Joe VS The Volcano Kind of Day

Do you ever feel like this at work?

I love my job but today is a Joe vs. the Volcano kind of day

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

This is Michael's creation...he worked 5 hours one this pumkin and I think he did an OUTSTANDING JOB... he has way more patience than I do.

Desi's Homecoming Party

Since Desi left, I have been trying to get her home and it finally worked...but only for a moment. Thanks Desi for sharing your adventure with us. I love you and miss you and can't wait till you're home for Christmas.

Pictures I promised

Pictures from Mizzou....

Pictures to Ponder.....

I WILL BE SPENDING MY ENTIRE WEEKEND DOING HOMEWORK.

• 200 PAGES TO READ
• 1 RESEARCH PAPER (THAT I HAVE AN EXTENSION ON)
• 8 JOURNAL ENTRIES
• RESEARCH ARTICLE FOR ANOTHER CLASS
• GROUP PROJECT MEETING

Can I just graduate soon....? I am tired.

It couldn't have been any SWEETER!

vs
The weekend was great! The game was AMAZING. I will post more but for now...for those who missed the game, here's some highlights.

Going back to the scene of the crime(s)

Michael and I both graduated from Mizzou... however we went to two DIFFERENT schools. My consisted of happy hours and Frat parties while he made the deans list and played in intermural sports. Two people, on the same campus with complete polar opposite experiences.

This weekend we're going back! Mizzou is playing Nebraska and we're going to visit a student who was involved in our youth ministry. We are so excited to go back! I have to admit though... I am a little nervous... there's a lot of skeletons in the closet in Columbia and I am hoping that I am able to keep them in the closet. I will be showing Michael around to MY MIZZOU. We're visiting the restaurant I worked at for 4 year in college, The Pasta Factory (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) and that's saying something since I did work there. After that , were going to a few establishments like Harpo's and maybe even Deja Vu but I definitely will be going by Trops. Oh... the memories.

Saturday is a little different than we expected....the game was moved from 1pm to 8:15pm so I am hoping to go around campus, go by Booches for some burgers and just take in Columbia. But
MIZZOU-RAH!!!!!!! Full update when we get back!

Things they are a Changing......

At my doctor's visit on Monday, my doctor asked that I get a blood test to check for HIV and ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies). I am negative for HIV but positive for ANA. People who test positive for ANA have problems producing good antibodies that produce what the body needs to heal. She has told me that I have to follow up with a Rheumatologist. I am just sick of Doctors. I am sick of being of being sick. I am scared that this could be an indicator of me having Lupus, diabetes, or an autoimmune disease that I will have to deal with the rest of my life. I am frustrated that all I want to do is start my life and enjoy being married and start planning for the future but I feel like I can't because all of this is getting in the way.

In a positive light – I am hoping that this might be the missing link to giving me answers to how to get rid of the HPV and stay healthier. I have decided that God is giving me a wake up call and I need to out of Youth ministry for a while – for my health. It is time to take a break and take care of myself physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am hoping the time I have not going to youth group and meetings, etc. will give me less stress (good for my body), allow me to get more rest, and give me time for things like working out and extra time for studying. I told my youth pastor last night and my kids. I have talked to Michael and we think it is best to fulfill my commitment w/ our 40 days of community program. It lasts until the 24th. So that Wednesday will be my last youth group for a while. I am scared of letting the kids down, of creating staffing problems where they won't have enough people to stay in their home groups and I will miss them. It is not easy making this decision but I can't do ministry when I am able to care for myself.

I am trying to remember that when you follow Jesus - Truly follow him - his path will lead me to the Cross.