We Camp. We’re Campers.

This past weekend we went camping for the first time (together). We drove out to the Shenandoah and camped at a site along Skyline Drive. We had beautiful weather and while we had some, uh, difficulties, it was a great time!

We borrowed a tent from some friends… which had no instructions… we needed help. Thankfully, a kind-hearted fellow camper helped us out- he assured us it was an “easy tent” to put together and it took all of 5 minutes. well, gee, thanks :)

We took a hike on the Frazier Douglas Trail, which intersected for a short time with the Appalachian trail. It was a moderate hike, which I was not prepared for and my back/knees did not much appreciate. See how excited I am to be at the top? We didn’t take any pictures of my expressions going up the mountain…

Enjoying God’s beautiful creation (or taking a rest…)

My man made a wonderful fire so we could have hot food. Yay. Hot dogs and s’mores, of course. The grate was not totally level so we did lose one hot dog in the fire…

Stopping along the way home at a few of the 75 beautiful overlooks in the park. There were informational signs at some, which Geoff appreciated :)

All in all, our first camping adventure was a success! We may even do it again.

Things I'm loving...

• My new Keurig coffee maker (bday gift from the hubs) and how it makes the perfect cup of coffee every time. I'm especially loving all the French Roast varieties available :)
  
  
• Cooler weather which allows us to have the windows open! magnificent!
  
  
• My Midnight Blue candle from YankeeCandle. It smells delightful. I bought it while Geoff was away because it reminded me of a man scent...
  
  
• Being in a community group again. honest, loving fellowship.
  
  
• weather which is pleasantly "cool" enough to do enjoyable outdoor activities!
  
  
• being DONE with classes. I may still have school, but my evenings are my own.
  
  
• babysitting my little guy. At 6 months, he has so much personality and smiles at me just because I walked in the room. precious.
  
  
• oh, and wedding photoblogs I've recently found. i'm a bit of a stalker...
  

What are you enjoy right now?!

Celebrate Good Times

Danielle’s birthday was September 2nd, and Geoff arrived home from the Middle East at 6:30am that morning! This was a day earlier than expected, which made it extra special. Danielle was not excited about getting up so early, but some things are just worth it :)

It was also nice because it was the beginning of a holiday weekend, which meant it gave Geoff a few extra days to catch up from the jet lag, and gave us plenty of time to enjoy being together. We were also blessed with beautiful weather, which meant we did not automatically rule-out outdoor activities for a change!

Here is some of what we did…

ate a delicious meal at Ketchup: crab cakes for Danielle, and fish-n-chips for Geoff

enjoyed a beautiful sunset at National Harbor

found a man buried in the sand….

Hiked around and picnicked @ Great Falls State Park on Saturday

On Sunday we met Danielle’s parents and brother at Inner Harbor, Baltimore for the evening, but failed to get many good pictures from that… Tyler & Danielle

All in all, it was a pretty terrific weekend! Thanks again to everyone for their birthday wishes, and thanks to the government for sending my honey home early:)
(check out more pictures on facebook if you so desire! )

Beautiful Creation

Psalm 8

1 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
4 what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Plans are meant to be changed?

Final Requirement: a 600 hour internship, equally split between the elementary and secondary (MS/HS) levels

I began the summer excited to be done with my graduate classes and anticipating my last semester of school in the fall, in which my only requirement was an internship. My heart and mind were set on graduating in December and finally being able to put school behind me and find a steady, dependable job for the new year. We made the move to NoVa based on this plan. I submitted all of the paperwork for my internship by June 1 as directed and anxiously awaited my placement in the Arlington school district.

To make a long story much shorter I will say that for multiple reasons, Arlington was not able to give me the placements I needed to complete the internship in one semester as planned. So instead of graduating in December, it will be May. And instead of interning full-time each week, I will spend 2-3 days/week at my site. I will be at an elementary school in the fall and a high school in the spring. The good news is that I will be able to continue watching a baby 2 afternoons per week, a job that I started in July and which helps bring in a little money. The bad news is that I am 2 semesters away from graduating and getting a real job, rather than one. The good news is that God is sovereign and has already ordered my steps for the future. So while I was disappointed at first, and frustrated too I'll admit, who am I to say that God messed up in allowing it to happen this way? He loves me more than I can fathom. He knows what I need and what is best for Geoff & I. And so I will begin this school year with a determination to be thankful for the extra time during the week, the extra semester as a student, and the Lord who in His wisdom makes much better plans for my life than I ever could.