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[23 Jun 2009|09:34am] |
Today I'm celebrating 2 years with my lovely husband. Here's to many more! 
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[22 Jun 2009|11:44am] |
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I'm sad to let you all know that Pippi, the cat that has been in our family for 17 years, had a stroke and died this morning. 
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[21 Jun 2009|06:16pm] |
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Things are going well here. I took an amazing trip to Australia. I hadn't seen my family there in 2 years and I hadn't even met one of my cousins! He was born just after J and I left 2 summers ago. It was a really good trip. I was sad J didn't get to come - next year... If you want to see pics, there are quite a few on facebook. But here's one just for you all that don't have facebook (gasp): 
That's me at the North Head, around the coast from Sydney Harbour. Such a pretty walk, even on a cloudy/rainy day... So about a week after I got back, I taught VBS! I had about 19 second graders in my class. 2 adults & 2 youth teaching. It was awesome. We did the Cokesbury VBS, Camp EDGE (Experience and Discover God Everywhere). What a fun theme! And so easy to decorate. Basically just put up tents and unlit fake Christmas trees. My co-teacher's daughter went above and beyond and actually made a waterfall in our room. Blue paper on the wall and floor with rocks, etc... More creative than I am :) Ooh, I'll see if I can put another pic on here... 
Yay! Isn't it awesome? That's a tent off to the left of the picture if you couldn't tell. Now that all that's over, I'm trying to get some homework done! I'm taking 2 classes this summer: child advocacy & an independent study on preteens. I have quite a bit of reading to do! On friday J and I are going to see our families - we're taking a nice 2 weeks to do so (about a week in each place). Should be fun. I'll have to do reading while we're there, though 
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[17 May 2009|10:36am] |
Finals are over. My internship is over. I'm attempting to recover from the 3rd-5th grade retreat while still having to get up early to play handbells at church this morning. And I'm clearing out my office at the church inbetween services. It's really sad. I don't like clearing out my stuff - I'm really going to miss working here...
Oh, and I leave tomorrow for Australia for three weeks without Justin. I'm starting to get really nervous about the flight - as many of you know, I'm a horrible flyer, so any and all prayers would be greatly appreciated (Monday afternoon - or now, really, for my nerves - through probably tues night). Also prayers for J and I for the next three weeks would be appreciated - it's going to be hard being that far away for that long! I don't think I've been away from him for more than a week since we got married almost 2 years ago (wow! it's been that long?) We're both reasonably free for the rest of the summer (except one week-long class I take where I'll have to leave him home alone again), so we'll get to spend some time together after these three weeks. Don't get me wrong, though, I'm so excited about going. I haven't been back in almost 2 years, which means I haven't seen my grandmothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc... in 2 years. I even have a little baby cousin (well, not so baby anymore - he's almost 2!) that I haven't even met. I'm super excited about going... but I'm not so super excited about leaving. I hate mixed emotions. I also get really sad because everytime I leave Australia I have to say goodbye to my grandmothers - potentially for the last time. They're both getting older and have both had strokes and I don't know when I'll get back to Australia. I'll treasure every moment with them, but this year I think will be a harder goodbye than most.
I probably won't check lj or xanga while I'm over there - maybe once or twice - but I am planning on checking facebook and most definately my email, so if you want to contact me, that's how.
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| Katrina-ology |
[08 May 2009|06:27pm] |
Let others know a little more about yourself, re- post this as your name followed by "ology"
If you were tagged that means i want to know more about you... you HAVE to do this :)
* * * * * * * * * * * FOODOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * *****
What is your salad dressing of choice?
usually ranch... or a vinegrette
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
so many good ones... Olive Garden is always good
What food could you eat everyday for two weeks and not get sick of?
cheese!
Chocolate or Vanilla?
depends, but usually chocolate... but vanilla if it's ice cream
* * * * * * * * * * * TECHNOLOGY * * * * * * * * * * *****
How many televisions are in your house?
1
Do you have a laptop?
Yes - mine
Do you have a desktop?
Yes - J's
Do you have an MP3 player?
yup, a Sony somthing...
What is your favorite piece of technology currently?
laptop - it has my papers, etc... I can play mah jong... I can watch shows on Hulu
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * BIOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * * * *****
Are you right - handed or left- handed?
Right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
wisdom teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted?
haha - my laundry
Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
nope!
* * * * * * * * * * * *STUFFOLOGY* * * * * * * * * *****
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
I don't think so...
If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
I already did - changed my last name 
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $ 1000?
depends... how hot and how big is the bottle?
* * * * * * * * * * * * DUMBOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * * * * *****
How many pairs of flip flops do you have?
no idea...
Last person you talked to?
the hubs
Last person you hugged?
the hubs
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * FAVORITOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * * *****
Season?
spring
Holiday?
Christmas
Day of the week?
depends on the week... I like fridays
Month?
December
* * * * * * * * * * * CURRENTOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * * * *****
Missing anyone?
yup... oh, did you want to know who?
Mood?
tired, happy, anxious, content
What are you listening to?
the TV - CSI NY
Watching?
see above
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * RANDOMOLOGY* * * * * * * * * * * *****
First place you went this morning?
chapel
What's the last movie you saw?
hmm... I don't remember... probably The Sword in the Stone
Do you smile often?
I think I do!
Do you always answer your phone?
pretty much
Its four in the morning and you get a text message. WHO IS IT?
I don't get text messages...
If you could change your eye color what would it be?
green? but I like the color of my eyes
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic?
I get a strawberry-lemon fresh fruit slushie
Do you own a digital camera?
yes... but would someone like to give me an SLR one?
Have you ever had a pet fish?
yes... I miss Bobert...
Favorite Christmas song(s)?
too many to name
What's on your wish list for your birthday?
it's a while until then
Can you do push ups?
nope
Can you do a chin up?
maybe... haven't had to since like jr high
Does the future make you nervous or excited?
yes
Do you have any saved texts?
the first pic of baby Jameson
Ever been in a car wreck?
not a big one
Do you have an accent?
depends on who I talk to... both ways you can interpret that statement
What is the last song to make you cry?
don't know the name...
Plans tonight?
dessert with friends
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?
yea
Have you ever been given roses?
yes
Current hate right now?
I try not to hate
Met someone who changed your life?
Yup
How did you bring in the New Years?
I think we watched the ball drop, but one or both of us were sick, so I think we celebrated with sprite or juice or something
Name 3 people who might complete this.
maybe Lori?
Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?
maybe...
Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?
well, I am married
Do you have any tattoos/ piercings?
ears pierced
Does anyone love you?
well, I married someone, so that better be a yes!
Would you be a pirate?
arrrrrr
What songs do you sing in the shower?
whatever pops into my head
Ever had someone sing to you?
maybe?
Do you like to cuddle?
yes :)
Who was the last person you took a picture of?
probably the cat
Are most of the friends in your life new or old?
both
Do you like pulpy orange juice?
eww no. If I want pulp, I'll eat an orange. If I want juice, I want it without bits
What is something your friends make fun of you for?
uhh... I don't know...
Have you ever ridden an elephant?
I think I did when I was little
Do you like to play Scrabble?
not particularly
When is the last time you ate peanut butter and jelly?
prob over the summer
What were you doing 12 AM last night?
sleeping!
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[23 Apr 2009|09:41pm] |
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So I finally registered for classes. In the summer I'm doing an independent study on preteen's ideas on what they're learning or want to learn in church. I'll also take child advocacy. In the fall I'm taking Methodist Doctrine, the theology of Calvin, Teaching the Bible: Wisdom Literature, and Hinduism/Buddhism. For the most part I'm thinking it will be a good semester. I'm so tired. It's been a crazy busy week or so. We went to Thunder over Louisville, which was really good. Glad we went - next year we'll watch it on TV. J finished up his thesis and turned it in Wed. He has 2 papers due Fri and he has to defend his thesis. He has another paper due Monday or Tues - I can't remember. Over the next 2 weeks, I have about 65 pages worth of papers due and a final. I've turned in 15 pages early because I knew I needed to get started on things early. So now I'm down to about 50 pgs - a 30 pg paper, a 15 pg paper, and a 7 or so page paper. And the final. I'm exhausted. I'm working ahead, which is good, but it means the stress is extended over a long period of time rather than really intense stress for a short period of time. That and there's no way I'd get it done. No way.
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[04 Apr 2009|11:24am] |
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So I don't really update this journal enough, but, then again, I don't really have time to! Everything is going really well. Staying super busy with school and working at the church, but loving it. School is going well, but, as I said, keeping me working non-stop. I know the end of my semester is going to be crazy - within a week, I'll have...
-a 15+ page Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 7:1-7 paper due
-a 25-30 page Methodist paper on the basic doctrines of Methodism paper due
-Greek worksheets and a summary of 3 chapters due
-a Greek mock ordination exam (test the Presbyterians take) due, which will probably end up give or take 15 pages
-A Methodist exam
Because of all this, I've been trying to get ahead and work on my Gk mock ord paper, etc... I've done the research for my exegesis paper and am currently attempting to write a first draft of my Gk mock ord paper. The Methodist one I'm going to put off just a little longer. My Gk mock ord can get graded early so I know if I need to redo it to pass (if we don't get a B- at least, we fail the pass/fail course...) - so that's my first goal, even though it's technically the last one that's officially due. I don't really understand why the exegesis & Methodist papers are due BEFORE our research & study days... I think it's silly. Why do we have research & study days if we can't use them! Although, I can't really say anything about the exegesis one, because Marty did give us an extra 2 days off the class because he thinks it's silly we don't have the same break as the public schools - thank you Marty! Got my most recent Methodist paper & exam back. So excited. Dianne liked my paper, which isn't just good because of the grade, but because it's basically what I'll need for ordination. Also, she said we're the first class that everyoen got at least a B- on the exam! Still loving everything about being at the church. We have a busy couple of weeks coming up, as does every church. This week the kids will wave palm branches and our goal is to keep them from hitting anyone with them Then we have our New Life Celebration after church, which includes an easter egg hunt. They (or I guess we!) have a pretty cool way of doing it - all the eggs are empty, and then we tell the kids about Jesus raising and the women finding the tomb empty. But then they all get a bag of candy, bubbles, etc... So, not only do we get to tell them about Jesus, but we can also make sure nothing with peanuts gets put in the eggs  The next week is Easter! We have really cool crafts for them to do - crafts that have to do with Jesus' time - a dreidle, weaving, stone (soap) carving, etc... I'm pretty excited! THEN it's children's sabbath! I'm so proud of the kids - they're doing everything (with some guidance!). The 4th graders are writing the pastoral prayer, some older kids are going to be telling about the various mission projects they've been involved in, and all kids (age 3-5th grade) are singing. One thing that has been super awesome this year is that I've actually made an effort to put aside my work for a while and spend time with friends. Last year we didn't really hang out with anyone, but it's been really awesome to get those close friendships back this year. I'm realizing how much I've missed it. So, as I said... busy times, but good!
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[20 Mar 2009|09:32am] |
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Spring Break time! Wait, no... Research & Study week!!! Yes, that is correct. Starting this afternoon, after Greek class ends at 12:20, I will officially be on research & study week. The seminary does not give us a spring break, but a research & study week. Ok, that's not quite true. My Exegesis of 1 Corinthians prof decided that it's stupid our research & study week (aka spring break) isn't the same week as all the schools around here (therefore making life difficult for parents on campus whose kids will be on spring break next week but they'll be in class), so he decided that while this week may be research & study week, for his class, the week after will be spring break! Actually, I probably will be doing a lot of researching & studying next week. J's break was this week, so he'll have classes, so we're not going away or anything. Also, looking ahead toward the end of the semester, I will have a 30 pg paper for Methodist history/doctrine, a 15-20 pg paper for exegesis, and a paper for Gk, not to mention the final exam for Methodist history/doctrine. SO my plan for the week is to do my exegesis paper and hopefully even start on the Gk. That and my taxes. I should probably do those. I've had some interesting moments concerning scheduling lately. I'm getting close to graduation, so I am having to be quite careful about what I take and making sure everything fits in. I had been planning on taking 2 summer courses so that next year would be a little easier (child advocacy & worship and the arts). Child advocacy I am definately taking, partially because it will be a good class and partially because my conference requires a servant leadership course, and this one counts. I have 2 credits in area a (biblical studies) I need to take because I didn't take Hebrew in the fall of my first semester - only Hebrew readings. I met with a prof, and that's all worked out, I'll just take a 3 credit class for 2 credits. awesome. That would mean 2 classes this summer and 4 each semester - a normal load. Then I find out that, last minute, the worship & the arts class was changed to the same week as child advocacy! In a small school this is silly. After some initial "oh no I'm going to have to take 5 classes one semester which is more than I can do" thoughts, I heard back from a prof I had emailed and he said I can do an indep study with him over the summer and to think of a topic. Obviously it will be something to do with children - potentially teaching children through the Christian year. If any of you have another idea, please share! I'm super excited about how everything worked out. Oh! I also found out that I don't have to take sr seminar the first semester, but there's also one second semester with some of my favorite profs, so that's an additional awesomeness.
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[12 Mar 2009|07:48am] |
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So it's definately been a while... sorry about that, but it has been crazy busy lately! My classes are taking up much of my time, especially my United Methodist History & Doctrine class. It's a really good class, but there's a ton of work for it. I'm currently working on my first paper for it - 10-12 pages with 3 questions: 1. Describe in Detail a Wesleyan Understanding of the Following Traditional Evangelical Doctrines. Use Biblical, Historical, and Theological Sources in Making Your Response: Repentance, justification, regeneration, sanctification, perfection. 2. How do Methodists Explain the Meaning and Significance of the Sacraments, in General and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper in Particular? 3. Describe the Nature and Mission of the Church, Using Biblical, Historical, and Theological Sources in Making Your Response. So, as you can see they're very light, easy questions... hah. I've been sick - came down with something 2 weekends ago or something and I STILL have remnants of it. I wish it would just go away. I tell you what - I've been more sick this year than ever because of my internship. The kids bring every strand of whatever's going around with them to church because, well, they're kids. And I get sick. Starting to think about classes for Summer & fall. In the summer I know I'll be taking Child Advocacy. I may also take Worship and the Arts. In the fall I'll take Senior Seminar, United Methodist Polity and The Theology of John Calvin, and then I'm deciding between 3: Grace, Ecumenical movement, and Hinduism & Buddhism. They all sound pretty good and all have up and down sides. We'll see. I'd rather take two of those & not Calvin, but Calvin is what they call a "core theology course" which I think means it's set up a little differently & a smaller group, and I need a core theology course, so Calvin it is. I can be the Methodist voice in the group, though Two friends from undergrad will be in Louisville this weekend and I'm getting to have lunch with them on Friday! I'm pretty excited! Now I just have to decide where to take them... I suppose that's all for now. Better get ready for work and classes - it's going to be a long day... work 9-12, lunch with the KY conference 1230-120, Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 130-250, Hist & Doctrine of Methodism 430-620. Whew!
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[03 Feb 2009|08:24pm] |
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It's been an interesting week or so. As someone said, windstorm 08 met icestorm 09. In Kentucky. Just about everything in the city shut down, there was no school for a week or so, and well, it's cold. If you want to see pics of the craziness, have a look at my facebook. I think the most interesting thing is that you look around and it's just beautiful. I mean really beautiful. The snow is scerene, and when the sun shines through the ice-covered branches, it was georgeous! And then you look a little closer and you see the destruction. The broken branches and powerlines, and the bent over trees. There were seriously trees that usually stand up straight and the top was actually touching the ground - not broken, just bent. I went to a children's ministry conference, which was awesome. Lots of good ideas. I am not really looking forward to this semester. I'm taking Greek, the class that goes along with my internship (internship = awesome; class = not so much), Methodist history & doctrine, and Exegesis of 1 Corinthians (the one class I think will be pretty good - mostly because of the prof). I'm loving my internship still. I love it. I love the kids, the people I work with, I just love it. I wish I could be there longer. Getting my haircut on Thurs. Any suggestions are welcome!
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| ponderings... |
[22 Jan 2009|12:32pm] |
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Today in class someone brought up the idea of us praying for people who have cancer, etc... for them to get better. Someone said that God chooses who to get better & not. I like the idea that our prayers make a difference, otherwise why do we do it? BUT, if they do make a difference, then this is making God the bad guy by not listening to us (why does he listen to some and not other) or then it makes God the bad guy for choosing not to heal some. We just had a 6th grader at our church killed in a car accident - he died a few days later. Why did God choose him? Why didn't God listen to prayers? Did God listen to prayer & choose to ignore our requests? I feel like I'm choosing between wanting God to listen to prayers & wanting God to not be the one making these decisions that I feel are bad choices.
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| Tired, but happy |
[21 Jan 2009|01:16pm] |
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It has been a CRAZY 2 weeks. I'm taking Pauline Theology for my Jan Term class. It's interesting, but I wish Marty would talk more. The presentations are decent, but sometimes I can't follow them and I mean, we're not Pauline Scholars. Marty is. But anyway... and its so much work. I'm exausted! After sitting in class for 3 hours in the morning (and then for me often going to work at the church for a few hours in the afternoon), we have reading for the next day and have to write a 1-3ish single spaced summary/thoughts on the day's topics and presentation. It's hard when you can't follow the presentation to write more than about a page. Luckily I have about 1/2 a week after class ends (tomorrow!) before the compilation of all of them are due, so I can go back and try to add more. I've been trying to keep up with them, but not refine them - that can come later. What really threw me off last week, though, was our presentation on friday. There was at least triple the reading for that, which of course had to be done way in advance so you had time to prepare your presentation, which, on top of the regular work was just a lot to do. That and there was a tragedy at our church last week, which I don't feel like going in to right now. Facebook message or email me if you want to know. Send prayers, though, please. Anyway, the summary of all that incase you didn't read it is: I'm exausted. I'm still loving my church placement! Right now I'm working with the 4th and 5th graders on Sunday nights at a "let's get you ready for youth group" thing. Last week we had our usual music, skit, small groups (I have 5th gr boys) and then... a chocolate pudding fight! It was pretty much amazing. They're also sending me (along with the new Early Childhood Programming Coordinator) to a conference the last weekend in Jan! I'm going to Ohio, where I've never been, and get to learn more about children's ministry! yay! I'm really super excited. My parents, Reb, and Charlie came up for the long weekend, which was super fun. We went to melting pot for my parents anniversary, then celebrated Christmas when we got home. The next day we went to Wicked!!!!!!! I loved it and would like to see it again please. They got to meet people at the church who I work with and see our new sanctuary (which is awesome, by the way), and then help with the chocolate pudding fight. Mon morning they left bright and early - but not before a last Starbucks run. Unfortunately, the next time I see them may not be until the summer (although it will be to go to Australia, which I'm excited about). I've thought about going to B'ham for my sis' 21st (and possibly Step Sing, but I don't know which weekend I would come), but it's just so far away for a weekend trip. We'll see. Maybe I'll suggest we meet somewhere in the middle... all of us have a weekend away in Nashville or something... that's an idea...
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| yay for choosing what I want to read! |
[30 Dec 2008|06:43pm] |
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the 4th Harry Potter Movie |
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I'm realizing how much I enjoy having a real break. I haven't had a real break where I can just stay at home in a long time. Over the summer I was either traveling or doing CPE, at spring & fall breaks I'm usually doing lots of homework, last Christmas we were traveling to family, etc. This has been the first time I've been able to just sit and read and do what I want. Sure I have to go do some stuff at the church, but I enjoy that, and there's not a whole lot I need to do right now. I've had a lovely time, even though I've been sick. I've been taking the time to reread the Harry Potter books. I read them about 4 years ago when I was backpacking around England and Scotland, but that was the only time. They're actually quite different the second time, because I know what happens and can, therefore, think more about the details rather than rushing through them. I've also been watching the movies as I read them, which has also been interesting. I'm noticing the differences and similarities between the books and the movies. Some of the differences are quite different - with the 4th book/movie in particular. I think there are some really good aspects of the book that are not in that movie, while the others are covered in their movies quite well, even if they are in a slightly different order or such. If you haven't read the books and don't want to know a bit about them, stop reading. I think the 4 things that I was most disappointed in between the 4th movie/book is: 1. the maze. In the book, the maze has awesome things like a golden mist that turns the whole world upsidedown until you take one more step, but in the movie, there's nothing really besides each other and the vines that I can tell. 2. Flur. In the movie, she's almost portrayed as if she can't do anything. In the book, she doesn't finish the 2nd or 3rd tasks, but they give really good reasons. 3. The movie doesn't go into nearly enough detail about the relationship and history of Barty Crouch Sr and Jr. 4. In the book, Mad-Eye actually performs the Imperius curse on the students so they know what they're up against and so they can attempt to fight against it. Then, Voldemort actually performs it on Harry in the graveyard and Harry manages to fight it and say no, which in the movie it doesn't say that it's even a possibility. Even with these, I must say I still am impressed at the movies and how much they fit in from the books. They really did a good job with them, and they are movies that I will continue to watch over and over. Yay!
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[25 Dec 2008|11:49pm] |
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Call of duty... guess who |
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Merry Christmas everyone! We've had a pretty good Christmas Eve & Christmas! It was quite different - the first J & I have spent on our own (and Oliver's first Christmas!). Yesterday was busy - we had 2 child-friendly Christmas eve services where we acted out the nativity story using 3 books including Father and Son: A Nativity Story and Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary's Christmas Gift. Wow. What amazing books. The first tells about all the questions that must have been running through Joseph's mind - I mean, he was told to father the Son of God! He thinks about what he can teach the one who created the world and what he can pass down to him if he can't even pass on the color of his eyes or his name. Pretty amazing. And the Mary story. It's a beautiful poem about Mary's thoughts using the repetitive verse: "Tomorrow you will be King, but tonight you are my baby." I read it and even though I'm not a mom yet, I was so moved by it - I mean, she had to share this little child with the whole world, but he was her baby first. Even though they're kids books and I know everyone's not into kids books as much as I am, PLEASE go check these out. You won't be disappointed. After the services we went to the house of the lady I work with. It was really fun - I think J & I really felt like part of the family. She and her husband are just wonderful, and her 4 boys are so sweet. It was just a fun night. They even had goofy gifts for us so we'd have something to open, seeing as they knew we weren't spending Christmas with our families. She also gave me a real gift - a bracelet made by the women in Uganda (she went there earlier this year). They make the beads out of magazines. Really beautiful. After we left last night I started feeling pretty sick & ended up waking up just about every hour last night - I was hot, then cold, then coughing. It was pretty miserable. But J and I woke up late & had a lovely morning together, even though I wasn't feeling well. We didn't do big gifts this year, because we bought some PS3 games earlier when they were on sale, so we just did stockings for each other. J gave me some lovely bath salts, etc... and among the things I gave him was a bar of soap shaped like a dinosaur and an ice scraper for his car... oh, and a box of 41 (was 42 until I ate one!) fruit by the foots, which I emptied into his stocking so he had to pull them all out Much fun. Then we went to Waffle House, which doesn't really ring Christmas to me, but it was much better than I thought. We were thinking about Chinese, but my throat was sore and we decided a waffle & eggs would be easier on it than Chinese. And it was tasty. Then we went home and watched a movie, I took a bath with my lovely new bath salts and now I'm eating some chicken soup before bed. All in all a successful first Christmas by ourselves!
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[13 Dec 2008|11:27am] |
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1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
wrapping paper! Although I prefer tissue paper - I LOVE wrapping gifts! 2. Real tree or Artificial?
I prefer real - the smell is amazing! But we have a TINY fake one this year. My Mother in law gave it to us last year and it's a wonderful size for our tiny apartment!
3. When do you put up the tree?
If it's fake, I'm happy to put it up Thanksgiving break (before finals' chaos begins), but if it's real, that's way too early!
4. When do you take the tree down?
we may take it down pretty late this year, especiallly seeing as we will probably celebrate with my parents mid-jan
5. Do you like eggnog?
no...
6. Favorite gift received?
hmm... my camera maybe?
7. Hardest person to buy for?
my parents probably
8. Easiest person to buy for?
Justin's pretty easy to buy for - a video game is always accepted!
9. Do you have a nativity scene?
no - maybe when we move to a bigger place? i don't know where we'd keep one now - Oliver would just knock it over!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail, definately. Who doesn't like getting something in the mail? That doesn't mean that I am any good at actually mailing cards, though...
11. Worst Christmas gift ever received?
don't know... they're usually pretty spot on... or exchangeable!
12. Favorite Christmas movie?
White Christmas, definately
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
depends on when I know what I want to get them
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
not that I can think of
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
cinnamon rolls for breakfast!
16. Lights on the tree?
Most definately - usually i like white lights outside & colored on the tree, but we're switched this year as our tree was prelit and our only other lights were colored!
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Oh, there are just too many good ones! One that I really like that isn't one of the "normal" ones is Amy Grant's "Breath of heaven." If you haven't heard it, go check it out now.
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home?
Usually wherever my familly is, but this year it's just Justin, Oliver and me
19. Can you name all of Santa's Reindeers?
I think so...
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
usually an angel, but our tree is a little too small for something on top - it woudl fall over
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Christmas day! Definately.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
Angry people! Come on! This is supposed to be a happy time!
23. What theme or color are you using?
umm... multicolored? whatever we actually have?
24. Favorite for Christmas Dinner?
my mom's baked dinner
25. What do you want for Christmas this year?
Nothing in particular :) I'm pretty happy. That, and I've already ordered Mamma Mia!
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[08 Dec 2008|10:30pm] |
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Justin's videogame coming from the other room |
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So I know I should write more, but I get so busy! Sorry... Things are going pretty well. I was sick all last week, which was bad, but ended up being good in some ways because it ended up being quite a productive week! And that's making this week better. It's finals week, although, thanks to Ike, we still had a class today and have one tomorrow, but I suppose things could be worse. They didn't add a whole week and the rest of my classes didn't ask to make up the time- yay! I'm also very thankful for take-home tests and essays. I'd MUCH rather do those than do a test in class. Which I have one of those. Still loving my internship. Can't say enough good stuff about it. Even the bad stuff is teaching me, which I know is good & will be useful later on. I love Christmas lights. We decorated at Thanksgiving and it makes me happy Our Christmas Concerts at the church begin this week. If you're in town you should come because they're amazing (and I'm not just biased because I'm in it this year - well, some of them). Email me for dates/times. If you guys could say a prayer for my family, that would be very nice. My grandmother (mom's mom) had another mini-stroke the other day and, although she's still okay, drs say she's not going to get any better and one day she'll just either have a massive stroke or heart attack. She's not allowed to live by herself anymore, which she's not happy about. And all of that's hard news to hear, especially when you live on the other side of the world. I know I've been incredibly blessed with a healthy family, overall, but I've had some really good conversations with her and she helped me through this past summer. She's an incredibly strong lady and it just hurts to see her vulnerable - I don't think she's been that way in her whole life, even when she was a POW. Prayers appreaciated, thanks.
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[24 Nov 2008|10:43pm] |
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mood |
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It's amazing how CPE has affected me. Yes, I'm still talking about it, even though I know everyone must be sick of it because it's all I talked about all summer, but oh well. Walking around the church, especially at Christmas time, all the faces of those children who died while I was there are coming back to me. I'm seeing each of them and thinking of their poor families who, even if they aren't Christian, are going through this season alone. And it makes me sad. Maybe it's the lack of sleep from the retreat this weekend or that it's just that point in the semester where I just feel done & don't want to do anymore. Hopefully this break will help. But at church I'm hearing about these poor families who are without their child this Christmas, and it makes me really sad. I can't even imagine. I mean, it was sad this summer, but it comes back at holidays. I think I'm still glad I did CPE- it's given me amaing experience so I know how to handle situations when they come when I'm in a church (not that you ever really know how to handle the situations), but I'm still suffering from it. It's hard. Still. I still don't understand why these things happen. Beautiful children.
I thought I'd leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite Christmas songs. I love how it shows Mary's vulnerability and humanity as she tells of her emotions and thoughts about getting to carry the Christ child.
I have traveled
Many moonless night
Cold and Weary
With a babe inside
And I wonder
What I've done
Holy Father
You have come
Chosen me now
To carry your son
I am waiting
in a silent prayer
I am frightened
by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone
Be with me now
Be with me now
[chorus:]
-----------------------------------
Breath of Heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven
Lighten my darkness
Pour over me, your holyness
For your holy Breath of Heaven
-----------------------------------
Do you wonder
As you watch my face
If a wiser one, should of had my place
But I offer-all I am
For the mercy-of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me
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[17 Nov 2008|03:43pm] |
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I just saw a couple of snowflakes. Yay!
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[15 Nov 2008|08:49am] |
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So I went to see Mamma Mia last night (the show, not the movie). A-Mazing. It was so much fun! Not only was there the wonderful ABBA music, but good friends and I think the aspect that made it just the most wonderful is that you could tell the actors were having fun. And then it basically turned into a party at the end with 2 encores. Really fun. Good night. And I'm looking forward to another good night tonight! Katrina's going to come over for dinner (Rob may come too and bring his own dinner as he doesn't like what we're having) and if it doesn't rain we'll go to the bonfire, and if it does? Maybe Harry Potter, because Katrina hasn't seen it. Or at least we'll be playing a little Guitar Hero! And tomorrow will be fun! After church is Deb's wedding shower! I need to bake a cake... Sounds like J's having a good time at home. I miss him, but this was a good weekend for him to go, as his family are all in town and available to visit with him and because I have PLENTY to do up here by myself. I just wish a lot of it wasn't homework! Speaking of, I really need to study my ridiculous number of Greek vocab cards...
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