adorkable.

The One with the Wolf Lodge

2012-02-25T13:42:00.002-05:00

I am one lucky girl. This weekend I am spending time with Sheryl & the kids on their family vacation. With all of the trials facing their family, Randy needed to stay home and take care of business. That left Sheryl to take the kids on a long drive to an indoor water park/hotel to meet up with her sister and brother and their families. And guess what?! She invited me along! How great is that.

I was completely honored to be asked to join in on the family adventures and have been having a great time. I love having the kids run up and ask me to play with them or go with them on water slides. And it's been great talking with the "grown ups"--it feels like I've known everyone for quite some time. I feel like I fit in (I hope I do. :D)

Here are some fun shots from the last 24 hours at Great Wolf Lodge.

Ashlyn in action. :)

hung out with these lovely girls this morning.

girl time! this brought back many good memories.

cute kids

gingerbread house building (Aunt Sue is super fun!)

The One with Pastors to the Pastors

2012-02-22T19:48:00.003-05:00

Exactly a week ago, we received a phone call--the kind you dread. Pastor Dale, from our former church in Michigan, had just been informed he needed quadruple bypass surgery immediately. This perfectly healthy man had gone in for a routine exam and the doctors wouldn't let him leave the hospital. He was staying put until his Friday a.m. surgery.

We couldn't believe what we were hearing. Jaws dropped. Mouths gaped.

And we prayed.

The next morning, we heard an update and offered our help and assistance in whatever way necessary. We were surprised to hear from Dale just a few hours later, when he called to ask if my husband and I would come, right away. He were asking us to stay with their two high school boys--guys that we had come to love and know very well in our three years of ministry there.

We rearranged our weekend schedule, passed our responsibilities on to a few willing replacements, and packed our bags.

Friday afternoon we met up with Chris and Isaac and Pam in the lobby of the hospital. Dale had come out of his surgery successfully--praise the Lord. He was recovering quicker than most patients--thanks to his health--and we were all amazed at the perfect timing of this surgery. Two of his arteries were 90% blocked, two were 80% blocked. He could have died. But God had his hand on this man, and we are all convinced that his ministry, his purpose on this earth is far from over.

It was a privilege to be called upon, to be entrusted with the safety and stability of those boys. We are thankful for these ministry opportunities we've been given in the last month--caring for Randy & Sheryl's kids in the midst of crisis, and now Dale and Pam's boys. Thank you, Jesus, for these relationships, for giving us strength and courage to support our friends in time of need.

The body of Christ is a beautiful thing.

The One with My Thursday A.M.

2012-02-17T14:45:00.000-05:00

Inspired by my photo-sharing post from yesterday, I thought I would publish a few more pictures from my handy-dandy iPod.

Every Thursday morning, I head over to the church to help out with childcare during the weekly Morning Moms Bible study. It is a blessing to have flexibility in my schedule and to be in the stage of life where I can serve in this way. I love spending time with the littles.

This Thursday, after entertaining ourselves with some bouncy balls, transforming our hands into pterodactyl talons or lion claws, and singing "My God is so BIG!," we had ourselves a little photography fun. How cute are they?!

The One with Crazy Faces

2012-02-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

Having my fancy-schmany new iPod touch around has been brilliant for so many reasons. One of my favorite aspects of the iPod is the camera. I can whip it out and start taking pictures galore wherever I am, whomever I'm with. It's not quite as intimidating as the (always stupendous) Canon Rebel and it's easier to take self-shots.

This camera has proved especially awesome at youth group. Check out some of these fun, ridiculous, and somewhat disturbing photos of me and a few of my girls from this past Sunday night.

olivia. mel. carly.

logan. olivia. mel.

super-long hair turns into the perfect mustache. nice, Logan.

woah. watch out. (This was the tamest crazy-face photo of Carly and me. no joke.)

The One {in}RealLife

2012-02-15T14:08:00.001-05:00

Today, I wanted to share an awesome opportunity with you from one of my favorite online communities: (in)courage. What is (in)courage? It is a "home for the hearts of women," the online ministry of DaySpring. Through blog posts from Christian women around the world--regulars and guests alike--women find rest for their weary souls, encouragement for times of trials, and hope for their hearts. This place--these people--are real.

Now that you know a little bit about (in)courage, here is the exciting (and new, crazy hair-brained) idea from the directors. (in)RL {in real life} is an un-conference hosted in real-life homes across the country. (in)courage readers from all walks of life, will come together with other readers in their hometown, meet new friends, connect in real life, and participate in the (in)RL facilitated sessions and discussion. No plane tickets or expensive registrations. No sponsors or child-care arrangements. Just you, your living room, and your brand-spanking new friends, learning about real life: together.

Sounds crazy, right? And totally awesome! For more info check out the website and watch this video from Lisa-Jo from TheGypsyMama.com (and director of (in)courage community)

The One with the Not-Super-Valentine's-y Day

2012-02-14T18:19:00.001-05:00

This hasn't been a particularly romantic Valentine's, but I'm ok with that. We've been spending some time with my mom, chilling on the couch, munching, and watching LOST. We had plans for an epic pizza date, but neither of us were "feeling" Vday, so we're postponing our date till Friday. (We still had Pizza Hut buffet for lunch though, no worries. :D)

In celebration of our love, I thought I'd revisit the four-part series of posts I did last Valentine's, chronicling our love story. If you'd like to take a peak into how Kevin-and-Mel came to be, check out these posts.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4 {The Proposal}

I love you now, more than ever, Kevin.

The One with the Zumba Report

2012-02-12T22:40:00.000-05:00

I survived Zumba, ya'll. In fact, I was even a little bit good at it. And by "good," I mean I could keep up with most of the moves--NOT that it was at least an ounce natural-looking. Wowzers. I am just not not made to move like that.

First of all, I arrived WAY too early. I was convinced the class started at 8:15, and being there at 8:00 would be a good idea for my first time. I trudged through the deep snow all the way to the studio (a convenient 5 minute walk from our house) and must have looked some some sort of a lost puppy when I tramped into the front door. The women-only fitness center owner was so kind and showed me the way to the classroom. A moment later, she came back and informed me I was a half hour early. Without a moment's hesitation, she offered to let me use a treadmill while I waited.

So I treadmilled-it-up for the next 25 minutes.

My girl, Miss O., showed up, and we headed upstairs to the dance studio. It was a nice class size--probably 15--and women of all shapes and sizes and fitness levels. I quickly realized that no one would be watching me--all eyes are glued to the teacher. (That's a lot of pressure I'm not sure I could handle. *whew*)

O. and I high-fived a few times between songs, feeling pretty awesome about ourselves, even though we knew we weren't all that great. It was so much fun being there together. (And seriously, the fact that a TEEN wanted ME there with her was just AHmazing.)

After the hour was up, I was happy--proud of my "performance" (because normally I can't keep up with choreography to save my life) and so pleased to have spent time with one of my girls.

From a fitness standpoint, I'm not completely sold. It was fun, yes, but I like to be super sweaty when I'm working out, breathing heavily, feeling like I want to quit, but knowing I'm not going to. I can imagine that if I were an actual Latin dancer, I would be sweating like that. But in this class environment, I barely broke a sweat. Hmm. Oh well. Maybe it's not my favorite workout, but it was it still worth it.

Have you tried Zumba? Are you a big fan? What other fitness classes do you enjoy?

----

*side note: I think I may be having a harder time getting my heart rate up and working out hard because of a little bit of exciting news--my pulse was 58 bpm yesterday, and my blood pressure was 108 over 64. My heart rate has never been below 68 or 70--numbers I was proud of. In high school, my pulse was consistently 90 or 100 bpm. Now, being the runner that I've become, I feel like a true athlete. I think the interval running has helped too.

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The One with Zumba and Pizza {Not Together}

2012-02-10T22:52:00.003-05:00

I am looking forward to...

my first Zumba class in the morning. I am so going to embarrass myself.

attending said Zumba with one of my amazing teen girls. Is it bad to hope she's as uncoordinated as I am? :)

having my mom visit for a few days. She's so easy to have around, low maintenance, no pressure.

our annual Valentine's Day date--finding the greatest pizza place around. (Anybody have any suggestions for the Rochester or Buffalo, NY area?)

sharing my freshly decorated sugar cookies at a baby shower on Sunday.

watching how God goes before us and our friends, preparing the paths.

The One with My "Type A" Rationale

2012-02-09T14:57:00.000-05:00

Currently our daily chronological Bible reading has Kevin and I reading through Exodus. The crazy thing is, I have no idea how many times I have previously studied through these passages, but reading straight through them in order brings so many details to light. Almost daily, Kevin hears me exclaim my startling realization.

Today's proclamation was, "Oh my gosh, it was AARON who had the Israelites build the golden calf?! SERIOUSLY? And then he was crazy enough to say: So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf! Really, Aaron?"

But that is neither here nor there. This post is about the justification for my Type A personality.

design by www.kevinandmel.com

These past few days, our Bible reading schedule* has led us through the detailed explanations of Exodus chapters 25-32. The LORD God gave Moses explicit instructions on how to construct the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, the Altar, the Priestly Garments, and more. Most people would probably skim these sections as if they were reading those wordy genealogies sprinkled throughout Scripture. You know, it's just one of those things you all but ignore unless you're a scholar and need to study the passage for a certain reason.

It may have something to do with my personality, or my desire to thoroughly comprehend each Scripture passage I read this year, but these chapters really struck me. Suddenly, like never before, I was in awe of MY God's attention to detail. He cared about every single aspect of each building project. God gave Moses instructions--that were more like commands--with precise dimensions, exact materials, and intricate ornamentation.

The Lord wanted things "just-so" in order to ensure the holy set-apart-ness of each object. These weren't going to be run of the mill tents and boxes and garb. No, these were the representation of YHWH (YAHWEH--the very Spirit and Breath of God). They deserved special treatment, perfect details, elaborate jewels, awe-inspiring designs, and specific materials that were worthy of His presence.

And you wouldn't believe how exciting, how comforting it was to realize that my Type A personality--the part of me that needs order, values the aesthetic, desires details--was a shadow of my Creator. The same quirks I so often get teased for, are the ways that I am uniquely created in HIS IMAGE. How cool is that?!

So the next time you make fun of someone for being "uptight" about details or you feel like you're the crazy one for needing order in your life, recognize the reality--that is one aspect of our Lord God's essence.

*Chronological Bible-in-a-Year Reading Schedule

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Top Ten of the Best Photos from {Snow Camp}

2012-02-07T09:46:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, Kevin and I (along with 3 other adult leaders) took 18 high school students to Snow Camp. This particular camp is set up in the Old Western style and has been operating for 40 years. They run 10 or 12 weekend Snow Camps each winter and host 200 students at each camp. Many groups have been attending for years and years.

It's always interesting to attend a new camp for the first time. I have been to many a Christian Camp--between my years of work at our camp (Somerset Beach) and my summer with Wellspring (traveling worship team to different camp each week.) It's important to have an open mind--about the cabins, the leadership, the organization, the chapel services, the meal time, the extra-curriculars--or you will likely have a very bad attitude. And bad attitudes just ruin everything.

Our time with our teens was a big success. Kevin and I both committed to spending our weekend as youth workers instead of husband-and-wife. We sat with each other at meals and such, but we made an effort to spend most of our free time with our respective guys or girls. I hung out with the girls as they sat and talked in their bunks or watched the activities from the sidelines. Kevin played hours of Euchre with the guys in their cabins and kept up with the young-ens during their basketball games.

I listened to my own advice--my note to self. I loved those students. I spent time with them. I was real with them {adorkable side and all}. I laughed with them. I even cried with them. Oh yeah, and I indulged in the calorie-dense foods without feeling {too} guilty.

I took literally HUNDREDS of pictures all weekend and I have narrowed them down for your viewing pleasure. Here are the...

Top Ten of the Best Photos from {Snow Camp}

one. me and the girls at the Wild West Adventure Town

(waiting for the late-night games to begin. 10pm to midnight with a 1:30am lights out is just crazy in my opinion. but I survived.)

two. human hamster ball relays.

three. human bowling.

(that's not dangerous at all...)

four. group building activities--the ping pong ball pass
(followed by the "NOOOOOO!!!" exclamations from John & Maria)

five. another group building activity--
the girls are focused on keep their feet touching as they move from one end of the room to the other.

six. the other half of our group during the foot-touching activity. those boys are focused.

seven. group shot (with the random Santa Claus Helicopter and support beam in the middle of us.)

eight. Trike Terror Relays.
(exactly what it sounds like--plus the driver was blind-folded. really?!)

nine. the Jump Shot. classic.

ten. my girls and me (minus Carly!)

It's not been easy to move on from one group of teens to a new one, but God is blessing us with opportunities like this one to invest in their lives and show them our true commitment. Walls are beginning to shatter, relationships are forming. May His Name be Glorified.

linked with Top Ten Tuesday.

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The One with the Note to Self {Teen Weekend}

2012-02-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

The Five Minute Friday Prompt was REAL. So I wrote a letter to myself. My Saturday-self.

----

Dear Melanie,

Today you are spending your time with 18 high schoolers. You have the opportunity to get to know them--really know them. This is the quality time you've been looking forward to, hoping for. When time doesn't matter as much, there aren't deadlines or personal agendas. Just you and them, being together.

Savor this weekend. Be thankful for the privilege God has given you to invest in these precious lives. Recognize the high calling you have been given and the responsibility you've been handed, and embrace it--run with it.

Love them with all you have (and all He has given you.) Even when you're tired. Even if you'd rather be cranky. Even if you get a headache from the lack of sleep.

Don't worry too much about not eating very healthy this weekend. Enjoy that camp food. You know you want to.

Look for openings, opportunities to be with them.

Be real with them. And they will want to be real with you.

Sincerely,

Yourself

The One with a Blog {That Matters}

2012-02-03T12:51:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share a particularly awesome blog with you all. This one has a purpose, a heavenly one. These girls have been through the trenches of depression and have been given a passion by God to offer comfort to others. They are living out 2 Corinthians 1:3-5.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

I just so happen to be personally invested in their lives and I am so proud of the mission they have set out upon. Brooke & Alisha, two high school girls from our former youth group, are the authors of the blog You Matter Too {Real Problems. Real Solutions. Where Depression Meets Recovery.} Their hearts were changed when they watched the movie To Save a Life and then experienced the devastation of teenage suicide in their local schools. They wanted to DO something, to be a sounding board for those who feel completely alone, to be encouragement to anyone struggling to find purpose in this life.

Keep it up, girls.

And to all of my readers--You may or may not realize how many people in your lives are dealing with depression. It's a real struggle. One that can pull you further and further away from the Truth, the Light of Jesus. Please share this blog with your friends, your teenage daughters and sons. Make sure they know they matter.

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The One with My Focus {and too much of a good thing}

2012-02-02T14:33:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been...

...eating far too many Crunchy Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies.

...loving every minute of teaching piano lessons.

...trying to ignore the little piles of this and that stacking up all over the house.

...contenting myself in the stage of life I'm in.

...becoming quickly addicted to Grey's Anatomy. Thank you, Netflix. I watched my first episode ever (Season 1, Episode 1) and I was hooked. Even the theme song/intro video is just intriguing to me. I mean how brilliant is the red high heals--turns to scrub shoes--turns to surgical instruments--turns to eyelash curler...

...thoroughly enjoying my new practice of logging my running training, and surprisingly excited about the new-to-me concept of intervals.

...so happy to have Kevin coming with me on the mornings I go to the track. Even doing our separate things and being in the same place makes me smile.

...honored to be trusted to be more than one student's emergency contact list at school.

...looking forward to getting to know the teens in a deeper way during our weekend at Snow Camp.

...hoping for the energy I'll need to be useful, fun, and encouraging during our weekend at Snow Camp.

The One with the 10 Fave Snack Duos

2012-01-31T14:39:00.002-05:00

It's no secret I love food. I mean, I have an entire blog designated to recipe after recipe. Today I thought I'd simply share my favorite food combinations. There are just some snacks that are meant to pair up. I can hardly eat pretzels without popping in a few M&Ms. I mean really?

You have probably thought of all of these. It's not rocket science. But these are my top 10 favorite food combinations--snacks I eat on a ~~regular~~ basis. I hope you like 'em.

1) Apples and peanut butter. All time forever-kind-of-favorite. Right now, I'm really into Golden Delicious apples and Krema Natural Peanut Butter.

2) Homemade Granola and Yogurt (1/3 low fat vanilla & 2/3 plain)

3) Chocolate chips & pretzels (semi sweet chocolate plus mini twists, please). I'm a sweet and salty LOVER.

4) Raisins and Unsalted Dry Roasted Peanuts. This is a nice alternative to my chocolate chip & pretzel combination. There's the sweetness of the raisins and the natural-saltiness of the peanuts (even the unsalted kind have that "salty" sense to them)

5) Hot Cocoa and loads of mini marshmallows (and I don't have to have fancy-pants cocoa. The little mix packets are fine by me.)

6) Fresh Bread and (real) Butter. I mean, come ON. There is a reason this is one an age-old staple. NOTHING beats homemade bread and butter. Correction--buttah.

7) Old Fashioned Oatmeal and banana. In fact, I think I shared this recipe in my top ten last week. There's a reason for that. It's gooood.

8) Gingersnaps and hot tea. I am a grandma sometimes, I know. But I totally get by my grandma was always eating those crazy-hard cookies with her hot tea. It's perfection.

9) Peanut Butter Toast with Milk. I have always been a sucker for the melty peanut butter action that happens atop freshly toasted bread. Dip that sucker in some milk and beauty happens.

10) Popcorn and Diet Coke. These two go together like peanut butter and jelly (which, oddly enough, I did not mention in this list.)

yep, I'm linking up with Oh! Amanda's Top Ten Tuesday again!

The One with the Devil's Schemes

2012-01-28T17:35:00.001-05:00

It's interesting, this thing called life. Walking day by day in the grace of God brings an even more vibrant perspective. We have those days or weeks (or months, if we're lucky) of blessing and plenty and overflow. Everything seems almost perfect. We get along with our spouses. Money isn't an issue. Friends are abundant. Trials seem non-existent. Our prayer lives are rich, and our connection with God, intimate.

But Satan doesn't like it when we Christ-followers are profiting, advancing. No. Satan feels threatened.

That's when the attacks begin. Sometimes they are sneaky and rise up in the form of inner turmoil or a fleeting thought. But other times it seems Satan demands all-out war on our lives. He throws unbelievable trials at one, one after another, in missile assault. Marriages suffer, bank accounts dwindle, friends abandon us, trials seem endless, prayer lives are non-existent, and God seems so far away.

And that is Satan's goal--to pull us as far away from our gracious God as he can. He wants us to blame God, abandon God, forsake God, curse God. He knows he doesn't have the power to severe our relationship with God, but he will do everything in his power to bring us to the point of rejecting our Lord.

How angry he must be when we proclaim through streaming tears,

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21

-----

This is the kind of brutal assault Satan has been pouring out on our pastor and his family. Thursday morning, his father passed away. In the midst of the grief and phone calls and funeral arrangements, he gets a second dreaded phone call--his mother has an aggressive brain tumor.

Why do things like this happen, and in such terrible timing? The questions are endless.

But the answer is in the thanksgiving--in finding God's grace.

It has been a tremendous privilege to be considered as close as family in these painful times. Kevin and I have been blessed by Randy and Sheryl endlessly, and being called on to help is a gift. To be the ones they call--crying with the news, to be trusted to stay with their four children as they rush out the door to the hospital, to know enough about each of them and their lives to be able to step in and carry on in their absence--I didn't realize how incredible a blessing that would be. Thankful to be a part of this, to be given the responsibility by God to help our friends persevere through this pain.

This is what the fellowship of believers is all about--trusting each other, taking care of each other, loving each other, praying for each other, mourning with each other.

The One with the Paperclip Project

2012-01-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

My husband's mind works like no other. I love to sit back and watch the wheels turning. Many of his mannerisms change as he sinks deep into thought--his breathing slows and deepens, his eyes sometimes bat back and forth as if reading line after line of information, he might pull out the "air calculator," and if he talks to himself it's in fast mumbles.

The other day, I witnessed his creative genius at work. We had spent the afternoon hunting around various stores for a miniature plate stand or study paper holder that would hold his iPod touch upright on his desk--you know, for the optimal Netflix-watching angle. No perfect prop was found, however.

this just in: Out of nowhere, he jumped up from his desk, stopped in the middle of his class work, and I suddenly heard the piano start playing. (Which happens very rarely.) He must have had one of those chord-progression moments that he just needed to release. It happens.

---

After eating lunch, Kevin came into the living room. He had found one of those large X-shaped paperclips. I watched as his used his needle-nose pliers and twisted and pulled and fanangled that metal into submission.

I had no idea what he was trying to achieve. How would that little ol' paper clip turn into something strong enough to support his iPod.

Sure enough, the stand took shape. Kevin, in all his mathematical-angle understanding, had created a fantastic product.

Check out this little guy:

I'm so impressed.

So proud. My husband rocks my socks.

*please pay no attention to the cracked screen. There was a little accident months ago.

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The One with 10 Wintertime Recipes

2012-01-24T16:29:00.001-05:00

Top {Ten} Favorite Winter Recipes

It's that time of week again! Top Ten Tuesday! And this Tuesday I have decided to share with you all some of my most favorite cold-weather recipes. Bon appetit!

1) Rich Hot Cocoa. If I didn't know how caloric this drink was, I would make it every single day. It's that good.

2) Banana Nut Oatmeal. This may or may not have been our breakfast for the past 2 weeks. And we're not even tired it. (Here's a secret--we like to use a Tbsp or two of peanut butter to add to the goodness. And I haven't had walnuts, so I just skip that part.)

3) Fresh Homemade Whole Wheat Bread. Nothing beats this stuff. We could probably devour the loaf and call it a meal. But I have some sense of rational thought and typically try to serve it alongside a well-balanced meal.

4) Slow cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. Cheap, fast, and easy. And ridiculously comforting.

5) Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Soup. Not your typical soup, but so creamy and so good-for-you, you won't stop at just one bowl. I know I didn't.

6) Leftover Ham and Potato Soup. (Are you sensing a theme here? We love soup.)

7) Sweet Heat Chili. Did someone say "chili"? I am so there!

8) Challah Bread (Jewish Egg Bread). This stuff is too good to never experience for yourself. So delicious, it's almost dessert (and that's saying something coming from Miss Sweet Tooth.)

9) Homemade Pizza Dough (which automatically means PIZZA FOR DINNER, right?!) We have this every single Friday night for dinner--whether it's 100 degrees or 10. You should too. :)

10) Zesty Oven Roasted Potato Wedges. These are our favorite accompaniment to our almost-weekly burger night. De-double-lish.

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The One with the Super Fast Sleds

2012-01-23T18:04:00.001-05:00

Last minute plans are sometimes the best kind!

After an absolutely lovely Saturday of book reading (The Help), birthday girl visiting (one of my beautiful Sr. Teen girls), and biology studying (with another one of my girls), I joined Sheryl & the kids for a date to Friendly's. We were all in the mood for ice cream (when are we not?!) and Friendly's was giving away FREE 12 oz Fribbles (shakes)! Awesome!

The five of us downed our shakes in time to hit the slopes. Ok, the hills. I had brought my camera along for the sled-riding activities, but I didn't expect to find myself zooming down the hills with the kids. So much fun! It was incredible how fast we flew down the gradual grade of the sledding hill--especially given that the grass was poking through.

Maddie and I had three or four speedy rides--all the way into the trees. I tried my darndest to dig my heels and hands into the snow to slow us down, but nothing seemed to work. Luckily, Miss Maddie didn't let much scare her. we just laughed and laughed as we skidded to a stop amongst the shrubs time and time again.

My mitten-glove hybrids didn't seem to perform very well under pressure and I had to wimp out and head for the car earlier than the kids. Fingers so frozen they burned. I wish I could find my ski gloves.

By the time we packed up and headed home it was dinner time and I had zero plans for feeding my poor husband. Thankfully, the kids starting begging me to come over for dinner and a movie (Ramona and Beezus), and Sheryl was more than willing to have us join them.

And that night it felt like we were family. Last minute plans. Dinner around the regular table--not the fancy one. Laughing, talking, sharing. No pretense. Just being ourselves, together. After dinner, we all enjoyed the movie and popcorn, as well as corralling the littlest one who has become quite the entertainer in her second year.

Thanks for a great night, family! :D

The One with His Vivid Will

2012-01-20T11:33:00.001-05:00

Today's Five Minute Friday writing prompt is:

Vivid

At times the will of God seems mysterious, unknown. We have trouble handing our futures and our dreams and our pains over to his trustworthy hands. As if He has somehow failed us in the past.

But He has never me failed me. And He never will.

But you know what? Sometimes, the plan of God for our lives becomes vividly evident. As if, all of sudden, the blinders were removed, the lights turned on, and the color surrounds us in brilliance. We look back and recognize his hand in every step that led us to this moment of vivid understanding. For just a little while we see how his plan is so good, so full of purpose, so much more than anything we ever could have asked or imagined.

When we receive those glimpses into his will for our lives, it is a gift, sustaining us through the next many months of traversing the roads unknown. Cling tightly to the memory of those vivid reveals of God's plan, and journey with him through the valley to come. One day, you will see clearly on another mountaintop.

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The One with Dream Supporters

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

You know what's amazing? Having a friend who believes in you. I mean really believes in you.

It all starts with a random brainstorm a few moments before the head hits the pillow. The kind of thoughts that keep you thinking, writing notes down in the dark, hoping the letters are actually forming words on the page.

You keep your vision, your awesome idea, to yourself, mulling over the details, the ins and outs of possibility. And then again, maybe it's not that big of a deal. Maybe it wouldn't work out anyway. Maybe it was a stupid idea. Too hopeful, too idealistic. Just get over it. Put the idea aside and move on.

Then, out of nowhere and with no forethought whatsoever, you share the vision with a friend. You're all blasé about it, as if you wonder why you are even sharing the thought with anyone.

But her response baffles you. She comes back with words of meaningful belief, encouragement, spurring on. "Don't give up on your vision," she says.

And maybe she's right. It is possible that your vision was not a random thought formed out of exhaustion or lofty dreams. Maybe those plans were set there by our good God who has greater plans for you. And for them.

Do not allow yourself to be so easily discouraged. Those visions of community, passion, health, wholeness--they are good.

The One with Glimpses of Grace

2012-01-16T19:55:00.003-05:00

Every once in a while I have an "off" week. You know the kind, don't you? I just feel "blah" for no apparent reason. The couch becomes my best friend, and I can't motivate myself to move more often than necessary. I watch too much tv and feel guilty about it, but I can't seem to do anything else. Even reading seems like a chore. Every afternoon I become overcome with tiredness, and I slept for an hour (or 3). I am emotional, but could find no roots to my moods.

That was me, two weeks ago. Thankfully this type of experience is completely atypical for me. Most days, I'm up-beat, energized, and motivated. I spent much of that week in prayer, asking Jesus to take from me the weightiness, the burden. I prayed and prayed some more, even hoping that I might discover a few of the roots of my behavior.

At the end of the week, I finally had that "aha" moment. It was (of course) filled with an abundance of tears. A release. And it felt so good. The pain, the problem, was now at the surface, ready and willing to be handed over. And He was faithful to deliver me. Once again. And I feel a bit more refined, as if that week of darkness and pain was another moment the Lord was spending with me, refiner's fire style. Growth never occurs without pain, a dying to self. Feet are shuffled, tears are shed--but so are shackles. Thank you, Jesus.

And I give Him all the glory for the past few days of encouragement after encouragement. Many of those moments of joy may have been missed, forgotten, ignored, if I hadn't spent an entire week wrestling over those exact issues with the Lord. He opened my eyes to see beauty where I was just feeling frustration. He gave me hope, where I felt defeated. He filled me up, though I was depleted.

He is faithful. Be on the lookout.

The One with the Still Mornings

2012-01-13T15:39:00.001-05:00

so pleased to be joining up with Gypsy Mama's Five Minute Friday challenge. The starting concept is-

Awake

These past two weeks have been beautiful. Awaking early in the morning, before the sun rises, all because I have an 8am "devos" date with my husband.

I have always been a morning person. I enjoy the thrill of early morning runs, watching the sun peek over the horizon, knowing so much of the town still sleeps. Those few days over the Christmas holiday were especially peaceful. Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse - surprisingly accurate depiction of small town America on the mornings of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not one car passed me. No one was out to get the newspaper. No garage doors creaking open to reveal cars packed and ready for the work day. Here or there a light shone in a window, a chimney released its warm smoke, but mostly all was still.

I feel peace in the mornings, as hard as it is to pull back the warm covers and peel open my sleepy eyes. It is quiet. A new day, ready to be written. Will I follow obediently in the path God has laid out for me, holding his hand and following his lead? Or will I try to maintain control and guide my steps on my own?

The One with my New Bracelet

2012-01-12T13:09:00.000-05:00

Before Christmas Kevin told me he had ordered a gift for me that might not arrive until after the holiday. I would remember this occasionally as the days and weeks passed, but overall didn't think too much about it. The past few days, though, I had been teasing him about whether or not I believe he had actually bought me this so-called gift. :)

Saturday evening, as we arrived home from a day long Bible Quiz meet, we found a package in our mailbox. It was a large envelope, and Kevin thought it might be gift. I still had absolutely no idea what it might be. He had done an amazing job keeping it a secret. (And evidently, I had done a not-so-impressive-job keeping up with our monthly financial records or I would have seen the expense. oops.)

As I tore about the seal, a small package appeared. And then I saw it. A business card from The Vintage Pearl. Already I was thrilled and I hadn't even seen the gift. I had been admiring TVP's jewelry designs and commitment to Christ for years now and sent Kevin a link to the website probably a year ago. I said, "If you ever need gift ideas, look here." Of course I had completely forgotten about that. (I'm obviously not so great on the memory-thing.)

In the midst of excited gasps and squeals the most elegant bracelet fell into my palm. Out of pages and pages of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more, Kevin had chosen this gorgeous freshwater pearl bracelet, with an adorable heart-shaped toggle clasp, and a silver hand-stamped charm with a message from his heart. The words read--

more than rubies: proverbs 31

Be still my heart. I was stunned, thrilled, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. The tears came quickly, flooding my cheeks and running onto his shoulder as he is accustomed. This was was the most intimate, heartfelt, meaningful gift he had ever given me, and I will cherish it forever.

I haven't taken the bracelet off of my wrist since Saturday, and every time I hear the gentle tinkling of the pearl against the charm, my heart is filled again. Reading the echo of his deepest thoughts in those precious words means more than I can express. I have always know my worth to Kevin. But now I have that reminder on my wrist, every day.

Thank you, darling. I love you.

The One with {Memorable} 2011

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

I know we're well past the craze of New Year's posts and lists about best blah-blah-blahs of two thousand eleven, but I'm still mediating on these unforgettable moments of the former 12 months. I'm giving myself permission. I hope you don't mind. ;)

And now, in no particular order (no seriously, these are not in any sort of order. I know you can't believe it, but it's true)
Top Ten Memorable {serious, sad, and silly}Experiences of 2011

1} Taking 15 teenagers camping for 8 days to our home-away-from-home Family Camp

2) Celebrating the births of so many of my good friends' babies and getting to be together with my college girls at one of the showers.

3} Finally jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon and loving every minute of it. (darn it, Kevin was right again. :D)

4} Moving from our sprawling Michigan parsonage to our quaint, slightly-dilapidated, but perfectly-sized-for-us house in this quintessential small town in New York.

5}Watching my husband excel in his first semester of his MDiv program in seminary. (Who would have thought we'd be here?)

6}Building a deep, true friendship with the most amazing woman. Endlessly thankful for Sheryl.

7} Finally passing my 6-mile-barrier in my running career (thanks to Sheryl, actually). I ran 7 miles with her and then 8 on my own the following week. Oh, and running my first official race.

8}Expanding my photography skills with official photo gigs--at Elise's wedding, with Josh & Amanda's engagement shoot, as well as a family session in December.

9}Opening a successful (ever growing) piano studio in our new town and actually having a studio.

10} Adding more than 160 recipes to my now-three-year-old recipe blog: Adorkable Recipes. And getting featured on Tasty Kitchen.

Did you have any special moments in 2011? I'm sure you did. I'd love to hear about them!

linking up with Oh! Amanda's Top Ten Tuesday.

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The One with Our Daily Bread

2012-01-09T15:08:00.001-05:00

For the past week my heart has been so happy, so full. My husband and I made a commitment to spend a half hour together every single morning reading our Bibles, discussing, and praying together. We're not really "New Year Resolution" kind of people, but I guess that's exactly what we did. We resolved to change our lives, change our days, change our year before it even began.

Thanks to Kevin's Grandma A for sharing the link to the Joni & Friends Chronological Bible-in-a-Year Reading Schedule, we have a purpose and a plan each morning and we go from there. We have found that it works best if we read the day's passage to ourselves, making notes or comments while reading, and then spend time sharing our thoughts once we're both finished. It has been so much fun doing this together. Our conversations start different every day, and who knows what we'll end up talking about, but having that time to think deeply, Scriptually, Spirit-led, together every day is incredible.

Then we share our hearts--concerns, prayer requests, thoughts, burdens, joys. These types of interactions have proven to be joyful and fueling for both of us. And to start the day that way is just thrilling.

It has given me a renewed purpose, a better reason to wake up early every morning. No excuses. Accountability to reading God's Word. Thought-provoking conversation. And time together, deepening our marriage relationship.

And even though we're starting out in the book of Job (not exactly the easiest book of the Bible to read) and this past week wasn't the greatest, we couldn't be more joyful. There was one morning we had to leave the house at 8am--our devotional date time. I was going to read my passage on my ow, but Kevin eagerly asked if I would wait until the evening when we could spend the time together. ummm, YES, no problem. :) Amazing.

Between this endeavor, and my commitment to pray for my husband each day in January, I feel joy-filled.

Have you made any life changing commitments this month? Or do you have any words of experience or advice to share with us?