Dr. Demmel

Ruth if you follow my blog at all, I have to give you big shout out. I would have hugged you on the phone today if I could have.

So... I gracefully slammed my finger in my car today. Luckily I have two wonderful medical people in my close circle of friends. First, Paul's mom, Ruth. She is just fantastic. I call her at random times asking for advice on my dramatic ailments and she is always sure to deliver fantastic advice.

I have always thought it was so insipring and cool (probably not the best use of words, but I'll use it anyway) that Paul's mom is a Dr. I look up to them. I know I would have never had the guts or the brains, or the stomach for that matter, to be one. The dedication and heart you have to have for this profession is just incredible.

Thanks Dr. Demmel, I think you are great!

One more shout out to Jess, my PA friend. I talked to her today as well. She is my other medical go to person. I found out today that next to her immediate family, I am "that" friend that is always calling for medical advice, a bit of a hypocondriac I know. So... thanks Jess, you're pretty great too!

This post wouldn't be complete without a special note to MY mom as well. When I was sick a few weeks ago it brought back memories growing up of how well my mom took care of me. It makes me think of the big blue blanket on the couch, Vicks Vapor Rub, orange juice from a can in the green pitcher and leg rubs. My mom isn't a medical professional, but don't kid yourself if she wouldn't have been on vacation today she would have gotten a call from me. For some reason complaining to mom just makes me feel better.

Focus on the Family

I am a huge fan of Focus on the Family.  Not only because I had a fantastic experience that their leadership institute in the Summer of 2006, but because I feel they have such a comprehensive ministry, hold true to their values and they are founded on such strong biblical world views.  I listen to Dr. Dobson's podcast and have read a lot of his books and books Focus produces.  Their podcast has given me so many tips on relationships, family, christianity and even political matters.  I know some may disagree that Focus should not mix ministry and politics, but with the direction that our nation is going at this time I like to have some education about what is going on in Washington from a christian perspective.  I don't claim to be an expert by any stretch of the matter at all!  I do wish I was more informed and I have found that through their podcast and one of their ministries, www.citizenlink.com, it has been helpful.  Also check out www.focusonthefamily.com.    

Lucas + Laura

It couldn't have been a better day for a wedding. Perfect weather for an outdoor wedding in August. Paul and I stayed with Luke and Jess (note Jess & I switched dresses for the evening) don't you just love her silk dress I'm wearing? Anyway, we went with them to the wedding. They have really become great friends of ours in the last few years, we love spending time with them. The wedding was at a small Lutheran Church outside Omaha and the reception was under a beautiful white tent at the couple's home. Flowers from her garden, fantastic food, fun music and I had a fantastic date. Paul gets major kudos for being such a great date. Enjoy the pics!

Model in the making...

We had a great weekend in Chicago. I love the city. It's a warmer friendlier place than New York, but still very busy and tons to see and do. More Chicago pictures and blurbs to come...

First, there is a small internet contest I would like to submit a photo to. It's on depth of field. Paul generously and mostly willing.... (mostly) obliged to be my gorgeous model. I do have to say, I'm lucky. He's always very helpful in all my photography pursuits and thus far my biggest fan.

So... which one is your fav?

I think it's either this one...

This one....

Or this one...

Praise the Lord

Psalm 150





Praise the Lord


Praise God in his sanctuary


Praise him in his mighty heavens


Praise him for his acts of power


Praise him for his surpassing greatness


Praise him with the sounding of trumpets


Praise him with the harp and lyre


Praise him with tambourine and dancing


Praise him with the strings and flute


Praise him with the clash of cymbals


Praise him with resound cymbaks


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord


Praise the Lord.





(My version)


Praise God


Praise God in his wonderous creation


Praise him on the mountain top


Praise him for his acts of grace


Praise him for his mystery


Praise him with your lips and actions


Praise him with your time and talent


Praise him with your forgiving heart


Praise him through your sinful mind


Praise him when you're tired and weary


Praise him when you're joyful and content


Let everything that has breath praise the Lord


Praise God

Praise God in his wonderous creation...

Whirlwind weekend in MN...

My friend Diane (from Delta Gamma) asked me if I wanted to go up to Minnesota to visit our other friend Jenny for the weekend. I think this trip is becoming an annual thing. Diane and I have great chats and lots of laughs. There is nothing better than old friends. Jen and her husband Murphy have a 1o month old and they wanted me to take a few snaps of their baby Fiona.


This is my crazy friend Jenny. She is beautiful on the inside out. She is one of the funniest people I know. I started laughing right when I got in her house and didn't stop until I walked out the door. Fiona is going to have a wild ride with a mom as fun as Jen!

This makes me want to be a mom. (Someday a long, long time from now:-)

Jen saw this little dress at Mall of America and bought it for my benefit... cute hugh?! I wanted to buy up the whole store because there was so much cute watermelon stuff. I hope I have a girl someday.

Hm.... I wonder what this is?

Curious if I can touch it...

Is mom looking?

Maybe I'll just take a little lick...

Nah... I'll just stick it in there real quick before my mom can catch me... I'm cute, I can get away with it.

July 1

We got into Chicago around 3:00pm. Check out the Jeep. I think I had a breakdown the day before because the mess was driving me crazy...Paul's place is great, furnished, view of the Hancock building, great location. We moved everything in, got organized and went to meet Paul's boss Bill.Bill showed us around Chicago, we went down to the "Taste of Chicago," and found a few hot spots to check out in future visits.

I saw this and thought of Yuan.