Anniversary Week (Wedding!!!)

    So I am a little late on the wedding update......

    We were married on a beach on Lake Huron. It was beautiful, but  incredibly, incredibly, hot. Sooo hot.Whew.  We gave water bottles to every  guest, and had our programs made into fans.

   I love my husband more today than ever before. I could go on and on, but 7 years later, and I am more in love than I ever thought I could be. Here's to at least another 7!

  And for the photo version of our wedding......

After the ceremony there was a mad rush to jump in the lake to cool off. So glad I had a T-length dress on, so I could join them:) 

My sisters and I....all making the same face, that we always make, all the time, and unless someone points it out, we don't even know we are making it:) 

Celebrating Anniversary Week (The College Years and Engagement)

     Jon and I went to different colleges, he was at Oakland University, and I went to to the best school known to man, Central Michigan University. Being apart was so good and so needed. We had no intention of ever getting back together.

     We both loved college. InterVarsity was a huge part of both of our college experiences. We both grew a ton spiritually during college. We learned who we were apart from each other, and were able to start being the people God had created us to be. Our paths crossed a little bit in college. Because we were both a part of InterVarsity, we would see each other at conferences, and when we would be at home at church, but that's it. I thought we we were done forever.

     We don't have very many "college age" pictures together, because we were not together for most of college, but because it's fun to go back in the past, I will bring some out of the vault:)

Jon: In the red:) Guys from college.

   And some of me from college.....

Me and my college roommate...spring break trip to Florida. Also fun fact....this is the trip where I met my future brother in law (didn't know it at the time). 

Krista and Kristin!!! My very best friend!!! We spent LOTS of time together in college....... awww.... miss you 1/5. 

Part of my InterVarsity chapter...

Back Together 

   Basically because Facebook was invented, Jon and I got back together. You know, basically. That an AOL instant messenger. Remember that, friends? We started chatting online....I spent tons of time online in college. I worked the front desk of my dorm, and sometimes it was overnight hours, leaving me nothing to do but look at the computer in front of me.... We started sending messages back and forth.  

  One weekend, Jon decided to come to Mt. Pleasant , we would go out and catch up and go from there. And that was all folks. Once we saw each other again, it was like we were the same people, but totally different. We both had grown up, we matured, we spent time a part, and yet what attracted us to each other from the beginning was still there. And I was hooked on that man. 

Circa 2004: Jon and I with a bunch of mutal friends from church 

This picture cracks me up!!!  We took my baby sister and his little brother go carting, putt putt golfing and to the batting cages.. 

The Engagement  

     Remember my best friend Krista? Yah, she was conspiring with Jon on the proposal.....and my roommate (Tiffany pictured above) also had to be in on it...... 

     It was a yucky Sunday. I had stayed up the late the night before. Krista and I went to church on Sunday morning. We were supposed to get all dressed up and go out for a girls night that evening. I tried to get out of it. I so just wanted to have a night at home by myself in my apartment. I was so tired. And had so much homework to get done.  And seriously....a Sunday night....lets just plan for something the next week.  

    Somehow Krista convinced me that it was a good idea to go out. She told me to get ready and she called and said she would be by in a minute. There was a knock on my apartment door. I opened it, totally expected it to be Krista, and it was Jon, dressed in a suit, with flowers. I was shocked. He lives two hours away. It was Sunday night, he had class and work early on Monday morning. What was he doing here? 

  

    "Ready? We have reservations" he said, like I was expecting him. Alrighty....perfect. We went to a classy place for dinner. He had convinced me that this was not a proposal dinner, but simply an act to prove that he can indeed surprise me. I ordered lobster. The one and only time I have ever had lobster in my life:)  

    We went back to my apartment. When we walked in, there were flowers all over the place, candles going, and music playing. What in the world? How did he do that? Who had keys to my apartment??? While we were at dinner, Krista came and decorated:))) We were dancing to the cd he made for me. Our song came on....he sung it to me, dropped down to one knee and proposed. 

     To this day, he will not let me live this down. I told him "No," After all, he did convince me that this was not the proposal day, so he obviously was not really asking me to be his wife. Except he was. And I didn't believe him. I did say "yes" later:)  

    I got so excited that I knocked some candles  over. Luckily no fire, just lots of melted wax all over my carpet. Oops.    

   We were engaged for 9 months, about 6 months too long. It was a crazy hard time for us. To this day, I will encourage anyone I know that is engaged to not have a long engagement. I'll save my sob story for another post. I gave my ring back for a few days and I didn't think we would make it to the wedding.  Being engaged was soooo overrated. So glad we are past that:))  

Next up: WEDDING!!!!  Stay tuned. 

Celebrating Anniversary Week -- High School Years Edition

I know, the quality of picture is insanely bad......but, hopefully you can see it:) 

         This week, Jon and I are celebrating seven years of marriage. I am excited to share some of our story with you....and the subsequent pictures that go along with the story.

       My grandma says that our story started in 1992 when Jon was in third grade. My grandma was Jon's third grade teacher, and she swears to this day, that she talked with Jon's parents about marrying me when he was in her class. I don't remember that AT ALL. I don't remember meeting Jon until I was in 6th grade. Our families went to the same church, and we grew up in youth group together.

        Sometime during my freshman year in high school, Jon and I were interested in each other. My parents had a no dating rule until I was 16, and truthfully, I was grateful for that. I didn't really know what dating meant....I didn't know what to do. I would be out of town for my 16th birthday, so a few days before Jon showed up at my house with a birthday card. It was simple. And sweet. And still, we weren't dating. We started dating a month after my birthday.
 
        High school was rough. We were very interested in each other, and loved spending time together, but as teens, we were on again, and off again...a lot. I don't know how many times we broke up, and got back together.  We both had our own demons and struggles. This played a pretty huge role in our relationship. When I graduated high school, we broke up "for good." Actually, it was the day of my graduation open house. Good memory, huh? It was also the day Jon gave me my graduation gift: a beautiful tennis bracelet, that took me 2 seconds to lose.

       I'll get more into the college years in my next post, but breaking up after I graduated was absolutely needed. We both had some serious things we needed to work on, and we really were not loving each other well.

     

Jon and I went to two different high schools and were a year apart. Because of this, we went to A LOT of dances. My parents were so glad that I could wear those expensive dresses twice:)

- 5 homecomings
-4 proms
-3 Winterfests

Next up: College Edition

And out of nowhere, I have pneumonia

On Tuesday of last week, I was crazy busy from 10am-9pm with photo shoots. It was awesome. The day I dream for. Around 6pm I started getting a migraine. I thought it was from dehydration and not eating super well throughout the day. I kept feeling more and more sick.

Wednesday morning when I woke up, I was in so much pain, I couldn't take a breath without it feeling like someone was stabbing me. Long story short, I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. Seriously? How did I not know that it was coming? And how does one get pneumonia in the middle of June?

The cure: Rest lots. Sleep a lot. Really?

Those medical people, they are pretty funny. Sleep seems like a rarity at our house. But my husband took those orders VERY seriously. He was my nurse, cook and took total care of the kids, and I slept. A LOT.

I am so grateful for a husband to let me sleep. I know that is the only reason why I am functioning as well as I am. I was so rested over the weekend. I want to still be able to get some rest during the day, because I don't want to relapse, but my amazing husband definitely set me up for success.

Just another reason why I love him!

November 13- That's what she said

All day I have been thinking about what I will post today. I can't just post a general, "I am thankful for my birthday. I am thankful I was born."

How about, I am incredibly thankful for the card that my dearest friend Krista sent?

Or, how about the remote car starter that my in-laws bought me? Or better yet, the date money that they sent?

Or, the gift that my grandma sent?

Or, the privilege it is to bear the burdens of college students. I feel honored that so many of them today trusted me with pain in their lives and shared some of the deep parts of their hearts.

Or, that starting on Saturday, both G and J will have extended parenting times on Saturday and Sunday. I am rejoicing that we will have some reprieve in our house. And a nap, definitely a nap. Just know that from 12-4 on Saturday, I will be scheduling NOTHING BUT naps for myself, Caleb and Jon. That's probably not true. Except when it will be.

Or, I could be really thankful for my new obsession: Once Upon a Child. THE BEST SECOND HAND KIDS STORE EVER. I bought clothes for G, Caleb, J and my niece Raegan. Hey, a girl has GOT to buy girl clothes.

Or, I could be grateful that my husband is letting me get some sweet photo shop actions for my birthday.

Or, I could be thankful that I FINALLY found a pair of boots that I have been looking for.

But the icing on the cake.....

A card from  my husband.

I fully intended a mushy, lovey dovey card, that was until I opened the envelope and saw the face of Michael Scott. I bet you can guess what happened when I opened the card. Yep, "That's what she said."

I laughed so hard. Seriously. I cried.

And then I read what he wrote, and it was indeed, sweet and meaningful, so I really cried.

This card had be crying double.

I am so thankful for the "That's what she said" card.

November 4--- A husband who takes care of the kids

While at church, a migraine hit me hard. For those of you who have migraines, you know the feeling. Huge headache, dizziness, sick to my stomach, seeing stars, shaking...it was bad. I left church to go to the store to buy some meds. I sat in the parking lot of the church for a while...I had to go back in and get Jon and the boys but I was so incredibly sick.

We came home, I had some soup and bread for lunch and went to bed until 7pm. Jon was amazing. He took care of the boys, with no complaint at all. None. He let me do what I needed to do.

I am so thankful that I could rest yesterday and not worry about taking care of the boys.

Thanks honey!

November 28

Today, I am thankful for my husband and his chance to stay home from work. We pulled into the driveway last night and dumped everything in the house and went to bed.

I had to work today. He took Caleb to the library, bought me Subway for lunch, got dinner, did all of the laundry, had more Caleb time, gave Caleb a bath, dealt with my dog, and was simply an amazing husband. Thankful for him!

Noveber 23

Today I am thankful for my massage. Jon and I are still in Orlando. We slept in and were discussing what to do with our day. We had until 8:30pm to pick up his brother from the airport. I decided I was going to call a spa and see if I could get a massage. I did, and it was fabulous.

Thank you Lord for giving us the means to splurge once in a while. Thank you for the gift of rest and relaxation.

Yeah for a massage!

(and for the rest of date with my husband)

November 22

Jon and I are staying at his grandparents house, 2 hours away from Orlando. Jon's brother is flying into Orlando tomorrow, and someone needs to come and pick him up from the airport. We were sent on an overnight away from Caleb. It was fabulous.

I booked a hotel room last night. I don't know if it was because it was so late in the game, or if this is off season, but we had a BEAUTIFUL hotel room for $60. I could end the thankfulness post right now. But I am not done being thankful!

I am thankful for family that wants to stay with Caleb and wants to give us time off. I am thankful that our families love our son so much. I am thankful that Caleb slept through the night we are told behaved well (though one can never tell with those grandparent colored glasses).

We went to Downtown Disney to an Irish pub and had some food and drinks. It was great to be together and to talk. We walked downtown holding hands and capped the night off with some ice cream. Everything was fabulous about this night.

Thank you Lord for giving me a great night with my husband.

November 19

After close to 30 hours on the road, with a four hour stint/nap/shower in a hotel room, we made it to Jon's grandparents house in Florida. I am so grateful that we are here safely. I am thankful that God protected us and kept us safe on the road.  I am thankful that it wasn't until Orlando (2 hours away from us) when Caleb started saying, "All done car, all done movie, all done snacks, all done car," as if he was making up a song sharing his disdain for lengthy travels. So grateful to be here.

Bring on the vacation!!!!

November 16

Today I am grateful for my staff meeting. I am grateful for the organization that I work for.

Our staff meeting today was training on longevity in ministry. It was, in so many ways so so good. There was a time of teaching and a time of journaling, back and forth 3 times. Um, yes! Exactly how my brain works. It was also so so hard. It forced me to confront some issues that I have been putting aside, sweeping under the rug and running from. That wasn't so fun, but I am leaning into the work that Jesus is doing in my heart. Not fun, but good.

I am thankful for the community that I have with InterVarsity staff. There are few people in this world that I can be transparent with and one specific colleague is a person that asks specific questions, challenges me, and encourages me. Over lunch she was asking me how I have been doing practicing my spiritual gifts. I love that a) she asks those questions, b) that we have a relationship where she knows what my gifts are, c) that she keeps me accountable and d) that she cares whether or not I am working in my giftings.

Jon and I were working with a student tonight, having a tough conversation. I was so grateful that I can be in ministry with my husband. Grateful for the work that God has done in the life of my husband.

Thank you Jesus!!

November 8

From the time I woke up today until the late hours into the night, the Lord has reminded me of how much He has given me and how much I have to be thankful for.

Yesterday I was feeling really sick to my stomach. Today...much better. I am thankful that I can eat again!

I have loads and loads of laundry that need to be put away. I am thankful that I have loads and loads of laundry. I am grateful for my drawers that are full and a full closest. I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer.

I am grateful for the pile of dishes in my sink right now. It means that my family had enough food to eat today. I am also grateful that I am going to go put them all in the dishwasher and I don't need to wash them by hand.

I am thankful for the joy that an afternoon cup of coffee brought me.

I am thankful that God blessed us enough that we could give some significant money away this afternoon to World Vision, and 4 missionaries. It's all His money anyways, we are just to be stewards of it.

I am thankful that I heard Caleb's first words when he woke up from his nap today.... singing the ABC's.

I am thankful that I have a little boy that climbs on me and tells me, "Mumma nuggle peez." (Mumma, Snuggle please:)







 I am thankful that I have two computers. When my laptop was dying today, I didn't have to get upset, just had to save my work, email it to myself and work on the desktop.

I am thankful that Jon took Lila crazy dog on a run today. She is sleeping soundly.

I am thankful at the sheer level of productivity that I have had today. I have no idea where it came from, but I want more of it:)

I am thankful for my brother in law. Just found out some things about his life, and this man is a man after God's heart. A man of integrity. I am grateful that I am related to him.

I am grateful for FSB. Don't know him? If you work with InterVarsity, then you know what I mean:) This man has the craziest schedule I have ever seen. He is always doing something, always has another project, is always traveling. In the last few months he has come alongside of me, coaching me on how to write a track for a conference from scratch. He has prayed for me, he has encouraged me, he has challenged me and he has sent me back to the drawing board causing many revisions. I am grateful for the way he has poured into me and the way he has sought my own staff development this year. I am so excited for Compelling. It is so soon. I am excited to try this new track out, and see what students think, to help them engage with God through the scriptures and to equip them for manuscript study. FSB has had a very  large role in making the 1 Samuel track happen.

I am thankful that I have a huge mess of a house to go clean up. It means that Caleb had a great time playing with his toys. It means that we have enough "stuff" to have a mess.

Tonight, I am simply going to bed thankful. Thankful for so much.

November 7

"Yes, yes yes. I would do things differently, but yes, if I had to do it all over I would ask you again."

Seeing those words on the bathroom mirror from my husband this morning is leaving me simply speechless. And in love.

I am thankful for that note on the mirror. Total gratitude/

November 4

I am thankful for my super hardworking, sometimes exhausted husband. I am thankful that he has a job that pay our bills so that I can work part time and stay home with Caleb A LOT. I had so much fun with my boy today. We had lots of snuggles and book reading. My heart melts around that boy, especially when he says, "Mumma!!!!" I respond, "Yes, Caleb?" He says: "Mumma, hug. Mumma snuggle." Don't mind if I do baby boy, don't mind if I do.

I am grateful for the nice weather. I sat outside on my porch today doing some prep work and watching Caleb pray.

I am thankful for my husband, the rec league soccer coach, even though he does not have kids on the team, he desires to be a part of the community and of course be a part of soccer.

I am so grateful that I found out I could eat pumpkin cookies during my Daniel Fast:) (Don't ask me how MANY I ate).

I am grateful for the men and women who have paved the way so that women can be in ministry.

And tonight, I am grateful that I will be in bed by 11pm.

I had to leave you with a picture of the cutest Thomas you have ever seen:)

November 3

Jon works during the day, I work at night. Jon has the weekends off, and I have been working most weekends, all weekend. Needless to say, we don't see each other much.

Tonight, we had a Family Night. I had nothing scheduled after 5:15. We loaded up Caleb and went to Kids N Stuff, our awesome local kids museum. Caleb LOVES it. He has so much fun playing that he usually wears himself out and comes right home and wants to go to bed. Tonight was no different. We quickly had some dinner, Jon went to bed early, and I put Caleb to bed as well... right now, my boys are sleeping peacefully upstairs and in just under and hour, I will be joining them:)

There was no romance, nothing special, just a time to be together.

Traverse City Vacation Part #1

I was so excited to have a long weekend getaway with my man. It was something we so needed and came at a great time. You may not want to know all the details of our vacation, but I will be using this blog as a reminder--so when I actually scrap book this trip I remember the details:) 

Friday morning we slept in and went down to the bay. Oh, sweet Traverse Bay:) 

Once at the bay, Jon went for a run and I had a fabulous quiet time. I spent time journaling, praying and reading my Bible along the shore. 

I saw a handsome guy walking. I picked him up and asked him out to breakfast. 

Growing up, my family used to vacation in Traverse. We would ALWAYS go to the Omlette Shoppe and get raisin toast. This morning, I introduced Jon to the Omlette Shoppe, a favorite:) The wait was long, about 30 minutes to get in for BREAKFAST.

After breakfast we had some time before getting back to the hotel and get ready for the wedding. Oh yah, the real reason we were in Traverse City for the wedding of my students...well now, former students. 

mmmmm. Where should we go first? Good thing I saw a hot guy with a map to ask for directions!

 

It was wonderful to walk down the street, hand in hand, with the love of my life. We weren't rushing, we weren't changing diapers, we weren't chasing a toddler. We were simply with each other. We went window shopping, enjoyed good conversation and simply were. 

Ending the night on a very very good note

These days have been long and tiring. The past few have been someone difficult as I figure out a schedule for our family, process through some of what the Lord is showing me and walking obedience that is simply terrifying at times. I didn't even want to start today, because I knew what was ahead. I knew that there could be some hard conversations with students, I knew that I would be on campus until 9pm at the earliest and would have to come home and put in a few hours of work and my house is...well, you can tell it is NSO season. 

And yet. 

What a fabulous day. 

So different than I had anticipated. 

Difficult small group leaders meeting as we wrestled with scripture and what God might be saying. I had to eat some humble pie during this time. Lord, are you REALLY leading us to step out in faith this way. (I know the answer is yes, but I am hoping that if I keep asking God will change His mind. It works that way, right?) 

In spite of the above, I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that God has allowed me to partner with Him in His work There is nothing about me that is good that deserves this. I am so grateful for the students I work with. I am constantly blessed and humbled by them. 

Ah, the greatness of good conversation. 

And then, I had leftovers in my fridge to make some quesadillas for 2 students. A fun impromtu lunch! 

Those same students sat on my couch, played guitar and sang for about an hour. Lovely! 

Caleb went down for a fabulous nap. 

Caleb calls me "George." I have no idea why, but it cracks me up, and I call him George. I think he has started an inside joke with me that I don't know about. Whatever the reason, he gets a pretty big laugh out of me every time he says it. 

More greatness....Another great conversation with a student 

More greatness....receiving mail from my other half...er....my other 1/3. I went to the mail box today, found a post card from China and Chinese stationary and a card. I simply had to take time to START my letter back to Krista, still not finished. I could write a whole post about Krista and our relationship. Maybe another time. But receiving mail from her....so good. Good news from a distant land. 

More greatness......God is working on campus in UNbelievable ways. WOW. I know, vague, right? 

More greatness......Jon has had a song idea brewing in his head for months. Tonight, he sat on the couch and played it for me. It is the mesh of two songs and I LOVE it. I love the music, the lyrics, my husband playing it, but most of all I am inspired by his vision of choosing these two songs. It shows me how God is working in His heart and speaking to him through music. 

And just as I thought I was going to bed I receive this email from a friend...and cried....because seriously, I am blessed today. 

Hey Kristin,

Thinking of you...

 ³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6)

² I always thank God for ... you, mentioning you in my prayers. ³ I continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 ⁴ For I know, you Kristin loved by God, that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. ⁷ And so you became a model to all the believers...  (I Thess. 1:2-7) 

Was sharing a few stories from the past and thought you should know what came to mind.  Thanks.

In Christ,

M

A perfect date

It was perfect summer evening. We had a babysitter and left down for the perfect date. I was so excited to do something beyond dinner and a movie. 

We headed west a few towns and found a dueling piano bar. There were two piano players that could play and sing anything, I am sure. It was so fun, loud but fun. 

We then walked up 6 flights of stairs (cue winded breaths) to the stop of the building, finding this: 

 We sat on the roof top, enjoying drinks and conversation. 

Did I mention that it was kid free? 

And that we were on the roof top when the sun set? 

Yes, I think we will be going back there. 

Happy (belated) Birthday to My Hunny!

 We were in Detroit on a missions trip during Jon's 21st birthday--probably one of the hottest birthdays I can remember. Thank you midwest heat wave. In honor of  Jon's 29th birthday, I will give you 29 facts about the love of my life.

1. He hates leftovers
2. He won't eat melons of any kind.
3. He has taken up running and has lost over 50lbs in the last year.
4. He wants to own a motorcycle some day.
5. He went to college for: engineering, elementary education...and then....culinary arts.
6. He is the absolute best father in the world.
7. He may also be the absolute messiest person in the world. 
8. Unlike his wife, his idea of a vacation would not be to lay out on the beach all day.
9. He is not a fan of christian music, much like his wife.
10. He is loving on the youth of our church and becoming a part of their lives. I never thought I would see that happen, but it is fun to watch him grow in those discipleship and teaching skills.
11. He is a man that worships his creator through music, and I love it.
12. Give the man some tortilla chips, salsa from La Casa Mexicana (restaurant here in Albion), beer, and Gordon Ramsey and he will have a great night ahead of him. (Insert Gordon Ramsey with ESPN, Dirty Jobs, Myth Busters, etc.)
13. He does not like to read.
14. He had my grandma for a third grade teacher.
15. He knew he was going to marry me in September of 1998. We married July 16, 2006.
16. He loves Detroit.
17. He is incredibly easy going.
18. If you are driving in the left hand passing lane on the expressway, you may want to watch out, lest you face the wrath of Jon.
17. He thinks that having an SUV is synonymous with getting me to date him. (Not true, and quite the opposite.)
18. He grew his hair out in college.
19. He lived in a house with 5 guys in college. They had a lot of fun, but did not do a lot of cleaning or class attending.
20. He was in a band in high school and college. I hated it. We broke up.
21. He loves soccer, playing it, watching it and coaching it.
22. He is gracious and merciful.
23. He is an amazing cook, but would live off cereal.
24. He won't eat chicken nuggets.
25. I can see God's heart through him.
26. He has an understanding of scripture that he is not even aware of. I can't imagine what it would look like if he would really really tap into it.
27. I am certain that there is no one else in the world that I can see eye to eye with on the big things in the life, the big decisions, social issues, theological issues. etc.
28. He is the most amazing kisser. And yes, no one else would know that but me:) There is something about only dating one person and  marrying your high school sweetheart.
29. If allowed, I think he could quote all of Talledaga Nights to you.  

Happy Birthday to my hott man! Love you baby.

Operation: Weight Loss (2 Month Low Carb) Day #1

2 Months, Really? Ok. Deal.

Starting today, Jon and I are embarking on two months of no carbs.....er--- two months with no bad carbs. We are not eliminating fruit from our diet, and we will have whole grains on a limited basis. Mostly though, lean protein and veggies for the next two months.

We both have pretty huge goals to lose weight. I keep talking about it, but it is time to do something. Jon has been working out very consistently and has lost quite a bit of weight, but is looking to lose more as he controls his eating.

Me...well I am a bunch of talk and struggle heavily (pun intended) with follow through. So friends, ask away! Keep me accountable. Feel free to hang out with me, and NOT ask me out for ice cream, but to go on a walk or bike ride instead:))

Welcome to our journey.