Heavin Winter Olympics

At the last minute, Kel and I decided to go on a much-needed mini vaca. Of course we were itching to go to some place warm, but Kellen said that we had been fighting the snow long enough, why not embrace it?! That being said, we went down to Perfect North (ironic, I know) for a ski weekend! There were no broken bones, just a few bruises....so overall I would say this vaca was a success! It was our first time skiing together, and it was fun to celebrate another first as a couple. I think Kellen would agree, however, to say it is safe to say that Lindsey Vonn doesn't need to worry about any competition coming from me ;) We also upgraded and got the jacuzzi suite so it was very nice to come in at night and let the jacuzzi work out the ailments from skiing.


Kel is such a dork ;)
We hadn't even made it to snow yet and he was already showing off!

Waiting to go up the ski lift

Before our first run of the trip

One of the many views

The sunset on top of the mountain was soo pretty

This snow bunny is ready to go!

Thumbs up

Kellen and I had jokingly dubbed this trip a 'hillbilly honeymoon' because we were going to Kentucky and staying in the jacuzzi suite. On one of our drives we came across this. How perfect!

So I broke my little toe the day before we left...go figure! I am the most clumsy person (with the worst luck) you will ever meet. This picture doesn't give it justice. It was so swollen and bruised, I could barely get my ski boot on. I can handle skiing down a black diamond, but not walking into my bathroom while brushing my teeth!

Going UP

This one gives you a better feel of being on the ski lift

We had never skied at night before, and it was so cool. Totally different then daylight skiing! The snow glowed

At the end of skiing for two days, we were tired so we decided to go tubing for a change...it was hilarious! This was during our last ride down. Kellen was clearly in control of the situation.....

.....and I was clear NOT
haha

What a great mini vaca!

Together

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! This weekend Kellen and I were both off, so we actually enjoyed a weekend together. It's the simple pleasures in life, right? Valentine's Day is always a very special day for couples, but for us, it is also an anniversary! We were 'official' 6 years ago. We are excited to see what the next six years will bring to us together.

This is what I woke up to on Saturday morning. I have such a good guy

My broken Valentine.....
So while I woke up to a surprise on the table, Kellen woke up to a surprise himself. Pink Eye! EWWWWWW
Before our evening began, Kel emerged from the office wearing sed eye patch. He said he was that I had been commenting on his 'poor eye' all day so he decided to 'take it out of the equation' for our evening.

We decided to have a nice date night in this year instead of going out...so we did something that means so much to us- cooking together! We re-created our wedding meal and it was delish.

Stuffed chicken in a puff pastry with mushroom thyme cream sauce
YUM

Table is set...bon appetit!

Degaje

Nenpot sitiyasyon ki paret devan mwen, m'ap degaje m', gremesi Kris la ki ban mwen fos kauraj.... Whatever situation appears before me, I can make do thanks to Christ who give me strength and courage. -- PHILIPPIANS 4:13

This was from our sermon at church yesterday. Two of our new ministers were in Haiti when the earthquake occurred, and they survived, and spoke yesterday on their experience. WOW. Our church has a small orphanage and school near Port of Prince, and suffered great devastation when the earthquake hit. They shared many personal stories of what happened to them, what they went through, and what sense they have been able to make of it. They went there to serve, but it ended up that they were actually served by the Haitian people.

They began the sermon reading the above scripture in Haiti's language, Creole. The word degaje stuck out to me, not because it was such a beautiful word to say (pronounced day-ga-jay), but of what it meant: MAKE DO. I loved the refreshingly new translation the Creole scripture brought to me: I can make do for it is Christ who gives me courage. Too often it seems people take PHILIPPIANS 4:13 too literally. This gives it a deeper meaning, the one I think was intended. It's not about doing; its about making do- in whatever situation that appears before me. It isn't about having the best house, newest car, latest fashions, or 'keeping up with the Jones', ' it is about being thankful for what you do have and using it to celebrate your life and loves, and being true to your heart. That is what God wants for all of us, right?

Our ministers explained how the Haitians were such amazing people. Here, in the midst of devastation, they banded together out of love, and continued on with their heads held high. Degaje became a common phrase to everyone.
"You don't have a roof over your head?
Here's a tarp."
Degaje.
"You are out of food?
Here, I found some rice. I will give you half of mine. "
Degaje.
"Your child is injured?
I will go find some aid for you, but first, may we pray together?"
Degaje.

The accounts of the Haitians never ceased to amaze me. Instead of fearing for what will come of their lives, they banded together as one nation, trusting in the Lord, and doing His work. They taught me, an affluent American citizen with some comforts they may never even know about, what life is really about: making do and trusting in the Lord that he will give me strength.

I encourage everyone this week to simplify life. and DEGAJE.

We finally were able to make it to a men's basketball game! At the last minute, after church, we decided to drive up with my parents and scalp some tickets and go to the game. We were all able to move and sit my little bro, so it was nice to have the whole family together for an afternoon. The guys are an amazing team and it made me super excited about the Final Four!