Stuck in Spokane

Well, our Christmas plans have been changing, changing, and changing again. Jared and I were originally planning on driving down to Livermore CA to spend the week with his family. With the car, we were planning on stopping at Mt. Hood for an awesome day of boarding, and on the way back, we were going to see Jared's best friend Jesse and his girlfriend in Tigard Oregon. And then, the storm hit. Those of you who live in the area know what I'm talking about...the non-stop snow that started on Wednesday and then continued all throughout the night--leaving us with 24 inches of snow! Everything was closed down on Thursday and we had plenty of fun playing in the snow etc. However, we knew driving down was no longer a safe option for us.

Plan B. Jared's family very graciously offered to help get us some last minute plane tickets! So this morning, we woke up early, loaded up the car, went to the airport, checked in, and then waited. It wasn't too long before the announced to us that the Portland airport we were flying into was closed, and the stand by lists we so long that they were not putting anyone on them! So...

Plan C. We are now booked for a flight that is supposed to leave tomorrow morning at 7 am and goes directly to Oakland. We did get about 5 MORE inches of snow today and we are expected to get more tonight...and so the saga continues! I hope we make it!
~Angela M.

Us and Evan, Aaron and Ashlyn!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

What we do when we're all stuck at home...





~Angela M.

More Pics of the snowfall that continues...


~Angela M.

SNOW DAY!!!!

For the last few days they have been saying we would get 2-6 inches of snow yesterday and today. Now you must know that I rarely believe meteorologists. Most of the time when they promise my snow, they just don't deliver. I just get my hopes up that I will enjoy lots and lots of beautiful snow, and it just doesn't happen.
Well they lied again. We did not get 2-6 inches of snow. We currently have...

20 INCHES OF SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

WAHOO!!! We shoveled the driveway 2 times yesterday almost a foot of snow each time, and we will have to do it again at least 2 times today! Fortunatly I was not scheduled to work--Jared was, but there is no way he can get there in our little car!! Police have actually said unless you have 4 wheel drive or chains you should not be driving. And here is the coolest part...we are supossed to get up to 6 MORE inches today!!! I have so many really fun snow memories with my brother--sure wish he was here to have fun with us!

The only tough question is...how to we get to Cali for Christmas!?!

**the first picture was taken yesterday afternoon during the 1st shovel.
the second was taken a few minutes ago

~Angela M.

Merry Christmas to Us...

This year, Jared and I have decided to for-go getting Christmas presents for each other in exchange for a brief stop at Mt. Hood on the way down to his mom's place for Christmas! We're soooo excited considering last year we were only able to snowboard once! I'll be taking in our boards to get waxed (with our free coupons) tomorrow and early Sunday morning we will be hitting the slopes! Sounds like a great Christmas gift if you ask me--time well spent together doing something we both love!!!


~Angela M.

Angela and Ashlyn

Upon viewing a recent photo of my niece Ashlyn, my brother and I made the comment that we thought she looked similar to me as a baby-Since I haven't seen her since August, I was particularly happy to think we may look somewhat similar:)

~Angela M.

Honest Questions: Thanks Rachel!

So my friend Rachel wants me to blog 10 honest things about myself, which i think is funny that she asked me to do it:) Here goes nothing!

1. I used to speed when I was driving almost all the time (it was probably the worst when I lived in Cali), but have only gotten 1 ticket. I have since then smartened up.

2. The smell of fresh blacktop and saurkraut make me want to vomit.

3. My favorite year in Undergrad College was my sophomore year when I was dating no one and lived next to Rachel and Megan and we would stay up late playing Super Mario Bros. eating chocolate covered raisins while stealing Megan's underwear (maybe I'll blog about that later)

4. Even though I have won a beauty pagaent, have very loving family and friends and an extremely affirming husband, I am very self conscious about my weight/looks.

5. I discovered yesterday I am a procrastinator...and I tried think of why or when it started, and I honestly can't think of when! I've been this way for years and didn't even know it when many people around me probably did!

6. Once in College I got extra credit points on a test for making a joke on the side of the test.

7. I secretly started to fall in love with Jared when he taught me how to snowboard the first year I met him, even though he had a girlfriend at the time! The good thing is I had nothing to do with the break up which was much later! And the better thing is that we ended up together!! Woo hoo!

8. I love doing Karate because I feel like I'm really good at a sport finally-I've actually taken a 1st place in sparring and a 2nd place against all boys in forms! (only 2nd to Jared that is:)

9. I have learned in the last year how little importance "stuff" had in my life. There are very very few things that we own that really matter to me.

10. Several of my new years resolutions from last year were not kept including: growing out my nails and running a marathon...maybe this year...

Alright, there you go, 10 random useless things about me-hopefully somewhat mildly entertaining:)


~Angela M.

AMAZING AMAZING RACE

Well tonight we watched as the final 3 couples in the Amazing Race competed for the million dollar prize. As usual, my heart was racing and I thought I was going to be sick just watching the tight race between Nick and Starr (the deserving winners) and Ken and Tina. (fortunately the "frat boys" who have been both annoying and weird were not even close throughout the last leg of the race)

We were thrilled at the beginning of the show to find out that part of the race today took place at Tilikum Camp in Newburg, Oregon--a camp sponsered by George Fox University where Jared worked at during the summer of 06. The racers actually went on the very high ropes course Jared ran the entire summer long! (sidenote--We decided that Jared is basically famous now)

After teams traveled from Russia to Portland and drove to Tilikum Camp, completed the high ropes course, they then went on to zip line off this huge bridge to this little island thingy. It looked super fun, but my favorite moment was as we were watching it my mom goes "Oh no!! He's going upside down!". Which I guess she thought was scary, but it's actually a lot of fun and very safe.

The teams then had to do what I thought was the hardest part of this leg of the race--they had to find a picture from 150 different clue boxes that corresponded to a clue from an earlier part of the race. It looked so exhausting! We were really excited the race at this point was so close between Ken and Tina and Nick and Starr--it made for a very interesting finish!

(It was at this point that Jared moved to a different chair because he said I was squeezing his arm to tightly)

Next the teams had to go to the city of Portland where it was basically a series of clues and a foot/cab race. Our whole family cheered as we saw Nick and Starr run across that finish line! What an awesome brother and sister they are! They have been so nice to each other this entire race--very cool.
Ken and Tina seemed just a few minutes behind them, and what ended up being the coolest part of the night, they both put their wedding rings back on (after being seperated for 9 months) and both agreed to make their marriage amazing. It was an awesome moment:)

Oh ya, and the frat boys came across the finish line later--a lot later---




~Angela M.

The End of No Shave November:

Well at the end of the month of Jared growing out his beard, he decided tonight to shave it off...in incriments of course. Here are the results. Feel free to vote on your favorite!


~Angela M.

Acts 1

Jared and I are a part of a married couples small group that meets every Thursday night. We really enjoy the fellowship and opportunity to discuss different questions we have about faith and life. We are really looking forward to our upcoming study on the book of Acts. A few years ago (back when I was in college...wow that was a while ago!) I had done a study through the book and really really loved it! There is so much depth, amazing stories, the beginning of "the church", the filling of the Holy Spirit etc. Tonight in preparation for the study we read Acts 1 together and started discussing different questions we have about the Holy Spirit such as:

-Is the Holy Spirit something we inherit when we "accept Jesus"? Or is there a defining moment that occurs later on?
-Since the Holy Spirit is at work prior to the New Testament, why did the disciples not have the Holy Spirit until Jesus left?
-Is there a difference between feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit?
-As seen in the OT (see 1 Samuel 19) what's with an evil spirit coming from the Lord?
-What does evidence of the Holy Spirit look like?
-How come the filling of the Holy Spirit moment for the disciples is recorded while not for others? Did it look differently for others? Does it look differently today?


Just a few simple questions we've been tossing around...wow-heavy stuff and lots of thinking. I know there is now simple answer to any of these, but I know it's good to think about the Lord and to become conformed to be more like Him! I look forward to our study!!
~Angela M.

A Recent Pic of Random Hats

This picture is me and Jared. I am a dork and he is mostly normal


~Angela M.

All I Want For Christmas Is...

Well far many years, you go through the typical asking from family and friends "what do you want for Christmas this year?" I usually just say, "nothing" and then people still get me stuff. Then sometimes I come up with a small list of things I would like, for instance in years past it has been: "guitar strings, socks, hats, books etc.". With us now living in Washington next to several snowboarding opportunities, there is one thing I would like for Chrismas:

A Lift Ticket.

I don't even care where it is to (well you know relatively close I suppose) Oh ya, and I would also like:

Snow.


~Angela M.

I saw this on someone elses blog and thought it would be fun to complete.
The BOLD ITEMS are things I have done:)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child-SOMEDAY!!!!
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables-Hopefully next summer:)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person-more times then I can count!
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life-spiritually speaking yes
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one-my father in law
94. Had a baby-Someday!!!
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Not bad for only being a 27 year old!!! The things I look forward to doing the most are having kids and adopting them!!! WooHoo!! Maybe in a few more years:)
~Angela M.

Communion Bread:

So today at church we took communion at the end of the service. Everything was going really well-we were singing some songs, worshipping the Lord. Good times. Then as dad came up at the end of the service and says this "I apologize to those of you who didn't get to take communion today due to the fact that we ran out of bread. I was desperately racing around trying to find some more bread, so I ran into the kitchen, threw open the fridge and saw some pizza dough. I stuck it in the microwave to see if I could get it to work...but it didn't."
Lots and lots of laughter:)

~Angela M.

Random Rain Running

So since Jared and I started P90X a while ago I have not been running since the workouts are really intense. We've recently missed a few days of our workout, so I wanted to just get moving before we do our Kenpo DVD today. I also had lots on my mind, so I decided running would be the good thing to do. Except it is like 40 degrees outside and raining. But for some reason that didn't stop me. Then as I started running, trying to decide what route I wanted to do, I got a really stupid idea. "What if I run down the new Midway path, and then back up". Everytime Jared and I see someone running up the hill, we always comment how they must be insane. So today. I was the insane woman. I went almost 3 miles. Boo ya.

*picture is not actual road. actual road is much longer and steeper*
~Angela M.

Jared and Angela Date Day:

So last week Jared and I went to Coeur D'Alene ID for a fun day out. Here are a few pics of our good times:)


~Angela M.

My Hero

-Jared Robert Amerine-

Jared is my hero for so many different reasons, it seems difficult to even know where to begin. However, I'm sure I wouldn't have wanted to marry him had he not immediately become such a hero to me.

When I first met Jared, his father had passed away not quite a year before then. I wouldn't have even known this about him unless someone else had told me. You see, Jared and I met serving students at Light and Life Christian Fellowship in Long Beach California. Even amidst his own grief and loss, Jared was able to put others first, reaching out to Jr. and Sr. High students who needed a mentor. From our first meeting, Jared displayed such a positive, fun loving attitude (which I definetly appreciate as his wife). He is ever so patient with others, but especially with me. He is extremely strong and gentle all at the same time. There has never been a single time since I have known him that he has raised his voice, or been mean-spirited. Of course I know my husband isn't perfect, but I think Jared is perfect for me.

Since being married, Jared has just blown me away with an excess of patience and love. He has chosen to follow the Lord's plans for his life and not his own. He has embraced my family, from being able to live here with my parents and enjoying it, and loving my brother and Becky and their kids so much. He misses them just as much as I do, and Evan and Aaron certainly know how great their uncle Jared is:)

I can recall for years and years-longer then I can really even remember, praying and praying and praying for the man who I would one day call husband. I would pray for his walk with the Lord, his relationship with his family, his friends, his purity, and the person he was becoming. What a blessing it is to first hand see the best possible answer to those prayers that I can even think of! The Lord went above and beyond when He allowed me the honor of becoming Jared's wife.

I share this today in this blog as I so often share with Jared face to face, not to speak of Jared's greatness, but of the Lord's. We would be nothing without Him. He makes all the difference in our lives and in our marriage.

Jared is my number one hero right after Jesus for more reasons then I could ever express. I'm so thankful I get to share my life with him.

~Angela M.

Reflections...

Today was a good day. I was able to substitute at Northwest Christian School-one of the best christian middle and high schools I've seen. I really enjoyed my day there getting to know the students and being able to help out the teachers there.

But today, I felt old.

I introduced myself to the students as "Mrs. A" to keep them from any name confusion, but being called "Mrs A" just made me feel old. Isn't that what I'm supossed to call my elders? Mrs?

And then, I looked in the mirror.

Usually I would describe myself as looking pretty young for my age, which I kind of like, but during lunch today, as I was washing my hands in the sink, I looked up at my reflection and couldn't believe what I saw.

There in the mirror was a grown adult woman. Not a teenager or young adult. I looked and felt old. Somehow in those few moments I felt every one of my 27 years flood towards me like leaves rushing in the wind. Just a few years ago, Wasn't it me walking to elementary school with my brother? Wasn't I the one in high school? Wasn't I the one sitting through college classes? It is so strange how life can sneak up so fast. Moments turn into days. Weeks turn into months, and before you know it, you're a 27 year old woman who has left her youth behind, and the road ahead is adulthood.

Today I saw a different person in the mirror then I think I ever have before.

~Angela M.

P90X UPDATE:

Here is a late p90x update for the 2 of us. We were good enough to take p90x to Cali with us last week. We were unfortunately only able to work out on 1 day while we were there due to 2 entire days of driving, so we were really bummed. So after taking those few days off we were back at it this morning with the Yoga. This was only the 2nd time we've done it--wow it is waaaay more difficult then I ever though yoga would be! The great thing is how loose and stretched I feel afterwards! Tomorrow I think we are on the leg dvd. Definetly feeling stronger and not as tired!
Can't wait to be super consistent again now that we're home!


~Angela M.

Celebrating 2 Years

Today Jared and I get to celebrate 2 glorious years of marriage:) I look forward to celebrating many many more. I am so blessed to be married to the most amazing man alive!!!


~Angela M.

P90X WEEK 1

So here is my official update for anyone who cares on the p90x workout program that Jared and I have slaved ourselves to.
Wow. I knew it would be tough, but I do consider myself to be an active person-I've done many aerobic classes, karate, lifting, running etc. But nothing even begins to feel with the pain and difficulty level of P90X. Jared and I were able to work out each day (Except for Sat when I worked at 4:15 am and then we went straight to a friends house till late at night). Each workout works on a different muscle group, bnut each workout pushes you to the complete brink of exhaustion. After day 1, I actually worked my body into shock and I was sick for most of the entire next day...yikes! Each day following that was better-no more sickness which was great:) We actually decided to do our measurements after week 1, and we were both pretty happy-I'd lost an inch or two on my hips, and Jared had gained an inch or two on his shoulders (we obviously have different goals:)
We are both committed to sticking with the program-though we are not following the eating/diet guide. I don't really think they help in the long run since right after you finish it you just gain weight when you go back to your regular patterned eating. We're just eating slightly more healthy then before.
Anyways, there was the boring update. More to come later! (and I'm sure my body will look like this pic soon!)
From a very sore woman,
~Angela M.

Heading to Cali...

Jared and I have decided that we will switch off every other year who gets to plan our anniversary trips etc. Last year with it being our 1st anniversary, Jared planned an awesome weekend trip to the Detroit suburbs at an awesome hotel. It was sooo relaxing and perfect.
This year is my year to plan! I LOVE planning trips, especially when it is a surprise. So I had a few different ideas floating around in my head, but had a hard time finalizing anything. After Mitch's passing a few weeks ago, we quickly decided that for our anniversary we wanted to change our plans and go down to visit Jared's family in the San Francisco area! Some people may look at it and think it's not the most romantic way to spend our anniversary, but I think it is the best and I can't wait to see our family again:)

~Angela M.

P90X Day 1:
Wow. Jared and I have just completed our 1st P90x workout. It's amazing that I'm actually able to type! This is for sure the most demanding workout I have done-except for maybe a few of our karatee classes. I did a total of 205 pushups throughout the workout...ya that's right, 205. We definetly laughed a lot at ourselves, and sometimes at Tony the workout guru, and had a great time together. We are committed to sticking with the 90 day program-yikes! Today was the Chest and Back dvd, and then the ab-ripper. Tomorrow we will do the Plyometrics dvd---can't wait to see how sore I am then! What have we gotten ourselves into!



~Angela M.

P90X Challenge

So as many of you may know, Jared and I like to stay really active and consistently like to try new things. We've seen the ads on TV for the P90X program many different times, and since our anniversary is coming up, we thought "what better gift to give ourselves!". Our P90X came in the mail today and I think we'll be starting the program tomorrow! Now we just need to find a good set of dumbells...


~Angela M.

Nephew Evan---

I think my 1st nephew and I have too many things in common---
~Angela M.

Heroes Part 2

Mary Cryderman:
It seems I haven't known Mary for too long. I suppose the first time I can recall us meeting was when I was a Sr. in High School down in florida with my parents (and emily) for some church conference they were attending. We were going out for dinner with a bunch of my parents friends when Mark and his wife Mary offered for us to ride in their rental car with them: a convertable. Boo-ya.

It wasn't until years later that Mary and I became connected in a much closer and heart intertwined way.

When I was offered the job of Director of Student Ministries at CrossRoads, one of the first families to welcome me with open arms was the Crydo clan. The kids were all excited and wanted to get to know Jared and I, Mark was critical in our lives as he did our pre-marital counseling, and then there was Mary. You see, when I was in college, I had been prompted in a chapel service that I needed to have a life mentor. Someone a bit older and much wiser then I was. Someone who could not only hold me accountable, but who could challenge me in life just by their own lives and character. Each place I have lived since college, I have asked someone different to step into that role, and I could tell within the first few weeks at CrossRoads, that Mary was supossed to be that next person for me.

Mary and I had plenty in common, which helped us to get together. We would often meet at Lifestyles for Ladies Only in Lambertville for a good long walk and talk on the treadmills followed by a good prayer time. Or we would go over to her house and spend some time just talking, eating and praying together. And then what began to happen led to one of the best times of my life. Slowly but surely I would spend more time at their house, and then Jared would get off work, and they would invite us over for dinner...and then we did the Daniel Fast together, and in order to share our fruit and veggie concoctions with each other, we ate together...a LOT!!! It was immediately following our daniel fast together that we had the blessing of traveling to florida together. And I had begun to notice that my time with Mary was effecting who I was...more patience, more appreciation for life, more appreciation for my beloved husband, more affection for the Lord.

And then, one fateful day in May, Mark and Mary offered for us to live with them for our last month and a half that we were in Michigan. That time in my life can only be described as one of the most joyful, hilarious, fun-loving, God-filled and on and on. It was actually a pretty difficult time in our lives for all of us, and yet the relationships that we shared brought out the good and lessened the bad.

Moving across the country from Mary and the rest of their clan has left a huge hole in our hearts, but Mary and I do manage to talk several times a week on the phone. It is so refreshing to have someone who knows your faults, and is not your family, and yet they choose to love and care for you. Mary is one of my true life heroes. She has survived cancer and has spent so much of her time devoted to encouraging others who are in the midst of it. She went from being a "walker" of like 3-4 miles a day, to being able to run 5-7 miles daily in less then a year! She is kind, funny, prayerful, compassionate, she is a lover of Christ and desperate for His touch, an awesome mother, wife, friend, and mentor. Thanks Lord for my dear friend Mary.

~Angela M.

Heroes

No I'm not blogging about the tv show as interesting as it may be. I've been inspired by the life of Mitch Thomas to do a series of blogs based on different people in my life who I view as heroes. There are many blogs to come following this one, but today I have decided to feature one of my favorite people; my brother Alex

My bro Alex is my only sibling. He is 22 months older then me (which means for 2 months of my life I get to rub it in his face that we are only 1 year apart). When we were little, we used to play together ALL the time. We would play with legos, dominos, army men, make army forts, ride our bikes etc. together. (one time we played barbies, but he just kept wanting to make them kill each other, so that was the first and last time). Since our family loves to travel, we've been to some pretty awesome places together. When you think about it, he's really the only other person who really knew what it was like to grow up the exact same way I did.
We attended the same high school and college, were a part of many of the same activities, but although we did a lot of the same things, we are very different people. I think that's one of things I like so much about Alex: though we are similar in some ways, we are different. Alex is probably the more introverted of the two of us, but also more of the "life of the party" in the group he is comfortable with (more so then myself). I've always know Alex is much more intelectually inclined of the two of us. He loves to eat pizza and peanut butter and jelly, where as I would prefer veggies and tuna. He is very thoughtful of our family and has been overly welcoming to my husband Jared who joined our family just about 2 years ago. Alex is an awesome husband to his wife Becky (more about her in a later post) as he just gives and gives to her and their 3 kids. He has shown some pretty incredible unconditional love to Evan, Aaron and Ashlyn and has waaayyyy more patience in circumstances then I do. Alex doesn't always like to express his feelings the way that I might, but that's ok too. I know he loves me lots, because he shows me and tells me. Alex is one of the few people in my life who can make me laugh just by a side glance or some crazy inside joke we've had for years.
Most of all, I am so thankful for the passion for the Lord my brother has. His choices everyday reflect his commitment to God. Alex is for sure a man of integrity. I'm so thankful for his example on my life. I am so blessed to have him in my life, we just seem to "get eachother".

~Angela M.

Singing Through Our Tears

Today we celebrated and honored the life of Mitch Thomas. Mitch has been battling Leukemia for about 16 months, and the Lord brought about complete healing as He brought Mitch to the heavenly realms early Tuesday morning.

I've known Mitch for so long, I don't even remember when I would have first met him. Our parents went to Bible College together and even sang in a group together, as we were destined to become friends long before we knew it. I can recall our yearly family trips to the Spokane area when we would hang out with the Roberts and Thomas kids--we were all loud and crazy together. My most vivid memories with Mitch occured when I was living in Spokane in the Spring of '03 while I was student teaching. I spent plenty of time with the entire Thomas family, and I can remember different times when i was lonely, Mitch just seemed to pop in at the Roberts house where I was living. He always had a funny story to share and was genuinely interested in my life. I remember one night in particular when we decided we should get a group of people together after I graduated and go backpack in Europe! We went on-line searching prices and planning who should come with us. (although the trip never happened!)

Mitch and I kept in contact through Facebook every now and then, and when he was diagnosed with cancer, I decided that even though we may not have been super close friends, I wanted to make sure he knew how much we cared about him and prayed for him almost every day. And yet even in our communication he was so selfless and giving.

Jared and I were able to visit him in the hospital in August while he was still healthy and strong--the first time I had seen him in several years. He was the same Mitch I had always remembered, but wiser, stronger, and so mature in the Lord. We so enjoyed our conversation that day, and we ended our visit by planning a double date together with his beautiful fiance (now wife).

The last time we saw Mitch was on one of the most impactful nights of my life when about 200 people surrounded the Thomas house as we held a prayer vigil for healing of Mitch. Everyone there was so unified in heart and mind. Although Mitch had to stay in the house, we arrived early with my parents and he and Chelsea came out onto the front porch so they could talk to us without the barrier of a window. It is so amazing to me that the last time I saw him was a moment when he made me feel so special and loved by greeting us in that special way.

I am convinced that as Mitch passed into eternity, he felt more love on earth then most people do in their lifetime. It is evidenced in the life of his family, and in his bride Chelsea in particular. The joy of the Lord runs so strongly in her veins, it is a blessing just to be in her presence.

Today we all sang through tears of joy that he has reached the final destination, and tears of extreme sadness that we have physically lost our brother. It was a hard day...but it was good, because the presence of the Lord was in that place. As I look ahead, I plan on joining the Thomas family in their grieving process, loving on Chelsea and Mitch's sister Charese and her husband David and his other sibling Luke and his wife Jennifer in particular (as they all attend our church).
I love life, and my own life in enhanced because of the life of Mitchell Alan Thomas.
Keep singing and dancing up there Mitch, can't wait to join you!

~Angela M.

Running and Praying

Over the years I have had different running spurts-sometimes months at a time--last winter I was up to 8 miles even! I have been running again recently-lots of hills around Spokane to run around on. And today my wonderful husband joined me for the first time in a while, which was a huge blessing. (3 miles isn't too bad) I love having him by my side.
Many people have told me about the great prayer times they have had while running, and I have to admit I have always been a bit jealous since I am usually consumed with thoughts on what part of my body hurts, is my breathing right, am I swinging my arms too much etc.
Today was different though. As we ran through the hail, rain and wind, my heart connected with God as I interceeded again for my friend Mitch and his family. God is able to do more then we ask and imagine, and that's what I ask Him to do today.

~Angela M.

Meeting a Mad Scientist

So Jared and I finally took an expedition up to Green Bluff here in Spokane. This area is known for awesome fruit and veggie farms that seel fresh stuff at much cheaper then the grocery stores. So we went around the area stopping at a few different places before finally stopping at Strawberry Hills...
We walked up to the barn and this old guy comes over and asks us if we've ever been there before. "I'm the Mad Scientist!" he tells us. He then proceeded to not only tell us where we could find the different produce, but takes us row by row of the u-pick farm explaining how everything is "more then organic" (I didn't know that was possible!) He let us sample everything we wanted, but he just kept talking and talking about how he studied in Australia to get special certifications and everything. It was amazing. He's our new best friend. We plan on visiting the mad scientist with the best strawberries in town soon!

(not actual photo of Verne)

~Angela M.

Friends of Mine


So the other day my bro Alex posted an amazing video "Jesus is my friend". Through a little online searching I found an interview with the lead singer and a few snapshots of my friends from Jesus is a Friend of Mine. If you haven't yet seen it, PLEASE go to my brother's blog right now and watch it!

~Angela M.

Gandalf's Whistle

So for the last few days, ever since Mariah Crydo told me she was watching Lord of the Rings, Gandalf's whistle was been stuck in my head. I've been practicing over and over again, but Jared just has that natural touch and sounds just like Him! Can you whistle like Gandalf????

~Angela M.

-Church Family-
So I've been thinking about the phrase church "family" for about the last week or so...
We had a prayer service last Monday night for Mitch Thomas-a friend battling leukimia for about the last 16 months or so-in desperate need of a miracle. I'd say there were over 200 people there pouring out their hearts to the Lord-seeking His power and grace and healing upon our Brother Mitch. We spent hours praying, worshipping, and praying some more. And the thought occured to me more then once-what a beautiful picture of unity--maybe we're just a little closer to what God wants us to be like right in that moment. It was a night I will never forget, and we still pray and wait upon the Lord to heal Mitch.

Last Thursday night, Jared and I were invited to come to a couples small group at our friends Nick and Jillian's. All of us had been at the prayer night and somehow seemed very unified. When we left the house a few hours later, we kept commenting on how much of a "church family" we have here at Timberview.

Today at Timberview was Opening Day as we called it. I was priveleged to be on the worship team today singing up front with my mama and the rest of the team. Dad spoke wonderfully always...but there was just a sense of unity among everyone. So many people volunteered hours to get everything set up and ready-there were lots of new faces-and everyone seemed genuinly excited about what God was doing in this church family we have.

I'm so thankful God is showing me more and more through those around me what the church family is supossed to look like!



~Angela M.

Moving Boxes

So Jared and I have been here in Spokane WA for about a month and a half--which has gone by so extremly fast I can't believe it. I just got done moving some more of our boxes from mom and dad's garage to their basement so we can actually use the garage for the car (we've living with mom and pops in case you hadn't heard).
Strange how something as mundane as moving boxes reminds me of some great memories, and how far God has brought me.

I can recall sitting in our old apartment, going through each room of "stuff" and putting absolutely everything we own on the floor and saying "each room only gets 2 bins worth of stuff"--I can't even begin to express how much "stuff" we got rid of, stuff that I don't even remember, miss, or think about, but I'm sure I thought it was very important in the moments that I stored it away.

I remember sitting in the Crydo's living room with them, helping them purge from their household items, and Mark writing some pretty funny return address labels on our boxes as we all prepared to move. Somehow we all helped make the moving process so much fun for each other although it was extremely difficult-we were able to laugh our way through most days no matter what.

Seeing the few things I have kept from being young reminds me of when I was a child and Alex and I would play all day long riding our bikes, coloring, pretending there were alligators on the carpet, or building the tallest lego towers possible (please great grandma, please great grandma). I can hardly believe sometimes my brother actually has kids of his own.

Most of all, as I carry these boxes back and forth and continue to snoop through what we have, I am reminded of how far the Lord has brought me in so many ways. I can't believe I am married to the most incredible man in the world, have made some extremely amazing life-long friends, have been so welcomed into the Timberview family, have such a deep love for my family and friends that I am able to feel so much loss just being away from them, have made such wonderful friends here in Spokane already, and that I can live today in the truth that God's mercies are new this morning.

Thanks Lord for the chance I had today to move some boxes.

A Pic from a coffee shop in Seattle...

Spring Break 09 Baby!!!!

So most people are not planning their Spring Break this far ahead, however, Jared and I have VERY special plans that have to go on the calendar now so we do not miss this exciting event!
Last year we were fortunate enough to travel with our very dear friends the Crydo's to St. Pete Florida, camping at the KOA site for a few days-it was so much fun, and more importantly the Crydo's are so important to us, that we are making the trip again this April! We've practically started the countdown already-can't wait till April for Cramerine time!!!!!