Hair Cut

As you can tell, I'm pretty much grasping at straws to come up with blog posts.  I thought you might like to see my hair cut.  If not, then close your eyes cause here it comes.

Here's the before.  Now don't judge too harshly.  It was a bad hair day.  I had this great idea that I would grow it out long again.  Then I started remembering how long it took me to do my hair when it was long.

And here comes the cute little do I came home with today.  While she was cutting it, the electricity went out, so I was really hoping it turned out.  I couldn't see it at the shop.  I got home, put in some hair goop and presto change-o.  Here it is!

Sorry the pictures are dark.  I did try to lighten them up a bit.  Oh, well, you get the idea.

The Flu Stinks

This is how I feel.

Yep, I have the real flu...maybe even H1N1. I started feeling yucky on Wednesday and just chalked it up to getting my flu shot the day before. I talked to Anna yesterday and when I told her I was wearing three sweatshirts, two pairs of socks, sitting under a blanket in front of a heater, she said she was taking me to the doctor. I didn't think we had an urgent care clinic and told her so. Well, she wasn't swayed by that and made some phone calls. In the mean time, I called the 24 hour nurse provided by my insurance who told me to go to ER. Well, there you have it. I had to go. Anna's homework found out we do have urgent care, so we were on our way.

The doctor didn't do the tests to find out for sure if I have it. She said that given I have asthma, she'd treat me anyway since I had been exposed. So I may have it and I may not. Bottom line, it's rotten. I'm now very sympathetic to those that have the real deal. It's nasty stuff.

I'm under strict orders not to be around anyone till after Tuesday, so that means I'll have a very happy Birthday all by myself. That also means all my work will be piling up. God knows and it was no surprise I came down with this now. Maybe He wants me to sleep. :)

Well I hope none of you get this. I hope you are all very healthy.

Leavin' on a Jet Plane...

Okay, I'm not leaving on a plane, but in my Jeep. I'm taking off tomorrow morning for 2 1/2 weeks. I'm headed to my parents' for some much needed rest and relaxation. This isn't really vacation time, but a time to find some refreshment physically and spiritually.

To put it simply, I'm drained. I need to rest my body and feed my soul. Please pray for me as I take this time away. I want my heart to be in tune with God's.

I may or may not blog during this time. We'll have to see how it goes. Not that I've been great at keeping up anyway. Maybe some refreshment will give me creative ideas again.

Thanks for your prayers.

Ahhh

I'm sorry that I didn't take any pictures of the last few days for you. Phil and Dave were wonderful and gave us Monday and Tuesday off. It was so nice to have that time off. Here is how I used it.

On Monday, I walked 4.5 miles in the morning. Then I went in to Mason City and met Stacey and the kids. We spent part of the afternoon hiking at Lime Creek. It was the perfect day for that. We saw a mama deer and her twin fawns cross the river and then the crossed the path right in front of us. It was beautiful. I truly enjoyed being out in God's creation. After walking to much that day, I was exhausted and went to bed early.

On Tuesday, I worked out again, but inside this time. It was really nice to have the time to work out both mornings. Then I cleaned my apartment...laundry, floors, bathroom, etc. I love it when I get it all clean and fresh. I then baked some brownies for a friend and her kids that were coming over. I also cleaned lots of veggies and cut them up to have ready for snacks. Laura and her three kids came over a little after 3:30 and stayed till after 7:00. It was so much fun to have them here and let the kids play. We had a great time catching up.

Now it's Wednesday...back to work. I supposed I should get going and get up there. We have Men's Retreat this weekend and Grandview High School is coming in before that. So a busy week is ahead. Please be praying for us as we head into our busy retreat time. It is exciting that IRBC is used year-round.

My Dot in France

You may remember this post from back awhile. I love to check out the dots on my map. Just in case you don't know what I'm referencing, scroll down just a bit and look at my sidebar. You'll notice a world map. If you click on that map you will see dots from around the world that represent people that have dropped by my blog. Go ahead and do it...I'll wait.

Did you see all those dots? Aren't they cool? I have no idea how all of those people have stumbled on my little corner of the world.

Now, I'm going to tell you a little story. Bear with me; it does have a point. During Family Camp 4, I was on my way back to the office from eating lunch when this man stops me and says, "You don't know who I am do you?" I tell him that I'm sorry I don't. He introduces himself as Mark Nelsen, and I realize that he is the morning missionary speaker. I shake hands with him and he proceeds to tell me that he is a faithful reader of my blog. Mark and his family are missionaries in France. So I met my dot from France in the flesh!

So this little post is just to say hi to my dot in France. I've been listening to messages from this summer when I walk. Mark, your messages have been such a blessing and challenge. Thank you.

State Basketball

Well, we didn't pull off a win at state, but it was a great day. I'm so proud of our guys...they played their hearts out! Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

Faces in the crowd:
Yes, that's Cody Huber with his face painted. Most of the other kids in this section are church kids as well.

Jeremy and Ryan...pumped up!

Stacey and I. She kept referring to things in football terms. Who knew I would be the one to give a basketball lesson! No, there are no fumbles in basketball!

Anna and I. We had a great time on the way to the game and enjoyed time together during the two games prior to ours.

Yes, Aaron deserves to have this picture posted. This is his dad beside him, Pastor Hart.

Some summer staff came to the game as well. You should recognize Keri from summer pictures. She was one of my secretaries this past summer and is joining me in the office again this coming summer. I already have work waiting for her in her inbox.

Proud Ventura moms. Too bad they can't spell "Vikings." The two rows ahead of them are church people or camp staff as well.

James has had this mohawk since sub state. The blue color is new though. The kids at church are jealous, but I heard a rumor it is coming off tomorrow. Such a cute kid! The vest is a tradition by the way. He has worn it to all the games for years. It's too small now, but he squeezes in.

James and JP are great buds and had a great time at the game together.

And here are our guys at work! It was fun to watch them play!

"Going to State"

Well, the Vikings pulled it off and are headed to the state tournaments on Monday!!!!! Way to go guys! I wasn't able to go to the game last night, but listened on the radio. It did my heart proud to hear them brag on our guys. They especially love Tyler Betz, the director's son.

Can't wait till Monday. I think it will probably be a holiday at the camp. :)

Tax Time

So usually my dad does my taxes for me. In fact there has only been one year my entire tax paying life, that he hasn't done them for me. Well this year is going to be the second year ever. So this morning, I drug out all my stuff from this last year and finally organized it so it's ready to go. Don't go thinking that this means I'm doing them myself. I have a coupon for H & R Block.

I realize this post really is of no importance, but I'm bored. I've been sick the last couple weeks and stayed home this weekend to rest/recuperate. So I'm bored and thought I would bore you my faithful few readers.

So let's take a poll. How many of you already have your taxes done? How many of you wait till April 15 to even start? I've always been right in the middle. Not in a hurry, but I don't like to wait till April.

Okay, I'm off to take a nap. Hopefully, I'll feel up to church tonight.

Oh, and thanks for doing my taxes all these years, Dad! I love you.

Pandora Radio

Check out this neat music site. Type in the name of an artist you like and it will play that artist and others like him/her. If you don't like a particular song, just hit the thumbs down sign by the song and it will never play that song again. You do have to register for it, but it's free. It will save all the artists you type in and you can even mix them up a bit.

I've been using it at work for a few weeks now and love it. Right now I'm listening to Nat King Cole (holiday). I'm getting all the good ole boys (Bing, Dean, Frank, Johnny, etc.) singing Christmas songs.

Not Very Nice...But Very Nice

(Don't worry...I'm not only going to post about my dog now.) So I was driving home from a fantastic weekend with Stacey and the kids a couple weeks ago, when I heard a loud CRACK! Yep, someone hit me...or so I thought. They also ran the red light at which I was sitting. Of course, my mind was running a bit behind and I didn't get the license plate or the make/model of the car.


I pulled over and called the police to get a report. I'm glad all they did was break my tail light. The police officer said that he thinks they threw a bottle at me. There were shards of glass above my wheel well and some liquid there too.


Well wonderful Shane Callison, who works at the camp, replaced it for me. I'm so glad I only had to buy the part and not pay for labor as well. Thanks, Shane! (He would never be caught dead reading my blog though, so it's a good thing that I told him thank you.)

Home Sweet Home

Yes, my computer has come home from the hospital. I guess it had a nasty virus, but it's feeling much better now. What turned into a 24-48 hour stay was extended to a week!!! Communication was not the forte of the computer guy. Well, it's anxious to get back into blogging, so you'll be seeing some posts very soon.

Sorry for the absence...

My laptop is currently at the computer doctor, so I haven't been able to keep up on blogging. I hope to have it back early next week. So, you will all have to wait with bated breath as to what my next post will be. I know what you are thinking..."Does she have some exciting news? Maybe a new recipe will appear. Or perhaps she is just stringing us along." It's pretty much the latter. Who has time to sit and think up posts?

Farewell till next week when I get my laptop back from the doctor with a big bill. Too bad there isn't computer health insurance.

Horray!!!

Well, I am starting to feel much better. I'm not coughing as much and actually made it to the chapel service tonight. It was a great service! The music was incredible and the preaching was right on.

I also had another blessing today. I found out that I will be able to attend the installation service for my parents at their new church in Pana, IL on Aug. 17. It seemed impossible to get away, but God is so good and some of the other staff at camp are going to cover for me. I'm so excited to see my parents!!!

Well, it's off to bed for me!

The Five Seasons

Yes, you read that title correctly. Here at IRBC we have five seasons and I have pictures to prove it.


We are of course most known for Summer. Then comes my favorite, Fall. Next is Winter and let's not forget Spring. But somewhere in between Winter and Spring we have another season called, Mud. That's right...mud, mud and more mud.


I took some pictures today of the snow melting creating rivers running over our dirt roads and the melting snow. The result is mud and lots of big puddles...including the lake in front of my door.

So I'm writing to say...Happy Mud!

I Need Your Help!

As most of you know, my favorite holiday is only a month away. To see how I celebrated last year, click here.

So, here is where you come in. I have no idea what to do next. It doesn't even have to be as big as last year, but I really need to do something. The guys wouldn't know what to do if they came in the office and there was no April Fool's celebration.

So please leave your ideas.

Happy Valentine's Day

I just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day! Thanks for your friendship - it means so much!

Congratulations, Giants!!!!

I want to preface this post by assuring all of you that I don't like football. Really, I don't. I used to say that about baseball too, but that's another story.

I stayed home from church tonight, not to watch the Superbowl because as I've already stated, I don't like football. I'm still recovering a bit from surgery and was very tired and had some pain, so decided to take it easy. Well, I decided to give the Superbowl a try. (PBS is showing Jane Austen movies, so you know that this was not a flippant choice. I did tape the Jane Austen movie, so I guess I didn't sacrifice too much.)

I immediately, starting cheering for the Giants. I guess because they were the underdogs. Wow! What a game. I even found myself screaming when they made the last touchdown!!!!

So just like I didn't like baseball and now do, I probably like football now too. Of course I'm not the kind of girl to follow the entire season. I'm more of a let's just watch the playoffs kind of girl.

So anyway, way to go, Giants!!!!

Bible Reading Update

Well, I just wanted to check in with those that may have decided to take the challenge to read through the Bible in a year. How are you doing? Keeping up?

I have been loving it! I really thought it would be hard to find the time to read that many chapters, but it hasn't. I am actually ahead and have a hard time stopping when it's time to go to work. God's Word is so precious and I hope that you treasure it.

Leave a comment and let me know what you have been learning from the Word lately.

Take the Challenge

Our church is challenging us to read through the Bible in a year. I was hesitant to commit to it because I hate committing to something that I'm not sure I can complete. During the summer there will be days that I won't have time to read this much, but I have decided to accept the challenge. I can always read ahead.

I've read through the Bible, but never in its entirety in a year. We are using a program that breaks it up nicely, so you aren't just reading it straight through. We will read two chapters in Old Testament, a chapter in the Psalms and one in the New Testament.

So who wants to take the challenge with me?

Today is:
Genesis 1 and 2
Psalm 1
Matthew 1

I've Been Tagged

What was I doing ten years ago?
I was a Junior at Northland Baptist Bible College. I had a pretty interesting roommate that semester, so I was probably either having to talk with her or avoiding her. (Remember, Kristi?) I was probably studying and having fun in the dorm.

What was I doing five years ago?
I was living in Eau Claire, WI, working at Ayres Associates as the Transportation Secretary. I was working with my parents in a church planting ministry.

What was I doing one year ago?
I was doing pretty much the exact same thing I am doing now: working at IRBC, attending Faith Baptist Church, teaching Jr. Girls, going to basketball games, etc.

What was I doing yesterday?
Working in the office. Then I went to Pamela Betz's concert, and the end of Tyler Betz's and Jared Callison's basketball game. Then I watched Dancing with the Stars when I got home (taped it). Went to bed late.

Five snacks I love:
Popcorn
Chex Mix
Anything Chocolate
String Cheese
Fruit

Five places I would run away to:
Savannah
Bahamas
Just home alone
A cabin in the woods
Ireland - just because I've never been and want to go

Five TV shows I like:
Dancing with the Stars
American Idol
CSI New York
NCIS
Anything on the Food Network

Five things I hate doing:
Dishes
Dusting
Talking on the phone
Crafts / Decorating for events
Anything last minute - I'm a planner

Five biggest joys of the moment:
Teaching Jr. Girls
Friendships
God's Word
Time spent with family
Basketball season

Okay, now it's time to tag people (thanks for the tag Kelly).

Bekah
Angie
Mary Ann - you need to do some serious blogging anyway
Kari
Janelle
Amy
Malissa