There is a Positivity challenge and a Happiness challenge going around Facebook these days, and I can't lie, it makes my heart happy. I love seeing people stop and reflect on the good in life. Even better it isn't in November :)
I've been thinking a lot about gratitude lately. Let's be honest, life is hard, doesn't always go our way, and can get tedious. It is very humbling to slow down and see what is going right.
As I write this, I'm on "baby duty" for my beautiful niece while my sister and brother in law try to eek out a little sleep before I leave town tomorrow. I am so thankful to watch over this precious life, but also thankful that my flight home was delayed to give me a few more hours. Yes, tomorrow will be a long day, but I'd rather focus on this bundle of sweet.
I am thankful for the community of women I have been blessed to grow spiritually with over the summer. It has been challenging and encouraging to meet up on Thursdays and dig into God's word together.
I am always grateful for Paul. I am encouraged and challenged by him. I love that we are a team and facing this world together. I'm grateful for celebrations, especially celebrating four years of marriage earlier this month.
I am thankful for the Kaetzel Pretzel's, our dear friends who we can talk honestly with about faith, community, church, marriage, and everything else that comes up in life.
I am so grateful for travel. That Paul and I were able to experience two new cities this year and best of all the pure quality time that comes with being together 24-7 for 10 days.
I am thankful for summer vacations, for the time to rest and slow down and tap into my lazy side.
Most of all, I am grateful for a God who is faithful even when I am not.
Gotta go, Eleanor Rose is waking up!
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
2013 Highs and Lows
Oh poor blog, once again I have neglected you. When I wrote my last post on transitions, I probably should have known that the energy to blog would disappear for a bit. Alas, I am back. I thought I would start the year with a couple of easy blog posts and at least start with the Paul + Charity 2013 in review.
2013 was the year of learning that I (Charity) lack control in this life, and that God is looking out for me. A serious car accident in February help me realize that though I seek control, and I often believe I have it - it only takes a moment to see that I have only been fooling myself. That God is the only one in complete control. My little car was crushed between a van and a SVU, but amazingly I walked out with bruised shins and a hurt neck - nothing that couldn't be healed.
Then a few weeks after the car accident we learned that I would miscarry another life. I had gone into this second pregnancy believing that because I had done everything right, we would be successful at starting our family. Again the idea of control was ripped out from under me. I have no idea what God is doing in that area of life, but every day is a reminder to trust and surrender.
Paul and I did some major traveling in 2013: San Francisco, Portland, D.C., Den Haag, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, and Barcelona (+Vegas and Texas for Paul). Where do I even start with highlighting these experiences? They were amazing and filled with joy. They allowed us to grow our relationship deeper and to interact with the world on a level we don't often get to do. I am thankful that Paul desires to see the world and that we'll keep on exploring together!
In the midst of all our traveling, 2013 was the year that friends and family came and visited us! It started with my cousin Lisa and her daughter Izzy, my sister Destiny and her husband Kevin, my bestie Raena, my mamasita, and Paul's aunt and uncle.
2013 was the year of new opportunities and challenges. Paul spoke at his first technology conference in Texas - the Big Android BBQ. Paul also received a promotion to Principal Software Engineer and then made the leap from that to a management position. And it was a good year job wise for me too! 2 years and 3 months after I graduated with my Master's degree I was finally offered a School Counseling position. I said goodbye to the YWCA after 7 years and have been loving the transition!
Other random notes: Paul ran a half marathon after entering only 7 days before the event, he ran his 2nd 200 mile relay race (so he still loves running), we moved our new couch in through our second floor window and didn't cause any damage, we celebrated 3 years of marriage and 5 years of dating (or a faux anniversary as Paul calls it), we took our first (and second) cooking class, we started creating urban adventures (long hikes around the city), and went to Charity's first NFL game (Redskins vs. Cowboys).
The final highlight of 2013 is recognizing great friendships. We are surrounded by wonderful people in our life but very blessed to share the ups and downs with our friends the Kaetzel's. Mark + Marin challenge and encourage us as a married couple, as parents, and as friends. Over the last 20 years we (Paul has a 15 year head start on me) have been able to grow closer with them and they really are family. Plus, if you can survive B&B 2013, you're bonded for life!
2013 was the year of learning that I (Charity) lack control in this life, and that God is looking out for me. A serious car accident in February help me realize that though I seek control, and I often believe I have it - it only takes a moment to see that I have only been fooling myself. That God is the only one in complete control. My little car was crushed between a van and a SVU, but amazingly I walked out with bruised shins and a hurt neck - nothing that couldn't be healed.
Then a few weeks after the car accident we learned that I would miscarry another life. I had gone into this second pregnancy believing that because I had done everything right, we would be successful at starting our family. Again the idea of control was ripped out from under me. I have no idea what God is doing in that area of life, but every day is a reminder to trust and surrender.
Paul and I did some major traveling in 2013: San Francisco, Portland, D.C., Den Haag, Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, and Barcelona (+Vegas and Texas for Paul). Where do I even start with highlighting these experiences? They were amazing and filled with joy. They allowed us to grow our relationship deeper and to interact with the world on a level we don't often get to do. I am thankful that Paul desires to see the world and that we'll keep on exploring together!
In the midst of all our traveling, 2013 was the year that friends and family came and visited us! It started with my cousin Lisa and her daughter Izzy, my sister Destiny and her husband Kevin, my bestie Raena, my mamasita, and Paul's aunt and uncle.
2013 was the year of new opportunities and challenges. Paul spoke at his first technology conference in Texas - the Big Android BBQ. Paul also received a promotion to Principal Software Engineer and then made the leap from that to a management position. And it was a good year job wise for me too! 2 years and 3 months after I graduated with my Master's degree I was finally offered a School Counseling position. I said goodbye to the YWCA after 7 years and have been loving the transition!
Other random notes: Paul ran a half marathon after entering only 7 days before the event, he ran his 2nd 200 mile relay race (so he still loves running), we moved our new couch in through our second floor window and didn't cause any damage, we celebrated 3 years of marriage and 5 years of dating (or a faux anniversary as Paul calls it), we took our first (and second) cooking class, we started creating urban adventures (long hikes around the city), and went to Charity's first NFL game (Redskins vs. Cowboys).
The final highlight of 2013 is recognizing great friendships. We are surrounded by wonderful people in our life but very blessed to share the ups and downs with our friends the Kaetzel's. Mark + Marin challenge and encourage us as a married couple, as parents, and as friends. Over the last 20 years we (Paul has a 15 year head start on me) have been able to grow closer with them and they really are family. Plus, if you can survive B&B 2013, you're bonded for life!
Weekend Shenanigans: Portland
It is not too often you have a regular weekend that is so fun and relaxing you feel like it is a long weekend, especially one that requires being in the car for at least 6 hours roundtrip. Paul and I headed down to Portland to celebrate our little cousin Jackson turning 1.
Our Portland cousins Zack & Erin are the family we get to see the most often thanks to their proximity. It has been so much fun to see them transition to a family of three and hard to believe a year has already passed since Jackson was born.
We hit the road on Friday evening after work. About an hour into the road trip I pulled up Google Maps (so handy) and searched for Fro-Yo places. Have I mentioned Paul and I are obsessed with Fro-Yo these days? Not just any Fro-Yo but the places where you can pick all of your flavors and toppings and then pay by the pound errr ounce. At Exit 102 we pulled off for a FroYo break. Then we were back on the road for the long haul.
Once we arrived we all sat around talking for a bit, but with the reality of a waking baby in just a few hours, we parted ways to get some sleep. Saturday morning was leisurely. Paul got up and went for a long run and I sat around drinking coffee and talking with Erin. Eventually Erin and I went for a run with 2 dogs and a baby. We were practically a parade on the streets - definitely a sight to be seen. I needed to run 2.5 miles as part of my running training plan and because I have a 5K coming up. Erin drug me all through the neighborhood streets and at the end of the run turned to me and said "Surprise! You just ran a 5k" Boy was I relieved! Those "2.5 miles" seemed really long :) Also I was relieved knowing I had my upcoming 5k in the bag.
Saturday afternoon we packed up and took the dogs to Kelly Point Park. This park is wonderful! There is a beach area for the pups to go swimming and once they were tired we moved to a grassy area to relax and throw and occasional tennis ball or Frisbee. Once sun fatigue started to set in we made our way home. Paul and I rounded up some evening provisions (BBQ Chicken & Wine - the necessities) we went back and enjoyed dinner and just hanging out.
Sunday morning was spent getting everything together for the Party. Jackson had a great birthday at the park down the street! There was sun, kids, and bubbles. What more could you want? The time came where Paul and I had to pack up and head back home. It was a fun and relaxing weekend in Portland with family! I didn't take a ton of pictures but I did snap a few of the pups enjoying the park and of the birthday boy! Happy 1st Birthday to Jackson!
Here are a few photo highlights!
Our Portland cousins Zack & Erin are the family we get to see the most often thanks to their proximity. It has been so much fun to see them transition to a family of three and hard to believe a year has already passed since Jackson was born.
We hit the road on Friday evening after work. About an hour into the road trip I pulled up Google Maps (so handy) and searched for Fro-Yo places. Have I mentioned Paul and I are obsessed with Fro-Yo these days? Not just any Fro-Yo but the places where you can pick all of your flavors and toppings and then pay by the pound errr ounce. At Exit 102 we pulled off for a FroYo break. Then we were back on the road for the long haul.
Once we arrived we all sat around talking for a bit, but with the reality of a waking baby in just a few hours, we parted ways to get some sleep. Saturday morning was leisurely. Paul got up and went for a long run and I sat around drinking coffee and talking with Erin. Eventually Erin and I went for a run with 2 dogs and a baby. We were practically a parade on the streets - definitely a sight to be seen. I needed to run 2.5 miles as part of my running training plan and because I have a 5K coming up. Erin drug me all through the neighborhood streets and at the end of the run turned to me and said "Surprise! You just ran a 5k" Boy was I relieved! Those "2.5 miles" seemed really long :) Also I was relieved knowing I had my upcoming 5k in the bag.
Saturday afternoon we packed up and took the dogs to Kelly Point Park. This park is wonderful! There is a beach area for the pups to go swimming and once they were tired we moved to a grassy area to relax and throw and occasional tennis ball or Frisbee. Once sun fatigue started to set in we made our way home. Paul and I rounded up some evening provisions (BBQ Chicken & Wine - the necessities) we went back and enjoyed dinner and just hanging out.
Sunday morning was spent getting everything together for the Party. Jackson had a great birthday at the park down the street! There was sun, kids, and bubbles. What more could you want? The time came where Paul and I had to pack up and head back home. It was a fun and relaxing weekend in Portland with family! I didn't take a ton of pictures but I did snap a few of the pups enjoying the park and of the birthday boy! Happy 1st Birthday to Jackson!
Here are a few photo highlights!
Pups in the sun
Tuckered out after lots of swimming!
Jackson & Charlie
The Birthday boy taking it all in!
Paul and the birthday boy!
In the midst of tension
My Friend Sarah recently wrote a great blog post about living in the tension of desiring to be a mother and not letting that desire consume you when dealing with issues of infertility. Some days I do feel consumed, mostly with confusion. Confusion as to why I have this strong desire but feel no closer to having a child then when we started trying nearly two years ago.
Sarah's post was a great reminder to take time to dwell on the blessings I have been given and not take them for granted. Here are a few things big and small that I feel so incredibly blessed by and thankful for. I thought it would be fun to list them out as a rememberance of God's faithfulness in my life.
This guy.
He is amazing. He is my encourager. He reminds me to be faithful and hopeful. He is silly and fun and loving. I couldn't ask for a better husbuddy to take on lifes adventures, joys, and heartaches.
My sister-friend Destiny.
I love that though we're 1,787 miles apart (I googled it) we continue to grow closer and strengthen our friendship. Being born to the same parents made us tolerate one another for so many years, but life has made us best friends. I'm thankful for our many back and forth emails in any given week and our phone calls. This girl gets me!
This dog.
Sarah's post was a great reminder to take time to dwell on the blessings I have been given and not take them for granted. Here are a few things big and small that I feel so incredibly blessed by and thankful for. I thought it would be fun to list them out as a rememberance of God's faithfulness in my life.
This guy.
My sister-friend Destiny.
This dog.
I just love her. She is a ball of energy and always happy. What a mood lifter.
For neighbors with green thumbs!
For friends who travel the world and bring me giant chocolate bars.
For natural henna hair dyes and viewing the results in different lighting
For book studies with women who are encouraging and real and challenge me.
Hope(ful)
When I wrote this blog post about our miscarriage experiences I shared that while in the midst of
our second miscarriage I would not lose faith. To be honest I did not lose
faith this last year, I never stopped believing in God. However my heart grew
distant from God and I did lose sight of hope. I felt betrayed and I couldn’t
help but ask the “Why me?” question. In a previous post I have shared that
though I aspire to suffer well. I lack trust during the stormy seasons.
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand
I will stand, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground, all other ground
Is sinking sand, is sinking sand
So I stand
Throughout
this last year and a half, God has continued to extend grace to me even though
I did not ask for it and I did not deserve it. I did not wake up one day to
realize I had hope again. Instead it came about slowly as God pursued my heart
and as Paul continued to encourage me and point me towards the cross.
I do feel
hopeful again and in a way that feels more grounded. I do not feel hopeful that
we will get pregnant and have a child. I am hopeful though that God will grow
our family and I strive to stay open to what that could look like.
Over the last
few months, I have had a song stuck in my head. Some mornings I wake up singing
bits and pieces. Other days I catch myself humming the tune as I walk to the
bus stop or stand in line at Starbucks. On one hand the lyrics are a good
synopsis of the Gospel, on the other hand it is a simple reminder that in Christ alone
my hope is found – Christ my cornerstone and my comforter.
Here is the
song in its entirety.
In Christ Alone
(Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)
In
Christ alone my hope is found(Keith Getty & Stuart Townend)
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless Babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live, I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ
No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From a life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I stand
I will stand, I will stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground, all other ground
Is sinking sand, is sinking sand
So I stand
{Celebrate}
I love birthdays! I love that my birthday is one day and then the very next is Paul's! Since Paul doesn't like to celebrate his, I just steal his thunder too. Gives me an extra long celebration!
Last year I was in no mood to celebrate. I wanted to, and I knew I should since it was my 30th. But I was heartbroken over our miscarriage and just didn't have the energy. I did have a small group over which was lovely and really the most I could muster at the time.
This year I kept thinking I wanted an epic party to make up for last year! I wanted lots of people and a pinata. Yes, a pinata! With Europe having just happened I decided maybe trying to pull together a large party would be too difficult. Instead we opted for two smaller celebrations with good friends. It was a wonderful time. There is nothing like pulling long time and new friends together to feel the love in any room.
Here are a few highlights.
Friday night I got a few of Paul's favorites together for dinner and a movie. We had such a delightful time that I literally had to drag Paul from the restaurant over to the movie theater. For a guy who doesn't like drawing attention to himself I think he had a pretty great time. Here is the group:
James was the only one daring enough to tell the waiter it was Paul's birthday. A great big piece of ice-cream cake was brought out and James proceeded to sing "Happy Normal Day to You". It was awesome! Look at that big piece of cake and that even bigger smile. This made springing a dinner on Paul 100% worth it!
Most of us headed over to the movies to sit through a 10:30pm showing of Iron Man 3. Wow. Some of us (me) are getting a little too old for those shenanigans. The group let me take one more photo of the night. And then I started getting death looks when the camera came out.
On Friday night I hosted a group of ladies that have been in my life since moving into the college dorms in 2000 up to our current church community. I love that it blended groups from college, work, grad school, and church. It was a delightful evening of sipping wine and good conversation. I am thankful for many of these ladies who were such a support and encouragement this last year. You have challenged me and pushed me to grow. Many of you have seen me at my worst but hung in there with me. I am a better person because of these friendships. Here are a few photo highlights!
Me and my MelMel! Literally one of the first people I met in college when I barged into her room introducing myself and offering chocolate. When we sit down and start telling old stories, I laugh so hard I could cry.
Me and Christianna - who was another person's dorm room I barged into. This time without chocolate, but she accepted my eccentrics nonetheless! I treasure the memories and laughs we have shared over the years.
Stacy, Robyn, Miranda, and Nell - you have all encouraged and supported me tremendously this past year. I love the wisdom and thoughtfulness each of you brings to our friendship. I am blessed to have you in my life!
By the end of the night, I couldn't help but be reminded how blessed I am. I have so many great and wonderful women that I share life with. I had a goal of getting a photo with everyone and I almost made it! Here are a few more shots:
Here is to another year of making memories!
Last year I was in no mood to celebrate. I wanted to, and I knew I should since it was my 30th. But I was heartbroken over our miscarriage and just didn't have the energy. I did have a small group over which was lovely and really the most I could muster at the time.
This year I kept thinking I wanted an epic party to make up for last year! I wanted lots of people and a pinata. Yes, a pinata! With Europe having just happened I decided maybe trying to pull together a large party would be too difficult. Instead we opted for two smaller celebrations with good friends. It was a wonderful time. There is nothing like pulling long time and new friends together to feel the love in any room.
Here are a few highlights.
Friday night I got a few of Paul's favorites together for dinner and a movie. We had such a delightful time that I literally had to drag Paul from the restaurant over to the movie theater. For a guy who doesn't like drawing attention to himself I think he had a pretty great time. Here is the group:
Me and my MelMel! Literally one of the first people I met in college when I barged into her room introducing myself and offering chocolate. When we sit down and start telling old stories, I laugh so hard I could cry.
To My Husbuddy
Paul,
Thank you for celebrating Valentines with me because you know I love it! There are so many reasons I love you. I thought this Valentines I would list 100 reasons why I love you. That way you never have to ask me "why?"!
Happy 5th Valentines to my love!!
Thank you for celebrating Valentines with me because you know I love it! There are so many reasons I love you. I thought this Valentines I would list 100 reasons why I love you. That way you never have to ask me "why?"!
Happy 5th Valentines to my love!!
I love your smile.
I love your disciplined
nature, where would I be without it?
I love snuggling with you.
I love your ethic of hard
work.
I love that you provide so
well for us.
I love how silly you can be.
I love that you are
compassionate.
I love the way you
surprise me with little gifts that show you pay attention to me.
I love the way you respect
me.
I love how you protect me.
I love your intelligent
mind.
I love that you always keep
your cool.
I love spending time with
just you.
I love how you encourage me.
I love how you challenge me
to be a better person.
I love your sense of humor.
I love that I get to grow
old with you.
I love our nicknames for
each other.
I love when you tell me how
much you love me.
I love you because you never
use words to hurt or tear down.
I love that you’re my best
friend.
I love your heart for God
and your desire to grow in your Faith.
I love how patient you are
with me.
I love snuggling with you.
I love holding your hand.
I love that you are a prayer
warrior.
I love that you celebrate
Valentines Day with me because you know I like it.
I love your desire to
travel.
I love that you have taken
me to Paris! My dream!
I love that you forgive me.
I love that you’re always
willing to try harder.
I love your body.
I love falling asleep with
you at night.
I love that you are
dependable.
I love how you make me a
priority.
I love your generosity.
I love that all of your
clothes come from tech conferences.
I love the sound of your
deep voice.
I love your steadfastness.
I love the sweet
notes/emails you write me.
I love that I am still
learning new things about you.
I love how you make up your
own words to songs. Jazz Sundays are my favorite.
I love your dimples.
I love your corny, old man
jokes.
I love that you worry about
me.
I love how you take control
in stressful situations.
I love your Faith in the
Lord, it is strong and beautiful.
I love how you remind me to
be hopeful during tough times.
I love when you speak
Persian to me.
I love how I can trust you
completely.
I love taking walks with you
and talking about our future.
I love how you’re just as
weird as me.
I love your good ideas.
I love how you get excited
about getting new t-shirts at work conferences.
I love when you beat box.
I love how sweet and patient
you are with the kiddos in our life. I look forward to you being a father one
day.
I love how unbelievably
patient you are with me.
I love how when you’re
focused on reading a book you’ll start to mouth the words as you read.
I love how you pray over me.
I love that you’re such a
softy.
I love traveling with you.
I love how you love me
unconditionally.
I love that we argue about
who loves the other the most (I do).
I love how you buy me the
sappiest cards because you know I’ll tear up.
I love how you use analogies
to make things make sense!
I love that you’re an open
book with me.
I love when you play the
guitar for me. Or just sing songs you’ve made up for me.
I love that you love to
learn. How does electricity work again?
I love your grey hairs. They
make you look so distinguished.
I love how excited you get
(we get) about seeing cute dogs.
I love that you introduce me
to music I probably wouldn’t have found or that I thought I would enjoy.
I love that you write
reminders on your hand.
I love that you tell me you
love me every chance that you get.
I love how you let me
experiment in the kitchen. You never mind trying my creations.
I love that you handle the
finances. You’re so good at it J
I love that when we’re
walking you offer me a wing. I do love chicken!
I love when you paint.
I love that you always tell
the truth. Even if it isn’t always easy to hear.
I love that you still think
deep down you’re a teenager.
I love visiting you at work.
You’re so serious!
I love that we’re both
honest about the difficulties and the joys of marriage.
I love that you are my
personal space heater.
I love how excited you get
about treats.
I love when you kiss my
forehead.
I love being your wife.
I love that we’re both so
stubborn. It makes life interesting.
I love that you were my first
boyfriend.
I love how occasionally you
let me stare into your eyes.
I love that you still have
the certificate of appreciation I gave to you ages ago.
I love that you’re willing
to train me at the gym, even though I probably swear at you several times a
week.
I love listening to you sing
at church.
I love your willingness to
love me spontaneously (in a very planned way).
I love how affectionate you
are with me.
I love watching you dance.
I love dreaming about our
next adventures together.
I love when we hear the “Ho
Hey” Lumineers song you grab my hand and sing the chorus to me.
I love your willingness to
try new things.
I love when we accomplish
things together. Team O!
I love how you hold me and
comfort me when I’m sad.
I Love that I get to spend
the rest of my life with YOU!
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