Sunday, October 18, 2009

local football excitement

This week we went to some great local football games. On Thursday, I went to Felten's last home football game against our cross-town rival, Kennedy. I'm happy to report that Felten won! They kind of struggled some this season, but thankfully were able to pull off bragging rights this year. It was fun to see how excited all of the Felten kids were about the win.

On Friday, Liam and I went to the high school homecoming football game. We hadn't seen the high school play all season, but I heard they were undefeated and thought it would be worth our time to check out their homecoming game against Great Bend. They were able to maintain their undefeated season with a win. We were told that it was our first time to beat Great Bend in 8 years. Impressive! It was a great game with an amazing crowd turn-out. We may have to check out their last home game against McPherson.

We also got to see the Washburn Symphony Orchestra play at Fort Hays. It was great free entertainment! They were all extremely talented.

PS - Speaking of football, the Chiefs finally pulled off a win!! Finally ended the 9 game losing streak. Big game! Not pretty, but good.

Monday, October 12, 2009

got my hairs cut

before

after

Sunday, October 11, 2009

two weddings and a snowfall

John and Melissa - October 3 - Broomfield, CO
John was in Juneau when Liam and I
were there in Summer of 2006


Aaron and Alexandra - October 10 - Lincoln, NE
Aaron was in cross-country with Liam in HS

No, we weren't sitting on the stage...
There were chairs on all three sides of the stage.
Beautiful church.

Snow on the ground
Green leaves on the trees

A face on the trunk

While we were in Colorado, we got to spend the weekend with my brother, Matthew. I love visiting him! Then, while we were in Nebraska, we spent the weekend with Liam's parents. It was great to see them!

PS - This is how excited we were when Nebraska beat Mizzou. I despise Mizzou. Liam loves the Huskers. Ok... I like the Huskers, too. Thanks to Liam.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

not your typical used car salesman

While I was on the phone asking my dad for tips on buying used cars, he concluded with, "When it comes down to it, you just have to pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you into making the right decision and discerning whether or not the salesman is trustworthy..." I hung up the phone and we got out of our car.

As we meandered into the parking lot of the small used car dealership, I immediately spotted the salesman. Have I mentioned I don't like dealing with car salesman? I try to avoid them. However, I was soon to be pleasantly surprised. The salesman wandered over towards us and asked us if we had any questions. Normal, right? It's what happened next that threw us for a loop. "Well, I'm Bill, and I'll be inside if you have any questions. I really don't like to bother you while you look around. Let me know if you need any help." Seriously? Awesome. From that point on, Bill was our best friend.

You see, Liam and I were casually looking to buy a new-to-us car to replace my Grand Prix that I've had for a few years. I loved my Grand Prix. It drove so well. I will forever be happy that my dad found the car for me to buy while I was in college. It was perfect for me! Alas, it was time to move on. Liam and I began to casually consider buying a different vehicle a few weeks ago. Because my car was still drivable, we weren't in a hurry. We were determined to find a good deal. We just didn't know that God would bless us with such a great deal so soon. Before we even got the chance to seriously search for a car, God dropped one in our lap via a small used car dealership in Wichita. That's where Bill comes in.


As Liam and I looked around Bill's car lot, a 2007 Chevy Impala caught our eye. We both like Chevy Impalas - right size, quality car - but they're a little out of our price range. This one, however, was priced way lower than normal. When we asked, Bill explained that the car had been hailed out two weeks after the previous owner bought it. Bill bought it from an auction and fixed it up. You can barely see evidence of its suffering in its former life. It's a beautiful car. Liam and I are all about practicality. We're willing to take a few barely noticeable hail dimples on the roof to get a car at a discounted price. And that's just what we did.

After test driving the car, we went into the office to talk to Bill. He told us what he paid for the car and explained that if we made a reasonable offer for him to make a profit and us to go home happy, he'd take it. I'm definitely not used to a used car salesman focusing on the benefit of the customer. You see, Bill for some reason took a great liking to us. He must see a pretty rough crowd there in his semi-rough neighborhood in Wichita. He told us numerous times how much he appreciated how nice we were. He wanted to go out of his way to do what he could for us. He said that we were "good people." We could tell that Bill, too, was "good people."

Obviously, we bought the car. We never dreamed we'd be able to buy a Chevy Impala for $4,000 under Kelly Blue Book price. We had written off the possibility of owning an Impala at this point in our lives. But through a little repaired hail damage and a genuinely nice used car salesman named Bill, God provided. We have a better car then we had hoped for that works great and is fun to drive!

Isn't it amazing that God turned someone else's stress and disappointment of a hailstorm into a blessing for us... This may be a stretch, but I kind of like the barely noticeable ripples of hail damage on the top of my car. It's reminds me of how God uses storms in our lives for good. It's also a good reminder that God can use storms in our lives to bless others around us when they are able to see His hand and how we come out on the other side - stronger and more like Him.


So, if you're ever looking for a car in the Wichita area, go visit Bill at Automax. He doesn't have a very big lot, but he has some good deals. Tell him that Liam and Jenni with the hailed out Impala sent you. He'll treat you right!

Before you go, I need your help! The new Impala is yet to be named. Liesl is a suggested possibility. Do you have any other ideas on fitting names? Is it a he? Is it a she? Hmmm... Discuss amongst yourselves.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

k-s-u wildcats!

My dear friend, Raineka, called me yesterday evening. She had acquired some free tickets and wanted to know if we wanted to come for the K-State football game today. Liam and I had already agreed that we wanted to try to make it to at least one game this season at our alma mater. We jumped at the chance for free tickets!

So, today we made the drive east to Manhattan for a great football game in perfect weather. I would have to say that the most exciting times in the game were the two kick-off returns for touchdowns by Brandon Banks. Impressive. It was also fun to have a quick visit with some of our Manhattan friends and attend the Saturday night service at our old church!


quick roommate reunion
roommates from my senior of college

Fort Riley Day
Hence, the cannon so loud it shook our clothes...

perfect day for football

great times with Rain
starring a random lady over my left shoulder

Band Day halftime show

Side note: Liam and I are excited that our Huskers and Jayhawks pulled off wins today. Here's hoping the Chiefs put up a good fight tomorrow!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

chicken & rice casserole

4 c. cooked rice
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. flour
2 c. milk
2 t. chicken bouillon powder
1 t. seasoned salt
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. pepper
8 oz. Velveeta (cubed)
2 chicken breast halves (cooked & cubed)
1 c. sour cream (I prefer a little less)
1 c. shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 450. Spread cooked rice in pan. In medium pan, melt butter and stir in flour. Gradually add milk, bouillon, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Bring to boil. Simmer and stir for 2 minutes, or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Add Velveeta and stir till melted. Add chicken and sour cream. Mix all together and pour over rice. Top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated and bubbly.

Monday, September 21, 2009

seasons

goodbye, summer

hello, autumn

please... sit and stay a while

  • long-sleeve t-shirt and hooded sweatshirt weather = cozy
  • football season = exciting
  • hot chocolate = delicious
  • soup = scrumptious
  • crisp air = refreshing
  • changing leaves = beautiful
  • curling up with a blanket and a book = delightful
  • experiencing God in the changing of seasons = awe-inspiring

What are some of your favorite things about Fall?