tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67766924473973617702024-03-12T20:02:09.053-07:00The Adventures of Errik & ReneeReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-80173171487293372792012-07-18T15:50:00.002-07:002012-07-18T15:50:52.880-07:00Life UnexpectedI haven't written in a little while and today is definetly one of those days. Renee and Eli are in Chicago with family and I'm in SC working and enduring the heat. The plan was to spend the next couple weeks running and resting and looking forward to them coming back with Renee starting her career in nursing... plans have changed.<br />
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Back in February Renee was hospitalized due to pain and we found a cyst on her pancrease. In hindsight I don't see any way we would have known about it beside the pain and resulting MRI. Well after talked to a top surgeon the plan is now for Renee to go under the knife and rest up for about a month, me to drive up in two days to be with her and Renee and both of us to trust God's planning in all of this. I am so very glad Renee is a nurse and understands some of the medical stuff but suffice it to say the doc thinks we don't need to worry but we do need to have it removed. <br />
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Sitting here typing I am now realizing this will be one of the first stories I will ask the Lord about in heaven. The story will not be over until Renee is back home, but there are three or four parts of this story that have either been ordained by God or as Susan Collins would say, "The odds are ever in our favor," I have faith in the former.<br />
<br />Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-12711460452739886872012-07-02T12:33:00.002-07:002012-07-02T12:33:15.442-07:00Settle for a slow downA lot has changed in these past few weeks.<br />
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1. Eli is now a month old...and definitely out of newborn clothes. Hello growing boy.<br />
2. My mom came and stayed for a week. She conquered organizing our apartment, cooked and cleaned for us. Huge blessing.<br />
3. Eli laughed for the first time and had huge smiles. <br />
4. I passed my nursing boards!<br />
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As Errik mentioned, it has seemed like the world around us continues to go on while we are in our own little worlds. I am completely okay with that. Ever since coming home from the hospital, I have tried spending most of Eli's sleeping moments studying for my nursing boards...completely sleep deprived and really just wanting to stare at my beautiful baby boy. My mom allowed me to put a little more focus into my exam and was a huge help! Those next 2 days after taking it were the most stressful days of my life. Once I learned that I passed, weight was lifted off and I finally felt like I could enjoy being with my baby boy. I didn't have a care in the world. I was able to play, laugh and hold Eli without feeling like I had get back to studying as soon as I could.<br />
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Eli seems to be getting the hang of this thing called life. He even sleeps for 4-5 hours through the night! (Thanks Eli!) He absolutely loves being outside although time is limited due to increasing temps. I look forward to heading to Chicago in a few weeks and just continuing to hang out with my little man who seems to bring me so much more joy than I have ever could imagine.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-3128806961612791502012-06-10T12:54:00.002-07:002012-06-10T12:54:57.974-07:009 Days Old. I could be wrong from lack of sleep though Well here we are moving through our 2nd week with Eli. I just brought Aspen home to meet him and so far he doesn't quite know what to think. We shall see how he does once Eli starts making some noise. Probably the hardest part is figuring out how to get Eli to sleep at night. More specifically how to fall back asleep after feeding or a diaper change. <br />
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Tomorrow I start back at work and the real fun begins. I'm not sure how that will go, but so far it has all been a lesson on trusting God and being flexible. One of the biggest changes for me is the major slow down of life in general. It feels like the world is still moving but our life is in slow motion a little bit. I hope once work starts and we get a bit more settled in we can rejoin the rest of the world and start introducing Eli to it. <br />
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Now I'm off to change another diaper and maybe get a nap in before Eli spends a couple hours tonight being awake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi9idse_KnMDCwGYQCzeuvK8qas0e2X2NgjV5-icft2JEhSTVAPzKd_W2WpZUGod_5LJhNwhn2B15XeTK90KmLSYatXEd4xKzvSJPlWBSKjHC8xPj-cXuvC7QyNNNxCm3wfflypcEGU4/s1600/523598_321350927947911_574821886_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi9idse_KnMDCwGYQCzeuvK8qas0e2X2NgjV5-icft2JEhSTVAPzKd_W2WpZUGod_5LJhNwhn2B15XeTK90KmLSYatXEd4xKzvSJPlWBSKjHC8xPj-cXuvC7QyNNNxCm3wfflypcEGU4/s320/523598_321350927947911_574821886_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh157fiZm_9Ch4d5Kuwq9N9phd1Q8Cpn442T5aNml4zALkITApiT1O1mKy0gaj1MXyFZY4k1Km-9_gm5Ba4refcne0XvWObvxUXisl_k-70XIAdjjajhhr4mu21o9O3n3M-gU8r9gN4Sw8/s1600/543062_321350957947908_1455589748_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh157fiZm_9Ch4d5Kuwq9N9phd1Q8Cpn442T5aNml4zALkITApiT1O1mKy0gaj1MXyFZY4k1Km-9_gm5Ba4refcne0XvWObvxUXisl_k-70XIAdjjajhhr4mu21o9O3n3M-gU8r9gN4Sw8/s320/543062_321350957947908_1455589748_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-13635878767661507812012-06-06T12:29:00.000-07:002012-06-06T12:29:30.435-07:00Day 5Welcome to the world, Eli Monroe Goodman! FINALLY!!! <br />
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Life here in the Goodman household has drastically changed. All for the good. After 24 hours of labor (why did I expect anything less...he is part Gustafson/Riba), he arrived a beautiful 7 lbs and 15 oz. and 20.5 inches long. He is the most beautiful and perfect gift we could have ever asked for. You really don't understand a mother and father's love for you until you can experience it yourself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tTw2tbNcwY6H8vH3Z6l17SLT8LzwIm8eAjZwb_e07IktJpW0ej7iLLQ1gz-6ElbzDbRDu0p0rs27ykejSWHw5N8BKF40Wfq9PPrhZpWttv3yXm90tSbNx_1-DP-ByMCmBeT2Fvs8GUE/s1600/IMG_6226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tTw2tbNcwY6H8vH3Z6l17SLT8LzwIm8eAjZwb_e07IktJpW0ej7iLLQ1gz-6ElbzDbRDu0p0rs27ykejSWHw5N8BKF40Wfq9PPrhZpWttv3yXm90tSbNx_1-DP-ByMCmBeT2Fvs8GUE/s320/IMG_6226.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Family Photo</td></tr>
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We have been so blessed by everyone...bringing meals, praying for our transition to life at home and asking to help out. We truly feel that we have found our home away from home. We can't wait for him to meet everyone, especially our dog Aspen who has been staying with friends of ours. That too has been a HUGE blessing for us. Thanks so much. We hope to use our blog to keep everyone updated with our life here in South Carolina as we hit milestones, continue to grow and experience different things of the south all together! Love you all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa8tWbGiQNGCl0K0gc0biBDbki2YaDhSma62lX70dAB1l8QVMUiREtXbTOofbMzgCjeQW4JTtG8BfDNcmBDIAEslXQ0YYcmMYaaooHI0lZrh0oHGYpjHeQ-LrZ4YJ2viuywe8ozorpts/s1600/IMG_6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa8tWbGiQNGCl0K0gc0biBDbki2YaDhSma62lX70dAB1l8QVMUiREtXbTOofbMzgCjeQW4JTtG8BfDNcmBDIAEslXQ0YYcmMYaaooHI0lZrh0oHGYpjHeQ-LrZ4YJ2viuywe8ozorpts/s320/IMG_6235.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No swaddling these arms!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3mXjcVK4I8QXOH4YdzAHeU3wGOABULEE9im6lrQk1d0LZ0Z6G8ygJSz2Fep2cOePRl9TiK_C3v6GMEkLeFoyHDui9-lt6E7zpN99H2Ju8HEDJftlxKAz5OuAyho36ulwPoywH0KQV4E/s1600/IMG_6141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3mXjcVK4I8QXOH4YdzAHeU3wGOABULEE9im6lrQk1d0LZ0Z6G8ygJSz2Fep2cOePRl9TiK_C3v6GMEkLeFoyHDui9-lt6E7zpN99H2Ju8HEDJftlxKAz5OuAyho36ulwPoywH0KQV4E/s320/IMG_6141.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-64107736458883041042012-05-10T06:09:00.001-07:002012-05-21T11:20:14.233-07:00Life As We Know ItNursing School. check. Graduation. Check. Almost 38 Weeks Pregnant. Check. Nursing Boards. In Progress. <br />
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One week post graduation and I feel like I am just on spring break. I have been frantically getting the "nursery" ready and the rest of the house organized in preparation for Baby G. It's a tall task that I surely didn't think would be this monstrous. Most people spend 7-9 months preparing...I have spent the past...2-3 weeks. However, my mother and father came down for my graduation. My mother spent 48 hours speed organizing and running a bazillion errands (yes, with her 9 month pregnant daughter in tow but I survived...barely). It was nothing short of amazing. I could not sit here and concentrate more on my boards coming up without her incredible help. He is coming ready or not and I feel content even though everything isn't exactly where I want it to be. Ehhh.<br />
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Just like Errik...I am ready for a schedule change. Our lives have been so hectic and busy with studying, church, school, normal life, working. I am ready for a more "normal" schedule. Yes, I understand a baby changes a "normal" schedule but for the first few weeks to months...I completely welcome chilling in my pjs with babe in tow all day long. (I will look back on this in a few weeks and say HA...I can never sit for more than two days in my pjs at home unless im deathly ill). Lots of things about to change around here. New job. New schedule. New little life to take care of.<br />
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I have been feeling great the last 2 weeks. Tired at times. Yes. But no worse than what nursing school put me through! There was this quote I saw online that said "nursing school is a lot like birth, once it's over, you forget how painful the process really was." As I graduated...I thought to myself...how the heck did I make it through. The answer is family, friends and some professors that kept pushing me through. Errik was truly a blessing over the last 3 years and just couldn't have made it this far without him. We are so excited to see what the next few weeks, months and year will look like. Still a blank slate but that's ok for now. <br />
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But listen Baby G, I would really like to take my nursing boards before you come. That, my love, is one request that I have. Love, MomReneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-23053688946936670542012-03-13T11:57:00.002-07:002012-03-13T12:04:30.162-07:00Times... they are a-changingSo with our little man getting closer and closer to his birthday I am thinking about all the extra time I will have. It seems strange to think this way but there is a reason for it. For whatever reason Renee and I have a penchant for keeping our weekly schedules full to the point where we normally have 1 or 2 evenings free per week. Between serving at Olive Garden, attending our small group, and working with the youth at our church I currently get Friday evening to myself...sort of. <br /><br />I think one of the things I am looking forward to with the baby is taking a break from all of this. Granted both of us working helps with not having to serve at the OG, but it has been a long time coming since having such an open plate. I'm looking forward to playing with and reading to the little man and learning how to be a good dad. <br /><br />So what will I do with all this time? I suppose I will do some more reading. I enjoy stories and only wish I spent more time when I was younger in books. I hope I can pass this on to my son as well. Regardless of what my weeks look like, I just know they won't look a lot different.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-72966453503337215182012-02-29T08:34:00.002-08:002012-02-29T08:52:24.075-08:00Well it looks like I'm averaging a post every two weeks or so. I suppose that isn't too bad although for as much time as I spend thinking about everything under the sun you would think I'd have more to say. <br /><br />Anyhow, the start of 2012 has been rather stressful. I will never take for granted those times in life when life seems to move past you without a hitch. Renee and I have so very much to be thankful for and I think I need to remember that in the stressful moments. So far this year we will have or have had: 1 baby being born, 1 graduation, 1 changing job situation (Renee being done with school), problems with pet health (aspen is ok), and decisions in living arrangements and future child care arrangement. <br /><br />There are at least two or three of the most stressfull events people go through in there and we are two months in.<br /><br />I sure am glad we can trust in the Lord with all these things. We have always had difficulty trying to discern where and what God would have us do and sometimes it seems like He is saying, <em>Don't worry about all that, right now you just have to trust me in the small things.</em><br /><br />In other news, here are a few things we've been doing to keep ourselves sane: reading books, trying to exercise, hanging out with friends, talking with family, dabbling in writing, trying to do quality work in our big-kid jobs and eating ice cream (Renee's OB told her to eat more milkshakes haha)Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-9508557260726771592012-02-16T08:47:00.000-08:002012-02-16T08:55:57.351-08:00Thoughts on LifeMost everyone is on Facebook these days. I don't spend a lot of time on Facebook outside of the quick check of the news feed. I don't put many status updates or photos and the like. But I was on it the other day and it was one of those rainy, dreary days when you just want to sit inside and watch a movie. Suddenly I found myself checking up on all kinds of people from the past. People I went to college with, people I went to high school with or people I just knew for a month or two while working at a camp. <br /><br />What I found myself thinking is how different my life would be with even the slightest change in my decisions. What would have happend if I didn't go to that school, or work at that camp, or stayed in touch with this group of people. I suppose my mind goes places like that on rainy days. I have a feeling that God will have quite a story to share with me when I see him face to face. How many nudges he had to give me to end up where I am today. I am blessed in a hundred ways and yet sometimes I don't quite know how all the chips fell into place.<br /><br />An old friend of mine said she loved introducing her friends to other circles of friends. I think heaven will be a lot like that. I am looking forward to hearing God share the story of how all the chips fall into place.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-71590165214245951442012-02-01T13:42:00.000-08:002012-02-01T13:51:51.810-08:00Something Interesting to SayAnother couple weeks has gone by and we are getting closer and closer to our baby boy making his debut. He has been kicking Renee nonstop but I think he knows when someone wants to feel him kick because he seems to stop as soon as I put my hand on her stomache. I'm gonna take that as a sign that I have a soothing effect on him. <br /><br />We are pretty sure on what we are going to name him, but I think we are keeping it under wraps till the big day. That is if Renee can keep a secret for a few more months (I'm guessing she can't haha).<br /><br />So with this blog thing I think I should make sure it is not just a bunch of updates on our life but also has some substance. I think there should be stuff on here that I would enjoy reading. I guess that has to do with that fact that I'm a nerd and actually enjoy learning (I hope thats one thing my son gets from me).<br /><br />This year I'm trying to stay invested in books. I like reading for fun, for growth, or for learning. I'm reading Brave New World right now. It's a cool book and makes you think about a lot of cool stuff. Probably the most interesting idea is that we all need the freedom to experience pain or we are really just numb to everything. It is only through experiencing the storms that we can appreciate the sunshine. The book basically boils down to the idea that it is quite sad to live a life only of happiness. I suppose a lot of lottery winners could attest to that idea. Hopefully I can appreciate this concept in the tougher times.<br /><br />Thats all for now.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-7477948380715778062012-01-17T08:17:00.001-08:002012-01-17T08:26:21.123-08:00New Year, New LifeSo neither Renee or myself have put anything up here in a long time and we might as well start this all over with the amount of change we've seen in the past 6 months. Of course if you know either of us you know that at this point Renee is fully 21 weeks along with our baby boy. <br />All I can say is that I'm super excited about what he will bring to our life and really a little freaked out because we have no idea what to expect. I'm looking forward to reading to him a whole lot and teaching him how to be a good packer/cubs/gamecock fan (a wide assortment I know). <br />One thing I have been thinking about is how I have given advice to others. I've always that my job was to present both sides to someone so they could make the best decision for themselves... my opinion was not what matters. But now, my opinion will matter. I get to decide what my kid will experience. What he will see. What values we teach him. When to fight the battles and when to let them slide. So much to think about.<br />Anyway, I'm hoping to put more of my thoughts down so maybe one day my kid (or kids) can look back see what was going through my head when they are having kids of their own.<br /><br />God bless.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-56927186141706111462011-06-08T15:03:00.000-07:002011-06-08T15:23:21.184-07:00WHHHHEWWWW!<div><div>So an entire semester has gone by and I have already enjoyed one month of being out of school. Is there some way to push the pause button? I pretty much have been traveling since school got out. I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend about 11 days at home, a romantic weekend hiking in the smoky mountains and a memorial day weekend with great friends in Myrtle Beach. It has been an awesome busy time but I am looking forward to lazy sunday afternoons reading a book by the pool and not panicking about the fact I have one more year left of nursing school and back out into the real world I go. Ah. One more year? Now most of you might not see the reason to panic but for Errik and I, we have been waiting for this period of our life for what feels like a long time. We have been planning for May 2012 since 2008. "Our" timeline ends there. How did it sneak up on us so fast? We know God has awesome plans for us but right now we are at this be patient time in our walk with Christ. If any of you know me, I am not patient. Not at all. Not even a little. I'm working on it. But right now, I see this big blank slate after May. It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time. But, we sit and wait. I hope Errik and I can enjoy this place we are at and be thankful for everything the Lord has blessed us with and continue to live our lives for Him. Stay tuned.</div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-3815565282875195992011-01-11T18:39:00.000-08:002011-01-11T20:31:24.471-08:00No Place Like HomeAfter this last Christmas, I have realized that I am so blessed to have 2 "homes." Chicago will always hold a piece of my heart, where most of Errik and I's family live. Then, I have discovered that Columbia, slowly but surely, is becoming home. And not because it's a place where they get 3 snow days for about 5 inches of snow and some ice or having the hustle and bustle of city life (ha) or being home to the South Carolina Gamecocks but Columbia is home to so many great friends and a church we just love even in its slight brokeness. Although Errik and I may be here for a season, Columbia is the first place Errik and I made home. So I apologize to those I have confused when chatting about home, because right now I am not exactly sure which one is home. And I am okay with that.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>I was so blessed to be home (chicago) for 2 whole weeks! I miss my amazing family and our crazy hilarious nieces with a nephew on the way to spice things up. Errik and I wish we could be there for their birthdays, to catch their funny sayings, to babysit and spoil the heck out of them but I know the Lord continues to call us elsewhere for now. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0b8DBAvyzD9Bt3ggODXVd-oR1PlV9SFzus0XPu9GDHORDeR480KJqcU3cE8_tk9ACVsd_o6_dQnUSEsKrEsxAnmEzApjCkyBENAdtFOTzJqWQgDVzuR7V1ifQYSkBuJho4fXUqEyMWs/s1600/DSC04352.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561151570779145842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0b8DBAvyzD9Bt3ggODXVd-oR1PlV9SFzus0XPu9GDHORDeR480KJqcU3cE8_tk9ACVsd_o6_dQnUSEsKrEsxAnmEzApjCkyBENAdtFOTzJqWQgDVzuR7V1ifQYSkBuJho4fXUqEyMWs/s200/DSC04352.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKr-u5B5IAb8L0OS0IGfJhZGyM4vakX1bfOf0sFDHVDAZTqdXUKcxBwu5nselYx65owuIcpSMF68D0DkYE256koSYim5GljkVtIA9apowVQ13k37M-PXqzPSXzOicTTpsu7roy9oLfos/s1600/DSC04199.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561151558979845970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOKr-u5B5IAb8L0OS0IGfJhZGyM4vakX1bfOf0sFDHVDAZTqdXUKcxBwu5nselYx65owuIcpSMF68D0DkYE256koSYim5GljkVtIA9apowVQ13k37M-PXqzPSXzOicTTpsu7roy9oLfos/s200/DSC04199.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33Tc3NrIFY9MMpXiTezF2WmvxYS5_L5AagwubodnHzgezDhLESZsXLsOKkgiy8TMxkss_F24JlgmLT_7fcU6W5pITtS5oOqejFHwwwiY4Oyqpk01CDluc6DQRIWjVIimnMYiUguTE1mQ/s1600/DSC04201.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561151561730293794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33Tc3NrIFY9MMpXiTezF2WmvxYS5_L5AagwubodnHzgezDhLESZsXLsOKkgiy8TMxkss_F24JlgmLT_7fcU6W5pITtS5oOqejFHwwwiY4Oyqpk01CDluc6DQRIWjVIimnMYiUguTE1mQ/s200/DSC04201.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f8NM5nNRcbCcl_DYAzlhs5-SlNOzdsQGovbcOZghyphenhyphengR47iopfZtTKaTd3u51rEGC7J66E1ORxrKyD4ZOsYCyKnEsul40D72b-ykath-dtI5mwOWISFLV0DZi9wfkdcel8XqYEFS_4MM/s1600/187.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561151569535108674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-f8NM5nNRcbCcl_DYAzlhs5-SlNOzdsQGovbcOZghyphenhyphengR47iopfZtTKaTd3u51rEGC7J66E1ORxrKyD4ZOsYCyKnEsul40D72b-ykath-dtI5mwOWISFLV0DZi9wfkdcel8XqYEFS_4MM/s200/187.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>Finally this past Christmas, I was DETERMINED to go back to my home church. The one that taught me what church was, who Christ is, what it means to follow Him, and encouraged me to grow in my faith. God had placed some pretty amazing people along my path there. It was SO refreshing to be back after 3 years. To see all what God has accomplished and continues to accomplish. I felt like a stranger but at home all in the same moment. I remember roller blading on cement floor that are now filled with the nursery, only 500 people attended at my first service where currently thousands of people attend on 3 different campuses not including the roughly 25 church plants worldwide, the crazy lock ins, the camping trips in Canada and Vermont.I even ran into my small group leader from 6th grade who I had prayed with to accept Christ. The list goes on. Lord, thank you for reminding me of a child-like faith and for placing so many people in my life to encourage me to grow in you, no matter where we live.<br /></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561146401393971362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPfwyHhYxHE8x4mFgquaRf3mf1q3bBf5-ddcgPRdJZ4uKz5xxeejmh1UxUkT8NfKzd2B7IgsAqSonF3s5PgP7REZo4JG3zGdf0GXGmB3GJQ1ukR8P4t0F6jrm2eZGFdYhPI3TRkbhSAg/s400/DSC04275.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-80134115611597694232011-01-04T12:51:00.001-08:002011-01-04T13:01:03.851-08:002011 can be the best year of your lifeI'm back home from IL and I loved spending time with family and probably most of all my new nieces (one nephew on the way). While home we had the chance to go to church and Pastor James talked about <strong>2 Tim 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. </strong>It was great for me because I often struggle with certain types of fear. Usually the fear of what will happen if I really let God take the reins. Non the less God has given us power (over that which we can not control), love (to over come pain, hurt and disappointment), and self control (power over the self). Pretty cool to think about.<br /><br />Anyway it was great to hear a challenging and convicting message. So when I think about what I want to be great this year it really boils down to a few key things. I want to be a man after God's own heart, I want to be a devoted husband, I want to be a disciple with my guys, I want to work each day as if for God and finally to be more healthy (thats a major self control one there). So it is January 4th and there are still 361 days to get these things done...Errikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988683794891541726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-58202683705295766892010-12-02T12:50:00.000-08:002010-12-02T13:15:51.455-08:00It's December?!I love nursing school. No actually I don't. I love the people I have met in class and love the thought of becoming a nurse. School stinks. Haha, and thats maybe the first time I have really ever said that because I truly love learning new things. Yeah, I think I just admitted to being a nerd. Oh well.<br /><br />Today, I am one week away from temporary freedom and going home to Chicago (Chicago will just always be home). Thanksgiving break provided just enough re-energizing to hopefully get me through to the rest of finals. It was great to cook a Thanksgiving meal (thats almost 3 times now, thank you!). And I may still have a lot to learn in the cooking realm but it was fun anyways. We were able to hang out with family, which was one of the greatest blessings. It was quint and quiet...which I am definitely not used to. Holidays are always a hustle and bustle in our family. I was blessed to grow up with such a big loving family. And Errik and I were close to spending this Thanksgiving alone, which may sound super romantic but growing up with BIG holiday gatherings...it just wouldn't quite feel the same. It was wonderful and the Lord knew just what we needed.<br /><br />Now, its December and my countdown until the end of finals and going home begins. But that's what I am afraid of right now. Countdowns. With going back to nursing school, my life is a schedule of deadlines and where I have to be and when. However, my hope this Christmas season is that I find time to stop and enjoy just being with friends and family that I cherish so much and to remember what Christmas is TRULY all about. Christ. I hope that as my calendar continues to fill up this month, that I will have time to just sit. Patiently. And enjoy where I am in life, right now... and not let life become all about deadlines and countdowns or maybe what's to come next in life.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-15027895313562180722010-10-26T15:06:00.000-07:002010-10-26T16:59:12.492-07:00Richly Blessed...The past month has been super busy for Errik and I. I just don't know how that happens. I think we are both getting used to the fact that Errik doesn't have to work weekends anymore so we have been taking advantage of that! We love getting out of Columbia and exploring all thats out there. Here's what we've been up to!<br /><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf3X3H5Ctjewx4SyjfL_VjGVUT-wC0XQsQ0AzDAHIIvMun0QxA3cNvO4R4wG2dvrmoO2CqN6wAyqH3uAPM4TBPdys65i5nRc_TiNTtugbSekElJOGmLUWAPrqwIltsnDjJL41lPotbZc/s1600/DSC03813.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532493309136813570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMf3X3H5Ctjewx4SyjfL_VjGVUT-wC0XQsQ0AzDAHIIvMun0QxA3cNvO4R4wG2dvrmoO2CqN6wAyqH3uAPM4TBPdys65i5nRc_TiNTtugbSekElJOGmLUWAPrqwIltsnDjJL41lPotbZc/s320/DSC03813.JPG" /></a> Oct 2: We took the day and drove up to Hendersonville, NC. It's a quint small mountain town near Asheville, not too far from here. We had the privelage of hanging out with the newly engaged Brittany Jones and Zach Brady. They are way too fun. They showed us around town...the cute little local shops. Lots of antique stores much to Errik's dismay but I loved it and I think he is beginning to also. The leaves were just beginning to change and we were SO happy to be wearing very light jackets (it was still 90 in Columbia!). I just absolutely love driving through the mountains. It's always breathtaking and I just can't seem to look around and not think there is a God. A God who so masterfully handcrafted something so beautiful for us to take part in. As we drove through, "Oh, how He loves us" by David Crowder was playing. That's just perfectly sums it up for me. After hanging out in hendersonville, we took a short drive to an apple orchard that sits on top of a mountain. Simply breathtaking.<br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532491049128704178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxNCtrjp7pCFIQWK2jD-FzWyS_BOnGUrHMZL7hYWtM0PxDexm-cqNevZPbgfa8x-PITBUXGl30IgqAnGKbdMD-tAHqmma3ALwZQ72e5Ni6eA0-kJKrm3xwMqZSaCxQwk_Snmr2VtKrcY/s320/DSC03886.JPG" /></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Oct 9: Are you ready for some foooooootball!! College Gameday arrived to town! Let me remind you of what happened THAT weekend. The #1 ranked team in college football rolllllled into town (Alabama). My Gamecocks (yes mine) pulled out a sweet sweet victory. It was one of the best sporting events I have been to, apart from Illinois coming back from a 20 point deficit in the NCAA bball tourney a few years back. I had a great time. It was a balmy 87 degree afternoon. Unfortunately, I couldnt get Errik a ticket (they were going for hundreds of dollars, I mean these people take their football seriously!). I went with some of my friends that I have met through Nursing school. They are such a blessing and crazy fun. They will most likely help me survive school.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532497284176882178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIi7X8gy7Cybx83p3QOSThRNkJQXeu25vh2UyUZejNn3LCta_dLY_XG2Fcet6PwK5cBJgAhavLALArZeaiemvPhoiD5KPSyF0dtTwHhci8AO6Nd2nBqOiL43k19RmhxWTk0Ncb1DRU08/s320/DSC03958.JPG" /></div><div align="left">Oct 16: The SC state fair is in town for a week or so. Always good people watching...ha and Errik and I went to the Josh Kelley, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert concert. It was a perfect evening. We enjoyed the music, the food and of course people watching. Saturday was drove back up to the mountains. I was told that this was going to be PRIME fall colors weekend in the mountains. So, Errik and I decided to go hiking in the mountains near Asheville, NC for the day. Our first plan was to drive up to Mt. Mitchell, the highest point East of the Mississippi River. However, as we were driving up there, I decided to check the weather report again and it was a meer 19 degrees with windchill. EEEK. We wanted to hike but we were certainly not ready for that in our light pants and jacket. A cold front had come through there just 2 days earlier and there were black bear warnings all over the place. I'll pass. Mount Pisgah provided perfect scenery for us to enjoy. The day was absolutely perfect. Sunny and near 70 with a light breeze. The trees were almost at peak colors. We enjoyed a short 1.5 hour hike to the top, enjoyed the view, scampered back down and drove the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway into Asheville. We enjoyed downtown Asheville, very artsy and ecletic.<br /><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532502198193195266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV0nQbRK5AVb1B_EAA-HKJVzT7ScrYJxneyO-cIZndvRECQeQubvuMdaR3M9dv7_M1udCH4QpNHSftcdOUKhVsuaWYdQ-tX1jhnRpbQyjpPIPZ9qegxmQNrLwWXWgFukffrf2T5bJg_I/s320/DSC04077.JPG" /> <div align="left"></div><div align="left">Oct 23: We had the PLEASURE of driving down to good ol' Macon, GA! Great friends of ours (the Browns) just moved down there a few months ago and we had the opportunity to go and visit. We had an amazing time. Just hanging out, playing with their kids, getting wooped by the boys in cards (whatever) and just being outside. We went with them and their cute kiddos on saturday to a "working farm" (do they know were from the midwest). Rock Ranch. It was pretty awesome...cane fishing (?), pumpkins shooting a million yards out of a cannon, bob and larry (veggie tales!), tiny town, paddle boats, giant jumping pillow thing, absolutely perfect weather....the list goes on. The point: We had a blast! We absolutely love spending time with them and their kids. Our time is generally filled with constant laughter, there is nothing better. We miss them but are so blessed by their love and faith in Christ and the awesome examples they set for us as well as their kids. And thank you bella for falling asleep in my arms. :)</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">This weekend: Harvest Party at church, a great opportunity to hang out with the high schoolers and be able to bless our community with a little fun and games. And Errik and I are going to the Carolina/Tennessee game on Saturday! Whew. What a month!</div>Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-26931557864022121022010-10-13T19:31:00.000-07:002010-10-13T20:50:15.370-07:00HypocrisySo last night I had the privilege of going to a on-campus ministry meeting at USC. It brought back old college memories. I was talking with some of the girls that invited me to come about this funny place in life Errik and I are at. We are in this funny place of being married, not having kids and too care free to sit and worry about adult responsibilities. What I mean by that is we don't feel grown up even though everything around us would point to that. But I'll talk more about that later. What was so awesome about last night was that I heard one of the best sermons I have heard in awhile. However, it was a tough topic but something people deal with at all stages of life. I hope to share some of it with you the best I can.<br /><br />He spoke on Acts 4:32-5:11. In short, its a passage that talks about Barnabas (Joseph) and Ananias. Barnabas sold a field and brought all the money and laid it at the apostles' feet to help his church. BUT Ananias sold a piece of property, kept some of the proceeds and brought only part of it to the apostles. Peter asked him why he lied in his heart to the Holy Spirit and keep some of it back for himself. He lied to God and fell down dead. Later, Sapphira came in and lied about how much the property was worth. They tested the Spirit of the Lord. She fell down and breathed her last.<br /><br />As you can see, Barnabas gave everything he had. He was all in with helping the church and the needy. Ananias, on the other hand, wanted the credit of giving everything even though he didn't. He wanted people to think he was as great as Barnabas and have his same reputation. That's the problem with Christian culture these days. People preach one thing but act completely different. The pastor brought up an article he read about how this writer took up being immersed in the Christian culture for 7 straight days. He read Christian books, listened to Christian music, went to Church, the whole bit. At the end of those 7 days, he said the Christian culture was the most inauthentic thing he has ever been a part of. It's pop culture without the cuss words and some Jesus words thrown in.<br /><br />Wow. That hit me hard. Is that the image we are displaying for all the world to see? I think it's time we become honest with ourselves and find out who we really are. So much of us wants to live that Christian life but want to keep a hold of idols in our life. We want to change the outside appearance, which is much easier to do, than change whats on the inside. And how much we read the bible or know about the bible does not reflect our relationship with Jesus, not that I am saying you shouldn't read the bible. God hates hypocrisy. And guess what? God sees EVERYTHING. There isn't a single thing you can hide from him. Does that scare you? Because it shouldn't, you shouldn't have anything to hide. If you don't believe me, read about the Pharisees or read the Gospels. The Pharisees were the most religious people and God was often speaking to them. The Gospels aren't fluffy wonderful stories, they are about the bad junk that is made clean. These are the questions I had to ask myself. Am I living in a Christian bubble? Do I live two different lives? Because most likely, our hidden lives are who we actually are. Ouch.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-8320911748436825442010-09-26T18:15:00.000-07:002010-09-26T18:35:54.000-07:00My GenerationSo there is a new show on this year called My Generation. It is the story of a bunch of people ten years out of high school. It is shot documentary style but they are fictional characters. I think it is interesting because there is so much that has happened in the last ten years in our country and there are so many directions people go after high school. I suppose I like it because I am partial to nostalgia and retrospection. I like to think about my own like and where I've been since throwing that square hat in the air some 7 years ago now. But the reason I say all that is because the choices we all make really do determine the value of our lives in this life and the next...<br /><br />I decided to go into social work because it was one of the few professions I felt I could do some good in other's lives and be a christian at the same time given the talents God has given me. I could have walked down many roads and I can't help but watch a show like that and wonder if my life would count for anything had I made the wrong choices. Would I be stuck in some dead end job not using my gifts, would I spend my weekends at some bar instead of pouring into kids at church or would I be in a relationship that wasn't glorifying to God instead of married to my wife.<br /><br />I suppose I say all this to say how important it is to take a look at one's life to make sure it means something more than "The American Dream" more than just getting ahead. I'm not their yet but I'm happy to say I am where I am supposed to be.Errikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988683794891541726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-32339326067438221442010-09-13T09:02:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:11:49.450-07:00What it is to be blessedStarting my third week of work as a social worker I am reminded of how blessed I can be without even knowing it. This weekend was filled with many of the things I love including spending time with my wife, hanging out with the 9th grade guys and watching the Packers and USC win some games. It was a great weekend, but every weekend for the next five months could look the same if I'm not careful. What I mean is that my life as a christian, as a husband, as a social worker had to be balanced.<br /><br />It seems guys often get overwhelmed with the "fun" parts of life like sports but end up missing some of the more important things like building relationships. I hope I can find a balance that the lord will be pleased with. Whether that means limiting my time in front of a tv or computer or taking the effort to spend time with the 9th grade guys I'm working with, I hope I am up for the challenge. If I can find a good balance I think I will do something better than just be blessed...I might be able to bless others with the gifts God has given me.Errikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988683794891541726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-90247181596874991932010-08-29T10:42:00.000-07:002010-08-29T11:03:52.440-07:00A new chapter...Well, I have officially finished one week of nursing school. A bizillion more to go. I have a myriad of emotions as Errik and I begin this new chapter. I am excited to finally begin what I have been waiting a long time to start. However, this week has been very overwhelming and slightly stressful, ok very stressful. Errik has been a huge help with doing more things around the house and encouraging me every single day that I can do this. Thats what I have to keep reminding myself...everyday. I can do this. This has probably been one of the hardest things I have had to do thus far. I am constantly trying to tell myself to enjoy the journey. On the flip side of that, I am so excited to begin this journey and cant wait to start working in the hospital!<br /><br />The great thing is that for once Errik and I feel we are exactly where the Lord wants us. We have been surrounded by great friends, an awesome family and a wonderful church that has encouraged us in so many facets of life. For that, we are truly blessed. So cheers to beginning the next 2 years of our life and after that...who knows! The possibilities are endless...Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-16673237815994212822010-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:002010-08-19T09:26:10.331-07:00Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave but not our hearts.Well, I am back from Chicago. Being in Chicago was amazing but going "home" is still such a strange oddity to me. This was the first trip that I really began to feel like Columbia is becoming our home. This summer I was really homesick. I mean REALLY homesick. I have never felt that way before and cant really pinpoint why. I do think that one of the hardest parts about being away is that we have 3 of the most adorable nieces with 2 more on the way! I wish I could be there to watch them grow up and hear all the funny things they say but I do know that Columbia is right where we need to be...for the time being at least. <br /><br />Well, I was very blessed to have the opportunity to go back "home" and "recharge my batteries" as Errik put it. And I did just that. I was able to do almost all the things I wanted to do while I was home...visit with friends and family a lot, go downtown, eat at portillos, have chicago style pizza (VERY hard to find in the south...) and celebrate my sisters 30th birthday. I even was a full scale tourist in the city with a camera around my neck and all (yeah, im cool). We took the architectural tour down the chicago river, right through the heart of the city. I was speechless. Amazing, everyone should do it even if you have lived in chicago your whole life.<br /><br />However, leaving "home" provided mixed emotions this time. I enjoyed every minute of being there and playing with my 2 1/2 yr old niece Olivia but after a week seemed ready to be back in real life. Back to the hot south where the air conditioning has been full blast since the beginning of June, where people talk funny, where sweet tea is offered at every meal and where my husband and Aspen are waiting for me. What I noticed was that home wasnt the sense of the geographical surroundings. It didnt matter where I was but who I was with. I am not only blessed with one home but two.Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-177103096784582272010-08-07T22:57:00.000-07:002010-08-07T23:03:03.926-07:00This is my first post on Renee and I's blog. Hopefully I don't screw it up to badly. Renee is in Chicago with the fame this week so I've been a bachelor all week. I'm looking forward to her coming home. Also I start my new job at Ascension Hospice on Tuesday. I'm excited to actually be a social worker after six total years of college and four years of serving tables and who knows how many other odd jobs. It will certainly take some adjusting having a "big kid" job and a job which challenges you with strong emotion on a regular basis but I am up for that challenge. Thats all for now...tune in next time.Errikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12988683794891541726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6776692447397361770.post-8481342043341882542010-07-10T17:57:00.000-07:002010-07-10T18:09:07.860-07:00It's only the beginning...Errik and I are going to try this out. Being away from family and friends has left it very challenging to keep in touch the way we would like. From the quirks of everyday living in the south to the challenges of where to go and what to do next, this is our journey of moving away from the known and into the unknown. Hang on for the ride...its about to get CRAZY!Reneehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18081730081825388001noreply@blogger.com0