Summer.

It's that time again folks, yes the "quarterly blogger" strikes again (name courtesy of Justin Baxter) and as you can guess the seasons transitioned yet again in this ever changing place known as Des Moines, Iowa. Spring is only a faint memory as Summer melts us away one humid moment at a time. I have vowed not to make one single complaint about the summer season regardless how miserably hot and humid it gets because, I know how quickly this weather turns its back on you and winter is just waiting around the corner to start this madness all over again!

So instead I will tell you about the UNBELIEVABLE thunderstorms I have experienced, with thunder so loud I thought the Earth may literally be breaking in half and lightning so intense it's made the skies brighter than I ever thought possible. Seriously, there were more nights than I can count where Chris and I were woken up by the amazingness of it all and after we got over the initial shock of it, just chuckled at this crazy place and everything God has shown us.

Umm hello lightning bugs, yeah.. you are legit, the rest of the bugs can really take a page out of your book. You might be my favorite thing about summer in Iowa. Hats off to you and making the most out of being a bug.

Aside from the weather, if that's even possible, things have been pretty amazing/crazy/intense etc we have had a slew of visitors since May, man we are a blessed and spoiled spoiled spoiled couple of kids. Thank you to all of who have come and shared a little bit of life in Iowa with us, it means more than you will ever know. <3 I love my job. Seriously. I can not be more grateful for the job God has allowed me to have, I have found a job I'd do for free. (more to come on that later) I lover our church. So much. The people of Gateway are truly a uniquely amazing group and there's no way to explain how much I admire these people who week after week prove in such various ways they are serious about being a life giving community. So much more to say but I'll let a few pics speak for themselves- side note coming soon: blog about my first time in a corn field. my.word. yea.
Love and miss you, and think about you often.

Saylorville Lake

The clouds here, are ridiculous

On a boat (Big Creek Lake)

The "Tanzania Boys"

I couldn't keep this awesomeness all to myself

Lazy day at Grey's Lake

Seriously can't get enough of these clouds

YEAH. nuff said.

My favorite junior highers

walking home from the grocery store

and of course, corn fields.

Until next time <3

Wrong.

Well it's safe to say I was wrong. It's been a while since my last post, the end of January to be exact, back when I thought February would mark the beginning of spring. Yeah, I was wrong. February was horrible and March was of little comfort either But spoiler alert this blog is actually NOT about how miserable the weather was! Shocking twist, I know.

God has blessed me with soooo much, especially recently, that it just wouldn't seem right to spend my energy recalling the heartache that was the rest of winter.

Instead, just an update to say I was wrong. About so many things.

And as it would seem, my life, along with this crazy Iowa weather is now also i
n a different season. Along with spring have come so many new and amazing friendships, a fresh perspective towards the place God has brought us, and a renewed spirit for the work to be done here.






-my thoughts for now

Donzo.

I made it through January! I am now sure that the worst is over, (if it's not don't ruin my new positive outlook with your truths and facts) February is here and there are so many amazing things to look forward to this month.

In a few short weeks spring will at least be "on the verge" of starting, Chris and all of his romantic powers has planned a surprise weekend getaway for us, (he's so good to me) Gateway has some more pretty awesome things going on this month (I heart day), and of course going back to the sweet land of Miguel's burritos and in and out hamburgers is going to be pretty amazing too.

Last night as some of you may have seen via twitter Chris and I spent the night laughing and being ridiculously silly on the couch, it was perfect.

I am feeling a little more hopeful today, despite the fact that it is currently only 18 degrees in Des Moines, February is looking good, and it's mostly because January is over.

See you soon!

Ice Storm. 2010.

I know that those who have ever lived outside of the sweet and sunny Californian paradise have probably experienced a lot more of a REAL winter than I have... that is until now. I am officially in the middle of it, and it's beautiful. Seriously, it's breathtaking. No possible way to deny God's beauty and creativity. Doesn't do too much to change the fact that it's FREEZING cold (literally) outside, or the fact that my dad and grandma probably are getting around faster than I am these days, but at least it makes for a nice change of scenery indeed. Most of these I took right outside of our apartment, I only fell twice trying to get to and from the courtyard to the apartment, I'd say they were worth it. Enjoy.

Literally Frozen Over.

One of the coolest parts was that when the wind blew them, because of how heavy the branches were when they swayed together it sounded like applause, it was amazing.

Snow and Things.

It's coming down prrrrretty hard right now. Pretty being the main thing, it's soo much easier to appreciate the snow when you don't have to walk/drive/move/touch it. From the comfort of my couch and warm apartment it's magical. These also happen to be some of the biggest snowflakes. Ever. Seriously, they're the kind all the whos and the grinch must live in.

In other 2010 news, I started my job and I have a feeling it's going to be amazing, I really like the peeople I'm working with and the opportunities I'm gonna have.

In related news last night Chris slept IN what was supposed to be 'our' snuggie. Yup, he went to bed and got out of bed wearing it. Yeah.

And of course what kind of blog would this be without a Midwest/SoCal difference.

Definition: something you wear on your head to keep you warm

Me: beanie
Iowa: stocking cap wth?

Something you're asked at the groceries:

CA: would you like a bag for that?
IA: do you want me to sack that for you?

Ummm no thanks?

Thats it from this snow globe for today.





-my thoughts for now

5 Ways.

Here's a tip on 5 ways how NOT to start a conversation with your wife.. inspired by none other than your very own Chris Kretzu

In no particular order, but all equally as disturbing:

1. Do you wanna hear something that's going to make you mad? hmmmm let me think about that one??? My day has been pretty good so far, yeah... go ahead I haven't been upset in a while we should fix that.
2. If I could have another wife you know who I'd pick? This.actually.happened. folks. It led to a very interesting conversation, that also resulted in me finding out who I'd pick if I could have another husband.
3. I had a dream about (enter random girl's name here) I wonder what that means? depends on the dream, depends on the girl.
4. Don't get upset but... Well, the very fact that you are saying those words probably means it's going to happen anyway.

And last but not least, my personal "favorite"

5. So what DID you do today?

Don't ask this unless you want me to follow it up with a very detailed list of errands, chores, and time frames.

Bonus: Do you ever wonder what your life would be like if you had married someone else? Which is not necessarily a terrible question, but does start to make you wonder a little when asked this at least twice a week ;)

So there you have it boys, you're welcome :)

Disclaimer:

I did have Chris' permission before posting this, we are still very much in love, despite each others' ridiculousness!

2009.

Inspired by G.Baxter this morning, I decided to do a quick photo recap of the crazy, swirly, and amazingness that has been 2009. I know I will leave a ton out, so if I happen to forget to mention some 2009 memory that is very dear to your heart, that's what comments are for :)
 
Almost one year ago, Chris and I rang in 2009 with some fantastic people, although Chris was sick almost all of new years eve, and I spent most of the night finishing my 3rd book of the Twilight series it was still a pretty good time. The next day we went down to the beach and rode bikes and hung out all day, one of my favorite new years' so far.

In February we got Disneyland passes for my birthday

and so began the new tradition

For less than ideal reasons we also got to visit the East Coast in (New Jersey & Philly)

Us at our first ever Lacrosse game, Go Wings!
Sightseeing (we got to see Oozaki too!)
Late Feburary we got to be a part of our friends celebrating their 10 year anniversary in Vegas! We got an amazing deal and got to stay at the Bellagio! best.hotel.ever.
March came along, and it took us on a roller coaster of emotions, March 29th we said goodbye to South Campus, Furnace, and South Hills Church.
As a result we had one of the most memorable Easter Services ever, sunrise service at Jameson park.. what would become known to some as "Chrisroads Church" or "Jameson Community Church"

After that was the Easter Egg Hunt at the Sheshack,(RIP) for those of you who were there or have heard the story, this is the madness that started it all, the epic battle of two boys, and one pool.

Late April we took a road trip to Solvang with my family

Chris performed his first wedding ever-- knocked it out of the park

Summer Fun at Medieval Times


San Fransisco for my niece's graduation
In June we moved out of our apartment and in with probably the best roomies known to man

When we interviewed in Virginia
and celebrated our one year anniversary in Virginia Beach

Shortly after we interviewed in Des Moines, and well we all know how the rest of the story goes ;)
But before that happened, a little of this happened first
I started my long term sub position at Citrus Hills (and all the stories that took place their with my infamous 7th period class)

Keeping with my new year's resolution to try more new things, I had my first piece of chocolate covered bacon at the OC Fair
Chris' 2nd wedding (this is the rehearsal) our good friends the Webbs!

So when Chris left in August we had a few of these

and a final trip to San Diego

and once he was in Iowa from August to October there was a lot of this

he bought this (enter bananas)

I flew back to Iowa for this:

no, not the pastries, the Official Launch of Gateway Church

after moving to Des Moines, Iowa on October 11, 2009 we have:

 Gone to the STORY '09 conference with the Gateway staff and got to spend a few hours in Chicago!

Had my sweet sweet Rose come out and visit within the first month of being out here! She and Josh drove our Xterra out for us!

And a month later Bob and Co. played a show in Des Moines!

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Kara and the family and finally meet this little lady!

 

In December we had the ultimate Christmas Vacation experience

We also had a few more So Cal visitors, and enjoyed SOOO many good times with these two crazies!
Got to go home the week before Christmas (refer to my previous blog for all those fun details!)

Through all the changes it's been an amazingly, swirly, eventful, and breath taking year! Chris and I are so unbelievably blessed and loved.

As always we won't stop believing...