Friday, July 24, 2009

Praying for Beki

Our church did a really awesome thing. We have a group of high school students that went to a summer CIY (Christ In Youth) conference this week and I got to pray for one of the girls! They had a sign up list in the back of the church and were asking people to sign up to pray for each person daily while they were gone. I actually received an email about this the week before the sign-up list was out asking the same thing. I decided that I would wait to sign up so I could make sure to pray for someone that didn't have anyone else yet. So, this past Sunday night, I went to the back and looked the list over for someone to pray for. I knew I wanted a girl and there were only 2 people left! And only 1 girl! So that made my choice very easy. If I remember correctly, this little girl is the one I thought was SO CUTE at our Youth Group Trivia Night Fundraiser last Fall...I'm almost positive. Either way, it obviously doesn't matter...but, that's who I'm picturing when I pray for her.

I've spent a lot of time praying that she will be open to hear what God has to say to her this week. I asked God to break her heart of anything outside His will. I pray that she is having a great time and is building relationships with our group as well as others from all over the country. I can remember going on these trips every summer I was able and it was always such an awesome, God-filled experience. I've been praying that it's the same for her. I know once she comes home that I'll continue to pray for her from time to time because I know eventually the fire ignited inside her this week will start to dim...it does with everyone. So, I'll keep her in my prayers that she stays ALIVE for Christ and won't let all the excitement and enthusiasm she got during CIY to fade.

The email I received said they were going to try and set up a dessert meeting so the pray-ers can meet the pray-ees. I would LOVE that! I want to know how her week was and what she took away from it. I know highschool is a tough age and if I can be a positive example for this girl, I want to. I'll let you know what I find out and what comes of this. (O:

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The Power of a Praying Wife

I'm so excited about the new 'book group' I'm participating in. My friend, Jaime, always makes great suggestions for ways to deepen our faith and relationships with others and they always come right when I need them! My friend, Margo, gave me the book 'The Power of a Praying Wife' for my birthday last year and told me how much she enjoyed reading it. I put it on my bookshelf and thought I would read it someday. Then, recently, Jason and I started talking about how we watch too much TV and we need to start doing other things with our time, like reading (shocker, I know!) So, when Jaime sent out an email saying she wanted to read this book and asked if anyone else would be interested in doing a couple chapters a week and then having discussion via email, I was really excited! Anyone who knows me, knows I'm NOT a reader, but I really want to get better about that. So, I told her to count me in!

I read the introduction last night and I'm already really excited. It talks about how the 'evil one' tries to mess up God's plans for our lives/relationships/marriages through all these different things- laziness, abuse, alcoholism, infidelity, lack of affection, etc. As I read through the list, I was wondering what I might be able to pray for Jason about. It seems like such a drop from bigger issues like alcoholism, infidelity and abuse to a (what I consider) simple lack of affection or laziness. Those little ones are what we actually struggle with, but I always felt like a whiner for thinking they were of any importance. From what I've read so far, these are also serious issues and there are ways to pray FOR Jason about them.

That's the thing about this book- it's not teaching you to pray to get what YOU want. It teaches you how to pray for your husband and the result will be the lessening of these issues. The author struggled with her husband's problems with anger. So, she prayed that she would remain calm and ask how she could be better, etc. Because she didn't let the situation escalate, his anger bouts didn't last as long and eventually went away all together. Of course, it's a constant battle- she still prays for that, but it's not an issue like it was before.

I skipped ahead to read about 'lack of affection', because that's my biggest struggle. I didn't read the whole thing, but from what I did read, I know it's going to be hard, but helpful. The story was talking about a couple where the husband grew up in a family where there was no physical affection shown. So, he truly didn't need it and didn't know how to show it. The wife also came from a family of no affection, so she desperately needed. (My story is the same as far as Jason's family is concerned. But, my family has always shown affection, so I know what I'm missing and crave for the affection I've grown accustomed to.) Anyway, I can't wait to get to that chapter and see how I can pray for Jason in that regard.

I know this book isn't a cure-all. In fact, it's not even a 'how to' on relationships. It's really going to teach us how to pray for our husbands as their wives. What they need us to pray about for them.I know it's not always going to be easy and it's going to take a lot of hard work and earnest prayer on our parts. But, I can't wait to see what wonderful things God has in store for us as we start this. I know He's going to break down our walls and flood us with His blessings! I can't wait!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My comedy of errors!

For my birthday, I asked Jason to take me to a running store called Big River Running Company in St. Louis. He got a pair of running shoes there last year and really liked the store because they watch you walk and then, based on how you walk, they will show you which shoes will work best for you. Now, I'm no runner. But, I am looking to at least start walking more regularly to help shed these last 10 baby pounds (for starters) and then eventually *maybe* work up to running or light jogging (the J is silent). (O: So, that's what I decided I wanted for my birthday, a good pair of walking/running shoes.

The plan was that I would call Jason when I pulled in our driveway so he would come out and we could go without having to take Emilia in the house then back out, yadda yadda. So, I pull up, call Jason and ask him to bring a bottle with him. I jump out, go to the passenger seat so he can drive, leaving my keys in the ignition. Jason comes out with a mistakingly dirty bottle. I hop back out, take his keys and the dirty bottle into the house. I come back out with a clean bottle (just in case Emilia gets hungry and we're stuck in the All Star Game traffic) and place his keys in the coin tray for him.

We get over to the store and I'm so excited!! I decide to leave my purse in the car because I know Jason has the debit card to pay. We go inside and spend about 30 minutes for the whole process. I'm having a hard time deciding between a pair of New Balance that are blue and white, super comfy, super light and pretty cute or a pair of Mizuno's that are all PINK, pretty comfy, light, but my heel slides a little. I, of course, really WANTED the pink ones (I thought they were cuter, not just bc they were pink either!) but I knew the New Balance were the better choice. I'm very happy with my decision and Jason pays for my shoes.

We are walking back out to the van...I get there first and turn around to him to get the keys. He says 'You have the key, right?' I give him a look bc I'm sure he's joking. 'I'm serious Annie, I don't have my keys. I put yours in your purse.' 'I didn't bring my purse in, J. Where are your keys?' 'Still wherever you put them after locking the front door.' Yep! Both sets of keys are safely locked INSIDE THE VAN!!! We have never, ever done this and we both kinda start laughing. So, we go back into the store to ask for a phone book, which they don't have. But the nice man googled local locksmiths. Jason calls 2, both say they will call when someone is in route. (You call an 800 number and then I guess they forward it on...who knew the locksmith business was so high tech!)

So, we walk down the street a block to this cute little cafe, Murdoch Perk, and order some dinner. I had the most delicious chicken salad sandwich ever and topped it off with a yummy strawberry banana smootie. The locksmith called back about 30 minutes later that he was there. Jason goes down to meet him, I finish eating. I tell Jason there's plenty of cash in my wallet- we are figuring around 50-80 bucks for the service... I see Jason start walking back to me, so I figure everything's done. I walk out with Emilia to meet him and we start walking back. Can you believe this guy charged us 179DOLLARS!!!!! Holy toledo, I KNOW my jaw dropped when Jason told me that! I couldn't believe it cost THAT MUCH for this...and you know what this polite, Indian man said to us?? You guys should really keep a spare key. We told him we DO have an extra key, but they are BOTH inside the van. He says, No, you should have a spare hidden at home. So, I guess we paid the extra money for his professional opinion on the matter!!

So, that was our evening last night...I'm so happy with my new shoes and all we can do it laugh! (O:

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Sing, sing a song, sing OUT LOUD...

OK, maybe I shouldn't be taking that so literally, but I can't help it today! My coworker/office-mate is on vacation (in Disneyworld, I'm hoping for Mickey ears when she returns), so I'm all alone in here. If you had any idea how much we talk All. Day. Long., you'd know exactly how lonely it is when she's gone. I'm actually being quite productive, but I've also developed a new habit...actually, it's an old habit that has resurfaced after years of suppression!

At first, I was just talking to myself, and only a little bit. Just when I did something stupid or just thinking out loud. Now, not only am i having full-on conversations with myself (yes, I'm even answering myself...) but I've picked up SINGING! I would never sing in front of anyone, but when I'm all alone, I have been singing up a storm.

The current songs I'm serenading myself with are "Big Papa" (I don't know if that's really what it's called, but it's from the movie Hardball-I think- and it's pretty stupid) and the theme music from Jeapordy (I had to ask a poor, passerby of my office what show it was from because I couldn't remember).

So, I'm officially going crazy and pretty soon I will be referred to as 'that weird girl in the back'...if I'm not already!

Sorry if you're bored Jaime, but leave me alone! Actually, please don't- I'm SO ALONE!!! (O:

Monday, July 13, 2009

Great weekend over, busy week beginning!

Well, this weekend was pretty great! I had a wedding, so that meant the rehearsal on Friday night and the ceremony Saturday. The grandfather of the groom was officiating. This was my first time doing a wedding that wasn't performed by one of our ministers... It was definitely an experience! He didn't really know what he was doing, so I had to coax him through the rehearsal. Then, he forgot to tell the guests to sit down after the bride entered! Those poor people stood for almost the whole ceremony before he told them they could sit down, if they'd like. Haha, what a day!

While I was gone we had our whole house inspection and the termite inspection. We don't have termites and only have 2 little things to fix for the buyers (both easy, according to Jason)! Woo hoo!! That means things should keep going smoothly! Which means Annie and Jason are now in packing mode- all our free time will be devoted to packing...ooo lala. (O:

That night we had our friends over the a little b-day bbq and the fights. It was a great time! The guys hung out on our back deck grilling hot dogs and playing some bean bag game (the name is escaping me at the moment...) We had some great girl talk inside the house! I don't think we've ever really shared quite like that before...haha. (I can't elaborate, but it was fun!) I was surprised by more than a couple of those girls! (O: The fights were fine, I'm sure the guys will say they were awesome. All in all, it was a great night. I wasn't even to worn out the next day after staying up until 12:30ish! Whew!

Sunday was another great day. We met my mom for lunch at Ravanelli's so discuss what she needs done at her house in order to sell it. Jason is doing the work for her in exchange for a new camera. He's already ordered it using a credit card that doesn't charge interest for 12 months! He wanted to have it soon because we have so many big events coming up! (My dad and step mom coming to visit, friends coming home, remembering our first home, his trip to India, etc.) After that, we spent some time at home (I did laundry, E and J slept!) Then, off to church! We were asked to fill in as nursery workers, so I feel like I didn't get to talk to anyone. But, we went out to dinner with a select few and that was fun. The service was HORRIBLE, but the company was great. (O:

Oh, and yay for me!! Emilia slept 8 hours last night which meant 7 straight hours of sleep for Annie! It's been over a month since that's happened. I thanked her this morning. (O:

And now the start to a busy week! Tonight Jason's taking me to this running store in St. Louis to get an appropriate pair of running shoes for my birthday. Even though it may take a while for me to get up to running, apparently there are different types of shoes depending on how you walk on your feet. So, that's that. I'll be getting new shoes... "They was my magic shoes..."

Tomorrow night, our friends Dan and Erin are having everyone over for the All Start Game. I'm not sure if we're going, but we might be.

Wednesday...woo hoo! Presale at the McCraine's house! Sarah is having a garage sale this weeked and she has so graciously allowed me to come over early to root through her daughters' clothes! I know they've got some cute little dresses that I'm hoping to get my hands on! The smallest sizes she has are 12-18 months. That's about where I am in the shopping stage anyway, so I'm super excited!! (O:

Then, Thursday my Dad and Teresa get into town! They are only here until Saturday, so we're planning on doing a couple things and then just hanging out the rest of the time. This is their first time seeing Emilia in person, so I know they are super excited. The weekend's plans include grilling ribs, Imo's pizza, White Castle (gag...this was my dad's request!) and a trip to the zoo (weather permitting). It should be fun! (O:

Oh, I also have an appointment to see a hand specialist on Friday morning...I've been having a lot of trouble with my right thumb again, so I'm going back in...the last time I was there, I was told that if the injections I received didn't work, we'd have to do surgery. I'm praying there is another alternative, but there might not be. But, I can't keep having this ol' thumb lock up and in such pain. Plus, now all the joints in my fingers get stiff and lock up on occasion, so I need to get that all checked out. I'll let you know.

Have a great day!

Friday, July 10, 2009

What a way to start the day!

I just want to say that I love my coworker, Kim and her whole family!

Before I can tell you the exciting-ness (new word) of today, I need to set it up. Last year when I started working here, I decided to start up a 'Birthday Club'. We had it in my old office and it was great. Here's what it is- all the people who want to participate write down their name, birthday and favorite cake. Then, each person draws a name and is in charge of bringing a cake on that person's birthday. It's just fun because everyone likes to be remembered on their birthday! So, everyone enjoyed it last year and wanted to do it again this year. (Yay! I love when ideas go well!)

Oh, I need to mention that everyone tells me whose name they draw so I can remind them when the birthday is coming up. (We didn't do this in the old office, but around here they all asked me to...so whatever.)

Well, my birthday is next Saturday. I know that Marie drew my name. I was mentioning to Kim that I won't be here next Thursday or Friday because my dad is coming into town. I knew if I mentioned it to her, she would mention it to Marie so that my cake would be here on Wednesday. (O: But, when I was telling Kim, she told me that Marie was having hand surgery and would be gone for 2 weeks starting today! Man, was I bummed out! I love cake and any reason to eat cake is good with me! So, I just told Kim that I'd bring in my own ice cream cake next week because that's my favorite. (O:

Wouldn't you know that she brought in an ice cream cake in for me today!! And, her 8 year old daughter made me a balloon hat! (She learned how to make it at summer camp, haha!) I just thought that was so sweet of them. I'd post a picture of the balloon hat, but I don't have the cords here at work to do so. Just imagine it. Haha. (O:

So, I guess if you complain loudly enough, someone will bring you in an ice cream cake! (O:

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Can you imagine??

I just had a discussion with a coworker (K) about another coworker (R), and I'm just so saddened now. (Yes, this was a little bit of gossip, but once you read it, you'll agree how sad this is...) I just can't imagine this being my life...

A woman who works with me (R) had a baby only a couple weeks after I had Emilia. But she doesn't seem to care about her little girl (I'll call her "O") as much or the same ways Jason and I care about E. When "O" was only a week old, she was already being dropped off at Grandma's house for hours at a time or even ALL DAY. This was something I decided to say "To each his own" about because I was trying not to judge...but it only gets worse.

She doesn't seem to care about spending any time with O. She told my K that she just has to have a clean house, so she doesn't spend much time with the baby. K tried explaining that this time flies by so quickly and not to miss it. K used to come home every night and sit with her kids and play. We are much alike, that we aren't as concerned about a perfectly clean house, but that we enjoy the time with our babies. O's mom just stared at K like "lalala, oh well". K compared her to a computer- void of emotions about it.

Can you imagine not caring about spending time with your precious little baby? R's baby is perfectly healthy and so beautiful and she doesn't even seem to feel blessed or thankful about it. I thank God daily for what a huge blessing Emilia is to me and to our family. I look forward to her smiles when I pick her up from day care and I love that she smiles first thing in the morning when she hears my voice. I can't wait to take her home and play with her and hear her laugh. How can anyone not look forward to these precious times? How can you look at your beautiful, healthy daughter as nothing more than an accessory?

It breaks my heart that poor little O will probably never have a close, loving relationship with her Momma. She won't grow up knowing how much she's loved. She won't have fond memories of her childhood to look back on. I can still tell you stories about doing things with my parents as a kid, and O will probably never have that. It breaks my heart that there are so many people (many of my close friends included) that would KILL for a precious little baby to call their own and this mom is more concerned with a clean house and shipping baby to grandma's than she is cultivating a relationship or watching her grow and learn everyday.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Honk honk, Ac-Hoo, Cough cough

Yep, that's me today...I've caught Emilia's cold. Poor little thing has been snot-nosed, sneezing and coughing since Sunday. We feel so bad for her because she has trouble breathing and wakes up a lot at night because she can't breathe well. This, in turn, means that Jason and I are waking up with her more, so we're also tired. And now I've caught her cold. :-( I've been blowing my nose all day (I'm sure it's nice and Rudolph red...) and my head is pretty groggy...I feel sort of out of it.

Tonight we are going to a 'Simply Fun' party for my friends Margo and Erin. It was supposed to be Margo's 2nd party as a consultant, but at her 1st party, Erin signed up to be a consultant too! So, now tonight's party is Erin's 1st party as a consultant, and Margo will be training her. Those girls are so funny. Margo started doing this to help pay down some debt and I'm pretty sure Erin is doing it because 'it's so much fun!!' I knew she'd like all these games, and I should have guessed that she'd sign up to sell it. Tonight will be a blast with her as the consultant; she gets so excited about things and it's contagious! (O:

Oh, and today is Emilia's 3 month birthday. (O: That means I'll be doing my mothly photo shoot for her! I just put her May pictures in the album yesterday and I can't believe how different she looks from just a month ago! She is definitely growing so fast and changing all the time.

OK- I'm too braindead to think of anything else to update on...haha. *sigh*

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Gearing up...

For a GREAT weekend!


I know it's going to FLY by, but I'm super stoked about this weekend. Lots of fun stuff going on!


Tomorrow, Emilia and I are spending all day with my Momma. Now, ordinarily I wouldn't be as excited about this...not because I don't love my Mom very much, but because we really don't have that much in common. So, usually we run out of stuff to talk about and don't really have anything we both enjoy doing. But, tomorrow we'll be sewing all day- something she loves and I always need her help with. I'm still working on Jason's quilt...hoping to have it done by his birthday. She's been helping me with the design and I'm having to use her sewing machine, seeing as I don't own one... Tomorrow, I will probably spend most of the day sewing together the blocks we cut and laid out during our last sewing day. She thinks I'll be able to get the whole top put together tomorrow, that would be great! Oh, and Grandma and Emilia gets lots of cuddle time on sewing days. (O:


Then, Saturday is a busy busy day! Yay 4th of July! We're having a pool party/30th birthday party for Jason and his cousins (who are also turning 30 this summer). That starts at noon. Before that, I've got to pick up the cakes (one for all the 30-year-olds and one for their parents that says 'Congrats on 30 years of wrinkles and gray hair!' Haha, thanks for you help with that one Jaime!) (O: I also have to pick up ice cream and a steak for Jason to grill for dinner. Jaime, Jax and I will be eating hot dogs because everyone else is eating fried fish...It's going to be such a great day! I'm really excited that Jaime and Jax get to come play. There will be lots of Jaxon-aged cousins to help keep him occupied and maybe even wear him out! I'm also very excited that so much of the Warren clan is able to make it! More than I had expected, which is awesome. I love when the family all gets together. Even my soon-to-be-cousin, Jenna is going to stop by. Her fiance (Jason's cousin), James, has to work, so we didn't think she'd come. But, she is! I'm so glad because I really like her. She's really sweet and laid back. I'm enjoying getting to know her. The fireworks are that night, of course. This should be interesting...Emilia's first experience with loud booming noises during bedtime...we will see how it goes! (She does have the cutest outfit ready to wear for the day, I'm so excited! haha) (O:


Hopefully Sunday will be a rest day for our little family...I know we'll need it after a jam-packed weekend full of fun! (O:


I hope all of you have a wonderful 4th of July weekend as well! (O: