Yesterday afternoon as Andy, Spike, and I were driving to the house to tape everything off for Saturday's painting adventure when I turned to Andy and said "you know what all this is?! It's a blog post in the making!" to which he laughed hysterically and then responded "That has to be the title!" So. There you have it. But maybe I should back up...
A little over two weeks ago we posted a blog about waiting. Today, we're thanking God for providing so much for us, including some much anticipated relief!
Three days ago we closed on our first home! Despite being delayed almost two weeks, the closing process was quick and simple. We got our keys at closing and headed straight over to the house and couldn't help ourselves from wondering around, in awe, that this dream of ours had actually come true. Having a home of our own is something I knew would happen eventually, but I honestly never imagined we'd be able to do it at this time in our lives. But, God has blessed us with a lovely starter home that we're anxious to move into! We're painting the majority of the interior walls this weekend (hey, I've only lived in my parents' house, residence halls, and apartments for the last 29 years...we're going to make this place "our own!") and pulling up the stylist maroon and blue carpets in the bedrooms with the help of my lovely Dad and we'll be moving in next weekend. We took Spike with us last night when we went over and he LOVED the fenced in backyard. He's still very much an inside dog, as the first place he ran to after we'd shut the gate was the back door steps to sit patiently for the door to be opened, but once we took him off the leash and played a bit, he got the hang of it. For a few minutes, anyway. We anticipate he'll have to have supervised backyard time for many weeks, given his abilities to climb chainlink fences and jump at least 2 feet vertically but we'll keep dreaming of the time we can open the backdoor and let him roam free, without fear of losing him forever.
Relatedly, since we closed on the home and have our moving date in order, we were also able to schedule our first of two home visits with our Foster Care Specialist. Once those are complete, we'll be eligible for foster placements!
The other piece of this puzzle that we're so thankful for is...Andy just accepted a new, full time, day shift, M-F job and he started TODAY! After, by the way, working all night at the factory! It's been four months since Andy left Sofa Mart and I have to admit, we've both been quite discouraged, especially over the last several weeks. It's easy to remind each other that everyone is looking for a job and that God would provide according to His timing, but the day in and day out living of such reassurances was still really frustrating. But then, things started moving quickly. On Tuesday evening, right after we closed on the house, Andy got a call from someone needing a salesperson. After a short phone conversation, the man told Andy "talk to your wife and call me back, because the job is yours if you want it." I had been out of the car running an errand and when I climbed back in, Andy looked at me strangely and said "I think I just got offered a job." After talking over the position a bit, I still had a lot of questions and we were both a little apprehensive. We agreed to think about it for a little while and make a decision the next day after Andy had had a chance to email the guy back with our questions. But then...Andy called me Wednesday morning and said that as he was leaving work, he had been given papers to become a permanent employee at the factory were he's been working as a temp since last October. Of course we were both relieved and I could see that the sales position Andy had mentioned the night before wasn't supposed to happen. Though Andy and I still weren't thrilled that his permanent position meant 3rd shift for a while longer, we knew we could hang on until something else came our way...and then...that same day while I was at work, I heard of another possible opportunity and passed it along to Andy that evening. By Thursday night, Andy had accepted another job offer, this time working M-F, on day shift!! Three job offers in three days. Not only are we excited that Andy is going back to day shift, but we are excited that he's going to be working for a Christian man and company (not a just a company that totes Christian values but doesn't mean anything they say...I'm looking at you, Furniture Row.) and better yet, he's going to be getting back to what he loves - interacting with people. I'm telling you folks, 3rd shift was getting to him... :-).
This past week has been overwhelming, to say the least. We're so excited and unbelievably thankful for the blessings we've been given. We're also reminded that there really are lessons in the waiting. A few days ago, a friend posted this on her Facebook page and I thought it was a perfect way to end this current post. Thanks, Deanne, for sharing this originally!
Has God made a promise to you that seems sluggish in coming? Has He planted a dream in your heart that has yet to come to fruition?Don’t give up hope! God is faithful, and you can rely on His perfect timing. Fix your eyes on Him and enjoy the journey to your destination. There are things to be learned along the way that will enhance the joy of a promise fulfilled. Dear Lord, sometimes I don’t understand Your timing. It’s often very hard to wait, but I trust You. I want to rely on Your ways and Your timing. Help me to learn what I need to learn as I wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
And for those waiting on pictures of the new place, you'll have to keep waiting! I'm taking progress pictures as we go along and will post everything once we've moved in. :-) Stay tuned!!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Waiting...
The Crowes seem to be waiting on a lot these days...right now the list includes:
1. A permanent job for Andy
2. A closing date for our house
3. The process in becoming foster parents
Though Andy continues to be thankful for the employment he has now, we're both anxious for a permanent job (whether at his current location or somewhere else) to come our way soon. In the meantime, we are so thankful God continues to provide.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Everything seems to be finalized and now we're just waiting on a closing date to be set by our bank for our first home!! We are SO beyond ready to move out of the apartment and into the house. Of course, being a master planner, I'm getting very angry that the bank is messing up my perfectly thoughtout timeline for the move. We're trying to coordinate painting, pulling up carpet, packing up the apartment, moving, etc. and it's aggrevating when things don't go as planned. But, I just keep trying to remind myself not to fight against the minor roadblocks. God's timing is perfect and if that means my timeline is offset by a few weeks, well then I guess that's how it's going to be :-).
We continue to move along in the foster care process. We've completed the first two of three training sessions and finish up the third next week. Our application is in and one of our references has been contacted. I'm planning to follow up with the local DCS office today about when we can expect to be assigned a Foster Care Specialist, who will be our go-to person. Today we're completing our fingerprinting and then the only thing left is the stack of paperwork I mentioned in a previous post (we're working on that veeeeeery slowly, hoping to knock out a lot of it this weekend) and the homestudy. Of course, we have to wait to move into the HOME before it can be studied, but that should be our last piece of the puzzle!
In our frustration and impatience, it's good to be reminded of some beautiful truths within Romans 8:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We know that the things we are waiting for, including fun things like our first home, and unimaginable things like our babies are sweeter than we could ever imagine. May God calm us as we wait and bring us our children swiftly.
1. A permanent job for Andy
2. A closing date for our house
3. The process in becoming foster parents
Though Andy continues to be thankful for the employment he has now, we're both anxious for a permanent job (whether at his current location or somewhere else) to come our way soon. In the meantime, we are so thankful God continues to provide.
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Everything seems to be finalized and now we're just waiting on a closing date to be set by our bank for our first home!! We are SO beyond ready to move out of the apartment and into the house. Of course, being a master planner, I'm getting very angry that the bank is messing up my perfectly thoughtout timeline for the move. We're trying to coordinate painting, pulling up carpet, packing up the apartment, moving, etc. and it's aggrevating when things don't go as planned. But, I just keep trying to remind myself not to fight against the minor roadblocks. God's timing is perfect and if that means my timeline is offset by a few weeks, well then I guess that's how it's going to be :-).
We continue to move along in the foster care process. We've completed the first two of three training sessions and finish up the third next week. Our application is in and one of our references has been contacted. I'm planning to follow up with the local DCS office today about when we can expect to be assigned a Foster Care Specialist, who will be our go-to person. Today we're completing our fingerprinting and then the only thing left is the stack of paperwork I mentioned in a previous post (we're working on that veeeeeery slowly, hoping to knock out a lot of it this weekend) and the homestudy. Of course, we have to wait to move into the HOME before it can be studied, but that should be our last piece of the puzzle!
In our frustration and impatience, it's good to be reminded of some beautiful truths within Romans 8:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
We know that the things we are waiting for, including fun things like our first home, and unimaginable things like our babies are sweeter than we could ever imagine. May God calm us as we wait and bring us our children swiftly.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Jan. 2012 is off to a great start!
Well folks, 2012 is off to a great start! Yesterday evening Andy and I accepted a counter offer on a home and if all goes well, we'll be moving into our first house at the end of February. As plans materialize, I'll blog more specifically about them. Instead, I wanted to focus this blog on the amazing night we had last night during...
Foster Care Orientation. For years, Andy and I have talked about adopting and eventually came to the conclusion that we wanted to adopt through the foster care system. We originally thought we would not foster children, but adopt through the system. However, as we began talking more about foster care, we realized our hearts were really being pulled toward fostering, as well. We couldn't deny how strongly we felt about providing safe, loving homes for children, no matter if we had them for a few weeks or months or if we were eventually blessed to adopt them. Through some friends in Iowa we've seen what a positive impact fostering can have on children and we hope to have the opportunity to show these children that we love them and have been praying for them since before we ever met.
In IN, you have to go through ten hours of training to become a licensed foster parent and the orientation served as our first three of ten hours. I was happy to be surrounded by people in the room with a variety of experience with the foster care system. It was comforting to have other people asking the same questions I was thinking, as well as families sharing their experiences with foster children. Overall, the night was incredibly overwhelming, but Andy and I both walked out with the same objective - God has directed our hearts toward this - let's do it.
For now, our preference is to foster infants to 5 year olds. As we get older, my prayer is to adopt teenagers from the foster care system. By far, the teenage population is the least likely to be adopted and my heart truly aches for these children. Though the situation is complex, if they have a desire to be adopted before "aging out" of the system at 18, I want the Crowes Nest to be a loving family and home for them.
As for resources, when we first starting talking about adopting through the foster care system, I started here:
http://www.adoptuskids.org/
For IN folks in particular, the IN gov website has a lot of great information:
http://www.in.gov/dcs/2341.htm
Our next step is to look through the huge folder of information we were provided yesterday and complete our foster care application, which includes fun things like getting finger printed! As things move along, I'm sure we'll be blogging about it! In the meantime, would you keep us and the children God has for us in your thoughts and prayers?
Foster Care Orientation. For years, Andy and I have talked about adopting and eventually came to the conclusion that we wanted to adopt through the foster care system. We originally thought we would not foster children, but adopt through the system. However, as we began talking more about foster care, we realized our hearts were really being pulled toward fostering, as well. We couldn't deny how strongly we felt about providing safe, loving homes for children, no matter if we had them for a few weeks or months or if we were eventually blessed to adopt them. Through some friends in Iowa we've seen what a positive impact fostering can have on children and we hope to have the opportunity to show these children that we love them and have been praying for them since before we ever met.
In IN, you have to go through ten hours of training to become a licensed foster parent and the orientation served as our first three of ten hours. I was happy to be surrounded by people in the room with a variety of experience with the foster care system. It was comforting to have other people asking the same questions I was thinking, as well as families sharing their experiences with foster children. Overall, the night was incredibly overwhelming, but Andy and I both walked out with the same objective - God has directed our hearts toward this - let's do it.
For now, our preference is to foster infants to 5 year olds. As we get older, my prayer is to adopt teenagers from the foster care system. By far, the teenage population is the least likely to be adopted and my heart truly aches for these children. Though the situation is complex, if they have a desire to be adopted before "aging out" of the system at 18, I want the Crowes Nest to be a loving family and home for them.
As for resources, when we first starting talking about adopting through the foster care system, I started here:
http://www.adoptuskids.org/
For IN folks in particular, the IN gov website has a lot of great information:
http://www.in.gov/dcs/2341.htm
Our next step is to look through the huge folder of information we were provided yesterday and complete our foster care application, which includes fun things like getting finger printed! As things move along, I'm sure we'll be blogging about it! In the meantime, would you keep us and the children God has for us in your thoughts and prayers?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Update
If every title of the blog has to be "Update" clearly I'm not using the blog very often. But, life continues, nonetheless.
November was a glorious month, as it always is. We celebrated our birthdays and had a lovely time stuffing ourselves to the gills during multiple Thanksgiving celebrations. Andy got to experience Spring Mill State Park's Thanksgiving dinner, which was beautiful and delicious, and we got to eat lots of my mom's yummy fried chicken while at my sister's house that weekend, too.
December is going very quickly - how can it be nearly Christmas already?! We're excited to see family in Kentucky and spend more time with our amazing godson, Colton. When I get pictures uploaded to the computer, I'll be sure to have a special blog just about our first time with C.
Lot's of stuff is on the horizon for the Crowes. As plans come together, we'll be sure to share.
November was a glorious month, as it always is. We celebrated our birthdays and had a lovely time stuffing ourselves to the gills during multiple Thanksgiving celebrations. Andy got to experience Spring Mill State Park's Thanksgiving dinner, which was beautiful and delicious, and we got to eat lots of my mom's yummy fried chicken while at my sister's house that weekend, too.
December is going very quickly - how can it be nearly Christmas already?! We're excited to see family in Kentucky and spend more time with our amazing godson, Colton. When I get pictures uploaded to the computer, I'll be sure to have a special blog just about our first time with C.
Lot's of stuff is on the horizon for the Crowes. As plans come together, we'll be sure to share.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
"Rejoice in the Lord always."
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
I've been trying to think of a way to blog about Andy's situation with Sofa Mart but have struggled with what and how much to share. Instead of going into the details, here's a summary - Nearly two weeks ago, Andy resigned from his position as store manager after becoming the scapegoat for a situation and being wrongfully accused of something that he would never, under any circumstances, ever do. Andy went to work that day knowing corporate was showing up and resigned before the store closed that evening. I was waiting for him at a friend's house and, after showing up earlier than expected, which of course signaled to me that something was wrong, he took me outside to fill me in on what happened. I had been on pins and needles all day and was absolutely devastated as Andy described the day's events.
Even though we were both in shock and very, very sad about what had just happened, God stepped in immediately to calm our fears. A few weeks ago, right after Andy's annual review went terribly, he had begun talking with this guy from church, Todd, about possible job opportunities. Immediately after telling me the news, Andy called Todd to see if the two of them could meet the next morning to discuss any more possible job opportunities. As Andy and Todd were talking, Todd asked us to come to church, where the monthly all-church prayer meeting was going on, so people could pray for us. I really, really didn't want to go, because I'm terrible at crying and being vulnerable in front of other people, but I knew Andy needed the support so we went, and I'm so glad we did. When we arrived, Todd, who works for a temporary employment agency, said that there was a factory position open (through Christmas, maybe) that Andy could start Monday morning. Todd also mentioned a sales position available that Andy could submit his resume for. We were absolutely stunned. In no way did Andy or I ever expect that walking into the church, less than one hour since Andy had left Sofa Mart, would result in a job opportunity that would enable Andy to avoid any kind of lag in employment. Of course, because of Andy's character and commitment to providing for his family, he didn't hesitate to graciously accept the position. After our conversation, Todd asked if we'd like members of the church family to come into the pastor's office to pray for us. I deferred to Andy, again because I hate showing others my vulnerability. Andy said it would be fine and within a few minutes, the office was packed and we were surrounded by people praying to God on our behalf. The love we felt from near strangers was simply overwhelming. When they were finished, we walked out of the church, hand in hand, praising our Lord for His provisions.
It has been amazing to have our eyes opened to so many things in such a short amount of time! Personally, I'm thankful to God for providing a husband who didn't think twice when offered a factory worker position, after running a multi-million dollar retail operation for the last year. I know men and women who would have said, "I'm sorry, but I'm going to sit at home and wait for something better than that to come along." But not Andy. He takes his role as provider of our family very seriously and I thank God continuously for placing that kind of character in Andy, and for providing him as a husband to me. I'm also thankful that Andy is currently working a schedule that allows him to be home in the evenings and on weekends! Last weekend was our first weekend together at home in nearly 2 years. Being with a company that only allows their managers 3 weekends off a year and weekly schedules which include 13 hour days 5+ days each week, we had gotten used to a very different kind of schedule. It's an understatement to say that I'm enjoying having him home much more often right now.
Despite the anger over the situation and the moments of fear about what lies ahead, Andy and I are both thankful that he now has opportunities for a different job. We had been talking for some time about how family-UNfriendly this position was and Andy had been suffering from incredible stress usually daily and always weekly since assuming the store manager position in March. Though he may not currently be in a position that he desires to hold until retirement, we're both unbelievably thankful for an income to contribute to our household and I know that Andy's very, very thankful for the reduced daily stress he currently endures.
As we go into the holiday season, I'm thankful at the prospect of having Andy with me as I travel around Indiana and Kentucky to see family. That was another thing that Andy missed out on, working for Sofa Mart. While we've both really enjoyed relocating to Indiana, I've had many opportunities to see my family and friends but that always meant leaving Andy behind to work. It's amazing to know that this Thanksgiving and Christmas will be our first back in Indiana and, God willing, we'll be able to enjoy the holidays together and won't have to try and coordinate around Andy being back in TH to work the big retail days following Thanksgiving and Christmas.
We're also so very thankful for all of the support of our family and friends. I'm especially thankful of the hope and positive attitudes that we've witnessed as we've called people to tell the of the news. It's a wonderful reminder that our jobs do not define us. To be honest, I was afraid that, when I told people what happened, they would be devastated in the way Andy and I both were; instead, folks have been so great to encourage Andy that something better is just around the corner. People see exactly what I see in Andy - an incredible work ethic, a great personality, and a willingness to learn. I am faithful that God will provide and am excited to see what comes along next for him.
Finally, I'm thankful for a God that never leaves us. Through all of this, not only have I felt closer to Andy, but I have felt closer to God. He continues to provide a strength and hope that I could not get anywhere in this world.
The only way I can think to end this post is where I began...
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I'm Detoxing from Facebook
My name is Ashleigh and I'm a Facebook addict.
A few months ago I started to notice that Facebook was negatively affecting my life. Even typing that sentence is an embarrassing indication of how attached to Facebook I had become. I started noticing that, more often than not, I was annoyed, saddened, angry, jealous, etc. as I read my "friends" statuses. Perhaps even more frightening, I discovered that I couldn't do consistent hours of work without taking a "Facebook break." So, as an experiment, I decided to "give up" Facebook for the month of October. Here's what I've discovered so far (it's Oct. 4, mind you)
1. The world continues...in fact, the majority of my "friends" on FB haven't even noticed I'm gone.
2. I am, indeed, addicted. On October 1, a Saturday spent at home, I had to consciously stop myself from checking FB. On Sunday I snuck onto FB for a few minutes, just to get a fix. At work on Monday, I accidentally went to FB when opening up a browser.
3. I am more productive. First and foremost, FB serves as a delicious procrastination tool for me. One less thing for me to procrastinate with = one more thing OFF my To Do list.
4. FB is so ingrained in our culture, it's terrifying. Last night I was talking to a dear friend, who actually had noticed I was off FB and we began talking about how something will happen in our lives and immediately we think to ourselves or share with those we're with "that's totally a FB status." WTH?
5. I don't think social media is bad, or evil, or of the devil.
I'll probably go back to FB in November, but with some important perspective. Or maybe I'll give up FB, blogging, the Internet, and civilization for good and live on a farm with goats and teach yoga. Consider all of that TBD...
A few months ago I started to notice that Facebook was negatively affecting my life. Even typing that sentence is an embarrassing indication of how attached to Facebook I had become. I started noticing that, more often than not, I was annoyed, saddened, angry, jealous, etc. as I read my "friends" statuses. Perhaps even more frightening, I discovered that I couldn't do consistent hours of work without taking a "Facebook break." So, as an experiment, I decided to "give up" Facebook for the month of October. Here's what I've discovered so far (it's Oct. 4, mind you)
1. The world continues...in fact, the majority of my "friends" on FB haven't even noticed I'm gone.
2. I am, indeed, addicted. On October 1, a Saturday spent at home, I had to consciously stop myself from checking FB. On Sunday I snuck onto FB for a few minutes, just to get a fix. At work on Monday, I accidentally went to FB when opening up a browser.
3. I am more productive. First and foremost, FB serves as a delicious procrastination tool for me. One less thing for me to procrastinate with = one more thing OFF my To Do list.
4. FB is so ingrained in our culture, it's terrifying. Last night I was talking to a dear friend, who actually had noticed I was off FB and we began talking about how something will happen in our lives and immediately we think to ourselves or share with those we're with "that's totally a FB status." WTH?
5. I don't think social media is bad, or evil, or of the devil.
I'll probably go back to FB in November, but with some important perspective. Or maybe I'll give up FB, blogging, the Internet, and civilization for good and live on a farm with goats and teach yoga. Consider all of that TBD...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Updates
Well, my last post was August 20 and now it's Sept. 28. Sounds a lot like the journal I keep at home. Apparently I am allergic to consistency, as I fail to be consistent in anything I do. I always come back to whatever I set out to do, which is nice, but for whatever reason the idea of doing something daily, weekly, monthly, etc. just seems unattainable. Nonetheless, here are our updates:
August ended nicely with the start of school. This semester I'm teaching a university skills course and also auditing a graduate level career counseling class in hopes of teaching the freshman seminar we require of our Exploratory Studies students. September has really just flown by. Labor Day weekend I spent time with my mom and Trent in KY. The next weekend, Andy and I stole away to St. Louis for a Cardinals/Braves game and time with old friends. The following weekend I headed east to celebrate my sister's birthday, and last weekend my dad and stepmom came up for a visit. Thankfully this weekend I don't have any plans and I aim to keep it that way. Really, that's not true. I always have plans. I am a professional planner, though I don't actually get paid for it. My plans are to not travel, and that's good enough for me.
Speaking of planning and traveling, Andy and I just booked our first cruise! Despite my sister raving about the cruises she's been on before and hearing from all sorts of people that cruises are the most economical vacations, we've always been hesitant. Of course my hesitation lies in the fact that I don't want to be eaten my sharks or have to swim to shore when the boat sinks. Andy and I both wonder if we'll freak out a bit when there's nothing but ocean surrounding us. However, last night, we took the plunge and booked! We're going in March and are traveling with my sister and brother-in-law. They've been on two cruises before, so they will be our tour guides of sorts. We're going to Belize and Mexico and will be sailing for 5 days. While I'm still a bit nervous about the whole being in the middle of the ocean thing, I'm really excited to get away with my love. Though we've done some small vacations since we've been married, the last big vacation we took was our honeymoon. 2009 was for Andy finishing school. 2010 was a total ruckus in more ways than one. 2011 we relocated. 2012 is supposedly when the world is ending, so it's as good a time as any to take a vacation. And so the preparation begins. First task...passports.
We're really looking forward to October. Fall is such an incredibly magical time for me and we both really enjoy what I affectionately refer to as "hoodie weather." I'm excited to throw two baby showers, visit a dear friend, and be visited by a dear friend. Not to mention tis the season of all things pumpkin!
Until next time...
August ended nicely with the start of school. This semester I'm teaching a university skills course and also auditing a graduate level career counseling class in hopes of teaching the freshman seminar we require of our Exploratory Studies students. September has really just flown by. Labor Day weekend I spent time with my mom and Trent in KY. The next weekend, Andy and I stole away to St. Louis for a Cardinals/Braves game and time with old friends. The following weekend I headed east to celebrate my sister's birthday, and last weekend my dad and stepmom came up for a visit. Thankfully this weekend I don't have any plans and I aim to keep it that way. Really, that's not true. I always have plans. I am a professional planner, though I don't actually get paid for it. My plans are to not travel, and that's good enough for me.
Speaking of planning and traveling, Andy and I just booked our first cruise! Despite my sister raving about the cruises she's been on before and hearing from all sorts of people that cruises are the most economical vacations, we've always been hesitant. Of course my hesitation lies in the fact that I don't want to be eaten my sharks or have to swim to shore when the boat sinks. Andy and I both wonder if we'll freak out a bit when there's nothing but ocean surrounding us. However, last night, we took the plunge and booked! We're going in March and are traveling with my sister and brother-in-law. They've been on two cruises before, so they will be our tour guides of sorts. We're going to Belize and Mexico and will be sailing for 5 days. While I'm still a bit nervous about the whole being in the middle of the ocean thing, I'm really excited to get away with my love. Though we've done some small vacations since we've been married, the last big vacation we took was our honeymoon. 2009 was for Andy finishing school. 2010 was a total ruckus in more ways than one. 2011 we relocated. 2012 is supposedly when the world is ending, so it's as good a time as any to take a vacation. And so the preparation begins. First task...passports.
We're really looking forward to October. Fall is such an incredibly magical time for me and we both really enjoy what I affectionately refer to as "hoodie weather." I'm excited to throw two baby showers, visit a dear friend, and be visited by a dear friend. Not to mention tis the season of all things pumpkin!
Until next time...
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