Getting back to blogging...!

So our biggest and latest news is…….We’re going to Cambodia! Yes I know I’ve been saying that since we got married, but it’s really happening! Much credit is due to our friends Juan and Whitney (Juan served with Allen in Cambodia and now lives here in Chicago) for bringing up the idea of going together. We tried our best, but due to our different schedules we will be going in January, and for 3 weeks! Now I’ll be honest, I’m a little scared, and I’ve never been out of the States so I don’t know what to expect of a third world country. But with Allen serving his mission there, knowing the language and the people, I know we’ll be fine! Hopefully we’ll be able to do some good while we’re there (Allen has mentioned of renting beach cruiser bicycles like he had and getting dressed in Sunday clothes while riding around all day to get a feel for what he went through…he says the crazy looks are enough for you to forget about how hot it is).

I whipped up this little number in a couple of days. It’s my first diaper bag - and no, I’m not pregnant, I just fell in love with the fabric and wanted to make something. I’m pretty impressed with how it turned out, considering it’s the first thing I’ve made using a pattern. And the best part is…it’s reversible! Oh, and the label will be the name of my company when I start one!

Last Saturday was the most gorgeous and memorable day all year! Just picture it - it’s clear, sunny, about 72 degrees, with a slight cool breeze…simply breathtaking! I had a couple of hours to spare with Allen studying really hard for tests, so I decided to take a walk and get out and take advantage of these last few days of warmth and sun before the snow rolls in. I took my camera in hopes of savoring these times - Look I’m a tree hugger!

Allen - he’s sweet and thoughtful, but I would never call him selfish except when it comes to sharing my homemade strawberry freezer Jam. Since strawberry season is almost over, it was time to stock up for winter. This weekend I made 8 more jars (you’d be so proud Mom, it’s part of my food storage - that is until Allen eats it all up). I was feeling adventurous so I made a couple jars of raspberry too. Yum – o! (shout out to R.Ray)

So Allen’s family decided to get a Shi Tzu, and initially I had bad thoughts about the whole thing but after Mom and Dad’s visit last weekend, I am hesitant to say… I’m an “Ollie” lover! He’s the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen! But you be the judge…