My Valentine

When we were dating - only a few weeks actually - my first Valentine's Day with Matt was like any other dating couples - it was about infatuation.  I loved Matt's ability to make me feel special. He always came up with the most exciting, adventurous dates.  We went to places in Chicago I never knew existed.  Initially, my love for his spontaneity caused me to fall for him...hard.  When he graduated from college a year and a half before me, our long distance relationship was tough. But he was always so good at whetting my appetite for the next time we would see one another. Valentine's Day 2003 started a month before, with pieces of postcards coming in the mail.  Each one had something written on the back.  When I received the last postcard, I was able to decipher the message.  It was a riddle.  I'm ashamed to say that I can't remember what it said, but I'm certain the meaning was disgustingly sappy.  A snow storm kept me from driving to Kentucky that weekend, so I did what any college girlfriend would do - I used my credit card to purchase a last minute plane ticket.  Matt's dad picked me up in Louisville and I surprised him with a Valentine's visit.  We got all gussied up and he took me to a fancy Italian restaurant somewhere in Cincinnati  Well, at least we thought it was fancy.  Until we got there, and everyone in the joint had jeans and sneakers on.  As if the embarrassment wasn't enough, they sat us in the center of the room.  I felt like everyone was staring at us.  But, we didn't care.  We were young and in love.

Valentine's Day 2004 was another milestone.  We were just a few months from getting married.  I was working two jobs, making my last attempt to get good grades before graduating college.  Matt was in between jobs in Kentucky - trying to scrounge up as much cash he could before supporting a wife in a few months.  I don't remember if we saw each other that weekend, but I know I sent him a card that said "Enjoy your last Valentine's Day as a single man."  Sweet.

Since getting married, each Valentine's Day has become less dramatic (less expensive) and more about enjoying the deep love we have for one another.  

This Valentine's Day, I'm celebrating Matt as husband and father.  He is a loving leader in our home.  He loves Annelise with a passion.  And he loves and cares for me daily.

We love you Matt!

Our Beautiful Savior

I came home from church today expecting a relaxing afternoon.  Sat down in the living room, with a large cup of coffee, hoping to catch up on blogs from friends around the world.  I didn't make it past this one.

Cora McClenahan is with Jesus today.  

Tears still well up in my eyes as I think of her beautiful family and the loss they are suffering.  I don't know the McClenahans, but their sweet little Cora bears a striking resemblance to my Annelise.  Cora would be celebrating her first birthday on March 6th, but before she could reach such a milestone, her life was shortened by cancer.  

Never have I felt so much sorrow for a stranger.  When I finished viewing their post about Cora's passing, I immediate made my way to Annelise' room.  She was sound asleep as I scooped her into my arms and wept.

"Why Cora?"

"Why not Annelise?"

Questions pouring through my mind...emotions like anger, confusion and grief.  

Maybe their story touches me so deeply, because its so very similar to ours.  A young couple enjoying the birth of their first daughter.  Celebrating family events like Christmas and New Year's.  Beginning 2009 with so many hopes for the future.  The only difference?  Our daughter doesn't have stage 4 cancer.  

I've never heard this song before, but its seems to have been a comfort for the McClenahans during Cora's last days.  I know its words are powerful and true.  Please pay for them today.

This Is Our God

A refuge for the poor

A shelter from the storm

This is our God

And He will wipe away your tears

And return your wasted years

This is our God

Oh, this is our God

Oh, this is our God

A Father to the orphan

A healer to the broken

This is our God

And He brings peace to our madness

And comfort in our sadness

This is our God

Oh, this is our God

Oh, this is our God

Life

is very busy for us right now.  Though responsibilities at work have calmed down for me, Matt's workload is just gearing up - and I'm involved in a lot of it. 

Here's what we have going on in the next few months:

SnowBlast Youth Retreat - This weekend

Sunday - New School Open House

March 9-13 - Work Trip to California

April 6-14 - Mission Trip to Costa Rica

Did I mention my little sister is having a baby anytime now?  Our life is super crazy.  We covet your prayers.

Chicaaaaaaaago!

I have the most wonderful husband on the planet.  Sorry ladies.  Matt graciously played "Mr. Mom" for the weekend, so I could have a fun reunion with my college girlfriends!  We had so much fun.  Here's one picture of the craziness (I left my trustee camera at home). 

And here's a big shout out to my husband - I love you!  Thanks for letting me take a short break from wife and mommy - to enjoy the city with my friends.

PS - Annelise is walking.  She waited until I got home on Sunday night to take 5 steps.

As Promised

A little birthday cupcake goes a long way.

Cousins.  Wyatt, Annelise and Ty

Now, who could resist this face?  As my dad would say, "How much money do you want?"

Buddies.  Angie - feel free to steal.

Birthday Update

Annelise had such a fun birthday!  On Saturday morning, my dad continued a very special tradition in our family.  He took Annelise to McDonald's for breakfast! 

It was so fun to watch how excited he was to take her.  And he said she ate like a horse - two pancakes, sausage and orange juice!  

Later in the day, we had the entire family over for cake and ice cream.  She got to eat her own cupcake and boy did she like it!  She also got some great presents (thanks family!). 

Sorry the quality of the video is so bad.  I'll post more pictures/video soon.

 

Today was Annelise's one year doctor appointment.  She is growing like a weed.  Here's her specs:

29 inches (50 percentile)

19.6 pounds (25 percentile)

and her head is in the 75 percentile

The past year has gone by so quickly, but we are thrilled to watch Annelise grow into the woman that God has created her to be.  She has brought so much love and joy into our family.

My Baby Turns One

Which One Doesn't Belong?

Birthday, the Stomach Flu and Biggest Loser

Trick question.  Actually, they all belong - and they are all occurring today.  

It's Matt's 33rd birthday.  Happy Birthday, Love!  And he came home from work today with the stomach flu.  Boo. What a way to spend your birthday!  

Also happening tonight is the Biggest Loser.  Which has new meaning now that I've decided to join the Biggest Loser challenge with my friends.  Yikes!  Did I just announce that for all the internet to hear?  Now there's some accountability.  I guess we won't be eating ho ho's on the couch while we watch the fat people weigh in.  I WILL be the fat people!  So far I've eaten very well and am experiencing my first sugar headache of the week.  Tell me it gets better.  

Financial Peace

Those of you that are non-budgeters may want to steer clear of this post.

We hate debt.  In fact, we have none.  We own both of our vehicles - paid cash for our van.  No schools loans, thanks to tuition free colleges and parents that were willing to help.  The credit card is off limits - except for reimbursable expenses for work.  We don't owe money to friends, family or any financial institutions (minus our house).  But, we do have this measly thing we call a "second mortgage."  You know, that's the creative lending they (meaning the banks) maneuver when you don't have twenty percent down on your home.  It's not much, just enough to drive us crazy.  After months of brainstorming the best way to pay it off quickly - the lottery isn't reliable, fabulous prizes on game shows are overrated, and we can't get a call back on "Deal or No Deal" - we've made the decision to follow Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Baby Steps.

I realize that Dave can be a bit controversial.  No debt?  Is that really even possible?  We believe it is.  So much so, that we're taking extreme measures to ensure that we pay off our second mortgage and stay debt-free for the rest of our lives.  Starting January 1st, we've employed the cash envelope system for all of our cash purchases.  Groceries, gas, clothing - and are saving as much money as possible...so far so good.  You can't believe the emotion that cash spending evokes.  Purchasing an item of clothing requires much more thought and purpose.  I bought Annelise a dress at a consignment shop on Saturday - and thought hard and long if I really wanted to spend $6.50 on it.  When I pulled the cash out of my wallet, it was so...freeing. Not the word you expected, right?  I thought to myself...

"How satisfying.  I just purchased something that I had the money to buy and don't have to worry whether or not I've just cut into our grocery budget or worse, gone into debt to have it."

It was a very pleasing experience.  

P.S.  I know that some of you have done the envelope system before.  Would you mind sharing tips on what has worked and what hasn't?  Also, what do you spend on groceries each month.  I feel like our budget is high, but don't have anything to compare it to.

Reality Hits Hard

The past two weeks have been glorious.  Besides traveling to Kentucky for Christmas, we haven't ventured out much.  Its been nice to be at home, enjoying one another and experiencing true relaxation.  I can't remember that last time I slept in until 9 am - college maybe?  

Matt is back to school today and Annelise and I are getting the last few Christmas decorations cleaned up before our week starts tomorrow.  I will miss these days, but certainly welcome a semi-normal life from here on out.

Christmas Fun

A Plea To Read

Before I post pictures of our family Christmas (we're having another one today), I need to send out a plea...

PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR BLOG SITE READER LIST!

Some of you have decided to make your blogs private - but my email address doesn't seem to work on logging in.  So, please add me!

rachaelneal@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Snowed In...Literally

A snowdrift - similar to the one in our driveway.

Snow, creeping into our garage.  I guess it would help if we closed the door?

A picture taken out of our front door.  Snow still falling!  We haven't seen a plow yet today.

I only remember one other Christmas like this one.  The first year Matt and I were married, I was looking forward to a Kentucky winter.  Everyone told me it would be much milder than the Michigan blizzards I was used to.  Liars.  We got the worst snowstorm Kentucky had seen for years.  My wonderful, newlywed husband listened to me cry and whine long enough that we decided to set out north to Michigan.  There was no way I was going to miss Christmas with my family.  After 10 hours in the car (a usually 5 hour trip), we made it safe and sound.

We've been under a blizzard warning for a day now.  Its been a long, hairy day in our house. Board games, laundry, movies online - the worst part...I didn't get groceries this week because we're supposed to leave for Kentucky tomorrow morning.  So, we have no food (literally) and are stuck in the house for at least another day.  We've crafted up a few good meals nonetheless.

So, here are a few pictures of our snowy existence.  Now, pray that it lets up so we can travel to Kentucky for a milder Christmas!

Crazy Neal Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Again With the Snow!

The weatherman is totally unreliable...except for this time.  In the last two weeks, we've had several false alarms when it comes to winter storm warnings. One night, they said we were bound to get 6 inches or more.  Matt and I stayed up late that night, watching shows online, certain we would get a call at 5am announcing a snow day. (He's a teacher.)  But, alas, we woke up to green grass and clear streets.  Stupid weatherman.  

Last night, they warned that we were going to get hit with 6-12 inches of snow, just today.  We laughed and prepared for our duties the next day - Matt administering exams before Christmas break and me hosting a brunch for my mommy friend.  But, with mixed emotions, I declare that...hmmm (it's harder to say this than I thought)...

"Mr. Weatherman...you were right."  

Schools all over the area are closed...even some businesses.  All I have to say is...Good thing I finished up my Christmas shopping last night.  Oh, and a whole pan of baked french toast to ourselves?  I like it.

PS - Matt had to go to the new school building to unload furniture off the semi.  Poor thing.  I guess I'll have to eat his share of french toast - and drink his share of coffee.  Tough life.

Couldn't Agree More

Your Christmas is Most Like: A Christmas Story

Loving, fun, and totally crazy. Don't shoot your eye out!

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We've had so much good going on, its hard to relax when the time is given to do so.  I found these pictures on my camera and thought you might enjoy them.  Sorry, they don't really "go together."

I love Christmas plants - especially poinsettias!

Annelise loves taking a bath...

And being naked after the bath!

Redemption:  If you read last week's post about my house in disarray, its only fair to update you on the clean version.  Yes, we are capable of cleanliness, when its convenient.  P.S. The rest of the house is clean too, I just didn't feel like taking a million pictures. So, view the dirty ones and use your imagination as to how clean it looks.  Feel free to exaggerate those imaginations.

Lest You Think I'm Something I'm Not

Reading Melissa's post this morning regarding house cleaning has resulted in this very impromptu collage of photos.  In the past, I have been very careful to only post pictures...wellpost-cleaning the house.  But, after reading the aforementioned blog, I reminisced some of the houses I loved going to while growing up.  As a child, it was not uncharacteristic for dirty underwear to be lying in the living room floor, left by a child who had gotten dressed in that very spot before school.  I remember going to the Glupker's and Boese's, feeling very at home - for their dishes weren't done, carpet dirty in spots, beds unmade - but happy nonetheless.  So, as a tribute to those families, and ours for that matter, here are some photos of my houseundone this morning. Its cleaning day, but I'm having second thoughts.  Is there some value to having a messy home when it comes to raising families?                    

We'll start with the worst room in the house - our bedroom.

Someone should be spanked for this mess.

Yes, this is in fact the office where I work...and iron...and read books...

Its worse than it looks, trust me.  That glorious *shine* doesn't appear in real life.

Our coffee table...computer desk...dinner tray...dresser...it collects naturally.

And last but not least, the first part of the house that will be getting cleaned today.

The living room - quite literally.

Tree Tag

I love my Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.  It has so many great memories.  Let me start with the tree.  Matt and I inherited this tree just before we got married.  Someone from our church was getting remarried and had offered us their old washer and dryer.  When Matt drove up to get the two machines, the man kindly offered their old, artificial Christmas tree.  As a young, engaged - and broke - couple, we gladly accepted.  I never dreamed we'd have it this long. Matt has allergies and I've heard stories of his near death experiences with live trees, so we chuckle every year when we pull our tree out of a box and reminisce its adoption into our family.

And what would a good Charlie Brown Christmas Tree be without one hundred million ornaments on it?  My romantic and thoughtful husband started a beautiful tradition early on in our relationship by buying Christmas ornaments for me each year.  Since we began dating, he would secretly purchase an ornament, have something painted on it - and would present the gift to me each year at Christmas.  Doesn't that sound lovely?  Well, wait, I found a way to ruin it.  Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to have a "grown-up" tree with every ornament matching the decor in our home.  (I know, crazy, just bare with me...)  So, I left all of the old, but very sentimental, ornaments in their boxes, went to a well-known store and purchased matching ornaments...much to my husbands chagrin.  He was so deeply hurt, that he vowed never to purchase another ornament for me again.  Which he has kept. In an effort to gain back his love - and hand-picked ornaments - I put every ornament we've ever received on the tree last year.  It didn't work.  So, I tried again this year.  Still didn't work.  Although, he did inform me of a new tradition, which would be to purchase Annelise a new ornament each year, special, from her daddy.  A good compromise.

So, that's the long, but true story of our tree.  I tag YOU to share yours!  

For the Love of Toilet Paper

"What?"