Good Weekend...

Mark and I had a fun weekend! We (of course) worked our little booties off! But after that we chilled with Malachy, hit a couple of parks, watched some TV, and drove around in our new car! Yep, I said new (used) car... This week we bought a 1997 Grand Jeep Cherokee from a friend at work! It's got a ton of miles on it but it runs great and we are loving it! We have heard from many people that Jeep Cherokees are great cars. I can't wait to take it on a trip to Iowa, it's definietly an upgrade! I'm loving the leather seats, CD player, and Sun roof! (I know I will also love the heated seats in the winter!) We still have the Malibu too...kind of...it's been in the shop for like 3 weeks now with no end in sight...but some day we hope it will be back with us. And who knows maybe I will start driving it?!


Kim, Crystal and I got to do some scrap-booking on Friday night and I got a ton done!! So I feel very pleased with that! Yea! I hung out with my friend Ginger today and that was a ton of fun! We have known eachother forever so it's always "chill" when we get together. She is a great photographer and scrapbooker and I love being around her and soaking up her creativity. I feel so blessed to have people like Ginger, Crystal, Corey, KC, Sara, and Nicci in my life. I have known all of these gals for 12 years or more and they really are like family to me. How many people are that freaking lucky!


And it's worth mentioning that Mark and I caught the end of the "instant classic" Notre Dame game on Saturday! Wow what an exciting 15 minutes that was!

WANT THIS!!

Mark won't let me get this for Malachy so if any of you want to get it for Malachy's Birthday!! I would love it! =) Wink Wink! You may want to chip in!

Kim if you are reading this...

then you are on the computer now and possibly at home with some free time! If that is the case can you do me a favor please. As you know... I stink at all things computer and only know as much as I have to to get by. Well...maybe more then that but ignorance is bliss. So I need your help in updating my links!

Can you please remove Kelly because he no longer posts...shame on Kelly!
Please remove Joel because he has converted to face book and took down his xanga! Double shame on Joel!
Sandy...if you do not start posting soon you will reach the same sad fate as the fore mentioned! Beware! I know you have materiel to post about. You have plenty of useless information to share...I mean usefull USEFULL!!

Then Kimmy...please update Noah's link so I don't have to think about clown parts every time I visist his blog. Next, update Laurens link per her request dated June 27th.

After that PLEASE add Mom, it's wrong not to link to your own mother! Then add Valerie too! Yea! Finaly could you please add a link to Steve's blog. Oh and why your at it =) can you throw in a link to my Myspace!

Thanks Kim! You rock!

Crystal tagged me!

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Hmmm...that's hard. I would never want to live too far fro my family and friends...but...when we were vacationing in Michigan I was thinking it would be super nice to have a home on the lakefront there! Union Pier, South Haven, or New Buffalo would all work...

2. What's your favorite article of clothing? A super pair of jeans and a comfy sweater!

3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? thats personal...

4. What's the last CD that you bought? It's been awhile...I have been using Itunes alot... but it would probably have to be how to dismantle an atomic bomb by U2

5. Where's your favorite place to be? On the couch with Mark, Chinese takeout, and a good movie!

6. Where is your least favorite place to be? When I worked retail it was work...but I really love my job now. Hmmmm...maybe Malachy's closet because we found mold and dampness! We had to scrub and clean and it's not fixed!

7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? My feet! When Mark and I started dating he would rub my feet every date!

8. Strong in mind or strong in body? mind! But strength in body comes in handy sometimes too...

9. What time do you wake up in the morning? Before Malachy it was normally 10 or 11am but now Malachy gets me up by 7!

10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? Microwave

11. What makes you really angry? Petty crap.

12. If you could play any instrument, what would it be? I think the piano because it's a good base.

13. Favorite color? Blue...It always has been but it has new meaning now because Malachy has the prettiest blue eyes!

14. Which do you prefer...Sports car or SUV? Hmmmm...I used to want a kelly green mustang, I also wanted a black BMW but I think I would prefer an SUV to a sports car it seems to be more travel and family friendly.

15. Do you believe in an afterlife? I believe in Heaven and Hell.

16. Favorite children's book? Ohhh sheesh I don't know. I read so many. Malachy was really enjoying a book called Milk and Cookies and My Nose is a Hose.

17. What is your favorite season? I love Summer but I have been enjoying Fall too !!!

18. What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

19. If you could have one super power, what would it be? patience

20. If you have a tattoo, what is it? I don't have one. I used to want a little heart on my hip but I don't care so much anymore.

21. Can you juggle? No

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? That sort of thing always gets me in trouble....I do wish I was still more in touch with Carolyn.

23. What's your favorite day? Monday...It's like my Saturday and Mark and I both have it off.

24. What's in the trunk of your car?... Car? That would be nice.

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger? Cheeseburger of course!

Uhhhh...I tag Lauren, Kim, Mom, and Val...

Russia

These are old pictures...but you know me I can't have a post with out pictures! =)
Mark is in Russia for the next week! He went as a volunteer with the WCA to help prepare for the first ever Global Leadership Summit in Russia! He is going as a volunteer, not as staff, but they are paying all his expenses...WE feel so blessed about that because it was really important for Mark to be a part of this! I was afraid we were going to have to take a second loan out on the house in order for him to go! =) He also gets to go back for the Summit in October. He couldn't be more excited! I know he's really glad to bring a part of his "new ministry" to his "old ministry" that has remained a huge part of his heart. And he gets to see old friends! Funny thing is his Mom's in Russia right now as well! Unfortunately she is on a trip to a remote area this week so they won't cross paths but it is still pretty neat! Mark if you are reading this we miss and love you! Malachy says,"you did it Daddy, yah!"

Kickin Summer

So I was just thinking about this past summer and I have to admitt it's been pretty GREAT!! The Highlight (of course) was the last couple weeks. Getting to see Noah and Lauren, visiting with Jason, Dee, Joey, and seeing the extended family! Having our superb family vacation in Michigan!! Then Kim let Mark and I have a fun night of alone time and prison break at the Hyatt! I feel soo lucky!

Today Mark and I had a work retreat in Lake Delevan. Mark and I got to chill on the boat, go tubing, and take turns driving the jet skis. We got to hang out with our work friends, soak up the sun, and eat food we didn't have to buy or cook! What a great day. (Mark was also really close to being named champion in the Corn hole tournament, his team took second.)

Some other summer highlights were: The Schaumburg flyers game, a couple days at the kiddie pool here in Elgin, 4th of July at Lou's, going to the Art Musem, Brookfield AND Lincoln Park Zoo! Hanging at the park with Malachy and chilling in the back yard. The only thing that would have made this summer better would have been some Cubs tickets!

Now I'm ready to start looking forward to the fall...Malachy's birthday, warm sweaters, Pumpkin Spice lattes, Thanksigiving and Christmas here we come! Oh and I should throw Saturday Notre Dame football games in there for Dad! =)

Noah promised me the "wave" picture would be the coolest picture on the roll....was he right? You decide...

Noah has began his journey back to Afghanistan. Please remember Noah and Lauren in your prayers as they begin another 6 months apart. Pray for Noahs safety in Afghanistan and that he can find a community of people that he can realte to in a positive way.

I can not tell you how much we all enjoyed seeing Noah while he was home. He is a really great guy and we respect and love him soooo much! He means the world to our family and their will definietly be a huge hole with him overseas this holiday season.

Last vacation pictures

Ok so here are the last of our vacation pics Im going to post. It was a super time. I'm bummed it's over but really glad things went so well. Kim watched Malachy last night so Mark and I could escape for some alone time! =) We went to the Ameri Suites in Hoffman which are being converted to a Hyatt Home. It was super nice. No hot tub or anything swanky like that...but the had a huge L shaped couch and a huge plazma TV. Which was perfect for us because our plan was to watch the remaining episodes of Prison Break season 1 and sleep in. Throw in some Chillis and it was a perfect night! =) Anyhow with no further adou here are the pictures...

Kim being cute!

Mark, Malachy, and I walking around downtown South Haven with the family!

Malachy is king of the castle.

relaxing with aunt Kim

Mark and Steph...awwww aren't we cute

Vacation

Ok, So I have a bunch more pictures to add but after I got these up Blogger started being itself and wouldn't let me post anymore. =( Despite numerous attempts! So I will try again later.

WE had a GREAT time on Vacation! It was a little chilly and rainy most days but we didn't let that spoil our time. We read books, made cards with my stamps, watched sunsets, rode bikes, played B-ball, swam in the pool, played at the beach, collected rocks, went shopping in cute towns, ate out, barbecued, made smores, went to movies, watched prison break, had chess training games, connect four tournaments, and really enjoyed eachothers company! The only thing that would have made this vacation better would have been if Noah, Lauren, Jason, Dee and Joey could have joined us for a day!...There is always next year! =)

This is Malachy and Dad enjoying the Sun in front of our Cottage

Mark, Malachy, and I went to St. Josephs one chilly-ish day to check out the children's museum then we hit up the butterfly garden. Malachy liked the fish pond.

I just thought this one was pretty. We went to see the sunset a couple nights so Malachy could say good bye to the sun.

This is our family in front of the pretty tall grasses planted near our cottage. As you can see by Poppos face it was hard to know when to smile because the lady taking our picture kept asking us to say things like"I love South Haven" instead of "cheese". So we did the best we could. =)

Noah's home!

Bloggers being a pain so I'm only posting a few of my fabulous pictures! =)

Best Birthday EVER.....minus Mark

ahhhh...Man! I had a huge post written out and then it got erased!

Sooo...I said I had a super fabulous birthday! We had a big party at my house because Noah is home! We were all in such a good mood because we are so stinking excited to have him home! I have the best family and I love them all so much! How in the world did we get so lucky! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Also... I was totally spoiled with presents and I feel sooo loved! Mark is finaly home and went to get me some Wendys and a movie so we can finish the day off right! Thanks everyone for making my day extra special!

My original post was much longer then this and included all the details about my fabulous presents, family, and friends! But now I don't have time because I have to go eat wendys and watch movies with the husband!

Books...Edited***

Soooo...it was somewhat evil of Kim to tag me in this seeing as she knows I have only read 5 books in my whole life. She is trying to expose my humiliation to the whole internet community.

1. One book that changed your life? In the Name of Jesus by Henri M. Nouwen. I read this book at a sm. group training retreat in High School and it turned the way I looked at Leadership upside down. The whole servant leadership thing seems more obvious to me now but at the time it changed how I looked at everything. Henri Nouwen remains my favorite author.

2. One book that you have read more than once? Malachy's baby book that Lauren got me. Baby grows up with Peter rabbit. I probably look at it every other week! =)

3. One book you would want on a desert island? The last Harry Potter book. I gotta know what happens!

4. One book that made you laugh? Boy by Roald Dahl. It's his auto-biography of his childhood. It's interesting and funny. I also enjoyed Flying Solo which follows him through his young adult years.

5. One book that made you cry? Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix. I don't want to spoil it for anyone... so.... all I will say is someone dies and it was really sad!

6. One book you wish had never been written? Can't think of one. I have not read enough I suppose. And if I didn't like it... I stopped reading it.

7.One book you are currently reading? I'm suppose to be reading a Henri Nouwen Book about Solitude with Sandy but we both keep forgetting, getting busy, or losing it! =)

8. One book you have been meaning to read? Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller and Wild at Heart by John Eldredge.

Now tag five people: most people I know pretty much have been tagged! Hmmmm...Sara, Steve, Sandy, Alan, and Jami...I think none of you all have been tagged yet.

OK and I tag Crystal! OMG I can't believe I didn't know you had not been tagged!

Awwwwhhhhh!

Sometimes Christians piss me off!

Luckily I did not have to "work" the Leadership Conference which allowed me the luxury of attending. I think one of the most powerful moments of the conference was the honesty and boldness of Bono in his interview with Bill Hybels. Bono said that AFTER spreading the gospel "The main thrust of the Scriptures is to meet Christ in working with the poor." He supports this claim with scripture. Some obnoxious judgmental Christians who did not even hear the interview go and take everything he said out of context and have them selves a little Bono bashing party. (Apparently this blog is not only about Bono bashing but will gladly bash Bill Hybels as well if the opportunity arises) I just don't understand things like that! The work Bono is doing is good! (And don't even get me started on the work Willow and Hybels are doing) So what is peoples problems and their behavior only justifies Bono's earlier qualms with the church and causes me to feel more distant from it. What ever happened to love!? This is the web site I'm referring too...I know there are a good number of other people out there who enjoy Bono bashing (Bill bashing as well for that matter) so here is a link so you can jump on the band wagon.... http://www.sliceoflaodicea.com/archives/2006/08/rock_star_bono.php
BTW...I'm not referring to my BFF's who don't like Bono for what ever reasons they may have. I'm referring to Christian who spend more time bad talking Bono then they do trying to understand or even find out if what they are responding to is true!

Here are some of my favorite Bono quotes from the interview

-"I never had a problem with Christ, but Christians were difficult for me...they seem strange to me, and I know that I seem strange to them...they tend to judge people by surface problems...I grew very suspicious of Christians, but I was determined to learn more about the life of Christ."

-"I've always thought smack in the middle of a tension is a good place to be."

-"A lot of gospel music for me is lies, because it's people pretending that life is great...I'm more into the blues...I want my music to do something positive, but I want to be honest and own up to my earthly confusions."

- Bono talked about how ridiculous celebrity is and how it is opposite of the gospel why should he be more important then a fire fighter or a mother but as long as he has it he's not going to waste it..."Celebrity is currency--I'm going to spend mine."

-He said that people often say things to him like ,"you have a heart for the poor." and his response to that is "I am not Mother Teresa, I'm a rock star....but I have a head for the world's poor. I am strategic."

-"The church has historically been behind the curve...I think it's because the church is afraid of politics and I understand because all kinds of people have tried to use the church...but we're not about politics... " Here he was talking about the work the One Campaign is doing...He called on Christians to join in on the fight..."Your charity is important but your commitment to justice is what we really need...You'll be marching with a lot of colorful people, but just chill out."

-"Love thy neighbor is not advice. It's a command.... In a global community, the poor and the disadvantaged in Africa are our neighbors. He quoted Matthew 25:45: "Whatever you do for the least of my people that you do onto me."

- He talked about how the Lord's Prayer says,"your kingdom come your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven" and how that was his favorite part because he believes that it is literal..."Our purpose is to bring Heaven to Earth. The world is not a happy place for most people living on it. "He went on to say, "Let's walk together. Let's put on the marching boots if needed. Let's stand up for the least of these. ..This isn't a duty. It's an opportunity and an adventure."

I found this quote at this blog. It resonated with the way I'm feeling right now.

We need to remember the wise and rough words of Martin Luther, concerning the church. "She is a whore, but she is still my mother." We do not love the church because she is perfect or pure. We do not love our neighbors because they are perfect or pure. We love our neighbors because God tells us to. We love our neighbors because God has shown us love. We love our neighbors because God empowers us to do so.

Previous post

Sooo....I just want to let ya'll know that my previous post was not intended to be a hang Mark out to dry post. The little I wrote about Mark was only one small piece I included to further explain the extent of my fustration with that night. I thought I should clarify because many of you felt the need to come to his defense. Thanks for looking out for Mark. All is well. =)

pulling out my hair

So it's like 3:46 am and Malachy is up screaming! He has decided he dosen't want to sleep unless I'm laying next to him holding him. (it took me over an hour to get him to bed in the first place!) WEll obviously I can't sleep with him in his toddler bed all night every night. So when he woke up again at 3am I tucked him in gave him kisses , laid with him for a minute and said I love you good night. Now it's 4:15 and he is still screaming. Screaming, Crying, hyper-ventilating and nearly throwing up. It's so horrible. On top of that I had a horrible evenning at home and I was already feeling pushed beyond th capapcity of what could handle. Of course Mark is just sleeping and when the screams get loud enough to wake him up momentairly he just gets up long enough to tell me what I'm doing wrong before he returns to his sleep. Grrrrr....

Grrrrrr...

Random picture of me and my man! These were our "engagement" pictures! 4 years ago almost! Our 3rd Wedding Anniversery is Aug 23rd! Time flys when your having fun I guess.
People being grumpy is bringing me down! There is a full-ish moon maybe that's it! I however, am NOT grumpy. (for once!) Woo Hoo! Mark and I are taking Malachy to the zoo tomorrow! I'm so stinking excited! Also the Summit is this week and I don't have to work it! I just get to take it all in! I'm so lucky! I think it is going to be a good week! If I get some volunteers this week that would make it the best week EVER! I felt like there was something else but I can't remember what it is...oh well! =)

The Flyer Mark and I made to hopefully recruit some volunteers!