over the rhine

Week began with an awesome couple from church making an amazing meal, spent in an old Princeton house, good conversation. Neighbor's birthday on Monday, celebrated by seeing the Milk Carton Kids and Over the Rhine in Philadelphia. First shifts off orientation, first week working part time (opposed to full time in November). Wait, November happened? It's December. Christmas tree up. Buying presents. Making presents. Thankful for friends. Preparing for friends to move. I have a husband, I have a job, I have a good community. I'm so thankful for what I have. I get to see family in two weeks, miss my nieces and nephews. And last week, it was 60's, this week it's raining, I think, I might be ready for snow.

I feel so much joy.

"God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."   

- Luke 1:26-33 (NIV)

To be favored, to begin such a season of unknown, to be a part of something beautiful, changing, and never ending.

eleven eleven eleven

Yes, I made this. Today should be a holiday. Oh wait, it is. Happy Veteran's Day to my Grandpa and brother Ben (and shout out to all my guys at Genesis Place). Happy Birthday to Danielle, Zach and Shanna. Happy six months of dating to Bethany and Mike (I ate a tasty cake in honor of you).

I'm so excited it's Friday. It has been a really full week, and I'm ready for this weekend. Another brother and sister-in-law in Jersey, yeah buddy. We're going to spend tonight downtown Princeton and head into the city tomorrow. I love family time. What are you up to this weekend, friends?

halloween

I didn't dress up for Halloween growing up. That's the disadvantage of living in the country with only three neighbors on a two mile road. The closest I came to "trick or treating" involved walking to my grandparents, no costumes, asking for the usual sweets (Little Debbie nutty bars).

Halloween at CRW is better than the movies. Sitting on our front lawn, drinking hot cocoa and cider, entertained by really cute dressed up little people, eating lots of candy... a lot of candy. Spiderman, Mario, Harry Potter, Princesses. Such a fun night spent with my neighbors. I loved it.

Since Abby and I don't have kids, we take photos with our neighbor Phoebe. We're a little obsessed.

Happy Halloween!

happy friday

Oh my goodness, it's already the middle of July. Summer slow down please. Alright, alright, this weekend is going to be a good one. Logan and I are going to see my brother and his family in Chesterton tonight (and hopefully see the last Harry Potter movie), Mike & Kirst's wedding tomorrow (can't wait), IKEA on Sunday, Women's World Cup (go USA!), pretty Hannah's bridal dinner later Sunday, and then babysit Daylen, Ari & June on Monday.

What a good summer we're having.

Oh, and I debated sharing this, but I have approval from most of those featured in this little video from fourth of July. I hope it makes your weekend sweeter, and when I say sweeter, I really mean funnier, I mean, more fun. Whatever. Happy Friday!