DISNEY WORLD!!!


So last week, Jared and I had the opportunity to have a impromptu trip to Florida...a much needed trip I should also add. We were able to stay with the Crydo's on their camp site--and thanks to the nice lady at the KOA, we got a sweet deal!

Our days were spent becoming masters at the game of Shuffleboard and Nuke-um, swimming in the pool and hot tubs, running with Mariah, and finding great places to eat for the Early Bird prices.

Jared and I were able to spend a day at Disney World too! So $150 later, we were headed to Disney for the day. We had a great time and even got to sneak in an hour early--sorry I can't give away my secrets. We didn't have to wait more then 30 min. for any ride which was great. It was such a blast just to be there together.

So there is our whirl-wind trip to Florida. We are so thankful it worked out for us to go!

For Alex:

Rrrrroll up the Rim to Win!

It's that time of year once again! Tim Horton's (or Tim Hoopla's as Jared likes to call it) is offering it's roll up the rim contest. They are giving away 100 boats, 5000 Garmin navigation deviced, 35 cars, 20,000 $50 gift cards, and lots of "food prizes". So far Jared and I have won 4 free coffee's! The coolest was the 2 times when we used our "free drink" and then won another free drink! We are still holding out for the boat. We noticed on last years giveaways that most of the big giveaways were in Canada. So we have a plan:

In a month when we go to visit my grandparents with my family, we plan on hitting up every Timmy's we can see, getting sick off of coffee just for the chance that we might win big!!! I think it will work;)

A Man After My Own Heart

Me...a Vegetarian??????


So Jared and I have completed the Daniel Fast as of Tuesday night. 21 days of just fruits, veggies and beans. Needless to say, I think my system was really appreciative of the wheat bread I ate this morning.

For a few years now, I have rarely eaten red meat. I think it started the one day I was eating a burger at Burger King while staring at a cow field next door. And especially since they have found that hidden camera footage of cows being forced to stand to pass inspection, just made me feel sick. So I've called it an official-NO-on red meat all together.

The question remains whether or not I will eat chicken. I'm known in my family as the chicken hoarder--I seem to order it every time we go out. I don't have a really strong conviction about it, I'm just thinking about not eating it.

Fish I will eat. And eggs too. So what does that even make me? A partial veggie? half asparagus?

How Many Mice do we house?

The other night I awoke to the sound of Mice in our ceiling tiles. That day, we found mouse poop in our kitchen. Not my favorite moment. So what did we do? Searched the entire kitchen until we found where the stupid thing (s) were coming from-a stinking gap under our lower cupboards!!! Then, Jared set a trap.

4 traps to be exact.

A few hours later, we were watching TV in the other room, and we heard the snap! The sound every home owner who has found a mouse longs to hear! Jared, the brave husband of mine, went face to face with the still twitching mouse and disposed of the stupid thing. Finally I could go into the kitchen again!

So the next morning, there were 2 MORE mice in the traps!!! GROSS!!!!

We have resolved to borrowing a friends cat for a few days. That ought to do the trick.

(by the way, I was totally praying that we would catch the mice. Thanks God)

Lost Theories:

Jared and I are total addicts of the show LOST thanks to my bro Alex and his wife Becky:)

If you follow along with the show, you know how crazy it gets-I've never watched a show before like this where the episode ends and I can't wait to see the next one! This season proves to be no different then the others. Each episode seems to answer a question or two, but we always seem to have a billion more! It drives me insane!

So here are my theories, taken from a few people and expanded on:

Jacob: I think Jacob is really Jack in the future. A lot of people are saying the most recent sighting of Jacob looks like Jack's dad-well Jack would look just like his dad as he gets older. This makes sense in a lot of ways, especially in the Fast Forward shows where we see how desperate Jack is to get back on the island. I think he does end up back on the island-in the form of Jacob--but no one knows it.

Ben: I have no idea who he is, or what he's doing. Every time I come up with another idea, it gets blown away. Like in last weeks episode where we see Sayid working for Ben in the Fast Forward!!!!???? What is that!!!???!?

Kate: I do not think she is part of the Oceanic 6. If she had been, she would be in jail. Which will also explain why she couldn't be long with Jack at the airport when they met so secretively. So they snuck her in somehow.


That's it for now-just my thoughts!

What's New??

This survey is one I posted a few years ago-but updated:)


Three Names You Go By
1. Ang
2. Angela
3. Reverend

Three of Your Everyday Essentials
1. chap stick
2. Jesus
3. Treadmill

Three Things You Are Wearing Right Now
1. jeans-surprise, surprise
2. worlds best wedding ring
3. christmas shoes

Three Things You Want in a Relationship (other than Real Love)
1. Honesty
2. Joy
3. Encouragement

Three Things You Did Yesterday
1. Worked out
2. Tried to buy a car but the Suzuki dealer was dumb
3. watched biggest loser

Three Things You want to do really badly right now
1. See my nephews!
2. Use some chapstick
3. Laundry (ya right!)

Three Places You Want to go on Vacation
1. Maine
2. Hawaii
3. Eastern Europe

Three Things You Want to Do/Be Before You Die
1. Make an impact in the lives of many people
2. Snowboard well
3. Run a marathon

Three Ways that you are stereotypically a boy/girl
1. I like to try new recipies
2. I go to the bathroom with multiple women
3. I like to wear high heels

Daniel Fast Week 1:

One of the many good things that has come from being on the D. Fast is that I am cooking at home more and more--Kind of like I used to when Jared and I first got married:) Not only am I cooking more, but I am having to get much more creative with my meals since everything consists of the same basic ingredients. One of my best so far has been a vegetarian chili-made with bell peppers, onions, tomato pasts, kidney beans, celery, garlic, and a little water. SOOOOO yummy.

Even better then the cooking lessons I've been learning are the Spiritual ones. God has given us so much...I mean really...sooo much it's incredible. Living in America is sometimes difficult for me, just thinking about how much is at our fingertips, when there are so many people around the world who don't have food options. They don't get to choose to do a daniel fast-they eat what they have or what is given to them.

Several friends of mine recently went on a trip to Haiti which is the 3rd poorest country in the world. We saw an article in our local paper the other about women in Haiti who make dirt cookies-literally made of dirt, shortening, and salt-and sell them in the market. Not only do they sell them, they eat them. Sometimes for all 3 meals of the day. This has definitely put my Daniel Fast in perspective--no complaining allowed. I need to make more sacrifices to help more people who have nothing. My heart is being broken by the things that break God's heart--thanks Daniel for the fast.

For now...and for the Future

borrowed from Carlee Padot. Thanks for the great tips!

1. Start using reusable shopping bags. Find the right styles and designs to suit your taste and lifestyle.

2. Refuse a bag. Cashiers are programmed to keep the line moving and don't always stop to think or bother to ask if you need a bag. If you don't need one, don't take a one (ESPECIALLY IF WHAT YOU ARE BUYING WILL FIT IN YOUR HAND - MY TIP, IF YOU CARRIED IT TO THE CASHIER WITHOUT A BAG, YOU CAN CARRY IT TO YOUR CAR WITHOUT ONE.)

3. Reuse plastic bags you have accumulated as garbage liners.

4. Start using Ultra Compact bags. We love these since people tend to forget their bags when they go shopping- Ultra Compact bags are small enough to stash in your purse, jacket, backpack, car, etc. so one is always handy.

5. Get stores to offer cash credits if you bring in your own bags.

6. Open your eyes to how many bags you consume: keep count. For instance, if you have a giant plastic bag holding plastic bags in your closet, take 5 minutes and count how many you have. OR, count how many plastic and paper bags you go through in a week.

7. Spread the word to wake up others.

8. Cut down on plastic produce bags by bringing your own reusable produce bags.

Maybe you aren't ready to do all of these-but think about what change you can make today to give us all a better tomorrow.

Daniel Fast Part 2


So for the second year in a row, Jared and I have decided to do the Daniel Fast during Lent. Last year however, we only did this for 21 days. This year we are going for the full 40. So far it has been 2 days, and I'm feeling pretty good. Since we eat much lighter foods, you find yourself getting hungry much faster then usual-but I try to prepare myself for that by bringing snacks to work with me. I've also set some Spiritual goals for myself during this time:
-Learn to be content with what I have
-Learn what dependancy on God really means
-Choose to NOT complain
-Spend more time thinking about God and talking with Him


For those of you who may not know what a Daniel Fast consists of, this is what we will be eating:
-Veggies
-Fruits
-Beans and Lentils
-Eggs (we are adding these)
-Whole Grain/Wild Rice

This means: No Bread, Sugar, chocolate (some people don't consider this as "sugar" just to clarify), meat, coffee, pasta, dairy.

I will be frequently updating the lessons learned and the temptations of cake and coffee we face:)

Detroit Auto Show!!!

Yesterday Jared and I decided to head to the Detroit Auto Show to relax between weekends of Winter Camp.

We were both really impressed with many of the new cars that have come out this year--not to mention that the displays themselves were pretty amazing. Some of my favorites would be the MINI, Honda (very plush carpet), and Maybach ( a $1 million dollar vehicle) were some of my personal faves. However, when we went to the Suzuki display, they were handing out coupons for $500 off one of their vehicles if you get it in the next month. And they had this new Crossover SX4 that looked really appealing. We are considering selling one of our cars and getting it! We'll see how it goes!!! Here's a peak at it.

The Passing of Friend


A friend of mine from Spring Arbor University passed away yesterday. Tim Davis was a great friend to me while we were in school. Since my graduation in 03, I had lost communication with him-but upon learning about a week ago that he was battling stomach cancer, my heart dropped. Remembering all the wonderful qualities Tim possessed just made me think that God would help him pull through and defeat this awful disease.
Tears flooded my eyes early this morning as I found out he lost the battle with cancer yesterday. It's so strange the emotions that come along with death. There is of course the natural grief--feeling the loss of someone, that although I have not recently been in touch with, still appreciated and cared for. The grief just knowing that you will never see that person on this side of life.
But then, there is the joy that comes-almost in the same breath. The joy I feel knowing that Tim is right now in the place that God has been preparing for Him for the last 28 years. The joy that comes when I realize that earth is not our intended destination--that Tim is celebrating Christ with those brothers and sisters who have gone before him...he is with Vanessa, my precious "little sister", and with my Father in Law who I never met.
And this is how it will be for each of us. Oh Lord, may we remember to live each day as it were our last. Each day to the fullest. Giving, loving, and serving as if there were no tomorrow. Because on that day we return home with You, we will leave everything behind us. I pray I may be able to leave nothing but your love and grace to those waiting for their eternal home as well.

Amen.

My New Christmas Shoes


What do you think???

New Years Resolution:

So I've never been too big into New Year's Resolutions, but as I was at one of our Christmas parties, someone asked what mine was, so I decided to try it out this year.

So here they are, my resolutions for 2008:

-Stop Biting my Nails (and grow them out)
-Run a marathon in April

DELAYED FLIGHT--Will we make it home???


So we received a call early this morning that our flight out of San Fran is delayed by an hour and a half-cutting our next flight out of Chicago really close..like 30 minutes close. The next flight out of chicago doesn't leave until the next morning! Do you think we'll make it home for Church tomorrow?? I HOPE SO!!!!

Merry Christmas to us from Papa!

Papa gave Jared and myself some Christmas money to spend as we choose. So after buying clothes and shoes and a few snowboarding things, we got the grand finale...

Photo of the hottest man ever!

Why My Husband is the Most Amazing Husband


So Jared and I are celebrating Christmas together today since we will be in Cali. with his family on Christmas day. Since we decided our Snowboards would be our Christmas gift to each other, we decided the only other thing in our budget would be the stocking stuffers. Sounds like a good plan huh?

Well today I had a hair appointment at Reve to get my hair shaped up for our family pictures. Jared and I had seen this promotion at the mall for Reve where if you bought a $100 gift card, you received a free cut. So here I've been debating on whether or not it's a good deal...and so I asked advice from my bestest friend Emily--who gave me some excellent advice. DO IT! Well no sooner had she told me it was a good idea then she was telling me not to do it...she convinced me not to buy the gift card and I just decided to forget it and pay for the regular hair cut.

Little did I know that Jared was scheeming....very sneaky! He bought the gift card for me as an extra Christmas surprise! Thanks for spoiling me Jared-You're the best!!!

Christmastime is here...

Sometimes I wonder if heaven is going to be like Christmas, you know that amazing anticipation you have when you wake up in the morning...

NO CHURCH SERVICES TODAY


In light of Blizzard Bill's instructions to us all, we don't want people to leave their homes, so we have cancelled both services this morning at CrossRoads... Sad sad day.

Also, the Gift Wrapping Fundraiser we had planned at the mall is no longer happening due to the weather.

Now Jared and I are wishing we were still boarding!! Pictures of that event to come!

(The picture is a live shot from the Toledo Airport)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME!!!!

So I already know what my Christmas gift from Jared is...and vice versa-we found these sweet snowboards at Dick's Sporting Goods-several hundred dollars off the board and bindings! Since Jared is already an avid snowboarder, and he likes to do crazy things, I also asked him to purchase a helmet so he doesn't kill himself while jumping off of something. So here our amazing snowboards are sitting at home in our office...and we are just dying to try them out! So...road trip!

We are headed to "Bittersweet", a small "mountain" on the other side of Michigan-We leave later tonight!!! I can't wait!!!

I'll be sure to post some picture of the massive bruises I'm sure I will get from the fake snow this weekend:)

Check out me and Jared and our nephews Evan and Aaron!!!!


http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1310388549

NO SURGE TONIGHT!


We are having freezing rain all day-therefore, we will not be having Sr. High SURGE tonight Dec. 9th.


Sorry everyone-I don't want you high schoolers driving around!

MILEMARKER

So today I set a new mile marker in my running "career".

8 miles!!!

If someone would have told me a few years ago that I would be going that far that fast, I would have never believed them!

Marathon---HERE I COME!

Thoughts on Communion:


Tonight at CrossRoads we will be remembering Christ through the sacrament of Communion. As the time approaches, I've decided I want it to mean more then something we do once a month (plus I was asked to give a devotional tonight on it).

You see, taking communion is a time where we "remember" Jesus and what He has done for us (Luke 22:19). My deal, is that I understand the price Jesus paid, all He went through--and boy do I appreciate it--but I've got this problem with letting go of those things I know He has already forgiven me for. I know I probably sounds crazy--maybe I'm the only one who feels this way--but the guilt that I feel I carry around sometimes seems to suck the life out of me!

And then I read this from "Grace for the Moment" by Max Lucado (we're tight)
"Regardless of what you've done, it's not too late. Regardless of how far you've fallen, it's not too late. It doesn't matter how low the mistake is, it's not too late to dig down, pull out that mistake, and then let it go-and be free. What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness."

Let it go and be free...Let it go and be free...

Psalms 103:11-12 says "For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." and then i read this other amazing verse:

Romans 8:3 "So God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins."

So here I go...let go...let go...because God wants me to move on.

4, 6, 5, 7

So running...I really like it. I think my favorite part about running is pushing myself to accomplish something I never thought I could! Since college I've run 2, 3, maybe 4 miles, but not on a regular schedule, and I didn't really like it that much-it was more of a punishment for eating ice cream. Since Jared is really smart and everything, he's helping me come up with a training schedule that will push me so we will eventually do a Marathon in the spring! So this week-it's 4 miles (today-at a 7.5 min-8 min mile pace), Tuesday 6 miles, Wednesday 5 miles, and Friday 7 miles! Yee haw!!!

One Year Later

Our First Anniversary-it is truly amazing all that can happen within a year. For me, I've seen more growth and changes within myself this year then ever. Living with your spouse is definetly different from a college roomate. There is so much adjusting and responsibility increase. The joy level in my life has probably increased most of all in my life. It is so amazing to me how much joy my husband makes me feel on a daily basis...how special and loved I feel when I'm around Him...and how I feel more beautiful then I've ever been because of Him.

I know at the core of my being that it is Christ who completes me, fulfills me, and brings unending Joy. And God has added a beautiful gift to my life in the last year-the Joy that can only come through a marriage founded on Him.

Through this year, as my love for Jared has grown, so has my love for the Lord. It's in our faithfulness to eachother that I see more clearly the faithfulness of God. This marriage covenant that represents the very covenant God has made with us is an incredible blessing that I know is not only meant to bless me or Jared, but all those around us.

I look forward to celebrating 1 year of marriage this weekend as Jared sneaks me away to some secret place. But even more then that, I look forward to all God has in store for us to be and do together in the future.

LIKE JONATHAN

Don't miss this FREE concert this SUNDAY night

6:30-8:30

All 9th-12th Grade Student are welcome to join us!!!!

Just a few more:)

TEAL/AMERINE FAMILY PICTURES

Taken and edited by non other then my bestest friend Emily Smith-check out her blog www.smithgalleryphotography.blogspot.com

SMALL GROUP FOR H.S. LADIES


So Becky W. and I are starting up a Small Group for 10th-12th grade girls. It will be meeting every Monday night from 6:30-8:00. STARTING TONIGHT!!! (Brownies will be there --so should you)
We will meet at 8150 Jackman Rd. #17. It's in the apartments right by Bedford high school. The 1st Building 1st door.

If you don't come-I will cry.

ALL 6th-12th Grade Students and leaders! Please join us next Wednesday Sept 26th from 6:45-8:15 for a time to worship God together.

IN THE ATTIC
CrossRoads Community Church
6960 Sylvania-Petersburg Rd.
Ottawa Lake, MI 49267

So my Best Friend Emily and her husband Andrew have do photography together. And it's pretty much amazing. I've added her link to my blog and here is a taste of their work at our wedding almost a year ago!

So I've officially picked up running again...or maybe for the 1st time. I'm not really sure if training for Miss Azusa counts because I did that to lose the nasty pounds.
I've been consistently running 4-5 miles about 3-4 times a week. Jared and I would love to do a marathon together and I think we may as well do it while we're young and childless! Maybe sometime in the spring?

Kicked Bells Palsy in the Butt!


That's right-after only about 3-4 weeks, my Bells went long gone! Praise Jesus! So thanks for your prayers-and thanks Dr. for the Steroids!

YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO CAREFUL

This is how amazing God is:

Our fall Kick off for FUEL has been out of control insane!

Over 100 kids the 1st combined night-75 at our first AWAKEN on Sunday morning in the Fireside-and a Servant Leadership Team that rocks my face off!

Ya God-you are so amazing and I can't WAIT to see what You are going to do for Your kingdom this year!!!! Thanks for letting us be a part of it!

BROTHERLY LOVE

So as previously stated in my blog, I got Bell's Palsy when I was down at IYC in Tennessee with the students a few weeks ago. First off, I'd like to give a props to God-my face I believe it 100% better! That's right!

Secondly, I feel I must give credit where credit is due-and I'm talking about brotherly love-literally. You know you are truly loved by your siblings when they are willing to take a picture like this with you:


Now that's love.

CHASER IS HERE!

The long awaited arrival of the newest addition to our family is here!

We picked Chaser up on the way back from DTW at the Dearborn Animal Shelter-we've had a fantastic few hours with him, and everyone who has met him has been impressed by his friendly response to people (He did GREAT in the car!)-and he goes to "relieve himself" outside already!!! Praise Jesus!

I'm sure we will have regular updates!

F-L-O-R-I-D-A

Well here we are-in Ft. Walton Beach FL-This is Jared's 1st time in Florida (makes sense since he's from California) and my 1st time here with the love of my life! We've been having a great time going to the beach, swimming at the pool, and "playing tennis" in the morning-trying to beat the heat at 7:30! The reason I said "playing tennis": because it's more like Jared serving me a perfect serve, with me returning it 5 ft. over his head. We got our exercise just by chasing that stupid ball around the court!

Probably the best part about this quick trip has just been hanging out with my parents-we've missed them over the summer-I'm excited for them to come home!

For now however, we will continue to enjoy the white sandy beaches:)

3 Weeks:


After 3 weeks my facial movement has improved so much! I feel particularly blessed after hearing several stories of people who never recovered from Bells Palsy-now that this is my second time around I am so grateful to have recovered 100% last time and hope to this time as well. I would say I'm around 90% better right now-I can still see and feel the muscles not quite as strong in the right side-but it's really coming along!
YEA GOD!!!

2 weeks of Bells Palsy:


After 2 weeks I am shocked at how quickly my face has been recovering. It is not very noticeable as most people have been telling me-although of could I can see and feel the spots which are not as responsive. It's probably most noticeable when i try to raise my eyebrows or laugh. Part of the healing process has been a LOT of face twitching (my eye, lips, and chin mostly) which thankfully is not painful-just annoying:)
God is so faithful and good and I am thankful for this opportunity to grow!

Thanks for your prayers!

Bells Palsy after 1 week

MRS. INTERNATIONAL!

One of my very dear Friends Rebekah Negrete JUST WON the Mrs. International Pageant!!!! I can not think of a person more deserving! She will be an absolutely amazing ambassador for Christ!!! Congratulations Rebekah! I'm SOOOO proud and happy for you!

Why not a second time?

One of the major events which occured at IYC 2007 this year, was my sudden second bout with Bells Palsy. Monday night Jared and I went to the ER in Knoxville TN (some very nice people there in Knoxville) to receive my 2nd diagnosis of Bells Palsy in 9 years. So after being on Steroids for a week, and an anti-viral as well as using more eyedrops then ever to keep my eye from drying out, I am doing ok.
The good thing about Bells Palsy-It doesn't hurt.
The stupid thing about Bells Palsy-It is hard to eat and drink, and I currently can't taste much of anything.

The good thing: God is so good and I am so thankful I know He is with me and who defines me, not this Bells Crappola!

IYC 2007

What an amazing time! 25 students from CrossRoads joining thousands of other Free Methodist Students from across the US-
Highlights from our Group- Fuel Student Ministries:

5 First Time Commitments
Several Re-dedications
Countless commitments to be fully God's!

Praise Jesus!

VACATION!!!!!


Well, Jared and I just got back from our first vacation since our honeymoon-a week spent at Yellowstone with his family-and it was amazing and so stinking relaxing.
Here's what our week looked like:

Friday: Woke up at 4:30(AM) and my bro Alex took us to the airport. Flew out to Salt Lake City-picked up our cool rental card (saturn SUV)-shopped (my loving husband bought my 2 shirts and a dress!!!) ate at Olive Garden and checked into our hotel. Jared family all got in around 8:00 p.m. and we ate at one of my favorite places-BUCA DI BEPPO!!
Saturday: We drove 4 hours to our cabin at Henry's Lake in Idaho right outside of West Yellowstone in Montana-We were in the middle of no where and I loved it! We concluded the day by getting groceries and playing games together
Sunday: Jared and I went for a walk to the lake and encountered a REAL LIVE MOOSE! Only about 100 ft away! Then we drove out to West Yellowstone and shopped and hung around town for most of the day
Monday: All of us (me, Jared, Mom, Papa, Dan, Annette, Tommy, Tom and Cheryl) drove through Yellowstone and saw Old Faithful and some other really cool places-and BUFFALO!
Tuesday: Went for a walk (no moose this time), put puzzles together and ate Dinner at a friends house and played games
Wednesday: Drove out to Jackson Hole Wyoming for a day of shopping, a rodeo and fireworks off the mountain!
Thursday: Jared and I decided to take the afternoon and rent tubes and float down a river for 2 and a half hours-my favorite part!
Friday: We all went horseback riding:) Good times
Saturday: Said a sad good-bye to everyone and flew back home at 1:00 am on Sunday

God is so amazing-I love his creation so much!