erin learns

movement

2010-12-01T09:47:00.003-06:00

it's weird...as much as i enjoyed dancing in college and as much as i like a great walk or hike, i am a person to prefers to sit still. in fact, i love that we are called to "be still". as i've grown, i've realized one of my pet peeves is someone who CAN'T sit still...that their foot has to always be shaking or their finger tapping or something along those lines. on long car trips or travel days, i find myself relieved when it is over (though i don't get motion sickness) that i can just sit or lay and NOT feel movement.
especially being pregnant, i have taken time to just sit. usually i've got a computer in my lap or the tv or a movie on if it is going to be a long sit, but i enjoy the stillness...
until my little one starts moving...
she really enjoys the moving around, i think. she doesn't care that it's bedtime and me feeling her move around wakes me up like some sort of natural caffeine. she moves to let me know she's there and growing!
so for now, i'm enjoying the movement...knowing that it means our little one is giving us the signals that she is capable of to communicate with her parents!

Fall!

2010-11-18T09:42:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to share my fall decor with you all...I had FUN putting it together on a day I felt like doing something...most of the time I've been tired and unproductive.
We got the gourds from a great (and CHEAP) farm and I have been picking up other stuff at thrift stores as I see it. :)

Addicted

2010-11-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

I can't help it. I follow about 30 blogs and most of them are craft ideas and "how to"s. Most of them post about once a day...which means I am probably wasting a LOT of time reading...but I have also been DOING!
I was put in touch with a woman who has a booth in a local "antique & gifts" shop in town here and she has let me put some things I have made in it. I haven't seemed to have much luck so far, but I have been told NOT to be discouraged. I also have some great ideas for Christmas and am hoping I can make some things for my own house as well as to sell...
This is to try and do something I love that would allow me to stay home with the baby.

Baby news:
21 1/2 weeks along...she is KICKING and MOVING and DANCING a LOT. My hubs has yet to feel anything but I'm sure he will soon. I am SO thankful I have had little problems being pregnant while some of my friends have NOT been so lucky. I pray for them and hope that they end up with healthy babies (especially Lisa. She is a fellow band-mate from HS that is in the hospital and everyday she has not gone in to labor has been counted a success.)

I will try to be more consistent with posting...no promises but I do hope to get back into the swing of this place to share!

Big News!

2010-10-20T19:11:00.002-05:00

Alright alright...most of you already know, but in case you're new around here...

We're having a baby....

....of the girl kind!! :)

We got to see her today and she waved "hi" at us!

I'm trying to post a picture but it's saying error. Will. Try. Later!

Prayer Please!

2010-08-02T15:07:00.003-05:00

At my job I see people by the minute who are in need of prayer and on occasion one or two really get me.
Today my ears were offered for a 1/2 an hour to hear a woman's story...Ms K* is a mom of 3 watching TWO of her dear children suffer terminal illnesses. One has the life expectancy of 8 years. The other came into an illness recently. Please pray for them C* and B* and their other sibling who has to endure this with her parents. B* is having surgery soon with high risks...but his life itself is a risk.
She just really touched me and her heart is SO big for her children and those around her.
I count myself blessed to have encountered her.

*names changed to protect!

Vulnerability

2010-06-25T08:22:00.002-05:00

Lately, I feel like I've been on the lookout for something...some "church camp" experience. At least, that's the only way I can think to describe it. I'm not even sure that's the best way of explaining it...but you know something that when it happens, you reflect on it for a time after and how it impacted you in faith, in life...in something of significance?

I've been trying to pay attention to the small things around me. See if I'm missing something.
I've been paying attention to the conversations of significance. Each person dreams of being able to bare their soul to a close friend or relative. If they don't get it there, they find it on facebook or elsewhere.

My hubs is at a conducting grad class this week so I have made the 45 min trip back and forth from home so I can stay with him at one of our parents' house each night. Last night we were enjoying my parents' new screened in porch and dinner time and he was telling me about his day. See, he's been asked to conduct twice for people who KNOW what they're doing and then immediately go into an office to watch a dvd of himself...a humbling experience.

He has taken it well! He has taken this experience to learn things about his teaching and himself. Last night he was talking about yesterday specificially and the piece...Chacom by Holst (I think it's the first movement of Suite 2?), anyway, it's the same melody repeated like...16 times with different emotions in mind.

Now to my point! (Thanks for bearing with me through the background...) The professor was telling Chad how it was necessary that he express EACH emotion on his face as he led the band so that they would know he was sincere. That he be vulnerable with them so that they will trust him. This particular professor is a VERY passionate man...he has already cried twice in front of Chad's class, but that is one reason he is an EXCELLENT conductor. The group sitting in front of him KNOWS what he is asking of them and what he is expecting of them.

Isn't it cool how in life how important vulnerability is? I look to my faith and the experiences I have had with good and bad friendships...how some seem more intimate because THEY ARE. Why? Because I have chosen to be more vulnerable and bare my soul to those certain people. To CRY with them...but also to laugh with them (sometimes at myself) and to be HONEST. I love that. I love that there are some "Jesus with skin on" people in my life (wow that term takes me back-I don't know where I heard it YEARS ago but it's been a great picture of what I'm trying to portray) that I can be truthful with and open with...no walls or barriers, no watching my words or feelings...just being simply me.

The professor asked Chad if he would EVER cry in front of his band and his response? NO! (He rarely shows that kind of intimate emotion even to me...let alone his MIDDLE SCHOOL band!) The man then said "Then you can never truly connect with your band and communicate effectively what you are wanting from them." (Now, he is taking this all to heart AND with a grain of salt, but how true to life and relationships is that statement?)

I hope this all makes sense put together...it INSTANTLY connected in my mind, but I haven't had my coffee and my brain's a bit foggy.

our Texas Vacation

2010-06-16T13:34:00.004-05:00

Just a few pictures of a great time...filled with great memories...

Chad meeting Grandma Joan and the McKillips...

Fun experiences in San Antonio and the Riverwalk...

Seeing my old stomping ground in Dallas...

We were truly blessed for a great end of school trip! Much needed rest and exploration!!

Posting

2010-06-03T08:42:00.001-05:00

Alright alright!

I WILL post...after our vacation is over and I have my computer and my pictures. :)

I made Chad a video to recap our first year of marriage that I hope will post.

I have some cool pictures of some places that are significant to me (in Texas).

I have some good stories.

Sorry this is a teaser. :)

It's been awhile!

2010-05-20T07:51:00.002-05:00

I have moments of pure creativity...inspired...and then I fall asleep and by morning it has wiped itself from my brain. Bummer.
We are coming up on a year as a married pair this Sunday (but more on that later)!

I saw something awesome Tues night at the band banquet for my husband's band...

A girl...a senior, in fact, fell up the stairs (going on to the stage) to pick up an award. She was obviously embarrassed but just brushed it off as graciously as she could. The directors moved on and I had all but forgotten it until....a different senior, one I have been watching all year, took his turn up on the stage and HE tripped. It was clearly comical and on purpose, but I heard the girl say "Thanks". After that, two more guys tripped as well...all people just hoping to make light of a pour girl's mishap. I love these kids. They are THERE for each other. I wished that when I had fallen up the stairs when I was in HS that someone had come to my rescue.

The Mother and The Daughter

2010-03-15T10:22:00.003-05:00

This weekend was a whirl of surprise and reflection-though I turned 30 a week ago.

Friday evening, I went out to a nice dinner with my hubs and his mom and step-dad. I thought some of her actions curious, but just thought she was excited to see us (she insisted on bringing her camera and charger to the restaurant). Afterwards, in the spring rain that has caused my allergies to flair up (BIG), we headed to my mom and Steve's house for what I thought was playing cards...
to find about 20 people there to surprise me. I haven't seen the pictures yet, but I KNOW my face showed what I was feeling...shock! Big shout out to Linz for conspiring with my mom!

Saturday, I met with the search committee for finding a new Praise Team Coordinator for our church (since I'm on the Worship Purpose Driven Team) and we spoke with 2 individuals, both with big hearts for God's people to learn to be vulnerable and truly empty themselves to worship.
Wow. Good vision was shared and reflected upon.

The meeting afterwards with one particular woman...She is the first of whom I truly want to share with you about. This mother found out during an Alaskan cruise last August that she has cancer. She has been undergoing chemo treatment since November. She has been serving the church in various leadership positions for the last 20 years while raising her children and seeing grandchildren born. She has SUCH a desire to see the people at our church to grow in the Lord. She has a desire to see them fully commit themselves to God's work for their specific talents. She has a heart for the community and children...
and she has been given the verdict that her time is limited on Earth. She admitted that she has her days of sitting at home feeling sorry for herself, but I have seen the fruit of kindness, faithfulness, generosity, love, peace, patience...just to name a few. She said that she had been struggling with her joy because...she wants to SEE the outcomes of the things she has so fervently prayed and hoped for. She wants to be not just a part of the process but the finished product as well.
I got the chance to pour words of truth and hope into her. It was such an amazing time of listening and prayer. This mother doesn't care about a legacy (though the one she has been preparing has been AMAZING), but more about doing God's work and spending time with her kids, grandkids and husband. She says she's more sad about what she will miss now that she is aware of her shortened time with them.

The other person I am wanting to share with you about is one of my Sunday School kiddos. She has had a rough growing up so far with a struggling family dynamic and different interests than most girls her age. At our tea party, she was surprisingly the most polite and cordial. She is already a great prayer warrior for the Kingdom. She is wise beyond her years not only when it comes to facts, but also when it comes to being aware of how to pray...for Haiti, for her non-Christian friends at school and for her little sister's attitude. Though her father is absent, her mother does a great job of consistency in her schedule and activities, but she still has bad days. Yesterday, she surprised me again by saying the things that make her feel happiest include her father. It made me think...
Yet another instance of the importance of a present father. I struggled at times with this concept as I didn't always live near mine. Knowing and understanding that our Heavenly Father is truly present at all times is a hard concept to grasp. This daughter hasn't seen her father in...years, yet her identity STILL lies in his approval of her. What if we all treasured the approval of our Father the way she does her father? What if us daughters (and sons) could be proud of ourselves and joyful by simply knowing His presence and love showering on us?

I know that's awfully deep for a Monday morning following Daylight Savings, but I laid awake til after midnight pondering all this last night.

more snow

2010-02-24T11:03:00.003-06:00

This was Friday...when we got 5 inches in 4 hours.
We got 8.5" on Sunday alone. Sorry I forgot to take a picture of the fresh fallen snow there, but maybe I'll go out today. :)
Here are some pictures of our street.

attempt #2 at sewing...

2010-02-19T11:20:00.003-06:00

here's the 2nd attempt...this time it's a jacket that she made out of an old sweater and knit fabric for ruffles, and i made out of 2 t shirts from the thrift store for $.50 each.
here's hers....and then mine...comments? :)

What gift would you bring?

2010-02-14T12:52:00.003-06:00

The Wisemen traveled long and came LONG after Jesus' birth, but they were persistent because they wanted to worship Him. They KNEW who He was and what it meant for his arrival.

Today in my 3rd and 4th grade class, we talked about their story and the question was asked: What gift would you bring to Him?

For young minds, their hearts are big. Favorite stuffed animals, cherished books, if money was no object: diamonds, a pair of slippers and even His favorite Starbucks drink were all on the list.

Being Valentine's day and a newlywed, it is a day of gift-giving...I came home Friday and my sweet husband had left me roses and a card with my favorite characters (Hoops & Yoyo). Today,
I received a red tulip from one of the sweet girls in my class along with a valentine from another...
these gifts mean a lot to me...I'm easy to please.
But...if it were me-going to Jesus-when I asked myself and blurted out to the class "my wedding ring".

Yup.
I cherish my marriage and look forward to the time with my husband ahead. I love that he picked it (the ring) for me and that I get compliments on it. I love what it symbolizes and that right now, it's something that I consider most valuable that I could give because of what it stands for.

So now I ask...you don't have to answer, but...

If you knew you were going to visit the King of all creation, the one who created YOU, who brings life and all things good, what tangible gift would you bring?

yup i did

2010-02-05T21:57:00.003-06:00

...learn that is...
i have been hounding blogs....and found this.... here.She put up VERY detailed instructions and so I tried...and got this:

K...so...I KNOW what I did wrong-after looking over and over at the pics....
I DID NOT recut the neckline like she did. I also didn't use as tight fitting of a shirt. I did THAT on purpose.
SO. the question is....is it worth trying to REDO the entire thing to fix the collar? I think yes.

New career???

2010-02-04T15:20:00.003-06:00

O.K. I will NOT be going into business, but I'm glad I get to "do it again"!!
I showed you all pictures of Heidi and Megan's wedding flowers....and now I get to do Alison's!!! Woooo!
I'm excited because besides my own wedding, this is the first time I've been given a budget and told to do what I think would look best! Can you say SAH-WEEET!!!!?!?!?
I'm also helping with her centerpieces at her reception...so today I went thrift-hunting (is there a word? how 'bout I make one up: thunting? hunifting?) for some great glass that we plan to fill with various candies in her wedding colors. I was looking for un-etched, un-crystallized glass that still had character. Look what I got for $5.
Yes. F-I-V-E!!!!!! It's times like this that I LOVE that St. Joe has untapped resources of thrift stores!

Recycling

2010-02-04T15:11:00.003-06:00

I've posted previously about my recycling experiences...how you feel as though you are being attacked by mysterious men (most likely affiliated with the mafia) who surround the car and clear it of ANYTHING recyclable in no time flat. Well, today I decided to snap some pictures when I took my winter-months worth of recycling to them. (Can we say smelly and gross beyond all measure?)

Today, they spoke. They said hello. They were older this time (Probably because the school-aged children had BETTER be getting an education). All 4 of my bins were returned to my car empty and stacked in about a minute and a half. I tell ya-they work quickly! I WILL say that I wish St. Joe had curbside recycling, but it is a definite adventure to be driving down there (and spooky and weird and creepy and scary and....you get the idea)...
And yes, that is a PILE of snow leftover...lots and lots of inches and inches of gross, not-white snow. Ugh.

something I made

2010-02-03T09:25:00.004-06:00

Here is what I sent for the "craft swap" in which I got some stationary I could have made and some remade lottery tickets from California...
After exchanging a few emails, the girl whose name I got likes blue and horses...so I looked a bit online and made this coin purse for her. (with her initials)

our weekend...

2010-02-01T17:25:00.003-06:00

It SNOWED in OSAGE BEACH!!! I knew our "trip to the beach" wouldn't be typical since it was in mid-MO and in Jan, but it doesn't snow there often...and we got almost 4 inches!! The little getaway was for a conference that Chad attends yearly for music educators. It's a way to network and learn from experts. I got the chance to go this year due to not having a "normal" job and got to learn alongside him and even meet some of his college friends.
On the way back, we passed the MO Capital building. Someday, I'd like to go visit-since I didn't live in MO during 4th grade. I did take pictures from the highway though...Jeff City seems like an enchanting old town.
Then, we got adventurous and called our own experts on the area and found out there was a winery...so we went. I was unaware of the process of distilling wine and learned the differences in white and red and the things the sometimes filter through to get certain tastes (charcoal, plastic, gellatin and even bacteria) and then are strained out. We tasted a few wines and picked a favorite to take home with us. THEN we went to the associated Bistro for coffee and flourless chocolate cake that was AMAZING....maple flavored whipped topping, fresh strawberries, mint and chocolate fudge syrup. The bistro overlooked the MO river and it was a beautiful building (sorry for no pic).
I'd suggest ANYONE stop and eat at the bistro, A-frame (only April-Oct) or to get a tour of the winery.
I included pictures of the snow (and Lake of Ozarks) and from the closed A-frame porch/seating area.

new post

2010-01-27T07:34:00.002-06:00

Most know why there hasn't been a post lately...
Christmas happened, we were gone, there was lots and lots of snow and lots of prayer.

I keep having those thoughts-you know-the ones where something minutely significant happens and yet I see something I want to blog or write about? I begin to form ideas in my head...and then when I get home I forget that I wanted to blog about it because there are dishes or laundry to be done.

I have been reading MANY sites lately that have tutorials on how to modify clothing you already have to get a "new look" and once I figure out my Grandmama's sewing machine that has multiple attachments and was bought for almost $200 in 1982 (I found the receipt from Sears.), I will try some of them. I do NOT intend to turn this into a "what I made" blog though (similar to the ones I've been reading).

kitchen redo!

2009-12-14T08:40:00.004-06:00

The long awaited pictures! If you didn't see it before, the cabinets were this strange yellow and the walls were plain white. Now....it really looks French Cafe/Bistro ish.
Please excuse the clean dishes everywhere...we don't have a dishwasher! Note the floor is checkered and thanks to my mom for helping with the cabinets and the base coat of paint. Just a few projects left (like putting back on ALL the cabinet doors) and we'll be done! I think I'll retake the "after" shots so you can really see the distress/old world look to the walls. What was I thinking? :)

my blessed Sunday!

2009-12-13T16:45:00.002-06:00

I have been teaching Sunday School this year to the 3rd and 4th graders...I am always surprised by them, but not as surprised as I was this morning.
One boy I have "M", has some developmental issues, but is generally sweet, has a guitar (he just got a REAL one for his bday) and listens lots and is quiet. Today, he set a Christmas present on the table at the end of class...
"THANK YOU M!"
"I got it for you"
"Did you want me to open it?"
*big grin* "YES NOW!"
"But M, it's not Christmas yet!"
"Open it now!"
We have been learning "God is loving" and you know what HE picked out??
A bracelet...the design is a heart that has the letters G-o-d in the center of it.
I told his Gma thanks expecting SHE was the one that had picked it and she said OH NO! It was ALL HIM!
And here I wondered if he "got" anything I was teaching!

AND...
This afternoon, we had Chad's mom and step-dad up for lunch. It was truly yummy (pictures to come)...I surprised myself. After we visited a bit, we met the choir at a local retirement home where we sang carols and then one of the elders of our church gave a message...
He asked the elderly to recall any memories THEY had from Christmas that stuck out....one woman shared how she had been the youngest so she remembered being babied, but how as her siblings got "too old" she was able to care for them. She said how her father had been a pioneer preacher...in the late 1800s and had apprenticed another pastor til he had learned enough and then as a "renegade" type, he preached things that weren't comfortable for cowboys and pioneers to hear...but that didn't stop him. She said he was gifted in speech and she always liked to hear his messages around Christmas time.
I felt like I was in the presence of some sort of royalty! How nifty-neato (not even CLOSE to describing my true feelings) is it that this woman, now blind and living out as best she can her faith where she's at, was the daughter of someone who helped found this country-MY country-on the ideals of faith!

And now we will be playing our new toy...what a fun Sunday!

bathroom redo!

2009-12-11T22:28:00.005-06:00

BEFORE:

note: purple paint, old sink, icky floor and there was NO shower...just a tub.

DURING:
AFTER!

Thanks to Steve for help with the floor and pedestal sink, to Al for the electrical work and Andy for showing us how to tile and lending us the saw! We laid the tile and Chad grouted and took care of all the caulking...I was the painting queen!

Heidi and Brett got married!

2009-12-09T09:11:00.003-06:00

So I'm playing catch up still...but my friend Heidi got married and I got to do the flowers! I can't take credit for all these pictures though...

Here's one of Sara and Abby Bailey! Sweet sisters!!

sunday school

2009-12-06T16:12:00.004-06:00

i've been teaching the 3rd and 4th graders...they were asked to make their own mascots...here's what we got:starting from the far left and going sorta clockwise:
jesus, turtle, cougar, blob, anteater, dragon, dog and "evil chuckie" (notice he's mutilated)

yup.
Today, they had the sillies, but we still managed to talk about Jesus. :)

Halloween...

2009-12-05T10:17:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to show how COOL our house was for trick-or-treaters...we ran out of candy!

i'm baaaack

2009-12-04T19:09:00.002-06:00

consider this your warning.
I got my laptop back and it has ALL my pictures on it.
I will commence posting them!
I am a bit overwhelmed due to all the contests I keep entering on PW's website and others...and all the DIY ideas I'm getting from Simple Life BUT, I will let you know the latest in our lives.

I'm excited for potential get-to-gethers with CCH friends.
I'm excited to paint the kitchen "tuscan" tomorrow while Chad is gone.
I'm excited for ALL the subbing I've been doing.

Turkey Tips via GMA

2009-11-20T08:42:00.003-06:00

I don't plan on cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, BUT...I was watching GMA this morning and they offered some tips I think are helpful:

1. Cook the Turkey at 165 deg F
2. Do NOT wash or stuff it
(if you DO wash, clean areas-esp sink- with bleach 1 tblspn to 1 gal of water)
(if you DO stuff, take out and cook on own in casserole dish IT must reach 165 also)
3. don't carve Turkey right away! Let it set for 30 min so the juices don't escape (will make for more tender turkey) AND it will stay super hot for 1 hr out of oven so no worries there!
4. Thawing is 24 hrs in fridge for every 4-5 lbs breast up (IF you forget, put full sink-rotating water-breast down 1 hr for every 2 lbs--about 6 hrs total)

The cat is somewhere in the house calling me to "make sure I'm OK"....better go find her...

cooking, baking and being domestic!

2009-11-12T08:48:00.003-06:00

I am surprised at myself...not to sound braggy but goodness!

Since marrying Chad, I have tried many new dishes I never thought I'd be capable of making...Apple Crisp from SCRATCH, Pumpkin pie from SCRATCH, Stew, assorted baked chicken dishes, the list goes on...

I wish I would be more creative instead of the same 8 or 10 dishes we always seem to eat, but it's definitely hard to plan around our schedule! (No...more like CHAD's schedule.) I am loving all the recipes that were collected for me from my showers...it helps me be more adventurous! I also want to thank Meg for showing me how easy somethings are...though Chicken Pot Pie sans Peas hasn't happened yet and I'm CRAVING it! :)

If you run across any great recipes to try, send 'em my way!

uh oh!

2009-11-05T08:39:00.002-06:00

So...no pictures for awhile....only because my laptop went to the dr...and then was admitted into the hospital. Argh!
ALLL my pictures from July 08 to present are on there...along with 9 days worth of songs on iTunes.
Boo.
Pray that my hard drive is UNTOUCHED and that not only the important stuff but my new crafty things are still on there and my music and pictures...

Is it crazy that awhile ago when asked what I'd save in a fire that I answered without a stutter or hesitation "pictures". Yeah.

fall foliage!

2009-11-02T08:40:00.002-06:00

Schweizer's Orchard

2009-10-30T21:46:00.004-05:00

Last Saturday we went to an orchard and picked out pumpkins and ended up with some gourds and apples too! Then we came home to carve, make apple butter and crisp and enjoy our warm and fun saturday with some great pictures of the changing leaves! (Orchard and Tree pics to come)

Fall Goodness!

2009-10-28T22:46:00.003-05:00

WHAT on EARTH are these things?
I'll take a few guesses and then post the answer! :)

Megan got married!

2009-10-21T16:22:00.003-05:00

My roommate...well...the last one before I was married (so will forever be "my roommate") got married Oct 3rd!
Sorry this is late in posting but I've been lazy!
Here are some pictures of her and Bob on their day...I got the privilege of doing the flowers.
She was beautiful and he looked at her...well, just look at the picture! I'm just sad I didn't get any pics of her reception-it all looked GREAT!

Surprise weekend!

2009-10-18T18:51:00.004-05:00

Last weekend, Chad surprised me with a getaway!

I didn't know anything other than that we were going to KC....

We went here: Hawthorn B&B :)

Then we changed to our fancy duds:

Then we went here:

After we ate here: (Benton's Steakhouse on top of Westin where we stayed the night we got married!)

I think he did pretty good!

odd mornings

2009-10-09T08:34:00.003-05:00

I have been substitute teaching...and some of my mornings have been odd due to kids, but this particular morning (about a week ago) we had some craziness here. It doesn't usually get so foggy but WOW. I drove through this. I went ahead and took pictures* of what I'm supposed to see on a different day to show the drastic difference (and how surprised I was!).

*no photographers were driving unsafely or putting themselves at risk in the taking of these photos/video.

blog reader

2009-09-19T08:13:00.003-05:00

I'm a blog reader. I'd almost add "hard core" to that. Then again, I CAN put the computer down and go to bed unlike SOME people *cough*.
After looking at various blogs I realized...mine has no theme. I mean...it IS titled "Erin Learns" which is true. and I add photos (which I'm hoping to keep learning techniques and get better at), I add videos (of things I see and experience) and I am insightful (who doesn't like a deep thought shared?) and I am funny (which is where I feel this blog lacks).
This is MY blog though...so the randomness in the content displayed should not bother me. So sorry that it is, but it will continue to be!

my "how to" decorate a cake

2009-09-17T15:10:00.003-05:00

So I didn't want to post it before her bday, but then I forgot I could after...

Here's Carissa's cake:

Chad's combo playing HIS song at Trails West!

2009-09-05T09:23:00.002-05:00

prayer needs!

2009-09-05T09:16:00.002-05:00

It's hard to not feel guilty about being happy with all of the things going on around me...please pray with me?
-A friend from college had her baby girl (due on 12/24) 17 weeks early. Her blog is
-A couple I have just been getting to know has made the difficult decision to move...far away for the health of their family.
-A friend is 2 weeks overdue...she is very uncomfortable-I can't imagine.
-Chad's brother is in Cabo right now...vacation turned work trip?
-A friend is moving today out of her house with her nearing 2 year old with a pending divorce.
-Friends are hoping the dr. will give the OK for them to have a baby...and have been waiting for 2 years.

It just makes me not want to complain about the things that SEEM big in my life-like not having a job-because their lives seem so much worse in content right now.
On happy notes (maybe to uplift their spirits), we have both of our dads and step-moms visiting this weekend, Chad is singing a solo in church tomorrow, I'm starting to teach 3rd and 4th grade SS tomorrow, Chad has a gig tonight (I'll video) and Chad has a day off from work in which to relax this weekend.

Chad was in the paper!

2009-08-29T09:24:00.003-05:00

Here is the link for the article...we're trying to find the picture that was with it!

I'll add my own pics!

more finds...hehe

2009-08-18T20:05:00.003-05:00

around st joe part duex

this guy...has a sweet job that he loves-can't you tell?

here is "girl with dog" first without the dog and then with. chad has seen her for at least a couple of years and i have already seen her a dozen times or so...always around the same block. sometimes with her dog, sometimes not.

here is a man all dressed in purple...what you can't see are his sweet purple-tinted shades and his mardi gras-style necklace...yup. head to toe. in my favorite color.

sweet bike? i'd say so. and the next day, chad and i passed the house where this puppy sleeps. sweet.

we're goin' to the zoo zoo zoo

2009-08-18T14:11:00.003-05:00

or...we went.
I surprised Chad with a "free" weekend...thanks to Omaha Mutual turning 100 and offering a "Wild About Omaha" weekend of activities!
on Friday night, we went wine tasting in a botanical garden followed by an art museum featuring a live latin group.
we then camped out in our NEW tent (note: get something soft to sleep on and DO NOT pick a spot close to the bathrooms, but DO pick a spot on a lake so you can watch the sunrise from your tent!!)
Saturday, we headed to the world renowned Omaha Zoo (with 32,000 other people-no lie!) and I included some pictures below...
then we hit an Omaha Royals game at Rosenblatt before heading home!

hi us! we rode on this ski lift type thing over several of the animals habitats: cheetah, gazelle, rhinocerous, monkeys and fish to name a few

this white tiger was only pretending to nap-isn't that blue eye beautiful?

this dude was napping...or was he? HUGE.

why are the monkey's so great? this gal was performing for us hoping for a snack!

here are the alligators...

a night with Andrea and Jon

2009-08-18T13:46:00.005-05:00

We went out to dinner with Jon and Andrea and then got ice cream--scratch that-Sheridan's and then headed back to their place for games! They have an adorable hairy chinese crested (i think that's how it's spelled) named Lucy.
She sings while Andrea practices her horn so OF COURSE we got it on video! Duh!
So...as promised: Lucy singing (NOT my sister, but a very cute dog.)

as promised...

2009-08-10T14:20:00.004-05:00

now that we have fast internet...funny things i've seen around st joe:

houses going down the road

nascar look-a-likes

coolio (we think) in his bizness attire

dogs that drive

I can't complain

2009-07-30T23:57:00.002-05:00

or...at least I feel I shouldn't.
I just met with a group of ladies who I know fear the Lord, have felt His redemption and grace continuously in their lives, they see His work all around them and they ALL have personal struggles I can't even.....*sigh*
and here I am complaining and fretting over not having a job.

I need to trust more that God is placing me where He wants me...I mean...a year ago I wouldn't have imagined I'd end up in St Joe or even meeting with these ladies once a week.

My heart is just so heavy for them and their burdens...good thing God is big so He can carry all of this because I can't even grasp the thoughts running past me right now.

upcoming posts

2009-07-28T10:29:00.003-05:00

i know i've been pretty lame about posting but this computer (not my laptop, but our desktop) is SLOW...
so i will let you know that soon there will be a faster internet and the ability to post some great things:
-"around st joe" i have discovered some hilarities in driving around and snapped a quick shot of a few things
-our bathroom remodel-from start to finish! (working on painting this week while chad is at drumline camp)
-singing dog video (a visit to chad's friends and their hairy chinese crested "Lucy" singing along with the french horn)
-highlights from the surprise weekend i took chad to...in omaha!

my husband is....

2009-07-13T21:29:00.001-05:00

funny?

When asked what movie he wanted to watch, I mentioned 'chic flicks'?
His response: "You're the only chic flick I want to watch."

AWWWW.

While watching the commercials waiting for our favorite Mon nite ABC shows to come back on, a yogurt (Yoplait) commercial played...for a "Lucious Frozen Treat"
His comment: You're my lucious frozen treat.
Me: Why would you say I'm frozen?
Him: 'cuz I like the way "Yoplait."

AUUURRUGHGHGH.

worshipping

2009-07-01T22:53:00.002-05:00

tonight marked the 2nd nite of worship with the intern this summer at our church.

last friday night, the candles were lit, the lyrics were posted and a few of us showed up to see what the fuss was all about...it ended up being an intimate time of worship! just me and god...and 10 other people.

tonight we gathered in a circle to "talk shop" and encourage each other with things the worship team is doing right and things to improve upon...and then the singing came...
the list was 10 songs, that turned into about 10 more embelishments added in from spontaneous worship. as i sat staring at the fire pit we were around in this beautiful yard of this beautiful home in this beautiful neighborhood, i reflected on how short and fleeting our life is...it can all be gone in *poof*: a flame, tornado or our own death. yet i (and our group) was SO fortunate to have that time and that space with those people. i thought of how others worship in places more closed off--whose prayer closets are literal--and how their lives ARE taken away like *poof*. how they don't have a comfortable chair to sit in and openly worship with their friends and family and how i didn't want to leave that place or that time...

...and how i rarely feel like that because i take those opportunities for granted sooo often.
grr.
this summer, our church is going to have an "informal worship gathering" every friday...and every friday that i can, i'm going. and i'm going to blast my form of worship music in my house and paint and draw and dance and pray. because that feeling of wanting to worship...i KNOW that has GOT to please my Lord's heart.

dinner party

2009-06-30T19:34:00.002-05:00

the music was playing, the table was set, the food was in the oven...
if you focused on the table and listened hard, you'd think you were in a clue movie.

but this was no whodunnit. my parents and grandpa (Bompa) came to dinner tonight!
it was a NICE summer day and Chad and I had been working post-garage sale to get the house more organized so...
it was nice to be "done" and have a break and talk shop...literally with my parents...Steve and Chad are going to work on the shower at our house! WhoooooO!

by the way...our garage sale was VERY successful...we sold ALL the big stuff (2 keyboards, timpani, xylophone, kitchen table, lawn mower....and we also sold one of our 2 upright pianos! (keep your paws off, we're keeping the other one)

wedding album

2009-06-23T15:34:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

woohoo!

2009-06-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

Hey!
I'm married!
I'm a "mrs." now!!
But the day after we got back from our honeymoon I came down with something...so that "in sickness and in health" thing...yeah. We're living it. Sooner than we suspected. He's taking good care of me and I'm finally starting to feel more like myself. Good. Thing.
Oh...and I'll be posting a link to pictures very soon...maybe even this weekend!!! Yesssss!

update

2009-05-18T22:59:00.002-05:00

post for Heidi:
I'm excited about my wedding.
I have "wedding brain" where all I think clearly about is organizing and participating in wedding related tasks....otherwise my brain is mush.
I am refusing to stress at this point.
I don't have a whole lot to do which means my brain is mush most of the time.
I am so flustered that when people call, sometimes I don't answer my phone because I don't think I'll be able to multi-task or even remember my goals after the conversation is over.
I want to marry Chad....yesterday.
I am excited for this summer and the trips...yes, hopefully that's a plural.
I love reading Carissa's blog about the sweet kids....and funny.
I find myself reading blogs of other brides to see their reactions and their process, but really, I end up annoyed or frustrated because they are so different from me.
I haven't taken many pictures lately but I hope to take more this summer...and take lots of walk too.
I am debating dropping one of my "L" names because 3 L initials in one name seems like a lot. But I can't bear to really give one up. Hmm.
I'm tired and going to bed.
K that's all.

making a list

2009-05-03T09:23:00.002-05:00

well, i am shocked to say that my Grandmama died yesterday. she never recovered from her toxic shock that took her to the hospital March 4th.
currently, i'm making a list-for now it's in my head...but it WILL be on paper...of as many memories as i can conjur up that i had taken advantage of until now.
to start:
-she selflessly came when my mom, sister and i needed her and took care of us
-she never once said anything negative about my dad even when he wasn't treating us well
-her advice was always soft-spoken in love and offered words of wisdom
-she loved her husband so much, she'd still get a twinkle in her eye
-she gave and gave...always. her time, her talents, etc.
-her sense of humor was amazing...able to laugh at even herself

that's just a start.
We'll miss you Grandmama.

Lucy Delilah Honeyfield McGinnis
1928-2009, 80.5 years old
grandmother of 9, youngest sister of 6 kids, wife to one man, friend to....countless.

pictures

2009-04-26T09:34:00.002-05:00

I've been trying out editing things...what is your opinion of these two pictures? Do you like one more? What do you think when you look at them?
There are 27 days til I get married...wooooooooooooooooo!

it's late

2009-04-22T23:36:00.002-05:00

yup. it's late. i should definitely be in bed. tomorrow i go to the lil old lady's house as usual on Thurs as of late. my only job (well, they only thing they've got me doing regularly)...which means...i still have no job!!
and...as of...well, 23 minutes, i'll be getting married in exactly 1 month!
wooo!
it seems that all that's left are they slightly nerve pinching small details...sort of...and a LOT of waiting. these things COULDN'T happen til now (flowers, cake) so...yeah...it's not like i procrastinated.
where did the time go? it seemed so far off!
i've been praying lately specifically for some friends...friends dealing with crisises (sp?) in their marriage to my single friends...there is a LOT going on! please pray for two couples with me. also pray for a friend who God has told her something pretty big, and when it all plays out, His name will be written allllll over it cuz there's NO way it could be answered any way but His will. you know who you are friend. and you know we love you!

i have enjoyed doing all of this wedding stuff...being crafty and home-made. i have also become slightly addicted to blog sites of brides-to-be or recent-brides! they all have so many DIY ideas!!! it makes me consider going into wedding planning. at this point though, i'm going to stick with doing my own flowers and finishing up the projects i've got going...those who attend the wedding will certainly be pleasantly surprised by the small details i've come across to make our day unique. :)

alright. must sleep!
shout out to my niece Alexandria and her new venture of blogging!!

diversions

2009-03-04T23:37:00.002-06:00

planned on coming home last night and crawling into bed
ended up almost tripping over a great basket of goodies from friends who know me...well. :)

planned on getting married right out of college
getting married soon enough...but years later!

planned on getting my license renewed today and then making dinner and cleaning house for my roomie
ended up getting the license and heading to the hospital

planned on dinner at home and working on wedding invites (they need to go out next week!)
ended up spending most of the day in the icu with my grandmama

planned on having a job the last 6 months
ended up that i only sort of have one and yet God seems to be providing

so yeah...i've been diverted...from what, i may never know...but i know the theory of the course i'm on now and it doesn't include pride but humility, self-reliance but other/God-reliance, stability but adventure, assurance but trust

i still have lots to learn and i thought i'd have some of it figured out by my 29th bday....darn.

gaithers don't come home, please.

2009-03-04T08:19:00.002-06:00

Usually, I go to this lady's house on Thursdays.
Usually, she "watches" TV all day while reading the 4 papers delivered to her houes from various towns within 100 miles.
Usually, she jokes with me a bit about giving me a hard time.
Usually, she takes her pills without a groan.
Usually, I hear the story about walking to school and her house flooding as a child.

I ended up there because another one of her regular caretakers was gone.
She actually watched the TV.
She wanted to put in one of the 30 (no lie!) Gaither videos she has.
We watched Gaither-type videos for 5 hours.
She was grumpy.
She acted like a little kid when it came to taking her pills.
She told a story TWICE about one of her kids.

It was truly a crazy night...leaving so late, her still being up, lots of gospel music...which I don't mind in smaller doses....
...did you know that they almost ALWAYS end a song and then *surprise* restart it and sing the chorus once more?

But when I came home, I walked in my room and almost tripped over something...turned on the light and there was a basket of goodies a friend (actually 2) had brought by. :) Happy birthdayness begins!!

erin needs

2009-02-23T11:37:00.003-06:00

per heidi's suggestion i googled "erin needs" and here are the 1st 10 things that came up:

Erin needs another miracle!
miracle n. an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.
I see many miracles in my life-my LIFE for one (my mom had cancer when she was pregnant with me), I graduated college (twice), I'm getting married (3 mos from today)...I'm sure I could always use another one though.

Erin needs to wear shirts.
Yup and I do everyday. No matter what.

Erin needs a Google Good Time.
Hmm. I'm not sure what this means, but I google things a lot and I usually enjoy it.

Erin needs a life.
This actually looks like someone else participated in this and that was their response, but yes. I do...for whoever loses his life for my sake will find it (Matt 10:39).

Erin needs a liver transplant.
Um I wasn't aware of this.

Erin needs your prayers!
Sure I do. And thank you to those of you who have prayed for me throughout my life!

Erin needs to visit the library soon.
You know...I keep saying I should and don't. I used to frequent it to get old movies or books on tape...hmm.

Erin needs advice.
Yup and I ask for it frequently. AND people offer it to me freely.

Erin needs a middle name.
I most certainly do not. I'm considering bailing on one of my names when I change my name...too many L's.

Erin needs a night off.
Nah. I think I'm good. Not having a job in the traditional sense makes me think no to this.

starting to feel like a bride!

2009-02-23T09:35:00.002-06:00

i have been to MANY weddings. i have helped at several of those. i have been in a few. i have thrown and hosted bridal showers. but it is definitely a different experience to be on the receiving end.
saturday, carissa and lucy threw me a shower and wow! i know we registered and i knew that we did so that people could get us practical presents along with some fun ones too...but we were BLESSED! it was wonderful to hang out with these ladies, have some yummy food and tell the story again of how we got engaged.
luckily, pictures were taken to help my memory! here are a few:

life these days

2009-02-12T08:06:00.003-06:00

sorry that i haven't updated lately...it seems like things are happing in others' lives around me more than mine:
a friend had her baby-hi jake!!
a friend is gonna have one soon-hi cadence!
lots of people have been sick
a friend needs prayer for something big-HUGE
i just witnessed a wreck outside my house

i HAVE been working a little...which is good.
i have been playing "band mom" a bit..more like band groupie
i have been playing roadie for Chad with his drums
i have been making stuff i need to have ready for the wedding

here are some pics of some of the above:

My names-just for fun!

2009-02-10T09:03:00.001-06:00

1.YOUR REAL NAME:
Laura Erin Lou McKillip (for 3 months and 13 days)

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Claudia Vernon

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Claude James

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Mckla

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Royal P(urple) Stingray

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Lou Kansas City

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Blue Juice

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Laip

9.STREET NAME:(fav ice cream flavor, fav cookie)
Mint Chip Chocolate Chip

10 ROCK STAR NAME (pet's name and street where you live)
Isabel Cherry (i don't have a pet currently so i'm going with the last one i had)

11. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Daisy Ridgedale (that's pretty good!)

12.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Eri-izzle

13.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name)
Aker

14.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Isabel

15. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy)
Simply White Chocolate

a real life blogger?

2009-02-01T23:13:00.003-06:00

i'm not an every-day blogger, but i love to find cool blogs of others' to read...

and i must say this has become a favorite!!

http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/02/come-to-dark-side-we-have-cake.html

this post in particular is hilarious, but there have been some pretty awesome cakes (and terrible)...check it for yourself! :)

surprise strange slumber party and a lil' song

2009-01-31T09:38:00.003-06:00

what an eventful last couple of hours! i headed over to my parent's house to print off the invitations on to the vellum and the maps...a LOT of printing, but i figured i'd at least get started...
i had to leave before i was finished to go have a night at the phoenix!! yesssss! it's open again! my fave jazz establishment is open! so sara s and hil and i headed down for a great evening and met the kristin's. :) (more details coming)

so afterward i headed back to get my stuff and maybe print a little more...and my MOM WAS STILL UP at 11!!! that NEVER happens. ever.
she was watching the bachelor (note: don't watch reality dating shows with your mom...she gets angry at the girls for being dumb...alright, it's kinda funny). she told me i should just spend the night...i said nah...
and continued to print.
and printed til 2 am....so i grabbed a pillow and took off my shoes and slept on the couch.

so when i woke up, my mom was discovering i was here "i hoped you might stay"...and then steve walked in and BAM. i surprised him. :)
coffee was made, bagels were toasted and steve...was walking the length of the house doing lunges (and sometimes not so stable) and then following me around doing the 'monster stretch'...real funny.

and now for the kicker...time to run errands so steve's getting ready to leave and starts singing:
"put my cell phone down and i don't know where"
over and over...and i remembered how i was woken up in high school when i wouldn't get out of bed...and was glad i wasn't there again. phew.

a good cause

2009-01-22T20:19:00.002-06:00

hey! spread the link to your friends!

www.meganscards.com

My roommate Megan makes awesome handmade cards and each year, for Valentine's, she picks a cause to support in her selling...this year it's her sister Jen.

Jen is going to Mombai, India to work with the sick, poor and orphaned. She has a heart for these people and I have no doubt that she will love on them with her whole...whatever Christ pours into her!
You can click on the Valentine's link on the website to order cards or find out more information about Jen and her heart.

Thanks

so glad it's not me

2009-01-20T22:09:00.002-06:00

i am not a habitual "bachelor/ette" watcher, but i have seen bits of this season...i mean...you gotta feel sorry for the guy who was rejected last season.
anyway, i caught a majority of this week's saga while visiting chad this weekend (who-might i add-looked for ANYTHING else to do while it was on...taking out trash, doing dishes, organizing his office).

that show is ridiculous. jason (said bachelor) has kept a girl or two that we ALL know would be a terrible match for him--mainly because of how awful she is to the other girls. funny how those two are supposed to go hand in hand. anyway, as it came up in conversation again tonight with my mom and her friend, we revisited past season and the success rate...not so great. we that watch do want the best girl for him, but we have no control over who gets those wilting roses and what he truly sees. i'm glad they had an "open session" to share feelings. good for jason and the host dude. the claws came out and finally he saw a BIT of what goes on when he's not around.

i'm just glad it's not me--that i never have to search again. ever. to find "mr. right/perfect/15 minutes of fame and a date" for the rest of my life.

phew.

frightful recycling?

2009-01-12T23:30:00.002-06:00

In preparation for married life, Chad and I have been starting to set some habits...cleaning and organizing has been one thing, recycling another. I meant to write about this awhile ago, but I'm just now remembering to tell you all...
A couple of weeks ago, Chad and I gathered up all the bottles and cans from his house and set out to the recycling center, near the river and this great trail in downtown St J. We see the large bins and pull up to the stop sign and then....
BAM.
I had seen 2 people sitting in chairs with blankets over their laps when we pulled up, but out of NOWHERE 10 people surrounded the car. I was nervous to get out and Chad and I looked at each other trying to figure out what was next.
They approached the trunk mainly, but once we got out and told them everything was in the back seat, it was all I could do to get the door open and pull stuff out without them doing it themselves. It took about 2 minutes to unload and then....*poof* they were gone. On to the next victim-er-car pulling up I suppose.

It was a frightful experience. We nervously laughed as we pulled away realizing how close we were to the river and all the things that could potentially be disposed of...
and how if we had planned it, we could have just popped the trunk. Next time we'll be prepared.

word of the day

2009-01-08T09:59:00.003-06:00

mondegreen

We've all run into them and laughed when we have heard one...

misheard lyrics or in my case

listening to someone speak quietly or mumble and trying to piece together what they said has made for some laughs!

Some favorites:
by Dawnzer lee light (dawn's early light)
surely good mrs. murphy (goodness and mercy)
life's a butter dream (life is but a dream)
alex the seal (our lips are sealed)
hold me close i'm tired of dancing (hold me closer tiny dancer)
there's a bathroom on the right (badmoon on the rise)

Enjoy! (and if YOU run into any funny ones, please post them!!)

love love love

2009-01-05T09:51:00.004-06:00

yup! i'm engaged! i think most of my readers know but it's true.
Chad got down on one knee in the cold and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him on New Year's Eve! He said he wanted to end the year we got reaquainted in this way since the number 8 means "new beginnings" and we had several!
and yes, we've set a date-May 23rd.
We've already started some planning...and realized that we will have to cut the "dream" guest list over and over because there are just too many people we hope can come--even those of you far away! God will take care of it I'm sure.
We are going to get married at the camp where we met in 1993...15 years ago!
There will be more later, but it is a great thing and my family likes him and after Christmas with his family, I like them more!
I think this new year has already been pretty happy...and more joy will come I know!

i heart snow.

2008-12-16T12:54:00.004-06:00

well, i love snow. i love to see it fall...i love the cleanness it brings to the world...

but when i am stuck at home and giving up plans...i remember the inconvenience. argh.

i also dispise how people who drive trucks in missouri think they can still go above the speed limit just cuz they have a big truck and how they are depicting themselves as pretty big jerks when they do that. i'm glad you have a big truck to make you feel safe, but i don't have one so advocate for me instead of running me over? k thanks.

i am also sure this snow was brought on by prayer...Todd (Chad's brother) has been living in the Houston area for a couple years now and misses the snow...his mom has been hoping there'd be snow to greet him when he and his family arrive on Saturday...but really? it's Tuesday. it can stop for now.

it is pretty though...

weather and traditions

2008-12-14T20:57:00.003-06:00

It started out as 65 today...and dropped to 12 as soon as the sun set. Now it's sleeting/snowing. My roommate is a teacher and she's praying for a snowday--along with every teacher friend of mine on facebook!
As promised, Ella, here are some McKillip girls family traditions at Christmas:
-baby Jesus' got hidden from EVERY nativity in the house til Christmas day
-the wise men ALWAYS travel from the far reaches of the house (from their particular set) and go towards the nativity as christmas nears
-pickle on the tree-i think it started when Steve came around but it's a German tradition and whoever finds it first gets an extra present
-angel on the top of the tree goes on last
-always watch grinch who stole christmas (animated), garfield christmas, rudolph and claymation christmas as close to december 1st as possible
-i started a tradition around high school of watching "white christmas" at the first snowfall NO MATTER the day
-advent wreath always done on Sunday nights
-nothin' but Christmas carols played on the piano
-decorations stay up til Epiphany

Lucy do you have any to add? :)

2008-12-10T09:11:00.003-06:00

Here's a flashback. Ella, Lucy isn't 6 anymore. Just thought you should know. I'm pretty sure she's taller than you too, but I could be wrong.
Just thought you girls would enjoy this! (Heidi, Lucy and Ella...and Noelle too!)

employment

2008-12-08T10:12:00.003-06:00

a job is a job. it pays the bills and i need one. now.
i can't decide whether to look here or in st joe.
i was wanting something NOT temporary, but i'm desperate enough to take anything.
i will try to avoid inconsistent hours or being around sick people. (after having the worst flu i've had in years last week, i don't think kids or elderly should be on my daily to-do.)

off to work....

....at finding a job. not on actually going.

i can't complain

2008-12-05T11:34:00.003-06:00

here i was noticing people who's blogs weren't updating for me to read their insights when i haven't even updated my own. oops!

well, for an update-thanksgiving happened and my tree is up and looking great! i have already played through all my christmas records once. :) on thanksgiving, i got to snap a family picture, so i thought i'd include it!

clockwise from me is chad, ian, bompa, grandmama, annika, lucy, steve, mom, alex, carissa, karl and elizabeth!

well, hope you all have a happy holiday season-remember the reason for it all!

sad and awkward...what do you think?

2008-11-12T23:41:00.001-06:00

This video was on a friend's site...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_dZTrjw9I

comments?

my affection for Christmas

2008-11-11T11:28:00.002-06:00

Alright...I feel the need to divulge a few secrets about me to make you better understand the WHY behind my silliness regarding the Christmas season...
To me, it's about stretching it out as long as possible...and since before seems easier than after, I've shifted that direction.
There are several reasons why I hold it so dear:

it is a celebration of Jesus' birthday. without his birth there would have been no death and no resurrection...and no salvation for the world.
peace on earth is exemplified when the snow has fallen fresh and no one has yet to walk or drive in it, the lights are twinkling in and on houses (subtle with decoration)
families gather multiple times throughout this season and sometimes it's the only time they get to gather
food is always yummier and well thought out meals (like all meals should be)...but any excuse to have those peanut butter balls or mint m'n'ms will get me THERE
the decorations are sentimental-from Grandma's "peace" cut out and hanging on the wall to old santa's that sing jingle bells and shake their belly to "baby's first christmas" ornaments
feelings of magic seen in little children's eyes when they see the decorations in the shop windows or when they catch a glimpse of santa for the first time
songs that you've known since you were wee being played over speakers everywhere you go is wonderful-being connected to those around you because of the music
songs that are centuries old and are so classic that the lyrics still make some cry and bring smiles to faces
creativity in gift giving and making inspires me and those around me

and so ...this is why I love to hear the music and bring the spirit of Christmas as soon as I can...to experience the feelings of peace, magic and joy for a little longer than maybe I would have if I "followed the norm."

today...happiness came into my life

2008-11-06T20:03:00.003-06:00

I got in the car VERY early this morning (first time in awhile) and there it was...
...I didn't expect it...well...I was, but not this soon...

Christmas music was definitely playing thru my radio speakers.

Tis the Season....
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

May the loud singing in the car commence.
It's so great knowing every word and anticipating every entrance of each instrument part...and maybe even singin' a little Hawai'ian. :)

in the laundry

2008-11-05T14:24:00.002-06:00

today i'm working on Christmas presents (i'm making them this year because of lack of funds), doing laundry, making stew and cleaning my room.
productive as it is, i didn't know doing laundry would help me find a pencil and a screw. yup. both were definitely NOT in the washer before my load (i always check due to the community aspect of it) and they were at the bottom after
...hmm. where did they come from?

it's a mystery to me!

accomplishment

2008-11-04T09:50:00.002-06:00

It's a great feeling when something gets complete. Yesterday, it was something pretty big-an entire basement got finished (we had been working on it for 3 weeks). But I try to take joy in the little things-laundry, a quilt, organizing...well....anything. It's the little battles that we need to celebrate otherwise things seem "ho-hum" in life.
Now, not to complain, but if the list of things could include finding a job...that'd be great. Trusting that the Lord is going to provide the perfect one has had its challenges but I know if I'm patient He'll provide.

i want to be an alligator when i'm 88

2008-10-31T22:07:00.003-05:00

My Great Aunt Mahala told me a story this evening...and I couldn't help but laugh...and then share!
She lives in a retirement community-an apartment building with assisted living if necessary along with some duplexes, a hospital area...all rolled into one. Since she has lived there (about 3 years now) she has gone and ministered to the "really sick and really old" folks living there...granted...an 85 year old saying that is crazy in itself. She goes and sings to them, gets them up dancing doing "aerobics" or whatever the occasion brings.

Today, she dressed in her alligator costume-
now wait wait wait...."made of or to be one?"
"It's a costume of an alligator. I had socks with claws and a shirt and a thing I put on my head that has a mouth that comes out..."

-and she went over to the "care center" and danced with the people there during the night cap (*they do not serve them alcohol at this night cap) and handed out treats...yes...really.

She makes me smile. I told her I needed at the least a picture but maybe even to see it for myself. Fortunately, I'll see her tomorrow so maybe I can convince her to try it on for me and I'll snap one then and post it for you.

I can't wait. :)

every single day

2008-10-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

Argh. Still no job.
I was divulging one of my favorite pastimes this morning-watching an interview with a movie star: Julie Andrews-on a website. She has crept in and out of my life so many times...and has always been a defined favorite from watching Mary Poppins at my Grandma Lucy's house up until her role in The Princess Diaries (1 & 2). They were interviewing her about her new book and some of the stories she included.
One specific part that spoke out to me was her talking about her mother's talent on piano and how it dwindled when she stopped practicing "every single day." Think about it...it's grouping together individual times. We only need to think about each single day...but then put those itty bitty times on it to make one gigantic...well...life.

How many of us do something every single day?
I'm sure there are things we try or attempt to include...
waking up (a must)
watching tv
eating breakfast (isn't it the most important meal of the day?)
working out (oh I'm guilty as any of saying I want to do this and not)
working on a project (either for work or a hobby)
reading my Bible

That last one...I think that has been a struggle since my first daily quiet time with the Lord and will probably continue to be for my entire life. We get so caught up in the daily routine of things, our own worries (getting a job?!?), being "busy" that this one thing that we should REALLY do every single day becomes...less important, a struggle, another task to do. Taking time out is a wonderful thing and God seems to expand my time when I DO take time
so why is this so hard to do every single day? I mean...it's just one itty bitty day, right?
And I think that's where the problem lies: we continue to not live in the now-in the gift God has given us of today.

time has passed, lessons learned

2008-10-15T09:47:00.002-05:00

Time has passed. Sorry for not writing. The past month I have been virtually jobless--going from one filler thing to another, filling out 100 applications and sending my resume out to I-don't-know-how-many companies. It's enough to make a person question their value and purpose.
I have been reminded by some of the greatest people in my life that my image in Christ....my worth....does not reside in what I DO but who I am. Thanks, guys. It does make you wonder though that a person with TWO degrees can't find something.
Yesterday, I was driving to a blessed time of a job I stumbled into that will actually feel like I'm blessing someone and using my gifts (of organization nonetheless), listening to my iPod on shuffle (one of my most favorite things) and this song came on-simple lyrics, powerful message...at least to my heart.

Oh, Mercy, fall on me like a warm blanket...on my cold, cold heart
Clean me with Your blood that turns me white on the inside
I'm on my knees again 'cause I'm breaking Your heart

Put in me...what I cannot buy with gold
Put in me, oh God...come restore my broken soul
Put in me...what I cannot give myself
Put in me...a clean heart

I know all my broken places like the back of my hand
That slapped your face again
Wash me in your love and hold me tight like a baby
Till I have no memory of ever breaking Your heart
And in the joy when you restore me I will stand and walk again
I will run into this world I will call them to come in
But I will not point my finger or grow that wicked skin
That cannot remember what I will not forget
How I broke you, or how I'm broken

No, I haven't outright denied Christ in my life or done something to break His heart...oh wait...yup...by denying my worth, by worrying over where my sustinance will come from, by questioning each job interview...yeah I'm denying Him.
I've denied my Maker knew what He was doing even though He knit me together and called me by name.
I've denied my Lord will provide when I know full well that he does for the birds and cares for me more.
I've denied that I have been given specific gifts by my God who I say I have faith in when I could be used to my full potential in the body of Christ.

So a giant thanks go to those of you who have encouraged me and asked how I was. This daily struggle is only temporary and I will have to continue to tell myself that trusting God is really what will provide for my needs. It also means stepping out in faith and applying at places I wouldn't normally--the flower shop, the photo studio, the art store...places I might actually enjoy my job.

remembering rich

2008-09-19T12:46:00.002-05:00

There are defining people and moments in everyone's life...for me, Rich has been both.
A quote at a concert shortly before his death sums up his life along with the recognition that he valued the life of St Francis of Assisi and education for American Indians...

Jesus said whatever you do to the least of these my brothers you’ve done it to me. And this is what I’ve come to think. That if I want to identify fully with Jesus Christ, who I claim to be my savior and Lord, the best way that I can do that is to identify with the poor. This I know will go against the teachings of all the popular evangelical preachers. But they’re just wrong. They’re not bad, they’re just wrong. Christianity is not about building an absolutely secure little niche in the world where you can live with your perfect little wife and your perfect little children in a beautiful little house where you have no gays or minority groups anywhere near you. Christianity is about learning to love like Jesus loved and Jesus loved the poor and Jesus loved the broken.

11 years ago today, Rich Mullins died in a car accident. He started young and contributed much to worship music, causes for those in need as well as education of the arts.

I know exactly where I was when I found out-- during a fall retreat at Heartland Presbyterian Center, my senior year of high school. I remember thinking how young he was-41-and how God must've had bigger plans in his death than keeping him alive to bless us with his music filled with piano and hammered dulcimers with praise lyrics rich with theology and imagery.

I want to leave you to the lyrics of one of his songs...it spoke to me in Jr. High...and they still speak to me today, but the level is much deeper...and the appreciation grows with each time the song is played, whether sporatically like this morning's radio show, or when I sit to listen to one of his entire albums all the way through as I pitifully attempt to sing along.

There's more that rises in the morning than the sun and more that shines in the night than just the moon
It's more than just this fire here that keeps me warm in a shelter that is larger than this room
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
and a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance I owe only to the giver of all good things

CHORUS: So if I stand let me stand on the promise that you will pull me through
And if I can't, let me fall on the grace that first brought me to You
And if I sing let me sing for the joy that has born in me these songs
And if I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his home

There's more that dances on the prairies than the wind and more that pulses in the ocean than the tide
There's a love that is fiercer than the love between friends-more gentle than a mother's when her baby's at her side
And there's a loyalty that's deeper than mere sentiments
and a music higher than the songs that I can sing
The stuff of Earth competes for the allegiance I owe only to the giver of all good things

more names and chaos!

2008-09-17T14:52:00.001-05:00

So...along with Turnipseed, we also had a "Thong" come in and a "Raspberry" as well as a "Frisbee" come into the clinic.
Awesome.

Also---
a woman came in whose shirt said "You can't fix stupid." and she was sporting the sweetest red-headed mullet I've seen since the Steven Curtis Chapman concert 8 autumns ago.

On top of all that, some people just aren't cut out for multi-tasking. They should stay away from busy desks where answering the phone and talking to people and updating files takes place. I realized how little patience I had for someone mainly because I thought it wasn't that hard AND she seemed capable. Darn. Back to square one on that department
I do enjoy it here, but the drive is still an instant day-killer.
Ugh.

turnipseeds and imaginary sons

2008-09-12T10:23:00.002-05:00

Still working at the clinic-knowing it's temporary-has brought a new sense of adventure in the last couple of days.

I have encountered many interesting people that are NOTHING like me...but also been surprised at how much others that I would assume are different are a LOT like me.

A patient came in today...whose last name is Turnipseed. Really. Not kiddin'. I did a double-take and THEN looked again. I'd expect it in a different country but not in the US!

As far as the "imaginary son" goes...a girl who is also temping here came in today with a story about a dream she had/woke up in the middle of where she thought her "son" Herold was afraid of the storm...yeah...I've had some crazy dreams, but not making up people--only about people I really know. (and no I will not divulge if it's about you unless I've already told you.)

As far as sameness--one girl is a few sizes larger than me but we BOTH love shopping at Target and TJ Maxx and have the same sense of style-which I didn't discover til today on "jean friday." She wasn't brought up near me or in the same way, but we like a lot of the same things and have a couple of the same pet peeves...which makes our senses of humor sorta match too. :)

BUT...the drive is still a big bummer and I almost got in a wreck about 5 times today on the way because of the rain....ugh.

chaos = LESS drama?

2008-09-09T17:29:00.002-05:00

yup. you read right.
we shouldn't have pulled the '05's first of all...SO funny that they have to be refiled...but not me.
because
they pulled me into the general medicine clinic til further notice. (probably the rest of my time temping there) and...
surprisingly...
there are MANY more people (2 vs 50) working there and there are 3 clinics going on at once (which means 3 doctors each seeing patients with a different specific objective) so there is chaos....lots of people moving...
but there is less drama.
i didn't say NO drama, but considerably less.
i see people from ALL walks of life-HIV patients, girls wondering if they're pregnant, mental health patience, regular people who just have colds...
but the atmosphere has less drama than what i dealt with last week.

does that mean i will stay? by no means.
as in...no means no.

as for Thursday

2008-09-04T17:28:00.002-05:00

we pulled out all files with "05" or before and straightened the rest
some "high up on the totem pole" lady came and saw "how terrible it is at the dental office"
and then we took a 1 and 1/2 hr lunch to pizza hut

and there was lots of listening
and I haven't mentioned that the office is freezing (like about 50 degrees) even though we turned off the air completely on Tues morning (apparently it is always this way)

and if I stay in this office, I will have to hear drilling for 5 hrs a day...and if I don't stay, I move BACK across town and waste much gas and money (I will also have to "pass" and ask the temp agency to find me something else).

Hmm.
Good thing I'm still looking elsewhere.

This is all so bizarre to me.
Anyone share my sentiments?

another day, another dollar, another random story

2008-09-03T17:13:00.002-05:00

today...was also a bit odd. i couldn't make up the following if i tried.

more input, a clinic, more input
and an apparent mental breakdown that needed a trip to a random part of kc i had never been to...to a string of stores i had never considered finding myself in.
now...i did not suffer from said mental breakdown, but i was told in a rather abrupt manner that we (the 3 of us in the office this week) have had a rough day and so we would be taking a short trip-so grab your purse and we'll be back.
and we went.

i felt like i was wasting time and was also not stressed or in need of release so going out in the rain and shopping of all things (something i'm not so fond of) was not great fun for me.

and during the trip i received 2 phone calls of job opportunities (not that they were offered but an interview was set up and an opening was told to me).

again. weird.

it just so happens, with my luck

2008-09-02T12:08:00.002-05:00

...that i was born a baby duck:
with yellow socks and yellow shoes
that i may go where 'er i choose.

yup. a song i used to sing...
and last thursday while driving away from the grocery store,
out walks a man in his 40's with a shaved head...
in a black tanktop, black shorts...

and yellow crocs.

i had to laugh.

today, i started my new job...it's temporary but i think i hope they can offer me something fulltime. i'm not sure what part of the office i'll end up in and if i'll need retraining (it has been informative and much less official than the last place i worked...we even have breaks!)
but...i was told to be here at 8...
at 8:02 I finally FOUND the building after asking a friendly man in the salvation army parking lot across the street.
at 8:08 I get ahold of the staffing agency to tell him that no one was there
at 8:09 I get honked at by a man driving by (yes, that part of town)
at 8:17 a man with a shopping cart starts walking by, pulls a huge comb out of his back pocket and grooms his eyebrows
at 8:21 a family gets off the bus at the stop across the street, drops the kids off at the day care parking lot i'm steaked out in and then heads a short way down the street to begin the work day at the Church's chicken
at 8:28 a girl arrives (a co-worker) but is without her keys...
at 8:32 we leave for McD's while waiting for others to arrive (once we got ahold of them via cell)
at 8:35 my picture is taken by a guy in the McD's who is apparently surprised to see a "white girl" at that particular location
at 8:43 we are headed back to the office to wait another 3 minutes for the other woman to arrive

and then the day really began.

these people...completely unassuming...were going through their day "as usual" and I got to witness it...it's so neat to know I'm a part of something bigger-that though I am just one woman in one city...I am surrounded by people doing just what I'm doing--living out MY life...to fulfill MY purpose.

cuz I might not have been born a duck, but God made me the way He did for a reason.

broken but hope...what a weird combo

2008-08-25T21:45:00.003-05:00

I didn't get the job I wanted...and so here I am, into week 2 of being without a job. Quite honestly, I'm freaked out. I continue to apply and scrimp on spending...and today I found myself doing something desperate: I went and applied at a restaurant...and got the job on the spot for serving.
But I don't want to do that.
Most of it is for selfish reasons...the pay is unsteady and I would lose my precious weekends.
I am going to 2 staffing companies tomorrow, I have applied online tonight for about 10 more jobs and will call those companies and confirm with them tomorrow. I guess the days of walking in and applying are gone and you have to find new creative ways to set yourself apart. (This conclusion was realized after a conversation with Karl, my step-brother-in-law on Saturday.)
In the midst of it all, there's a guy in my life that I think is pretty super cool and that's why I want my weekends...so at least there's hope there.

peanut butter and cds. really.

2008-08-15T13:42:00.002-05:00

nope. still haven't heard anything. the hour is appraoching in which i said i would allow myself to call inquire about the job i really want though...so i will when the time is right.
today though-in my "joblessness" (in quotes since i really don't know the status), i woke up to fine encouragement in my apartment, did some laundry, sent some emails (yes, some resumes were sent) and i was listening to my iPod...to remember one of my FAVORITE cds that is scratched should be reloaded into iTunes....
but the thing is, I didn't want it to be scratched again...to skip again...so i pulled out my trusty JIF peanut butter and a coffee filter...did what I had heard about on GMA...and proceeded to spread my peanut butter-not for eating-but for repairing...

and it worked! really. my cd is scratchless and it loaded into iTunes without a single skip.
awesome!
Daddy always said that duct tape fixes anything but guess who's gonna tell HIM about peanut butter?!

makes a "jobless" girl feel not quite so useless and purposeless.

puttin' on miles...and miles

2008-08-11T08:41:00.005-05:00

That last post was vague. I almost love it that it is.
I'm sure years down the line if I came across it and read it, I MIGHT remember.

This morning, on my commute into this beautiful city (alright, the way I go allows me to witness some of the best parts :) ), my odometer hit 150,000. Eeek. Alice is already gettin' old. I know that Altimas can last for a long time if well cared for, so let the milkin' begin.

I seem to obtain older cars and love on them til they do me wrong...hopefully someday I'll get a newer car and can see it hit 50k. :) I do enjoy Alice but have started noticing little "old car idiosyncrasies" starting to appear. Bummer.

Speakin' of mileage-yesterday I drove north almost the exact distance I drive to work daily to go to an interview at a church. Well, it seemed to go well...but I am a bit afraid to get my hopes up. I am just concentrating on continuing to trust and not think how crazy this all is. I really feel like I can confidently (and should) stand and say that God is honoring my prayers of placement...even if I am unsure of the outcome for now...I'll know soon!

This weekend was again full of friends. Friday we had a Opening Ceremonies gathering to celebrate the Olympics and welcome people to our apt. And since then, I've caught my share of swimming and gymnastics...but there's more to come. Right now, I'm disappointed in my gmn. girls...not as par as the '96 dream team...and to tell you how big a nerd I am, I was watching last night and heard Kim Zymeskal's music being used by someone else and RECOGNIZED it. Also, Shawn Johnson (US star--has a chance at the all-around gold) used the soundtrack from August Rush-the song the kid wrote!

Saturday I took my time and enjoyed my morning-something I haven't done in a long while-and then ventured over to the 'rents for Steve's bday...it was fun and Elizabeth is running around now (14mos)! She also is still cuddly and happy and her hair is starting to grow. Then I got to hang with Rachel Rose and Chad...Rachel is wonderful to listen to when she talks about the things she sees God working in...and she also seems to understand his sense of humor..."God...is this REALLY what you want...cuz ...I mean...Wow!" I was great to just listen and watch her smile over a good cup o' joe. And then Chad spoiled me with a nice dinner and a stroll-the weather was EXCELLENT!

Well...the miles are wrackin' up...downtown everyday for 4 more days...and then...?

do not pass go. do not collect $200.

2008-08-06T21:24:00.003-05:00

So...I thought I had a new job...still not sure about that--and it MIGHT not be the one I thought either! At this point, my last day at NM is still Aug 14th, but depending on how the interview on Sunday goes, I might ask to retract my notice...ugh.
At this point, I feel like I shouldn't make plans more than a few days in advance because I could be...moving or on a different work schedule or or or...yeah. You get the idea.
I AM feeling at peace about the course of events thus far...even my non-church friends have said that "everything happens for a reason" and I agree! I don't think it is a coincidence that I heard from a church I had applied to MONTHS ago right when I was so frustrated I could cry about the other job.
God's got my heart and I know He's workin' on the rest.

You know...I had an excellent idea for a blog today, but it'll have to wait. I can barely think straight with all the chaos I feel about me.
I do need to give super props to Megan, my roommate, for being patient and praying for me in all of this. And also props go to my friends who I know have been praying-it is MUCH appreciated!!!

That "in the meantime" I wrote about awhile ago...I think that it is rapidly coming to an end.
WOW. The "year of new beginnings" has already had so many and it's not over yet!

I don't know about you, but I'm gettin' excited!

pleasantries in the office

2008-07-25T08:36:00.002-05:00

This is my first "real job" that is downtown...which means rush hour, the same few people in my life daily and the same coffee (luckily it's Starbucks Breakfast Blend), office noise (people on the phone or tromping around) and the same hours...always wanting to leave early on Friday when the office is quiet.

There are a few things I've noticed about "office life":

I have never relied on work to provide my friends but I've made a few here that are pretty cool people and have taught me things I wouldn't have imagined.

Learning shortcuts is key to business...not cutting corners-shortcuts. Having my little reference lists and updating them has helped my sanity in some cases.

There are little things that can be taken for granted...which brings me to the main theme of my blog.

Everyday between 1 and 2:30, the trash is emptied in the bathroom and toilet paper restocked. You may not care about that part but...the woman who does it hums the entire time...probably every bathroom on every floor. If I happen to be in or near there around that time, I hear these pleasant melodies...I don't ever recognize one so I'm not sure if they're made up/improv or if they are just songs I don't know. I DO know that I wish I had her calming spirit at times and her beautiful voice...even if all I'm doing is changing out trash...

"God made me this way"

2008-07-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

So...the move went without any injuries (sans some bruises) and I am already happy about the guidance I feel like I followed. It is starting to look like we live there and once the pictures are hung (I told Megan we were leaving that for last so we could enjoy it and think more clearly since we're talkin' holes in the wall.), I'll post some pictures for those of you who live across the continent and oceans. :)

We have already had a few visitors-some people even more than once! Lindsey graciously helped on moving day and ran errands so I could focus-HUGE thanks to her-but also came by later that night to laugh at Meg and I's decision making process for unpacking...
"Do you have a @#*$& ? " "Yes" (tosses utensil back into box) *repeat about 50 times* :)

She also brought Sadie over for Megan and I to watch last night...and we had already decided it was hot, we have a pool, we're goin' swimmin'!

Sadie LOVES the water (she's almost 7 mos old so...lots of splashing.) and these two sisters (I'm guessing 7 and 5) started watching her...LeeAnn (I'm the nerd that confirms the spelling of EVERYONE'S name) came over to say "hey" followed by younger sis Dani. I noticed that they had matching freckles under their left eye (my definitive one is on the right) and mentioned they matched...and asked

"Did you plan that?"

Little Dani made a fountain out of the water in her mouth, wiped the water out of her eyes and said "Nope! God made me this way!"

*sigh* The confidence of the young in their maker...I must say I'm a little jealous sometimes. :)

my album

2008-07-18T09:47:00.003-05:00

Album Cover:

Band Name: Cork County Album Name: The Rest of Your Life

So how'd I decide?

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random

The first article title on the page is your band name (I didn't have any articles, so I picked the first link)

2. www.quotationspage.com/random.php3

The last four words of the very last quote is the title of the album.

3. www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/

The third picture no matter what it is will be your album cover.

Good luck with yours-I'd love to see them...

Oh and Happy Friday...I'll be moving this weekend in with Meg the Kindergarten Teacher listed in my "blogs I read"

standing or leaping

2008-07-14T17:52:00.003-05:00

I think if you were to look back on past blogs, you might see one with a similar theme...
I feel like I'm on the verge of...something...
a new job? hopefully.
a new home? definitely.
but things don't have to be new to be "on the verge" of them...
I DO think, however, that it implies change.

I also think there will be some of that sooner than later...then again, I'm in the midst of change.

Some changes I'm seeing as they happen...others I don't think I'll see til hind sight.

At any rate, a lot of that change will be based on whether or not I choose to leap or if I just stand there stubbornly.

Time to start hikin' to the peak...

that kind of mom

2008-07-08T13:10:00.003-05:00

The other day I was listening to good 'ol News Radio on my way home from work and heard a story about a heroic mother.

She threw her 5 month old baby girl out the window of her car. I want to be that kind of mom.

What am I thinking, right? Let me tell you the rest of the story:

Cape Town, South Africa, July 2nd. A mother sees a front-end loader driven by an outraged Palestinian barrelling towards her car and tosses her baby out of the window right before it strikes...and she is killed. As rescue workers were cleaning up the wreckage and pulling the injured to safety to transport to the hospital, they hear a baby crying...
she was luckily reunited with her father after 6 hours...and she was completely unharmed.

I hope I am never in a situation in which I would have to think that clearly about how to best save my child's life...as my own flashes before my eyes...but if I do: I sure hope I can make a decision like this woman.

Word + Picture = my brain

2008-06-21T09:32:00.002-05:00

Here is my "wordle"...a compliation of words I have used in my blog since it's inception...
Enjoy! (it also makes me think, "what on EARTH do I write about?")

labels

2008-06-18T14:39:00.006-05:00

I took some personality tests for the fun of it yesterday...it was to supplement a conversation with a friend but still good to get back to who I am.
Apparently, I am a :
INFJ (introverted, intuitive, feeling, judging) and BEFORE you go saying "there's NO way that's Erin," read the description and note that I have gotten the same results taking this test 3 times over 4 months!
INFJs are future oriented, and direct their insight and inspiration toward the understanding of themselves and thereby human nature. Their work mirrors their integrity, and it needs to reflect their inner ideals. Solitude and an opportunity to concentrate thoroughly on what counts most is important to them. INFJs prefer to quietly exert their influence. They have deeply felt compassion, and they desire harmony with others. INFJs understand the complexities existing within people and among them. They are at their best concentrating on their ideas, ideals, and inspirations.
INFJs are warm and affirming people who are usually also deep and complex. They're likely to seek out and promote relationships that are intense and meaningful. They tend to be perfectionists, and are always striving for the Ultimate Relationship. For the most part, this is a positive feature, but sometimes works against the INFJ if they fall into the habit of moving from relationship to relationship, always in search of a more perfect partner. In general, the INFJ is a deeply warm and caring person who is highly invested in the health of their close relationships, and puts forth a lot of effort to make them positive. They are valued by those close to them for these special qualities. They seek long-term, lifelong relationships, although they don't always find them.
Visual/Spatial Genius (and then in decreasing order)
Musical/Rhythmic
Intrapersonal/Interpersonal
Visual/Spatial Geniuses have the ability to perceive the visual. These learners tend to think in pictures and need to create vivid mental images to retain information. They enjoy looking at maps, charts, pictures, videos, and movies.
Their skills include: puzzle building, reading, writing, understanding charts and graphs, a good sense of direction, sketching, painting, creating visual metaphors and analogies (perhaps through the visual arts), manipulating images, constructing, fixing, designing practical objects, interpreting visual images.
Musical Genuises have the ability to produce and appreciate music. These musically inclined learners think in sounds, rhythms and patterns. They immediately respond to music either appreciating or criticizing what they hear. Many of these learners are extremely sensitive to environmental sounds (e.g. crickets, bells, dripping taps).
Their skills include: singing, whistling, playing musical instruments, recognizing tonal patterns, composing music, remembering melodies, understanding the structure and rhythm of music
K now the fun part.....to finish my sentence from before....
child of God.
There's a reason I put that there...because...
no matter how confident I am in WHO I am or WHAT I am, what my talents are or how I interact with people or learn new things...
they don't matter as much as the simple truths that I am loved and pursued by my Creator and that because HE made me, called me by name, formed me in my mother's womb, the truth is: I am HIS.
So yes, I like artsy things and music, have a good sense of direction, desire deep "perfect" relationships, and reflect on the complexities of life, AND the better thing is that my Creator INSTILLED these things into my heart and talent box, BUT I am not (should not be) limited by or restricted to these things NOR should I ever use them as an excuse for lack of faith in myself or the One who placed me where I am.
(and no, I haven't found a new job and am realizing MORE and MORE that I was NOT created to do this...I was created to love on people and to put this compassion I have towards people ON them, and so the job search continues...**i think i'm substituting my "desire for a perfect relationship" to a perfect JOB**)

shhhhhhhh.

2008-06-07T23:57:00.002-05:00

i talk too much.

when i stop and listen...actually LET those that are important to me get a word in edge-wise...
i get to hear

profound

sincere

intelligent

things...and sometimes a much needed compliment or bit of gratitude.

i don't share this because i wanted you to laugh after the first statement. in all honesty, it really bothers me that it is true. but i get nervous or excited to share my heart with others when really all i want is to hear theirs.
drat.
i gotta just shhhhhhhhhhhh.

. . . .