Five for Friday

1. I am pretending like August 16th doesn't exist this year.  If it did, that would be the day that Katie would move to Ball State.  I guess I should just be thankful that it's off the calendar for 2011! 

2.  Lee and I are going to have a garage sale at the end of August.  I am going to start tonight, trying to touch everything in my house and decide if I really NEED it.  I hope I have the energy to get through everything like I am planning.  SO, mark your calendars for August 26 & 27....because you know you need my stuff!

3. I have had a really bad attitude lately about money.  Mike and I have been working so hard to pay off all of our debts and it seems like every now and again we get surprises (that only happens to us, right...hahahah!) and we don't get to move forward on debt reduction as fast as I would like.  Mike does a nice job of leading me to be thankful for what we do have; which is SO much and just what we need.  I guess I need a little attitude adjustment!

4. I bought the Jaycee Dugard book last night...uh, that fact probably isn't going to be good for the whole touch-everything-in-my-house garage sale prep tonight.

5. Happy Birthday, Mary! 

My Girls

Me and my girls

Most girls look forward to the day that they will become a wife.  I wasn't too different when it comes to this; I dreamed for much of my life about the handsome man that God had created with me in mind.  Of course, for many the next immediate thought is children, becoming a Mother.  Now I hope you all have learned by now that I am crazy about Mike.  But when I married him something second to none happened to me.  I got to become a step-mom too. 

(too bad I don't look like Julia Roberts!)

I have already spent many days worried sick,
had many sleepless nights,
many tears shed
but also laughter I might not have known,
smiles of awesome joy,
so much pride that it sometimes feels like my heart may burst,
too great an anticipation for God's plan for their life to unfold that I can hardly sit and wait. 

To be completely honest with you sometimes I feel like it's too much.  But at the same time you should know that I wouldn't change my life for anything. 

Is it difficult to be newlyweds and raise 2 teenage girls? 

Yes, I think both of those things seem impossible at times and when you mix them together - it creates the perfect storm that I call my beautifully blessed life.  Like any parent I can't imagine my life without Katie and Ashley.  They make me crazy sometimes but the blessing that they bring to my life completely, entirely and undoubtedly supercedes. 

Katie you should know that I think you are pretty great!  It brings tears to my eyes to know that you are literally standing on the edge of the rest of your life.  Choose to follow Christ in all your decisions - no matter how small they seem and I know unbelievable things are in store for you.  I need you to know that my heart already seems too full because you are in my life.  No matter what the future holds, I hope you know that I am behind you 110% of the way.  There is nothing that you could do that would change the fact that I am on your side.  I pray for you often and ask God to guide your steps and show you the Amazing Love that He has for you.  I have mixed feelings with the fast approaching August 14th date.  So excited for you but have already started to miss you being here.  Love you so much, Katherine!

Ashley you should know that I think you are pretty great!  I think often about what the future holds for you -  I would place a bet that it's awesome.  I know it's tempting to fast forward but take time to enjoy this last year of High School - can you believe that?  I know that you have many big decisions right in front of you.  I trust God that He will help you see what's best for you and I pray that you will follow His lead.  You should know that I think the world of you.  Your laughter and smile can brighten any day.  My cup overflows with joy because you are in my life.  It won't matter what happens in your life, from now on you at least have me on your side.  I will be behind you every step of the way, cheering and praying!  I know that God is Wild about you and I ask Him daily to reveal Himself to you.  I can't wait to see you soar through your Senior year and it won't be long before you are leaving me and your Dad in an empty nest.  Love you so dearly, Ash!

The more I live this life the more I start to recognize that it's the ones around us that are the most important. 

I love my job, I love my ministry, I love my car (is that so terrible?),

I love my house, and of course I love my shoes :),

I love my Mike, 

BUT there is nothing like the love I have for

My Girls. 

Answer

Gretchen you did it!!! The correct answer is orange. Congrats!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

What fruit is depicted in Leonardo's Last Supper, even though it did not arrive in the Holy Land until long after Jesus' death?

HE brings you to it, HE brings you through it

What a load?

Let me first say that I am not underestimating the POWER of my God - I know He can orchestrate anything He wants to in my life - He can move mountains or move me. 

So, why do I sometimes then insist on staying right where I am?

It's not something I talk about much anymore (or even think about to be honest). 
If I do, people accuse me of hanging on to the past, harboring hate and anger, or even sinning against God. 

Call it what you want. 

But if I am honest with you, I still struggle with the breakdown of my position at NWUMC.  I realize that most other people (especially those who were involved) would like to just "move on" with life and pretend as if nothing happened.

Well I am here to tell you that: Something Did Happen.

Quite possibly the biggest heartbreak I have ever felt happened.

I was disrespected, treated as if I were disposable, not shown any grace or mercy.

I felt broken down, beaten up, and abandoned by so many people in my life.

Since then it has been easier for most people to pretend that we are acquaintances at best.  To act like my behavior is reaction to something that never occurred.  That it would be better for all of us if I just admit that I was over-reacting, misinterpreting, telling lies, or just being emotional.

I am emotional.  But you know, I am also done with it.  I have seen my parents, siblings, and other close family members and friends lose something through all of this.  I have seen them go through some of the same trials that I did; right along with me and in some ways on there own as well.

And learn, we must.  My Dad always taught me to look at a situation and ask yourself: will this affect me in a week, a month, a year.  I believe it will, but not negatively. 

So, what have I learned? 
How can I move through this positively.

- First and Foremost, I have learned that God loves me as much as He says He does. 

That He is working in me. 

- The true definition of family isn't something that can be verbalized.  It's a feeling, a look, a pat on the leg or a hug that lasts a little longer.  It's defending the person you love in ways no one could ever imagine.  That my family has a love that I am not sure anyone else could feel.  The way we support each other unites us in a way that no one can break us completely down.  That my parents are people of incredible charecter, integrity and respect; they have the capacity to love like no other humans I know.

- That healing is more than a single decision.  It's one that has to be made everyday. 

- That some people aren't who you think they are.

- That forgiveness is hard.

- That each one of us is responsible only for our own behavior.

- That I never want anyone to feel like I don't consider their thoughts, feelings, or life as invalid.  No matter what situations I may face for the rest of my days on this Earth, I will try to be sure that I never cause the pain that I felt.

- But it seems the theme that sticks out the most to me is that people are just that, people.  We all make mistakes, we all can sometimes choose to look past someone else's fear and pain ... too afraid that it will make us hurt too. 

So be scared, I won't do it.  Hurt, I will, deeply and terrifyingly...I will let myself feel pain and heartache.  It makes me human, it helps me heal.  And as I move forward from here, more days I will choose to forgive the people that I feel have done wrong or caused the pain.  By the Grace of God, I will choose to forgive, with the Love of Christ, I will learn to love even those that my human heart couldn't possibly dream of loving.

Answer

Heather you are starting to dominate!  You're correct the answer is Thomas Edison...wonder what the trivia question will be about me after I die.

Potential Monica Trivia Questions:
1. Who watched the equivalence of one FRIENDS episode for each day of her life?
2. Who owned enough bags/purses to carry a new one each day of any given month?
3. Who got married and sent a kid to college in the same year?

The one I hope for:
1. Who spent her entire life serving Christ and those around her?

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

so it's late, but it's here.

Who averaged one patent for every three weeks of his life?

Holy busy

**Disclaimer: this is not an excuse for blogging although it is the reason(s) that it hasn't been happening for me.  I would promise that I will get better except next week is VBS at Warsaw First.  So maybe after that, I make no promises :)

So it's been a whirlwind at the Lyon house.  A lot of excitement and tons of Ministry going on...I get tired just thinking about all of the things we have accomplished in the last few weeks.

Last week I worked hard to get lots of stuff done at United Way because I was all set to take Monday, June 13th off for the arrival of Baby Harkenrider.  (I guess I can say her name now that she's here)  Well Sweet Madeline Sue had different plans!  I got a text from Leanne on Thursday night (about 9 pm) that she was getting ready for a c-section to deliver that precious girl.  I told Mike and his immediate response was, "So that means we are driving to the hospital?".  You got it Mike!  We quickly finished eating dinner, changed and were on the road in a few minutes.  It seemed to take forever to get to the hospital and we prayed and I giggled the whole way. 

She was a precious peanut and I was blessed to get to spend time with Leanne and Madeline at the hospital on Friday.  LOVE.HER!  (Madeline, that is well and Leanne, but in that order - sorry Lee she is just too precious!)

Then it was off to the races to begin the Lyon Graduation Extravaganza.  I hit up Wal-Mart on my way home and then picked up some pizzas and went to the church to set up for Katie's graduation party. 

The graduation this year was moved (due to snow days - thanks Indiana weather) and so it was held on Saturday morning.  I was all fine and dandy until Katie hugged my Dad (he's the President of the school board, so they were congratulating the students) and then I lost it, I turned to Mike and said, "Ok, I am gonna cry now."  I have heard people talking about how much they love their kids - I am so blessed to be able to feel that now with Katie and Ashley.  I was/am so proud of her!!!

Then it was off to the church to start the food for the party.  We had my mom and Linda (a friend from church) helping us get the party ready and refilling the food and drinks as needed.  Katie had lots of people come and visit her.  And she was blessed with some thoughtful gifts and money (which will help her as she gets ready for Ball State).  I realize now how close that move for her is, and I get tears in my eyes just thinking about it.  I am so excited for her to experience college, to grow and learn, but dang it - I will miss her!

On Sunday I am pretty sure I cried when Mike said it was time to get up for church.  In the summer we have three services at Warsaw First, whew it makes for a long morning.  But everytime I think about taking a Sunday off I get sad and I really dislike when my regular kids don't come on a given Sunday.

After church I took a little power nap and then it was time for bi-monthly grocery shopping :)  This time without Leanne :(  Although I got my Madeline fix afterwards cause Mike and I crashed their homecoming day party and held that sweet pea for a while.  Did I mention that I just love her?

OH, and I forget to mention in all the baby news, graduation awesomeness that another person in our family is on the road now!!  Ash got her license on Friday, it's great for her to be able to get herself around but also adds a little more gray hair to our heads.  Very proud of her!

Whew, ok I am officially tired :)  Gotta power through the next 11 days and then maybe take a little time to recoop.  Good thing God promises to be everywhere with us - cause we are all over!  Love it though and such good things happening, I can't help but feel SO.BLESSED.

A winner, an apology and an excuse

Hey cyber world!  Sorry I went MIA.  For those of you who didn't know, I spent the night at the church last Friday night at the church with some students!  I started the night at the skating rink (don't think I have been on roller skates for about 10 years!) with 32 kids and then went back to the Connection for pizza, movies, and games.  We had a blast, but I was really busy right before and then really tired afterwards. 

Ok so there is my apology and excuse.

Now for the winner.....HEATHER!  I will get a hold of you at church sometime.  I promise I will post again soon, I have a few in the works.  And a potential guest blogger that is very exciting!

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

Ok, so Memorial Day weekend got the best of me and I haven't posted For.Ev.Er.  I will be better I promise.  To hold yourself over, try to answer this correctly...

The actor who played Jack Geller in FRIENDS was once married to which superstar?

Answer

The Jerk.

Kyle is the winner.  And I am sure Tina will be so thrilled with the MK I am gonna give you for winning.

Stay tuned, I have a really cool post coming up but I gotta figure out how to get a picture off of my phone first....

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

What was the name of Steve Martin's first movie?

*everyone who answers correctly will be put into a drawing for a Mary Kay product kit (valued at $15)

Something about a Sister

There's just something about a sister my seester. 

Actually there are a lot of somethings:

- she is a "real confidence booster". As we were growing up when someone was picking on Lex she would say, "well aren't you just a real confidence booster."  As we have grown up we have tweaked this skill and now we tell each other all the time - "you are pretty, tan, skinny, tall, rich, smart, funny."  I know most of the time she is kidding me but when she says these things she makes me smile.

- I love that she leans on me and I lean on her.  If we got a dollar for the number of times in our lives that we have exchanged the words, "I haven't told anyone else this..." we would have millions.  We can keep each others secrets and analyze each others issues.  We know how to push each others buttons; we can scream at each other and fifteen minutes later be cuddled in bed watching a chick-flick.  Lex and I will talk on the phone for ten minutes and be completely caught up on each other's lives.  She and I live about 100 miles apart but I can tell the second I answer the phone that something is wrong.  Geck is the first one I think of to call when something really good or really bad happens. 

- Alexis is a great wife.  She handles herself in a marriage in such a remarkable way.  She is forgiving, understanding and loving of her husband in ways that I can't even comprehend.  And she made a stunning bride...AKA Sexy Al.

- she is persistent.  Alexis has been through a lot of things medically (nothing major or even current) but she has never let it get her down.  When she was in high school she went through a number of surgeries and endless rehab but she never let that bother her AND each time she would get right back to it.  She always rarely takes any less than what she wants.  She's the baby and the princess and she ain't afraid to remind you if you forget.
- she is my world.  My family is incredibly close - I have even gained another sister through marriage and I love Sara but.  I have found the man that God made just for me but.  I have two beautiful step-daughters that I care for deeply but.  I have the most amazing friends but. 

But let me tell you blogworld, there's just something about my seester.

Love you Gecky!

Our love story

The short version
We met: uh not exactly sure, probably officially around Summer 2006

We started dating: June 22, 2008

We got engaged: July 10, 2010

We got married: September 25, 2010

The long version (I am warning you, it's sort of long story!)

     Mike and the girls were attending NWUMC and I was working there as the Director of Children and Volunteer Ministries.  (Kat & Ash - if you're reading this just skip the next sentence) I thought Mike was about the hottest thing I had ever laid my eyes on.  Apparently however I was just the average Jane in his eyes (I hesitate to type this because I like to think that he has always thought about of me in the super hottie category but he has somewhat convinced me that he thinks "I look nice NOW" - no points awarded to you on this one, Mike). 

     After talking a few weeks and getting to know each other on the phone and through email; I decided it was time to invite him over for dinner.  I really turned on the charm.  I cranked the John Mayer, grilled up some chicken and veggies, bought some gatorade for him and hosted our first dinner together.  (Did you pick up on how chill and laid back I was, John Mayer....I.was.so.cool)  We talked forever that night. 

     We spent a lot of time together in the next few months, I decided it was time for Mike to know how I felt about him.  So one night I sent him some texts explaining in really "breezy" terms that I thought he was hot, a really nice guy and I loved how much He loved Jesus.  He took 6 WEEKS to decide how he felt in return...that's right I said 6 weeks,  I mean really he really knows how to lay on the torture.  During this time, I overanalyzed his every word and every move; pretended like it didn't matter what his response was "at least we could still be friends" and prayed to God, begging Him to make Mike like me. 

      Mike went with the youth on a Mission Trip and we weren't able to talk much (mind you, we had been texting, talking on the phone, hanging out ALL.THE.TIME for months).  When Mike got back I went up to his house to hear all about the trip, tell him about my week, hang out...AND little did I know - get my first kiss!!!!  It was incredible, he was so sweet, and when I think about it my face still hurts from all the smiling I did for weeks after.  This was June 22, 2008.

      We kept our new relationship on the down low for a few weeks.  On August 8, 2008 we told the girls that we were dating (ok, Mike always makes fun of me for remembering this but seriously how could you forget 08.08.08.).  I will never forget their excitement - it made me feel so happy and blessed.  We of course told my family and friends too but no one could compete with the teenage girl shrieks from Katie & Ashley.  I think most people would agree that from that point on we were all attached.  (Side note: this is like an entire separate post but the girls and I get along awesome!!!!)

       Mike and I dated for a few years and each year he would go on a mission trip about the same time that we started dating.  So...the second year, he was gone for our anniversary - now you should know that we have never been big "Anniversary" people but I have to tell you this because it leads to.....

      July 10th, 2010 - Mike took me to Cerulean (AKA the best restaurant, ever!) for dinner.  When we got to the table there was a vase of flowers - my favorite, Gerber Daisies, two yellow and one white.  As we ate dinner I was under the impression that we were just celebrating two amazing years together.  When the meal was finished, Mike told me that the flowers had a story behind them.  He asked me to guess what the white flower stood for.  I sort of wanted to skip this part because you all  have probably already figured out two things

1. what the white flower stood for and

2. what was happening for us. 

But I digress to admit that my guesses were:
A. snow (I did grow up in Indiana)
B. The White House (yes, that's seriously what came to my mind)
C. a wedding dress (I got really excited about this answer, until Mike told me no)
Finally I admitted defeat and told him that I didn't know what the answer was....

He went on to tell me that the white flower represented Christ, and the two yellow flowers were he and I.  The Christ flower was set higher and in the center of the two yellow ones (cue gooey romantic movie sounds).  Mike said, "we have always prayed that God would be the center of our lives as individuals and as a couple.  Do you think we have done a good job with this?" I thought about it and said, "I think that we had but we could of course always get better". He agreed and then asked if there was anything that we could do that would make our relationship more pleasing to God.  I wasn't sure where he was going at first so I just looked at him and started smiling I was starting to catch on with where this was headed.  He went on, "what if we were married?"  Like the intelligent gal that I am, I just repeated his sentence. 

As I did he pulled a ring box out of his pocket and simultaneously asked,

"Monica, will you marry me?" 

I flipped out, I giggled, I cried, I stared at the beautiful ring, I looked at Mike....after a little time passed he encouraged me to give him an answer

"YES!"

But of course you already knew that.  Fast forward 10 week to September 25, 2010 (yep, you didn't have to fast forward too far) and we became Mr. and Mrs. Mike Lyon.  I will save the wedding details for another post....but I will tell you it was the best day of my life!!!!  God has blessed us beyond our imagination.

note: my flowers :)

Some fun stuff to reward you if you are still reading

His

Favorite thing about her: caring personality, how she shows love - especially to children and people in need

Favorite thing to do together: hanging out at home when we get some down time

(this made me laugh we don't know what down time means around here)

What's your favorite memory: the encouragement and support that she has given me to go back to school and pursue God's call to Ministry

Where do you see our family in 5 years: debt free

Hers

Favorite thing about him: his smile, how he always serves everyone before himself

Favorite thing to do together: achieve our goals to becoming debt free (my dad just fell out of his chair)

What's your favorite memory: besides Cerulean on July 10th? when Mike took me to the Reba and Kelly Clarkson concert and smiled the entire time even though I am positive that he was miserable 

Where do you see our family in 5 years: debt free (yeah ok I can deal with that) but I would like to add a few mini-me's running around, Mike in a growing youth ministry and Katie & Ashley happy and successful and all of us pleasing God!

Marriage matters

I was searching for some scripture verses this morning about marriage and as I read through them I realized that I still have a lot of work to do!  I don't pray enough for mine, I don't follow the guidance Christ gave me to be a great wife, I don't put Mike first enough, I can't seem to consistently support Him as God requires.  I am just learning, but what I know for sure is that I want to be a God-fearing wife.  I want Christ as the center of my marriage.  I have been incredibly blessed, and I want to honor God with all that I have.  Take time today and let your spouse know how much you love them, pray for them and your marriage.  Read the Bible together, even if for 5 minutes.

Mike - you should know that I am crazy about you.  I love who you are in Christ.  You are such a great example for me on what it means to live for Him.  Thanks for putting up with me and being patient as God continues to work in my life.  You're my bestest! 

I ask each one of you to join me in this prayer of Scripture for your marriage and mine!  I know that God hears us when we pray and will bless us!

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:9-12

A Must See!!!!

I had no plans of posting tonight but I found this video and it's unbelievable.  What a testimony these people have to share.  I cried, I laughed, I smiled, and I shook my head a lot. 

I can not imagine what they must feel, but I can only begin to imagine the hope that they have in Jesus Christ.

Have I convinced you to watch?  Not yet..let me go on.

Seriously, some great scripture quotes, some great lessons given, and the overall theme: God is Good and He is crazy in love with us! 

WOW!

Click on the link below, select on video - you may  have to enter your email but trust me it's worth it!!!!! I will warn you it is 40 minutes but make the time to watch it - you won't be disappointed! 

Let me know what you think.

http://www.flameon.net/default.aspx

Answer

Sarah, Duchess of York

Kim, you were right!  Way to go, thanks for playing! Email me and we will figure out how to coordinate you getting your goods!  monica.l.lyon@gmail.com

This trivia question leads me to two things...

1. Did you know I sell Mary Kay?  It's true, I do.  Let me know if you have any questions or need to order anything!

2. Did you know my favorite TV show of all time was FRIENDS?  I love to play FRIENDS trivia games!!!!  I think it's about time to start with episode one and go all the way through.  I bet Mike will be thrilled!!  :)

Wacky Wednesday Trivia

Whose one line was "Nice hat" in Friends?

 

The answer will be posted tomorrow.  The first follower of my blog to comment with the correct answer will win a travel Satin Hands set from Mary Kay.  Good Luck!

Magnificent Monday?

Is that an oxymoron?   I think so...

This weekend was a good one, even though it felt like early March.  Leanne and I went garage saling on Saturday and I scored some good stuff - like American Eagle jeans with the tags still on for $3.  Some shoes, dresses and stuff for the house.  It was so fun to get out and spend some time with Lee.  We weren't home for an hour when we decided to go grocery shopping together.  

Then once I was home from the shopping extravaganza, I got the bug to rearrange our bedroom.  So Mike kindly agreed to help and I love it!  One of the bargain buys from the days was a new shelf, after hanging that up and moving some of our furniture we were able to eliminate one piece of furniture which makes the room seem sooooo much bigger!  Love it!

Then on Sunday after church, I took a nice nap :)  My parents came over for a little while to hang out.  Then we headed to the church for a going away party for the Reams.  This is the associate Pastor at Warsaw First, and we have loved getting to know his family.  He has been called to serve in Marion and will be leaving in about a month :(  But, it was a great excuse to get together with our church family and spend some time together. 

The Reams

Aren't they the cutest family, ever?

Katie worked hard all weekend to make some invitations for her graduation party.  They look awesome - maybe you will be one of the lucky ones to get one of them in the mail.

Katie and Tom before the Wawasee prom

(she will probably hurt me for using the picture)



Ashley went to the Warsaw High School prom on Saturday night.  She looked beautiful.  Mike and I resisted the urge to follow her so I don't know first hand but it sounds like she had a great time! 

Ashley and Dylan before the Warsaw prom

What did you and yours do this weekend?

Three posts in one day...

....not bad!  I had a few things I wanted to cover, and to avoid one 17 page post, I decided to break them down a little bit.  So I want this blog to be a place where you can track the Lyon family: Mike, Monica, Katie and Ashley.  We strive to be a family that is chasing God.  Wanting to do what HE calls us to.  It isn't easy but here's a recap of where we are now:

Mike has made a huge step in the last year.  (Besides asking me to be his wife) He has made the decision to go back to school and get his degree in Biblical Studies.  He is working through an online adult studies program through Indiana Wesleyan University.  This was a big step not only for Mike but for our entire family.  We are being blessed by this in so many ways.  (And I for one am so proud of him!) In addition to this Mike has accepted the Interim Youth Director position at Warsaw First United Methodist Church.  He is working with Jr High - College ages students...and loving every minute of it.  He was made for it!  Both of these things are in addition to his full time job at Supreme, being a new husband, fixing up the house, and attending every possible event or activity for the girls.  WHEW. I got tired just typing all of that!

I am still working with the United Way of Kosciusko County full time. In March 2010 I began working as the Director of Children's Ministry at Warsaw First United Methodist Church (do you see a pattern here? after almost a year of attending different churches, we are finally serving at the same church - and man, have they blessed us!).  It's so great to be back in the ministry that God has called me to...and I love my work at UW too!  I am still learning how to be a good wife and step mom (I just celebrated my first Mother's Day - so exciting!), trying to find some time for friends, picking up a few other jobs here and there and now working with the realtor to sell our house.  

Katie is a Senior at Wawasee, and anxiously awaiting June 7th.  She is planning to attend Ball State in the fall to major in something like Graphic Design...I still can't quite explain it :)  Katie has a really quiet personality, but don't let her fool you - she isn't afraid to stand up for something she really believes in!  She is thoughtful, compassionate, and loves to overanalyze - if you know me, you know that this means we get along great!

Ashley is a Junior at Wawasee, but still anxiously awaiting June 7th.  She is hoping to get her driver's license this summer - as am I so she can drive herself to the endless practices that she has (this girl is in everything!).  She sings in the Praise Band at church sometimes, is in drama at the high school, and show choir.  She is a girl after my own heart!  We can talk about music and theatre all day!  Ashley is the opposite of Katie...a loud, always laughing, in your face personality.  She likes to smile and have a good time. 

I love my new little family so dearly, I could go on forever. Stay tuned, and I will!

Numbers

9/25/10 - the day Mike and I got married

our first (and only, if you ask Mike) dance

18 - days till Katie is finished with high school. Then she is headed to Ball State in the fall.

1 - the number of houses we are trying to sell. And then hopefully the number of houses we will be trying to buy.

952 - the temperature in our house the last two nights (ok so this is not documented, simply my opinion)

2 - the number of blogs I have started before and then quit posting.  So I make no promises but I love the idea of being a good blogger. So here we go again...

That's where I come from

this is a little me, at the cottage, circa 1987

http://www.blessedbydefault.blogspot.com/
my previous blog