Because even in the middle of loosing the game people always found something to cheer about. As an athlete myself I can only imagin the thrill of playing in front of that large of a crowd.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Colts Game
We had a fun surprise last weekend, tickets to the Colts game :) There is nothing quite like the rush of walking into the stadium and not being able to talk because of the oppressive noise that fills your ears. It is knowing you are stepping into an experience that is bigger than you and you get to join in. If you have never been to a professional sporting event, Go...put it on your bucket list!
Because even in the middle of loosing the game people always found something to cheer about. As an athlete myself I can only imagin the thrill of playing in front of that large of a crowd.
Because even in the middle of loosing the game people always found something to cheer about. As an athlete myself I can only imagin the thrill of playing in front of that large of a crowd.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Car
I think the pictures says it all....what is there really left to say? Thank you downtown Marion for making me smile :)
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
6 Months
A dozen roses and dinner out with the man I love :) What a great way to celebrate 6 months together! I can't believe how fast the time has gone and we are both so excited to get married. I feel very blessed having him in my life and love thinking about our future together.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Golf Again
Dan and I decided last Saturday we wanted to go out for lunch. Since we journeyed to a city near by we looked up what else would be around to do. Putt Putt golf came up and we had fun last time we played so we went again. We loved finding this place...it was no back yard, next to the tracks course...but this place in the middle of a business park had a lot to offer :) They had small rapids and area's with a "rough" for the balls and it was quite challenging.
After an exciting game (which I won this time!) we decided to try out their batting cages. I have not hit in a long time and neither had Dan but it was still fun. I had to swing at Baseballs which is different than softballs. After batting we went and had some frozen custard at the stand next door (still in the middle of the business park).
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| Let's get this game started! |
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| In the rough |
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| The course |
We finished up the day with a movie and popcorn with friends. What a great way to celebrate getting our wedding invitations out :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Labor Day Weekend
The plan was to go to Michigan to see family and head to the Mackinaw Bridge. Going to Mackinaw for Labor Day weekend was something I grew up doing with my mom's family and they still do every year. But with college and work these last 14 years I haven't been able to go. Dan has never been there so we thought it would be fun to head up for a couple days. And than Saturday morning before we left my sister's house we found out they were having rain for the whole weekend. So we decided to post-pone our Mackinaw trip. We stayed at my sister's for most of Saturday and enjoyed time with the family.
Stephen brought in a turtle for the kids to see, I drove Stephen's new tractor, and we finished off the evening by going out on a double date with Stephen and Michelle.
On Sunday we went to church twice :) once with my parents at their church and than to Mars Hill. We read "Love Wins" in our small group and it dawned on me that Rob Bell's church was 20 mins from my parents house. I asked Dan if he would like to go so second service us hoping to hear Rob speak. We didn't get to hear Rob on Sunday but their assistant pastor spoke who is also really good.
Sunday afternoon we spent time with my grandparents before heading to Grand Rapids. I wanted to show Dan the park I worked at for 4 summers. It was a beautiful day and it felt surreal being back at the park. I loved getting to show Dan around.
I always forget how pretty the park is in the summer. We finished up Monday with packing up the car with some of my things. I am starting the slow process of moving things from my parents house to our house.
Stephen brought in a turtle for the kids to see, I drove Stephen's new tractor, and we finished off the evening by going out on a double date with Stephen and Michelle.
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| Watching him walk to the pond |
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| Mr. Painter Turtle |
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| Tractor Time |
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| Out for our Double Date |
On Sunday we went to church twice :) once with my parents at their church and than to Mars Hill. We read "Love Wins" in our small group and it dawned on me that Rob Bell's church was 20 mins from my parents house. I asked Dan if he would like to go so second service us hoping to hear Rob speak. We didn't get to hear Rob on Sunday but their assistant pastor spoke who is also really good.
Sunday afternoon we spent time with my grandparents before heading to Grand Rapids. I wanted to show Dan the park I worked at for 4 summers. It was a beautiful day and it felt surreal being back at the park. I loved getting to show Dan around.
I always forget how pretty the park is in the summer. We finished up Monday with packing up the car with some of my things. I am starting the slow process of moving things from my parents house to our house.
Friday, September 02, 2011
Reds Game
Dan and I went to another Red's game. He is a huge fan and I have no team affiliation which means I am fine with being a Red's fan...and can see myself fully diving into the crazy world of "being a fan" of a certain team. I love sports and watching sports but have never had a certain team I loved. I think that is about to change. We had a perfect day for the game and even took some time to visit Ikea. The store can be very overwhelming but Dan and I have fun browsing together so I knew we would have a good time. We got some idea's for the house and than headed to the game.
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| In the city before heading to the game |
It was a night game (which I had never been to before) but was really fun. Dan's sister and one of her friends also came with us. After the game we went to have some of the best Ice cream I have ever had at Graeter's...seriously, soooo good!
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| So many good flavors! |
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Golf
Dan and I decided to play some putt putt golf one weekend. The weather was amazing and it was something we had not done yet this summer. I grew up playing Putt Putt with my cousins and have taken past staff's. Needless to say I was pretty excited about this. Here are some pic's of us playing:
Dan got 3 holes in one...I got none :( but we had a ton of fun. The best part was that the place was literally someones back yard and the boundary is the rail road tracks that run through part of the town. So we naturally had to get some pic's there too.
It was a bit more challenging that what one might thing at first and I am hoping we have time to go back another weekend to play again.
Dan got 3 holes in one...I got none :( but we had a ton of fun. The best part was that the place was literally someones back yard and the boundary is the rail road tracks that run through part of the town. So we naturally had to get some pic's there too.
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| Cleaning off the area before the next swing |
Friday, August 26, 2011
Cooking
I don't cook as often as I wish I could but I did get to make a meal I wanted to share with everyone. I made this in July and forgot about the pic's on my camera until recently...oops :) So here is what I made, potatoes and carrots seasoned with the same seasoning as the chicken. I looked up a recipe on-line and gave it a whirl. Here are the before pic's:
And the finished product!
It was really good and very tasty...not to mention healthy :)
And the finished product!
It was really good and very tasty...not to mention healthy :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Too much
Doesn't life sometimes feel like too much? I have days when I simply feel overwhelmed and I know from others I have talked to they feel the same way too. What ever happened to simplicity in life? Why did that ever go out of fashion? At what point did we start to believe that by having things "my way" or "super sized" that we would be happier? Because when I look at my life the moments I feel overwhelmed is when I am trying to do to much, trying to be too much, and trying to help others too much.
Life should be about moderation not indulgence. We can't continually give out of our empty cup, curse ourselves for not being able to give more, and than wonder why we are tired, cranky, and irritated about things. When will enough be enough? Please don't think I am not speaking to myself as I write this post...this is a refresher for me in my heart too. We don't have to "have it all" to be happy. I shouldn't need a TV, DVD player, smart phone, lap top, cable, shopping to just shop, the Internet, or other THINGS in my life to entertain me and keep me on task. Just writing that list makes me tired.
Yes...I need the Internet and my computer to work (seeing as I have to set up teams to go overseas) but do have I to sit on my computer for hours at a time surfing facebook instead of meeting up with a friend? Yes, I need a phone to talk to people but when did I start to let the phone control me? Why do I HAVE to answer it when ever someone calls...isn't that what voicemail is for? And honestly if you don't leave me a message I probably won't call you back, because in my mind if it is that important you will either call back or leave a message. I get tired to having to compete with technology in my relationships with people. I know of someone who will text constantly even when they have friends in from out of town.
Why? Why does all our technology matter so much. It is suppose to make life easier and yet I find that we are over connected in life. I don't post everything I am thinking or feeling on facebook and I refuse to get a twitter account. I also realize me having a blog might seem to go against what I am writing but if you look back through my posts I don't pour out my heart and soul on here because my heart and soul are only for people who I choose to share that part of my heart with. I love having deep conversations...in person! Use the Internet and technology to help you accomplish what needs to be done and than turn it off, meet up with someone, read a book, or go outside. Life is better unpluged! Life is better with balance and simplicity.
Life should be about moderation not indulgence. We can't continually give out of our empty cup, curse ourselves for not being able to give more, and than wonder why we are tired, cranky, and irritated about things. When will enough be enough? Please don't think I am not speaking to myself as I write this post...this is a refresher for me in my heart too. We don't have to "have it all" to be happy. I shouldn't need a TV, DVD player, smart phone, lap top, cable, shopping to just shop, the Internet, or other THINGS in my life to entertain me and keep me on task. Just writing that list makes me tired.
Yes...I need the Internet and my computer to work (seeing as I have to set up teams to go overseas) but do have I to sit on my computer for hours at a time surfing facebook instead of meeting up with a friend? Yes, I need a phone to talk to people but when did I start to let the phone control me? Why do I HAVE to answer it when ever someone calls...isn't that what voicemail is for? And honestly if you don't leave me a message I probably won't call you back, because in my mind if it is that important you will either call back or leave a message. I get tired to having to compete with technology in my relationships with people. I know of someone who will text constantly even when they have friends in from out of town.
Why? Why does all our technology matter so much. It is suppose to make life easier and yet I find that we are over connected in life. I don't post everything I am thinking or feeling on facebook and I refuse to get a twitter account. I also realize me having a blog might seem to go against what I am writing but if you look back through my posts I don't pour out my heart and soul on here because my heart and soul are only for people who I choose to share that part of my heart with. I love having deep conversations...in person! Use the Internet and technology to help you accomplish what needs to be done and than turn it off, meet up with someone, read a book, or go outside. Life is better unpluged! Life is better with balance and simplicity.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Being back
They always talk about how going back some place after being gone is never the same. Coming back to Cambodia was a whirl wind this past week and I hadn't really prepared myself. I thought I had nothing to prepare for. But after getting back to my hotel room feeling very sad I realized I was wrong. I was able to Skype with Dan and talking through everything helped.
The person I was who left in December is not the same person I am now. This place is no longer home but a place that is familiar. It feels easy being here and yet hard too. I feel torn and misplaced...almost like Cambodia forgot me once I left. But so much is still the same...which adds another layer of feeling. I know some of my perception might be from my jet leg and that I miss Dan so much it hurts. But part of me was not prepared to realized what Cambodia was for me last year is not what it will be about this year.
It helps to know this is ok...as does lunch with friends. I met up with a group of people for lunch today and it helped me remember what part of Cambodia will always be mine. It was easy to sit and be with these people. To laugh together and dive right into deep conversations. It didn't feel like 7 months since I saw them and being with them did good things for my heart. I loved sitting on the floor again and eating yummy Khmer food (which my body was excited about). It was good to hear their excitement for my up coming marriage, asking when they will get to meet Dan (thinking he might be coming too this week), and wanting to go out and celebrate our engagement while I am here.
This being only day one...well God only knows how the rest of the week will go :)
The person I was who left in December is not the same person I am now. This place is no longer home but a place that is familiar. It feels easy being here and yet hard too. I feel torn and misplaced...almost like Cambodia forgot me once I left. But so much is still the same...which adds another layer of feeling. I know some of my perception might be from my jet leg and that I miss Dan so much it hurts. But part of me was not prepared to realized what Cambodia was for me last year is not what it will be about this year.
It helps to know this is ok...as does lunch with friends. I met up with a group of people for lunch today and it helped me remember what part of Cambodia will always be mine. It was easy to sit and be with these people. To laugh together and dive right into deep conversations. It didn't feel like 7 months since I saw them and being with them did good things for my heart. I loved sitting on the floor again and eating yummy Khmer food (which my body was excited about). It was good to hear their excitement for my up coming marriage, asking when they will get to meet Dan (thinking he might be coming too this week), and wanting to go out and celebrate our engagement while I am here.
This being only day one...well God only knows how the rest of the week will go :)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Getting Married :)
This past weekend I went shopping for my wedding dress :) Here are some fun pictures...
You will have to wait for after the wedding to see pictures of my dress :)
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| She really liked this dress |
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| My roommate won her over quickly |
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| the dress had extra fabric she was hiding in |
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| My sister trying on a bridesmaid dress |
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| Smile :) |
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Monday, July 18, 2011
Engaged :)
It is only half way through July but this month has been a whirlwind. It started off with getting engaged on July 1st and the wedding planning that has followed has been keeping me busy. It feels almost surreal at moments to realize I am getting married and also the most natural thing. I have tons of excitement and joy inside my heart when I think about spending the rest of my life with the man I love. I can't imagine anyone else making me feel the way he does.
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There are days and times (especially after registering for gifts:)) when we both really want the next few months to go by quickly. But I have to remind myself that such good things can happen in this between time. We have good conversations about life as issues come up, working together to get things done, and getting to begin planning a life together. There are some sad things as well for me in getting married...I know that I won't get to live with my current roommate much longer and I won't be living with anther girl after this fall. I have loved living in female community and will miss so much of that.
I feel that is always the tension with change...the good and the bad. The exciting and the sadness. The sorrow and the joy. I was reminded earlier this year that you can't have both, living single and living married. Both can not exist in a life together. You have to choose. Which means that as sad as I am to leave my single life I can see the joy and adventure of being married and am very excited about what lies ahead.
There are days and times (especially after registering for gifts:)) when we both really want the next few months to go by quickly. But I have to remind myself that such good things can happen in this between time. We have good conversations about life as issues come up, working together to get things done, and getting to begin planning a life together. There are some sad things as well for me in getting married...I know that I won't get to live with my current roommate much longer and I won't be living with anther girl after this fall. I have loved living in female community and will miss so much of that.
I feel that is always the tension with change...the good and the bad. The exciting and the sadness. The sorrow and the joy. I was reminded earlier this year that you can't have both, living single and living married. Both can not exist in a life together. You have to choose. Which means that as sad as I am to leave my single life I can see the joy and adventure of being married and am very excited about what lies ahead.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
All the Single Ladies....
There are things that we sometimes have to let go of. I have been finding myself feeling sad the last few days. I always ask myself what this might be about so I can air it out and give it the space it needs. I realized today that I have been holding back some of my happiness when I think about being in a relationship. I have been holding back because I feel bad...I am struggling to let go of being a single friend and now a dating friend.
There is a sisterhood that I have been a part of that I have to let go of. Being a part of a group of single friends has been a huge part of surviving in singleness and now I have to allow that part of my life to change. I think in my heart a part of me feels slightly guilty for all the time I spend with my boyfriend and not pursuing other relationships, I feel guilty that I don't have as much time to pour into some amazing women in my life, and I feel guilty because right now I just want to spend as much time as possible with my boyfriend because we don't live in the same town.
Some people might not understand why I would be sad about leaving singleness and I would love to give you a list of all the amazing things I have been able to do and enjoy in my singleness...but what makes me the most sad is having to leave some of my "sisters" in singleness, especially those who I know want to leave it as well. I feel a divide coming between me and some of my friends and then wonder if it is about my new relationship status or just where we are in our relationship.
So I just want to say Thank You to all the amazing women I have lived with, laughed with, and cried with. To all of you who have traveled with me on this journey and helped me learn how to survive in singleness. I am a better woman today because of all of you. You have always been there for me and I hope you know I will still always be here for you. You are amazing and I love you.
There is a sisterhood that I have been a part of that I have to let go of. Being a part of a group of single friends has been a huge part of surviving in singleness and now I have to allow that part of my life to change. I think in my heart a part of me feels slightly guilty for all the time I spend with my boyfriend and not pursuing other relationships, I feel guilty that I don't have as much time to pour into some amazing women in my life, and I feel guilty because right now I just want to spend as much time as possible with my boyfriend because we don't live in the same town.
Some people might not understand why I would be sad about leaving singleness and I would love to give you a list of all the amazing things I have been able to do and enjoy in my singleness...but what makes me the most sad is having to leave some of my "sisters" in singleness, especially those who I know want to leave it as well. I feel a divide coming between me and some of my friends and then wonder if it is about my new relationship status or just where we are in our relationship.
So I just want to say Thank You to all the amazing women I have lived with, laughed with, and cried with. To all of you who have traveled with me on this journey and helped me learn how to survive in singleness. I am a better woman today because of all of you. You have always been there for me and I hope you know I will still always be here for you. You are amazing and I love you.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Dallas, Part two
We also decided to go to the Zoo, which was tons of fun.
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To end our trip we stopped at Whataburger on the way to the airport. Best burger I have ever had! I took a bite and told Dan we should move to Texas :)
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The rest of our in-between time was playing games, watching movies, and playing Dr. Mario on the Wii. It was a great trip and I am excited to go back when we visit Dan's family again. It was nice being surprised by Texas.
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| They did exercises with the Cheetah's so we got to see them up close. |
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| One of my highlights from the trip! |
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| Little different from the Elephant rides in Cambodia |
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| This turtle was really slow :) |
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| seriously...which dark spot is the actual eye! We couldn't decide! |
To end our trip we stopped at Whataburger on the way to the airport. Best burger I have ever had! I took a bite and told Dan we should move to Texas :)
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| view from plane |
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