Pray

Our sweet boy Hudson is in need of a miracle. Within the past several days, he has been transferred to ICU. The doctors have said his body cannot handle additional chemo and radiation treatments and his liver is failing. We're all hoping the Lord, our Great Physician, will perform a miraculous healing. But, most importantly, please pray that God's purpose in this will prevail and that He will give all of us the strength and faith to accept His will, no matter what.

The Light Has Come

"Rail not at the darkness,
as though night has the final say.
Take gladly the True Light come
and press back the shadows.
Not even mortality is the final end.
Death's hand has been out-grasped,
and the veil from top to bottom shorn.
Where blackness once prevailed,
the Sun of Heaven has shone
to make us see beyond -
beyond the finiteness we know
to the splendor
of the Hidden Tomorrow
of Holy Brightness."

~C. Robert Pearson

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's cold here in Washington...the kind of cold that numbs your throat and freezes your nose hairs when you breathe. I don't mind it, though. The cold means that our snow will stick around a while. Smile.

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season. The Lord kept me and my parents safe driving over passes in this wintry weather and, in spite of the fact that my parents hit a massively-huge bull elk on their way home on Sunday (well, technically, he hit them...but he didn't have insurance), they themselves are home safe and sound.

Yesterday proved to bring an answer to my prayers (and cries!) regarding work. I was offered a job working for a physical therapy office that I worked at previously. Some significant changes are taking place there that should prove to make it a much better place to work than before. I'm so looking forward to being in a more supportive environment working with people who love and appreciate me and who I consider to be friends. Ironically - yet certainly known by God ahead of time - I received a nasty letter from my current employer today (after I had already given my notice) which merely cemented my decision to resign. God's timing is definitely good.

On a much less happy note....our sweet boy Hudson is not doing well. In talking with my Mom today, she said he is physically the worst he's been since this whole ordeal began. Please pray that our faithful Father will have His will in Hudson's life.

Congrats to My AWESOME Bro-in-law!!!!

My fabulous brother-in-law is officially a lawyer in the State of Texas!! Here's a picture of my bro and sis outside the capitol in Austin. Ya'll look smashing! :D

A Little Ranting is in Order

For the past half hour or so, I've been perusing the blog of an individual who, at one time, I would have considered a friend. I don't know why I torture myself with that rubbish! Every time, I come away with a sour taste in my mouth and sorrow in my heart (not to mention blood boiling in my veins!). He has strayed so far from the truth and seems more interested in getting a rise out of people than in being an example for Christ. To him, I am a "fundie" - a fundamentalist. Fundamental? You better believe it!!! Of course I don't mean this in a "let's go drink poison because God will protect us" sort of way. I believe in the fundamental, foundational Truth of the Word of God. Nothing more, nothing less. I will not apologize for being "narrow-minded," exclusive, and absolute. Laugh if you will. Mock me and label me. But I refuse to tolerate and entertain that which is contrary to or outside of Scripture. Sure, I'm a "fundie." And proud of it!!!

A Tangled Tapestry

Tonight I read this week's chapter for the women's Bible study I attend. The book is called "As Silver Refined" by Kay Arthur. May these words minister to you as they have to me....

"In His love and faithfulness and righteousness He weaves the events and circumstances of our lives like silk in a tapestry. If you look only at the back side of a tapestry, you see only a tangle of threads. That often seems like all we can see in our lives - a tangle of trials. But now and then God lifts us up so we can peek over the top. 'Let Me show you what I'm doing,' He tells us, and we get a glimpse of the beautiful design He's making, in which the dark threads give dimension and needed contrast to the light.

This is our God who rules over all. This is the One who sits on the throne.

Therefore when tragedy and pain come our way, beloved, the only place to hide and rest secure is in the sovereignty of God.

Rest, beloved, rest. Your Father is in control. He will not leave His throne."

Stirrups Are For Saddles

I never thought I'd see the day...no, I take that back...I hoped I would never see the day when stirrup pants would once again make a comeback. Yup. I saw them yesterday at the mall. Stirrup pants were a bad idea the first time around. And now they're back! The sight of them conjures up scary images of me with braces, big glasses, and permed bangs. Yeah...scary.

Waging War

I'm in the thick of battle in my life right now. It's hard to remember that my fight is not against flesh and blood, but against our enemy, the devil. It's especially difficult when some people in my life - one in particular right now - seem bent on beating me down.

I'm listening to a CD right now by Shane Bernard and Shane Everett. I haven't spent much time listening to music lately. It seems the things I need in my life the most at times such as this - music and friends - are the very things I draw away from. Ironic, isn't it? Especially since through music, I feel closer to and comforted by the Lord....

One of the songs I was listening to this afternoon is called "Waging War:"

It haunts me so, this gloomy weight
That comes and goes, without a trace
A thousand times my flesh embrace
A thousand more but if for grace

When battle lines become unclear
And the waging war is all I hear
Lord, sustain me with Your voice
And the choice to walk in truth

To see the Lord, the promise land
Where in all sin's pearly gates look bland
And what was once a pearl, now sand
That blows away in light of Him

Blow away, O waging war of sin....

I too often take lightly this war we're in. Sometimes, I go into battle without all my armor or I find myself fighting the wrong enemy. I need help. I need prayer. I need Jesus.

Stuart Townend

At church yesterday, we sang an amazing song by Stuart Townend called "O My Soul, Arise and Bless Your Maker." (For those of you who aren't familiar with his music, I encourage you to check it out! He's an incredible song writer!) Due to copyright reasons, I can't post all the lyrics here, but please visit this link to read the words. On the left of the screen you'll find a box that says "Downloadable Praise and Worship Sheet Music." Search by song title under "Quick Find." You'll be blessed!

Learning to Embrace Disappointment

I'm attending a women's Bible study through my church. We're going through a book by Kay Arthur called As Silver Refined. Tonight was our second meeting and I didn't really feel like going. I had a headache most of the afternoon, I was tired, and all I really wanted to do was go home, eat some dinner, relax, and go to bed. I knew immediately, though, that the devil was trying to convince me not to go. So, I took my Advil and went. What a precious time! I'm not entirely sure why, but I was teary-eyed through most of the study. I hardly know these people! But as I listened to some of their stories and struggles, and thought of my own and the difficulties in the lives of people I love, I was touched. I feel like I'm going through a stage of disappointment with life right now. My 2 month-old job has failed to meet my expectations. My relationship with N. - which I thought for a time would be the fulfillment of my hopes and dreams for love - proved to be a good thing at the wrong time. Tonight, though, one of the ladies pointed out something in Scripture that really jumped out at me. Here's the passage:

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls" (1 Peter 1:6-9).

In Scriptures such as these, I've tended to look at the end result: trials come to strengthen my faith. But, as one of the ladies pointed out tonight, it's OK to grieve through our trials (vs. 6). It's OK to "feel the burn" (to use a corny expression) of this refining fire. As we allow ourselves to experience the pain, to question, to grieve, we recognize that we cannot understand the "why" of our trials and we are driven to the One who alone can bring peace and comfort in the midst of them.

As I experience some of these disappointments in my life, I am faced with a decision. Will I become discouraged and spiritually fatigued? Or will I surrender this time to the Lord? I know He desires to refine me and make me more like Him through the difficult times of my life. He sees the entire scope of my life story while I see only the present chapter. He is sovereign. He is loving. He is just. And He desires what is good for me, "the goal of my faith, the salvation of my soul."

Burnin'....

I visited my parents in Montana over Labor Day weekend. In the evenings, after dark, my cousin Shawn and I would stand outside and watch the glow of the forest fire burning high atop the mountains - our most-beloved mountains. A local resident snapped this picture on an especially spectacular night. Its been so hot this summer that the trees, dry from the heat, are consumed by the flames.

I've had my moments of "dryness" lately, too. I imagine this is part of the refining process that God allows all of us to experience. He waits to see if we will turn our hearts toward Him or become more self-absorbed. As I was contemplating my current journey through somewhat of a spiritual drought, I thought about the following song....

I'm burnin', yeah I'm burnin'
And I know I'm gonna blister in these flames
But I'll stay here 'till this smoke clears
And I'll find You in the ashes that remain

(Words by Nichole Nordeman)

Lord, may I reach an oasis in the midst of this wilderness and find that You have been my Living Water.

This is Earth, Not Heaven

I was reminded tonight of a difficult, yet valuable truth. I've been a little down lately. Sometimes, work is crappy and coworkers are crabby. Sometimes, we have to say "goodbye" to safety and comfort and step out into the "real world." Sometimes, we have to let go of people and things that we hold dear and trust the wisdom of our all-knowing God. Life isn't going to be perfect. This is earth, not Heaven. I will feel uncertainty and discontentment and longing. There will be times when joy is illusive and all that seems to linger is a pervading sadness. This is earth, not Heaven. This isn't my home. I don't belong here. If I were to be completely happy on earth, there would be no need for Heaven. The purpose of this God-given turmoil called discontentment is that I may seek my true contentment and peace in God alone.

Peace

After two weeks of agonizing over my decision regarding N., I finally feel at peace. We discovered that we're at different stages in our lives, with different goals and callings, and that this is not the time to pursue anything further. I am thankful that the Lord has finally made this clear to us. To those of you who have been praying, thanks. God may not always give us answers when we want them, but He is always faithful.

Yesterday

"Hello, good mornin', how ya been?
Yesterday left my head kicked in.
I never, never thought
That I would fall like that
Never knew that I could hurt this bad...."
(Switchfoot)

Yesterday, I let go of something - someone - I hold dear. The past couple of weeks, my heart hadn't been at peace concerning my relationship with N. I keep being drawn back to the calling that the Lord has placed on my life...and I knew N. didn't share the same calling. So, last night, we made the choice. As they say, "breaking up is hard to do." What an understatement! It SUCKS! I can't pinpoint the last time I cried so hard I ached. In my heart, I know this was right. But, right now, I can't help second-guessing myself. I can't help wondering if I "heard" the Lord right, if I made this decision too hastily, if I will ever fully "get over" this. My relationship with N. was truly a blessing and his gracious acceptance of what I had to say last night overwhelmed me. (Why couldn't he have been a jerk about it?! It would have made things so much easier! Smile....)

Lord, we are broken and deeply in need of Your healing. Please use this time to continue to shape us into the vessels You can use. Thank You for N. and the time we've shared together. Please encourage our hearts....

Please Pray

Tonight as I prepare for what I hope will be a restful night of sleep, little Hudson is fighting a high fever, undoubtedly a side effect of the chemo. His white blood cell count has also dropped. Please pray....

A Picture's Worth....

To all of you who have been carrying little Hudson and his family to Jesus in prayer, may this precious picture encourage your continued faithfulness to lift them up. He will soon begin six months of intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments to attempt to kill what remains of the tumor. More than ever, Hudson and his family need the love and prayers of the body of Christ.

Happy Birthday, Hudson!

Tomorrow is little Hudson's first birthday. His brothers and Grandpa and Grandma will be heading over to Seattle to celebrate with him. He's too little to understanding everything that's been happening lately. Last week, Hudson underwent 6 hours of surgery to partially remove the tumor at the base of his skull. Parts of the tumor could not be removed because it is intertwined with the nerves in his face. Gradually, little Hudson has regained some normal functions, though he's not out of danger yet. His tumor is a rare cancer and he will likely undergo chemotherapy treatments to destroy what remains of the tumor.

It's difficult not to be fearful. I know I can trust God and that He has plans for Hudson of which we are not aware. Still, His plans are unseen and we are left in our frailty to trust Him. There is always hope (as my sweet boyfriend has reminded me).

Please continue to carry Hudson and his family to Jesus. You may also check out the online journal Hudson's Mom has been keeping. Follow the link provided and click visit. Then, under site name, enter hudsontaylor. You will be blessed.

"The Lord Gives....

...and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

It is sometimes difficult to trust in the sovereignty of God when His little ones suffer. Tomorrow, little H. - who is not quite a year old - will be having surgery in Seattle to remove a cancerous tumor from the base of his skull. This will likely be followed by chemotherapy treatments and many days of uncertainty and pain for him and his family. Please keep them all in your prayers.

C.S. Lewis wrote that "pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world." Lord, we're listening. You don't need to shout anymore! Please teach us what we need to learn through this....

Freedom

Tuesday, Americans across the country celebrated our independence. To mark my own patriotism, I spent the evening with my friend A. with plans to watch fireworks. As we waited for darkness to come, we watched a film called Invisible Children, the tragic true story of children in Uganda who are abducted and forced to join a rebel army. Most of the children are between the ages of 6 and 12 and they are exposed to some of the most gruesome experiences imaginable. They are threatened with abuse and death if they do not fight and kill and they live in daily fear for their lives.

As A. and I drove up the hill to watch the fireworks, I contemplated the absurdity of it. Americans spent thousands of dollars that literally goes up in smoke to celebrate the freedom we so easily take for granted, while the Ugandan children celebrate and thank God for surviving one more day.

The suffering in Uganda, Sudan, and other parts of the world should, at the very least, make us pause and think. What part should we as Christians be playing? Is there more that we can do in addition to praying? Is there more that our government should be doing? I remember reading a sign at Dachau concentration camp in Germany that read, "Never again." Many nations vowed that they would not let another Holocaust take place. So, what about Uganda? What about Sudan? What about Rwanda? What am I going to do about it?

Loving Father, if my heart is burdened by this suffering, how much more must Your heart break? I am reminded that the religion You accept "as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). Please envelop these innocent ones in Your healing arms and may they find their hope and freedom in Your salvation.

"So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good-bye"

I hate this part of life, saying "goodbye." Although I'm looking forward to my new job, there are so many wonderful coworkers and patients that I'll be leaving behind. Today, I got a call at work from one particular patient who has been around WPT about as long as I have. He's an older man and I don't know how much longer he'll be here. And sadly, he doesn't know Jesus.

I hope that all those who have come through these doors during the past year have seen something different in me. I hope I have been a testimony of the love of Christ. I may never know until Heaven.

Ahhh...Heaven. I'm so thankful there will be no "goodbyes" there. There will be many tears, I'm sure. I can't imagine not crying when I finally get to see loved ones and friends who have gone ahead of me. And Jesus...I can't imagine being able to even say a word when I finally see Him for myself. But, oh, what a Day that will be!!!

HALLELUJAH!!!

I got the job!!! Thank You, Jesus!

Looking Up

Last night, my friend H. and I spent some time praying together about our frustrations at work...and mostly, we prayed for those at work who irritate us the most. It totally went against our flesh; we just wanted to gripe about the situation and talk about how much we dislike these people. But, we felt convicted to pray...so we did.

I can't help but think that it is because of our obedience that God brought a new possibility into my circumstances today. A couple months ago, I heard through a friend that a local clinic was hiring. I called only to find that they had already filled the position. They took down my name and said they'd call if something opened up. Well, this morning they called...and I have an interview set for tomorrow morning at 9:30!

Even if nothing comes of this, I know that this is a gentle reminder from the Lord that He takes care of His children. I've known His faithfulness in the past, but life has a way of clouding my memory. It's much easier to look at the high waves and rough seas instead of trusting that I can walk on the water toward my awaiting Savior. Thankfully, He is still there to lift me up again even when I start to sink.

Disappointment

Today I finally heard back regarding the job I applied for at my alma mater. To say that I am disappointed is a bit of an understatement, especially considering the kind of day I had at work today. Everyone keeps telling me that God has something better in mind for me. I know this is true but, dang it, can't I just get a little sympathy? Can't I just vent my frustrations without someone preaching to me? I know that sounds terrible and I'm sure eventually I'll look back and see how God's hand has been in this mess all along. It's just so hard to feel utterly and completely stuck here. If it wasn't for the fact that I have to buy groceries and pay the bills, I would walk out of here without a second thought. Good riddance!

Sigh. I feel guilty even feeling this way (which just compounds the fact that I already feel crappy!). I work with some awesome people who have become more than just coworkers to me, but friends. I'm just so tired of having to act happy all day and bite my tongue every time someone asks me how I'm doing (I can't just spill my guts to every patient that comes through!).

Andrew Peterson said it well when he wrote the song, "Faith to be Strong:"

Give us faith to be strong, give us strength to be faithful.
'Cuz life is not long, but it's hard.
Give us grace to go on, make us willing and able.
Lord, give us faith to be strong.

Jesus, I need You so much right now! Please remind me that You are near, right here beside me, ready to carry me if I will just surrender to You.

Officially....

Yesterday, I finally received my diploma in the mail. It's amazing how quickly the past 4+ years have flown by and yet I can't help thinking, "It's about time!" It's amazing to think that this is something I did. I took the classes, worked hard, got the grades. Of course, I couldn't have done it without the support of my awesome parents (Thanks Mom and Dad!) and the love of my sister and friends. I am so grateful that the Lord provided this opportunity for me, not just to learn for the sake of earning a degree, but to grow in my faith and discover more in-depth what it means to follow Christ. Mine is a life truly blessed.

The Love Bug....

It's amazing how quickly life can change. Two weeks ago, I saw a friend I had worked with last summer and, after hanging out several times since, we are officially dating! I am quickly discovering that this is such an incredibly crazy stage of life, especially having never been in a relationship before and not really having a clue what I'm doing! I've been told that relationships just kind of happen, which is both scary and reassuring.

This has made me think about what it means to be loved by God and how we are to exemplify His love for us by our love for one another. My greatest desire for N. and I is that God will be glorified and that this experience will be mutually edifying, "as iron sharpens iron."

Great is His Faithfulness

To all who have been praying for my Grandpa, thank you! He came through the surgery well and is expected to make a full recovery. God is ever faithful.

Request for Prayers

As I write this, my Grandpa is in surgery. Doctors are working to remove a blockage in his carotid artery and restore normal blood flow to his brain. Please pray....

I Will Trust

Will you let go? I'll trust You, Lord.
Will you stand on My Word? I'll trust You, Lord.
Against all odds will you believe what I have said? I'll trust You, Lord.
What seems impossible... I'll trust You, Lord.
Will you believe? I'll trust You, Lord.
Every promise that I made will you receive? Yes, I will trust You, Lord.

What if it hurts? I'll trust You, Lord.
What if you cry? I'll trust You, Lord.
What if it doesn't work out the first time that you try? I'll trust You, Lord.
What if you call My name... I'll trust You, Lord.
And you don't feel Me near? I'll trust You, Lord.
Will you believe in Me or will you fear? Oh, my child? Yes, I will trust You, Lord.

Words by Donnie McClurkin

When It Rains....

You know the old Morton Salt motto, "When it rains, it pours?" I feel like life has been like that lately, especially for my parents. My Dad's still trying to recover from his shoulder injury (which seems to be getting worse instead of better). Then, on top of being unemployed, both of my parents end up getting the flu! Good grief!

And then there's my job. Yesterday we couldn't afford to buy office supplies and this morning our telephones were briefly disconnected because we hadn't paid our bill. Our bookkeeper was let go and a number of my coworkers are ready to quit! Like wise ol' Morton said, "When it rains, it pours!"

I'm counting down the days - though there is no specific end in sight - to when I get to quit this job and move on to something better. I feel guilty, in a way, because I have developed wonderful relationships with some of my coworkers and I know some of those friendships will be severed when I leave. As our now-former bookkeeper put it, this loss of a coworker is like a death. We need time to mourn, so to speak, but instead we're expected to go on as normal (whatever that means!).

Well, I'm finished complaining...for now. I know God has a plan in all this and I've already seen His hand in some aspects. I just want results NOW! I don't want to wait! (I guess the Bible doesn't call it "waiting on the Lord" for nothing, right?)

The Workers are Few...but the Need is Great

Today I received a DVD in the mail from Greater Europe Mission, or GEM. Many people think of Europe as a Christianized continent - much like the United States - and so our money and energy are focused on spreading the Gospel to Africa, Asia, and South America. But, in many parts of Europe, less than 1% of the population are evangelical Christians.

As I watched this video, I found myself asking, "Where do I fit in this picture, God?" I want so much to be involved in something of such eternal importance. But, does a month here and a couple weeks there really make that much of a difference? I suppose if I only see one soul saved, it's worth it. Right now, all I need to know is when, where, and how.

More Than Enough

I debated whether to go to church this morning. I was running late and, being the stickler that I am when it comes to promptness, I hated the idea of walking in after the service had already started. But, I knew I needed to be there this morning, so I went.

After worship was over, I realized why I needed to go. We sang songs about finding our completeness in Christ and His being enough. "More than all I want, more than all I need. You are more than enough for me...." Lately, there are a lot of things I've been wanting: a house, a dog, a husband. I feel stuck where I am right now. At the same time I am longing for a home and a family of my own, I also want to be involved in ministry, particularly missions. Being a recent college graduate with my share of student loans, the likelihood of pursuing an overseas mission trip right now seems slim at best. Why does everything in life have to depend on money?! In my heart I know that God is greater than my financial needs and that He can accomplish the calling(s) he has placed on my life regardless of how much it may cost. Still, I feel trapped.

Tomorrow I'm hoping to turn in a resume for a job at my alma mater. Even though I'm excited to be working in such a great place (and get out of the mess I've been working in!), it's still not the sort of ministry that I've studied and longed for. I can't help but feel a bit jealous of some of my friends who can take a few months here and there to pursue ministry without hardly a thought about the financial aspect. In spite of the life I've been blessed with up to now, I can't help but wonder, "Why not me, God?"

Well, it's time to try writing a killer cover letter for my job application. To all who may read this, I ask that you please pray for me for God's direction and a greater sense of what it means to trust Him.

My Big Sister's Turning 27!

Today is my "twin" sister Mollie's birthday. For years we've been mistaken for twins, which used to drive us both nuts! Now, though, I can honestly say that I'm proud to resemble my big sis in any way! I love you, Mols! Happy birthday!!!

A Quote to Ponder

I'm at work right now. It's been a busy day and the time has gone quickly, which is always nice. Sometimes, I feel stuck in the "everyday-ness" of life. Get up, eat, go to work, come home, eat, go to bed. I was just listening to the new Switchfoot CD and a line from one of the songs encouraged me: "The shadow proves the sunshine." Somehow, in the midst of the mundane - the "shadows" - the sun is there, faithfully rising every morning. I'm not quite sure yet what this means for my life, but I know that God is good and He's always there.

Here's Hoping that Someday....

I saw a friend last night that I haven't seen in a while - a dear friend who has always ever been a brother to me. At one time, I hoped he could be more. I see in him so many of the virtues that I desire in the man I marry. I've gradually attempted to talk myself out of this dream, though, because I know that God's calling for him is very different than His calling for me. (At least I think it is. It's so hard to know anything for sure in this period of uncertainty.) I don't want to come between him and the path God is leading him down.

Sometimes I wonder, though.... Could love be enough? Could I be content to spend the rest of my life in a far-off country as long as my husband was by my side? I know that, ultimately, I want to be a wife and mother. Could I be just as happy being a wife and mother in Washington as I could in Timbuktu? Could I be satisfied living in an African hut, say, and eating rice three times a day and being able to talk with my family only when the phone lines are up and running? Could I leave everyone and everything I know and hold dear just to be with the man I love?

Someday I imagine that I will look back on all these questions and dreams and laugh. I'm confident that God's plans for me are far greater than the ones I have for myself. But right now, when my calling seems so uncertain, it's difficult to trust that God knows what He's doing.

When I was a kid, my grandparents lived on a farm and my sister and I (and cousins, on occasion) experienced many adventures there. This is a picture of the big, red barn - a little worse for wear but still an image of comfort - where my sister and I spent many hours with Grandpa holding squealing piglets, searching for kittens, and swinging like Tarzan up in the hay mow. Soon, the property will be torn down and turned into a cornfield or pastureland for hungry sheep or Holstein cows. The thought of so many happy memories being reduced to piles of rubble and hauled away is almost unbearable. I am so grateful, though, that the love I knew then and the happy times we all shared will be forever tucked away in my heart where they can never be torn down.

A Happier Happy Birthday

It's my birthday today. Twenty-three years ago in the wee hours of the morning, I was born. Usually my birthday is one of the highlights of my year. I love birthdays! Today, however, hasn't been exactly peachy. I had a work-related meeting in which I "went to bat" for some of my coworkers who are getting kind of a raw deal. My concern was pretty much laughed off and I came away feeling frustrated and on the verge of tears! Yup...happy birthday to me. At least I get to go out with friends tonight to a great Irish pub. Maybe today's a good day to try some Guiness....

Love Is in the Air!

This is me and my family at my sister Mollie's wedding to the greatest brother-in-law in the world!

This is me (on the left) and a fellow bridesmaid (a sweetie named Katie) at my sister's November wedding.

New At This

I'm an amateur when it comes to my own webpage. I may surprise myself and end up being good at this. Or it may turn out to be a complete flop. But, here goes nothing!