Another 10 Things

That last post was really easy so I think I'll do another...

10 Things that Surprise Me:

1. the unique ways God blesses Ethan and me.
2. that I could be more in love with Ethan today than 3 1/2 years ago when we married.
3. how at 26, I still feel like a kid.
4. that I still, for the most part, really like being a student.
5. my hair being straight now instead of curly.
6. that I still fall for the trick of someone tapping me on one shoulder, but really being on the other side of me. every time. my whole life.
7. how much I enjoy cooking and baking.
8. that life can be lived with only one cup of coffee a day.
9. how many places I have been able to travel.
10. how much my sense of style has evolved, into more of a grown up funky instead of just weird.

All for now...

10 things...

So, everyone is doing lists these days. I thought I'd try one out...

10 things I love (or at least really like a lot!)

1. my God, who loves us beyond all measure.
2. my Ethan. he is awesome.
3. our families, both Jones and Prince. both wonderful.
4. my sweet, sweet friends who build me up and hold me accountable.
5. coffee....mmmmmmmmmm.
6. any frozen dessert, i.e. ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, etc.
7. music, especially live.
8. sunshine.
9. haircuts (obviously) and clothes
10.traveling.

Obviously, this list is not exhaustive, but that's it for now.

Haircut

Why is it that a haircut can make you feel so good?

I just got back from seeing my sweet Lauren, who does the most amazing job cutting hair I have ever seen. I love every single hair cut she does for me and I look forward to going to see her every 8-9 weeks. This time I went a little shorter than normal, but I really really like it. I think it's fun to get a different look every now and then. I get super bored with the same hair cut after a while. There is just something refreshing about knowing that you can do something different and it isn't permanent. If I hate it, I can grow it out. If I love it, I can keep it. I get to start over and try something new, a reinvention of sorts.

Anyway, I'm not sure why this subject merited a blog post, but i was thinking it, so I thought I'd write it. Have fun...get your hair cut and try something new!

Birthday...

So it's my birthday weekend...and as usual, the middle of January is a super busy time. We started school on Thursday and had to say goodbye to one of my closest friends. But it wasn't all sad...

My mom, sister and I went to New Orleans last week to celebrate my birthday and also to spend some time together before my sister moved. We had a blast, even though it was cold and rainy.

This weekend we had Winter Blast (our D-Now) at church and it was a great time of learning and worship for our students. I am sure God was glorified through the weekend.

My sweet friend Michelle had to say "see you later" yesterday at church. Everyone is heart broken to see her move halfway across the world, but we are also so very thrilled that she is following God's call on her life that far away. I can't wait to go visit! I will miss her every single day and am not excited about two years of my life without seeing her face daily, but I can't be selfish. I am SO happy to be able to pray for her as she is sharing God's love with those who have literally never heard. God's strength is amazing. He filled me with it this weekend, keeping me from being a total wreck and God will fill her each day as she goes through her journey.

I am also so thankful for other great friends that decided to come over and hang out so that none of us had to sit alone and be super sad. We watched football and got some frozen yogurt at Menchies. It was delicious. AND we watched 24. So overall, a good day yesterday, but glad for a day off to relax and get stuff done today.

That is all for now...

Welcome 2010...

2010...wow! Another decade has begun. In 2000, Ethan and I both were 16 years old, with a driver's license, thinking we knew it all. At 26, we still feel like kids! Fortunately, God has really brought us a long way since 16 years old. We are so happy where we are because we know we are right where God wants us. And I know people say that all the time, but it's true. It isn't always easy. There is so much to think about, being an adult and a student at the same time. There seems to be some kind of stress always, with work, school/studying, finances, etc. God has been so faithful to us in this past year it would take hours for me to type everything we have seen him do for us. 2010, 26 years old, is going to be another fabulous year...I can tell!

I thought I'd post a picture of us last year and of us this year. Not much of a change, but still fun. We are lucky to have such talented photographer friends.

2009























2010
















We don't make resolutions at the beginning of a year. However, we do try to make goals for each semester. Ethan is trying to do more reading and he has already finished 5 books since Christmas. My goal is just not to worry as much. I make this goal every semester and eventually I plan to have my worry whittled down to nothing! Other than that, we are going to do our best in school again and work hard to honor God in the things we do. We are thankful for the ability to be students and the financial miracle that God does for us each semester. We are so blessed!

So, happy 2010!