....Ahmed and I went on our first date. We went to Victoria's (an Italian restaurant in Rochester) and took a ridiculously cold walk in the snow (I'm pretty sure it was just because he wanted to have an excuse to put his arm around me:). Obviously, the date went pretty well. I never could have imagined what the next five years would hold for us. We have been through so much together already, and I wouldn't change anything.
Then...
December 2006
...NowI am so thankful God put Ahmed in my life- I love you so much!
October 2011
I love seeing blog posts and facebook updates from friends sharing things they are thankful for in the season of Thanksgiving. I don't have the patience to update things every day, but I have actually been trying to remind myself of things I have to be thankful for in the past few months. I have so much to be thankful for, so why is it so easy to be unhappy?
There are a few things I have been struggling with that make me feel unhappy. I have to constantly remind myself of things like "God is in control," "it's not about me" and "God's plan is better than mine." These are all things that I have personally learned through experience many times. God is always faithful and good; why do I need to keep reminding myself of that? I often end up feeling disappointed in myself and frustrated that being content seems to be so difficult.Rejoice always, pray continually, give things in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 The truth is, being content shouldn't be a struggle. When I think of all I have to be thankful for, it's not difficult to come up with a big list. Here is a small list of things I'm thankful for:
- I have the most amazing family. We are not perfect, and there's a lot of struggles within my family, but we can all be supportive of each other. I love them all so much!
- My mom is my best friend. I admire her faith and courage and am thankful for her love and support.
- I have a caring boyfriend. I'm thankful that he has put up with me for almost five years- we have been through a lot together
- I have two charming nephews and the sweetest niece ever. I love spoiling them and am thankful for the pure joy that they bring to my life
- I have a job. Even if it's not what was in my plan- it's a really great job, and I enjoy what I do
- My church
- Friends
- Music
- Sunshine
- Dessert
Thinking of all of these things that I do have help me put things into perspective. Even if my life isn't going the way I would like it to, it's still a pretty darn good life. I am ultimately on this earth to serve God- not myself, and I know that He has a better plan than I do. More than anything in my list, I am thankful for God's love and faithfulness.Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 22-23
- I could go on, but I need to go to bed, and I don't like really long posts :)
I love to take pictures. I am definitely not a professional, and I make a lot of mistakes, but I’m learning! If you know me at all, you know that my most popular photo subjects are my niece and nephews. These pictures are no exception, but there is a special occasion. These two special kids have birthdays this month!
Miss Emma is turning two soon. She is growing to be a sweet girl and is starting to be quite the little chatterbox!
Elvin is turning four, but this will be the first birthday we get to celebrate with him, so it's extra special. He is a cute little guy with a big personality.
And of course James had to get in the action too. Aren’t they the cutest? I sure think so :)
On Wednesday nights I volunteer at Awana at my church. In a room of 20ish 3-4 year old kids. Some weeks are just plain chaotic, but most weeks I leave with my heart full. It is so precious and powerful to watch little kids get excited to learn about God. Plus the kids are very entertaining.
Tonight was one of the chaotic nights, but it still put a smile on my face. A little conversation with two 4 year old boys:
Boy 1 (completely out of the blue): "When I turn 16 I'm going to change my name."Me: "Oh yeah? What are you going to change your name to?"Boy 1: "Mario"Me: "Wow- that's a cool name!"Boy 2: "When I turn 16 I'm going to change my name to Optimus Prime!!"
I have to wonder- where does a four year old learn about name changing? And Optimus Prime? Happy Wednesday! The week is more than half over!
I started using a couch to 5k running app on my phone in August. I ran very diligently at first, but I started to lose motivation over the past few weeks. There was a 4k road race in my home town weekend, so Ahmed and I decided we were going to give it a try. I have to admit it took a lot of convincing from Ahmed, but I participated in the race, and I'm so glad that I did! I made it the entire 2.5ish miles without walking. That doesn't sound like much, but it's a big deal to me. I don't even care that I ran pathetically slow. I made it.
what a beautiful morning!
Still smiling post-race
I also spent some time taking pics of these two cuties- they both have birthdays this month! A little sneak peak:
This sweet girl is going to be two. LOVE her!
...visit Lake City, MN- the birthplace of water skiing (for real- google it- I dare you!)
It was a quick trip that made for an enjoyable and relaxing Sunday afternoon.
Ahmed gets sick of taking self portraits. Too bad :)Here's a few more pictures:And then I had to leave for work at 5:45 this morning (yuck)...hello Monday!
I have been at my new job for about a month, and I was more than ready for a day off yesterday...ha! It has been a challenging, overwhelming, tiring month, but I have learned a lot and am so thankful that I have a job. And a little bit of a challenge is good for me, whether I like to admit it or not.
One perk of my job is I make my own hours, so I have been choosing long days Monday through Thursday and then working just a few hours on Fridays. Early Friday afternoon I headed to Iowa to spend the long weekend with my family. What a great weekend it was! Some highlights and pictures:
Giving James and Emma a bath and then watching them "run free" for a few minutes before getting jammies on. Emma peed on the floor. I laughed.
James and Grandma
Emma refused to say my name most of the weekend and thought it was funny to call me Heidi- what a stinker. She's not even two.
Love
Hiking at Oak Grove (state park near my parents' house) with some great people...which there are no pictures of because I brought my camera, but no memory card :(
Grandpa is such a pest
James and Emma yelling and trying to boss Petey (the dog) around while at Oak Grove...he didn't notice.
What a cutie
Spending a little (not enough) time with Ahmed before he left to go hiking in the Montana wilderness for the week.
"Hey Lenae, come take my picture!"
Great conversations with my parents and sister while spending a couple of hours in the car together Sunday afternoon.
She's as sweet as she looks...really.
Having a picnic and playing at the park before heading back to Minnesota. The only time I didn't fail at taking pictures.
My dad is a little obsessed with taking cell phone pics of the kids.
Have a good week!
