tired little busy bees

It is 27 degrees. All four of my car doors were frozen shut this morning and I wouldn't dream of leaving the house without my coat, scarf, and mittens. But the sun is shining. And at first glance, it feels like spring.


We had a great weekend in New Hampshire with the youth group. Tons of pictures are on facebook (Eric did a great job putting them up so the kids could see them right away) (it took him over three hours because he was so tired and they kept commenting on them). Hopefully, when we are feeling better, we'll update the blog as well.


The long weekend took its toll on us. I was miserably sick all last week and this weekend and am not sure how I will make it through another five day work week. Eric is spending his day off on the couch trying to feel better. We are quite the pair.



Being sick has given us a chance to really slow down and appreciate what we have. You don't realize how nice it is to breathe out your nose until you can't.

Happy Valentine's Day

We wish you lots of love this happy hearts day.
And not just the sentimental flowers and romantic dinner kind (although they are nice too).

Since college, God has challenged me to really show love to others during this holiday. It didn't originate as a "Hallmark holiday" and any reminder we have to show love should be accepted.

We sent Valentine's to loved ones and are ready for our weekend adventure with the youth group. We are praying for couples going through trials and loving on as many children as we can. All of these small things really add up to a lot of love. And that is what this life is all about.

We encourage you to be a light and love to someone this Valentine's weekend.

If you need a few suggestions on how to do this - - you could pray that:

the long drive to and from with the teenagers and is safe and uneventful

the leaders would stay healthy (some are already not coming due to illness)

the leaders would able to keep up with the kids (we are not spring chickens)

the Lord would do a wondrous miracle in their hearts

fun in the mail

this lovely little letter was in our mailbox from a dear friend

we have been nibbling away at the little bar

thank you sara!

I don't do windows

but he does...

http://www.raincitystory.com/flash/screenclean.swf

Eric's 25 Random Things About Me (also posted on facebook)

1. I love making music, and I wish it could be my full time job.
2. I think coffee is the best beverage in the world.
3. I really really can't spell.
4. I wish that I was in better shape... but not enough to actually work out.
5. I love to mountain bike, but have no bike.
6. I love video games, but only really in the winter.
7. I feel like I'm good at lots of things but not really good at any thing.
8. I'm sort of addicted to Facebook.
9. I wish I could have a really long beard, but I don't think it will happen.
10. I have dreams where I'm riding a motorcycle, even though I've never been on one.
11. I can't wait to be a father.
12. I have huge fears of being a father.
13. I used to really want a tattoo, but I never had to guts to get one. I'm glad I didn't because it probably would have been a Dave Matthews tattoo or something.
14. I love our new apartment. I really feel like I'm home.
15. I wish I read more.
16. I have a really hard time with conflict. I've heard that's because I'm a feeler not a thinker...
17. I love the balance created in my marriage, even though it creates that conflict I have such problems with.
18. I cry sometimes when I watch reality shows like The Biggest Loser.
19. I love the show Psych.
20. I now have some of the best friends I've ever had.
21. I wish God would yell at me sometimes... instead of whispering.
22. I like when I feel artsy.
23. I cant' believe I get to spend forever with my wife.
24. I wish I could get a Basset Hound.
25. I wish I took more pictures.

the lego card

Nicolas loves LEGOS, so when he was in the hospital after the accident, Eric made him this amazing card. 

The family is doing well and healing. Nicolas is back in our class, but cannot participate in any gym games. Even with all of the metal in his mouth, he is still smiling.

in case you don't have facebook

I (Chris) was tagged on facebook recently and decided to participate. Many of the people who read our blog do not have facebook, so I decided to carry the list over.

25 random things about me

1. I am not addicted to facebook. In fact, I have to force myself to use it.
2. I love llamas. I mean really love them. If we were ever to have a house with lots of land, I would get a few. Once, I came across a pair of Keds llama shoes and I’m still upset that they didn’t have anything close to my size.
3. I wish I had the courage to be an artist.
4. I sing in the grocery store aisles. Loudly.
5. I love to get mail. Sometimes, Eric will take the junk out of the mailbox and leave a letter from a friend for me to find.
6. I want a small life. I want to be able to touch all four corners of it at once.
7. I buy every cute pair of comfortable shoes I find. This usually amounts to me buying two pairs a year.
8. I am shy, but also an extrovert. I talk a lot when I’m nervous or tired.
9. Lately, I’ve been embarrassed when people ask about prayer requests and I have none. At this season in my life, I’m really content and feel abundantly blessed. God has answered my prayers and feel that this is a time to prayer for others.
10. I truly believe that God has put feeding squirrels and birds on my heart.
11. I do not watch scary or tense entertainment anymore. I’ve learned to only allow what is encouraging and uplifting into my life. Instead of gore, I watch Murder She Wrote reruns and Psych.
12. I have dreams that all of my teeth fall out. It is one of my biggest fears in life.
13. Strategy, board, and card games are my favorite way to spend an evening. I only wish I knew more of them. Currently, Settlers of Catan and Bananagrams have captured my attention (both computer and in person).
14. Having people over at our house fills my heart. I never thought I’d like to “entertain” but I feel really comfortable in my space and want people to enjoy the things God has blessed us with - - the Xbox we won, a large dining room table, our cat whom people fall in love with, and us.
15. I have a hard time saying no. To everything. And everyone.
16. I only started to love my hair the past few years. It always felt mousy, too big, frizzy, and ugly.
17. Compliments are a hard pill to swallow. Especially when they are about my kindness, character, outfit, or hair. Hearing praises about my work is easy, but everything else is difficult.
18. I buy my calendar almost six months in advance. Susan Branch sells out quickly and I would hate to have an ugly calendar.
19. I struggle with the idea that there are always two sides to every story.
20. Live music (concerts) is something I avoid like the plague (but then I married a musician), but I love the theatre – both plays and musicals. Watching actors on stage and enjoying their energy is one thing, feeling like your energy must feed musicians on stage is another.
21. I hate to shower. More than you know. And for many reasons.
22. I buy expensive, delicious, amazing soap. I don’t use it as often, so it makes it worth the price.
23. I love blogs. I love being able to see someone’s life unfold. It is a place to share our stories, struggles, and blessings. I feel that I truly know authors of blogs I’ve been following for years. It is like reading an autobiography without time changing any details.
24. The Amazing Race is the only show I would consider being on, but I would hate for how physically weak I am and how I am under constant, intense stress to be on television for me (and everyone) to see.
25. I believe that gardening brings us closer to God and teaches us many of His lessons.