Culver, Indiana

Who knew Culver was more than just a military school? Andrew took me on another adventure driving across Indiana; we didn't expect greatness, so when we drove across the covered bridge in Roann and saw a crazy looking burro, we thought the trip had peaked. Little did we know that Culver is a pretty sweet town. We actually had a hard time deciding where to go to lunch - we thought we might find just one option, but we found several. The winning location was "The Original Rootbeer Stand" where we tried the Chicago Dog, Pizza Burger, and Coney Dog. They also made their own root beer, but Andrew's tasted a bit like Aunt Jemima Maple Syrup. Even so, eating by the lake and then taking a walk was picture perfect. The Year of Fun is progressing well.

Ivanhoe's Adventure

Parent/teacher conferences make for a very long day; 13 hours at school does not classify as a day of fun, but Andrew and I made an impromptu trip to Upland, IN, after we put in all of those extra hours. Most people thought we were crazy for driving 2 hours after all of that, but we went to Ivanhoe's for sundaes, making the day that is normally not fun at all an actual great one. Vanilla ice cream with peanut butter sauce and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups is always appreciated, but it was even better at 9pm on Wednesday.

Year O' Fun Birthday Part 2

I really am blessed. Between school and tennis practice, my mom made a wonderful dinner, my parents and Andrew gave me presents, and I received flowers from an aunt, uncle, and cousin. There were many notes and phone calls, one of my favorite being my neice singing happy birthday over the phone. It's so easy to focus on the negative in daily life: this or that didn't go well, I didn't like his attitude, the day didn't go as I planned. But today I am reminded to think about what beautiful things I have been given: my family, my friends, my ministry in and outside of work. Life is good. Thanks be to God.

Year O' Fun Birthday Part 1

It's been awhile since I have found the time to post anything; the last few weeks have brought huge changes to my life - and yes, they have been fun. A new relationship, buying a house, and taking a new coaching position have made life exciting but very, very busy.
I'm sure I will address these new ventures in detail later, but today the topic is birthdays - namely, mine. This year it falls on a Monday which means teaching all day, tennis practice, and a parent meeting, but my loved ones have ensured that I have been celebrated and felt loved. It has been amazing! Saturday was a trip to Jonathan and Laura's; Andrew came along to meet them for the first time. We had a wonderful day, including a trip to the now legendary Big Donut, time in a bookstore (shocking), incredible meals made by my lovely sister-in-law, Apples to Apples, and lots of laughing. On Sunday, after church and coffee with Mom and Dad, Andrew took me out to lunch at Flanagan's. We then picked up crazy snacks at the gourmet grocery store and went on a driving adventure around Indiana. There have been moments of fun interspersed among the duties of today as well. My co-worker Melissa brought in an incredible spread of treats for my birthday: chocolate oreo layer cake, strawberry trifle, carrot cake-like bars, and brownie bites with peanut butter cups. I have also been getting clues about a birthday surprise yet to come. I am feeling very blessed.