Thru the tough times....

Ok, I'm going to risk sounding stupid or like a know it all.  Well I take that back, I don't think I'm a know it all.  Rather as someone who prefers to call a spade a spade & bring things out in to the open.

That said...I've been thinking recently how stressful, new, exciting, un-nerving, unfamiliar, trail blazing, etc, the first few years of a marriage are.  And all of that is wonderful, and a part of the bigger picture.  But something came to my attention recently (and was/is something I've felt in my own marriage) that just simply breaks my heart.  It seems like there is this incredible amount of pressure to have your newly formed marriage appear pristine, wonderful, and lovey-dovey at all times.  Talk about intense pressure!  Is the first year of marriage the easiest thing in the world? No!  Is it the start to one of the biggest adventures of your life? YES!  But golly it can feel isolating when there's an expectation (said/unsaid, intended/unintended) that the image you're supposed to give off is that all is peachy keen.
I was, and still am, thankful that I had(have) people around me that I can go to when things aren't all that rosy between Isaac & I.  That I can confide in when times are tough, when I'm having a hard time connecting or finding that middle ground.  Those people helped me to see past the immaturity & selfishness of myself to see the bigger picture.  Goodness that is needed.  The first year of marriage is so incredibly challenging - you're melding two very different lives and trying to find & create a new reality, a new normal.  And often, at least in my case, that can cause friction and/or misunderstandings.  
Personally I've felt in my experience that the Christian and my YL community that crazy pressure to give the impression that all is well, that you're the epic picture of perfection & that God has bound you so tightly together so quickly that nothing will ever near the line of challenging.  So not the case, most of the time!  God never intended for us to have an easy go of it.  Yes He intended us to have life...& life to the full, but with that full life comes with it challenges that will push us to our bounds.  We're intended to be together, to have a partner to battle thru the tough times.  And in my opinion it's this partner that will love, support, & challenge us to continue to grow as a human, as a Christian, and as a spouse.
"As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17
I'm incredibly thankful for my husband, for the ways that he loves me & challenges me, for the ways he cares for me & allows me to care for him.  But I'm also incredibly thankful for the community around me that allows to go to them for advice & wisdom. 


I'm praying for a specific couple that are dear friends of ours.  Newly married, and experiencing those first tough times.  Praying they feel secure enough to reach out to those around them if they are in need. Would you pray as well?

How were your first couple years of marriage?  Did you feel like you had a place to go to when you just didn't know how to handle things, for encouragement?
<3

Blogging Juices

Fear not friends -- I'm saving all my creative blogging juices for the office make over post! And yes I've been taking pictures thru the process.

Although I must confess up front that I can not take much of the credit for the office make over.  Hubby Isaac has done nearly all the work.  I can only contribute my style sense, my desk, and my wonderfully awesome hug skills as thank you's to Isaac.


Mooooooooore to come! :)
<3

fill in the blank Friday!

Takin' a quick break from my normal work tasks to complete the Friday blanks!

Courtesy of Lauren at the little things we do...

1. My most prized possession is my family photos(especially the old ones), my wedding ring,Isaac's great-grandma's water color painting, & our gold cranes :) (if you're not sure what I'm meaning...ask, and I'll share the story!)

2. If I could be one age for the rest of my life, I would want to be I don't know that I have a response to this...I think each age I've passed & each age to come will bring lessons & experiences every other age couldn't.

3.  The best way to spend a weekend is with family & friends, visiting, eating good food, taking naps, shopping for the casa, & catching up on trashy "reality" tv

4.  My outlook on life is be good & do good. too simple?  Ok then..well, be a good person, care for people's hearts & souls, share the gospel, and try to always grow.  Do good: never tire of doing what is right (II Thes 3:13). Do good deeds for those around you

5.  If you want to annoy me, just  be arrogant & talk down to me.  That will get you an unsavory response pretty quickly

6.  I am completely defenseless when it comes to naps, anything carb related(i'll take pasta over chocolate any day), hugs/kisses from hubby, looking at family photos

7.  When dressing for the day one should heck...I don't know! Be comfortable & dress as though you're always going to see or interact with someone important.  My mom says Dress for the job you want...not the job you have!

Finally catching some March Madness games tonight with friends. Should be fun.  I'm loving how much friend time Isaac & I are getting in these days, but also allowing quiet, home time for ourselves.  Talk about blessings!

<3 

My Normal Life

So here's the deal when it comes to me... I am not crafty.  I'm an ok cook.  I hate cleaning bathrooms.  I'm not a fashionista.  I'm not a fan of BS.  I'm not a photographer, I don't edit photos. I don't work at a magazine.  I don't have an etsy shop.  I'm not on pintrest. And I don't have a formspring.  I don't live & die by Twitter (only ck it 2 times a day??)
What does that leave then?


What's left is...me.  Oldest daughter. Big sister. Wife. Auntie. Believer.  I love to eat.  I sometimes love to work out.  I need a buddy when I go to the gym.  I hit the husband jackpot (hubby is spending his break cleaning out/organizing our office!). I love "reality" TV.  I like planning future trips.  I love enjoying fashion.  I have great friends.  I really enjoy the occasional lazy Sunday, curled up on my couch with my blanket.  Driving with my windows down & music loud is my perfect summer activity.  I love being in Ocean Shores.  Genealogy makes me happy. Hawaii, with a book & the sound of the ocean takes me to my happy place.  I love the way old books smell.  I want to decorate our entire office with retro Hawaiian photos & a big comfy chair.  I'm nervous about giving birth (*disclaimer...NOT pregnant FYI!). I still worry that I don't fit in with my inlaws; or that I ever will feel that comfort.  I love reading historical books.  


Does all that stuff still make me "cool?"  But really....who cares about being cool?  I sometimes still struggle with it (ex: comparing myself to one of my dear friends, who is a work out fiend!).  I'm doing my best to be true to myself, identify my strengths and ignore that part of my brain that tries to compare.  It's a never ending process it seems. But mostly I'm thankful for a Lord who is forgiving, grants PEACE, gives never ending MERCY, and is ALWAYS by my side.  There's nothing better than that.
Love to you
<3 

Shocking!

Two posts in one day! *GASP!*  Crazy I know, but I can't hardly believe it myself.  


Today brought two realizations for me.  The first is quite a realization - more an affirmation.  So here are they, so you're not sitting in suspense...
1.  For some reason it bothers me so intensely when people made ridiculous decisions based on illogical reasons.  "Feelings" are fleeting and often times fool us in to a place we never intended to be.  Rather than focusing on the solid reasons we know to be true, or the reasons we identify as the highest of priorities; we lean to the superficial.  So my affirmation...I get easily frustrated with stupid decisions made primarily off stupid, superficial reasons.  Like I really get frustrated (Pardon the valley girl "like").
2. I really need a buddy when I go work out -- I suck when I'm on my own.  And we're not talking just anyone... I've got a pretty stellar friend Monique.  We're pretty tight, and we've been working out together for about 3 years now (CRAZY!).  She's more than just my work out buddy, she's one of my best buds.  That aside...she is a pretty fantastic gym buddy.  She encourages me to do my best and focus - but I never feel like I have to measure up to her.  We're both just doing our own thing - but holding each other accountable to being there & following thru.  Same thing goes for running.  I don't need to compare myself to others around me - because, as my mom always says...if you're going to envy someone's life, you have to envy their WHOLE life.  And I like mine just fine thanks.


<3

Wee Bit Wed & my Life

You can't go wrong with Leigh Ashley'sWee Bit Wednesday series!

So link up & play along! :)

{one} what was your first job?

sorting real estate postcards for my mom -- $50

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?

sadly never in person, would love to see daniel tosh...frickin hilarious

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?

honestly, probably right before my wedding...I was trying to win over my little cousin

{four} what was the last picture you took?

of the band Fiji at the concert on Friday...we're talking Hawaiians for DAYSSSSS

{five} burnt food: yes or no?

slightly burnt brownies or cookies, yes.  otherwise no

{six} if you have a pocket full of change, what do you do with it?

put it in the change cups at home in our office. i'm convinced we have like $100 there

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?

barely

{eight} do you scrapbook?

no...i'm not crafty like that

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?

no...i often get them as white elephant or birthday gifts though at Christmas

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?

i honestly don't think i have a preference either way...

Confession...I have been in the desert lately.  Not the literal desert, but the spiritual desert.  Looking back over the last 2-3 months I've been leaving out the most significant piece of my life; my Lord. 

No wonder I've been in a valley.  No wonder I've felt overwhelmed.  No wonder I've been anxious & irritable.  Where have I been putting my trust and  reliance?  In the most unreliable of places....myself.  How silly, how arrogant, how illogical.

I was inspired by my friend Beth to pick up a new devotional...
"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
I'm excited to get started and to find myself again fully relying on the plans & love of Christ.
Thanks Beth!  I'll try & share my thoughts as I progress.  A rookie blogger will do her best to be transparent (enough to still maintain some basic privacy) with the journey.
Love to you
<3

Lazy Blogger...

Yup that'd be me.  I've been such a bum as of late & I must sincerely apologize.  I know not many people read this sucker (sometimes that makes me glad!), but for those who do...I'm sorry!  Please forgive this rookie blogger.  I wish I had the freedom to sit at my desk at work and blog to my little heart's content...but alas, the boss lady (aka mom) would have my head for it!

So I'm left to blogging when I get home from work, or the gym.  And often times I find myself curled up on my couch snuggling with a happy Hawaiian - and a small part of my brain convinces me that "the blogging can wait...." And so it does. (Pardon my use of the word "And" and its use twice to start sentences!)

I did have some fun events last week & snapped a couple pictures -- though none of me & hubby, whoops!  Not doing so hot on our "capture our lives" new years resolution!  So when I get home tonight I will post up a couple decent pictures...if there are any.  Otherwise I'll just blog about our fun adventures last week! 
Love to you friends!
<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays!

Wee Bit Wednesdays always seem to make Wednesdays easier to get thru.  A little bit of whimsy and folly is good for the soul every once in a while! :)  So thank you Leigh Ashley 
for providing my Wednesday fun!

 

{one} scruffy or clean shaven?

easy answer...clean shaven. who wants a face burn after kissing?! sheesh!

{two} what's your favorite sundae topping?

again easy...caramel & hot fudge. it's pure perfection

{three} do you own slippers?

absolutely! 2 pairs - and they are amazing. one pair has rubber sole bottoms, confession...I've been known to wear them out in public.  the other pair are super comfy and slouchy, just the best for couch days!

{four} did you ever have a tree house?

nope - never lived any where that had big enough trees 

{five} how do you relieve stress?

hmm, take a "mental health day," cry some times (depending on level of stress), work out

{six} what's your favorite dr. seuss book?

oh my goodness so many! Hop on Pop, Oh the Places You'll Go, & I Can Read With My Eyes Shut :)  Love Dr. Seuss!

{seven} have you ever taken dance classes?

nope - I want to with hubby though.  Ballroom would be fun!

{eight} which do you use more: thesaurus or dictionary?

thesaurus for sure

{nine} what's your favorite form of exercise?

I'm loving Zumba right now - but running is always a good stand by

{ten} what's the longest you've ever waited in line?

Space Mountain, Disney World Christmas Day 2002 -- 1 hr, 25 min.

They literally closed the gates & turned people away because there were 80,000 people in the Magic Kingdom alone.  I think we only went on like 3 rides that day. Words of wisdom, NEVER, I repeat NEVER, go to Disney World on Christmas day!

I have FINALLY found the perfect nude nail polish at my manicure yesterday!  I have bemoaned to my friends of my search & how every time the polish comes out too pink, too sparkly, or too white - making my fingers look silly.  But yesterday the heavens opened & my fingers are now boasting the perfect nude shade!  Just a little sparkle when you look real close, but otherwise perfection! Loves it!

Funny how the small things often bring so much joy! Oh and well dinner with my favorite cousin in the world helped round out my day as well!

<3 

blessed

These are my parents - and they're pretty awesome.

I know I've talked about them before, but when there's something I love I'm prone to write about it frequently.

I had a much needed conversation with my mom today - I've been carrying thoughts and feelings for a long time that I probably should have talked about with her a while ago.  But honestly, it's sometimes scary bringing things up with her because of how much time we spend together; often things get taken wrong or mis-interpreted.  Today was a different day however.  I really tried to be mindful of the words I chose when we were talking and to keep "I" statements in the fore front of my thoughts, rather than "You" statements that often come up accusatory.

My dad is really impressing me lately.  He made it his New Years resolution to improve his relationship with my eldest sister.  And he's been doing his best to do his part.  And as a result of her meeting yesterday he & my mom have volunteered to step up should anything change with my sister & my niece.  This would never have happened in the past.  But I'm proud of my dad for the ways that he is trying to step up and be there as best he knows how.

All in all a good conversation that will hopefully bring good results as well.  And warm feelings about my dad. 

Through it all, good or bad, they're pretty stellar parents.  I'm thankful

<3

ABC's of Me

Found this blog post on The Blarkness Chronicles  So thanks for the easy blog post for the day.  Had a rather emotionally draining afternoon revolving around my eldest sister.  But more on that later....

Age: 25

Bed size: King - the happy Hawaiian needs extra space

Chore you dislike: cleaning the bathroom

Dogs: yes - Boston boy, black lab

Essential start to your day: maple & brown sugar instant oatmeal...sooo good

Favorite color: Purple

Gold or silver: White gold

Height: 5'3"

Instruments you play(ed): Piano & flute

Job title: Office Administrator

Kids: none at this time

Live: Oregon

Mom’s name: Amy

Nicknames: Anny, Bananas, Anna Banana

Overnight hospital stays: None

Pet peeve: Long fingernails on guys (I must agree! So creepy)

Quote from a movie:   "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary." Dead Poets Society

Righty or Lefty: Righty

Siblings: Three...two older sisters, one younger brother

Time you wake up: 6:45 am

Underwear: I am a big fan of the VS cotton hipsters/boy shorts

Vegetables you don’t like: brussel sprouts, peas for the most part

What makes you run late: sleeping in

X-Rays you’ve had: collar bones - 3 times over

Yummy food you make: 7 layer cookie bars

Zoo animal favorite: Zebras

So today we had to meet with my sister & her case worker regarding my niece.  My sister made a poor decision on Thursday night and it has impacted her progress with my niece.  This is essentially her last warning before some pretty serious changes and actions will be taken.  Please send good thoughts/vibes/prayers her way - she's had an extremely hard go of it (by choice & by circumstance) so we're all hoping that this is the last time we'll have to do this or anything like it.

<3

Fill in the Blank.....Sunday??

Phew - it's been a whirlwind of a weekend! Friday was Wyldlife club - Saturday I was working - and today brought the Shamrock run (ran better than the last run - even ran full out the last mile & a half...and felt good!).


So to catch up with the Friday Fill In...here it goes!  So thanks Lauren!

1.   My biggest accomplishment in life thus far is       my marriage for sure.  I'm pretty proud of the way that Isaac & I started our relationship, our engagement, our wedding and now our married life. I'm super proud of our dedication to our long term goals & we're knocking things off the list now that will make our lives easier when we have kids in the future.  And I'm pretty proud of myself for finishing college with ZERO debt, that feels really good.

2.  My favorite place to sit in my house is    on our couch in our living room -- with my fleece blankie.

3.  My fashion philosophy is    hmm...I really appreciate fashion in a lot of ways; but to be honest I don't know if I've developed a "philosophy" for my own fashion. I'm trying to figure that all out for myself.

4.  Something every girl should have is     a great pair of jeans & a great pair of heels to match with it.

5.  If you looked in my purse right now you'd find....     random stuff -- wallet, makeup bag, journal, 2 pens, OfficeDepot card, chapstick, paychecks from the bridal store to be deposited, check book .

6.  My favorite music right now is       I'm loving this reggae band from Hawaii right now -- The Green.  Some of the guys in the band are schoolmates of my brother-in-law. But it's GREAT music! They have the #1 reggae album on iTunes right now. Check them out - super chill.  Probably would be one of the highlights for me if we ever lived in Hawaii....the music  .

7.  My favorite part of my body is       probably my legs - they're skinny but strong and I know I can depend on them to carry me thru    .

This afternoon has been super relaxed & chill which is nice.  But tomorrow it's back to work with Mom...hopefully all goes well right off the bat.  But you just never know!  But the upside to this week -- The Green is playing in Portland on Wednesday & hubby & I are going! Yahoo!  Annnnnnd Mom said I could come in late on Thursday so we can stay out late! Double Yahoo!!

How was your weekend??

<3

Stoked!

It's not often that I post anything good or "exciting" about work -- but today I feel super stoked! 
Despite the fact that a short sale deal almost nearly died, I was able to communicate clearly with our negotiator and get them to approve it -- even with increased closing costs! Huzzah! Go me! Pat on my back!

And even if the seller didn't seem quite as enthused as I was about the prospect of getting this bad boy sold -- I didn't let them squelch my excitement!

That aside...picking up mom today at the airport - and we'll finally be able to get back in to a normal work routine.  She doesn't take her next trip until May.  So we've got some time to work work work!

And tonight brings lots of events - Wyldlife club(be thinking of me...I'll be speaking tonight, and I'm not entirely sure how it'll all pan out...), and then Mo Mo's place for games, friends, fun, & early birthday celebration for the lady!
Good way to start my weekend!  I'll be working tomorrow at the bridal store & running an 8K on Sunday (Shamrock Run) - super fun!
What are your plans this weekend?

<3
p.s. fill in the blank friday will be done tonight! pinky promise! :)

Need help!

Ok blogger friends!

I need your fashion expertise & tips!

I'm a total planner - and hubby & I are headed to brother-in-law's wedding the end of April.  And I'm in need of an outfit to wear.  Yes yes...I know it's a month & a half away. But again, I'm a planner, I like to have all my ducks in a row.

So here's where you come in...Where should I start looking to find a cute, spring dress for a wedding. Now mind you - wedding is in Denver, so weather could go any which way!

via 

Only dress I've found thus far I'm drawn too, but I'm too much of a wuss to order online!

Sad?

Ok...ready GO!

<3

The Simple Things

Boy life is good & sweet right now...

I'm relaxing, our groceries are put away, and I'm listening to my hubby practice his set for worship on Sunday.

Life is good...and I've been in need of some real goodness after the past few days.

<3

Wee Bit Wednesdays

As always...thanks to Leigh Ashley for providing my Wednesday entertainment.

Link up & follow along!

{one} what color is your kitchen?

it's white...boring I know...hubby & I have plans to add a cool backsplash. we'll see how far we get :)

{two} do you have a good luck charm?

nope

{three} do you prefer to write with a pen or pencil?

pen most of the time - but i'm specific with my pens, particularly at work

{four} can you use chopsticks?

yes! Japanese husband taught me well..although, i admit i still get intimidated when we're with his family. i feel like the oddball who can't eat!

{five} do you prefer baths or showers?

showers for sure...

{six} what is your favorite salad dressing?

most of the time i'm a ranch girl - but every so often i mix it up with italian. yeah i'm super unpredictable ;)

{seven} can you sing the alphabet backwards?

probably not sing it - but I could definitely say it!

{eight} do you have any allergies?

slight allergy to pollen - but biggest pain is my allergy to mosquito bites.

now you're probably thinking i'm just like everyone else...but i disagree.  one bit will go from small to the size of a half dollar in about 20min, the itch can wake me out of a dead sleep, and i'm not one of those people who can feel mosquitos when they're biting you. it's awful. I joke that OFF! is my summer perfume

{nine} crunchy or creamy peanut butter?

is this even a question?? creamy - with out a doubt

{ten} have you ever hitch hiked?

no...i value my life.  same answer for why i've never picked up a hitch hiker!

It's Ash Wednesday (meaning the start of Lent)...what are you giving up?

I haven't quite figured out what to do yet...suggestions?

<3

 

1 step forward...

and a giant PUSH backwards 5 steps.  Or at least that's how I'm feeling right now.
So remember how I've mentioned before that 85% of the time it's great working with my mom.  Right now I feel like I'm in a deep valley of the other 15%....I'm emotionally drained & frustrated.  Had to have a hard conversation with mom on Saturday - thought we had moved forward.  Yet today she shares something with me that just pushes me even deeper in to that valley.


It's so hard to be motivated, passionate, or focused on anything when every thought I have is that I'm running in to a brick wall every single day. A wall that I myself have built a portion of. But a wall none the less....


It's just a super frustrating and makes me sad inside.
An other wise pretty ok day has gone to the crapper...

the quiet makes me think

it's true...the quiet of my house when Isaac isn't around always makes me think.  so honestly sometimes I come up with things to do to keep me from being at home.  because some of the time i don't really want to think all that much.  this week is definitely one of those times where i don't want to think too much, i don't want to give my brain the opportunity to start ticking away.  why you may ask?


because a lot of the time it doesn't think very nice things about me....a good portion of the time it(being my brain) thinks i'm missing something, lacking here, too large here and there, etc.


here's the thing though - even though i don't always like what my brain is thinking about, sometimes i need to hear it. i need to have a real picture of what is going on, where i'm at, what i'm doing -- and i can't just let myself build up these superficial walls to protect myself from...myself. it's just silly.


i'm trying to be in control of my thoughts - and learning how to sift thru the thoughts that worthy and those that are not.
so i'm committed to sitting with my thoughts from time to time and deciphering which are valuable & which are not.  but one thing is for sure no matter what thoughts play such a big role in each of our lives.  
<3

Tax Returns!

May I just say tax returns kick BUTT!  Waking up to find our federal tax return deposited already (a little under 2 weeks after our filing) kicks major BUTT!  Putting half of that tax return to Isaac's school loan --- KICKS GIANT SIZE BUTT!  

I think Mr. Dave Ramsey himself would be quite proud of us for our commitment.  

Eek - I get to see him in April! So stoked! Nerd much?? ;)

Way back in September, hubby & I made a deal that half of whatever our tax return was (whether it was $500 or $5,000) would be put towards the car loan.  This was before we learned of getting the loan forgiveness...which moved the school loan to being our smallest debt.  So we will be putting half of our return towards that puppy this next week! HUZZAH!  And all of that beautiful money will be going straight to principal -- loves it!  Boy it feels good to be getting closer & closer to have all our debt paid off.  Once the school loan is gone it'll be time  to get aggressive with that car.  And then, with the exception of our house, we'll be DEBT FREE! Soooo close! We've been super aware of where we're spending our money the last few months - with paying on the loans & putting money away for the two wedding trips we have coming up.  Basically - all this to say that currently the Parkers are kick butt savers! The other half, you might be asking, will be used for those wedding trips, the office makeover, finish a fencing project hubby started...and maybe a couple other fun things.

Alright enough tooting our own horns. It's just so fun to think about & see happen right before your eyes...hard work, dedication & sacrifice DO pay off!
If you're getting a tax return, how are you using it?
<3

Late Night Wee Bit!

I sincerely meant to link up earlier but the day got away from me somehow.  But I will admit it was fun to learn some new techie type tools to utilize at work.  It'll be a bit of time to figure out how they all work together & if they work for us!

That aside...link up & follow Leigh Ashley's Wee Bit Wednesday series!

{one}  do you wear holey jeans? if so, do you buy them that way?

not typically -- and if my jeans happen to have holes, it's from normal wear & tear

{two} do you get a full 8 hours of sleep per night?

I try to - however not always successful

{three} what's your favorite way to eat an oreo?

the only way to eat it is to first dunk in milk...the only way!

{four} do you wear shoes in your house?

typically not - hubby's Hawaiian, so the norm there is to take off your shoes outside. since it's so cold/wet here most of the time, we take our shoes off at the front door.  very rarely do we wear our shoes inside

{five} who would you call first if you won the lottery?

easy answer...Isaac! then my folks, then my brother, then my best buds!

{six} have you ever been in a food fight?

actually yes....it's a standard occurrence at our fall YL camp. except we have our fights on the beach and get hosed off at the lodge before going in.  it usually ends with someone having oatmeal lodged in their ear...good times

{seven} do you snore?

nope -- but hubby certainly does. thank the good Lord above for CPAP machines, saved my life! that baby comes every where with us!

{eight} do you how fast you type?

not sure...let me take a typing test real quick to see.....

ok...92wpm...my parents got me started on Reader Rabbit Teaches Typing pretty young

{nine} can you do a headstand (without using a wall)?

nope

{ten} how do you like your popcorn?

light butter -- nothing too special or exotic.

At least I got this done on Wednesday! :)  Better late than never right?!

<3

Sometimes...

you just have to give thanks for your friends!

As of late I've been blessed with a bunch of hang out time with my great friends.  I can't complain one bit, because it's made me realize how different each of my friends are.  And how they each bring out a different side of me.  What a treat they are!  

But in particular, I'm recently excited at the prospect of two of our friends dating! *gasp!* I played matchmaker a bit...and though I'm always a bit nervous when I try to hook up two of my friends, I think this might be a pretty good match!  The guy in question has never been married, only dated a couple of girls seriously - and is generally the 3rd, 5th, or 7th wheel in our group of friends. But never does he make you feel bad at all, he's just along for the ride and enjoys being together.  The girl in question is a dear friend who is admittedly terrified of the possibilities...will he call again, is he interested, does he think well of her, etc.  Our first get together, our guy friend thought she was engaged - so didn't even really interact with her!  Guys sure are thick headed sometimes! ha!  But so far it looks promising.  I keep telling my friend, just go with it until the Lord says stop! And I'm trying to remind her not to be afraid/fearful!  So think good thoughts for these two! They'd be a great match in my opinion!


In other news...hubby comes home from Houston tonight! Huzzah! I sure do miss him at night - I had forgotten how safe I feel when we're together.


Have you ever tried to hook up two of your friends?? How did it work out?
<3