March 31, 2005

Woo Hoo! We're leaving after I get off work today to head down to Kelly's wedding. We're going to make it half-way tonight, staying in Salisbury, which is right above Charlotte. (Can we say it's great to have built up hotel points so we can stay FREE!) Then, it's off in the morning to head to see Alan at Furman (yelling "HI" to Ginnie as we drive by Charlotte), and then continuing on down to Atlanta to make it in time for the rehearsal dinner. I'm excited about seeing old friends. Luckily, I tried on the dress one last-minute time last night and IT FITS!!! whew! Now, I can chow down again! just kidding

Brent was nice enough to bring me to work this morning. I'd have to back-track to go home at the end of the day, so it made sense to have him pick me up and head on down to I-85. The car is packed, hopefully with everything pertinant to the wedding. It will be nice to have a weekend away, filled with old friends and new places. I'm sure I'll have plenty of pictures to post. (They'll be Brent's job to take!) :) He's too good at it not to!

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend! Until next time......

<>< em

March 30, 2005

We received some good news yesterday. Brent has an interview at Fork Union Military Academy next Thursday. It's for a Counselor/Middle School Chaplain position. I think there might be a History opening, as well. We're hoping this will sufice for the Kessee Grant/Loan requirements. If Brent goes into full-time Baptist work, we don't have to pay it back. FUMA is a Baptist school. It sounds perfect, but we are both trying to not get over-excited. It's located an hour from Richmond and 20 minutes from Charlottesville; Small place, but close to things. He has already been to the school to chat with the Academic Dean, earlier this year. It is positive to know they thought of calling Brent back to talk about this position. We covet your prayers over this opportunity! It's such an ideal situation. The school has free on-campus housing, of which the majority of bills are paid for. If I could find a job in the area, we would definately be able to start saving better, I'm sure. I'll keep you all updated.

It's been forcasted to be sunny and in the low 70s today....I'm dying to get outside and see for myself. So, it's off to lunch....wherever that may be.

<>< em

Coleman Boys

Here are the pictures I promised from Saturday. I also included one from our Thanksgiving visit to Abingdon. We were able to have my childhood friend, Julie (Wade) Bakker and her husband, Jason, over for lunch one day. Have a great Tuesday everyone!

Brent and the Coleman boys relaxing on Saturday.

Clay, 4 yrs old.

Reid, 1 yr. old.

The Coleman Boys.

Thanksgiving 2004 in Abingdon with Julie and Jason Bakker.

March 28, 2005

Tomorrow I am going to try putting up pictures of Clay and Reid, the boys we babysat on Saturday. They are such cool boys! We get to babysit them overnight the end of next month. I just hope our kids will be this sweet and cool!

Today is our 7 month aniversary. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed! But, it is amazing what you discover about one another in such a short time! :) I'm surprised he's stuck around this long! just kidding So, to celebrate......we go grocery shopping! :)

So, I got a voice mail from a long-lost college friend today......Mr. Michael Bell. I guess it's been since graduation that I've heard from him. Good times. I'm glad we have the online alumni community directory for CofC. It does the dirty investigative work for everyone! I hope to see more people at Kelly's wedding this weekend. I know it'll be crazy, but I'm proud of Brent for agreeing to go along! He's a trooper!

Well, don't hold your breath for the pictures, but I'll try my best....just in case some one actually is......

<>< em

March 26, 2005

Long time, no ramble! :) Finally, I'm back in Richmond and so glad to be home. I've learned that the mid-west is not for me. Too flat, too dreary, too far from anything! It took us forever to get out there. Left Richmond at 7am on Monday morning. We were scheduled to arrive in Kansas City at Noon.....but finally, at 6:15pm, we landed. Long story, so I won't bore you with all the details. As frustrated as we all were to be delayed so long, I'm sure we would all agree, better safe than sorry. I was so glad to be off that plane and at our destination. But, Thursday came so quickly. We just hoped it would take us as long to get home as it did to get to Kansas. We arrived back in Richmond on time, thank goodness. No delays or mechanical problems.

Thursday was Alan's birthday, so yesterday we all went out to Maggiano's to have lunch. Wow! I'm still stuffed! Then, I picked up 500 Bible school certificates to fill in for Kathy LaPlante. We went to the Georges to watch a movie and the basketball games, so I worked on the certificates and luckily finished them. I also enjoyed chatting all evening with Mrs. George. Come to find out she grew up across the street from my doctor in Abingdon. Small world!

Now, after finding an alternate Easter outfit because of the forcasted yucky weather, we're at the Coleman's house to babysit Clay and Reid. They are awesome little boys. Brent is teaching Clay to tickle me and pinch my nose.....great role model, huh?! :) We're here from 2-10pm, but I think it'll be a quiet night because Brent AND Clay are wearing each other out!

So, I'll go for now....I hear Reid on the monitor waking up from his nap. Have a great Easter!

<>< em

March 18, 2005

What a morning! I left inplenty of time to come to work, but ended up getting here a half-hour late because of an accident. For this reason, I'm glad for cell phones. Called in and all was ok. Not for those involved in the accident, though. There were around 5 cars involved. I saw crunched up hoods, deployed air bags, tow trucks, and many unhappy faces. Not a good way to start you weekend.

Last night we went to the church "C" league basketball game. They were in the playoffs. What an awesome job they did! Unfortunately, it wasn't a win for our team, but they still played their hearts out. AND....can I just say what an awesome player Ginnie Manley is on the court?! She was making 3-pointers like crazy...and making them look effortless! Way to go, "Mrs. Moore"! :)

The busy weekend will commence in 2 hours. I still haven't even thought about what I need to do for Kansas. I haven't traveled with work in a while. We received our state tax refund yesterday, so that's a big help with payments. The little amount I'll get for meals and travel expenses will help, also. (OOH! I just heard on the radio that Spring starts this weekend....there's hope!)

So, I hope all of you are well and plan to have a wonderful weekend! I'd love to hear from you all!

<>< em

Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotion

I received this by email from a co-worker today, and I thought it was something to think about. I really feel for this man, and I truly hope he knows the Lord. What an awesome God!

March 17, 2005

Chapter33: How Real Servants Actby John Fischer
We have been rescued from our enemies, so we can serve God without fear. (Luke 1:74)

Now if this life were all about us, we would be rescued so that we could live for ourselves. But it’s not about us; it’s all about Him, so that being rescued means we are now in a position to be put into service on Christ’s behalf. God got a hold of us, not to fulfill our own dreams, but to use us to fulfill His plans and purposes. The people God puts into your life today have been put there for you to serve. This goes for those we know well right down to strangers He throws into our path.
“What does this person need? Why did God put them in my life? How can I serve them and help them realize their purpose?”
That’s what Ashley Smith was thinking about, when, bound in her Atlanta apartment by a fugitive killer on a rampage, she faced the real possibility of being Brian Nichols’ fifth victim in less than 24 hours. It’s remarkable that she had the presence of mind and Spirit to think about serving her captor instead of fearing him, but that’s exactly what she did. She helped him face how he was hurting people, how it was not too late to turn his life around, come clean, and though he would obviously end up in prison, he could find a purpose there bringing the word of God to other inmates. When he let Ashley go to rejoin her daughter, Brian Nichols knew she would call the police. He even asked her to come visit him in prison, and did not resist arrest when the police arrived. A remarkable change had taken place in this man in just a few short hours in one of the most amazing encounters in human history. With sadness and respect to the families and loved ones of those who lost thei r lives in this tragic episode, it may yet have a better ending due to one Christian single mom who was looking for a purpose in the midst of a tragedy.
Is it any wonder that Chapter 33 of The Purpose Driven Life was the chapter she read to Brian Nichols in her apartment? Chapter 33 is titled: “How Real Servants Act.” This wasn’t something she thought would be appropriate; it was simply where she was in her own pilgrimage. It was her next chapter and she shared it with him. She took from what she was receiving, and shared it with the other person in the room. It didn’t matter than he had a gun or that he had bound her with tape. He needed it as much as she did. I think I know how real servants act; they act like Ashley Smith.
Lord, make us ready to serve you today, whatever comes our way.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

It's the middle of March and we are in the weather twilight zone. The weather cannot decided whether to be warm and sunny or cold and rainy/snowy. I don't remember when it has been this back and forth. Today, it's 36 degrees and lightly snowing.....tomorrow, i've heard it's forcasted to be almost 60. I can't wait til SPRING! Warm weather, sun, blue skies! Beautiful!

I forgot to wear green today! Yesterday, I kept trying to remind myself. I saw a number of people with festive clothing on at church. Then, I went to sleep and did not think about it again until I got to work and they were playing Irish music on the radio. Luckily, my ribbon watch has green. Whew!

This weekend looks to be a busy one. Tomorrow, I am (or we are) babysitting the DeWitt children. John, 6; Mark, 4; and Caroline, 9 months. They are really cute kids. The first time Brent and I sat for them, the boys saw Brent give me a kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs to play with them. He overheard the John say to Mark, "Brent loves his sister!". We still laugh about that when we see the kids! Saturday, we have been invited to have dinner at a church friend's house. Jeff Smith is going to be home on break from Clemson, and he is bringing friends. It should be fun! Also, Brent's friend from college will be in town. We are performing the Messiah at church on Sunday at 5pm. Somewhere during all of this, I have to pack and get things ready to head to Overland Park, Kansas on Monday. I'll get back around 9pm on Thursday, missing the Maundy Thursday service. But, it'll be SO nice to have a Friday off.

Brent has already begun to enjoy his Spring break. He doesn't have to go back to class until Tuesday the 29th! Lucky! Well, it's off to check on the weather....who knows, it could be sunny again! Enjoy the Day!

Cowboy

Here are a couple of pictures of Cowboy that I promised. He's so cool. Built like a horse, but the sweetest personality!

Cowboy at his finest! (and yes, I did catch him doing his business)

Cowboy!

March 15, 2005

No wonder......it's the Ides of March!

March 14, 2005

Yet another Monday.....BUT, the good thing about this Monday is that Girl Scout Cookies were delivered!! Yes, our 40 year old male co-worker turns into a girl scout himself during cookie season, taking orders and delivering them to an office filled with cookie-fanatics! There's nothing like a fresh box of Samoas! (So, I'm enjoying a samoa as I type.)

We had a blast with all the dogs this weekend.! I took a few pictures of Cowboy, so I'll post some as soon as we download them from the camera. Still nothing yet on the job search. I've been better about patience. I know the God will move in His time! The University of Pittsburgh Men's Glee Club came to sing at church on Sunday. They did a great job. Check out their stuff.

Tonight we have a dress rehearsal practice for the Messiah, which we are singing this Sunday. I just keep listening to my CD in the car, to and from work, looking like a complete idiot when I sing along, I'm sure! It's just not right to have sopranos hit such high notes.....so often! :)

Thanks to everyone who has emailed a sweet hello! I'd love to hear from everyone! I'm going to go write some emails now. Have a great Monday afternoon!

March 11, 2005

I thought I'd spare everyone from seeing more pictures for a little while. I know I went crazy with them, but it's so much fun to remember good times!

This weekend, Brent and I are getting to take care of dogs for two families. Two of the dogs are Dr. Spence's. The other is the LaPlante Family's boxer, Cowboy. What a cool dog! Maybe Brent and I should start a dog sitting business! We'd definately be doing something we love!

I hope everyone is planning on having a great weekend. I don't think we have much on the books besides the dogs. I hope something fun arises! We'll just have to wait and see!

<>< em

BLASTS FROM THE PAST ! ! !

So, I know I'm going a bit crazy with the pictures, but I love them! I just thought I'd throw some on the site for those of you cougars. If you have any pics that I can post, please send them. I just love looking at how silly we were (and how young.....going on 4 years now!) Hope you enjoy!

CofC Chicas

Graduation 2001

GEORGE ! ! !

Elliott's scooter....missing?!

Spring Break with Cate and Michelle

Sassy pants! (Could that be pre-highlighting days for someone?!)

Freshmen girls!

New York 2005 Pictures

I thought I would put a few of pictures up that I took in New York in January. I spent a weekend visiting my friend Missy. She and her husband, Bill, recently moved to Brooklyn. It was cold...but fun! I'd never been to New York before. I hope Brent and I can plan a visit together soon.

NY Cabs

New York, Times Squre View

New York Skyline

Statue of Liberty

Empire State Building

Macys

So, at lunch it began snowing like mad outside. Of course, it didn't stick, and the sun is shining now! Crazy day! So, I thought I would post a few "warm" pictures! Enjoy.

Church at Oia on Santorini. He used a puzzle of this church to tell me where we were going on the Honeymoon.

Our favorite sunset picture from Santorini, Greece....Relaxation on the Honeymoon.

Sunset at Santorini

March 8, 2005

I am so ready for spring to be here! Saturday=snow, Sunday and Monday=sunny, blue skies, warm, Today=dark, rainy, cold. No wonder so many people have been sick this winter. Spring just makes me feel so revived and energized!

Today, Brent and his mother are planning on meeting me for lunch downtown. I enjoy having visitors! Other than that, it'll be work as usual. I need to get motivated to do some work. My mind has shut down totally, thinking that we will be changing jobs soon. I must get my mind back to work, so that time will pass during the job hunt.

Brent and I went on another walk yesterday after dinner. It was so nice outside. If it continues like it is outside, I don't see a walk happening. But, I really feel like making the effort, so we'll see. I must start losing some weight for Kelly's wedding. Also, for my own good. I am so sedintary....must......move......off.....couch!

Ok, off to work on the Underwriting review.....fun, fun.

<>< em

Alan, Ginnie, Brent, and Elizabeth

One of our wedding parties, hosted by Mrs. Crawford. It was a Luau theme :)

March 7, 2005

Well, the weekend is over....boy, was it short. Saturday morning we left at 7:15am for Charlottesville. Brent stayed at the Job fair until 3:00pm. I went into Charlottesville and did what I do best...shop :) Things went well at the fair. He spoke with 3 different schools who have potential teaching positions. One is an hour from here in Virginia (Kenston Forest), one is in Asheville, NC, and the third is in Houston, TX (St. John's). So, they are all quite unique, but we're wanting to keep all options open. We've been feeling good about the Asheville school. It's called the Carolina Day School. There are multiple factors which make it appealing, so that's good.

It snowed like crazy in Charlottesville. I'll have to work on putting up a couple of pictures from the day. Then, today, it's said to get up to the 70s! If only it would continue that way! I am excited about the arrival of spring! Collegiate is on spring break this week. Brent will be on spring break from seminary the week that I have to travel to Kansas with work. Oh, we had some news given to us today at work: One of the senior examiners, who has been here for over 15 years, will be retiring at the end of April. I hate to say it, but I am so relieved. I do believe that things will have less of a paranoia-undertone with his absence. I truly hope to know where we're going by then!

Please, pray for patience, for both Brent and myself. We're both dealing with the job search in different ways. But, we both are anxious to know what the Lord has in store!

Where God leads me, He provides......What God requires, He empowers me to do.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your god is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

em

This is one of my favorite pictures. It's of my first day of school. I was SO excited....that is until I got on the bus....then I was freaked out!

I think this is one of the cutest pictures of Brent....he looks so innocent! ; )

March 4, 2005

So, I have now created yet another place for you to read my ramblings.... Thanks for stopping by! If you haven't already, please feel free to email me at Elizabeth_H_Miller@hotmail.com so that I can send you the link to update your contact information in my address book. I'm going to really work on staying in touch and updated with everyone!

I'm so excited that today is Friday! Tomorrow is tha day when Brent goes to the Southern Teachers Job Fair in Charlottesville. I'm hoping this will get us one step closer to knowing where we will be after May! Please pray for patience.

Well, I'm not going to ramble much today. (whew....lucky you!) I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Please email and let me know how things are for you! :)

<>< em

Wedding Pictures

Photo taken by co-worker.

Our favorite shot. Our photographer used it in a local Richmond wedding guide.

Portrait.