I was at my Beth Moore Bible study yesterday and the topic was generational bondage and on the video that we watch, Beth was talking about prejudice. Somehow, I can't tell you how, but she started talking about saying you're sorry. She said we live in a world where it's so typical to place blame on someone else and tell yourself that you have nothing to be sorry about. She said something about why is it that people can't just look at their friend and say genuinely, "I'm so sorry." I had to really think about that and it made me wonder, why is it that we can't just be genuine and say we're sorry. I say we as in our society, but mostly I'm talking about me.
All of this made me think of a dear dear friend who I have had the privelage to get to know again after several years. She was just saying this last Saturday that there was a time in her life where a heartfelt apology would have been so nice to hear and would have made things so much better at that very moment, but those words were never heard. And still have not been heard after a year. It not only ruins that very specific moment, but also has the possibility to ruin many many more moments after that between those two people. I have decided two things since watching that Beth Moore video. First of all, I will not be a person who does not say "I'm sorry." I will say it when I am guilty of doing something that needs apologizing for and I will say it when a friend is having a hard time and needs to hear it when they are going through a difficult time. The second thing is that I will say it as genuinely as my heart will let me. If words can't be spoken genuinely, then maybe they shouldn't be spoken. Well, that's my little rant for today.
On a lighter note, Dan and I are doing very well. Things have been busy, but oh so good! Dan made me watch a video on Stalin last night because he was writing a video guide for his students. He said I needed to watch it so that I could be more educated on history. I disagreed, but watched it anyway and was surprised how interesting it was. I definitely did not like Stalin. Now there's a man who needed to apologize to a LOT of people... but it is too late for him. Bet he's sorry now.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A little late, but still fun!
So I finally have the pictures from my dad's birthday party. It was a fun day for me, but I love any excuse to hang out with my family! I will say that the crab hat might have been the hit of the party. Thanks Mary Jo! Mary Jo is a friend of my mom's, who just happened to be my second mom when I was growing up. Her daughter, Laura, was one of my best friends and is still very dear to me even though we don't get to see each other often. But we had so much fun being crazy kids together! Who am I kidding? I still am a crazy kid! 
Anyway, here is the crab hat!
Wow, we are a super cool family! So I just have to tell this story: When my sister and I were young, ages four and seven, my dad shaved his mustache off, one of his primary physical features. It was his 30th birthday and he was feeling *crazy*. We were so upset by the startling discovery of his smallish upper lip(sorry dad) that we, or at least I, started crying. There is a picture of us in the bathroom and me and my sister were not happy. Dad, being the crazy man he is, decided to shave his mustache again when he turned 40, 
not so much crying then. Anyway, this being his 50th birthday, we debated back and forth if the upper lip wanted to show off again and guess what... it did! Definitely no tears, well, maybe some from laughter! As dad was shaving it, he stated, "Yep, I can feel it growing back already." 
I just love my dad! Overall, I thought the birthday weekend went well and I'm excited about Easter coming up so that I can see my parents and Dan's parents again! Months seem so much longer now that we're in the middle of nowhere!
That's all for now! I'll update again after Easter festivities. I'm 99% positive that I'll get to see my little Jordan at least once this weekend and we'll definitely get to see Camdyn. This will be me and Dan's first year to see Camdyn hunt for Easter eggs. She's going to be sooo cute! Until then...
Anyway, here is the crab hat!And here is it again... 
And one more time just for fun!
Wow, we are a super cool family! So I just have to tell this story: When my sister and I were young, ages four and seven, my dad shaved his mustache off, one of his primary physical features. It was his 30th birthday and he was feeling *crazy*. We were so upset by the startling discovery of his smallish upper lip(sorry dad) that we, or at least I, started crying. There is a picture of us in the bathroom and me and my sister were not happy. Dad, being the crazy man he is, decided to shave his mustache again when he turned 40, 
not so much crying then. Anyway, this being his 50th birthday, we debated back and forth if the upper lip wanted to show off again and guess what... it did! Definitely no tears, well, maybe some from laughter! As dad was shaving it, he stated, "Yep, I can feel it growing back already." 
I just love my dad! Overall, I thought the birthday weekend went well and I'm excited about Easter coming up so that I can see my parents and Dan's parents again! Months seem so much longer now that we're in the middle of nowhere! Here's one more picture of me, Dan, mom and dad at my dad's birthday party! I look like a dork, but everyone else looks cute! 
That's all for now! I'll update again after Easter festivities. I'm 99% positive that I'll get to see my little Jordan at least once this weekend and we'll definitely get to see Camdyn. This will be me and Dan's first year to see Camdyn hunt for Easter eggs. She's going to be sooo cute! Until then...
Monday, March 10, 2008
It's finally March
I have been needing to update this thing, but just haven't gotten around to it. And unfortunately, I have no pictures right now. I am waiting for my mom to send me pics from my dad's 50th birthday party because I forgot my camera.
Anyway, Dan and I have been busy lately. Dan is done with bball season, which is wonderful, but is starting to lift weights again now. He also played in a staff vs. seniors basketball game and it reminded me of his MCC days. He was the star player, most definitely! He had so many points! Spring break is also coming up, which is good. His scar is healing really well. Other than that, he's gearing up for March Madness. Me too, but in a totally different way, if you get my drift!
My work has been picking up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has been so much fun. I can't say the same for the flower shop, which is where I'm at right now. But that's ok, because it gives me a chance to get other things done. Also, my Bible study has been going well. I have been blessed by the study so far and by the women who are doing it with me.
Overall, things have been going well. I have been reminded lately of how lucky Dan and I are to have great families, great friends(although we don't get to see them that often), a wonderful place to live, and a Lord who loves us and calls us His own.
One last thing: I can't wait until it warms up again... I inherited a love for the summer from my mother! The sun makes me happy... but it hates Dan!
Anyway, Dan and I have been busy lately. Dan is done with bball season, which is wonderful, but is starting to lift weights again now. He also played in a staff vs. seniors basketball game and it reminded me of his MCC days. He was the star player, most definitely! He had so many points! Spring break is also coming up, which is good. His scar is healing really well. Other than that, he's gearing up for March Madness. Me too, but in a totally different way, if you get my drift!
My work has been picking up with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has been so much fun. I can't say the same for the flower shop, which is where I'm at right now. But that's ok, because it gives me a chance to get other things done. Also, my Bible study has been going well. I have been blessed by the study so far and by the women who are doing it with me.
Overall, things have been going well. I have been reminded lately of how lucky Dan and I are to have great families, great friends(although we don't get to see them that often), a wonderful place to live, and a Lord who loves us and calls us His own.
One last thing: I can't wait until it warms up again... I inherited a love for the summer from my mother! The sun makes me happy... but it hates Dan!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Family and Friends
Wow, this past week and weekend have been crazy crazy! Let's see... where to start... how about this?
Friday: Stayed at my parents house, but my dad was out of town, so we just saw Mom. And my sister showed up, so I got a quick picture with her. Her little boy is due in May!
Saturday: Went to the K-State game where we won by a lot!
Sunday: Surprised Terry and Debi by showing up at church. Note to self: Do that again sometime! Then celebrated Sarah's birthday, and got to see the beautiful niece and her cute cousins!
Monday: Went shopping with Debi, had lots of fun. Then got to spend time with two wonderful friends who I appreciate so so much!
Tuesday: Dan had his second skin cancer spot removed. Hopefully it's the last one forever! Drove Dan home to P-burg and then drove to Wichita that same day for training for two days.
This picture above is a few hours after Dan's surgery! They told him there shouldn't be any bruising... and it was completely purple!
This picture is when I returned from my Wichita training and it was still so swollen! The picture below is a picture from five days after his surgery. As you can see, there is still some swelling and bruising!
Skip to Saturday: Had the best day with my best friend Lindsey! I miss her so much and it was relaxing to get manicures and go shopping and have lots of girl talk! You can't tell from the headshot below that she is pregnant, but she is! YEAH! She'll be a great mom!
Hope you enjoyed the update!
Friday: Stayed at my parents house, but my dad was out of town, so we just saw Mom. And my sister showed up, so I got a quick picture with her. Her little boy is due in May!
Saturday: Went to the K-State game where we won by a lot!Sunday: Surprised Terry and Debi by showing up at church. Note to self: Do that again sometime! Then celebrated Sarah's birthday, and got to see the beautiful niece and her cute cousins!
Monday: Went shopping with Debi, had lots of fun. Then got to spend time with two wonderful friends who I appreciate so so much!Tuesday: Dan had his second skin cancer spot removed. Hopefully it's the last one forever! Drove Dan home to P-burg and then drove to Wichita that same day for training for two days.
This picture above is a few hours after Dan's surgery! They told him there shouldn't be any bruising... and it was completely purple!
This picture is when I returned from my Wichita training and it was still so swollen! The picture below is a picture from five days after his surgery. As you can see, there is still some swelling and bruising!
Skip to Saturday: Had the best day with my best friend Lindsey! I miss her so much and it was relaxing to get manicures and go shopping and have lots of girl talk! You can't tell from the headshot below that she is pregnant, but she is! YEAH! She'll be a great mom!
Hope you enjoyed the update!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Memory Lane
So, I was going to update the blog today and realized I have no pictures to add, so I went through old pictures of us and decided to post a mini walk down memory lane. It was fun for me, maybe it will be fun for others. Who knows!
This first picture is of us on our first anniversary. I love this picture. Dan had created notes for me and he took me around to every spot that meaningful to us from when we were dating and he read me the notes at each one. They were of all the things he was thinking at that moment, like our first walk together, our first dance, our first kiss, etc. It was so romantic. This is a fun memory!
I'm pretty sure this picture was taken before we were married, but it was so funny, I just had to add it. This was the picture that was going to make its debut on his groom's cake, but he decided not to have one. I can't say that I was upset about that.
Camdyn Malia's birthday! She was and is so precious! This was such a fun time for us! We love our little niece!
This picture was taken at on our trip to St. Charles. I just loved Dan's pearl snap shirt. I always said I wanted to marry a cowboy!
Isn't this a cute picture? My little cousin took this picture at Christmas 2006. She was only three and we didn't think she would actually get our faces, so we just cheesed it up. But then it turned out to be a cute one!
Anyway, that's all I have for memory lane today. I just wanted to share some cute photos. I'll have some current ones for the next update. Here's what's been going on lately: Dan is almost done with basketball season and he is actually glad about that. When you have three nights of games a week, it gets to be a little draining. He is also looking forward to spring break. And I have been getting busier and busier with both jobs. I did start a ladies Bible study with one of the coach's wives this past Sunday. It is a Beth Moore study called Breaking Free and I am very excited about it. The first one went so well and the ladies are all so nice. I'll let you know what I am learning. This weekend we'll be going to Manhattan and Topeka. It will be our first weekend out of town since Christmas! So I'll give you all an update after that! That's about all for now.
This first picture is of us on our first anniversary. I love this picture. Dan had created notes for me and he took me around to every spot that meaningful to us from when we were dating and he read me the notes at each one. They were of all the things he was thinking at that moment, like our first walk together, our first dance, our first kiss, etc. It was so romantic. This is a fun memory!
I'm pretty sure this picture was taken before we were married, but it was so funny, I just had to add it. This was the picture that was going to make its debut on his groom's cake, but he decided not to have one. I can't say that I was upset about that.
Camdyn Malia's birthday! She was and is so precious! This was such a fun time for us! We love our little niece!
This picture was taken at on our trip to St. Charles. I just loved Dan's pearl snap shirt. I always said I wanted to marry a cowboy!
Isn't this a cute picture? My little cousin took this picture at Christmas 2006. She was only three and we didn't think she would actually get our faces, so we just cheesed it up. But then it turned out to be a cute one! Anyway, that's all I have for memory lane today. I just wanted to share some cute photos. I'll have some current ones for the next update. Here's what's been going on lately: Dan is almost done with basketball season and he is actually glad about that. When you have three nights of games a week, it gets to be a little draining. He is also looking forward to spring break. And I have been getting busier and busier with both jobs. I did start a ladies Bible study with one of the coach's wives this past Sunday. It is a Beth Moore study called Breaking Free and I am very excited about it. The first one went so well and the ladies are all so nice. I'll let you know what I am learning. This weekend we'll be going to Manhattan and Topeka. It will be our first weekend out of town since Christmas! So I'll give you all an update after that! That's about all for now.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Bored at work
So, it's Saturday and I'm at the flower shop and I'm bored. And I've only been here 20 minutes. That's sad. Anyway, I was checking out my friend Laurel's blog and she had copied a quiz from one of her friends. So I decided to copy it from her to fill my time. So here it is.
1. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR KITCHEN PLATES? Light green and cream. According to my father in law, they are perfect for giants. They are really huge!
2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I just finished This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. It will change your prayer life!
3. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? We don't have a mouse pad. Plus we both use our laptops now instead of our desktop.
4. FAVORITE BOARD GAME? I love Sequence! And it's not a board game, but I love Mexican Train Dominoes too.
5. LEAST FAVORITE SMELLS? That's a tough one. I'm sensitive to smells, so a lot of things.
6. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? It's a tie: How much I hate my cat who has woken me up because she wants fed OR that I'm hungry!
7. FAVORITE COLOR? Yellow or Pink in general. To wear: black, white, or pink
8. LEAST FAVORITE COLOR? I don't think I have one.
9. HOW MANY RINGS UNTIL YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? Our home phone: two My cell phone: depends on who's calling!
10. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? I like James or Elle. Dan doesn't like either, so that's that.
11. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Vanilla
12. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST? I always drive at least four-five miles over the speed limit, but not much more, especially since the time I almost got a ticket for going about nine over.
13. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? I wish I could say no, but Zach(my leopard)makes an occasional appearance.
14. DO YOU LIKE THUNDERSTORMS? I absolutely love thunderstorms!
15. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? A maroon 1985 Dodge Charger with a hatchback... loved that car!
16. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN? Virgo
17. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? Sure.
18. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB WHAT WOULD IT BE? Well, I think if Big Brothers Big Sisters keeps going well, it could be my dream job. Growing up, I always had visions of owning a cafe that was also a teen hang out at night. Weird, huh?
19. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY COLOR HAIR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I love being a brunette.
20. IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? If I were completely honest, I would say half empty, but I really am trying to be more positive.
21. FAVORITE MOVIE? I don't know, any romantic comedy with a happy ending.
22. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? There shouldn't be any other way to type.
23. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? Luggage.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I watch what Dan watches, but I would say, football is more enjoyable than basketball on t.v. Basketball is more enjoyable in person.
25. YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST INTENSE PAIN? Picking up after a grown man. Get my drift?
26. KETCHUP OR MUSTARD? Ketchup. And Mustard.
27. HAMBURGER OR HOT DOG? Hot dog.
28. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Summer, most definitely. Along with spring and fall, but not winter.
29. THE BEST PLACE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN? As far as memories, either Myrtle Beach or New Jersey. But just for physical beauty, Alaska or Canada.
30. WHAT SCREEN SAVER IS ON YOUR COMPUTER RIGHT NOW? I don't know.
31. FAVORITE FAST FOOD? Taco Bell, hands down. I hate anyone who gets to have it whenever they want. Stupid Phillipsburg!
32. WHAT IS YOUR BIRTH NAME? Courtney Denae Russell
33. ANY NICKNAMES? Usually just Court, but if you ask my sister, it is Corky!
Well, that took up 20 minutes of my time, only 2 hours and 20 minutes more!
1. WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR KITCHEN PLATES? Light green and cream. According to my father in law, they are perfect for giants. They are really huge!
2. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I just finished This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti. It will change your prayer life!
3. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? We don't have a mouse pad. Plus we both use our laptops now instead of our desktop.
4. FAVORITE BOARD GAME? I love Sequence! And it's not a board game, but I love Mexican Train Dominoes too.
5. LEAST FAVORITE SMELLS? That's a tough one. I'm sensitive to smells, so a lot of things.
6. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? It's a tie: How much I hate my cat who has woken me up because she wants fed OR that I'm hungry!
7. FAVORITE COLOR? Yellow or Pink in general. To wear: black, white, or pink
8. LEAST FAVORITE COLOR? I don't think I have one.
9. HOW MANY RINGS UNTIL YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? Our home phone: two My cell phone: depends on who's calling!
10. FUTURE CHILD'S NAME? I like James or Elle. Dan doesn't like either, so that's that.
11. CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Vanilla
12. DO YOU LIKE TO DRIVE FAST? I always drive at least four-five miles over the speed limit, but not much more, especially since the time I almost got a ticket for going about nine over.
13. DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? I wish I could say no, but Zach(my leopard)makes an occasional appearance.
14. DO YOU LIKE THUNDERSTORMS? I absolutely love thunderstorms!
15. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CAR? A maroon 1985 Dodge Charger with a hatchback... loved that car!
16. WHAT IS YOUR SIGN? Virgo
17. DO YOU EAT THE STEMS OF BROCCOLI? Sure.
18. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB WHAT WOULD IT BE? Well, I think if Big Brothers Big Sisters keeps going well, it could be my dream job. Growing up, I always had visions of owning a cafe that was also a teen hang out at night. Weird, huh?
19. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY COLOR HAIR, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I love being a brunette.
20. IS THE GLASS HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? If I were completely honest, I would say half empty, but I really am trying to be more positive.
21. FAVORITE MOVIE? I don't know, any romantic comedy with a happy ending.
22. DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? There shouldn't be any other way to type.
23. WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? Luggage.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? I watch what Dan watches, but I would say, football is more enjoyable than basketball on t.v. Basketball is more enjoyable in person.
25. YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST INTENSE PAIN? Picking up after a grown man. Get my drift?
26. KETCHUP OR MUSTARD? Ketchup. And Mustard.
27. HAMBURGER OR HOT DOG? Hot dog.
28. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Summer, most definitely. Along with spring and fall, but not winter.
29. THE BEST PLACE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN? As far as memories, either Myrtle Beach or New Jersey. But just for physical beauty, Alaska or Canada.
30. WHAT SCREEN SAVER IS ON YOUR COMPUTER RIGHT NOW? I don't know.
31. FAVORITE FAST FOOD? Taco Bell, hands down. I hate anyone who gets to have it whenever they want. Stupid Phillipsburg!
32. WHAT IS YOUR BIRTH NAME? Courtney Denae Russell
33. ANY NICKNAMES? Usually just Court, but if you ask my sister, it is Corky!
Well, that took up 20 minutes of my time, only 2 hours and 20 minutes more!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Caution: Mushy Moment Ahead
I was just sitting home by myself for the second night in a row(last night due to h.s. b-ball games, tonight due to K-State game) and I was thinking about how much I love my husband. I know that is so cheesy, right? Well, I just think that being public about how much you love your spouse is really not such a bad thing. Now, let me clarify: making out in public is bad. But showing subtle affection or talking about your love and respect for your spouse is good. So many times, I won't talk about Dan or will only talk about the negative because I don't want to appear mushy or like we're still young and in love. But... we are still young and in love. And I hope that when we're fifty, people will look at us and see that we're "young" and in love! Dan is my better half. I really mean that. All the things that Dan is are the things I wish I could be. He's patient, giving, carefree, honest, respectful, funny and so much more! Anyway, that is my romantic blog for today. Now if in a week I'm mad a Dan, I'm going to take a look at this blog and remind myself of all the things I love about him. I encourage anyone reading this, whether you've been married one year or 30 years like both of our parents, sit back, relax, and let yourself be ridiculously in love with your spouse.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)