a letter.

Dear Mr. Chester Mouse,
While I know we have open fields behind our home, where you most likely appeared from I'm writing to inquire why you have taken permanent residence in our home.
While we don't mind you passing by, we'd give a quick wave (and wave you along) and smile as you moved on to a nice abandoned cardboard box or secret place not in an ACTUAL HUMANS home.
You see it's not that we hate you, it's just that you don't belong here...it's just the way it is.
We apologize for the death of Rodney,and of Pip, but we have had to resort to drastic measures to move you all along.
We haven't seen 'evidence" of you in a few days in the tupperware drawer (and I thank you for staying away from the food) so we are hoping you are happy in your new home, far, far away from here.
best(firm and stern) regards,
Mrs. A$ Swanson

ps- I'm thankful you are NOT a rat...because then I would have to move.
And poor Mr. Swanson would surely scream like a girl and pass out.

tee for ethiopia.

tee for ethiopia., originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

Ev. & the L-man

Ev. & the L-man, originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

some brotherly love.

Ev. L-man. Maxo. 06.28.2009

Ev. L-man. Maxo. 06.28.2009, originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

Rough day today, but looking at this picture reminds me how blessed I am.

7 years.

We got married in Janesville, WI...not the most glamorous city in the US but, we did get the BEST place for a wedding reception, thanks to a colleague of my Dad's a private Country Club. They had some BEAUTIFUL grounds and the hall was just as nice. We had a live band and people still tell me how fun our reception was, even though I hardly remember it! Holy cow we were kids when we got married!
And I CANNOT believe I cried all the way down the aisle, sobbed through the ceremony, and started to get control of myself just after we were pronounced man and wife.

WHAT a baby.
I remember very little about our wedding day, it was so crazy, butI do VIVIDLY remember what I was thinking when I stepped to walk down the aisle with my Dad. I walked into the doorway, and seeing Justin I just lost it.
All my emotions came crashing together and the only thing that came out was tears. I was SO happy to be marrying Justin, seeing of all our family and friends there to celebrate with us, I was devastated that Jared wasn't there to be with us (to be Justin's' best man), the emotional roller-coaster we had all been on since his accident in February, and the start of a new life together was just too much for me to handle when I saw Justin standing there waiting for me. What a day it was!

What a seven years it has been!
But, they have been the best seven years of my life! I can honestly say, that today I love him more than I did seven years ago. It is a different love, not that newlywed puppy love but a deeper love that I pray continues to grow and florish.
According to the US Census Bureau, the average marriage lasts just over 7 years. Yikes! We're ready though...bring on that seven year itch, we'll kick its little behind.

May God continue use our marriage to make us more holy and draw us closer to him.

Happy Anniversary Just! I love you, always!

bags for Ethiopia.

My friend Marian, and her husband Nathan are in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia. They have three young boys and after watching some friends adopt, they decided to start their own adoption journey!

Marian and I first "met" ( we have not met in real life...only online...)in fall 2007, and as I type this I cannot believe that! I found an article she had written for Radiant, and asked her if she would like to write for Ungrind. She said yes, and we have been in touch with each other since. When I read about her adoption adventure and that she was sewing to raise money for the costs, I hopped right on that bandwagon.

And guess what?! You can support them too! Check out their journey here.

chalky

chalky, originally uploaded by olives on a monday.

Happy 30th Jared Paul.

evan & jared (2006). I know I posted this picture last year, but I love it.

Today my brother-in-law Jared turns 30. When his birthday rolls around each year, Justin and I always reminise about the GREAT times we had. He even throws in some great childhood stories.

I met Jared right after he turned 18. I'll never forget the first time I met my now in-laws.

I was about to enter my senior year of high school, and "too cool" to go hang out with some family,because I had plans with friends, duh! I remember my parents said something like "but they have two sons your age!"...like I cared, I already had like 5 crushes going on!!
I'm glad I went though. I remember I felt so welcome in their home from the start. Jared really sticks out in my mind that day (I actually hardly remember Justin at all, he was so shy, and so smitten with me, and my beauty from the time he first saw me...ha!), he was so kind, fun, and energetic.
Anyway, I left thinking what a great time I had...and after that we became close friends. For the next two years, Jared, Justin and I spent endless hours together with other friends, and soon Jared was off to Wheaton College in Illinois. This was after Justin and I started dating, and I remember calling Jared more than once on advice in dealing with Justin :)...he was such a good friend to the both of us.
Happy 30th Jared! We love you and miss you very much!

06.27.2009

"God moves in a mysterious ways.
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dreadAre big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain. "
William Cowper

Happy Independence Day!

Liam's bum sporting his latest g-diaper.

Happy 4th of July!