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