This post is in direct avoidance of studying for a statistics final. I have a hard time getting motivated. After this I promise I will do my last homework assignment....well, maybe after getting some breakfast.
This time of year always flies by because it is jam-packed. I will be done with school for the semester on Tuesday afternoon, though apparently as a doctoral student, class never ends, so I will be working on a few things over the break, but at my own pace with no deadlines.
13 days til Christmas and we're not quite done with shopping, but we're getting close! My dad and my brother and his wife are coming up here next Saturday to celebrate Christmas. We're going out to dinner at a fun restaurant on the Plaza and then that's about it, but I'm looking forward to having Brian and Amanda spend the night with us and visiting with them. We don't get to see each other too much!
The next day Amber and Jackson are coming over and staying for a night or 2 while they look for an apartment for Jackson! He got a job with Doulos/Shelterwood here in Kansas City and he starts January 4! Amber and Kyson can't move up here with him right away (sad) but they will as soon as all the logistics are taken care of! I guess technically they're moving to Missouri and we live in Kansas, but I think it's just 20-30 minutes from here. Adam and I are so excited for them (and us). Who else wants to move up here????? It's a great place to live! Ask the Lord to provide wisdom to find a place to live quickly and for the transition to be smooth.
Adam and I will be traveling a lot during the holidays but we're looking forward to seeing extended family that we haven't seen all year. I don't think Adam and I have even been to NWA together since my brother got married in July.
I would ask that if you think about us, to lift up a quick prayer for a church home for us, as well as greater stability through a couple of new job opportunities for Adam, that maybe one of them would pan out to be a more permanent job with benefits, etc. We'd appreciate your support!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thankful for Thanksgiving!
This year Adam and I hosted Thanksgiving for Adam's parents and one of his brothers. Adam and I knew ahead of time that we weren't going to be able to go to Oklahoma for the weekend and enjoy it because we would need to quickly come back to KS so we could go to work. So we decided to take on the task of hosting this year. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Adam's parents brought a ham, a broccoli casserole, and a chocolate pie. I made mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry fluff, homemade dressing, and pumpkin pie. Then I decided I couldn't handle Thanksgiving without a turkey, so I decided to cook a turkey breast as well. My brother is quite a chef, so I asked his advice and he suggested that I cook it in the crock pot, which I thought was a fantastic idea because then it wouldn't take up the oven all day long. It turned out really great!!! It just fell off the bone and was so very tasty!!! I will definitely do that again. Adam and I made the dressing together about a week or 2 early and froze it until it was time to heat it up. It was a blast and everything turned out better than expected.
Also, one of my friends from class was able to come over and join in the fun! She is an Early Childhood major like myself, and she is Taiwanese but from New Zealand, so she wasn't going home for the break and she didn't have much to do. So she came over and brought another couple of desserts (we had soooo much food!). After dinner we all played Rock Band and then Phase 10, which took hours.
After all that....I crashed into bed! I was exhausted but it was a good tired.
Oh yes, and my friend Megan came to visit again on Tuesday night and we went shopping on Wednesday and had a really great time! She went back home Wednesday night after doing a little more shopping without me, while Adam's parents came and we all went out to a family style Italian restaurant at the Plaza.
Black Friday....I normally try to avoid going to any type of retail establishment on this day. I know there are great deals out there, but I'm somewhat of a crowd-iphobe and would rather be a hermit on this day. However, I'm working retail this year so that is not an option. But I didn't have to work until 3, and the Loft is not really one of those stores that people are waiting outside the doors for great deals, so it wasn't bad at all. I actually had a lot of fun! When I got home Adam and I went back to the mall and did a little bit of Christmas shopping and now we are almost done! The pile to wrap is getting bigger, thank goodness Adam enjoys wrapping presents.
So anyway, I'm thankful for being able to host family and friends this year, and thankful for a helpful hubby, parents-in-law who were willing to come visit for the holiday, being here in OP, new friends, Bible Study and learning how to trust God with details that seem unimportant to me, a fun random second job, school, my doggie who brings us so much joy, a quiet place to live, thankful that my mom got a job, thankful for friends coming to visit, for being able to share Jesus in class so often, for this adventure that we're on together, and so much more.
2 more weeks of school and then a couple of finals!!!
Also, one of my friends from class was able to come over and join in the fun! She is an Early Childhood major like myself, and she is Taiwanese but from New Zealand, so she wasn't going home for the break and she didn't have much to do. So she came over and brought another couple of desserts (we had soooo much food!). After dinner we all played Rock Band and then Phase 10, which took hours.
After all that....I crashed into bed! I was exhausted but it was a good tired.
Oh yes, and my friend Megan came to visit again on Tuesday night and we went shopping on Wednesday and had a really great time! She went back home Wednesday night after doing a little more shopping without me, while Adam's parents came and we all went out to a family style Italian restaurant at the Plaza.
Black Friday....I normally try to avoid going to any type of retail establishment on this day. I know there are great deals out there, but I'm somewhat of a crowd-iphobe and would rather be a hermit on this day. However, I'm working retail this year so that is not an option. But I didn't have to work until 3, and the Loft is not really one of those stores that people are waiting outside the doors for great deals, so it wasn't bad at all. I actually had a lot of fun! When I got home Adam and I went back to the mall and did a little bit of Christmas shopping and now we are almost done! The pile to wrap is getting bigger, thank goodness Adam enjoys wrapping presents.
So anyway, I'm thankful for being able to host family and friends this year, and thankful for a helpful hubby, parents-in-law who were willing to come visit for the holiday, being here in OP, new friends, Bible Study and learning how to trust God with details that seem unimportant to me, a fun random second job, school, my doggie who brings us so much joy, a quiet place to live, thankful that my mom got a job, thankful for friends coming to visit, for being able to share Jesus in class so often, for this adventure that we're on together, and so much more.
2 more weeks of school and then a couple of finals!!!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Fall Fun!
Well, October went by quick, as usual and now November is halfway done! Here are a few excerpts of things we did this past month:
1. I went to Fayetteville to enjoy a long weekend with my mom. While there we enjoyed our Pumpkin Spice Lattes and a great Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market!
2. Then I headed off to Albuquerque for the RtI in Early Childhood summit. My brain wanted to explode there was so much information in such a short period of time! It was great info from great researchers in the EC field. I wasn't able to do anything outside of the summit, but I was able to room with a 3rd year doc student and we had some great conversation!!
3. Next I flew to Tulsa from ABQ and met Adam there so we could head to Stillwater for the World's Greatest Homecoming Celebration! We had a GREAT time!!!
4. The Sherrers came to visit us in KC. While John and Adam went to watch OU and KU play in Lawrence, Joni, Sam, and I went to the Farmstead and to the mall. It was fantastic to have friends come and stay with us!!!
5. My mom also came to visit that week with a friend and we spent too much time in Nebraska Furniture Mart. It's like a Best Buy, Mathis Brothers, and the appliance section of Lowe's all put together in one store.
6. Megan came to visit and we went to the Plaza and I helped her spend her dough at Anthropologie.
7. Monty came to visit and he and Adam went to Iowa for the Iowa State/OSU game. They had fun and we won, which makes the long trip worth it!
8. I started work at Ann Taylor Loft in the mall. It's so much fun! It's a nice break from thinking about school and the discount is helping to enhance my wardrobe!
9. I did well on my tests, but I'm ready for this semester to be over for a little break! Work is going well, it's just really busy!
10. This fall was BEAUTIFUL! Definitely the best I've seen in a really long time. I LOVE the colors.
11. BSF is great. We are going through John and it is so refreshing each week. Exactly what I need.
12. Anyone else want to come visit?? We love visitors!!
1. I went to Fayetteville to enjoy a long weekend with my mom. While there we enjoyed our Pumpkin Spice Lattes and a great Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market!
2. Then I headed off to Albuquerque for the RtI in Early Childhood summit. My brain wanted to explode there was so much information in such a short period of time! It was great info from great researchers in the EC field. I wasn't able to do anything outside of the summit, but I was able to room with a 3rd year doc student and we had some great conversation!!
3. Next I flew to Tulsa from ABQ and met Adam there so we could head to Stillwater for the World's Greatest Homecoming Celebration! We had a GREAT time!!!
4. The Sherrers came to visit us in KC. While John and Adam went to watch OU and KU play in Lawrence, Joni, Sam, and I went to the Farmstead and to the mall. It was fantastic to have friends come and stay with us!!!
5. My mom also came to visit that week with a friend and we spent too much time in Nebraska Furniture Mart. It's like a Best Buy, Mathis Brothers, and the appliance section of Lowe's all put together in one store.
6. Megan came to visit and we went to the Plaza and I helped her spend her dough at Anthropologie.
7. Monty came to visit and he and Adam went to Iowa for the Iowa State/OSU game. They had fun and we won, which makes the long trip worth it!
8. I started work at Ann Taylor Loft in the mall. It's so much fun! It's a nice break from thinking about school and the discount is helping to enhance my wardrobe!
9. I did well on my tests, but I'm ready for this semester to be over for a little break! Work is going well, it's just really busy!
10. This fall was BEAUTIFUL! Definitely the best I've seen in a really long time. I LOVE the colors.
11. BSF is great. We are going through John and it is so refreshing each week. Exactly what I need.
12. Anyone else want to come visit?? We love visitors!!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
It's Here! It's Here!
My favorite month is here!! October is Here!! Time for the annual list.
I can't wait to see the fall colors that will hopefully burst forth in radiance soon! KU should be beautiful. There are so many hills and trees in the area (surprising to hear that, I know).
This month I will be:
-Flying to Albuquerque for a conference. Get excited--it's 2 days of nothing but Response to Intervention in Early Childhood. I know you're all jealous.
-Flying from ABQ to Tulsa where Adam will pick me up and we will go to Stillwater for the Greatest Homecoming Celebration on Earth! I love this event. I may not get to go next year due to another conference, so live it up this year. We can't wait to see our friends!!!
-Taking my first 2 tests in the doctoral program. Yikes. Already registering for spring classes! Yikes yikes.
-Still attending Bible Study Fellowship. We will be having our first "fellowship" at the end of the month!
-Hopefully getting involved in a Sunday School class, or at least start checking them out.
-Celebrating birthdays: my mom and Toby! Toby will be 2 in just a few short days and I won't say my mom's age. My mom's dog Rusty will also be having a birthday the same day as my mom.
-Trying out some new fall recipes. I need some social events to take these treats to because Adam probably won't help me eat things with pumpkin or apples in them. The apartment will at least smell wonderful!!
-Continuing to discipline myself to go to the gym at 6 in the a.m. The cooler it gets the harder it is to get up. But I really enjoy cycling and weights! I say that to hold myself accountable. I'm in a good routine, but it's always in October when I start getting tired.
-Lots of early childhood assessments in many pre-k rooms in Kansas and Missouri. We are so busy it's ridiculous! I don't know how we're going to get everything done in the timeline we should.
-Reading the Harry Potter series. I'm on book 4 I think. Good entertainment and a nice break from "The Power of Full Engagement," "Work and Integrity" and "The Life and Times of Liberal Democracy" ....obviously all class readings. Ha!
-Entertaining John, Joni, and Samuel when they come up for the OU/KU game. Rock Chalk Jayhawk--KU.
-Cherishing a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks at some point when it gets a little cooler.
-Looking for a great hayride/pumpkin patch to go to, or maybe even a scenic drive.
-Hoping to take up golf still if Adam and I ever have a day off on the same day when it's not raining.
Ok, that's all for now.
Enjoy God's creation!!! He displays a lot of artistic talent every day, but I just especially love this time of the year. Thank you, Lord for beauty and radiance and freedom and most of all, JESUS!
I can't wait to see the fall colors that will hopefully burst forth in radiance soon! KU should be beautiful. There are so many hills and trees in the area (surprising to hear that, I know).
This month I will be:
-Flying to Albuquerque for a conference. Get excited--it's 2 days of nothing but Response to Intervention in Early Childhood. I know you're all jealous.
-Flying from ABQ to Tulsa where Adam will pick me up and we will go to Stillwater for the Greatest Homecoming Celebration on Earth! I love this event. I may not get to go next year due to another conference, so live it up this year. We can't wait to see our friends!!!
-Taking my first 2 tests in the doctoral program. Yikes. Already registering for spring classes! Yikes yikes.
-Still attending Bible Study Fellowship. We will be having our first "fellowship" at the end of the month!
-Hopefully getting involved in a Sunday School class, or at least start checking them out.
-Celebrating birthdays: my mom and Toby! Toby will be 2 in just a few short days and I won't say my mom's age. My mom's dog Rusty will also be having a birthday the same day as my mom.
-Trying out some new fall recipes. I need some social events to take these treats to because Adam probably won't help me eat things with pumpkin or apples in them. The apartment will at least smell wonderful!!
-Continuing to discipline myself to go to the gym at 6 in the a.m. The cooler it gets the harder it is to get up. But I really enjoy cycling and weights! I say that to hold myself accountable. I'm in a good routine, but it's always in October when I start getting tired.
-Lots of early childhood assessments in many pre-k rooms in Kansas and Missouri. We are so busy it's ridiculous! I don't know how we're going to get everything done in the timeline we should.
-Reading the Harry Potter series. I'm on book 4 I think. Good entertainment and a nice break from "The Power of Full Engagement," "Work and Integrity" and "The Life and Times of Liberal Democracy" ....obviously all class readings. Ha!
-Entertaining John, Joni, and Samuel when they come up for the OU/KU game. Rock Chalk Jayhawk--KU.
-Cherishing a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks at some point when it gets a little cooler.
-Looking for a great hayride/pumpkin patch to go to, or maybe even a scenic drive.
-Hoping to take up golf still if Adam and I ever have a day off on the same day when it's not raining.
Ok, that's all for now.
Enjoy God's creation!!! He displays a lot of artistic talent every day, but I just especially love this time of the year. Thank you, Lord for beauty and radiance and freedom and most of all, JESUS!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
It's like a Baptist Sermon: 3 points all starting with the same letter.
I just don't feel like my life in interesting enough to write about. But I like to keep up with those of you who do have things to write about. A few things going on lately anyway:
-Broken Windshield!! I went outside yesterday at 5:45 to go to the gym and discovered that someone had thrown a rock through my rear windshield (is is really called a windshield if it's in the rear?) and there was a huge hole and the rest of the glass was shattered. If I would have touched it, the whole thing would have crashed. So I went back in and woke up Adam and we called the insurance and the police. Thankfully, it is fixed now, but I really want to move out.
-Bible Study Fellowship!! I went to my first BSF class on Tuesday and I think I am going to LOVE it. I am most excited about this in my life-getting to know God better, studying God's Word, and getting to know some Godly ladies. This year we are studying John, and next year they are adding a new study on Isaiah! The takeaway I have from this week is that your relationship with the Lord is dependent on your relationship with His Word. Something to think about.
-Better grades!! I got my grade back on my first 1 pg reflection paper last week and was fairly devastated--it wasn't good. I didn't try hard because I needed to rush out of town for the funeral, so I got the grade I deserved but I was hoping for some mercy. No such luck. However, this week I kicked it and got the full amount of points for the assignment. Yippy skippy!! I'm a nerd!
-Broken Windshield!! I went outside yesterday at 5:45 to go to the gym and discovered that someone had thrown a rock through my rear windshield (is is really called a windshield if it's in the rear?) and there was a huge hole and the rest of the glass was shattered. If I would have touched it, the whole thing would have crashed. So I went back in and woke up Adam and we called the insurance and the police. Thankfully, it is fixed now, but I really want to move out.
-Bible Study Fellowship!! I went to my first BSF class on Tuesday and I think I am going to LOVE it. I am most excited about this in my life-getting to know God better, studying God's Word, and getting to know some Godly ladies. This year we are studying John, and next year they are adding a new study on Isaiah! The takeaway I have from this week is that your relationship with the Lord is dependent on your relationship with His Word. Something to think about.
-Better grades!! I got my grade back on my first 1 pg reflection paper last week and was fairly devastated--it wasn't good. I didn't try hard because I needed to rush out of town for the funeral, so I got the grade I deserved but I was hoping for some mercy. No such luck. However, this week I kicked it and got the full amount of points for the assignment. Yippy skippy!! I'm a nerd!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Labor Day Weekend
My grandfather passed away last weekend from complications of Alzheimer's. It was such a horrible disease; it just took away everything that he was and to watch someone so great quickly revert back to childlike behaviors, and then to forget how to do the simplest of tasks is just a tragic thing and so devastating to watch. But it is such a relief to know that he is not suffering anymore, his body is not destroyed anymore and he is with Jesus. I'm so thankful for that promise and that hope and that we can actually rejoice in the midst of a sad time. I read the eulogy at the funeral, which was a new experience for me, but the funeral was nice and it was nice to see a lot of family, even if it was under poor circumstances.
Adam had to work most of the weekend because their first soccer tournament started on Friday and lasted through Monday. So he was pretty busy. But God blessed him with being able to be home for an important event on Saturday afternoon: the Cowboy season opener. Woohoo!!
We have been visiting a local church and we like it so far, but Sunday we found out that the Pastor is from Ada, Oklahoma and is a huge Sooner fan. He was using the Pulpit to advance his love for the Sooners. But Sunday he of course was devastated because of the events of Saturday. He shoulda been a Cowboy obviously.
Has anyone read the book Crazy Love? I have just started it, but I think it's going to be great. I'm also thinking of joining Bible Study Fellowship or some other Bible Study. I need more of God. I feel like worldy philosophies are bombarding me from everywhere and I need to be more in tune to God's view and be able to make much of Him, not me or knowledge, or work, or anything else. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us over the next few months and years!!
Adam had to work most of the weekend because their first soccer tournament started on Friday and lasted through Monday. So he was pretty busy. But God blessed him with being able to be home for an important event on Saturday afternoon: the Cowboy season opener. Woohoo!!
We have been visiting a local church and we like it so far, but Sunday we found out that the Pastor is from Ada, Oklahoma and is a huge Sooner fan. He was using the Pulpit to advance his love for the Sooners. But Sunday he of course was devastated because of the events of Saturday. He shoulda been a Cowboy obviously.
Has anyone read the book Crazy Love? I have just started it, but I think it's going to be great. I'm also thinking of joining Bible Study Fellowship or some other Bible Study. I need more of God. I feel like worldy philosophies are bombarding me from everywhere and I need to be more in tune to God's view and be able to make much of Him, not me or knowledge, or work, or anything else. I'm looking forward to what God has in store for us over the next few months and years!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
We're Back.......
....online! We just got internet at our apartment again and it's so nice! And we have a DVR again, just in time for the new seasons of my favorite tv. When I will have time to watch I don't know, but sometime hopefully!
School has started! My oh my. It's going to be an interesting ride! I have a very "eccentric" professor for one class that may be the death of me. Then I have a stats class, which is a repeat of a class I've had before so hopefully I will do well! And my last class is a year long and it's a seminar, which is graded pass/fail, so I should be fine on that, too. The doctoral experience is totally different than anything else I've been a part of. Yesterday I came home a little discouraged because I feel "different" from everyone else, but Adam encouraged me by reminding me of our different worldview and eternal perspective. Different makes things interesting anyway. Thank the Lord for Adam being encouraging when I need it!
I am also exploring the world of cycling at the gym. I tried it out for the first time this week and it was difficult but fun. I haven't been back for a second time yet because I'm quite sore in the seat......
Adam has started his new job and is enjoying it. The grand opening of the Overland Park Soccer Complex is Saturday, so soccer season will be in full swing after that and he will be busy!
Toby is doing good. He loves the dog park but we don't take him enough. He is learning to sleep next to the bed instead of in his crate. Since Adam and I have such odd schedules, he doesn't have to hang out in the crate too much like he did last year.
So the McElhattan's are doing well, but still looking for a church home! That may take a while. We are also looking forward to my favorite month, which is just around the corner....because then it will be homecoming and we will actually be coming home instead of living there. And hopefully I won't be sick this year.
School has started! My oh my. It's going to be an interesting ride! I have a very "eccentric" professor for one class that may be the death of me. Then I have a stats class, which is a repeat of a class I've had before so hopefully I will do well! And my last class is a year long and it's a seminar, which is graded pass/fail, so I should be fine on that, too. The doctoral experience is totally different than anything else I've been a part of. Yesterday I came home a little discouraged because I feel "different" from everyone else, but Adam encouraged me by reminding me of our different worldview and eternal perspective. Different makes things interesting anyway. Thank the Lord for Adam being encouraging when I need it!
I am also exploring the world of cycling at the gym. I tried it out for the first time this week and it was difficult but fun. I haven't been back for a second time yet because I'm quite sore in the seat......
Adam has started his new job and is enjoying it. The grand opening of the Overland Park Soccer Complex is Saturday, so soccer season will be in full swing after that and he will be busy!
Toby is doing good. He loves the dog park but we don't take him enough. He is learning to sleep next to the bed instead of in his crate. Since Adam and I have such odd schedules, he doesn't have to hang out in the crate too much like he did last year.
So the McElhattan's are doing well, but still looking for a church home! That may take a while. We are also looking forward to my favorite month, which is just around the corner....because then it will be homecoming and we will actually be coming home instead of living there. And hopefully I won't be sick this year.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Workin' Girl
August is here! This summer has brought a lot of changes and we are looking forward to what's in store for the near future. I started work a couple weeks ago at Juniper Garden's Children's Project in downtown KCK. Right now my job is rather boring because my part of the project won't get started until preschool starts. But I'm not complaining. I'll take being bored over wanting to pull my hair out and sitting in timeout with kids bigger than me any day. But when school starts, I'll be in charge of giving Literacy and Language assessments to 4 year olds in certain school districts and head starts that are working with us on this research project.
It's been nice to catch up with people from Stillwater who are around here now. We have hung out with Phil and Aracely Gregg a couple of times, and we had dinner with Kevin and Lori Lee and their kids. Kevin and I have all our classes in the same building on KU's campus. I think he'll mostly be on a different floor than me though. But it's been nice to reconnect.
Finding a church is going to be interesting. We've visited 3 and all of them have been totally different from each other, and much different from EHBC. I am ready to get plugged in, but it may take a while. It's not like living in Stillwater where you know where all the choices are and they are limited....this area is so huge! It's different.
We took Toby to the dog park Friday night and he was pretty happy about that. He gets in a bad mood after we come back from visiting family because he gets a life of luxury there--dog friends and freedom in a yard. He is stuck with just Adam and me here. Poor Toby.
The Farmer's Market here is GREAT!!! (Though the layout was not nearly as great as Fayetteville's.) Adam and I bought some yummy fruits and veggies yesterday. I had the best salad last night. It was so fresh and colorful and yummy.
It's been nice to catch up with people from Stillwater who are around here now. We have hung out with Phil and Aracely Gregg a couple of times, and we had dinner with Kevin and Lori Lee and their kids. Kevin and I have all our classes in the same building on KU's campus. I think he'll mostly be on a different floor than me though. But it's been nice to reconnect.
Finding a church is going to be interesting. We've visited 3 and all of them have been totally different from each other, and much different from EHBC. I am ready to get plugged in, but it may take a while. It's not like living in Stillwater where you know where all the choices are and they are limited....this area is so huge! It's different.
We took Toby to the dog park Friday night and he was pretty happy about that. He gets in a bad mood after we come back from visiting family because he gets a life of luxury there--dog friends and freedom in a yard. He is stuck with just Adam and me here. Poor Toby.
The Farmer's Market here is GREAT!!! (Though the layout was not nearly as great as Fayetteville's.) Adam and I bought some yummy fruits and veggies yesterday. I had the best salad last night. It was so fresh and colorful and yummy.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Move & First Year Anniversary!!!
So it's been a while since the last post. We have now moved to Kansas and are all settled in our new place. We really like the area and we think it's going to be a good chapter in our lives. For the moment, it's cooler than it was in our last place of residence, and I am always thankful for that!
Right after our move we celebrated our FIRST YEAR OF MARRIAGE! We slept in and then went to eat at Le Peep, and took a self portrait.
Then we went to Powell Gardens in KC and spent the majority of the afternoon and I got a tad sunburned, but I have no pictures of the sunburn.
After we came home we cooked dinner together and of course ate our cake!!! After a year of waiting; it was still GREAT! Thankfully someone wrapped it up REALLY well. So we enjoyed it for like 2 weeks. We only tried the self-portrait of us linking arms and drinking milk with our cake once--it was much too difficult! But I love the picture anyways.
A lot has happened in a year and we are thankful for a great year! Lots of moving, lots of hard stuff outside of marriage, no huge surprises or anything within marriage, new jobs, jobs we'd rather not do, we found a great church that we really enjoyed and we got plugged in where we met some great people.
Now we're starting all over again in a new area, but we are so thankful to be with each other and go through some new adventures together. Life is one big adventure anyways, right????
I start my new job on Monday in KC. It will be for 30 hours a week for now; I'm not sure about when school starts. I'm enrolled in 9 hours for the fall, and classes start on August 20th!
Please pray for my mom to sell her house quickly and the right job for Adam!
Thank you!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Oh Conviction
So I am totally a reality tv junkie. I admit that with a sort of humbleness, because it's pathetic and embarrassing. However, since June 10th, Adam and I have been without cable at our house. It hasn't been so bad. I miss internet more than anything. But I have this other thing mulling in my mind a whole bunch......Jon & Kate. I think I've seen every episode. I started watching them when they starting airing episodes, not when their drama started hitting magazines every week. Their drama pricks my heart and makes me sad. Unfortunately, I usually take a pretty secular worldview and forget that celebrities are people, too. I know they've chosen that lifestyle for themselves and they know that the intrusion on their privacy is part of the job, but I'm still responsible for my own choices. But for Jon & Kate, I've felt really convicted to pray for them, for healing, for the kids' protection. But I still feel so compelled to read about them anywhere I see something new. But I ran across this blog and this is how I feel in my heart and how I hope I will respond:
Walt Mueller blog
The part that I liked the most was the part about how we are all one decision away from making the same mistakes. I know I am. i would be tempted to do the same thing. And that's human nature.
So no more Jon & Kate for me. Now I need to conquer my interest in the Duggars. I justify that though in that they have a really good reputation around town; there's no rumor mills. They have long been known here as the real deal. But seriously....my reality tv fetish is unhealthy (and it's not even reality anyways). Oh TV. What a time waster.
Walt Mueller blog
The part that I liked the most was the part about how we are all one decision away from making the same mistakes. I know I am. i would be tempted to do the same thing. And that's human nature.
So no more Jon & Kate for me. Now I need to conquer my interest in the Duggars. I justify that though in that they have a really good reputation around town; there's no rumor mills. They have long been known here as the real deal. But seriously....my reality tv fetish is unhealthy (and it's not even reality anyways). Oh TV. What a time waster.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Garage Sale!
Well, Adam and I decided on a whim to have a garage sale today. It turned out alright. We didn't get rid of as much stuff as we'd like, but we got rid of a couple of the big items. And we got to see my friend Sherry! She stopped by while we were garage sale-ing! It was so good to see a friend and talk about funny memories and things we have in common. Now I continue to have a few items on Craigslist to see if those will sell.
We are moving June 24th! We got officially approved for the apartment and we have an appointment to get the power turned on. Things are coming together, one step at a time. Adam says I look stressed all the time. I'm trying not to, but there's so much in my head and it won't be quiet in there. I don't think I'm crazy, but that's debatable.
High school class reunion next weekend. Am I that old? Has it been that long? Goodness. The nice thing about it is that there won't be too many major surprises because a lot of us are on facebook, so there's not so much suspense. Plus I only graduated with like 42 peeps. And since I lived in NWA last year I was able to reconnect with a lot of people and we still keep in touch.
I meant to take pictures of the garage sale-ing but of course I forgot. It was early this morning!
We are moving June 24th! We got officially approved for the apartment and we have an appointment to get the power turned on. Things are coming together, one step at a time. Adam says I look stressed all the time. I'm trying not to, but there's so much in my head and it won't be quiet in there. I don't think I'm crazy, but that's debatable.
High school class reunion next weekend. Am I that old? Has it been that long? Goodness. The nice thing about it is that there won't be too many major surprises because a lot of us are on facebook, so there's not so much suspense. Plus I only graduated with like 42 peeps. And since I lived in NWA last year I was able to reconnect with a lot of people and we still keep in touch.
I meant to take pictures of the garage sale-ing but of course I forgot. It was early this morning!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A Couple Questions Answered.
1. We are moving around June 24th to a 2bdrm/2bath apartment in Overland Park, KS. It is a much bigger apartment than what we expected at a fairly decent price, especially considering that it seems that everything is much more expensive there! This one is not too much more than what we're paying now though, and that's a huge blessing. I was nervous about downsizing to a 1bdrm because I really will need a place to study. And speaking of that, I need to remember how to do that again.....
2. I am having to learn to walk in faith all over again. When did I need to learn that lesson again?? I thought I learned that a time or two. Apparently I need a huge refresher. I think I always will. I'm a control freak. Big surprise there.
3. Doubts started to creep in last week and this week. This whole thing has been bathed in prayer from the beginning though and when I try to control and do things myself I just always end up so frustrated. Then God reminds me that it's better when He is in charge and I have faith. And then He takes care of all we need.
4. Last week I thought I had a job with the University starting July 1. After we got home from signing a lease application, I found out that the University would not let me work during the summer because I was not enrolled in classes. I was really bummed. But then today I got a really quick email from my advisor saying that the University had changed their mind and now I have a summer job again!
5. The biggest blessing of all--so KU is providing me with a grant to come to school, and in that grant it requires that I work 10-15 hrs per week at the university and they will give me a small stipend. So that is nice, but emphasis on the word "small." (Although I'm not complaining--school won't cost a single dime.) But my advisor this week also offered me a GA/GRA position and so now I will be doing that in addition to the other job--and this job will be part time also and pay a bi-weekly stipend and insurance! Woo hoo!!! Now that is a huge blessing. Thank you, Lord! What a relief!!
6. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR NEEDS. That's what all that boils down to. I need to live in faith so I can give God all the glory and so I can stop striving so much (Stop your striving (be still) and know that I am God.)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE HAD BABIES THIS WEEK!! Yay! Can't wait to read about your new little ones and see lots of pictures.
2. I am having to learn to walk in faith all over again. When did I need to learn that lesson again?? I thought I learned that a time or two. Apparently I need a huge refresher. I think I always will. I'm a control freak. Big surprise there.
3. Doubts started to creep in last week and this week. This whole thing has been bathed in prayer from the beginning though and when I try to control and do things myself I just always end up so frustrated. Then God reminds me that it's better when He is in charge and I have faith. And then He takes care of all we need.
4. Last week I thought I had a job with the University starting July 1. After we got home from signing a lease application, I found out that the University would not let me work during the summer because I was not enrolled in classes. I was really bummed. But then today I got a really quick email from my advisor saying that the University had changed their mind and now I have a summer job again!
5. The biggest blessing of all--so KU is providing me with a grant to come to school, and in that grant it requires that I work 10-15 hrs per week at the university and they will give me a small stipend. So that is nice, but emphasis on the word "small." (Although I'm not complaining--school won't cost a single dime.) But my advisor this week also offered me a GA/GRA position and so now I will be doing that in addition to the other job--and this job will be part time also and pay a bi-weekly stipend and insurance! Woo hoo!!! Now that is a huge blessing. Thank you, Lord! What a relief!!
6. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF ALL OUR NEEDS. That's what all that boils down to. I need to live in faith so I can give God all the glory and so I can stop striving so much (Stop your striving (be still) and know that I am God.)
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL MY FRIENDS WHO HAVE HAD BABIES THIS WEEK!! Yay! Can't wait to read about your new little ones and see lots of pictures.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A few lessons, big and small.
Hmmmm.....lessons learned this year......
1. Pray together always.
Before we got married, we got some really good advice: pray together nightly before bed. We started doing that over a year ago, and it has been a really great thing for our relationship-for communication and openness.
Praying together is important because it leads me to the next lesson...
2. Fight for your marriage.
People always say, "The family that prays together stays together." Right now my family is just Adam and me. And even though we are both in church and both in a relationship with the Lord, we are still human and very susceptible to sin and temptation. You have to be intentional in fighting for your marriage because everything in this world is against your success as a Godly couple. My parents splitting up 3 weeks after I got married has been one of the hardest things to go through, but it really has allowed Adam and I to focus on what's important, which is lesson #3.
3. Focus on what's important; get over the little stuff.
I'm not saying I'm good at this one. I'm not at all, actually. But the first year of marriage has not brought a lot of surprises and I don't feel like it's been a huge adjustment. We have been through a lot of "big" stuff this year that has allowed us to really lean on each other and not worry so much about the petty stuff. (Though like I said, I have to take a breath and remember this one every once in a while.)
4. Do your best with what you have.
Neither Adam and I really cared for our jobs....well, they just weren't our ideal situation. But we made it a point to do our jobs well and now that this portion of our lives is past, I feel like we did our jobs well and brought the Lord glory in that way. I even ended up enjoying my job by the end of the year after all the staff changes got settled and I figured out some important things.
5. Don't stand behind the dog when he's doing his business.
You never know what might hit your face when he's finished. Move out of the way.
1. Pray together always.
Before we got married, we got some really good advice: pray together nightly before bed. We started doing that over a year ago, and it has been a really great thing for our relationship-for communication and openness.
Praying together is important because it leads me to the next lesson...
2. Fight for your marriage.
People always say, "The family that prays together stays together." Right now my family is just Adam and me. And even though we are both in church and both in a relationship with the Lord, we are still human and very susceptible to sin and temptation. You have to be intentional in fighting for your marriage because everything in this world is against your success as a Godly couple. My parents splitting up 3 weeks after I got married has been one of the hardest things to go through, but it really has allowed Adam and I to focus on what's important, which is lesson #3.
3. Focus on what's important; get over the little stuff.
I'm not saying I'm good at this one. I'm not at all, actually. But the first year of marriage has not brought a lot of surprises and I don't feel like it's been a huge adjustment. We have been through a lot of "big" stuff this year that has allowed us to really lean on each other and not worry so much about the petty stuff. (Though like I said, I have to take a breath and remember this one every once in a while.)
4. Do your best with what you have.
Neither Adam and I really cared for our jobs....well, they just weren't our ideal situation. But we made it a point to do our jobs well and now that this portion of our lives is past, I feel like we did our jobs well and brought the Lord glory in that way. I even ended up enjoying my job by the end of the year after all the staff changes got settled and I figured out some important things.
5. Don't stand behind the dog when he's doing his business.
You never know what might hit your face when he's finished. Move out of the way.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
I don't know.
My answer to almost every question these days is "I don't know."
No, we don't have an exact moving date yet, but before July 1. No, we don't know where we are moving to but hopefully the general Overland Park area, depending on Adam's job, which is also not an absolute yet. I may be starting on July 1, but maybe not, depending on how slow/fast the University approves the position, which I'm not even sure what the position is myself. No, not sure about what my class/working schedule will be yet, but hopefully soon. I do know school starts August 20.
Ah, yes, the place in life that stretches me the most. But what pops in my head is Jesus telling me in dry humor, "Ah, Tracy, a chance to glorify God the most." Me: "Well, fine. Sure. Go ahead. Look at it from the eternal point of view and make me feel earthly why don'tcha." Jesus: insert some witty comment that is completely truthful and makes me stop talking altogether like I should have before I popped off the other smart aleck comment.
Anywho. Now I am out of school and have some time maybe so sometime soon I will post about lessons learned during the course of the past extremely eventful year. :-)
No, we don't have an exact moving date yet, but before July 1. No, we don't know where we are moving to but hopefully the general Overland Park area, depending on Adam's job, which is also not an absolute yet. I may be starting on July 1, but maybe not, depending on how slow/fast the University approves the position, which I'm not even sure what the position is myself. No, not sure about what my class/working schedule will be yet, but hopefully soon. I do know school starts August 20.
Ah, yes, the place in life that stretches me the most. But what pops in my head is Jesus telling me in dry humor, "Ah, Tracy, a chance to glorify God the most." Me: "Well, fine. Sure. Go ahead. Look at it from the eternal point of view and make me feel earthly why don'tcha." Jesus: insert some witty comment that is completely truthful and makes me stop talking altogether like I should have before I popped off the other smart aleck comment.
Anywho. Now I am out of school and have some time maybe so sometime soon I will post about lessons learned during the course of the past extremely eventful year. :-)
Monday, April 13, 2009
He Is Risen!!
Easter weekend was really neat. I enjoyed celebrating the reason for our faith with a man I love and live with! On Friday night we went to church for a special Good Friday service. It concentrated on Jesus' death, culminating with the Lord's Supper as a couple at church.
Unfortunately, Adam had to work for a little while on Saturday, but he came home in the early afternoon. I put a roast in the crockpot, and prepared for Adam's family to arrive. We had a great time eating and playing Wii. We also drove around the campus because Adam's mom hadn't really seen it in a while and so much is changing! We also drove out to I-35 and saw all the burned land from the fires. That was incredible! It was such a huge area. I'm so thankful it was contained finally. Such devastation.
On Sunday, Adam and I went to church and celebrated the Resurrection with our church family! And then we went to lunch with the Tucker's and Mindy. THEN we both took naps for the rest of the afternoon and it was FABULOUS. I don't remember the last time I just slept on Sunday afternoon. I'm pretty sure it was last year sometime. Anyway, it was great. I highly recommend it.
This week is testing week at school.....ug!! It might be a long week! Haha. Portfolios are due May 1 and I can't wait until that's over! After that we'll just be coasting until school's out...which is 28 school days from now in case you were wondering!
Today I turned in my official resignation with our Sped Director. She is such a great lady to work for. I've learned a lot from her; she was my principal at one time, but she's moved up in the ranks now. Adam and I have a lot of things to do in between now and moving, but we are praying for God to provide! He already has in so many ways.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done for us! Thank you for Grace.
Unfortunately, Adam had to work for a little while on Saturday, but he came home in the early afternoon. I put a roast in the crockpot, and prepared for Adam's family to arrive. We had a great time eating and playing Wii. We also drove around the campus because Adam's mom hadn't really seen it in a while and so much is changing! We also drove out to I-35 and saw all the burned land from the fires. That was incredible! It was such a huge area. I'm so thankful it was contained finally. Such devastation.
On Sunday, Adam and I went to church and celebrated the Resurrection with our church family! And then we went to lunch with the Tucker's and Mindy. THEN we both took naps for the rest of the afternoon and it was FABULOUS. I don't remember the last time I just slept on Sunday afternoon. I'm pretty sure it was last year sometime. Anyway, it was great. I highly recommend it.
This week is testing week at school.....ug!! It might be a long week! Haha. Portfolios are due May 1 and I can't wait until that's over! After that we'll just be coasting until school's out...which is 28 school days from now in case you were wondering!
Today I turned in my official resignation with our Sped Director. She is such a great lady to work for. I've learned a lot from her; she was my principal at one time, but she's moved up in the ranks now. Adam and I have a lot of things to do in between now and moving, but we are praying for God to provide! He already has in so many ways.
Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done for us! Thank you for Grace.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Trip to Lawrence
Ok, so I had NO TIME to even take pictures. Adam, my mom, and I left Stillwater after 5 on Thursday and headed towards Lawrence. We arrived I think after 11 because it was heavy rain a lot of the way and we stopped a couple of times. We went to bed pretty quick after we got there! I had to be on the KU campus at 9 in the morning, so Adam dropped me off and then he drove around and looked at houses. I met with doc students first and then had a quick meeting with every faculty member in the Early Childhood department. I LOVED it!!!!! I think it is a great match and I can make my program anything I want it to be. Everyone is so nice and they emphasize a family atmosphere and everyone helps each other out, it's not super competitive.
Adam and my mom picked me up at 11:30 and we drove to Kansas City, KS to meet with my advisor at Juniper Garden Children's Project, where I will be spending a lot of time probably. We had lunch (my mom and Adam went elsewhere) and then talked about the various projects I could get involved in. Then we went to a meeting of a project they are just getting started on, and I could definitely see myself being a part of. The government has asked KU to begin a center for RtI in Early Childhood, because RtI (Response to Intervention) has been very difficult to establish at the EC level. I know, that makes no sense to anyone except maybe 1 person that reads my blog. But since I'm such a nerd, I'm pretty excited about it. After that we attended another meeting about Literacy in the classroom, and then Adam and my mom came to pick me up. We drove around a little more and then headed back to the hotel.
THEN we decided to go ahead and come back to Oklahoma because of the impending blizzard-like conditions. So again, after 5 or 6 we set out back to the south. We didn't think going I-35 was a good idea, so we took a road back to Tulsa, and then over to Stillwater. That probably wouldn't have been too bad but it was raining and there were lots of semis. So we finally got home after midnight. And we stayed in bed until 11 or so!!
Our baby, Toby, stayed with Mindy this weekend and I'm proud to say that he was a good boy and didn't leave any deposits anywhere he wasn't supposed to. He even went to church and hung out for a while.
Today we're just enjoying being lazy!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring Break
Hi! I don't have too much to report really, but maybe next weekend I will have some pictures to share. This week I spent some time chilling out in my home state. Toby got a couple of yearly shots and his hair cut. I helped my mom look for a house. Then I have been chilling out in Stilly. The weather has been beautiful all week long! Next weekend we are going to visit Lawrence and make a final decision about next year! Eek! :-)
Only 43 school days left in the school year! May 21st here we come! My SMARTboard was installed a little over a month ago I think and I have LOVED using that in the classroom. It has been fantastic and the kids love it. We have also started going swimming on Fridays at the YMCA and the kids love that. I didn't really want to do it at first, but it was totally worth it when we came back and one of my little ones tapped me on the hip and said, "Mac? Tell Dad, 'Happy go swimming.'" (That was a lot for him to say.) Then the next Friday we decided to have a pizza party when we got back from swimming and the same little boy said, "Mac? Tell Dad 'happy go swimming....happy pizza!" And he told us "thank you pizza" all by himself with no prompting. Totally worth all the hassle. Thank God for spring break though....my filter was getting thinner and thinner by the nanosecond and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to hold it together any longer with all the grumpy females around, some of them coming to my classroom to tell me how I should do my job. I'm thinkin, "uh, it's March. Maybe you should have helped me out in August instead of waiting until there was only 40 something days left of school. Put your big girl panties on and deal with it." Ug. Women.
Only 43 school days left in the school year! May 21st here we come! My SMARTboard was installed a little over a month ago I think and I have LOVED using that in the classroom. It has been fantastic and the kids love it. We have also started going swimming on Fridays at the YMCA and the kids love that. I didn't really want to do it at first, but it was totally worth it when we came back and one of my little ones tapped me on the hip and said, "Mac? Tell Dad, 'Happy go swimming.'" (That was a lot for him to say.) Then the next Friday we decided to have a pizza party when we got back from swimming and the same little boy said, "Mac? Tell Dad 'happy go swimming....happy pizza!" And he told us "thank you pizza" all by himself with no prompting. Totally worth all the hassle. Thank God for spring break though....my filter was getting thinner and thinner by the nanosecond and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to hold it together any longer with all the grumpy females around, some of them coming to my classroom to tell me how I should do my job. I'm thinkin, "uh, it's March. Maybe you should have helped me out in August instead of waiting until there was only 40 something days left of school. Put your big girl panties on and deal with it." Ug. Women.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Snow Day Uploads
Somehow the last 3 pictures got cut off on the right side when I was uploading them to the blog. Ug, it never works like I think it should! Oh well, they look better on facebook and in real life. :-)
Praying during the ceremony I think:
I spent most of my first snow day home from school uploading pictures to facebook because my computer is finally fixed! Apple is a wonderful company. I did not pay a dime to get my entire optical drive replaced, as well as the entire topcasing (keyboard, mousepad, and all that section). Here is a few of my favorite shots of both Adam and I.
Walking into the reception:
Leaving: 
In the chapel alone, seeing each other for the first time: (as alone as you can be with your photographers around anyways):
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Various Birthday Celebrations
This week has been a tough week, but thankfully it had a great ending:
Next weekend Adam is taking me to a concert at the BOK, which is my birthday present so I will try to take some pictures of that.
Brent preached his first Sunday today at church to a packed house! There's a lot of excitement and hopefully readiness for change.
Congratulations to Wes and Julie! Adam and I were just talking about which set of friends with one baby is going to be the first to have 2 babies. You win! :-) Yay for babies!
Please pray for my family, it's going to be a tough week. Especially pray on Tuesday. I really appreciate it. A lot.
Peace out for today.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The One With the Illustrations.....
Usually I do not get around to posting photos with the blog, though I know it makes for more interesting reading. So for the Christmas post I decided to illustrate a few of our activities. On Christmas Eve Eve, I met with a lady from NWA that does amazing things with a sewing machine, including these little jewels that we will treasure for the rest of our lives, and then hopefully pass on to our kids, etc. First is a collection of Adam's college years tshirts made into a great quilt. A few of my high school tshirts were added to it accidentally, but oh well. It makes for a good story. Here is his quilt:
On Christmas Eve we celebrated at my mom's house with her family for lunch and then went to the Christmas Eve service at the North Campus of my home church. I enjoyed it. Then for dinner we went to my dad's house and celebrated with him and just a few members of his family. I enjoyed playing Wii with the cousins, though now I would be a lot better. Later, we went to the Fayetteville square and looked at all the lights and took the above pictures. I love making memories like that!!!!
Next is my high school tshirt quilt. It is not as colorful since my school colors were navy and gold, but I love all the memories it holds. The thing is a giant size....but I love it. Football state champs shirts, powderpuff, majorette, cheerleading, class tshirts and a few other random ones. I hope my daughter will love it someday, too (Inshallah).
Also on Christmas Eve Eve we had dinner with Sarah and her wonderful family and we were finally able to meet some of the nieces and nephews, though we still didn't get to meet Caleb!!!! Someday.....
On Christmas Eve we celebrated at my mom's house with her family for lunch and then went to the Christmas Eve service at the North Campus of my home church. I enjoyed it. Then for dinner we went to my dad's house and celebrated with him and just a few members of his family. I enjoyed playing Wii with the cousins, though now I would be a lot better. Later, we went to the Fayetteville square and looked at all the lights and took the above pictures. I love making memories like that!!!!On Christmas morning, we got up and ate breakfast and then headed to the McElhattan's house in Broken Arrow where we ate YET AGAIN. They gave us a Wii with a couple of games for Christmas, so that was pretty exciting. We've been trying to master those skills for the past week. We also bought ourselves Rock Band with some money we received and we've been attempting to "rock out" on guitar and drums. It's been fun. No pictures unfortunately......
Other than that we've just been doing random stuff like going to basketball games and watching sports and hanging out with the group from church. We also have met lots of the new babies like Millie and Kyson! So cute! Oh and we've seen a bunch of movies. Adam says so far his fave has been Yes Man. My fave so far has been Australia. But we're not done yet...
We've really enjoyed getting to know new people this semester and get involved with our church! We are really looking forward to Brent being the new Lead Pastor/Elder in a couple of weeks!
We are still waiting to hear back about some job opportunities for Adam. They wanted to wait until January to get back with him....but we've waited this long, we can wait a little longer I guess!!! We're surviving and will be all the better for it, I'm sure. Or something like that.
Anyways, just one more day of freedom and then back to the grind. Hope you all are doing well.
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