Kathy and I dressed as 80's rockers :)
Twiggy and her buddy, Oscar....I posted this because Twiggy looks like she has lazers for eyes.
November 19, 2008
Extra pictures
You can click the pictures to see them bigger (that's true for all the pictures I post)
Kathy and I dressed as 80's rockers :)
Twiggy and her buddy, Oscar....I posted this because Twiggy looks like she has lazers for eyes.
Kathy and I dressed as 80's rockers :)
Twiggy and her buddy, Oscar....I posted this because Twiggy looks like she has lazers for eyes.
November 13, 2008
Pumpkins, Retreats and Horses OH MY!
It's been TOO long since I've updated everyone. It's just been a little harder without our computer...I don't even know the official cause of the crash but we are now the proud owners of a Macbook...this is my first time using it and it's not too hard...it's just different. Nate is considering going back to school and so we figured we should get a reliable computer and if he doesn't go back then we will still have a reliable computer. There are some really cool features of Macs that we liked a lot. Such as these photos we took the
-I can already hear your laughter!
Let's start with October! Here are some pictures of our trip to the HUGE pumpkin patch called Lombardi Ranch.
They have a ton o pumpkins- fat ones, white ones, light orange, bright orange, green and white, squashed ones, sun flowers, hay rides, peting zoo? I might have made up the petting zoo LOL but you get the point.
It was a fun trip with our friends Kyle and Kathy. Kyle is the up and coming pastor for our church. He is still in seminary studying like a mad man. Kathy and I have become really close since we have similar personalities and both substitute. We have free time to get together and bake, sew, and dress like rock stars. Rock stars?
Yes, 80s rock stars. Out church had a womens retreat a few weeks ago with an Back to the Future 80s theme. We stayed in cabins near Mountain High -the local snowboarding location. Is was pretty chilly most of the time. Last year there was already snow on the ground, the 2nd week of November.
Anyways so the retreat was fun...
I was able to meet more of the women in the church. I was really convicted of my time in the word by a few messages and God has been faithful in renewing my desire to be reading and enjoying it! The first night involved some of the women dancing to song from Back to the Future with new lyrics. There was a guitar solo- this is where Kathy and I rocked out with guitar hero guitars in full 80s gear. Later on in the weekend I had a real solo of my own. "Am I a Soldier of the Cross" is an old hymn that one of the ladies wrote music for. It was just me and the keyboard and everyone looking at me....dang! I haven't been nervous to sing in a while because usually everyone is singing with me! It's always fun for me to sing though....this week Nate and I lead worship for Bible study and then Sunday I lead worship with a few others for the high school group.
Nate surprised me for my birthday and took me down below (L.A. area) to Hollywood where surprisingly there is horse ranch. We went horse back riding, just the 2 of us and our guide.
It was a fun ride because I had never done anything like it....it was 1.5 hours through the hills/forest to a Mexican restaurant, eat dinner and then 1.5 hours back through the hills/forest in the dark. I've never ridden in the dark before and it was amazing. There is one point where you are on top of a hill and can look out over L.A., Glendale and I can't remember the 3rd city right now....but it's so peaceful and you just realize how small we are when you see how many people there really are around you! Here is picture of the sunsetting and part of a city in the back. I know my helmet doesn't fit....
It was fun to ride up hills also...don't have those in FL! We saw a coyote on the trail....he was stalking Nate.
We are hopefully going to Mexico next weekend. The church is going on a mission trip in December so Nate, Kyle, Kathy and I are going to go down next week, follow a church and see how they run the show to make sure we are prepared for December. I'm really looking forward to this. If you've ever talked to me about Spanish, you'll know that I would love to fluent and I do have some knowledge of he language. I'm hoping through these trips I will be able to recall some of what I know and communicate with the people. I'm looking forward to meeting the people and helping to serve their church as well. Pray that Nathan's passport shows up soon!
-I can already hear your laughter!
Let's start with October! Here are some pictures of our trip to the HUGE pumpkin patch called Lombardi Ranch.
They have a ton o pumpkins- fat ones, white ones, light orange, bright orange, green and white, squashed ones, sun flowers, hay rides, peting zoo? I might have made up the petting zoo LOL but you get the point.
It was a fun trip with our friends Kyle and Kathy. Kyle is the up and coming pastor for our church. He is still in seminary studying like a mad man. Kathy and I have become really close since we have similar personalities and both substitute. We have free time to get together and bake, sew, and dress like rock stars. Rock stars?
Yes, 80s rock stars. Out church had a womens retreat a few weeks ago with an Back to the Future 80s theme. We stayed in cabins near Mountain High -the local snowboarding location. Is was pretty chilly most of the time. Last year there was already snow on the ground, the 2nd week of November.
Anyways so the retreat was fun...
I was able to meet more of the women in the church. I was really convicted of my time in the word by a few messages and God has been faithful in renewing my desire to be reading and enjoying it! The first night involved some of the women dancing to song from Back to the Future with new lyrics. There was a guitar solo- this is where Kathy and I rocked out with guitar hero guitars in full 80s gear. Later on in the weekend I had a real solo of my own. "Am I a Soldier of the Cross" is an old hymn that one of the ladies wrote music for. It was just me and the keyboard and everyone looking at me....dang! I haven't been nervous to sing in a while because usually everyone is singing with me! It's always fun for me to sing though....this week Nate and I lead worship for Bible study and then Sunday I lead worship with a few others for the high school group.
Nate surprised me for my birthday and took me down below (L.A. area) to Hollywood where surprisingly there is horse ranch. We went horse back riding, just the 2 of us and our guide.
It was a fun ride because I had never done anything like it....it was 1.5 hours through the hills/forest to a Mexican restaurant, eat dinner and then 1.5 hours back through the hills/forest in the dark. I've never ridden in the dark before and it was amazing. There is one point where you are on top of a hill and can look out over L.A., Glendale and I can't remember the 3rd city right now....but it's so peaceful and you just realize how small we are when you see how many people there really are around you! Here is picture of the sunsetting and part of a city in the back. I know my helmet doesn't fit....
It was fun to ride up hills also...don't have those in FL! We saw a coyote on the trail....he was stalking Nate.
We are hopefully going to Mexico next weekend. The church is going on a mission trip in December so Nate, Kyle, Kathy and I are going to go down next week, follow a church and see how they run the show to make sure we are prepared for December. I'm really looking forward to this. If you've ever talked to me about Spanish, you'll know that I would love to fluent and I do have some knowledge of he language. I'm hoping through these trips I will be able to recall some of what I know and communicate with the people. I'm looking forward to meeting the people and helping to serve their church as well. Pray that Nathan's passport shows up soon!
October 16, 2008
Home Cookin!!!
If you have any delicious recipes for....anything! Send them my way! I like to try to make new things but only if they are yummy. I made this pasta dish the other night and it was so sad cause it tasted like...nothing :(
I'm sure Nate would appreciate it!
I'm sure Nate would appreciate it!
When are you coming back? When are you going back?
At this particular moment I'm feeling kinda homesick! I just heard some good news from a friend at home, I talked to Aunt Margie, Christina, Caroline and Alyson this week and I'm sitting here wishing I could be driving around Melbourne making random house visits!! Its especially weird for me not to see my mom or sister~they are the coolest lol Simple things too, like WATER!
Yesterday I took Twigs on a little nature walk with some friends. We went up to the aquaduct which is pretty much the only 'body' of water around here. It was really nice as the sun was setting to look out over the cities and there was a cool breeze coming off the water. Then the moon turned this beautiful orange color that matched the city lights perfectly. It really was gorgeous! I wish I had my camera but the picture above at least shows you what it looks like. I couldn't help but think, wow, in Florida I could be walking along the beach or the river or pretty much any neighborhood and be near water! I miss the ocean and river and being able to go for a boat ride and get away for 30 minutes with just the sound of the wind (and motor). And if you're on Lake Washington, the noise of gator bodies flinging off the bank and into the water as I try to 'air harpoon' them. If you don't know what air harpooning is~you've got to try it! LOL
It seems like the theme of this week has been: When are you coming back? When are you going back? The FL crew wants us home and wonders why in the world it is taking so long. And if we are still coming back. I've heard this phrase, "you are still coming back.....right?" Yes we are but we don't know when. And then there is the other question from the Cali crew...."Do you guys have to go back? Why don't you just stay here?" All of them trying to come up with reasons that we HAVE to stay in Cali. It's really sweet that everyone wants us and I feel very loved! But the true answer is "We don't know!" I wish we did know more but thats the nature of the beast as far as contracted/government jobs.
The good news~we are enjoying ourselves here. We have been given some amazing opportunites to hear speakers that we wouldn't have had otherwise an we've both been growing and learning so much spiritually. Expect us to come back different- in a good way. And the weather here is beautiful! It is clearly fall here....leaves flying around every where which means Twiggy is being trampled by giant rolling leaves while trying to go potty- aw sad! And then there are days that are FREEZING! I took a picture, which I lost with the comp. so just picture this..... our outdoor thermometer marked 40 + me with FL winter clothes = hot chocolate despensing hard hat
This is the kind of thermometer that I need!
Oh and we are expecting to be home for Christmas for about 2 weeks! I'm very excited to come see everyone!
To all the bible study girls: Would ya stop poppin out babies so quickly??? Our kids are going to be infants and your youngest will be driving! LOL Really I'm very excited for everyone who is just starting out or almost about to pop! Miss you girls!
Nate and I have the next couple of days off together so I may update soon with pictures of all 3 of us!
LOVE YOU!!!
Yesterday I took Twigs on a little nature walk with some friends. We went up to the aquaduct which is pretty much the only 'body' of water around here. It was really nice as the sun was setting to look out over the cities and there was a cool breeze coming off the water. Then the moon turned this beautiful orange color that matched the city lights perfectly. It really was gorgeous! I wish I had my camera but the picture above at least shows you what it looks like. I couldn't help but think, wow, in Florida I could be walking along the beach or the river or pretty much any neighborhood and be near water! I miss the ocean and river and being able to go for a boat ride and get away for 30 minutes with just the sound of the wind (and motor). And if you're on Lake Washington, the noise of gator bodies flinging off the bank and into the water as I try to 'air harpoon' them. If you don't know what air harpooning is~you've got to try it! LOL
It seems like the theme of this week has been: When are you coming back? When are you going back? The FL crew wants us home and wonders why in the world it is taking so long. And if we are still coming back. I've heard this phrase, "you are still coming back.....right?" Yes we are but we don't know when. And then there is the other question from the Cali crew...."Do you guys have to go back? Why don't you just stay here?" All of them trying to come up with reasons that we HAVE to stay in Cali. It's really sweet that everyone wants us and I feel very loved! But the true answer is "We don't know!" I wish we did know more but thats the nature of the beast as far as contracted/government jobs.
The good news~we are enjoying ourselves here. We have been given some amazing opportunites to hear speakers that we wouldn't have had otherwise an we've both been growing and learning so much spiritually. Expect us to come back different- in a good way. And the weather here is beautiful! It is clearly fall here....leaves flying around every where which means Twiggy is being trampled by giant rolling leaves while trying to go potty- aw sad! And then there are days that are FREEZING! I took a picture, which I lost with the comp. so just picture this..... our outdoor thermometer marked 40 + me with FL winter clothes = hot chocolate despensing hard hat
This is the kind of thermometer that I need!
Oh and we are expecting to be home for Christmas for about 2 weeks! I'm very excited to come see everyone!
To all the bible study girls: Would ya stop poppin out babies so quickly??? Our kids are going to be infants and your youngest will be driving! LOL Really I'm very excited for everyone who is just starting out or almost about to pop! Miss you girls!
Nate and I have the next couple of days off together so I may update soon with pictures of all 3 of us!
LOVE YOU!!!
September 24, 2008
Vets and bugs, gross!
This is pretty random but I am a little freaked out by this! After pouring a delicious bowl of Purina One natural dog food for lil Twigs, I realized there was a hole in the bottom of the bag and some crumblets fell out of me. Shrug, no big deal. Wait, are there bugs at the bottom of the pantry? Hmm, they are all dead. I better check the food anyways. As I scruffled open the bag and peered inside I saw nothing but dog food but just to make sure "My Precious" was safe I poured the entire bag into a Walmart bag so I could further examine the contents. SICK! THE FOOD IS MOVING! Little buggies were all over the bottom of the bag and moving the kiblets around. Dumpster and Petsmart run! (No dogs were harmed in the writing of this story)
I've had 2 interviews this week with veterinary offices. The first one was a long and silly interview process which involved an application (weakness, strength, goals blah blah), reading the hand book, a short quiz and an interview in which the self proclaimed 'analytical and OCD' doctor informed me that "If hired, we would have to work on my spelling" Turns out I misspelled 2 words, mind you I was reading and writing for 1:15 minutes. My bad, didn't know that it was a crime to make mistakes. I noticed some other shenanigans (yes, I spell check that) and decided I didn't really want to work there.
Today I interviewed with an Emergency Animal Hospital, they are super flexible with schedules and I can work from 6pm-12am which would keep Nate and I on the same schedule! I'm going on a working interview Monday the 29th. Wow, the 29th marks Nate and I's 9th month of marriage....where does time go? Surely it moved a lot slower when we were apart. I'm also looking into an afterschool progeam called PEAK enrichment-basically you teach fun classes (dance, bugs, lego building) 2 hours a day and a few friends from church are thinking about doing it too.
Please pray for my job search this week, that God would give me clear direction as to where He wants me and I would find a job that I enjoy. Pray for Nate's job also. Although he is not in danger of losing his position, other people are being let go as the project gets closer to being completed and it's creating some jealousy and gossip. If you know Nate, it doesn't bother him which I am thankful for but I still think prayer is order here.
Only about 2.5 months til we visit for Christmas!
Shalane
I've had 2 interviews this week with veterinary offices. The first one was a long and silly interview process which involved an application (weakness, strength, goals blah blah), reading the hand book, a short quiz and an interview in which the self proclaimed 'analytical and OCD' doctor informed me that "If hired, we would have to work on my spelling" Turns out I misspelled 2 words, mind you I was reading and writing for 1:15 minutes. My bad, didn't know that it was a crime to make mistakes. I noticed some other shenanigans (yes, I spell check that) and decided I didn't really want to work there.
Today I interviewed with an Emergency Animal Hospital, they are super flexible with schedules and I can work from 6pm-12am which would keep Nate and I on the same schedule! I'm going on a working interview Monday the 29th. Wow, the 29th marks Nate and I's 9th month of marriage....where does time go? Surely it moved a lot slower when we were apart. I'm also looking into an afterschool progeam called PEAK enrichment-basically you teach fun classes (dance, bugs, lego building) 2 hours a day and a few friends from church are thinking about doing it too.
Please pray for my job search this week, that God would give me clear direction as to where He wants me and I would find a job that I enjoy. Pray for Nate's job also. Although he is not in danger of losing his position, other people are being let go as the project gets closer to being completed and it's creating some jealousy and gossip. If you know Nate, it doesn't bother him which I am thankful for but I still think prayer is order here.
Only about 2.5 months til we visit for Christmas!
Shalane
September 16, 2008
House Wife
I haven't been getting as many subbing jobs as I anticipated. I don't like having the working days undecided and wondering if I will meet my weekly goal. I can't say that I mind staying at home. Lately, my days have been pretty filled. I've starting getting more involved at church and making closer friendships. These week I am hanging out with a friend pretty much everyday or I have my class on the schedule. With my 24th birthday fast approaching, I've been reflecting on where God wants me. I still feel called to be working with animals or in a medical field yet I am not really sure why I have that passion right now. I applied at a few places today and we'll see what happens. But after looking at my plans for the week, I have to wonder if God just wants me all to himself right now! What if He wants me to use this time in fellowship and as a time to grow even closer to Him? I would hate to miss that opportunity which could be further preparation for my future as a mom or some other stage He has prepared for me. Sigh, I wonder if I'll ever know what I want to be when I grow up!
Although my career path is uncertain, I am really enjoying this season of spending time with friends and meeting new people. I'm getting to know some people in the apartment complex really well and I've had several opportunies to head out on the town and talk to people. I can honestly say that I'm anything but a 'Desperate Housewife'!
I love you all so incredibly much and miss spending time with you! Keep me updated on your lives cause I want to hear from you!
Although my career path is uncertain, I am really enjoying this season of spending time with friends and meeting new people. I'm getting to know some people in the apartment complex really well and I've had several opportunies to head out on the town and talk to people. I can honestly say that I'm anything but a 'Desperate Housewife'!
I love you all so incredibly much and miss spending time with you! Keep me updated on your lives cause I want to hear from you!
September 07, 2008
Vacations and Sickness
We are back from the retreat! (OK so we've been back for a while and I'm just slow) Leading worship went really well, Nate had a couple of slip ups with the pick flying out or a missed chord but overall he did a great job, he kept going and it was a lot of fun. Our friends are so supportive that they probably didn't even notice. The retreat was SO much fun! We had some great times of fellowship, we played kickball, had a volleyball championship, ultimate frisbee and even a group venture to the golf driving range-which was surprising fun for everyone. I swing like a tennis player but Nate is a professional, see the videos :) We spent the nights playing a pool game called "scratch" or "scum" which is basically the version of "horse" for pool tables. That game was awesome and involved a couple people being pegged in the leg with the cue ball! Oh and this trip involved pretty much minimal sleep which resulted in Nate and I being sick for a couple days-we're back though! Woohoo! Thank you Caroline for suggesting Tylenol Cold AM/PM which allowed us a solid nights sleep.
Funny: I took the PM and went to sleep before Nate got home. He came into the bedroom ready to give me a hug (normally I hear him come in but not with the meds) I opened my eyes to see a huge man standing next to the bed with his arms out like a monster and I was so out of it that all I could really do, even in my terror, is whimper and roll over. Great, Shalane that would really save your life! If anyone ever wants to attack me without a struggle - that was the moment!
What we have come to realize is that we really do love the people out here. Not to say we don't miss home or love our family and friends at home. This has just been a really good time for us to be challenged by our Christian friends to live the life, actually put into action what we are learning and I have to say I feel like I have grown so incredibly much in the last 3 monthes. We will be sad to leave our church and friends here and are currently trying to figure out a way to get all of you in one place! We are taking a class called E.E. right now and its going well. It basically focuses on knowing the answers to 2 questions and helping people answer those questions or at least think about it. It involves a good amount of homework but it's worth it.
Malia is getting some opportunites right now in Texas with some close friends. She is a nanny and I think she might be LOVING it! We're praying for Texas support of her ministry. Not much else going on right now. I just feel so loved! I'm in love with my Savior, my God, my husband, my family and friends and I'm feeling so much compassion for those around me hurting. The theme for the week is LOVE. Everybody wants it, everyone needs it, no one can give it more perfectly than Christ! I hope that each day I can love people better.
So naturally I must end this with: I LOVE YOU!!!!
Funny: I took the PM and went to sleep before Nate got home. He came into the bedroom ready to give me a hug (normally I hear him come in but not with the meds) I opened my eyes to see a huge man standing next to the bed with his arms out like a monster and I was so out of it that all I could really do, even in my terror, is whimper and roll over. Great, Shalane that would really save your life! If anyone ever wants to attack me without a struggle - that was the moment!
What we have come to realize is that we really do love the people out here. Not to say we don't miss home or love our family and friends at home. This has just been a really good time for us to be challenged by our Christian friends to live the life, actually put into action what we are learning and I have to say I feel like I have grown so incredibly much in the last 3 monthes. We will be sad to leave our church and friends here and are currently trying to figure out a way to get all of you in one place! We are taking a class called E.E. right now and its going well. It basically focuses on knowing the answers to 2 questions and helping people answer those questions or at least think about it. It involves a good amount of homework but it's worth it.
Malia is getting some opportunites right now in Texas with some close friends. She is a nanny and I think she might be LOVING it! We're praying for Texas support of her ministry. Not much else going on right now. I just feel so loved! I'm in love with my Savior, my God, my husband, my family and friends and I'm feeling so much compassion for those around me hurting. The theme for the week is LOVE. Everybody wants it, everyone needs it, no one can give it more perfectly than Christ! I hope that each day I can love people better.
So naturally I must end this with: I LOVE YOU!!!!
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