adventurously expectant

the holocaust in our diet

2010-01-13T15:01:00.005-05:00

Recently we rented the movie Food, Inc.It revolutionized our views on the food we eat, in a very good way.If you have not watched it yet, I highly recommend it.Jonathan and I have always tried to be careful about what we eat and what we avoid eating. Fast food, deep fried, HFCS, fake sugars, bleached grains, processed foods, etc.We also have great concern about the average American diet,

our last minute Caribbean getaway!

2009-11-23T13:18:00.003-05:00

So as some of you know, Jonathan and I took a last minute cruise this past week. I am literally unpacking and doing laundry after arriving home just several hours ago from our 16-turned-24 hour drive home. Thought I'd give a quick overview of our week for those who care to know how our trip went :) Wednesday, November 11Smartcruiser.com advertised a 7-day cruise for $199/person for November 15-22

share and share alike

2009-08-04T10:37:00.002-04:00

I am all for give and take in marriage. Marriage is about sharing. However, this past week I wish Jonathan had shared just a bit less.Jonathan got back from Canada last Saturday (over a week ago), and we spent time planning an early anniversary weekend to DC/Baltimore. Monday, Jonathan got sick. Sparing the details, his lunch was lost a few times and then was "plugged up" severely for days after

happiness vs holiness

2009-07-24T00:39:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we need to take a moment to revisit our faith. Dig deep, my friend, and be encouraged! _________________________ The older I get, the more angry I am with sin. I do not claim to be sinless, except that by my trust in Jesus and His sacrifice, He has justified me before God. Otherwise, I still struggle and fail more

the art of surviving an elevator ride

2009-06-20T12:33:00.003-04:00

Elevators are great. One of man's wonderful genius inventions. I appreciate how it can assist us lazy, handicapped, or heavy-loaded humans and relieve us of the dreaded hike up or down the stairs. I do not, however, appreciate elevator etiquette. An elevator ride that used to take just a few moments can suddenly feel like an eternity when a stranger shares the ride with you. There is a list of

will we be different, or just add to the list?

2009-05-15T13:57:00.005-04:00

I don't intend for this post to sound judgmental or condemning in any way. This is just my perspective. There's my disclaimer, on to the venting.Can a person be blessed if they go against God's commandments?There is forgiveness, there are second chances... but what about those who have been faithful?The waiting on God's timingThe trusting in His planThe obedience to His WordThe submission to a

just so you know the truth

2009-02-12T22:49:00.004-05:00

We have some exciting news to share, but first off I just have to say that I find it hilarious that everyone assumes anything associated with "news" that a newly married couple might have automatically turns everyone into baby fanatics and assumes we MUST be pregnant.I am NOT pregnant... in case you can't contain yourself from wondering any longer.hey, don't get me wrong, I love babies. am not

the art of studying human behaviors

2009-01-26T19:13:00.003-05:00

Lately I have been observing what I now call "the art of studying human behaviors" and I have quickly discovered that I will spend my life trying to fully understand them and especially how it relates to God, sin, and redemption through Christ. So far, I have specifically came to realize:1. There is always a story and history behind any behavior or (re)action--whether good or bad.2. Because of

eek! happy new year!

2009-01-18T20:40:00.003-05:00

wow, I am so sorry I left you guys hanging for over a month... so it's 2009 now. we had a great Christmas together as a married couple, and spent time with friends here in VA. Had a wonderful vacation down in Florida with Jonathan's family and my brother's family and LEAH! my neice!! a week full of wide smiles and good times in warm weather. Spent a day at the Kennedy Space Center, rang in the

beggers can't be choosers

2008-11-28T20:28:00.002-05:00

God told me to stop and talk to a homeless man today in the Walmart parking lot.You know the kind that sit at a stop sign with a piece of cardboard that reads "no money, hungry, God bless you"With what I had been spending doing Black Friday shopping, I figured it was time to give back.So I parked my car, took everything but a $20 and my cell phone out of my pocket just in case, and walked up to

an everyday love

2008-10-13T18:57:00.003-04:00

Love is much different in the day-to-day...It is no longer about getting to bed at 2am after talking on the phone for 4 hours...but about taking an extra 20 minutes to help with choresNot about stopping at the florist and getting a dozen roses...but an "I love you" before you leave for workIt is not an hour drive for a 30-minute date...but a difficult conversation ending in tears to help heal the

pictures? you got 'em

2008-10-13T18:46:00.007-04:00

There are a million pictures of our life in the past several months uploaded on facebook now. Including our wedding and honeymoon! Unfortunately for you I do not have the patience to re-upload them anywhere else.So, if you wish to view pics of our wedding and other such related things for the time being, just look my photo albums up on facebook.I think our photographer will be getting them online

a house full of painted memories

2008-09-25T22:10:00.003-04:00

I went to visit my great aunt this past Sunday.A few years ago I discovered a kindred spirit in my grandfather's twin sister, Dorothy (aka Dotte). Her and I instantly connected, and I knew there was something special about this lady who has fire in her aging eyes, and always a smile on her face (mischievous as it may be). She's 60 years older than me. I found second and third cousins through our

a legacy of creation

2008-09-17T21:45:00.004-04:00

As years have gone by, I have become more and more fond of cooking. I love to entertain and cook creative and well-balanced meals for friends and family at almost any chance I get.Today I made homemade dill bread, apple crisp, and I threw together a potato veggie casserole as well.Later, as I was talking to Jonathan about the meal, I came to a revelation. This is not just a love for cooking. I

Nemo gone wrong

2008-09-10T11:13:00.003-04:00

I was going to post a picture of our new little friends, but unfortunately all that I have to share is a sad story.There once were five little neon tetra fishies...The littlest one I named Nemo. That was my first mistake.Nemo decided he wanted to escape just like in the movie--through the filter tube.Jonathan comes into the bedroom yesterday morning and says, with a solemn expression, "I have

Mr. and Mrs. Getagoodeal!

2008-09-02T22:00:00.004-04:00

What better way to start off our new life together than to nail a bunch of freebies, sweet deals, and cheap stuff galore?!Our honeymoon according to the Tacks..........Day one of marital bliss:4 free round trip tickets to anywhere AirTran flies, good until August 2009Bumped up to first class, yummy cookies and pretzels. mmm.free upgrade to mid-size rental car, just for saying no thanks when he

a pilots wife and things that fly

2008-08-29T23:06:00.004-04:00

I'm currently sitting here at 11pm watching a little green plane fly over a blue graphical map of South Carolina on the computer screen.My husband is in that little green plane right now.This is the life I chose.Did I consider carefully the life of a pilot's wife? Is it even something one can really decide and plan for? Is it something I should fear? Something I should embrace?Every marriage has

the ride of my life...

2008-07-30T20:45:00.004-04:00

I'm getting married in less than nine days.I've had about three meltdowns.but luckily I have a really great fiance who puts up with it :)we switch roles daily, hourly, sometimes by the minute from friend to counselor to personal tissue and teddy bear to business partner and wedding planner extraordinaire, to companion and future spouse... I'm really looking forward to narrowing down the roles to

leave and cleave: keeping marriage under the Chuppah of life

2008-07-04T14:03:00.009-04:00

one of the things our pre-marital counselor shared with us has stuck with me. and that is the action of leaving and cleaving... and oh, how important that is... but did you know how strong those two words really mean?To LEAVE1) to leave, loose, forsaketo depart from, leave behind, leave, let alone2) to leave, abandon, forsake, neglect, apostatise(apostatise means to commit 1 : renunciation of a

our one chance.

2008-07-03T22:53:00.007-04:00

I told Jonathan today, in the craziness of wedding planning, address hunting, and computer-screen buggy-eyed headaches.... "promise me this is the last time we're planning a wedding!"He promised. ---whew!--- what a relief!I have literally put about 20 hours of work into our wedding in the past four days.four days. twenty freaking hours. that's on top of life, jonathan, a full time job, and sleep.

is this really happening?

2008-06-22T00:05:00.002-04:00

married life is just around the corner and although my anxiousness might appear as nervousness or unsettledness, it is quite the opposite. Aside from my control-freak nature doing what it does best in trying to freak me out with all the things I must do in order for it to be done right (I'm learning to let go and delegate. I've reached the point of "sure I don't care whatever sounds good as long

my nest.

2008-06-04T23:16:00.004-04:00

Jonathan surprised me with putting the deposit down on our new apartment, which I will be moving into at the end of July so it will be ready for us when we return after the honeymoon... I cried when he left me a note with the good news as I was driving to Ohio for the weekend. I will have a home at last. But you know what makes it better? We will have a home at last... together.Not to say that

I'm an AUNT!!! and I'm coming home!!!

2008-05-25T23:00:00.005-04:00

Congrats Luke and Hannah on the birth of their new little bundle of joy today! I can't wait to see everyone next week!Leah Corinne Andrews7lbs at 4:30pm, Sunday May 25th, 2008 (her due date was today, too :)blonde hair, blue eyes. stay tuned for pictures! Ahhhh! I'm so excited!!!!!I will be coming home for a quick visit next Sunday, May 31 - Tues June 2. As much as I would love to call around and

post-easter week

2008-03-27T21:11:00.003-04:00

After many early and late nights traveling, we are back from Illinois and working again. We left Saturday morning at 3:30am to fly out of Washington-Dulles airport, only to discover our flight was canceled due to weather and rescheduled two hours later. sigh.Our weekend was monumental relationship-wise. Most of which will remain under the Chuppah between Jonathan and I. But I will say that God is

cuteness

2008-03-16T18:37:00.007-04:00

Whenever Jonathan says I look cute, I always tell him that "cute" is for fluffy bunnies and baby chicks.Of which I am neither.Well.... now I can prove it.I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I want to be in the same category of cuteness as this. ;)Have a happy easter!We're taking our first commercial flight together to visit his family in IL this coming weekend! Yay! (Every other flight we've

a blast from the past

2008-02-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

I wrote this five and a half years ago... whenever I go through my old writings, I wonder where it came from... there's no way I could come up with this on my own.God gave me a gift (it comes and goes) and I hope it blesses, encourages, or challenges you.8-10-02"Come Home Again" A few moments in heaven won’t suffice for eternity I don’t want to end up suffocating internally, eternally Is it worth

It's february 6th...

2008-02-06T11:52:00.001-05:00

And it's 68 degrees outside... just thought you should know ;)Last week we went snow tubing at Massenutten Resort. We also got to hang out with Chad & Natalie and Matt!How convenient to have a ski resort just 30 minutes away...Jonathan leaves for Honduras today. He'll be gone three weeks, working like a dog flying night shifts... in between walks on the beach and scuba diving off an island

I got a job :)

2008-01-20T22:43:00.000-05:00

I got hired to work at a thrift store in Harrisonburg called Mercy House. They are a non-profit business, so it doesn't pay a lot. But the schedule is nice, and it's less than 15 minutes to get there... and I'll be helping a ministry out-- they are a ministry of a local family shelter in town. I'll probably pick up a side job to make up the difference. But I'm just glad to be working and

2008 thus far

2008-01-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

Our first hour in Virginia, ringing in the New Year!Working on the basement, which will eventually be my home. :)Our kite-flying expedition!And the beautiful view of the sunset on the mountains (I know they're not the Rockies, Casey, but that's ok with me :)

Life is good in the Shenandoah Valley

2008-01-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

I've been here in Virginia almost two weeks now. Time is going by slowly, which I'm grateful for because Jonathan will be heading out on some projects come the end of this month and the month of February, so I am taking advantage of the many hours of time God has allowed us to spend together on a daily basis.We are still working on finishing the basement where I will be living at the Kristophel's

three weeks, three states, 31 hours of driving, and everything new

2008-01-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

Well, to save from a really long blog that no one will read about the details of the last three weeks of my life, here are the cliffnotes and feel free to ask questions if you want more info on any of it :)The trip starts here, before Christmas...Texas:After a myriad of Christmas parties, packing, and hugs and goodbyes... I packed up my car with as much as I could cram in it, and Jonathan flew in

the story (and updates)

2007-12-03T16:09:00.000-05:00

Jonathan wrote a wonderful rendition of our engagement story... and so to save from being repetative (and not being nearly as detailed as he was), I'll just pass his story along to you!"I am so proud to be the fiance of the finest woman on God's earth for me. She is adventurous, independent, smart, tactful and altogether lovely. I praise God's work in her in her past, her present and her future.

We're engaged!

2007-11-27T23:10:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2007, 8amMore details and pictures to come soon!

It's been a while...

2007-10-12T22:37:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't update much. I haven't taken that many pictures as of late, and between work and a visit from Jonathan-- my blog has been neglected. So here is a long overdue update on my life!Went to Abby & Jason's wedding at the Tyler Rose Gardens on September 28th...I made it to six digits on my car!!!!Jonathan came for a visit-- arriving on my birthday at the last minute! It was the best

a car wreck, a giant, and a miniature pool... oh, and missing a snowball fight

2007-09-15T21:24:00.000-04:00

it's been an interesting week.I will let the pictures explain. :)witnessed a pretty bad car accident last week. It could have easily been me, if I had pulled out about 3 seconds sooner. 2 ambulances took them out on stretchers--along with a fire truck and two police cars. :(Went to Huntsville, TX (north of Houston) for three days this past week (and probably next week, too) for my job. I heard a

"the gospel according to Jay Leno"

2007-09-13T19:55:00.000-04:00

ok, so maybe not the Gospel itself... but some fine points and a very good reminder of how blessed we truly are. Jay Leno wrote this:"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are

stay tuned

2007-09-11T16:02:00.001-04:00

I'm on my first job traveling and staying overnight. I'm currently in Huntsville, TX until Thursday evening (north of Houston). Just thought you should know if you're keeping up with what's going on with me :)

a few quick facts

2007-09-08T23:26:00.001-04:00

In the life of Charisma...I have a second job now, part time babysitting--a few evenings and some weekends. Probably an extra 30-45 hours a month! It's easy money and I enjoy the personal interaction. Much less activity than my other job, so it balances me out!My photography job is slowly starting to come together as I gain confidence in the routine and skills necessary. It is certainly a good

little car, lots of stuff.

2007-09-01T17:39:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to brag about how much crap my car can hold... It really is a black hole, I'm convinced.My job requires taking 12-pieces of equipment with me... and these aren't tiny pieces, mind you. This is an entire photography studio, to-go.I will have to also get pictures of what it looks like completely set up so you can get a better understanding of how much is really in here. But for now, let

An ode to Canada and back to school

2007-08-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

Long distance relationships are difficult, that is an understatement... cross-country long distance relationships are even harder. God has been doing miracle after miracle between Jonathan and I since we parted ways on July 30th, and even more so since he left for a one-month mission to Canada for his job.We are restricted to internet and calling cards until the end of September. It is a

I don't care how funny you think this is

2007-08-14T22:35:00.000-04:00

want to see the creepiest thing in the world?disclaimer:you will not be invited to my wedding, whenever that should be, if you think it would be funny to surprise me with this at my reception:creepy dancing puppets.It's not that I don't like surprises... but this is officially off the list. no way jose....especially if it is a 30 minute production with suggestive dancing and crowd

one year later; and three months in... it can change a person so much

2007-08-13T19:00:00.000-04:00

let's take a trip back into my world a year ago...August 13, 2006...I was working my job at Intervention for Peace in Medina, Ohio... starting to feel unsettled and ready for something new. I was ready for a move or change, realizing I would probably get nowhere if I stayed where I was.I applied to work for TM but didn't expect much to come of it.I moved to freaking Texas of all places!I was

the ups and downs of my first week back

2007-08-04T21:00:00.000-04:00

Coming back home was bittersweet. A lot of great memories trailed behind my last three months, and looking ahead, even though it appeared that my short-term plans and life in general seemed pretty empty and plain, I had hope and faith that God had something special in mind for this season of growing while Jonathan was away.My first goal was to FIND A JOB! I was broke, without employment, and

eleven days in a nutshell

2007-07-31T21:41:00.000-04:00

I'm back from yet another adventure with Jonathan... sending him off to his new life in Virginia while I hold down the fort back here in Texas...After 2200 miles of driving through six different states...The week before we left, Jonathan rescued me from a flat tire before we headed off to Dallas for the evening to meet his friend David:David Ringer, who works with Wycliffe Bible Translators and

don't forget!!!

2007-07-17T12:04:00.000-04:00

here's your reminder that I'll be home next week with Jonathan! Here's the lowdown:Driving to Illinois through the night this Thursday (July 19)Attending a wedding in Chicago and a quick tour of the city on Saturday (July 21)Huntington Church and Four14 on Sunday (July 22) --anyone want to hang out in between or after church?Camping one or two nights at Findlay State Park some time between Sunday

a vibe, a fever, some wedding bubbles, and a trip down memory lane

2007-07-09T19:04:00.000-04:00

What is a weekend without a little surprise from my favorite guy?Few people know about my fetish for the Pontiac Vibe. Yes, I know I totally can't afford it, but something about that car just makes me happy. :)And Jonathan just happens to have a generous friend who owns one and let us borrow it for the weekend!Ahh... I got to drive a Vibe! :) The comfy seats, the red glow of the led screens, I am

a peek at what we've discovered

2007-07-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

These are some things that Jonathan and I have said to each other or learned about over the past month. May you be inspired and blessed as much as we have been!Rules we try to live by in our relationship:1. No expectations: expectations kill relationships2. Honor God, Honor each other3. Keep our head above our heart, and God above it all4. Always be thankful(on communication)just as a man might

what would you do?

2007-07-02T15:56:00.000-04:00

I met a moment of truth last night. It was one of the scariest three seconds of my life.Jonathan and I had returned from homegroup and were sitting in his car in my apartment complex parking lot talking.I heard his car door behind me open, and my first thought was that one of my roommates was being dumb and jumping into the car to break up the conversation. When I turned around, I was surprised

this is life.

2007-07-01T13:50:00.001-04:00

more random adventures...Jonathan and I went to a park and took a walk on the trail. I found a vine. :) Yes I'm a dork.We went fishing, um, minus the fish. Heeerrre fishy fishy fishy fishy.On the trail... this was the same trail I got lost on two months ago... good thing I had my guy to navigate this time :)Down at Galveston, on the Gulf of Mexico beach after dark. Yes, we are that cute in real

I haven't done one of these in forever

2007-06-29T16:33:00.001-04:00

And I know no one will probably read it and everyone (including myself) hates to see a million surveys on people's blogs. so I will not be offended if you skip over this post!MOUTHOLOGYQ. What is your salad dressing of choice?A. Ranch.Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?A. wendy's or subwayQ. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?A. I don't have a preference, maybe applebees just as

visual aids

2007-06-25T19:25:00.001-04:00

see next blog for more details :)my favorite guy next to the skyhawkmy roommate mandy, and our friend Sarah-- preflight excitement!in the air and having fun :)after his friend's wedding, at the airport loungeWe found a really big playground on the way to the beach in Galveston. as we were waiting to take a turn at the drinking fountain, a little black girl comes up to me."I saw you running!""yeah

you won't believe it.

2007-06-25T12:07:00.001-04:00

I have to say that it is never a dull moment with Jonathan around. I am so blessed to have him in my life. Aside from the glamor of being a pilot, and the amazing talent and intelligence he posesses, I am still in awe of who God is daily helping him to become--a man after His purposes.So with that said... another weekend together in a nutshell:Friday, Jonathan flew in to Tyler and I made him,

All Aboard!

2007-06-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm back from an incredible weekend out in Illinois with Jonathan's family. It has been rich, full of memories, and settled some things in our hearts as we had a lot of quality time over those 4 1/2 days.We left Longview, TX at 8pm on Wednesday and got comfortable for the 18 hour train ride ahead of us. I'd never been on a cross country train before, and it was surprisingly comfortable. We

rebel with a cause

2007-06-12T17:56:00.001-04:00

the remainder of my week in Ohio was a blast. I was lucky enough to see almost everyone I had intended to see while I was home. Thanks, everyone, for more memories and quality time!I went to Michigan to see one of my dearest friends, Kristin Slattery. Well over a year ago, the longest we had ever gone without seeing each other since Teen Mania. Man, I love that girl. She has a beautiful cat,

essay questions

2007-06-08T11:54:00.000-04:00

I had every intention of uploading a bazillion pictures from the past week and a half, but that will have to wait because I don't want to take the time to upload them off my camera yet.But I am home, safely, for those who were wondering. And I am blessed, incredibly, for those who didn't know it. And change is inevitable, for those who haven't figured that out yet.And so, to run with that theme

Old friends and new places

2007-05-28T17:09:00.001-04:00

Well, I can finally say I'm home now, after keeping my trip to Ohio a secret from my brother for about a month now. It's good to finally be able to talk about it and not screen out any details. ;)After a chaotic morning at work-turning to a restful Friday evening and seeing Pirates 3, Jonathan took me to the airport on Saturday morning and sent me off with prayer. I am so lucky to have him. (

something to think about

2007-05-22T18:55:00.000-04:00

I think I agree with this to an extent, which is hard for me to say, especially now living in Texas, I personally know some illegal immigrants. But is a strong argument and makes sense.This explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal

yes, it's true

2007-05-22T14:42:00.000-04:00

It would be hard to sum up the weekend, but let me just say that God is good!A new season, in the midst of changes and challenges... He still provides.Happy Birthday, Mandy! Nothing like getting a festive wiener dog to celebrate the day.Saw Shrek 3 after dinner, then got up early to go the Gilmer, TX airshow with JonathanI love classic cars, a random surprise at the show...Jonathan met up with a

from the inside of planes, trucks, and automobiles

2007-05-17T23:35:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind week it's been! It has been an up and down rollercoaster--and sometimes the feeling was very real and literal.First, to update you... be praying that God directs me over the summer. The family I work for now (with julia) won't be hiring me full time like I hoped. So with that in mind, I need to start seeking other options and opportunities. I think I will continue on through the

julia

2007-05-15T18:03:00.000-04:00

(eat your veggies)(why are you following me?)Long overdue pictures of the little girl I take care of-- going on nine months and now crawling all over the place! She gets easily frustrated at her new-found (but still limited) freedom. It's been fun to watch her grow.

ps...

2007-05-14T21:25:00.000-04:00

To quote my friend, Greg..."Spiderman turned emo in the third movie. It's emo-spidey!"I agree... anyone else think it was cheesy that Peter Parker was trying to be evil, but doing a terrible job at it?

just so you know...

2007-05-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

I discovered a few things recently.People genuinely enjoy spending time with me... which is nice when I have those insecure and lonely moments.Jonathan isn't an ax murderer, although we'll keep the kitchen knives away from him for a while just to be safe. ;)The moments that we wait for seem to never come, and then when they do, they are gone in an instant. I don't want my life to be like that. I

I'm tired

2007-05-12T13:59:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like caulking an entire house at 8am on a Saturday morning... after getting 3 1/2 hours of sleep the night before.But I wouldn't trade it for the world.Yuck, I need a shower. And a nap!Life is good. God is better.

conversation

2007-05-08T15:25:00.000-04:00

I've been blessed with an abundance of quality conversation with people from all walks of life lately. I feel like God has been sharing His heart through--hang on, got to go kill a fire ant before he attacks me--Ok, let's try this again.I feel like God has been sharing His character and heart though these people. The conversation has been so rich, insightful, encouraging, and thought-provoking...

a gecko, a hammer, and some homemade bread

2007-05-05T23:52:00.000-04:00

It's been a great few days :) Texas finally arrived and has been a muggy 85 degrees the past few days, but that's ok.I spent lots of quality time with Megan and Caleb (and Zach!)--went to the rose gardens yesterday and found a new friend...and because I know you're all thinking it, no he didn't have an aussie accent and talk about car insurance ;)Then we went to a free play at Bergfeld Park

what is new, you ask?

2007-05-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

Happy May!!!!Some days I feel like this...It's almost wednesday, and do you know what that means? time for a hoops and yoyo ecard!...and a squishy face moment with your roommate!And hey, how 'bout a camp out at beautiful Tyler State Park? And some good old-fashion s'mores :)And guess what? I got a new bed!But I'm not a hippie, I promise.Everyone should have one of these in their room.And I bought

10 healthy tips I try to live by

2007-04-27T00:35:00.000-04:00

1. avoid carbonated drinks and pop2. drink juice that is not "from concentrate" or "cocktail" (added sugar)3. the less ingredients, the better... especially if you can pronounce them all4. with breads, whole wheat should be the first ingredient on the list, not enriched or bleached5. avoid foods with any kind of "high fructose corn syrup" (which can be hard to do, you'd be surprised what they put

my first cultural event in Tyler

2007-04-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

My friend Sarah (who I first met when we went to Papua New Guinea together) is a dancer, and invited me to her final dance recital at Tyler Junior College last week. It was for all the dance and music departments, so I got to see a lot of piano, singing, brass quartets, and dance of all genres. The pictures didn't work like I had hoped because A) I'm still learning how to deal with low light and

glorious carpenter

2007-04-22T23:37:00.000-04:00

What a love so unimaginable that my king would take the very nails that were used to stretch out his arms and be nailed on a cross to die a terrible, tragic death... and then use them three days later to build a mansion for you an I in His eternal kingdom. My glorious carpenter. My gracious father, the builder of my life... you hold together everything in the universe by a crown of painful

edinner and an emovie

2007-04-18T16:41:00.000-04:00

I'm entering the world of eharmony.comyes, I am trying "online dating"... again... something I swore off after a disaster blind date when I was 15.eek!why? you might ask...I think it's because I feel like I'm getting old. I'll be 25 this year. I know some of you probably don't think that's very old at all, but you're not me and it feels old to me!That, and I'm feeling adventurous. Or bored. Hmm.

Easter Snow, Texas Mountains, Enviromental Hazards, and the Nature Trail from Hell

2007-04-14T20:29:00.000-04:00

The pictures will do the real talking.But let me tell you a little story about a native Ohioan girl who landed herself in Texas. And because she was stuck in the South, her hope for seeing snow that winter was slim to none. She even went home for a week, hoping she could hit the slopes for some snowboarding during Christmas. But all she got was some 50 degree weather and sleet on the drive

two in one day!

2007-04-09T00:57:00.000-04:00

wanted to add some fun pictures and a few little stories since I have good internet today...here's me playing with my camera because I'm bored.Azaleas are in bloom. They are everywhere around here! Casey's new house is surrounded by them. I loooove azaleas.this is Tony the Turtle. I rescued him from becoming roadkill. and then I wasn't sure what to do with him. so he sat in my bathtub for a few

eight moments this week

2007-04-09T00:36:00.000-04:00

It's been a crazy week. I quick recap on my life in eight comments...After baby Zach was born, I worked from 4pm-6am that Sunday night (doubling my normal weekly pay), and then another 4 hours on Monday afternoon.During that last four hour job, I ran into a very touchy situation with the father of the boy I was taking care of. Sparing the details, I will not be returning there again. Ever. But

"a good day"

2007-04-01T16:13:00.000-04:00

My weekend with Grandpa out in McKinney was cut short due to something that "is 21 inches long, weighs 7 pounds, and cries a lot!" (according to Caleb)After leaving Saturday afternoon to pick up Megan's mom at the Dallas Airport, I had the priviledge of seeing Zachary Harper Hutchings at only 2 1/2 hours old!Megan's labor went very well with no complications. Praise God! What a great day!(see,

Spring Cleaning in a new blog

2007-03-28T00:21:00.000-04:00

I wanted to get away from myspace and have my own home away from all that myspace sucks you into. A place people can go to if they wonder what's new in my life, or to be encouraged or challenged by what God might be doing or speaking to me at the moment.It won't always be pretty, it won't always be entertaining, but it will be me.I covet your thoughts and comments along the way... it will help me