Christmas: Round 1 - A Very Boboth Christmas

Yesterday was simply wonderful. C and I celebrated our first Christmas together… he made us a special breakfast, we read through Luke 2, opened gifts, and relaxed in front of the classic movie, “White Christmas.” Ah, it has been so long since we have had such a relaxing day!

We headed out in the afternoon with Everett and Carrie to go see the Portland Zoo Christmas Lights. Unfortunately, there was zero parking available. So we went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill (thanks for the recommendation, Lisa!) and went to a showing of the newest Narnia movie, “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” in 3D. Ooooo… Aaaaaaah… (Admission reminded us why we rarely go to movies in theaters!)

Anywho, it was a wonderful kick-off to the great celebration week coming up.  As I write this, we are driving through the beautiful Gorge (thank you, mobile internet) heading up to our good ol’ stomping grounds in Spokane. We are so excited to spend this next week and a half with family and friends.

I better go… gotta get back to our freestyle rapping competition. Pretty sure I’m winning… (although C is clearly dominating the beat-boxing category.)

Our next travel game?  Seeing who can do a better Creed impression. Followed by singing through the alphabet - coming up with a new Christmas song for each letter of the alphabet.

Don’t you wish you could travel with the Boboths?

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

-Laura

Simply Incredible

Dear Husband,

Congratulations on successfully finishing your first semester of grad school... and finishing with flying colors! You amaze me. You are so smart, so disciplined, so brave.  I am so proud of you...  SO proud... and thank you for spending the first two days of your break cleaning the bathroom, doing all the grocery shopping, making the bed, doing all the laundry, and blessing my socks off when I get home from work.  You blow me away with the creative ways that you love me.

I loved our lunch date yesterday, our dance party last night, and our pasta party tonight.  I love spending time with you. I love being silly with you. You're my favorite person ever.

I am excited for our first "Christmas" tomorrow morning (albeit early) and for all of the Christmases to come.

I love you, CB. You're my hero.

-Laura

A Very Special Day

Everyone has someone in their lives (either past or present) that has affected them dramatically.  As I read through students' application essays, one of the prompt options is to write about someone who has impacted their lives.  90% of those essays are about the student's dad. It has been remarkable to see the consistency with which the Papa-figure shows up in those essays.  They have affected these students' lives either by their presence or by their absence.

Not surprising. There have been studies upon studies done about the impact that a father has on the lives of his children... so impactful, in fact, that the presence, or lack thereof, of a mother has an exponentially smaller impact. (I think my mom is an exception, however :)  

Anywho.... just because I love being one of the statistics, my dad has been incredibly impactful in my life too! He was and is the bedrock of our family. He has led our family oh-so-well with an unparalleled sense of humility and tenderness. He has loved my mom ever-so-faithfully for 29+ years. He has worked tirelessly to support our family, finance our educations, and provide a comfortable life for us. 

My Dad is amazing.  He is a leader.  It does not matter where he goes or how long he has been there, it only takes a matter of minutes before complete strangers are asking him to be this committee's chairman or that group's president etc.  His mere presence commands respect - not in an "I'm lording my awesomeness over you" sort of way; but rather in a servant-leader sort of way.

My Dad has shown me Jesus.  Time and time again.  Whether it was by faithfully teaching it to us, or whether it was simply in the faithful way that he lives his life: my siblings and I know the Gospel and love Jesus more today because of this man.  Also, he is so extremely thoughtful and does things like this and this. 

I will never forget my wedding day. Dad paused just outside the doors of the sanctuary before he walked me down the aisle; he squeezed my hand firmly, and said - with tears in his eyes and an uncommonly shaky voice - "I love you, Lollie. You ready?"  My sweet protector, defender, and hero - I love my daddy.  

I had thought about our Father-Daughter dance for a good majority of my life... Which song should I choose?  Which one would mean the most?  Which one could I hold it together the most without crying?  I thought that I may choose something like "Butterfly Kisses," or "Cinderella," or something uber cliche like that.  However, when C and I got engaged, my Father-Daughter dance song was the easiest decision of the entire planning process!!!  You see, it was my dad that taught me to swing dance. In our kitchen. Often after doing dishes together.  Or any time for no apparent reason.  So we did an awesome swing dance... and I still cried a little.

So, Happy Birthday to one of the most important people in my life!  Thank you for modeling what a godly husband and father looks like.  It really helped me know what to look for. :)  Thank you for faithfully teaching us Christ. You have been a beautiful representation of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for disciplining me so that I wouldn't be a booger. Even though I still am sometimes. Thank you for reminding me to "be a lady," when I wrinkled and contorted my face and making grunting, snorting noises.  Sometimes the desire to be a lady was superseded by the desire to make my little sister laugh.  I love you, Dad!

(Growing up, Dad would lift us up to put the angel on the top of the tree... no matter how old we got)

 Hiking to Hot Springs in Fairmont, BC

Spring Break 2010

July 10, 2010

Father-Daughter Dance

I make no apologies for the length of this blog.  As I reread through it, I still didn't do him justice... I could ramble on and on.  My dad is an amazing man... and he makes turning 50 look good!  I love you, Dad!!

-Laura

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas!!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE this time of year??  Though the mountain of dishes nearly exceeds the cookies yeilded... it is always absolutely worth it. Now my biggest problem is finding a place to store them all!

Cookies Galore!

Ah, a happy kitchen, indeed!

Stayed tuned tomorrow... there is a very special birthday coming up...........

-Laura

What was she thinking??!!!

Being newly married and enjoying this life of newlywedded bliss, we are not particularly in a hurry to settle down and procreate just yet.  Perhaps, if the Lord wills, someday we may; but it is not in our immediate plans. Well, that was an interesting segue into what I had intended to write about...

I think about the following subject often throughout the year, but during this particular season it is especially at the forefront of my mind. In the Christmas narrative - detailing the not-so-glorious arrival of the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace, perhaps the character that strikes me most is that of Mary, Christ's mother.  As I sat at breakfast the other morning with Cole, we talked about how crazy this time of year must have been for her. (yeah, yeah, yeah... I know Jesus likely wasn't born on December 25th, but work with me here!)

What must she have been thinking?  I can't even begin to imagine what would have been going through her mind... An illegitimate pregnancy? Public scorn? Wait, the Holy Spirit will come upon me?? Nevertheless, her teenage response to the news of her impending pregnancy was astounding and mature beyond her years. She said, "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled."  She was undoubtedly scared, but answered calmly and faithfully.

Anywho, one of my favorite, favorite Christmas songs (aside from the traditional "O Holy Night" and "O Come, All Ye Faithful" - because you just can't beat those) is this song sung from Mary's perspective.
Check it out. It's catchy :)  If I ever played Mary in a Nativity, I'd sing this.



Sweet Savior, thank you for giving up Heaven to come meet us here - you could have left us on our own, but You're here...  Emmanuel, God with us. There is no greater gift than this.

Merry Christmas!

-Laura

A Simple, Well-Deserved "Thank You"

In case you haven't heard, my sweet husband is a stud.  Never before have I seen someone so dedicated, so disciplined, or so smart... He gets up early and stays up late studying and spends the majority of his days in class - and yet, he still finds time to take out the trash, help out with the laundry, and treat me like a princess.

For example, today found me bedridden with a migraine.  And, though he is up to his neck in finals, he made time in the middle of his coveted study-time to come home to make sure I was doing ok and resting comfortably.  Awwwww...

I have been blessed beyond what I deserve with this man... Thank you, Lord, for my sweet husband, my prince charming, my hero, my dream-come-true.  Thank you, Cole, for working so hard for us, for being such an amazing husband and student, for your wisdom, and for leading our family so well.  I am so proud of you and I love you more than you can imagine... you are truly my greatest earthly treasure.

If you think of it, you can be praying for my sweet man this week as he tackles his 7 finals!

World's Best Future Eye Doctor Studying Hard!

-Laura

Weekend Recap: 2-in-1 Birthday Fun!

Well, due to a busy schedule, last weekend's recap remained unsung... and so this weekend will have to share its recap space on the blog.

Last weekend, we had tickets to the Seahawks game on Sunday... my Schlect grandparents live in Olympia, so we decided to drive up on Saturday evening to spend a little time with them.  It was a wonderful time of great conversation, delicious food, and card games. (At which Grandpa handily defeated us. Standard.) The football game was so fun on Sunday... and since a picture is supposedly worth 1,000 words, I will cease this babbling and just show you pictures of the wonderful day with my hubby.

We had to stop at Safeco field on our way to the game to pay our respects to the beloved Dave Neihaus.

 Beautiful Seattle Morning!

Breathtaking!

Cole's Silly Hat

SO Happy Together!

This week was a whirlwind of finals for Cole and application reviewing for me... it flew by; and, before we knew it, the weekend was here again.  

Friday was my 23rd birthday and my sweet man - once again - just knows how to make me feel like a princess.  He made me a special breakfast and sent me out the door with a kiss. :) My coworkers took me out to lunch - and it was such a nice time.  Then, around 3pm, my coworker and I were startled by a small handful of pebbles being thrown at our office window.  Down below stood my handsome husband with the biggest, beautifullest bouquet of roses and lilies that I had ever seen - but I was more excited just to see him in the middle of my work day!

Due to the fact that Cole has finals coming up this week, I was not expecting to do anything particularly special on my birthday (He has ridiculous amounts of studying to do for his 7 - count that, seven! - finals this week.)  But he surprised me and told me that he had dinner reservations for us.  When we walked into the restaurant and began to head towards our table, I froze. There before me sat my wonderful parents!!!!!!!  They flew down to spend the weekend with us!  Needless to say, I was surprised out of my  mind!   It was great... I have missed them so much!   So we have spent these last two days with them and it has been awesome!  We came back to our apartment and opened gifts.  Can I just tell you how thoughtful my husband is?! I married an incredible guy.  He has made these last 2 years the best years of my life!

So we are off to church shortly and getting ready for another week. Thank you, Lord, for an incredible husband and parents and family and twenty-three years of Your love and grace!

 Birthday Flowers from my sweet man :)

-Laura

Making a List... Checkin' it Twice!

Greetings to all you wonderful readers out in blog-land!

I have a favor to ask of you.  Well, once upon a time, I heard that, once a couple gets married, they are now their own family entity unto themselves. I'm good with that. In fact, I agree joyfully and wholeheartedly. The only drawback: Mom won't write my Christmas letter this year.

So, the first annual Boboth Christmas Letter is in the works!  I can guarantee that it is just about as exciting and sarcastic as this blog.

And now where YOU come in... we have some addresses, but we also do not have a lot that we'd love to have. (If that didn't confuse you, congratulations.)

SOOOOoooooo, if you have moved and changed your address, if you are a newer-ish friend and do not think that we already have your address, or if you are just a regular reader and would like to receive a copy of our - wait for it - First Annual Boboth Christmas Letter, then send your mailing address to lboboth@gmail.com. (That is my email and I promise not to sell your information.)

Ok, that's all...

-Laura

Our First Christmas Tree!

Christmas season has officially arrived at the Boboth household! Tuesday night, my wonderful husband and I ventured out into the western Oregon rain to find our first Christmas tree! Both having been raised solely on real Christmas trees, the "Fake vs. Real Tree debate" was far from being a point of contention for us; and was, in fact, no debate at all.

Since we were without a handsaw to cut our own, we were relegated to buying one from a local Boy Scout troop in the Safeway parking lot. The 10 year-old that helped us provided some of the best customer service I have ever received in my life. And he was adorable as he elaborated on the differences between Douglas Firs and Nobles. We found our cute “Noble” tree, loaded it up in the car (note: not on the car like most trees… this one came in the car J), and headed home to get it dried off and beautified.

(Sidenote: Growing up, my dad was always the hero that wrestled with the tree and the strings of lights until the whole tree and room glowed beautifully. The task of putting lights on a tree has always struck an irrationally anxious chord in my heart.  So, since I was 9, I prayed that I would marry a man who would be skillful with Christmas lights – God answered my prayer and then some!)

As it turns out, I married a hero Christmas tree/light-wrestler too! Cole expertly wove the lights into the tree with uncanny ease until our room was glowing wonderfully.  With a Christmas classic on TV (Home Alone) and eggnog in our glasses, we toasted to the Christmas season and decked the boughs and the halls and all that Christmassy jazz. (yes, that is indeed how you spell, “Christmassy.”)

Christmas Decorations: (Wreath, Poinsettias, CINNAMON SCENTED Pine Cones!!!, and the tree)

So now our lovely abode is all bedecked with tree, gifts, wreaths, poinsettias (I know how to spell that word because of my 3^rd grade spelling bee, thankyouverymuch) and all sorts of Christmas cheer. It really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  I cannot tell you how much fun this has been to make this place our home. And my heart is ridiculously excited to share this holiday with my remarkable husband. Christmas always seems to be such a romantic time of year… now, much more so than ever since I get to share it with Cole, the love of my life.

After we finished decorating the tree, he wrapped me up in his arms and said, “I have a feeling this is going to be the best Christmas ever… because we’re together!”  Try to tell me that I didn’t marry a gem. I dare you.  Moral of the story, 5 months later, I’m still living in a dreamworld with my amazing man.  I fall more and more in love with him every day!  And I just LOVE this time of year!

Welcome to December and Merry Christmas!

-Laura

Weekend Recap: Thanksgiving Edition

This blog is brought to you by my good friend Tyler. Noting my 8-day absence from the blog, he was in need of an update. And so I present, the long-anticipated: Weekend Recap –Thanksgiving Edition!

This last weekend was a nice and long one.  I got off of work at noon on Wednesday and we packed up the car and drove to Sunnyside to spend Thanksgiving with the Boboth clan. We had a great time on Thursday eating delicious food, watching football, and just spending time together.  In typical Boboth fashion, there were three, count it “THREE,” choices of meat at our feast. The Glockners were wonderful hosts for the beautiful evening, and it was, as always, such a delight to spend time with my awesome new family.

Us with our Cousin Andy and his girlfriend, Angie.

(isn't Cole handsome?)

Friday found all 5 of us headed to Yakima to pick up my brother-in-law at the bustling Yakima airport… we spent the morning in a golf shop looking for golf clubs for Cole, (belated birthday gift) and our outing was topped off with a lunch stop at the legendary burger joint, Miners. Best burgers ever.  That afternoon we play a lot of Settlers of Catan and watched Boise State play an awful game of football. (Heartbreaking wasn’t it, Val?)

Saturday was a Girls’ Day with my mother-in-law! I got my hair cut and we both got manicures. It was such a special time with an incredible lady… I’m so thankful that I get to call her “Mom.” Cole and Everett spent the afternoon playing ice hockey, so I got my in-laws all to myself! I sure enjoyed my time with them!  Saturday evening, Cole and I got to catch up with some old friends from college… it was so refreshing to see them.  Thanks for your hospitality, Josh and Marisa!

We wrapped up our holiday weekend on Sunday with church (Special Sermon Guest: Everett Boboth!), lunch with the Flodins (more family), and a safe trip home.  When we got home, Cole presented me with an early birthday gift: internet!  So now I can blog from home!  What a guy! J

And now we’re halfway through the week… and it’s been an eventful week!  So you can be watching for more updates from the Boboths soon!  (we wouldn’t want to keep Tyler in suspense…)

And although Thanksgiving is over, let us not cease to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received from His bountiful hands!

-Laura

Snow Day?! (Insert Sarcastic Eye-roll *here*)

Is there a rule against posting twice in one day? Well, I guess I violated that one...

Allow me to take this opportunity to mention how proud I am of my experience growing up in eastern Washington. It has made me stronger. Seriously.  I would also like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention the wimpiness (yeah, that's a word) of some Oregonians. (In their defense, we do have a large population of students from Hawaii who have never seen snow before, and their reactions vacillate drastically between delirious wonderment and awe-shocked horror.)

This morning we woke to a blissful 1/2 inch of snow dusting our yard, cars, and housetop. (barely) Not only were school and work cancelled (one of the many benefits of working in university admissions: you get snow days off and do not have to make them up!), but at noon yesterday (mind you, 12 hours before snow had begun to fall), they had already cancelled school for today at the local school districts. (!!!!)

Meanwhile, from people back home, Facebook statuses have been a flurry of posts regarding the massive amounts of snow they've been receiving... upwards of 8 inches.  And still no school cancellations! (Did you catch my clever pun?  Thank you.)

It really is just comical. Oh well... I'll just grin mockingly at them, throw around my eastern Washington confidence in braving "snowy" roads, hunker down with my hot cocoa and hope to make it through this crazy winter storm!  In the meantime, I've been quite productive around the house...  I made a Dutch Apple Pie for Thanksgiving, started Potato Rolls for Thanksgiving, and gave my hubby a haircut for Thanksgiving.

And now he's whisking me away for a night out...ah, what a guy!
Hope you are enjoying the weather wherever you are!

Cheers!
-Laura


PS- This post has had an inordinate amount of parenthetical statements, lame puns, sarcasm, and italicized words. That's all.

Jesus, Thank You!

I know that, this time of year, there is a lot of talk of being thankful. That said, I would hope that we would all carry on that spirit of thankfulness throughout the year...

At our Bible Study/Community Group through our church, we often will sing a few songs before we get started. And nearly every week that she is there, a certain 3-year-old always requests this particular song... It is ridiculously cute to watch her twirl around as we sing it, but I am always reminded that - even if we sang this song everyday it would be inadequate to express the thankfulness that we should feel in response to the sacrifice of Christ. Check out this great song - not only seasonally appropriate, but appropriate all year long.

Jesus, Thank You

The mystery of the cross I cannot comprehend

The agonies of Calvary

You the perfect Holy One, crushed Your Son

Who drank the bitter cup reserved for me 

Your blood has washed away my sin

Jesus, thank You

The Father’s wrath completely satisfied

Jesus, thank You

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table

Jesus, thank You

By Your perfect sacrifice I’ve been brought near

Your enemy You’ve made Your friend

Pouring out the riches of Your glorious grace

Your mercy and Your kindness know no end 

Lover of my soul,

I want to live for You.

There are so many things for which I am thankful... but none more than this. Jesus, thank You!

-Laura

Weekend Recap: Cowboy Hats and a Wedding Veil

This weekend, we were blessed to be able to take a quick trip down south to the great state of Texas to celebrate our cousin’s wedding! A state where everything is bigger, except their gas prices. ($2.65!) Oh, and their mountains. (Sidenote: Why do people say things are bigger in Texas? Everything is flat!!!) Having never been there, I was excited to add another state to my passport. (If there were passports for US States…)  We left bright and early on Thursday morning and travelled most of the day… when we got to the hotel, there was already a group of our family members gathered in a hotel room for dinner. It was so much fun to catch up and spend time with this group of incredible people.

On Friday, Cole, Everett, my father-in-law, and Ernie (the groom’s maternal grandfather) headed into the heart of Dallas to visit Dealey Plaza – the site of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  We walked through the Sixth Floor Museum in the Dallas Book Depository, learned a lot of history, and saw the place from which Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK. We wandered downstairs to the Plaza itself to see the exact place he was shot.  It was really fun to be there with my father-in-law who happens to be a huge history buff and is keenly interested and educated in all things JFK. To say that we got a history lesson would be an understatement. The whole outing made me realize how little I really know about recent U.S. history…

At the site of the assassination

Dealey Plaza

Beautiful.

We enjoyed a dinner out that night with more relatives… I’m pretty sure that the entire town of Plano knew about the wedding because of our family.  My mother-in-law is one of seven… so there were a lot of us.  And it was awesome.

Saturday was fairly low-key. The guys went to a park for a game of football and the ladies went out to lunch… Mitch’s wedding was in the evening and it was absolutely lovely. It is always fun to celebrate such a wonderful thing! Unfortunately, my camera died just prior to the wedding thus rendering me incapable of capturing any photos as the blessed event. Boo.

And our weekend wrapped up on Saturday night with what was, quite possibly, the most ideal ending. We all went out to dinner (which, by the time we left the wedding, was around 9pm!) at a local steak joint – because we were, after all, in Texas!

What a weekend!  What a blessing!  What a wonderful family I have married into! Our whole weekend was filled with wonderful fellowship, fantastic food, and memories that will not be soon forgotten. I walked away feeling so incredibly loved and beyond blessed to be able to call them family!

Sunday morning we were up at 4:15am (read that, “2:15am PST.” Read that, “WAAAAAAY too early to be functional.”) to take our parents to the airport… we travelled all day and are now, at long last, home. And as I write this, likely delusional in such a way that only 3 hours of sleep can bring about, I am still in shock after the whirlwind of a weekend… but every second was well worth it. Congratulations, Mitch and Rene! We are so thankful for this ever-growing family!

Another sidenote: Christmas music is legal in our house in T-5 days!

We're headed to Sunnyside for Thanksgiving on Wednesday after work... Looking forward to time with the Boboth family. As much fun as all of this family time has been, it has made me all the more wistful for time with my side... I really can't wait for Christmas!! But I am ever so thankful that I have great family on both sides! 

What are you thankful for this week?

-Laura

My Grandpa: Veteran, Hero.

Today is Veteran’s Day. I’m sure that has been evidently clear as you have not been able to go to the bank, no mail has been delivered, your student did not have school, and most Facebook statuses are uncharacteristically patriotic. Being a private school, Pacific did not take Veteran’s Day off… but the holiday was on the forefront of my mind all day.

When I was in elementary and high school, Veteran’s Day was celebrated with great pomp and circumstance in a patriotic collaboration of all the students in Kindergarten through the 12^th grade. I was a part of it every year. For me, Veteran’s Day meant that my grandparents would come to our patriotic production, I would give my grandpa a miniature American flag, and he would cry during the “Salute to the Armed Forces” – a medley of all of the anthems of the branches of the Armed Forces sung by the combined K-12 choirs .  It was always very emotional. (and, yes, I still remember every word to that song!)

Now that I am out of school and am not able to participate in the festive production put on by my first-grade teacher (and, yes, she organized it every year for like 100 years), it would be very easy for Veteran’s Day to pass me by.  However, I have a few significant reasons to make sure it does not.

  1.  My maternal grandfather served in the Air Force for years… in fact, nearly the whole time my mom was growing up.  My grandma and grandpa endured extended periods of separation while he was on his assignments. I love hearing his stories. He really is a hero – though he is far too humble to admit it! My grandpa is likely one of the most patriotic people I know.  His love for his country and his fellow man are convicting and unparalleled.  I am so proud of him.

  2.  I vividly remember the events of 9/11 – as many do, I’m sure – and as the horror stories of the war continue to pour in, I am all the more thankful for men and women who are willing to risk their lives for the sake of our freedom and saddened at that state of our world.

  3.  Last night, I went to Bible study. Standard Wednesday night activity.  How often do I fail to recognize the sacrifices that have been made in order to maintain that freedom?

I called my grandpa today to thank him for his service and his sacrifice. While he seemed appreciative of the call, he said something that didn’t surprise me, but resonated with me nevertheless. He humbly thanked me for the call and urged me not to let that phone call be the last – but to seek others who have served and thank them as well… on a day other than today.

So, off I go into the wild, blue yonder – more thankful than ever for the sacrifices of those men and women and prouder than ever of my patriotic heritage and my grandfather who has instilled patriotism in me. Thank you, Grandpa Phil! I love you!

"For nothing can stop the U.S. Air Force!"

-Laura

My Grandpa and Me

Birthday Weekend Recap: - 23 years of grace

Another entry about the less-than-fascinating goings-on of the Boboth household:

Well, Friday marked the 23rd anniversary of Cole's birth. Unfortunately, I was gone on a business trip that morning and wouldn't be able to make it home until after 5-ish.  So, I put together a scavenger hunt of sorts to keep him busy during the afternoon until I got home. The final clue told him to pack a bag because I was "kidnapping him for the night." The clues all rhymed and were likely more cheesy than clever, but oh well.

So we had a lovely, romantic get-away to Seaside, Oregon... Our room was right along the river, giving us a picturesque view. We enjoyed dinner at a local Steak/Seafood house - delicious! And we had our own little birthday party in the room - complete with cake, gifts, and all.

I thought that, since so many people had already wished him "Happy Birthday," I would take a different angle and celebrate the 23 years that God has so evidently shown grace throughout Cole's life. So the cake read, "23 Years of Grace." And I also happen to love lists.  Like, really love them.  Seriously, you should see my desk at work... and at home for that matter. I love them.  That said, I put together a list of 23 ways in which I have seen God show grace towards Cole throughout his life. I would post it here, but you don't get to read it. Sorry :)

We had a nice, leisurely weekend - even though it was still a little drizzly outside. When we got back, Cole studied while I caught up on some housework... It was such a blessing to get to spend a whole weekend together. I am truly blessed by this man, and thankful that, 23 years ago, God brought him into the world... and 21 years after that, brought our worlds together.

I also made a  Crumbleberry Pie - per the request of the birthday boy...

Oh man, I am blessed.

-Laura

PS - On my trip, my hotel room had this amazing view... what an awesome Creator we have!

                                            



PPS - I would love to hear how God has shown grace in your life...

"Don't Judge Me!"

One of the things that Cole and I have tried to do since we began dating is remind each other of very specific ways in which we see God's grace extended towards us in our lives.  One of those incredible evidences of His grace is the church in which we have found ourselves here in Forest Grove. (Technically, the church is located in Hillsboro, but whatev.)

We have been blessed by the preaching, the fellowship, and the small group community group   that we are a part of. We have been working our way through the book of James for the last, oh 16 or so weeks, and this last Sunday, one of our elders preached an excellent sermon on James 4:11-12. You can listen to it here. It's called "Don't Judge Me."  So if you have some time, give it a listen.  If you don't have time, make time.

Just a little plug for our wonderful church that we have been so blessed to be a part of!

Now, back to the birthday weekend celebrations for my wonderful hubby!  (23 years of God's grace!!)

-Laura

Fairytales DO Come True!

When I was a little girl, I loved to play dress-up.  Wearing my mom’s old gowns and too-big high heels, I would twirl in front of the full length mirror in a daydream.  I dreamt of a day when I was older, more beautiful.  I wistfully dreamed of a handsome Prince Charming to come sweep me off my feet. I secretly hoped for a love story that would measure up to all of my glass slipper dreams. I hoped for a hero to save me from any looming dragons. I wanted a man to love me and make me feel beautiful.

When I was a teenager, I didn’t play dress-up as much.  Other techniques were employed to feel beautiful. Dreams of a glass slipper love story began to wane as the reality of life set in. I resigned myself to the fact that any idea of “Prince Charming” deserved to stay in the fairytales. However, part of me still wanted to be loved, still wanted to be beautiful, but I also didn’t want to be disappointed.

In a fantastical world that would allow time-travel, I wish I could go back in time to tell that little girl that, in the end, Prince Charming does come and he is more than she could have ever dreamed of. I wish I could see her eyes light up in wondrous hope and excitement as I tell her that, not only do her dreams materialize into a real world fairytale, but that her love story is greater than any glass slipper could tell.  I wish I could tell her that he will love her and make her feel more beautiful than she’s ever felt. I wish I could tell her that she finds her hero.

In that same fantastical world, I wish I could go back and talk to that teenager. I wish I could tell her not to settle. I would tell her not to lose hope. I wish I could tell her that “Prince Charming” exists in real life and that he actually chooses her! I wish I could tell her that she is worth pursuing and that an amazing man will end up being the champion of her heart.  That he will exceed anything she had ever dreamed of. That he would grow to become her best friend, hero, protector, defender, comforter, and love.

There are so many things I wish I could go back and tell that little girl and that teenager. I want to tell them, “Guess what?! He’s real! And you find him!” But that would change things. It’s the uncertainty of life that molds us into who we are. So I will not go back in time and ruin the sweet surprise for them. But sometimes, the little girl inside of me wants to stand on my chair in a crowded room and yell, “Guess what?! He’s real! And he found me and he is everything and more than I ever wanted!”

My Prince Charming puts Cinderella to shame and our love story beats the glass slipper, magical rose, and flying carpet.  I found the one!  I love you, Cole Vernon Boboth!

Ephesians 3:20 – Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

-Laura

Food Lately

Holy Moly!  Can you believe it is NOVEMBER already?!  I am truly not sure where the time has gone... Nevertheless, I am quite happy to be that much closer to the holidays and time with our family!

(Drastic change of subject) I cook sometimes. And I enjoy it a lot.  I also occasionally take pictures of the products of my kitchen. And you can see them. Now.

Molasses Cookies - a fall staple

 Apple Pie

Homemade Pasta for Dinner!

Spaghetti Sauce

Homemade French Bread

Dinner!

And now it's time for a workout.  Welcome to November!

-Laura

ENGAGED!!

One of my very best friends called me last Thursday as I sat in the airport waiting for my flight.  She called to tell me something that had been a long time coming. Her man had popped the question.  While I did my best to contain my excitement in such a public place, I still got quite a few weird looks as a result of my muffled scream of excitement.

So congratulations, Dani and Adam, I couldn’t be more thrilled for you two! You guys are great together! Adam, thank you for making my best friend so happy and for treating her so well.  Thank you for pursuing her heart in a way no one else could.  Thank you for being the man that she needs. Thank you for loving her.  Dani, I love you so much and I cannot wait to see the way God works in your life through this man.  Way to show Pancakes who’s boss!

Here’s to a lifetime showering of God’s grace and faithfulness… as He has so evidently demonstrated in your relationship thusfar! Love you so much!

Here's the happy couple...

-Laura

Lessons at a Gas Station

I live in Oregon now and have obtained a driver's license from this state; does that make me an Oregonian? I just bought my first pair of rainboots (and they're super cute). Does that make me an Oregonian? I don't pump my own gas... Oregonian much?  Well, I have a story for you...

Last week, I was driving home from a business trip in the Seattle area.  My gas tank was in need of replenishment so I stopped at a gas station.

 Note: One of my largest frustrations since moving to Forest Grove is the fact that I have to let someone else pump my gas.  I am fully capable of doing so, and it takes far more time to wait for the attendant to help me.  I'm too efficient to be burdened with those additional seconds while I wait to be served.  Often, for me, the scene at the gas station looks like this: I pull in, wait, and wait, and wait. I am finally served. My gas finishes pumping but the attendant has moved on to help someone else.  SO now I must wait longer for them to return to remove the gas pump.  Impatience and frustration ensues.

Back to the story at hand... I pulled in and there was only one other car there... being in a hurry to get home, I was relieved in seeing the solitary car in hopes that my service would be quick and efficient. I waited. I cleaned up some stray garbage in my car. And waited. Five minutes later (which is a long time), the other car had left and I had yet to be served.  So I sat there stewing about how inefficient the state of Oregon is, how annoying it is that I can't pump my own gas, how the world would be better if I were at the helm, etc...

Then it hit me.  I was still in Washington.

Who's the fool now?  So I humbly got out of my car and pumped my gas and was on my way - struck by what had just happened.

The situation is comical, but many times in my life, I find that I am driven by my desire for efficiency and my all-too-present impatience rather than love & compassion.  As a result, I find myself being driven by my own selfish agenda... and I don't see others.  I'm reading a phenomenal book at the suggestion of my good friend, Loraena Tuttle, about Jesus and the way in which He loved.  It has brought to my attention the way in which efficiency drives my life as opposed to love.  Jesus' life was driven by love rather than efficiency.  The fact is, love is not efficient.

Granted, while I was seething in my car, the only person I was hurting was myself... but that was just a reminder of the many times that I assume the worst about a person or a situation before I examine my own fault in the matter.  I am blinded by the proverbial log in my own eye, and all I can see is the speck in someone else's.   I am so frustrated at the attendant for not serving me, when - all along - I was the one who was wrong.

So now that I expect others to pump my own gas, perhaps that does indeed make me an Oregonian.  But the fact that I don't always choose love in a situation shows that I am really a sinner in need of a Savior.

-Laura

Dancing

Dancing is not an uncommon occurrence in the Boboth house. We can often be caught keeping step in the kitchen, living room, or wherever there's a large enough space for my husband to grab me by the waist and pull me close and swing me around. It's great and I love it. (And somewhat reminiscent of the not-too-long-ago dance sessions with my dad in our kitchen :)

Well, I came across this great song that uses dancing as part of a metaphor for marriage. So check out this sweet song by Andrew Peterson:



Or listen to it here.

So, Cole, thank you for dancing with me through the minefields of life and the minefields that will come; thank you for leading me so faithfully even when the music isn't playing; and thank you, oh thank you, for choosing me to be your dance partner for the rest of our days.

-Laura