He Has Risen

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a reighteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstartes his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us"  Romans 5:6-8

Creigthon Universtiy 

"He is not here; he has risen; just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay" Matthew 28:6

Happy Easter everyone!!!!

The Arch

While in St Louis for the fun and craziness of Arch Madness Basketball my dad wanted to check out the Arch. Our hotel was right across the street so even though it was a drizzly day seemed worth the short trek.

I had actually went up in the Arch once before with my brothers but my parents didn't accompany us. My mom wanted nothing to do with the tiny compartments they cram you into so my dad and I went solo.

It was actually WAY smaller at the top than I remember (isn't that how it always happens ;)) but still some really cool views of St Louis

You could see for miles and I would imagine on a clear sunny day even better

It was $10 a person to travel up the arch and I would certainly recommend it for anyone in the area. A fun experience and the birds eye view is a bonus. Even if you don't want to test you claustaphobicness - like I did - it's a fun area to go walk around and enjoy the views of the Arch and river.

Stripping Doors

I have been spending whatever free time I can muster up (not much) out at Justin's awesome farmhouse but the progress feels slow. The living room is a lot larger than I imagined so stripping wood was quite the chore. But totally worth it once done. These are all blurry Iphone pics taken late at night when most work gets done. One of these days I'll take real pics of finished rooms. For now a door rehab project - before it was an awesome baby blue and white combo. (the woodwork was that same lovely baby blue as well) Fancy:

Obviously not really the look anyone prefers these days. We were going to just have the doors professionally dipped but turns out this is quite spendy and my brother is on a budget. I decided to give the ol stripper a try since I had some left anyway.

Voila!!!! Amazing the difference right?!? Or at least I think so. It took several hours but wasn't awful (other than all the window panes). It is FAR from perfect but it looks aged and clean. One more coat of poly a lil steel wool and the door will be ready.

Try not to be insanely jealous of that awesome pink dinning room and woodwork. I have a major love affair with pink but that color and combination doesn't even appeal to me!

Polar Plunge

 Last weekend I participated in my first ever Polar Plunge. What a fun day and all for an even better cause. All money raised went to the Special Olympics.

 

I was part of a group called the Frosty Ice Holes  - funny right! Thanks to my amazing  teammates (I didn’t organize this group I just was lucky enough to raise money and show up) we were the top team and raised the most money! Awesome job!!!

 

Lake Manawa was definitely arctic the day we plunged but I would do it all over again next year without a doubt.

Breathe

We finally had several days of sunshine. It's impact is both uplifting and positive. It inspired me to go out for a long run and soak in the sun. I even have daffodils, hyacinth, and mint popping up from the ground soaking up the rays. Exciting. One of my favorite running spots is the bridge connecting Omaha and Council Bluffs and the trails along the levy.

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible."  Hebrews 11:1.3

Where is Spring?

I feel like mother nature is teasing us. Today and tomorrow the forecast looks great - sunshine and warmer weather. Yipppeeee! Then come Monday snow and cold. Nooooooo!

 I am so ready for spring and warmer temps. I really want to plant flowers and start my garden. I want to run outside and not come back frostbitten.

This snow needs to melt.

Anyone else overly anxious for Spring and Summer this year?

I am grateful for the much needed moisture that all this snow is bringing. I am just ready to see color and life again!



We Won Arch Madness!!

Ok well technically "we" didn't win as I was certainly not out on the court attempting three pointers. If that were the case the title would read "we lost". But Creighton won the tournament and our now Missouri Valley Conference Champs - woohoo!! It was an amazing weekend filled with lots of basketball and fun. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with my parents, other relatives also in town, and friends from Council Bluffs. All kinds of fun stories and memories! Loved exploring St. Louis, enjoying the nice weather, and cheering the Jays on to Victory!

Certainly a trip worth repeating in future years!

Arch Madness Time

Today at noon the Jays will play thier first game in the Missouri Valley Confrence. Hoping for a win obviously! Luckily this year I was able to travel to St. Louis to be a part of the excitement. Looking forward to a great weekend full of blue white and basketball!

The last time I went was four years ago - wow how time flies! Was fun to look back at these pictures and recall all the stories that went along with them. Good times.