cubbiehole of thoughts

5 years

2011-02-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

today, I'm celebrating 5 wonderful years with my husband. I actually can't beleive it's been that long, it feels like we just got married. It sure has been an adventure, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Encouraged

2011-02-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

This really encouraged me today. While I was reading this, I kept nodding in agreement. My office may might think I'm crazy. Anyway, thought I'd share it, if nothing else, I need the reminder.

Church Plant Connection
February 2, 2011 by Tiffany Cooper
Posted by Tiffany Cooper

I’ve had the privilege to meet many church planters here at Leading and Loving It. As a church planter, I feel an instant connection! In fact, it made me think about the beginning days of our church. Here are few things that came to mind…the list is long so I’ll just mention a few:

Lead by Example: Much of ministry is simply leading by example, especially in the beginning stages of a church plant. Your work ethic, servant’s heart and attitude will set the tone for those partnering with your vision. This is a conscience decision, not one based on your feelings.
Push for Power: There are people who will use you in an attempt to get power, push their agenda and gain access to your husband. They may even try to use you as a secretary, trying to get info to your husband. I quickly learned to say, “If you call the church office they can help you with any question you have,” or “You know, I would feel terrible if I forgot to tell Herbert, it’s best that you call the office to make sure he gets the message.”
Shepherd vs. Friend: Do not seek your most intimate friendships with those in your church. They may happen over time but don’t seek them out. Embrace your role as a shepherd who directs and loves. I regret the times I got too close too soon. I have now found more intimate friendships with other pastors’ wives.
Come and Go: A large number of people who start with you will not stay. This was hard for me to grasp until it happened to us. Many, a lot, of the people that partnered with the vision we had for Peoples Church are no longer with us. There are many reasons for this. I encourage you to maintain a good attitude and handle those who leave with grace.
Renaissance Women: As a church planter you are a renaissance women. It’s not so much about serving in your area of passion as much as it’s about serving in the area of need. Okay, it’s more like you are serving in every area of need! Your great sacrifice will result in a great reward!
Minister to the Pastor: Church planting pulls you in many directions but your greatest ministry is to your husband. He needs your support, encouragement, strength, “I’ve got your back” attitude, and unconditional love. It will be harder than you think. It will require more of you than you think. Your goals and plans will likely happen differently than you anticipated. Most of all, you realize you don’t have all the answers and you can’t do it on your own.
Growth Track: If you’re like me, you will grow as a leader and learn more than you imagined possible in a short amount of time. Honestly, it wasn’t always by my choice, more out of necessity. I made some mistakes our of pure ignorance, usually small things that would be okay if I was anybody other than the PW

cleaning up

2011-01-30T09:29:00.000-08:00

first off, please excuse my poor blog. i'm working on a new design and header, but i need to work on it from my home computer for several reasons. plus if really need help, i've got my husband, who can pretty much figure out anything. so stay tuned for some serious cuteness!

so my blog isn't the only that is needing some revamping, but life is too. on new years, i promised myself that this would be a good year. not emotionally unhealthy like this last one, but i didn't really put any steps into making it better, i just kept everything the same. as my husband pointed out, that's the definition of insanity. you know... doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results every time. so it came to a breaking point (as it usually does) and i realized that somethings have got to change. they just have to, or i really might go insane. so after a night of crying, talking (blubbering) to chris and taking a personal day off work, i'm FINALLY taking some real steps to making this a good year. to having a good life again.
this tuesday i'll be attending a support group for women struggling with getting pregnant. i'm actually really looking forward to it and think it will be a good step in dealing with this baby stuff . my hopes are that the meeting will help me to appropriate my feelings in a more positive way and meet some new friends. for now chris and i are waiting to go to the doctor for any testing. i realize that may sound crazy to some of you, but that's what we've decided and we feel peaceful about it for now.

i've also decided it's high time for me to get a hobby and i just can't count shopping as hobby anymore. so i'm going to take some sewing lessons in february. i grew up with two grandmothers who sew and both tried to teach me several times and i just wasn't interested. now, with one grandmother gone and the other declining in health, i really want to learn. i think it's something that will really give me some joy and encourage some creativity. plus i think it'll be fun! i hope to be updating about my first lesson and future projects.

last but not least i'm working on a planning a party. well, a reception to be more specific. our dear friends are going to have a baby dedication at refuge at the end of february and i asked if i could throw them a reception. i'm really excited and haven't thrown any good parties lately, so this one has my juices flowing! can't wait to get started! i'm thinking yellow and grey for the colors. check back for inspiration boards and ideas.

Fasting Catch Up

2011-01-14T15:04:00.000-08:00

So, it turns out I'm actually really terrible about a daily update. Or even weekly! So today, we're on day 14 of our Money fast and eating healthy. Wednesday night I soooo wanted to grab Chris and go to Chili's for dinner, but we ate some Progresso soup instead. We entertained a bunch this past week and weekend, so I'm really tired of cooking, dishes and cleaning the kitchen, but we must press on!

What I've learned so far is that I can cook and eat healthily 7 nights a week on a budget. Yes, my grocery store trip is like 30 minutes longer and sometimes requires me to shop at three different stores, but it's kinda worth it. I feel good when I look at our budget and bank account instead of dreading it! I've also really seen the benefit of working with cash for gas and groceries. I hope to keep those habits going even after day 21, because they have really kept me accountable and I need that.

I don't know about you, but I am SO glad it's the weekend! Happy Friday friends!

Day 2 & 3

2011-01-05T19:25:00.000-08:00

So far we've done really well! Coffee from home every morning, packed lunches and some healthy, homemade dinners.

We did run into a bit of sticky moment today. Our friends the Arnolds's little baby is in the hospital right now and we wanted to bring them dinner. I was going to consider their dinner as an essential, because people we love are an essential, so I was ok taking it out of the bank account. Chris thought we'd be ok taking it out of our gas money, and so we did. We can make it work and I'm just really glad we were able to make it work so we could do something for our friends.

Chris does have a friend from college in town this week, and usually that means lots of activities and eating out. So, he will have to use his fun money if he wants to do any of those extracurricular activities and we'll have his friend and girlfriend over for dinner a couple of times while he's here. I love hosting and having people over, I don't know why I don't have people over more often for dinner. It's so much more personal!

All and all we are doing really well with our challenge. Hoping we can finish as strong as we started!

Day 1

2011-01-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

Cash Only

So, we actually started our fast on January 2nd. Chris had a desperate plea to start Sunday, since the last OU game was Saturday night and he wanted to get snacks. I relented, since he just looked so sad. What can I say, I'm a softy when it comes to him. Anyway, I spent Saturday preparing our (healthy) menu for the week and getting cash for our gas and groceries. It felt really weird to get $175.00 out of the ATM. Well, actually I couldn't get 175, because the ATM only does transactions in 20s, so I had to get out 160 and use the 20 I had in my purse.

Our budget is 75 for groceries a week and 50 each for gas for 2 weeks.

I spent...
$ 13.00 on produce at Sunflowers (its a Farmer's Market that has really cheap fruits & veggies)
$54.00 at Safeway on the everything else
leaving me 8 bucks for paper towels and chicken at King Soopers ( I knew I could get it cheaper there then at Safeway)

It felt really strange to use cash for groceries. I took me forever to shop, because I was comparing ounces and prices and labels. I also watched the checkout process like a hawk, making sure all my sale items were ringing up as such. Already calculating in my head what I would put back if I needed to. But, I actually did ok! I came home really excited almost texting Chris about my successful shopping trip. We are totally out of grocery money, so we have to make what we've got work till Saturday. Which is scary, since we've always had the option to run to the store and get something. So I'm hoping all my planning will get us through.

Other than that, it's been snowy and cold here, so Chris and I weren't even tempted to get out of the house yesterday. We both just watched TV, read and just hung out. I cooked dinner and I started putting up all the Christmas stuff.

I think the real challenge is going to be the work week. When old habits rear their ugly heads and tempt us. Chris and I both have come gift cards and fun money that we can use in those instances, but I'm hoping we won't resort to those too often in our 21 days.

I count Day 1 a success!

Money, Money, Money

2010-12-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Money Fasting

Yep, that's what we're doing. Starting January 1st, the Richardsons will be on a cash fast. After spending some time looking at our budget and realizing how much we spend on the unnecessary. I mean it starts innocently enough.... running late in the mornings, so I'm going to grab a coffee and muffin at Starbucks. Oh, I don't like what I'm eating for lunch, I'll just zip through the drive thru and grab something. Hmm... I REALLY need those earrings at Target, and they're only $5.99 so I should get two! Yeah, all those little "innocent" purchases add up! So, we are going spend the next 21 days in a money fast.

So the rules are pretty simple. ONLY spending money on the essentials, like food, medicine and bills. For 21 days we'll inviting friends over for dinner rather than going out, taking our lunches to the office and watching old movies instead of hoping on down to the Redbox. And for a double threat we'll also be eating healthier and working out more. So, just three itty bitty things to keep myself accountable everyday. Um, yeah right! This challenge is going to stretch both Chris and me. Probably more me than him. I am not disciplined what so ever.

My hope is to update daily or every other day in order to keep myself accountable and if you're interested stop by and see our progress!

The goal is to see how money we save from our fast and put that towards one of those dreadful credit cards that needs paying off. Wish us luck!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Bloging drought

2010-11-30T18:08:00.000-08:00

ok, ok i know. it's been awhile... a drought, really. so a few quick updates, and i promise something more soon.

1. chris and i are going to seattle this summer! we were going to california, but things change and now we are headed to see the space needle. I REALLY want to stay here! it's perfect, no?
2. i am re-reading all of the harry potter books. i love that dang wizard.
3. the past few months, i've been choosing a word and meditating and praying about it. this month the word is joy. i even have the word displayed in a few places around my house.
4. confession. i love gwyneth paltrow. i loved her even more after seeing this.
5. i'm obsessed with this song.
6. a couple of weeks ago someone tweeted a quote from chris's sermon. i thought i was going to burst with pride.
7. it has hardly snowed at all in denver this year. i couldn't be happier. :)
8. i'm going to buy these with my fun money next month. they'll come in hand when it does snow.
9. on my christmas list will be all three twilight movies.
10. and speaking of christmas... we took christmas pictures for the first time this year. so i'll need your addresses to send you a card!

A Santa Claus God

2010-08-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to the OBGYN yesterday for an appointment. It's been a year that we've been trying and I told myself that if I wasn't pregnant by August I would go to the doctor and find out what to do next. Turns out what I have to do next is call a reproductive endocrinology (infertility) doctor. Not what I was hoping for, but there it is.

The thing is, that I was REALLY thought I would be pregnant this month. I honestly thought that after having a awful year of feeling let down, miserable and broken that God would reward me with a positive pregnancy test. Because, despite having a terrible 28th year of my life, I also tried to work on my short comings. I overcame a lot of struggles and really worked and prayed through some of my issues, so naturally I thought God would grant me this one wish. I thought if I was good enough He would give me the beautiful gift of motherhood.

But He hasn't.

Because, God isn't Santa Claus. He doesn't give you what you want if you are good this year. I mean, it'd be nice if He did, cause I'd also like a new house, car and an endless supply of mint chocolate chip ice cream. But that's just not how He loves us. That's not the relationship He wants to have with me. A relationship where He gives me what I want and then I in turn love Him more, because He gave me what I wanted.

When I realized this revelation this morning, it made me sad. Sad that I've been hanging on to this for such a long time. A whole year. An entire year waisted on waiting around for God to step down from heaven and hand me a baby. 365 days gone on being angry with my Father for "not loving me enough to give me "my heart's desire". 12 months that I could have spent enjoying my life with my husband, my friends and my church, instead of always thinking about how much happier I'd be if I were just pregnant. All because I mixed up God with Santa Claus.

So where do I go from here? It's hard to let go of something that you've spent every hour of every day focusing on, but it's time I let this go. It won't easy. Honey, are you reading this? But I do know that I've got to actually let God work in my life, give me purpose and heal my heart, before I will be any good to anyone. Especially to Him.

today is...

2010-06-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

rainy and cold. a high of 51 degrees. in the middle of june, no less. and i'm working today after three days of jury duty. Can anyone say LAME? so I have been thinking of things i enjoy, so as not to be totally bummed out. here's what i came up with. not extraordinary, but it's all i have, so bare with me. or is it bear?

1. friends coming to denver for a visit. (kerri fisher and the johnsons. i promise to show ya'll a good time.)

2. pandora. its all that's kept me sane today.

3. my MAC superglass lipgloss

4. top chef is starting back on wednesday after a way too long hiatus

5. getting a new grill.

6. rufus, my dog. who has the cutest dog face i've ever seen.

7. movies in the park.

8. buying an adorable cupcake stand to put these on. :)

9. sending this sweet friend her baby care package

10. and see this sweet friend's new baby! born on friday and so adorable that i just can't wait to squeeze him!

and just to prove that rufus really does have the cutest dog face ever, here's a picture. it's when he was a puppy, but who cares! plus i love this little family picture!

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary.
What we need is to love without getting tired."
Mother Teresa

They Call Me Mellow Yellow

2010-05-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

Confession. I am in love with the color yellow! I don't know if it's because winter in Denver has decided to extend itself into an unwelcome visitor, or if all the beautiful daffodils around town have given me a cheery disposition, but I am lovin the yellow. And birds too. I am attracted to anything with birds these days. And if there is a possibility of having bird with something yellow, well then I am sold! Here's a few things that I plan on adding to my life asap!

Public vs Private

2010-04-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Chris and I always get into fights about how much we tell our friends. Chris wants everyone to know pretty much everything about us, and I like to give the bare minimum. As Chris so wisely pointed out to me, it has a lot to do with our families and how we're brought up. Chris's family was just really honest about their struggles and issues. My family definitely had our share of struggles and issues, we just didn't tell anyone about them. So, naturally this spills over into our married life. I still do not like to share and Chris does! In the spirit of sharing struggles, issues and even praises... here they are.

I'll start out with a praise, in January I applied for another marketing job. I was really fed up with my job at the nursing home and was ready to move up in salary. So, I had two interviews with a company and then they called me up and offered me the job! I also negotiated for an even higher salary then they offered. It was a HUGE raise! So, I met with my boss, who I really do love, and handed her my resignation letter. I started to cry, she started to cry and I told her why I felt I needed to leave. I'll leave out all the boring details, but the day ended with a salary match and a very complimentary speech from the President, begging me to stay. I decided to stay and most days am glad I decided to stay.

Issues... Refuge is going really great. I would like to say that it has been an honor to watch Chris fall into his pastoral position. He has handled so many situations with such wisdom, compassion and heart. But, what church plant doesn't have it's issues? For that matter, what church doesn't have it's issues? As many of you know a lot of our church is made up of recovering addicts. I think it what has been hard for me is that I get really attached to people. All people. And sometimes recovering addicts relapse and leave. Some don't necessarily relapse, but they do make poor decisions. And that's hard. It's just a hard part of ministry, and I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to it. Another hard thing has been the loneliness I've felt as a pastor's wife. I don't know what else to say about it, other than I just feel lonely.

And on to the struggles. I'm sorry if I'm always talking about this, I don't mean to be annoying about it, but it is my struggle. We are still not pregnant. And I think about it everyday. Everyday.It has been 8 months and we are still not pregnant. And no amount of encouragement or "I'm sure it'll happen for you soon" makes my heart feel any better about it. I've just had to put my hope in the Lord. I told myself yesterday morning that I have a good life. I have a husband who loves me dearly, a church family who loves me and a career that I enjoy. I have no room to complain. That got me through yesterday, but today was a little harder.

Now that it's all typed out, none of this seems so bad to share. I guess sometimes my husband is right.

Baby, it is COLD outside!

2010-03-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

After a beautiful 72 degree weather yesterday, Denver is getting slammed by about 10 inches snow! I am so over the winter. I think these might help my wait for summer go just a little bit faster.

Go HERE for the full recipe.

p.s. Thanks HWTM for something to look forward to!

An ending and a beginning

2010-03-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on my couch this Sunday morning, watching dumb reruns of Beverly Hill 90210 and online shopping at my favorite store Anthroplogie.

And I am thinking about how nice it is to not have much to do today, just grocery shop and put up a few dishes, maybe follow up on a few items I saw online, in the store. But I am also thinking about how next Saturday will be the first public service of Refuge Community Church. I'm kinda of in awe because it feels like this has been such a long time coming. Like 3 years coming.

Next Saturday when the music starts, and all the voices sing in unison, it will be the start of something new. Chris will preach his first Denver sermon and we'll be off. But, I want to reflect on where we came from. When we first met over chicken kabobs, peach tea and lots of excitement. Then we moved into regular Sunday evening meetings, discussing controversial topics, defending our thoughts and sharing our hearts. We squished on each other's couches, lounged on the floor and had lots coffee breaks. We laughed together, introduced new members and sometimes we cried. Ok, I cried. We started out as almost strangers and now we are family. We no longer have to make awkward small talk or ask polite questions, we know each other. Maybe a little better than we'd like, but that's what it's like in a family, a community. It hasn't been an easy growth. But, when is growth ever easy? But, we are better for it and so is Refuge Community Church.

So think about us next Saturday night around 6ish, because as one chapter closes for Refuge Community Church another is starting. And I could not be more excited to see what is ahead of us.

Life as I see it

2010-03-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Well, the past couple of months have been good! Just wanted to catch up on all that's been going on.

Refuge Community Church will be having our first service very soon! Still no building yet, but we do have an AWESOME music minister and of course pastor! ;) Chris had been making connections with some people to help with the building process and I feel completely confident that we will have a meeting place by Palm Sunday, which is when we kick off! Chris has been losing sleep over it, but I know that God is faithful.
I've been working out! Yes, it is true. I HATE working out, HATE it! But, it occurred to me that I was spending most of my time on the couch watching TV. And that is just not a life. So I've been walking/running with Rufus almost everyday after work or on the weekends. Granted I don't go very far, but I'm getting there.
I just finished reading Donald Miller's new book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years and it was seriously the best book I've read in a long time. It has changed me. As all good books should. It's all about the kind of story you are living and the character you are in your own story. It has made really think about the story I building with my life. Buy it and Read it! You won't regret it. Truly.
I've become kinda obsessed with party planning. I found a couple of blogs one night and was hooked. I'm definitely the kind of person that says "I can do that!", and then never does. So, now I am actually doing it. It doesn't seem hard, just time consuming and lots of attention to detail. Which I can commit myself to. I am having my "launch party" in a couple of weeks for one of the guys in our church. He is graduating from the Mission and so I wanted to throw him a party. It's a Green bay Packer theme, so green and gold. I'll put up pictures of how it turns out. I'm really excited.
Chris and I are planning a Taste of Texas trip this summer, because we miss all our favorite restaurants from all our favorite cities. So, hopefully we will be seeing many of our Texas friends!

I think that about wraps it up!

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-03-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

"I gave in, and admitted that God was God"
C.S. Lewis

Something Borrowed

2010-02-21T07:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know if anyone ever ventures over to Chris's blog or not, BUT I am posting his recent post for all to read. Chris works at a homeless shelter here in Denver, one of the largest homeless shelters in the nation. He does a job, that I could never do. A job that not many could do. I was just really touched when I read this and hope you will be too.

2.20.2010

Stench

As I work at a homeless shelter, I am often overwhelmed with stench. There are various types, and since I have a very capable nose, I tend to smell them all. I smell the typical "I've been wearing these shoes for years and they have literally been through it all" stench of shoes. I smell the discarded garbage from rotting veggies donated at the last minute. I smell armpits and body odor, I smell dirty clothes and an over abundance of hand sanitizer. I smell booze breath and cigarette breath and just plain stank breath. To me, all these things smell disgusting, but to God, I know they smell like love.

It's funny how much the sense of smell is linked to particular memories. All it takes is a whiff of a certain smell to take me back to my house during middle school. Or a certain smell to take me back to Buchanan Elementary. Sometimes I will smell something and almost be transported to my summers at Sky Ranch, or my summer playing basketball in Australia.

So when I walk through the dorms of the shelter at night, and smell feet and farts, bad breath and cigarette smoke, I wonder how that all smells to God. And I think it is a bittersweet smell to him. Bitter because our weakness has led us to embrace the disgusting smells of the world. The smell of alcoholism and drug addiction, pornography and materialism, bitterness and greed, gluttony and hatred, fear and violence, ultimately death. But it is sweet because it is the smell of a long lost love. The smell of lost sons and daughters. The smell of a people so close to greatness that if they would but close their hand on it they might hold it. God smells the potential and the problem.

And I think it takes him back, back before anyone could possibly remember, to the day he began creating. It reminds him of the smell of an untainted garden. The smell of people in harmony with their world, rather than destroying it. The smell of victory. And in that sense, I think it also takes him forward. The smell anticipates the day it will all be over, but the day that it will start anew.

Those are the things that the smell of homelessness reminds me of. Because those of us who belong to the kingdom of God are homeless. We are exiles here in a world that does not understand us, or our smell. Our world smells only our defeat, but our Lord smells our surrender. Our world smells our deaths, but we can smell our new life from our deaths. That's what I smell when I smell stinky shoes and unwashed underwear.

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." Albert Einstein

I Heart Jeans

2010-02-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

I do. I just love them! I think it goes back to the 6th grade when I got made fun of for my dorky jeans. But then I went to college and I was introduced to Designer Jeans. And from then on, I've been a sucker. And probably the real reason I haven't bought any jeans for over a year, is because I didn't want to spend my hard earned fun money on jeans. But today was the day.
I bought them. I love them. I can't wait to wear them!

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-01-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

"People are always telling me that change is good. But all they're really saying is that something you didn't want to happen at all.... has happened."
Kathleen Kelly
"You've Got Mail"

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-01-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

"Believing in God is as much like falling in love as it is making a decision. Love is both something that happens to you and something you decide upon."

Donald Miller

Words of the Wise Wednesday

2010-01-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous."
Coco Chanel

Pity Party Table for One Please...

2010-01-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

On my 28th birthday, Chris and I went to this South American restaurant. There we were, me sipping on a mojito , Chris with some exotic beer and he then he sprang it on me. He said, "I was going to get you some flowers, but I think you'll like this better. I think we should start trying to have a baby." It would be an understatement to say that I was beyond excited. Because I was.
The baby bug bit me a long time ago and I've been itching for a little one for quite some time.

But, like every girl who is "trying", that monthly reminder that you're not pregnant brings mixed emotions. But you keep on trying. In the mean time, I would secretly look at Gap Maternity, read pregnancy magazines in Barnes and Nobles and envision my dream nursery. In the meantime, everyone else got pregnant or had a baby! My boss, co-worker and couple of friends. Lets just say a lot of women in my everyday life, which makes a girl who's trying to get pregnant feel a little blue.

And then the other shoe dropped.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Refuge did another Thanksgiving dinner for our addicts who weren't able to have one. Chris and I were fighting about church and I was just an emotional basket case. I DID NOT want to go to church and drove separate from Chris. Cried the whole way there, walked in, set my mashed potatoes down and went to the bathroom. I sat down on the floor and cried. When I heard Chris come in, I grabbed him and wouldn't let him leave my side. As we circled up to pray for the meal, our friends the Arnolds made an announcement. Yep, you guessed it. "We're pregnant!" I looked at Chris and then I burst into tears. Then I heard someone say... something to the effect of "Robin's so happy she's crying!" Oh God. I did make my way over to Mary to hug her and congratulate her. I'm not a complete jerk after all! But the rest of the night, I just teared up off and on.

Since then, I've had a come to Jesus with well, Jesus. And Chris. And I've been trying to be gracious and kind and patient. I do better some days more than others. But don't we all? Today, wasn't one of those days. All the girls went shopping and lunch. Mary talked endlessly about babies, and pregnancy and strollers and maternity jeans and onesies and list goes on.Which, she should. She is pregnant and this is a very exciting time for her. But, a sad time for me. So, I bit my lip, I smiled, I did my best supportive friend, but at times I had to walk away.

Today, I had a pitty party.

2010

2010-01-01T16:48:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and with new years comes new goals!

1.Start exercising regularly and lose 10 pounds

2. Eat healthy-more fruits and veggies and less candy and chips

3. Grow out my hair

4. Become more spontaneous; not just say no because it wasn't in the plans.

5. Let my husband know he is loved and cherished every day

6.Read and complete a book every month

7. Plan and start to save for a vacation to Dinsey World

8. Call my friends and family on a more consistent basis

9. Look for a new job

10. Enjoy my life, my circumstances and the people that fill it.

Just another manic Monday

2009-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

I HATE Mondays. I dread Mondays, all week-end long. I always have about 3 reports due first thing Monday morning. I always get to the office about 10 minutes too late And I never like anything I'm wearing because, I just threw something together at the last minute. Did I mention that I hate Mondays?!

So here's just a few things I do love!

Last minute dinner runs to Chipotle with Chris
My new boots that I got for Christmas
My wedding rings
Hot bubble baths
old people
Getting a new haircut (which I intend on doing this week)
Crockpots
This
And this
The name Lucy June if I have a daughter (isn't that just the best name?!)
The movie "500 Days of Summer"

What do you love?

And it feels....

2009-12-07T19:26:00.001-08:00

....like giving in
It feels like starting over
It feels like waking up, and you know it's coming
It feels like a brand new day
Open your eyes

Just embrace

2009-12-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

It all came to a head last night. I was done. Done being a church planter and done being a pastor's wife. And I told Chris that this was it. I was moving back to Texas and taking Rufus with me.

Seriously. I'd been feeling this for a long while. I'm fed up with how slow it feels our church is moving and growing. The feeling of sheer frustration of always being "the bread winner" and never knowing how it would feel to get to something I actually want to do. The sadness and fear I've hidden about wanting a baby, but knowing that we can't afford to have one. The pressure of being happy we moved to a place that's cold all the time and feels like a million miles away from everyone I love.

So, with my mind made up and my toughest face on I broke the news to Chris. He was more than upset (naturally) but in his kindest and most loving voice he ministered to me. He talked me down from the ledge and he counseled me. It was hard for me to listen, but it was everything I need hear for a LONG time. Longer than I'd like to admit.

Because for months now, I've had no connection with God. I haven't talked to Him, haven't been reading about Him, sure haven't been listening to Him and checked out of every conversation about Him at church.

And not only have I been ignoring my relationship with God, but with my sister, my closest friends and with Chris. I've been harboring all sorts of resentments against all of them. Bitterness and anger have been my companions for the past 5 or 6 months. And I have used them well and I've used them often.

I know that God wants me to just embrace. Just Embrace. To embrace my friends here and embrace Refuge Community Church. But, I just don't want to. It's so much easier to blame Chris for making us move here. It's much easier to blame God for never providing what I want him to provide. To blame everyone around me for a laundry list of reasons that I hurt and ache. Because if I embrace all this then it feels like I have to let go of my old life and move on with this new one. I have to admit that I am not actually that great at relationships and that I do have a disfunctional family. And that I do grace.

So this morning after a very restless night, I talked to God. I cried and cried and cried to Him. And it felt good. I had forgotten how good it could feel.

My goals the next couple of days is to re-learn to trust God. To put more trust in Chris and learn to embrace.

Just embrace.

Gone is a flash!

2009-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

These summer months have just flown. I seems like I just got back from my trip to Texas, but here it is August. Well a lot has happened the past month or so. Chris's dad died. It was sudden, or at least to us it was and it was sad. Chris has not talked to his dad in a long time and to be honest. I have always dreaded the day I would get that phone call. It came sooner than I expected, but isn't that how life is. Chris went to the funeral and he actually preformed it. Is that the proper way to say that? Well anyway, he spoke, read scripture and invited everyone to say happy or funny memories about his dad. He just might top the bravery list in my book.
Refuge had our first interest meeting last week. It went really great and I can't beleive it's all happening. Ten people showed up and probably 90% of those people will be involved in forming Refuge. We had dinner at our house, followed by a short intro. by Chris and then some handouts. Seems so official for something that has been just a thought for so long. And we have another interest meeting in a couple of weeks. Again, I am just so astounded in what God is doing and has done to get us to this place.
We also added another member to the Richardson family. Ivan the Siberian Husky. He is 10 weeks old and totally adorable. Things are crazy in the morning with two puppies, but manageable. We official have or will have two big dogs. We are now "those people".
And starting this weekend, we will also have two new roommates. The Kinsers are moving in this Friday! Yes, yes it is true. They are moving to Denver to help with the church and so Grant can finish up at Denver Seminary. They haven't been able to find jobs or housing, so they are moving in with us until the time being. I realize it sounds crazy and that it will probably be crazy, but we are about community and what better way to have community then to live it.
Below is a quick snapshot of our summer.

I know... I know...

2009-06-16T18:52:00.000-07:00

I am way over due for an update, but I was waiting to post some pictures of my house. And I didn't want to put any up until I had it looking cute. And I'm still in the process of making it cute. So alas, I will give a tiny update on life with the Richardson.
Chris is no longer working nights... Have I mentioned that? Because I should have. It's awesome having him home at night.
Rufus is growing bigger and cuter by the day. He is learning all sorts of tricks and loves his new backyard.
We love our new neighborhood, we can walk to a bunch of trendy shops and restaurants. See for yourself!The Highlands. Makes you want to visit us huh?
My job is really stressful and demanding right now. They had to shave hours off manager's schedule and cut their pay accordingly and it's basically up to me to bring in more residents to our nursing home so everyone can get their time and money back. My boss told me it's not personal, it's business. I almost quoted Kathleen Kelly from You've Got Mail to her, but it didn't really seem like the time. But just for the record, business is always personal. I'll move on.
The Cogsdils are moving here this weekend. I think it must be so amazing for Chris to see his dream start to shape and become reality. I also think it's amazing, and really glad to have more friends in Denver. I think it's incredible that people are moving here and leaving everything they know to be apart of Refuge. We are really blessed.
I now know why I moved to Denver.... for the summers! It hasn't gotten over 80 degrees the entire month of June. It rocks! On the other hand, we've had a ton of thunderstorms with hail and tornado watches. So, that doesn't rock so much.
And is anybody else worried about Jon and Kate Plus 8?! I am seriously stressed and upset about them. Chris thinks it's just a big media gig for more ratings, but why would anyone put themselves through that for ratings?! I've been praying for them... I know kinda dumb, but I can't help it!
And... I have roses growing in my front yard. This picture isn't them, but they look just like it!

Chaos and Peace

2009-05-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Chaos...
My apartment at the current moment, because we are moving this Sunday.
My job.
My mind at night because I keep thinking of all the things I want/need for my new house.
The idea of having another puppy and crate training him.
Moving so many people in their perspective homes this summer
Trying to fit a fun summer schedule around Chris's crazy work hours.
What my stomach feels like when I'm anxious or worried.

Peace...
What my darling husband would like me to be.
What I pray for unceasingly
How I feel when I go to the mountains
What Chris offers the addicts at Denver Rescue Mission
How I felt right after I married Chris. I mean right after!
What I beleive God tires to give me graciously, and I reject over and over even though I asked for it.

The 8

2009-05-10T09:04:00.000-07:00

My8s
8 things I am looking forward to
1.Summer time in Colorado! Warm days and cool evenings spent outside with Chris and Rufus. Playing, eating and enjoying the good life.
2. Moving into our rent house and decorating it!
3. When Chris doesn't have to work nights anymore and we can enjoy a date night that doesn't end at 8:30pm.
4. My mini-trip to SA to see my folks and eating as much Mexican food as I can.
5. All of our friends moving up here
6. Getting started on Refuge Community Church
7. Bringing home a little friend for Rufus. (A puppy named Jessie or Toby)
8. Exploring even more parts of Denver and just knowing where things are.
8 things I did yesterday
1. Worked as the manager on duty at my nursing home
2. Went to the grocery store and got excited about the fruit salad I'm going to make
3. Took a nap with Rufus... me on the couch, him on the floor with his towels.
4. Looked at about 30 different rent houses on craigslist.
5. Watched a movie instead of cleaning my apartment
6. Attended a jewelry party at my boss's house, met some new girls and had a great time!
7. Re-read Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince.
8. Waisted too much time on the computer.
8 things I wish I could do
1. Go on an exotic vacation for at least 2 weeks.
2. That I could work any job I wanted to and not have to worry about the salary.
3. Not be such a worrier.
4. go to culinary school and be a chef or maybe an interior designer
5. But all my groceries at Whole Foods
6. Be better at enjoying my life and not just waiting for the next big thing to happen
7. be more creative
8. Better at following through
8 shows I watch
1. Lost
2. The Office
3. Good Morning America
4. Brothers and Sisters
5. The Bachelor
6. First Time Buyers
7. Top Chef/Project Runway (whichever is on at the time)
8. King of the Hill
8 people I tag
Chris (even though I know you hate these things)
Misty
Ashley
Kim
Holly
Rachael
Catherine Elizabeth
Bethany

No Dice

2009-05-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well it's official. The house was already rented out to someone and Chris did not get the job. Chris was bummed, but my prayer has been that if he didn't get the job that God would reassure him that He had something else in mind. And this morning when Chris came home from work, he was in a fantastic mood and telling me all the the things he's grateful for in our life. As for the house that I loved... I'm disappointed, but there are other cute houses out there and for probably a lot cheaper. I'll keep looking and praying that the right one will come along.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for us! It really means a lot to me.

Say a little prayer for me!

2009-05-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

As most of you know Chris is working nights now and I am really hating it. We are also in the process of finding a rent house and have to move out of our apartment in the beginning of June. We have to because, our friends Jessica and Tanner are moving into our apartment on June 15th. Well, it just so happens Chris had an interview on Wednesday for a promotion that would include more pay and normal hours! And today... I found the most perfect rent house. Really perfect. In the the area we love, with a backyard for Rufus and adorable outside. The pictures of the inside look really cute and well.... Sigh. It is so perfect. All except that the rent is 1600.00 bucks. Which may not sound like a lot to you, but it is for us. So the thing of it is... we need Chris to get the promotion so we can afford the rent. We could probably afford the rent now, but things would be tight and we would definitely have to cut back on some things. So my prayer of course is that Chris would get the job and we would get the house. But, that may not be what God has in mind. So, could you guys pray that whatever is best for us is what would happen. And that we would find a house to live. Thanks guys!

Keeping up with the Jones's

2009-04-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

For all those who care, the weather is supposed to be absolutely gorgeous this week. It was glorious today, a far cry from the 2 feet of snow we got Friday! Still, the snow has melted and today I sported short sleeves and open toed shoes. It was fabulous!

As of a couple of weeks ago, we gave our 60 day notice to our apartment and in the process of finding a house. Initially we thought a rent house, then got the stimulus itch and filled out all the paperwork to buy. I started thinking about the stress that can come with finding a house, down payments, closing costs and then a morgage. After much (internal) worrying from me and a very perceptive husband we decided to go ahead and wait. We took a step back and just breathed. We never sent the paperwork in. Then I just felt... I dunno, kinda lame I guess. .You see, I have a terrible habit of comparing myself to every couple our age or younger for that matter. A lot of my friends are buying houses or already have beautiful homes. It just seemed like EVERYONE was buying and what the heck was wrong with us if we weren't! And while we are on the subject of everyone else, how come I'm not knocked up yet? Why am I not on my second kid by now? Well.... I guess because I moved to a new state less than a year ago. And maybe because we are starting a church. And buying a house and having a baby AND starting a church might be really stressful. I mean really! And maybe we just aren't like everyone else. Maybe following God's call and being obedient to that means we do things at different times than everyone else or in a different order. And maybe I should stop comparing myself and Chris to everyone else, because being a Christian means you are different. You just are. We just are. I might not have a dream house in a few years or be on my second kid, but I'll be apart of Refuge Community Church. And I'll get to be apart of something bigger than myself and truly see God work in people's lives. I'll get to share my home with new friends and old friends. And live my Colorado adventure with my beloved. (And Rufus) Maybe keeping up with those Jones's isn't such a big deal after all. I just need to focus on keeping up with the Richardsons.

Ugh

2009-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

The weather outside is sorta frightful... we were supposed to get 13 -16 inches last night and today and we didn't. I am so glad, because I am so over the snow for this year. But it sure is cold and windy and not very spring weather. I think I talk about the weather in like every post, but that is because I'm kinda obsessed with it here. It's crazy. That's all I have to say about it. Crazy.

The other crazy thing in my life is Chris's new job. Yep, he got a promotion! We are really thrilled... really! (I know two girls here in Denver that have hubbys out of work) So, don't let my blog title make you think that we are not thankful for the extra money in our bank account. Because we are thankful! What I am not as thankful is for him working nights now. He goes into work at 9:00 pm and comes home at 6:30 am. Like I said... UGH. It may not sound all that "ugh" to you and it didn't immediately sound bad to me either. But it's horrible. We never see eachother. Because his days off are now Sunday and Monday and he still has to keep his sleeping cycle, which means he doesn't get up until 2ish. Not much time left in the day to hang out. And then back to work for me on Monday. Last night when Chris was getting ready to leave, I had a mini breakdown. I couldnt help it. I really never consider myself a needy wife and he has only been doing about 2 weeks, but I couldn't help it. The water works started and continued even after he left. I hate this new job and I am praying that Denver Rescue Mission promotes him quick!

So that is my "ugh". Cold weather and no husband. What is a girl to do?

Summertime Blues

2009-03-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am longing for summertime in Denver. Today it was actually 80 degrees! I wore shorts and flip flops and was in heaven. This week it's supposed to snow a couple of days. I am praying that all the weathermen are wrong and it just stays this way. I'm ready for open toe shoes and short sleeve tops. But, all this nice weather has me thinking about my summertime plans. Here is what I want to do..

Concert at Red Rocks- DONE! Bought the tickets minutes ago.
Attend as many Rockies games as possible
Go white water rafting
See my parents in San Antonio- tickets on southwest are 69 bucks!
Move into a rent house in "Wash Park"
Buy another dog-that one is for you honey!
Fill every weekend with as many free festivals as possible
Buy a grill and grill out with friends all the time
Collect t-shirts of all the Denver sports teams. I dunno why, just seems right.
Go hiking in the mountains

Anyone want to come for the summer? I think it's going to be a fun one! We'll show you a good time.

On my mind

2009-03-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today I bought some new shorts. This makes me laugh because it snowed this week, but I couldn't resist. They are really cute and I can't wait for summer in Colorado. It's gonna be full of outdoor concerts, festivals and hopefully some white water rafting!

Our friends the Johnsons were here this week on their spring break skiing. It was so great having them here and really sad seeing them go. Chris and I love them and are always talking about how lucky we feel to have them as friends. They are the kind of friends that you can just pick up where you left off. The best kind of friends.

Rufus is getting bigger and bigger every day. I feel a little sad, cause soon he's gonna be a big dog and not a cuddly puppy anymore. He has figured out how to bark and that he likes to bark at all the small dogs in our apartment complex. I don't find that quite so adorable. Chris and I have been taking Rufus to a local dog park every Sunday. And let me tell you.... dog parks are the coolest! Lots of cool dogs and sometimes cool owners. Good place to meet people and invite them to a cool new church starting next year.

I am planning a St. Patrick's Day dinner. Yep! Corned beef and cabbage with red potatoes. Chris isn't as excited as I am, but I know it's gonna be good!

I am missing my parents so much that every time I think about them I start to tear up. Colorado feels like home, but it also feels like another continent from Texas. I am really hoping they come for a visit sometime soon. I'd like to see those Airhearts.

Someone's face I will be seeing soon is my dear friend Misty and her sweet family. Pregnant with her second baby, I can't wait to see her and catch up on things that we don't remember to say on the phone. Take her to lunch and just be.

Lastly, I know that I am incredibly gushy when it comes to Chris, but I can't help it. I love him. He is utterly and perfectly wonderful. So good to me and to everyone around him. I'm the lucky one.

Dullsville

2009-03-03T18:03:00.000-08:00

Life is boring around here. Well, maybe not boring, but mostly Rufus consumed. Everything is kinda revolving around that dog. Find treats that he loves, the right kind of dog food, teaching him tricks (Chris is at least) and taking him to the dog park. I do love that little dog face though.

Other than that just working and same ole same ole.

Just working.

Told you... Dullsville.

Our pride and joy

2009-02-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

Rufus the dog

New Friends

2009-01-25T12:56:00.000-08:00

Last night Chris and I went out with some new friends. Sarah and Kyle Hunter. I met Sarah at work, she is the social worker at my nursing home. She did her under grad at Baylor and that's how we got to talking. Mostly, because I am so nosey and anytime I see anything representing Texas I have to bring it up. Anyway, she is our age and married and really, really great. Last week she asked me if Chris and I would want to hang out with her and her husband. It was all I could do not to hug her and jump up and down. I have been trying to make friends, but people are kinda non-committal about it here. Which is weird to me, because everyone I meet says they want more couple friends, but never want to hang out. Anyway..... Well, I made myself wait until I got in the car to call Chris and tell him the good news. I was that excited!

So, we met them at a their house, which in the very same area, we want to buy a house! They took us to a cool pizza place and then we went back to their house and played rock band! It was really fun and I think even Chris had fun playing. I always have to assess everything when we get in the car, and we both really liked them and had a good time. Which is also nice. Sometimes the wives will get along, but the husbands not so much. Or the other way around, so I was thrilled that everybody hit it off. Hopefully this is the start to a beautiful friendship!

Now we have 4 friends in Colorado. I'm a pretty happy girl.

This week

2009-01-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am watching TLCs "What Not To Wear" and they are doing jeans. Geez... will someone nominate me for that show already?! I want a new pair of jeans, so bad that I could cry. Ok, maybe not cry, but I really want some new jeans.

The job is good. First week down, and that is always the hardest. In my opinion anyway. I am the Marketing and Admissions Director of a long term care facility. It's a little crazy and I think that I have determined that I will not be perusing the Nursing Home administrator thing anymore. It's just not for me. In general, I think I have ruled out nursing homes as any kind of job possibility. But hey, its a job and with this crazy economy, I'm just glad to have a job! Plus no more working on the weekends and 10 hour days.

This week as been really rough. Not just because I started the new job.... just been a bad week. I've been a big jerk to Chris and kind of negative of about a lot of things. Tomorrow, when Chris is at basketball, I need to spend some time with God and get my heart cleaned up and back in order.

On a high note, the weather has been glorious in Denver! Sunny and in the 50s and 60s. Absolutely gorgeous and I've been able to loose the coat, scarf and gloves for a few afternoons. It really has been great. Almost like Texas. Which reminds me. I really miss Texas. I miss Tex-Mex food, the people, and the accents.

Whew! I am so ready for this weekend. I gonna rest, clean, spend time hanging out with Chris and just enjoy my life.

Today Friends

2009-01-08T15:21:00.000-08:00

I quit my temp job, BECAUSE..... I am starting my new job on Monday!

Our Pastor

2008-12-30T09:01:00.000-08:00

I probably owe everyone a Colorado Christmas post, but I'm not gonna. Because, I just had to share this.

As you all know we are here to start a church. Refuge Community Church, to be exact. We plan to open the doors on Easter 2010. Things are just beginning for us, there is nothing but possibilities and God's incredible guidance in leading us in the right direction. There will be lots of things to do and plan and such. But, what I want to focus on is the pastor of Refuge.

His name is Christopher Richardson, but we just call him Chris. He was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK, home of the Sooners and I'm not sure if there is a bigger OU fan out there. Chris has two sisters, one older and one younger. His dad left him and his family when he was just a young boy, leaving his mother to raise all three kids by herself.

Chris has always had deep sense of adventure. Growing up he was known to fall into fountains, out of trees and into trouble. He certainly has the scars to prove it. He loves to overcome the dangerous, challenging and seemingly impossible. It's just how he is, probably how he will always be. He was always surrounded by church and school friends. I like to think of Chris as the ring leader in coming up with all kinds of shenanigans, whether it was streaking through the neighborhood or planning the Senior prank. Chris also has an incredible sense of humor and being very quick witted himself, always had his friends laughing. Those friends to this day love and admire Chris.

Someone else that knew Chris as a kid and has watched him grow is Glenn Underhill. When Chris was just a teenager, this guy started spending time with Chris, encouraging him and believing in him. Pretty much became the Dad, Chris missed out on. I fully believe that Glenn has helped shape Chris into man that he is now. Chris says over and over again, that he wants to be the kind of dad that Glenn is to his kids. I know that he will.

When Chris graduated from high school, he went on to Howard Payne University, in little old Brownwood, Texas. The Alma mater of Glenn Underhill, who also was the only person who helped Chris move into his dorm. He made friends instantly and those friends are still some of his closest friends to this day. Chris majored in Christian Studies, while making a quite a splash. He came up with the "Anti-Frat" and distributed t-shirts to anyone who wanted them. It didn't go over too great with administration, but the masses loved him.(Again, with the shenanigans.) He also made some waves with the girls at HPU. And swept one particular girl off her feet. Wink, Wink.

After college, he served in a couple of churches. All different and crazy in their own way. Chris married his college sweetheart and moved a couple of times. He attended Truett Theological Seminary and began to grow in his preaching, theology and ministry. He felt the strong calling to church planting and decided on Denver, Colorado for his next stop.

After much saving, preparation and praying, he and his wife loaded their cars with everything that would fit and said good-bye to Texas and all their friends. Things were tough for Chris. His wife and him were having a hard time finding jobs, loneliness was setting in and a little fear. But, God continued to stregthen Chris and he did his best to encourage his wife. He wiped away her tears, prayed for her and remained steadfast in his faith that he was here to change the world.

After plenty of job interviews, he finally accepted a position at Denver Rescue Mission. A wonderful non-profit organization that serves as a homeless shelter for men in Denver and as an alcoholic and drug rehab center for men. Chris drives a big fan all over the city and picks up donations for the mission. He also mentors and has befriended many of the men that work and live there. One in particular, named Craig. Spending about 8 hours in a van with someone and you get to know them pretty well. Chris might just know Craig's whole life story and shares it with his wife who looks forward to all of Chris's stories at the end of each day.

One day last week, Chris learned that his friend and co-worker Craig really loves video games and misses playing them. Chris, also being quite the fan of video games and owning a couple of systems and games thought he would like to do sometime nice for Craig. Yesterday, Chris gave Craig a wrapped Christmas gift with a big red bow. What was inside was Nintendo DS and with several games and a charger to go along with it. You see, Chris saved his fun money last summer for our big trip to Colorado and bought it to play with in the car. He would even play it when we weren't on road trips, but he just thought Craig needed it more. But, that's just who Chris is.

Chris works at a job that pays very little and is not glamorous at all. I have yet to hear him complain, except to say that he wishes he could do more. Help more. Everyday, he is praying for the people who are coming to Denver to be apart of our church. He is always thinking and planning on how we can help them most when they move here. He talks over and over about how he wishes we could pay for their move or lessen the financial burden that may have when they get here. He is constantly updating the Denver blog and asking for prayer requests. But, that is just who Chris is. He is the pastor of Refuge Community Church. I can not think of a better pastor than him. Chris is the most loyal person I've ever met. He deeply cares for his friends and family and so wants to ease burdens for them. Chris is the only person I would want to ever pastor Refuge, the only person I would want to lead our church. He is selfless and giving. A strong leader and someone who truly wants show people what it's like to have God's grace and love.
This is our pastor.

The Big 26!

2008-12-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

In honor of Chris's birthday today.... Twenty-Six Reasons

26.You love me even though I forgot how old you are!
25. The funny faces you make
24. You new found love for Banana Republic
23. Your spontaneity
22. Your ridiculously good memory
21. The way you make me laugh every time.
20. Your love for "the least of these"
19. Your loyalty for everything from friends to OU football to Weezer
18. Mad basketball skills
17. Your baby blue eyes
16. Your sense of adventure
15. The way you inspire and lead those around you.
14. The delicious burgers you make.
13. Your "D" personality
12. Your love for ice cream
11. Your inner strength
10. The way my heart still melts when you smile at me.
9. Your organizational skills
8. Your laugh when something is really funny
7. Your brilliance
6. How you can read me like a book
5. Your singing voice
4. The way you love
3. How darn funny you are
2. Your creativity
1. What an incredible man of God you are.

Feel free to include your own!

Day to day events

2008-12-18T14:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing exciting or new to post. Christmas is next week and I'm getting my apartment ready for my parent's and sister visit. I applied for a job at a nursing home today as a marketer. I've recently decided to look into what it would take to become a nursing home Administrator. One of my goals for the new year is to get going on that.

Chris is really enjoying his job. He is getting to know a lot of the guys there and getting to know Denver better, since he drives all over the city picking up donations, food and such. My job is going fine. I'm getting in the routine of working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday and having days off in the middle of the week. It's been colder than cold here and I never thought it could be that cold anywhere but in Alaska or Antarctica. But, I am learning to layer my clothes and drink as much hot beverages as I can get!

I am also eating my words on a fashion decision. I got a pair of Ugg boots last night. My Christmas gift from Chris. They come highly recommended from the girls of Denver when the weather is absolutely awful. And that is exactly what the weather has been. I gotta say they are super comfortable and I'm excited about how warm they are going to be. Chris is also getting some Ugg boots. Not like mine, but some manly and water proff ones.

My family is coming to our house for the first Christmas ever! I am feeling a little anxious about it, because my mom can be very critical and very fussy. So, I'm feeling a little a little anxious about it all. There is a lot of cooking, cleaning and self preservation to be done.

Denver really is feeling more and more like home. I think it's going to work out after all.

Richardson Update

2008-12-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

Praise the Lord! Chris got a job! It's been a long, hard and very discouraging road, but my smart, talented and fabulous husband got a job! And one that he wanted, which is oh so important. We all want to do something that matters and help people. And this job does just that. He will be working at Denver Rescue Mission. He'll be a driver picking up donations and mentoring homeless men. He'll be great at it and he's so excited. And here's another thing. He talked to Air National Guard Reserve recruiter and he's getting everything together to be a chaplain. It's a great opportunity to minister, an excellent sign-on bonus and student loan forgiveness. Nothing will finalized until March and we're very excited and hopeful that it will work out great. So, that's the news here in the Richardson house.

So thankful

2008-11-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful "first" thanksgiving. Truly a great day. Chris and I hosted our first thanksgiving without parents on Thursday at our apartment. We had a potluck, and all of our friends brought dishes that were staples in their homes. I was responsible for the turkey, stuffing, and gravy. My sister drove from Nebraska and joined us, which was also really great. We've not spent much time together and not really as close as we used to be, so it was fun spending so much time with her. It wore me out a little, but I think in a good way. So, back to the thanksgiving festivities. I love hosting a good party. I just love being a hostess period, but especially of a successful party. And this was. Food was excellent, my apartment looked cute, Chris was charming and an excellent conversationalist and I was just so happy the entire time. Which, lets face it, I really needed. And I think all of the guests had a really great time too!

So, even though this is a tiny bit belated here's what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for and I know this goes without saying, but I'm still gonna say it. My incredibly loving husband, Chris. Not only has he been so patient with my bi-polar emotions lately, but just always holding us together. Plus, he's really cute.
I'm thankful for the new friends we've made in Colorado. Especially, my sweet friend Mary. I'm not sure Chris and I would have survived this first month and a half, if it wasn't for her and her husband Chad.
I am so thankful for my faithful friends that have been praying for us and encouraging me this whole time.
I'm thankful for my family of course, they are so crazy, but I just love 'em.
I'm thankful for my job, it's not the job I always want to have, but I'm glad to have one.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to have this experience. I know that everyday God is strengthening me for my new church and all the new people that I will meet.

Culture Shock

2008-11-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Yeah, culture shock. I think that's my deal. I thought about it on the way to work this week. But, let me just tell you what happened that got me thinking about my culture shock.

It was Thursday morning about 7 am, I planned on going to Starbucks for a treat that morning, because, well I deserved it. I watched the news the night before and knew that there was a chance of snow, ice and rain. Well we had snow last Friday and I worked though all that fine. I thought the ice would be no problem. But, I was wrong. I walked out the door and immediately noticed there was ice on the 2 flights of stairs leading me down from my apartment. So, I say to myself, ok easy does it. You don't want to fall. And that's exactly what happened. A big fall down about 6 or 7 stairs. Heels, white coat and all. I just sat there and cried. But not for too long, because I still had to go to work and make it to the Bucks. That's when I saw my car covered in ice. That was a chore in and of itself. After crying and chisleing my car out of the ice, I had no time to go get coffee. So, I cried. And I cried some more. Yup, culture shock.

I guess it didn't occur to me before. I mean, I grew up in a big city, I've driven in traffic before. I've lived away from my family since I graduated college and I've had jobs that I haven't loved. It just hasn't been so extreme as it is now. Traffic every morning and evening. Sometimes it takes me an hour and a half to work or home when it should take me 30 minutes. The snow and ice is all very new to me. Thinking about snowboots from the house to the car from the car to my job is a super new concept to me. And living so far from our friends and family is also a new feeling. No quick weekend trips anymore.

So, I have self diagnosed myslef with culture shock. And it feels good to know that there's nothing really wrong with me. I really am just adjusting to everything new all at once.

The Truth

2008-11-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Yeah, here's the deal. I am really not a happy camper these days. Or really since we've been here in Denver. In fact, I've never felt more of a mix of emotions. They range between, this is a cool city and I'm glad we're here to God's work to I want to go home. Today.

And here's why.

I really, truly, deep down in my heart, felt like this was going to be an easy transition. I thought, it would be about 2 weeks, I'd find a job that I loved and Chris would too. I thought we find some friends, and we'd be on our way to getting Refuge Community Church on the road. Boy was I wrong. The reality is that I am working at a job that I hate. And I do mean hate. Chris has yet to find a job and becomes increasingly more and more discouraged every day. The other side of this is that is really is getting to me is God. Yeah, God. When we were in Waco and getting ready to move, I saw and felt God doing amazing and crazy acts of providence. He helped us sell all of our furniture, paid our credit card ( yes He really did that) and fit all of our worldly belongs into our cars. (Which still kinda amazes me. Because there was A LOT.)And that was just a few things. But now, I feel like He has abandoned us. I mean we are very much alone in all this. I mean, no really knows how we feel in all this. None of my family or friends have ever moved to another state to start a church with people that haven't even come yet.I know that people might know people that have done this sort of thing, but Chris and I don't. So, when people say, "well at least you have a job" or "I just have to remember that God's plan is different then ours." that may be true, but it's not comforting. And it doesn't make feel like I'm lucky or that all the waiting and feeling alone that I've done feel any easier. It makes me sad and just kinda mad. Not just mad for me, but for Chris too. And for anyone that might be moving here to do this and might have to go through this too. I am sad and I feel alone. I feel burdened and helpless. And I keep thinking God is going to come and rescue me, rescue us from this awfulness, but so far nothing. I am tired of crying out to the heavens and waiting to hear that comforting voice that I've heard so many times before, because all I just hear a lot of static.
I'm sorry that I've been lying to all of you and saying that Colorado is great and we love it here. Because I don't feel that way. I feel alone and abandoned. And no one can fix it.

What I've been thinkin about this week...

2008-11-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

Like the title of my blog states, this is what I've been thinking about this week.

1. Sales People are so crazy and annoying. I say that, because I've been around them all week and I'm sick of them. Who can talk the most, answer the most questions, volunteer for the most role-play. Gag. We get it. You're an extrovert and you like to talk. That doesn't mean you're good at sales.
2. Why or why do I have a lazy eye in my Colorado drivers license?! Yep. A lazy eye. I can't even take a new picture until 2013. That's such a long time to hang on to a lazy eye.
3. Turduckin. Ever heard of it? I hadn't until this week when they were talking about it on the radio. It's a crazy mix of turkey, duck and chicken. Not sure to be grossed out or order one for thanksgiving. Your thoughts?
4. I love this time of year. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas time. I'm especially excited about the new traditions Chris and I will be creating this year.
5. I love Denver but HATE the traffic! Thirty minutes on my way to work, an hour on the way home. It's horrid.
6. I can't wait for Free Day at the Denver Zoo tomorrow. I love the zoo. And I love Free anything. So, what could be better? I will be taking pictures.
7. I love when Chris makes dinner. Enough said.
8. I wish I worked at "The Office". I'd like to hang with Stanley, Jim, Dwight, Angela, Pam and Micheal Scott. How do I get that job?
9. I made a new friend at work. Eileen. She's great. I think we could be good friends down the road. Although, she's thinking about quiting. I keep thinking, "What am I going to do without her?" But, I don't blame her.
10. I am tired. Not working for a whole month and then suddenly getting up at 6 am, has not been an easy adjustment for me.

Halloween in Denver is pretty cool...

2008-11-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Last night we (Chris and I) went downtown with our friends Chad and Mary. We were going to go to a haunted house, but decided against it at the last minute. Those things are pricey! It was a good time! Dinner at a Mongolian grill and then dessert at a gilato joint. As we were just kinda wandering around, Mary and I walked into a cute shoe store. When we got our, Chris and Chad informed us that we missed the biggest craziest pillow fight. Intrigued we walked to see what was going on. And they were right. Apparently, every year a huge group of people our age, dress up in costumes for Halloween and hold a huge pillow fight in the middle of an intersection downtown. And it was awesome! We must have stayed about 30 minutes or more just watching the crazyness. Here is a video of last years pillow fight.

A job is a job.

2008-10-30T20:27:00.001-07:00

Ok, Ok. I got a job. Don 't get too excited, because I don't plan on it being to permanent. It's an "inside sales job" for an online university. I will be making 150-200 calls a day and working Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Ugh. Ten hour days and a BIG pay cut. Double Ugh. But, it's a job right? So I am happy. Or half happy. The good thing about that crazy schedule is that it allows me to take and go on interviews. Which I feel is a positive way to look at it.

The other part of this is that I am not my job. This is actually pretty hard for me to admit, because, I have always known that I wanted to be a career woman. I love to work! I love making my own money and love knowing that at the end of the day that I worked hard and made a difference. But, we moved here to make a different kind of difference. An eternal difference. Not that you can't do that in a secular job, because I firmly believe that you can. But, I can get caught up in my career woman world and forget about what is truly important. My family, my church, my God. So, while this is not my ideal job and I am fine doing it for awhile. If I have to do it a little longer than just a few months, I can live with that.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

2008-10-28T19:24:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling really sad and really discouraged about this job thing. I really didn't think it would take this long to find a job or I would at least be a little further along in the process. I've also been having a little "culture shock". When I watch the news and the weather comes on, I automatically look at Texas, not Colorado. I also think about a friend and I say to myself "hmm maybe I can visit them soon" but then I remember. I live like 14 hours away from all my friends and family.
Because I am a person of habit and love routine, not having a routine or schedule is pretty much killing me. I miss my old life in Waco. My job that I loved and that I was good at. I loved getting together with our friends the Johnsons and feeling like I could always be myself and they would still love us. I miss our crazy and yet wonderful church in Crawford. I miss knowing how to get places and the best places to shop.
So anyway... I was writing a card to my friend who is having a hard time right now. I was wanting to encourage her and let her know that I care about her and am praying for her. I wanted to look up some scripture that might encourage her. She is such a faithful girl and truly an example in her faith to me. I looked up Lamentations 3 and read about God's Faithfulness. And I sat there and sat there and sat there. Then I smiled and gave a little wink towards heaven. God had a little something in mind for me in that scripture too. A little teachable moment. I needed it too. I have been singing the hymn in my head every time I feel down or start to get discouraged. It really does help get my heart in the habit of remembering how faithful God really is.

Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Bummed

2008-10-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Bummed, down in the dumps, feeling blue, however you want to say it. I feel it. I am sitting here in my sweats watching Opera, when really I would like to be finishing a day of work. I haven't gotten a call back for my interview for this week. I told myself that I would wait until Friday to call, if I hadn't heard anything before then. So, that's on my agenda tomorrow. And that's about it.
Chris is feeling it to. He got a response back from one of the jobs he applied to and was turned down. We were both in pretty bad moods yesterday. I am still in a bad mood today. I have spent the day crying, moping, complaining, praying, and then moping some more.
The good thing is that we are fine in the money department, I'd like to for us to have some jobs so we can add to it!
My disposition could change tomorrow, (I hope it does), but for now I am down in the dumps.

quick update...

2008-10-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Interview went great! (Thanks for all the happy thoughts and prayers.) I was asked to come back to another interview next week and then if that goes well, two more. I know right? Does it ever end?! But I feel relieved that I have gotten this far and I know that it will all be worth it, if they offer me the job.

Putting my best face forward...

2008-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I just finished my COPD presentation for my job interview tomorrow. Don't worry if you don't know what COPD is, because no one should really know what it is.(Unless you actually have it or in the hospice business like me.) Ok, not the point. The important thing is that I have an interview. It is with Heartland Home Health and Hospice for the Director of Admissions. I didn't actually apply for this job, a recruiter found my resume and career builder and called me last week. I had a long phone interview yesterday and then we set up a face to face for tomorrow. I was asked to bring my presentation for the interview.
The job, should I get it, would actually be a promotion over my last job. My last job was purely outside sales. This is more inside sales and a supervisor role. I would actually have people working underneath me and would be responsible for hiring employees to work under me. Which, I'm not gonna lie, would be AWESOME! I like that the position would have a sales component, but my whole job is not dependant on it. Cuase sales is hard! I like that I might have an office or at least a cubicle to call my own and a more stable schedule.
I spent most of the day putting together my presentation and I am tired. Tonight, I need to make copies of my resume and presentation and of course practice. I will also be rewarding myself with a new shirt for Banana Republic for the intervew. And maybe some jewlery.
Wish me luck and say a prayer. I know that I could use them.

Mountain Fun.

2008-10-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you don't have jobs and you live in Colorado? Well... go to the mountains of course! Today, we got up (late for me), got dressed and took highway 6 west to the mountains. We ate lunch in Golden and just drove. Ohhing and Ahhing at the leaves changing and even seeing a tiny bit of snow up high. Finally we pulled over and walked down to the river. It was pretty awesome to be in driving distance of such a beautiful place. Here's what we saw.

I'm Here!

2008-10-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

After THE longest 14 hours of my life, I made it to Lakewood, CO. My adorable husband greeted me with a warm hug and a kiss. And boy did I need it. After lugging all of our stuff up 3, count them, 3 flights of stairs we are officially moved in. There is still a lot to do. Things to buy, hang up and put away. But I love here. I really do. The altitude is a killer, but a small price to pay when your view is the mountains. This week, I am trying to "take a vacation" as I only took 4 days of paid time off last year. So, we'll see how I do with that. I have no pictures to post as of yet, but I promise to get on that ASAP! Thanks for all the prayers!

We are on our way!

2008-09-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

As we speak, Chris is packing up the car for his trip tomorrow. Chris leaves at 5 am tomorrow morning. And I am sad to say the laptop is going with him. So this is my last post in Waco, Texas. Aww sad huh? Next time I sign on, I will be living in my new apartment in Lakewood, Colorado. I will be sure to post pictures of our apartment and other fun pictures with us and the rocky mountains the background.
Please pray that we have a safe journey and for our new adventure. I will update you soon!

Love.

2008-09-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Not a lot to post on people. Here are my thoughts for today.

Most of our worldly belongings are gone or packed.
All we have to eat are sandwiches. Ham or Turkey anyone?
Tired of people asking "So do you guys have jobs or anything to pay the rent with?"
We are going to see some of the most fabulous people this weekend in Houston.
I have the world's best husband. No kidding. He loves me like no other.
I'm want like 4 new pairs of shoes right now. Boots, 2 flats and heals.
Weather in Denver, is low 80s and high 70s. Sigh... perfection.
I am really pretty checked out from my job. I need to be better.
Feeling cautiously excited about some job prospects.
I think I'm ready for a new adventure, but sometimes I just cry.
Enough wasting time, need to get busy!

OOOOOOOO U!

2008-09-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, I went to my first ever OU football game. Chris and I had a great time. Here is my evidence of my first Boomer Sooner.

Just an update

2008-08-29T18:12:00.001-07:00

Gosh, life is flying by so fast. It's practically September and then just five weeks until the big move. This week has been good though. We sold our couch, love-seat and coffee table. We also sold our TV and TV stand. Kinda crazy, but we're dealing. I think someone might be coming tomorrow to buy your table and four chairs. That just leaves our bedroom furniture and then garage sale stuff.
I'm feeling a strange mixture of excitement and pure sadness. Even now, I am tearing up as I type this. I told Chris that I've named our next month "Chris and Robin Good-bye tour". My week will consist of packing and cleaning and my weekends of getting around to see everyone I love.
We have a great lead on a condo that we'll rent till we buy a house next year and I've got a few job possibilities. If you think about it, could you lift a prayer up for me in both of those departments?
I told Chris that I'm going to try my hardest to stop worrying so much and just ask God to intervene when He see fits. So maybe you could pray that for me too.
Well, that's about it. Nothing very funny, inspirational or cool. Just an update.

WEST ELM

2008-08-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do it. Go here. You will love. I promise. Well at least I love it. I found it through another blog and I am obsessed. Especially with these. (See below) Turns out they have a store in Denver. Lucky me!

From the beginning

2008-08-12T10:26:00.001-07:00

A sweet friend told me the other day on facebook that she was catching up on my blogs and wanted some more details on our big move to Denver. Which got me to thinking.... I bet a lot of people don't really know why or how we decided to do this thing. So, this is it. From the beginning.

From the time I met Chris I knew he wanted to be a pastor. I also knew that his dream was to start a church. Which he was and did. He was the co-pastor at Nexus Community Church in Brownwood, Texas. But, throughout that time, I knew he wanted to move out of the hated Bible Belt and spread the love. I just never knew the when and where.

So, last year I was a college admissions counselor at the alma mater, and was recruiting in Austin. A co-worker and I decided to hit the outlet malls in Roundrock for a brief break from the madness. I remember this like it was yesterday. It was fallish and getting cold. We were in Banana Republic and Chris called me. He said and I quote, "I think we should move to Denver, Colorado and start a church. And I think we should go after I graduate from Truett Seminary." And I said " Ok".

We started to tell friends who might be interested in this kinda of crazy adventure and got people to think about starting a church. A church that would have services at night, not in the morning. A church that would reach out to the "least of these". The poor, the needy, the left behind and neglected. A church, that would appeal to this generation with small groups that are relevant and organic. A church that would feel like going home.

So, we took our experiences from Nexus and we moved to Waco and Chris went to school full time so he could finish his masters. (which he has!)

We are moving to Denver, October 3rd. In something like 50 days.

Chris and I are the first to go up there. Others that feel called to go in with us are moving next summer. The goal is to start meeting people and find Christians or non Christians who are interested in being apart of something bigger than them. And we will be praying for a building. We'll be praying for a lot of things actually.

I know this also sounds completely crazy. Moving to a state where we don't have any family, friends, maybe even jobs. But, as Chris says, that's how you know it's from God. Plus, I would never do anything crazy if it weren't for Chris. Probably why God put us together.

And that's it. The nitty gritty details. Stay tuned as the story will continue to unfold.

2008-08-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag three others.
1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Your significant other? adorable
3. Your hair? boring
4. Your mother? crazy
5. Your father? hard-worker
6. Your favorite thing? shoes
7. Your dream last night? confusing
8 Your favorite drink? tea
9. Your dream/goal?
10. The room you’re in? messy
11. Your hobby? reading
12. Your fear? loneliness
13. What do you want to be in 6 years? mother
14. What you’re not? athletic
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? Europe
17. Where you grew up? 'antonio
18. The last thing you did? shower
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Favorite gadget? grinder
21. Your pets? non-existent
22. Your computer? laptop
23. Your mood? happy
24. Missing someone?always
25. Your car? silver
26. Something you’re not wearing? earrings
27. Favorite store? BCBG
28. Like someone? always
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Sunday

I tag Rachael, Misty and Chris!

Everything Must GO!

2008-08-04T10:36:00.001-07:00

That's right folks. It's gotta go.

A couple of months ago, my mom asked me that we Chris and I moved if we were going to sell everything and buy all new stuff. I gave her my best "are you crazy?!" look and said simply said no.

Well as of last Thursday night... we are selling all of our stuff. I guess you are probably giving me your best "are you crazy?!" look, and maybe you should, but we're doing it.

The thing is... is going to be about 1500 dollars just to move our stuff. And while we saved for this move, and have more than enough to cover it, we just want to start over. I mean... wouldn't you? Get a fresh start with everything!

One of Chris's professors says "Pack light for the journey ahead." We love this. So, we are. Anything that fits into our cars is going. So in the meantime, like the title says, everything must go.

So, if anyone out there is interested in micro-suede couch and love seat, TVs, TV stands, a washer and dryer and possibly some bedroom furniture... let me know. The rest of everything will go into the garage sale we're having at the end of the month or on craig's list.

We are packing light for the journey ahead, so every thing has gotta go.

Whatcha think?

2008-07-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

You like?
I saw this hair cut on The Next Food Network Star. I love it. You think I can pull it off?

It's not personal, it's business.

2008-07-15T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal." Kathleen Kelly
"You've Got Mail"

The past two weeks, I have been weighing and re-weighing my options about my job and career and everything that I know about the business world.

To better explain... my company Odyssey HealthCare bought out VistaCare a smaller hospice, which made us the biggest in the nation. Like all smart businesses do, they begin to look at all of the sites that were doubled up in each market. For instance there is a Vista Care in Waco and an Odyssey. We are both smaller in census, so of course the simple answer is to merge.Save on over head, staff, etc. Well, initially my boss told me that VistaCare would absorb Odyssey (my company) she said wanted me to stay with Odyssey and that she would move me up to the Temple office, give me some of the best accounts and life would be great. Most of the other staff would have to go to VistaCare. They didn't really have a choice. It was either that or find another job. So, I thought I was sitting pretty, and had nothing to worry about. Until last week, when my boss asked to see me before our weekly Sales Training Meeting and dropped the bomb. She said she simply did not have the budget to accommodate 3 marketers and I had the choice to either go to VistaCare and be their Marketing Rep or take another position in the Temple office, which would be a 6 thousand dollar pay cut and about a hour commute one way. After, interviewing both positions, and even considering moving to Colorado a month early, I have decided to take the VistaCare position. It sounds simple and a "no brainer". I mean same salary and no commute, but I'm just not happy. I will be starting all over again. The thing is I love my boss (her name is Robin too), and the staff I work with. I love the Odyssey Company. I also just really hate change. Next Monday will be my first day at VistaCare and I know that I should be excited, but instead I have a knot in my stomach. I guess that's why business is not supposed to be personal.

Denver

2008-06-27T21:05:00.003-07:00

The whole story

2008-06-25T09:42:00.001-07:00

Ok, I'm really temped to just link to the my Denver blog and let you read Chris's overview from the trip, but I won't. So, I will give you the abridged version of our trip.
Day 1...Friday morning Chris and I woke up at 5:15 AM and got ready to leave for Dallas at 6! I know. So early to start such a fun trip right? We did have to stop like 2 times just down our street to make sure we remembered everything and we did, so we started the first mini-leg to our journey. After swinging by Dallas to pick up our two other traveling companions, (Tanner and Bethany), and a quick stop at McDonald's for some breakfast we were officially on our way. After what felt like an eternity we made it Colorado and to Aurora where we would be staying. There was a mix up at the hotel, in that our 2 rooms only had one bed and it was a double. Yeah, not great. With Chris on the phone yelling at Hotwire and the rest of us in search of a equally cheap hotel we settled on Motel6. Not too bad, clean, quiet and cheap. All good qualities when it's like one in the morning and you've been driving for like 14 or 15 hours. We settled there for the night.
Day 2... Saturday morning we got up and got ready for our first look at Denver. And it's pretty freakin great too. I mean, fantastic. It's everything that you could want in a city. Driving down the highway you have mountains in the distance and then every possible city luxury or amenity you could want. It was love at first sight. I think we all felt that way. I know I did. So, we walked around town and ate lunch and just breathed it all in. After lunch we drove to Golden, home of the Coors Beer Plant. Chris said since we are going to be a church plant we should visit the Coors plant. Well, I thought it was funny! So, we took a little tour of the plant and just enjoyed ourselves and the free samples. Later we had dinner at Chipotle. You might be wondering why Chipotle, since most city has one, but the resturaunt was actualy started in Denver! So we had to celebrate the genius that is the delicious Chipotle borrito.
Day3... After breakfasting at a near by bagel shop we drove to The Red Rocks. Beautiful and one of the top things to do in Denver. It turns out there is an amphitheater where they have outdoor concerts all summer long and a sunrise service on Easter. We walked around and took pictures of everything we headed back to Denver for the Mile long mall. Anyone that visits me will be going there. You won't regret it, I promise! Then off to Boulder. A great town just 25 miles or so outside of Denver. I think Chris and I will be going there a lot after we move there. There are a lot of people our age there. Which is great since we want to reach people our age for our church. We were pretty wiped out after that so we headed back to the Motel 6 and rested before dinner. After trying out another cool Denver chain we got ready to leave and packed and went to bed early.
Day 4... mostly consisted of a lot of driving and a lot of napping for me. Chris and I got back to Waco around 9:30 tired but so happy and excited.

That in a nutshell is our trip to Denver. Seriously, anyone is welcome to come visit us once we move and get settled. We'd love to show you around. We just can't wait to move now. But we have settled on October for the big move.

We're Back!

2008-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

Just a little taste until I can post more details and pictures.

Roadtrip!

2008-06-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

That's right. In just 3 and 1/2 days we will be on the road to Denver, Colorado! Not only am I glad for some time away from work and Texas for that matter, but we are going to be visiting our new hometown!I realize now that I have pretty much prepared myself in most ways for the trip. I bought some new clothes, I'm gonna get some new flip flops, we bought magazines and books the other night. Chris bought himself a Nintendo DS with his fun money and of course we've got the always wonderful IPod. The only thing that I've neglected to do is to pray for our trip. How completely foolish of me (and also typical of me) to get caught up in petty and worldly things and forget to commit this trip to the One who is calling us to go. My heavenly Father. I ask you, my friends. to pray for us as well. There are four of us going. Chris and me, Tanner and Bethany. All of us feel a strong calling to move to Denver and start a church there. So, I ask that you would pray for...
1. safety as we drive about 962 miles and about 14 hours to our destination
2. for perhaps some divine appointments along the way or while we are there
3. brave hearts and strong spirits
4. relationship building during our time together
5. for God to be our center.

Chiggers

2008-05-19T18:55:00.000-07:00

Our church recently put in a sand volleyball court on the side of our church. As you can imagine, this provides hours and hours of entertainment not just for our youth, but for our entire church. I, not exactly being the athletic type, am not always super excited about getting out there and serving up some points, but I try. Last night after our night church service most everyone got out there and we played a few games. I have to admit, it was pretty fun. And then I woke up this morning... and I am covered and I mean covered in chigger bites. They are everywhere! Ankles, knees, behind the knees, back... EVERYWHERE. I am miserable. And so so itchy. I bought some Aveno anti-itch cream earlier today, but no relief. Finally, upon my mother 's recommendation and after much scratching, I drove to CVS and headed straight to the pharmacist. All I could say was " I have chigger bites everywhere and I am dying." And he said just one sweet word. "Chiggerx". I ran down the aisle and picked up two containers seeing my salvation in both. Paid and jumped into the car and opened that sucker up and started rubbing it anywhere and everywhere. Outcome? Still itchy. Only time will tell.

Update

2008-05-06T18:19:00.000-07:00

Short update on life.

We bought a new car. A mazda3 to be more specific. I feel very grown up now that I have been through the process of buying a new car.

My job is taking over my life. Which is a good thing, I like being successful, but don't like feeling like I've been run through the ringer at the end of every day.

Chris Richardson is one heck of a husband. The past two weeks, he's been washing and drying dishes, clothes and cars. He's also been making lots of delicious food!

I am learning to play the guitar. While my fingers are tender and sore, I love learning something new. I just hope that I will be decent by the time our Youth Service rolls around.

I might be losing my mind. I lost my cell phone in the bathroom at the Chick-Fil-A in the Waco mall and I can't seem to remember anything. I think I just have too much on my mind. That ever happen to you?

Case of the Blahs...

2008-03-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well I ended up getting new shoes for my prize. The ones in that very picture. Except in black. I ordered them on Saturday and hopefully sometime this week they will be here waiting for me. I'm totally in love with them. In the mean time if someone could help me find a pair of white dress pants that don't cost a fortune that would be great. Because, Waco is in short supply. Although, I haven't looked at "The Shops" downtown yet.

In other news, I have NOTHING to post about. I am so blah these days. I need a vacation I think. Maybe that would liven me up. The job is good, but it's a lot of work and not always a lot of result. I visit 50 different facilities, clinics,and physicians a week and I am lucky to get one referral out of it. And that's lucky. So, I'm feeling a little discouraged with that. My family is crazy right now. Which always has me worrying or feeling like I should be helping in some way. But I've just got to let that be. It seems like everyone is having or just had a baby recently. I want to have a baby too, but it's just so not the time to be procreating right now. I've also been sick, so that may have something to do with my "blue" mood. And I guess that about wraps it up.

Give the girl a prize!

2008-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

I am beginning my fourth week of working out four days a week. Pretty much a record for me! I haven't been a consistent "worker-outer" since I was in high school on the dance team. And that was only because I HAD to if I wanted to dance at football games or in competition. So, anyway my adorable and very sweet husband said that I should get a prize. How great is that? I loose some flab and get a prize. My question to you is what should it be?

Should it be...
A. A rockin pair of new heels
B. New workout gear
C. Jewelry
D. Something for my house

A Perfect Saturday

2008-03-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, was THE most perfect Saturday that I've had in a very long time. I don't know about you, but February has just been super busy and oh so tiresome. My plan at the beginning of the week was to go to San Antonio this weekend and see my mom. After considering my husband's advice I decided to postpone my trip to next week-end so that I could rest and relax.

This is how my day went yesterday.
Got up at 10 o'clock. Made coffee and made eggs over easy with some toast.
11:45 went to the salon to get my hair highlighted and washed. Love it!
Got home when hubby suggested we go to Baskin Robbins for some ice-cream. Brilliant!
Enjoyed some ice cream and did some light housework.
Headed to the mall to exchange 2 polos for Chris and bought BCBG shirt for 50 percent off for myself!
Later, baked homemade banana bread from scratch, as well as apple crumb pie and green bean bundles for church's love feast. All three were delicious and very much a success.
After dinner, Desiree and Grant came over for some good friend time.

See what I mean. It was a perfect Saturday. Relaxing, somewhat productive and not to mention a beautiful day.

Pregnancy Woes

2008-02-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Yes you read the title correctly and no I am not pregnant. But, I did get asked yesterday when my due date was. Yes, you also read that correctly. I was standing at the Lancome counter yesterday afternoon, looking to spend a little of my fun money. I mean, there I was looking at lip gloss,when the make-up girl turns to me and asks "When are you due?". Well, my face got very hot and I told her that I wasn't with child, just (apparently) a little chunky. Then she starts to apologize profusely which leaves me in the awkward position of havening to reassure her that "it's fine", "it could happen to anyone" " it's no big deal". But what I'm really thinking is, I will NEVER wear this shirt again and I need to hit the gym a lot harder tomorrow. So, I just paid for my make-up and tried not to jab whatever makeup brush was closest to me, in my heart. I'm being dramatic, but unless this has never happened to you then you won't really understand the pain. I do, however, hope one of two things though. That, one, this never happens to you, and two, you never ask a woman who is not pregnant if she is.

2008-02-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

I talked to my very angry and hurt older sister yesterday evening. I knew that she and my mom hadn't spoken in about a month now, and I hadn't talked to her in probably longer than a month. So I was a bit shocked to see her calling, to say the least. I debated whether I should answer the phone, not wanting to be disloyal to my mom, but I went ahead and took the call. I was really not prepared for what she told me. This whole time, I thought my sister, Holly, was the one at fault with the way things were going with the two of them. But it turns out, my mom is not so innocent herself. According to my sister, she has been pretty unloving towards her. Now, I'm not about to sit here and pretend my mom is a perfect mother. She was pretty terrible to me after I got engaged and not much better on my wedding day, but that's all water under the bridge now. I guess I'm still a little shocked that she has been behaving this way towards my sister. And all this time, I have been siding with her! The thing about is, I'm not sure who to believe. They are both exaggerators to the extreme and very, very emotional and sensitive. But I am just hating this. I hate when there is any kind of fighting going on. I hate it. And I don't know what to do. I guess the obvious answer is nothing, but I'm just not that kind of girl. I want to fix things and counsel people and make things better. I just don't think I am going to be able to any of those things this time. All I can do is pray. Pray that they would both come to their senses and both realize how much they stand to loose by behaving this way. But for now, I feel pretty awful about it. And there is no way around that.

Two Big Ones

2008-02-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

Today, two years ago I married my true love. It really feels like yesterday that the big day was approaching and I was about to become Mrs. Chris Richardson. It was a crazy day to say the least. My family was a mess and I was really just wanting the whole day to hurry and start so it could all be over. Now all of that seems so trivial, because I know understand how little a wedding actually has to do with a marriage. Sure it's great and all, but it's not everything. Just a jumping off point really. I am surprised how much my love for Chris grows with every passing day. I couldn't be happier with where we are in life and can't wait for what's ahead. I love you Chris Gene Richardson. You are my best friend and my favorite person in the world. Happy Anniversary!

A Wiener Dog

2008-01-24T16:47:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while because frankly, I haven't really had anything interesting to talk about. But, I do have a funny story, and please know as you read this I am a much funnier story teller than I am writer. So please take this in consideration and imagine me telling the story to you in person.

Recently, Chris and I have found a church to not only belong to but to serve in. We are now youth ministers. Well not quite, but hopefully if the church votes on it we will be. Anyhow, Sunday we met two new kids. Clay and Tyler. 11 and 13. Both very nerdy, very into video games and that morning... very sleepy. They both just trudge in and pretty much fall into their chairs and go to asleep. They might have grunted their names to us, but I doubt it. So, the group is talking about "Persecution." Not sure why, but that's not really the point. Well somehow Tyler, the oldest of the two, woke up long enough to inform us that "Clay almost died when he was a little kid." Not only am I shocked to notice Tyler came out of his coma, but I'm thinking "Where did that come from?" So of course we all say things like "oh, wow!" "What happened" "Man, that's crazy". Tyler goes on to say "Yeah, his face was almost bitten off by a dog." Which of course is followed up with the question "What kind of dog was it?" That's when Clay, who has been asleep this entire time, lifts his head up long enough to say " A wiener dog". Then drops his head and falls back asleep, leaving us to look at each other awkwardly and change the subject. I am dying, DYING inside. I just want to bust out laughing. Really.... a wiener dog? That's your near death experience?! Even now I can't help but giggle.

Looking Forward...literally

2008-01-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am looking forward to celebrating two years with my husband.
I am looking forward to Chris graduating from Truett Seminary with a Masters in Divinity.
I am looking forward to becoming more experienced at my job as a marketer.
I am looking forward to moving to Denver, Colorado and beginning a new chapter in our lives.
I am looking forward to buying a home or condo or townhouse or something where we can stop paying rent and start making financial sense and cents. (sorry. couldn't resist)
I am looking forward to getting some puppies. Little Leo and Ezra are just going to be so fun.
I am looking forward to making new friends, new memories and new goals for this year.

What are you looking forward to?

I miss my husband...

2007-11-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend Chris is going camping with his buddies then is headed down to San Antonio for the Big 12 championship game. When all of this came up I thought to myself... "good! I'll have the house to myself. I can clean, do laundry, watch girly movies and have some good ole ME time." But, I am already missing him! I have this theory, not anything genius or anything mind you, but a theory all the same. It is much easier to be the leaver then the leftee. I mean, are you with me girls or are you with me?! It's much more fun to head out of town for a girls weekend or to see the folks, but when I'm the one left home.... So, there you have it. I am a needy, co-dependant wife. Or at least tonight I am.

Huh?

2007-11-27T11:39:00.000-08:00

Part of my job is to give in services to hospitals, nursing homes and sometimes doctors. Today, was my first ever in service. I worked all day yesterday preparing handouts for the nurses, getting together research and figuring out what I was going to say. The subject of my in-service was "Assisting confused, disoriented and non-verbal patients". Last night, while I was going over my material, I asked Chris for a few tips on public speaking. It has been so long since I got up in front of a group and talked. He looked at me and said "just get up and act really confused". All I could say was "huh?"

Tonight!

2007-11-17T17:46:00.001-08:00

Tonight.... I am wishing that it was chilly outside instead of warm and summery feeling.
Tonight.... I made white chili that was actually more of a soup. It was still good, but not really a chili at all.
Tonight.... There is a lot of hollering and yelling in my house due to the Oklahoma Sooners taking on Texas Tech. Boomer Sooner!
Tonight... I am doing laundry. Blah. I also accidentally shrunk one of my favorite shirts. I didn't realize it was in that load. I'm pretty bummed about that one.
Tonight... I am contemplating buying two pairs of shoes tomorrow after church. Can I really wear red flats enough to warrant that purchase? You tell me.
Tonight...I am brainstorming how to pull of my thirty dollar a person Christmas budget. Any creative ideas?
Tonight... I am considering cutting my hair. I just don't think long hair is in my future.
Tonight... I am looking at my husband and wondering how I got so lucky.
Tonight... I am missing my mom. She and my Dad are still in Europe and should be back in a few days. It's been like 8 days since I've talked to her. I miss that lady!
Tonight... I am so thankful to for my life.

Holding on for dear life

2007-11-13T19:02:00.000-08:00

"Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
Jesus Christ

I have been thinking a lot about what this means lately. About a year in a half ago, my husband and I were a part of a church restart in Brownwood. Chris and I along with a couple of friends completely overhauled the church building. We primed and painted every wall inside and out of that building. There was also the pulling up of the carpet, scraping the glue off the floor from the carpet and then staining the floor. Back breaking work to say the least. In the beginning, I was all for starting the church, but so much the manual labor thing. You'd think that starting a church would be happiest time of your life. Not for me. I was miserable. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was holding on for dear life. What was that life exactly? Certainly not one where I was joyful about helping people or bringing people to the Lord. Not a life where my husband needed for his wife to encourage him and share with him. Not a life that glorified God at all. So, after a lot of tears and a lot of asking forgiveness from God I let go. I let go of "my life".
I'm currently in the middle of reading "The Jesus I Never Knew" by Phillip Yancey and found Jesus's command again. Is God trying to remind me of something? I think so.

Truett Wives Club

2007-10-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right. I am an official new member of the Truett Wives Club. My first official meeting was on Monday. I was a little nervous and skeptical going into it, but I ended up loving it. The thing is being a wife of a seminary student is hard, but it is harder being a pastor's wife. The past year in a half I have felt very alone as the wife of a pastor. I would often vent to the youth ministers wife, and that did help. But, on Monday I really felt like these women really understood. (Most of their husbands are pastors in small churches.) It was wonderful. I look forward to having a network of pastor wives that I can call on in ten years and just vent. Someone who knows what it is like to be under a microscope, to have your husband criticized over nothing, to feel trampled on and sometimes to feel just worn out. I hope to make some life long friends with these strong Christian women who just know how it feels. And that can make all the difference in the world.

An 8 to 5er

2007-10-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I absolutely LOVE my new job. Not that I have actually done any of what my new job consists of, but I still love it. So far I've done normal orientation stuff, watch videos, take tests on the computer and shadow co-workers. I work with all women, well except for like three older men. And if anyone knows what it is like to work with an entire staff of women, it is crazy! It can usually go one of two ways. They can be uplifting and a real blessing to your life, or they can be gossipy and crass. The later of the two is the who I work with. But, hey... I'm not going to be in that particular office all that often and not even in my office in Waco, very often, so I think I'm good. I am also loving being home at a decent hour and eating dinner with Chris. Anyhow, so far so good. I'm excited to eventually get to meet with Physicians and market my hospice to them, or give inservices to the nursing staff. I'll keep you updated with more details.

2007-09-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

I got the job! Great salary, great benefits and the best part... no working on the weekends and twelve hour days. YES! I start Monday.

Number 5

2007-09-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Today, I had my fifth interview for a Marketing Representative job at Odyssey Health Care. That's right fifth. Here's how it all happened. I applied for this job back in July. At that time I went through two interviews but did not make the cut, because of lack of medical experience. Well, as I was meandering through the online job market last week and I saw the position was open again. Seeing as I made it to the second round last time and was super disappointed when I wasn't offered the job, I decided to apply again. But not without a serious amount of prayer and self preservation. Well, to my surprise, the general manager, also named Robin, called me back an hour later! She went on to tell me how excited she was that I applied again and that she was in fact going to call me asking me to reapply. We scheduled an interview for that Friday. On Friday I drove to Temple and had my third interview with her. It went well and she told me she'd like for me to move on to the next round as it were. Later that afternoon, I received a phone call from the regional director and experienced my second ever phone interview. It went horrible, but apparently not as horrible as I thought because he moved me on to the VP of the region. I didn't hear from him all week, until today. While looking around Pier 1 for some new accent pillows, low and behold my cell phone rings. Yep. It's the VP. So, now I am on interview 5. It went well despite sitting in my car, sweating a great deal. Now I am waiting to hear if I got the job. Torture. Pure torture. No one should have to go through FIVE interviews. No one.

The sales floor

2007-09-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

Life in Sales is crazy. It is a roller coaster of emotions to say the least. One day I sold 4,400 dollars in just one sale. The next day, I sold maybe 200 bucks. I get five percent commission. You do the math. Everyday, some jerk blows me off or cuts off my welcome phrase of "How are you guys doing? What brings you in today?" with "I'M JUST LOOKING!" I also get the question " So you just doing this while you're school?" a lot. On the other hand... my feet are now made of steel. I can stand in heels for about 12 hours and they won't start hurting until maybe hour ten. So, that's kinda a plus. But, I am making it. I am still looking for another job, but I am also trying to make the best of good ole Furniture Row.

Day 1

2007-08-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow if my first day on the sales floor selling furniture! Eekk! Wish me luck!

A new year...

2007-08-13T18:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of my twenty-sixth year of my life. It has been a pretty great day all in all. My sweet husband surprised me with a sleek, silver ipod nano and a new book. He even baked me a birthday cake. It was delicious. We also went out for a Mexican dinner at my new favorite restaurant Ninfas with some friends. I got several voice mails with birthday songs and greetings and a few great gifts from the parents. Fun, fun, fun. Excited about what the 26th year of life holds for me. I feel so blessed already.

Changes...

2007-08-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I FINALLY got a job. Before you get all excited for me, which I appreciate by the way, it's not my ideal job. It's a sales job at Oak Express on Furniture Row. They didn't hire me because of my experience or my degree, I got the job because of my personality. Which is not altogether a bad thing, but it did hit me a little in the ego department. The job is CRAZY! I work from open to close 9 to 9 about four days a week. Then I get two and a half to three days off during the week. I must work every weekend and most holidays. The pay is entirely based off commission. So, while it is a little scary and frustrating in many ways, it is a job. I am trying to look on the positive side, like a discount on the fabulous furniture there, or having fun meeting new people.
In other news... Chris and I are having dinner with a pastor here in Waco and his pregnant wife about Chris possibly pastoring a small, local church here. Pray for us. I'm not sure how much more change I can take!
We love Waco and are so happy to be here!

Two Years Ago...

2007-07-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Today, two years ago, Christopher Gene Richardson asked me to be his wife. Today, two years ago, he told me the words that I had longed to hear for two and half years. He said, "Robin I love you, will you be my wife?" Actually, I'm don't really remember him asking me to marry him, after he said I love you, I just started crying and it was pretty much over from there.You see, Chris always said he would never tell a girl he loved her, until he was ready to marry her. After that, I just cried, hugged and kissed him and cried and hugged him some more and then kissed him some more.
From the first date I had with Chris, I knew I wanted to marry him. I loved his deep questions, the way he smirked when he said something sarcastic, his humbleness, sense of humor and of course his good looks. Our relationship from there was quite a roller coaster of emotions. But, I wouldn't trade any of it now. I know that is has strengthened us. Although, we are so different, really complete opposites about most everything, I know those differences only enrich our relationship.
I love Chris Richardson more than I can possibly explain. He is the most important person in my life. I am so happy that today, two years ago, he asked me to be his wife. He is everything I never knew I always wanted.

2007-07-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

UPDATE...
The Garage Sale went great! I was super exhausted from it all. Staying up late and getting up at 5:15 am was super hard, but it feels really good to be rid of a bunch of junk. And I made a pretty good profit too.
Almost the entire house is packed up. Boxes are everywhere and my house is so messy and a tad on the dirty side. Oh well. That's just how moving goes I guess. I hope to have everything in either a box, suitcase, dufflebag or garbage can by Thursday. That way I can clean the house top to bottom Thursday night and then Chris will have us moved on Friday. That gives me a day, to try and get as much unpacked as possible before we leave for Oklahoma City for 5 days. Then another 2 days to try and get the rest of it unpacked before we leave for the beach for 4 days. So, while I am very excited about moving and about vacation and I am also feeling a little nervous and anxious about how everything is going to work out.
I did hear back from two of the jobs that I interviewed for. One offered me the job, but didn't pay enough to support me and Chris. The other called back today and I have a second interview with them on Friday. I'm trying to remain calm and collected about moving without a "for sure" job. But, I know that God will provide.

One man's trash is another ones...

2007-07-02T11:05:00.001-07:00

Gosh, I feel like all I ever talk about is my move or my ongoing job search. But, that really is all that's going on right now. That and my super huge garage sale this Saturday! Three co-workers/friends are joining me in my pursuit to get rid of junk and make a little cash at the same time. I'm pretty excited about it. Brownwood is like the garage sale mecca of the world. And the people here are crazy about them. I'm hoping for a nice day with lots of eager customers with cash to spend. We are selling two recliners, a love seat, a computer, VCR and VHSs (lame I know), two sets of dishes, drinking glasses, decorations, picture frames, purses, shoes and the list goes on. What fun!

The Waiting Game

2007-06-25T09:16:00.001-07:00

We are moving in about 3 weeks. Three weeks may not sound like a long time but if sure feels like it. It also feels like a short amount of time too. It's tricky you know? I have packed up most of my kitchen, but that's about it. I just never know what to pack up and what we'll need. We're having a garage sale, so there is quite a bit to sort through, throw away, sell or donate. So, the packing may have to wait until the sorting can happen. I'm trying not to let myself get too excited because it seems like forever until I actually get to Waco. I don't have a job yet, but I'm still keeping the faith that God is going to provide me with one. So more waiting. I want time to fly but I feel like I need more time to get everything done. Tick tock.... tick tock... the waiting game. What a fun game to play.