Crazy Michiganders

One of the highlights of my year so far...On Valentine's Day, I traveled to Michigan to see some of my favorite people: Todd, Julie, Andrew, John, Annie, Katie. This was my favorite trip out east...the boys are quite the story tellers, and the girls are absolutely adorable.

Here's a glimpse of bedtime...

Andrew & John...
crazy Annie...

Sweet Katie...

The week was filled with much anticipation and planning for the newest little one: Emily Hope. I can't wait to meet her!

The best part of all...I came away with a deeper conviction about the importance of praying boldly and specifically. What an incredible way to see God at work in our own lives, and then to get to praise Him when you see the prayer answered! And it's contagious, too! The more I've talked about how excited I am about specific prayer, the more people are catching the excitement.

So...I'm praying specifically...are you?

Tidbits

Ok, ok...so I'm one of the world's worst bloggers!!! I do actually have a handful of things I plan to blog on, but tend to never get around to it...call me lazy.

So, here's a few tidbits:

*Went to visit the Todd & Julie in Michigan for an extra long weekend during January.
*I've been traveling to Casper, WY for work ever since...I'm now on week 4.
*My brother bought a 1951 Chevy pickup...and they got it running one recent weekend.
*I got a legitimate case of laryngitis last week...while in Casper...yeah.
*My favorite niece (and only) turned 1 on St. Patty's day. Wow!

Hopefully I'll get around to posting more and some pictures too.

Pillow Luxury

Well, I'm very excited to tell you that I just bought a new pillow. I know, I know...not usually exciting stuff, but a friend of mine had one like it and I've never been able to forget it. It's got synthetic down on one side and memory foam on the other...and it may cause me to find excuses to go to bed early! Trust me, it's very comfy. I found it at Costco today, and am trying to get sleepy as fast as I can! Come visit me and I might, maybe, possibly let you borrow it.

Visiting Justin and Juli in Sunny L.A.

What a wonderful time I had visiting these guys. Juli met me at the airport with flowers, no less! We got to see the ocean and go shopping and drive in L.A. traffic and go to Universal Studios and drink Boba and spend some great time together. Best of all was the fellowship with Juli and the preaching from the Word of God. I was spoiled to get to hear Justin at the UCLA Grace on Campus ministry, John MacArthur at Grace Community Church, and Rick Holland at the Crossroads college ministry for Grace Church. It would be definitely worth listening to these sermons online.

Juli and I found our way to the Garment District in L.A. where there are lots of inexpensive clothes, accessories, jewelry, even purfume. We both came away with a couple of necklaces (the same ones, actually...we continue to have the same taste in these things, despite living so far apart), some bottles of perfumes, and belts. We found our way into the flower section of the market. I was so excited to take photos, and soon found out that most shop keepers don't allow photography. Ooops!
Here are a few of my favories.



Yup...that's Juli. Notice the look on the other gal's face - not so happy about my camera. Heehee.



On Sunday, after church, Juli, Justin and I went to the coast at Santa Monica. We landlocked folks have to take every opportunity to marvel at the ocean.

Juli and I at Santa Monica Pier
Look! It's the ocean!
This ferris wheel and rollercoaster were right on the board walk...crazy.
A palm tree! We don't have those in Montana.

When I landed in Billings, we were at -5 degrees and falling. What a rude awakening! I look forward to heading back to CA for the Resolved Conference in June.

Rubber Chickens Live On

Well, the rubber chickens continue to go back and forth.

I bought my sister Katie some lovely rubber chicken earrings for Christmas, delivered in a very fancy box.

Then, a few days later, she served a chicken in my wine glass...only fair, I supposed after my latte delivery before...

and then she pummelled me with her new "rubber chicken chucker"!!!

The next morning, I found a chicken riding the miniature bike that sits on my bathroom counter. I wonder what will happen next?

Evidence of a Red & White Christmas

A White Christmas - Red and White, that is

Well, we have a red and white theme going at our house this year. We have two little trees outside the front door with red lights on them, and standing in red pots, with red and white painted rocks to fill the pots. Then the tree inside is all red and white ornaments...no blue, no gold, no silver...just red and white. The presents under the tree...all red paper, white paper, or red and white paper. The centerpiece on the dining table, and on the mantel...you guessed it, red and white. Very cute. So, here's wishing you a red and white Christmas.