I HATE BLOGGER!

I HATE BLOGGER! My format is all messed up and I can't get the right screens to come up on my "dashboard." I HATE BLOGGER! This stupid program has deleted my links and profile pictures. I HATE BLOGGER!

life changes...

Late last night, I arrived at home...safe and sound from my travels to New York. I will blog more about that in a few days (after I sift through the hundreds of pictures). Instead, I feel the need to share my heart. Nothing profound, just a bit about the Lord's work in my life as of recent.

This summer is the first where I HAVE NOT worked. A change, indeed! Instead, I have enjoyed traveling with the Weber clan to Eastern Washington, hanging out with the Simmons side of the family over in Crescent Bar (twice), visiting Laura in NY, and training for the upcoming 3-Day. Originally, my plan was to work for a family this summer as their part-time nanny. That fell through (they lived far away and wanted me for way too many hours). At first I was discouraged, but then I came to see it all as a blessing. This change wasn't so bad.

My master's classes are coming to an end (January, hopefully) and Ben is working full time now that school is almost done for him (September). It's strange to have two full-time incomes pouring in...so exciting. Things are just changing. Nothing bad, it's just different and sometimes it takes a while to adjust.

We are also gearing up to welcome new members to our growing family - NO, BEN & I ARE NOT EXPECTING! Instead, Emily and Ryan will welcome the twins (Evelyn and Eleanor - Evie & Ella) sometime between now and the middle of November. The later, the better! We also have another one coming on the Weber side - Bobby and Kelli will welcome their little one on Justin Timberlake's birthday, January 31st. It doesn't get much more exciting than that (the new babies, not necessarily JT's birthday)!

Some of our dearest friends, the Hamlins, are moving to Boise. This is a change I am not as quick to embrace. I realize that they are going to be closer to Dusty's family, and they will finally get to enjoy their home...those are good things. I also know that we will have opportunities to explore Boise and visit the Hamlin fam. That brings some comfort, but it's always difficult to say goodbye to those who matter most in life. I know our friendship will not end, and I pray that the Lord will only strenghten our relationship once these great people move. Change isn't always easy.

Another year of school is quickly approaching and my summer is coming to an end. Yet another sign that change is inevitable. While I was gone in New York, another big event unfolded, indicating that life is full of changes. Our WONDERFUL principal, Patrick, was offered a job at the district level. He's amazing and this is a huge step in the right direction for him. Unfortunately, we're all sad to see him go. He was the one who hired me and he's been such a huge support from day one. My hope is that Jason, our new principal, will be embraced by our staff and open our eyes to revolutionary ideas...things we failed to consider prior to his arrival.

While visiting Laura, I was forced to realize that she doesn't live just a few miles away. This change is something I have been slow to recognize. Instead, I think I had come to believe that since we were only a phone call away, we were still pretty close in distance. The truth is, we're living on opposite coasts. I was glad I had a chance to see her life and meet those who matter most to her while she's away. At the same time, I was sad to think that I'll have to wait until Christmas to see her again. This change is good for her and I continually remind myself of that. In some ways, she is the same Laura that left here in April. In other ways, she has changed and I wasn't there for the transformation. That's hard.


In the car on our way back to Crescent Bar, Ben and I talked about our two years of marriage...since we were traveling over there on our actual anniversary. We expressed what we enjoy about our life together and how we want things to unfold over the next few years. Life has been so much more enjoyable with him at my side. Yet, we both see areas for improvement. It's a change that we both deem as necessary and essential in order for our marriage to honor God and each other.

Change happens and I know that. However, with all of these little changes taking place in my life right now, I feel a sense of anxiety. I know the Lord is in control and there is nothing to dwell on or worry about. He assures me that if I continue to fix my eyes on Him, He will tend to the details. This anxious feeling began the moment we left church one Sunday. Ben and I wanted to sleep in one weekend, so we planned to visit Mars Hill later that afternoon. Mark preached about prayer and spoke specifically about the Lord's prayer. From beginning to end, it was incredible. The piece that sticks with me most is the part of the prayer which states, "Thy will be done." That's not an easy thing to pray. Ultimately, I want His will in my life...He knows my heart and what is best for me and my family.

Perhaps this post will prove to be therapeutic in and of itself. Maybe the Lord simply wanted me to share this fear in order to truly understand it and leave it behind. Recognizing Him as the author of life is what I need to do - daily! My role is to keep focused on Him.

I can't imagine what life would be like without God. Decisions would be more difficult than they already are. There would be an empty, broken feeling residing in my life. I would be filling my time with random things hoping that they would bring me joy and self-worth. I am so thankful for the relationship I have with my Heavenly Father. He has brought me so much clarity, joy, and purpose!

LOTS of wedding pictures...finally!

Thanks to Mrs. P, I finally have some photos to share from Jordan & Jamie's wedding!

Here are a few shots of the groom before the big event. He's so handsome all decked out in his tux!

I like this one (below) because it's so him!

How cute is this? Buzz & Jordan had a chance to say hello before the ceremony. Are they holding hands? Love it!

Now for the bride...SOOOO BEAUTIFUL! I'm so blessed to have another great sister (she's been around long enough that she's felt like family for a while, but now it's official.)

Here's a picture of the church (out on Fox Island) just before the ceremony begins. It's was beyond gorgeous.

Bobby, fulfilling part of his role as the best man. Look at him light those candles!

Jordan & Jamie as it all begins...7 years after they started dating in high school. Such a sweet story!

Okay, so J & J decided that they wanted to do something a bit different (shocker, huh?). They busted out some red clown noses as the pastor pronounced them husband & wife. I love their twist on things...they are going to have a life full of laughter & love!

Some of the handsome groomsmen...

We'll start with Ben & Michael - and Robb's in the background along with Tim & Liz.

So cute! Love him!

Look at these guys...they're some of my very favorite people in life! I love them all so much!

Jordan & Jamie have some great friends who came from all over to be a part of their special day. Below is a shot of Caleb and Jared...honorary groomsmen. They are a ton of fun too...so, they fit right in!

Another cute one of my honey-baby-sweetie-pie. :)

I wish Michael wasn't stationed in Japan. He needs to come home to be closer to his family! We miss him when he's not here.

My dad has a great smile...those dimples are starting to peak out. I love this picture.

The silly cake-topper. You gotta love the role-reversal.

Cutting the cake...
Some toasts...how cute are Jim & Brenda (Jamie's folks)?!?! We love that we're all one family now!

Watching the toasts...

Here's our table shot.

We had to take another one to ensure that Michael was included.

Let the dancing begin...

My mom looked so beautiful and totally classy! Unfortunately, the Horjes family (mom's side) has a way of closing their eyes each time their picture is taken (I'm not kidding). So as of now, you won't see many of her here.

The money dance - Ben couldn't wait to dance with Jordan. I'm so sad that the two of them don't get along better. :) Ben might actually like him more than he likes me.

Brenda (Jamie's mom) & the flower girl...

Bobby, being Bobby! Always good for a laugh. As I recall, he even prompted Mrs. P to take the picture. He's so shy.

The cute parents-to-be!

Below you'll find a few guest pictures...

First up, Jordan and Michael P. Each time one of us gets married, Michael makes it a point to stop by the house, give us a handmade card (we still have ours on the wall in the hallway), & wish us the best. He's so thoughtful & sincere. We love Michael!

Nana & Papa Weber...aren't they the cutest?!?!

Mom with Cindy, Joan, and Stacy...great friends who have been a part of our lives for as long as I can remember. It was such a blessing to have them there for the celebration!

Bobby with the VanPools - they used to live across the street. Now they're up in Seattle and we miss having them closer to home. They are quite possibly the nicest people you'll ever meet.

Anyone recognize this handsome fella? :)

Jordan & Robbie...old friends who look as though they are about to kiss?!?! Robbie knows how to have a good time. It was so much fun to see him during all of the wedding festivities. He's a great friend.