This has been a great six months. We have had a first six months of marriage and God continues to show himself in new ways as we continue to trust him and rely on his leading. As we begin the new year we have new ventures ahead. Kaia is beginning a new job in January. She had a great design show and got some great compliments on her work. She is starting with a company she has been freelancing with and will be heading up the design department, pretty awesome.
Steve is still waiting on the state of MN for his teaching license. Who would have thought this was such a long process. In the meantime he is working at the church doing custodial work. While it is not the ideal position, it is still something that is helping us make it along. He is looking forward to the time when he gets to be in the classroom working with students.
We are looking forward to everything that will happen in 2012. There will be a lot of exciting adventures we will go on (not sure what they are, but they'll be exciting) and we look forward to sharing them with all of you.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.” Proverbs 27:23
So, I have this problem with taking on more than I can handle, getting super stressed out and regretting the fact that I convinced myself to take on just "one more thing". These last few weeks have been a blur and the next will be just the same. I've spent morning and night working on my portfolio trying to bring it to my standards. (which of course it will never reach... being a perfectionist gets in the way more often than anything).
Sometimes I just have to remember to step back and remember that even when my life gets crazy and out of control, God calls me to have a well managed life... I pray that he can help me better manage the things in life that I CAN control and be better prepared for the things I cant..
Being stressed out does nothing for me but cause anxiety and makes me want to give up.
"An overloaded life leads to meltdowns, but a well managed life leads to balance and peace"
So, I have this problem with taking on more than I can handle, getting super stressed out and regretting the fact that I convinced myself to take on just "one more thing". These last few weeks have been a blur and the next will be just the same. I've spent morning and night working on my portfolio trying to bring it to my standards. (which of course it will never reach... being a perfectionist gets in the way more often than anything).
Sometimes I just have to remember to step back and remember that even when my life gets crazy and out of control, God calls me to have a well managed life... I pray that he can help me better manage the things in life that I CAN control and be better prepared for the things I cant..
Being stressed out does nothing for me but cause anxiety and makes me want to give up.
"An overloaded life leads to meltdowns, but a well managed life leads to balance and peace"
Thursday, December 1, 2011
vent.
It's been way too long, and I apologize for the not so joyful post this will be. I promise we will write more uplifting things next time.
It seems rather difficult sometimes to follow where God leads. Not because I am lazy, not because I can't hear what He is telling me, and definitely not because I am rebellious and think my way is a better way. But what makes it most difficult is the people around us who think we are crazy for waiting on God's plan and not taking action ourselves.
I feel like we are always being told what we should be doing, that we should be jumping at any given opportunity just because it is most convenient. Of course we want jobs, (or careers I should say) yes some doors crack open hear and there, but many times, the Lord shuts them pretty quickly while showing us a different way soon after.
I am tired of feeling like I am being portrayed as lazy or not ambitious because I don't want just any job that is offered to me. I would like to think (and it would be awesome if other people thought) that I am better than that, that I have the skills to get me something better, that I am in the place where I could find a good career so that I don't have to succumb to another failing business just to get me through another couple months.
I have just a couple weeks left of my final semester... I am exhausted, nervous but still excited to see what lies ahead. As I put together my portfolio I am overwhelmed with thoughts of where I could work, the options are really endless and I truly look forward to finding a job I love. I have zero desire to find a design "job"... I am ready for a career. I have worked for enough unstable businesses and am tired of not knowing when my next paycheck will come.
If I need to find a "job" at a framing store or something while I wait for the right thing to come along I will. I know what I am capable of and I'm not going to settle for less.
It seems rather difficult sometimes to follow where God leads. Not because I am lazy, not because I can't hear what He is telling me, and definitely not because I am rebellious and think my way is a better way. But what makes it most difficult is the people around us who think we are crazy for waiting on God's plan and not taking action ourselves.
I feel like we are always being told what we should be doing, that we should be jumping at any given opportunity just because it is most convenient. Of course we want jobs, (or careers I should say) yes some doors crack open hear and there, but many times, the Lord shuts them pretty quickly while showing us a different way soon after.
I am tired of feeling like I am being portrayed as lazy or not ambitious because I don't want just any job that is offered to me. I would like to think (and it would be awesome if other people thought) that I am better than that, that I have the skills to get me something better, that I am in the place where I could find a good career so that I don't have to succumb to another failing business just to get me through another couple months.
I have just a couple weeks left of my final semester... I am exhausted, nervous but still excited to see what lies ahead. As I put together my portfolio I am overwhelmed with thoughts of where I could work, the options are really endless and I truly look forward to finding a job I love. I have zero desire to find a design "job"... I am ready for a career. I have worked for enough unstable businesses and am tired of not knowing when my next paycheck will come.
If I need to find a "job" at a framing store or something while I wait for the right thing to come along I will. I know what I am capable of and I'm not going to settle for less.
Monday, October 31, 2011
change of pace
This was possibly one of the most unproductive weekends as far as homework goes... I have SO much to do I don't even know where to start... but it seems that this wasn't the weekend to try.
It was a nice change of pace to get out of our place, away from my computer to do something different. Saturday we spend the whole day at my parents house which was lots of fun. We spent the majority of the day canning all kinds of applesauce! (We have already destroyed a quart.. in 1 1/2 days...)
Saturday night I was able to get my halloween juices out by doing my mom's makeup for their Halloween party. It was exactly what I needed :) and she looked awesome! Check out the picture of both my parents! Love it!
On sunday we had Eric and Beth and Fiona over for breakfast and went to the Landscape Arboretum with them afterwards, it was a beautiful day for it! It's about time we took advantage of our close proximity! It's great to see them and our beautiful niece! *Steve adores her, as you can see! He takes any and every opportunity to steal her from her parents. :)
It was a nice change of pace to get out of our place, away from my computer to do something different. Saturday we spend the whole day at my parents house which was lots of fun. We spent the majority of the day canning all kinds of applesauce! (We have already destroyed a quart.. in 1 1/2 days...)
Saturday night I was able to get my halloween juices out by doing my mom's makeup for their Halloween party. It was exactly what I needed :) and she looked awesome! Check out the picture of both my parents! Love it!
On sunday we had Eric and Beth and Fiona over for breakfast and went to the Landscape Arboretum with them afterwards, it was a beautiful day for it! It's about time we took advantage of our close proximity! It's great to see them and our beautiful niece! *Steve adores her, as you can see! He takes any and every opportunity to steal her from her parents. :)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Halloween Weekend!
I'm bummed that we have nothing planned this year, getting all dressed up for Halloween is one of my favorite things to do! We've decided a nice night in together would be best, maybe a fun Halloween dinner and a scary movie with some wine! Sounds like a good night to me!
Here is a look back at some of our Halloween costumes from years past!
Here is a look back at some of our Halloween costumes from years past!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Most awesome key ever
Working on my portfolio has been the focus of many of my days, trying to improve past projects and create new ones - it's great fun... BUT I'm sure it will be worth it in the end. I finally came up with my personal brand identity which I will share in good time and have also found my perfect portfolio case, also amazing. The best part about it is the key.. check it out! I have never seen a key this cool in my life!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Testing our Boundaries
Today I was reading a devotion about Psalm 16:6. The verse says: “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.”
This passage, like many others is so relevant in our lives. Marriage has been very humbling for us from the get-go. As our attitudes and lifestyles have been tested as we have seen how important it is to keep God at the center of our marriage. It is so easy for us all as sinful humans to feel like we are being held back from freedom, we want to make our own decisions, create our own path and assume through the midst of it all, that our way has to be the best way. Well, unfortunately, but FORTUNATELY, our way is NEVER the best way. It has been so awesome to see the ways God has worked in our life thus far and it excites me to see what he has around the corner.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you how awesome it is not to have a steady income, but through prayer and trust we have definitely seen God provide. Although I often find myself wanting to break down the boundary lines to see what's ahead, it is humbling to realize that I am not the one in control of my life. God has placed this road in front of me for a reason and for my protection. He knows far better than I, what is best for us and when. When we feel hopeless he opens another door, it's not always a big golden door, sometimes it's just a little hole in the wall, but it has always been big enough to fit through. He gives us what we need to carry us over until the next. It keeps our trust alive, it makes us realize that relying on ourselves is not going to do anything but disappoint.
I wonder sometimes if I don't trust enough, I think it is easy to get caught up in the worldly ideas that we 'need' certain things to be content and fulfilled. When things don't go the way I think they should I get distressed and find myself taking it out on Steve rather than bringing my concerns to God. I want more than ever to be a loving and supportive wife, I know that Steve is following the Lord, that he is submitting to Him and therefore it is important for me to follow and submit to Steve. He is the spiritual leader of our home and I need to encourage him to remain in that role rather than try and take over.
The window washing days are coming to an end with winter around the corner. I have had small freelance jobs here and there, I take on as much as I can while still putting most of my focus into my final semester. While it can be concerning to sit and wonder where our money will come from next month, we have seen that God has always put something in our path even if just for awhile. Steve just got a phone call from someone from church asking if he could fill in doing custodial work again while 2 people are out on disability. - another door opened, like I said before it's not a huge door with stained glass, but it's a door nonetheless. He also has another gig at Eagle Brook in a few weeks.
With this all said, we are doing fine, we are living comfortably with what we need, happy to have each other. We are attentively following where God leads us, anxiously awaiting the next point on the map. It is exciting, it's scary, it's an adventure and I wouldn't want to be doing it with anyone else.
This passage, like many others is so relevant in our lives. Marriage has been very humbling for us from the get-go. As our attitudes and lifestyles have been tested as we have seen how important it is to keep God at the center of our marriage. It is so easy for us all as sinful humans to feel like we are being held back from freedom, we want to make our own decisions, create our own path and assume through the midst of it all, that our way has to be the best way. Well, unfortunately, but FORTUNATELY, our way is NEVER the best way. It has been so awesome to see the ways God has worked in our life thus far and it excites me to see what he has around the corner.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you how awesome it is not to have a steady income, but through prayer and trust we have definitely seen God provide. Although I often find myself wanting to break down the boundary lines to see what's ahead, it is humbling to realize that I am not the one in control of my life. God has placed this road in front of me for a reason and for my protection. He knows far better than I, what is best for us and when. When we feel hopeless he opens another door, it's not always a big golden door, sometimes it's just a little hole in the wall, but it has always been big enough to fit through. He gives us what we need to carry us over until the next. It keeps our trust alive, it makes us realize that relying on ourselves is not going to do anything but disappoint.
I wonder sometimes if I don't trust enough, I think it is easy to get caught up in the worldly ideas that we 'need' certain things to be content and fulfilled. When things don't go the way I think they should I get distressed and find myself taking it out on Steve rather than bringing my concerns to God. I want more than ever to be a loving and supportive wife, I know that Steve is following the Lord, that he is submitting to Him and therefore it is important for me to follow and submit to Steve. He is the spiritual leader of our home and I need to encourage him to remain in that role rather than try and take over.
The window washing days are coming to an end with winter around the corner. I have had small freelance jobs here and there, I take on as much as I can while still putting most of my focus into my final semester. While it can be concerning to sit and wonder where our money will come from next month, we have seen that God has always put something in our path even if just for awhile. Steve just got a phone call from someone from church asking if he could fill in doing custodial work again while 2 people are out on disability. - another door opened, like I said before it's not a huge door with stained glass, but it's a door nonetheless. He also has another gig at Eagle Brook in a few weeks.
With this all said, we are doing fine, we are living comfortably with what we need, happy to have each other. We are attentively following where God leads us, anxiously awaiting the next point on the map. It is exciting, it's scary, it's an adventure and I wouldn't want to be doing it with anyone else.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Cooking
Kaia and I enjoy watching cooking shows on TV. Everything they do looks so complicated, but in reality, most things you can do cooking are fairly simple. Before Kaia and I started dating my cooking consisted of soup out of a can, mac and cheese, or hamburger helper. With a little encouragement from my beautiful wife and some practice, maple glazed pork chops aren't out of the question.
Cooking is a lot of fun. Last nights experiment was with chicken noodle soup. Now we didn't do anything extravagant, but it turns out a little different every time. That is one of the exciting things when you are exploring flavors. Things are great every time and they are always a little different. While I am no Bobby Flay, I can handle myself in the kitchen and whip up something excellent (usually following a recipe). It has been fun as I have gotten older to try new things and be adventurous in the kitchen.
To our readers, what are some of your favorite recipes?
Cooking is a lot of fun. Last nights experiment was with chicken noodle soup. Now we didn't do anything extravagant, but it turns out a little different every time. That is one of the exciting things when you are exploring flavors. Things are great every time and they are always a little different. While I am no Bobby Flay, I can handle myself in the kitchen and whip up something excellent (usually following a recipe). It has been fun as I have gotten older to try new things and be adventurous in the kitchen.
To our readers, what are some of your favorite recipes?
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Its been a while
Our lives have continued to be incredibly busy in the last few weeks. Last weekend I had the joy of participating the New Hope Church Mens Retreat at Camp Forrest Springs in Wisconsin. It was an incredible time of worship with 170 men from the church as we sang together, talked, and spent time in silence with the Lord. I had a great time getting to know a guy I've known for a long time a lot better. We drove to and from camp together and got to talk a lot more than we have ever in our lives. It was fun to see how he has grown and get to know how his life has been shaped in the last few years. The weather was beautiful all weekend and everyone enjoyed themselves with all the different activities.
This last week, Kaia and I had something going on every night. Small group, school, and rehearsals were all a part of our week; as well as a wonderful time with our cousins. We are blessed with a great family and it is incredibly fun to live close to one another and spend time together. Our times together are always filled with laughter and loads of fun. One of our favorite games to play is telephone pictionary, we found some of our old stories and cracked up laughing reading through some of the sentences. We read about half chicken and Christmas ghosts wearing sweaters and a lot of other things. We had a great time together.
The busy life should settle down a little, but it will probably continue until Kaia is out of school and we have Tuesdays and Thursdays free together. In the mean time we spend time together when we can and enjoy every minute of it. Last night we had a pork roast for dinner and watched The Green Hornet. It was nice to be able to relax together and enjoy some down time. We do not have any pictures of the pork roast, but it was delicious.
This last week, Kaia and I had something going on every night. Small group, school, and rehearsals were all a part of our week; as well as a wonderful time with our cousins. We are blessed with a great family and it is incredibly fun to live close to one another and spend time together. Our times together are always filled with laughter and loads of fun. One of our favorite games to play is telephone pictionary, we found some of our old stories and cracked up laughing reading through some of the sentences. We read about half chicken and Christmas ghosts wearing sweaters and a lot of other things. We had a great time together.
The busy life should settle down a little, but it will probably continue until Kaia is out of school and we have Tuesdays and Thursdays free together. In the mean time we spend time together when we can and enjoy every minute of it. Last night we had a pork roast for dinner and watched The Green Hornet. It was nice to be able to relax together and enjoy some down time. We do not have any pictures of the pork roast, but it was delicious.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Twins
Last week we went to the Twins game and sat up in the top level. This was a new experience for us as we had never sat that high at Target field yet. We had a great view of the field and it was fun to be able to see all the movements of the players. Kaia had some trouble tracking the pop flies with what part of the field they were going to, but other than that the seats were great.
Wednesday was a cold night and we were thankful for the blankets we had in my car because without them we would have frozen at the game. The game started out pretty exciting as the Twins took a two to nothing lead early on and held it for a while, but then somebody pushed the self-destruct button and the game went down hill very fast. Seattle quickly took the lead and held it the rest of the game.
My cousin Laura wrote a blog about what it is like to cheer for a loosing team. And the Twins this season have exemplified what it means to be a losing team. You can check out her block by clicking here. She is a great story teller and has a ton of wonderful stories to tell.
The highlights of the game for us were seeing a pigeon fly into the stadium and around in circles for a while unable to get out. It almost got out over the fence near where we were sitting, but didn't quite make it. The crowd near us let out a groan. It took off again circling the field rising as it went until it was able to sneak out by Minne and Paul. Everyone who had been watching it cheered that the bird made it out. Nothing exciting had happened in the game so I bet that those who hadn't seen the bird were quite confused about what the cheer was about.
The other thing we enjoyed was leaving early. We were freezing and the Twins were done so we took off before the crowd in the top of the 9th and got home before the game was even over. We got warmed up and enjoyed not being stuck in traffic with all the others. So while the Twins lost, and they are now done for the season, games can still be exciting for other reasons. There is always next year. Maybe they will get things figured out.
Wednesday was a cold night and we were thankful for the blankets we had in my car because without them we would have frozen at the game. The game started out pretty exciting as the Twins took a two to nothing lead early on and held it for a while, but then somebody pushed the self-destruct button and the game went down hill very fast. Seattle quickly took the lead and held it the rest of the game.
My cousin Laura wrote a blog about what it is like to cheer for a loosing team. And the Twins this season have exemplified what it means to be a losing team. You can check out her block by clicking here. She is a great story teller and has a ton of wonderful stories to tell.
The highlights of the game for us were seeing a pigeon fly into the stadium and around in circles for a while unable to get out. It almost got out over the fence near where we were sitting, but didn't quite make it. The crowd near us let out a groan. It took off again circling the field rising as it went until it was able to sneak out by Minne and Paul. Everyone who had been watching it cheered that the bird made it out. Nothing exciting had happened in the game so I bet that those who hadn't seen the bird were quite confused about what the cheer was about.
The other thing we enjoyed was leaving early. We were freezing and the Twins were done so we took off before the crowd in the top of the 9th and got home before the game was even over. We got warmed up and enjoyed not being stuck in traffic with all the others. So while the Twins lost, and they are now done for the season, games can still be exciting for other reasons. There is always next year. Maybe they will get things figured out.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Alphabet
A few of my favorite things! Letterforms, fun music and a cute video! Enjoy!
The Alphabet 2 from n9ve on Vimeo.
The Alphabet 2 from n9ve on Vimeo.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wedding Season
It seems as though every weekend since OUR wedding has been booked with another wedding. It's obviously been exciting to see couples take off on this new adventure but I'm not going to lie, I am more than excited to finally see what it is like to have an available weekend in our own married life. Being married is great, but I have found that since we don't need to be as intentional about seeing each other, planning date nights and actually doing something outside of the house is a very rare occurrence. When we were dating we managed to find every and any free or cheap activity to check out, it was always fun no matter what we did. Hopefully (as is always said), when life slows down, maybe we can start doing some of these things again. Until then, we will enjoy life at home.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Good Music
This last week I've been hearing some good music on Classical MPR and it got me to thinking about the power that music has. It started hearing the last day of the BBC Proms, a music festival held in the United Kingdom every year. It was a huge party. Everyone there was having so much fun. That was the beginning of my week in music. At other times I heard some beautifully grand pieces and some wrenching pieces written after 9-11. I had to stop and just enjoy these pieces and get lost in the landscape each piece created. I'm going to share a few of them with our readers for you to enjoy.
The first is a piece by John Adams. Kaia and I heard this in South Dakota played by the Symphony Orchestra there and it was an incredibly beautiful piece. It is a piece written in the 20th century so it is driven by the rhythmic pulse. It is called Grand Pianola Music
The next piece is one I heard on the Proms broadcast. It was a theme and variation that introduces the listener to the different sections of the orchestra. It is called the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra because it is meant to help young people know what they are hearing in music. It is written by Benjamin Britten. Here is part of it, you should search for it on youtube to fine the rest.
I really want to go to London one year to the Proms. It is a 2 month celebration of music and would be an incredible time. I doubt I would be able to go for the entire series, but even for a week or so would be incredible.
The last piece I heard was part of Mozart's Requiem. A deeply emotional stirring and emotional piece. I just had to stop and listen and enjoy while it was on.
I realize this is all Classical music. There is so much music out there to enjoy. Take some time and listen to something different and enjoy the diversity of musical experience that is available.
The first is a piece by John Adams. Kaia and I heard this in South Dakota played by the Symphony Orchestra there and it was an incredibly beautiful piece. It is a piece written in the 20th century so it is driven by the rhythmic pulse. It is called Grand Pianola Music
The next piece is one I heard on the Proms broadcast. It was a theme and variation that introduces the listener to the different sections of the orchestra. It is called the Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra because it is meant to help young people know what they are hearing in music. It is written by Benjamin Britten. Here is part of it, you should search for it on youtube to fine the rest.
I really want to go to London one year to the Proms. It is a 2 month celebration of music and would be an incredible time. I doubt I would be able to go for the entire series, but even for a week or so would be incredible.
The last piece I heard was part of Mozart's Requiem. A deeply emotional stirring and emotional piece. I just had to stop and listen and enjoy while it was on.
I realize this is all Classical music. There is so much music out there to enjoy. Take some time and listen to something different and enjoy the diversity of musical experience that is available.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Adrian Peterson
I know ALMOST nothing about football (*note, this is obviously Kaia speaking) HOWEVER, I did just decide that Adrian Peterson is going to be my favorite player. I came across this article where it states:
"When it came to touchdowns, Peterson would not put an exact number on his prediction but hoped that it would be a lot as he will be donating $7,000 per touchdown scored this season to prevent human trafficking in Africa."
Pretty awesome.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Mysterious Viewers
I can't help but be curious as to who of our friends and family actually look at this.. I see the visited numbers go up but I don't know who is reading?! What a mystery! ANYway, I know a few of you have asked how to leave a comment and I apologize for not realizing the strange settings earlier. I have now changed them so anyone can leave a comment without needing to have a special ID of some sort.
All you have to do now is click where it says 'comments' underneath the blog post and where it says 'comment as' select name/url and type your name there! Easy as pie!
Comment as often as you'd like, it will help us to be motivated to keep on top of this!
Love you all!
All you have to do now is click where it says 'comments' underneath the blog post and where it says 'comment as' select name/url and type your name there! Easy as pie!
Comment as often as you'd like, it will help us to be motivated to keep on top of this!
Love you all!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Back to school
Well, I am happy to say I survived my last first day of school! But man, 8am-9pm is sure going to be a long day.... The number of hours isn't the worst part though, it's that fact that I have 3 hour gaps between each class. This of course would be awesome if I could do homework, the trouble is the school thought it would be a good idea to get rid of all the open computer labs, and unfortunately my computer isn't new enough to support the software I need :( SoO I have about 6 hours of time during my day that will ultimately be wasted unless I get creative and fill it with something.
Here are some ideas:
- I could learn to like to read
- I could sleep (although I do not like being known as a bench sleeper and recently discovered sleeping in my car is not very fun either)
- I could learn to knit
- I could go to the creepy gym
- I sit and watch the mid-day drama shows at the student center
- Any other ideas? anyone... bueller..
Here are some ideas:
- I could learn to like to read
- I could sleep (although I do not like being known as a bench sleeper and recently discovered sleeping in my car is not very fun either)
- I could learn to knit
- I could go to the creepy gym
- I sit and watch the mid-day drama shows at the student center
- Any other ideas? anyone... bueller..
Friday, September 2, 2011
animals!
Not only do we have a plethora of squirrels in our backyard, we have these guys too!! Excuse the poor picture, he was a mover!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Kitchen creations!
Some more delicious things from the Boal Kitchen!
Sweet Curry Chicken Salad - "A Kaia Creation"
Honey marinaded chicken with veggie kabobs - "A Steve Creation"
Homemade pesto grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup - "A Kaia Creation"
Grandma Irene
We had a really nice time in Iowa celebrating Grandma's life. It was comforting to be around so many family members who were inspired by her in so many ways. The funeral was beautiful, lots of great stories and it was fun to hear some of the poems Irene wrote. Although funerals are sad, they serve as a reminder that we are here for a reason, and only for a short time.
Our job is to share God's love with those around us, to live in a way that is glorifying to him. So many take advantage of the life they are given, thinking they have time to figure things out, they will wait until they 'need' him, or until He fits into their 'busy' schedule.. Well the scary truth is none of us are promised another day. God want's us here for HIS purposes and his only. It makes me sad, scared and nervous that so many people may leave this world without him, and in turn, will not live in eternity with him. I wish every person I knew and even those I don't would take the time to consider the importance in fostering a relationship with Jesus. I am not claiming to be perfect in any way shape or form, I am very far from where I need to be, but it's a daily effort... a very worthwhile effort.
I learned a lot from Irene in the short time that I knew her. I learned what it looked like to live sacrificially, to put others before myself, to be content with the circumstances God give's me and to live faithfully trusting in Him everyday.
When my grandma died years ago I was blessed to inherit some of her jewelry, I love the vintage flare and knowing that she once wore them make them all the more special.
Again, I was given a beautiful necklace Irene once wore. It is so 'Kaia' I couldn't believe it! I am excited to carry a piece of her with me and remember her each time I wear it!
Our job is to share God's love with those around us, to live in a way that is glorifying to him. So many take advantage of the life they are given, thinking they have time to figure things out, they will wait until they 'need' him, or until He fits into their 'busy' schedule.. Well the scary truth is none of us are promised another day. God want's us here for HIS purposes and his only. It makes me sad, scared and nervous that so many people may leave this world without him, and in turn, will not live in eternity with him. I wish every person I knew and even those I don't would take the time to consider the importance in fostering a relationship with Jesus. I am not claiming to be perfect in any way shape or form, I am very far from where I need to be, but it's a daily effort... a very worthwhile effort.
I learned a lot from Irene in the short time that I knew her. I learned what it looked like to live sacrificially, to put others before myself, to be content with the circumstances God give's me and to live faithfully trusting in Him everyday.
When my grandma died years ago I was blessed to inherit some of her jewelry, I love the vintage flare and knowing that she once wore them make them all the more special.
Again, I was given a beautiful necklace Irene once wore. It is so 'Kaia' I couldn't believe it! I am excited to carry a piece of her with me and remember her each time I wear it!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Loaf of the week!
Delicious AND nutritious Zucchini/Banana Bread! So moist, just enough sweetness and very very healthy! (Had to make up for the apple crumble bread...) Steve couldn't even tast the zucchini!
Check out this healthiness: NO butter, NO oil, Whole wheat flour, only 1/4 cup brown sugar and some honey, 3 bananas, a whole zucchini, and hardly any salt!
Check out this healthiness: NO butter, NO oil, Whole wheat flour, only 1/4 cup brown sugar and some honey, 3 bananas, a whole zucchini, and hardly any salt!
(caution: there are more ingredients, don't think this is it you will be mildly disappointed)
What is better than Fresh zucchini/banana bread?!
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zucchini/banana bread french toast!!! YUMMMMMMM!
*And watermelon of course, I think we are addicted...
State Fair Bound!
I have never gone to the State Fair on opening day, but Steve and I both had the afternoon off and thought it would be a nice way to get away from the chaos of life and eat our worries away :) Neither of us are big State Fair Goers but it was Thrifty Thursday, we were in dyer need to get out of the house and get some fresh air. So before we knew it we were on the transit and on our way to the fair!
Sadly we have become quite bad at taking pictures of everything we do... BUT we do have a few to prove we went.
A few of our favorite foodie traditions at the fair: (*note, we share everything... if we didn't that would be rather disgusting and we would be quite large)
- Pronto Pups: I don't know why, but they are so much better than a 'corn dog' maybe it's all in the name?
- Giant Turkey leg: mmm... succulent, juicy MEAT
- 1919 Rootbeer: Neither of us drink soda, ever, but we both salivate at the site of a Jumbo cup of ice cold 1919 rootbeer... holy goodness, why do you think we had kegs of it at our wedding?!
- Roasted Corn: Huge probably chemically altered corn cobs with ginormous kernels that burst with buttery goodness when you bite into them.. can't NOT eat this!
- We usually split some kind of desserty thing, this year we were on our way to the deep fried candy bars... they are morbidly delicious to say the least, but luckily someone was looking out for us and plopped a delicious gelato stand right next door, Praise God we didn't go through with it! The Gelato was very delicious and probably life saving.
- Because of our adventurous spirits and love for food, we always like to try new things, see if you can guess what this years undertaking was...
Sadly we have become quite bad at taking pictures of everything we do... BUT we do have a few to prove we went.
A few of our favorite foodie traditions at the fair: (*note, we share everything... if we didn't that would be rather disgusting and we would be quite large)
- Pronto Pups: I don't know why, but they are so much better than a 'corn dog' maybe it's all in the name?
- Giant Turkey leg: mmm... succulent, juicy MEAT
- 1919 Rootbeer: Neither of us drink soda, ever, but we both salivate at the site of a Jumbo cup of ice cold 1919 rootbeer... holy goodness, why do you think we had kegs of it at our wedding?!
- Roasted Corn: Huge probably chemically altered corn cobs with ginormous kernels that burst with buttery goodness when you bite into them.. can't NOT eat this!
- We usually split some kind of desserty thing, this year we were on our way to the deep fried candy bars... they are morbidly delicious to say the least, but luckily someone was looking out for us and plopped a delicious gelato stand right next door, Praise God we didn't go through with it! The Gelato was very delicious and probably life saving.
- Because of our adventurous spirits and love for food, we always like to try new things, see if you can guess what this years undertaking was...
Does the look on Steve's face give it away?
These cute little fries came with our meal...
Any guesses yet?
Boom! That's right. I don't know if I'd get it again, kind of tasted like overdone chicken.. but hey, we tried it.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Legacy
Last Friday morning my Grandma Boal passed away after battling some health issues. She was an incredible woman who loved God with all her heart. She had a joyful heart and a fun loving spirit and was always sending jokes along through email. She loved playing games and learning new things through out her life. Her fun loving spirit was with her to the end as she told my dad she looked forward to hugging a lion when she got to heaven.She was always proud of her family and the people we are growing to be.
Funerals are sad time as we mourn the loss of a persons presence in our life, but for those who are in Christ, they are also a time of joy celebrating the life of the believer and their union with Christ. Tears will be shed as family and friends unite to remember the life of Irene Boal, but there will also be smiles as we share stories about her. As I think about death and what the future holds, I am overcome with anticipation. That is not to say that I am hoping death comes soon, but I am looking forward to working along the path God has put me on. At church we have been working through Philippians and Paul writes about how life is for serving Christ and death is for being united with Christ. While I am here, there is work to be done. When God says, come home my son, it is time to go be with Daddy. These are all things to be excited for. The journey is filled with pot holes and stumbling blocks, but there will be a lot to sing praises about because God is there the whole way. Grandma knew this day would come, and she did not fear it. She worked her whole life and was taken home to be with her heavenly Father. I will miss her at our family gatherings, but I can't wait to see her again and have her show me the best lions to hug.
On Tuesday we celebrate the life of Irene Boal. We mourn her passing, but look forward to being reconnected with her again. God has put us here for a time to be of use to Him. Remember what is important in life and do not waste the moments you have.
Friday, August 19, 2011
6.25.2011
The day I started life with my best friend. A day to remember forever. I love you Stephen! You are my favorite person on the planet!
* There are sooooo many more photos, but too many to post. I just made a 160 page book with all our favorites (yes there was even more yet) hopefully at some point in time you will all have a chance to look through that!
* There are sooooo many more photos, but too many to post. I just made a 160 page book with all our favorites (yes there was even more yet) hopefully at some point in time you will all have a chance to look through that!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The age of social media
For those of you who into the whole social media scene, you'll love this. For those of you who aren't, well you will probably love this too!
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!
I suppose I should start tweeting more often...
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!
I suppose I should start tweeting more often...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Laying Tile
It seems like it is my turn to take a jab at this family blog. My wife has been dominating the blissfully bountiful Boal blog so far it seems that I need to participate in this venture as well. Last week I started working with a friends uncle laying tile. This job is full of things I know absolutely nothing about, and so the learning curve has been quite steep. I have been enjoying myself and have been challenged each day to learn new skills. I must be doing something right because the other day my boss was talking about retiring someday and needing somebody to take over the business when he's gone. Not sure I am ready for that, but I was encouraged that even though I make mistakes I am doing well enough that he would even think of that.
This job is a total answer to Kaia's and my prayers as window cleaning has been slow in August and she was laid off a few weeks ago. I do not know how long I will stay with it, but I think I will stay around long enough while I work on my Minnesota Teaching license. My time student teaching was a blast and confirmed for me my decision to venture into music education. I cannot wait to get into my own classroom and get to know my students. It was an adventure I cannot wait to be on again.
That is all I have to ramble about right now. I'll keep practicing and get back to you later.
This job is a total answer to Kaia's and my prayers as window cleaning has been slow in August and she was laid off a few weeks ago. I do not know how long I will stay with it, but I think I will stay around long enough while I work on my Minnesota Teaching license. My time student teaching was a blast and confirmed for me my decision to venture into music education. I cannot wait to get into my own classroom and get to know my students. It was an adventure I cannot wait to be on again.
That is all I have to ramble about right now. I'll keep practicing and get back to you later.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
the job...
I suppose you are all wondering WHERE I am actually working now... details details.
Well, the place is called Venture Photography:
A few things to know about them and the job
* First of all, they are NOTHING like Clix. I liked it there for awhile, but working with people who just thought photography was cool but really didn't know what they were doing with a camera made for a stressful environment.
* My position: Graphic Artist and Photo Editor
* They specialize in telling 'Your Story', they get to know their clients, and strive to bring out their personalities in their portraits.
* Their portraits are beautiful and artistic
* Their photographers are professionally trained in Europe for 3 months..
need I say more?
Here is some of their work:
Well, the place is called Venture Photography:
A few things to know about them and the job
* First of all, they are NOTHING like Clix. I liked it there for awhile, but working with people who just thought photography was cool but really didn't know what they were doing with a camera made for a stressful environment.
* My position: Graphic Artist and Photo Editor
* They specialize in telling 'Your Story', they get to know their clients, and strive to bring out their personalities in their portraits.
* Their portraits are beautiful and artistic
* Their photographers are professionally trained in Europe for 3 months..
need I say more?
Here is some of their work:
A Prayer Answered
Well despite the test I was supposed to take to determine whether I'd get the job at the studio, they called today and offered me the position.
There are a lot of emotions going through me right now, I'm excited, nervous, unsure. It is nice to know we'll have a little more income, but being in a 'store' again makes me a little apprehensive.
There have been sooooo many changes and adjustments in the last few months, thinking about having to adjust to working nights and weekends again doesn't make me all that excited...
BUT, regardless of those things, more then anything I feel blessed. God answered our prayers and provided us with jobs... granted they aren't exactly what either of us had in mind (when do God's plans line up with ours anyway?) they will get us through until He puts something else before us. We are thankful and will continue to live for Him and follow where he leads.
I remind myself of what our friend Josh said just a week ago, - sometimes God puts us through all these obstacles and tests so that we can be ready for the amazing plan he has in store for us later.
I truly believe that.
Thank you all for all your prayers!
There are a lot of emotions going through me right now, I'm excited, nervous, unsure. It is nice to know we'll have a little more income, but being in a 'store' again makes me a little apprehensive.
There have been sooooo many changes and adjustments in the last few months, thinking about having to adjust to working nights and weekends again doesn't make me all that excited...
BUT, regardless of those things, more then anything I feel blessed. God answered our prayers and provided us with jobs... granted they aren't exactly what either of us had in mind (when do God's plans line up with ours anyway?) they will get us through until He puts something else before us. We are thankful and will continue to live for Him and follow where he leads.
I remind myself of what our friend Josh said just a week ago, - sometimes God puts us through all these obstacles and tests so that we can be ready for the amazing plan he has in store for us later.
I truly believe that.
Thank you all for all your prayers!
NINJA OCTOPUS!
Steve and I watched this the other day! It's pretty much the coolest thing I have ever seen!
Beth & Jacob
Unfortunately this weekend I wasn't able to take any photos since I was in the wedding.. Although I suppose I could have, people might have looked at me funny though.. but Ted posted these on Facebook today (not sure who took them) but thanks for sharing!
Beth & Jacob - <>
Beth & Jacob - <>
Monday, August 15, 2011
Weddings!
Apparently this is the summer to get married! Not only are Steve and I basking in marriage bliss, but now Steve's sister has joined in and we still have 3 more weddings before the summer is over! It is exciting to see God pulling people together. This weekend was a beautiful testimony of God's love. Elizabeth and Jacobs wedding was their avenue to share the Gospel with those in their families who might not know Jesus. From the pastor's sermon right down to their bestie's speech's, I pray that peoples hearts were opened as they possibly heard God's truth for the first time.
Elizabeth and Jacob, you two are made for each other. I was honored to be a part of your special day and am so happy fot both of you. Keep the Lord at the center of your marriage and you will be just fine despite the curveballs life will inevitably throw at you. Know that you will always have family and friends to love and support you through everything.
Elizabeth and Jacob, you two are made for each other. I was honored to be a part of your special day and am so happy fot both of you. Keep the Lord at the center of your marriage and you will be just fine despite the curveballs life will inevitably throw at you. Know that you will always have family and friends to love and support you through everything.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
House wife
Steve is at work! He begins his new temporary life as a 'Tile Man' today, I can only hope he comes home with some mad skills.
So.... here I am! Alllll by myself.... What is it that a "House Wife" is supposed to do anyway?
Clean the bathrooms...
Make dinner....
Make the bed....
Hmmm, I'm ready to go back to work...
Do the dishes....
Vacuum....
OH! bake homemade bread of course! .... Everything just got much better :)
We have quickly learned that an easy AND delicious way to save money is to bake bread from scratch. It's soo much tastier and much healthier (most of the time) Here is the Loaf of the Week!
Brown Sugar-Apple bread with a crumble topping! YUM, yes this one isn't that healthy, although I DID use half whole wheat flour and I substituted half the oil for applesauce! Turned out pretty yummy if I do say so myself!
Who can say no to crumble topping!?
So.... here I am! Alllll by myself.... What is it that a "House Wife" is supposed to do anyway?
Clean the bathroom
Make dinner....
Make the bed....
Hmmm, I'm ready to go back to work...
Do the dishes....
Vacuum....
OH! bake homemade bread of course! .... Everything just got much better :)
We have quickly learned that an easy AND delicious way to save money is to bake bread from scratch. It's soo much tastier and much healthier (most of the time) Here is the Loaf of the Week!
Brown Sugar-Apple bread with a crumble topping! YUM, yes this one isn't that healthy, although I DID use half whole wheat flour and I substituted half the oil for applesauce! Turned out pretty yummy if I do say so myself!
Who can say no to crumble topping!?
The Boal Cave
For those of you who don't know.. We live in a cave. A dark dark cave. We absolutely LOVE our home, everything about it is perfect for us, however not an hour goes by where we don't need a light on in order to see... Not only are we on the shaded side of the building. we are on the 1st floor which means we have the lovely overhangs of the decks above us, as well as a backyard full of pine trees.
HOWEVER, just the other day we saw a lovely yellow bobcat (no not the animal) driving through our backyard. Before we knew it there were chainsaws left and right and the three huge pine trees were gone!
HOWEVER, just the other day we saw a lovely yellow bobcat (no not the animal) driving through our backyard. Before we knew it there were chainsaws left and right and the three huge pine trees were gone!
Brighter in the backyard : YES
Brighter insde: NO.. DANG!
Spicy is an understatement
*Note to self: Roasting whole jalapenos and poblano peppers in the veggie mix is great and all.. but adding red pepper flakes MAY have crossed the line.. the SPICY chicken and *I forgot to note before SPICY roasted veggies were almost un-edible the next day! YIKES!
*I did say 'almost', we powered through it!
*I did say 'almost', we powered through it!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Kitchen creations!
One of our favorite things to do together is cook! We are both very adventurous.. (thank goodness steve has caught on... I don't know what i would do otherwise).. in the kitchen. Coming up with the menu for the week is always exciting and making the effort to try new things makes it even more adventurous.
I remember being warned in marriage counseling that because both of us are very laid back the result would be two bafflingly indecisive people. Luckily things have started out more promisingly, in the kitchen at least. Thus far, we have both been ready and willing to try whatever is put before us!
Here are a few of our kitchen creations!! Maybe someday we'll even share the recipes! :o
I remember being warned in marriage counseling that because both of us are very laid back the result would be two bafflingly indecisive people. Luckily things have started out more promisingly, in the kitchen at least. Thus far, we have both been ready and willing to try whatever is put before us!
Here are a few of our kitchen creations!! Maybe someday we'll even share the recipes! :o
Maple Rosemary Pork chop with mushrooms and rosemary potatoes - "A Stephen Creation"
Cheddar bacon burgers with sautéed onions and mushrooms - "A Stephen Creation"
Taco Chicken Bowls - "A Collaboration Creation"
SPICY mozzarella stuffed chicken breaste with roasted veggies - "A Kaia Creation"
Vegan baked eggplant burger topped with roasted red pepper hummus - "A Kaia Creation"
What will next week bring?! You'll just have to wait and see!
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