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My daily reminder...

I found this on another blog (thank you kind over matter) and found it very helpful! It's the simple reminders that we often forget! As the new year approaches I thought this was very appropriate!

Christmas with the Kingma's

Christmas was pretty perfect! As most of you know my Mom & Keith have already flown south for the winter and had a great Christmas in Ft. Myers, and per my previous post, after their visit to Chicago, The Hall's also headed south for some warmer weather! So, I braved the freezing rain and snow with Jason and we headed to Grand Rapids, MI to spend the holiday's with his family!

Christmas Eve was filled with a candlelit church service followed by a wonderful home cooked meal courtesy of Nancy Kingma (Fillet Mignon, with asparagus, twice baked potatoes, and salad) it was delicious! We opened our stockings and then dove into the present portion of the evening! Santa was very good to us this year, we are very blessed and so thankful! After gifts, we had dessert and hit the hay!

Christmas breakfast was amazing, dutch babies, with oatmeal, grapefruit, and all the berries I could eat! The rest of Jason's family came over for the afternoon and we continued to eat , drink, and have fellowship! (I helped make the dessert above, we called it the Christmas surprise!) We played a gift game, and also did a couple rounds of Catch phrase! Jason's grandmother was cracking me up! What a great afternoon spent with family:) I am now obsessed with the game Apples to Apples, we played so many rounds that night!

Over the holiday we were able to see so many close friends that we do not get to see often enough so that was really special as well! There are a lot of exciting things happening for everyone and we're just glad we were able to be a part of them! Family and friends are everything to us and we love you all so much!

I hope everyone had a very happy holiday as well, and I hope the new year brings you peace and happiness as well!

Deck the Hall's

U-505 Submarine at the Museum

The Hall family + 1 Kingma :)

Huge Christmas tree at the Museum

Planes

Carley was so excited to ride CTA!

The plaid boys!

The weekend before Christmas my Dad, Kathy, and Carley came to visit! We spent time together as a family and did some touristy things during the day! We headed to Five Guys for lunch (anyone who has talked to Jason since that Saturday now knows what Five Guys is if they didn't before, I think he's obsessed!) Then drove down Lakeshore Dr. to the Museum of Science and Industry. I'd never been before so it was a great experience! We walked around for a couple of hours and saw the the U-505 (top pic) it was incredible! We saw planes, and a toy making machine, and the baby chicks in the genetics exhibit, and did the fighter jet simulator (which went upside down and made me a little sick to my stomach! haha) I'd love to go back and see everything we didn't get to see, so that's on the Chicago to-do list!

After the museum we headed back to rest a bit. We got some dinner, opened presents, and watched a movie! Dad got Jason his very first tool box! They were both like kinds in a candy store! I got a new coffee machine and it's amazing!!! We are so blessed, and thankful! Spending time together was the best present of all! We love you guys!!!

Have a holly jolly Christmas...

My grown up Christmas list is full of prayers and wishes that my family and friends are happy, healthy, and blessed with all that life has to offer them! I am so thankful for each and everyone of you and all that God has blessed me with this year!

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

So, what's it going to be?

Just 14 days until we ring in 2010, and that got me thinking about that annoying little thing we call "our new year's resolution." How many times have I said, "I'm going to...." or "I won't..." or "I will..." and then after a couple of weeks, or months when life has reared it's ugly head, the resolution turns out to be nothing other than an unkempt promise I've made to myself. I admit, I still don' t know what I want these resolutions to be exactly, but I have quite the long mental list that I'm sure I could start working off of! The next 2 weeks should be enough time to fixate on one idea and start there with a strong sense of commitment. I will just need to and hold myself accountable! I know I'll need support, so if you're reading this, I'm counting on you!

To be continued....

Something UP-lifting!

“Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless.”

Jamie Paolinetti quotes

Over the Rainbow Association

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light. ~Norman B. Rice

Annual Over The Rainbow Association Celebration. We drove over to On Sunday night, Jason and I joined my Aunt Kris, Grandma, and Kathy in seeing the 20thEvanston, IL and met them on Northwestern's campus. The celebration is a show put on by a list of well known performers in the world of opera. Now, I'm sure you're probably wondering how we came to be at this concert...well my Aunt Kris is a friend of Nancy Gustafson's and since this is something very close to Nancy's heart (her baby brother is deaf and has cerebral palsy, and lives in one of the apartments built by the association) she thought it would be great for her to see the show, and learn more about the organization. So, Nancy set everything up, and Aunt Kris invited us since we live to close! We actually went last year too, and it was a great time...but I have to say this year blew last year away! The performers were amazing, and the show was very heart warming! After the show Nancy invited us back to the hotel for the Association dinner. It was very elegant, and the cocktails and food were wonderful! We like to think we cultured ourselves a little bit!

For more information about OTRA or Nancy Gustafson please click on the following links! The information is very interesting!

OTRA

http://www.otrassn.org/

Nancy Gustafson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pm099i0IneQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nYFBnbjrpQ

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Gustafson

Just satisfying my sweet tooth!

This is chocolate chip french toast, with banana puree, sprinkled with fresh bananas, white chocolate shavings, and dark chocolate shavings!! This was absolutely amazing! Yesterday morning, Jason and I met our friend Karen for brunch at my new favorite place called The Bongo Room. Karen had suggested going to this place so long ago, but we never took advantage. The wait wasn't long, the restaurant itself was quite charming, and obviously the food received five stars from me! If you live in Chicago, or you're just visiting, I highly recommend The Bongo Room for Sunday brunch, you will not be sorry!!!

The Bongo Room

1470 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Chicago, IL 60622
Phone # 773-489-0690

Young Lives

Last night I met a new friend for coffee and had a great conversation about a new volunteer opportunity I'm interested in! I was online the other day and this specific add caught my attention. It's called Young Lives and it is a ministry of Young Life designed to focus on teen mothers and their babies. I was connected with a girl named Erin and she heads up the program and is in the works of putting together a group of mentors for Young Lives as it is new to the Chicagoland area. As our meeting was only an introduction, I'm very excited to learn more and volunteer my time to the program. Along with mentoring they do what's called "Club" where all the girls, children, and mentors all come together once a month as a time for fellowship with food, activities, and childcare. It gives the girls a chance to connect and build new friendships, and also to hear real life messages about God's love! I'm very excited to dive into this and not only help the girls, but also learn from them as well!

http://www.younglife.org/YoungLives/

http://www.younglife.org/us

As Christmas Day draws near I am reminded in so many ways of why I adore this holiday! As there are the 12 Days of Christmas in song, I chose to make a list of my 12 favorite things instead….

1. The birth of our Lord and Savior!
2. Spending time with family and friends…
3. Christmas cards
4. Bing Crosby singing “A White Christmas”
5. Christmas lights…preferably colored!
6. Watching “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
7. Finishing Christmas shopping!
8. Decorating the Christmas tree, and looking at old homemade ornaments
9. Buying that perfect gift and watching it being opened!
10. Snow angels
11. O’Holy Night
12. Thanking God for another blessed and happy year!

19 days and counting...

Shades of Blue

...the world doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful...and neither do we....

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Beautifully Inspired

All of these pictures were found on a new blog that I am blown away by called "kind over matter" (Thanks Rachel for sharing this with me!) It amazes me how a simple piece of art can express so much. Whether it be drawing, photography, poetry, or music... art speaks to me, quietly, loudly, and spiritually. It evokes every emotion within me, and intensifies tiny motivations that I know I need to recognize and help mature. The questions is...with the canvas I have in front of me, what will I create?

Two years gone by...

"I love you, not only for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you."

Happy Anniversary Jason!!! The last 2 years have been more than I ever could have hoped for, and I thank God everyday that I have a man like you in my life to love and be loved by!

XOXO

The Blind Side

Most everyone that knows me knows I'm a HUGE movie fan! So, it should come as no surprise to you that I am now posting a movie review! On Saturday afternoon we went to see the highly anticipated movie "The Blind Side" and it was phenomenal! Jason read the book awhile back and always spoke so highly of it, so when the movie came out I was extremely excited! (Granted, now having seen the movie, I want to read the book.) It's a very emotional, trying, and positive story about a boy in an unfortunate situation who is taken in my a family that gives him safety, security, confidence, and most of all love. Of course I cried a grand total of 10 times, but it was more out of happiness than anything. I thank God that there are people out there willing to do what this family did. It was incredibly inspiring! Serving is something we can all do, and something that I want to do more of and soon. God has given me so much to be thankful for, and I want others to feel that too. So, I'm on a mission. God has a message for me and he has my full attention! To be continued....

Giving thanks...

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I am thankful for the relationship I have with God, it is ever changing and growing so brilliantly. I am thankful for my amazing family, my life would not be the same without each and every one of you in it! I am thankful for my love! Jason, I am truly blessed to have a man like you in my life. You are my heart and soul! I am thankful for my friends, you are the greatest support group I could ask for. You make my life so complete and colorful! I am thankful for all of my life experiences, good and bad, they have made me who I am and continue to teach me lessons in love, trust, and faith. I am thankful for the air in my lungs...the sun rising every morning....the silence I often crave...the kindness of strangers...the forgiveness of faults....the service of others...laughter...happy tears...memories...and most of all having the anticipation of a very positive and blessed future!

It's Booked!

Jason just called to inform me that his parents have booked our trip to Hawaii in July of 2010!

We are soooooooooooooo excited!!!! I've never been so it'll be a trip to remember!!!

244 days....let the countdown begin!!!!

How can I make a difference?

"Everyone can be great because anyone can serve... You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love... " ~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

With Thanksgiving only a couple of days away and Christmas soon thereafter, I have been thinking of ways that I can help give back to the community. I'm going to be checking out some of the volunteer opportunities with Chicagocares. org, and also help out through the church we attend here in the city. When I first moved to Chicago, seeing the less fortunate on nearly every corner was overwhelming, but as time has passed, and as sad as it is to admit, I've become used to it. I give when I can, whether it's leftovers from lunch, or the change in my pocket. It really does hurt my heart...I pray that God will surround them with his love, and help them through this difficult time. Life happens, and people hit rock bottom, but we can help! So in spirit of the holiday season, make a difference and show God's love to those in need!

Makes you think...

In the book I'm reading right now there was a excerpt that really made me stop and think...It was from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians in the bible and it said this:

"For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound, and to be in need..."

It's a simple idea in a very graceful language, that I wish resonated with me more. Daily life is a roller coaster, you take the good with the bad, and emotionally it can all be so exhausting. Striving to be content seems out of reach at times because as human beings we'll always want more and we'll always think we need more. Won't we?

While I am still growing in my relationship with God, I make it a point to pray for clarity for questions I have and for the questions of others in my life, and I also thank Him for all of the blessings he has given me. In these moments of prayer, I do feel content...knowing that I'm being heard, and having faith that I will one day see what I am supposed to see.

Get Well Jason & Welcome to 2009 Courtney!

Well, Jason made it through his ACL reconstruction surgery a-ok! He's doing amazingly well, and he's already on a machine that's helping to get get his knee to a 60 degree angle! Everyone at the Surgery Center was amazing, and Keith was even in on his surgery to assist! I felt horrible leaving him, but he's in great hands at my moms!

On another note, I FINALLY got a new phone! I am the proud new owner of the Palm Pre! It's amazing, and I'm sorry for anyone I made fun of out there before...as I can NOT put it down!

Texting, and emailing is a breeze and I feel like I've finally joined 2009!

Other than that, I'll be traveling on home this weekend again to see Jay and spend more time time with family and friends while he recuperates!

Thanks to all for the warm wishes and hope to chat with you all soon:)

Engagement Party Extravagenza!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Jason and I just got back from a great trip to Atlanta to visit Cindy and Michael for their engagement party! It was a busy weekend, but we had so much fun and Cindy accomplished a lot! We had perfect travels down to Atlanta! (This NEVER happens!) Hopped off the plane, got the rental car and headed to meet our friends. Friday morning the girls headed out to a dress appointment and Cindy tried on, and found her dream dress! (It was the first one she tried on!) Her mind was made up so now it was time to find the bridesmaids dresses and found one we did! All the girls love it so we were fitted Saturday morning and took care of it all! Then it was time to celebrate! They had a beautiful party, filled with family, friends, and chocolate covered strawberries. Michael put together a slide show, and we watched the proposal video once more. The weather was beautiful and everything came together perfectly! Sunday came too quickly, but Cindy and I finished off the weekend with spa manicures and pedicures (such a treat) and then Jason and I headed to the airport!

We're so excited for Cindy & Michael and the wedding is going to be gorgeous! We love you guys and thank you so much for including us!!! Next up...a Michigan shower, and bachelorette party in Chicago (TBD!)

Kate & Gary say I do!

Make a Smilebox collage

November 7, 2009 was the perfect day! Jason and I attended Kate & Gary's wedding in Northville, MI. The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt, the reception was nothing short of amazing! The minute I walked into Fox Hills everything I saw had Kate's name written all over it! The detail and decor was beautiful! Cocktail hour, followed by wedding party speeches started the evening off right...then came our tasty dinner, and then a huge night of dancing commenced! In total I took 200+ pictures!!! But I picked out some of my favorites to post! The happy couple is currently in Jamaica, and I can't wait to see their pics upon their return!

We love you guys, and thank you for including us on your special day!

Happy Veteran's Day...in remembrance...

We are thankful, and we remember all the sacrifices made by the many men and woman who protected and protect our great country!

~Veterans Day Prayer~

We ask for blessings on all those who have served their country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. We pray especially for the young men and women, in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq with injured bodies and traumatized spirits. Bring solace to them, O Lord; may we pray for them when they cannot pray. We ask for an end to wars and the dawning of a new era of peace, As a way to honor all the veterans of past wars. Have mercy on all our veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combative posts; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. Give us all the creative vision to see a world which, grown weary with fighting, Moves to affirming the life of every human being and so moves beyond war. Hear our prayer, Amen.

Inspiration through song...

I've always been amazed at how a song can stir up certain emotions...it can call forth a memory, it can speak to you in ways a close friend can't, it can make you hurt, smile, and even bring a tear to your eye...

As I sit here, a song by Ginny Owens is playing and is speaking to me in such a personal way, I felt the need to share her story and the lyrics with you. I first heard about this woman from Miss Cindy Buell. She told me how Ginny had been invited to perform at her church in Buckhead, GA and Cindy was touched by her story and the song and passed it along to me. There is so to her story that I had to attach her bio, so please read it! In short, she became blind at the age of 3, but has had much success as a recording artist. She's sold over a million records, and continues to tour, and share her story with people all over the country. I find her story encouraging, and her faith inspiring. As much as I take for granted on a daily basis, hearing stories like this makes me appreciate what I have and the life that God is laying out around me. He embraces us and clinging to him and loving him is what Ginny's message is all about.


This song is about what lies ahead, and although there is suffering, we grow, and we grow through God's love!

"If You Want Me To"

The pathway is broken, and the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me, the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will walk through the fire If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself, And I can't hear
You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to

Shakespeare's & My Loves

"Friendship is like a violin; the music may stop now and then, but the strings will last forever."

Friday night was fabulous! Zachary, Nicole, and Jenn we love you:) Can't wait to see you again soon....

The only day I'll be glad my brother isn't at Ft. Hood...

Gunmen in military uniforms started shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, today around 1:30pm, taking the lives of 12 soldiers, and injuring 31.

This is the most updated information that I've seen in the last hour, as I am mesmerized by the LIVE footage I'm watching online. I first heard about this from Natalee Harp-Blakely...(Jenn Monroe's sister) as she had posted a message on Facebook...her husband is safe, thank goodness, but the base is on lockdown for now. Out of the 12 killed, one of them has been identified as a shooter and they have two other suspects in custody!

This is absolutely shocking! It's one thing for American families to worry about their sons and daughters serving in general...another to have sons and daughters fall while serving overseas...it's horrifying for this to have happened on U.S. soil!

My thoughts and prayers are with the families, and friends of the fallen.

UPDATED 11/6/2009

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2009-11-05-Fort-Hood_N.htm