77 days left!

We have been packing, planning, saving and praying!

Things and locations have changed, but the core of our trip had remained.

Serve, explore, glorify God.

And that seems like a good plan to us!

We are looking forward to NYC, to spending time with family there, taking in a show or two.

We are stoked about Greece, exploring ruins, eating food.

But oh, our heart is so set on Israel! We have been in close contact with "our friends" there, getting updates on the refugee women and orphans. Because of the sensitivity of Israel, how complicated and, frankly, scary it can be, I have to be vague while we are there, ever so careful about information.

But I will tell you this, Israel is about to rock our world! Our 3 months there will, Im sure, change our lives, our perspectives, our hearts!

We have Jordan, India, Nepal and quite a few other countries planned afterwards, but right now, I cant keep my mind off Israel!

On January 1st,2012 we drove down south to Oregon together.

My mom, my dad, my husband and myself.

As the scenery changed and the hours fell away, I couldn't stop thinking about last year.

Jan 1, 2011.

I will never forget the call I got.

It interrupted our morning routine and quickly threw us, heart first, into the scariest day of our life.

Dad had a heart attack and was in the hospital.

For the next few hours, I was beside myself.

I went from hopeful and praying to weeping and doubting, then back again.

12 days in the Intensive Care Unit, countless tests, unlimited tears.

He is alive. It was not his time.

This year, we are celebrating life together. We are celebrating by running around outside, even if its raining and windy and we are freezing.

We are celebrating by eating, laughing, hot-tubing, and spending endless hours talking.

We are celebrating because we don't know how much more life we have left to enjoy.

This New Year, Im thankful for all the things we did not lose last year.

Happy Birthday to the man who bring me joy every day.

You are my rock, my best friend, the one who knows my soul.

I pray your next year will bring you joy, adventure, peace and growth.

Im thrilled to spend your 23rd year with you, exploring the world.

I love you Andrew.

Thank Pinterest once again! 

Michelle and I had a quick and fun time cranking out these stars! Arent they cute?! I love crafting with best friends! It makes me long that the road was alot shorter between my house and hers! 

Im in love. 

I mean, Ive been in love for a while, with my husband.

But Im NEWLY in love.

With her. 

You remember her?

Well Im lucky enough to spend a few days with her, her mama and even her papa!

And oh, I am so happy! 

She has been woo-ing me since I got here! (Here being Portland) 

You should see the little smiling eyes she sends my way! 

That, combines with the chubbiest little cheeks! And those giggles! 

Well, she is just puuuuuuure de-light! 

And since I know our time is limited, as all good things must come to an end,

(Why oh why must they end!?)

I am soaking it up! 

Sopping it up like I sopped up the sauce from my delicious pulled pork dinner! 

Drinking it in like I drank in my delicious peppermint latte! 

Eating it up like I ate up my fig-with-goat-cheese-and-bacon snack!

Enjoying it like.....

well, I think you get the point! 

(The point being, Michelles cooking is waaaay too good!) 

I am so glad that I got to come down and spend a few precious days with them.

Cuz if you think shes cute, you should see her mama! 

I am on the hunt for a watch and who knew there are so many options?! 

I am looking for something for our trip next year. 

It has to be waterproof and have an alarm, but I DONT want some giant G-shock that looks like Im back in 1999! (You know the ones. Admit it, you all had one!) 

Here are some that I am considering:

I am in love with Nixon right now, although this one (and many of their other options) doesnt have an alarm. 

The tortoiseshell! I love love love this Michael Kors watch. (but once again, no alarm)

Its so much fun preparing for our trip. It feels like a lifetime away, but also, we have so much to do. Taking steps to get ready is very exciting! 

I can hardly catch my breath. This is so funny. I have replayed it so many times! Enjoy!