And then there were three

Travis and I found out on Thursday, December 23rd that we are expecting!  I felt weird for a few days and just knew something was different.  I was only two days late when I took the home pregnancy test and when it came back positive I was actually pleasantly surprised!  The doctor said that we are due around August 30, 2011.  We are very excited and cannot wait to have our precious baby!  Although I have been somewhat sick, I feel proud to be growing a little tiny baby within me and this makes all of the sick feelings worthwhile.  I just cannot wait until we get past the first three months because like most pregnant women, I am nervous about my first pregnancy and having a healthy baby.  I'm praying that God will bless this child and keep him/her safe.  I am glad that God has blessed our marriage in such an awesome way!

Next Chapter

I interviewed at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA) last Friday for their Program Coordinator position and I felt really good afterwards.  I was excited about working with agencies and helping them fund their programs in such a way.  Well, on Tuesday they called me and offered me the position!  They weren't planning on doing so until after the first of the year, but they said they were excited about having me!  :)  Although it is a long drive each day to Rock Island and it's more administrative than direct care, but I am actually really excited about this next chapter in my life! 

Christmas is just two short days away!  I'm not so sure where this year went, but I am excited for our five- yes, FIVE- Christmases!  Please pray that it's not too insane and that I remain calm and relaxed.  Sometimes I get anxious and uptight during exciting times.  Also, with snow coming, pray for everyone's safety in their traveling to and from.  God bless!

Unofficially Done

After three and a half years of attending Monmouth College, I am now complete with my Bachelor of Arts degree!  On Tuesday, I will find out my final grades for this semester and I am excited to be entering the 'real' world!  I had an interview this morning at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and I really enjoyed the ladies who interviewed me.  I am looking into going into the nonprofit sector and plan on continuing my education to get my Master's Degree in Social Work!  I know it will be a long three years- working full-time, going to school part-time, and being a family woman.  But it is important for me to complete my Master's Degree and will really put me in the next income bracket and make me more satisfied with myself!  I am excited for this next chapter in my life, although worried and nervous also.  Please pray that God continues to provide and watch over Travis and I. 

Bittersweet Finish

My senior research presentation, "A Rural Community Social Service Assessment" is tomorrow evening.  Although I am glad to finally be done with this intense project, it is bittersweet.  This last semester has been an enjoyable one.  Only one of my classes were outside of my field of interest, which made my motivation stay high.  :)  I was motivated to read, enjoyed writing the papers, and had only one final exam.  I feel blessed to have had such an amazing final semester!

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd (That's relationship)

I shall not want (That's supply)
He maketh me lie down in green pastures (That's rest)
He leadeth me beside the still waters (That's refreshment)
He restoreth my soul (That's healing)
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (That's guidance)
For His name's sake (That's purpose)
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (That's testing)
I will fear no evil (That's protection)
For thou art with me (That's faithfulness)
They rod and thy staff they comfort me (That's discipline)
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (That's hope)
Thou annointest my head with oil (That's consecration)
My cup runneth over (That's abundance)
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (That's blessing)
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord (That's security)
Forever (That's eternity)

Face it... The Lord is crazy about us.

Christmas Spirit

Christmas. It's all about songs, food, snow, and family.  Or is it?  The true meaning of Christmas is what lies in the hearts of every Christian- Christ.  I've heard it said that people are more giving around Christmas time.  Does that mean that snow and food and songs bring this out in us?  To be a Christian means to be 'like-Christ.'  Christ gave.  He gave to everybody who came into contact with him-healing, inspiration, prayer.  Christ gave his life.  During this Christmas time, we feel the need to give, because of his example.  We are again made aware of how much we owe to him.  Are we as giving during this holiday time as Christ calls us to be all year long?  We, as Christians, need to step up and give like Christ gave even when it's not Christmas time! Be compassionate, forgiving, and loving all year long.   

Last Day as an Undergrad

Tomorrow marks the completion of my time as an undergrad at Monmouth College.  Today was the last Christmas Convocation that I will participate in as a MC student.  Monday will be my last presentation in front of a class of my peers. 

My education at Monmouth truly has made me a better citizen and a better person.  I know understand the true meaning of relationship building, of taking time to make friends with professors, and of service to community.  I appreciate dearly all of the opportunities that Monmouth College offered me and I thank the Lord that I was so blessed to be able to attend such a wonderful college.  Next week marks the next chapter of my life and I pray that God opens doors.

All in God's Timing

Tonight Travis and I were putting our Christmas ornaments on the tree when he made the comment, "maybe next year, there will be three of us putting ornaments on the tree."  All I could do was smile and appreciate the comment. 

People think we were crazy for getting married at such a young age, let alone having children at 22.  However, we both feel that the time is right to start having children; that is, whenever God blesses us with this miracle.  We have discussed this in great detail and although some critics may not be pleased, we feel that God will soften their hearts when it is His time.  I had been on birth control for many years, due to terrible female issues, but a couple months ago we decided to stop taking them and allow God to work.  When I told my mom this, of course she was shocked and I could see her hesitation.  I believe most of her hesitation is in the fact that I am still looking for a full-time position, which I am also allowing to happen in God's timing.  She will be thrilled when it actually happens, though.  Let's pray that God blesses us with this wonderful gift soon.  :)

April 24, 2010- The Day I Married My Best Friend

On December 24, Travis and I will have been married for 8 months.  Where has the time gone?  In that time, we bought a beautiful house, adopted our precious Daisy, and have grown even deeper in love with each other.  I am so lucky and blessed to have a man like Travis. 

Travis and I were just talking tonight about how odd of a couple we seem.  He's the hardcore metal rocker who works on cars all day and likes sweet rides.  I'm the compassionate simple girl who likes dressing up and kids movies.  How did we end up together one may ask?!  The only answer I have to this question is this- God.  We could both be going down totally different roads, making bunches of money and living the 'life.'  However, that's not where God wants us.  He's wants us right here in the middle of cornfields, living a simple life and learning to rely on Him.  I truly believe that God placed Travis and I together.  How else could you explain why we fell in love!?  :) 

Thank you, God, for blessing me with such a wonderfully giving man.  I pray that you continue to bless our marriage and show us what true love looks like.  Amen.

Matthew West- One Last Christmas for Dax

If every community would rally like together like this, the world would be a much better place to live.  I hope this blesses your life as much as it did mine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E

Some Quotes I Love

Sandwich every bit of criticism between two thick layers of praise.
- Mary Kay Ash

You must have long range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.
- Charles C. Noble

Good leaders are like baseball umpires. They go practically unnoticed when doing their jobs right.
- Author Unknown

Resist the temptation to allow work to invade rest.
- Author Unknown

Bucket List

Here is my list of things I would like to do before I 'kick the bucket.'

1. Marry my best friend
2. Have a child
3. Receive my Master’s Degree
4. Buy a house
5. Construct a family tree
6. Write a letter to everyone I love
7. Go camping with mom
8. Go on a mission trip to Haiti
9. Lead someone to Christ
10. See Aerosmith in concert
11. Weight 150 pounds
12. Do a wine tasting
13. Attend the Olympics
14. Donate over $500 at once
15. Donate my hair
16. Adopt a child
17. Attend a Christian Conference
18. Stay in a 5 star hotel
19. See bagpipers in Scotland
20. Host a costume party
21. Have a tarot card reading
22. Swim with dolphins
23. Drive a racecar
24. Go to Dollywood
25. Pay mom back for everything
26. Go to a NASCAR race
27. Get a pedicure
28. Get Lasik eye surgery
29. Visit a crayon factory
30. Plant a tree
31. Visit Sanju in Nepal
32. Fly on an airplane
33. Swim in the ocean
34. Go on a zip-line
35. Celebrate my 50th wedding anniversary
36. Go to Disneyland
37. Visit a chocolate factory
38. Swim in a pool of ramen noodles
39. Start a non-profit organization
40. Visit the Holy Land
41. Celebrate 4th of July in DC
42. Ride in a hot air balloon
43. Watch the northern lights in Alaska
44. Forgive my dad
45. Visit Mardi Gras in New Orleans
46. Make a scrapbook of my life
47. Plan a family reunion
48. Make homemade ice cream
49. Start a collection
50. Adopt a dog
51. Graffiti something
52. Take a road trip with a group of girlfriends
53. Go snowboarding
54. March in a parade for a cause
55. Visit an old castle
56. Go skinny dipping
57. Have a pen pal
58. Volunteer in a VA clinic
59. Go to a 49ers game
60. Give 3 gallons of blood
61. See my grandkids graduate from college
62. Rekindle a lost friendship
63. Write a thank you to a teacher
64. Build a sand castle
65. Go to Oktoberfest in Munich
66. Send out Christmas cards to my whole address book
67. Be debt free
68. Ride an elephant
69. Be in the audience of SNL
70. Play on a Slip N Slide
71. Ride a horse
72. Fast for 30 hours
73. Watch the whole X-Men trilogy in a weekend
74. See a Broadway musical
75. Get a mom/daughter tattoo
76. Take dance lessons
77. Dance in the rain
78. Go to the top of the Empire State Building
79. Eat a hotdog from a street cart
80. Give mom a dozen roses
81. Send a message in a bottle
82. Sit on a jury
83. Do karaoke
84. Take a mud bath
85. Ride in a gondola
86. Sleep under the stars
87. Test drive a car I can’t afford
88. Play an ultimate prank on Ed
89. Have a huge food fight
90. Spend the whole day in bed
91. Visit a museum
92. Ride the biggest roller coaster at the theme park
93. Have a dress-up tea party
94. Sit on a rooftop and watch clouds form shapes
95. Visit a prison
96. Organize “Angel Tree for Elderly”
97. Write to Dolly Parton
98. Cry when I’m sad, smile when I’m happy, yell when I’m angry, and tell people when I love them!

My Roles in Life

I'm a...

Wife.  Always kiss him goodnight.
Daughter.  Be faithful and honest.
Friends.  Don't gossip.
Neighbor.  Serve others, even when it's inconvenient.
Employee.  Be a productive encourager.
Christian.  Read the Bible and talk to the Lord daily.
Person.  Dedicate time for personal leisure activities.