Praise God

I know it's been over 2 months since I've updated this thing, but I thought this was worthwhile.

Last Friday, my family left for vacation to New Jersey. About 5 hours into the trip in Ohio, they ran into some traffic from an accident on the interstate and were at a standstill. Apparently a semi behind them didn't notice that everyone was stopped and plowed right into the back of our van. The van was totaled, but miraculously no one was hurt. Since they were driving 16 hours, they took the middle seat out for the TV and the xbox, and Jack and Amy were sitting in the very back seat. My brother blacked out for about 5 seconds, the TV flew around and broke, and everyone has a sore neck. But everyone walked away! Praise God.

There were so many things I've thought about since I heard this. Usually I'm in the back seat by myself on family vacations, but work didn't allow me to go this year. Usually Ross has his bike strapped to the back of the van (which would cause even more damage), but this year he took it apart and put it inside.

We talked about suffering a couple weeks ago at church. People ask, "why does God allow people to suffer?," and "why doesn't God keep things from happening?" One of the things that stuck with me the most was wisdom from a 12-year-old girl in the youth group, who said, "God doesn't stop everything from happening, but think about all the things He does stop that you don't even realize."

God was definitely watching over my family last Friday. He is good!

You won't regret watching this.

Meadowbrook

Ok I'm done with my "I hate blogs" hissy fit and will post something that's actually real. Josh and I went to Meadowbrook Park tonight for a little 2 mile walk. That place is great. Plus it has a pretty big proposal record (Ty & Karrie and Stew & Jenna), so it can't be too shabby (no, I did not get engaged). Here are some pics...enjoy!

The naked lady.
I stared at her butt (which I was quite jealous of, I might add).


Josh and the giant, limestone rabbit.


Awww...
Note the giant rabbit behind us...holler.

I'm Over It

The blog, that is.

American Idol

Tonight's show is not even over, but here is what will happen for the rest of the series:

- Brooke is going home. As you know, I loved her at one point, but she's run her course. She has nothing exciting to bring and can't take criticism. She's done. Sorry, Sarah.

- Syesha vs. Jason will be a big week. If Syesha wins, talent will overcome popularity. If Jason wins, well it's all because of his fans. And I am one of them...let's hope for that.

- And finally, everyone knows the top 2 will be David Cook vs. David Archuleta. Cook will take it all. Who ever saw that coming at the beginning of the show? Not me.

The end. Go Idol.

Bridesmaid Makeover!

With yesterday being the official TWO MONTH mark until Ali's wedding (ahhh can you freaking believe it?!), I decided it's time for me to start my bridesmaid makeover. This includes (but isn't limited to...ha) the following:

- Tanning
- Whitestrips
- Weights
- Running (I started an 8-week plan on runnersworld.com. Let's see how that goes...)

Holy crap! I need to hold myself accountable and I probably need other people to hold me accountable also because, well, we all know I'm not so good at the self discipline.

Ok now let me show you how much of a dork I am. Here's a picture of me taken today. Pale skin, not-as-vibrant-as-I-want teeth and chubby cheeks. I'll take one at the end of the 8 weeks to see if I was able to keep that discipline. Please don't judge my hair in this pic...I just got back from a long walk. And everyone always has ugly hair in their "before" pictures, right?

Leilani

I'm sorry about all the YouTube videos lately but this one is NECESSARY. This girl is so freaking cute! If you don't have the patience to watch the entire thing, please just make it through the first minute and 30 seconds. Love her.

[Sidenote: check out this girl's whole collection (hilarious, especially if you can tolerate country) at www.youtube.com/cpnmary.]