Feeling good...

For the first Sunday in a while, I feel really blessed and lifted. 

We tried a new church (again) today.

Trying to find a new home church is so hard.

I started the morning feeling so frustrated and fed up.

We were running late, so we almost didn't go,

but I'm SO glad we did.

We tried "The Blended Church" this morning, 

and for the first time in a long while, I left feeling lifted and happy. 

We were hesitant at first, because it sounded too good to be true, but it turned out great!

For starters, I absolutely love seeing people come together despite different races and cultures, to worship our one God.

It was very inspirational, there were literally people of all ages and races there.

The building was simple, and I found out it is because they do a massive amount of outreach and community and missionary support, which is something I passionately believe in.

The worship was very gospel, with a little rock and even some funk thrown in, which is right up our alley. They have connection groups, and many great programs going on. 

The preaching is a bit more...enthusiastic 

than I'm used to, but it's not a bad thing, just different. And they have 3 pastors on staff, so I'm interested to see if it changes.

We haven't decided yet by any means, but I'm looking forward to going back.

I'm excited and feeling positive about Sunday mornings again, and I think this church has more potential then any others we've been too.

Yay!

♥

I've been sick, not pregnant, okay?

Just now starting to feel better.

I think I caught a bug from a friend at church.

Same symptoms, same forever-long duration.
At least now I know that the speculation and jokes of my classmates and co-workers about the "P" word will stop. It's gotten old.

Had Red Mango Tuesday, because my boss and I were scoping out a potential FamVid spot in Broadripple.

It was glorious.

Class on Thursday was pretty cool.  

I get to teach a science lesson to a group of 10, 

and meet with my "focus child" every Thursday.

I really enjoy it.

It feels like I am finally almost a teacher.
That evening I watched a re-run of one of my all-time favorite "The Office" episodes:
The one where Andy finds out about Dwight and Angela's affair.
Epic.

I actually had Friday off! 

It was awesome for me, but Jamie still had to work.

Lame. 

So, I set out to clean. and clean. and then clean some more.

I started on the kitchen and the great room, and I cleaned like a maniac.
I even moved all the furniture out, set the couches on end, and hand-mopped the hardwood.

It was crazy.
But, after I did all that, I had zero energy for the rest of the house, so the bedrooms and baths are still pretty rough.
I will get there though.
Really.

Saturday I worked, and then we went out with some of Jamie's friends from work.
We went to the Vogue in Broadripple, which was the first time I had been there.
It was awesome.
I didn't drink, because my stomach hurt, but I had a phenomenal time dancing my booty off.
Not really, it's still there, but  I can dream, right?
Emily and Karen
(These lovely ladies)

met me there, and we had a blast.
The are so great.

The furry children have been very lovable lately.
Minnie is not a fan of winter. So, she has been taking every opportunity to cuddle with us or under something.

She is so stinking cute.

Emma tried to help me do my homework.
And by help me, I mean eat my computer cord.

It was so cute though, I couldn't help but laugh.

Sunday morning was very bittersweet for me.
First off, Rachel was SO sweet and brought me a box of the tea she knew I liked.

I was so surprised and flattered, and felt very blessed to have such people in my life.

But at the same time, someone who has been with our church for a very long time that I have always respected and loved since I was 15 has made some decisions that I don't understand that ultimately have led to his decision to leave the church.
It makes me so sad, disappointed, and just unsure about what to think. We actually sat down and talked about next steps this Sunday, and it really got to me.
I am still pondering if I want to send him a message, and what to say in that message.
It's just hard.

It was also nice because Tim, one of our pastors, was back from Chicago.
I hadn't realized how different it would be without him until last week when he was moving.
I'm glad he is staying.
But, the lovely, wonderful, awesome Misty that I missed a lot was not there.
=)
But really, I missed her oodles and oodles, and can't wait to sing with her in a couple of weeks.
She is a really great friend to me, and I hope I am half as much of a friend to her.
I really want to maintain that friendship even though she lives in Chicago.

Jamie and I are on fall break, and he took the day off tomorrow, and we are spending the
WHOLE
day together!
We are going to Chateau Thomas Winery to spend the gift card we got as a wedding present, and Jamie says he had a surprise for me.
Really ready and excited for tomorrow.
I love him so much.
♥

Happy!

I have had a beautiful week!

Wednesday I had a great time with Misty, we went for a walk in the park and drank iced tea.

It was wonderful.

I meant to take a picture, but forgot.

Then I worked hard on a surprise fondue dessert for Jamie! Fondue is kind of our special date thing, so it was great! And I was really proud of myself for the way it turned out!

Thursday, I had a lovely day, despite having class (which got out an hour early)!

Then Jamie and I went to Rehearsal, ended up having a long, nice chat with Bill and Jacob, and then I had to go to a midnight meeting at work.

Crazy, crazy changes are going on at work.

I don't really know what to expect. I guess I will just stick it out and wait.

It could get wild.

And then I had to open this morning after our midnight meeting. Sweet.

I am so, so, so excited to get to go to the Indian's Game with my family tonight!! Andy and Carie won't get to be there (sad) but my sister and parents will, and I am pumped to get to spend the evening with them. Pictures to come later!

♥

buh.

Getting ready to go in for work.

Again.

I am exhausted.

From work.

Bah.

Went to church with Jamie this morning! I love it when we both get to go. We have been talking about taking steps to get more involved. Excited to see where that takes us.

Also hoping work won't get in the way of it.

Went grocery shopping again today, on our pathetic budget.

Had to forgo light bulbs and hangers for veggie burgers.

So worth it.

I love veggie burgers.

They played Mmmbop by Hansen in the store.

If that isn't a throwback to 4th grade, then I don't know what is.

Indians game with my family this weekend.

super pumped!

I love them.

But, off to work first, and a crazy busy week.

♥

mmm, dinner

Making Lemon Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Asparagus for dinner. Yum.

Just waiting on the chicken to be done!

Finishing up my two days off.

They've been fairly good, especially today.

Jamie and I hung out, did housework, and then I had a really nice time at VBS tonight with Misty.

Then Jamie and i came home and went on a nice bike ride around the neighborhood.

I am out of shape.

Minnie has been awful on my two days off though. Today she rolled in poop for the third time. In. Two. Days.

Uggghh.

So, she got another bath.

Then she laid in the sun to get warm, and Emma kept her company. They actually got along for all of 20 minutes.

Excited that Jamie had both of these days off too. I haven't had to sleep alone, and it's for the most part been really wonderful.

Back to work tomorrow, and then to VBS for the final night cookout.

The cookout should be fun.

I have to start school again on Tuesday, though, and I am dreading that.

Oh well, I'll deal with that when Tuesday gets here.

♥