Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I am having a hard time at work right now, so instead of feeling sorry for myself and wallowing in my sadness, I have decided to write more about the people I admire most!
My father.
My father is resilient. My father is strong. My father inspires me to have courage and hope. My father is a man of God- and that is the most important trait of all. I still call him daddy, and I refuse to be embarrassed about it! He has always loved me, and he has never been afraid to show that love. Where some men shy away from visible and physical affection, my father never has; he will hold my hand, swoop me up in bear hugs, kiss me goodnight, and tell me he loves me every chance that he gets. I was able to find a loving, committed, and amazing husband based on the wonderful model that my father provided for me. whenever my faith is lacking, I think of two men- my father and my grandfather, Wayne Stoffel (whom I will post about another time!). they are both strong and faithful, despite many circumstances in their lives that encouraged otherwise. I remember a phone conversation that I had with my father one time, about 2 or 3 years ago. I was in the car with Brian, listening to K-Love (a christian radio station), and the radio personalities were discussing teenagers and their fragile faith. I immediately called my dad with a revelation. "Dad? I think a lot about how I must be big disappointment to you and mom, but I just thought of something. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, like the big one of dropping out of college, but you know what? I am a christian, and that is the most important thing of all. So isn't that something you guys are proud of?" My dad immediately explained how proud he was of me, and reaffirmed what I had just newly discovered: that he has always been proud of me, and that the other things ultimately didn't matter as long as I had a relationship with Christ. He constantly reassures me that he is proud of me. I love my dad more than I can really describe. He has always been there for me. He is exactly what a father should be... and more.
My Best Friend.
It is a little weird to have a best friend who you don't really talk to all that often, but I do. It is hard for me to get close with someone, but this is a girl that I know I can trust with my life. Even at times when I have neglected to call or even write, she has always been there waiting. she never fails to be there when I need her- whether it requires flying across the country to be with me. My best friend is Jenny Perillo.
I met Jenny in 9th grade during Gym. I don't remember exactly how we met, but I think it was along the lines of introducing ourselves (I'm sure she approached me first, since I tend to be painful shy around strangers), and after that, we were pretty much inseparable. Our birthdays were only two days apart, so we shared a birthday party that year. I spent many nights at her house; the last night was spent painting and cleaning the near empty house as I helped their family prepare to move to Texas. I have a VERY poor memory, but most of the time I spent with Jenny I remember quite vividly. I can remember saying goodbye to her in the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club parking lot... clinging onto her as she started to cry, and as she pulled away to get into her parent's car, feeling my own tears stinging my cheeks. I remember her visits. One time she surprised me- Brian waited until the wee hours of the morning for her delayed flight to arrive. My mother had me prepare my bedroom for a pretend "missionary kid" to spend the night (I still don't know how she got me to believe that one!). About 3 or 4 am, I remember a girl jumping on my bed, laughing, as I tried to see through the darkness... it was Jenny! She also flew across country to throw me a bridal shower- then flew back to California where she lived, drove her car to Texas for her sister, then flew from Texas to be here in time to be my maid of honor for my wedding. She flew back again, this time from her new home in NYC, to throw me a baby shower. I could spend hours detailing everything that Jenny has done for me, but I am at work right now, and I need to clock out eventually... ;)
Jenny is AMAZING. Any one of her friends would say the same. Jenny is the friend that my mother always wished I could emulate (while instead, I chose to more closely identify with my artsy, flighty friends... mediocre grades and all!). It's no wonder... Jenny is the super woman of real life. I wish I could spend more time to describe everything that makes her so wonderful, but it is nearing 9:30, and I need to catch my shuttle ride to the parking lot. I don't really feel like I did her justice here... and I didn't write near smooth as with other entries. But it is time for me to go. So basically... I will sum it up like this: I love you, Jenny!!!! I hope I will someday be able to be a tenth of the friend that you have been for me.
My father.
My father is resilient. My father is strong. My father inspires me to have courage and hope. My father is a man of God- and that is the most important trait of all. I still call him daddy, and I refuse to be embarrassed about it! He has always loved me, and he has never been afraid to show that love. Where some men shy away from visible and physical affection, my father never has; he will hold my hand, swoop me up in bear hugs, kiss me goodnight, and tell me he loves me every chance that he gets. I was able to find a loving, committed, and amazing husband based on the wonderful model that my father provided for me. whenever my faith is lacking, I think of two men- my father and my grandfather, Wayne Stoffel (whom I will post about another time!). they are both strong and faithful, despite many circumstances in their lives that encouraged otherwise. I remember a phone conversation that I had with my father one time, about 2 or 3 years ago. I was in the car with Brian, listening to K-Love (a christian radio station), and the radio personalities were discussing teenagers and their fragile faith. I immediately called my dad with a revelation. "Dad? I think a lot about how I must be big disappointment to you and mom, but I just thought of something. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my life, like the big one of dropping out of college, but you know what? I am a christian, and that is the most important thing of all. So isn't that something you guys are proud of?" My dad immediately explained how proud he was of me, and reaffirmed what I had just newly discovered: that he has always been proud of me, and that the other things ultimately didn't matter as long as I had a relationship with Christ. He constantly reassures me that he is proud of me. I love my dad more than I can really describe. He has always been there for me. He is exactly what a father should be... and more.
My Best Friend.
It is a little weird to have a best friend who you don't really talk to all that often, but I do. It is hard for me to get close with someone, but this is a girl that I know I can trust with my life. Even at times when I have neglected to call or even write, she has always been there waiting. she never fails to be there when I need her- whether it requires flying across the country to be with me. My best friend is Jenny Perillo.
I met Jenny in 9th grade during Gym. I don't remember exactly how we met, but I think it was along the lines of introducing ourselves (I'm sure she approached me first, since I tend to be painful shy around strangers), and after that, we were pretty much inseparable. Our birthdays were only two days apart, so we shared a birthday party that year. I spent many nights at her house; the last night was spent painting and cleaning the near empty house as I helped their family prepare to move to Texas. I have a VERY poor memory, but most of the time I spent with Jenny I remember quite vividly. I can remember saying goodbye to her in the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club parking lot... clinging onto her as she started to cry, and as she pulled away to get into her parent's car, feeling my own tears stinging my cheeks. I remember her visits. One time she surprised me- Brian waited until the wee hours of the morning for her delayed flight to arrive. My mother had me prepare my bedroom for a pretend "missionary kid" to spend the night (I still don't know how she got me to believe that one!). About 3 or 4 am, I remember a girl jumping on my bed, laughing, as I tried to see through the darkness... it was Jenny! She also flew across country to throw me a bridal shower- then flew back to California where she lived, drove her car to Texas for her sister, then flew from Texas to be here in time to be my maid of honor for my wedding. She flew back again, this time from her new home in NYC, to throw me a baby shower. I could spend hours detailing everything that Jenny has done for me, but I am at work right now, and I need to clock out eventually... ;)
Jenny is AMAZING. Any one of her friends would say the same. Jenny is the friend that my mother always wished I could emulate (while instead, I chose to more closely identify with my artsy, flighty friends... mediocre grades and all!). It's no wonder... Jenny is the super woman of real life. I wish I could spend more time to describe everything that makes her so wonderful, but it is nearing 9:30, and I need to catch my shuttle ride to the parking lot. I don't really feel like I did her justice here... and I didn't write near smooth as with other entries. But it is time for me to go. So basically... I will sum it up like this: I love you, Jenny!!!! I hope I will someday be able to be a tenth of the friend that you have been for me.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
People I Admire
I was reading my mom's blog today. I paused reflectively on one of her posts that detailed her appreciation for her parents, and I have decided to do something similar. I would like to write about the people I admire. I am going to strive for two entries at a time- here are the first of many.
My husband.
Brian is an amazing man. He took a difficult childhood and turned it into something beautiful. There is a phrase he uses frequently to sum up his past quite poetically: "You choose to be a victim or a victor. I chose to be a victor." There are people who severely wronged him, and for awhile, I didn't fully understand how he learned to move past it all. I was actually blessed enough to witness the ultimate turning point (and I say blessed because any God-willed change of heart is a blessing to be a part of!). This wounded man was transformed into a loving, compassionate and forgiving man (and by forgiving, I mean forgiving without condition. Amazing! Who can truly claim that? Very few people, quite honestly. I will be the first to admit that I am, quite often, not one of them.). A car accident started the chain of events. We weren't dating at the time, but he told me later that the accident forced him to see his future in such a clear way. He knew he loved me, he knew he had to let go of his past, and he knew he had to not only forgive those who wronged him, but to also love them continuously no matter what. This heart change was obviously a GOD change. He is an amazing husband, father and son; and a friend to many. I think anyone who knows Brian can say that there are so many great things about him... his contagious smile, his crazy sense of humor, his patience, etc. etc. etc.!!!!! I can't even express how grateful I am that God brought such an amazing man into my life. He saved me in many ways, even when I thought I was beyond saving.
My Mother.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of my mother is sacrifice. Other words: humble, loving, kind, nurturing, beautiful (inside AND out!)... the list could go on and on. Now that I am a mother myself, I am beginning to more fully understand the sacrifices that my own mother has made for her children. What is even more amazing is that I know my mom doesn't think twice about sacrifice, no matter the cost; especially when it concerns her family. I have never questioned my mother's love. Even through my teenage years when I appeared to be possesed by some demonic force (grin), she still managed to convey her love- even if it had to be through harsh disclipline. While I never could've imagined it possible while I was still under her roof (another grin!), my mother and I are now best friends.
More to come...
My husband.
Brian is an amazing man. He took a difficult childhood and turned it into something beautiful. There is a phrase he uses frequently to sum up his past quite poetically: "You choose to be a victim or a victor. I chose to be a victor." There are people who severely wronged him, and for awhile, I didn't fully understand how he learned to move past it all. I was actually blessed enough to witness the ultimate turning point (and I say blessed because any God-willed change of heart is a blessing to be a part of!). This wounded man was transformed into a loving, compassionate and forgiving man (and by forgiving, I mean forgiving without condition. Amazing! Who can truly claim that? Very few people, quite honestly. I will be the first to admit that I am, quite often, not one of them.). A car accident started the chain of events. We weren't dating at the time, but he told me later that the accident forced him to see his future in such a clear way. He knew he loved me, he knew he had to let go of his past, and he knew he had to not only forgive those who wronged him, but to also love them continuously no matter what. This heart change was obviously a GOD change. He is an amazing husband, father and son; and a friend to many. I think anyone who knows Brian can say that there are so many great things about him... his contagious smile, his crazy sense of humor, his patience, etc. etc. etc.!!!!! I can't even express how grateful I am that God brought such an amazing man into my life. He saved me in many ways, even when I thought I was beyond saving.
My Mother.
The first word that comes to mind when I think of my mother is sacrifice. Other words: humble, loving, kind, nurturing, beautiful (inside AND out!)... the list could go on and on. Now that I am a mother myself, I am beginning to more fully understand the sacrifices that my own mother has made for her children. What is even more amazing is that I know my mom doesn't think twice about sacrifice, no matter the cost; especially when it concerns her family. I have never questioned my mother's love. Even through my teenage years when I appeared to be possesed by some demonic force (grin), she still managed to convey her love- even if it had to be through harsh disclipline. While I never could've imagined it possible while I was still under her roof (another grin!), my mother and I are now best friends.
More to come...
Friday, October 3, 2008
In keeping with typical Rachel-style blogging, here are a series of pictures from a few evenings ago! Our night went something like this...
Brian: Let's go pick out a pumpkin today!
Rachel: But it's 6 at night... are those places still open?
Brian: Sure!
Rachel: Okay, which one?
Brian: How about the one a half hour away that will be closed right when we get there! (Okay...so that isn't exactly how he said it... but that's how I translated it...*grin*)
Rachel: How about the one down the street that we went to last year?
Brian: Okay!
Rachel: Wait... you need to change out of your work clothes, because I want to take pictures! *searches for the camera* Oh, and Madeline needs to wear a jacket, because her shirt is dirty from dinner now.
Brian: Okay!
Rachel: The batteries are dead in the camera! We need to stop by a drug store on the way.
Brian: Okay!
*Rachel gets an adorable jacket for Madeline while Brian changes, then she decides to change her own shirt to a sweater so Madeline doesn't look totally out of place with her sweatshirt*
Brian: Okay, let's go!
*We drive to a drug store, where Rachel runs in to purchase batteries... we then drive to where to pumpkin patch SHOULD be, but it isn't set up yet.*
Rachel: Daggone it! There aren't any pumpkins!!!
Brian: Well we tried...
Rachel: Well, I guess my mom might want to come with us...so we can try again on Sunday.
*We drive in silence for a moment*
Brian: Let's go to Blockbuster and buy some movies!
Rachel: You want to buy movies?
Brian: I just thought we should go somewhere, since we are already out...
Rachel: How about we go to the park, since I was really hoping to get pictures of Madeline? (As if I don't have enough already...)
Brian: Okay!
Brian: Let's go pick out a pumpkin today!
Rachel: But it's 6 at night... are those places still open?
Brian: Sure!
Rachel: Okay, which one?
Brian: How about the one a half hour away that will be closed right when we get there! (Okay...so that isn't exactly how he said it... but that's how I translated it...*grin*)
Rachel: How about the one down the street that we went to last year?
Brian: Okay!
Rachel: Wait... you need to change out of your work clothes, because I want to take pictures! *searches for the camera* Oh, and Madeline needs to wear a jacket, because her shirt is dirty from dinner now.
Brian: Okay!
Rachel: The batteries are dead in the camera! We need to stop by a drug store on the way.
Brian: Okay!
*Rachel gets an adorable jacket for Madeline while Brian changes, then she decides to change her own shirt to a sweater so Madeline doesn't look totally out of place with her sweatshirt*
Brian: Okay, let's go!
*We drive to a drug store, where Rachel runs in to purchase batteries... we then drive to where to pumpkin patch SHOULD be, but it isn't set up yet.*
Rachel: Daggone it! There aren't any pumpkins!!!
Brian: Well we tried...
Rachel: Well, I guess my mom might want to come with us...so we can try again on Sunday.
*We drive in silence for a moment*
Brian: Let's go to Blockbuster and buy some movies!
Rachel: You want to buy movies?
Brian: I just thought we should go somewhere, since we are already out...
Rachel: How about we go to the park, since I was really hoping to get pictures of Madeline? (As if I don't have enough already...)
Brian: Okay!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Each morning when I wake up, Brian is either already gone for work or close to it. I am typically still tired because I work late nights now, and Madeline wakes up around 7:30 am. This morning, Brian left shortly after I woke up, but I did get a quick kiss goodbye (and even squeezed a quick child-free shower in...yippee!). I went through the morning as I typically do... changed Madeline's diaper, fed her breakfast, played for a bit, put her down for a morning nap, got myself dressed and ready for work while she slept, got her up from her nap, made our lunches for the day, prepared her diaper bag then headed out the door to drop her off with her babysitter. Except this morning was a little different... when I went to the car, put the bags in the passenger seat like I always do, then leaned over them to start the car before I put Madeline in her carseat, I noticed a dozen fresh roses, deep crimson in color, laying across the drivers seat. My expectation for an ordinary day was unexpectedly replaced with hope for a lovely day.
I have an AMAZING husband!!!
I have an AMAZING husband!!!
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