaaack!

We got back in to the Pacific Northwest last night...and boy am I tired! I always forget how exhausting traveling is...who would have thought!

That said...I'm sad not to be in Hawaii any more.  Loved seeing our friends the Foxes, and spending time with Isaac's family.  In time I know I'll feel more comfortable...it just will take me time.  I'm a slow warm when it comes to meeting folks and divulging who I am to them.  And it makes me nervous sometimes - thus, it seems to be easier to retreat to a book and hide there.  But all in all a successful trip - with a few revelations for hubby Isaac & I about who we are as a couple, a small family & how we want & need our vacations to be structured.  
Highlight was of course all the wonderful food - hit up these local spots(to name a few): Helena's Hawaiian Food (kick butt kalua pig & husband's favorite...lau lau), Rainbow's Drive In (typically our first stop post arrival - but saved it for our last day lunch), Sam Choy's (Christmas Eve dinner with Foxes...not what we expected, but a funny story now to add to the collection!), Ige's Restaurant & 19th Puka - a standard eating spot for our family (ridiculously good flap meat & other pupus), and of course made a couple stops to the best bakery in Wahiawa.... Kilani Bakery for some malasadas, long johns, turn overs & Haupia cake!
Sad to say that I suck at taking photos.  So much so that I literally probably have none from the whole trip!  Hubby & I want to be better about capturing & recording our adventures as a newly married couple.  Thus - New Years Resolution....Capture life's moments, even the smallest ones: our favorite meals, Isaac's crafts, family, adventures, etc.


Hope you all have a wonderful New Years! See you in 2011!
<3


 
 

Aloha!!

Today is the day we head off to celebrate Christmas in Hawaii with Isaac's family.


It'll be odd to be away from home & my family for the holidays, but it's definitely a welcomed escape!


That aside - best wishes and Merry Christmas all!!!
<3

Birthday Birthday!

TODAY IS MY 25TH BIRTHDAY!

HUZZAH!

Today will be spent...working, renewing my license, dinner with husband, cake with our dear friends, & packing; because tomorrow is....

HAWAII!!!!

HUZZAH X2!

Needless to say today & tomorrow have been two days I've been looking forward to for some time now!  Mostly the Hawaii part, but hey - you can't go wrong with a birthday! :)

So if I'm MIA over the next couple days, you know why. Haven't fully decided  if I'm taking my laptop or not quite yet.  Stay posted! 

<3 

Movie Night!

Husband & I have spent the majority of this evening at home - folding laundry, preparing my brother's Christmas present & watching movies.


Well to be honest - we kicked off the night with dinner at our favorite sushi place.  We love going there & the people who run the place are fantastic.  Especially the head guy Simon - he rocks.  He's always making special sushi rolls for us to try. They're just great.


With full bellies we made our way to Target to get some essentials for the trip to Hawaii then it was time to head home to finish our projects.  And now we are project free (minus one load of laundry sitting in the dryer) and enjoying my stocking stuffer....Eat Pray Love.  Husband let me get it early so we could mutually enjoy a Julia Roberts fix!
It's great!
<3

Fill In the Blank Friday!

Fill in your own blanks & play along!  Link up with Lauren at the little things we do...

1.   Giving is       probably the best part of this time of year.  Eagerly searching for that one gift that will make someone smile. It's so fun! Sometimes a challenge, but hey - who doesn't love a challenge every once in a while! :)

2.  Receiving is   equally as fun!  I'm not even going to try & lie or even fib. I love getting presents.  It's definitely one of my receiving love languages - words of affirmation & gifts. 

3.  The best gift I ever received was       without question my Barbie dream house & pool.  I think I was in 3rd grade & loved it!  It was 3 section, 2 story house with an elevator, her own mansion of a room.  And the pool had a slide & working water feature. I loooved it!

4.  The best gift I ever gave was   my parents' 30th anniversary trip.  My brother & teamed up to send our parents to Mackinac Island, Michigan to stay at the hotel where the movie "Somewhere in Time" was filmed. Since getting home they have said numerous times that it was a trip of a lifetime.  That movie is very near & dear to the two of them & our family - they watch it every Valentine's day, they had the soundtrack playing when I was born, & my dad & I walked down the aisle at my wedding to the theme song.    .

5.  Something intangible that I wish I could receive is       cooking skills - being able to whip together a delicious meal with anything I have on hand & not freak out about it.

6.  Something intangible that I wish I could give is        sincerity.  I think so many people lack that now a days.  Rather than genuinely being interested in how/who people are, many are only interested in what those people can do for them.

7.  The one gift I always wanted as a child, but never got was       a barbie jeep to drive around in.

<3

Simple Things

Sometimes when life gets chaotic you need a dose of the simple things.  And today was filled with chaos for the most part.


So my solution you may ask?  


A walk with friends, Kraft blue box macaroni cheese, a Coors light, lights on the tree, and random television -- all while avoiding the laundry (that can be done tomorrow or Sunday in preparation for the trip). It's been a good night.


You really can't go wrong when you let yourself enjoy the simple things - the things that bring comfort and take you back to a good place.  If I were at my parent's house, I'd be snuggled up with their puppies.  But my choices will have to do tonight.
Side note -- can not wait for best friend reunion in 5 days! Beyond excited to see the Fox's. Miss them terribly.


<3

Mother/Daughter Relationships

That's me & my mom about 2 1/2 years ago on a trip to Washington D.C. for a wedding.

Most of the time, probably about 85-90%, we get along fine - in fact pretty dang well considering other mother/daughter relationships I've seen.  But it's those other times that are really challenging for me.  Especially given the fact that we work together.  And today is one of "those" times - where she is frustrated (trying to get out of town) & I have a short fuse (because I want to get out of town and it's close) and that's just a recipe for a perfect storm.  And then throw in all the stress of work, stupid agents, silly clients, stress with my Gran, stress of getting out of town, etc.  She always threatens to fire me which will likely never happen; and I hate that inevitably this impacts our relationship outside the office.  
Honestly sometimes it makes it hard for me to want to be around her outside the office.

I just want to get out of town (yes I know I've been saying that probably for the past 5 straight days).  I want to walk thru the Christmas lights tonight with my friend, finish my brother's Christmas present, finish our laundry & curl up and go to bed.
Or maybe it's the red light that's throwing my emotions all over the place.  

It's hard to be a daughter sometimes...
<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays!

You can't go wrong with a wee bit Wednesday!  Head over to Leigh Ashley's blog & play along!




{one} did you buy a christmas tree this year?yup absolutely -- not as early as we would have liked to, but other stuff popped up
{two} what is your favorite holiday tradition?honestly - I love our Advent Wreath tradition, staying focused on the real reason for this holiday. And also getting my annual ornament :)
{three} do you open your gifts on christmas eve or christmas day?christmas day.
{four} at what age did you stop believing in santa claus?um, probably like 11
{five} do you fill stockings?yup - candies & goodies
{six} handmade presents or store bought presents?typically I go store bought...I'm not super crafty. the closest i get is a knot tied fleece blanket i've made & am making again for my brother
{seven} do you have a favorite christmas meal?um...not really. we typically have a standard holiday meal. this year will be different, we'll see how it's done in Hawaii
{eight} is your christmas tree real or artificial?REAL!!
{nine} what is your favorite christmas song?i love all the christmas songs that the Carpenter's sing, and Bing Crosby's White Christmas
{ten} did you send out christmas cards this year?yup - we've decided next year to do a photo card, it's too cumbersome to write them out when you're doing 50 or so! 
<3 

Santa Letters

Every year in our office we send out Santa letter solicitation to clients, who fill out some info on the kiddos in their lives, send it in to us & we draft up some Santa letters to be mailed from the North Pole, AK post office for the kids to receive before Christmas.

And in spite of my lack of Christmas spirit this year (an odd predicament for this Christmas baby...Birthday countdown = 5 days!), this is one thing that actually has brought a bit of sparkle to my heart.

I love the sincerity of the kids and how excited I know they will be when they get their letter.  To think that Santa thought of them specifically & wrote to them.
Yes I know -- there are many people who abhor the notion of Santa, or at least have a slight shudder when it comes to him.  But here I stand, proud lover of Christ -- and I love Santa too.  Yes the birth of Christ will rule out all other things, and as I blogged here the hubs & I try our very best not to get caught up in all the hustle & bustle of the commercialism.  Yet I find nothing wrong with the notion of keeping Santa alive for kids.  I don't really buy in to the notion that your kids are going to be pissed at you for "lying" to them about Santa Clause, seems a bit over dramatized... I certainly don't hate my parents & definitely didn't need counseling from being scarred by their "lies." ;)


If we don't keep Christ at the center of our lives year round -- why would expect kids and ourselves to keep Christ at the center at Christmas?  Sorry if that sounds cynical, but it makes sense to me.  I just don't see why they have to be mutually exclusive?

There is something sweet & pure about a child who looks forward to a letter from Santa Clause.
Now, back to my count down to birthday & Hawaii -- I hope Isaac snags these beauties for me to take with us on our vacation!


<3

Lack of Inspiration...

Have you ever battled thru a feeling of lack of inspiration?  I'm waging thru it right now - no inspiration to get to the gym (though I desperately need to...I've been missing my Zumba nights & running buddies!), no inspiration to wrap our Christmas gifts (I think this is due to the fact that we're going to be in Hawaii over Christmas & you can't send wrapped presents....), no inspiration to blog about anything pithy.  Feeling a serious lack of any sassy attitude & quick remarks.

I think I'm just ready to be in Hawaii, to see Isaac's family, to see two of our greatest friends...I'm ready to be 25, though that is weird to say.  I'm ready to be out of my office for a bit and relax (as much as possible) in some sun & enjoy some delicious food & fun.

There's a little too much chaos right now - with everything that went on with my Gran (who is doing great at this point in the game, by the way), to chaotic work & crazies popping up, to fighting off sickness.  I need a bit of an escape!
<3

Fill In The Blank Friday!

Another Friday means blanks to fill in! Huzzah! Thanks Lauren at the little things we do... !

1.   I wish       I were in Hawaii right now, that my Gran was off her ventilator & doing well, that I had new sunglasses for said Hawaii trip.

2.  Yesterday I   went to work, spent some time with my mom before she heads back up to WA, decorated our tree (doesn't look like a Barbie threw up on it this year - much to Isaac's delight!), ate dinner with husband, & perused thru Ross & Target before calling it a night.

3.  Today I will       work, run errands, pack my bag, drive to Lebanon for my friend Morgan's WEDDING REHEARSAL (CRAZY!), and spend the evening with great girl friends!

4.  Tomorrow I will   get my nails done with Morgan, then head back to Lebanon in preparation for her big day! Then stand with her as she marries the man of her dreams! It'll be a fun day for sure!

5.  Maybe      I'll get lucky and get the sunglasses I really want for my birthday - to take to Hawaii!

6.  Someday        I'll love watching Isaac coach our children - I honestly can't wait for that day .

7.  I love       snuggling, the feeling right before you doze off to sleep, hugs from Isaac, taking your time walking thru Target, my dad's silly sense of humor, my brother's integrity, my mom's determination, & the safety of having great girl friends.  I also love my birthday (on the 20th!), Christmas, trips to Hawaii to see family & friends!




Praying the next couple of weeks fly by so I can be in Hawaii!!
<3

MIA

Sorry I've been MIA over the last few days.  But it's kind of been a whirlwind for myself & my family.  As I posted last week my Gran went in to the hospital and was awaiting open heart surgery to replace a valve in her heart.

Her surgery was postponed a couple of times - primarily in order to give her a time to rest, prepare, and let her kidneys get back to a normal functioning state before they could perform the surgery.
On Friday I took the train up to Olympia to meet up with my mom & aunt...I think they were happy to have some fresh blood around, to lighten things up as much as possible and bring some humor.  Honestly, it was surreal seeing my Gran hooked up to monitors & IV's - heck it was weird seeing her in a hospital in general (she's never had any hospital stays with the exception of having her children...and she's 81!).  But it was good to be there with my family & be able to support my mom & aunt.
Saturday brought a chance to get away to my Gran's cabin in Ocean Shores - a beloved respite for us all.  So after checking on Gran in the morning & meeting her nurse, we made our way west.

A blessing while Gran was in the hospital was how responsive she was even in her sedated state - she'd wiggle her toes for me, open her eyes for us, smile & nod in agreement or raise her eyebrows in disapproval.  My stubborn, tough Norwegian Gran was still in there no matter what!

Monday was an extremely long day - and brought with it so many emotions.  Started the morning off bickering with mom (it's usually how we handle stressful situations in the beginning), visiting Gran, dealing with my mom's psychotic sister (I do not claim her as family after this entire situation) who tried every way she could to try & distract us from Gran, laughed & played cards with my family, anxiously waiting for updates from surgery (we only got 3 the whole time..grr), and then listening to Gran's cardiac surgeon talk about how it all went & what to expect and/or be prepared for.
But Tuesday morning brought good signs of recovery for Gran - which is great news!

So thanks for all the thoughts & prayers! They are so appreciated!  We're probably looking at a long recovery, but regardless we probably have more time with Gran now!

<3

Confession

I have a confession -- I have just spent the last hour creeping a blog.  Honestly - first time I've just keep going back and back and back thru a blog.


But this girl is so dang cute & fashionable it makes me slightly perturbed.  But in the way that you can't really be mad at a girl for being so cute.  Like she came out of the womb with impeccable style, grace & know how.  

So now it's back to my normal, middle America life -- prepping for my Amtrak adventure. We'll see how this goes!

<3

Fill In the Blank Friday!

Another great sign that the weekend is upon us!  Check out Lauren at the little things we do..., fill in your blanks & link up!

 

1.   Holiday spirit       is infectious! It just follows me everyone I go - and I love every bit of it!

2.  The holidays are incomplete without    A Christmas Story, flocked trees, hot chocolate with Isaac, Christmas music playing at all times in my car & office, & white elephant game with my mafia sized family -- it can get intense, and teams are always formed for strategic reasons!

3.  My favorite things to do around the holidays is       listen to Christmas music & be with family & friends .

4.  A holiday tradition my family and I have is   Growing up it was decorating the house & then watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation - now for hubby & I it's typically the same & then watching A Christmas Story(who doesn't love Ralphie?!) And Christmas morning breakfast before opening gifts.

5.  Holiday music is      my absolute favorite - without question. There's just something about it. I will say there are a few holiday songs that drive me nuts, but for the most part I love it!

6.  This year, I'll be spending the holidays        in Hawaii...it's rough I know.  But honestly I will miss my family a ton.  We try to go see Isaac's family in Hawaii at least once a year & typically that means Christmas. But starting next year we've got a plan on how to start alternating - my family Christmas Eve, fly to Hawaii Christmas Day. We'll see how it goes. But this will be my first Christmas spent entirely in Hawaii - so it'll be fun to see how Isaac's family does it!

7.  Holiday wish list       1. a new watch  2. riding boots  3. tights/leggings  4. additional crystal for our set (thanks mom & dad...they're committed to this gift until we're squared away! how sweet!)  5. funds to find new clothes  6. new Vans or TOMS  7. new & more pillows for my bed.

 

Hope everyone has a great Friday! Today I'm heading up to Olympia via Amtrak (weird I've never taken Amtrak before?) to meet up with my mom & family.  Gran is headed in to surgery likely tomorrow - but has good stable vitals right now.  So continued prayers & good thoughts are so appreciated!

Happy Friday!

<3 

Advent

Being that it's December 1st, everyone is talking Advent.  Advent calendars to be precise.


I don't really remember doing advent calendars growing up -- what I do distinctly remember, and continue to practice today, is the Advent Wreath.

Growing up Lutheran this was a big part of our kick off to the Christmas season, and my family still participates  in this tradition each year with fondness.  Not too many families I know around here do this any more.  
So here's a little info about the Advent Wreath:  

Starts the 4th Sunday before Christmas

Started by German Lutherans in the 1800's

Traditionally has 3 purple & 1 pink candle -- and some (us included) incorporate a 5th white candle

Each candle represents a different element of the Christmas story:

week 1 - the prophecy candle (hope), week 2 - the bethlehem candle (preparation), week 3 - the shepherd's candle (joy), week 4 - the angel's candle (love), and Christmas - Christ Candle

It's a treasured time in our family to come together for dinner each Sunday, take the time to stop and light the advent wreath & read thru a bit of scripture in order to keep grounded on the real reason for this time of year.  The birth of a savior!  

We lit our first candle this past Sunday - and are already deciding what soup to make for dinner this coming Sunday.

How you do you & your family celebrate the holidays?

<3 

 

Great Documentary!

We are taking FULL advantage of our Netflix + Wii combination!  I think we have watched about 7 documentaries since Saturday, 3 movies, and 2 TV episodes.  I'm in love with this combination!


But tonight we watched a documentary that was so great - so innocent.

This is such a great story!

Three different schools show how their students are preparing for the annual dance competition.  One of the schools has some incredibly talented kids.  Their excitement and innocence is so endearing.  Isaac & I found ourselves getting excited for them when they did well - and maybe even planning on having our kids do ballroom dance when they're in elementary/middle school.

So sweet -- definitely recommend!

<3

Gran

Hey Friends... 
Can you say a quick prayer for my Gran -- she's been having some trouble breathing the last couple of weeks, and the doctors have recommended she have open heart surgery.
This morning brings about an angio-gram to see exactly where her blockage is, and then likely have surgery tonight or tomorrow morning to replace a calcified valve.

My Gran's a tough ol' bird and has never really had any kind of major surgery - let alone stay in a hospital (she's a total home body, self reliant kind of lady).  None the less, it's still a bit nerve wracking.  But I promised my mom I wouldn't partake in any of the unnecessary drama. 
I know our God is in control & it's His plan to play things out as He sees fit....even if no one else in my family, Gran included, understands that.

Pray for healing, pray for the wisdom & knowledge & gentle hands of the surgeons, Pray for my family that perhaps in the midst of all of this God will shine thru to each of them, and pray for my mom as she is taking on the problem solver role like usual.  

Thanks friends!
<3

ROCKSTAR!

*Disclaimer -- this will be a whole hearted "Toot your own horn" type of post. Please be aware*

I FEEL LIKE A SHORT SALE ROCKSTAR!  TODAY I AM THE ONE TO MAKE A BANK BEND OVER BACKWARDS & SUBMIT TO MY WILL & LOGIC!

Take that EMC!  You try to pull & push me around like a rag doll -- well looky here, in the end you're the one who took it on the chin & gave in to ME! 
So you can kiss my patootie for putting me thru the wringer last week.  Because at this moment in time I AM the one who is victorious (for the benefit of our client), and I AM the one who ultimately backed you in to a corner when your own negotiator made decisions that were to the detriment of your company.  So sit up & take notice of me -- because I WILL NOT back down when you try to play your silly games.  I'm bigger, stronger, & more determined than you!

Ahhhhh -- feels soo good!
Now...back to the normal hustle & bustle of my day!
<3 

Days of Gratitude - Day 25

Whoops! I'm late!  But that's to be expected - as I spent my day of thanks with my husband, friends & family!

So yesterday I was thankful most importantly for a wonderful, but unique, family -- and great friends.  Nothing beats having two Thanksgiving dinners - both equally delicious, and filled with laughter & love.

Our night at the casino however was not as great! Shucks!  But thankfully hubby Isaac won back the money I had lost. Whew! ;)


This was so good to spend the last 25 days seeking out & identifying one thing I was thankful for. Even on those extremely difficult days - it was a good exercise & life practice to find that one thing to keep focused on.
<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays!

I needed a bit of an escape!  And Leigh Ashley doesn't disappoint with the "Wee Bit Wednesday!" So link up & play along!

 

 

{one} what kind of camera do you have? I have a canon powershot I think? I don't know -- it's pink & was a gift 2 years ago. It works :)
{two} you just won $1000 and you have to spend it on yourself on one item. what do you buy? I think I go with an iPad or a freaking killer purse
{three} if you had to choose, would you rather live with your parents in the same house forever or 5000 miles away? oh easy - in the same house forever. I love my parents, & thankfully Isaac does too. It's awful when my parents are out of town or I am and I can't get ahold of them :(
{four} is your christmas tree up yet? it is not - we're deciding if we want to get one this year, we leave for hawaii on the 21st...so we're trying to figure out if it's worth it yet.
{five} do you bring reusable bags to the grocery store? no. but i own some.
{six} which would be worse: listening to the same song on replay for the rest of your life or having to eat the same meal everyday for the rest of your life? probably eat the same meal
{seven} name 3 things you are thankful for this season. my husband, my family, my home
{eight} do you dye/highlight your hair? if so, do you do it yourself or have it done at the salon? yes i highlight it - definitely at the salon, i am in no way talented enough to do anything involving color & my hair! yikes! risky!
{nine} would you rather watch a movie at home or at the theater? at home with isaac -- at the theater by myself. I love going to the movies by myself. It's so relaxing.
{ten} would you rather win $1000/week for life or $5 million all at once? probably the $5million at once -- then i can pay off homes, loans, and whatever else, invest & give a majority of it and still be able to buy some cool stuff.  all at once!

Ahh, it's nice to clear your brain every one in a while!

Days of Gratitude - Day 24

Hugs & Coffee Gifts

Yesterday was a downright awful day -- and there were about two items that I was thankful for.

Hugs from my husband when I was crying & a dear friend who dropped off coffee & a large candy bar to me in the middle of the most stressful event I have faced at work in a while.

It was rough...I'm praying I get thru today.

<3

Hit By A Bus

You know when you're just mentally and physically and emotionally exhausted?  To the point where you feel like you've been hit by a bus?!  This is my state right now.


Today was awful in the sense that a short sale file feels like it is running down hill so quick and there is nothing that I can do to fix it or stop it or ensure that this gets closed.  I hate this feeling that I have absolutely no control over it.  I've been working so hard on this file and this stupid bank (*cough EMC cough*) is re-nigging on the details they said would work to get it closed.  It is so frustrating to feel like you've got it figured out and at the 11th hour they go back on their deal.


One good thing was that in the midst of that frustration I was able to be honest with my mom about where I was at & what I was feeling.  I think she is finally understanding that we handle stressful situations differently - but I still accomplish what she wants me to get done.  So that was positive.


Ugh....Say a prayer for this file and for me.  
<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 23

Movie Nights In w/ Isaac

I love spending nights at home with Isaac - and last night was a great one in particular. 

Isaac made a quick stop at the Redbox (our new, slight addiction) and picked up Toy Story 3.  We've both been wanting to watch it, and it didn't disappoint.  Although I am a bit sad that the entire saga is done. But what a sweet movie.  I didn't cry nearly as much as I did in "UP!"  That one had me in full on ugly crying mode! (I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that....)

Isaac even made a 2nd trip out to get popcorn when we discovered we were out - then made some great hot chocolate.

I love that man - I love movie nights - I love hot chocolate - and I love waking up to snow in my backyard! Yup it actually snowed & stuck here in the valley...a very rare occurrence.  

<3

Hawaiians

I love my Hawaiian...I love Hawaiians in general.  I love their culture. I love their music. I love their land.  I love their history.  I love their story, and how they talk story. :)

I love that I have married in to such a full, colorful, and deep culture.  I'm on the hunt during my next trip to Hawaii to grab some more literature to read thru on the history and culture.  It's so interesting to me.  And I really can't wait for our children to be able to experience being a part of that culture as well.  Oh don't worry, I'll still expose them to the greatness of their Scottish & Norwegian roots.  But I love that both my background & Isaac's are heavy laden with sea faring adventurers (Vikings + Hawaiians).  I joke with him when we find little things like these connections that we were "meant to be."

 'Iolani Palace - circa 1882
America's only royal palace.

I can not wait to get to Hawaii in a couple of weeks - I am so looking forward to it.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 22 + Commitment

Lazy Sundays

I absolutely LOVE lazy Sundays - there is nothing better than coming home from church & bumming it the rest of the afternoon.

I came home, made lunch for Ike & myself, got some gas before the weather got crummy, went for a quick tan (yes yes I know...not seen as healthy by many - but I'm headed to HI in 29 days! Can't be see thru!), quick trip to the grocery store for some bread & milk, then it was home to catch up on some shows & nap the day away. 

It was awesome and much needed.

Here's my "commitment" piece...Hawaii is 29 days away, time to cut back all sweets, increase work outs & generally watch portions, etc.  Phew!

<3

ps! I'm having the HARDEST time trying to figure out what to get Isaac for Christmas. We have a one gift rule + stocking.  Any suggestions?! The man is a jack of all trades, a true Renaissance man. I need ideas! 

Days of Gratitude - Day 21

I am grateful for Isaac's drive & humility

Friday night brought a nail biter of a victory for Isaac's football team.  It was a tough fought game and the football team played their hearts out.  Thus I am brought to what I'm thankful for.  


Even in spite of many fans' frustrations or personal thoughts of how Isaac had run the offense, Isaac had a plan of attack and the will and determination to run that plan.  And when all was said & done, they were successful.  The defense had their best showing of the season, and Isaac's offensive line, running backs, QB, & receivers tried their very best and came away with the victory.  With that victory (South's 1st appearance in the quarterfinals in 19 years) Isaac continues to to show one of the reasons why I love him so.  He is so humble.  Some coaches would take that feather, put it in their cap and talk about it all night and about how good they were that night.  But I was and am so proud of him, Isaac's focus is his kids and how they pulled it together and pulled out the win.  I am in awe of his humility.  His immediate response is to be thankful for the victory, and to move on to strategizing about their next opponent.  


And I'm also thankful for a quiet house on a drizzly Sunday afternoon.  PS - there's no snow here at my house, even though many are boasting about how much snow is dropping where they live.


<3

Days of Gratitude - Day 20

Hanging out with my niece & her friends...having fun and talking about Jesus

I've been leading WyldLife (YoungLife for middle schoolers) for the last year or so, and it's really fun.  Admittedly it's hard a lot of the time, because it can be scary hanging out with middle schoolers.  I had stopped leading YoungLife for a few years and only got back involved with Wyldlife when my niece was a 6th grader.

I'm mostly excited that I can hang out with my niece and her friends, and earn the right to share with them the beautiful story of God, Christ & his sacrifice, and how that has changed my life.

I think the biggest piece that excites me is the fact that my little niece could be the catalyst in her family - to start the trend toward accepting Christ and following God's will. It's just awesome that God is giving me the chance to be a part of that. Love it.

Sorry if that's random, and likely doesn't make a whole bunch of sense, but it's exciting.  And if you have no idea what WyldLife is...go to a club, check it out.  There are kids in your community that are starving for adults who love them, take time to know them, and share the love of Christ with them.  They're searching and open - go check it out!

<3

Friday Fill In the Blank + Days of Gratitude Day 19

As always, thanks to Lauren at the little things we do for the blanks!

1. My Thanksgiving this year will include: probably an early morning "Turkey Trot" with my running ladies, cooking a bit with Isaac, dinner with my family (smaller group this year) & then another dinner with our friends the Yearby's & their family.  Followed by the annual PYMP movie, casino trip, & late night Black Friday Shopping!

2. My favorite Thanksgiving was: my immediate family used to spend Thanksgiving in Mexico - that was always fun, to get away from the dreary Oregon weather and relax in 85+ degree weather!

3. My signature Thanksgiving dish is: hmm...tough, I haven't had to actually make one dish my staple.  But I'm sure when the time comes, I'll take over the stuffing from my mom & the mashed potatoes. She has a killer recipe!

4. My favorite Thanksgiving food is: without a doubt it's my mom's mashed potatoes & stuffing.  My aunt also makes a ridiculous "Death by Chocolate" dessert, it's unreal!

5. Thanksgiving free association! family, turkey & ham, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, family games, laughter, LONG days, coffee & black Friday preparation

6. Thanksgiving is: one of my most favorite holidays, I love being with friends & family spending time together with no real expectations except to eat, laugh and reminisce.

7. I am thankful for: health, family, my husband, extended family,  great friends whom I trust, laughing over silly things with my family & friends, game nights, warm sweaters & sweatshirts, and planning fun adventures

Day 19: Today I am thankful for lunch with two of my greatest friends - $1 tacos, nothing beats that & some girl talk!

<3