our weekend recap...

So Friday  was recaped in the last post so you can read about it there!

Saturday, we also babysat till 2:00--which we really enjoyed ourselves and Daniel made a new little friend--then we went home and while daniel washed & cleaned up our cars (thanks baby!), I put our kitchen table that we have been trying to sell on Craigslist.  Within an hour, I had 2 interested buyers...30 minutes later it was sold!!  I was amazed :) Thank you Lord...You always seem to provide in those times we need it the most!

Sunday's are always bright and early for us because I have to be at church by 7:00 to 7:30! After Church we went home and took our afternoon jog...boy do i love running with Daniel although it was slightly chilly yesterday.  After our jog, we took a trip to the store to buy Daniel some clothes for the BEACH..in 6 days :) Now I want to pause a moment and say Daniel is not a fan of shopping for clothes at all!!!  But yesterday he knew I wanted him to get something nice for the beach, so he was so good about trying on different things for me...I think he only went because we stopped by the pet store and got Madie some goodies :)  

Sunday night was our sister-in-law (Jen-Yu) B'day so we celebrated with some yummy food Mrs. Davis made and of course CAKE AND ICE CREAM!  

But...one more thing happened that I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO excited to tell you about...here it is:

Daniel and I are taking a trip to Minneapolis at the end of April thru the beginning of May, and we are stopping halfway in St. Louis, MS (btw I have never been...new places are always exciting to me!) to spend the night.  I had been looking at many hotels to stay in, but all I could find in our price range was...well they were really not what we wanted to stay in to say the least.  But last night my brother-in-law reminded me of this website www.biddingfortravel.com where you go on and find 3 or 4 star hotels and then bid on what price you will pay.  Our bid was $45.oo to stay in the Hilton (a 4 star hotel that rooms usually go for $200.00+ a night).  Our bid was approved!!  That is not a bad deal at all!  :) ok that's our weekend in a nutshell...

Our day so far...

I want to begin this post by saying that any day spent with the one person you care about the most and are sooo in love with...is a good day :)

Our day began VERY early, with a stop for breakfast at Chik-fil-a.  I've also had 2 cups of coffee and 1 shot of espresso with this really sweet machine.

Aaron woke up about 8:30 and we have been playing ever since...he really likes Madie (oh I forgot to mention Madie came with us because they have a hugh fenced in backyard she can play in all day!)

I've accomplished painting my fingernails!

after painting my finger nails, I walked downstairs to this site! :)

I also have had some fun with Aaron

We have slowed down now...about to take a nap.

The rest of the day (after a nap) will consist of going to the mall or outside to get some exercise and eat some lunch, i also need to write thank you notes and address invitations for Tim & Steph's couples shower...we both have really enjoyed ourselves! We could get use to this....someday :)

welcome to the blogging world

Jamie & Joy George!  Yah...dear friends who are in school out in CO have joined the blogging world!  Check out their SWEET blog! peace

Spelling Wizards

So the question came up about where I wrote to the right of this blog...which is it... Southern Belle or Southern Bell??  I need help, so those of you with an opinion...comment!  Let me know what you think is the correct spelling because I am clueless!!

coming to your computer screen soon...

Ok I know all of you out there are just anxiously awaiting and wondering "what will they (she because he does not post very often but when he does it is a GREAT read) blog about next"...the anticipation is almost unbearable, so I will relieve some of you. Here are a few blogs you can look forward to in the future (aka, when i get the time to write them)

My "secrets" to weight loss--(many have asked from my post a couple back, so I will spill the beans & educate you on a new healthy lifestyle!)

Knitting Adventures--way back I posted that I have taken up knitting, and I will show you my first completed project (only if you promise not to laugh...or at least comment that you laughed) and what I will begin next!

Our Beach Trip--with "hopefully" many photos!

I hope I put a few of you at ease for now...with that I have to get back to work!  Until you read again...

Oh...one more thing, my sweet friend Sam just updated their blog and it is super cool...so all of you go check it out! bye

mae

My view...

This is what I got to wake up to this morning...my two babies sleeping away!  Madie has been sick the past few days with a runny nose, sneezing every few minutes, no appetite and very lethargic.  She seems to be doing better today which is good! She's like having a baby...she can't tell us how she feels, we just have to be aware of her behavior and anything unusual.

  (Let me just interject...neither of them were happy about me turning the lights on!)

Our week is pretty full with activities and things to do.  Tonight (tuesday) we are eating dinner with Daniel's family, and then off to watch the orginial Mission Impossible. Wednesday night we are speaking at a church in town for missions...yay! Thursday we are free, but will probably fill our time with reading a book, (me) knitting, practicing piano, playing with Madie, and maybe more!  

Friday will be a FUN & EVENTFUL adventure for both of us.  My dear friend Michelle has ask us to babysit for her all day Friday, spend the night, and then till 4ish on Saturday.  This will probably be an eye opener (not because her kids are bad or anything), but the fact that she has 3 little boys...a glimpse into our future...maybe:)  

In case you have not read, we leave for the beach a week from this coming Sunday...and I got 2 new suits I am excited about trying out!  

This will be a time of peace and quiet where we get to unwind and relax with one another...not to mention the sweet sights and sounds that the beach brings!  12 days and counting :)

mae

A little inspiration...

I want to preface this post by saying 2 things...1. I am highly embarrassed to even post this, but think it might help some of you out there (you will see why I am embarrassed if you keep reading) 2.  I write this blog for pure inspiration (and maybe a few laughs) but not for boasting in my self or my accomplishments (or anything else for that matter!) so here it goes...

Some of you might know and most of you don't, but about 3 yrs and 4 months ago I began dieting (to say the least).  In high school I was not really overweight, until of course my senior year.  Daniel and I were dating, and I began eating portion sizes like his (and his leftovers at one point). 

Anyway, you could say i put on some weight...ok A LOT OF WEIGHT.  In fact, about 30 + lbs.  I was huge my freshman year of college...and not to mention MISERABLE!  I hated the way I looked, didn't ever want to take pictures, and I felt like a complete slob!  So, my sweet and wonderful hubby (boyfriend at the time) challenged me to loose 30lbs.  I remember it like it was yesterday...we had just gotten back from Christmas break and my size 16 jeans would not even button because I had filled my belly so full with some Yummy (and not so healthy) food at my Aunt & Uncles house.  So getting back to the story...we were parked outside my parents house about to say goodnight, when I made a "contract" with Daniel (really with myself) that I would loose 30lbs.  I was determined and even wrote it out on a paper, and I signed it and so did Daniel :)...here was my starting point weighing in at 181 pounds

the left picture was taken in April 2005 and the one on the right was in May 2005 weighing in around 160ish

The picture that is on the left was June 2005 and the picture of the right (if you can't guess by the cake) was July 2005 weighing in about 140ish (maybe 130ish)

This picture was taken this past summer when I was about 130 + or -

and here I am today...58 lbs lighter weighing in at 123

Look...if I can do it, you can too!  I am now kinda obsessed with working out and eating right, but I feel great!  I do say thank you to Daniel for helping me shed the pounds (I was probably no fun in those moments when the cravings for FOOD were strong).  Anyways...if you want to know my secrets, just ask (but you probably won't like my answer).  Ok that its...hope someone is inspired! 

My heart broke...

Daniel and I have just begun going back to this ministry we were involved in while in college called Bible Club.  Basically, every Saturday morning (unless the weather does not permit us) we go out to a local trailer park and share Christ with the kids there (and sometimes their families).  We laugh, play games, do arts-n-crafts, have a bible story, sing sometimes and much more.  Even though I don't speak much if any Spanish...it is truly a blessing just being in the kids company!

Anyways this past Saturday I briefly taught on what we celebrated last Sunday--Palm Sunday, and then someone told the Easter story (which required the kids to draw and really kept them involved...I liked it!).  After the story...I was sitting there chatting with one of the kids as we cleaned up, and all the sudden he looked up at me with those sweet and innocent eyes, and spoke with a very soft voice saying these words... "I don't know who Jesus is"...my heart broke, everything around me seemed to stop and all I could think was please, please understand me when I tell you who he is...  Here we were cleaning up and it was time to leave, and all I wanted to do was to share who Christ was, because this precious boy didn't know Him.  It made me think of how many people in this world have NEVER heard the Good News, and that it is our duty as believers to tell them!  The verse that Paul wrote to the Romans comes to mind and I will leave you with it to reflect on...

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Romans 10:14 & 15

God's creation

We spent part of our day today admiring some of God's creation...outside! We went to Botanical Gardens (for those of you who do not know what that is...you can visit their site and read up on it). While we were there, we decided to shoot some pics...here are a few from our trip!

sweet love :)

close ups

Ok this next picture has nothing to do with this post, but I have to share.  We made a scrupulous cake tonight for our "day off" from working out and eating super healthy.  As we ate our cake and watched a movie, Madie fell asleep (nothing out of the ordinary).  While she was sleeping, Daniel decided to play a trick on her.  Look at the picture very carefully....

Yes...ICING on her NOSE.  It only took her about 7 minutes to find it!  We laughed for a while :P 

the end

March Newsletter

We wanted to start posting our newsletter o our Blog.  Here is this months.

HELP: Ideas Needed!!

We are going to Minneapolis, MN at the end of April to the beginning of May for a Church Planting class being taught by a professor from Trinity (where Daniel was accepted to Grad school and where we were going until we felt called to the mission field). Anywho, we have decided instead of flying (and renting a car when we get up there) to just leave a day and a half early and drive for 2 reasons (I am sure there are more I just can't think of them right now) 1. Money & 2. We love to explore and take road trips any chance we get, and what better time than now! So my question to you is.....Do you have any suggestions where we could stay/visit/stop/explore on our way to Minnesota? We don't have a "specific" way we have to go so we can detour a little! Our first thought was to stop in St. Louis and see the arch and get a hotel there...because we have never been, and that is about halfway. If you have any insights PLEASE PLEASE do share. I am even providing you with a map to get those creative ideas flowing!

Photo shoot...

I had a visitor at work today...after 5 years & 3 months of dating, engagement & marriage we still know how to have FUN!

Are You?

**VIDEO TAKES A SECOND TO START SO PLEASE BE PATIENT :)


Last Thursday as I was sitting in the turning lane trying to get home from a busy day at work, I watched as the cars on the other side drove pass while asking myself...are you saved? Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? have you heard the Good News? Each car was different...people with different ethnicities, ages, genders...but the question was the same...ARE YOU SAVED?
We as believers are called to share with non believers who Christ is...let me just interject right here that this is easier said than done, but as I examine my life, am I sharing Christ with others...through my actions, attitudes, words?

I was browsing a children's publishing company this morning for work, and came across this quote "Ever notice? People talk about what's important to them." Simple quote, but as I read it this morning i felt convicted...what do I talk about...myself, materialistic things, others (gossip) and so on. All of this to say...

2 questions:
1. Are you saved?
2. Are you sharing with others?

BE CHALLENGED!
BE ENCOURAGED!
BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY BE OBEDIENT!

mae :)

Introducing our "nook"

I am sorry that is a little corny for a title, but that is honestly the first thing that popped in my mind as I sat down to write this blog. You might recall from many posts back that we have moved to our new habitat ie Daniel's parent's house. We are all settled in now and really enjoying ourselves. Can I just interject here that my mother-in-law is VERY organized and neat which makes me delighted because I am too, so we live in a house with organization :)

I will say one of my favorite things about our new place is that we have 2 sinks..yes i said 2...no more battling Daniel to brush my teeth or do my hair or makeup while being bombarded with steam from the shower, oh and my favorite--Daniel's toothpaste left in the sink bowl (the things you learn when you get married..but I would not change them for the world!) So, as we promised here are pictures of our new place.



Madie has settled in quite well too :)



I have to admit it was slightly hard moving out of our apartment for a few reasons. Daniel and I had lived there for 1 year and made many WONDERFUL memories. I was just sad because we were closing a chapter in our lives, but at the same time excited to begin a new one. Even though having your own place is great, we knew this was the step we had to take in being obedient to the call GOD has put on our lives. We are now one step closer to France, but wanting to enjoy every moment we have now with family and friends :)

newness

So yesterday I got a new computer for work...here it is! This will help in our further development in our Children's website and making countdowns, brochures, etc!



Also, my dear friend Deena that I posted about a couple back has joined the blogging world...YAH!

Beach bound!

We leave for the BEACH in 26 days...not that I'm counting or anything. I am ready for the beautiful noise the waves make when they crash into those sandy white shores and that HOTT Florida sun!

Come Thou Fount...

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart Lord, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above

These sweet words are from an old hymn that spoke to my heart today...I only had to work a half day today (which was nice I might add...any day off in which i get to spend with my hubby is nice :)  anyways...as we rode in the car this morning, this song came on the radio and we could not help but sing along.  Who thought that a hymn composed in the 18th century by Robert Robinson would not only still be sung, but would be touching lives today...in the 21 century!  When we got to these specific words above...a tug at my heart became very evident as I thought...Lord I am prone to wonder and to not find joy and happiness in you but in worldly materialist things that are only momentarily satisfying.  But Lord here is my heart....may i seek you Lord!  Maybe you will be moved as you reflect on these words :)

In other news, a dear friend has committed some of her precious time to teach me how to play the piano....a dream I have had for quiet some time.  This is not just a dear friend, but one of my best friends who sang in my wedding!  Who is this you might ask?  DEENA!!!!  For those of you who don't know who she is...one of my 5 college roommates!  We went through alot...and became VERY good friends!  She will be leaving me soon for Colorado (like everyone else!) but while she is here...we have gotten to have some sweet time together.  I just wanted y'all to know how grateful I am that she is dedicating time to teach me piano for when we are in France...I LOVE YOU DEENA!  Oh and she is beautiful...here are some memories we have together (I have MANY more they are just on the other computer...and it takes a while to load these pictures at times :) :

Thank you Lord for friends like Deena who are there for you through it all...what a precious daughter of Yours she is!!

Snowboarding Adventures and more...

Here is a video of my first snowboarding experience this past weekend in Colorado.

Here is a video of our ride on the ski lift.

These are photo's of our trip:

I had fun while it lasted, but I am glad to be back home with Magen

Daniel

Daniel is coming home today!!!
the end

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS!!

TO MY SISTER, LESLIE, ON HER BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm glad I have a sister
and happy you're the one
that fills my life with laughter,
happiness and fun.

I love the little secrets
and jokes that no one knows
except for us two funnies
Oh it makes me laugh!

Oh the fun we have together,
It makes my life all better.
You're there when I need a hug,
i feel snug as a bug in a rug!

All you do is smile
and it brightens up the room,
Whenever you're away,
I know you'll be home soon.

We talk of getting older
and going to the gym,
growing up, getting married
and of course we're having kids!

I'll be there when you need me,
and I hope you'll do the same,
ring me and I'll be there
as quickly as I can.

We laugh at all the memories,
we grin at all the names,
even though we change,
I hope our friendship stays the same.

I love our little chats
and dreams of our life,
and I know that one day
you'll make a great mother and wife!

We are two emotional sisters,
that we imagine to be,
we even have our ups and downs but that comes naturally.

So even when we are apart,
you have a place inside my heart!

Sisters together forever at heart
Even when death do us part.
(found on www.lovethepoem.com)

My older sister, Leslie, has literally been my "hero" all my life. I know that sound silly, but I ALWAYS wanted to be just like her! She is only 13 months older than me, so we went through everything together. Playing house, having lemonade stands in the front yard, "becoming a woman", wearing makeup, cheerleading, learning how to drive, dating boys, prom's, college, and much more. 

I remember some days we would ride to school together and we could not stand each other...we would fight about silly things and then make up. I always knew, though that she would forgive me and that I would forgive her. 

I remember the day she went to college because I cried like a baby...how do you let go of your best friend? At the time I did not know that she was my best friend, but it becomes more clear everyday that we have a special bond as sisters. She was right their by my side when i married the man of my dreams, the one I get to spend the rest of my life with. We have laughed together, cried together, loved together, fault together. We love and honor the same God, and I praise Him for her life! 

Although I am married, and will soon be moving halfway across the world, my love for my sister will still remain. As i sit here weeping because my love for her is so dear, I am wishing her a WONDERFUL birthday on her special day! It is funny how everyday, I see how much we are a like. We look absolutely NOTHING a like, but the way we think, our actions, mannerisms, and such show we are sister! So this is to you LESLIE, my sister, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! :)

                                             Her first deer...she was so proud!!

                                                         us at a wedding recently 

                                                     Leslie and Edie (our cousin)

                   Here she is standing by my side as my maid-of-honor on my big day!

                Holding hands like we did as little girls...we are never to old to do this!

I love you Leslie and hope you do have a SUPER DAY!!

magen (your lil sis) :)

Going to the Chapel...

So this is only a few weeks late, but we wanted to say CONGRATS to Shaffer (Magen's brother) and Lindsey on their engagement! After 8 years and 3 months, Shaffer felt the need to take their relationship one step further :)!! Their big day will be September 13, 2008! Here are pictures from the night Shaffer popped the questions.

Shaffer and Lindsey right after they got engaged!!

THE RING...SO PRETTY!!

Daniel, Magen, Leslie(Magen's Sister), Lindsey, & Shaffer