House Hunting

Last week, we had the opportunity to sit down with a mortgage broker and talk shop. We talked through all things fiscal, financial and frightening. We are still waiting on a pre-approval, and are hopeful to start looking sometime this fall. We were slightly overwhelmed, but definitely excited to take this next step!

As neither of us have purchased anything bigger than a used car, we are a little apprehensive about diving into home owners debt. We would appreciate your prayers as we begin this journey toward home ownership. We want to be sure and follow the Lord's leading through all of this, evey step surrendered to Him.

We will keep you updated as we continue on in the fun!

Tim's 28th Birthday!!!

on July 2nd, Tim celebrated his 28th birthday!! I sent him to work with chocolate cupcakes for his co-workers @ Cascade (who eats a cupcake @ 9 am?? Should've made muffins....) Then, I made him a special birthday lunch (all his faves) and he opened his presents. He got a few new shirts and a sweet card from Aunt Sharon and Uncle Bruce. After lunch, we wandered down to Peet's on Hawthorne to do a little reading. Then it was off to Than Thai for dinner.

After dinner, we headed out to McMenamins Edgefield in Gresham for a birthday party with the other birthday boy, Brian Cheney. A lot of friends came out to celebrate and join in on a pint or two. I had made cakes for each of the guys, which created quite the plume of smoke once they were blown out! These guys are gettin old!

After pints and tots, we headed home. I'd say it was a pretty special day! Happy Birthday, Tim!

Reading and studying

So, our lates "date time" activity has been studying/reading in coffee shops. This is a most favorite pastime of Tim's, one which he has been missing as of late. So, when we have the morning or afternoon off together, we pack up our backpacks (don't worry, they're not matching) and drive to a coffee shop.

This has been a great way to get to know our neighborhood a little better and to branch out from Peet's & Starbucks. This is the Daily Cafe, famous for their child friendly atmosphere and great Stumptown brew.

We try not to spend all of our time loafing around on couches and chairs, but are finding this to be a great way for Tim to read and for me to study. Studying can sometimes be a little tough in a place with a louder atmosphere (note the face of struggle below). But, it provides us with an opportunity to grow in both book knowledge and a deeper understanding of each other.

Summer Update

We've started summer 2009 with a bang!

Tim is on summer break from Multnomah, which provides more time to focus on his private practice, Lighthouse Counseling. (http://www.lighthousecounselingpdx.com/) He is currently working on meeting up with pastors and churches in the Portland/Vancouver area to get his name out there. He recently taught a guest lecture class on marriage at Mountain Park Church in Lake Oswego. There were about 12 people ages 35 to 60+. No challenge there! But of course, he did a great job in sharing his passion for healthy relationships and working hard to serve your spouse. He used some great examples from John Gottman, Rob Bell and others. I am sooo proud! He's also picked up a couple of days @ Cascade, so if you need a gym membership, be sure to ask him!

We attended the 4th annual Pearl Church retreat @ Canby Grove Conference Center in April. It was a lot of fun connecting with old friends and making new ones. We kick major booty in NERTS! We are looking forawrd to a weekend in Seattle for a 2 day Personal Training workshop that I will be attending in early July. I will be taking the NASM Personal Training Certification test in mid-September- Ahhh! Tim has been absolutely amazing in the role of cheerleader! It's really neat to be able to encourage one another to pursue our dreams and goals. How cool!

Well, that's it for now!

Shred It with Jillian Michaels

My dear friend, Andrea, was the one who started it. She kept telling me about this workout dvd she does at home since she doesn't really like the gym. So, one night while we were hanging out at her house, I insisted (despite the approaching bed time hour) that we try it out. After ten minutes, I was swetting like crazy! What was this magical video? Who is Jillian Michaels??

So, I set out to find out for myself. I purchased the dvd from Target (thank you Target gift cards!) and brought it home. I tried level 1 and decided then and there that this was the one. Yes, Jillian and I would become good friends. And of course, like the loving wife that I am, I asked Tim to do it with me (or he was an amazing husband and volunteered...but I digress). He, like me, struggled through the first level. However, together, we laugh and giggle our way through twenty minutes of cardio/strength/core torture.

So, I just wanted to give kudos to Andrea, Tim and everyone at Peet's for encouraging me in this pursuit of glory with Jilian Michaels. You should definitely buy it (we'd let you borrow it, but we're addicted- sorry!).

Mother's Day

Mothers Day was so fun! We had a great time having a Saturday morning brunch with Cindy, Dave, Becky and Rian at Veritable Quandry. It was soo nice to be able to relax and enjoy each others company and honor such a wonderful mom and woman!

Cindy has been so wonderful through this whole time of dating, engagement and marriage. Tim and I are both blessed to have her as a part of our lives!

Thank You Notes

Well, our "Thank You" note postcards arrived yesterday! I have 10 out of 100 done- yay 10%! It has been great writing them so far. Sooo many people blessed us not only with gifts, but with their time, money and talents. It makes me smile to think back (o so far!) on how people went out of their way to make sure we felt loved. What a special blessing! Anyways, check your mailbox because you will probably be the recipient of this little token of our extreme grattitude!!!