Out and About with the Eatons

Summer 2011 - Week 6

2011-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

Week 6: July 24 - 30

Sunday night Brian offered to help make dinner again so we made a chicken/taco soup with all the toppings and corn bread.

Monday night Rec staff played in the Mud Bowl at camp (I had to work late & just showed up with ice cream treats when they were done) and then we had the usual staff meeting from 9:30 - 11 p.m.

Tuesday night was book club at our house. We read My Life in France by Julia Child which was interesting, but I was fully able to put it down each day. Ha. I made a healthy peach/blueberry crisp which ended up being very good. I used oats, minimal added sugar & whole wheat flour and it was great.

Wednesday night was ballet again. I have finally learned what each move is called so that helps (e.g., go from tondue to 2nd). That's progress! I met a girlfriend for a late night dinner afterwards. We chatted for too long, but had a great time.

Thursday was a rough day at work for me (we had a serious child abuse report that required immediate attention from CPS). I made Texas sheet cakes during lunch then just got everything out during Bible study. I mostly stayed upstairs & rested after an exhausting day/week.

Friday & Saturday were more low key evenings to get things down around the house, errands, and then we went to a summer staffer's birthday party. I cannot believe we've had plans every weekend of summer (this doesn't allow for a lot of down time), but we only have a few more weekends to go!

Summer 2011 - Week 5

2011-07-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

Week 5: July 17-23

On Sunday night our friend Brian (on the leadership team) offered to make his homemade manicotti so I definitely allowed that! It was delicious. I contributed salad, dessert and bread.

The week was really full as I had evening plans each night & a board member in town all week to play cards with from 9 p.m. to midnight (Sun - Thurs). I had ballet practice with a friend from my class, dinner with a friend, ballet class, then Bible study each evening before cards (Mon - Thurs). I intended to make a good dessert for Thursday night, but not getting home until after midnight didn't really inspire me to bake until 2 a.m.! We picked up things for ice cream floats & ice cream sundaes and let everyone go to town on Thursday night. Of course I still had all the usual treats as well.

Friday night, Matt and I headed out to Palm Springs to meet some (peer) staff for a weekend away. We mostly stayed in the pool for 2 days, but enjoyed their company, some bike rides, and general goofiness while we were there.

The week was packed and I was so tired when we got home on Sunday!

Summer 2011 - Week 4

2011-07-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Week 4: July 10 - 16

Sunday started with us getting back into the swing of things (I did a TON of laundry, had to run errands, work a little, etc.). For dinner, I helped our friend Brian make stuffed shells for dinner. We had stuffed shells, salad, asparagus, bread & dessert (cookie dough brownies).

On Monday we had the usual staff meeting then I hung out in the girls' cabin (on their patio - the ladio) until late. I normally run before or after the meeting so I ran before. It was good.

Tuesday night Matt and I had date night. He thought we should go to Lake Arrowhead (about 45 minutes away) because we'd never been there. It was a great night. We ate at a good Mexican restaurant, then watched the sun set over the lake.

On Wednesday night I had my first adult ballet class!! When I first bought my ballet shoes & leotard (I was in Portland with my mom & sisters) I was saying how there was no way I would need a skirt for an adult class (how could they be that hard core?). Well, I was wrong. I now need to shop for a pair of pink tights & a skirt! My yoga capris & leotard just don't cut it! These ladies are good. I really hope I make Nutcracker try outs. Ha. No, but honestly - it is so fun and random. I will at least continue through this semester & then probably be done. Although a little girl did ask me if I was a professional. Ha - so cute!! And no, I've never done a dance class of any type so this is me living my childhood dreams. Wish me luck.

Thursday night we had an off week for Bible Study & actually took a hike to a cave to experience what David experienced... and we also played a lot & rode a little sled down this water way. We brought Mel and we all loved it. I just purchased some amazing ice cream novelties (taking after Mrs Donna!) and then we had popcorn & candy & watched a movie later that night.

On Friday night we had "Rec Gender Night". The girls all came here for manicures, facials, etc. Even Mel got her nails painted (don't get me started... the girlyness got out of hand & Matt agreed we may have crossed a line... ha). I made chicken salad, hummus/veggies/pita chips, fruit, chocolate chip pound cake, cherry limeade punch, coffee & flavored water. We also decorated sugar cookies... how much more girly could it get? The boys were gallivanting through the woods doing paintball, they grilled out, etc. It was a great night!

Saturday was Staff Beach Day so we all trekked out to Newport Beach for a fun day (yes, that's my 3rd Saturday in a row at the Beach. We have a TOUGH life.) I am pleased with my growing tan & we loved hanging with everyone. Matt swam like 800 yards at least with a couple of guys! He is such a strong swimmer. I mostly flailed in the water & enjoyed chatting with ladies. We got home late....

... and now Week 5 has begun!

Summer 2011 - Week 3

2011-07-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Week 3: July 3-July 9

This week was so fun to have Jack with us & the boys hanging at camp! On Sunday morning Matt made us all breakfast then we hung out/shopped until camp time (3 p.m.) Jack & I hung out at the lake that day (kayaked, went down the slide, swam, went on the aqua jump) then Nathan & Scott met up with us. We went to the Clubhouse to get milkshakes before the boys began camp.

Jack and I headed home to make dinner. Matt grilled fish for fish tacos & grilled some pineapple, we also had guacamole, black beans, 3 different kinds of tortillas, and lots of toppings! We had Chocolate Chip Dip with strawberries & Teddy Grahams for dessert.

This was a really fun week for us because while Matt & I worked a lot, we also got to hang out as campers with Jack a lot.

On Monday night (fourth of July) Matt & I took Jack to get dinner, then surprised him to go see Cars 2 before fireworks! He'd already seen it once (a midnight showing with his parents - that's awesome, huh!?) so he talked us through it. Ha. Then we saw fireworks before heading to Target for a few things.

On Tuesday, Jack and I left for Santa Monica to visit his great grandma, then went to Anaheim for the Angel's Game. Because we were going to Disneyland the next day, we just got a great deal on a hotel (priceline again, yes!) and enjoyed swimming & hanging out at the hotel. The Angel's game was great. Disneyland was amazing with Jack! He is the perfect age to ride everything (wasn't scared, was tall enough) yet still enjoyed the magic of it (while on rides - "is this a real airplane, hotel, car...?" and loved seeing Mickey & others). We had an amazing day!! I'll never forget Jack in mid-sentence passing out in the back seat & hearing his chicken nuggets roll around the back seat. We were wiped out!

We drove back late Wednesday night & I was happy to let Matt help carry Jack upstairs.

Thursday was a full day at camp then for Bible study night we had (again) fruit pizza. The word got out on that so I had to make a few GIANT pizzas. Staff loved it & Jack helped.

On Friday we picked up Nathan & Scott, played at camp some more, then all drove out to Grandma's house in Santa Monica. We had dinner on the promenade then headed to bed for an early flight.

We took the boys to LAX early Saturday morning then went to meet some staff in Long Beach. Matt and I had an awesome beach day with them, then went to one of their homes in Long Beach to make dinner, swim, etc. We love the social time to bond with staff.

Matt and I drove back late Saturday night... well, I mostly slept. Such a fun week!! We want all the boys to come back again (and anyone else too!)

Summer 2011 - Week 2

2011-07-17T20:20:00.000-07:00

Week 2: June 26 - July 2

On Sunday night I made grilled chicken (Matt actually does all the grilling), grilled veggies, twice baked potato casserole, and salad. I made fruit pizza for dessert.

On Tuesday night, I had book club at my house. We read The Help in June. If you haven't read the book - read it! It is so good. I am loving the reading accountability + great girl time! We are so lucky to have SO much fresh produce here so when I bought fresh veggies & fruit at a local stand for Sunday's dinner, I bought enough fruit to make fruit pizza again for book club. I am one happy lady with fruit pizza twice in one week!! :)

For Bible study on Thursday, I made all the usual stuff + mud pudding with worms! During Orientation Week I took dessert requests and several of the guys freaked out about mud pudding. So funny. Anyhow, I made a LOT of both chocolate & vanilla mud pudding... and the bowls were licked clean! That night after Bible study, Matt dressed up like Mattsquatch (essentially sasquatch w/ his face showing) and freaked out some guys. It was a ridiculous prank and somehow all 30 staff managed to hide in the woods quietly to observe this craziness!

This was an especially long/hard week for me at work, so I left for about an hour on Friday night to eat dinner with Matt, then continued working until about 11 at night. Sometimes HR is so great, but the dramatic/rough weeks can be hard.

Saturday morning Matt & I left super early to go pick up Nathan, Scott & Jack - our visitors for the week flown in from Dallas! Nathan & Scott (Matt's cousins) were going to High School Camp & Jack (my nephew) was hanging with us all week! So fun! We picked them up at LAX then went to a local restaurant for breakfast. Then we headed straight to the beach! Jack had his first experience boogie boarding & it was a fun day for everyone. We stayed there almost all day before driving back for a staff member's swim/slip & slide party. We enjoyed some In & Out on the way. It was a full, but fun day!

Summer 2011 - Week 1

2011-07-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

Week 1: June 19 - 25

Every Sunday night begins with the Rec leadership team coming over for dinner... so every week I make dinner for 8. It's a sweet time to prepare for the week, discuss any issues, etc. I am going to include what I make so I can remember.

Grilled chicken & steak

Black Bean, Corn & Avocado Dip & chips

Fruit Salad

Salad

Lemonade

Healthy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

Monday nights we have staff meeting. This is normally the only time when different teams can see each other so it is a really sweet time. It's a late night though since the meeting doesn't start until 9:30.

Tuesday & Wednesday nights have varied all summer. This particular week I think I ran errands, worked out, and met with a girl.

On Thursday nights the whole staff (35 people) comes to our house for Bible study. This summer all the camps are studying David (the lessons/topics vary depending on the camp center). We are also studying David at Bible study - reading 1-2 Psalms per week chronologically with his life & reading supporting Scripture to help paint the picture of what was happening with David when he wrote the Psalm.

This particular week we read Psalm 23

Every week I make peanut butter dip (the pine cove way :) and apple slices, coffee/tea, flavored water, and a dessert. This week I made puppy chow. I have become very good at making the right amount of dessert for 35. I am grateful to my mom who helped me learn how to feed a million people (and often responds to texts like one from last week - "how many cans of chicken do I need if I am making chicken salad for 30 girls?")

On Friday, June 24, Matt & I left camp early (which was exciting) to go up to Santa Barbara to see Alison Kraus play! I got him tickets for his birthday in May and we finally got to go. The concert was amazing & we scored an awesome, cheap hotel on priceline! Yea! We came back Saturday afternoon.

And Week 1 flew by....

Summer 2011 - Orientation Week

2011-07-17T19:23:00.001-07:00

(Hi friends - I am intentionally working to remember this summer. It's been so great so far and I am writing this for me.)

Orientation Week 2011

Orientation is a crucial time for camps - you get 10 days to teach culture, practice, expectations, allow time for bonding, etc. before you start with constant campers. My normal job continues and we add to that the arrival of several hundred residential & part-time staff. However, there are additional responsibilities in my role as "Matt's wife" during the summer.

I led the HR training time (harassment, abuse prevention, safety/OSHA, etc.) - such fun! Ha. I actually had a breakthrough moment last week while eating out with Matt and realized my job is essentially - to be anal. Umm lovingly, kindly anal, but anal. Sorry that I haven't replaced that word with one that sounds less ugly. I am not totally sure how much I love having a job that encourages me to be more anal than I naturally am. Ha! Anyhow... Orientation also includes lots of other training, team building, and me making lots of desserts for the Rec staff. We have a great group this summer!

We also celebrated five years of marriage on Friday, June 10. We were in the midst of orientation so we kept it low key. We made lunch at home and walked the dog! That may sound simple, but it was perfect for us. I am grateful for five years with Matt. We did go to the San Diego Wild Animal Park a few weeks earlier as well.

That week I brought/made many treats including root beer floats. We also had a 70s night and went roller skating with staff (pics on facebook). It was a great week.

Sunday Morning Musings

2011-05-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

I sit in my twin-sized fake sheep skin blanket on an overly comfy couch with pillows and books all around. I still smell of morning and coffee and my teeth are sugar-coated from the leftover Reese's Pieces I've been helping myself to all morning. We had friends over last night to enjoy candy, pizza, and drinks and to rest from the long days of work recently. Matt is taking his first day off in a while (I stopped counting) so he is sleeping in as church begins. This is good. We've had a full week with many friends. 2 official dinner parties back to back and lots of random friends in between. I am grateful for the arrival of my best friend who moved to So Cal several weeks ago and the sleepover we had on Friday.

Mel (our newest family member) is asleep on the floor near me. We started puppy school a few weeks ago so she is only on the floor until we all learn the hierachy in this family (Matt is much better at this than me). She is wearing a cone for the third time in her life as she gave herself a deep cut in her too-large ear from breaking out of her crate (again) two weeks ago and is healing with stitches and medicine. She was out of the crate with a bleeding ear for too long and managed to shake tiny spatterings of blood all over this house. I came home and tried using cornstarch to stop the bleeding... it didn't work and an hour later, we headed down the the pet clinic with bloody, cornstarch-powdered faces and bodies, and Mel's whole head in an ace bandage. We were quite the pair. Matt was conveniently out of town. The house is clean now after many hours with Meyer's All-Purpose cleaner and a magic eraser. She is wild and innocent and I am shocked how much I love a dog. She is large (76 lbs.) and everyone talks about her giant ears and paws. She'll do anything for treats (I can understand that).

I am grateful to sit in a quiet house with coffee and candy and a warm fire blazing nearby (it is May 15 in Southern California, but a cold morning here). May is probably my least favorite month at camp as it is filled with craziness all around. I have been neck-deep in various staffing situations and am spending a lot of time reviewing our abuse prevention policies prior to summer. I am thankful to be somewhere that will proactively go to greath lengths to protect kids. Matt has been busy with the rebuilding of a new (& improved) zip line and prepares to begin horse & aquatic programs this week as it warms up. He has a lot on his plate.

I read a magazine for Christian camp staff that encouraged spouses to find hobbies to fill their down time while their spouses work too much. I found this article funny and satirically began to plan my hobbies. Somehow I made a list with a friend and look forward to the sewing, ballet, and organizing that will probably not happen this summer, but who knows?

We have lots of loved ones walking in hard times, but also get to share the joys too (nephew's 2nd party today, new babies - even a new niece, engagements, etc.). I am grateful that God is reminding me that he is more in those details then I could ever imagine. I am grateful for the ways he is changing me and stretching me and reminding me that he is more than I could ever even think.

I remember the blog when I read other friends' blogs. Blessings to you - probably the only readers, Aunt Barb & Jeanne :) - today. I may blog more, but won't feel too bad if I don't. I am really working on my "shoulds" in life and trying not to "should" myself more than I should... but we love you guys nonetheless.

Happy Fall, Y'all!

2010-11-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our place. All decked out for FALL! I love the fall (like everyone, right?!) but actually experience cooler weather & falling leaves (ya know, FALL) unlike most of my Texas friends.

Last weekend we had a pumpkin carving/dinner night with my boss and all his direct reports (2nd annual!). Yes, that weird pumpkin does say "(down) nubbins". One of the many quotes of my boss... ha!!
Back deck... table for friends and leaves. :)
One of my favorite fall decorations. We picked up 2 of these last fall (one for G-Ma). I love it. I also love to give thanks (see below).

These are leaves (or other "fall" shapes) of thankfulness. We started last week when we had a small dinner party and I (ahem) required all attendees to be thankful. JK. I didn't make them!!
The blank forms & pens are on our dinner table (in the pitcher) and then they put them on the metal wall decoration.
More pumpkins + fall tablemats.

Glowing pumpkin, leaves, pine coves - we got it.

So thankful for this time of "slowing down" and remembering all the things we have to be thankful for!

ALSO

2010-10-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post this in the correct monthly posts, but some other fun things recently...

- I am now leading our HR team at camp. Lots of work - Lots of fun!! I am blessed to be there and thankful to serve our HR folks (and staff!)

- We SURFED for the first time when we went to Carmel!!! I, surprisingly, LOVED surfing and actually did pretty well!! Our friend arranged to have a surfing instructor with us with warm wet suits, boards, etc. and it was just a fabulous day!

- We are officially talking about buying a house! No news yet, but we did find one house we absolutely love up here by camp. We'll see how that progresses. We weren't intending to purchase just yet (according to our financial plan) but it seems that the interest rates + home prices in California right now may win us over. We'll see. Thankful to be debt free and able to make this huge decision!! Also super thankful for Uncle Danny & Leah who are helping us through that process!

- I have officially decided I am not finishing my Masters through DTS. I am going to wrap up with another class and get my certificate! Then who knows if I will use that to finish though DTS someday. For now, I am leaning towards a Masters in HR Development at a local university (the Claremont Colleges). Fun stuff. An answer to prayer!

- Matt is doing some huge things at camp. He is Captain Safety. He is branded on our safety posters. He is fabulous. Some pics to share...

Matt doing something & our newest rooomie, Kelly. She lives with Hannah in our basement and was a summer staff this year. We are carrying a giant squash at the pumpkin patch!

Some of our Rec summer staff

From the Staff Banquet in August - 2 months ago!

October. Indeed.

2010-10-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,

So no blog updates for several months (again). This is my norm apparently. Plus, I think I was being slightly overambitious in thinking I would blog during summer. Anyhow, I am sitting in a beautiful house at Lake Tahoe, CA enjoying Matt and my (a tad delayed) post-summer vacation. We are thankful to be away in this place with some time to just chill and play. It's been an especially rainy weekend and we've loved resting together.

October started with me co-hosting a woman's retreat at FH. The theme was "Time Out for Women" and our speaker just blew my socks off. I fell in love with her and am continuing to learn and digest so much from her (and I was the one who was supposed to be working that weekend!). It was such a blessing.

A few days later Matt and I headed for Carmel, CA with some friends to stay with a board member in her beach house. This woman spoiled us rotten with amazing food, gifts, and company. We treasure her and her love & support. I left with some amazing boots, Matt got some jeans, and we all had full bellies & hearts.

Later that week, our house guests (the family) moved into their new place, Matt left for a 3-day work retreat, and I was suddenly all alone in the house! I cleaned for an entire day, put out our fall decorations, and embraced the quiet!! It was wonderful.

That was last weekend... we left Thursday for Tahoe and here we are! In between all those fun trips have been a lot of long work days, projects, fun meetings with friends, etc.

Camp life is not perfect nor is it the easiest life. Yet sometimes (like right now when I type the realities of our life) I have to pinch myself because of the blessing it is and to recognize the faithfulness of God in it. The way he renews and restores me, and allows me to continue to be involved in this ministry in spite of the sin in me. I don't get it, people! I am absolutely not worthy of this. He is greater. He is deeper. He is available. He is real. He is calling to you in the famine. He is calling to you when your cup is overflowing.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever, amen!" Ephesians 3:20-21

September.

2010-10-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

September kicks off with the end of summer for us - a major young adult conference that FH calls Briefing. We were around for that for all of Labor Day weekend. It was a great conference, focusing on Micah 6:8.

Matt and I both had some big work presentations/events in September. We get back into our weekly date night routine (and every other night routine as well!) and try to get our house/yard recovered from summer!

We also had a fun surprise... a family of 4 moved in with us at the end of August and moved out in mid-October. All of September was filled with baby sounds and we were blessed to welcome 2 friends and their 19 and 5 months old into our home. We love them like family. We do have 2 girls living in the basement this year too, so it was definitely a full house! :)

I was able to come to Dallas last minute for my sister's baby shower and to visit with family. It was a great time to catch up with some friends and see our family there. I hate missing seeing our nephews grow up and am thankful to see them every time I can. I loved seeing Ian walking around in full swing (while maintaing the "hand jive"). Finley was almost walking on his own when I saw him (and now is walking on his own for sure). The shower was an amazing blessing - thanks to our dear friends who coordinated that. So fun.

I spent the last weekend of September helping with a junior high girls' conference at our Ojai camp. I absolutely love junior high girls so that was an especially fun time.

August.

2010-10-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

August is a whirlwind of wrapping up, goodbyes, recoverings, prepping for another busy season at camp (September).

We started August by heading up to Portland for several days. Getting away during camp is a challenge, but when faced with the option of seeing all my family at one time or not, we made the necessary arrangements and I was able to leave 2 days earlier than Matt. He joined us for a long weekend. It was such a blessing to see all my brothers, sisters, in-laws, nephews, mom, Steve, Big Jack and Nana (everyone on my mom's side). We had a beach day, various outings, and hung out a lot and enjoyed Mom's cooking. I've always loved being a part of a big family, but it's so fun now that we are all older with families of our own. Loved it. We also got to hear the fantastic news that the Greers are expecting baby #2. So happy Finley will get a new brother or sister in late March!

We returned for the last 4 weeks of camp. The rest of August included the end-of-summer banquet for staff, baby showers for friends, the "last" part of every thing for the summer (last Bible study, hang out time, etc.).

JULY.

2010-10-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

July highlights:

- Camp. All 30 Rec summer staff. Weekly Bible study (The Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer). Watching staffers date and break up, and some stick together. Weekly coffee dates with the girl leaders. Lots of random coffee dates with lots of girls. Child abuse calls (I'm the first responder/reporter for child abuse reports kids make). Late night stuff (bear run-ins, activities, etc.). Safety auditors. HR conferences. God doing amazing things everyday. Everyday.

- Friends. We had some amazing July visitors... Katherine & Daniel Smith. I'll always remember our hike down the Big Bear mountain as I ranted about some conundrums. We got to see the Angels game, sleepover in Anaheim, see the Riskeys. Blessing. We love the Smiths like family. We also got to see the amazing Nathan L and Scott P, our cousins. They were able to come to camp this year and hang out for a little while after. We LOVED seeing them and hearing what the Lord did in their lives while at High School and Junior High camp, respectively. My sister Katie made it down for a week and I loved seeing her. I'll always remember our walk back from dinner on the Santa Monica Promenade talking about future and being SO silly. Also getting tan together. And my horrible driving throughout her visit.

- Weekends. We were able to get away several times during the month, which is sanity for my heart and soul. We went to Palm Desert with some dear co-workers who are also dear friends. We had 2 staff beach days - 1 with Rec staff that involved jumping off cliffs and another with all FH summer staff in Orange County. Both were fun. I broke my flip flops on the first trip and didn't cliff jump myself. Matt has pics on his facebook if you're interested! Preached one Sunday morning to the summer staff. I shared part of my life story with them and I pray the Lord used it.

July is a long, but so fast, humbling month when you work at a camp. Thankful for the opportunity.

And... JUNE!

2010-06-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

June = CAMP

OK - no pics yet. My goal is to do weekly recaps of camp so I don't forget. Stay tuned (but, uh, don't hold your breath! Ha!)

June is SUCH a crazy time at camp. I love the intensity so much... no really, I do!! We got back from our trip in May and jumped into full blown, insane camp prep! Indeed, we cancel all other commitments and our lives become camp for three months.

My role in June is prepping for and orienting all 200 summer staff in everything HR! I lead several HR trainings (child abuse, harassment, etc.) in conjunction with others and coordinate the paperwork end of things. My partner in HR does the recruiting so his job weans at this point. I also prep as "Matt's wife" for the 30 Rec summer staff by making welcome bags, prepping for Bible study with Matt, cleaning, etc.! It's busy!!

On our actual anniversary - June 10th - a few great things happened:
1) Our anniversary! Love it. Matt gave me 4 bouquets of flowers and 4 spa/pedi giftcards!!! Woohoo. Can't wait for the 75 year mark! :)

2) We paid off my last payment for my last student loan - we're debt free!!!!! We are now moving forward to buy furniture & officially save for a house!! Yahoo!! We thank God that his provision has allowed us to do this, even when we paid for 1 and a half Masters at DTS, plus bought a couple cars!! Praise the Lord! I am super excited about new couches sometime soon... our hand-me-down couches I received very "loved" by my amazing uncle's family and have used them for 5 years now. Amazing they are still standing.

3) Summer Staff arrived! It was a crazy paperwork check-in day, but a blast!!

Week 1 of camp ends tomorrow, so we are definitely "in" it now. We had our first Bible study (actually a book study of The Knowledge of the Holy by AW Tozer) last night!! All 30 staff fit (somehow) in our house! I am loving getting to know the girls and getting time with them (lots of coffee in my life now).

We are also super thankful for our DADS as we celebrated Father's Day from a distance on Sunday! We are also dog watching our CFO's dog for the summer. But let's just say Week 1 hasn't been good (think Marley & Me). We may have to send him to another home for the summer. Never a dull moment around here!!

Wow. Ok. I think that's it.

May!

2010-06-25T20:28:00.001-07:00

May included BDay celebrations of these two fellas (Millard came to visit & Matt on Cinco de Mayo), one-year anniversary of moving to CA, summer prep/crazy camp times, and our 4 year anniversary trip.

We were super excited to welcome Millard for a week! He & Matt had a great time exploring California, we all went to Disneyland, hiking, etc. It was great.

We celebrated one year of life in CA! Isn't that crazy?! What a fun, full year.

Camp was CRAZY with groups in all month, plus we were both swamped in summer prep.

I finished final papers & final exams for my two DTS classes, and successfully passed the CA PHR test. CA is the only state in the nation with it's own HR credential, but luckily, now I'll just have to do continuing ed classes and hopefully never retake the test! It was brutal.

We were super excited to get to go to San Diego for two nights to celebrate an early 4 year anniversary. People - use Priceline if you haven't and name your own price! We got a hotel room for almost 60% off in downtown! It was super nice and right by the water. We went to the zoo, shopped, ate fondue, got all wet in a random rain, and enjoyed the harbor. It was such a blast. Such a blessing to be married to that fella for 4 years!! We posted this at our wedding and hope to continue to do so:

"O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!" Psalm 34:3

Posts!

2010-06-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

A few comments on the many posts coming up...

1) I spent NO time editing the photos or posts. So sorry for any typos and weird formatting!
2) We haven't been in a good photography mode so we don't have many pics. This is so frustrating and will change soon.

That's all. It's good to document our life a bit so I don't forget. Love to you all!

April

2010-06-25T20:11:00.001-07:00

April = Easter, Vacation, CLA Conference, Signs of Spring!

We had a fabulous, quiet Easter with the White's. It was a great time. I introduced them to Texas Sheet Cake which was a big hit! I love Easter and love spending it with friends and/or family, or friends who are family :)

The best part of April was the 6 days Matt & I spent on vacation!! We headed to Santa Monica for the first night & were able to see Gma, then drove straight to San Francisco! It was about a six hour drive, but we filled it with fun & conversations (& napping, of course). We made it to my Uncle Shaugn & Aunt Polly's house where they were kind enough to host us for 3 nights. We hadn't seen them in a while and it was so good to catch up. They have a beautiful house in Mill Valley and we were fed amazingly, enjoyed great bike rides & a bike tour of the city, went to Sonoma for a day, and attended their church. It was so refreshing!

We stayed with a camp board member another night (just south of San Francisco) and enjoyed catching up with her family as well. Then we drove down Highway 1 and saw a whale + calf! It was incredible!! We had an amazing day driving down the highway. We stayed in San Luis Obispo that night at an amazing bed & breakfast. Then we drove to our other camp location in Ojai for a safey meeting - vacation officially over! Ha!
[side note: Matt & I are two of 8 people on the safety committee at camp, so we're called the "safest couple at camp" - what we always aspired to! Ha!]

I headed to San Diego for a 4-day conference right after we got back. I attended the Christian Leadership Alliance annual conference which is built-for and attended by Christian leaders or organizations. They have different tracks so I attended the HR track. It was so fun to meet HR folks from all kinds of amazing companies... Salvation Army, Campus Crusade, etc., etc. It was a great time!

I headed back to our Ojai camp soon to surprise them for our Staff Celebration Week, and then we continued the festivities for the entire week of April at our main camp. It was a FULL, fun week for Staff! As you can imagine, it's definitely not "HR Celebration Week" but we got to relax when it was over!

Signs of Spring: bear poop (sorry-I know that's gross, can you guess who took the pic?!) and a deer beginning to emerge again!

March

2010-06-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

March was filled with family visits and work trainings!

We were super pumped to see lots of family in March! Mom & Steve headed south for mom's work conference in Anaheim and we got to play (we also met up later with then and the Eatons at Disney). We mostly just shopped, hung out, looked around snowy camp, and talked about snow. LOL! And had a blast!

Then we got mom & Pops Eaton and the Browns! What fun! We were able to explore camp one day, do a hike in the creek behind our house, ski at Big Bear, beach, Disney, etc. So fun!! We loved having them here and hope they all come back soon. Baby Ian is getting WAY to big too fast and we wish we could hug him everyday! We are super excited that the closest Sonic is RIGHT by Disneyland, so it's always a part of the trip (I am super happy in that pic with my large Diet Vanilla Coke easy ice)

A few days later Katie & Steph arrived from Portland! Steph is Katie's longtime best friend. We love them! We cruised around downtown LA, went to Disney, and then had then at our house to see camp. We had so much fun too.

Also in March - I took a California PHR study class during two Saturdays, and Matt took a Lifeguard/CPR/First Aid trainer class (so he can certify staff). We also saw Derek Webb live in concert in LA. So fun!

February

2010-06-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

February = Softball, School, Snow, Valentine's Fun, Women's Retreat

February was full of all kinds of fun. I love that both our moms and 1 amazing sister has a bday in February. It makes it such a sweet month.

Matt and I "played" on the company softball team. I actually managed to get a home run a couple times because of the mistakes of the other teams (think overthrows, etc. - gotta love church leagues). The Homies had the worst season in the league, but we had fun nonetheless. We typically celebrated our losses with frozen yogurt afterward - which is really why I played, lets be honest.

School... 2 DTS classes this spring could have killed me if I didn't enjoy them so much. My Saturdays were nearly entirely consumed with 5-6 hours of online videos + reading + writing. It was exhausting, but incredible. It is such a gift to be able to tune into such amazing, gifted Saints from my computer in California. I am still trekking through school, and will have to come to Dallas for maybe 2 weeklong classes in the next year or two, but other than that - can finish! Amazing.

Snow... yes, we had more snow. It fell pretty regularly and as late as Mother's Day this year. Oh snow. It makes me happy unless I have plans to be out of the house (which happens a lot) and I get sad. We hope to buy a house in the next 6-8 months and the big debate will be whether we buy "on the hill" (by camp) or "off the hill" (down in town - about 3000 feet lower than camp). No snow down the hill. We'll see.

Valentine's Day... Matt and I had the best Valentines Day. We stayed at Gmas in Santa Monica and enjoyed a fun weekend together. We were able to get rest, workout, go to the Getty museum (amazing!), have a fun dinner out, I think this was when we "met" Don Cheadle. It was our 10th VDay together (as best friends, dating, married, etc.). Isn't that amazing considering we are so young?! I love it. I am so thankful the Lord has given us that time. Pics above are at the Getty. The museum looks over LA and has an incredible view (sorry you cannot see good! Ha!)

The last weekend in February I was able to co-host a Women's Retreat at camp. It was such a precious time! I love so many things about HR and am so thankful to get paid to do it. But I LOVE Women's Min too. I felt so in my "zone" and just loved that God gave me the chance to do it. Amazingly, we have some incredible staff here and they are giving me the opportunity to really step it up in the fall. I am helping plan & host two Women's Retreat, and one youth girls' retreat at camp. It will be crazy with HR and the rest of life, but I am so excited. I also hope to use some of that time/energy towards my internship required by DTS, but those details haven't been set yet.

We also had a friend's going away party at Disney. We LOVE Disneyland and go there often! So fun to have a season pass.

January

2010-05-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

To describe January: SNOWPOCALYPSE.

After two weeks of family holiday celebrations, Matt and I were excited to get back home. We came back to cold mountain life. I was preparing to take my PHR test at the end of the month. Soon, Winter Camp started which is super fun for the kiddos.

Little did we know that during the night of January 21, a little over 6' of snow would fall. We were entirely dumped on. Matt and I woke up that morning and looked outside and were shocked at the snow. We soon discovered the power was out and Matt told me to get dressed, pack a bag, a prepare to be gone fora while. Ha! We had no idea what was coming.

We shoveled through snow for a while, with our new housemate, Hannah. We laughed in our snow gear as we tried to move snow that was past our thighs. LOL. We eventually made it up to camp in Matt's amazing Scout and began the trek to the President's house (at camp) which was powered by a generator. We walked through at least 4' of snow and Matt pulled a sled of our perishing food & supplies.

I holed up there for the day while Hannah and Matt went to see what they could do (Hannah works on Rec staff). It was soon decided that we could not beat the snow and the power would be out for a while, so we had to cancel Winter Camp for the weekend (and camp never cancels!).

Little did we know that a week later, we'd still be sleeping at the White's (president) house, enjoying communal living, and working remotely as the power was still out. It was a great bonding experience for all. We also had a ridiculous amount of fun - tubing around camp, playing games, etc. My biggest concern was being able to study & pass the PHR, and by God's grace I was able to do both! We moved back home on January 29th and that's all I remember of January. We still go to the White's with the gang for a communal dinner to remember the "good times" despite the havoc that became the Snowpolcalypse.

I cannot find a snow picture from the real snow, so here is one with snow. LOL. Also one to show my good-looking significant other (with some camp crazies).

posts...

2010-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

I do have SEVERAL posts from the past month+ of our life to document & remember. I would love to use this thing as a family journal, but sometimes I forget. Ha!

Anyhow. Wanted to document about how MUCH I love seeing the leaves outside our house grow a little bit more each day. In the winter, the trees in our "yard" were stripped. Now, every morning I look outside our bedroom and the leaves have grown a little more. I love it. God knows the timing of everything. Knows us intimately. Has everything in his hands.

That is all. Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday

2010-04-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

Pleasantly chatter with Matt for too long about dreams
Pressed for time
Percolating coffee
Ponytails and headbands – not a great cover for a late start, but kinda helpful
Preview Scripture/book reading
Payroll Problems
People distresses
Personality Challenges
Pray with her
Pray for them
Phone calls galore
Prep for vacation (starting Thursday night!)
Planning Meetings
Probationary Promotions
Pleased by BLT for lunch
Prepare a bed for them for tonight
Plan afternoon errands
Push through afternoon tasks
Pet discussion – are we ready for a dog?
Proud of hubby doing a million summer interviews
Praise for so many healthy babies - friends & family
Precious roommate sighting
Persistently run up hill…. trying
Pleasured by the down hill run… believe I’m fast again (not!)
Prowl around Target
Pressured to buy, but forgot our Dave Ramsey cash envelope system
Purchase-less yet provided in every sense, leave Target empty handed
Peruse the one-piece bathing suit sections at stores. Really people?
People watch while reading book in my car
Phone Call from dear friend
Phobias, insecurity, and the like – God make us whole women in you
Pumped about upcoming plans & trips
Public roads all the way back home with crazies
Positively love hubby
Phinish (c’mon) Taxes – phinally :)
Put on LOST
Packing, putting away, planning
Prepare Cream of Wheat
Pick up from day
DisPleased by the time – must go to bed
Persuade hubby
Purpose to wake up to alarm tomorrow

What did you do today?

I Love Oatmeal

2010-03-28T18:48:00.000-07:00

I really do LOVE oatmeal. I love to eat it normally... i.e., instant, old fashioned, or steel cut as a meal with many toppings (granola, peanut/almond butter, fruit, etc.). I love it in my favorite treats - no bake cookies & healthy, homemade granola bars. I love it as a facial mask (with yogurt & honey). I just love it. And I'm thankful for it.

And Happy Palm Sunday! I love Easter. I am curious how we will spend it here in CA. I hope to have a potluck of sorts or something like that.

I loved today. Spending Sunday doing NOTHING special with Matt. We looked for dogs (I think we're seriously considering getting a dog in early May when we're back from various trips/conferences). We went by the local, organic fruit/veggie stand. I tried out cheap, used treadmills at a local sports shop (we are going to buy one for this non-mountain runner). I am making artichokes & rice for dinner because we are hungry, but aren't too hungry.

We have a big week at work coming up. Prayers appreciated. Some realignment (re-org) within the company - good change, but change nonetheless.

We LOVED having tons of family here in March. What a blessing.

We have another busy month ahead - trips to San Fransisco (Vaca - me & Matt), San Diego (me for a conference), Dallas (me to attend the CBC Women's Retreat and see fam/friends). OSHA Compliance audit at camp, a Staff Celebration Week, a visit from our dear friend Millard, etc. --- should be a GREAT month.

I am rejoicing & welcoming Spring to our lives again this year. I hope you are all enjoying the longer, sunnier, and warmer days too!

Another bullet point update

2010-02-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

Some bullet-point updates/fun facts for those that still check this thing - thanks Uncle Butch, Aunt Jane, Barb & Jeanne :)

- We were snowed in, without power, for over a week after my last post. We stayed with our CEO's family at camp (they had a generator). It was a little snow commune for whoever was stuck or wanted to be entertained. We tubed in the backyard. We threw together meals (a lot of it from our fridge & freezer so we didn't lose too much!). We slept in random bedrooms. We almost totaled our cars due to a fallen tree, but we were spared (pics on Matt's facebook). It was great and a blessing, but SO nice to get home.

- I took the PHR test and passed. Amen. That's all I can say (so glad it's over!) I do have to take another test to get the CA credential in May and then I'm really done with all of that HR mambo jambo and can just do my job :)

- Matt bought a snow machine in Tahoe so we could keep our winter camp activities going through March. He actually brought the machine back 2 days before the storm hit and we were so excited to have "real" snow. And then the storm hit, so everyone joked, "Matt - take it back!" We have PLENTY of snow to last through March and there's more comin'!

- Matt loves to chainsaw our wood. He is a mountain man indeed. I reap the rewards.

- Snow makes me want to bake. It also makes me want to be grumpy... (I say want to be because snow doesn't actually make me grumpy, but often presents the opportunity for me to choose to be grumpy). Don't get me wrong, I really like to look at the snow while it falls or immediately after it's done. But everything else - the dirty snow, the icy patches, the mess in my entry way, the power outages, etc. - all not so fun. I am praying for all of you stuck in snow now because I feel your pain.

- I am excited to head to Santa Monica this weekend for a fun Valentine's Weekend. I am in love with my Valentine and super pumped for all the fun activities we have planned (including the BEACH and the SUN). Love it. I am also pumped to see my G-Ma! It's crazy to think that this is Matt and I's 10th V-day together (as friends or dating). I'm so thankful for our years of history.

- I went to Portland last weekend (or two weekends ago?) to celebrate my amazing older sister's 30th birthday. A bunch of girls (including me & Nana) flew in to tell her we love her and are thankful for her life. But I left more blessed than I could express. She is an amazing woman and I am humbled to have her!

- I am very thankful for so many women in my life/family who have chosen JOY through all of life's rocky circumstances. To have a Mom, Mother in Law, Grandmas, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, etc. - who have all chosen to say YES to the Lord and "smile at the future" has left quite a legacy and standard of joy for me. I am humbled and love them.

- I am loving my 2 DTS classes I'm taking online... the Gospels and Old Testament History. It's been quite a balancing act trying to squeeze in almost 6 hours of video a week, but man, I am blessed by my professors and feel like a "real" student even though I'm watching them in my living room in California.

- Softball on the company team is going okay. I actually, miraculously, hit a "home run" last week. I put home run in quotes because I hit the ball approximately 2 feet and because of 3 over throws by the other team, managed to make it all the way home. I was laughing so hard at the insanity of it, that another teammate commented that it looked like I was "having a seizure on the field". Lovely :)

- I took a Mental Health Day last Friday and consumed my day with schoolwork, laundry, and cleaning. I couldn't have been a happier woman. I highly recommend this to anyone who might also need a day off.

- I am proud of my giant baby nephews... Ian is holding is own for sure, and Finley is setting new records for 4-month olds. So proud. I miss them.

- Matt is doing fantastic. He's been busy recruiting at colleges for summer staff, watching LOST with me (we're in Season 4 and trying, slowly, to catch up!), still snowboarding at our local resort once a week, loving his team at work, being a great boss to his staff, and working a lot (which is camp life, indeed!)

Ok, that is a brief update... I need to finish dinner and get on with the evening! Hope you're doing well :)

SNOW

2010-01-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

My Friday To-Do List....

_ Wake up to no power & a freezing house: Check!
_ See the beautiful view: Check!
_ Enjoy a very excited husband who wanted to save camp & all nearby neighbors (& roomie & wife): Check!
_ Shovel a LOT of snow for the first time in my life: Check!
_ Be thankful for hubby & his amazing Scout truck: Check!
_ Hike in 4' of snow for 20 minutes from a main camp parking lot to the president's house where they have heat & power (courtesy of a generator): Check!
_ Quickly de-layer and lay clothes out to dry from sweat/snow: Check!
_ Decide how to prayerfully & productively help during this time of chaos (over 800 people scheduled to come to camp tonight): Working On!
_ Find out power may not be restored for a couple of days due to significant breakage in power lines: Check!
_ Begin to prepare for the worst (including a place to stay for a week): Check!
_ Thoroughly enjoy working from this warm place & the quiet of the afternoon: Check!
_ Remembering Isaiah 1:18 "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow."
_ Enjoying when God says "STOP!" Although it's frustrating and I am stuck and there's nothing I can do to be "productive", I am loving this: Check!
_ Thinking & praying for our fam & friends far away - hope all is well: Check!

Time to get on with my afternoon... hopefully we'll have some pic updates soon!

Christmas Recap

2010-01-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Hi friends!

So it's been another crazy month & a half at the Eaton household (shocking, I know) By the way, so glad we don't have a dog yet... he would be long forgotten at this point. :)

Hubby did return from his conference and saved me from the snow (& cookie dough eating, see below). We had a fabulous Staff Christmas Party, enjoyed a visit from my dad & Suzanne, I survived employee benefit changes for the new year, and we made it to Christmas vacation! We made a last minute decision and went on a ski/snowboard trip to Mammoth, CA with our CEO & his wife. It was great! Legitimate, beautiful ski runs & amazing company.

We returned home, unpacked & repacked in a couple hours, and headed to the airport to go to Portland. We got to hang with my family for about a week and enjoy lots of yummy food from Mom & Steve, see new nephew Finley (the cutest & biggest 2-month old nephew ever), and enjoy chillin' with my sisters & bro! It was super sweet. Highlights were running around all day (everyday) with all the girls (sisters & Mom), not doing Christmas gifts really (just drew names & participated in Advent Conspiracy) and Matt & my 2 hour hike on Christmas Eve day... it was sooo pretty.

On Christmas Day afternoon, we flew from Portland to Dallas and enjoyed another week of rest & goodness with more friends and family. It was such a blessing to be able to be off long enough to see both sides of our family! We got to hang out some more with family and see some precious aunts, cousins, second cousins, grandmas, etc. :) We also got to see our precious nephew Ian (the cutest & sweetest 8-month old nephew ever). That was wonderful! We also ate more yummy food from Mama Eaton :) Highlights were "Christmas morning" on 12/26 & New Years Eve with the Browns & parents, birthday fun for me on 12/30, Jack's Special Day on Monday (the cutest & best 6-year old nephew ever), coffee dates with multiple people, and amazing conversations/times with family & friends.

And we got home last Sunday... we had a wonderful time but it's always nice to get home! This past weekend began Winter Camp at FoHo, so we're jumping back into life for sure! Winter Camp continues through mid-March. I am taking the PHR (certification in HR) at the end of the month - prayers appreciated, we're both playing softball for our work team (yea, I know and yea, I do indeed stink horribly at softball), we have a precious former summer staffer who just moved into our downstairs apartment/basement, Matt has some cool work things coming up, and I am resuming classes with DTS this semester!

I love the Christmas season and remembering WHO Christ is and the reality that he came as a baby. Now may the truths of His life, death, and resurrection impact your 2010... for after all, he's all that matters.

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. From this fullness of His grace we have ALL received ...ONE BLESSING AFTER ANOTHER. John 1:14,16 NIV

PS - to those of you on our list, Christmas Cards are on the way, I swear! I left the address list in CA & brought the cards with us on vacation!! So... don't judge me if they're awfully late :)

Bachelorette Days

2009-11-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

Hubby left Friday and won't return home until Wednesday night. Wednesday, people! I'm going a little stir crazy because I realize how dysfunctional I am without that amazing man in my life on a regular basis. I tend to sit around a lot more wondering important things like... do I shower now and then unload the dishwasher or unload the dishwasher and then shower? etc. Hubby is thoroughly enjoying his conference in Colorado.

However, taking a break from my hot tea, cookie dough, and cereal dinner, here are some updates:

Christmas decorations are up and beautiful. We had a fun night (and some surprise helpers) for our decorating time. I made my mom's green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and mashed potatoes to set the mood... yum.

The staff retreat was wonderful! We had a GREAT, tiring time in Ojai. Matt went surfing, and did wonderful Rec things like lead a night hike (pics on facebook). I was entirely exhausted from planning, prepping, and working the retreat... but it was wonderful!

After a brief stop at the urgent care center (my Rec hubby didn't sleep at the retreat and got sick!) we headed to G-Mas on Wednesday evening. We had a very chill, but thankful Thanksgiving. So thankful to the LORD for life and everything that comes with life. I LOVE Thanksgiving, but cannot imagine it without taking time to remember the Person who we're thankful to (thank you, Lord!). I ran on Thursday morning and then we watched the parade. Our first Thanksgiving with palm trees, the beach, G-Ma, and UD & Leah (and Leah's fam) was wonderful. Our out to eat dinner was a fabulous idea (read: no cooking, prep time, cleaning, etc.).

Matt left Friday, I shopped, and then met my dear best friend from OU, Kristen, & her hubby's family for the evening. Yea for his family living in LA! What a BLESSING it is to have such deep, rich, hilarious friendships.

Since then I've really only been making fires in our fireplace, hanging with girls, doing Christmas crafty things, cleaning, and eating cookie dough. It's been great. OH, and dealing with SNOW for the first time at our home!!! We had a surprise snow shower early Saturday morning... it was beautiful. I had to meet some girls that morning so driving in it was no fun, but if I had stayed home I'm sure I would have loved it! Matt has a season pass to our local ski resort and is SUPER bummed to not be able to visit the additional lifts that opened this weekend (he's already been snowboarding 2 times this month! how fun is that?!)

Crazy to think that in less than 3 weeks we will be boarding planes to visit Portland and then Dallas for the holidays! So fun!!

OK friends.... lest I keep wasting time and avoiding the tasks in front of me, I must run. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Weekend!

2009-11-15T11:36:00.001-08:00

We are enjoying a slow Sunday morning at home!! We were supposed to visit a new church this morning, but after some research, decided to enjoy pancakes at home instead. If we ever make breakfast, it is always Matt's domain. Here is the chef hard at work:
Finished product:

And for you Texans without leaf change going on, here are the beautiful colors on our back deck:

I spent the day yesterday doing Bible study with girls, then headed to Santa Monica to spend the afternoon with G-Ma. We are doing a super secret project and had a great time!! I drove way out of the way on my way home to 1) avoid traffic and 2) visit one of the 3 Sonics within a 100-mile radius of us. It was glorious.

Matt had a crazy day at work, but he's recovering well :)

We have a fun week ahead and will leave for Ojai on Saturday for our All Staff Retreat. We don't get back until Tuesday night, then will head to Santa Monica Wednesday night for Thanksgiving, then Matt goes out of town next Friday for a few days, all that to say --- we absolutely have to put up our Christmas decorations this week!! I am planning to make a fun dinner to go along with the evening. Looking forward to that...

Now for some good Bible time, then workout, errands and weekend-ish things. Hope you all have a fabulous day!

Thankful...

2009-11-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

For friend's 8-month old babies that make me not miss my nephews, who are so far away, as much.

For Coffee Mate Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer... Last week I really needed to stop at the store to buy some basics – milk, fruit, etc. I had exactly $20 left in our grocery envelope for the month. I had a girlfriend with me, and we were in another part of town so I went to a random grocery store. She knew of my obsession with the CoffeeMate Pumpkin Spice coffee creamer. I may have been, ahem, secretly phone stalking my neighborhood grocery store dairy staff regularly since mid-September asking “do you have the CoffeeMate… in yet?” Sadly, the answer was always no. Well, we didn’t see it on the shelves, but we thought we’d ask an employee. The gentleman went back and checked, then told me – we only have the large size. The LARGE size… amazing treat. I nearly freaked out in the random Stater Bros dairy aisle in Redlands , CA . My store doesn’t have it in yet, but I was totally blessed by this random Coffee Creamer. I know there’s some theological issues with God’s sovereignty in day-to-day life, but I really think he knew how much I would love that (and my total on groceries came to $20.13!!).

For random dinner dates with good friends and mentors.

For great father-in-laws who celebrate another year of life (Happy Bday yesterday, Paul!)

For closure, direction, and peace in the midst of big (undecided) decisions.

For the pumpkin patch & corn maze Matt & I went to on date night last week. For the "lovekin pumpkin" we carved at a pumpkin carving competition on Friday... a panoramic pumpkin of our love history.

For catch-up conversations with friends who live really far away.

That God knows me and knows it all... “Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

For long runs on crisp mornings.

For my 2-minute commute to work.

For thegrocerygame.com where we save LOTS of money and always have plenty of food to share with spontaneous dinner guests.

For fun fall baking.

For making Christmas gifts this year (we’ll see how that goes). For Advent Conspiracy... if you never looked into it, do it!

For being closer to G-Ma Stevenson who we used to only see once a year.

For our friends who are trying to get us addicted to LOST. We’ve never watched it and we’re like 7 episodes into the 112 episodes in 5 seasons (we’ll see how that goes, again).

For visiting Santa Barbara last weekend on a last minute mini-vacation. It is definitely my fav southern CA city to date.

For being able to plan our Staff Retreat when all staff leave for 2 days to recharge, refocus, and fellowship with each other. It’s coming up in 3 weeks!

For my Girls' Bible study every other Saturday morning and really hearing each other's story.

For Kicking off the month of Thanksgiving with thanksgiving. SOOO much to be thankful for.

Change, change, change

2009-10-27T09:20:00.001-07:00

“There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Threrefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction”. Isaiah 48:10

I’m so thankful the seasons change. It’s a time when all of creation is shouting that something is old, and a new thing is coming. It’s so amazing to live somewhere beautiful. I wake up and look at the tree outside our bedroom window gradually changing from green to yellow, orange, and red. I am reminded that nothing is too big for God… we live in a fallen world, with fallen creation, but God is sovereign enough to tell the leaf it’s time to change color. I am excited for the fall and winter to come, and thankful for the summer behind us.

I am thankful to be in this season of life. It’s definitely been a season of transition… the obvious – new jobs, new home, etc. but also a time of growth, healing, and transformation before the Lord. Sorry if we’ve been distant (via the blog or other means of communication) – I feel like our life needs one of those “pardon our dust during this time of construction” signs. It’s been a good time of construction. I am being pulled and stretched by the Lord in new ways. Matt is doing the same, and we are hoping to come out on the other end refined.

What an amazing privilege to know the Lord and walk with Him… I am humbled by my inadequacy and amazed by his grace.
(more blogs coming soon!)

Quick Recap

2009-10-03T10:18:00.001-07:00

I am sitting in the Long Beach airport waiting for a flight to Portland. There are tiny birds running around the terminal... it's hilarious.

Mom, Steve & Meredith are picking me up at the airport and taking me straight to a wedding of a family friend. Tonight I get to help Mom prep for the day tomorrow... which includes a fun-filled, joyful gathering of family & friends as we shower Mere & Jake with all kinds of baby goodies required for welcoming Finley into the world! It could be just a couple of weeks before his official debut! I will come back home on Monday morning.

Matt and I have been living life and having fun. Katie was in a few weeks ago and all three of us made it to Disneyland -- what a FUN day. Katie & I went back a couple days later (yea for the So Cal Season Pass!).

Paul & Debbie (Matt's parents) came in last weekend and it was a huge blessing. We loved having time to show them our world, catch up on life, and play at camp. We drove to Big Bear on Saturday afternoon and rode up a ski lift, then hiked down. It was a GREAT weekend.

Matt and I are enjoying our weekly grind.... community dinner with tons of friends Monday night, Matt plays ultimate frisbee on Tuesdays, weekly date night randomly, etc.

Work has been kind of nutty for both of us. I helped plan our post summer celebration day for staff (it was a little late, but that's ok) and it was held on Thursday... we celebrated the God of All Ages by asking each department to dress up in a different decade. I had to dress up 70s and Matt had the 80s. We have some hot pictures :) We're headed to the other Forest Home location this Monday afternoon-Tuesday. The other camp is located at Ojai Valley (on the beach) and that's where we'll have our staff retreat in November. Matt is meeting with the Recreation people out there, and I will be in retreat planning meetings. We both have work conferences coming up later in October (conveniently, on the same days). Matt will be headed to Hume Lake with the Program Directors to pray, plan, etc. I have a HR conference for the state of CA in San Diego. I will visit Bethel Seminary (San Diego) on my way home, and we're supposed to go visit Fuller Seminary later that same week. So lots going on there. We are both still loving all aspects of work and thankful that we get to work there together. Matt has a new Rec Assistant who is amazing... this has been a HUGE blessing to Matt and to me! This is allowing for more time away from camp which is healthy & necessary!

It's definitely cooling off! It's been getting into the 50s at night at our house - so far we're loving it. It will be interesting when it starts snowing :) Yea for the fall... don't you just love this time of year?! I seriously do hope to update more often.... we'll see. :) Ok, time to board.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Catching up

2009-09-10T08:34:00.001-07:00

We have been having a blast catching up on some regular life...

having people over for dinner and playing with friends' babies...

building the newest Recreation element at Forest Home - the Sky Trail...

enjoying Matt's new car (1974 International Scout - bought it about 2 weeks ago- it's super cool, the top comes off)...

getting ready to go to Disneyland today with my sister Katie who is in town for a teacher's conference! YEA! Thanks to the Riskeys I am buying my "So Cal resident season pass" today with hopes that Hubby can come with me & buy his season pass VERY soon!

Hope you're doing well!!

Summer recap

2009-09-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I am currently waiting on the Charter man to come set up our TV (yea- just in time for college football on Saturday) and thought I'd finally recap some fun from the summer... in category form :)

fire
Thought I would cover this one first since we're getting many questions... we are completely clear of the greater LA fires right now. There is a fire fairly close to home - the Oak Glen fire - and we will keep you posted as things develop. It's pretty darn humbling to watch these flames on the mountains (up close - in person) and know there's nothing you can do but pray. So please join in our prayers as these fires affect so many people.

growth
Oh my gosh... talk about growth this summer. Matt & I experienced some new challenges and hurdles as we officially entered a life in ministry. We stuck to our weekly date night 95% of the time and had to constantly adapt to the crazy schedule and emotional stress leading the staff. It was such a good summer for us to walk and work together as a team and co-laborers in this ministry. We learned a lot and had a ton of fun... so good.

We got to watch the staff grow individually. A few in particular had some major issues they came to camp with and it was such a ridiculous privelege to watch God move in their lives this summer. A few girls are possibly going to move into our basement in January and start community college in our area. Another guy had been dealing with some intense shoulder pain after an accident earlier this year and was literally healed this summer... I don't know how that works, but I do know that the God who made this whole world is capable of anything and a certain gentleman left camp this summer with no more pain - we rejoice in that. I know we were there physically with these guys and girls as they grew, but it was almost surreal to watch the Lord work in spite of us. Amazing.

There was growth in the whole Recreation department. No major safety issues, unity among staff, etc. that camp hasn't seen in a while. Amazing.

As you know we studied Colossians in Bible study this summer. The theme and take away was "Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6). It was beautiful.

crazy things
So my dear hubby developed minor frost bite while participating in an ice cream eating competition. No really... fingers white, then purple, pealing, lost sensitivity, etc. He competed with two guys against multiple other teams in an 18-scoop contest (plus cookies, toppings, etc.) and finished eating with his fingers after 7 minutes, and won the contest. Insane. This is our life.

There was frequent male unleashing upon the neighborhood wildlife. Bible study could be interrupted by a family of raccoons on our deck... followed by multiple men running outside with hockey sticks, BB guns, etc. No worries -- no animals were seriously injured in this activity. The bears and mountain lions have continued, but praise for no major injuries!

- We had a fun game of sharaddes at camp... think hiding on top of buildings, etc.
- We took the group to a shopping area and ate at the Costco food area. Fun.
- Girls night with homemade oatmeal masks... messy but too fun.
- Guys had a "bear hunting" adventure - not hunt to kill, but hunt to find and annoy :) Oh dear.
- Thursday morning girl time continued all summer... even though we were all asleep until the coffee kicked in.
- Matt loved his "Milkshake with Matt" time with each of them.
- Random dance parties often busted out post-Bible study.
- Random beach trips.
- Late night IHOP adventures.
- Had our cool cousin, Scott, come to middle school camp in August and got to hang out with him for a few days. Super cool!!
- Had a great girls' trip with sisters and Mom up in Portland in July.
- Blob competitions (w/me!)
- Many more things...

post summer
We are recovering from the fun of this summer. Matt is jumping right into Guest Group season (camp is full almost every single day with school groups, businesses, church groups, etc.). He is doing great and is really trying to take some time off as he's able.

My job is good. There is some transitioning going on in the HR department that might require more work on my part, and I'm still praying through seminary endeavors, so we'll see what happens over the next year or so. Matt and I talked last night about trusting God with today and doing what seems right today. I tend to fast forward 10 years and try to decide what I should have done... but yea for freedom in making decisions for today, and that the Lord is sovereign enough to move us around as necessary :)

In some ways it feels like we just moved here as we are just now seeing what "normal" life is like in California. We have time to hang out with friends and are enjoying some community with peers and not just Rec staff :) We are in the church hunt process. Still unpacking, settling everything (mostly decorative things left). Excited to see what is in store.

Here are some necessary pictures.

Matt and I at banquet night.

Post-ice cream competition. I know... this is what I get to come home to everyday. Pretty hot, eh?! :)

Also what I get to come home to. On our back deck... too often.

Our first Angels game... Fourth of July.

Some rec staff on our back deck after a Bible study.

Matt and cool Cousin, Scott.

Still alive: another shamefully short update :)

2009-08-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, life is good. We are still alive... still finishing up camp!

This Saturday is the last official day of summer camp, but then guest groups and a huge college conference begin in full force so we aren't really sure what our life will look like then. But we are hoping for a more semi-set schedule and rest.

To be honest, we are so completely drained (in every way possible) that I have no idea what to blog about. Other than that we're doing good. Both busy. Both dealing with finishing up goodbyes, tears, girls' nights, guys' nights, really late nights, movies, laughs, games, beach trips, prayers, Bible studies, dinners, coffee dates, milkshake dates, etc. with our dear summer staffers who we are going to miss so much!! We're so thankful to have each other as we do this "ministry thing". Still haven't finished unpacking... still haven't turned on the TV (anyone want to handle that one?), etc. but we're doing good. :)

And when we are home, both of us only have the mental capacity to sit or sleep, so hence the lack of blogging. We will return soon! Thank you for partnering with us in this amazing journey...

A different kind of move over :)

2009-07-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have a house full of college-aged guys and gals and a starving hubby on their way over, but just so you know we're alive...

We did move! The moving day went remarkably well! We are loving this house and getting settled and I will post pictures soon. We hope to be here at least through next summer, and we do have a rent-to-own option if we end up really loving the house. Gotta pay off an undergrad student loan first and build up some additional savings (Dave Ramsey anyone?) but it's nice to both be working full-time for the first time in our marriage! Verizon is continuing to have some glitches with our internet, so I am borrowing "a bar" of wireless from our neighbor at the moment. Once the internet is up (now they say Monday??), we hope to be able to post more soon.

Well, not too soon-- tomorrow is the summer staff Beach Day near Laguna Beach, so we will be there all day. I leave for Portland on Tuesday night for a week of amazing girl/sister/daughter time with my mom, Nana, Mere, Kate, Jill, and Whitney. We will be staying at a beach house just a ways outside of Portland! So fun!

Matt and I covet your prayers as we finish up the last weeks of camp (starting on Sunday). It's been such a blessing to co-labor with this ministry and see the Lord change lives and families. To Him be the glory!

Talk to you soon :)

Correction: actually 5 weeks of camp left (4 weeks regular camp, 1 week college briefing) Back to sweet treat prepping... :)

MOVE OVER

2009-07-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

So it's probably a good sign that we didn't get the dog because I just looked at those pics of the puppy and didn't get sad at all! Ha!

I know I'm a totally random blogger, but this is what I'm thinking tonight, so here goes:

Praises:
- Just found out that Elizabeth Inrig, an author I had to study/read at DTS and LOVED, is the Women's Pastor at a church 10 minutes from here (her husband is the senior pastor)! We are excited to visit this weekend.
- Good health insurance... tried it out today and it works great.
- A good landlord/housing situation. We got the keys to our new place today and we are pumped. Lots of work to do in the next week, but the light is at the end of the tunnel....
- A hubby who surprised me with diet coke & a chocolate chip cookie today (they balance each other out, right?)
- Cell phones, sweet emails, great family and good friends
- A hubby who has a job that allows him to... evaluate air compressors at Home Depot, buy headlamps at Sports Chalet, order massive amounts of marshmallows online, pray with and love on college students, be outside, be loud, fix things, trap/kill rodents, wear a wet suit to night blob so all the kiddos laugh, be goofy on the walkie talkie all day, always wonder if the lanterns are charging, be a "first responder" to camp incidents, lead us through the Colossians Bible study, etc... and it's so fun to watch him do what he was meant to do.
- Free entree every night this week at our local Chick-Fil-A (which we are totally taking advantage of) so we can pack and eat cheaply
- Hilarious & deep conversations with these precious college girls
- Feel like the Lord is leading me to keep going with my DTS studies in the fall... at least one class online. We'll see :)

Prayer requested for:
- The next week of sheer chaos. Moving in the middle of camp = bad idea. But we didn't have much of a choice and we are super excited to eventually...get....settled...
- The realities associated with a new house, new workplace, new friends, new co-workers, new roads, new schedules, new obligations, new grocery stores... new everything. Thank goodness His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3). (We did get our new license plates & drivers license and I now I feel awfully Californian!)
- That we can lure many summer staffers to come help us move on Saturday
- Did someone pray for patience for me or did I somehow mysteriously move to a foreign country with non-American speed of life? I have been completely incapable of getting things done when I'd like to get them done due to bizarre, crazy, hilarious issues. There was a truck behind me today on the highway with writing at the top of the front windshield that said "MOVE OVER". I did move over to let the giant truck pass me, and quickly wished for the same phrase to be written over my entire life. Would that be rude? LOL :)
- For this verse below... for me and for wherever you are today...

Romans 15:13 (from the Message)
Oh! May the God of hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!

Okay... decision made.

2009-07-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

We voted for the freedom/ability to head to the beach, Big Bear, Disneyland, etc. on a whim instead of the pleasure of a puppy right now. We are momentarily bummed, but know it's a good decision. Dogs are always an option, right? Maybe in a year or so...

Insights please!

2009-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Meet this precious pup who we are currently calling Foster!

Jake & Mere (and Finley in Mere's belly) with Foster

We met her at Target last Thursday night with Meredith & Jake (had so much fun with the two of them, by the way :). Her mom was hit by a car & killed shortly after she and her brothers & sisters were born. We fell in love with her instantly... but we are in turmoil. The owner gave us until tomorrow to decide if we want to adopt her. We've paid a refundable $50 towards $100 to purchase her. She has her shots, is friendly, has been around lots of kiddos already, and is a half Boxer-half German Shepherd mix. We are moving into our dog-friendly home this week so we would pick her up on Saturday, and we'll only be living about 2 minutes from camp, so we could easily come home during lunch to train her, etc.

We've also been talking about how fun it would be to get a dog... but should we get a dog right now? We have a fairly "on the go" lifestyle which would be impacted by a dog. But how fun to come home to a puppy, right?!

Insights appreciated :) We need to decide today!

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July! We made it to Laguna Beach for a bit, then went to our first Angels Game with the president of FH & his wife & son. What a fun night!

Camp 101

2009-06-29T20:15:00.000-07:00

People keep asking me what we're really doing here at camp, so here is a brief summation of what is going on...

There are 6 camp centers in our one location-- a 3rd & 4th grade camp, 5th & 6th grade camp, Jr. High, Sr. High, Couples Retreat Center, and a Family Camp. Each camp has some of their own recreation activities (i.e., climbing wall, zip line, pool, trout pond, horses, lake, mini golf, etc.) but some of the camps share certain features as well. The Rec staff runs ALL of these different activities for each camp center. Matt leads the whole Rec staff. He has a lot of office work (normally related to safety, scheduling staff, camping regulations, accreditation, etc.), but can typically be found walking around camp or driving the Rec Surburban checking on everyone and being totally hands-on (which is totally his style for those that know him well :) He is also known to attract all mountain wildlife and is good for a real bear chase or something of the like. (no really)

Matt typically goes to work about 8 a.m., and is normally home from night activities by 11 p.m. (Monday-Friday) Seriously. He is a ridiculous trooper. For the most part, I am loving serving with him but do get the bad/selfish attitude when 15+ hours of camp a day is no longer so appealing (or when I'm just being crabby :). He normally comes home for dinner or I bring food to him (I finish with my job in HR at 4:30). He is also there 11-11 on Sundays, and normally Saturday mornings for a bit. We have date night on Thursday nights and are trying to schedule some more time off too. I am normally participating or chatting at the night activities too. It's also a huge blessing that I work at FH so I can see him during the day for quick chats.

Matt/we meet with the rec staff at 1:30 on Sundays to pray & prep for the week, and on Friday nights. He's also meeting with them randomly throughout the week one-on-one (or two-on-one with the ladies) for "Milkshakes with Matt". The snack shacks at camp make some mean treats... one of them being amazing milkshakes... and Matt is using this time for some sweet conversations :) I am meeting with the girls randomly in small groups or one-on-one, and with all of them on Thursday mornings to pray/talk/do devotions/drink lots of coffee.

Each camp center runs their own camp... so the programs, worship, themes, speakers, etc. are all unique to each camp. And let me tell you... there are some ridiculously talented staffs working at each camp. Men & women who LOVE the Lord and are serving the kiddos/families in some mighty ways. God is doing BIG things in the hearts of all attending each week... I could already tell you many stories of lives changed in the first two weeks of camp.

Camp does go on all year... FH offers Winter/Spring Break camp to youth, and has LOTS of conferences and programs going on year-round. So Matt will actually be busy ALL year (even more so than the camp directors since his rec staff has to run events at each conference, etc.).

The rec staff continues to be and do awesome. Matt leads them as though he's done this job his whole life (he's really amazing-- people keep telling us too, so I know it's not just me :)

If you have any other questions/thoughts about camp, ask away!

Update

2009-06-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend... enjoyed our bikes again, only this time at the beach. We rode for about 2 hours and swam/laid out. So nice. Got to enjoy a great dinner and conversation with UD, Leah and G-Ma. We had a couple issues trying to leave camp on Saturday, but once we left, we enjoyed our time away. It was quick, but refreshing. Car talk & nap time is good for the soul too.

We were in a bit of a rush when we got home on Sunday (both of us had to be back at camp by noon) and it was a bit of a fiasco. I (attempted) to make turkey sausage jambalaya that we both love, and I accidentally bought the uncooked sausage. Didn't realize until AFTER I added it to the rice and thought I'd just successfully made our lunch & dinner. Err. And when you're in a hurry and you don't have food, but just a huge mess that you have to throw away, and laundry that's sandy, and new beach towels that shed yellow lint everywhere... well, you just get grumpy. Typing this makes me feel my grumpiness again. Don't you just love those days?! But thus is life... and I am thankful for a hubby that is patient and helpful when I am grumpy. It reminds me of my mom and how she never complained about doing laundry... because it means people were healthy enough to wear it & get dirty. Maybe some day I'll get there and learn to live with all of my feeble attempts at organization, task completion, and order :)

On other news... we are supposed to be getting keys to our new rent house on Monday AND I have the list of everyone I need to call to turn on/off utilities. Haven't called, but have the list. That is good news.

Mere & Jake & soon-to-be Baby Greer are also arriving this week... that is wonderful news. Matt & I are both taking off on Thursday for some sweet time with them. I am going to post some info about camp here in just a second too. Hope you are doing great!

Remembering

2009-06-24T21:24:00.001-07:00

I could see all of the stars when I headed to night blob last night. I just drove... winding around our mountain roads back to camp... remembering just a couple months ago when Matt successfully made it to the last round of interviews at FH. We prayerfully, nervously, and excitedly prepared for a trip to interview in person. We knew it was a good sign when they wanted me to come too. We "practiced" Matt's leadership exercise on a group of loving, amazing friends (aka -- the Riskey Thursday night bunch) the week before to get tips and encouragement from this dear group. We also practiced on Matt's amazing parents which was... hilarious and precious.

We flew out on a Sunday and drove from the airport to camp. We checked ourselves into our cabin (keys left in the guest check-in area) and jokingly wondered if we were actually being watched or on camera as we roamed about. Later, we left camp to meet my awesome Uncle Danny (affectionately called "UD" or "GUD" if you're my brother Danny, because now Uncle Danny is "Great Uncle Danny" :) & his great girlfriend, Leah, for dinner.

On Monday morning we both got up, dressed, prayed, etc. I didn't have much to do after Matt left for his first interview, so I decided to explore some of the hikes around camp...only to lock myself out of my cabin, and not wanting to hurt Matt's chances, I actually removed a window screen and climbed through the window above the toilet in the bathroom so I didn't have to ask someone for help. Other than that, I paced, prayed, and tried to stay busy. So funny.

Three other candidates were present for the whole day of interviews. It was obvious that Matt was by far the youngest, but the best overall fit for the position (well, in my unbiased opinion, of course). Matt met with four different interview groups... each with multiple people in the group. Then all four interview groups and all four candidates (and me) had lunch together -- at least 40 people. I got to meet the CEO & his wife and loved them immediately.

Matt thought some of the interviews went better than others... when we finally met up at the end of the day (he did 2 interviews before lunch and 2 afterwards), I got to hear the scoop. We flew home the next morning (oversleeping and seriously almost missing our 6 a.m. flight) and waited...

The offer came at the end of the week. What a ridiculous blessing to be here now.

I love how in the midst of life (laundry, cooking, cleaning, packing, moving, working, etc.) the Lord can stop you and remind you of his beauty and of his goodness. He can remind you of his sovereignty over the BIG things in life, but also the small things.

I was just driving back to camp... running late because I spilled dirty dish water all over myself and the kitchen, stressed about making a bajillion phone calls with phone service that cuts in and out, worn out from doing lots of new hire paperwork (from the new summer staff) at work all day, not really excited to be going back to camp when that night I just wanted to chill... thinking about life & myself, and the Lord allowed me to step back and remember who He is and what a darn privilege it is to walk with Him. If only I could remember more often, now that would be helpful... :)

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done... look to the Lord and his ways, seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles..." 1 Chronicles 16: 8, 11-12

side note: camp is going great. it's everything camp should be. come visit & see!!! :)

And on the 7th day...they rested!

2009-06-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

(umm...sorry I stink at blogging. just realized I never posted this from Sunday. pictures to follow!)

Yea for days off! The rec staff doesn't have to run any programs on Saturdays so we gave them the day off and enjoyed it ourselves (camp isn't officially over until noon on Saturday).

We slept in, enjoyed some pancakes, drove to Big Bear (about 30 minutes), got to visit the visitor center and see some donkeys (Matt is convinced that rec needs a donkey to carry all the junk for backpacking excursions), rode bikes around Big Bear Lake, enjoyed delicious pizza, and Matt test drove a Jeep we saw on the side of the road (we are praying about how and when to buy something with 4-wheel drive). Anyhow, SUCH a fun day. And the weather was perfect, and since we're moving, we definitely don't need to be wasting beautiful Saturdays doing housework (maybe moving is a blessing in disguise!).

By the way, we had all the rec staff over Friday night for the first Bible study -- we're doing Colossians -- and game time (we played "The Name Game" -- courtesy of my training as a member of the Stevenson fam). We all had a great time despite the boxes and chaos. Thanks for praying :)

And now we prepare for camp Week 2... Matt will be at camp all day today (Sunday) and I will be baking goodies and running errands. Hope you & yours had a lovely weekend.

Oh, and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to some amazing men that we are blessed to call "dad". Thanks to Paul, Tim & Steve for your leadership, love, and guidance. We love you!!

We.are.moving...again.

2009-06-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

I can be an awfully impatient person. For those of you who know me well, you know I love to get settled, keep it together (on the outside), stay organized, execute my plan, take care of business. Well those are all true. And yet we just decided we are moving houses...and yes, we just moved into this house about a month ago.

And I am horribly bothered by the fact that things are going BACK in boxes... that said boxes will need to be picked up and MOVED again... and that when I have the whole recreation staff over on Friday nights they will be jumping over boxes and that my house won't be decorated. Did I mention we live in an actual house now, and not just a garage? With all kinds of junk to fill each of those rooms? SO fun. :) And how ready I was to receive and unpack the rest of our stuff that we got from Texas last week?! Ha!

And yet I LOVE that God doesn't let Liz run the show. Because while my show might be orderly to some extent (i.e., NOT unpacking to only repack and MOVE and unpack AGAIN - in the middle of CAMP), it would be ridiculously boring. I know it's just a house... and just a bunch of junk (most of which we hadn't even noticed we missed for the past 2 years living in a garage apartment). But this makes me awfully unsettled... and I am so thankful for it because I NEED my plans to be broken and to be stretched in this way.

Overall the house is a good move with a huge living room, with a large guest area/basement/bathroom with a separate entrance that we will rent/loan out to anyone who might need a place (let me know if you're interested :), and is less than 1/8 mile from camp. And I won't have to drive on mountain roads in the snow. And some of you know the issues we've had with our current home -- ugh.

But I am STILL living in boxes... for at least 3.5 more weeks (been living in boxes since about April 25). And I had a nightmare that our current landlord came over & tried to attack Matt & I because he was mad that we were moving out (my "people pleasing" side also comes out in dreams apparently).

Anyhow, prayers appreciated for the next 3.5 weeks. For the guy(s)/girl(s) who will be able to live with us thanks to this awesome house. For the electricity bill that we've been warned gets pricey. For the bajillion utility phone calls we need to make to turn OFF and/or move all of our bills that we just turned ON. That I will get past the lack of order and decorations when my house is filled with recreation staff and just be able to looove them. And that we'll know what address to put on our car registrations and driver licenses when we go back to the DMV tomorrow. :)

So amazing to have a Father who loves me. And doesn't let me stick to my plans. And stretches me and walks with me through all of these silly, earthly trials (and the serious ones too). And fills my heart with joy.

(side note: camp is going soooo good. so much going on. so good. my job is a HUGE blessing from the Lord. my hubby is still doing like...ridiculously...awesome. and we get no sleep. and pray that no mountain lions eat campers because we've spotted 2 in the last week. and snakes & bears. oh my! and here's a pic of some of our rec staff at first aid/rescue training last week. they are amazing)

Really quick update...

2009-06-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Because a week is too long between blog posts and there is too much to write, here goes:

- I accepted the HR position last week and actually started immediately so I could help with the hundreds of new summer staffers. I am working part-time for the next few weeks to get settled, then will transition to full-time. I keep thinking "I get paid to do this?" HR was so wonderful at Daryl Flood and I am so glad to be able to do this at Forest Home too!

- Orientation is going AMAZING. Our staff is (not to sound bad) better than we could have hoped and prayed. Spiritually they are all over the map, but overall they have GREAT attitudes and hearts and we are simply loving them. Matt & I are praying about some Bible studies to lead them through this summer (if you have any awesome ideas, feel free to comment!). We are leaning towards the names/attributes of God since we have a lot of new believers. A second choice is going through Practicing the Presence of God -- we might do both.

- We celebrated three sweet years of marriage yesterday. All that keeps coming to mind is that our marriage seems to just keep getting better and I CANNOT imagine what the past three years would have been like without Matt. We are hoping to get away some time later in the summer to celebrate (San Diego or Disneyland-thanks Riskeys!). We were able to leave camp to go out to dinner (woohoo!) but we came back for an evening program & night blob. Oh the life of a camp director... :)

- Camp starts Sunday!

- I had a dream this week that a bunch of CBCers were up here for a wedding and Tracy M. was taking the photos!! It was hilarious.

- We got the rest of our stuff from Texas THIS morning, and my living room looks like this so I am going to continue unpacking until I head up to camp for the afternoon.

Have a wonderful day!

Santa Monica Recap

2009-06-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

We had a WONDERFUL time in Santa Monica enjoying the beach, the pier/promenade, and sweet time with my G-Ma (pronounced Gee-Ma). Thanks for the awesome hospitality & conversations G-Ma! We were able to swing by an evening service of Mosaic Church in downtown LA on our way back. That was very cool. We also ate our first In & Out Burger (the food really is amazing). And to think it only took us about 90 minutes to get to the beach... what a blessing!

We're back in the mountains and currently enduring rain and the ever present fear of forest fires. It makes lightning a whole new reality. The camp has been in the same canyon since 1938 and has NEVER had an actual forest fire impact campgrounds, so we are praying that this tradition continues. I also saw my first bear last Friday night! He was just walking through the street about a block from our house! I was a tad freaked out :) Matt also saw his third bear that night while he was at camp.

All is good... staff orientation starts tomorrow and camp begins on Sunday 6/14. Please be praying for Matt's staff (about 30ish people) and for wisdom for Matt as he leads this group of college-aged men & women.

Me & lovely G-Ma!

Santa Monica beach & pier

Lots going on!

2009-05-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

We are getting settled into California. We've had dinner with various staffers and families this week, and I've been spending my days getting the house organized, running a million errands, dealing with car repairs, etc. I am probably starting work soon (I have a job in the craft center this summer, but I'm also interviewing for an opening in their HR department. I will keep you posted on that!)

We had date night last night in the Redlands Market (happens every Thursday night). It was super fun! Think churros & turkey legs, horse rides, random drum/dance people, crafts, etc. :)

Tonight Matt has a meeting with the board of Forest Home (this is a group of amazing men & women!). Tomorrow he is running activities all day with his staff, but we are headed to Santa Monica tomorrow afternoon! We will spend the night with my grandma (she lives right on the beach), and come back Sunday night. Should be great! Camp staff orientation starts Thursday, so after that... summer (and therefore all things crazy) has officially begun.

On a side note, our rental house is working out great! We are at about 6000 ft., so it's BEAUTIFUL in the summer, but there's a chance we'll move out before winter -- and all the snow-- begins in December. We've seen bats, raccoons, lots of squirrels, etc. at our house, but no bears yet. Luckily, I have bear spray & bear bells when I see a bear (thanks Morrises!) :)

I am off to the DMV, car repair place, car rental place, grocery store, then set to bake some goodies for Matt's staff for their day tomorrow. Love you guys!!

Here are a few pics...

Mountains where the camp is & where we live (you should see our "commute" to work... a little different than the DFW metroplex... it is seriously the most gorgeous thing I've ever seen). The gray part is the dry creek bed.

Picture of our home

Matt & our first overnight guests last Friday, Grant & Todd... amazing guys! Matt met with/discipled Grant for several years. Pray for them... they are headed to Alaska this summer!

Matt at Night Zip. He's cute, eh?! By the way, he is doing an AMAZING job. When we had dinner with the CEO & his wife on Monday, the CEO was sure to tell me how AMAZING everyone thinks Matt is doing. How fun to be HIS partner :)

So Thankful...

2009-05-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

Forest Home hosts many holiday weekend family conferences, which is a really great idea since so many people are already off work. They are hosting the Memorial Weekend family conference this weekend and Matt & I had the opportunity to participate as much as we wanted to get a picture of camp here.

What a ridiculously sweet time to see the camp up close. Matt ran around all day Friday, Saturday & Sunday with his recreation staff helping them run the various events (ropes, zip line, lake activities, pool, etc.). I jumped in and out during the weekend (including helping with night zip line on Saturday night which was crazy fun) and then last night we had dinner at camp and actually attended the conference (worship & speaker for the adults while the kids attended their programs).

It was just a beautiful, unreal experience-- this is our LIFE. This is what my hubby gets PAID to do.

We LOVE this place and we both feel so humbled to be able to serve at a place that glorifies the Lord and has such a rich heritage of ministry. So thankful to have stepped away from boxes and moving chaos in order to experience that. I hope & pray that the Lord is giving you a fresh perspective of all that He IS & is filling your soul despite the everyday chaos you might be living in now.

"For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul he has filled with what is good." Psalm 107:9

P.S.-- our office is still not functional, but we hope to put up some pictures soon!

We're Here!

2009-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

We made it to California yesterday! I (Liz) am sitting at a great coffee shop (outside--enjoying the GORGEOUS weather) waiting for Matt to finish up with a meeting at work so we can finalize our housing arrangements. We ran into a small hiccup with the house we're renting, so we are praying about what to do next. More info later!

Baby B did arrive...

2009-05-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

By the way, the baby did arrive yesterday! We are proud to announce the arrival of Baby Ian, our 8 lb. 13 oz., 20 1/4" nephew! Congrats to Matt's sister & family!

Baby B

2009-05-13T13:44:00.000-07:00

Liz and I are currently sitting in the waiting room waiting to meet my new nephew. Here is the documentation of the events. We are super excited. The timing of this whole thing could not be any better because we are only here in Dallas for this week before we leave for California for good. I graduated from DTS on Saturday, packed/moved on Monday with my best friend Foy, and the week will conclude with a baby and a wedding. We can't wait to get to the mountians of California, but we are enjoying and taking advantage of our last days in Dallas (at least for a while.)

Finishing School & Work, Packing & Moving, and Everything in Between

2009-05-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

So the Eatons are officially bloggers! Since we are currently dealing with all of the things mentioned in the title, in lieu of an actual posting here is a brief tidbit from our letter we mailed to a number of family and friends on what is coming up for the Eatons. We are moving to California in less than 2 weeks for Matt's new job at Forest Home Christian Camp. We are super excited.

Also, our awesome friend Christen took some pictures for us last week... here are a few... Can't believe we've been married almost 3 years!

We hope you are doing great!

Matt will be the Director of Recreation at Forest Home. He will be overseeing all recreation programs at the six different camps at their Forest Falls location. This includes all ropes courses, aquatics programs, equine programs, activities, etc. I know you’re probably shocked to hear that Matt is completely excited about this job! He will also be responsible for leading the recreation staff – which is a group of about 40 college-aged guys and girls. The camp was founded in 1938 and has a rich legacy of staff, campers, and ministry. It operates year-round with different conferences and winter/spring camp offered as well. The camp is located outside of San Bernardino (up in the mountains) and we are looking forward to being within an hour of both the beach and ski resorts. We are so grateful to be a part of this amazing camp!

Liz will be working part-time at camp (In the craft room! Kind of scary for those of you that know her well ☺) as we get acclimated to California and so she can also get an up-close look at Forest Home. In August we hope to have a better grip on some opportunities available at camp and nearby and Liz will continue working. We are also praying about if, how and when Liz will finish her Masters in Women’s Ministry online through DTS or possibly transfer to Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, CA. We are praying about which programs and training will make the most sense for a lifetime of ministry together.