Story of my life...

i think i'm back...

2010-03-25T11:55:00.001-07:00

maybe...

lots of change happening in our lives.

:)

busy much?

2009-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:00

I guess you can say that we have been extremely busy these last few weeks. Fall has definitely crept up faster than I was expecting and now it's already october! Seriously, where does the time go!! Well, John and I have been trying to do our best and not go crazy with all the stuff going on! John has done remarkably well. Me, on the other hand, was so grateful for john for making things sane! Here's what's been going on...

1. we moved officially!! at probably the worst time because of work and stuff, but we did it! We down-sized to a 1 bedroom and now this is our backyard :) well, we can walk here in like 2 minutes, it's just across the parking lot! John took this amazing picture!

2. September-October is always the biggest month for me at work, Small Groups launch! hooray! they went amazing this year, we totally tried something new and I'm so grateful we did! Normally, we do a big hoopla at the church to launch, but this year we did the hoopla in the individual small groups homes with parents. And I have to tell you the time that our leaders got to spend with the parents was pretty priceless!

3. Michelle got married!! Michelle and I have been friends since junior high. It was a beautiful wedding!!! we had a little high school reunion too, which was fun!

4. My boss went on vacation. Which normally would be fine, but again it was our busiest time of the year (for me at least). Thank goodness we have an amazing staff that pulled together and pulled it all off! I know I'm glad he is coming back because there are only so many things you can make decisions on and say, "I hope that's what he would do :/" I guess I'll find out this week!

5. My oldest sister moved to Thailand. Crazy! She went over just a couple weeks ago to teach english. Plans to be there for about a year. Weird to have a sibling on the other side of the world. Reminds me of when my brother moved to australia.

6. And my other sister and her husband and their cute new baby noah, came to visit and I got to take family photos! I'm no awesome photographer, but they turned out pretty good! I'll post them later :)

7. School!! took my midterm last night! It was the final busy thing on the agenda for this month. And...

I got a 97%!!! I was so excited!!

So now, I guess we move into a "slower" period, not really, it's more like, "not AS crazy period" :) Next big adventure is visiting Oklahoma in November for Chris & Gina's wedding! Excited to see everyone and have a little time off!

quick story...

2009-09-08T16:32:00.001-07:00

here is the quick version of what has been happening in the last 3 weeks...
1. houseboats, didn't meet my expectations...learned a TON, but took care of sick students the whole time. I felt so bad for them being sick in over 100 degree weather!

2. John and I are moving!!! we get the keys to our new place on the 15th! literally we are 100 yards from the ocean!

3. I started back in school for my nursing degree and made a wonderful friend name Kelli! She is pretty much me, just a year younger and blond! It's awesome!

4. this is my sweet friend, Amanda and her husband Adam. 3 weeks ago we found out Adam has a rare form of Luekemia and begins his treatment (that is very aggressive) tomorrow. PLease keep them in your prayers, for healing, rest, strength, patience, and courage.

here is where you can read more about his story http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/adamokelley

off to Houseboats!!!

2009-08-16T21:09:00.000-07:00

if you need me...
I'll be at the lake..

taking pictures like this...

and hanging out with people like this!

best trip of the year is about to begin...so excited!!! Praying I can sleep on the bus :/

see ya later!

happy anniversary!

2009-08-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

2 years ago today I started at Mariners Church! I have loved it, learned a ton in the past 2 years, have fallen more in love with Jesus, works with an amazing JH team, and made some great friendships!

Excited for the future of Junior high ministry, grateful God's hand is on us!

holy cow weight difference....

2009-08-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

yikes....

grateful for the accident!

thinking, praying, learning...

2009-08-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

a lot right now...

being patient, trying to understand God's will for our lives, realizing the amazing blessing God has given us...

things are good. great. wonderful. Even in times of uncertainty, I'm grateful for my amazing husband.

Yah, lots going on. Lots of great things going on.

6 months down, 6 more to go!!!

2009-08-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

this was me about 6 months ago...

I can't believe it's been that long! I am so excited to get my braces off in february, I guess it's not all bad, I lost a total of 20lbs and am loving life in a smaller size :)

meet my nephew....

2009-08-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

Noah Denzler Hazen

Born June 22, 2009
@6:00 in the morning

weighing in @ 4 pounds 10 ounces!

proud Auntie!

and uncle John!

Can't wait to teach him all sorts of things :)

haven't blogged...

2009-08-05T20:29:00.000-07:00

...in forever

might start again :)

not sure who reads this?

back together again...

2009-06-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

that's right! Megan and Matt came into town so we had a full weekend together!
we had a lot of fun with all 5 of us, spouses and boyfriends!
Brent & Tara got a new little puppy! So we welcomed Rigley to the clan!
Soaked in as much megan time as we could!
And just had a ton of fun...

I have a lot more pics, but they are on my other computer...I'll post later if I remember!

you may think i'm crazy....

2009-05-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

but i'm dang excited...
to have 12 students over to my house to sleepover!!!

I'll let you know how it goes!

been a while....

2009-05-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm sure most people now stopped reading my blog. I would after almost 2 months of nothing :) So here is the quick update on the last 2 months...

We have celebrated a lot of birthdays in the last couple months...kristen and I showed up to tara's in the same bathing suit...haha, figures! don't worry, we rocked it!
john and I flew back to oklahoma for easter. I really didn't use my camera very well this trip, but we had a great time with our family and friends...and a wonderful time with our niece!!
Surprise!!! that's megan...
and that's me and megan...
The four of us... me, kristen, tara, and tiff made the 12 hour drive to grand junction, colorado to surprise megan. It had been planned for about 8 months! We had an amazing weekend! I love love love these girls!
Did you know my sis is prego??? welp, she is...due August 4th! They don't know if it's a boy or a girl, so we painted the babies room pokadots! I got to go visit her in vegas a couple weeks ago!
Happy Anniversary! 2 years on May 4th! john and I celebrated our anniversary practically all week! We went up to LA and spent most of the day in old town Pasadena, Westwood, and Malibu! we were all over the place.

then the night before we went to a delicious dinner with my parents and stopped by the Montage on the way home to remember our engagement!
And the night of...we stayed in dana point, went to our favorite Thai place and walked over to the view of the harbor...it was wonderful! I am seriously married to the most wonderful man in the world!
flowers from my amazing husband!

So that's the latest from us...i'll try to do a better job! We have had a great 2 months...teeth are healing slowly, spending a lot of time together with john, family, and friends...no complaints!!!

pain of discipline vs. pain of regret

2009-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

So last week John woke me up to say goodbye and I decided I would turn on the TV and lay in bed for a while (something I rarely get to do). So I turned on the news and was bored, flipped thru some channels and landed on MTV Made. Lame I know. But I got sucked in for about 15 minutes and learned a lot from a high school senior. Some cheer leading squad wanted to win something and all of them were fed up and frustrated with their coach so they left. One of the Senior boys yelled at the girls (it was awesome) and talked to them about how the pain they feel now is the pain of discipline, but the that they will feel the pain of regret when the leave and it's much worse.

I thought to myself, that's really smart. How have I never heard that from a coach? weird. Anwyay, it got me out of bed and I allowed, Jillian Micheals from the Biggest Loser (on DVD) to kick my butt for an hour and it felt GREAT!! I realized every time I want to lay around and not workout or eat something bad for me I will feel the pain of regret, I would much rather be on the side of discipline.

So I had a little help in the food area because (most of you know this) I haven't been able to chew for the last 2 months. So, not by choice I have drastically changed my eating habits. And I have lost A LOT of weight. But it was so funny how I actually LEARNED that it really is all about your portions. We (Americans) eat WAY too much!! I go back to the doctor on thursday and I'm praying that he'll tell me I can eat normal foods, but I think I am going to stick to the diet of NOT gorging myself. I love that I haven't felt sickly full in 2 months. :)

Ghost Hunters...

2009-03-30T13:21:00.000-07:00

So John and I like to watch Ghost Hunters before we fall asleep, well, before I fall asleep and he stays up to watch...

Anyway, we don't really buy a lot of the stuff they say, but it's pretty interesting to watch. Most people may think that it's crazy to watch that before falling asleep, but I always sleep very well. In fact John was gone a few weeks ago and I watched it alone as I fell asleep, felt like he was lying there with me :)

just a little inside info to our lives ;)

I love my niece...

2009-03-25T19:38:00.000-07:00

and I miss her so much....

She was using the shower as her stage!!

back at camp...

2009-03-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

so I am back at camp this weekend speaking at kids camp (3rd thru 5th grade) and it's been pretty fun! Our junior high was here about 2 weeks ago so I find myself looking for my students, leaders, and our staff....nope just me! My friend Ali is the Children's coordinator and so she and I are spending a lot of time together.

I also have tons of time alone which I don't get very often with John and my busy schedule. It's nice to be away and reflect on all that God is doing in our lives, to pray for the future, and just sit in God's presence. I am really grateful for this time to get away. SO my weekend looks like; making sure messages are ready to go (I did them a long time ago), resting, spending time with God, watching a little basketball (there is a TV in my cabin), planning a summer camp for 8th grade girls, and missing this guy a whole LOT...

26! yikes I feel old!

2009-03-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

So I turned 26 this week and I must say I feel old! The braces are helping me feel nice and young, but moving up in your twenties feels weird.

My parents got me gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. One of my new years resolutions was to not purchase any clothing items till my bday, I must say it was harder than I thought! Thanks to mom and dad I got to have a little shopping spree, I got a new dress, bathing suit, and jeans...! John's parents got me a Kitchen Aid mixer! I was super excited!!

John was great for my bday! He spoiled me rotten! Before camp he got me a new North Face....it's so fun! Some red Toms when I got home, gift card to the Nike store, and forever 21. On my bday we went to Disneyland and they gave me a $69 disney giftcard! I found a cute billabong dress, thanks Disney!!

Friday morning I got to have coffee with Kristen and she gave me all liquids..haha!! My favorite was a bottle of white wine called, "Five Friends"She wrote all the names of us girls from Biola...Me, Megan, Tara, Tiff, & Kristen, so cute!

He then invited some friends to come down for dinner on friday night! We had a great time! And then they all came back to play on saturday! It was a great bday!

Tara got me the cutest candle holders! It also took us a lot of pics to get one where Tara didn't close her eyes...this was the best one...haha!

I sure do LOVE him! His bday is in one month...taking lots of notes for great ideas!!

found some more pics...

2009-03-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

So I thought I didn't take any pics the next day when my lip was giant, I was on vicodine. The pics don't do it justice, but for your enjoyment!

pictures of the tooth...

2009-03-02T19:29:00.001-08:00

So here are the pics....It was a very painful process and looks like it will continue for about a year...

This was sunday night, approx 7 hours after the injury. The lower half of my face swelled and the next day my lip was giant. So we have no pics of the next day, but just think of a simpson's character that has a giant upper lip and a tiny lower lip

this is the brace/bracket they put on my gum after they moved the tooth as best as they could back in place, swelling was down.

Me and my clear braces that I will have for a year. I get lower braces on the bottom teeth on saturday in order to fix my bite. The impact shifted my bite out of place.

the brace on my gums removed (3 weeks after the accident) it was bloody and pussy for a few days... Gross is all I can say.

cleaned up and now waiting for the gums to heal...

So as of now, I am still on a "no chew" diet, I don't know for how much longer. My upper teeth have changed yellow because of a rinse I had to use for my gums. I go to the dentist tomorrow for a cleaning, praying it works, if not I will have yellow upper teeth and white lower teeth till I get my braces off and can bleach them. All in all the situation is pretty lame, trying to stay positive and learn all that God has for me in a silly little tooth!

home from the oral surgeon...

2009-02-23T17:32:00.001-08:00

Got home a little bit ago from the oral surgeon. The doc took off my braces on my gums. I am super numb still, but anticipating pain soon. My gums are gnarly looking! really nasty, but I am so glad I to not have that brace in my mouth. He says I will be back on vicodine when the numbness wears off.

Still on a no chew diet for a minimum of another 2 weeks...ugh! I am currently working on documenting everything from the last few weeks and am planning to post it with pictures. SO I will prepare you now that the pics can be unsettling (I don't think they're that bad, but people cringe when they see them), so be careful of reading the next post after this!

P.S. if you ever need an oral surgeon (I hope you don't) but I know an AMAZING one!

What my last few weeks have been like...

2009-02-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

Well, things haven't gotten any easier. I am reminded daily by other peoples stories that it could have been A LOT worse. My friend Michelle had to have her jaw wired shut for almost 4 months! My friend Anna had all four of her front teeth knocked out in high school and has to get them re-done every 6 years! Craziness! My story is not that bad, but I have bad days.

I am still on a "no chew" diet, which is really annoying, I can't really smile like I use to, and I am still in pain. Today was one of the worst days at the dentist and because of a stupid dental assistance I am back on vicodine for pain. I also found out today that I need to get braces. My appointment with the orthodontist is on Saturday and my appointment with the oral surgeon is on Monday. So if I get braces on Saturday I will have a LOT of metal in my mouth this weekend!

I am trying to see the bigger picture, trying to learn what God wants to teach me through this, trying to stay positive, but some days it's just hard. I am frustrated at the pain, the time, the COST!! it's unbelievable! I do have an amazingly supportive husband who takes the BEST care of me and allows me to be sad some days. I appreciate your prayers and suggestions on food. This will all pass and I will have a straight white smile again...I just don't know when.

The first day after the accident when I was in so much pain and so sad, I was encouraged by this...

Hebrews 13:5b

“I will never fail you.
I will never abandon you.”

I am grateful that God cares for me and my stupid tooth!

I need your ideas....

2009-02-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Ok so, I am feeling a lot better, but like I said previously I am on a "NO chew" diet. So basically anything I can swallow or crush with my tongue against the roof of my mouth. So I need your ideas! My diet currently consists of...

yogurt
mashed potatoes
smoothies
tomato soup
any broth-y soup
cheesecake
cottage cheese
oatmeal (but it's a little difficult)

needless to say, it's only day 6 and I am already bored and anxious for the month to end.

Is there some obvious soft foods I am missing?

Life is still good...just a little overwhelming

2009-02-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

hello all,

well, i wanted to let you know a little bit about what's going on with me....

on sunday i was elbowed in the mouth during a game of ultimate frisbee at the church (before superbowl) my front right tooth was shoved up and back in my mouth. So after the hit we went to the ER and waited around a lot, there wasn’t much they could do, but they CAT scanned my face to make sure the bone above my tooth wasn’t broken. Even thought they didn’t do much it ended up being a blessing that we went.
So monday went first to an oral surgeon only to find out that it wasn’t covered on my dental insurance, so this began a LONG day of running around to different doctors trying to figure out what the heck to do. It was very frustrating and overwhelming. So we finally went to and endodontist (nerve specialist) and found out the nerve in my front tooth is dead. So from there we jumped through a few more hoops to finally see an oral surgeon, thinking we were going to have to pay out of pocket, we showed up and the staff there was AMAZING. So nice, kind and helpful. Anyway, the girl figure out since it was an accidental injury and we went to the ER it is covered under my regular medical insurance and not my dental insurance! Praise God! The surgery only cost $10.
So the details are…they were able to put my tooth back in place using wires to hold it there, it’s basically braces on my gums, yeah pretty gross. I have to have it on for 1 month and only eat soft foods, they say I am on a NO chew diet. Oh goody. So today I went back to the endodontist to get a root canal and then we pray that the tooth stays alive. Best case scenario the gums surround the tooth and keep it in place. Worst case scenario it doesn’t take and I will lose the tooth and then have to get an implant which would leave me toothless for a bit. So please pray the tooth holds!
I still have a GIANT lip, but all in all we know it could have been a lot worse. God is good and provided really great people/doctors for us yesterday and today, we seriously are so blessed! I’m not the biggest fan on HMO dental insurance people, so I need to soften my heart towards them ☺ Thanks for your prayers for me and for John, he did amazing caring for his somewhat hysterical wife at moments yesterday. if you could pray for me and john that would be awesome. God is seriously so wonderful and we have been able to find blessings in the midst of a bummer of a situation. Thanks for all your prayers!

I have pics, but I think I need a few more days before I post them...

Life is good.

2009-01-31T09:22:00.000-08:00

Things have been pretty busy in the Snyder household. But it's been really fun too!! Some exciting news is that our dear friends Sean & Michelle are MOVING HERE!!! from oklahoma! We met them at our short stay in Oklahoma after we got married and often feel like God moved us all the way there just to have Sean & michelle a part of our lives! So I can't wait for April 5th! The day they roll into town permanently!!

grocery shopping...a little silly!

2009-01-24T10:40:00.000-08:00

So grocery shopping in the Snyder household is a little ridiculous! I do major grocery shopping once a month and then the rest of the month is usually just as needed. But here is what I come home with...
So I shop at trader joes for most of our food, ralphs for brand names we can't give up, and gelsons for fruits, veggies, and meat. Kind of silly I know, but we like what we like :)

I might be adding a 4th...ummm cuz World market is amazing!!

training for a run...not a race

2009-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

So I am training for a run, not a race. See we live really close to the ocean about a mile and a half. There are beautiful places to run (as seen in previous posts) so I am training for a run that hopefully I will be able to do once or twice a week on a regular basis. So here is the run...
The part along PCH will actually be ran on the beach, but googles maps didn't let me do it that way. It ends up being about 6+ miles, yes it is very hilly which is why I am "training" probably weird, but I am really excited about it. I might even make a fake medal for when I complete it for the first time... wish me luck.

Also, I am putting no time line. So I have no idea when I will actually do it, but I'll let you know! Wish me luck!

My run at the beach...

2009-01-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

So as you can see from my last post, it's WARM!! And I love it! So I took a little stroll to one of my favorite beaches, "Stands" and went for a run.

Just wanted to share with you what I get to run next too...

No I don't run with a camera, but I do run with my iphone (my mother-in-law insists that I do) plus, it has an ipod. Just another reason I love my phone!

Ok thats it :)

what?!?!?! January, I LOVE IT!!!

2009-01-12T12:23:00.001-08:00

I LOVE hot weather!! Well. I love dry, hot, I live by the beach with a nice breeze, kind of weather~!!

Totally enjoying my day off!!!

Jillian Michaels is the coolest!!

2009-01-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

So my friend at work, Diane, and I have an ongoing debate whether Bob or Jillian from the Biggest Loser is the better trainer. I love Jillian she loves Bob. Got to work the other day and she got me this...
And I love it!!!!

Pregnant!!!!!!

2009-01-08T15:30:00.001-08:00

No, NOT me! My beautiful sister Evelyn!! due in August!! oh Hooray!!

oh the joys of new years resolutions...

2009-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

So I made a few for 2009. More like 2009 GOALS. My plan is to do the best I can, if I mess up, just try to get right back on track instead of just giving up. So here is the list,

Read through the bible & sit quietly every day- each year our Pastor encourages the church to read through the entire bible together...I'm doing it! Also, a goal to slow down a bit!

Fall more in love with Jesus everyday!

Stop drinking soda - I don't drink it a ton, but I just want to stop all together

Get healthy - In the last few years I have had some stomach (ulcer) problems. So in order to help out my tummy I should steer clear of a few food items. 2009 I am taking on the moto, "Nothing tastes as good as healthy feels"

Learn to play guitar - I don't need to be a pro, but I want to be able to play a few songs

Take a vacation

give/sell/throw stuff away we don't need

don't buy any clothing items for 2 months (my bday on march 5th)

be smarter about spending $$$

Get a hair cut every 8 weeks to keep it healthy

Be a better wife, daughter, sister, & friend

our week off after Christmas...

2009-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

So John and I both had the week afte Christmas off. We had planned on taking a little vacation, but then we found out that oklahoma state was playing in the Holiday Bowl in San diego and USC would be playing in the Rose Bowl. So we decided to use some of our money on those instead of a vacation. I think $$ well spent! We had so much fun!
We took my parents to the game and they were OSU fans all the way!
It was a sad day they lost to Oregon, but it was still fun to see John cheer on his Alma mater
We also spent time with the Orrs!! Went and saw there new place in Irvine and went on a great hike!
Cute Orr Family!
John and I
So New Years was so fun! john surprised me with dinner at the Savannah Chop House. It's only a few blocks from our house, but I have always wanted to try it! It was amazing!
That was going to be the end of our fun week. We had decided not to buy tickets to the USC game because they were just too expensive. But then our friend James gave us 2 tickets for a belated wedding present! Amazing!!!
USC victory!
It was so much fun!
We had an amazing week together! I didn't get much done around the house, but we had a lot of fun...now back to reality!

Christmas in Oklahoma...

2008-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing Christmas in Edmond, OK. Lots of family time! Saw lots of good friends! When we landed is the 17 degrees, then the last day we were there it was 70 degrees...what??! Crazy weather! Enjoy the pics...

Went to an Oklahoma City Thunder game with he parents!
They lost, but we got to see Lebron James play, that was cool! He is so good!
I got to see my dear friend Danielle!! She left her sick husband to drive 2 hours from Witchita, Kansas. Next time we're in town, I'll head north to see her!!
John and I got to go on a double date with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law! no pics of all of us together, but this is john and I right before! It was so fun to hang with no distractions, we had great conversation and so much fun hanging and laughing!
Oh goodness! We got to spend A LOT of time with our niece! We love her SO much! Crazy to think how much we will love our own kids!
John made her a little baby Jesus! She slept with it that night, my sister-in-law took a pic. I'm waiting to get it, it's so dang cute!
I got her an owl. A month ago she told me she LOVES owls...funny thing is I do too!
She screamed, "I really wanted this, how did you know?!?"
John and I with his parents on Christmas day!
I just love her so much! This is us with her new American doll, "julie"
All the girls...
all the boys...

We had an amazing time! But we are really excited to be home and relax for a week! No work, just rest and play! Going to the Oklahoma State vs. Oregon game on tuesday in San Diego with my parents, super excited! Plans to hang with lots of friends and celebrate the new year! Also, get some things done around the house...should be a GREAT week!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2008-12-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

It is the most wonderful time! I love getting together with family and friends! I love the decorations, the food, the giving of gifts! All of it!OK so, there will be a lot of pics coming! Christmas hasn't even happened yet (well, it's not the 25th) But here is what's happened so far!

John and I made it to disneyland during the Christmas time, my most favorite time at d-land. The is us in front of small world.
Next, for my mom's Christmas gift we took her to Wicked...She was so excited! Some of you may know the story of when my family tried to go a few years ago, anyway, it was a great gift!

we also took her to sushi at Katsuya in Hollywood, so delicious and so classy!
Next, it was off to the Miles Family Christmas, so many surprises and so much fun! Evi and Aaron surprised us this morning!

the siblings
pretty normal
my cute husband! He is so handsome!
The whole family!
Our fam!

We leave for Oklahoma in the morning, gunna see lots of family and lots of friends! I am so excited! Then we return to another week off for the both of us! Hooray! I mean come on, it's the most wonderful time of the year!!!

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-17T22:41:00.000-08:00

it's freaking cold...

2008-12-17T20:34:00.000-08:00

So yes, I have been to colder weather then it was today. The only difference is that I prepare to be freezing! I never would have thought I would be this cold in SoCal!

I did not plan to be cold, I did however plan to be wet. I knew the forecast said rain, therefore instead of purchasing an umbrella, raincoat, and/or rainboots on rainy days I tend to bring a few changes of clothes with me for the day.

So I ran a few errands got drenched, then changed at my destination for the day. Then changed back into my wet clothes to run a few more errands. May sound crazy, but I just don't want to buy "rain" stuff for only the 3 days a year it rains in SoCal, so I opt to do a few more loads of laundry.

Needless to say, I got home and was frozen cold! Luckily John started a fire and I thawed out :)

I guess this is just a taste for the 20 degrees it will be in Oklahoma in just a few days!

Life has been soooo busy!

2008-12-15T19:16:00.001-08:00

But luckily I have had time to enjoy a cappuccino

Ok so, I have been absolutely terrible at blogging. Too much is going on, I don't even know where to start!

I think I finally finished my "busy" season at work. Planning to enjoy multiple Christmas parties this week and then taking my mom to "Wicked" on Thursday night for her Christmas gift! Hooray! We are so excited!

so here is a quick catch up of events that have gone on...

had a Christmas party with just my 7th grade girl leaders took some pics for a Christmas card, this one is my fav minus the fact that everyone's eyes are closed!
Merry Christmas from the Snyders! So I really wanted to send out a Christmas card this year, but time just went by too fast, so here it is...

Got to spend time with my niece this thanksgiving, so excited to see her for Christmas too!
I mean seriously she is so cute!
I have obviously been at work a lot hanging out with this amazing lady! Diane and I usually get asked about 3 times a week if we are sisters! I'm so grateful she is on our staff!Lastly, my beautiful sister was in town and we got to spend some wonderful time together! Reminds me how grateful I am for family!

We leave for OKC in about a week, it will be cold, but I get to see one of my best friends, danielle, while I'm there, and tons of family and friends! Can't wait for a cold Christmas!

more blogs to come :)

too much to blog...

2008-12-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

There is so much to come...

but please pray for us in the time being. We had some identity theft go on with our bank account. It could have been a lot worse, but we still feel violated. The details will be worked out. I'll fill you in later.

Check back.

Oh 80's night!

2008-11-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

ok, here is a little tease...more pics to come...

girl leaders @ 80's night

movie at midnight...

2008-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

So I am going to see a movie at midnight with some girl friends of mine...

I'll give you one guess...

lots of girls in Orange County will be there with me...:)

80's night promo

2008-11-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

So we are having an 80's night at the church on November 21st.

So us girls decided to take on the promotion last weekend by dressing up...

and we taught ourselves the thriller dance!We might not have been the bext dancers, but I think we got the message across.

The next morning we had students jump in on the fun! ahaha!!

Hope students come! I need to work on another outfit, any suggestions?!

had an all girls overnighter....

2008-11-11T17:50:00.001-08:00

at the church...

with 97 junior high girls...

best thing ever...

got 30 minutes of sleep...

still recovering...

I love the Redingtons!

2008-11-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

So I got to see some dear friends of mine this weekend...You can ready about their story here.

Heather are Whitney stopped into California before going back to Tennessee from China! Why were they in China you ask? Cuz they were in bringing home this sweet thing (as I told you in a previous post)...

Meet Zion!

Notice his cute little fingers...

And sweet Whitney is getting so old! I can't even believe it!
I love these 2!!

Heather and her family are amazing! I am so glad I got to see her face!

I truly hope that God blesses you with amazing people in your life...people that encourage you, challenge you, and just love you!

Anyone want to buy us a house?

2008-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Cuz I found one I really like...:)
So every now and again, I look at houses for sale online, and I have wishful thinking sometimes that one will pop up and only cost $1. haha~! I know I'm ridiculous!

Or...

Maybe someone will stumble across my blog and just want to help us out!! Haha!

I must tell you, I don't always live in reality, but I'm working on it!

Cute conversation I over heard today...

2008-10-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

As I was leaving the main offices today a preschool class was just getting out!

I walked by a little boy and his mom, he said to his mom,"Mommy, what is that?"

Mom said, "That's a tractor" (we still have construction going on at our campus).

he then said, "mommy will you get me one of those?"

I turned and smiled...it was just really cute!

The mom responded, "maybe when you're older!"

I love seeing the little preschoolers around work!

I've been tagged

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by Megan and Ryan. So I guess I better do this thing!
1. I love Coconut creamer for my coffee.
2. I love the smell of fresh cut grass. I think from playing soccer for so many years!
3. I still sleep with a blankie...:)
4. I have never been to Europe, but would love to go!!!
5. I have NO desire to owe anyone money ever again, trust me~! I am paying Biola a junk load of money!
6. I am currently reading the "Twilight" series. And can't believe I am so into it, neither can my husband! I started the book for research purposes for my junior high parents...oops! I finished the first book in 3 days, almost done with the 2nd...
7. My husband just bought a pair of rollerblades for our student center skate park. I love him so much!

Okay, now I tag...hmmm, I need to think about this!

Happy Harvest!!!

2008-10-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

We had fun carving pumpkins the other night! I enjoyed every minute, well, the guts were a little grosser than I remember!

Happy Harvest!! We also watched Charlie Brown's "the GREAT PUMPKIN"!

Dang cute kids...

2008-10-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

So I found myself taking a ton of pics of our kiddos at the weekend. By kiddos I mean all of our pastors kids that I seem to can't get enough of...so enjoy!

I mean seriously!

I'm loving photography!

This is my niece...

2008-10-22T21:16:00.001-07:00

And I miss her so much!

She is getting so big! And dang cute! I can't wait to see her during the holidays!!

Welcome Zion Redington!!

2008-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well, this is my friend Heather and I love her dearly!She seriously is the most amazing friend, mom, wife, servant, teacher...the list goes on!

and...

this is the newest addition to the Redington family! Little Zion! All the way from China!

this is scott, heather, & zion signing the adoption papers!

I love you guys and can't wait to meet Zion! have a safe trip back to the US!

my years in youth ministry...

2008-10-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

So this is Morgan, Lauren, and me last year. I took the girls out for a day 'o' fun with just me and we had a blast.

Well, last night John and I went and had dinner with Morgan's family and truly had a wonderful time. I got to chat with Michelle (Morgan's mom) and talk about life and how I got into Ministry. As I took a trip down memory lane with her, I was reminded of a lot...

I was awake early this morning and just began to think. I have been ministering to junior high students since I was 16. Almost 10 years. It always looked different. from volunteer to intern, intern to staff coordinator, staff coordinator to now pastoring a group of students, plus throw in a few years of being a camp counselor. Although, I felt like a pastor most of the way, God has taught me so much in 10 years. Yet, I have a TON more to learn and I hope I continue until I am old and gray! There were moments along the way where I could have chosen a different direction in my life, but I have to tell you I am so glad God has called me to ministry. And grateful to all the people who helped me get her along the way.

At small group the other night, my girls and I went through this years theme verse...

2 Peter 1:5-9 (the message)
So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

I pray and hope to live my life this way, and teach our students to as well. And to learn everyday!

Happy BOSS day!!!

2008-10-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd let you (who read this) that today is boss day!!

and...

I have been blessed with some pretty amazing bosses!

So to my boss at Saddleback who taught me a junk load about life and ministry, Kurt Johnston. Thanks for just being our friend and preforming our wedding, we sure love you! Happy Boss day (even tho you aren't my boss anymore)!!! I'm glad I still get to see you!

And now...
to my current boss at Mariners, Phil Shinners.

You're great! Seriously, thank you for encouraging us, teaching us, and just doing life with us. I'm so grateful God brought me to Mariners and that I get to work for you! I'm grateful for your convictions, your heart for students, your love for our team, and your love for your family! Happy BOSS day!!

The whole team sure loves you a lot!

list 'o' stuff to do...

2008-10-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, I am just about to leave for lunch, then a meeting, then hanging out with students, but I am overwhelmed with thoughts of all I need to to at home. So I decided I would write the list here instead of a piece of paper I will probably lose.

finish laundry
grocery shop
clean out car
wash car
oil change for both cars
carve pumpkins
call for carpet cleaning
pay bills (boo!)
clean out garage
put stuff on craigslist
get dresser from parents
re-paint bookshelf and dresser
put up giant frames
clean out closest (give stuff away)
hair cut (potential dye job too) I just have no time.
start planning x-mas gifts (I know trying to get a jump on things)

ok, lunch time.

Catalyst WEST COAST!!!

2008-10-13T11:11:00.001-07:00

Don't know if you've heard but Catalyst is coming to the west coast!

Specifically, MARINERS CHURCH!

Come visit! Sign up now...here!!

You don't want to miss out!!

check out Ben Arment's blog too!

the weekend was great!!

2008-10-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

So we had a great weekend! Chic Fil A came out and it was pretty for us to have the cow there (as seen below, a little blurry)

But everything was so fun! My sweet 7th grader Valentina played guitar with me and I couldn't be more proud of her!

Also, my new friend Kelly led Worship with me! Seriously, I love this girl! She started at Mariners about 2-3 months ago. She works in Outreach and volunteers for me with 7th grade girls! I seriously LOVE HER!!!

Plus, my parents came out for weekend #2 and it was so fun to see them serve and have them around! I love that they feel connected to Mariners! And of course everyone LOVES them!

I love my job! And can't believe God has put me here!

Weekend #2 in the Student Center!!

2008-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

It was so fun last weekend!

Me & Andrea before the students arrive!

even my parents joined in the fun!
Our JH room!
My sweet Rachel, I love this kid!!!

So about to head to work for our 2nd weekend in the Student Center! I love every minute!!!

Come check it out if you're around!!

spending my evening with...

2008-10-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

My wonderful Husband...

I love every moment we spend together!

the plan is...
dinner at Salt Creek Grille (thanks to my in-laws)
maybe carve some pumpkins :)
finish by watching "21"

sounds like a great date night to me!

Today, I thought a lot about...

2008-10-09T20:14:00.000-07:00

my dear friend MEGAN!!

I met Megan at Biola and she is one of my best friends!

she turned 26 just a few days ago and I am sad I couldn't celebrate with her in person!

She brings JOY to everyone she is around!

I am so grateful God brought us together!
She is so fun, loving, and selfless!
She is a wonderful friend even thousands of miles away!

I love you MEGS! Happy (late blog post) Birthday! Miss you like crazy!

The "Schu's" wedding...

2008-10-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

John Schuster is the 7th grade guys pastor. And he and debbie got married last night! It was a beautiful wedding! And we're so excited for the both of them!

me and Erica! Love her!
me and Diane
Me and Camdyn...she's so cute!
Jr High Staff
Me & Debs
cute.
Phil & Alicia!

Monday, Monday, dah, dah, dah, dah!

2008-09-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

So today is pretty much the last day I could get anything done because work will be so busy this week...

So, John and I woke up to some thunder and rain, crazy I know!
But decided it wouldn't keep us from going to our favorite bagel shop at the harbor, we sat under an umbrella and actually didn't get very wet!

Then, we went and re-signed our lease at our apartment, 1 more year in the DP, we're excited! No moving for us!

Next, headed to Cox Communication to drop off a DVR box and try to get our bill lowered! we're now saving $23 dollars! hey every little bit helps!

Finally, ended at the State Farm Insurance office. Change car insurance on my car (now saving $50), transferred insurance from Oklahoma to California on John's car, insured my ring (finally), and renewed our renter's insurance.

John goes to work and my plan is to watch a few episodes of One Tree Hill, go grocery shopping, and pay some bills.

John will come home and we'll head to see my parents, then I'll go watch John play softball.

productive/fun day!

good times...

2008-09-29T12:28:00.001-07:00

So a couple weeks ago I got to got to an Angel Game with these 2 lovely ladies!

Andrea & Cassie
I met them at our Houseboat trip to Shasta, they are seniors at Biola, and I am so grateful the Lord brought them into my life!
Andrea is now interning with me with 7th grade girls and I love her heart for students!

Next,

I got to take out one of my favorite students, Meghan, for her 14th bday! I surprised her with lunch at BJ's pizza on Balboa Island, then to the fun zone (we went on the ferris wheel, I hated and loved every minute of it!), walked around for a bit and then ended with Sprinkles Cupcakes (of course!) It was so fun, I am so glad God brought Meghan into my life, she brings me such JOY!!!

busy week...

2008-09-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

... is coming up!

We got the occupancy permit for our new Student Center! We start moving in on tuesday! Wish us luck!!

view from skatepark
ROOM 2 or JH ROOM
Upper Level basketball court

Words could not describe our excitement!!

my latest downloads...:)

2008-09-24T21:58:00.000-07:00

So anyone who knows me knows that I love music, but don't really know the names of the bands/people who sing some of my favorite songs...lame I know, but I am trying really hard!

Anyway, here is my latest downloads...

The Perishers - Sway
Casting Crowns - Praise you in this Storm
Need to breathe - More Time
Keith Urban - Tonight I wanna cry
Miranda Lambert - Kerosene
Nickel Creek - Reasons Why & When you come back down
Paul Westerberg - Time flies tomorrow

and I'm about to go enjoy them now!

life lesson learned...

2008-09-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

I would say this has been in the past 2 years or so, but for some reason I have had such clarity this week...

"Just because something is crazy important to you, does not mean it is to others"

I know took me long enough to figure it out.

I love fall TV!!!

2008-09-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

here's the list...

Monday
-Prison break (FOX)
-Gossip Girl (CW)(terrible I know!)

Tuesday
-The biggest loser (NBC)
-Law & order SVU (NBC)
-House (FOX)

Wednesday (nothing, weird I know)

Thursday
-The Office (NBC)
-Grey's anatomy (ABC)
-CSI (CBS)
-LOST (ABC)(starts in the spring)

Saturday
-lots of college football, I bought John ESPN gameplan for the season. I know, I rock!

Sunday
-Extreme Home Makeover (ABC)

good thing we have DVR or there would be NO way we could watch anything with our busy schedule!

my husband says I never blog...

2008-09-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

So I am now really going to try...I promise.

Anyway, the next few weeks should be pretty crazy for me and work! We're moving into our new building! ready for the craziness to begin!

I love my church...

2008-09-15T13:50:00.001-07:00

This weekend was really loong, but so dang fun!

Fun with our staff
Tons of fun with our students
Building incredible community
Laughing a ton (my stomach muscles hurt today!)

the girls of MCJH (me, diane, and sadie)
(& me & andrea)

We are moving into our new building in just a few short weeks and we are so ready for the chaos to begin!

There and back again...

2008-09-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

Well, for those of you who know me, you know I am not a road tripper, but when allison had no one to drive with her all the way back to geogia, I "wo'maned'" up! haha, it was great! and I am so proud of how well I did! Here is a short glipmse...

53 hours travel time driving
23 hours (not terrible) hours slept in 4 nights
52 times we said, "where the heck are we?"
9 states
8 hours travel time flying back to cali
7 swamps driven over
2 hotel stays (1 shady hotel in El Paso, Tx)
2 million bugs killed
1 very LOOOONG day driving thru texas!
1 season Veronica Mars watched (mariah)
1 season Prison Break watched (allison)
1 very sad goodbye :(

Welcome to AZ!

Last In N Out for allison (till she visits)

Golf cart driving in Georgia!

:)

Allison is moving...:(

2008-09-06T12:21:00.001-07:00

and we're sad...
but she gets to spend 3 days with me in the car!
it's gunna be a long drive...hehe
pray for our safety, cuz this little guy is on it's way..:)

I'll be updating our adventure along the way on twitter and facebook:)

Staff BBQ...

2008-09-03T20:25:00.000-07:00

So much fun with our staff last week! We have all been so busy this summer, it was nice to just hang together!

me and sweet brylie
I freaking love Alicia Shinners!
My HOT husband!
John watching Avery jumped into the pool!
Our newest intern Andrea!! Love her!~
John and Cadence!
Brylie and Cadence...SO CUTE!!!

I love our staff, I love their families, I love our time together!

Lots of meetings with great people...

2008-09-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I think when I scheduled all these meetings I didn't realize they were all back to back! I love all these women to death, it's just going to be slightly exhausting :) So here is what my week looks like.

Tuesday
830- all staff story time

-decide on some small group stuff

1230 - meeting at Biola with new intern Andrea

-small group, small group, small group stuff!

-600 Thai food with Allison

Wednesday
930- meeting/coffee with my leader Tina

1200 - meeting/lunch with new leader Kelly

-office stuff

Thursday
1030 - meeting/breakfast with my leader Jessica at Vanguard

100 - meeting/late lunch with my leader Emilie

-plan 7th grade girls year, calendar/sm grps/student leadership/worship team

Friday
possibly a day off, possibly not. We'll see!

Congrats Amanda & Steve!!

2008-08-28T08:35:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago I got a very exciting phone call! Amanda and Steve got engaged! Hooray!! I have been waiting with anticipation for months, knowing it would come eventually! And now it's here! Amanda and Steve are a wonderful couple. I love every time I am around them it is so evident how much they love each other! Congrats!!

Amanda and I have known each other for years. She is the most selfless, loving friend! She cares deeply for people and loves Steve with her whole heart! I'm so thrilled for the 2 of them to begin their adventure in Marriage~

I love you Amanda!!

Summer is coming to an end...

2008-08-27T08:05:00.001-07:00

Well, it certainly has been a busy, but really a fun summer! I'm so grateful for my job and what I get to do! I have spent so much time with some really amazing students this summer, and couldn't imagine my life without them in it! A few highlights (in no particular order)...

1. Hanging with my awesome students!
Part of my job as their pastor is to point them towards having a loving relationship with Jesus and help them feel connected and part of our junior high family. I love these students!!

2. Houseboats - #1 & #2, both totally different, but amazing trips with the students! And of course tons of new friendships!

3. John's 10 year high school reunion - so fun to go back to Oklahoma and visit with family and friends! And see my dang cute niece Audrey!

4. My 1 year anniversary at Mariners on August 15th! John and I took time to remember what happened last summer and are so grateful to be at Mariners! A place we feel at home and connected, part of a family! God has truly strengthened our relationship and we have both learned so much more about Jesus this year!!

5. Going to the beach...A LOT!! When john and I were moving back from Oklahoma, I made this list... to hopefully accomplish in the next 5 years.

1. take a trip to Catalina
2. See a Padres game (I am an Angels fan!)
3. Go to the Ghetty Museum
4. Go to Sea World
5. Purchase another Disneyland pass
6. Stay at hotel Del Coronado in San Diego
7. Go to the beach atleast twice a week, even if it's just for a walk or to watch the sunset.
8. Surf more
9. Take a trip to San Fran
10. Buy a home (pray)
11. Take a snowboard trip to Mammoth or Tahoe
12. Run a marathon, well 1/2.
13. stay the night at the Montage in Laguna Beach
14. Hike up Saddleback Mountain
15. Eat more Sushi (there are NO good sushi places in oklahoma)
16. get better at wakeboarding
17. play soccer again

Yes I still have a lot to accomplish, but the beach part has been so easy because we live so close! Seriously, I'm obsessed with Dana Point!!

We are truly blessed! And thank God for it all!!!

Day off!!!

2008-08-25T07:09:00.000-07:00

So today is my first of 2 days off, I don't remember the last time I had 2 days off in a row and we actually stayed in Orange County! I actually am looking forward to getting stuff done around the house and running some errands...lame I know, but it makes me feel so much better when things are organized. So here is the "hopeful" list...

1. clean house - before we left for houseboats I cleaned, but just bringing our luggage back in the house it has managed to get messy again :(

2. grocery shopping - I for sure won't need to buy any creamer, I may have a problem!

3. buy a new vacuum - fell down the stairs with the vacuum before we left and broke it...:(

4. hang shelves in laundry room

5. go to leasing office and get info to re-sign the lease, yeah!!

6. wash both cars

7. pay bills...boo!

8. buy a bookshelf at IKEA! John and I combined have SO many books, he for sure has more than me, but I contribute!

9. get pictures off our old camera - just found the cable!

10. sand and re-paint 2 dressers, and 1 bookshelf

11. clean patio

12. plan a vacation!! yeah!! hopefully here...John and I got to talking about how we really want to go somewhere!

No idea how much I'll get done, but it's good to have some goals!

Back from houseboats...Summer is coming to an end :(

2008-08-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

So we're back from houseboats and it was an absolutely amazing trip. Our students were fantastic, the staff at camp was so wonderful, and I had so much fun! Here are a few pics, I kind of became the unofficial photographer for our ministry after I begged my boss to let us purchase a fancy camera! Overall I took over 800 pics!

My sweet 7th graders getting destroyed on the bananaboat!

We took about 60+ students, 5 houseboats!

My amazing husband!

one more...haha, makes me laugh!

Off to houseboats for the 2nd time this summer...

2008-08-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

So we leave in just a few hours for Lake Shasta...

We load the bus at about 10pm and arrive at the lake around 8am :) Yes, it is a long ride, but so worth it to not drive during the day! This is one of my favorite trips of all time! I love that we get students completely away from what they are use to, there are no TV's, no video games, basically no distractions. The trip is HIGHLY relational and VERY fun!

This is a (scary) pic of me and Andrea, she works with the ministry we go through and I am so excited to hang out with her for another week :)

So of course I haven't packed, but there isn't really much that I need, a backpack full, a sleeping bag and pillow! It's seriously great!!

So John and I won't be around for a week!!

see ya!!!!

One year ago today...

2008-08-15T14:32:00.001-07:00

I started my job at Mariners! Crazy how fast a year has gone :) It literally seems like yesterday John and I were driving back to CA from OK. God has blessed us so much here :) We are just about to leave on our 2nd houseboat trip of the summer and I am so excited!

After we get home we will kick off the year with small groups! The theme this year is building :) Since we are building a new building and I just love the idea. It comes from...

peter 1:5-9
So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can't see what's right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

and here is the design:) thanks B-hurst!!

life is good!!!

I Heart the Olympics!!

2008-08-09T21:09:00.000-07:00

everything about it! I love it!!

why I love what I do!

2008-07-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

I had a very cool moment at church last weekend. During worship, Schu (worship guy) was taking about a little girl throwing her hands up in the air and praising God with all she had! I turned around to see our 6th grade guys pastor playing cards with a student and I thought, "what a cool moment" it seemed that Andrew new exactly what that student needed at that time, he didn't need to be forced to do something, he needed someone to sit and play with him. Then during the song I had one of my autistic students singing at the top of her lungs, while other students danced around with their hands in the air! I love my job, I love my students, I'm so grateful for my church! And so grateful to God for putting me in the perfect place to serve!

Happy Birthday MOMMAAAAA!!!!!

2008-07-25T08:25:00.001-07:00

Today is my beautiful mom's b-day!! I am so grateful for this woman in my life, she is the most encouraging, loving woman in the world! She teaches me so much everyday, has gone through so much in her life and still brings so much joy to this world!

She and my dad are the cutest couple!

She loves us (her family) more than anything and we LOVE her the same!

Happy Birthday MOM! I LOVE YOU!!!

Our trip to OKlahoma!

2008-07-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

So I flew straight from houseboats to OKC for John's 10 year High school reunion!
We had a great time visiting with his buddies and their wives! They told really funny stories from high school and we laughed A LOT!!

We got to go down to Norman to eat and play games with Sean and Michelle!! We really miss them a lot!! We drove by our first home and as I was sad that I no longer have my orange kitchen, but we are so grateful God took us out of that situation!

We spent A TON of time with the family which was so wonderful! And our sweet niece Audrey couldn't get enough of us! And I loved every minute!

We also spent time with the entire Wince family! Every time we go into town we have a blast with them!

Me with Aubra and Joyce (momma) Wince! I love them!

It was a wonderful trip with a few bug bites, lots of great food, and tons of laughing!

really exciting news...

2008-07-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

I got new Rainbows!! Oh wait it gets better!! I don't know how I never thought to try them on, but I fit into a kids 4-5!! Which means I only paid $22 instead of $33!

That's exciting news!!!!

Next post will be about all the fun things we've been doing!!

Made it home, well, sort of...

2008-07-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

I made it home from houseboats Saturday at about 7am (I'll put up pics soon). Jumped on a flight at noon and headed to Oklahoma! And I have been here since. We have been visiting with family and friends,taking trips down memory lane for John's 10 year high school reunion, seeing our first home and being thankful we no longer live there, playing with my niece, and talking a lot of ministry! It's been a great relaxing trip! And I have a TON to do when I get home.... :) tomorrow.

But I have really missed my friends and family (and my bed :))

And we're off...

2008-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

to....

and I'm this excited...
But I will miss this man terribly...

John is heading to Oklahoma as I go to houseboats. I get back saturday morning and fly out at noon!! See you in a week babe, I will miss you!!!

NBC Nightly News

2008-07-01T18:58:00.000-07:00

So most of you know that my brother-in-law David is a storm chaser for NBC in Oklahoma City and they did a special on him ON NBC!!!

Just got back!

2008-07-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Home from the 115 degrees Palm Springs Student ministry staff retreat! There was is 34 of us! So fun! And it continues tomorrow in laguna beach! Wahoo! I'll post when I get home, but I wanted to tell everyone.....

MY Brother-in-law is on NBC nightly news with Brian Williams!!! Make sure and watch!!!

I really really love this show....

2008-06-28T08:32:00.000-07:00

...and I am sad that only re-runs are on! I record it every afternoon! And when we were in Oklahoma I watched it ALL day long...haha!

I love my church...

2008-06-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

So I work at Mariners and I absolutely love it! I left work today and ran to Starbucks for a green tea and to read a little bit of this... Our staff is reading it and I'm only half-way, but it's really good! William Young is coming to speak at Mariners.

I ran into our entire Worship ministry staff and I just LOVE them, they are so fun!! I was reminded at what amazing men and women Mariners employs, I love that we are one giant family!!

After leaving Starbucks I saw a guy reversing around the entire parking lot...random?

Then as I got back to work a bunch of us sat in Maguires office to watch our very own Men's pastor on the new show "Wipeout"

I LOVE MY CHURCH!!!

I really miss this guy...

2008-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

...and I'm counting down the hours till he comes home to me :)

early morning...

2008-06-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

So I woke up at 530am this morning because there is some LOUD bird making all kinds of noise outside our window! John is of course still sleeping, he sleeps through any and everything! I get so frustrated because when I wake up in the mornings it's so hard for me to fall back asleep! So I have already had breakfast and am now enjoying my coffee.

Anyway, I am preparing for a very busy, hot day at Disneyland with some of my 7th grade girls. Not gunna complain at all, I would much rather be outside with thousands of people than sitting at my desk!! :) I just hope its not too crowded! :)

Money, Money, Money...

2008-06-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

No we are not all of a sudden millionaires :( But we are trying something new :) So the entire Mariners Church staff is going through a finance class to help us all better manage our money. So this week John and I sat down to see what we spend money on and then see how we can not spend so much! We are actually really excited for the challenge.

We started Wednesday and am proud to say we have spent no extra money (we had to buy gas), hmm well, we actually spent 0.42 cents on a stamp too :)

John and I have realized how blessed we are to live where we do, there is so much to do and not spend any money. We are a mile and a half from the beach, we have bikes and surfboards to use, plus who doesn't love just sitting on the beach!

So hopefully, you can pray for us and our new challenge! I'll let you know how it's going in a few weeks :)

Staff pics

2008-06-12T15:39:00.001-07:00

Took some staff pics in front of our unfinished student center (hope to be completed mid september!!) And here are a few of my favorite shots!! I love our team!!

meet the team...

Andrew Richey - 6th grade guys Pastor

Diane Gould - 6th grade girls Pastor

John Schuster "Schu" - 7th grade guys Pastor

ME - 7th grade girls Pastor

Bryan Price "BP" - 8th grade guys Pastor

Sadie Day - 8th grade girls Pastor

Phil Shinners - Junior High Pastor

We for sure have an awesome staff and are so blessed that there are so many of us!!

So as I said previously, life has been crazy!!

2008-06-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, after BJ left we hit the ground running, from birthdays, to new tours of our student building, to more people visiting, to weddings...craziness, but so dang FUN! Here are a few of the highlights!!!

Birthday dinner for James and Chip!

Top of the World in Laguna beach

Memorial day BBQ at the beach!

Beach with the Shinners family and Abby Pogue! some of my favorite kids ever!!

Corona Del Mar with dear friends!!

Jourdan's 25th Birthday!

Another roommate gets married!!!
Ben and Sara!!

The wedding outfits!

My favorite ANNA!

the roomies!

So much fun, so many laughs!! I'll be better ABOUT BLOGGING~!

life = crazy!

2008-06-03T16:18:00.000-07:00

Life has been so crazy that I haven't had a moment to blog...boo I know! There has been a lot going on with people visiting, planningfor summer, touring our new student building, hanging with students, and the list continues! I will give an update this week! I promise!

Let me tell you about my day!

2008-05-10T09:14:00.001-07:00

It was awesome!!

9am coffee with kristen (I love friday mornings because we get together!!)

Just so you know, we showed up at disneyland a few weeks ago both wearing the same sweater...awesome!

after that...headed to work and at about noon got a call from Megan, she was out of school, so we headed to Disneyland for a few hours...

Dinner with the boys at smokey's bbq off pch, pretty good...

next we headed to the beach and the montage...beautiful night!

and then we just started jumping...:)

1 year anniversary :)

2008-05-07T15:00:00.001-07:00

Well, John and I made it...one year!! Hooray! We had such a wonderful day! I love my husband!

day began with the most beautiful roses :)

OUR CAKE! For those of you who don't know John and I never got to enjoy our cake, we had the one bite at the wedding and that was it, all gone when we got home from the honeymoon! So I was so excited to go to the bakery and get it! The place we got it remakes the top portion on your 1 year~!

Next, a delicious lunch at In N OUT..

And then WICKED!!!

I was really excited!

this is us prior to eating at Katsu-ya (best sushi I've ever had!!) on Mullholland drive

La skyline, hazy day...

us at the most delicious breakfast place in Laguna Beach

It was an absolutely amazing day! So glad I married him!!

Tagged....

2008-04-24T12:20:00.000-07:00

By megan

1.You’re feeling: Happy
2.To your left: 2 hole punch
3.On your mind: Speaking for 2 minutes in big church
4.Last meal included: egg whites
5.You sometimes find it hard to: be patient
6.The weather: 65ish
7.Something you have a collection of: mugs
8.A smell that cheers you up: coffee
9.A smell that can ruin your mood: ???
10.How long since you last shaved: this morning
11.The current state of your hair: long and staight
12.The largest item on your desk/workspace (not computer): lamp
13.Your skill with chopsticks: pretty dang good
14.Which section you head for first in a bookstore: magazines
15.Something you’re craving: PinkBerry, I love it!!
16.Your general thoughts on the presidential race: oh gosh!
17.How many times have you been hospitalized this year: 4, 2 times for me, 2 visits
18.Favorite place to go for a quiet moment: our guest bedroom
19.You’ve always secretly thought you’d be a good: Nurse
20.Something that freaks you out a little: ummm pretty much everything, but recently, my husband choking on a milk dud
21.Something you’ve eaten too much of lately: pinkberry, it's expensive!
22.You have never: been to Catalina
23.You never want to: skydive

I tag allison and Jordan

Willow Creek - Shift Conference #1

2008-04-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is for you amy. Missing you! When are you coming to visit?!

It was a great few days at the conference, the weather was terrible, but the conference and time with staff was wonderful. Here is what I learned and what happened....

1. One of the most exciting moments of the trip was at the registration table I ran into my junior high pastor (Mark Hadley), whom I haven't seen in about 10 years. He is still in youth ministry at Twin Cities Church, in Grass Valley, CA and his wife and kids are doing great! The best part was that I was able to tell him what a huge impact he and his wife had on my life. That the reason I am in ministry investing my life into students is because he and his wife never gave up on me as a junior higher. It was a great reminder to me that when I get frustrated with whether or not students are understanding the message, I have to remember my own story. Also, what it says in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7...

"After all, who is Apollos? Who is Paul? We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow."

God causes me to be heavy burdened for my students, but ultimately there is nothing I can do through my human power to make students understand the awesome life that waits if they follow Christ, it is only God who can grow what I plant.

The Lord really rocked my world this week with this concept. It's interesting how HE gave me such a cool moment and then constantly was reminding me of it all week. It has been a really tough week in ministry. The burden for my students became almost too overwhelming to handle. Sometimes I wonder why God put the calling in my life to be in full-time ministry, why me? And how can I make sure that I am doing all that I can to reach todays youth and share the message of Christ's love, grace, and compassion for their lives when they just don't care about the future. I have been working with junior high students since I was 15 (junior leader) to now 25, 10 years. I always thought the Junior high world would never change. That no matter what, I would know what a 7th grade girl was going through. Within the last year, I have been bombarded with the idea that they are not the same as I once understood. Students are going through things that I didn't experience until high school or even college. My brilliant friend allison and I had an amazing conversation about this. We are dealing with students (me junior high) who on the outside are going through what a Junior/Senior in high school experiences, but on the inside are still 12! It's just so hard. God has been teaching me so much, it has challenged me in my ministry and allowed me to have awesome conversations with people and feel encouraged at the same time.

2. Brain Mclaren spoke at the first session. I read a book of his in college titled "Adventures in Missing the Point," I for the life of me can not remember thinking "This guy is crazy." Apparently, Mclaren is very controversial among the evangelical community. My boss Phil is a huge fan, so I was anxious to see what the big deal was about this guy?! Why is he so controversial? And he said nothing that made me think he is crazy or not a Christ follower. He makes people ask themselves hard questions. Why, as a church community, are we bickering over lame "rules" of the church, when the message of Christ is simple...

Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Mclaren's point basically surrounded the idea that the church needs to start loving our neighbors, helping stop poverty, combat disease, bring justice to the injustices going on all over the world. I think this will describe it perfectly. I ran into someone I knew at the conference and asked if anyone else from their church was there. The response was this, "My senior Pastor wouldn't allow me to bring anyone because Brian Mclaren was speaking." Really?!?! That is exactly Mclaren's point, churches are focusing far too much on things that JUST DON'T MATTER and ignoring the real problems of the world.

ok, this is just half of day one...be back with more later...thoughts?

woke up this morning to some sad news...

2008-04-12T08:50:00.001-07:00

Biola University lost our former President. He was the President my entire time at Biola. He was a truly great, godly man!

I'm so sad!