NY = Cross Country Country

Sorry Wisconsin, but I have now experienced cross county skiing the way it was meant to be enjoyed. The trails were not icey at all, fresh powder everywhere, and no black diamond hills to go up and down with no way to stop.

This morning Chris went to school, Dad went to work, and the rest of us went Cross Country Skiing. I have no bruises...not a single one!

good times

We made it to New York! Yippee! The news anchors weren't kidding...It's really really snowy here...which you can see in this picture of what's left of the patio furniture.

We're going to do some skiing this week - cross country, downhill, and some snow shoeing too. I hope I can walk next week!

It's so fun to be here with Ryan's family, and so so fun hanging out with Christopher and all of his shenanigans. He works at a pizza joint, takes awesome pictures, and plays guitar for the youthgroup worship band. He basically "makes it rain" as he says. More stories are on the way!

good times, good times.

Text Messaging

Yesterday at church they did something I'd never seen before. During worship, they asked people to text their praises to a certain number, then they flashed those prayers and praises on the side wall for all to see. I liked it. I thought it was culturally relevant, even innovative.

I thought it was a great idea...but I didn't personally text. Why not?

Mainly because I don't have free texting on my phone plan...
I am a tight wad.

Friday Night Fun

Welp, Ryan finished his rotation in the NICU...and it seems that things are wrapping up for a lot of the guys in Ryan's class. Everyone is getting the itch to hang out again, spend time together before they all go their seperate ways after graduation.

Last night Scott (future ER doc) & Lisa come out to play some pool, then Aaron (future dermatologist) taught us a lesson or two at the bowling ally. We like Circle Lanes because it is an old school place where you have to keep your own score. I did HORRIBLE my first game, but I like to think I gave those guys a run for thier money during the 2nd two games. Bowling is fun. Other than smelling like an ash tray...it was a great night!

I Heart Amazon.com

Amazon.com is so awesome! I don't know why I would buy a book at a store ever again! Don't tell this to any librarians you know, but I have become one of those people who browse through the aisles at the bookstore while making a list of things to buy online when I get home. The prices are INCREDIBLE!! I just got three new books that I am really looking forward to. I'll write some review and hilights for you as I read.

1.) The Gospel According to Starbucks - Leonard Sweet

2.) Bruchko - Bruce Olson

3.) Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Just so you know....

Have you seen those For Eyes commercials that talk about 2 pairs of glasses for $99? Well, today I went to For Eyes and learned that the $99 is not quite accurate. What I discovered is that the $99 will buy you two FRAMES in the "select styles" (cheap) section on the wall and you have to pay twice that for the prescription lenses (which seem to be the most important part.)

So, today I got ONE new pair of the cheapest glasses with plastic lenses for $139. Not quite 2 for $99...just so you know.

Grape Lady

This is pretty much the last thing you want to have happen while on Channel 5 Fox News. Click on the picture to see what happens.

Michelle's family came to Chicago to visit this weekend. I got to hang out with little Carolyn while they ate chicken pot pie. She is hilarious! I love her.

My Utmost for His Highest

This devotional book surprises me with its accurate timing in my life. Life can be hurtful, frustrating, confusing, and people can let you down. I am slowly but surely learning not to plan out my entire life, but to strive for and follow God's plan for my life. I'm learning not to worry about my life, but to trust that my God, who created me, can take better care of me than I can. It's a hard lesson...one that I seem to have to learn and re-learn time and time again.

"Sometimes God puts us through the experience and discipline of darkness to teach us to hear and obey him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and God puts us into "the shadow of His hand" until we learn to hear him."

Chris Sligh

Guess What?!?! Chris Sligh is in the TOP 24 Idol Contestants! Yippee! He is my favorite!

Tonight they norrowed it down to the top 12 guys and the top 12 girls who will compete for the rest of the season.

Why is he my favorite? Because he has PERSONALITY, he is funny, he has a curly fro, and he loves Jesus.

I think he's gonna win it.

Go Chris, Go!