Baby Sidell

I am so sad to have missed the birth of my new nephew. From the pictures I"ve been privleged to, he is absolutely perfect and beautiful. It makes me think of the verse where God reminds us..."we are fearfully and wonderfully made." Just as Solomon said to his bride in Song of Songs..."All beautiful you are my darling. There is no flaw in you." I believe this is how Christ sees his creation.
I can't help but wonder how much newborns and infants can sense, emotionally. Do they understand more than the warmth of their mother has she holds her baby, but also gather what her smile and tone of voice are communicating as she whispers, "I love you." Even with their eyes closed, can an infant soak in the emotions radiating around a room filled with jabbering, ecstatic family members, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and proud parents? I know that we can't remember what was felt on the day we were born, or at all how it happened. But is there any evidence that proves an understanding or difference concerning the emotions of the family? I believe that the emotions that the family welcomes their new child, grandchild, or niece/nephew into, is consistent with the closeness, love, and warmth of the family's overall dynamic.

Welcome Baby Blake. May it always be consistent that our family loves you with every breath....and that, despite her absence at the moment, Auntie J is the best!

When?

How long do you wait for an answer to an unanswered need, before coming to the conclusion that "maybe I should be doing more?"

See A Penny...

In a fervent quest for an evening snack, I was on a mission to gather up 75 cents. I would be that person who never carries cash...nor change, aside from the normal collection of pennies. Without realizing it, I found myself scrounging for change. I scraped up a quarter from one of my many wallets. Short by only a mile, or so it felt, I began to search through my multitude of purses. It seemed I found treasure in the form of everything but change. Nearing the end of my monetary search I had somehow collected more than 24 pens and pencils (a new bundle of writing utensils), a wad of Wal-Mart receipts (proof that I may be the costumer that keeps them in business), a month's worth of movie ticket stubs, and finally....JACKPOT! I had gathered up more than the necessary 75 cents for the vending machine goodies...what a blessing. I had somehow created a collection of nickels, dimes, and quarters in the sum of a whopping 85 cents! Too good to be true. On another high note, in this quest to quiet my craving I had avoided needing to make a Wal-Mart run for pencils, gathered enough movie stubs to make a scrapbook, and found the answer to my chapped lips, in the form of 3 unused Mark-Kay lip glosses and an o, so expensive tube of Carmex. And to top it all off, I can see the bottom of each and every purse in my plethora of handbags! If this habit doesn't label me as a college student, I don't know what screams it louder!

A You're Adorable...

I have the most adorable brother ever. He said that he was bored one day and created this video for JP and me. I know he did it out of boredom, but I also know I must've been on his mind. What can I say? He loves me so much! Ain't he lucky to have a big sis like me!
Here's the video! Can't wait to see what my brother-in-law comes up with for our wedding. He's got some competition now!

Peace and Quiet

Isn't this the cutest puppy? When JP and I are bored we go to the Petland and take out puppies, which is what we did this weekend as well. This little girl is our dream dog. A chocolate cocka-poo. SOMEDAY!!!!!!!!!


With all of Evangel on spring break, I feel even more secluded than normal. I am in the bulk of my student teaching, and rarely leave the room. I can't wait for these two weeks to be over with. This week not only do I plan full time, but then on Saturday JP and I have to drive 5 hours to Carbondal (aka "no-where-ville") IL for our IL certification test and then back the same night. Then on Monday I get observed, teach full time again next week, and have my portfolio and Teacher Work Sample due before we leave for spring break next Friday! I just ask God to help me make it through each day! We are supposed to get like 10 inches of snow, which in Springfield, MO means probably 4, but by the time I wake up it will be melted to puddles. This may mean school will still be canceled. In Chicago school would never be canceled for puddles, but hey...I guess you never know what child in Springfield, MO could be in a life-or-death situation involving a 4-inch puddle of melted snow!

Tonight I went to the Evangel Conference Championship game. I, and i think JP, forgot how competitive I can get about things I really don't care about. This is sadly, only the second full game I have ever been to during my college career. They, won, which made my fanaticism seem worth it...but JP seem a little embarrassed. :)

I can't wait to get home for break. Parker keeps asking me, "What did you get me for my birthday J?" I said I"ll bring it home in 11 days so he said, "Ok, then tomorrow would be 10 days! Funny how kids keep track of the things that affect them!

Give A Lil' Bit

I learned a little lesson today. As Jp and I sat in church service tonight, the offering bucket came by. I thought to myself, "I just tithed on Sunday and all I have is $5 cash right now...I'm gonna need that." This thought came only hours after I had shared with my Dad about how faithful God has been to me. So I thought and thought about how $5 to a college student is a lot of money sometimes so I watched the bucket go by. Just as I was ready to pass it, I watched JP search through his wallet. He looked disappointed that he had no cash. Then I saw him pull out his "lucky dollar," which he always keeps on hand in case he suddenly needs a buck or two. He pulled it out and put the crinkled 1oo cents into the bin. I have never felt more like a child who had been smacked on the hand with a motherly "shame on you" immediately following. Even though it was only a dollar, it was all that he could give and he gave it. He is so passionate about giving that he wanted to do all he can. My $5 could have gone a long way with Christ, and wouldn't have left me starving even if it was all I had. Give when you can, all you can, and he will provide. Learned it the hard way........

Well Celebrated

Publish Post




For our 6th, and last Valentine's as a non-married couple, JP and I had so much fun! Amber and I went to the mall today to find me an outfit. I felt like I was going out on a first date. She helped me get read (such an amazing friend)! Right before i left we realized the slit in the dress was a little high so she sewed it. It was like getting ready for my wedding day...i'll know how that feels soon enough. He took me to a very good Italian restaurant. As one of the toughest italian food critics he knows, he was surprised to find I loved it! Then we went to see Grease, the musical at Springfield theatre. Not more than 2 scenes into the musical we looked at each other and had the same thought.....I fee like I'm watching a high school musical. They singing seemed untrained, immature, and at times, hilarious. I could have performed better. We didn't pay $100 a ticket, but I couldn't believe they were even allowed to charge $25 for the cheap tickets. Unbelievable. I love that we are the point that he doesn't take offense to my honesty about things like that. He knew I wasn't saying I didn't like the gift, I appreciated the thought and the time spent together, but I'm a tough critic when it comes to musicals and performances, having once been there somewhat myself throughout high school. It was more fun to mock the whole thing together, than to take it for what it was worth. Then i gave him his present, a power drill...something I figured he'll use. It's crazy to think that although it's our 6th valentine's day together, I get 60 more with this sexy man! doesn't he look so handsome?

(THANKING HIM FOR A WONDERFUL NIGHT!)