Home is Where the Heart Is

On our way into Minneapolis... horrible weather!!

Every year the meaning of Christmas changes through my eyes. I am not sure if it is just a result of getting older or if it is something more. I seem to appreciate the smaller things. What used to be excitement over opening new gifts and waiting for Santa is now reveling in every moment with my family. It is not about winning the board games but taking the opportunity to learn more about the ones I love. It is not about singing the carols at the evening church service but feeling the electricity of the Spirit in the air. I see the world around me through a different window, the window with an open heart.

We had a fun packed Christmas this year. We made the nine hour drive from KC to MN with stops to visit my dad & clan in Kenyon and Matthew in Minneapolis. Ry and I considered turning around (not really ;) ) as we saw the temperature drop fifteen degrees in a matter of hours. I think we underestimated what the bitter cold of MN felt like! We did our best to adjust. At least the -20 degrees F windchills didn't last very long.

I made the final trek to O-town solo and left Ry in Minneapolis to attend the Vikings game with the boys. It was icy but I made it. I have not been back home since July so it was nice to be back. It is comforting to know that whatever happens in life, no matter how many years pass, home will always be there.

We celebrated Christmas Eve on my mom's side and Christmas Day on my dad's side. This has been a struggle for me since I was young. I have never liked splitting time because I want to be with everyone. I thought it would get easier as I got older but in some aspects it is harder probably because I appreciate the time I do get with the people I love more. There is just that much more love to go around I guess. The time still is all too fleeting.

When Ry and I were heading out on our way back to KC I couldn't help but think if only we had two more days to visit I would be satisfied. It was the most traditional Christmas I've had in two years. With going to Vegas two years ago and the wedding last year it just didn't feel like the typical Christmas season. For that I am thankful. It was hard that this was the first Christmas Ryan was not home with his family. I knew he missed them, as I did too. It is nice to know that we can be together, though, and not compromise on the quality time we do get, wherever we are.

Over the week I had my fix of board games and a healthy dose of laughter. I also got my wish and went snow tubing with the kids (minus P and J). I could have done that hours on end. In order to reach the top of the hill you strap your tube onto a cable and it pulls you up. Once at the top, you pick a good hill, and ride down. On one of my trips uphill; however, I heard "Rocky!!" as I saw Livie tumbling down the hill and I caught her!! Her tube had come unclipped from the cable and she was sliding back down right into me. It was funny. So I set her off to the side of my tube and all of a sudden my tube unclipped and I started sliding down the hill! I caught myself half way down and ended up walking the rest of the way. If you knew Livie and I, you are probably laughing. We are both big clutzes so of course it happened to us... the funny part was somehow I caught her, that would not happen twice. Thanks Livie for knocking me off, it made for a cute story :)

Another highlight was learning to play the Wii and Guitar Hero after our sledding escapades. We went over to Uncle P's house and he made us dinner... yes it's true. It was delicious :) P & J brought the Wii over and showed us the ropes. I am hopeless... The only thing I am good at is boxing. I may not be fast but I have endurance. Ry never stood a chance! We also had a lot of fun playing ImagineIff... I tell you, you learn a lot about people playing that game! Uncle J, next time you should play to "win" and not play honestly, maybe you won't lose every game :) JK.

Top 10 (or more) of the Christmas week. I would try to make this funny but lets face it, I'm bad at it! I'll have Sav do it next time, then it would be funny.

1) Baking at Grandma and Grandpa K's (and making a big mess)

2) Staying up till two in the morning talking to my cousins and family I have not seen in a long time!

3) Loring Pasta brunch with Matthew

4) Having a glass of wine with Uncle P

5) Playing board games (several of them ;) )

6) Oreo's (inside joke) and never having a lack of conversation at Grandma and Grandpa W's

7) Watching Uncle J's China videos... definitely a must see! The traffic alone is comical :) Picture of Jeff being himself.

8) Putting Dad to sleep with my OMT skills. Dad, we will talk soon, promise :)

9) My walk with Grandma J and P, it was a beautiful white morning!

10) Coming to the realization that my mom and I are a lot alike, something most people wouldn't guess. In my case, I am very lucky to have inherited some of her characteristics!

11) Meeting little miss Morgan for the first time! She is beautiful T & A, you did a good job.

12) Watching "my girls" play some basketball

13) All the quality time I had with the ones I love

Some videos to share... I think they are funny

Dad, Gan, and Ry playing Basketball



Uncle P and Pey boxing on the Wii

Until Next Time

♥ R

Book List

Books Read 2011:
1. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (re-read)
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (re-read)
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (re-read)
4. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese: 10
5. A Scattered Life by Karen McQuestion: 5
6. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: 8
7. The Other Boelyn Girl by Philippa Gregory: 9
8. If I Stay by Gayle Forman
9. The Things We Do for Love by Kristin Hannah: 8
10. The Passage by Justin Cronin

Books Read 2010:
1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen: 9
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: 10
3. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry: 7
4. Graceling by Kristin Cashore: 9
5. Fire by Kristin Cashore: 7
6. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger: 8
7. The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum: 8
8. Shiver by Maggie Shiefvater: 7.5
9. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: 2 or 10
10. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks: 7
11. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
12. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: 7

Books Read in 2009
1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: 8
2. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer: 8
3. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer: 10
4. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer: 10
5. The Host by Stephenie Meyer: 7
6. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: 10
7. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: 10
8. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: 7
9. Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner: 7
10. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: 5
11. The Road by Cormac McCarthy: 8
12. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch: 7
13. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern: 7
14. The Shack by William P. Young: 8
15. An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken: 9
16. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink: 8
17. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: 7
18. The Giver by Lois Sachar: 8

Books Recently Read: Rating 1-10 (That I can remember)
1. Mistaken Identity Van Ryn’s and Cerak’s: 9
2. The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards: 8
3. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult: 8
4. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: 6
6. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: 8
9. Z for Zachariah by Robert O’Brien: 7
10. Bend in the Road by Nicholas Sparks: 8
11. HP: Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling: 6
12. HP: Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling: 6
13. HP: Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling:7
14. HP: Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling: 10
15. HP: Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling: 8
16. HP: Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling: 9
17. HP: Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling: 10
18. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: 9
20. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: 9
21. The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini: 8

My Reading List
1. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers*
2. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
3. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
4. Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
5. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
6. A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon
7. An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon
8. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
9. The Stand by John Grisham
10. The One that I Want by Allison Winn Scotch
11. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
12. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
13. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
14. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
15. North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley
16. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
17. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
18. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
19. The Pact by Jodi Picoult
20. Josephine B Trilogy by Sandra Gulland
21. The Prestige by Christopher Priest
22. Nine Princes in Amber by Roger Zelazny
23. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
24. The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles
25. Chesapeake Bay series by Nora Robers
26. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
27. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy*
28. Follow the Stars Home by Luanne Rice
29. The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand
30. The Summer I Dared by Barbara Delinsky
31. Northern Lights by Nora Roberts
32. Mosaic by Soheir Khashoggi
33. Can you keep a Secret? By Sophie Kinsella
34. I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb
35. The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffrey Deaver
36. Life as we Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
37. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
38. Rape: A Love Store by Joyce Carol Oates
39. The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
40. Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch
41. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
42. Did I Expect Angels? By Kathryn Maughan
43. East of Eden by John Steinback
44. The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
45. The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond
46. First Daughter by Eric Van Lustbader
47. The Senator’s Wife by Sue Miller
48. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
49. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
50. Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad
51. The Rapture of Canaan by Sheri Reynolds
52. Holes by Louis Sachar
53. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
54. Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkein
55. Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
56. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
57. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
58. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
59. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
60. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
61. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
62. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
63. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier*
64. Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne Du Maurier
65. Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
66. The Uglies by Scott Westerfield
67. After You by Julie Buxbaum*
68. Lost by Jacqueline Davies
69. Beside a Burning Sea by John Shors
70. The Given Day by Dennis Lehane
71. The Likeness by Tana French
72. Nefertiti by Michelle Moran*
73. Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran
74. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
75. After by Amy Efaw
76. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White*
77. The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
78. A Map of the Known World by Lisa Ann Sandell
79. The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch
80. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger*
81. Love You, Hate You, Miss You by Elizabeth Scott*
82. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
83. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl*
84. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson*
85. The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson*
86. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson*

1st Anniversary

Ry and I have been married one year! Wow, how time flies. Eventhough it feels like just yesterday we were saying our "I do's", we have also done a lot this year. This blog is living proof :)

For our anniversary we went to downtown Minneapolis and had dinner at the Melting Pot. It was a four hour engagement but it was very tasty! We stayed at the Hilton downtown which was also very neat. The lobby opened up to the IDS Center so that made it fun.

I still feel like I'm living in the "honeymoon stage" with Ry. I'm hoping it stays that way forever! Sure, we don't agree on everything and we definitely have our "moments" but I wouldn't want to live this life with anyone else. I am so lucky.

Happy 1st Anniversary Ryan! I love you!

♥ R

I will update on our Christmas break very soon...

Dear Riley,

Today would have been your 14th birthday... I can't believe it has been that long. Although I was only a child when you were born, I can still remember exactly how you smelled, how warm you felt in my arms, how you were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. What I wouldn't give to kiss your soft cheeks one more time. I just remember thinking that you were so loved! Savannah and I got to bring you to see Santa in the hospital, we were such proud big sisters.

We only had two days to share with you on this Earth, but they were the most memorable and life changing to me, even now. It is amazing how one five pound little girl can have such a profound effect on you. I am a better person because I knew you. As the song I used to play over and over again to remember you says, you are the wind beneath my wings.

I'm not sure how mommy and daddy feel about this, but I know when Christmas comes around you are on my mind even more. I used to get so sad that you couldn't be there with us, but I know now you have always been there. There's peace.

I still dream of you, not very often, but on occasion. You are older now in my dreams than you used to be when I dreamt of you. You have long dark hair and are often dancing and smiling at me... I truly believe it is you. You are in the Hands of the Lord and through his grace we shall be together again someday, how wonderful that will be! I will have so much to tell you. Until then, you are the best guardian angel I could have ever asked for. I think of and miss you everyday. I love you very much. Happy Birthday, my precious Riley.

Your Loving Sister-

Raqui

Christmas in Kansas City

I'm feeling great despite the fact I have two very difficult finals next week and almost all of my Christmas shopping left to do. Ry took the opportunity to work overtime this weekend so I have been alone in the apartment studying.

However, Ry and I did get the opportunity to see the lights on the Plaza last night and enjoy the happy hour deals. We had heard it was neat down there this time of year so we decided to take the evening off. It was beautiful; although, driving down there was near impossible because of all the people walking around. As Ry said, you wouldn't know the economy was hurting with all the people out shopping and eating out!

Ryan did not want me to take this picture, but it turned out nice if you ask me:) We were sitting at the bar at Tomfoolerie's and I think he was embarrassed. Oh well, I am getting him back for his incessant need to take pictures wherever we go.

On a side note, the weather here is very strange. It is currently 68 degrees but by 2 PM it is supposed to be in the teens? What is up with that? As one of my professor says, "If you want to have different weather, just wait a few hours in KC and it will come." Good thing I got my run in before hand :)

Hope everyone has a good week!

♥ ~ R

PS. I do not call my husband, "Ry", I just use it on here for security purposes and so my blog is not searchable on Google. I try to use names and places sparingly. Just an FYI.

There's So Much to be Thankful For

I am finally updating on Thanksgiving weekend. I actually have the day off from school today so I'm home getting things done. I figure I could get a blog in while I was at it.

I'm not sure who is reading my blog but I really do enjoy writing. It is my spiritual haven. I am not the best telephone conversationalist so it is my way of letting everyone know what is going on here in KC as well. Some may say my blogs are too sappy, but it is honestly how I feel. My family means everything to me and I guess I am thankful for having such a wonderful one. I try to think positively about everything and everyone.

Ryan and I flew out to WI last Wednesday to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. We were expecting to have a long wait at check-in and security so we got there very early. However, the KC airport was not busy. There was no one in line at check-in OR security??? What the heck? We were waiting around for two hours before we loaded the plane but it was okay. Better early than late I guess.

We got to T and C's that evening and were able to relax and talk. On Thanksgiving morning I went out for a jog and got ready for the day ahead. I really enjoy jogging in HG because it reminds me a lot of O-town. Everyone waves at you or says good morning and I don't know any of them... that just doesn't happen in the city.

We got to Ry's Grandma's house and planned for a late Thanksgiving dinner. One thing I was not used to was R, M, and T were looking at the Black Friday ads ALL DAY LONG! They didn't quit. I was telling R that the ads don't change as the day goes on... but they kept looking anyway. I guess this is a yearly thing for them. I personally didn't think the deals were that great but they managed to find them.


Thanksgiving dinner was very good... it is nice that no matter where you go that meal is fairly consistent. One thing that was different, however, was before we ate we all said what we were most thankful for this year. It thought this was very special. It was emotional but more meaningful that way. After dinner Ryan and I gave J & J the Game of Life as an early Christmas present and we played it. It was a lot of fun especially considering we played two hours and didn't even finish the game. That used to be my favorite game when I was the girls age so it was nice to share it with them. Although it was more complicated than I remember, perhaps I wasn't playing it right.


The next morning came the shopping. Oh the shopping. R & T got up at 2:30 in the morning to wait in line at Best Buy, they are crazy. I went shopping with C and J instead, which was much more fun. We did go to the mall for about an hour and that was enough. It was crazy there. People were fighting over shirts and it was hard to get through the aisles, and I didn't even mention the lines at the counters! I don't know how the boys did that all day, I would have went nuts. After the mall we did some wine tasting, went to an olive oil store, and a Christmas decor store. It was probably a good thing that we were flying back to KC so I couldn't buy very much ;)


That evening I also had the opportunity to go the The Nutcracker Ballet with the girls (See picture above). We went out to dinner before hand which was at a nice place on the river. I had never been to a ballet or the Nutcracker so it was fun. It was funny because during the play we had a little boy sitting behind us who was talking the entire time and even was pulling my hair! Jenna told me afterwards that he kept saying, "I love the Nut-twacker" and "When are the rats coming on?" and she said she wanted to tell him it is the Nutcracker and not Nut-twacker. She reminds me of myself when I was that age. Dramatic yet full of love. Julia reminds me of Sav because she is more reserved and cares about everyone else. It is neat to watch. Those girls have been through a lot this year so it was nice to spend time with them and hear them tell stories about their dad.

We went back to T & C's after the play. Saturday was a lazy day there which was much needed. Of course the boys spent half the morning "playing" with their purchases from the day before. Mostly it was electronics. Ry bought a camera and a Blackberry so that kept him occupied. That afternoon we all put the ornaments on the tree and had to test the camera by taking pictures. I only posted one of them but we probably took 15 pictures in the same pose... I'm glad one turned out! After dinner we had some Bailey's and played Point Rummy... I love playing any sort of game especially with people you love. There is something about it that just brings you all together. So if anyone is up for a game, I'm in...

Sunday it was time to leave. We packed up our things and were taking off early afternoon. Once again, we got there in plenty of time because of the supposed long lines... which did not exist in MKE either! Either we lucked out on good flight times or less people were flying this holiday, I may never know. It was a wonderful weekend. The picture below is showing off a feature on our new camera :)

The things I am most thankful for this year:

1) My family who loves me unconditionally
2) My husband and a great 1st year (almost) of marriage
3) My and my family's health
4) A nice apartment to live in
5) That I have gotten through medical school thus far
6) Volunteering somewhere that actually means something to me (Alexandra's House)
7) The friends I have made in KC
8) Skype so I can talk to my family
9) The little people in my life that never cease to inspire me
10) For all the blessings God has given me this year

♥
Raq

Working 9 to 5. What a way to make a living!

I just took my final in human development and behavior. It is always a relief to be done with those. I am so excited to be heading to WI for Thanksgiving tomorrow! I have not left KC since July so I'm ready to get away for a few days. I will NOT be doing any homework or studying. I will post some pictures and let you know how the weekend was at a later date.

I also wanted to update and let everyone know that Ry has recently been promoted at Hallmark. We can no longer call Ry the "glue and glitter man". Since January Ry has been working night shift (10PM-7AM) in the Flitter Department. He just found out however, that he will now be working normal day hours in the Packaging Department. He will be managing four times the amount of people he was in Flitter, but it will be a good challenge for him. We are both very excited! I can already tell a difference in my husband in terms of his motivation and general mood. He is laughing more, singing again, and the house is always clean. I'm exaggerating a bit (or trying to embarrass him!), but hopefully you get my drift. I am proud of him and we are both surprised at how soon it came. He has been making the official transition during this short week, so he has been busy. We were expecting him to move to days come March or April next year so it was a pleasant surprise, although it happened fast.

Anyway, just wanted to let everyone know before I forgot to write about it. Like I said we are off to WI tomorrow afternoon for Thanksgiving. Should be a good time. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, may God bless you all and keep you safe this Holiday.

♥
R

In the Christmas Spirit

I know, I know, I am jumping the gun on this one. My only explanation for wanting the Holiday season to drag out two months this year is because I didn't get to fully enjoy it for what it was last year. Planning a wedding got in the way of fully enjoying the holidays. So, I'm making up for last year I guess :)

So, I am posting some pics from around the apartment. For some of you they may not be too interesting but to us they represent our first Christmas together. Our Jahnke plate looks nice on our kitchen table, Thank you Tara and Jon (Greta and Tate too)!

As we were putting up the ornaments on our tree we reflected on what each of them means to us. We put up ornaments my mom gave me last year at my bridal shower that she had collected since I was young, the ones Ryan picked from his tree at home, and some we got as wedding gifts. Yours, Mine, and Ours so to say.

I got a tear in my eye when I put a little pink bulb that was my Great Grandma Bertha's from her tree on mine. It is special to have something so precious. Ryan put up a smore ornament that says "I burn for you" I gave him the first year we were dating. Every ornament means something to us in some way. I light the tree every night.

A Christmas tree to me is not just a symbol of the Holiday but reflects upon our love and memories we have with family. But more it helps us remember the One Christmas is meant to celebrate, Jesus. One of the new ornaments for our tree is a fish that signifies "Christ's miracle and, like Christ, provides nourishment and sustains life. Fish represent the messages of the Christmas season - renewal of life, rejuvenation, and love." What an awesome message.

For you Scrooge's out there, I apologize for spreading the cheer. I just can't help it. For those of you who like listening to Christmas music, Noel by Josh Groban is beautiful.

Everything else is going well. Ryan is on days all next week so that will be a nice change. I am starting my last week of human development and it has been a nice break. It has been a lazy Sunday and I couldn't be happier. We have not turned on the heat in our apartment yet so I have been bundling up, but am cozy all the more.

On Friday night we got to talk to Jeff in Shanghai AND my Grandma Linda, Peyton, and Joey on Skype all at the same time. I was telling my mom how it felt like I got to spend the evening hanging out with them. It sure is strange hearing traffic noise coming live from Shanghai out of Jeff's aparment window via the microphone on his computer.

Until next time, all my love. The picture above is the picture frame I wrapped so it looked like a Christmas present. That bow was a pain to make... but it looks cool now :)

♥ ~ R

The Times, They are A-Changin'

The Election is over. The long election is over. After my evening class last night, I was glued to CNN watching as Obama claimed state by state. It was emotional. We elected our first African-American president. I also felt bad for McCain. He conceded with such grace and as I told Ryan you can't help but feel bad for all the sweat and heart that has been put into his campaign. I do not want to delve any further into the issues or what my beliefs are because when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter anymore.

On another note, Ryan and I had a visitor this weekend, Matthew (Ryan's brother). He has not been to KC since we moved here so it was nice to show him around. He took the Greyhound from MN. I will not go into details, but I will never ride or promote anyone riding on Greyhound again. Customer service is terrible, I could go on and on.

Matthew arrived on Friday morning at 6 am. We showed him the highlights of the Downtown (Crown Center, Union Station, WWI Museum, and of course Arthur Bryant's BBQ). Because it was Halloween, we decided to go out and enjoy the beautiful weather and have some fun. We headed to Worlds of Fun for their "Spook Fest". Worlds of Fun is the amusement park of KC. It was quite entertaining to say the least. We rode all the rollercoasters and walked through a fog filled park. Matthew and I were creeped out because they had these "goblins" walking around trying to frighten you. One jumped out in front of a girl dinging a loud bell and she freaked out to say the least, I'm sure I would have had the same reaction. Ryan wanted us to walk through the especially spooky walkways and Matthew and I resisted. I was especially scared of the man dressed as "Jason" from Friday the 13th movies... that was a little too much for me, but we made it out alive :) Thanks again Dad for the tickets!

On Saturday we ran errands in the morning before we headed to the Plaza for lunch. We attended a beautiful church service before we enjoyed the fresh, evening breeze of the night sipping hot coffee on the Plaza. Ryan gets a new energy to him when Matthew is around. I feel bad that they can't be together more often, but I guess it makes these visits that much more special. After enjoying our evening on the Plaza we came to our apartment and had a nice steak dinner over a glass of Cabernet.

We had a rather stressful Sunday morning, mostly because I was stressed that Ryan was being "putzy" as I call him. We had plans on going to the KC Chiefs football game and tailgating beforehand. Needless to say, we ended up being about an hour late but we really didn't miss much. The Chiefs lost in OT to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Maybe they'll win next time (chuckle).

It was a wonderful weekend, I didn't want it to end. Matthew has a kind spirit and is not opposed to having an intellectual conversation which I appreciate. As Matthew said, life is ultimately about finding a community and having meaningful relationships with people. I couldn't agree more.

The other two in the pictures are some friends of mine from school. From L to R: Matthew, Chris (from Florida), Ryan, and Ashley (from Kansas)

♥

R

The Shack

I just finished this book last night. I do not want to go into details about the book because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who is planning on reading it. But I do want to mention that the book had me crying, laughing, and yearning for a closer relationship with God.

A quote from the book that I thought was very powerful, "You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you" -Frederick Buechner

The Shack has given me a new, fresh perspective on our purpose here on this Earth. This book has been healing for me. Life is not about politics, money, success, or looks but our meaningful relationships with people and God. Not only the ones we love, but everyone who we are brothers and sisters with in Christ (I understand this phrase now).

Whether you have lost someone you love dearly or are just looking for an inspirational novel, I highly recommend you read this book.

The book touched me because it reminded me that the ones I have lost in my life are patiently waiting to meet me again someday. Waiting in a place that knows no hatred, impatience, or greed.

Let me know what you think as I am excited to have a meaningful discussion about what the book means to you. Is the story true? Is everything mentioned biblically correct? I don't know. But I do know it made me reflect more deeply upon my own relationship with God, and to me that can't be a bad thing.

Have a wonderful weekend
♥
R

Love Never Fails

It is mid-October and I cannot figure out where all the time has gone. It is like I have been in a constant stupor since July and have just snapped out of it. I must say, however, that wherever I was I am glad I am back. Fall is the best of all seasons. The leaves turn color, the air is fresh, the temperature cools to where sweatshirts are comfortable, and there is the anticipation of the Holidays. So excited.

Ryan and I had visitors again this weekend. I feel bad that our apartment is so small, but I LOVE having company. So as long as people are okay sleeping on a (hard) futon or an air mattress, you sure are welcome!

My mom, Grandma Linda, and sister Peyton drove the long haul to bring Ryan and I our Cedar/Maple Chest Mom and Tony gave Ryan and I for our wedding. I know we got married about ten months ago, but this was the first chance we've had to get it down here. It sure is beautiful!


It was nice to have them all here. We did a lot of relaxing, walking around, and dining out. They got here on Thursday evening and left Saturday morning. On Thursday it was just the four girls because Ryan was still in Atlanta. We went out for dinner and decided that sitting at the apartment watching a chick flick was the best option. I miss having the women in my life around SOO much. Communication solely via cell phone is not the same, as much as I try to convince myself it is a good alternative. It is not!

We did some shopping on Saturday and went out for dinner again. The days went by too fast. Before we knew it we were all ready to go to bed again. I was trying to convince them to stay on Saturday morning, but to no avail. I understand the trip is very long and they wanted to get back, though. Although a short visit, I am SO happy they came.

On another note, I can't believe how much Peyton has changed even since July when I saw her last. She is blooming into a beautiful, well spoken, and humorous young woman. I was hugging her constantly all weekend and I think the teenager (almost) in her was wishing I would stop... of course I just did it more then :) It makes me sad I cannot be around for all of my siblings, to watch them play sports or support them in whatever endeavors they partake in. Hopefully one day I can make it up to them somehow.

They left Saturday and I went through withdrawal. The minute they left I had to do something to get my mind off of them leaving because otherwise I get too sad. So Ryan and I decided to get out of the apartment for the evening. After all it was a free weekend and it was not over yet. So, we decided to visit a Cider Mill about twenty miles South of us. We did not have high expectations because of how much fun we used to have at the apple farms in the Minneapolis area. However, we got there and it was a lot of fun. They are famous for their apple cider doughnuts and homemade root beer so of course we had to try those (Ryan sporting both!).

We did make the observation, however, that we were probably the only group there without kids. It was okay though because we still had fun, maybe we both have a little kid in us yet. We were laughing about how good it is we have each other to do things like this.

The cider mill we went to also had a corn maze. We decided to check it out for curiosities sake. We were in it for an hour and had only found 3 of the 18 landmarks in the maze and decided we didn't have that much ambition to find all of them. So we went home and of course watched yet another movie.

Today has been a lazy day. The best of days. As much as I despise Sundays, they are also a day of preparation. We picked up the apartment, made our weekly meal plan, went grocery shopping, and I got some work done. Though it may seem boring, to me it is relaxing doing these things. Just put in a good movie, light a Fall inspired candle, sip a cup of spiced tea, and get some work done. After all it starts over tomorrow.

In light of the chest: No matter the miles or differences in a relationship, love never fails. It endures all things and hopes all things. I believe this is not only important in our relationships with our significant others, but our family members, friends, and most importantly our God above, whoever that is to you.

♥R

And So It Goes

I'm sitting here listening to Lite Hits on Digital Cable and studying. Ryan is on his first business trip in Atlanta, GA. He is visiting the Hallmark Lithocrome plant there. I do not know what Lithocrome is, but I'm sure I will hear all about it come Friday evening when he gets back. I know he has been very excited that he was invited on this trip, though he will never admit it. I miss him of course, but it is also my finals week so it is a great week for the trip!

I said I would update on the Weekend Tim and Cindy were here. On Friday evening (Sep 26), we went to the great Topeka, Kansas to get a tour of the Hallmark plant where Ryan works. It is amazing the process that goes into making a card! I was griping about going initially but it turned out to be neat. I didn't realize how proud Ryan is of what he does until then. He was explaining everything to us in great detail and of course waited to show us his "Flitter" department until the end... I guess they say save the best for last! He was so cute having all of us (Tim, Cindy, and I) touch all the cards and look at everything closely... oh Ryan. Thinking about him giving that tour makes me want to give him a big hug right now.

The four of us went on a long walk Saturday morning in the beautiful Autumn weather. We had lunch then I studied at the library while they wandered around Kansas City! We ended the evening at Jack Stack Barbeque (picture).

On Sunday morning, we had to make sure to make it to the 8AM church service. We walked in at quarter to eight (this church is usually standing room only if you are late) and there was nobody there and the lights were off. The service didn't start until 8:30. Oops. Oh well, we won't make that mistake again. It ended up being kind of funny. Of course Ryan blamed me but I was quick to remind him he could have looked it up just as easily as I could have... he likes to tease me. As Ryan often says, he knows how to "push my buttons" and that is for sure! But I still love him :) Although we were 45 minutes early, it was nice reflection time so maybe we will be early next time too.

This previous weekend was uneventful. I'm sure you are all sick of me saying I was studying but that is what I did. I'm sick of me saying it too! Better get back to work. I look forward to posting more regularly again soon. I also attached a picture of Tim and Ryan at the art museum in Kansas City because I thought it was funny (I did not go with them but heard it was fun). Tim is trying his hardest to keep that large birdie from falling and Ryan is standing there relaxing, what else is new?

♥

R

The Life of a Medical Student

Not a long post but all I have to say is I am looking forward to when I have my weekends completely OFF. The past eight weeks have been quite long. I am at school 12 hours a day during the week. When I get home I eat dinner and study until bedtime. The weekends are just about non-stop studying. I have two more weeks of this and I will be free to enjoy my weekends again. Neuroscience is interesting but intense. I understand the importance of the subject, but also think it is important to regain your sanity at some points too.

I was talking to a friend of mine this evening and I was telling her I only studied five hours on Saturday and she thought it was funny I said only... Today has been nonstop. My brain is about at capacity :)

I will update on the weekend soon. Tim and Cindy came to visit so it was nice to see them. When I get the chance I will give details of the weekend.

~R

Where the Green Grass Grows

One day I want to...

* Live in a place where there are no stoplights.
* Walk outside on my porch and hear crickets chirping and see the glimmer of stars on a cool summer night.
* Watch a thunderstorm from my bay window listening to the rain clop on the roof, sipping a hot cup of tea and reading a good book.
* Have Ryan serenade me with his saxaphone playing Kenny G, just for me...
* Jog in the early morning fog with nothing but the sound of my feet hitting the ground.
* Wake up to the smell of fresh coffee on the pot.
* Sleep in on Saturday mornings with the windows open wide.
* Sing and dance along to old country music blaring from my radio while I clean the house.
* Jump in a pile of colorful leaves on a crisp fall evening with my children in stride.
* Cuddle up in a blanket around a fireplace on a cold winter night with all the people I love there with me.

I'm just a country girl at heart. I appreciate the simple things in life. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had in the city, but one day, I will go back. Go back to a place where life is simple, people care about one another, and I come alive. One day...

I will update soon.

Love,
Raquel

I'm Just a Girl, With a Big Dream

I have become quite introspective lately. I often catch myself daydreaming, and thinking about life's little mysteries and how it all works out. I have to remind myself every day why I am doing what I am doing. Don't get me wrong, I love medicine, but the intense curriculum seems to drain my passion. I do whatever I can to not let it get the best of me, but it is a struggle. I look forward to the day I can be with patients, which my dad has recently reminded me is only 11 months away (7 months and school is over, then board studying).

I often wonder, why me? I do not feel I am an uberly smart person, just a girl with a big dream who knows how to work really hard. It is interesting to me because there is not one person in my medical school class that I know of who has parents that are divorced. People don't know how to respond when I tell them this.

I often mention that though my parents did not live in the same home, my sister and I had more love than many others whose parents were together. And this was not just from our parents, but the wonderful support system Savannah and I have had. God gave Savannah and I an incredible family! I think people underestimate how much Savannah and I were there for each other as well. She is the only person who has always known what it is like to be in my shoes... I don't know what I would have done without her. Love you Nanny.

As I was cleaning out my closet today I found a note my mom wrote me eight years ago... I have always been encouraged to pursue my dreams... I am going to share some of it:

"My Dearest Raquel -I want you to set your goals high and you can do it! If you have failures, let-downs, or disappointments while working towards your goals, just remember that is what makes you stronger... I see a lot of things in you that remind me of me, and a lot that are distinctly "Raquel"... You can prove to yourself that with hard work and perseverance, you can meet your goals... Let's work hard, stay positive, and not get overly discouraged by constructive criticism... Do not let anything stand in your way of reaching your dreams and goals, including to go onto school to be an OB/GYN. I know you'll do this! Remember, I love you more each day and I am always here for you. Lovingly, your mom." - July 5, 2000

The letter above is condensed down into a paragraph, just thought I would share some. I do not remember why my mom wrote this letter, but I am sure glad she did (and that I kept it). Again, I am not sure why God gave me such a wonderful mother, father, grandparents, husband, and family, but I am forever grateful to The One above for all of them.

Sorry for the philosophical blog, it has just been on my mind and Ryan and I have recently had a conversation about it.

Ryan and I had a good weekend. We ended up spending 8 hours talking and spending time with friends I have met from school along with their significant others, which was very fun. The weekend was relaxing... only 6 more weeks of Neuro left... I am definitely counting them down.

On another note, sending my congratulations to Tessa and Adam who are parents to Morgan Grace as of yesterday... very excited for all of you. And to Savannah, the recent graduate... I am very proud of you.

All my Love-
Raquel

Holding Heaven

Thought I would share some pictures from our evening last night. Ryan and I went to the free Friday night concert at Crown Center and we saw Tracy Byrd. If you are not a country fan, you probably do not know who this is... but we had a good time.

Towards the end of the concert, a guy was called up on stage by Tracy Byrd. The guy took the microphone and asked his girlfriend to come up to the stage, got down on one knee, and proposed. It was so sweet. I think the neatest part was that after she said yes, Tracy Byrd sang "Keeper of the Stars" to them as they danced on stage... so cute.

It was nice to take a night off from studying. I have my first round of finals next week so I needed to revamp myself. I sure am lucky to have Ryan though, I came home on Friday and our apartment was immaculate. So nice.

PS. The title of my blog is my favorite Tracy Byrd song... I truly am holding heaven.

So Empty...

Here ends another crazy weekend. My dad and the clan came last Wednesday. KCUMB hosted a barbeque and paid for us to go to a Royals/Red Sox game on Wednesday evening and they all joined us. They came just in time for the nice weather to begin and heat wave to leave. I can say I have never enjoyed baseball as much as I did this weekend. Besides the game on Wednesday we also went to the Royals/Twins game this past Friday, what a game. I'm not sure if it is the baseball I like or the venue/atmosphere of Kauffman Stadium. Although, I did find myself immersed in the game. Plus, the breeze was nice and I had good company.

We also were able to get our fill of barbeque. We had Jackstack and the famous Arthur Bryant's. Even though I live in Kansas City, I do not have much barbeque so it's always a treat. We brought the kids to Kaleidoscope for them to do arts and crafts which they enjoyed a lot. I felt bad for Mitch, he was probably bored... although he did get his kicks putting stickers on my dad's back... maybe you had to be there but it was funny.

I am very happy they came to visit. As small of an apartment we have, I really do enjoy the company. I would have visitors all the time if I could. I also got to show them my Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) skills ... they all went right to sleep :) Overall, we just had fun spending time with each other which seems to be sparse lately.

I apologize I do not have any pictures to capture the fun of the weekend. I am kicking myself for forgetting my camera, they're only that little for so long. (Olivia-8, Marit-6, and Gannon-4). After everyone left on Saturday afternoon, there was a strange buzz in our apartment. It was empty... too empty. We did not know what to do with ourselves. I'm not saying children are coming soon, just that I look forward to the days of little ones running around... no matter how far away that may be.

Neuroscience is in full swing... if I don't get a chance to blog for a while, I am probably just studying. Ryan is heading to Milwaukee for Andy and Sabitha's wedding next weekend so I'll make sure he takes pictures of that!

Until next time, take care. Love-Raquel

Meet Me in St. Louis

We have returned from our last summer getaway for the year. It was wonderful. The pictures show how beautiful it was, but they do not appropriately portray the heat! Saturday was a balmy 100 degrees and sunny. I probably saw ten brides walking around downtown and I felt sorry for them. I don't know how they could wear a thick, heavy wedding dress in that heat...

In a weekend Ryan and I managed to squeeze in eating at a Mobster Italian restaurant, make $50 at the casino, tour the Budweiser Brewery, see the Missouri Botanical Gardens, have a picnic in sweltering heat, see One Republic in concert, watch a fireworks show, and a visit to the Cathedral.

I had such a good time. Our hotel room had a great view of downtown St. Louis (see picture). My favorite part of the trip was going to St Louis Live off the Levee last night.

The evening brought me back to being younger again, with no responsibilities or worries, though I am not sure why (maybe it was the mass of teenagers around having no cares in the world) . While listening to One Republic I looked at Ryan and was reminded of how much I love him. It's not like I forgot, but I was brought back to the feeling I had when I only knew him for a few months. The Butterflies. Maybe it was the lyric of the song, or the ambiance of the evening, but it was wonderful. If this is what comes of getaways, I'm up for more. There is nothing better than being married to love of your life and your best friend.