Coffee Dream Date:












So the other night, Jared and I were trying to come up with a list of fun dates we could do. One at the top of my list (probably because it's actually in our budget), is a coffee tasting date. We take our own mugs and go around to every coffee shop we can find-order a tall coffee, share it, taste it, and take notes to compare. I think it sounds like a blast, plus then you could stay up all night partying with all that caffeine in your system!!! I hope we can go soon!

~Angela M.

Singing in the Season-

I love Christmas. More then any other time of year---I just feel happier, everything smells better and looks prettier---

Let's not forget about the best part of the holidays---


The Music.

Each year I start listening to Christmas music towards the end of October. I know people think that is strange, but I just think there are far too many wonderful songs, and a month of listening to them doesn't do them justice. In fact, I think Christmas is such a wonderful season, I don't understand why anyone would wait until after Thanksgiving to celebrate it!!

This year, I've decided to celebrate in a slightly different way then I previously have. You see, my grandparents over in Niagara Falls ONT live in a retirement community, and every time I go to visit, they always want me to sing, not just for them, but for their friends down the hall. Since I can not sing for them, I've decided to take to the retirement communities of Spokane--volunteering my love of Christmas carols for those who may not have anyone around them who can stop by and share God's love with them. I know I appreciate every person who can do that for my grandparents.

This morning I've been in contact with many different places in town and have been met with such a joyful response from those running the activities. I'm so excited to celebrate the season in this way!
~Angela M.

My Work Costume: Venti---the next American Gladiator (name thanks to my sister Becky:)

NO ONE else from work dressed up! They missed out!

~Angela M.

Costumes, or closer to Reality???


This Halloween, I get to wear 2 different costumes--by day (at Starbucks) I will be an American Gladiator---by night, a ninja. Both are 2 jobs I have already considered doing---maybe I should look into it---
~Angela M.

Fa la la la la la la la la

Well it has already started...the search for new and wonderful Christmas songs! Now I am completely obsessed with Christmas songs in particular, and I enjoy listening to them from about October until January---some people think the "Christmas Spirit" including movies, music and decorations should only last between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but I disagree. It has always been one of my favorite times of year, and I want to celebrate it as long as possible!!

One of my most recent finds of a fantastic new Christmas song is:
Hallelujah by Darlene Zsech (or however you spell it)

and I just heard
Sing by Josh Wilson which was also pretty powerful!

Anyways, I'm always interested in hearing what other people are finding---anyone find anything interesting???



Angela M.

Celebrating 3 wonderful undeserving years!!!! This weekend we finally get to have our anniversary celebration and I could not be more excited! I look forward to many many wonderful years ahead of us---and I can't wait for Jared to surprise me tomorrow!!!

~Angela M.

Almost 3 years ago....


~Angela M.

Pumpkin Carving

Jared's pumpkin is the really cool one--he actually free handed that puppy--no stencils for him.

His reaction when he saw my finished product?

"Love? What does that have to do with halloween?!"


~Angela M.

New Hobby:

I decided a few weeks ago that knitting would be my new hobby in life. I don't know why, but I just think it sounds like a fun way to make nice things for other people in a fairly inexpensive way. Today I went to JoAnn Fabrics and bought a few thingys of yarn (I should probably learn the technical term for everything) and my aunt Judy is going to teach me how to knit sometime in the next week--possibly after church on Sunday! I'm so excited to start a new hobby! I'll post pictures of my progress along the way!


~Angela M.

When Seasons Change:

One of my favorite times of year is during the seasonal change...especially when summer turns to fall. The air smells cleaner, the leaves turn the most amazing shades of red, orange, and yellow, and it reminds me of that wonderful time of year almost 3 years ago now that Jared and I made a covenant before the Lord and all our friends and family to love and honor each other all our lives long.

Last week we were in California for Jesse's (Jared's best friend) wedding. As we went through the process of helping with all those fun details that can not be done until the last minute, I was reminded of all the changes that have occurred in our lives since our own special day---it is amazing how much our love has grown! Last night we were up late just talking about if we are "normal" because we love to spend every moment possible together! (really, we would spend all day every day together if we could)

As I look ahead at all the new seasons of life we will continue to go through, the thing I am most concerned about is if I am continually growing and changing in my character, in who God wants me to be. I so desperately want my life to make a meaningful difference for God's kingdom--in the big and little things. So as the seasons do change---so should my heart.

So my prayer this season's change...Lord change my heart. Transform my soul. Make me into something new today. Make my heart like Yours.




~Angela M.

Celebrating A Hero:

It was one of my dearest friends/hero/amazing woman of God birthday yesterday! Mary Crydo turned 30 yesterday (again):) She is such a special person in my life and has taught me so much about being a woman of God (though I have a long long way to go!) Mary is married to Mark who is a Lead Pastor at an awesome church in Portage MI. She and Mark have 3 of the most amazing kids in the world---which only attests to what an awesome job she has done as a mother! When I look at how they turned out it really inspires me of the importance of being a mom and what a difference it can make in this world. Mary is also a cancer survivor--several years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but now after surgery and much prayers--BOO YA!! cancer is gone!!!
Mary also inspires me because she is a runner. This may seem silly, but Mary has really never been a runner. She has been a walker-especially after having cancer. Mary and I would meet up at Lifestyles and walk together on the treadmills (it was FREEZING outside)-we would talk and pray together. Pretty soon, Mary who used to tell me she could never run, started walking for 5 min, running for 1 min...for an hour. Not much later, she was running 5 min and walking 1! Now Mary calls me up the other day to tell me she just ran 7 miles!!!! WOW!!!
Mary has poured her heart out for the Lord's Kingdom time and time again. She is a prayer warrior, spending lots of time connecting her heart to that of the Father. She gives so much of her time, energy and joy to all those around her. I just LOVE that she is one of my closest friends and find it to be such a blessing in my own life. We have prayed together, lived together, dyed our hair together, cried together, laughed and laughed and laughed together, worked out together, run together, worked like Huskies together, and made Daniel fast food together!
Thank you Mary for inspiring me most every day. Your character is challenging and encouraging! Happy Birthday to my Hero!
~Angela M.

Finding the Athlete in Me:

I know I know it's not proper grammar...but it's how I feel these days. Just a week and a half ago Jared and I completed our first Triathlon---which I've done several posts about. We decided a few days later we would do the Spokane half marathon, which is 13.1 miles of running!!! Last week we went pretty light since we were recovering from the Triathlon, and on Sunday we went the farthest I've ever gone before, 8.8 miles! It felt so great to be accomplishing something I never knew I could do. Today I decided to use the treadmill at Oz Fitness to help get my cadence a little less then 8 and a half minute miles. I ran for an hour and did 7.2 miles---although I was SOOOOO bored on that stinkin treadmill...nothing to look at but the tv screens which were way to far to even see, and when running on a treadmill I don't dare lose focus. I do not want to be that person who falls off the back!

Tomorrow I will do another run for about an hour or so. This weekend when in California we will do another long run-probably 10 miles! It will be another break through for me!

What a blessing to be healthy enough to do this kind of thing--I am so so thankful and try to really enjoy the ability and strength the Lord has blessed me with during the time spent outdoors running running running.

Step after step I remind myself...relax your upper body... get a slightly higher kick...relax your breathing...let everything go...just enjoy the run...it's all a mind game...turn off your mind...your body is strong enough...you ARE an athlete...thank you thank you thank you Lord...don't trip!!!
~Angela M.

The Half












As Jared and I spend the week recovering, I can't help but think about my next form of personal torture to put my body through...there is a Spokane Half Marathon on Oct 11...less then a month away!! It's obviously twice the amount of running that we did this weekend, but I KNOW my body can handle it...and it's only a $35 entry fee...why not while we're still reaping the benefits of the last few months of training???
~Angela M.

Our First Tri...

Wow. I can't believe the Triathlon is actually over! What an amazing day and experience it was!

We woke up at 5:00-which wasn't too bad for me since I often wake up that early for work-but Jared had a difficult time getting out of bed! Praise the Lord I actually slept really well too! Our stuff was already packed, so after getting dressed, making eggs and toast, and loading our borrowed bikes, we were ready to go (a little later then anticipated which was a bummer)

We arrived at the race site around 6:10 by the time we unloaded our bikes and walked over there. Most everyone was already there, so we had to put our bikes toward the back and really felt rushed especially after waiting 10 min to use the "honey bucket"! By the time all was said and done I only had 15 min to set up my transition area and get my wet suit on! I would definitely get there about 30 min earlier next time!

The men were first to get in the freezing cold 58 degree water at 7:00--They swam to the middle of the lake and started at the sound of the air horn--I of course cheered nice and loud for Jared--which I'm sure he heard:) As soon as they were off, us women entered the water...yikes it was soooooo cold! Several people actually got hypo-thermia and were taken away by ambulance! I was unprepared for the air horn to go off, so I was taken by surprise when it did. The water was extremely shallow and Jared and I both scraped our hands on the bottom multiple times!! The swim was ok over all--not great and not bad. When I got towards the end I was just so grateful to be done! It took me a few minutes longer then usual, but whatever. As I ran up to the transition area, there was my handsome husband waiting for me cheering me on:) What a great boost that was!

After warming up enough to step out of the wet suit, Jared and I took off on our bikes-we could tell we were behind the majority of people (due to my slower swim), but we had such a fun bike ride together. We were able to talk and laugh through the 24.8 miles together and encourage a lot of people along the way--we feel like we made a lot of friends today!

Getting off the bike and switching to running was WEIRD!!!! Holy Moley my legs felt like jello! Fortunately I've run 6.2 miles many times, so I wasn't too concerned. The first 3-4 miles were quite enjoyable-we prayed aloud together for our church service that was about to start, and for some other churches, and talked about how much we had to use the bathroom:) But by the 5th and 6th mile, I just wanted to be done! My knee, hips, and back all started hurting but I knew we were in the home stretch! **side note, we actually passed quite a few people on the run which felt fantastic!**

Jared was such a wonderful encourager the whole way through---constantly telling me how proud of me he was. What a great man I'm married to!

As we came through to the home stretch, they announced our names over the loud speaker "It looks like we have a husband and wife team here-Jared and Angela Amerine!" Jared grabbed my hand and was busted out those last few hundred yards together---what a powerful moment! I almost broke down in tears at the end---just so grateful for the strength and mental capacity the Lord gave us, and the blessing of doing something so wonderful with my amazing husband!

Thank you Jesus!!!
~Angela M.

Feeling Stuck...

Today is one of those days where I just feel STUCK.

A few weeks ago I had a job opportunity to long term sub for a music classroom at a local middle school. I of course jumped at the opportunity and was honored the teacher requested me.

Today I went to the classroom to meet the teacher and check out the classes, only to find out the district won't allow me to long term sub because I do not have my "music endorsement".

I never would have thought I would be at this place--I've had 5 years experience as a youth pastor---I have an undergrad degree in Elementary Ed., and a graduate Degree in Worship Leadership...and I just can't seem to get anywhere---how is this even possible???

Today is a day that requires much praying and soul searching for me--I want to make the most of this time I have to grow, study, lead, change, be a world changer...I just need God's eyes to see how that will happen...
~Angela M.

New Healthy (almost organic) Banana Muffin Recipe

We had a bunch of old bananas that I wanted to make into banana bread minus the sugar and nasty flour and butter: I found a recipe and tweaked it a bit and LOVED how the muffins turned out! Jared even took some to work and his co-workers want the recipe--here it is!

3 ripe bananas
1/2 C. Shredded Zucchini
1/4 C. Shredded Carrots
1 egg slightly beated
1/4 C. Honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 C Applesauce ( or maybe it was a 1/3 C...)
1 1/2 c. Whole Wheat Flour
1/4 C. Flaxseed
Raisins (optional)

Mash up bananas and mix with carrots and zucchini.
Add egg, honey and vanilla.
In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients
Add Applesauce to dry ingredients
Fold dry ingredient mixture into banana mixture--add raisins
Bake for 18ish minutes at 375!!! Boo ya!!!
~Angela M.

An Ode to My Shorts:

On our most recent trip to California, my lovely mother in law decided to take us on a mini shopping spree much to my surprise. She insisted on buying me a new outfit for working out etc., which I actually really needed. So she got me these cute pink shorts and matching workout shirt and 2 new sports bras-all from the wonderful store-Target (please say with an accent).
Upon returning home, Jared made a funny comment about how now I could get rid of my yellow shorts which I've had since I lived in california 4 yrs ago--I knew they didn't bother him...but I thought to myself "self, it's time to get rid of the bright yellow shorts that you only bought because they were on clearance for $3."
So as I was unpacking my things back home, putting my new shorts away, I saw a glimpse of my yellow shorts (kind of hard to miss) and decided it was now or never. I grabbed them, walked down the stairs and headed for the garbage bin in the garage--I knew if I put them anywhere else I might be tempted to get them back out!!!

Farewell my dear shorts! You have been so good to me! Thank you for being so bright so that people could always see me running down the road with plenty of warning. You have traveled so many a road. You will be missed greatly!!!! (tear)
~Angela M.

Training Days-

So I know most of my recent posts have been about running, swimming and biking--anything regarding our triathlon training--and I guess it's because it is such a huge and important part of my life right now.

This week marks about the 3rd or maybe 4th week of serious training we have done for the triathlon. It has been so hot outside recently most of our training has been done in the gym at OZ. Training consists of usually biking first, running, and then swimming--depending on the day and how I'm feeling. Sometimes I'll focus on one of the legs of the race specifically and do some lifting as well. Swimming happens almost everyday since that is my weakest, or I guess segment I'm most concerned about. Things for the most part have been going extremely well-last week I hit a wall--I had over-worked myself and could hardly pedal my bike, it was really strange. So I took 2 days off over the weekend and yesterday I felt great again!

We've got 6.5 weeks left to train and we're hoping to go to the race site and do some swimming in the river and using the actual trail we'll be on--I know swimming in the lake will be MUCH different then swimming in the pool!

I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time to make such a huge accomplishment in my life, knowing that it is only by the strength of the Lord it is able to happen!



~Angela M.

My Running/Biking Playlist:

Bonito-Jarabe DePalo
You Are Good-Israel Houghton
Da Le Yaleo-Santana
My God-Hillsong
Smooth-Santana
Make It Glorious-Tommy Walker
Sunday Mornings-Maroon 5
You Found Me-FFH
You Are Here-Need To Breathe
Irene-Toby Mac
How Sweet It Is-Michael Buble
No One Like You-David Crowder Band
Take My Hand-Shawn McDonald
Revolutionary Love-David Crowder Band
Sway-Michael Buble
I'm Not Alright-Sanctus Real
Save the Last Dance-Michael Buble
Everything About You-Sanctus Real
Let God Arise-Chris Tomlin
This Love-Maroon 5
Filled with Your Glory-Starfield
Canned HeatJamiroquai
Clocks-Coldplay
Your Grace is Enough-Chris Tomlin
Love Addict-Family Force 5
Crazy Little Thing Called Love-Michael Buble
Free-Shawn McDonald
Beautiful Day-Sanctus Real

I-Pod. Don't Leave Home Without It.
~Angela M.

It's Official:

I just did it. I registered myself and Jared for the Spokane Triathlon...Holy Cow!!!!!!!!!! There is no turning back (not after the registration fees!) and I am excited...but mostly nervous!!!! We have 9.5 weeks to get prepared for the race-and so far the training is going really well. Today was the first day it actually felt do-able. You can check out the race maps and everything at http://www.spokanetriathlon.com/

Sept 13th...come cheer us on if you want!!!


~Angela M.