Knop Knews

Not As Long As Before

2011-04-03T19:59:00.002-06:00

So it has been awhile between posts, but not as long as in the past year long hiatus or so.

Cory's parents flew in last Saturday, and we had a fabulous time. It was wonderful having them here and another set of eyes on the ever busy Adley. I know she is like every other toddler, but man, she is all over the place! We went to Zilker Botanical Gardens Festival, enjoyed walks to the park, dinner out as a family, and TWO visits with the ever wonderful family friends the Johnstons!

Cory is doing great at the Academy. Please pray for his shoulder as it is acting up a little bit but nothing serious. We are still loving our church and small group and looking to take its membership course this coming Sunday. We are incredibly challenged by the messages and body of believers!

I will try to keep posting more often too!

Week 1

2011-03-05T07:06:00.003-07:00

Week1 of the police academy went decently well. Adjusting is still needed and of course, I got a cold that took my voice away. I mean it is completely gone. Starting day 3 today with no voice and it is annoying!! I can't talk to Adley and the dogs don't listen. And I can't talk on the phone to friends or family.

Friday evening was fun though. Friends, Tim and Brittney came over for dinner and cards. It was much needed relaxation time!

Bike Rides and Birthdays

2011-02-28T08:46:00.002-07:00

First, today is sort of my birthday. I am a leap day baby, which creates more interesting conversations than I ever would have thought. People will argue that my birthday isn't until the day after February 28th but I argue my birthday is the day before March 1st. Besides, how do you explain to a 4 year old that this year her birthday is in February and then when she turns 5 it is March? Also, my mom claims she had a February baby, so a February baby I am! With the conundrum of when to celebrate, I end celebrating for about week. Presents come early and late, dinners are based on weekends, and different restaurants offer free entrees within the week of your birthday!

Bigger today than my birthday is Cory starting the Austin Police Academy. Thus, I decided I would be proactive and get up early to start my day. Let the dogs out (which means down and up three flights of stairs), had a great quiet time, and some work done before Adley woke up. Then I wanted to work out and thought what a great day for a bike ride. Cory bought me a great bike and bike trailer to go on long runs with him when he trained for his 50 mile race last year. So I thought, let's whip that out and go on ride. I start riding and see that the tires are little low; expected considering a move to lower altitude. So I ride to a gas station, pay $.75 and instead of getting air, it flattened the tire more! Thus, I walked the bike and trailer home to write this post.

Why is it the day you need to call your hubby is day he is completely unavailable? Not anyone's fault, but figures!

Calm Before the Storm

2011-02-23T14:23:00.003-07:00

So we have grown accustomed to each other and being altogether all day long. That has brought some challenges, but such great fun family times! We are now preparing for Monday; day 1 of the Police Academy. Cory likely will be gone from 5:00am-5:00pm and return to eat quickly and begin studying before starting over. The blessing, the schedule is Monday through Friday. We are now just planning for this change as it will be Adley and me with no dad help! And how she loves her daddy! But, income will be fantastic and we have been so blessed by this brief, long overdue, and almost complete time together. A toast: Here is to the calm before the storm of lots of Netflix (Bones that airs on Fox is now a favorite show), lazy days of all pajamas and lucky if teeth were brushed, missing Austin traffic as we ran errands when we wanted, and me not changing every diaper!

Cory is prepared for week 1 with his uniform ironed and boots shined; he has read the required book prior to day 1 and prepared essay responses, and memorized ALL 100+ 10 codes. You have heard "10-4, over and out" type communication. In that case, 10-4 means acknowledged. Well, he has memorized 10-0 all the through 10-99 plus some extras with a new phonetic alphabet.

So I say, bring on the storm. It sure is a good thing Cory and I like storms. And if you know my husband; he really likes storms!

Update

2011-02-17T17:26:00.002-07:00

Here's a pretty recent picture of the three of us in downtown Fort Worth just before the Super Bowl. Pretty sweet!

Adley is walking everywhere and loves the swing at the park.

Cory starts the Academy on February 28th.

Super excited about our church and small group!

Look, two posts in one week! Much improvement.

Maybe I am Back!

2011-02-11T12:28:00.004-07:00

I am going to try to blog again, but we will see what happens. Obviously I feel off the planet since last June. Too much has happened to update. What you need to know: now living in Austin, TX and Adley is one. Oh yeah! GO PACK GO!

Pictures!

2010-06-16T16:36:00.006-06:00

It has taken us forever but here are some sneak peeks of pictures in albums I finally put on Facebook. Check out my albums to see all the greats!

Pictures are from Giant Springs taken by our amazing friend John Mayer and the trip to Alabama. Enjoy!!

Alabama

2010-05-20T09:48:00.002-06:00

Adley and I are in Alabama. I couldn't blog about it because it was supposed to be surprise to Cory's grandparents, Mawmaw and Pawpaw. Diane's brother Clint let a couple of this slip though that made Mawmaw suspicious. So instead of us surprising her, she was hiding in her own house when we walked in and she surprised US! It was so funny though. She says she may be getting old but she still think.

Cory's cousin Jessica is graduating high school and thus why Diane was coming home. After looking at affordability of tickets, and Cory's parents helping us pay for it, Adley and I are here! She did great on the flight, something I was terribly worried about being alone. Hopefully the trip back will be a smooth. We have been here since Saturday, May 15 and we get home on the 22nd.

I don't have the ability to upload pics here but can't wais fo you to see Adley with her Nana and her Great Pawpaw and Great Mawmaw.

Working with Adley

2010-05-11T16:54:00.002-06:00

Since tons have asked, here is the answer. Coming to work with Adley is relatively convenient and she is pretty well behaved. We have had one day that was unbearable and we left early, but I think it was teething. No teeth yet but she is chewing anything she can get her hands on including her hands, my hands, dogs, toys, chains, and my personal favorite for the moment, the bottom of dad's cold energy drink can he was holding/drinking while holding her.

People at work love her and it is nice that I don't have to part with her too much yet!

My first Mother's Day was also great! Cory got me a food strainer that attached to my Kitchen Aid so I can make some baby food instead of buying it all. Not super concerned about making it all but some sounds fun and cheap!

Long time no post...

2010-04-21T14:23:00.003-06:00

It is has been a little while and for that I apologize. Since returning from Texas, I have returned to work Monday through Thursday 1:30-5:00. I get to bring Adley with me until she is 6 months old. Then, my wonderful friend, whom all the Knops just love, will take care of her. Thanks Aunt Ellen!

Work has been nice as it gives us a schedule everyday. I love schedule.

Cory's interview went great and Austin wants him so we are not applying anywhere else. It isn't 100 percent yet due to process, but Cory and I feel peace about it and are still trusting.

Adley is sleeping great at night and we are working on consistent naps. She is more of a cat napper so I am working to keep her awake longer before going down for nap. Pray for her dry scalp here. Montana weather is not helping her out and when we were in Texas, her head was completely clear.

And just a quick pic for everyone...

TEXAS...

2010-03-23T17:20:00.002-06:00

...is where we currently are visiting.
...is where Cory is interviewing on Thursday and Friday.
...is where we hope to move in December.
...is where Adley is having a blast with Nana and Gdaddy.
...is where we are enjoying 70 degree temps and the pool.

It is safe to say that I am not missing Montana. I do miss people though!

On Becoming Baby Wise...

2010-03-12T11:45:00.003-07:00

I never had the opportunity to update my currently reading because I am still reading Harry Potter (currently on Goblet of Fire). However, I took a brief hiatus to read this book.

I can't guarantee it for all mother or all babies, but I can tell you my testimony. Adley will be 8 weeks old on Tuesday, March 16th, but she has been sleeping 7-9 hours at night for the last week of her life. She has always given us a 5 hour block but now she is clock work at night. I know it is early and certain days or night could change things, but so far, this book has made my short lived mothering experiencing wonderful. I didn't read it until Adley was already born but I highly recommend before a the baby comes to be ready. CHECK IT OUT!!

Birthday

2010-03-02T11:25:00.004-07:00

A blog about me finally!

My birthday was pretty fun but I have decided birthdays become a bit uneventful after 21 as not much is significant after that. Except for me, every 4 years I get a real one that spices it up. We went to church, out to lunch to Rikki's Pizza and Pasta with the Mayers and Becky, and then to Half Time Sports Bar to watch USA lose the hocky match. Came home while Cory picked up the deep freezer we bought because we need to store the breast milk that has filled our freezer. Go figure the girl who isn't to set on nursing produces like a cow. Sorry if that is TMI! Then I took a bath and read. So nice!

Now, I am disappointed as Facebook said my birthday was on Monday but I was born in February so my whole life I celebrate on the 28th when it isn't Leap Year. HOw do you explain to a 3 year old her birthday changes months?? Go figure! The interesting about all this, I basically get birthday wishes and calls for two straight days!

I still can't get a post without a picture of Adley. She is too stinking irrestibly gorgeous...I do know I am biased though. At least I am in one of these pictures! Check out this for more pictures.

More Pictures...

2010-02-25T16:49:00.001-07:00

Maybe I will post something other than pics soon but this is what is going on!

My Teddy Bear

2010-02-16T09:47:00.002-07:00

What I know thus far...

2010-02-06T10:04:00.004-07:00

I am working on new pictures, but we are a little busy...

What I know...

1. The help both sets of parents were incredible and I couldn't imagine what life would have been like without them.
2. Adley sleeps a minimum of 5 hours each night but is continuing to add on to it so that the last 2 nights she has slept 7+hours.
3. Adley hates being cold and thus wails during baths right now.
4. Adley will eat anyway we give her food. The ways she has eaten thus far are nursing, syringe, bottle, back to nursing. Now she nurses during the day and bottle before she goes to bed and in the middle of the night. However I don't know if 5 am counts as the middle of the night anymore.
5. I don't feel like a mom yet but I do know I love her a lot and know I can care for her. I know she is mine but it still feels surreal.
6. My delivery recovery tempts me to consider c-sections for future children. Let's just say it was rough and has including 4 doctor's appointments in 2 weeks to include more stitches and 2 rounds of antibiotics to combat fevers.
7. I never thought saying goodbye to my mom would be as hard as it was.
8. I never thought saying goodbye to Cory's parents would be as hard as it was either.
9. While I enjoy having my house back, I certainly wish parents lived near us to come visit, help, etc.
10. I must nap at least once while she naps in a day to make sure I stay healthy.

More Pictures...

2010-01-27T12:04:00.003-07:00

Sorry about the short post before. I wasn't feeling incredibly well when trying to post the first time and thus only why one made it. She is doing awesome right now and sleeping 6-8 hours at night every night. We are counting our blessings!

Adley Hayden

2010-01-22T14:15:00.001-07:00

8 lbs 1 oz; 20.5 inches long

Austin Changes

2010-01-14T11:39:00.002-07:00

So of course right when I post about Austin, everything changes. Unfortunately, Cory found out today that we can not go to Austin in February anymore because the other LT here cannot get his TDY dates changed. So now we are going in March, hopefully.

Just thought you should all know. Please pray for my own peace in this situation especially with the Air Force.

Not yet...and Austin!

2010-01-13T09:58:00.002-07:00

I have debated on blogging until the baby is born because I konw so many people are just waiting. I know because I am one of them, but I also keep getting facebook messages, text messages, phone calls, emails, etc. And, if I ever call someone, the first sound out of their mouth is either about the baby OR very expectant of news they want me to spill. Sorry, but no news yet. I have an appointment today and my doctor will schedule an induction date as she does not want me to go over 41 weeks.

On an awesome note, Cory and I will be going to Texas in February with new baby and Cory will have the chance to interview with the Austin Police Department. We have been waiting to hear about dates for a base inspection and FE Warren in Cheyenne, WY just got hit with less than 48 hour notice. Herego, Cory's leadership is granting us leave to go as we will have no warning of the inspection dates. I never thought God would answer the prayer that way, but I am okay with. We get to go and he gets to interview. That is what we wanted. Cory would prefer the inspection happen while he is here though, so now pray that the no warning inspection happens when Cory is available I guess!

Maybe the next post will have a baby picture. I can hope!

Busy Busy!

2009-12-26T10:24:00.003-07:00

Of course this season is always busy. Here is what we have been up to the month of December.

1. Work has been a bit nuts as I prepare for maternity leave. My last working day is December 31st. Then I will start my leave but will retain some projects that I will do from home. I will take this moment to say that I don't know yet what I will be doing upon completion of my maternity leave with work. When I know, I will let you know.

2. Baking with my new Kitchen Aid Mixer that Santa brought November 30th. He knew that my 8 month pregnant body would greatly appreciate that present early for all my baking. Worked fantastic for my mashed potatoes too!

3. Watching the Broncos not fair too well and the Packers sometimes win and sometimes lose! What a season by the way!

4. Christmas Eve dinner for 9 friends. Fondue is so fun and you would think not much work as I don't have to cook much. The clean up is always more of a process than I think but it so FUN! Mom, the plates were awesome; thanks for sending them early!

5. Opening presents is always fun. Our highlights thus far (we are doing Christmas with my family in January when Adley comes): Entire Twilight series, entire Harry Potter series, the start of my super cute dishes that will be mixed with the same set in brown, Cory's new weather station that he is obsessed with at the moment, his new punching bag, tools from parents, and blu-ray movies.

6. While Christmas without family is hard sometimes, this Christmas was such a blessing with the friends we have here. Mayers, love you and so blessed to spend out Christmas with you, our dear FAMILY .

7. My brother gets to go to London, England on an all-expense paid trip to lecture at a magician's convention and shoot a DVD! How sweet is that!!??

8. Last minute preparations for Adley such as: packing my bag, packing her bag, weekly appointments, inserting the car seat (by the way, please leave a comment and tell me if you would place the infant car seat behind the driver or the passenger. Cory and I are in a debate about this and we would love to know your opinions!), organizing her clothes and room, etc. See what I mean about the planning thing?

9. I almost forgot that we also have been busy having only one vehicle as Cory's truck is getting its clutch replaced. And yes, we still need to get the Corrolla's bumper fixed from the construction truck that backed into me. Go figure that both cars would need to be worked on at the same time! C'est la vie!

Funny thing about how busy December has been, I can't even imagine the change come January! Baby comes, mom comes, family comes, 2nd Christmas, baby dedication, Cory's birthday, and more. Here comes the new year!

Planning...

2009-12-03T10:59:00.003-07:00

Are any of you planners? I definitely am, and not knowing when the baby is actually coming is starting to frustrate me. I just like to plan and God doesn't let have enough control sometimes!

I should take that back because if I was given more control, I would screw it up. I just wish I can plan things like:
1. When family should come so they aren't staring at me waiting to have a baby and getting to Montana is expensive!
2. When to have a baby dedication with both sets of parents in town.
3. How much time will have between start of maternity leave and actual baby time. (I go officially on January 1 and have project I will be finishing up from home for work, hopefully. I don't actually know when she will come in order to know how much work I will get done.)

God just pinged me right now: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

I will shut up now!

New Moon and New Bumper!

2009-11-25T09:42:00.002-07:00

So this is a little late in coming, but I saw New Moon on Saturday afternoon. Verdict: Loved it! I can't describe how much better it was than the 1st movie. I think they should redo the first one because New Moon was that much better. I was worried about hating the movie because the book is my least favorite (TEAM EDWARD BABY!) but totally not my experience. The cast and director did a fantastic job. So excited for the 3rd one, my favorite book!

Also, we have to get a new bumper for my Corrolla. If you aren't aware, Cory and I now live the construction zone. All houses around us have been torn down and replacements are being built. All this said, I was stop behing a rather large construction truck (not a personal vehicle, but semi-truck style) and all of a sudden he started backing up and CRUNCH! He likely couldn't hear me honking because his truck was beeping while in reverse so he drove off. I had to follow him to where he stopped and then saw he in fact hit me. Minor accident but scary nontheless. The project manager met us on scene and he gave me all company insurance and his business card to contact with any question. Wonderful start to Wednesday but tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

Have a great Turkey Day!

Blessed Baby Shower

2009-11-16T21:14:00.005-07:00

I cannot believe that I have lived in Great Falls, MT just shy of 3 years, and yet the blessing of my friends and family was overwhelming as if I had known everyone here for decades. Thank you all who attended my shower and the amazing outpouring of love I felt. I have written 48 thank yous.

Thank you to Ellen and Jaime too. They threw the beautiful shower that was elegant and not focused on games. YEAH!

By the way, Debra (green shirt) had a baby boy early Sunday morning, November 15, 2009. Congrats!

Enough is Enough!

2009-11-03T12:38:00.002-07:00

So many people have been asking me. These are from a 2-3 weeks ago. I don't think I actually have as big as the pictures show, but it is all in the front. People tell me that I don't look pregnant anywhere but my tummy which is good I guess.

I am now 30 weeks and November is already flying. Chris and Cassie are currently in Billings, en route to Great Falls for the week. My mom flies in tomorrow; my shower is on Saturday and they both are here for it!

Then Cory's parents come for Thanksgiving and before I know it is December.

By the way, I have my mom, brother, sister-in-law, Cory's parents, and Cory's sister and husband all done for Christmas. When I mean done, I mean all gifts are even wrapped! I don't think I will have as much energy in December and now I have just a few left other than Cory. YEAH!

Will post pics of the shower hopefully!

Is that your final answer?

2009-10-20T08:32:00.003-06:00

So, Cory received orders yesterday to report to Korea no later than 10 February 2010unaccompanied for 12 months. You just read the previous line correctly.

Many of you know that we have been praying and discussing for quite some time leaving the military for a career in the civilian police force, hopefully Austin, TX. When Cory's orders dropped, he had until the end of the day to make the decision final: deny the orders and thus tell his command he is separating in December of 2010 or accept the orders to Korea and leave for 12 months when Adley at most 6 weeks old. Long story short, the only reason Cory contemplated staying in the Air Force was the financial security net it provides as he does not have a job offer yet because we are 15 month from actually separating. Therefore, after counsel from wise mentors of ours, friends, family, and where we believe God has been leading us for some time,Cory has told his command to deny the Korea orders as we are separating in December of 2010.

Awesome thing about this entire situation: I was already planning on going to work at 11:30 instead of 8:00 and thus Cory could come home and we could talk and pray before making our final answer. And so, please pray for us as we embark on the unknown. Our largest fear is no job offer yet, but we know full well that God provides and has never let us down. Specific prayers: Cory interviews for the Austin Police Department in February. We want this job and would love to be in Texas for the heat, the culture, and the family. However, we also wants God's will, so please pray for that. The options are limitless now. So exciting!

And by the way: did anyone see the Broncos record? We are one of four teams still undefeated!! 6-0 BABY!!

5-0

2009-10-11T21:33:00.003-06:00

That's right! My Denver Broncos are 5-0. And yes, believe it or not, the image is a picture of the ugly uniforms both teams played in today!

The odd thing about this 5-0, I still don't have high hopes. Every time Orton throws, I cringe. And now, I am not too sure if the the special teams can be trusted. Go figure. Better not complain though; the Broncos are 5-0!

The best part of this weekend too; it continues tomorrow! Yeah for Columbus Day and no work tomorrow. Cory and I officially have no plans; hopefully we will continue to get healthy as we are both recovering from a cold. No fevers thankfully, and Adley is doing fine as far as I can tell.

We also registered this weekend at Wal-Mart for baby items and are gearing up for the shower in November when my mom and the Donatells will visit. Then Knops are coming for Thanksgiving, then Christmas, then Adley. OH MY GOODNESS! Time is flying by.

Enough of the random; hope you had a great LONG weekend too!

Mom and Baby Creations

2009-10-07T13:40:00.002-06:00

You have to go check out my friend's new website. It is small right now but with hopes of growing. Everything she makes is beautiful! I am not had the opportunity to extensively use the burpies she is currently selling, but she has made me crib bumpers, quilt, duvet cover, two fitted sheets, 3 receiving blankets, and has become a personal seamstress of sorts for me with all my weddings and now too long maternity jeans! Please check out what she is selling whether you are having a baby of your own or for a great shower gift. Remember, she is growing and you can always email her for options! Check out my Fellow bloggers and visit Mom and Baby Creations!

The Verdict Is...

2009-09-29T19:07:00.003-06:00

I had another doctor's appointment today and Cory, being as curious as I was, asked if there was another way to get an ultrasound to have a better, more sure determination about the gender of our baby. Dr. Whitaker, being absolutely fantastic, said absolutely. Let me go get the machine. Right then and there she did it for us and her determination...

GIRL! 99.9%. I love the feeling that Adley will get to wear the Denver Bronco cheerleading outfit her maternal grandparents have already purchased for her. They also have jersey onesies by the way! HINT HINT for anyone out there looking to purchase me something for her. Please no Orton or Bailey though. Maybe I am to picky!

Other than gender, Dr. Whitaker was well pleased with my pregnancy thus far and Adley is doing great! God is so cool by the way! We saw her open her mouth and completely flip over while doing this ultrasound!!

Not much other news. You should definitely go check out my wonderful new friend's blog, Ann Oettel. I had the blessing of actually hanging out with her some on our church women's retreat. The pictures of her family and the McAdam family are GORGEOUS!!

Now Reading...

2009-09-18T11:00:00.002-06:00

So my fantastic friends, John and Ellen Mayer, told me about this book. I was going to try and buy it but before I got the change, John bought and gave it to me. Did I tell you how super awesome the Mayers the are???

Anyway, I have updated what I am currently reading because I finished the Francine Rivers series forever ago but couldn't decide what to read next. Non-fiction is not usually my choice, but after just one chapter, I am pleasantly suprised with this book. Now, remember only one chapter read thus far, but super excited to read future ones.

Highlights of Chapter 1:
1. We overpraise our children in order to build self-esteem and the reality is we are creating children that don't take risks for fear of failure.
2. Example: Telling a child they are smart no creates an image the child has to live up to and the child believes she has no control of the ability. Herego, when given choices to challenge herself, or appear smart, she choices the easier, non-risk taking way to appear smart.
3. Best suggestion for praise is to praise specifically. ie: The way you worked through and processed that math problem was excellent! The way you were looking to pass the ball to your teammates was great!

I definitely don't do the chapter justice, but I suggest the read!

It's A.....

2009-09-09T10:46:00.002-06:00

...GIRL!
At least that is what they are saying currently and what we are tentatively planning on. Girls are more difficult to determine because the radiologists have to make the call based on what isn't being seen as opposed to a boy. We could not be more thrilled.

Cory couldn't come to the appointment so my friends Ellen and Veronica came with me to the ultrasound and then we had a pizza party at our house that evening. Friends came over and at the center of the table was a white cake (food colored pink) with chocolate frosting. Cory came home from work and cut open the cake where he discovered in front of everyone that it was a girl because the cake was pink on the insided! His smile was HUGE!

Over Labor Day weekend Cory's sister Erin got married too. Her wedding was awesome and our family spoiled us rotten. We returned with the following items:
1. Baby cradle my Grandpa Jack made a long time ago.
2. Baby girl tights to wear underneath Denver Bronco cheerleading outfits (I say outfits because my parents bought one for the season and one for next!)
3. 5 blankets, a sweater, and booties all hand made by Mawmaw (Cory's grandmother).
4. 2 blankets hand made by Aunt Wanda.
5. Cutest sundress, pacifiers, rubber duckies, Are You My Mother Book?, and panda bear from Rae!
6. An HD video camera and my entire Graco travel system from Uncle Chirag

I can't believe how very blessed our family is!!

Obviously I Have Been Busy

2009-08-25T15:07:00.002-06:00

Hello fellow bloggers. My bad for the absence. This is what has happened in August.

My parents came to visit and we had a blast at Glacier National Park for the weekend. I am seriously slacking in the picture department, my apologies.

Family Connections (where I work) has moved office locations and that has been and still is a fiasco in itself! YEAH! It is beautiful though and was built to suit so that we are blessed for the most part in the endeavor.

I find out the gender of the baby on August 31st. I promise I will not forget to blog more quickly then this one.

Erin's wedding (Cory's sister) is September 6th so we will be in Colorado Labor Day weekend. Hopefully some pics will get up here for that. I have been also busy assembling her wedding programs and planning her bachelorette party and bridal brunch.

And,when home, I like to relax and sleep. Therefore, not on the computer much at home and work has been hectic (no internet all last week) I have not had much time.

Miss you but am back hopefully!

16 weeks and MUST SEE

2009-07-30T15:46:00.003-06:00

So my 16 week appointment went great and I was going to post more ultrasound pics but decided this video was way better. Thanks to Lisa, my coworker, for giving this to me. Don't know gender yet; will know August 26,2009. Also, baby is showing all signs of healthy!

WATCH THIS! I hope our child is like this; but not all the time!

Cory's Home!

2009-07-27T08:28:00.002-06:00

YEAH! Cory came home yesterday afternoon and I couldn't have been more ready! His absence was again filled with lots of movies; all the Bourne movies, Italian Job, and Spy Game. I think I have been drawn to the action movies. I just miss him when he is gone and excited he is back.

Now we have to gear up for my parents arrival on Thursday. Laundry, cleaning, and organizing the office in order to move furniture to make a nursery. The dressers in the guest room is going to the office and the desk in the office is going to the guest room so that the office can become the baby room. No painting because I don't want to paint back when we move, but pics should do just fine. No crib yet, but want to use my parents help while they are here.

All weekend we will be in Kalispell and visiting Glacier National Park! Cannot wait. Haven't been in a while and love to see the awesomeness of God in His unbelivable creation. I also will have a baby update as my 16 week appointment is on Wednesday!

That's my week! Will post pics of Glacier when I get back!

Week 1 Alone

2009-07-16T08:52:00.003-06:00

For those who don't know, Cory is on the first of two back to back week long TDYs. So, what have I done in his absence. Two words...Harry Potter movies. Since we own the first 5 and we are going to see the 6th when he gets home, I decided I should get caught up and that is what I have been doing. YEAH!

Other than that, I am been incredibly blessed by Ellen and John Mayer including me enough to not feel alone and yet not 3rd wheelish. Mayers, love you and thank you for thinking of me and not only when Cory is gone!

Cory comes home at 11:30 Friday night, hopefully with Chick-Fil-A to be reheated in the oven for me, and leaves at 3:00 am Sunday morning for another week. Luckily he is not missing any doctor's appointments.

And this is what baby Knop is doing currently...

Well...

2009-07-07T09:38:00.005-06:00

Due January 14, 2009.

12 week ultrasound

The 1st ultrasound at 9 weeks....

Psalm...

2009-06-26T13:10:00.002-06:00

First of all, is it Psalm or Psalms?

Moving on; I was reading Psalm 10 today and felt convicted by the writer's behavior. At the beginning, the psalmist says, "Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hid yourself in times of trouble?" To me this clearly is a person feeling distant from God and somewhat irritated that he can't seem to find Him when he feels he most needs Him. The psalmist continues for the next 9 verses somewhat complaining about why the wicked seem to prosper. The psalmist quickly transitions to asking God to arise and lift up His hand, and then to praise him and King for ever and ever and many things He does. Why the sudden change from verse 1 of God being distant to praising God and rmembering His acts in verses 12-18?

My answer may be simple, but words repeated can often change your heart and how you feel. The psalmist was remembering what and who God is now making Him maybe not so distant. Praising God in turmoil and distance from Him, often brings your heart back to knowing the promises of God and how He hasn't truly abandoned you at all. I always try to convince myself that I will change the way I think about this or that, but never do I actually give words to such a revelation. Confessing truth could in fact be the way to change my attitude toward a situation instead of the other way around. Words are convincing and life changing; maybe changing attitudes start with confessing the new attitude I want enough times and reading it enough times for my heart to be convinced instead of mentally convincing myself to change and never saying anything.

Sorry about this rant but felt convicted about confessing with my mouth challenges God is working me through. Blogging was the best way I could confess with "mouth" (fingers on a keyboard) while at my work computer on lunch. Later I can tell more people!

Remember who God is and what He has done for you especially in the depths. He will never leave you nor forsake and knowing that in your head and believing it in your heart are truly two different things. God Bless and confess!

My Out...

2009-06-24T09:12:00.002-06:00

So last night I was playing softball with my UNDEFEATED church team. I play catcher which is perfect for me because while I am athletic and competitive, softball is not my best sport. I make goals every year, and this year's goal was to get an out at home. I will sacrifice my body to prevent the other team from scoring, just never had the opportunity, until last night.

The other team had a man on 2nd and 3rd and the guy on 2nd ended up trapped between 2nd and 3rd. Thus we had to choose where to throw and chose to throw to 2nd thus allowing the man on the 3rd to try and run home. My dear, dear, friend Ellen was playing 2nd and proceeded to throw from 2nd to me at home. It bounced once, I caught it, and dove to the left barely making the tag preventing the run! It was so awesome that I threw my glove and ball into the air in celebration totally forgetting about other base runners. Like I said before, softball is not my best sport and I have only played for 2 summers. But, luckily, the ball went straight up and straight down.

I love summer!

Currently Reading...

2009-06-16T10:48:00.002-06:00

So I have started the 2nd book in Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series. Please do not let the images the covers of the books deter you from the read. While they look incredibly feminine, please know that it is completely and utterly worth the read. This is the 3rd or 4th time I have re-read the series. To put that into perspective, I have read it more times than Twilight.

The series has oodles have inspiration about serving and trusting God in the even lowliest of circumstances. You leave refreshed and enthused for the Hadassah's heart.

PLEASE READ!!

Blood on White Couches

2009-06-05T09:24:00.003-06:00

My Zoey! So while this picture is from her puppy days, it is still a picture of how sweet she is. Last night she managed to break off her entire back right claw and it bled everywhere! My next door neighbor happens to have an animal first aid kit (you have to know my neighbor to know she has everything and can do anything; I am spoiled). We had to cut all the fur away from her paw, clean it with iodine, and stop the bleeding with a big gauze pad. She was such a trooper. While holding her, she just kept licking me over and over again looking at me hoping it would be over soon. She is walking with no limp though and playing rough with sister Savannah like always. What a night with dog blood on white couches! Needlessly, I am exhausted. Have a great weekend!

Jamaica Revealed

2009-05-31T19:52:00.009-06:00

So while it can take awhile to describe everything, here are favorite pics of mine and quick highlight list of what we did.

1. Beach volleyball everyday! SO FUN!
2. Swim up bar
3. Frisbee in the ocean.
4. Wakeboarding
5. Kayaking
6. Food, food, and food!
7. Cliff jumping!
8. Catamaran Cruise
9. Relaxation
10. Yummy alcoholic drinks
11. Night snorkeling-saw a puffer fish small and then puffed up and a canon that came from a pirate ship.
12. Great time with amazing friends. Micki and Richard, love you and so excited that we got to spend this time with you!

The additional couple in some pictures are Jimmy and Krista. We met them in Jamaica and hung out with them as well. Fabulous people who live in Denton and celebrating a honeymoon.

Favorite Story:
Cory wore Micki's khaki pants to dinner because Richard forgot to bring khaki pants to eat at one of the restaurants. The picture of Richard in a skirt is what he almost wore until Cory tried on Micki's and they fit. Then Cory gave Richard his pants so we could go to dinner.

Not Forgotten

2009-05-28T16:44:00.001-06:00

I have not forgotten the blog but since returning from Jamaica, we have been BUSY!!! I promise pictures soon!!

Preparing for the Longest Week...Followed by the Shortest

2009-05-08T14:02:00.006-06:00

I am officially one week away from driving to Colorado and then getting on a plane to fly to Jamaica for 6 glorious days! Unfortunately, there is what will be the longest week between now and then.

Have you ever noticed that? When I am super excited and looking forward to something, the days seem to tick by much slower than usual. I have this huge hunch next week is going to DRAG! I have finished major projects at work and thus have very little to make my workday go by quickly. The other negative to this conundrum is that the almost week I am in Jamaica will fly by because I don't want it to. Go figure! The week you want to go by fast drags and the week you want to drag speeds up.

All that said, we are super excited to see the Knop family, celebrate a late Mother's Day, and celebrate Erin's graduation. All in 24 hours because then we are off to Denver with lifelong friends Micki and Richard to go to Jamaica (the man and woman on the far right of the two pictures)!

So fun! Don't know if I will get back to blogging before we go, but please pray for safe travels and beautiful weather. I know I am not great with pictures, but we are ready for this trip and pictures will be posted when we return!

Here comes summer! For those friends living in Texas, I know you have had nice summery weather already, but I live in Montana so give me a break. We had the snowiest April in Montana ever with over 2 feet dropping in Great Falls. Cory and I are ready for summer!!

Other randomness before I go. Wendy, I love you and so blessed to finally chat with you this week. That hour conversation was awesome! And, Erin, CONGRATULATIONS! Love you!!

CATS...

2009-04-23T08:27:00.002-06:00

If you know me at all, you know I am not a huge fan of cats. But, I thought, Great Falls, MT doesn't have many theatrical performances come to the area so why not?

Last night, girls from small group went out to dinner (I had crab legs) and to the musical CATS. I had absolutely no idea what it was about, so I figured I would go. At the intermission I told Jenny I had absolutely no idea what was going on. She actually told me to just enjoy the dancing and singing because there is not much of a plot. If you are a CATS fan I apologize, but there really is no plot. I read the program at intermission and found out it is simply about choosing the next Jellicle cat and they were just letting us know which cat was which and their qualities.

The music was awesome, but the dance left something to be desired in my opinion. I was a gymnast for 11 years and quit when I was 13. I felt that most of the dance I could do given 6 months or so to increase my flexibility again. I could not however sing like they did.

Bottom line, not sad I went, but hopefully I will more opportunities to see plays and musicals I like more. Especially with more of plot and maybe some more dialogue as I am TERRIBLE and understanding words in music. I know that is my problem, not the cats.

The Magician's Nephew

2009-03-26T13:54:00.002-06:00

Odd title for a blog yes, but not so odd if you realize it is the first novel in the Chronicles of Narnia. To ward off any arguments, The Magician's Nephew is simply written to be placed first in the series, though it is the last one C.S. Lewis wrote.

When I read these books before, I flew through them not truly reading for any sort of detail. I knew that you could read them separate from each other without missing too much. I am so stoked to now see how the connections from The Magician's Nephew to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. As many may not have read the books but seen the movie, did you ever wonder where the wardrobe came from. I can't believe I didn't remember it! Digory, the young boy in Magician's Nephew, planted an apple core from Narnia at home in his world where it grew into a tree. Decades later, a storm came and blew the tree over. Because Digory knew about the tree and was attached to it, he decided to make a piece of furniture from the wood. That piece of furniture was none other than the wardrobe that Lucy will find at the beginning of the classic The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Those of you who knew that, sorry if this seems stupid. I just love realizing how altered childhood memories can become. My first impression reading the series was great! Now, they are still great!

Stay tuned for anything about The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. I will be reading this series for a bit as it is 7 books, though smaller. And while good, it still is not quite the page turner Twilight was! You knew I had to mention that somewhere!

Twilight Mania

2009-03-24T09:24:00.003-06:00

The last couple weeks have been fun! Chris came home from a deployment and we have spent a lot of our time catching up with him and Becky.

Also, this weekend, Cory experienced the Twilight movie. He was so intrigued, he started the book the same day! My husband is incredible. A friend of ours actually bought it for us in BluRay at a midnight release party. So, we got a copy and didn't have to wait up late! Thanks Amanda!

I was obviously searching for a new blog background too. I couldn't find one I really liked for awhile. I chose this one because of colors and less changing of fonts. But I almost picked this one.

You know why? It is titled Breaking Dawn! Mania I tell you!

We are planning on submitting Cory's Austin Police Department application before we go into Jamaica in May so we have been working hard on that. Pray for God's will please!

I gained more responsibilities at work thus shifting my work load, but it is good.

Right now I am being taught not to be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, present my requests to God. And the peace of God will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus beyond any understanding of my own. See Philippians 4.

Love you all!

Sorry for the Delay

2009-03-05T15:50:00.003-07:00

The last month has flown by and I apologize for the lack of blogging. Here is a Top 10 of my last month!
1. Hosted our small group for Valentine's Day Fondue. DELICIOUS!
2. Started to help Erin, Cory's sister, plan her wedding on September 6, 2009 as the maid of honor (I really don't like the word matron!)
3. Cory enjoying the men's retreat with our church, but unfortunately coming home sick!
4. Eating the Stockman at MacKenzie River and going bowling for my 6.25 birthday. Ellen, it was fun looking creepy with you in the black lights! Also, eating the most delicious Snickers cake from Albertson's for my birthday!
5. Babysitting baby Eleeson, Willow, and Annabelle with yummy smores!
6. Hearing that our dear friends Chris Wood and Micki Smeeding will be returning from deployments any day now. God, we praise you for their protection.
7. Seeing God's awesome provision when we owe more than expected to the government for taxes. Apparantly we need to buy a house or have a child because we make too much! I certainly don't think it is too much though! SERIOUSLY? Actually, we can pay the taxes and still pay for Jamaica, coming in MAY!
8. Watching and remembering how awesome the Lord of the Rings trilogy is!
9. Re-reading the Twilight series; currently in the first 1/3 of Eclipse. It is still almost as hard to put down the second time around.
10. Experiencing God's awesome power in our marriage and our friends marriages as we seek to strengthen our marriage before Satan or the world can ever have a foothold.

Pray for Cory to get better. He is really sick, and I miss kissing him! Also, he is getting his wisdom teeth pulled on Monday the 9th.

God is awesome!

PICTURES!

2009-02-06T12:19:00.008-07:00

So while these are random pictures, they relate to most of my recent posts.

This is Eleeson Douglas (mostly likely going to be called Eli). Eleeson is dad's middle name from grandmother's maiden name). He was born on the 4th and was 20.5 inches long weighing 7 lbs 11 oz. One down, lots to go for 2009. His sisters are Annabelle (6) and Willow (3).

This is Axel my neighbor loving Rock Band! Obviously this is on two different nights too, one of which was for Cory's birthday! He also sings when Ellen doesn't!

And my girls... SO CUTE AREN'T THEY?

I'm late...

2009-02-03T09:01:00.002-07:00

If you thought anything except for telling you about Cory's birthday, you are wrong. A brief summary...
The breaking of the fast was fantastic. Cory's birthday involved cards, RockBand, Boston's, and ice cream cake that was SOOOOO TASTY. Did you know you can make any DQ ice cream cake from their Blizzard list? AWESOME!! We ate Chinese food, Boston's, Jaker's, and anything else we hadn't eaten for three. Needless to say, we probably consumed all calories we didn't for three weeks in three days.

I found out another friend is pregnant and that makes my count 12. CRAZY! So far, all babies are healthy and the first of many to be born is happening tomorrow.

Cory and I started a racquetball league and it is so fun. Of course, I am the only girl which is awkward but the guys are so sweet to me and think it is neat a girl is willing to play. I jammed my thumb really good though. And so good that people think I got fingerprinted my thumb was that bruised.

SuperBowl was fun to watch though I was pulling for the Cardinals. I actually have no preference normally so it was that sad when the Steelers won. Good game and the best commercial in my opinion is the crystal ball Dorito one followed by the Bud Light staff meeting. HILARIOUS!

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you and miss you!

Lately...

2009-01-21T09:04:00.002-07:00

I know I haven't posted lately, but not a lot has been going ong the last couple of weeks. Cory and I did start sign language classes again, and we have been getting back into our routine since Christmas.

Things we are looking forward to this weekend are a whole other story.
1. Our church has been doing a Daniel fast for the last three weeks and we celebrating the end of it tomorrow at sundown by going out to dinner with friends! No meat and no dairy and only whole grain, fruits, and veggies have been our diet the last few weeks. You could say we are ready for some meat. Lesson learned: Dependence on God is vital AND I do have self-control as God calls us to have meaning I control what goes in my mouth and I don't HAVE to eat just because it is out.
2. Friday, we are playing cards and having dinner with the Lycans. YEAH! It has been awhile, but we have lots to catch up on.
3. Saturday, I am going to brunch with some friends to celebrate the soon coming baby of a friend AND that night Cory and I are having Asian food night with my coworker. She makes the best homemade eggrolls!!
4. Cory turns 25 on Sunday and we are going out to lunch, coming back to the house, playing games to include RockBand, and having ice cream cake.

I hopefully will be better with pictures and will let you know how the weekend goes!

Also, I gave the blog an update for Valentine's Day. I thought I wouldn't, but fell in love with this background. I LOVE RED lately!

We Suck at Pictures

2009-01-05T15:09:00.004-07:00

So, it has been awhile and we have since left our home for over a week, celebrated Christmas a few times, and driven back without taking a stinking picture. Neither one of us thinks about it. Anyway, here is what our 12/25 looked like.

1. Wake up at 3:00 am and cook breakfast for Cory's troops that had to work Christmas day.
2. Open presents with just Cory and me and done by 7:00 am.
3. Watch the Dark Knight in Blu-Ray by 9:30 am (AWESOME).
4. Finish cleaning and packing for our trip.
5. Go to friends for Christmas lunch, card playing, and Guitar Hero (got hooked enough to buy ROCKBAND in Colorado).
6. Get home in just enough time to go to Christmas dinner at our other friend's house.
7. Leave by 8:30 pm to go to sleep; get up at 9:30 pm to repack our car into our truck and leave for Colorado to try and beat the snow.
8. Drive 120 miles in more than 4 hours and stop at hotel to sleep because we can't see the front of our car the snow and wind is so bad.
9. Get up at 8:00 am and drive the rest of the way in a 14 hour car drive.
10. Celebrate Christmas with the Knops.

The remainder of the trip from 12/27-1/3 consisted of:
1. Meeting Erin's boyfriend Tim (pretty cool dude :)
2. Getting some basic djembe lessons since I have owned one for 3 years.
3. Read two books: Finished The Other Boleyn Girl and The Shack (good reads)
4. Lots of Wii Sports, MarioKart, and Excite Truck.
5. Tons of Hoof and Mouth and I Want It.
6. My best friend from high school proposed and I got to be part of the party!!
7. SHOPPING in which we bought a bluetooth headset, RockBand and Guitar Hero to have two guitars, a sweater, skirt, and slip.
8. Time with family and friends (Knops, Gandhis, Perkins, Donatells, Doners, Holdiers, Meiers).

Those are the highlights. We will work on the picture thing!

P.S. Found out 2 more of our friends are pregnant!

Twilight Movie vs. Book

2008-12-22T09:31:00.003-07:00

Of course the book is better but if you want the full details of my thoughts, email me at kendiknop@gmail.com and I will send you my list of thoughts. Much too long for you all to read here.

Bottom line, I will buy all the books and all the movies. Also, if you receive the email, the list of things I don't like is much longer than what I do like because more things are left out of the book and that aggravates me of course. BUT, I left in love Edward and while that is only on bullet on my list, that feeling is incredibly important to me.

If someone knows how to load a word document onto blogger, I would gladly take that advice. Then I could put my list of likes and don't likes as a link instead through email.

We missed the memo...

2008-12-18T12:15:00.005-07:00

(Sorry the image is small. It is from Facebook)

These three ladies at one point were all my college roommates. From the left, Emily, lived with me my senior year. Allison, the blonde, lived with me 3 years, and Katie lived with me 2 years. All three were bridesmaids in my wedding and this picture is from our wedding week about 2.5 years ago. So why put the picture up now??

Well, I missed the memo we were all going to moms before June 2010. Emily had beautiful Alyssa (who you can see on their blog; check out Pollards link) who was born June 21 and now Allison is due with baby boy on March 15th and Katie is due May 27th. NUTS!!

Congratulations to my lovely, beautiful friends! All are, or are going to be, great moms. I love you and can't wait to see pictures. I'm just bummed I don't get to see the babies as soon as I would like.

This of course begs the next question; when do we want to start a family? If I had received a memo, Cory and I would have thrown it away/ignored it. Three words are definitely keeping the baby issue at bay; JAMAICA IN MAY. So now you know you don't have to be in suspense about if anything is happening before that. This is all we know though. Just because we go to Jamaica does not mean we want to start trying when we come back either. So now you don't need to ask about the baby situation.

And Rae, if you read this, you are next following Anne's theory...The summer of 2007 weddings started in this order and I know because I was in all of them: Emily and Lemar on May 19, Cassie and Chris on May 24, Allison and Zach on June 9, and Rae and Matt on June 16. Emily had Alyssa on June 21,2008, Cassie (who is not in the picture but also a dear friend and great mom; check out the Donatells link) had Malachi in July 2008(sorry I don't remember the date Cassie), and Allison and Zach are due in March. Rae let us know when you are due!

J/K! Love you Rae and wait as long as you like. We are!

P.S. Cory and I do want a family, we just don't know when yet. When God says we are ready, we'll be ready.

Took Forever, But Thanksgiving Highlights

2008-12-10T09:33:00.009-07:00

While this took stinkin' forever you should, it partly due to my obsession with the Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn. That's right, I read all 4 in 8 days! They rock, love them, and part of me wishes Cory was a vampire. Not really, but Stephenie Meyer writes in a way you fall in love with every important character.

P.S. I know this is a long blog, but it is all worth the read. A picture I promise you haven't seen and a story that is annoying!

My mother's beautiful table. Mom, you are an awesome host who goes over and beyond always!

Me and my mom. I look fabulous; still in PJs!

Not only did we have Thanksgiving, but we my nephew Brice's birthday and my stepdad Ron's birthday. We fondued for Ron's birthday on the 11/29 but forgot to take pictures. However, on the 28th we had a pool party with Brice and cake. I can't figure out how to get my videos to work on here, but the picture will suffice. The only request from Brice on his birthday: slam my face into the cake.

And he did it!

Most of the vacation I was sick but that did not stop Abby or Cory insisting we still play cards. Also I sneak at the beautiful pool we swam in all vacation!! And, Cory kissing me before he knew how sick I was and then he stopped kissing me for over week! ARGH! No kissing when you deep into a semi-romance fantasy novel is killer!

Lastly, coming home. Should be easy but not if you are flying from Fort Worth, TX to Great Falls, MT. Our itnirary said our flight to Denver was 8:50 am so we showed up to the airport at 7:00. Plenty of time, except, when checking, we saw United had us on a flight at 11:48. No courtesy call! So I call Ron, who has just exited and paid the toll, and he comes back and drives us back home, an hour away!! Cory convinced me to stay up late the night before because it was our last night and everything, so now I am sicker and exhausted. We sleep an hour at home and load up the car again with my brother, Brett, and Abby. We check in and waiting by the gate, but as of 11:30, no plane at the gate. United worker informs of the delay and I know we won't make our connection in Denver to Great Falls, MT; meaning the next flight to Great Fall from Denver gets us home at 11:30. I was planning on sleeping all day at home and now, I won't be home until 11:30; or so I thought! The weather was so bad in Denver, that our flight was cancelled. In case you can't tell, in the picture, the departure time is a frown face!!!

Now, the real frustrating part starts, we wait in line for about 1 hour and then are told we are waiting in the wrong line to get our bag off the plane. We go to the "correct" line and I ask another United woman if this is where I got my bags. Her response, "No, all bags for Denver flights are headed out on the 4:00 flight to Denver." Great, my bags are going home, but not me. I immediately told everyone in line they were in the wrong line again (by this time we were all friends) and went to Baggage Services. Luckily he got our bag and we waited, and waited, and waited to speak with representative for a new flight. We were lucky though, because my mom was on the line acting as me to get us on another flight too. Finally, my mom got us booked on a 6:00 am flight to Salt Lake the following day and then to Great Falls. Now we had keep waiting in line to get confirmation from United to pay for Delta flights and then Ron drove to back to the airport for the 3rd time that day. Guess what! We had to wake up at 3:30 am to get to airport by 5:00 for the 6 am flight!! Now, I am even sicker and more tired.

The upside, while in Salt Lake City I could not sleep or talk because my voice was gone, so I bought Twilight. My obsession started. I could not even go to work I was so sick until Friday, so I read all 4 days at home. And now, I recommend it all to everyone. The second book is my least favorite but central to the story...the fourth book is AMAZING!!! These characters became real to me. Nuts, but now I know we might be able to live without cable but then I need to find some more great books!!

Savannah and Zoey...

2008-11-22T17:37:00.003-07:00

I love that my dogs love me, but this may a bit much. I did not call them to me nor place them in position for this picture. They made themselves comfortable and Cory took the picture. They are crazy but so stinkin' cute!!

Sorry Becky!

2008-11-22T17:18:00.004-07:00

So my friend Becky and I teamed up for Halloween and had a blast carving these pumpkins. Becky, I'm sorry it took me so long to post. I complete forgot until we used the camera again! I know the picture is a little dark but it is best with us and the pumpkins.

Never Have I Done This

2008-11-18T08:55:00.003-07:00

As you know from the side of blog, I am reading the book Paul. However, I must stop reading it on only page 16. Cory bought me the book super excited because I love Paul and I love history. The book says it is a biography of Paul, and I am sure it is according to the secular world, but not me. The claim of the book is that Paul is more central to Christianity than Christ himself, and without Paul, Christianity would have remained a herectical sect of Judaism. Some disclaimers: I am by no means against educating myself so as to increase my intellect of what world believes in order to show them how awesome Christ is; I love reading; usually I don't become angry at a book so early.

1. Wilson claims any history of Jesus' life and shortly thereafter is irrecoverable.
2. Wilson claims Paul had no reason for murderous attitudes toward Christians.
3. Wilson claims Stephen, first martyr in Acts, did not believe in the divinity of Christ, that he was the Son of God, or part of the Trinity.
4. Wilson also claims Revelation written by John only pertains to the destruction of Jerusalem and he got it wrong.
5. Wilson claims Paul nor Jesus believed that Christianity would ever be a religion because the world has existed 1900 years longer than either man anticipated.

This are simply the claims I remember as I forgot to bring the book, and only in the first 16 pages. I understand that if you aren't a believer, this could make sense to you, but it enrages me. Cory and I are doing the Truth Project, and Dr. Tackett say we should not be surprised that the Word of God is questioned as it is the only perfect yet incomplete picture of who God and Man is. Therefore, since man is trying to distance himself from God, he will attack the Scriptures.

I struggle with myself to stop reading it but I am angry. What aggravates me more, the same author has the best-selling book Jesus: A Biography. At this point in my life, I am to come down on the side of caution and not let someone who does not love God influence my opinion of Him. While I am stubborn, I also am weak. Finding something for a quiet time and doing it more regularly is more important. Thanks Amanda for sending for the study on Ruth! I started this morning and already feel blessed and at peace.

Now, I need to find a new book to read.

Good News; Bad News

2008-11-11T17:39:00.002-07:00

Good News: NSI/ORI is over and Cory is back to normal work hours.
Bad News: The base did not do as well as hoped.

Good News: We still get to go home for Thanksgiving and Christmas!!
Bad News: Inspection II begins in February.

Good News: Veterans Day gave Cory and me a day off together!!
Bad News: Work again tomorrow.

Good News: Sign Language class is awesome!!
Bad News: Last class is tonight!

Good News: My mom and Ron sent us a Pecan Pie from Texas for Cory's promotion.
Bad News: According to Cory, sharing with friends; me, on piece is sure to be too many calories to get skinnier.

Good News: Our dogs got a haircut and look so clean and smell so good.
Bad News: Cory thinks they look like rats; he's wrong!

Good News: Cory is buying a gun because...
Bad News: Obama was elected. (No debates; just our opinion)

Good News: Because Cory is getting a gun, I should be getting a new IPOD for Christmas!
Bad News: We bust our Christmas budget!

Good News: Cory is planning his future.
Bad News: We are a little nervous because he does not involve the AF.

Good News: Broncos beat the Browns.
Bad News: Packers lost to the Vikings.

Good News: Our new future is likely heading us back to TEXAS!!!
Good News: Cory has likely been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and it is good news because now we know why he sweats so
much at night and tired all the time.
Good News: We are working out.
Good News: It is NOT TOO cold in MT yet.
Good News: Becky had a good day today.

Good News: Ran out of BAD NEWS!!

The last two weeks!

2008-10-26T18:33:00.002-06:00

I know I am slacking some so I apologize. The last two or so weeks have been a bit crazy. Last weekend, Cory and I spent much of our time at our church helping as we hosted a large youth conference. God did awesome things. Also last weekend, I had the opportunity to go to Missoula and play in a co-ed volleyball tournament. It was so much fun!!! I was so sore but had a so much fun and I had Cold Stone!! YUMMY!! While we were in Missoula though, a dear friend of ours father died in Great Falls. As a church family, we wanted to come and support them in anyway possible. For us, that mean organizing dinners up until the funeral. The funeral was on Thursday and a true way to celebrate the man's life.

A new receptionist also started at work this last week, meaning I have had little time to actually do my work because I am training her. She is fabulous, but still takes time away.

MAFB started the NSI/ORI inspection today which means Cory works 6:30-6:30 for the next two weeks! YUCK! Basically, this inspection is huge and if MAFB fails it, there will be a lot of ramifications and another inspection in 90 days. that also means no on goes home for Thanksgiving!!! Please pray for MAFB. Right now, other nuke bases have not done too stellar and we need to show that at least one nuke base is doing it right. Selfishly, I want Cory to come to Texas too for Thanksgiving!

Coming up is not much other than Halloween. No plans of yet and then Thanksgiving!! Can't wait.

Love ya!

Crazy Life!

2008-10-10T08:45:00.002-06:00

I haven't had much time to come here and blog lately. Work has been crazy and I have something every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening. Since Cory and I are serious about working out every day (check out crossfit.com! AWESOME!!), I drive straight from work the gym, workout, come home, cook ever so quickly, go where I need to go, come home, go to bed, and start all over!

Some highlights of the week:
1. Jesus the One and Only study is going great!
2. Cory and I love our sign language class.
3. We are starting the Truth Project; we will have to let you know how it goes.
4. Security Forces Spouses meeting was last night and it was fun! Melissa, Kari, and I tied with a nother group the game we played. We knew the most about the Security Forces Group!!
5. It's Friday!!!

I'll try to come back sooner.

Too Long, but Short Update

2008-09-26T08:40:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I went to Okoboji, IA for my cousin Amy's wedding. I flew into Minneapolis and stayed the night at my brother's new house. GORGEOUS and in a cool funky part of town; perfect for them! They are dealing with a toilet that overflowed and flooded their main floor which was super sad and destroyed part of their new flooring! Yeah for homeowner's insurance. We drove with my parents to IA for the wedding and it was a blast. Dancing, talking, and family!

This week at work has pretty much flown by and I am super busy. We have Bible study on Monday night at our house, sign language classes on Tuesdays, small group on Wednesday...We are nuts but hey it is fun!

Best part of the week, Cory surprised me with symphony season tickets! He took me to the first one on Tuesday after dinner. Another blessing by the way. We order everything and then our waitress came and told us the man at the front when we walked in paid our tab! The man thought Cory was military and wanted to thank him for his service. We never saw or spoke with the man. How amazing! We are blessed!

GO BRONCOS!!

2008-09-14T20:28:00.002-06:00

So I am super stoked that the Broncos are 2-0, even if an argument can be made fro 1-1. I know all the debates and this and that, but bottom line, 2-0!!!!!!!! YEAH!!! Also, I couldn't be happier that the Packers are also 2-0!! Now if the Cowboys win tomorrow we will be three for three this weekend!

Other than that, I am excited for the new blog my friends and I created called Kerb Your Appetite. You can check it out at www.kerbyourappetite.blogspot.com. Basically, four of us decided we are bad influences on each other with food and working out so instead of encouraging each other to eat crap, we want to encourage each other to eat well and work out. Check it out to see exactly how we are starting it. FYI: Kerb comes from the first letters of our names: Kendi, Ellen, Rebecca (Becky but the "R" is more convenient) and Brittney. It should be awesome to be able to help each other.

I leave Thursday for Iowa because my cousin is getting married on Saturday. I can't wait to see my family but bummed Cory won't be there. Can't always get what I want right! I will post pictures when I get back!

Now, I gotta go watch my DVR because I can't miss Army Wives!

Better than Lasts...

2008-09-05T13:15:00.002-06:00

I promise this is a better post than the last one. I can tell you a number of reasons why.

1. Cory told me today he has one date/month planned from September to May!!
2. Despite my effort to not hear a future date of Cory's transfer, his squadron commander stopped me in the building they all work and told me September 12th. I realize that the man has been setting those dates that have passed over and over but never has he told me to MY face. Therefore, I will trust one more time.
3. It's Friday and I get to hang out with the Lycans and the Donatells (who are visiting from Colorado).
4. I love reading Genesis!
5. I organized our office supply closet that came in today. Sick I know but it looks awesome!!

Have a great weekend!!

3 Day Rainy Weekend!

2008-09-02T11:55:00.002-06:00

So I know I live in Montana and I know that it is September but from 80 to one day and the 40s the next...AHHH! Add to it that it snowed here on June 11 and my verdict is that summer is way too short in Montana!! Not only was it cold but it rained all day Sunday and Monday.

Also, to add to the frustrated state, I just found out that Cory is still POSTING for at least one more tour. In case you don't know the history, we were told he would be switched early summer, then July 15th, then no later than August, and now at least one more post into September. I no longer trust what anyone tells us in the Air Force.

That said, hopefully next post will be more uplifting...

The Year of Living Biblically...

2008-08-20T08:46:00.002-06:00

So I finished The Year of Living Biblically a few days ago and was surprised by it. While I disagree with his actual beliefs, his insight is somewhat astounding. I am not sure how to explain it but I was entertained the entire book and enjoyed reading it. His is brutally honest with what he does not understand and comes away with some awesome realizations about gratitude, prayer, and perspective on life. I recommend this book to expand anyone's ideas on God.

On other news, not much is happening. Cory has switched squadrons but isn't actually working there yet so he is still posting to the field 5 days on 5 days off. The receptionist at work starts on Tuesday the 26th and I will move into my new office that is currently full of crap from our moldy office that construction had to be done. GOOD NEWS: I have a half day on Friday! YEAH!!

Finally a Bible Study!!

2008-08-12T09:16:00.003-06:00

To be brutally honest, my quiet times lately have not been happening. I use the excuse that I did not know what to read or am bored. Honestly though, all excuses that God will definitely ask me about some day.

Good news though, my base Bible Study again and I am a daily study to do. I host/sort of lead it at my house. I love Beth Moore studies. We have already done "A Heart Like His" and "Believing God." We have just started "Jesus the One and Only" and I am stoked. I haven't been in the gospels much since I was saved 8 years agoa and it is about time!! I will have to let you all know how it goes!

The women in the study are awesome and most are my neighbors which is even better! I have neighbors that love God and want to learn more about Him! I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this study! I will stop rambling now.

Life Lately

2008-08-06T08:46:00.002-06:00

Not much is picture worthy in the last week but here is a run down of things I am thankful for this week:
1. An excellent turkey dinner on Sunday at friends house.
2. Cory and I won 3 for 3 Euchre games against Matt and Jason/Jess.
3. Dinner with the neighbors and the best chicken cordon blue I have ever had!
4. A group at church that is willing to work out and hold me accountable!
5. Dinner with the Kings and Gilbos tonight.
6. Lunch with Melissa tomorrow.
7. No work tomorrow but still getting paid because construction needs to be done to alleviate the mold issue we are having.
8. Gearing up to go to Jamaica next summer.
9. Hanging with the girls on Saturday.
10. I can't think of 10 right now but I have to a number 10!! :)

All Good Things Must Come to an End

2008-07-31T08:54:00.002-06:00

Don't worry Melissa; you won't have to be torn between two softball teams. My church softball team unfortunately lost on Monday night so we are done for until next summer. A group of us are considering a city league though, so we will see if we are done for the year or not. Look at how great our team looks though! I had so much fun and met some amazing people in our church. I can't believe how much fun we had and can't wait to do it again!

In other news, I look like Quasimoto. I have a huge sty in my right eye and I woke up with my lower eye lid swollen. It is itching like crazy. One person at my work is super paranoid and worried about pink eye but I am not too concerned. I can see the sty so hopefully it will go away soon. Don't even think you are going to see a picture of me though!

Cory posted yesterday on another post that he was supposed to do. We were told early in the summer he should be switching squadrons but to no avail. Hopefully soon but it seems the Air Force is always slower than we would like.

Talk to you all soon!

It's Official...

2008-07-28T10:26:00.003-06:00

So, Cory and I have been playing on our church softball team all summer long. While Cory is quite the baseball/softball player, I myself have never played. I must say I was nervous but it is a blast!! Of course I play right field, where almost no one hits and I can't make too many mistakes, but I had two goals. The first was to catch a pop fly which I did earlier in the season. It was super exciting. My second goal was to hit the ball over the outfielders head. Now initally this must sound insane because while I am not a wussy girl, I am a girl no the less, and have never played softball until this summer. It is important to know that all outfielders scoot up to the orange spray painted line when a girl hits. That means they stand pretty shallow about 10 feet behind the infield. So in our first playoff game I am thinking that if I don't do it this game, I might have to wait until next summer because it is a single elimination tournament now. The first at bat, I only advance the runner and get thrown out at first. BUMMER!!

Then, my second at bat happens. I swing hard the first time and totally miss. Super embarassed and thinking I pretty much suck. Second pitch was a major ball and the the third pitch came. I swung the sound off the bat was incredible and my hands didn't tingle from hitting the ball wrong. The ball easily cleared the left fielder and rolled all the way to the fence. I was celebrating all the way to first base because my 2nd goal was accomplished! What I forgot about was running the bases as fast as possible. I did get to third where my third base coach told me to keep running. I was floored. I couldn't believe he was sending me home, but I made it!! I hit an in field home run!! Plus two people were on base when I did it! I couldn't stop running. I jumped on Cory and he just caught me. My team jumped up and down and it was awesome!! I still am giddy about it. My coach and friend Matt King then gave me the game ball. Yes, the picture is the ball I hit over the outfielders and received 3 RBIs for and an infield homerun. I was and still am THRILLED!!

We have a game tonight too, so hopefully the magic can happen again!

Finally Some Pictures!

2008-07-21T09:30:00.004-06:00

Okay, so I take forever to get pictures on here but I am doing better!! YEAH!! Can you believe it! Here are some pictures of our trip to California and of course, Savannah and Zoey!

By the way, I never download pictures onto the computer, so I am so proud of myself for doing it! Yay!

The 1st picture is me with bride Andrea Portue and fellow friend and bridesmaid Micki Smeeding.

2nd Picture-Our handsome men, with groom Kent in the middle, Richard on the right, and Cory.

3rd Picture-Our sweet girls sleeping together.

4th and 5th-Our Zoey!

California and the Rest

2008-07-11T08:29:00.002-06:00

The rest of our trip in California went great!! Leaving the Smeedings was tough on me. I realize how much I miss them! Finally Andrea is now a Portue and all is right with the universe. We went to the beach on Saturday after the wedding and I learned how to body surf. Basically, my body was treated like a surf board with no one riding it but it was so much FUN!!! We got home on Monday at 4:30 am and Erin left on Tuesday morning to go back home.

Tonight should be an interesting night because our family is expanding from 3 to 4; 2 adults and 2 dogs that is. We are getting Zoey, a sister of Savannah, today at 1:00. Luckily, I have a fantastic neighbor in Brittney as she is picking her up at the airport for me. I hope that i get some sleep tonight as I have to work one of my 2 Saturdays a year tomorrow! I will post more recent pictures when I get them, but here is a sneak preview!!

We made it!

2008-07-03T10:34:00.002-06:00

I have never been as tired as I was yesterday around 2:15. We left at 8:00 pm on July 1 and arrived in CA at 2:15 pm. It was rough, but we are here!! Now, we are enjoying the pool and weather before all the wedding festivities begin. Our hotel has computers, so this is nice.

We are hanging out with our long time friends Micki and Richard Smeeding! We realized just how much we miss each other when we are together. They are currently stationed in Del Rio, TX so visiting each other is pretty much impossible. Airfare out of the state of MT sucks and it is no better into Del Rio. At least we get to see each other and enjoy the time spent together. All we have done is laugh and laugh!!

Rehearsal and dinner is tonight and wedding tomorrow so these next two days are pretty packed. We will see how absolutely terrible I look in the dress!

On the Road Again...

2008-07-01T16:00:00.002-06:00

So tonight, Cory, me, and Erin (Cory's sister) are starting our 1263 miles trip to Santa Ana, CA for my 11th wedding as a bridesmaid. Of the 1263 miles, 1227 of the miles are on 1 road! We are going to become very familiar with I-15. We get to stay in a hotel with our good friends we haven't seen in over a year. We are so excited about that.

I didn't tell you the best part. Cory is 1 of 10 groomsman and I am 1 of 10 bridesmaid! Every gave for crap for having 7!! Someone beat me! YEAH!! We will let you know how the trip and wedding was when we get back!!

Enjoy the 4th of July and please remember those who have sacrificed much for our freedoms. I know that I may be a little biased with who my dad, stepdad, and husband are, but we truly live in a country that people sacrifice time with families, time living away from home, and even their lives to keep us safe. Thank you to everyone who sacrifices for our nation. Your time and sacrifice is appreciated!

Yeah for the Dentist!

2008-06-26T09:15:00.002-06:00

So, I visited the dentist for the first time in over 3 years on June 12, 2008. The first visit is only xrays and exam to evaluate health of my teeth. You would guess that I had cavities and some issues, but to no avail! I still have the awesome teeth some dentist a long time said I had.

So I went to the dentist yesterday again for the cleaning. The last time I went, they had super gross tasting stuff, but now it was pineapple!! YUMMY! She was so great but the scraping on teeth is equivalent to a fork on a chalkboard. YUCK! Of course she said the brush 2x a day and floss, but I never floss because it sucks!! I hate it so I am trying the water pick. So far so good!!

Talk to you soon!!

Five Minutes: Long or Short

2008-06-24T12:58:00.001-06:00

How can the same amount time feel completely different. I have 5 minutes until lunch and it is forever long. But when Cory says he will rub my back for 5 minutes it is so fast!! NOT FAIR!!

Quick and short: Cory's sister Erin is here for week and it is going to be so fun. Then we go to CA on July 1-7 for yet another wedding! Go figure!

Speaking of 5 minutes, once I started blogging, the minutes sped up!! AHH!!

11 Days Is the New Record!!

2008-06-12T19:55:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it?! Only 11 days has passed since my last blog. I am so proud of myself.

Work basically stinks right now. And I truly mean stinks!!! I work in a really old building with lots of issues and one right now is a waterfall from the ridiculous amount of precipitation occurring. It is pretty crazy. The worst part about it, the building owner said it was fixed before Memorial Day but to no avail. Additionally, they refuse to pay for a mold test, meaning we could all be poisoned right now. Maybe a little dramatic but you understand my point. So my boss has starting shopping for a new place but we do have a 2 year lease. We are giving the lease to our lawyer but seriously??

Other than that life is good. Cory is out of the field by middle July which means he will be home every night! YES! Cory's sister is coming to visit soon and then we are all driving to California for yet another wedding. That must be all I do! And of course, Cory and I are in the wedding. It wouldn't be any other way.

I have to go read my book now. By the way, everyone (probably women) should read Francine River's Mark of the Lion Series. PHENOMENAL!!

Yeah Fort Collins!

2008-06-01T08:34:00.002-06:00

There are not many placed we visit that we don't want to go back home, but Fort Collins is one of them. Every time we are here, we miss it so much!! The funny thing is, there aren't very many people we know here since everyone has graduated college but we still miss it!! The only unfortunate thing is that when we come here for "vacation" it is not full of rest and relaxation. IT is the exact opposite! While we don't know many people anymore, we know enough to keep us planning each and every minute. Here is yesterday:
1. Get up at hotel and move all stuff to friend's house for the next 2 nights.
2. Eat breakfast with them and catch up for a few hours.
3. Meet friend from high school who drove 2.5 hours to see us and hanging out with him for the afternoon.
4. Rush back to house to get ready for the wedding. Curl my hair for 1 HOUR!!!
5. Go to wedding at 6:40.
6. Go to reception until 11:00 and move wedding presents for bride and groom.
7. At reception, leave for 45 minutes to pick up change of clothes.
8. Meet amazing friend at Lucky Joe's to catch up for a few hours.
9. Get back to house and fall asleep around 2:00 am.
10. Wake up at 7:30 :( because I am no longer a young adult who can sleep in!! FRUSTRATION!!
11. Meet in-laws for breakfast before they go back home.
12. BBQ with more friends.
13. AND THAT IS JUST THE LAST 24 hours!!

Look at me keeping up with posting. I think this is a record!

Incredibly too LONG!!!

2008-05-13T20:39:00.003-06:00

I know that it has been forever. Please don't give too hard of a time. So, here we go!

Since January and my brother's wedding, a lot has happened. I have still been working full time but have given a raise and promotion. It officially goes into effect sometime this summer as soon as the budget is approved. I also coached volleyball for 14 year old girls. We just had our final tournament on May 10 in Kalispell, MT. Those girls profoundly affected my life and I will miss them so much. The program director of the club I coached volleyball for was offered the head coaching job for one of the two high schools here. She needed assistants and has offered me one of those positions. Now it is up to my boss to see if it can work out because it will mean time away from work. I should say it is more up to God through my boss. On top of volleyball, I have been coaching gymnastics also. I basically have very little time and that is why I have not been blogging. I never think to do it because I come home ready to sleep! Gymnastics is over though on the 23rd and that will be so nice to just come home from work and spend time with Cory.

Cory still is working in the field and is home for 5 days, gone for 5 days. However, he has starting training to switch squadrons. We don't know for sure when that will happen, but when it does, he will be home EVERY night!! YEAH!!!! I can't wait. He also was my assistant coach for my volleyball team. He developed an incredible passion for volleyball, and now he knows how to play with decent skills! It is just another thing we can do together. When he was home, he traveled with me to tournaments and supported our "girls" all day long. My girls of course thought he was HOT!! I agree!!

God is still rocking our house. Cory has started going to a Bible Study Fellowship group for men and I lead a Beth Moore study at my house for some spouses in our neighborhood. We are excited about our church and trying to figure out where God wants to use us. It has taken longer than we have wanted, but we also have been very careful to be where God wants us.

Now we are getting ready to go to Fort Collins, CO for yet another wedding. We leave May 30 and come home June 4. We will then get ready for Cory's sister and boyfriend to come visit on June 24th. Then all 4 of us leave for CA for another wedding in Santa Ana. We will be there July 2-7. Hopefully all this works even if Cory switches squadrons.

That is us in a nutshell!! I am trying to get caught up and I will try not to lapse so much!!

Finally!!

2008-01-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

No lectures please; I know it has been a while but it has been super busy here. So, here it goes:

Cory and I hosted Christmas to my parents and my brother Brett and fiance Abby. We did Christmas on December 23rd because Cory posted on Christmas Eve. However, we got to go eat and visit with him on Christmas and ended up playing cards there for 8 hours! It was fun to see where he works when he isn't at home. Cory surprised me with a new digital camera and digital photo frame to go with it. It is awesome! Cory also got his XBox 360 which he is constantly playing in a moments of free time.

Also, I have started coaching gymnastics and volleyball. I work with level 3 and 4 in gymnastic and some of the competitive gymnasts depending on the night. Also, I have coaching the U14 volleyball team for Great Falls Volleyball Club! Therefore, my Tuesdays and Thursdays are slammed as I work from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; head to gymnastics from 5:15-7:30; and then to volleyball from 8:00-9:30. But, it is fun thus far!!

Cory is still posting to the field; five days out and five days at home.

We are going to Las Vegas for Martin Luther King weekend because my brother is getting married; finally!! It should be a great trip and hopefully some pictures will be up so you can see the fun we had with my new digital camera!!

Love ya all and miss ya much!

Way Too Long!

2007-12-04T19:13:00.001-07:00

So I know that it has been way too long since the last time I posted. Since the beginning of November we have done a ton! For Thanksgiving we drove to Colorado to spend time with Cory's family. I got the flu on Thanksgiving day which sucked, but what can you do. We also saw family friends while we were there and it was great to catch up with all of them. On the drive home on Saturday, we slid into the ditch 90 miles from home! AHHH!! Luckily, no damage to car was done, the ditch was really a large shoulder but the snow was so deep that Cory could not open his door. Within seconds, a very nice couple picked us up and took us 1.5 miles to a gas station/restaurant thing. From there, another couple said he could pull us out with his truck! God is so awesome and how He provides. No one was hurt and the car had no damage! Then, a week after Thanksgiving, we flew to Fort Worth, TX to celebrate my stepdad's 65th birthday. It was so much fun. We thought of all our San Antonio buddies while we were there. We miss you all!! That was just a short trip and we came home on Sunday. Now, we are here preparing for Christmas and hosting my parents, brother and fiance. It will be a full house! Miss you all! Bye!

15 Days of Cory!

2007-11-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it! Cory is allowed to be at home for 15 straight days. Not because he sucks at his job, but because they wanted him to take a cool class offered for officers on the base. God totally gave us this time and we really needed it. I am meeting with the club volleyball board here in Great Falls tomorrow to possibly be a coach. How awesome would that be?!

By the way, God bless the boy scout popcorn sales. You have no idea how tasty the Trails End Chocolatey Carmel Crunch is!! But we can tell you! UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Not much else is going on here. Sorry to be so boring but we miss all of you!!

Update

2007-10-17T10:20:00.001-06:00

So, I know we aren't very good at coming to this blog, but at least I get to it every once in a while. Cory officially came home on 10/13 and he was home approximately 30 hours before he posed out to the field at 6:00 am on 10/15. Such is the life of an Air Force wife. So, Cory is working and being reunited with his flight. I am actually home right now not feeling real great. I have felt worse before, but Savannah is also somewhat under the weather. Therefore, it was pretty good day to hang out at home and try and nip any sickness before it is full blown. We plan on going to Missoula this weekend to visit our friends Matt and Rae. It should be fun because we are going to a haunted corn maze!! It also looks like we have found a small group, finally! I have only gone once, and Cory has not because he hasn't been here, but it looks promising. The only thing that is hard at our church is that don't have life groups based on stages of life. So we have to just pick one out of the air and hope we aren't the youngest by 20 plus years. Also, trying to find anyone our age that is married and does not have kids is not an easy thing. This is not to say anyhing against people with children, as most of you who read this have them, but it is nice to be around non-parent adults sometimes. :)

That's it! Talk to ya'll soon!

The Past Couple Weeks

2007-09-26T22:35:00.000-06:00

So, I am not quite as good at blogging as I would like to be, but I am trying. I am adjusting to finding time to do things now that I work full time. I swear that people like Kelly have to add hours in the day to do everything that she does! Anyway, the last couple weeks have not been that exciting. I have been working and Cory has been bored in Alabama sitting in classes most of the time.

However, I did have a fabulous weekend the 21st through the 23rd. I flew down to Alabama for a quick visit and we did so much in those few hours we had together. I flew in the afternoon of the 21st and Cory's Aunt Wanda and Uncle Tom picked me up in Birmingham and drove me to Montgomery. Cory met us there for dinner, I shot a gun for the first time on his aunt and uncle's 210 acres of land. I shot a 9 mm, 22 Rifle, and a 12 gauge shotgun. It was cool to do it but I don't think I am a good gun person. Because I cannot close one eye, I really suck and aiming but Cory is a great shot (a good thing too, because he carries a gun with him in the field). We played cards the rest of the night and then we headed to Cory's room.

Saturday morning we woke up and went to see the sights of Montgomery. You are probably thinking that there is nothing, but it was so awesome. I saw Martin Luther King's church, toured the state capitol, and toured the Civil Rights Memorial museum. No one tells you that when King led the voting march from Selma to Montgomery and ended up at the state capitol to give his speech, he actually could see his church one block away from the capitol. That means his total political enemy, Governor Wallace, was working a mere 5 minute walk away! What a juxtaposition!! It was so cool to see such history! Also cool, Governor Wallace actually was governor in the 80s and changed his mind about racism. We also ate at Chick-Fil-A!! God bless that place because I was missing it because there is not one in the state of Montana! We ate so much there though that we weren't hungry for dinner until 10:00! But, I made dang sure not to miss a meal because my pickings here are not what we call fabulous. We went to Carrabba's for dinner and stayed up way too late because Cory's family goes to church at 8:30 am!

Sunday we went to church and Sunday school, ate lunch with his family, and went four wheeling!!! That was so much FUN!! I had the back tires off the ground twice! Then we had head back to Birmingham for a dreadful goodbye!

Here's to 3 more weeks...

9/11 and Thoughts

2007-09-11T19:41:00.000-06:00

I was so relieved when I went the whole day today with a sense of peace. Americans often dwell on the last worst event and never grieve and move on. While 9/11 is something to remember, it was nice to go today with moments of silence and remembrance, but nothing in my day today was different. In all honesty, that is when we are most dangerous. Terrorists want to take us out of the game, and by simply living our life, we are gradually defeating them. More importantly though, that is how Satan works too. He wants us to dwell on our sins and mistakes so that we are ineffective for God. If we simply tell God we messed up and move on, Satan loses. How awesome is that we serve a God that is always forgiving, no matter what. God is awesome!

Same Old, Same Old

2007-08-28T20:50:00.000-06:00

I know that it has been forever since we posted. We are getting used to being parents for our little Savannah. I am still getting used to working full time, but God has totally blessed us by working at Family Connections. Cory leaves for Montgomery, AL on September 3rd and does not return until October 12th. That sucks for me, but prayer will help I am hoping. I am going to miss him so much! Cory has highly qualified for his job and that is a complete answer to prayer and Cory's diligence in studying. We are doing good, and we still miss San Antonio. Hopefully we will find our way back there!

What a Week!

2007-08-09T21:46:00.000-06:00

So we have been busy. I started work on Tuesday which was also the same day that our amazingly cute Savannah arrived. I will put up some pics when Cory gets back from the field. He will finally get to see her on Friday morning bright and early. I also started work at Family Connections (a child care referral agency for families that financially qualify!) My brain is getting ready to explode from the amount of new information but my coworkers are awesome and so patient and friendly with me! We can all pray for Cory too; he has his big test for qualifying on his job. It is on Tuesday the 14th so just pray God gives him the peace he needs to be calm and have the answers. That is what is new with us. Sorry it took us so long to get up a new post!!

The Things Wives Do When Husbands Are Gone!

2007-07-30T12:33:00.000-06:00

Well, if you are me, you get 15 stitches in your right shin! That is right, 15 stitches! I was at the base swimming pool with a group of friends from our church, and they wanted to see me dive. if you don't know, I was a gymnast for 11 years and then a diver in high school, so I actually can do some pretty cool stuff. Well, I was there less than five minutes and on the third trip to the diving board, it decided it did not like me. I was standing with my back toward the pool getting ready to do a back flip with one and half twists. Well, I started to jump but before I could, my toes slipped off the board and i was in the water before I knew what was going on. I knew I hit my shin, but it felt like it was just a scrap and good bruise. Then I started swimming toward the edge of the pool and something felt weird. I looked down and saw a hole in my leg and lots of blood I got carried out to the car and rushed to the ER! The pain was ridiculously minimal for such a cut! Well, 2 hours later, I have 15 stitches in my shin!!

Also, I hate Tricare and Walgreens! (Sorry Kelly!) I needed to pick up an antibiotic, and of course the base clinic is no open at anytime in which you actually need it! So at 11:30 I go to pick up my prescription at Walgreens, and the pharmacist told me the insurance did not go through. So, she calls the 3rd party pharmacy assistance guy hired by Tricare, and he said neither Cory or I existed in the database. With that said, both the guy on the phone and the pharmacist stated treating me like I was lying and trying to get something I was not entitled too! Go figure! Well, I left quite angry and then 8 hours later, I was woken up by a phone call from that same pharmacist. She said that Tricare people came after me and their insurance was not going through either. So she ran mine again, and voila, it worked! Her tone had definitely changed after she saw I was qualified!

Of course all of this happens when my husband is gone!

Sad News!

2007-07-26T01:24:00.001-06:00

Okay, so we are a little bummed. Savannah can't come until August 5th because the current caretaker accidently thought she was in the first litter of puppies making her 8 week birthday on July 31st. Well, her 8 week birthday is August 4th so we won't have her until the 5th! :( Cory is really bummed because he posts to the fiels on August 6th! Anyway, God is great!

The Latest Savannah!

2007-07-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

She is the cutest puppy ever!!!!!! 8 days and we will have her!! YES!!! Anyways, so yesterday we hung out at the pool after church, cooked dinner for six people, played some poker, and Cory played Xbox until 4:30 in the morning! (We have a friend who works all night long tonight, so he needed to stay up late last night). Cory was more that happy to oblige. Plus, as the awesome wife who let him play that late while I slept, I figure Cory owes me something. I will have to pick the moment to cash in on that! Sorry we haven't posted for so long; just busy! Talk to ya later!

10 Days Until Savannah Comes!

2007-07-21T14:34:00.001-06:00

That is all we have to say; 10 days; yeah!

Cliff Jumping and 97 Degrees?

2007-07-16T19:35:00.000-06:00

Much better folks! Much, much better. After a 30 minute hike with a big black inner tube, jumping in to freezing water (and Daniel, it is a metaphor!) and tubing the way down, with a spouse by the way, is just simply put; SO MUCH FUN!!! We had a blast and cannot wait for the opportunity to do it again!

Cliff Jumping and 66 Degrees?

2007-07-09T18:37:00.000-06:00

What was I thinking?! I know, "cliff jumping is so much fun. Let's go!" Oh wait, I didn't look at the weather! Crap, it isn't over 70 degrees and the water is freezing. Despite all that, it was still fun! Hiking up to the cliffs and jumping in was so refreshing. I can't wait to try it when the water does not make me shiver and get hypothermia (ok, that last part was an exaggeration!)

Happy 4th!!

2007-07-04T10:48:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone!!! We are getting ready to go tubing with our friends Matt and Rae (they got married June 16th). It should be a blast! Then, brats and burgers, fireworks, and the three hour drive home! That's cool though, because it will be so much fun!!! Here comes our tans!! Finally!

Happy 3 Week Birthday to Savannah!!

2007-06-26T20:50:00.000-06:00

We just got another e-mail from Savannah's current caretakers (We don't like to say owners because we are her owners; nothing against her current ones because they are amazing!) and she sent us some more pictures. Isn't she the cutest puppy ever?!! The third picture is our favorite!!

P.S. Since most people ask us when we plan on having babies and most of our friends are having babies, consider Savannah as close to as baby as we are ready for!!! :)

We Named Her!!

2007-06-25T23:10:00.000-06:00

Our puppy's name is Savannah Praise. Savannah was an idea given to us by a friend and we liked it but were making sure we didn't like anything better. Then, we went to email the current caretakers and she is currently residing in Savannah, Missouri. We might call her MO but we don't know yet. Praise because we prayed about her and the perfect time and God is providing just that! He is so AWESOME!!!

God's Creation

2007-06-25T12:58:00.000-06:00

On our fabulous weekend just the two of us, we went and saw some of the most spectacular things. We hung out at the pool most of the weekend, but we spent all of Sunday in Glacier National Park. Seriously, everyone needs to come to Montana just to see this. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Here are a few snapshots! (sorry about the vertical pictures...tried everything to turn them, but blogger won't let me. So, turn your head to the left!)

Our New Puppy

2007-06-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

We picked out a new puppy this weekend. She is two weeks old and living in Missouri right now. We need some hlep though. We will get her at the beginning of August (she'll be old enough to fly then), but we want the current caretakers to start calling her a name. What do you guys think?

Home at Last!

2007-06-21T22:43:00.001-06:00

That is right; I am home at last. Can you believe it? Actually, Cory is with me right now as I write this post! How exciting!! (And he is just as annoying because he just burped in my ear!) This post is short because we ware going to go have fun (take that to mean whatever you want). Guess what? Cake that has been in a freezer for over a year and across 3 states still tastes amazingly good!! Talk to you after our amazing weekend in Whitefish, MT (in the mountains) Yeah!!

4 Down, 0 to Go!!!!!!!!!

2007-06-17T16:42:00.000-06:00

Alleuia! Alleuia!! Can you believe it?! I officially have no more weddings this summer. I had my last on in Red River, and everything went off without a hitch!! We were a little nervous about that over Spring Break because small towns can cause problems with availability of certian services.

Right now, I am celebrating father's day and my first wedding anniversary with Cory's parents in Peyton, CO. Cory is in Great Falls, MT working the night shift on his post that started today! While we can't be together, I am super excited about my anniversary surprise when I get home. All I know is that I was not allowed to have plans from June 22nd to June 24th! How exciting?!!

I head to Fort Collins, CO tomorrow and then, back "home" on Thursday! Yeah! Wait a minute... I am not quite sure what home is. No, I know; where Cory is!!!

On to Red River, NM

2007-06-13T09:42:00.000-06:00

So I decided I better post today because Red River is not known for its unbelivably access to modern day technology. Tomorrow morning, we pack 5 people into my Toyota Corolla and head south for the weekend. Should be interesting I hope!! After that wedding, my sister-in-law and I come back up to the Springs to spend Father's Day with the in laws. From there, I leave for Fort Collins on June 18th and then Montana on June 20th or the 21st. I am most looking forward to the surprise Cory has for me. All I know is that I am not allowed to make any plans for June 22nd-24th. How exciting!!!

By the way, any pointers for how get the top of our wedding cake from Colorado to Montana? Kara, the baker, thought you might know something about this? :)