tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60912439806165977462012-02-16T05:15:48.041-08:00The life of a wife, mama and church planterJenn Beckernoreply@blogger.comBlogger1361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-9447580322595561542011-12-31T09:01:00.000-08:002011-12-31T09:01:58.488-08:00

It's December 31.  It's been exactly 9 months, 1 week and 2 days since I last posted here.  I could talk about why, but I'm not sure even I know.  Instead, in true New Year's Eve tradition let's reminisce about 2011 and hopefully catch you all up. 2011 can truly be described by the word NEW.  Here are some of the new things that have come our way... In January we set out on a new adventure and

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-14796380549046791472011-03-22T09:29:00.000-07:002011-03-22T09:34:56.017-07:00

Yet another childhood song is running through my head, well just one line of a song, actually. "..And the horse and the rider fell into the sea.."  Over and over its spinning around in my brain.  I'm pretty sure it's because I've been working my way through the highlights of Exodus via YouVersion's First Steps reading plan.  Can you believe those Israelites?! I've been taught, read through and

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-78650808348030339272011-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:002011-03-18T13:30:15.871-07:00

It's dark and gray and mid-March.  I can hear the Madness in the background as I peruse my long list of blogs.  I'd love to be writing this with more wit and spunk today, but it's just not in me.  It's a cuddle in a down comforter, drink a pot of coffee and watch your favorite movie kind of a day...but, alas, I have a two year old who has yet to discover the beauty in doing nothing.  So, it will

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-2089014050018118642011-03-16T13:26:00.000-07:002011-03-16T13:26:13.590-07:00

(I apologize ahead of time for the terrible quality of these photos.  They were all taken from my phone.) Elli has two sets of wonderful grandparents.  These spoil-her-rotten nanas and papas have all dubbed our sweet, funny daughter with the same label.  "Busy".  You and I both know this, at times, is a benign way of saying "your kid is out of control".  Overall, however, Ms. Elliana is "busy"

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-41714752760375702032011-03-12T12:32:00.000-08:002011-03-12T12:32:14.025-08:00

Zacchaeus was a wee little man...or so the Sunday school song goes.  I love this man's story.  Zacchaeus was small in stature, but he was one determined short guy.  He was a wealthy big kahuna of the local IRS.  My guess is climbing the ladder of a corrupt institution doesn't happen by chance.  Nor did Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus.  He had probably heard

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-61537412902069682812011-03-09T22:16:00.000-08:002011-03-09T22:16:19.940-08:00

I've become obsessed.  I'm on the hunt.  I want  this.  I know what you're thinking.  Wha...? Don't worry about it. I happen to like it.  Courtesy of Country Living A lot. But. It's really, REALLY expensive. Do you think it's possible to replicate? I'm having visions of a pale blue one for Elli's room...with a removable top for extra storage. Wouldn't it look great with her bedding?

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-45909282635902241572011-03-07T13:20:00.000-08:002011-03-07T13:21:39.442-08:00

It's been FOUR long months of living with naked walls, blank surfaces and a big empty front room since the great real estate tragedy of 2010.  We are so over it...well, at least we're telling ourselves we are.  What we really are over is the ridiculously hollow feeling of living in a blank, packed up house.  I. HATE. IT.  I don't enjoy coming home to a rug.  Yep, a rug.  That's what you see

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-35897274106085789752011-03-04T13:47:00.000-08:002011-03-04T13:47:04.000-08:00

I said I was going to get back into blogging and I meant it, dang it!  So here goes... (warning:  this may be a very very boring post for most of you...I'm just pretending I have blog friends that actually care about this stuff) During my blogging hiatus, we were crazy busy doing all sorts of things that don't typically pop to the top of your mental list when you decide to church plant.  For

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-30734172045686989692011-02-19T13:20:00.000-08:002011-02-19T13:20:32.265-08:00

It's been a long long long time since I've blogged.  I've thought about it.  Attempted it even.  BUT I didn't.  Too much was swirling around in my head and my calendar looked like an NBA playbook, not pretty.  So much has changed since October!  We didn't move.  Our house had to go back on the market and since normal people don't try to move during the holidays...welp, here we are!  I'm getting

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-32541927254956718022010-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:002010-10-14T09:39:36.216-07:00

Today I woke up and made a deliberate choice to be content and thankful.  It was definitely a choice, not a feeling.  The day has progressed, however, and the choice is beginning to shift my feelings from anxiety to resolute peace.  Our God is good and He knows the future.  There is no good reason to fret and fear. Remember the little house?  Well, the deal for that house is now on life support

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-66541551746438249962010-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:002010-10-11T21:02:21.373-07:00

So here I am, trying my darnedest to push aside my perfectionist disease tendencies and just write.  Our lives have been interesting the last three weeks.  We have been in the middle of finalizing the sale of our house and the buying of another.  I was hoping I would be writing to you from the soon-to-be cozy confines of our new home.  Due to delays on our buyer's end I am instead writing from

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-68721276130876055072010-09-24T08:50:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:50:06.151-07:00

The past month or so I have felt like anything BUT a great mama.  We have gone from our typical intense summer schedule right into a non-stop September filled with meetings, moving and random work trips.  Normally, I try to keep Elli's schedule fairly routine and balanced, but lately that just hasn't been much of a reality.  I'd like to be one of those mamas that never EVER turns the TV on to

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-71014564123063158392010-09-24T08:05:00.000-07:002010-09-24T08:05:01.655-07:00

This is what my living room looks like. (well, not *really* but I can't get my camera to cooperate with me today)  Yep, in all of it's moving splendor.  Have I mentioned to you how much I dislike moving?  I don't mind the unpacking part, it's like rediscovering all of the stuff you already had.  The packing, however, I could do without.  Where are a few good house boys movers when you need 'em?

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-1624124830250227522010-09-13T21:45:00.000-07:002010-09-13T21:45:25.905-07:00

For nearly 6 weeks I've been working with Take Shape for Life and using Medifast products in an effort to lose weight.  I have needed to get quite a few pounds of for a long, long time and finally had enough.  I've tried over and over to control things on my own, but decided I needed a temporary plan that would allow me to not have to think about what I was going to eat all day.  TSFL/MF seemed

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-13898167183541288732010-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:002010-09-08T13:58:41.670-07:00

 Holy Smokes.  We move in less than 26 days!  The reality of moving and running my crazy life at the same time has hit me like a Mack truck this morning.  I can feel the muscles on my shoulders scrunching into coiled stones as we speak.  AHHHHH! Well, at least I have all of cyberspace to vent to. Now off to seek healing from perfectionist paralysis so that I can actually get something

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-22743406179550720412010-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:002010-09-07T10:28:57.212-07:00

As a pastor's wife it is hard to find true kindred spirits.  It's different for us than it is for others.  Our schedules are weird.   Nine to five is not in our vocabulary.  Vulnerability always partners with risk.  Leadership is rarely something you can put to rest while chatting over coffee.  Finding friends who "get it" and you feel safe with is rare.  Today, as I listened to the Just One

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-2574482327668851112010-09-03T15:12:00.000-07:002010-09-03T15:12:43.086-07:00

It's funny how one little blog idea can snowball into a creativity whirlwind.  Earlier this evening while scrubbing the kitchen counter I began to think about my new kitchen-to-be.  Any major renovations are likely to be fairly far down the road, but there is no way I can leave it entirely alone until then.  It's tiny, it's a bit dark, and it has floral laminate...enough said.  A little later

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-60471587465972603302010-08-26T14:10:00.000-07:002010-08-26T14:10:08.486-07:00

Welp.  You just may be hearing a lot about what I have deemed "the little house" in the near future.  Yessiree, we have a house (all financial rigmarole pending of course).  We bid on a 1080 square foot house in SE Portland and this time the owners didn't change their minds about selling! As of right now the house is far from what a had dreamed we'd move into.  Instead of an adorable craftsman

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-31967345494938653992010-08-21T10:38:00.000-07:002010-08-21T10:38:19.340-07:00

I totally should be cleaning right now.  I shouldn't still be in my jammies.  I should probably turn off FoodNetwork.  I don't want to.  So, here I am!  Ta Dah!  Ready for more updates? Let's see...the launch team for Hopecity is growing!  We have met together 4 times now and each time I get more and more excited for our future together.  We recently have added a new couple who just moved here

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-35664399983281864162010-08-18T14:44:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:44:07.791-07:00

I said I would update you on our lives and since I don't want to be a liar, here I am! Let's see...vacation was wonderful.  We had an entire 8 days to relax by the lake fishing and floating our little hearts out.  Of all of the activities to do (other than eat, which seems to be the main occupation at Wanacut) Elli most enjoyed all things having to do with dirt and gravel.  Nana B. brought her a

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-34645241383911426432010-08-15T22:37:00.000-07:002010-08-15T22:37:54.176-07:00

Don't be alarmed.  I know the last time you heard from me was right before vacation...over a month ago!  Despite the rumors, I did not die, I did not immigrate to Canada, nor did I drift away on the world's greatest float while sipping diet Coke and coated with SPF 93 never to be found again.  Nope.  I simply...well...I don't know what happened really. Oh. wait. Yes. I DO know what happened.

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-50626586238962704462010-07-05T12:39:00.000-07:002010-07-05T12:39:26.915-07:00

I have a nice healthy to-do list sitting on the table next to me as we speak, yet all I want to do is pack and plan for vacation. Sure, my floors have a visible film on them and my laundry is begging to be put away. Yes, as a matter of fact that IS dog hair on every couch pillow we own, but I just can't seem to move myself toward a lint roller. sigh... Four. more. days. I just need to get my

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-7647359810294588672010-07-01T13:10:00.000-07:002010-07-01T13:23:55.889-07:00

Hello All! We're keeping ourselves quite busy this week selling fireworks for youth camp (if your local come see us at 82Nd & Foster in the Fred Meyer lot). Brian and I are thrilled the week is cruising by...vacation is so close we can taste it! woo hoo! I just wanted to take a quick moment and share with you a fun new link. I discovered this blog through Flower Patch Farm Girl (follow her and

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-88843653520214023062010-06-26T21:36:00.000-07:002010-06-26T21:52:46.635-07:00

Brian and I ventured up north this weekend. It was so nice to have a quick get-away and enjoy his sister's family (and their lovely water view). The older cousins were so sweet to Elli and she had a ball playing with the "big kids". Brian and our brother-in-law ran the Seattle Rock n Roll half marathon and had what they classify as a "great time". Running for 13.1 miles sounds more like

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-43593379314042276182010-06-22T13:21:00.001-07:002010-06-22T13:53:48.738-07:00

FINALLY! We have had an official break in the clouds and have basked in all of the sunshine glory! Our tiny back yard even offered a little toddler adventure... It was a bright and sunny post-lunch/pre-nap afternoon when the beast appeared... He. Was. Huge. I'll admit, we were intimidated at first, but curiosity rang supreme. He was a fast bugger...but we were determined. Little

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-89586165663697813422010-06-22T09:09:00.000-07:002010-06-22T09:09:30.027-07:00

Despite the weird November like conditions outside it is now officially summer!  Our summer calendar is already jam packed as usual. From this point on we don't have a free week or weekend until August.  This has been our life for 11 years now.  Summer for us has never been as it was in childhood, a time to be lazy in the warm sun (HA!) enjoying otter pops and buckets of fresh Oregon berries.  No

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-65680420071411549302010-06-17T22:22:00.000-07:002010-06-17T22:22:18.750-07:00

I'm thinking about running away with this nail polish. I'm not typically a nail polish type of girl...mostly because I'm a perfectionist and it bugs me when I can't maintain salon perfect polish. (or maybe I'm just far too impatient to wait for my nails to dry AND cure and do whatever else they have to do in order to avoid waking up with sheet wrinkles imprinted on my nails) This product,

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-32775849965086936252010-06-17T10:48:00.000-07:002010-06-17T10:48:05.816-07:00

I've been reading through Galatians this week, which turns out to be perfect timing for my current state.  God is always so faithful to me as I read His word, bringing alive the familiar verses that have been underlined and scribbled around.  He has brought to light quite a few verses to me, but today the one Holy Spirit chose to point out was a little more difficult to chew. Bear (endure, carry)

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-29491113598927414812010-06-16T08:33:00.000-07:002010-06-16T08:33:32.197-07:00

I did it. I officially crossed EVERY SINGLE THING off of my to-do list two days in a row! I know what you're thinking. How could this be? Is this not the perfectionist turned procrastinator we know and love? Is this not the "I'm just so busy I can't keep up but the truth is I'm just facebook stalking too much" girl? Yes, yes it is...sorta. I'm choosing to declare now and forever...I'M A WHOLE NEW

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-21498415480641148122010-06-13T09:00:00.000-07:002010-06-13T09:06:25.431-07:00

I think I'm in love. This pretty little gem shop was shared on Pioneer Woman this weekend and I can't stop looking at it. Who knew I would like something so modern and unique, but that is exactly why I like it! The prices are just as lovely as the product. Which one would you buy?

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-13892309717571361822010-06-12T08:51:00.000-07:002010-06-12T09:51:18.570-07:00

I've had a single lyric going through my head all week. The problem is I'm not exactly sure what the last word is. I thought I was sure...then I began to doubt. Either way the meaning is incredible. Option #1 (what I originally thought the words were) Just one word, just one word, just one word from You can shatter a thousand lives... As this line echoed through my brain my thoughts

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-25734964539820570742010-06-10T14:42:00.001-07:002010-06-10T20:37:50.656-07:00

It's been far too long since I've posted something. To be honest, I've started a few posts here and there over that last few weeks, but ended up getting distracted and there they lie, incomplete, in my drafts folder. In my last post I mentioned our "little" issue with rain. Brian and I were desperate for some good weather in order to complete some projects so that we could get our house on the

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-44797126747499496592010-05-26T08:01:00.000-07:002010-05-26T14:58:54.271-07:00

I'm a born and bred Oregonian. The rain that baffles the rest of the country only makes me feel more at home. Even when it rains non-stop for what feels like 40 days and nights I'm rarely the one to complain. I HATE being hot, so the longer the temperatures stay in the 60s, the better for me. (I told you I was a TRUE Oregonian!) We are now staring down the barrel at June, however, and it is

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-81197350353916163702010-05-25T08:35:00.000-07:002010-05-25T09:28:18.920-07:00

Friday Brian and I met with the realtors that helped us by our home 5 and 1/2 years ago. We have decided to put our house on the market after Memorial day weekend. It feels quite surreal. We LOVE this house. It's not going to be easy to see someone else have there way with it. In this house we have painted, repainted, refloored, and learned how replace ugly molding with pretty molding. In

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-48032178947850280432010-05-19T09:27:00.001-07:002010-05-19T09:53:18.453-07:00

Thank you to all who had us in your prayers yesterday. We had an evening filled with great people wanting to know more or be a part of Hopecity. I had a wave of awe and sense of deep honor wash over me last night as I looked at people willing to take this huge leap of faith with us. I am so excited for final decisions to be made and the first gathering of our real deal team. I know God is forming

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-2055471309009992202010-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:002010-05-18T09:00:02.806-07:00

Hello all of my friends (and Polish mystery)! I just wanted to drop a quick note asking for your prayers. Tonight is our first info/open house meeting for Hopecity Church. I cannot even explain how excited I am. My husband has been working like a mad man filing legal documents, opening accounts, choosing logos, networking (meetings, meetings meetings), and writing out at least 27 drafts for

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-18687769275660951892010-05-13T11:08:00.001-07:002010-05-13T14:19:07.781-07:00

SOME people (ahem...) have been giving Miss Elli a hard time because she has decided she will do all things in the gross motor skill department when she's good and ready, not when the development charts say so. This, unfortunately, (or maybe fortunately, I'm not sure yet) includes standing independently and walking. According to our Dr. and the 534 parenting books I have, walking should occur

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-66460310947965027732010-04-29T14:41:00.000-07:002010-04-29T14:41:56.000-07:00

According to my Stat Counter and Google Analytics I have a consistent following in Poland.  I have never been to Poland and I don't know anyone in or from Poland.  For the past few weeks, however, my blog has had hit after hit from this region.  So this one goes out to my cyber friends in Poland...Could you please make yourselves known?  Why do you read this blog?  How did you find it?  Are you

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-80103820697663598372010-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:002010-04-27T11:04:09.289-07:00

Today, more than ever I realized how much I like to be right. (I can hear my husband now, guffawing as he reads that last sentence)  Those of you who know me, I fear are rolling your eyes or nodding at your computer screen saying "MMMhm!", but hear me out. I realized today I like to be right in the sense of I like to be helpful.  I like to know tips and tidbits that make someone's day easier.  I

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-55112686538806398112010-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:002010-04-26T08:21:33.215-07:00

17. Elli hiding the fact she can stand on her own and getting caught 18. My baby sister home for two weeks (yes, she's always this cool) 19. Playing games with great friends...AND WINNING! 20. A quick trip to the beach 21. A perfect text from my man at the perfect time 22. Spiritually relief after some tough inward battles 23. Praise Baby DVDs (thank you, LORD!!!) 24. Seeing Pioneer Woman with

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-40482678294369399682010-04-20T09:45:00.000-07:002010-04-20T09:45:48.198-07:00

I've mentioned before that I am a confessed blog stalker.  My stalking, however, pales in comparison to my mother's stalking capabilities.  I'm fairly certain my mom has an internal radar that dings in her ear before one of her favorite bloggers even has time to get up from their chair after clicking "PUBLISH POST". Last night one of my mom's favorite bloggers (and quickly becoming one of mine)

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-86949629262525518982010-04-12T21:22:00.000-07:002010-04-12T21:23:08.563-07:00

Hello there.  I know it's been a while.  The truth is I've been avoiding you.  Well, not YOU necessarily,  more what I would TELL you. To say last week was tough would be an understatement.  I don't know what started it exactly, but a dark heavy cloud definitely chose me as it's new best friend.  I spent the whole week feeling gloomy, grey and downright sorry for myself.  Did I mention that I

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-53671831098050857582010-03-25T10:52:00.000-07:002010-03-25T10:52:58.023-07:00

And she has a FABULOUS blog!  Have you checked it out yet?  If not, now is the perfect time because she is doing her first giveaway! Go here and become a follower and then post a comment to enter to win! :)

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-8810537605215716092010-03-19T09:39:00.000-07:002010-03-19T09:39:29.277-07:00

Well, I suppose it's time to address what most of you know already.  My life is changing in a huge gigantisaur way!  Brian and I have officially become church planters.  That still seems weird even to type.  Our amazing home church has decided to close its Portland campus so that everyone can be one big ball of momentous energy in Vancouver.  It's the perfect move for Truelife.  Brian and I,

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-56972721150955654842010-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:002010-03-18T22:00:56.061-07:00

Jessica Turner brought up a great internal debate I've been having.  Is it time for Elli to give up the paci?  She's 13 months old now and I can see her gradually becoming more and more obsessed with it.  She's only ever had it during nap/bedtime and church services (when she feels the need to chat with Daddy or Papa while they're on the mic).   Lately, however, whenever she finds one that she

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-48464597516437156662010-03-10T09:51:00.000-08:002010-03-13T15:04:43.615-08:00

****Update**** Verve's building certificate has arrived!  WOOHOO!  Thanks so much for your prayers.  I can't wait to hear how there launch goes! ___________________________________ At first this may feel a bit out of place since my posts have been so sparse lately, but I just HAVE to let you know about something! For well over a year Brian and I have been following the journey of Vince and Jen

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-44025711307285187472010-03-02T15:28:00.000-08:002010-03-02T15:28:37.062-08:00

I have to confess something.  I am a stalker.  Nearly each day I open my google reader and get a tiny touch of the butterflies when one of my favorite bloggers has a new post.  I devour it quickly, drooling over their great creativity,  wishing that I would win one of their giveaways so that we could email each other personally and (most embarassing of all) feeling certain yet again that if I met

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-14580927283903571672010-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:002010-02-23T15:56:17.114-08:00

I love books.  Have I mentioned that before?  Or maybe a thousand times?  I have had a love affair with books since turquoise and mustard shag and heavy polyester turqoise damask were semi-acceptable choices for a bedroom.  I think I was around 6 or 7 then and reading the Grandma's Attic series by flashlight, wishing I had lived in the era of baked potato hand warmers, shoe button rag dolls and

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-34614011302334368862010-02-20T21:04:00.000-08:002010-02-20T21:09:10.413-08:00

I promised I'd share pics of Elli's first birthday/my "craftiness" once I finally got a hold of them. Well...du du du dah...here they are!  Since Elli was born day after Valentine's and her middle name is Valentine I chose to include V-Day into her birthday and had a "Lovebug" theme. One giant love bug  (made from foam board covered in tissue paper, spraypainted chipboard letters and glittery

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-29437809748264903762010-02-17T14:21:00.000-08:002010-02-17T14:21:28.319-08:00

Wow, we have had quite the few fun-filled days!  In a matter of three days we had our little lovebug's birthday party with family, celebrated Valentine's day and the enjoyed Elliana Valentine's actual birthday on Monday!  I can hardly believe it...somehow between what feels like just last week and this week she went from a tiny snuggly mushball that I couldn't stop staring at to a sweet, goofy,

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-33308684497950070512010-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:002010-02-10T10:47:21.898-08:00

We are by the sea this week.  Much like my Mama, the sea feels like home to me.  It's consistant rushing hum in the background is a constant whisper of God's immeasurable greatness and the depth of His love. As I gaze upon His most soothing, yet most powerful acts of creation my heart is drawn to the beautiful mixture of gentle love and terrible strength that only the Creator can possess. 

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-90579096162538355202010-02-09T08:00:00.000-08:002010-02-09T08:00:15.835-08:00

Beth Moore is having a book discussion for her new book SO LONG INSECURITY on her blog.  I'm joining...what about you?

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-68470146174625873702010-02-05T16:18:00.000-08:002010-02-05T16:18:36.358-08:00

Friday Favorites are back!  Woot woot!  As some of you know I've been traveling quite a bit over the past two months.  We have been to Walla Walla, Wa, Seaside, OR, Kansas City, MO, Auburn, WA, and Sacramento, CA all since the week before Christmas!  We have one more mini trip back in Seaside next week and then our worldly travels will be DONE for a while!  Yeah for home!  In the midst of all

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-12513423487204836892010-02-03T09:05:00.000-08:002010-02-03T09:05:52.686-08:00

I fumbled out of bed, baby in tow and sludged into the morning routine. Baby's bottle-Baby's breakfast-playing with baby...then nap time.  Sweet, sweet naptime. All the while I feel like I'm going to explode.  Echoes of my harsh words from before I had even lifted the covers ring in my heart.  Why?  What is my problem?!  Everything's fine!  1000 different thoughts, lists, and must are floating

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-19894447817436905222010-01-19T14:10:00.000-08:002010-01-19T14:10:07.796-08:00

I haven't blogged for quite sometime, primarily due to the fact that I've been gone 20 out of the last 30 days. Within that time period 2009 left with a shout and 2010 arrived screaming. Until now I haven't had a moment to boil down what I'd like to see happen in 2010 into a concise statement. (You know, one of those "I really want to impress people" statements.) I read a blog article today by

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-15019950151418201632009-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:002009-12-18T16:32:38.796-08:00

"This isn't so bad, but my pinchers are ready just in case.." "Wait-why is this guy looking at me?  Is anyone else getting nervous?" "ok, I'm definitely nervous and definitely done now."

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-86475196627577936852009-12-10T00:04:00.000-08:002009-12-10T00:04:09.863-08:00

OH precious, beautiful touch screen computer...I really want to win you! Check out MckMama's page...you can enter for a chance to win this HP TouchSmart beauty too!

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-24989053357195735422009-12-07T22:47:00.000-08:002009-12-07T22:47:09.149-08:00

Hello? Are you still there?  As the holiday season goes things have picked up from busy to super sonic insanity.  Beyond that, this is my first year trying to balance church holiday stuff, family holiday stuff, work stuff, and home WHILE trying to still be a great mommy!  I'm feeling a bit like a house of cards, but I just keep telling myself I'm still in the middle of a learning curve...right?..

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-30594713384334507792009-11-24T16:25:00.000-08:002009-11-24T16:38:06.654-08:00

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is coming up with inexpensive, but creative and beautiful ways to decorate the table.  This year, because it will be Elli's first Turkey day, the table is going to be kid-themed.  In preparation I had my niece and nephew over to create the main centerpieces. Once I saw the idea for this votive, I knew it would be perfect for our theme.  I followed

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-49776163861326691282009-11-18T09:34:00.000-08:002009-11-18T09:38:19.158-08:00

It's been one of those days...for a few days now.  First it was me, now it is baby all stuffed up, achy and feeling yucky.  Contentment comes in small bursts in between fitful sleep and whining discomfort.  Yesterday, however, we received a sudden window of joy. Due to illness, it's been a few days since real and true connection and my heart was longing, missing the One.  Baby and I sat down

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-11660635531215590032009-11-17T23:10:00.000-08:002009-11-17T23:12:19.426-08:00

Scarves, scarves, scarves.  I love them.  I want more of them for myself and my friends.  I'm not rich nor can I sew, knit or crochet, so how do I get my hands on more scarves? Here are a few great solutions on Grosgrain Some of these beauties are beyond my skill level (ie. sewing, knitting, etc), but several of them are easy enough that even I, the non-sewing Martha wannabe, could make them. 

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-63928949272095228812009-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:002009-11-17T09:53:03.952-08:00

My partner in crime may kill me for this, but I can't keep this secret any longer.  I've been cheating with another...blog.  Here it is, our "so honest it's scary, but hopefully it'll help us AND others" blog. Go ahead and take a peek, and let us know what you think...maybe even become a subscriber (follow).  You might just like it.

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-76482237426505188412009-11-11T21:43:00.000-08:002009-11-11T21:43:34.320-08:00

This is why I need to learn how to sew... And this... And these... Too bad I can't even sew a straight line...*sigh*...someday...

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-5991700172326116482009-11-11T15:45:00.000-08:002009-11-11T15:45:18.741-08:00

It's 3:37pm and I haven't showered yet.  I don't feel like it.  I'm having a weepy day and everything around me seems to fit the mood.  The skies are grey, Elli's not feeling 100%, my hair looks terrible (thanks to not showering), the kitchen has taken on a life of it's own, I have 4 "blemishes" and my Fels-Naptha bar (the ultimate stain remover EVER) is missing.  I'm not exactly sure what my

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-83479815868268591232009-11-09T10:33:00.000-08:002009-11-09T10:54:29.722-08:00

Over the past year I have become more and more agitated with situations in which people (myself included) just don't see what God has done for them, wants to do for them, who He is or His love.  It's frustrating to watch people (and, again, myself) struggle under a lack of understanding God's grace, favor, and freedom.  It's even more frustrating when this blindness leads them (or myself) into

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-90455208183335843182009-11-08T21:53:00.000-08:002009-11-09T10:55:23.909-08:00

Welp, getting back into the swing of things was a little more difficult than I anticipated this week, but I still made some definite strides forward.  As far as my goals from last week go here's how I did: 1. God: I did get up before Elli the days we were home this week and it was awesome!  I really enjoyed knowing I started the day off right and it really kept me focused on staying connected to

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-71552007841198400352009-11-02T10:26:00.000-08:002009-11-02T10:27:53.436-08:00

For the past few weeks I have become a blur.  I have stopped living with purpose in mind.  I have let random schedules, undone to-do lists, phone calls, emails, and most of all selfish desires rule my days.  Rather than falling asleep feeling content that I walked in God's plan for my life that day, I toss and turn knowing I wasted so much time or used so many weak excuses to avoid challenges. 

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-52359043856263191182009-10-25T20:17:00.000-07:002009-10-25T20:19:11.947-07:00

...since my floors have been mopped. ...since I have felt completely rested. ...since I've read a magazine in the month it was designed for. ...since I've returned an email, phone call or text  in a timely fashion. ...since morning talks have consisted of more than "Ba", "Gu", and "Ma". ...since making a balanced dinner has been a normal occurance. ...since my coffee table hasn't been

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-42183524968342629442009-10-22T09:23:00.000-07:002009-10-22T09:23:21.811-07:00

Yellow Finch Designs GIVEAWAY!!!! Have you checked out this blog? It's fully of wonderfull little lovelies all week long! I want the current give-away SOOO bad!

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-51684797794574884322009-10-15T11:36:00.000-07:002009-10-15T11:39:44.374-07:00

I spoke with one of my best friends in the world and she warned me.  She told me not to go here in order to avoid tears today.  She knows the cracks and crevices of loss.  She has had the same cracks in her own heart as I have.  I couldn't stay away, however, and  now I sit here with eyes overflowing.  So much pain has flooded so many different hearts.  The same kind of ache can be felt all

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-69841829982199224062009-10-13T14:10:00.000-07:002009-10-13T14:12:58.427-07:00

My husband, Brian, is doing a series at Switch called "Living with Leverage".  Tonight he'll be discussing purity, specifically, purity in romance/sex.  So...with this in mind (and at his request), I'd like to list my top 5 all time FAVORITE romantic chick flicks (I had to label them romantic because Beaches would be on my top 5 overall): Please Keep in mind this was REALLY hard to narrow down:

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-56936768860888768332009-10-10T22:09:00.000-07:002009-10-10T22:09:15.380-07:00

We've had quite the weekend in the Becker household and it's not even Sunday yet!  Yesterday we enjoyed a beautiful day with friends at the pumpkin patch.  For Elli it was a day of firsts...first time in a wheel barrow, first time seeing a pony, first time seeing, feeling, and licking (yuck) a pumpkin, first time on a hayride, first time tasting hay (yuck again), and first time falling asleep

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-22202071063544567812009-10-10T09:13:00.000-07:002009-10-10T09:13:16.981-07:00

Wow.  The week seemed to crawl by and then, WHAM, it' was Friday!  This is a tiny bit late, but I thought I'd post it anyway. As I've said before I LOVE LOVE LOVE fall!  Among many other things, one of the things I love about fall is our annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  This year was especially fun because we finally had our own baby to enjoy it with!  Instead of listing off a bunch of

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-65106629494491912992009-10-05T13:34:00.000-07:002009-10-05T13:34:00.836-07:00

I'm one of THOSE people.  You know, the type who has to research and weigh my options before eventually (and slowly according to my husband) making a decision.  So, as you can imagine, when it came to making purchases in preparation for our little one, I was out of control.  Consumer reports and a few helpful books became my best friends as I figured out which crib, stroller, carseat and baby

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-46992630076005971732009-10-04T21:39:00.000-07:002009-10-04T21:39:05.046-07:00

I just wanted to share a few pics from our quick (but much needed and appreciated) weekend away to Depoe Bay.  It was a sweet treasure to be able to be just the three of us for a few days.

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-43651161675508682302009-09-29T12:50:00.000-07:002009-09-29T12:50:17.316-07:00

Wow, our weekend went by so fast and now it's already TUESDAY!!!  I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who prayed for me over the weekend.  Due to your prayers I made it through 2 scary things without completely losing my mind! The first project of last week was finishing our taxes.  We were super busy with a newborn during tax season and had gotten an extension.  Well, it's now almost

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-39437439086064720422009-09-25T17:33:00.000-07:002009-09-25T17:33:57.960-07:00

Despite the still raised thermostat, fall is whispering its way into our lives and I welcome my favorite season with arms stretched wide.  It's hard to keep a favorites list short when it comes to fall, so I'll try to mention just a handful that have come my way this week... ...spice scented candles...neighborhood farmers market bursting with bounty...dramatic sunlight morning, noon and night...

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-21094455084759206122009-09-24T13:29:00.000-07:002009-09-24T13:30:09.288-07:00

Thought I'd check in real quick.  I'm having one of those weeks where I can't get my brain to think straight.  This is in part because I have two big projects on my plate, a house full of dust and chores AND (most importantly) a 7 month old that seems to be not napping and wanting mama more than usual lately.  So...I'm stuck in this constant brain limbo..."ok, I just fed her, so I'll put her

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-34956839737178751922009-09-18T14:23:00.000-07:002009-09-18T14:23:15.336-07:00

I love Fridays.  It's our day to be just us three (it's still moving to say THREE) and to do whatever we want, pushing the "to-do's" aside as much as possible.  Today we went to Costco.  Not because we really had to go to Costco, we just like going there.  What's not to like?  Here are my favorite things about Costco: 1. Movie Tickets. You can get two Regal (sometimes Cinemax or Century are

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-53971632892314649402009-09-14T16:10:00.000-07:002009-09-14T16:10:45.572-07:00

Some friends of ours had a baby this week.  The new baby got me all stirred about about MY baby not being so brand new anymore.  I have been living in denial that she is growing and growing FAST.  She will be SEVEN months old tomorrow and I can barely believe it.  She's officially in the second half of her first year?! While folding her gigantic pile of clothes (I swear, the girl has more

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-62011155460227650072009-09-14T15:33:00.000-07:002009-09-14T15:33:35.481-07:00

http://brianinptown.blogspot.com/2009/09/goals-aim-miss-success-yeah-sort-of.html His commitment and tenacity are a treasure that drive me crazy and makes me love him more. :)

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-64958751697791714302009-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:002009-09-14T10:25:16.479-07:00

Our church is entering in to a fast for the next 21 days.  With that in mind I attempted to spend the morning in prayer, reading and contemplating what exactly I will be fasting and praying.  I say attempted because I ended up getting distracted researching a certain verse and now it's almost time to get Elli up. Since our youth camp this summer I've been mulling the concept of "in spirit and in

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-5790009900866221862009-09-11T08:18:00.000-07:002009-09-11T08:18:57.361-07:00

I posted several times yesterday, but forgot to post my Friday Favorites!  Here are a few favorite things from my day to day life: Cold, grey mornings (I'm anxiously awaiting for cold, grey days to follow them) Instrumental piano (I've been opening this blog just to listen to the music) Millet (I've been making this grain for Elli and it's actually really yummy!) Picking fresh fruit from my own

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-83786471085917212832009-09-10T17:37:00.001-07:002009-09-10T20:51:00.011-07:00

Even though I have felt like I've been moving in slow motion all week, I at least accomplished cleaning out my closet. When I did I discovered this: The purse on the left is my current bag of choice, the minuscule purse on the right is apparently something I miraculously used in the past. I think my current wallet is bigger than this purse! Is the enlargement of your purse a sign of age or just

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-26204336805206204352009-09-10T17:19:00.000-07:002009-09-10T17:37:17.355-07:00

When we purchased our home nearly 5 years ago it had two fruit trees planted in the backyard. Since we both seem to be missing any sort of green thumb gene these trees have been virtually ignored. This week, however, I walked past our italian prune tree to discover a good amount of untouched and perfectly ripe fruit! Aren't they pretty? So I grabbed a bowl and picked away. Some of them we ate

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-53310764798594947082009-09-09T22:32:00.000-07:002009-09-09T23:31:54.364-07:00

I haven't forgotten what You have done for me. I hold grace in my arms everyday and breath gratitude. Yet, I feel distant. I know I can't live without You. I know You are my sustenance. Yet, I feel distant. My life is marked with joy as I feed, change, cradle, listen. Yet, so much else I do is meaningless and makes me feel distant. I need You. I crave You. I can't be me without You.

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-58824913631015160042009-09-08T23:58:00.000-07:002009-09-09T00:36:43.102-07:00

My sisters are funny. They have been making me laugh the longer than anyone else on the planet. They are both completely different from me and each other, but we all share the same weird humor. For example, I don't believe there are any other people who appreciate the fine art of Pauly Shore, Brendan Fraser and Chris Farley movies quite the way we do. We STILL quote Encino Man to each other

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-70319174911002066962009-09-08T08:43:00.000-07:002009-09-08T08:49:26.088-07:00

Each morning goes much the same way for me. It's not necessarily a good routine, but it is the current routine. Part of that routine has become reading bits and pieces from Ann Voskamp. Her writing stirs me, challenges me, and strikes a chord of awe. Below is an article she wrote for (in)courage. It contains the very truth that I hold so close to my heart. http://www.incourage.me/2009/09/

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-15591374123726850202009-09-05T10:08:00.000-07:002009-09-05T10:10:59.929-07:00

Drum roll please #4(chosen by Random.org) KT Stewart said... I want a book Katie, email your address and I will have the book sent out to you this week!

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-45856662321270311432009-09-04T00:05:00.000-07:002009-09-04T00:36:08.673-07:00

Lately I've been a blog addict. Most of the blogs I follow of late have just been so easy to connect to, bringing laughter, tears and comeraderie. It's strange because I don't actually know these people (which I have to remind myself), yet I feel like they play an important part in my life right now. Here are some blogs that I have really enjoyed lately: The Mom Creative (

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-87965192465420693272009-09-03T11:37:00.000-07:002009-09-03T11:41:48.477-07:00

This is the last day to enter to win a free copy of "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan! You can enter two ways #1 Leave a comment here and/or become a public follower of this blog. If you're already a follower that counts too. The drawing will take place Friday night. I can't wait to find out who wins!

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-79012205334321939692009-09-02T08:37:00.000-07:002009-09-02T09:51:05.362-07:00

I've officially realized I am ADDICTED to books! Everything from the varying covers, the texture of the pages and even the smell of the acidic ink call to me in a way I can barely resist! It doesn't really matter the type of book. I love novels, non-fictions, and christian books. I even love to read through craft, DIY and cookbooks. I'm not sure when this obsession started, but I'm fairly certain

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-132016349355269902009-08-28T09:33:00.001-07:002009-08-30T23:32:56.723-07:00

It's been a while since I've listed some favorites. I've actually been thinking about revamping my Friday Favorites concept, but until then there are a few things that I love right now that I thought were worth mentioning. My world is pretty focused around all things baby, so these are at the forefront of my favorites list: Bumkins Starter Bib Elli is eating solids now and I was surprised to

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-32839396508816712502009-08-19T09:05:00.001-07:002009-08-19T09:36:58.764-07:00

Yep, it's Wednesday. Wednesday, the day that I thought I had a lot more done. The day that I thought I might finally feel awake and recovered from a few crazy weeks of life. The day I was determined to have been caught up by. Instead, I sit here strolling through the blogs on my google reader, sipping much needed coffee and wishing it was acceptable to lay down and sleep for the next three

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-21533606878856604982009-08-16T16:06:00.000-07:002009-08-17T15:52:23.969-07:00

Do you ever just ache for a friend in trouble? You know, that friend who just seems to keep making choices that are either self destructive or just shockingly stupid? What do you do? How do you respond? I've been struggling with this for a while. What exactly are we as Christians supposed to do when our Christian friends are screwing up? What are we supposed to do when they're sinning on

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-53236588721859489172009-08-16T15:41:00.001-07:002009-08-16T15:58:40.139-07:00

Today marks my official day to be HOME for a while. Brian still has one more camp to go to, but I opted out due to work starting up and Elli's need to get back into our normal routine for longer than 3 days in a row. While I'm so thankful to be home and stay home, it has been an awesome experience to go to more than one camp this summer. We have met some incredible students, leaders,

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-11396943943716678132009-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:002009-08-03T22:40:41.705-07:00

Wow. Summer is FLYING by! I can't believe I'm staring mid-August in the face! Our boiling hot summer days have been crammed with all sorts of great things. We went camping with a huge group from our church and then did laundry and repacked to head off to youth camp. It was a great (but HOT) week. I felt a little disconnected at camp because Elli had her first major fever and sickness (she

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-9337325605214253562009-07-20T10:31:00.000-07:002009-07-20T11:08:10.472-07:00

Brian and I just returned from a wonderfully relaxing vacation. Here are just a few of the great pics from our time away. I'll be posting more soon. In the meantime I'm getting ready to leave town, AGAIN! We have a church camp-out this weekend and then youth camp next week. The summer's of a youth pastor and family are crazy, but we wouldn't have it any other way. When else do you get

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-76368706614627771212009-07-06T22:18:00.000-07:002009-07-06T22:35:39.166-07:00

I just spent the last few minutes reading through the journal's of Kate McRae's parents. Last weeks it was discovered that this 5 year old little girl had a brain tumor on the portion of the brain that controls motor function. Since the day of discovery Kate and her family have been in the hospital enduring countless tests, scans, a major brain surgery and the terrifying emotions that go along

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091243980616597746.post-32116817769254286162009-07-03T17:05:00.000-07:002009-07-03T17:12:50.608-07:00

It's hot...REAL hot. I HATE it. Did I mention I don't like the heat? There's a reason I live in the Pacific Northwest...to avoid temperatures like these (95 degrees). I don't even really understand why people DO like warm temperatures. Your uncomfortable, your skin burns (particularly when your my shade of pasty white), every (eh-em) crook and cranny gets sweaty and you're stuck inside near

Jenn Beckernoreply@blogger.com0