WOW! It's been awhile!!!!

So, I know Gary had posted a few quick notes, but a lot has happened since my last big post (around 7/4!) and several of you have been asking for an update here.  So here are the highlights:
***For our 1st anniversary, Gary and I visited Palm Springs - it seemed to have the best deals, which we discovered was due to the summer being off-season for the desert!  It was incredibly, unbearably hot, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.  We spent our mornings/evenings at the pool (and even by 9am Gary could barely even handle laying in the shade!!).  We visited "downtown," but only ended up eating at Ruby's, a 50s diner, because it was too hot to do anything else!  We went back into town in the evening for our big anniversary dinner at a wonderful restaurant I had picked out; however, we were so full from lunch we could barely eat the cheese plate and dessert we ordered!  The next day we rode the Ariel Tramway up to the top of Mt San Jacinto (in a giant car hung by a cable - with a rotating floor!!).  We hiked around up top, and were going to eat in one of the restaurants; however, after reading not-so-positive reviews compared to the not-so-cheap prices, we decided to head back down to eat.  I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to go out, so we spent literally hours finding a local pizza place that would deliver to us.  On our way home the following day, we stopped by the designer outlet mall and casino, but didn't end up spending money at either - oh well. It was a wonderful weekend and we were so glad to have gotten away for a little break from everyday life!!
***At the beginning of August, we got a surprise!  My mom drove down to visit and...GIVE US HER CAR! She was planning to get a new car soon and give us hers.  It came suddenly when the alternator when out, so she decided it was time.  We simply paid for the repairs and she drove it down!  Praise the Lord - a return to 2 cars!!!  This was such a blessing and we are very grateful to my parents for this!!! :)  We enjoyed spending time with my mom (although I wish she could have been here longer!!).  We took her to Malibu, Pink's Hot Dogs, church, the Counter, spent half a day at the DMV transferring the title and getting my CA license, and she tagged along with me at work and had a wonderful time playing with the baby!!  Can't wait 'til she can come back!!!!
***Gary has been super enjoying his new job and will be leaving his job with the car dealerships due to his schedule changing when he begins classes at the end of the month.  I get a week of vacation the week he begins so I am excited for some much needed rest/to catch up on life!!  One of my best friends from high school recently moved to LA, so I am hoping to meet up with her then (I don't think we've actually seen each other since graduation!!!).  My job is still going well - although it's about to get more interesting - he will probably start walking any day now!  He is such a bundle of joy and makes me laugh a lot, especially when I make him life - it's adorable!  He has had some separation anxiety for awhile now, but it has grown and grown.  I can't stand up to get a drink if we're sitting on the floor, and have had to take him to the bathroom with me!  He has mastered climbing the stairs, feeding himself with a spoon, and playing peek-a-boo!
***Church stuff: we hosted game nights for our small group every other week during the summer to alternate with our bible studies.  Several couples moved away but we got a new one - yea!!  Gary and I are taking partial leadership in the group now - he'll be teaching a study of 1st Samuel based off of the tv show Kings.  I am beginning a dance team (Great Abandon - FBCP Chapter!) that I just introduced at our ministry fair this week.
***You already saw that I have just been getting over a yucky illness, but after just a few days of asking for prayers, I began focusing all my prayer/prayer chain efforts elsewhere.  I found out about a 15 year old girl from my parents' church in Twin Falls - she lost feeling in half of her body and was being life-flighted to Boise.  It was a stroke, and she has had another one since.  She is still in the hospital in Salt Lake City, as they are waiting for her to be able to eat and drink and regain control of the left hand before they could operate (there is a blood clot in her brain).  So, I've spent a great deal of time on a prayer effort for her, doing everything I can to help out back home ... here is the Facebook group I created for her if you would like to learn more about what happened, join to show your support, and keep up with current prayer requests!  Several other people in the church have been in the hospital lately, so I've been praying for my dad's emotional and physical health while he tried to care for everyone!

well, i think those are the main things - ttfn :)

Fun in the Summer Sun :)

Happy Independence Day everyone!  Andrew (Gary’s cousin/the best man from our wedding) is here visiting currently.  He and I are completely sunburnt from a day in Malibu, but more about his time here later…..The following is an overview of events since the last update:

 

June Gloom?!  Not here!  Ok well maybe the weather is a little gloomy in the mornings, but apart from the chilly weather, our June has been pretty fantastic!  Here are some of our recent highlights:

1.        Nathan’s visit!

Day 1:  We picked Nathan up at LAX Sunday morning and headed to lunch where we watched our high school friend Graham Rahal finished 3^rd in the Indy 500.  Then we walked along the pier and beach at Santa Monica.  Some friends met us there and we ate at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 

Day 2: Memorial Day – We got up early and drove down to Rosarito, Mexico.   After a venture trying to find a place open on a holiday to buy car insurance for Mexico for the day, we quickly made it across the border.  When we got to Rosarito, we looked for the taco stand with the most people at it and decided to eat there.   Gary and Nathan had delicious shrimp tacos and I had the best horchata of my life!!  Then we hit the beach.  It was chilly, but Nathan got in the water for a few minutes.  The drive back was most interesting, as crossing back into the US takes awhile.  As you wait in several mile long rows of cars, people beg for money, try to sell you souvenirs, and sell snacks.  We hadn’t had dinner so we got some awesome snacks on the way out! 

Day 3:  I worked, so Gary and Nathan had a boy’s day.   They visited the Santa Anita racetrack, LA Coliseum (at USC), and Rose Bowl.  Then we all went to Hollywood for a taping of Jimmy Kimmel featuring Carson Daly and Flavor Flav.  We ate at the Hard Rock with Jeremy and Amanda afterwards, sitting near the band featured on the show that night. 

Day 4:  Gary was supposed to work but caught my cold and stayed in for the day.  I took Nathan on a girlie day!  We went to the Grove and Farmer’s Market where we ate lunch.  Then we went shopping (I mean….laughing at prices!) on Rodeo Drive.  We saw Mr. Bijan’s Bugatti which was the most awesomely ridiculous car ever!  We got cupcakes at Sprinkles nearby to take home!!  Nathan grilled chicken for dinner J

Day 5:  I was back at work, so Gary and Nathan visited the Gamble House (a cool architectural home and the location of Doc’s garage from Back to the Future).  Gary also took Nathan on a tour of our church and drove him around Beverly Hills to see some celeb/big houses.   We went to Barney’s for dinner to watch the NBA finals.

Day 6:  Gary was working an needed the car so Nathan and I had to get by on foot!  Gary dropped us off at Urth Caffe to start our day.  We walked along Melrose, stopping in some shops along the way.  Then we ate at Pink’s (famous hot dogs – although, Nathan got a burger) and continued our trek to the Grove.  We lined up for the filming of Extra featuring Christina Aguilera and her team from the Voice.  We got their pictures and autographs and had a fun time!!  Gary got super stuck in traffic, so Nathan and I waited for a bit and then we all stopped for some local California style pizza!! 

Day 7:  Before taking Nathan to the airport, we hit Venice Beach and enjoyed watching the, well, everything!  It is quite an experience!!! 

It was sad to send him back on a plane, but we were so grateful Nathan came to visit!  We had a wonderful time together!!!  (All of the pictures are on Nathan’s facebook, so if you can’t access that but would like to see let me know.)

2.       Job Updates:

A.      Gary has a new job which we are very excited about – feel free to contact him to learn more!

B.      I am still enjoying spending my days with the baby (now 7 months)!  He is crawling, has said “daddy” in context, can pull himself to a standing position, and is just a bundle of joy!! 

C.      I have dropped down to one day a week at VS so I can have a free day each week to do housework or relax at the beach!

 Fuller Update:
            Gary received a scholarship that was a complete answer to prayers, and will be
            starting classes in September!  Praise the Lord!

3.       My BIRTHDAY!!

23!  Seems like a real adult age – haha!  I worked on my birthday (which included a trip to and tour of Nestle as employees could bring their children that day – so I took the baby to his mommy!).  In the evening, Gary and I headed out to Red O Restaurant, by Rick Bayless (the top chef of Mexican food basically in the world).   It was the most delicious thing ever!  Our favorite part was our first course: sopes – masa balls with black beans, plantains, a red sauce and goat cheese.  Delish!!  It was simply amazing and highly recommended ;)

4.       MOVIE PREMIERE!

Gary won/earned tickets (via an app and thanks to Subway) to the world premiere of the Green Lantern at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood.  We didn’t get to walk the red carpet, but certainly enjoyed it nonetheless!  We got free popcorn and pop, and I sat just a few rows in front of Jake Gyllenhaal, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and more!  It’s not really my type of movie, but I enjoyed the experience and it actually wasn’t that bad! 

Babies, Daddies, Boys and Girls!

NEWS!  I have gotten a full-time nanny job!!  WootWoot!!! :) I was talking with/had offers from several families, and it was hard to pick the best fit, but I think we've found it!  It is for a 3mo old boy 50hrs/wk here in Pasadena.  Thank you for all of your prayers as we've been searching - but don't stop!  I am pretty nervous!  I've never cared for an infant full-time, so there will be all sorts of new challenges (I've got my baby book reading cut out for me!).  I was also extremely torn about leaving VS because I've worked really hard to get to where I am and love what I do there, so I am hoping to be able to keep a few hours on weekends and continue that (plus it'll give me some adult contact!).  So with all of that (say, 60hr/wk total), I'm hoping I don't get too stressed and still have time for some down time/fun! :) (feel free to send me a message/call if you want to know more specifics about the job and more specific things to pray for!)
Luckily, we've gotten to enjoy some time with friends lately!  On Saturday, we had a get together with young families (which meant lots of babies!) from the church.  Then, on Sunday, my dad flew in for a little visit!!!!!  He had a conference in Carlsbad (just north of San Diego) so he thought he'd stop by to see us, too!  On Monday we drove down to Carlsbad and went to the beach (FREEZING!), then he treated us to some froyo and we dropped him off at his conference.  Sad it was so short, but at least we got to see him for a few hours!! - Can't wait 'til my mommy can come now!!!!  (17 days 'til Jill comes andddd Nathan just booked a flight thanks to a great deal on groupon, and he'll be coming in about 3 mos!!!)  We got those amazing Lone Star cheese fries on the way home again, and then . . .
VISITED A FRIEND FROM BETHEL!!!  My friend Jessie (actually, we were housemates for a semester) lives about 30mins away from us, and we had been wanting to hang out for awhile.  As we drove to Carlsbad I noticed on street signs that we were driving through her town!!  So, instead of heading down to San Diego for the evening, we drove back up and hung out with Jessie!!  What a blessing to see familiar face (and such a beautiful one at that!)!!!  We enjoyed just chatting and catching up on life!  We will definitely be doing that again soon!!  It was awesome :)

So, we're happy to report that everything is going well!  The new job couldn't have come at a better time.  Nor the visit from dad or trip to see Jessie!  I think we were now over that 3mo honeymoon period from moving to a new place, so the friendly faces were just perfecttt :) We hope you all are well and loving life also!!!! God bless :)

Happy LOVE Day!!!! :)

Happy (late) Valentines Day friends and family!  We hope you had a wonderful day with the ones you love.  We unfortunately didn't even see each other on Monday due to our work schedules, but to compensate, we went to a movie the night before (at the ever romantic dollar theater, of course...and by the way, we saw Tangled, which you all need to see if you haven't already - I think it's right up there with the Disney classics). We also went to Lone Star (cheese fries = FAVE!) on the way back from Orange County a few days ago.  We were there because ...
GARY GOT THE JOB!!!!!  WOOHOO!  PRAISE THE LORD!  We think it will be a great fit and wonderful opportunity :)  So we had to head back to Newport Beach so he could fill out his paperwork, and then we spent a lovely afternoon at Huntington Beach, napping in the sun and sea breeze and intently watching the surfers preparing for a competition (I've determined I definitely want to learn how to surf - I doubt I'd be good at it, but it looks so awesome!).
In church news, we just finished a class on spiritual gifts and serving in ministry at First Baptist.  Gary has been enjoying playing in the praise band, and we've started conversations about youth and children's ministries.  There is an upcoming 2-day mission trip to Tijuana, but unfortunately it will be while Jill is here visiting, so we will not be able to attend.  We have still been enjoying our small group and just tonight went over to the house of some friend's from church for a game night.
This week we've hardly seen each other because of his new job and my increased hours (thank you, Jesus!), so there is really not too much to report.  We hope this update finds you well and warm ;)  God bless!

Happy February!

Well, no more pictures have been hung, but we've gotten the few remaining boxes out of the apartment!  I'm still going through tissues like it's my job (I mean, it pretty much has been since I haven't been working much), but I'm feeling mostly better.  Gary is currently at a job interview so prayyyyyy that goes well!  It would be a nice flexible thing he could easily do with Brookstone.  It's down in Orange County, so I tagged along to see some new sites :) I am sitting at a mall called Fashion Island and wow, it's amazingg!!!  New favorite. :)  We might check out a beach or hit up one of our fave restaurants not in the valley on the way home :) I have a few nanny/child care interviews in the next few days so pray for those also.  God has been answering prayers (thank you!!!) and providing me with random pick up hours throughout the weeks .... anyway - not too much news.  sorry to those of you in the blizzard back east.  it got a little chillier here, but it's supposed to be back into the 80s soon!  beautiful!!
We'd love to hear from you!  Leave a comment, send us an email, text, or call!!  God bless :)

Sickness prevails in warm winters, too!

Hi friends!!  Just a quick update - we have been enjoying some 70-90 degree weather for most of January :)  Somehow, even without the cold, we still get the yucky winter illnesses in SoCal.  I have had a sore throat and no voice all week :(  Now I'm at the ending coughing/nose running stage.  No fun!  I'm thinking it was maybe laryngitis or something similar...didn't go to the doctor although one night my fever spiked to 102 which for me means an ER visit, but we resisted and hey, I'm still here!
In other news, Gary and I have not been getting many hours at work, but at least I had time to rest while I've been ill. The unemployment rate got even worse last month in California ... so the prospects of 2nd jobs are looking that great, but we're trying!
We began attending a new short-term Sunday school class and a small group for young couples/families.
We finally hung our first picture on the wall yesterday, so maybe some pictures of the apartment will appear on here soon....maybe....
We are looking forward to having my dad visit for a night in about a month, and then Jill visiting a few weeks after that!

Well, that's all for now!  Hope you all are staying healthyyyy!!!  God bless and have a great day!  :)

It's the most wonderful time of the year :)

Greetings friends and family! Here's the low down lately:

Unfortunately, probably from the business and lack of sleep, Gary did end up getting pretty sick.  It's just a yucky cold, but it's been hanging on strong - 9 days and counting...He's probably not been getting much better because of our weird sleep patterns - thanks work ;)  The other night I stayed til almost 4am and never leave before midnight :-/  I was working with a family to explore the possibilities of nannying; however, we couldn't really get the schedules worked out, but I'm sure God will find me the right family eventually!

So, I was so excited to leave the land of snow and cold! however, I am beginning to miss it.  When I see New Yorkers on tv all bundled up, it makes me miss this time of year back in the midwest.  It just doesn't quite feel like the holiday season here.  It makes me wonder if without those environmental things that put us in the holiday spirit, LA/warmer climate people are more concentrated on the material aspects of Christmas - you just don't get those warm fuzzies inside.  Gary encouraged me to focus on the real meaning of Christmas (not the snow, etc.), but it's those other things that helped my thoughts focus on Christ at this time of the year.  Sometimes it just makes me laugh - like when we hear song after song in the mall about snow and three of the four girls I talked to one night had never seen snow!  It's just different here - any ideas on how we make make it feel more Christmasy in 70 degree weather?  ...Maybe we'll try to go up to Big Bear (I guess it's the best place to go for snow in the mountains - about 3.5 hrs away).  Anyway, those were just my random thoughts - I'd love to hear your favorite part of the holidays & what puts you in the Christmas spirit!

Thanks for reading :) Ta ta for now!!

Sorry we haven't updated recently ... its thanksgiving week, and we work in retail ;)

Hello friends, family, and faithful followers!!  Sorry we have not updated in awhile, but we do not currently have internet access at home.  I am currently sitting in Borders at the mall, but more about that later - let's back up a bit!
CHURCH
-On Sunday, we officially joined FBC Pasadena :)
-We are getting involved in the Sunday school class and are enjoying making friends and finding fitting ministry opportunities!
JOBS
-I finally started my job!!  Not everything got worked out perfectly, but at least I am working!  It's pretty different since this store is HUGE!!  I am figuring out the differences and think everything is going alright :)
-Gary has been hard at work - at Brookstone he has been very busy since it's primarily a gift store and they are gearing up for the holiday season.  He's doing an excellent job at Godiva ...
-My first day was Sunday, and it took us 4 hours to close the store (which I've heard is not unusual here) - so I worked over 9hrs, on my first day back ... I had the energy, but my feet and back weren't used to it anymore.  Luckily, when I walked out there was my beautiful husband who had just finished his first shift at Godiva and was waiting for me with two full bags of chocolate!!! WOOHOO!  I'm going to like him working there for sure! :)
-BLACK FRIDAY!!  First of all, Gary was crazy at went to Walmart at midnight to get some things he'd been wanting - crazy kid (he had to be at work at 5am).  Anyway, this brings me back to why I am at Borders at the mall - I got off easy today and am only working a few hours this afternoon ... Gary however is working 16hrs today and tomorrow both between his two jobs :/ (it's okay, it means God is providing!) .... he planned to ride his bike at 4:30 this morning (went out and checked the tires, etc. yesterday so it would be ready to go) so I wouldn't have to get up and drive him in, but when he went out his bike seat had been stolen.  We had heard about a major bike theft problem, and bought the type of lock suggested and hooked it up well, but evidently, they'll hake just the parts - and there's really no way to stop that other than keeping it in the house (yuck!).  So he had to hurry and drive in (figuring it would take longer with traffic than biking).  Then he had to get me in between his two jobs, so I am taking advantage of the free wifi and trying to stay away from the craziness!  Anyway, just pray Gary has the strength to get through these few days and we can figure out the bike situation (since we sold my car before we moved, and really need that second mode of transportation).
THANKSGIVING
We had Jeremy over for Thanksgiving yesterday - he made the turkey (since he was concerned about my proposition to just make turkey cutlets since I don't do bones!) and I made everything else - garlic mashed potatoes, greek salad, stuffing, rolls (since I found my grandma's raspberry jam and Gary found his favorite peanut butter spread from back home), green bean casserole, pumpkin pie, and the highlight of the meal - REAL legit cranberry sauce!!! - the boys loved it!!  We had a lovely time, played some games, and just relaxed a bit ....
FOOTBALL
-I am in 2nd place in our fantasy football league!!!!! whattt whattt?!  I made the playofffssss!!!
-Our big rivalry games are tomorrow - OSU v. M*ch*g*n and ND v. USC ... unfortunately, Gary will miss watching his live since he will be at work, but I will be able to watch my buckeyes kill the team from "that state up north" for like the millionth time in a row!

Well, I think that about wraps it up my friends.  We'd love to hear how you spent your Thanksgiving and Black Friday as well :) 

Job news . . .

I just got on facebook, and four of the first ten status updates on my news feed were about people enjoying their day off.  I thought that was odd, and unfair - why didnt I get a day off? Oh wait, I havent worked in almost 4 months. I guess its okay (mom!) lol - and well, it has been sort of frustrating.  Although I've still been unpacking like crazy and am so thankful for the time to get all of this work done around the house, I get bored just chilling at home all day long - I want to work!  I'm not even sure anymore what went so wrong with my transfer, I just know I've been here a month and haven't started working yet :/  Hopefully soon - keep praying!!!
Some good job news - Gary has been a rock star at Brookstone!  He's been out on the sales floor a couple of times and has been beating everyone in sales goals, even selling some big ticket items that lead him toward a bonus (woot woot!!) and he's just the stock guy!  A couple of other stores he had applied to recently called him back, the first of which was Godiva (my favorite place in the worldd!!).  Although he no longer had such open availability, they were still interested in hiring him for a few hours a week during the holidays - woohoo!!!  Two jobs, and some people are struggling to get any (although, it seems as though if they would take a mall job, they could get one pretty quickly..).  Praise the Lord!!!  He should be starting in the next two weeks, and will hopefully bring me home some goodies!!! :)

Goodbye Great Lakes, Hello Pacific!!

Well, not too much to report - Gary's been doing well with his new job  - getting lots of hours!  I was having a few issues with my transfer, but I think they are getting all worked out finally, so I should start this week :)
I've been spending most of my time working on those boxes!  We've finally got some of our furniture set up and most of the boxes out of here, but there's still a long way to go.
We've started seeing signs concerning the rose parade everywhere - luckily, we're only about 2 blocks away from colorado blvd (where it takes place) ... and we just found out my cousin is marching in the parade this year - how exciting we'll get to see her!!
The most exciting thing we've done lately is finally go to the beach!! Unfortunately, Gary was working on the really warm days this week, and the coast is about 10 degrees cooler than Pasadena, so it was pretty chilly!  (It was warm here this week, in the 90's, we had to use the AC for the first time!)  Neither OSU or ND played yesterday, so it was a nice day with nothing better to do (well, except for all of this unpacking, of course!).  Anyway, we went to Santa Monica and walked along the pier and rested on the beach during the moments of sun.  Eventually, I had to leave - it was just too cold!!  But it was great to go anyway!! :)  Better than that snow stuff they're having back in Ohio/Indiana ;)  The drive was fun too - we passed through USC and saw Walt Disney Studios (i thought about jumping the fence to find Joe Jonas for Jill, but she informed he's in Brazil ;) haha) and the Hollywood hill.
Today, Jeremy was finally able to go to church with us (well, with me, since Gary had a meeting at work), and afterward, the three of us attended the "NFL" - new friends lunch at FBCP where we were able to learn some more about the church and meet new people!!
Well, I think that's about all for now friends!!  Hope God is blessing you in immeasurable ways :)

All kinds of crazy :P

Sunday:  We went to FBC Pasadena, the church of the pastor we stayed with a few weeks ago.  We went to Sunday school, which Gary LOVED!  It's about 95% Fuller students/staff so there is some hard-core in-depth theological discussing.  It was also very multicultural.  We'll definitely learn a lot.  Jeremy (our friend who also just moved here and helped with the truck last week) was supposed to join us, but his truck broke down, so he couldn't make it.  Later that afternoon, we attended FBC's annual Fuller student/staff party at the pastor's house and got to know a lot of people - Praise Jesus!
Monday:  The moving truck came, and the bulkhead in the truck had been broken and we couldn't get to our things.  After several hours of trying, finally a man from the depot came out and got it off with power tools!  It was too late at that point to get much help, and the big furniture needed to come off first.  So..
Tuesday:  We got started with the unloading, and a guy from the apartment complex came out and helped.  Later he brought out his wife and another neighbor.  Together they got everything out!  Awesome!  Only a few bumps and bruises along the way, but hey, more friends!!  And then ... the journey begins ... We've been unpacking and unpacking and rearranging.  Our living room area was complete packed - floor to ceiling - every inch - with boxes.  We were going to use Jeremy's truck to move stuff to a storage unit, but obviously, that can't happen quite yet.  Luckily there is some storage at the apartment complex, or we wouldn't be able to function in here. 
Wednesday: More unpacking!  It's super hard because of how crammed the space is right now.  I can't put clothes into dressers until I know how the furniture will be arranged, but I can't arrange the furniture until all the boxes are gone.  It's a lose-lose situation I guess, but we're trying!  Well, mostly me, which is also hard since I can't move the heavy stuff.  But it's okay that Gary's not here - it's his first day at his new job - WOOHOO!!  He just called on his break and said it's going well :)  I'm not sure when I'll start - my supervisor has been on vacation on and off for a few weeks so it's kind of tricky.  Anyway, we can't wait until everything is unpacked and set up!  Then you all can come over for dinner (okay, I know it's a little far...) :).  Well, that is all for now folks (oh except for a health update: of course, our bodies were aching like crazy last night, and I had a tickle in my throat from all the dust, but otherwise mostly okay, but I currently have a splitting headache that tylenol is just not helping...so I must be going) ... ttyl :)

PRAISE THE LORD!!

Thursday night I went into VS to apply for my job (the one I'm transferring, it's just a technicality) and it went well, but I was in shock.  The mall itself is huge, and the VS was four times as big as mine - bigger than any in Chicago or at Easton.  It was crazy.  They have products I've never seen before and they have four rooms dedicated to Pink!  They are a top level store traffic-wise, and are just under top-level for sales (and they want to be, so the pressure is on!).  So I am slightly terrified about getting adjusted, but am sure it will come quickly.  I should start in the middle of next week when my supervisor returns from a pre-holiday vacation.  While I was there Gary walked around, picking up applications, with a few promising prospects (thinking it would be wonderful to work in the same place since we are sharing a car - oh how I miss Goldilocks). 

We realized last night how stressed out I have been over the whole not having jobs thing.  We realized that since after the honeymoon, stress has really been affecting me, even though I didn't really realize it before.  So, we decided to make sure we dedicate each day to God when we wake up (we both prefer devotions at night, and had been doing well with that schedule, but felt the need for this addition!).  Well, we did it today and guess what?!  The Lord had us in his hands all day!  We woke up and headed back to the mall to turn in his apps.  The lady at Brookstone wanted to set up an interview for Monday, but that is when our moving truck is coming, so she said - how about 1:30 today?  So we headed out to lunch (see story below*) and then returned.  The interview went very well, and instead of the sales position he applied for, they were interested in hiring him as stock manager, based on his experience.  She had him return again at 5:30 to meet/interview with the person he'd be working directly under, and again, it went very well.  He's HIRED!!!!  While we will still not be making as much as needed, we are so excited for God's provision and guidance, and the possibilities to come.  Today was a wonderful reminder of the need for reliance on the Lord and the trust we have in his provision.  Thank you to all who have been praying and a major thanks to the one to whom we pray :)

*Side story of the day: We woke up at eight and realized both the Ohio State and Notre Dame games were starting at 9 (man, I am not used to this time difference - what happened to PM football games? and I apologize to anyone who gets a phone call from me past midnight because I've neglected to remember the difference...sorry Jill x3).  The nearest BDubs is about 30 mins away, and we had to go to the mall to turn in Gary's job apps first.  We tried looking up other sports bars, but they either weren't open early or don't carry the Big Ten Network.  So Bdubs it was for the second halves of our games.  We entered to an almost-empty restaurant, except for one table of three, who cheered "Go Bucks!" when I walked in with my I <3 Ohio State tee.  We found out they were OSU alum.  We asked them after the (SHUTOUT!) game about other places to watch the Buckeyes, but they said BDub's (which they were proud I called it, because no one outside of the midwest knows what that means) is about it.  They said we could friend them on facebook and they'd keep us updated on any Buckeye events going on in the area!!  Yea, new friends!

Speaking of . . . we have wonderful neighbors here at our apartment!  Several people have stopped by to meet us and even brought us delicious muffins and cookies!  We are excited to get to know some new people.

Oh, and did i mention ... I am beating my dad, brother, and husband in fantasy football?  That's right - chicks rule.  (I think Gary is regretting making me play...haha.)

I really hope someone out there is reading and enjoying our blog, because I really enjoy writing it.  I haven't gotten much feedback, so I would love to know that you are there appreciating these updates so I can appreciate you :)

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. --Matthew 6:25-34

JOB NEWS!

I finally got my transfer set so I'll be able to continue as a bra specialist in California (the one that worked out best is at the Santa Anita mall in Arcadia, in the middle of the area we're looking to live in, so I'm good either way).  I've also applied for eight-kajillion babysitting and other jobs in the past few days to supplement and make it more like full-time employment.  It was such a blessing and encouragement to get things figured out with VS so we at least have somethinggg to put down on apartments aps.  Thanks for the prayers - keep it up :)