I Love These Girls!

I had the privilege of babysitting these 2 adorable girls a few weeks ago. Kariana was a little shutter bug that day. She kept wanting to the video her doing funny things, so I did. I am posting these so her mom can see how adorable her girls are. She already knows but now you all can know too.

4th of July Fun

I went to see a Silver Hawks game this Thursday and see some Fireworks with my parents for the 4th of July. The game was pretty good. I hadnt been to a game yet this season.

For the 4th of July, Steve and I both had the day off from the YWCA but we had to work at Sears.

After work, Steve and I went to my parents for a cookout and we shot some fireworks off on the driveway. Every year it amazes me how many people shoot off fireworks in my parent's neighborhood which is full of trees and there is never a fire.

I took a video of fireworks that were after the game because Steve wasnt able to be there. He had to work. :0(

4th of July 2008

Waiting to See What God Does Next

God has really been providing for Steve and this month. Every time I turn around there is some kind of sign that He is still there. Not that I thought He went anywhere, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded.
This weekend was one of those times. I was working through our budget for the month of June when I realized that we made $650 more from Sears together than we budget to come from Sears. Sears was good to us this month. Most of it came from Steve though. He had some good weeks in the Appliance Department this month. On a side note, thank you Tabby for recommending that your parents buy their washer and dryer from Steve. You are an amazing friend. You rock!!!

Anyway, back to the topic of God being awesome. My Ford's power locks went out a few weeks ago and I was prevented from even opening the back doors. I brought it into the shop on Friday night. They said they had to replace a part on the rear passenger door and that would fix the problem. There original price quote was $675 , but the final price was only $516. That's still alot but I liked the second number better than the first. So with my check from Sears and birthday money, I was able to pay for the car without going into our Emergency Fund or Savings. That felt pretty good.

Unfortunetly, the story is not over. I picked up the car on Saturday afternoon and when i got home I realized that the power locks only work for the back passenger side door. They only fixed part of the problem. I brought the car back to the shop this morning so they could finish the job. I got a call not to long ago telling me that it could cost over $1000 more to fix the other 3 doors, so i will have to live with no power locks for a little while. At least I can get in the back seat now.
We still haven't got our Stimulus Check but that money is already earmarked for paying off debt.

College Personal Finance 101

Are you a Doll Collector?

I have some precious procelian dolls for sale. They each are 18 inches tall and gorgeous. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the YWCA of St. Joseph County in South Bend.

The pictures don't do justice to just how beautiful these dolls are.



Please send me an offer to me via email @ Bethelgal42@yahoo.com or BPitney@ywcasjc.org.

This Video Makes Me Sad and Angry.

Memorial Day

Hi.

I know it's been awhile since I've posted anything. It's been a busy week or so. Memorial Day weekend Steve and I helped some friends move. Along with getting to hang out with their two adorable children and them sharing their toys with me, their youngest decided to share her cold with me too. I ran around after her most of the day with a kleenex wiping her face off. I came home from their new house on Saturday with a stuffy nose and a minor cold. Fun times for me.

Memorial was a paid Holiday for both me and Steve so it was nice to have the day off. We spent the afternoon at his brother's in Bourbon, Indiana. Then we ran home to clean up our apartment and get it all straightened up for a cookout we were having in the evening.

The evening cookout was great. We had about 10 people hanging around our smal apartment. It was great. It didnt feel cramped at all, probably we were surrounded by good friends. Steve and I were talking later and thought it was funny that almost half our Bridal party was over for Memorial day.

After the Memorial day fun was over, I realized my thought hurt ALOT. I could barely swallow. I took Tuesday off work hoping it was just a cold and would go away but I was still sick Tuesday night. So i stayed home again Wednesday and went to the doctor. The doctor told me i might have Strep Throat so I'm on Anti-biotics now.

I was really sad because I had to miss the Oasis Graduation. In 8 years, I have never missed a Graduation.
I am feeling better today but I still am not sleeping very well.

Today's Thoughts

2 Thessalonians 3

6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow.

13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

The Coolest Gift Ever!

I received the coolest gift I have ever received last week. My Aunt sent me the Harlow Family Bible. She said that on her first wedding Anniversary, her father (my Grandfather) gave it to her. She said it is to be given to the first daughter on her first Anniversary. She said since she doesn't think she will ever have kids, she decided to give it me as the oldest Granddaughter to get married. That would be me.

Not to mention that it looks old and antique, it has the geneology of my family back to the 1800's. My dad said it was probably given to my Grandfather because his 2 sisters died, otherwise one of them would have it and be passing it through there family.

In the front of the Bible is a signature from 1888. It says "To My Dear Mother. From Lizzie 1888."

If I wasn't afraid that the cover would fall off, I would start doing my devotions with this Bible.

The geneology tracks my dad's side of the family. Since I don't know really know my dad's side of the family that well, now I feel like I have some kind of connection to them. My Aunt wrote our names in it so when we have kids we will have to add them to the geneology page and then pass it on some day to them.

My Dad's New Toy

My dad turned 50 in April and decided it was time to go out an buy a Mustang. Steve and I bought his truck from him, so now Steve has his truck that he has always wanted.

My dad needed to use the truck a few weekends ago to bring my sister home from College, so he traded us the Mustang. We went on some special errands that weekend. I think Steve was taking the the long way to everything so he could drive it longer. Steve was having a blast driving the Mustang around town.

It was a pretty sweet car.

My Family Tree - Harlow Side

Here is the other side of my family. This is my dad's side. My family is pretty small but I like it. I don't know this side of the family as well as the other side. The entire Couture side of the family gets together at Christmas and Thanksgiving every year at the Grandma C's house. I haven't seen most of the people on the Harlow side in about 10-15 years.

My entire family on both sides is less than Steve's immediate family so my family grew by alot when I got married.

My Family Tree - Couture Side

Steve and I were talking about family the other day and I thought it would be fun to map out my family tree. This is my family on my Maternal Grandparents side.

There is nothing you can do to make God love you Less

This is a video from last nights Oasis. It is pretty powerful.

Jars Of Clay - Flood (Original Version)

This song brings back some fun memories.

Introducing Isaac Kupfer

I finally have a "Great Cousin." Apparently, he is actually my 1st Cousin-Once Removed but I like "Great Cousin" better.

My cousin Pete and his wife Gina have been married for 3 years and this is their first child. This adorable little child is my first 1st Cousin-Once Removed. :) I can't wait to meet him.

Born: April 22nd, 2006 at 7:55am
8 pounds, 6 ounces

Both mommy and baby are doing great.

FRIENDS by Michael W Smith

My friends are amazing. I hope they know that I love them.
I decided to dedicate this song Ben. I believe is dancing with Jesus right but we are friends forever and nothing...not even death can change that.
We miss you so much.

Spring Cleaning is Fun!

Steve and I started doing some Spring Cleaning last night. His sister, Sarah, is coming into town and she is alergic to everything so Steve thought it would be a good idea to make sure everything is clean. We made a long list of everything that needs to be cleaned and straightened and then what we wanted to do first.

First, we went out to dinner to Texas Roadhouse. I love that resturant and I didnt really want to have to wash more dishes. We still had some resturant money in our budget for this paycheck so it was ok.
Then we came home and started cleaning. It was just a nice day outside. Hopefully soon we will be able to start riding our bikes to places. We want to start riding our bikes to work once it gets nice. That will help us get in shape and save money on gas. Seems like a win-win situation to me.

The apartment looks pretty nice now. We didnt get alot done but we got some. I worked on our bedroom and tried to get all our laundry washed and put away. Steve worked on the loving room straightening everything and dusting. We went shopping the other day and Steve got a Swifter duster and I think he found his new favorite toy. He was going all over the apartment dusting everything, sometimes more than once.

5 (ish) Things All Kids Should Know

"What are five things I want my kids to know before they grow up?"

A few people in my circle of influence have started a "tag game", I guess. They answering the above question. My pal Corey Mann put his in songs, which doesn't surprise me since he loves music so much. I thought it would be fun to answer the question with my own songs. Even though I don't have kids, I am thinking back on all the things I have learned in my years of middle school ministry. I realized the other day that I have been doing ministry long enough that I have former 6th graders in their 2nd year of college. Yikes. I sometimes think back and wonder if I made any kind of difference in their lives. I hope so.

I thought of more than just 5, but oh well. It's my blog I get to make the rules, right? :0)

1. Wait For Me by Rebecca St. James
2. Someone Like You by Jamie Slocum
3. We by Joy Williams
4. Mirror by Barlowgirl
5. American Dream by Casting Crowns
7. The Last to Be Chosen by Ray Boltz
8. Small Enough by Nichole Nordeman
9. Bless the Broken Road by Rascall Flatts
10. I'm With You By Avril Lavigne
11. If We are the Body By Casting Crowns
12. Tommorrow by Annie
13. Revolutionary Love by David Crowder Band
14. Her by Everyday Sunday
15. Sometimes He Calms the Storm by Scott Krippayne

Most importantly every child needs to know they matter to God and that they matter to you!

Happy Birthday Steve!!!

Today we celebrate the life of a great guy. He is my best friend and I love him more than words can say.

For his birthday last night we tried the resturant Rib Shack in Granger. Neither one of us had ever eaten there before. Damian, the Bones, and some other friends met us there. It was a good time.

It is suppossed to be a nice day today, so we are going to have a cookout with some other friends for dinner tonight.

Happy Birthday, my love!!!

My Dad is 50 Today!

Happy 50th Birthday Dad!

Hope you have a good one.

April 15th = Evil

Does anyone else hate taxes?

Steve and I brought our tax information to his dad this week and finished our taxes. We get a refund from the but we owe money to Federal. This annoys me to no-end. I don't think I would mind it so much if I thought my taxes we being spent responsively, but when my tax money is being wasted it does not make me happy. Maybe the next President will be more fiscally responsible. One can hope, right?

His dad did our taxes both filling as single and as married and we actually owed more as single, so good thing we got married. Just kidding...We didn't get married for the tax benefit.

I am looking forward to getting the Economic Stimilus check this summer. I thought it was going to be like a loan on text years taxes, but his dad said it's tax-free income. So yeah!!!

We plan to use to pay off one of his credit cards, so then we will only have one credit card left. Our Debt Snowball will really start rolling then. :0)

Weekend

This weekend was a good weekend. Steve and I both worked Saturday until 4. After work, we ate dinner at TGI Fridays, then rented some movies, and had desert at Cold Stone Creamery. It kinda reminded me of the night we got engaged. That night we ate at Fridays then Cold Stone. We rented Mr. Magorium Wonderful Emporium and No Reservations. Both movies, I thought, we very good. Mr. Magorium was a fun kids movie. No Reservation was a pretty typical Click Flick but i was a fun date night movie.

On Sunday after church, Steve cut his hair then we went to work. We were pretty busy at work. It was VIP Friends and Family Night. Everything was an extra 10% off including sale and clearance items. I like saving people money and getting lots of commission of those sales is a good thing too. Steve said he was busy in Appliances too.

I was sick yesterday and stayed home from work. I dont usually like to admit when I'm sick but I felt pretty awful. After work, my sister invited us to go with some other friends to see Alvin and the Chipmunks at the Dollar Theater. It was a fun movie. I never really watched to cartoons as a kid so it was fun to see the movie as an adult.

When You Feel Like You Failed

Oasis was a bit hectic tonight. I had to kick out my first student tonight. In 8 years, I have never had to kick out one of my students. It was pretty heartbreaking.
I know I shouldn't feel like I failed because I did all I could, but I can't help it. Did I miss something? Was there something she wanted to talk to me about that I missed? Where is her anger coming from?

I only had 2 students in my group tonight. After the one went home, I talked to the other student about what happened. I assured her that I had no ill feelings for the students. I just had to enforce the Oasis rule about respecting the leaders. At Oasis, we take dispecting leaders very seriously.

I am really proud of the remaining students. She is an incredible student and I hope she realizes that she has control over her future.
"Show me your friends and I will show you you future" - Judy Gregory

I threw the Eagles Nest guide out tonight (sorry Johnny) and we just talked about life.
The remaining student prayed us out an the end of the night. I hope she knows how much I wished tonight would have been different.

Where Did It Go?

Where did March go? I remember the first weekend of March, but after that it is all a blur. I can't believe it is almost over already.

Catalyst Conference Dave Ramsey

Indescribable Montage

Louie Giglio - Indescribable tour

Ben Hostetler

Benjamin J. Hostetler
Feb. 13, 1980 - March 3, 2008

MISHAWAKA - Benjamin J. Hostetler, 28, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, formerly of Mishawaka, passed away March 3, 2008, in his home. Benjamin graduated from Mishawaka High School and Oral Roberts University. He was currently employed with the City of Tulsa.

Benjamin is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann (Steinbach) Hostetler of Tulsa; his parents, Lawrence and Kathleen Hostetler of Mishawaka; sisters, Julie (Kyle) Kosey of Garner, NC, Lucy (Jeff) Porter of Schaumburg, IL, Rita (Christopher) Burgo of Walkerton and Esther (Mark) Filpus of Granger; brothers, Joseph (Dawn) Hostetler of Brownsburg, IN, Mark Hostetler of Eau Claire, WI, and Gregory Hostetler of Columbus, OH. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Linda Steinbach, and his sister-in-law, Amy Steinbach of Arlington, TX, formerly of Mishawaka. Benjamin was preceded in death by a brother, John; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Eugenia Arata; and by paternal grandparents, Roy and Georgette Hostetler.

Friends may visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 West Third Street, Mishawaka. Services will be held in the funeral home chapel at 1 p.m. Saturday, with Deacon Ron Moser officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.

Memorials may be made to Elizabeth Hostetler.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Benjamin was loved by all and will be greatly missed!

Dallas/Tulsa Trip/Ben

Steve and returned from our trip tonight. I had planned to blog tommorrow morning after a nice night sleep about the trip, but plans changed a bit. It's almost Midnight and I'm still awake.

Thursday: The day started out pretty early because I had a contact appointment at 9:30. After the appt. we took of for Chicago to meet up with Damian. Damian was going to drive us to the airport and use our car for the weekend. The planes went off and landed without issues and mostly on-time too. We had an hour lay-over in Atlanta then headed off to DFW. We got into Dallas in the evening so we went straight to our hotel and went to sleep.

Friday: Friday morning we woke up early again to start our drive to Tulsa, OK. It was a 5 hour drive from Dallas to Tulsa. We had a good time in Tulsa. I think Liz was very happy to see us. Ben's family (all of them) we all in town all at once. There was about 19 people in her one-bedroom apartment at one point Friday night. He has a great family. We sat around singing praise and worship songs. Ben seemed like he was doing well. He was in good spirits and seemed to be feeling alright. We spent the night at Liz's Friday night.

Saturday: Saturday, we got up and Steve made us a great breakfast. It was funny that he did too because Liz said Friday that she hasn't made a meal in about 2 weeks. We hung out with the family a little more. Then we drove back to Dallas to meet "Mommy and Daddy Steinbach" and Amy for dinner. We went to Spring Creek barbeque which is the great barbecue resturant ever. After dinner, we went back to the Steinbach's and showed them wedding photos and chatted. Then we headed back to the hotel and went to sleep.

Sunday: Sunday morning we got up and met the Steinbachs for church. I forgot to warn Steve that their church was really charismatic so it was fun to see his reaction. The people there are really nice though. Church started with breakfast and 8:30, then Sunday School, then the church service that ended around 1pm. They were finishing up there Missions Week. It was interested. The speaker was a missionary from Africa and he was very passionate about his work. Later that night the church was having a Missions Banquet so we went to that too. They were serving barbeque and it was good.

Monday: Monday morning we had to meet our flight at 7:15 in the morning. They were both good flights. We had a layover in Atlanta again. This layover was almost 3 hours long. We arrived in Chicago to meet Damian at about 2:00. After a quick dinner with Damian, we drove back to South Bend.

I was going to talk about how nice the weather was in Texas and First Class flying but it just doesn't seem that important now. We didnt get to sit in First-Class but the flights between Dallas and Atlanta had a First-Class section on them. It really didn't look all that exciting but it may be cool to try once.

We were about to go to sleep on Monday night when "Daddy" Steinbach called Steve's cell phone. He informed us that Ben had passed away at 8:15pm Monday night. It still seems so sureal to me. I can't believe he is really gone. We just saw him on Saturday. Steve made him breakfast and he looked great when we left. I'm really glad now that we took the time to make the trip down there.

Liz told me Monday that he went quietly and peacefully. She said his family was all in the room at the time and they were singing praise songs and praying. I imagine that it looked a bit like Friday when we were there.

At least we know now that Ben is now up in Heaven dancing with Jesus. He is no longer in pain. Even though I wish he was still here, I can take comfort in knowing he is truly happy right now.

I know that God has a purpose in this so we will just have to wait and see what that is.

Please keep Liz and Ben's families in your prayers, as well as all their friends.

Liz Hostetler

7819 S Wheeling Ave, Apt 44L

Tulsa, OK 74136-8626

(918) 488-0775

Here is her contact info in Tulsa if you want to get a hold of her.

Benjamin Hostetler: February 13, 1980 - March 3, 2008

February Couples Night

Wow. I can't believe I haven't written about Couple's Night yet. It was pretty fun. Steve and I ran around all morning trying to get the apartment clean and ready.
We actually cleaning it up pretty well and put some pictures on the well. It feels more homey now. I really like it. As soon as I finished cleaning the kitchen, Steve decided it was time to start cooking the bread. But he didn't make to big of a mess and he cleaned up after himself. He really enjoys making bread. The smell of the bread and ribs cooking in the apartment really made the place smell great.

Tabby and Greg arrived first around 4:30 and Greg helped Steve bring the Grill outside. It has previously been hanging out in our living room. They came early because they wanted to use our stove to finish cooking their potatoes and green bean casserole. Which were really great, I might add.

Steve, Chris, and the girls arrived shortly after 6. The girls got fed and Erin picked them up and took them home. Erin was their babysitter for the night.

I love hanging out with these people. Sometimes I can't believe we have been friends for close to 20 years and other times I know exactly why we are still friends. These are people that I can count it. It is also nice that our husbands seem to like each other. The chocolate fountain was a big hit. I knew it would be. We didn't put the fountain out until the girls left so we didn't have to worry about them wanting to stay and eat chocolate. Steve brought the fountain out and put it in the living room right on to top of the white table cloth. I know...what was he thinking. It got chocolate all over it but it's ok. We can clean it. It was just an old piece of scrap cloth anyway.

We are planning the next Couple's Night was sometime in June. We are thinking of maybe making it a family event at Potato Creek. Tabby also suggested having a Fajitas Night.

A New Addition to Our Family

We have a new addition to our family. My amazing parents got Steve and I a grill for Christmas. Steve put it together last night and he spent part of today just admiring it. Steve cannot wait to use it. We are going to Christen it for the first time next weekend for Couples Night. Steve said even if it's snowing, he plans to be outside grilling for our friends.



Greg because he is awesome is coming over today to help Steve set it up. Yum! I can only imagine all the great food we are going to make on it.

The Game Plan

This weekend was a very relaxing weekend. We didn't do much and I like it that way sometimes. Steve had a part-time job interview at Sears on Saturday and they offered him a job in Appliances.

Saturday night we were sitting around the apartment and decided we should go out and do something. I can't wait until it stops snowing so we don't have to stay inside so much.

Saturday night, we went out to the dollar theater (which now costs $2). We saw The Game Plan. It was a pretty good movie. It was pretty predictable but I thought it was well done.

I enjoyed that it was a real kids movie. It wasn't a kids movie filled with language and over sexualized images like most kids movies have been lately. You can actually bring your kids to see this movie.

I totally recommend this movie. Adults will like it too.

Part Time Job

I got a Part-Time job yesterday. I will be working part time at the Sears on Ireland a few nights a week. I'll be working in the Hardware section. They were originally going to put me in the Appliance section but I guess they changed their mind.

I start the job on Friday. So if you are in the area and need to go shopping, you should stop by and visit.

Steve is mostly excited about the Sears discount that we will now get. Hopefully this will be eliviate a little bit of our money stress. We are sticking to our budget pretty good, but it is getting kinda tight lately.

Steve donated Plasma last Saturday in South Bend and got $35 and he wants to to go again this weekend and he should get $50 the second time. That should help us too.

If you want to go too, you can go to Biomat on Western. The first time you go though, you might want to have someone else drive you. I had to pick Steve up on Saturday because they wouldn't let him drive home because he passed out twice afterwards.

Taser Party

Taser parties for women

We should have one these party's. What do you think?
What are these people thinking?

More Details on Financial Peace University

Financial Peace University Financial Peace University
Starts Tuesday, March 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHO:Anyone age 15 and up.

WHAT:How would your life change if you were debt free? What could you do? Who could you help? Get control of your money by putting together a spending plan that really works. Tell your money what to do - so it can't tell you what to. This 13-week class helps the average family reduce their debt by $5,300 and save $2,700 in 91 days.

WHEN:Starts Tuesday, March 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m.COST:$95 per person or household (Includes one kit for the 13-week class. Register by Monday, March 3 to guarantee to have your kit for the first class. If you register after that date, your kit will arrive in time for the second week of class.)

***There may be scholarships available for the class. You can check my calling the church.

WHERE:GCC Campus

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 9 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 8 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 7 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 6 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 5 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 4 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 3 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 2 of 9

Dave Ramsey Dumping debt part 1 of 9

It's Really Cold

Detailed Local Forecast

Today: Snow showers. Cold. Wind chills may approach -15F. High 16F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 40%.

Tonight: Scattered flurries and snow showers. Low near 10F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 30%.

Tomorrow: Variably cloudy with snow showers. High 26F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 70%.

Steve and I got up this morning to go to church and it was a bit cold outside. Liz we might come down and visit you in Tulsa a little sooner then planned. :)

It was so cold that when we went outside to start my car it wouldn't start. I guess it wanted to just rest through the cold too. Steve's Intreprid wouldn't start either. I think they were ganging up on us.

So, we tried to go to church today...really. Our cars wouldn't let us. The picture is the view from our bedroom window. We are suppossed to get more snow tonight and for the rest of the week. So I guess we will just be sitting inside all day hoping to stay warm.

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University

Location:
Granger Community Church
630 East University Drive
Granger, IN 46530

Coordinator: Susan Frucci
Preview Dates: Tuesday Mar 11, 2008, 6:30 PM
Class Start Date: Tuesday Mar 11, 2008, 6:30 PM
Special Notes: No Childcare provided. Register @ gccwired.com

New Years 2007 - 2008

The original plan for New Years was to go to sleep around 8 and not get up for a long time. Plans changed though when Shere messaged me Monday afternoon and wanted to get together. It sounded like fun so we made some quick plans. Steve and I rushed home after work and cleaned up the apartment to make it child proof and party ready. The Radabaughs came over and we ate all kinds of food. I made Sloppy Joes and brownies and Shere brought some Hacienda chips and salsa, Logan's rolls, and some healthy snacks. We found some games and had some fun. Shere and I lost to Steve and Chris in Euchre but we beat them at Scrabble. It was fun. Poor miss Kariana wasn't feeling good so she slept most of the night. We tried to wake her up for the Ball Drop though. Cadence actually stayed up the whole night. She is just one bundle of energy.

Shortly after ball dropped, the Radabaughs headed home. It had snowed just a bit on New Years Eve so they had some fun driving home, I'm sure.

New Years Day was fun for Steve and I. We didn't really do anything at all day. It was one of those lazy days we haven't had in awhile. We sat around in our pajamas all day. It was great.

Today it's back to work. This morning was fun though because Steve had to dig our car out so I could go to work. We are supposed to get more snow today too. Today is also Shere's Birthday!!! Happy Birthday Shere!

Christmas 2007

This year Christmas was kinda busy. I didnt get to do Christmas cards this year because of the busyness. I did get all my Christmas shopping done by Christmas Eve though. :)

My best friend and her husband came into town before Christmas from Tulsa. They were visiting Ben's family for Christmas. I spent some time with her Friday afternoon after work. It was a good time. We drove down to the Concord Mall to meet my sister because she was working. We did a little Christmas shopping at the Mall. The Mall really wasn't as crowded as you would think the weekend before Christmas would be.

Saturday, Steve and I did some shopping at the UP Mall and Concord and it was a little busier. Sunday night, we did the gift exchange with my immediate family. My parents got Steve and I a grill for Christmas. Yeah. Once we get it set up...party at our place. :)
I got to spend some time with Tabby and Shere and their families on Monday for our gift exchange. Shere got me and Steve a "First Christmas" Christmas ornament.
On Christmas Eve, Steve and I drove to Wisconsin for the extended family Christmas after work. I didnt have to work but Steve and Erin did. Christmas with the family was pretty traditional. It started with dinner, then singing Happy Birthday to my cousin (his birthday is Christmas Eve) then it was present time. Which is always fun.

Moving Right Along

Steve and I are finally safe and sound in our new apartment. We have the greatest friends ever that helped us move. We are still unpacking though. We worked all weekend trying to get all of our stuff out of boxes. We got our cable and internet hooked up last week.
It has been a pretty busy few weeks for us. Last weekend was Steve's family Christmas. We got to see all his brothers and neices and nephews. It was a good time. I wish I would have taken pictures, but the battery on my camera is dead and I can't find the charger. :0(

Hopefully, we wont be living out of boxes for much longer. I am really looking forward to when I can walk through the apartment and not run into stuff. The kitchen is almost done. I was actually able to cook in the kitchen this weekend. Steve is finishing up the cabinet that is making this week. He is building us a new cabinet and some more counter space because there isn't very much right now. Once that is finished the kitchen will probably come together pretty fast.

You Tube Debate Quote

Question: I am Joseph. I am from Dallas, Texas, and how you answer this question will tell us everything we need to know about you. Do you believe every word of this book? Specifically, this book that I am holding in my hand, do you believe this book?

Huckabee's Answer:
Sure. I believe the Bible is exactly what it is. It's the word of revelation to us from God himself.

And the fact is that when people ask do we believe all of it, you either believe it or you don't believe it. But in the greater sense, I think what the question tried to make us feel like was that, well, if you believe the part that says "Go and pluck out your eye," well, none of us believe that we ought to go pluck out our eye. That obviously is allegorical.
But the Bible has some messages that nobody really can confuse and really not left up to interpretation. "Love your neighbor as yourself."

And as much as you've done it to the least of these brethren, you've done it unto me. Until we get those simple, real easy things right, I'm not sure we ought to spend a whole lot of time fighting over the other parts that are a little bit complicated.

And as the only person here on the stage with a theology degree, there are parts of it I don't fully comprehend and understand, because the Bible is a revelation of an infinite god, and no finite person is ever going to fully understand it. If they do, their god is too small.

Thanksgiving Update

It has been a pretty busy week with Thanksgiving and moving.
Here is an update of the week’s events:

Wednesday (11/21): On Wednesday, I only worked until noon. After work, Steve and I signed the paper work for our apartment. I got to see it for the first time. It looks really nice. Our friend Greg then came over and helped us move our appliances into our new apartment. We decided to paint the living room of the new apartment so we worked on that Wednesday night. We got back to our old apartment pretty late.

Thursday (11/22): Thursday was Thanksgiving. Steve and I spent Thanksgiving in Ohio with his family. It was a good time with family. The food was really good. His grandma is trying to sell her house so it might be the last Thanksgiving at her house. Steve is a little upset about that because I guess they have been celebrating Thanksgiving there for awhile now. We stayed the night in Lima with his brother and sister-in-law. Randy and Alexis just got a dog so my allergies weren't very happy. I didn't sleep very well Thursday night.

Friday (11/23): Friday was a paid Holiday for Steve and I so it was nice to sit around and be getting paid for it. We got to babysit for his nephew, Keegan, on Friday. Keegan is 18 months old now. After he woke up and we fed him breakfast, we took him shopping with us. We went to the Lima Mall and Keegan slept the whole time we were there in the cart. It was so cute. We took him to Lowes and Menards too. We did some Christmas window shopping. Steve taught Keegan all about Dewault tools and other tools. I think Keegan thinks his Uncle is crazy but that’s ok.

Saturday (11/24): Saturday we drove home. It was good to be home but it still busy. We had to finish packing and getting ready to move. Steve finished the painting over at the new place while I packed up the old apartment.

Sunday (11/25): Sunday, we got up and finished getting ready to move. Tabby, Greg, my parents, my sister, and Steve’s dad helped us move all our stuff to our new apartment. My mom, Tabby, and I finished packing up the kitchen while the guys lifted the heavy stuff into the truck and van. Steve and I fed our friends pizza for dinner. I am thoroughly convinced that we have the best friends ever. We got to sleep in our new apartment for the first time Sunday night. It was really cozy.

We finished moving the rest of our stuff on Monday with Damian, Travis, and Stacy. They are the greatest too. I took a sick day on Tuesday, November 27th. Yesterday, I took half the day as a sick day too. I could have taken a whole day but I was tired of just laying around the house, so I went in to work after lunch. I’m hoping it’s just a bad cold and nothing worse. Steve and I still have some cleaning and unpacking to do.

You have 1 Million Dollars

A friend of mine asked me this question the other day, so I've been thinking about it and I thought I would ask my blog readers (if there any out there). :o)

If you won 1 Million Dollars (let's assume this is after taxes): What would you do with it?
Here is my answer:

1. I would pay off all my debt
2. I would give about 100,000 to my best friend to buy a new house because they are outgrowing there current living space.
3. I would buy Steve's best friend, Damian car because doesn't have one and he needs one
4. I would put about 100,000 into a college savings plan for our future kids
5. I would put about 100,000 into a savings fund to fund our first few years of Wycliffe ministry
6. I would put about 100,000 into an Emergeny Fund for unexpected things that come up
7. I would put about 100,000 into a retirement fund for us to retire
8. I would give 10% off the top to my church
9. and put the rest into a special savings account for the purpose of giving away if any our friends or family needed help.

The Greatest Cause of Atheism

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, and walk out the door, and deny him with their life style.That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable. " -DC Talk

Imagine if people who claim to be Christians lived like Jesus taught. Imagine if there were no more out-of-wedlock pregancies born to Christian moms fathered by Christian boys. Imagine if the divorce rate among Christian marriages was actually less than that of non-Christian couples. Imagine for a second if the porn industry had to shut down because Christian boys no longer downloaded porn onto their computers. Imagine if people who said they were Christian didn't go out and get drunk every weekend. What if Christian girls dressed modestly because they respected themselves and the guys around them? What if Christian guys treated females with the respect they deserve?

I understand that even Christians are prone to sin that is the joy of Grace, but what if when you said you were Christian that actually meant something. Or what if you didn't have to tell anyone that you were Christian, people watching your life just knew because your lifestyle screamed it.

I just love the movie Pay IT Forward. It really explains exactly what this world should look like. Just imagine what this world would like if there no more hurting children, no more poverty, no more homeless because Christians took care of the people around them. The welfare system would not be necessary anymore because noone would be hungry. Food banks would go out of business because they wouldn't be needed anymore. I know it sounds like a 'Utopian World" but so what. I truly think it would possible to change with world if every person that professed Jesus as their Lord did one thing ever day to help someone else.I don't think it that crazy of an idea. Do you?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-24

Temp Job

Well, my temp job ended yesterday. I'm a bit bummed because I was liking the extra money. But it is kind of a blessing disguise. The extra job was starting the stress me out alot. Working 12 hour days M-F was starting to get too much for me. It might not have been so bad if both jobs weren't office jobs. I also didn't feel like I was seeing Steve enough. I would get home at night and I would be so tired. Sitting for 12 hours straight was starting to drive me crazy. Hopefully, the next temp job I get with have more movement or variety to it.
I will also be back at Oasis this week. I have missed my girls like crazy.

YWCA Christmas Wish List - For Adult Clients

Laundry soap & bleach
Slippers
Alarm Clock
Robes
Hair Spray
Body Wash Sets
Toilet Paper
Watches
Calendars
CD’s – variety of music
Organizers/Day Planners
Cameras
Board Games
Purse, wallet
Plastic Storage Bins
Boots/shoes (sizes 5 – 12)
T-Shirts (large, XL, XXL, XXXL)
Shoe Organizers
Comforter sets
DVD’s and videos - variety
Flannel sheets (twin size)
Portable CD players
Radios
Pajamas (large sizes)
Sweatshirts, pants & hoodies (XL to 5X)
Matching rungs or bathroom sets
Heavy winter socks
Jewelry (costume)
Hat/glove sets
Make-up sets for all skin types
Perfume
Stationary
Hair accessories (barrettes, ponytails etc.)
Manicure/pedicure sets
Reading glasses

It would be appreciated if all donations could be delivered to the YWCA by December 17th. All gifts should be unwrapped. If you have any questions please call 574-233-9491.

The YWCA is always in need of new and used Cell Phones, also.

Another Great Weekend!

This weekend was great. Ohio State is still undefeated and Notre Dame lost to Navy. Steve was a bit bummed that the OSU game wasn't on TV locally. Hopefully, we will find somewhere that is playing the game next week.

Saturday was pretty relaxing. I got the laundry and dishes caught up from the week. Then I "watched" the OSU game with Steve. We didn't really watch it. The internet had the play-by-play showing throughout the game, so we could look and see what was happening.

Saturday night, Steve and I had a date night with friends. Shere had been trying to plan a night out for us and Tabby and her husband for a few days. It almost fell apart when she couldn't find someone to watch the girls. Luckilly, my sister is awesome and she agreed to watch the little angels while we hung out. This week Shere, Chris, Tabby, Greg, Steve, and I went to a little Italian Resturant called Rulles in Mishawaka. It was pretty good. My only complaint was that the servings were a little small for the price. They get a A+ for taste though.
I love spending time with those people. I hope we can start doing it more often. The last time the 6 of us got together was August when we went to Hona Jori, which was also spectactular.

Sunday, we went to Gospel Center. It was suppossed to be the first weekend in the new auditorium but somethings happened so the first week is actually going to be next week. After church, I went to physical therapy and did some grocery shopping. Steve likes to eat so I have to buy food alot. Last weekend, we tried this thing where we make 3-4 meals on Sunday and put them in the fridge for Steve to heat up and eat throughout the week. It seemed to work out pretty well. The first week I worked the second job and I wasnt home to make dinner Steve ate alot of PB&J sandwhiches because he didnt want to cook. Last week he didnt have to cook because he had pre-made meals in the fridge. We are trying that again this week. Sunday night we spent a few hours putting together meals for the week. I like it because not only does it keep us organized and save us money on groceries but it also is a way for us to spend time together not in front of the TV.
The next few weeks are going to crazy in our apartment since we are going to cleaning and packing up all our stuff. The family that is living in there now is suppossed to be out by tommorrow.

Update!

I looked at the calendar earlier and realized that it has been some time before I have updated this. It has been a pretty busy few weeks. This weekend at church Rob was talking about we should try not to be so busy. He has told that message so many and everytime I hear it I realize how right he is.
I don't have to be working two jobs right now but I am. The 12 hour days have actually gotten easier as the weeks go on. Steve and I have a goal to be have no more credit card debt within 2 years. I think we can do it if we keep on the path we are on right now. It has taken some discipline. We don't go out to eat nearly as much as we used to. Steve is thinking about taking on a second job after we move, as well. We have an apartment available but they haven't given us a move-in date yet.
The worst part of having to work 2 jobs is I have to miss Oasis on Wednesday nights. I love my girls more then they will ever know. I had so many plans for this year. Part of feels like I'm totally abandoning my girls. I know they will be in good hands with another leader and I'm still accessible via the internet, but it's not the same. I'm hoping that i will still be able to do some events. I don't know how the Temp Job is going to last so I probably won't miss the whole year. Right now I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Did you know?

Did you know?

• One out of two women will experience domestic abuse at least once in the course of their marriage.
  
• 4 million American women are seriously assaulted by their intimate partner each year.
  65% of emergency room visits by women are for injuries sustained during domestic violence.


• One of every three abused children becomes an adult abuser or victim.
  More women are killed by their partners than by muggings, rapes and auto accidents combined.
  
• Domestic violence claims the lives of four women each day.
  
• Approximately 75% of abuse homicide victims are killed after they leave their abuser.


• 50% of all homeless women and children in the U.S are fleeing domestic violence.
  Each year, an estimated 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by family members against their mothers or female caretakers.


• When children are killed during a domestic dispute, 90% are under age 10; 56% are under age 2.


• There are 1,500 shelters for battered women in the United States and 3,800 animal shelters.


• 60% of violent homes where the female partner is beaten so are the children.


• 50% of female homicides are committed by the man who said "Until death do us part".


• 88% of victims of domestic violence fatalities had a documented history of physical abuse.


• The average prison sentence of men who kill their female partners is 2 to 6 years.


• Women who kill their partners are, on average, sentenced to 15 years.


• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15-44.


• 75% of all 911 calls are domestic abuse calls.


• The loss in productivity due to absenteeism, employee turnover and health care expenses from domestic violence costs U.S corporations between $3 and $5 billion annually.


• Despite these sobering statistics, domestic violence remains the most common, yet least reported, crime in the U.S. Domestic violence is a growing national problem requiring focused assistance from the public and private sectors.

Please support the local YWCA. We are always in need of donations of money and personal items such as, pillows, blankets, toiletries, Cell Phones and Accessories, baby items, canned food and dry goods, and so much more. With Winter on it's way, we definetly need warm blankets, scarves, mittens, gloves, warm coats, comforters, warm bed sheets.
Donations can be dropped at the YWCA Monday through Friday between 8 and 5.

For more information call: 574-233-9491

A Great Place to Shop

I found a great place to shop while searching the internet. You should check it out. You can buy right from this site. You just scroll through and see if there is anything you want and then click on and it brings you right to that page.

I'm a Great Cousin!

When your Niece has a baby, you are a Great Aunt....so when your cousin has a baby, does that make you a Great Cousin. Hmm? Thoughts to ponder.

My cousin and his wife just found they are pregnant. This is so exciting. This will be first Second Cousin!!!

Wake Up Parents!

I found a website from Corey's blog: http://parentsareclueless.com/

I read some of the confessions on the site and some just made me sad, but I can't say I was surprised.

"I watched you Mom, that's why I lost my virginity at 14 and have added quite a few guys to that list since then. Now that I am an adult, I see that I don't want to be anything like you, but more like Jesus. I wish that you would have made a bigger deal out of Jesus than your boyfriends."

"I've been down at college for two-and-a-half years and my mom still brags to people that I don't party. I do... a lot."

"Dad, i love you, but for once could you tell me that i messed up with out yelling at me and making me feel like a complete idiot?"

"Just please be honest with me! I need to know what "mistakes" you made in your past and I need to see the consequences that came with them if you don't want me to make the same mistakes."

"my parents would die if they knew i keep my weed in the cieling of their bedroom."

"I wonder if you would love me if you saw my report card before I changed the grades."

There are a few things that I have learned doing Middle School ministry for the last 8 years.
Students may not listen to a thing you say, but they are watching everything you do. Lead by example! Where goes the leaders, so goes the students.- Judy Gregory

We're Moving!

We have been on the waiting list for a place since April and we finally got a place. I can't wait. We are going to right down the street from work now so it should save us alot of money on gas. Steve and I are also thinking about riding our bikes to work so we will be getting excersize too.

We get to look at the apartment this week and tell them if we are interested and put down the deposit. The only downside is that we have to bring our own appliances. We got a Fridge from my Aunt and maybe a Washer and dryer from her too. We need a Stove though.

I'm excited about this because we are on our way to being debt free. On top of having lower rent now, I am taken on a second job. It's a part time temp job with 1st Source. I found out about the job though someone from GCC.

Domestic Violence Awareness

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Last year alone, there were nearly 5 million reported cases of domestic violence in this country.

October 14 -20, 2007 is the YWCA Week Without Violence.

Please wear a purple ribbon, tie one on your car antennas, and encourage your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to participate in this awareness campaign by doing the same.

Space Bags

This weekend, Steve and I are going to be spending most of the time cleaning and packing. You wouldn't think that would be fun, but it is. We are going through all our stuff and deciding what to get rid of, what to keep, and packing things away in boxes.

We got these space bag things. They are the coolest things. I'm sure you have seen the TV commercials for them. They are the bags that you fill full of stuff then stuck the air out and the bag gets really small. They actually really work and they are fun to use. They are not cheap but they are reusable and they should make moving easier. I'm sure we will get our money's worth out of them.

We haven't heard that we have an apartment yet, but we are still 2nd on the waiting list so it could be anytime. You don't realize how much stuff you have until you have to move it.

What will you do today?

I have been thinking and processing my role in Oasis this year for a few weeks now. I want to take my students deeper than I did last year. Last year I got to my know my girls and they got to know eachother. This year, I want to draw them in to who Jesus really is. No more surface relationships. No more casual Christianity.

Last week Corey knocked it out of the park. He said, "The abilities we are given are gifts from God, but we do with those gifts are our gift back to him." How many times have I seen an opportunity to serve and not done it because I was afraid of what people would think? How many times have I seen someone hurting or in need and just walked by?

What can I do today to serve someone else?

Update

Do you ever feel like your life is spinning out of control? I realize I haven't written on my blog in awhile. Mostly that is because I have been so busy. I just feel like screaming. I'm hoping that everything gets a little less overwhelming soon. I feel like I'm running 100 miles an hour but I'm not going anywhere. I need a vacation or at least some downtime. I don't think that will be for awhile though. This weekend I have to clean and pack up our apartment because we might be moving into Southmore real soon.

Help my Friend's Daughter win Chick-Fil-A

Click on this link and vote for this picture:
http://www.showusthecow.com/photos.php?view=browse&tag=KARIANA

Forward this to whoever you think will vote for this picture.

Have you heard about the Chick-Fil-A photo contest? Igot a kids meal the other day because I wasnt veryhungry and they are having a contest. I sent in aphoto to be approved under Kariana's name because Iknow she really like Chick-Fil-A and you had to beunder 10 to enter. I attached the photo that i sent.

This is what the prizes are:Semi-finalists If your photo is chosen in the Top 40, you'll receive:
• a "Be Our Guest Card", good for one (1) FREE Kid'sMeal! • a special Chick-fil-A T-shirt, a plush cow and aclock!
Finalists If your photo is chosen in the Top 10, you'll receive:
• a whole YEAR of FREE Chick-fil-A food (52 coupons,each valid for one Kid's Meal)! • a Chick-fil-A© Nuggets tray delivered for a party atyour school! • a special Chick-fil-A T-shirt, a plush cow and aclock!

If your photo is chosen as the GRAND PRIZE WINNER,you'll receive:
• a special Chick-fil-A prize package, including adigital camera and a $1,000 U.S. Series EE Savings Bond!
• a whole YEAR of FREE Chick-fil-A food (52 coupons,each valid for one Kid's Meal)!
• a Chick-fil-A© Nuggets tray delivered for a party atyour school!
• a special Chick-fil-A T-shirt, a plush cow and aclock!

Congratulations to Us!

The Leighton Award for Nonprofit Excellence is intended to celebrate, reward and encourage outstanding achievement in the charitable sector. Each year, this $100,000 endowment challenge grant will be awarded competitively to a St. Joseph County nonprofit demonstrating superior leadership, management, and programming.

The YWCA applied for this award again this year. Last year the YWCA received First Runner UP. The First Runner Up receives a 10,000 grant. This year we won. Congratulations to the YWCA for receiving the 2008 Leighton Award for Non-Profit Excellence. We will not only receive the 100,000 endowment, but also a 10,000 grant that we can use immediately.

South Bend Tribune Article

There was a story in the South Bend Tribune today and a little friend of mine was quoted.

********************************************************************

P-H-M pilot shows signs of progress, instructors say

YaSHEKIA SMALLS
Tribune Staff Writer

WAKARUSA —
The “fat cat” appears to be the popular spot here in Stacy Marker’s kindergarten classroom at Madison Elementary School.It’s the foam-filled cushion with green eyes that draws 5-year-old Alisia Mendoza, who’s earned the chance to rest on the fluffy feline and learn about sharks after sketching a zebra and reading four simple words to her teacher.“I see a zebra.” Alisia probably wouldn’t have had time to draw so many stripes on that zebra in last year’s half-day kindergarten program, which served more than 700 students. But this fall, she’s one of about 80 students who were chosen by lottery at Meadow’s Edge, Elm Road and Walt Disney elementary schools to be in a full-day kindergarten pilot.

That’s at least four more hours each day to learn science and math; to engage in music, art and other “specials” outside the classroom; to do time-consuming drawing projects; to form peer relationships; and to actually read, teachers say.“I think it’s great that they can put the words together and make sentences (in the first few days of school),” said Marker, who taught first grade last year and taught half-day kindergarten for more than two years, transferring to Madison from Meadow’s Edge this fall. Reading materials are meant for full-day kindergarten setups, so at least her class won’t struggle to fit it all in this year, Marker said.“By the time the day’s over, I’ve still got a stack of things on my desk,” Marker said. “How did we not get through all of this?”The biggest struggle for students, however, is staying awake and attentive — especially for those who did not attend preschool and aren’t used to sitting in a seat all day, Marker said. Her students have 20 minutes of recess, followed by 40 minutes of lunch, and then it’s back to the classroom.

Five-year-old Kariana Radabaugh knows how to prepare for the long day: She eats strawberries, cereal and toast for breakfast, she says with a smile while showing off her strawberry red dress for picture day. The thrills of crafts, gym and recess keep her awake during the day, she explains. But what does she like the most about the day?“I like to read books on the ‘fat cat,’ ” she says.

Down the hall, 5-year-old Micah Phelps reads an “I am special” morning message before his peers give him a “snap, crackle and pop” — a snap, roll of the neck and a clap. After lunch, Julie Unrue allows her students to rest on their bellies and enjoy time to physically and mentally regroup as she reads aloud to them from a chapter book. “Even the third-graders need that,” said Unrue, who taught half-day kindergarten and third-graders in a job-share at Madison last year. “Just like adults, you need that time from being in the same place, being actively engaged.”Unrue’s goal is to make sure her kids remain kids — even in the thick of high state and national academic standards, she said. Kindergartners here will take the MAP standardized test for the first time this year, she said, and she anticipates that results from full-day students will likely be different from those of half-day students.Unrue collaborates with Marker and full-day kindergarten teacher Melissa Phelps, who serves 62 students at Madison. About two-thirds are bused to and from Elm Road and Meadow’s Edge, while Kim Grunawalt teaches an additional 20 full-day kindergarten students at Walt Disney. Transportation is now both ways for full-day kindergartners, Madison Principal Lisa Soto Kile said.Officials are striving to implement full-day kindergarten throughout the district in the next few years. This year, funding came from the state and the district’s general fund, with schools statewide slated to receive $665 per student. But P-H-M is exploring how it can afford the program in the future.“More parents are working outside the home,” Kile said. “More students are participating in the preschool experience. ... The students are ready for it, and the parents are asking for it.”

Staff writer YaShekia Smalls:yassmalls@sbtinfo.com(574) 235-6555

Another Busy Weekend

It was another busy weekend. It was fun though. Saturday, my friends Shere, Tabby, and I with our husbands went to Hana Jori for dinner. It was a good time. I hadn't eaten there since High school and Steve had never been there. My favorite thing about the restaurant is that they make the food right in front of you. It feels like you have a front seat to Iron Chef. We almost got our eyebrows signed a few times. It was great. The food is expensive but it is so worth it for the presentation. After dinner, we went to a new desert place on Hickory called Indulgence. It was SOHO good.
Shere said that we should do that more often and I totally agree.

Sunday after church, I went and worked out for a about an hour. Damian called and said he was going to be in town. We sold Steve's twin bed this weekend. We used the extra money we made to go out to Red Lobster with Damian and some other friends.

It was a good reminiscing weekend. Shere, Tabby, and I have been good friends since Middle School, so it was fun to get together and chat about the last 10+ years. On Sunday, Stacy and Travis were there and we had some fun conversations about old friends, Middle School, Lifeline, and such. Stacy and I go back to Elementary school and that's long time.

I Hit a Milestone: 100,000

My beloved car now has 100,000 miles on it. It's a 2001 Black Ford Focus. I was sitting here thinking of all the exciting things my car has seen in it's life. I bought it in September 2004 so I dont know what it was doing before that.

Since I've had the car, it's:

• Been hit by a deer
• Rear ended in a snow storm
• Taken countless trips from Fazoli's to Home
• Drove me to Oasis every Wednesday night
• Drove around South Bend for GCC's food drops
• Drove myself and student's around to various Oasis events
• Been to Wisconsin many times to visit family
• Been driven by Damian around South Bend and Chicago when he borrowed it
• Gone to various places in Ohio, including Toledo, Cincinnati area, Lima, and others.
• Taken many trips to Wakarusa and back to Mishawaka
• Helped Steve move his stuff to my apartment after we got married
• Driven to YWCA and back home
• Moved me into and out of Bethel with my stuff packed in it several times
• Drove down to Indy to see Steve's brother become an Officer in the Army
• Kept Kariana safe in her car seat on trips to the park
• Drove 4000 miles in ten days on a road trip Steve and I took a few summers ago. Steve and I drove from here to Illinios, then to Tulsa, Oklahoma, then to Arlington, TX, then to the Grand Canyon, then to Alpine, AR, back to Tulsa, OK, then back home.
• and so much more
  

I think it has had a good long life. I only hope that it has a much longer life. I gave it a nice cleaning for the occasion. I vacuumed it out and made it look really nice. Steve and I are only down to one car right now, so I hope there are many many more years of life in my Ford Focus.

What a Busy Weekend!

This weekend started at 6:30 on Saturday morning. Steve's brother, Kenny, graduated from being a Staff Sargeant in the army to being a Warrant officer. There was a graduation ceremony at 10:30 in Indy. Steve and I had to leave our apartment at about 6:30 to get there in time. After the ceremony, Kenny, his wife, their daughter, Steve's dad and step-mom, Steve and I went out to lunch at Fridays.

We started to drive home and arrived back in Mishawaka around 6. We watched some 24 episodes. I love that show. Steve and I have been watching 24 every Monday since Season 3 and now we are renting Seasons 1 & 2 to watch what we missed. It's pretty fun. We ate dinner at about 10 then went to bed shortly after that.

Sunday, started with church at Gospel Center at 10:30. My mentor and friend, Judy, is in now from Atlanta this weekend. Jeanne Mayo is doing an event in Indy this week so Judy got to take a trip up to Mishawaka on the way. Today is her birthday so I must add a HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY! A bunch of Oasis leaders planned a cook-out for Judy on Sunday afternoon. So after church we huried home to make a desert to bring to the cookout and then headed over the celebration. There was alot of the people in the McFarland's house. It was a good time.

My best friend, Liz and her husband Ben we were also in town this weekend from Tulsa. Ben's family was having a family get-together this weekend so Ben's mom paid to have them flown here. Steve and I got to see them on the way home from the cookout. It was good to see them.
After we got home, I went grocery shopping and then we watched some more 24, ate dinner, then went to sleep.
I'm pretty tired today, but it was a good weekend.

• The YWCA run, jane, run is a multi-athletic event for women, organized by women to benefit women and children in our community. Organizations, families, mothers and daughters, or sisters are encouraged to register their team to compete in the 5K or 10K Trail Run, or the 5K Walk.The YWCA of St. Joseph County provides life-changing services to women and their families.
  
  Your participation supports the following YWCA programs:
  
  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES - Support for women and their children escaping abusive environments.
  
  CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT PROGRAM - Treatment, housing, aftercare, child care and support for dependent children.
  
  HOUSING, COUNSELING, INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS, AND SUPPORT SERVICES- For women and their families who are working toward self-sufficiency.
  
  JOB TRAINING - To become a certified food handler.
  
  PERMANENT HOUSING AND SUPPORT SERVICES - For women who are chronically, mentally, developmentally, or physically disabled.
  
  BRIDGES OUT OF POVERTY - Designed to help individuals understand the mental models of generational poverty, along with the mental models of the middle and upper classes. For individuals from generational poverty learning these "mental models" will assist them in being sucessful in middle class employment and educational settings.
  
  SEXUAL ASSAULT RECOVERY - Group and individual sexual assault therapy in both English and Spanish to women who have suffered recent or past sexual assault.