Friday, December 22, 2006

Merry CHRISTMAS!!!

So, the Secret Santa "reveal" was interesting. One of my co-workers exclaimed, "Let's go around and everyone can guess who they had! Amber, you go first!" Yeah...wasn't real happy about that. I did not guess Mildred. She gave me some Santa dishes - plates and mugs. They are okay... I will probably return them (that is the one thing she did right - gift receipt!) I like the idea of some Christmas dishes, but I would rather have snowman ones or a platter for cookies or something. I am lacking in the "platter" department all together. She asked me in front of everone later "did you know it was me?" I was thinking, "Are you serious? Do you want me to strip you of any dignity you still have?" Most people knew about the situation, so they were snickering...
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Tuesday was the university's annual "White Elephant" gift exchange and chili luncheon. It was quite fun! I gave a hideous purple home-made snowman contraption that I received last year. This year I received:


Ah yes, the Clapper. In the original box even! My co-worker had the fab idea of installing the lights from the 3 foot Christmas tree in my office into it. Shutting my door, loud men's voices, and other random things now turn the Christmas lights on and off. Very rarely does my clapping work. I have to remind myself to disable the thing before I leave work today!
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WARNING: This portion is an editorial post regarding the word "Christmas." Please do not read on if you think you might be offended. Thanks! Amber

So, I have been getting extremely annoyed with people and stores lately. I know that I have been hearing things about all of the stores that have eliminated "Christmas" from their stores, ads, etc. in the past few years. I personally, of course, think that this is ludicrous and I have written some emails to these companies to get Christmas back into their vocabularies.

My annoyance this year is how it has filtered into PEOPLE!!! People walk around exclaiming "happy holidays," "have a happy holiday," "enjoy your holiday season." Can someone please retrieve my eyeballs from the back of my head!?!

Even the people who do not claim to be Christians, they have a "Christmas" tree and have Santa come to their house (which, last time I checked, was a celebration of Christmas...) Hence, people have been so brainwashed with political correctness and the commercialization of this "holiday season" crap, that they might as well equate saying "Merry Christmas" with saying "bugger off!" like it's an insult or something! Excuse my language, but I get really heated about this!

I was kind of told not to say "Merry Christmas" to my students, but I do anyway! I refuse to pretend that Christmas is not the central reason for all of the celebrating that we do at this time and for the reason in which we all have off of work and school! So, even though I work at a Catholic university, I am not surrounded by people who will wish me a "Merry Christmas." I was extremely annoyed with the PRIEST in an email about the upcoming masses, said "Happy Holidays" at the end. Oh, and why do we capitalize these H's? I know why I capitalize the C in Christmas - because a)Christ is a person b)He is our Lord and deserves the respect and reverence c)Christmas is a real and recognized holiday. "Holiday" and "season" hold none of the aforementioned. Oh, and spare me the "well, happy holidays covers both Christmas and New Year's." C'mon people, are you too lazy to with someone both Merry Christmas and a happy new year?!? And also please spare me the "what about Jewish people and people of other religions." I have asked Jewish people if they are offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas" to them and they could care less. They are happy that that person is happy and enjoying their traditions. And, the majority of people DO celebrate Christmas in some form or fashion. And sometimes, majority rules. I just think that we should be able to say Merry Christmas without feeling like we are breaking some unwritten rule.

I am sorry if anyone is offended by my words, but I am offended that the word/concept/celebration of "Christmas" has been tossed aside as basically a swear word and some type of derogatory concept.

No one said that I didn't have strong opinions...
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I wish all of you a blessed Christmas and a joy-filled new year!!!
No internet at home, so posts will probably be sparse!

We will do our own Christmas celebration on Saturday - just the two of us. MomJohnson sent us their gifts (thanks!), so we'll open those too on Saturday. Sunday morning we're off to see the Blaskowski's and Sankeys! We will celebrate with Johnsons and Andersons in January some time. Something we still need to plan!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Smorgasbord of updates!!!

First of all, HAPPY 2ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to my wonderful hubby!!! I love you SO much - you'll never be able to comprehend it! The best two years of my life!

We are off to a dinner tonight to celebrate!


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Weekend update:

Friday started off with a bang at work!


Flashback - Christmas 2005: Our wonderful student worker Katie gives all of us in the office a cute little Christmas pail with lotions and potions - great girly stuff. We love her for it and immediately start using it. The cute pail is back this year on my desk as a decoration.

Fast-forward - Friday: I get to work to find a gift bag in front of my office door. "How nice," I think. "Must be from my Secret Santa." Get settled and open my gift. "Oh my - this cute little pail with lotions and potions looks awfully familiar. Hmmm." Closer examination reveals that in black magic marker "To: 'Mildred'" (an alias has been used for my protection!). I was shocked and amazed. I happened to know who Mildred's SS was, so I called him in - just in case by chance someone is still selling these items and said SS wanted me to make a delivery to Mildred. Sure enough, as I suspected, Mildred was caught in an extremely distasteful display of re-gifting gone wrong. I was kind of outraged in a sense. Mildred is quite the character - known to be ridiculously cheap as well as lude, deceitful, and forgetful. Need I say more? This display fit her to a tee. Oh, and it gets better!

On the rush to a meeting I place the gift in Mildred's box with the "To:Mildred" facing out. Co-worker sees Mildred confusingly bring gift back to her office. When I returned to the office, I sent Mildred an email explaining, "I accidently must have opened a gift bag that was supposed to be for you from your Secret Santa, as 'To: Mildred' was written on the tissue paper. I mistakenly thought the gift was for me since it was found in my doorway, but your SS must have wanted me to deliver it to you. Sorry it is not in the gift bag anymore." She replied with a brief - "no problem."

Hours later, Mildred comes into my office and snoops around while I am on the phone with a student (another one of her fabulous habits.) After finishing the call, Mildred proceeds to look me in the eye and tell me "Oh, you know that gift. It wasn't a SS thing. It was from the Religious Studies Dept. SISTER brought it down and put it in front of the wrong door." I cannot believe I didn't laugh right in her face with that one! It would have been one thing to have just let it go, or to even laugh it off while "coming clean." But, she had the audacity to not only lie to my face but to think that I would not know exactly where that gift originally came from. Oh, and to include a nun in your coverup lie - nice touch, Mildred! So, Katie, I am sorry to inform you that Mildred did not enjoy her Christmas present from last year.

Regifters out there: remember who you received the gift from, and do not regift to the same circle of people. AND, make sure your name tag is not still on the gift! Hence, this great pic I found on google!

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Friday 6:00: We love Fox 6 and Katrina Cravy!!!!

Can't even go into all of the details on this one... In a nut shell, we bought a product from an infomercial in August 2005. They billed us for 4 of the product, so we cancelled the entire order and were told that we'd receive a full refund. Refund never posts to the credit card and items are shipped. Packages refused and more complaint calls are logged assuring of a refund. Monthly or bi-weekly calls continue from then on, along with massive frustration and irritation from being put on hold and being lied to. I couldn't take it anymore, so last month I contacted the Better Business Bureau. I also contacted Katrina Cravy at Fox 6 who does excellent work with recovering money in consumer issues like this. She sent a letter to the company, who in turn sent us a letter saying that we would receive our money "shortly." On Friday, guess what was in our mail? Yes - a check for $313.70!!!! Persistence pays off!!!!! Now, I get to call the station and let them know. Maybe we'll be on the news or in a promo! Woo hoo, again!!!
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Christmas Parties:

Friday night we had a great time with our Young Married Couples Bible study group. Brad and Jami had us all over for appetizers and desserts. They have a beautiful house and we had a great time of fellowship.

Saturday night brought Jason's work Christmas party which was held at a newer restaurant in town that has a microbrewery. His two bosses took over the company earlier this year, so this was the first Christmas party that they organized. The dinner was nice, but the fun came when the bald cap came out and spouses were asked to sit across the table from employees. Spouses were given black cases, told not to open them, and suddenly a computer screen appeared announcing,

DEAL OR NO DEAL!!! (sorry image is not posting!)

One boss was Howie Mandell, one boss was "the banker." We had great fun playing rounds with a top prize of $100 - yes, real money! Then, suddenly the low winners from the first round were given the opportunity to play with a $1,000 board! One employee left with over $400 and another with over $300! Jason was bold and waited until he was down to his case and one other case. He traded cases, and won $75! When I played, I was my "safe" self and took the deal at $52. I had $75 in my case, but was still pleased with $52! So, now we can go out for our anniversary! :-)

We had a nice time and were happy that the game was added to the festivities - it made it a great deal of fun!

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Well, I think that covers it for now! Stay tuned for an update after I contact Fox!

~Amber

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Roman shade



We finally got our roman shade that we ordered online. We got a great deal on it, and it goes perfectly with the rest of our kitchen. Amber is great at finding all the good deals. We also bought a light at IKEA to replace the old ornate chandelier light that used to hang there. We like what we've done with everything, what do you think?

It's Christmas time!!





I know we've been meaning to show everyone our Christmas lights. I decided to string the light across the front of the house instead of along the roof pitch simply because it was dark, and I didn't have a ladder long enough. We think it looks fun and festive. It is so wonderful to have a place we call home, and even more so to decorate it! We are truly blessed!

Saturday night.


While we were staying at the B&B we wanted to do something fun, but this time of year isn't the most popular time for a town on a lake, but we managed to find a town nearby called Princeton which had candlelit sidewalks and decorations and stores open later. All the stores were old 1900 buildings with tons of little unique things to buy. It was fun to just walk around and see the lights, hear the Christmas music, and enjoy the little historic town. We ended the evening there eating a Mexican pizza at the local pizza place.

Relaxing weekend away...




So Amber and I were able to get away this past weekend to a nice B&B in Green lake WI. It was a gift to us last Christmas and we finally used it! It was a nice relaxing time...nice place (a bit heavy on the floral patterns for our taste), but it was definately cozy. We had a wonderful breakfast in the morning and we were able to meet two nice couples from different parts of Wisconsin. It was a nice relaxing stay!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Winter is here!

We know, we know... We haven't blogged for a while!

Last week I was only at work for three days - sick on Monday after a great Thanksgiving holiday and was blessed with a SNOW DAY on Friday! I felt just like a little kid hoping for a snow day that morning. First thing that I did was turned on the TV and looked for the name of the university that I work at. Sure enough, "University Closed" was part of the scrolling stream of schools. I strartled Jason in the shower with my scream of delight!

The best blessing of the day was that our neighbor, Fred, came over with his snow blower! Jason would not have made it through the snow to even get into the house to retrieve the shovel. Fred received some fresh peanutbutter cookies that evening! The news reported 9.8 inches in our town from that storm.

The house is decorated, too. I LOVE getting ready for Christmas! I think we'll post pictures of the tree and house too - Jason did some fabuluous lighting on the outside of the house! He was such a sport - put the last of the lights out on Thursday night knowing that once the storm hit we'd be past the time of opportunity. Our neighborhood is quite cheery! Christmas lights make me think of our wedding day/night - almost 2 years ago now - December 18th! We took a drive to look at lights on our way to our reception - got in a few kisses, too! :-) I hope we can re-live that moment in celebration!

Pictures soon, we hope!

~Amber

Monday, November 20, 2006

Anticipating the Thanksgiving FEAST!

So, what are you looking forward to at your Thanksgiving feast???

This year, we will be celebrating at my Grandpa John and Grandma Lydia's house. I am looking forward to my Mom's famous pumpkin bars (delicious!), my Grandpa's homemade coleslaw (his mother's recipe), and my Grandma's rutabaga mashed potatoes and gravy (although all the rest of the food is spectacular, too!)

I am also looking forward to seeing family - haven't seen any of the Anderson sibs since July 4th and only saw the Johnsons for a wee bit in October! I will also enjoy seeing my grandparents, Auntie Johnna, Uncle Scott, and their little cutie Weston whom I am sure I won't even recognize!

I hope that you all have a great long weekend (those of you who have off of work!)

We'll miss and be thinking of and thankful for all of you who we won't be celebrating with!

I am SO thankful for the wonderful family that God has blessed me with!!!

~Amber

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Leaning on transparent walls: Becoming more like mimes

Have you ever been walking down a street somewhere and run into a street mime? They will mimic those around them, act out strange events, and the classic stuck in a box act. It always amazes me that they make you believe that they are actually touching or leaning on clear walls even though you know it’s just good body control.
As we walk through life there are many uncertainties. It even seems that the more we surrender our lives to God the more uncertain they become. I think that’s how God intended our lives to be though. Walking through life that way causes us to have total trust in God instead of ourselves.
Think of Job, and how everything was stripped from him, and he still clung to what he knew was truth, what he knew was solid. Everything around him seemed to be collapsing, yet he remained faithful, even to near death.
I know it’s a lot easier in these days to find assurance in the things that are tangible. We lean on our accomplishments, our financial statements, our possessions, and even our spouses as “walls” to support us. We lean on them because they give us pride, they stroke our egos, and they give us peace….temporarily.
I think our lives were intended on being more like a mime’s. I think we are supposed to lean on God, lean on the principles of truth (even though sometimes it doesn’t make sense) and trust Him to lead and guide us and give us true peace and contentment.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. Proverbs 2:6-9
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
God help us to trust you, even when we don’t understand your ways. Help us not to lean on things that can so easily be broken down. Help us to lean on You…

Thoughts from the mind of Jason….

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Design Intent: Intended for a purpose

I am a product designer. When I am asked to design products it is assumed that I am designing with purpose and intent. I try to attach reason and logic for the shapes and functions I come up with…otherwise the final design really serves no purpose. As I look out my office window at the sky, the grass, the trees…I am humbled once again.
Everything in this world…every creature, every plant, everything was designed by God not only to just exist, but to serve a purpose. God is the greatest designer to have ever designed. All the colors, the smells, the sights, and the tastes were designed with purpose and intent.
Sometimes I wonder why was I born with curly hair, why I am a certain height, why is my personality the way it is, why is my skin so white…and so on. Today I was reminded that God designed every single part of my being down to each hair on my head. Every part of me was designed with intent. I was created for a purpose, and everything about me was designed to fulfill that purpose. How wonderful is that? I may not know all the details of that purpose just yet, but just to know that I was uniquely designed is simply amazing.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13
God, help me to realize and step into the purpose which you have so carefully designed me for. Help me to not be afraid, but to boldly step into it.

Thoughts from the mind of Jason…

Thursday, November 09, 2006

And the walls came down...

Have you ever had days where you are excited, joyful, and have energy for no reason...all seems good, and you feel truly blessed? Then the next day you feel down, depressed, anxious, unsure? Well Amber and I had some of those days this week. Nothing really major caused us to feel those thoughts and feelings, but yet life in general seems to just bear down on us and sometimes overwhelm our thoughts and emotions. Early this morning I was reminded of the story of Joshua and the Israelites and the walls of Jericho. (Joshua 6) I couldn't have imaginged what they were thinking when they were told they would have victory if they march around the walls silently for six days and on the 7th they had to shout really loud. I could imagine on the first day all their thoughts, concerns, and doubts probably made them think it was a lame idea. But they acted in faith, even through adversity, and they did bring down the walls, and they did conquer.
That was a great reminder for us. I think sometimes we expect God to just make our lives easy and effortless, but sometimes we need to step out in faith and show Him we are fully surrendered. We hit one little snag, or compare ourselves to someone better and all of a sudden we don't have that joy. I'm glad I was reminded of that story, and that even though God's plans are good for me, and are plans to prosper Amber and I, we both still have a lot of patience, and faith building to do.
"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:1-5)

I'll try to remember this passage next time I feel like I did. Just because we don't get the results we want in life instantly (or at all), doesn't mean we should give up, because God may be teaching us perseverance and character.

Jason

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

VOTE!!!

Have you participated in your civic duty yet today??? It is your duty as a citizen of the United States of America to vote for those that will represent you and your values and beliefs.

I received this message in an email today and I feel it is extremely relevant:
"President Calvin Coolidge, known in his time as "Silent Cal" for his reluctance to speak publicly, nevertheless spoke volumes when it came to one topic: the duty of Americans to vote. In 1926, he said:

It is not in violence and crime that our greatest danger lies. These evils are so perfectly apparent that they very quickly arouse the moral power of the people for their suppression. A far more serious danger lurks in the shirking of those responsibilities of citizenship, where the evil may not be so noticeable but is more insidious and likely to be more devastating.

We live in a republic. A vital principle of that form of government is representation. More and more, as our population increases, it becomes necessary for the people to express their will through their duly chosen delegates. If we are to maintain the principle that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, if we are to have any measure of self-government, if the voice of the people is to rule, if representatives are truly to reflect the popular will, it is altogether necessary that in each election there should be a fairly full participation by all the qualified voters."


Please vote today - vote with your hearts - for the candidates and principles you know are right and true. And remember, if you don't vote, you have absolutely no right to complain about ANYTHING!

Have a superb election day!
Amber

Thursday, November 02, 2006


In honor of my wife being a gangsta for her work, I also had to be one for my work....so here I am....don't mess with me yo!

Another angle...I took these this morning at 6:30, so there wasn't much light...

After..sorry you had to wait so long for these photos everyone...and sorry we've been slacking to all our faithful readers. We have been rather busy lately, and have put blogging on the low priority list. In case anyone is wondering...the blue we picked out is called "Metropolitan". It isn't baby blue, and it isn't country blue, but a modern blue with a gray undertone. Sorry the picture is fuzzy...I think digital cameras sometimes have too many settings...which allows me more opportunities to screw the picture up!

Before painting...

Before painting...

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Get Well, Britt!!!

As some of you know, and others of you don't, my dear little (well she's almost 17, so not so little anymore) sister, Brittany, was in a car accident Sunday night. Her head was injured and she suffered a concussion. Thankfully, I am able to report, that due to God's grace she is doing well!!! She had a ct-scan today and it showed very good results. She has an enormous headache - and probably will continue to have one for some time. She will have to lay low for quite a while and needs to continue to lay and rest at this point. So, pray that her recovery will continue to go well and praise God for protecting her during the accident. If she would have been struck even a foot or two closer to her door, she could have suffered even worse injuries or death.

We praise God for you, Britt and are so happy that you are doing well!!! Hang in there and know that we love you and send our love even though we are so far away!

Brittany is a very social and involved high school-er. I am sure it is hard for her to be sticking around the house when she'd rather be dancing, singing, and hanging out with friends! I keep telling her that at least she's a junior and that anything she misses she can make up for next year as a senior!

That is about all for us lately... I have been feeling very badly lately that we're so far away! Encouragement to go ahead and just make the 6 hour drive more often - it is worth it to see all of my young and beautiful sibs! They grow taller and beautiful, and more clever and witty every time we see them!

Love to all of our family members and friends out there! And thank you to those that have already been praying for Brittany!

GET WELL BRITTANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)

~Amber (& Jason)

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Packing

I (Amber) have this despise for packing! I think it maybe stems from my childhood - packing to head to the other parent's house to stay for the weekend.

My particular disdain is packing clothing. How am I supposed to know what I will want to wear days from now???!!! I am the type of gal who dresses how she "feels" that day. Thus, making it very difficult to know what I will want to wear in advance. Then there is the brain-racking that I need to do to remember which outfits I wore the last time we went to visit - heaven forbid I would wear the same outfit on two visits to my in-law's right?! I know it doesn't really matter, however I like to show some variety in my wardrobe!

I have found that making a packing list is a necessity when going on long trips. Running through every item of clothing that I am currently wearing helps when packing for a weekend trip (socks and underwear are usually remembered in this visualization exercise!)

I also have two small cosmetic bags that are always packed for traveling - one with shower gear and one with other travel toiletries. This helps to ensure that I don't forget things like shampoo and toothpaste!

I speak of this because I need to pack. I am heading off for a work conference tomorrow and will be gone for two nights. (I already miss Jason just thinking about it!) Trisha and I are working on packing of all the promo stuff we need to take from work, so we have DOUBLE packing duties in that we have to go home and pack our own stuff!

I hate that gnawing feeling when you know you're going to forget something! Hopefully nothing important, right!?!

What is the worst thing you have forgotten to pack???

p.s. Don't even get me started on packing to move! You don't want to go there!

Monday, October 16, 2006

Do you REALLY believe that what you believe is REALLY REAL?


So this weekend Amber and I went to a training conference called, "The Truth Project". It was a great time spent in Minneapolis, and we believe God is calling us to an even higher task. We're going to be leading this study eventually, and we would like your prayers as to who is going to come and how we are going to facilitate it. It challenges our beliefs and causes us to look deep into why we really believe what we believe. To better understand it....take a look at the website....Truth Project

We're stoked about it!

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Costume Day



For our monthly "social" at work, we had a costume theme today. Our "posse" represted well enough to earn the prize for the "most creative" costume! I helped tatoo my co-workers, including three "teardrops" on Trisha, signifying the successful three drive-by shootings she has committed.

I think that the black lip-lined red lipstick look works for me, what do you think???

Friday, October 06, 2006

Apparently I just can't win!

So, yesterday I got pulled over on my way to work. Way to start the day!

What was I pulled over for, you say? DRIVING TOO SLOWLY!!!

I was driving in the left lane with a state trooper in the right lane for a good 12-14 miles. I just kept my nice speed of 64 mph. The speed limit reduces to 55 right when you hit the city. So, at the warning sign, I started to reduce my speed so that I was never speeding. A white car ended up merging in front of the trooper. I found myself needing to enter into their lane so that I could exit. What to do? Speed to pass the white car? "Um, no" says me, the woman with 3 speeding tickets already in her 25 years of life. So, I put on the turn signal and wait for the trooper to let me in.

Immediately upon merging into the right lane, the lights went on and my heart starting beating like in the cartoons - I could swear you could see it pounding through my shirt! He makes me sit there FOREVER and then comes up saying,"Is eveything okay?" "Yeah...why?" "Well, maam, you were going below the speed limit for quite some time." He asked me why I slowed down BEFORE crossing the county line... (Is it a crime to NOT slam on your breaks in semi-traffic!?!) I proceeded to explain that I was just trying not to ever speed! He let me go without even looking at my driver's license, telling me to "drive carefully."

This leads me to the feeling that apparently I just can't win. I never knew it was a crime to drive to drive the speed limit.

Have a great weekend, folks!
~Amber

RIP Precious!


So today we say goodbye to the delightful precious that took my brother-in-law and my younger sis on journeys even they thought they would never be on. The car has traveled from coast to coast...and now we must say goodbye. Unless you can be restored by a miracle. You will be missed precious...and Sarah......Welcome to the Sub family....Subarus are faithful little cars...and even though boxy and not pleasing to the eye (Older versions) they will carry you through thick and thin!

Wednesday, October 04, 2006


Our new addition to our cozy little living room...here come the romantic nights!

Could I have asked for a better wife? I think not....Only God could have blessed me with such a wife!

Mates for life!

Serious shot

Some pictures of us strolling through the woods....whoa! Who is that behind us?

My radiant, beautiful wife! Oh how I lover her so!

Sarah, you sure get excited about picking mushrooms!

So this last weekend was also an opportunity to catch up with family....The sisters, brother-in-law, and parents. Haven't seen my younger sister in months...and this is what we get....talk to the hand! =)

Fall colors

One thing is for sure...we never go hungry when we visit my parents!

Fall Weekend! Amber and I went to my hometown to celebrate my Dad's birthday, and also to see family and just hang out. Awesome fall colors up there! Here is Dad...still my hero...amazing how much drive he has. He is supposed to be retired, but started his own business....We love you Dad!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

It's all in the name

Trisha and I were talking yesterday about the names our parents were going to give us if we were boys. Trisha was going to be named Timothy Patrick. I was going to be named Clint (oh yes, after Mr. Eastwood!)

I am not sure what Jason's name was going to be if he was a girl, however I do know that his mom and dad were not in agreement with Jason. Rich dad wanted to have a son named Jesse. Sharon prevailed and named him Jason, however this did not stop Rich from calling Jason Jesse as a kid! "Jesse, hand me that wrench!" was apparently not uncommon! I will have to let Jason elaborate more on this if he'd like to!

So...What was your name supposed to be if you were the opposite sex?

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

~Amber Elizabeth

Friday, September 29, 2006

Car Problems!


So this morning I found out I needed a new water pump! Aren't car problems great! I think sometimes that cars were specifically designed to empty our wallets...but anyways, I think this morning was a lesson to Amber and I. You see last night was the beginning of our young marrieds group and our study is on seeing our finances through what the Bible says about them. Our first lesson last night was that God is in control. That doesn't mean that He controls us like little robots, but rather what we have, where we are in life isn't because we are sooooo talented and amazing, it's because God has blessed us...everyone in unique ways.

Well I personally think that this morning's car trouble event was just a reminder that our plans are not necessarily His plans....but yet no matter what God is good, and does provide our needs.

Lesson Learned! (Expensive lesson-yes!, but another opportunity to learn surrender rather than thinking we can do everything ourselves)

Monday, September 25, 2006

Weekend...

So this weekend Amber and I decided to take it easy. Friday night we went to a potluck to kick off or young marrieds group at church. Our group will be discussing and going through a book that talks about what the Bible says about dealing with our finances. Saturday AM we took it easy and I ended up raking the front yard a bit while Amber cleaned. We had some guest over Saturday night. Travis and Trisha and their son. Thanks for coming Travis and Trisha, it was fun having you guys over for dinner! It's hard to meet couples our age that are easy to hang with. B-man was fun to watch too! Oh, and let me not forget about our opossum experience. As we were walking outside to say good-bye and what not to our guests, Trisha said, "Awww, a kitty just walked into your garage! Come to find out it was not a nice kitty, but the biggest opossum we had ever seen! Those things are nasty! I ended up getting in my car and starting it, and that scared it out, but I think Amber and I will now start closing the garage door before dark!

MMMMMM, pumpkin!

Part of the apple store. Can't say we like all the halloween decorations, but the apples are great!

Fall weekend! Amber and I visited an apple orchard on Sunday. All the gourds you can think of!

Friday, September 22, 2006


Another view

Accent wall. We still are trying to think what would look good on this wall...maybe some wrought iron candle holder, or another painting....let us know....

another view...

Where our viewing enjoyment happens...

Where all the cuddling happens!

Front Entrance, the rug we got a great deal on, and it matches perfectly!

After: Amber and I counted 15 doorways and windows to mask around! Crazy huh? We call this our "evening" room. We painted everything a honey color with a red accent wall. We wish we could have white trim like the new contemporary homes, but the house has all read hard wood trim, and it would be a shame to paint over it....What does everyone think?

before 2

BEFORE:

Thursday, September 21, 2006

Bleach update

So, I went home that night and inspected the bleach-soaking clothes. To my suprise, not only did the clothes have no damage, THEY STILL HAD GREEN PAINT STAINS!!!

I washed them with a little more bleach and was happily suprised to see that MOST of the green came out in the wash! Jason's polo has a slight tint in some spots, so it is still probably considered wrecked. The light pink shirt of mine now has discoloration from the bleach. Oh well, a lesson learned. My white towels are whiter now since I threw them in the same load!

And, the paint wiping rags from painting the family room - oh yes, thrown immediately into the garbage. No red paint remnants in my washing machine are allowed!

Movie Survey - 67

I (Amber) found this on Meghan's Myspace and thought it was interesting. We watch a lot of movies. I only scored a 67, so I guess I have a life!

SUPPOSEDLY if you've seen over 100 movies, you have no life. Mark the ones you've seen.
There are 169 movies on this list.


Put your score in header and repost:

() Nacho Libre
(x) Grease
(x) Pirates of the Caribbean
()Pirates of the caribbean 2
() Orange County
() The Green Mile
(x) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
(x) Neverending Story
() Blazing Saddles
() Airplane!
() Red Eye
() Stick It
(x) Shes the Man
() 8 Mile

My Total so far: 5

(x) The Princess Bride
(x) SNL's The Best of Will Ferrell
(x) Napoleon Dynamite
(x) Fun With Dick and Jane
() Saw
() Saw II
() White Noise
() White Oleander
() Anger Management
(x) 50 First Dates
(x) The Princess Diaries
(x) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Total so far : 12

(x) Scream
(x) Scream 2
(x) Scream 3
() Scary Movie
() Scary Movie 2
() Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
(x) American Pie
(x) American Pie 2
() American Wedding
() American Pie Band Camp

Total so far: 17

() Harry Potter
() Harry Potter 2
() Harry Potter 3
() Harry Potter 4
() Resident Evil I
() Resident Evil 2
(x) The Wedding Singer
(x) Cinderella Man
() The Village
(x) Lilo & Stitch

Total so far: 20

(x) Finding Nemo
(x) Finding Neverland
() Signs
(x) The Grinch
() Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(x) White Chicks
() Butterfly Effect
(x) 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
() Robots

Total so far: 25

(x) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(x) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(x) Along Came Polly
() Deep Impact
() KingPin
(x) Meet The Parents
(x) Meet the Fockers
() Eight Crazy Nights
(x) Joe Dirt
() KING KONG

Total so far: 30

() A Cinderella Story
() The Terminal
() The Lizzie McGuire Movie
() Passport to Paris
(x) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
() Final Destination
() Final Destination 2
() Final Destination 3
() Halloween
() The Ring
() The Ring 2
() Surviving X-MAS
(x) Flubber (original &/or new version)
() Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
() Practical Magic
(x) Chicago
() Ghost Ship
() From Hell
() Hellboy
() Secret Window
(x) I Am Sam
(x) The Whole Nine Yards

Total so far: 35

() The Day After Tomorrow
() Child's Play
() Seed of Chucky
() Bride of Chucky
(x) 10 Things I Hate About You
(x) Just Married
() Gothika
() Nightmare on Elm Street
(x) Sixteen Candles
(x) Remember the Titans
() Coach Carter
() The Grudge
(x) The Mask
() Son Of The Mask

Total so far: 40

() Bad Boys
() Bad Boys 2
() Joy Ride
() Lucky Number Seven
(x) Ocean's Eleven
(x) Ocean's Twelve
() Identity
() Lone Star
() Bedazzled
() Predator I
() Predator II
(x) superstar
() Ice Age
() Ice age 2 The Meltdown

Total so far: 43

(x) Independence Day
() Cujo
() A Bronx Tale
() Darkness Falls
() Christine
(x) ET
() Children of the Corn
(x) My Boss' Daughter
(x) Maid in Manhattan
(x) Monsters Inc.
() War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
() Rush Hour 2

Total so far: 48

() Best Bet
(x) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
(x) She's All That
() Calendar Girls
() Sideways
() Mars Attacks
() Event Horizon
(x) Ever After
(x) Forrest Gump
() Big Trouble in Little China
(x) The Terminator
(x) The Terminator 2
() The Terminator 3

Total so far: 54

() X-Men
() X-Men 2
() X-Men 3
(x) Spider-Man
(x) Spider-Man 2
() Sky High
() Jeepers Creepers
() Jeepers Creepers 2
(x) Catch Me If You Can
() The Others
(x) Freaky Friday (both old &/or new version)
() Reign of fire
(x) Cruel Intentions
() Cruel Intentions 2
() The Hot Chick
(x) Shrek
(x) Shrek 2

Total so far: 61

() Swimfan
() Miracle
() Old School
() K-Pax
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(x) Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
(x) A Walk to Remember
() Boogeyman
(x) The 40-year-old-virgin
() The Hills Have Eyes

TOTAL: 67

Monday, September 18, 2006

RE: How do they do it blog...

So I was reading a blog that I saw from reading another persons blog...yes the cycle continues...and I read some thoughts on how our generation (meaning generation x'ers) have taken on more than we all can financially chew. I do agree with that, and that is why I thought about doing a blog purely dedicated to finding out exactly how people make it. I don't think I will ever do it though purely because it's non of my business, and also because sometimes we can't really figure out how we do it, we just do. Amber and I firmly believe that God has blessed us time and time again, and we have never been without. I also realized what a waste of time that would be seeing that even that the poorest person in America is still richer than most people in the World! It's all perspective!

On a side note...We painted our living room this weekend, so stay tuned for pictures! And here you go Trisha.....I've blogged again!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Bleach worries...

So, I am sitting here at work on my lunch hour enjoying reading one of the blogs that I like to read, Beckie's, when I realize that I have left some clothes in a pail of bleach water for, let's see, 3 1/2 DAYS!

Beckie was talking about Cream of Tartar and a discussion was started about household cleaning products. Bleach was mentioned, and it triggered my memory!

With just two of us, I am blessed with very little laundry and I usually do it on the weekends. Sunday, I threw in a load of whites. When folding, I was devastated to find the little rag that we were wiping green kitchen paint up with! It must have gotten mixed up with the clothes. So, there was green paint all over a couple of items, including Jason's white polo shirt. I felt very badly. I am glad that it did not get on more clothing - that was a blessing. I was folding in the darkish living room, so hopefully there weren't more items that I just didn't catch! :-)

So, this leads me to why the clothes are in bleach water. I put them in there as a last ditch effort in getting the green out. I don't use liquid bleach for laundry, only powder color-safe bleach. So, I am not familiar with how much I did/might be wrecking the clothes.

Before starting this post I emailed my hubby to remind me to take them out when I get home. We are headed to his "end of the softball season" party for the church softball league right away. But, I want to get them out of there ASAP. He appropriately wrote, "Oops….If the stains aren’t out now, they never will be!" He is so sweet to me - even when I mess up! :-)