Great time off....

Since I have had these two weeks off, I have really enjoyed spending time with Daniel and Takota. I am so not looking forward to starting my next internship due to loving being home and having the privilege to spend so much time with Daniel and to relax...but I have had to ask God for the right attitude for this time of my life (with working) and know that it's a blessing to be able to have this career to make an impact and bring God glory through occupational therapy. It will also be helpful financially, obviously, too. So anyway, the real reason I was doing this post was to put some current pictures of Takota after realizing that he is getting so much bigger.....

Doesn't he look so much like Winnie!

His ears aren't so dopey anymore.

I love this one!

So about the accident.....

It's been a week since my car accident and just looking back I have many thoughts and observations about the whole situation.....

First, I am relieved that the other driver is okay and  my neck stiffness and soreness is gone! It went away within two to three days! It's so obvious that God had His hand on both of us in that way! Especially for her since she didn't have a seat belt on! Yikes! I'm also glad that it wasn't the truck that I ran into her with because that would have done so much more damage to her and who knows what condition she would've been in. 

Also, it was amazing that Daniel just happened to be right at Wal-Mart right when I crashed and he heard the noise and he came over in just seconds to check up on me. (The crash occurred on the street by-passing Wal-Mart (35 MPH zone)...the other lady ran a stop sign and then all I could do was slam on my brakes and run right into her.) I was so full of nerves that it was so relieving and perfect that Daniel was there to comfort me. 

Another cool thing that we have realized is that I got done with my 1st clinical that was an hour away. Which I needed a car for and for my second clinical coming up is right in town and five minutes away! It's just amazing all the details that play into it. So we can easily get by with one car for a few months and then once I start working we can think about getting the next vehicle. 

Yesterday, the adjuster called and let us know that we are going to get money back for the car. They are paying us back the fair market value of the car, which is only a $100 cheaper than when I bought it three years ago. That was such an answer to prayer! We are looking forward to buying a newer car and see what God has in store for us with that! To be honest I don't miss my old car AT ALL. It was ready to be done with anyway. Never did I expect for it to go like that, but at least we had no other choice than to get rid of it. That car was a blessing for the three years I had it and it saved money.

I just want to be open to what God wants out of this whole situation and come closer to Him with this. I am so thankful for all the concerns and love that was shown to me after it happened from family and friends. And truly grateful for the prayers that were lifted up, too. Even though it wasn't a horrible accident....it still shook me up enough to where I realize how short/delicate our lives are and that I take things for granted so many times including my Savior! Thank you Father for being so strong, faithful, loving, understanding, wise, sovereign, and all-knowing! I fall short everyday, but You are there to guide, discipline, and love me through life's journey! To You be the glory!

Happy 25th Birthday DANIEL!!

So, for being his birthday, he had an eventful day!.....He got the privilege of preaching this morning at church and did a wonderful job. He loves to preach/teach! And the jr. high youth prepared the food for the fellowship lunch and served the food! So he was involved with that, too! 

Even though it's not the same without family here to celebrate with him, he got a lot of phone calls and some surprise cards, money, cake, and many birthday wishes! We ended up hanging out with the Cooper's (which we consider "family") the rest of the night, which was a great end of the day! 

I am so blessed to have a husband that is so loving, thoughtful, tender-hearted, funny, smart, God-fearing, and just so many more! I love him more than words can say! Happy Birthday Babe! You are the best husband and friend that I could ever have! God knew what He was doing when He put you in my life and I thank Him for it! Daniel brings so much joy into my life and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for our lives in the future together

We put together a few things to give to Daniel for his special day and actually the turn out with the contribution for his birthday and a new bow was phenomenal. He plans on selling one of his hand guns and then using the birthday money also to buy another bow. Which is exactly all he wanted for his birthday anyway! So PTL! 

Everyone joined in and sang Happy Birthday before blowing out the candles! 

I had to snap a few shots of him preaching away this morning! I always love hearing him speak about the Word and hear how passionate he is about living for the Lord! Preaching/teaching is definitely one of his gifts and talents among the many he has! 

Isn't he so handsome!! I am so proud of him and I can't help but just smile when I see him up there!

Hanging out with Family....

So, my family made the 12-15 hour trek from Michigan this past week and spent some time with Daniel and I. It was quite an eventful and memorable time for all of us. It was also quite a new yet exciting experience having family come to "our" place! I was quite nervous at first just anticipating what they would think and say, but my worries were put at ease when all they said was how much they loved every bit of it out here! So, I guess we passed the test! Ha, ha! The time went quite fast...but isn't that how it always goes. It was good catching up! Thanks Dad, Mom, Luke, and Lance for sharing a few days with us! Love you all. Enjoy a few of the candid moments..... 

We had a great beginning of the visit with a huge blessing from the Lutz tribe.....a few boxes full of food! I know that it may seem so simple, but something about having a cupboard full of food is such a great feeling and so exciting. We have never seen our cupboards this full ever! Thanks you guys for your love and generosity. That's what family is for, right!!! 

As Daniel and I were sorting and organizing the food, I mentioned to him how it just makes me miss them all even more. Thanks for the love offering, guys! Lord willing we will hopefully see you all soon! 

Daniel enjoying some bonding and relaxing time with Takota. He's so great with him! Takota would not be where he is now if it weren't for Daniel training him so well and the time/care he gives Takota!

Daniel showing off his golfing skills! We went golfing in Wahpeton at a golf course that is split up 9 holes in North Dakota and the other 9 in Minnesota. Pretty cool! I will have to say that for Daniel's second time ever to golf in his life, he is pretty stinkin good! 

Of course, Lance had to hit on the lady statues at Scheel's (world's biggest sporting goods store in Fargo). He is too much fun and never a dull moment with him! 

We got some dinner at the lovely Olive Garden while we were in Fargo. Mmmmm...

Home Sweet Home!

So I thought that I would give an on-line home tour for those that haven't been able to see our apartment yet. I just want to let you know what our place looks like after we have made it more of our home. Enjoy!

Bathroom

Guest Bedroom

The Study

Our bedroom

Takota's Room

The Family Room

Of course, the Kitchen