Preparing for Daniel

This will be the 3rd year in a row that Jared and I will be experiencing the "Daniel Fast" for a portion of lent. It is called the "Daniel Fast" after what Daniel from the Bible did “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Daniel 10:2, 3

Each year we have done the fast, we have been in community while doing it, which has made it much easier and even kind of fun. This year, I decided to push myself a little more, and am going to be doing the fast for 4 weeks instead of three. I think this year will be easier for me for a few reasons:
1) I know what to expect
2) I have found plenty of really good recipies (the first year we did the daniel fast we basically just cooked up veggies...that was really interesting)
3) I am already eating an almost vegetarian diet as is.

We have really enjoyed this challenging fast and we look forward to doing it again starting nexy Wednesday! Here is how it works for anyone who may be interested. I will be posting recipies throughout the time as well to help boost creativity!

Foods to include in your diet during the Daniel Fast:

All fruits.
All vegetables.
All whole grains, including but not limited to whole wheat, brown rice, millet, quinoa, oats, barley, grits, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat tortillas, rice cakes and popcorn.
All nuts and seeds, including but not limited to sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame. Also nut butters including peanut butter.
All legumes. Legumes include but are not limited to dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.
All quality oils including but not limited to olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.
Beverages: spring water, distilled water or other pure waters, caffine free teas
Other: tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt, herbs and spices.

Foods to avoid on the Daniel Fast

All meat and animal products
All dairy products
All sweeteners
All leavened bread
All refined and processed food products
All deep fried foods
All solid fats
Beverages including but not limited to coffee, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.


~Angela M.

Birthday Present

So apparently my brother is trying to hint around as to what he wants for his birthday in June...


I think your birthday this year will be a good one!

~Angela M.

25 things about me: from my Facebook account (the newest craze)

1. I basically ONLY by items if they are on sale. Clothing, food, etc.

2. I drink less coffee now that I work at Starbucks then I did before hand

3. In the last few years I become a VERY health conscious eater-lots of fruits and veggies-no dark meat

4. I love to wear gym shorts and a t-shirt regardless of how cold it is outside-I just need a nice heavy blanket on top of me too:)

5. I am anti-television and yet I find myself obsessed with LOST and the dog whisperer

6. I love serving. I developed this while in college, and I pray I never get over it.

7. I love taking good pictures but don't have the eye for it--I sure wish I did!

8. I have dual citizenship still, and will always be Canadian and American.

9. Celine Dion's cousin was my french teacher in Elementary School.

10. I LOVE snow! Many people get sick of it, but I just can't get enough!

11. I have never been excellent at any particular sport and it's always bothered me. I'm just "kind of good" at several different sports.

12. I am very sentimental. I still have birthday cards from elementary school

13. I wish I could travel the world training other worship teams.

14. I love researching the best deals on vacation stuff, hotels etc. I LOVE finding an amazing deal!

15. I will be doing the daniel fast for the 3rd year in a row---sooo excited!

16. I wake up at 3:30 in the morning for work several days a week. yuck.

17. I love to travel, especially with Jared. Love love love it!

18. I was in the Miss Azusa pagaent and won-and then went to Miss California and didn't win.

19. I really enjoy being with Jr. and Sr. High kids and don't understand how some people can't stand it.

20. I am not very patient. Jared is very patient. I think God wants me to learn and thing or two from him.

21. All Dressed Chips are the best ever.

22. Today I watched Yours Mine and Ours and actually thought it would be fun to have 17 children. I am weird.

23. I love to be surprised-in a good way though.

24. When we first got married, I used to wake up early and make Jared a big breakfast...I did today for the first time in a loooong time.

25. We can't wait to adopt at least one child someday!
~Angela M.

The Letter "M"

Here are my 10 things I love that start with the letter M as given me by Rachel!

Marriage: I can't say enough about how I love the symbolism of earthly marriage and our relationship with the Lord. I love my husband so so so so so so so so so....and so on, much! We LOVE being married-it's fantastic.

Music: I have been blessed abundantly with a natural love and gift in the musical arena. And I LOVE using it for the Lord. I could go on forever, but will not.

Mango's: They are a delicious fruit, you should try one sometime.

Movies: I think few things are as relaxing as sticking a movie in when you are tired.

Microwaves: Seriously, where would I be without this invention. I mean, hello, the Hot Pocket?

Memories: I love remembering how good the Lord has been---so so faithful. I love remembering fun family memories from when I was a child, and memories of silly things I did in college (like trying to re-arrange my room a zillion times..."it'll fit in the hallway!") And remembering when Jared and I first fell in love.

Mercy: I would not be here if not for great mercy shown upon me from Christ. I am learning more and more to be more merciful.

Mountains: Everytime I look at a mountain, I am reminded of the hugeness of God (don't know if that's a word, but I made it one)

My mom: She is giving and forgiving, serving, loving, and so many other things. Probably about the best mom ever.

Mark, Mary, Micah, Mariah, McKoona---they are like family. I think about them so much and pray for them so much-they are so important to me. This is a fabulous family who treats us like their own. The let us sneak our way into their lives, and then we ended up living at their house. Plus we all got food poisoning together--how much closer can you be then that?

Of course there are many other things I love that don't start with the letter M, but that's my M list. (of course my dad, bro, sis, nephews, niece, and many others are on the list too, so don't feel left out!)

~Angela M.

Sometimes You Just Have to Talk to the Right Person


I'm sure I am not the only person to experience this situation. It has occured many times in my life, but recently it seems to be happening more often. Here is the set-up: You call someone...you have a problem/question that needs to be resolved...the person on the other end of the phone has absolutely no imagination whatsoever, thus leaving you feeling more frustrated then you were when you made the call in the first place. Here is my story:

Yesterday I called the Dr. to get in to resolve some weird health issues I'm having. I am a new patient, so I understand that I do not have first priority among patients...recap of the convo:

Me: "Hello, I'm wondering if Dr. ______ is accepting new patients."
Receptionist "Oh yes she is."
Me: "Great! When is the soonest I could get in, I would like to get in as soon as possible. Do you have any upcoming cancellations?"
Receptionist "(laughing) oh, well since you are a new patient, you can't just get right in-you have to come in for a consultation...and why are you calling right now, it's the lunch hour? Can you call back later or do you just want to leave a message?"
Me: "(silence)...umm...I guess I'll just call later."

Seriously. If she couldn't help me, why did she even pick up the phone??
Sometimes you just need to talk to the right person...here's what happened just a few minutes ago. Same Dr.'s office, new receptionist:

Me "Hello I'm wondering if Dr. _______ is accepting new patients."
Receptionist "Oh yes she is"
Me "Great I'm hoping to set up an appointment as soon as possible"
Receptionist "Great, let me start a file for you! (takes info over the phone)
Receptionist "Well it looks like we have a cancellation tomorrow unless that's too soon"
Me "It's perfect!"

I'm sure as you read this story, you can think of a conversation of your own where all you needed was someone with a little creativity and a lot of grace. I am soooo thankful for those people who go out of their way to be the right person to talk to!

~Angela M.

Memories

A few picture memories I thought I'd share with you:

One of my favorite pics of Jared and I snowboarding at Mammoth

One of Megan and Andrea and I headed to "stupid class" as we referred to it as...ah the memories...

~Angela M.

The Lovebirds Snowboarding


As you may recall, over Christmas break Jared and I were going to stop at Mt. Hood for a snowboarding excursion as our Christmas gift to each other. Those plans obviously did not work out since we could not even drive down in the massive blizzard we were experiencing at the time.

This last weekend, we decided to take advantage of the fact that we did not have to work and headed up to Schweitzer for a few days! We had an absolutely fantastic time just the two of us-here are a few pics of the weekend. For once there are pictures of me, which is odd since I'm usually the picture taker:)

~Angela M.

Expressive Worship

Worshipping the Lord is what you could say is one of my all time favorite activities. Whether it be singing, praying, dancing, with others or by myself, I just can't seem to get enough of it. I love it so much in fact that a few years ago I decided to go to school to get my Master's in it! Who knew you could do that???
A friend of mine (the lovely Jessica) came up to me the other day after church and commented on how she just wanted to dance during our worship time at church, but didn't feel comfortable doing it because our church isn't exactly "charismatic".
Most of my church experience has been at places that are not charismatic other then my 2 years spent at Light and Life Christian Fellowship in Long Beach CA. It was during this time while I was studying Worship at Azusa Pacific University and serving at Light and Life, when my own expression of worship became stretched and grew to new heights.

When I sing songs to the Lord I imagine myself physically in His presence, and I just can't contain myself. Usually there is a song that is sung during the course of a worship set that reminds me of how much the Lord has saved me from and how much He loves me, and I just can't get over it! I don't want to get over Him! It's not about the music, the song, or the singing itself. The Lord has blessed me so much with being really drawn close to Him during times of singing-it is one of my connections to the heart of the Father. I don't know if other people feel like they will explode while they are Worshipping, but I do! I suppose that's kind of how David felt when he danced in the middle of the street!

I consider myself to be an amateur worshipper, but I decided a long time ago to be an completely obsessed student of it-knowing someday in heaven I will finally reach the professional worshipper title.

So to my dear friend Jessica...dance...don't hold back before the Lord...just dance...

~Angela M.

The Update

One of my 2009 list of 100 things I am going to do is to update my blog more often. So here's my update! Plus, I love when I see my fellow blogging friends have updated theirs. I'm just trying to give everyone some good entertainment for their day.

Today is Friday. A day I have been looking forward to for a while now because today is:
1) Prayer service at the church at 7:00
2) Psych Season 3 starts tonight

Now you may look at number 1 and say "Of course she's looking forward to a prayer service at church. Good times spent with God and people and Holy Spirit presence going on.
But those of you who are unfamiliar with number 2, the show Psych should highly consider watching tonights episode. Jared and I were first introduced to the show Psych when we were living with our dear friends the Crydo's. We just happened to stumble across an episode and laughed so stinkin hard that we became addicated. The show is about Shawn a detective who claims to be psychic so he can be hired by the Santa Barbara PD to solve different cases. He's really just super observant, but manages to fool just about everyone. It is very funny-we love it. I bought Season 2 for Jared for Christmas--can't wait for the next season to start!

~Angela M.

Recent Snowboarding Pics...

We are sooo blessed to have been able to snowboard up at Sweitzer Mountain with the students from Timberview! Of course the boarding itself was only secondary to the fabulous time spent with God and the students---we loooooove students and sharing life with them! Such a cool thing that 2 of our favorite things to do were combined in one weekend!

*that's me in the middle picture in the middle of the picture-meeting up with Jared as he is much faster and better then me and I'm always trying to catch up to him!


~Angela M.

100 Things to do in 2009...


I got the idea from Chris Sloan to make a list of 100 things I'd like to do in 2009. Some are silly, others are a little more serious. It was a fun challenge to think of 100 things that's for sure! Here are a few of my favorites:

-Run in at least 2 races
-Write several worship songs
-Go to Florida with Crydo's
-Try a new vegetable
-Go ice skating
-Watch the new Harry Potter movie in the theater
-Go to 4 new campsites
-Do the Daniel Fast for 28 days
-Read through Proverbs each month
-Memorize 30 new Bible verses
-Find a Tim Horton's and go to it

~Angela M.

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.