Being taunted...

As some of you know I looove cats. They have a tendency to hate me, but nevertheless I can't get enough of them. My own cat not only runs the other direction when she sees me coming, but she hunkers down and slinks off behind something that I can't get behind.

This fall a few times I got up to go to work and found paw prints on my car. I actually think that I saw a cat sprint off one morning. I haven't seen any sign of this "mystery cat" for quite awhile, that was, until yesterday morning. There were paw prints in the snow. This cat must know how much I miss my own cat. I think that I am being teased by a cat.

What an amzing God we serve!

I realize that I just posted a blog a few hours ago, but evey time I see or hear anything about this recent news story I am overwhelmed by the power of the almighty God that we serve.

That plane that went down in the Hudson River a few days ago is such an amazing story. Those on board said that the water landing felt like nothing more than a rough landing, but when they retrieved the plane the underbelly of the plane was torn, and badly damaged. The worst injury was one of the flight attendents had to have a few stitches in her leg.

The pilots of course are being heralded as heroes, as they should be, but there is no doubt in my mind that God wanted to spare those lives. Maybe there was someone on that flight that was teetering on the verge of salvation, or maybe it was meant to be a wake-up call that no matter how good we are, how advanced the technology, or how bad the situation looks God can take the worst situation and land YOUR plane as gently as he did that one.

Was this a sign to our country that we still need God? It seems that people are so bent on fighting against religion in public that they miss the miracles right in front of them! I feel that our nation is not only in financial trouble, but we are headed toward moral bankruptcy. Please pray for our country. In God we trust is printed on our currency, and he has been faithful to us as a country, this averted tragedy should be evidence enough, but in 2009 I challenge people to really trust in God, I am nowhere near as perfect especially in this area. But my resolution for this year and every other, is to be more faithful to my savior and the heroic pilot of my plane.

Our week

Michael headed back to school on Monday morning this week, and I started my first week as full-time at the hotel. So far Michael likes his professors and thinks he will enjoy the semester.

Full time isn't terrible, after all it is only 8 more hours than what I usually work. However, I don't usually work Mondays and this monday was incredibly hectic for me. Apparently Tues-thurs are the tame days. Here's a funny thought, this time last year I was working 4 hours a week at Jay C, what a difference a year (and actual bills) makes.

This week was exceptionally cold up here. The temperature was actually -13 one day with a windchill it felt like -27. So, I spent most of the week trying to stay in and stay warm. It was so cold that my car didn't even want to go out. On Thursday I couldn't get my doors open, and had to have someone from the hotel come pick me up, because Michael had a class. Friday I was going to pick Michael up from class, eat at Qudoba, and drop him back at school for his nect class, but my car really just didn't feel like going anywhere. My battery was dead. So, lunch was out. We finally got my car to start with a jump. But today, bless her battery, she wouldn't start yet again. I cannot tell you how thrilled Michael was to take me to work at 6am, but nonetheless he did so lovingly!

As for fun things this weekend...we spent the vast majority of our time catching up on all of the 24 episodes that we recorded, watch My girl, made calzones, did some grocery shopping, and played solitaire together. Our primary objective for the weekend: STAY WARM!

I am off tomorrow for MLK day, and Michael's room mate from last year is coming up to hang out with Michael tonight. We both are really fond of Dustin, and he always brings fun board games for us to play with. Tonight we will serve Dustin Hunan pork and rice. That is my favorite Chinese dish!

Fun with pictures of people I love

I have been playing with my photo software.

We are happy to announce the new addition to our family...

First off let me just say that I have been really hoping to have one someday, and on Christmas day with the Carusos I found out I was going to have one! We know that it is only five months into our marriage, but something like this just can't wait. Curious yet?
















That's right, Debbie and Joe got me an original kit cat clock! Complete with moving eyes and tail! ;-)

2008 in review

2008 was great year...here are the people that have made it that way:

Michael-my best friend in the world, you get me, you make me happy, and you love me unconditionally. Being married to you is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never thought I could be as happy as I am, and it is all thanks to you!

Mom-after Michael you are my best friend. It is so wonderful the relationship that we have. We think alike, sound alike and shop alike. You gave me the most beautiful wedding that I could ever imagine! I miss you every day, but you did give me everything I need to go out and conquer the world...at least my part of it.

Dad-I can't believe I actually got you to dance with me at my wedding! That meant so much to me. I love you so much dad!

Luke-I never knew I could love one little person the way I love you! You are such a sweet baby, it delights me so much when your face lights up when you see me!

Nick & Christy- I miss you guys so much. Nick you chose the best sister I could ever ask for. I just wonder what she sees in you (HAHA). Christy, I love you and as far as I am concerned you are my sister!

Debbie & Joe- I love you more and more each day. Thank you for raising your son to be the man of my dreams. You are the best inlaws anyone could ask for.

Megan Birke-I don't know how I would have made it through all of my wedding emotions etc, without you. You are such a beautiful person and so are you Leigh Ann.

Tawana- You are just one of the most beautiful people alive! I love you aunt Tawana!

Maria Tibbs- You made all of my wedding dreams a reality, thank you for all of your hard work!

CIC- I never realized how much I enjoy coming to church with all of you until I moved 3hrs away. I miss everyone there.

There is a quote that we used to end our CIC new years service with and that is what I will say this year...Next year, in heaven.

I pray that everyone had as wonderful a year in 2008 as I did. My life has been so blessed with love laughter and people to share important moments with. I also pray that 2009 will be a good year for everyone that I know. May God bless you and your family in the new year.

Work Christmas Party & Extra Special date night

Wednesday morning was our work Christmas party. We had a fancy lunch with salmon, shrimp, and a bunch of other things that I don't like. We each had a secret santa gift. My secret santa got me a $10 starbucks giftcard! Just what I had been wanting (I guess that is why I put it on my list and underlined it 2x). I was also nominated for employee of the month! I didn't win, but still it is nice to know I am doing well. Then the hotel gave us our Christmas gift a $15 Walmart giftcard,

They also gave everyone a number when they came in. They drew numbers and when your number was called you got to go up to the table and pick a gift. There were some really nice gifts, like there were several 1 night stay gift certificates at various places in Indiana. I wasn't drawn early enough to get one of those, but I did get something that made last night extra special! There is a restaraunt, La Scala, that Michael had been wanting to try since we first started dating. However, this restaraunt is about $20 per person, which is a little high for us. I got a $20 gift certificate for La Scala. Which brings us to last night...

Yesterday was kind of a hard day for me. My mom was hosting the Smith family dinner last night, and I was unable to attend. I don't get to see that side of the family very often and I really missed getting to see all of them. But Michael was so adorable in trying to cheer me up. He put on a santa hat, and we danced, and sang Christmas songs, maybe that will be our new tradition!

Then, I got all dressed up, and so did Michael. We went out to La Scala and Michael had a dinner with veal and other stuff. He really loved it. I on the other hand...didn't see anything that I wanted. Well, other than dessert. We had a fantastic time at dinner and we opted for tiramisu for dessert, which happens to be my favorite of all time. Michael also was such a gentleman last night. When we first started dating he always opened doors and offered me a hand when getting out of the car. Since we have been married that hasn't been happening as much. It was really great to have a date night out and to feel so special!

Now, if you are wondering what I ate for dinner other than Tiramisu, I didn't eat dinner at La Scala. After Michael ate, and I had dessert, Michael took ME out for a special treat. I have been dying to have some Papa Johns cheestix. That is exactly what I had for dinner last night. We are an unconventional pair, but we sure do have fun!

Michael and I get to come home on Wednesday and I am off until that following Tuesday! We will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my parents and Hammond family, and then we will celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas day with the Carusos on the 26th and 27th. I have pre-planned lunch with Megan Birke, and I cannot wait to see her baby bump! We are going to church at CIC YAY!!!!!!! I can't wait!