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