Friday, February 27, 2009

The Art of Disappearing by Naomi Shihab Nye

When they say Don't I know you?
say no.
When they invite you to the party
remember what parties are like
before answering.
Someone telling you in a loud voice
they once wrote a poem.
Greasy sausage balls on a paper plate.
Then reply.
If they say We should get together
say why?
It's not that you don't love them anymore.
You're trying to remember something
too important to forget.
Trees. The monastery bell at twilight.
Tell them you have a new project.
It will never be finished.
When someone recognizes you in a grocery store
nod briefly and become a cabbage.
When someone you haven't seen in ten years
appears at the door,
don't start singing him all your new songs.
You will never catch up.
Walk around feeling like a leaf.
Know you could tumble any second.
Then decide what to do with your time.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We might be a little late in telling you this, but we hope you had a lovely holiday.


Eric made me the most beautiful watercolor Christmas card
We were actually very good this year and waited until Christmas morning to open our presents



we made a yummy apple pie for Christmas at Debbie's house

Eric always does an incredible job with pie crusts





We had a really fun New Year's Eve spent with friends from our couple's bible study. 



Eric in motion (I didn't have the right setting on the camera)


me using all my strength to place the bean bag


Eric thinks quickly on his feet and captured this short video of Becca and I placing the bean bags. All of my strength was not enough to beat her.


One of my favorite parts of Christmas this year was Eric & Friends doing Joy to the World at church on Christmas Eve. Enjoy the small snippet.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

mr handyman

jumpy cuppy sat on a wall

jumpy cuppy had a great fall

all of the king's kitties and all of the king's men

put sinky winky back together again

.

Camp Berea With the Youth Group


We drove one of the vans to Camp Berea in New Hampshire. The drive was about 4 hours.





It was frustrating at times, but a lot of growth was seen in the kids and the leaders.
(yes I grew out my beard, but is nicely trimmed again)


The worship band, Sidewalk Prophets, was great. They just got signed to a record deal, so we'll keep our ears open for their new song on the radio.


The speaker for the weekend was Super Duff. The theme for the weekend was momentum. He presented the gospel in a very unique way, that spoke well to the kids.


The bald guy in the middle is Nate. He's the camp director.
They were getting ready to attempt to rip the phone book in half.


The girls got roses for Valentines Day from one of the female leaders. They were to let them know that God loves them for who they are.
They ended up wearing them in their hair pretty much all weekend. Don't they look lovely?





who's taller?



During the weekend they split the campers in two teams, and played Red vs. Blue games all weekend. The winning team got to go eat first. We always ate first. :)


Another Red vs. Blue game. They had to knock the knights head off.


We enjoyed the lodge a lot. Emily read in front of the fire.


Girls warming their toes after playing in the snow.


Carpet ball was a popular game.



The lodge had a balcony with pool tables. Our group spent a lot of the time playing pool as well.


Youth Pastor, Paul, trying to catch a break.




We tried to stay on our feet as we walked around on the giant frozen lake.



The lake was surrounded by mountains.


Christian and John challenged each other to a boxing match. They both got knocked down a lot. The officials are still out trying to decide their final score.


There was a dodgeball tournament to end all the games on Saturday.
Our team of guys was called the TIErants. (They all wore ties)
The girls are nervous for the whistle to blow to start the dodgeball game.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

catching up

Many of you have asked how we've been feeling. We are doing much better after a few days of rest. My body seems to be back to normal, but not my face. I woke up Monday morning with a swollen lip and the worst cold sore of my life. The picture below is after a lot of the swelling went down. 




It is that time of year at work - - year end, taxes, new year
my new workspace is messy

I hate working in a mess, but I don't have a good filing system in place or homes for everyday things (like incoming mail, mittens, etc). Even though I've had this job for months, I still feel very new.



Our dentist appointments went really well. We each need some fillings, but we love our new office. The dental hygienist actually told me that she flosses while going potty. I think that I have a face that makes people open up.


Rachel, my co-worker, gave us the great idea to put our extra (non-contaminated) peanut butter out for the birds and squirrels. Actually getting the peanut butter onto the pine cones was much messier than we expected, but they went over very well with our outside friends.


one of those days

poor Eric had a run in with a ceramic mug and our sink




we'll be at home depot tonight

Monday, February 23, 2009

pardon while we play

Eric decided to give our little blog a face lift. Let us know what you think of the pictures!

Me in a chef hat (I have no memory of ever putting one on or where this picture came from)
Me flying a kite
One of our wedding photos
Eric playing guitar
Eric being a studly pirate