Monday, March 30, 2009

Elle, Ma Belle

Ok, people. As promised, here are the Elodie pics. And Bennett too, of course. :)













Friday, March 27, 2009

Happy birthday Penny!

I am an equal rights parent, so since I blogged on Rocky's birthday, I will blog on Penny's. Penny Lane is 3 years old today! She was my graduation gift to myself, and what a great gift she has been! She has moved with me to 5 different homes (and probably has several more to go before I finally settle somewhere), and has taken every move in stride. (Including the move to rainy Portland, which I thought she would hate, but she has adjusted beautifully.) Ever since she was a tiny pup I have always been stopped on walks and asked what kind of dog she is, and no one has ever guessed correctly. When I tell them Lab/Dachshund, the response is always more questions, or a puzzled look. But, I have yet to meet a dog quite like her, she is one in a million! I expected her to be jealous when I brought Rocky home, but she welcomed him with open arms (paws), and they have been best buds ever since. She is my sweet little princess, and life would not be the same without her!








Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Captivating

I am reading the most amazing book and I had to write about it. I have a feeling that I may write about it more as I continue to read it. This is going to get mushy, so if that freaks you out stop reading now. The book is Captivating, by John & Stasi Aldredge. I am reading it for my small group, and I was not that excited about the extra reading because I do so much of it for school, but this book is like a tall glass of water for my thirsty, thirsty soul. :) I have to force myself to limit my reading, because we only do a chapter a week, and I don't want to get ahead. Plus if I just read a page or two a day, I can more easily digest what I'm reading, because the concepts blow my mind. So basically, the book is written for Christian women, but really any woman who wants to know herself better, or man who wants to understand women better, should read it. The front of the book says "Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul" and that is exactly what it does. So, since blogging helps me digest things, here's a bit of what I've gotten out of it so far: (Disclaimer: A lot of this is coming straight from the book, and I may or may not use quotations, so don't accuse me of plagiary.)

Women primarily want three things out of life: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty.

Ok,
some of you ladies may already be gagging, because the world has taught you that these things are weak and silly, and that being intelligent and successful are the keys to life, but let me just say: stop kidding yourself. Maybe I'm biased, because my childhood hero was Cinderella, and my current favorite show is "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC (entirely based on the purchasing of wedding dresses at Kleinfeld bridal salon in New York City.) I am as girly as they come. I am a dreamer, a hopeless romantic, and I am not ashamed to admit it. However, these concepts are not just for girls and women like me. Even if you were a tomboy as a child, and your favorite movie is Pulp Fiction, I believe these desires are still at the bottom of your heart.

To be romanced - can you deny that you long to be desired, to be seen, wanted, pursued, and
to be someone's priority?

To play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure - To quote the book: "There is
something fierce in the heart of a woman. Simply insult her children, her man, or her best friend and you'll get a taste of it. A woman is a warrior too. But she is a warrior in a uniquely feminine way. Before doubt and accusation take hold, most little girls sense that they have a vital role to play; they want to believe there is something in them that is needed and needed desperately. Women do not want the adventure merely for adventure's sake, but for what it requires of them for others." Does this not ring true for you?

To unveil beauty - To quote again: "Many of us have
hardened our hearts to this desire, the desire to be the Beauty. We have been hurt so deeply in this area that we no longer identify with, perhaps even resent, the longing. But it's there. We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil." Are you not thinking right now how true this is of every woman?

As I've said, I will likely share more about this book later. What I love about it is that is not telling me wh
o
I should be or how I should change, it's telling me that the deepest desires of my heart are not only ok, they were intentionally placed there by God. Sigh. It makes me feel excited for what God has in store for me, instead of completely irritable at the fact that I'm still single. It's ok, my prince is out there. And in the meantime, I will be learning more about me, more about God, and more about the adventure that is my life.

And am only on chapter two. :)

"It's about discovering who you already are, as a woman. The woman God had in mind when He made Eve, and when He made
you. Glorious, powerful, and captivating."

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

My Visit - Kayla's Wedding

Ok, Elodie fans, I warn you that I have not uploaded my pictures of her from my camera yet. I have a few photos that I took on my phone, and there will be more pictures later. I do have pictures from Kayla's wedding, so I wanted to share those.

Getting Ready:





The bride and her maids:

Almost time:




I didn't get pictures of the ceremony because... I was in it. But here are some from the reception:






First Dance:
The garter toss:
Cutting the cake:

SLO Besties:



The pics of Elodie from my phone:




I had an amazing time in California. I had so much fun being a part of Kayla's special day, and everything leading up to it. It was great to spend time with my SLO girls, who mean the world to me. I also got to see Brittani and Leah at home, and had lunch with Kimi and with Jenn while I was in the Bay area, which was really good. My time with the Markleys was so nice, and it has been really hard to come back, knowing that I won't see my family again until August.
:( Sometimes I just stare at the picture of Elodie on my phone. Ha ha. I'm so glad to have had such a long and fun visit, though! Thanks to everyone who was a part of it! Love you guys! (And Randalls - love you too - wish I could have seen you while I was there!)

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

California...

Here I come! I'm leaving tomorrow morning for the Golden State, and I could not be more excited. I am dying to meet Elodie, so thank goodness that is happening. Last night I had to console a hysterical boy at the group home who couldn't be at his niece's birth and I was thinking - you have no idea how much I can relate. After a lot of "you feel ___ because ___" and other words of understanding, I decided to tell him about my situation. Sometimes a little self-disclosure goes a long way. It ended up being a really good conversation, because he was sort of stuck in the "no one could possibly understand what this is like" mode. Anyway, I can't wait to get down there and meet that baby. I'm also looking forward to warmth and sunshine, so this rain you guys have been having better stop. And I'm very excited about Kayla's wedding, and all the other festivities surrounding it. I can't wait to see everyone! (Except I'm super bummed I won't get to see the Randalls). So I just wanted to write to say that I may not write for a while, but when I do, I will undoubtedly have a lot to share, and I will be sure to take lots of pictures!