Happy Anniversary!

December 20, 2008

Here we are 1 year later from the day we said, "I Do." I cannot believe we have already spent an entire year as husband and wife. As I told Brian earlier today, it has certainly been the best year of my life. I am so utterly and completely in love with this man and he makes me the happiest woman in the world. As I sit here now reflecting on our wedding day, a smile forms with each and every memory of that day. It was our day and it was perfect. I loved our entire day so much that I remember telling family and friends and even my new husband, "I want to relive it." I would love to relive our wedding day again. So tonight as we watch our wedding DVD, in a small way I will be reliving that day with all the emotions surrounding it. Here's to many more incredibly happy years as husband and wife!

Oh the Hustle and Bustle!

This season take time out from the hustle and bustle to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Attend a living Nativity scene, spend an evening listening to Christmas music, read the story of Christ's birth in Luke 2.

Above all, honor the Christ of Christmas.

Dear Santa...

Today Miss Debbie and I asked the children, "What do you want from Santa this year?" Then we listened to what they had to say and helped them write a letter to Santa Clause. We definitely had a couple of laughs over some children's wishes. We work with 3 and 4 year olds, so you can only imagine what these little ones want for Christmas! The girls said their typical thing of Barbies, dolls, various PINK things and the boys said mostly boy-ish things like toys and electronic devices. One boy knew what he wanted without even having to think about it and his letter was extremely detailed...heaven forbid he get the wrong thing!!! But one little boy touched my heart so much. We asked the children to name 3 things they wanted for Christmas in their letter, and 2 of the 3 things this little boy wanted were for his brothers. He is only 4! He is already giving unto others and unselfish. He doesn't want the gifts, he would rather see his brothers get something. We didn't say, "What do your brothers want for Christmas?" We said, "What do YOU want for Christmas?" He thought of his brothers and what they might like all on his own. Adorable. Amazing.

Merry Christmas!

November

So...it's been awhile since I have posted an update on the newlyweds! Time has certainly passed quickly since my last update. Brian has finished his first quarter of his first year at Concordia Theological Seminary. He did well in all of his classes and is now on a two-week break before starting his next intensive quarter after Thanksgiving.

I have a new job! I am now an assistant teacher at Little Praiser's Preschool and Daycare. I work in a classroom with 3 and 4 year olds alongside the head teacher, Miss Debbie. There are 20 children in the classroom and I am slowly getting to know them as individuals. I began the position two weeks ago and I am loving it so far. It is a huge blessing from God to be working a steady schedule! My hours are 7am-1pm Monday-Friday. I am still able to tutor and I enjoy that as well. I have 4 students that I work with individually. One continually makes me try a new approach every session! It is quite interesting.

Working with 3 and 4 year olds is much different from working with school age children. I do hope to have my own classroom someday working with 2nd or 3rd grade preferably. Right now, however, the Lord has different plans. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world...and who knows? I could be a teacher in a daycare for the rest of my life. My point is...the Lord is in control. He makes the plans and His timing is always perfect. I constantly remind myself of this every day, every week.

Brian and I continue our weekly date nights. Last night, we went out for dinner at a Mexican restaurant we have never tried and it was very good. Next week, we will be with his family for Thanksgiving so who knows what the plans will be. We are looking forward to a mini-vacation away from our home in Fort Wayne. We certainly hope and pray all of you have safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

There you have it...the update on us! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Fall Update

Hi Friends and Family!

October is upon us! It seems as if time is going by faster and faster and I just want to shout "Slow Down!" Brian started classes at the seminary in the beginning of September following Labor Day. He is very busy with reading, studying, and keeping his head above water so to speak. When he is not busy with school, he is either working in the mail room on campus, playing flag football, watching sports on TV, or spending time with me. We continue to set aside Friday nights as our "date nights." I always have those nights to look forward to when the weeks get crazy and we hardly see each other let alone speak to one another. On those "date nights" we enjoy getting out and seeing the city of Fort Wayne. We like to try new restaurants, watch movies at home, go to baseball games downtown, and various other activities. I treasure those moments we spend together away from the hectic schedules.

I continue to tutor at a learning center in town. I currently have 3 students, 1st-3rd grade (1 student in each grade level) and I love it. I work one on one with each students in areas such as math, reading, etc. It is a great opportunity and I am so grateful to have this job. I was recently hired on at Little Praiser's Preschool and Daycare as a part time assistant teacher substitute so my hours will not be the same each week. I take what I can though-it's income! I should be starting very soon. When I am not working, I enjoy scrapbooking and stamping. I am currently working on Christmas cards! Big project but it keeps me busy. I also enjoy time spent at the library, reading, shopping, and keeping things going at home. I am learning to be a better cook every day, too! :)

Fall is in full swing here in Indiana and it is beautiful watching the leaves change more and more. Brian was recently assigned a fieldwork church in Decatur, IN which is about 40 minutes southeast of Fort Wayne. Yesterday was our first experience at the church-Zion-Friedheim Lutheran Church. We enjoyed it very much. The people were very warm and welcoming. I think it will be a great few years ahead! It takes Brian and I about 40 minutes to get to the church and it is in the country. It is a very pretty drive and as the leaves continue to change it will be beautiful. The drive time also gives Brian and I a good chance to catch up and talk to one another, too. I think I will look forward to those Sunday mornings. There is just one worship service with Sunday school and Adult Bible Study to follow. There are about 230 people in worship every Sunday. We are excited to be there at that church for our fieldwork experience.

That's the update on The Flamme's! We would love to hear from you, too!

Love,
Jen

September 11th

Today's date will live in our memories forever. Let us never forget the thousands who died, those who were injured, and those who were left behind that fateful day in 2001 when terrorists struck our country. May the wakeup call we received that day make us prayerful and ever watchful.

-Excerpt from 365 Life Lessons from Grandma

Colorado

Hi!

Recently, I returned from a visit to my home in Colorado. Brian was unable to travel with me due to his extensive greek studies, so I traveled back "home" on my own. My trip started on Tuesday, August 4. I drove from our home in Fort Wayne to Indianapolis where I flew non-stop to Denver, Colorado. My parents were there to pick me up; they then took me to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Stuffed to the gills, we then drove to Colorado Springs, the place I am proud to call home. After being greeted by Bailey, our maltese poodle (who was ever so excited to see me!), I unpacked my bags and called it a night.



Then the crazy busy week began! The next morning I awoke bright and early, got all dolled up, and drove to Castle Rock to visit with my friend from college-Rachelle. She was one of my bridesmaids, she lives in Denver, and she teaches 6th grade. She is such a great friend and I miss her so much. It was nice to sit down for breakfast with her and catch up. I then drove back to Colorado Springs and stopped to see my sister at work! She works at Starbucks, one of my favorite places on this earth! She managed to get me free drink, but Shhh! :) I had a little time to spare before meeting a friend for lunch, so I stopped at Mardel to browse and spend some time. It is a huge Christian store, and I loved to spend time in there periodically when I still lived at home. It was great, I wish we had one where I live now! For lunch, I met up with a friend from high school-Erin. She works with little ones, she is married to a great guy, and she is just wonderful. We sat and chatted over Noodles and Co. before she had to go back to work. It was great to see her again. I finished my afternoon/evening with my little brother-Josh. We met while working at Sonic together a few years ago and have been friends since. He just graduated high school and will attend community college in the fall most likely. We hung out at my house, my dad grilled up some hamburgers and hot dogs, and it was a great time.



The next day, Thursday, I met another friend of mine from high school-Jocelyn. She is now a nurse! We got to catch up @ Panera Bread before I headed off to dress shop with my sister! My sister is engaged, getting married in May 2010, and so we were on the hunt for the perfect dress for her as well as the bridesmaid dresses. We started our adventure at David's Bridal, where my sister found one she liked. We then continued on to Danelle's where she found one she really liked as well as a bridemaid dress. Our last stop was Something New (where I found MY dress!) but we didn't find anything we liked there, neither bridal nor bridesmaid. Very unfortunate! My sister then drove me out to see The Pinery, the venue that her and David have chosen for their special day. You can visit the website: http://www.thepinery.com/ to see more. So...my mom, sister, and I ended up going back to David's Bridal and Danelle's to see her two favorite dresses on her once again. Afterwards, we all agreed on one so I can say she has found her dress! YAY! And...we are thinking that the bridesmaid dresses will come from David's Bridal, but that is not official yet from the bride.



My fun continues in Colorado with breakfast with another friend from college-Anji. She stays at home with her son, who came to breakfast also! He has grown SO much, it amazed me. It was wonderful to see her again. Afterwards, Josh and I got together for some hoop action. We used to play basketball all the time when I still lived at home, so like old times we went to shoot hoops. That afternoon, my mom and I went to Happy Hour at On the Border. Sangria swirls-yummy! My sister joined us after she got off of work, fun times! That night, my dad and I went to a Sky Sox game. My sister and fiance, David, came along too. Awesome night!



Over the weekend, before I left town, my mom took me to a coffee shop in Black Forest (only 10-15 min away from the Springs). They make the most amazing drinks!!! It was really good to just have time with my mom, too. I miss her. That afternoon, my family and I drove to Aurora, Colorado for one of my good friend's wedding. Steph, the bride, is a good friend who I have known since high school but did not grow close with until college. She married her best friend, Mike, on Saturday the 8th. I had the honor of attending her guest book and being able to share their special day with them. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony/reception. She was absolutely beautiful! It was a fun time. :)



On Sunday, my last day in Colorado, my mom and I went shopping and spent the afternoon together. It was a day I will not soon forget in that I got to spend it all with my mom, my best friend. She is truly an amazing woman, and I love her so much. That evening, we grilled steaks and enjoyed an outdoor fire in our firepit on the patio. It was a great way to cap off my trip home. The next morning, I flew back to Indianapolis and then drove the long drive back to Fort Wayne. Brian was very happy to see me and welcomed me with open arms. :) I was glad to be home and back in those arms for sure.



It is a trip I will carry in my heart for a long time. Every day I miss my family and close friends and that beautiful state I call home. I treasure the time I got to spend with my mom, my dad, my sister, and my friends. They are priceless to me. Thanks to everyone who made my trip home so special. I love and miss you guys! XOXO

My friend, Steph, and I on her wedding day!

July Update

Hi!

So it has been about a month since Brian and I have relocated to Fort Wayne, IN. Brian has made it halfway through his greek course and he has excellent grades. If he isn't in class, is in on our couch studying away. Sometimes he likes to recite greek aloud to really learn it, and that does drive me a bit bonkers sometimes. :)

We do still enjoy our Friday night "date nights." We have thoroughly enjoyed getting out and seeing Fort Wayne. We have gone to Jefferson Pointe shopping center, a Tin Caps baseball game in downtown, and a couple of different parks. I certainly enjoy the time away with my husband where it is just the two of us.

I had a job interview last week with a tutoring center. I felt very confident during the interview and after I left the interview. I know I would enjoy working there, so the rest is now in God's hands. I called the woman who had interviewed me to say "thank you" as well as ask if she had any further questions for me. She said she did not, but she enjoyed the interview and getting to know me. It sounds like she will hire me if she gets more students. She said right now she has it under control, but if they get more students (especially come fall when school begins) then she would contact me. To know that she would hire me makes me feel great, so if God would like me to work there then He will give me the students to teach. We shall see.

Brian and I enjoyed a nice 4th of July weekend. We were able to celebrate his sister's 21st birthday with her, which falls on the 4th of July. His dad, stepmom, and sister came up to have dinner with us at Red Lobster. It was nice to catch up and get some hugs from family. :)

I will be taking two vacations this summer. One is coming up on July 16 (a week from today) when I will be driving 10 1/2 hours to Belle Plaine, MN to see family. It is often a tradition with my family to travel "home" to MN every summer for BBQ Days-a small town celebration. I will get to see aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and my newly engaged sister and her fiance!!! However, it is a suprise for her (she does not know I am coming) so don't spoil it, Shhh!!! The other vacation I will be taking is back home to Colorado, and I cannot wait. One of my best friends is getting married, so I will be attending that and just spending time with family and friends. I cannot wait to come home, I am so excited. Both trips will be made by myself, Brian is too busy and cannot be pulled away from his greek studies. Which is OK! There's always next summer! :)

Brian and I on the seminary campus enjoying a picnic! This was taken 4th of July weekend.

Summer Fun

Yesterday I made some absolutely delicious cupcakes and then today I frosted them and added some red sparklies to them-all in honor of the 4th of July of course! It is my 2nd favorite holiday and I just love to be festive and decorate and go all out! If you know me at all, you KNOW I just love holidays. This picture was taken on my kitchen table with my candy dish (red white and blue stars). I am slowly turning my kitchen and living room into Americana decor-I am all about the red, white, and blue. :)

Hope you have a great 4th of July everyone!!! God bless America.

Quotes

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

"A garden left to itself is soon nothing but weeds, stickers, and dry, parched ground. Like a lovely, abundant garden, your relationship with God requires constant care and attention if it is to flourish and prosper."

~Unknown~

Happy Flag Day!

The red and white stripes of our flag represent the original thirteen colonies with the blue as a background for the stars representing those colonies. As new states were added so were more stars. Fly the flag proudly. It is the valiant symbol of our freedom.

Random Facts About Fort Wayne, IN

Recently, I attended a social function for seminary wives, since that is now my label, here in Fort Wayne at Concordia University. We played a game about the history of Fort Wayne and I learned a ton and found out some interesting facts! So, I thought I would share some with you.

-Fort Wayne was named after General "Mad Anthony" Wayne.

-The population of Fort Wayne today is approximately 252,000.

-Fort Wayne was the home of the FIRST woman's professional baseball team, the Daisies. The 1992 movie "A League of Their Own" was based upon this team.

-Vera Bradley holds an annual shopping event that attracts over 30,000 people. Items are available for 40-70% off of retail. Next year's sale will be April 28-May 1, 2010. Mark your calendars ladies! :)

-John Chapman known as "Johnny Appleseed" is buried in Ft. Wayne. There is a Johnny Appleseed Festival every September, this year it will celebrate its 35th anniversary.

-There are 327 recognized organized congregations (churches) in Fort Wayne.

-DeBrands is a famous chocolate company located in Ft. Wayne. Donald Trump orders his chocolates from there.

-The city motto of Ft. Wayne is "Room for Dreams."

Love Quote

Brian and I at Wrigley Field in Chicago

"People need love the most when they deserve it the least."


I encourage you to truly love one another each and every day.

Be Open

This statement was on my daily flip calendar for May 11 and I think it is fantastic so I wanted to share it with you --

"Be open to new possibilities, new ideas, new friends, new horizons."

This picture was taken over Brian's graduation weekend. He graduated Sunday from IUPUI with highest distinction, he's worked SO hard for this. :)

Family Visits Indy!

Hi! It's been awhile since I have posted news on the Flamme's. We really haven't had anything newsworthy happen until recently. My parents came to visit Brian and I here in Indianapolis. They arrived on Thursday afternoon. Brian and I met them in baggage claim and it was so exciting to see them. I hadn't seen them since just after our honeymoon at the end of December-about 4 months! After getting their luggage, we drove to the hotel where they would be staying, the Country Inn and Suites. It was close to our apartment which was nice. Brian had a night class so he left and I just hung out alone with my parents. We went to Uno's which has excellent pizza and they liked it. We then made a Target run for some needed items. We finished the night with Survivor in the hotel room.

On Friday, we started the day with Starbucks. It was right by the hotel so who would pass that up?! :) After Starbucks, we headed to our apartment to show my parents where our first home has been made. :) They liked it, how it was decorated, the area, etc. Then we headed to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where we toured and spent some time. Brian and my dad took a van ride around the entire track while my mom and I stayed in the museum/gift shop area. We looked around the museum and hall of fame then took off to get some lunch downtown! After grabbing a bite to eat, we walked the canal that Indy has downtown. It is just a man made water canal that runs through the city and people often walk, run, bike it during the day. We love it and my parents did as well. We walked a little of downtown, took them to the Circle Center Mall downtown which is HUGE, and saw some wonderful sights! After touring downtown a bit, we went to Texas Roadhouse for some drinks and appetizers. We then attempted to go back downtown to The Rathskeller, a German restaurant. The Biergarten was opening that night and we thought it would be a great experience on a warm evening. Unfortunately, it was packed. There were so many people and it just was not an enjoyable experience so we decided on a different course of action. We were all pretty bummed out that it had to be like that. Brian decided it would be great to take them to the Oaken Barrel, a local brewery here in Indiana. The men had a few beers and the ladies drank some Coke. :)

On Saturday, we started our day again with Starbucks! :) Then we decided to head down to Nashville, IN. It was a last minute thing. We really weren't sure what to do that day, and I thought my mom would like it down there. It is about an hour south of Indianapolis. It just has a lot of unique shops. It is a cute little town! My mom and I did the shopping while my dad and Brian just hung out waiting for us. :) We spent a little time there then headed back to Indianapolis to Margaritas, a Mexican restaurant that Brian and I like. After dinner, we just went back to our apartment to relax and chat.

On Sunday morning we went to church. We went to the church that Brian's dad is a pastor of. There they saw Beverly Ann, John, Paul, and Faith (Brian's family). They talked a little bit before the service started. After the service, we went out for lunch to Stir Crazy, a new restaurant none of us had been to or heard of. It was good Asian food. We enjoyed it. After eating, we took them to the airport where we said some tearful goodbyes. It was hard to see them go, but I am so happy that they came to see us here in Indy. It meant a lot to me to have them here.

Overall, it was a great weekend. I wish it would've lasted longer, time always goes by so fast! It was good to see them and spend a few days together. Hopefully, I can make a trip home to Colorado soon. :) I will try to post some pictures soon. We didn't take many at all, but I will share what we have. Have a blessed day!!!

Love,
Jen

"Then"

"Then" by Brad Paisley

I remember, trying not to stare the night that I first met you.
You had me mesmerized.
And three weeks later in the front porch light, taking forty five minutes to kiss goodnight.
I hadn't told you yet, but I thought I loved you then.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe, the way I feel about you girl.
Like a river meets the sea, stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day.
And I thought I loved you then.

I remember, taking you back to right where I first met you.
You were so surprised.
There were people around but I didn't care.
I got down on one knee right there.
And once again, I thought I loved you then.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe, the way I feel about you girl.
Like a river meets the sea, stronger than it's ever been.
We've come so far since that day.
And I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you, with a baby on the way.
I can just see you, when your hair is turning grey.
What I can't see is how I'm ever going to love you more.
But I've said that before.

Now you're my whole life, now you're my whole world.
And I just can't believe the way I feel about you girl.
We'll look back someday, at this moment that we're in and I'll look at you and say, "And I thought I loved you then."

And I thought I loved you then.

I just loved this song the first time I heard it, and as I listen to it more and listen to the words I simply fall more and more in love with this song. It is such a sweet, sweet song. It is so true, too. If you have not heard it, please listen to it somehow-maybe on YouTube. It's great! Hope you enjoy! -Jen

Fort Wayne, Indiana Trip

Brian and I had a great trip to Ft. Wayne, Indiana recently. We made the trip in order to participate in the Invitational Campus Visit at Concordia Theological Seminary. We were there for a couple of days, March 19-20.

We arrived early on the 19th to check-in and then apartment hunt before the campus visit started with chapel that evening. Brian and I visited four apartment complexes on Thursday, and found one complex we both loved! We hope to live there when we move. We have contacted them with our interest and now the paperwork, waiting list, etc. begin. We believe God had a hand in pointing out this specific apartment complex to us and we are excited to make the move.
After apartment hunting, we had chapel at 4pm where we were paired up with our campus companion afterwards. Brian's companion was a first year student named Andrew. He was also recently married, about 8 months ago. We had the opportunity to go to dinner with them and talk with them a lot. It was a great experience to meet them and chat with them for awhile. After dinner, Brian and I attended a "fireside chat" where they talked about the curriculum at the seminary. We both found it interesting and then hit the sack because we were exhausted.

We woke up bright and early the next day for 7:30am chapel and breakfast to follow. We then had speakers talk about financial aid, clothing co-op, food co-op, and the seminary in general. We received a lot of valuable information and it was a relief to know there are a lot of resources for each student who attends. The clothing co-op is completely free to students, you can walk in to look for what you need and take what you find! They have clothing items for women, men, children, infants, as well as household items, some appliances, shoes, etc. It is a great resource. They get donations from ALL over the country and then they sort through it before shelving it. The food co-op works in a similar way with each student getting monthly points based on their status (married, children, single, etc). Brian and I will be given 125 points per month to spend in the "store." They have dairy, pasta, sauces, meats, bread donated by Panera Bread, chicken donated by somewhere in Wisconsin, canned goods, paper products, snacks, cereal, etc. It is a little "store" but they say it can provide for 75% of your monthly needs of groceries. It amazed me! The most you "work" for these 125 points is 4 hours a month either at the food or clothing co-op. Just putting stuff away, stocking, etc for up to 4 hours a month and then you get your points to shop and the clothing co-op is free-no points involved. I am so thankful for these resources and more importantly to the people and companies who donate!!! What a privilege, God certainly blesses these students as they study to serve Him.
We took a driving tour of Ft. Wayne. We stopped downtown at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, it is Missouri Synod. It is a church that has been around since the 1800's and it is a beautiful church. I was unable to take pictures of it, but it is certainly something to see if you are ever in Ft. Wayne. Unbelievable in so many ways, breath-taking. Ft. Wayne has a nice downtown with a lot of activities and things to see! It looks like a nice city, it is Indiana's second largest city I believe. It will be a nice place to be for about 4 years or so.

Brian and I had pizza at Oley's before leaving town on Friday. Brian's dad, who went to seminary here, raved about Oley's so we found it and decided to give it a try! It was a small place with friendly people and we loved the pizza. It was cheap, too! We think we will go there for our pizza vs. Pizza Hut, etc. It was a good time. :)

Please take a look, leave a comment, and I hope you enjoyed learning about our trip! It was a great one and we were blessed by God in many ways while there. It was a great experience and we look forward to moving at the end of May. Brian will be starting this summer with a greek course. Please continue to pray for us as we make this transition and new change. Thank you!

Love,
Jen

Date Night

Every Friday evening, Brian and I plan to have a Date Night. We set aside that time to spend together despite how crazy our weeks may be. This week, we went to Dunkin' Donuts and brought it home. We then ate the donuts while watching the movie 'Australia' with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. It was an alright movie, but very long. I loved the donuts though-haven't had them since being in Minnesota which was over ten years ago. They are fabulous! As they say, "America runs on Dunkin'!"
If you have any date ideas for us, please feel free to share them. :)

What Do Teachers Make?

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?' He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?'

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make?

(She paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?' (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America .

I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life. '

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr. CEO?'

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Valentine's Day

My first Valentine's Day with Brian was a great day. I woke up and the first thing Brian did was to give me my gift. He got me chocolate covered cherries from an amazing chocolate place in town-I LOVE THEM!!! He also bought me foot cream that I use all the time from Bed, Bath, and Beyond. :) We proceded to make breakfast together. I made pancakes and shaped them as hearts. We also enjoyed homemade lattes on my Starbucks machine. After breakfast I gave Brian his gift which was The Dark Knight on DVD and he was thrilled. So we sat down to watch it together. Afterwards, we went to the store for some items to make dinner. We also made that together and the menu included Lemon Garlic Tilapia with a baby spinach salad with mushrooms and almonds and a homemade Asian dressing. Brian and I loved it! For dessert, we made chocolate fondue in our fondue pot and it also was good. :)

We simply enjoyed our time together at home. It was perfect.

Back in the Classroom

I have finally begun to substitute teach here in Indiana! This past week I was teaching 4 out of 5 days, and it really felt great to get back in the classroom. I have not really taught since November of 2008 before I got married and then moved to Indiana. I was in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classrooms. I was exhausted at the end of the week, but so thankful that I had the opportunity to work! And to work with kids and teach them is fun so I am thankful to have a job I like. I really look forward to the day where I have my own classroom and my own students, but I am blessed to be able to teach period! We have been praying that I would get calls to teach, and those prayers have now been answered. We now pray that it continues. That's my update for now!

Warmly,
Jen

Love is a Journey

"Love is looking

into each other's eyes every morning

as if it were the first time and closing each day with a kiss

that says, "I can't wait until tomorrow."

"Love is working side by side

for something you believe in,

knowing there's

another person in this world

who is there for you."

"Love is growing old together

and falling in love

over and over again,

all along this journey you share."

The Apartment

This picture was taken in our moving truck on the morning we set out for Indiana. Brian and I had a very successful move to Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of 2008. We arrived at our apartment on New Year's Eve. We unpacked the moving truck, had Chinese take-out, set up our bed, and we were asleep hours before the new year arrived! The next few days of 2009 were specifically spent unpacking until every box was gone! It was a huge task-especially if you knew the size of the apartment-but we completed it rather quickly. The following pictures are of our apartment now.

This is our bedroom. The bedding colors are primarily sage green, tan, and a dark brown. The colors match the bathroom.

Our living room complete with a couch and oversized chair from Brian's dad. The picture mat that all of our wedding guests signed is such a precious thing to us and it hangs on the wall in this room.

Still in the living room. Our entertainment center complete with some pictures of family and friends. :)

Our cute, tiny, little kitchen!

This is the "office" room. The picture shows my personal space in this little room. Brian also has a desk and computer on his side. It is also holding some of our storage in a closet. It's not the neatest room, but it works. :)

This is our bathroom. It is the same color scheme as the bedroom. It is a tropical theme complete with palm trees on everything. :) We have palm tree shower curtain hooks if you look closely and palm trees on the hand towel, tissue holder, toothbrush holder, etc. It reminds us of our honeymoon in Hawaii, which was truly amazing! :)

So now you have a visual of our apartment in Indiana. We would love for anyone to come and visit, of course, so feel free to come and see us! :) We are enjoying our new life together. Brian started his Spring 2009 semester of school this week. I will be attending a substitute orientation and then hopefully subbing a lot to give me something to do, too! We are only in this location for about 5 months and then we will be moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana for Brian to attend graduate school at Concordia Seminary. He still wants to become a military chaplain. Let us know how you are doing, we love to keep in touch with family and friends! Feel free to e-mail us, comment on our blog, or call us anytime! We love and miss you! God bless. :)