Catch up.

So lots has happened since I last posted. I'll do a quick run down to catch anyone up who reads this eloquent blog: 

I started my first job as a nurse practitioner at Rainbow Kids Clinic on September 29th. I'm so very thankful for a job and even more thankful for the pediatrician I work with. He is completely gracious and committed to my growth as a provider while still giving me great freedom to develop my own practitioner skills... I never feel as though I'm pestering him with my questions. Highlights so far have been: a child's perplexing limp solved when a large toy was found in her shoe, a toddler's discolored palate solved when the leaf was peeled off the roof of her mouth, getting barfed on 12+ times, children coughing DIRECTLY into my mouth, and many other laughable moments. I have been learning much about trusting the Lord with each of these patients as I've struggled with feeling like "I have to fix everyone's problems". The more I realize I can't even fix my own problems, the more I realize it is the Lord of all who will change hearts and lives for his glory. In that truth, I can rest and be content doing my job.

On November 13th, my favorite sister turned 18.

On November 14th, my older brother Mark and his wife Jenn had a baby girl. Anna Kate has dazzled us all with her every expression and movement. We praise God for her life and health. What does He have planned for her life?!

For Thanksgiving, Paul and I were in Richmond with the Roper family. We had a wonderful time together... dominated by playing with our other two precious nieces, Mary (3 1/2) and Sarah (9 months). I fear that Paul and I won't like our own children very much (should we be blessed with them) since the bar has been set so high by our sibling's children. Ah well.. We are thankful to be sure.

On the 20th of this month, Paul, Champ, and I will begin the Christmas trek. Stopping first in Richmond for a few days with the Ropers and then on to Wyomissing PA for the second part of the holiday. We are beyond excited for this trip and the time we will have to spend with our favorite people in the whole world.

Done for now. pictures another time.

Martha & Ian Robinson!

We had a great weekend in VA, celebrating Martha & Ian's wedding. It was a particularly special time of reconnecting with dear friends who have become increasingly scattered all over the world. I'm so thankful for God's goodness in giving me these friends. Until the next marriage.... I'll miss you all

Our Little Buddy

Here's what Champy has been up to lately:
Naps with anyone who will let him lay on them.
Daily visits to the East Nashville Dog Park... gotta release the energy somewhere!
Sunbathing...
Playing hard!
And of course, relaxing whenever possible.

Happy Birthday, Kelly!

This past week, we celebrated 28 years of Kelly Wendel. We have been in Bible study together for the past three years, and have enjoyed precious friendship especially over this past year. She is an example of godly grace and fortitude. Here's to you, Kelly! And here's to another year full of joy and adventures....

Bryson & Lauren's Wedding

We recently enjoyed a weekend in New Haven, CT as we celebrated Paul's friend, Bryson's wedding. Paul has known Bryson since they were quite young, and his mother kept reminding me at the wedding that "I raised your husband, you know!" We really enjoyed seeing some of Paul's oldest buddies from Richmond and puttering around Lauren's home town. Here are a few photos of the event. 

So I mentioned that we went to PA. We went up for Memorial Day weekend and got to attend Mark's installation ceremony as he officially became the head pastor at Calvary OPC. It was a great family affair! We spent the day in Philly-- got to see the art school where Laura will be spending a chunk of her summer. We also got to see Laura get all dressed up for the prom right before we had to head back. It was a really short but wonderful weekend at home.

Champ's weekend away from home

Champ stayed with our friend Emily a few weekends ago while we visited the Sallades in PA. Emily has two boxers...this is Champ giving kisses to one of them.

Astrid & the 1/2 Marathon!

A few weeks ago, Astrid came all the way from Brooklyn for a visit. We had a lovely weekend of relaxing, seeing Nashville, and taking Champ to every green space within at 10 mile radius of our place. We also ran the Music City 1/2 Marathon...quite well, I might add. Our legs were pretty rough for a few days...

Here's to YOU, Astrid. Thanks for coming to visit. I look forward to the next time! xo

Champ!

Meet our new baby, Champ. He is a 6 week old boxer with lots of extra skin and attitude. We picked him up yesterday after returning from New Orleans. We had a rough first night involving whining in the crate which progressed Paul on the couch with him, me on the couch with him, and finally Champ in the bed with us (NOT UNDER THE COVERS!). Which arrangement do you think worked best? We love this little guy. Paul will take him to work most days. Between the ping pong table and Champ at the office, I doubt work will be done ever again. Come visit us and meet our new buddy!

New Orleans for the Weekend

This past weekend, Paul and I went down to Louisiana for our friends' Pete and Stephanie's wedding. After the wedding, we spent a day in New Orleans with our friends Howell and Kelly. Quite a unique place. I loved being able to see the Mississippi River from our hotel room. We ate po-boys and gumbo and walked up and down Bourbon Street for awhile. The French Quarter has a lot of character and seems to have retained its historical flavor of the past. We saw human statues, live Cajun music, magicians, tons of college kids, and lots of pirates who were apparently having a big pirate-y convention that weekend. Bizarre and entertaining! My feet were screaming bloody murder by the end of the night...We slept well, above the lights of NO. It was a great day trip! (Paul rode the mechanical bull...see below. yehaw)

North Children's Clinic

Last week, I finished a 4 month preceptorship at North Children's Clinic in Hendersonville, TN. I got to work under the two pediatric nurse practitioners working there. I got lots of practice doing patient care from start to finish with the luxury of someone to tell me whether or not I was making appropriate assessments and treatment plans! I loved my time there. I start my next preceptorship on May 19th and will graduate on August 3rd. Hooooray!

One Great Day

I had a most delightful birthday yesterday. Thanks to so many of you for making it special with your cards, gifts, phone calls, and messages. A group of girlfriends and I had brunch at Marche in the morning. Paul and I watched some basketball,  Jen and I went shopping, then all three of us had coffee. Paul and I had dinner at Park Cafe, which was such a treat! He even surprised me by having our waiter bring out dessert with a candle in it. So fun! Here are a few shots from the day. Thanks again, all. I am very blessed to have had 25 fabulous years of life.

Misty and Rachel in Nashville!

This weekend, Misty and Rachel came to visit. Among the many fun things we did, we ran a 5K on Saturday. It was pouring with thunder and lightning the whole time, but we had a blast! Jen's big goal was to run a 5K before graduating law school, so special shout outs to her!

welcome to the world, sarah heath.

Look at this beautiful child. Isn't she a doll? Any guesses on what she might be dreaming about?Sarah Heath Roper was born last week & all are well. Congrats Hart, Colleen, and Mary-- We can't wait to meet this little one!

Today, Annie painted my fingernails. She's three. Little girls are the best! 

Isn't He Sweet?

I like this picture because it looks like I force my husband to help in the kitchen. But in actuality, Paul cleans up the kitchen every night like it's 2nd nature. I love this. I love him.

Misty Reaches a Quarter of a Century!

Misty Amber Johnson. She's one of those rare gems that comes into your life and then never leaves because she's just THAT contagious, THAT loving, and THAT precious. Misty and I were roommates for my last semester at Grove City College-- before I transferred to JMU. I've always been struck by the Lord's obvious presence and work in her life and the passion with which she seeks Him. Misty can make a joke out of anything and a pun out of any word. She is a bright spot in my life and in so many others' lives. I love you Misty! Happy Birthday to you! I am so very grateful that you were born.

Happy Birthday Sarah & Carly! I have been blessed with so many wonderful friends. Two of them share the same birthday! I hope you two have a great day (probably celebrating together) and know how much you're loved. I'm so thankful you were born & pray that this next year is one in which you continue to know the Lord's love and character more deeply. Miss you!

Our Two Nieces

I have two nieces. 1 human, 1 canine. the black furry one is Molly, and I would like to formally welcome her to our family. Welcome, Molly! Though your breed be "cockapoo", you are not a frivolous lap dog. I wish you many happy years of being a strong female of great ambition and dignity. Molly is Mark & Jenn's new puppy, and I can tell that she will be a well loved and well spoiled little creature!

My other niece is Mary. Because she is so awesome, I will include a photo of her as well. Everything Mary does is wonderful. Paul and I are afraid we might not like our own kids very much because we love Mary so dearly, and they will have quite a lot to live up to.

Our third niece or nephew will be arriving in about 1 month! Hart and Colleen are due to have their new baby on March 5th. We can't wait to meet you, Baby!

Happy Birthday, Nora!

On Sunday, Nora turned four! She had a joint party with her best bud, Evelyn, on Saturday. It was at My Gym, a kids' roll and tumble play place...it was quite a blow-out party. I'm so thankful for my little buddy who has brought me so much joy and for her family who have been so dear to me since I've been in Nashville. Happy Birthday, Nora. I love you!

Red Carpet

Last night I spilled 1/2 a jar of salsa on our brand new rug. I spent the next 15 minutes feeling stupid and angry while i pathetically tried to sop the slop off the carpet. I didn't do a very good job with that. I also didn't do a very good job responding to the situation, although Paul kept gently reminding me that it's just a carpet. I'm terribly embarrassed by the fact that everyday I break, spill, or mess up something. I realize that I want to feel "put together" in all I do, and I hate feeling stupid. Last night's salsa dump made me start to think that I will continue on as a klutz until I stop caring so much about being a klutz...God has a way of teaching me like that. Until then, I need to slow down and we need to child proof the home. I wish I'd been in better spirits last night and taken a picture of the mess for you to enjoy, but you can use your imagination. 

I never thought I'd be a blogging type, and I may not be. But realizing the frequency with which I check my friends' blogs and the pleasure I get from them has inspired me to try it too! Now, I must state my disclaimer clearly: We have no children (or puppy!), and until God blesses us with a little missy or mister, I feel that this blog will lack a certain amount of luster. But as my dear ones have been flung far and wide since our college days, I am desperate to do whatever it takes to stay connected. So here goes...