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Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage. Show all posts
Monday, March 30, 2015
Monday, December 30, 2013
Hello 30, Goodbye '13.
Sometimes you need to walk away. Just walk away.
Like when you are trying to hang that weird plastic stuff on your windows because it is supposed to help you keep your house warm and the plastic keeps clinging to you.
Or when you are trying to beat your husband's high score on the phone game "Dots" and have officially cramped your fingers into a permanent "index pointing" position only to realize your score is so low that it doesn't even make the board.
Or when you are trying to get the "perfect" sock bun that everyone says is so easy to do, yet somehow you are the only person in the world who's hair thinks it would look better as a 80's rock star sunburst.
Or when something becomes so overbearing and looming that the pressure makes your heart want to sink faster and more traumatically than the Titanic.
I know that writing is a form of therapy for many. It is a form of therapy for me. At times.
But there was a time that I needed to walk away. When the thought of writing yet another post about our continually postponed adoption made me feel like I was wrapped up in clinging plastic and stuck with my fingers in "index pointing" position. (Awkward picture, eh?)
So, in true form to how I do most anything that I am overwhelmed with...
I walked away.
Unannounced.
I didn't write, I didn't call, I didn't text...I kind of just shut down.
It is clearly not ideal and often quite hurtful to people that I am close with but who really wants to hang out with a girl with crazy hair wrapped up like a plastic mummy? Exactly.
In my time away, I turned 30. Which obviously made me much wiser and sound of mind. I had some time to reflect on this past year and all of the really incredible things that I DIDN'T write about. Yup. Thats right. Good things actually happened! I was just too consumed with our adoption to recognize it.
I realized that although our journey has been crazy and amazing and tons of people have wrapped their arms around us in support, prayer, and love...it is not the only thing going on in my life. And when I let it get to that...I felt smothered. I felt trapped. I felt exhausted.
Just like those people that ONLY EVER talk about their kids. We were ONLY EVER talking about our adoption. And we don't even have a kid yet! Yikes. Not cool, Andersons. Not cool.
So, now that we are both thirty, flirty, and thriving-ish? and clearly WAAAY wiser than we were 12 month ago...
We wanted to share a few moments that made this past year make us not want to walk away and shutdown from the world. Obviously, some adoption stuff is interweaved but hey, we can't just pretend it isn't happening!
Like when you are trying to hang that weird plastic stuff on your windows because it is supposed to help you keep your house warm and the plastic keeps clinging to you.
Or when you are trying to beat your husband's high score on the phone game "Dots" and have officially cramped your fingers into a permanent "index pointing" position only to realize your score is so low that it doesn't even make the board.
Or when you are trying to get the "perfect" sock bun that everyone says is so easy to do, yet somehow you are the only person in the world who's hair thinks it would look better as a 80's rock star sunburst.
Or when something becomes so overbearing and looming that the pressure makes your heart want to sink faster and more traumatically than the Titanic.
I know that writing is a form of therapy for many. It is a form of therapy for me. At times.
But there was a time that I needed to walk away. When the thought of writing yet another post about our continually postponed adoption made me feel like I was wrapped up in clinging plastic and stuck with my fingers in "index pointing" position. (Awkward picture, eh?)
So, in true form to how I do most anything that I am overwhelmed with...
I walked away.
Unannounced.
I didn't write, I didn't call, I didn't text...I kind of just shut down.
It is clearly not ideal and often quite hurtful to people that I am close with but who really wants to hang out with a girl with crazy hair wrapped up like a plastic mummy? Exactly.
In my time away, I turned 30. Which obviously made me much wiser and sound of mind. I had some time to reflect on this past year and all of the really incredible things that I DIDN'T write about. Yup. Thats right. Good things actually happened! I was just too consumed with our adoption to recognize it.
I realized that although our journey has been crazy and amazing and tons of people have wrapped their arms around us in support, prayer, and love...it is not the only thing going on in my life. And when I let it get to that...I felt smothered. I felt trapped. I felt exhausted.
Just like those people that ONLY EVER talk about their kids. We were ONLY EVER talking about our adoption. And we don't even have a kid yet! Yikes. Not cool, Andersons. Not cool.
So, now that we are both thirty, flirty, and thriving-ish? and clearly WAAAY wiser than we were 12 month ago...
We wanted to share a few moments that made this past year make us not want to walk away and shutdown from the world. Obviously, some adoption stuff is interweaved but hey, we can't just pretend it isn't happening!
Quick Recap:
~Began January with beginning our adoption from South Africa. Announced it with a pic of us through a pic of an iPhone. Classic.
~ Spent amazing times with friends on the sunny beaches of California. Should have taken advantage of that more (cough, -13 today, cough).
~ A visit from my beautiful friend Jenny, Erik's 30th birthday trip to Chicago for the Cubs Home Opener, and family visits out to California full of wine, golf, and blueberry picking.
~ Quality and amazing friendships made over the past 6 years because God brought us to California to begin our marriage, all of whom we have been unbelievably blessed by!
~A sad farewell to a trusty ole car that was stolen and stripped and towed to the salvage yard. RIP Green Machine.
~Dossier #2: finished.
~ Celebrated 5 years of laughing, loving, crying & adventuring by getting tattoos. We are so romantic.
~Finished up our year at Modesto Covenant with an incredible group of students, a crazy Adventure trip to somewhere in Nevada, and people who will forever be a part of our hearts. They packed up our apartment into a UHAUL in less than 2 hours. No joke. Rockstars.
~We moved. Like big time moved to Minnesota. God called, we answered. Our journey was epic. Still is.
~ Moved into a 1923 house that we love, started at a new church that we love, live in a city that we love. I mean...it's okay or whatever.
~ Travelled to Colorado for my cousin's wedding, spent quality time with the fam, and DANCED like I had the lead role in Footloose.
~Our nephew, Wells, was born and we are obsessed.
~Watching Bella walk in snow for the first time in her life. Hilarious.
~Enjoying being close to one of my favorite families in this entire nation/world, seeing family more often, cutting down our own Christmas trees, and exploring parts of the Midwest I've never seen before.
~ Siblings.
So here's to a new year, probably filled with a lot more adoption news than anyone ever wanted to know, but also filled with sweet moments outside of that which define our lives and bring us life.
I suppose sometimes walking away to gain perspective on all the good isn't so bad after all.
Cheers and Adios to 2013.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Fathers and DAY 7.
4 years ago, I was sitting in church.
I felt a tap on my leg and looked over to my husband handing me a folded up piece of paper.
The question had been, "In what big ways do you want God to move through you and your family?"
I'm pretty sure at that point, my answer was God putting a Jimmy John's Sandwich Shop down the street from my house so I could use that as a ministry spot and eat all the lettuce wrap Italian sandwiches I wanted.
Erik clearly was on a different level.
I looked down at the piece of paper and to my amazement, written in golf size pew pencil was one word:
Adoption.
Before any doctor's appointments, before any conversations, before any "results"... God had placed in his heart the desire to become a dad through adoption.
So I don't think it is ironic today that our Give1Save1 week is ending on Father's Day.
He makes all things beautiful in his time.
So today as we wrap up a week of ridiculous, amazing, and unbelievable blessing, let's do it in honor of all the dads out there, who hope, dream, fight, cry, passionately love, and care for their kids...
For Erik. A Dad who has loved every step of the way, even before we knew what we were getting into.
We've got $1,800 more to go. If every friend of ours on Facebook gave $2 today, we would surpass this. So let's do it. Share, post, tweet, instagram...
Let's blow the socks off of this fundraiser in honor of Dad.
I felt a tap on my leg and looked over to my husband handing me a folded up piece of paper.
The question had been, "In what big ways do you want God to move through you and your family?"
I'm pretty sure at that point, my answer was God putting a Jimmy John's Sandwich Shop down the street from my house so I could use that as a ministry spot and eat all the lettuce wrap Italian sandwiches I wanted.
Erik clearly was on a different level.
I looked down at the piece of paper and to my amazement, written in golf size pew pencil was one word:
Adoption.
Before any doctor's appointments, before any conversations, before any "results"... God had placed in his heart the desire to become a dad through adoption.
So I don't think it is ironic today that our Give1Save1 week is ending on Father's Day.
He makes all things beautiful in his time.
So today as we wrap up a week of ridiculous, amazing, and unbelievable blessing, let's do it in honor of all the dads out there, who hope, dream, fight, cry, passionately love, and care for their kids...
For Erik. A Dad who has loved every step of the way, even before we knew what we were getting into.
We've got $1,800 more to go. If every friend of ours on Facebook gave $2 today, we would surpass this. So let's do it. Share, post, tweet, instagram...
Let's blow the socks off of this fundraiser in honor of Dad.
Friday, April 26, 2013
5.
I remember walking into a room full of people.
Welcomed by the screaming mouth of a stuffed bobcat head that hung over the futon, I sat down to hear stories from the infamous Erik Anderson.
I don't know if I was more scared of the bobcat or the sound of my rapidly beating heart...
But either way,
He had me at hello.
And he still gets me at hello.
Even after all these years.
Happy 5 years, Mr. Anderson.
I love you more than hello can say.
And I'm glad you don't still have the bobcat.
Welcomed by the screaming mouth of a stuffed bobcat head that hung over the futon, I sat down to hear stories from the infamous Erik Anderson.
I don't know if I was more scared of the bobcat or the sound of my rapidly beating heart...
But either way,
He had me at hello.
And he still gets me at hello.
Even after all these years.
Happy 5 years, Mr. Anderson.
I love you more than hello can say.
And I'm glad you don't still have the bobcat.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Remember (Thoughts from a Dad-To-Be)
We are Erik and Jessa Anderson.
“Learn
to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans”
Isaiah 1:17
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Andersons and the Foothills
Ok. To be honest. It was awesome.
And no...we can't stop talking about how much we love each other so you will just have to be okay with expecting that a lot.
Here are a few of the highlights of our 24 hour journey to the wondrous foothills of the Sierras...
...everything from dancing and antiquing to President Anderson of Earth bringing the boys home...
And no...we can't stop talking about how much we love each other so you will just have to be okay with expecting that a lot.
Here are a few of the highlights of our 24 hour journey to the wondrous foothills of the Sierras...
...everything from dancing and antiquing to President Anderson of Earth bringing the boys home...
Most of all, it was a perfect way to celebrate the love we have for each other and the crazy amounts of fun that we are still having...4 years and counting.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
4.
4 years ago I married the most incredible man that I have ever known.
4 years ago we made a decision to love each other forever, no matter the circumstances, no matter the trials.
4 years ago each of us said "I do" to a journey that we didn't have a clue about.
4 years ago we buckled in for the ride of a lifetime.
4 years ago was the start to something incredible.
4 years ago may not seem like much to some, but it is everything to us.
4 years ago we had no idea that this life would bring us passions, desires, hardships, adventures, understandings, patience, trust, tears, and laughter that we had never known before.
4 years ago.
wow.
4 years ago seems like an eternity away.
But, 4 years ago today was the best day of my life.
Happy 4 years to my love.
4 years ago we made a decision to love each other forever, no matter the circumstances, no matter the trials.
4 years ago each of us said "I do" to a journey that we didn't have a clue about.
4 years ago we buckled in for the ride of a lifetime.
4 years ago was the start to something incredible.
4 years ago may not seem like much to some, but it is everything to us.
4 years ago we had no idea that this life would bring us passions, desires, hardships, adventures, understandings, patience, trust, tears, and laughter that we had never known before.
4 years ago.
wow.
4 years ago seems like an eternity away.
But, 4 years ago today was the best day of my life.
Happy 4 years to my love.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Eve
So, yeah. It is a little early, but who is really counting?
In celebration of our 4 year anniversary, Erik went ahead and proved himself husband of the millennium...again!
To honor the path that we have walked, the adventures we have been on, and the passions that we have discovered, Erik made these incredible pictures for me and put them in frames.
In the words of Ben Folds (what up high school!!)...
I am the luckiest.
seriously.
that is not an exaggeration.
In celebration of our 4 year anniversary, Erik went ahead and proved himself husband of the millennium...again!
To honor the path that we have walked, the adventures we have been on, and the passions that we have discovered, Erik made these incredible pictures for me and put them in frames.
In the words of Ben Folds (what up high school!!)...
I am the luckiest.
seriously.
that is not an exaggeration.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Fres-Yes and Fitzsimmons
All I have ever known of Fresno is that it doesn't have much to offer.
Well that is just not true.
Fresno? FRE-YES!
As a Christmas present to Erik, I bought him tickets to one of his favorite artists, William Fitzsimmons. As an added bonus...we got to take our great friend, Tom, with us!
We had an amazing time wandering the streets of the underwhelming yet still somewhat exhilarating Tower District while waiting for the doors to open for one of the most intimate and moving shows that I have seen in a long time.
And I couldn't have asked for a better crew to go with!
Well that is just not true.
Fresno? FRE-YES!
As a Christmas present to Erik, I bought him tickets to one of his favorite artists, William Fitzsimmons. As an added bonus...we got to take our great friend, Tom, with us!
We had an amazing time wandering the streets of the underwhelming yet still somewhat exhilarating Tower District while waiting for the doors to open for one of the most intimate and moving shows that I have seen in a long time.
And I couldn't have asked for a better crew to go with!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Adoption Training - Check.
Yup. That is right. We are officially online trained. We know everything.
Ok, that's not true.
But we finished our online certification. So that has to say something, right?
All that's left is Erik's physical and our home visit and we are DONE with our home study!
What what HOLLA!
And you don't even need to ask...
Yes, Erik did wear his Real D 3D glasses the entire time. Can't see a thing without 'em.
Ok, that's not true.
But we finished our online certification. So that has to say something, right?
All that's left is Erik's physical and our home visit and we are DONE with our home study!
What what HOLLA!
And you don't even need to ask...
Yes, Erik did wear his Real D 3D glasses the entire time. Can't see a thing without 'em.
Monday, March 5, 2012
just one of them days.
I'm so tired. (this is me whining).
Like straight up, dragged down, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritual EXHAUSTED!
5 hour energy can't even cure this situation.
And I don't really have a good excuse. Seriously.
All things considered, I'm a bit of a slacker.
I guess everything just piled up on top of each other and the weight got a bit too heavy today. Ministry, marriage, adoption, photography, fundraising...BLAH!
Do you ever have those days where life is just too much? Where you don't know how you got there but you are literally on the verge of a complete breakdown?
That is me. Right now. Right here. Happening today.
I kind of just want to go sit in a room somewhere for like 4 days and not talk to anyone.
How is that even appealing?
You would have thought there would be some kind of warning, right? Like flashing lights and detours signs? I feel like that pour little kitten hanging from the tree branch.
...I just feel it super necessary to give a visual reminder here in case any of us have forgotten the wonder of "Scholastic" and all of the ridiculous posters they allowed you to purchase in the name of education. Amazing...
Ok back on track...
I'm reminded today of the reason we started this blog and the theme that holds it and our lives together. I don't want to be reminded today, but I am.
And for my sake, I'm going to share it on here today...if only for me having to read it as I type it out to remind myself of its truth.
Like straight up, dragged down, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritual EXHAUSTED!
5 hour energy can't even cure this situation.
And I don't really have a good excuse. Seriously.
All things considered, I'm a bit of a slacker.
I guess everything just piled up on top of each other and the weight got a bit too heavy today. Ministry, marriage, adoption, photography, fundraising...BLAH!
Do you ever have those days where life is just too much? Where you don't know how you got there but you are literally on the verge of a complete breakdown?
That is me. Right now. Right here. Happening today.
I kind of just want to go sit in a room somewhere for like 4 days and not talk to anyone.
How is that even appealing?
You would have thought there would be some kind of warning, right? Like flashing lights and detours signs? I feel like that pour little kitten hanging from the tree branch.
...I just feel it super necessary to give a visual reminder here in case any of us have forgotten the wonder of "Scholastic" and all of the ridiculous posters they allowed you to purchase in the name of education. Amazing...
Ok back on track...
I'm reminded today of the reason we started this blog and the theme that holds it and our lives together. I don't want to be reminded today, but I am.
And for my sake, I'm going to share it on here today...if only for me having to read it as I type it out to remind myself of its truth.
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on your. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Top 10 Things I Have Learned from Erik...
2. Gum isn't good unless you chew 2 pieces at a time, more volume...more flavor.
3. Panda Express is not worth it.
4. Sweet Baby Ray's is good on anything.
5. There is no better feeling than jumping on a bandwagon before it becomes a bandwagon.
6. You can always make it seem like you know what you are talking about, as long as you act like you know what you're talking about.
7. You are never too old to enjoy a good concert in the city...even if you have to stay up past midnight.
8. Always appreciate a man who has a deeply rooted loyalty to a sports team...even if you don't like their team.
9. Never give up on your passions, even if you loose track of time and get distracted by life. Your passions make you into the person that you are...so make time for them.
10. You can never encourage someone enough. Always have a truthful and kind word to share with the people around you.
Bonus!!!!
11. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, with all of your strength, and with all your mind...
And love others as yourself.
The list could go on for days...seriously...he is a genius!
But to keep it to a reasonable reading length, I will just say this...
Each day I am learning more about how to love and cherish my husband. And each day he teaches me something new through being the person he is and the man he is becoming. I don't think I give him enough credit for his wisdom, guidance, love, and direction.
So, today on your birthday, Erik, I want to say...
Thank you. Thank you for being so strong, so humble, so understanding, so patient, so loving, and so willing to journey this life with me. I am blessed by you each day. You make my life better each day. And I love you more and more each day.
Wouldn't and couldn't do it without you.
Happy Birthday!
Friday, February 17, 2012
2 Weeks Over...
Currently, I am sitting in a Starbucks somewhere around Sacramento...waiting for my sweet love to come home from 2 weeks away at Seminary.
Couldn't be more ready.
Couldn't be more ready.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Daily Reminders
While Erik has been away...studying about the depth and goodness of God...experiencing mind and heart changing knowledge...spending hours in a basement room reading, learning, and listening...he has gently reminded me that his heart and mind are also filled with these thoughts...
Each of these pictures he made and sent to me to remind me of our journey and our joy. I have the best husband. Ever.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Is February Different in Minnesota?
The time has arrived for yet another Seminary trip back to Minnesota for Erik. It is always hard to say goodbye to him for 2 weeks, but it is such a sweet time for him to be with the other people in his cohort, spend time in a classroom, and mostly dive deep into God's Word and His teachings!
These trips always seem a bit harder on me...
But I am considerably needy.
Honestly, I know that Erik feels incredibly blessed to be able to spend a few weeks a year away from the busyness of his ministry life and just focused completely on his time in Seminary and learning more and more about who God is and the incredible redemptive plan that is His creation.
And I feel blessed to have a husband who desires to do those things.
Seriously...that is kind of a knock out the park if you ask me.
And....for all of you who are wondering...
He did make it out of the house with just 1 bag this year! Big win.
Erik, I will miss you so much while you are gone! I pray that God does incredible things through the time that you spend in His Word and through your studies. I love you and am so proud of you!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Tis the Season!
It is certainly my most favorite season of the year! I love the fact that I get to listen to endless amounts of cheesy Christmas music (including Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays by N'Sync on repeat!), eat WAY to many pepperminty sweets, and shop more than I am usually allowed!
Not only that, but does anyone agree when I think people are generally more kind during Christmas? Well...obviously excluding the Parking Wars wanna-be's at the mall.
I just love this time of year! LOVE IT! The Anderson apartment is officially decorated, after an bad incident of rats eating only and all of our Christmas decor! But AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA HOLD US DOWN! Apparently, you can't get too mad at anything (even rats) trying to take in the most that the yule tide has to offer!
Not only that, but does anyone agree when I think people are generally more kind during Christmas? Well...obviously excluding the Parking Wars wanna-be's at the mall.
I just love this time of year! LOVE IT! The Anderson apartment is officially decorated, after an bad incident of rats eating only and all of our Christmas decor! But AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA HOLD US DOWN! Apparently, you can't get too mad at anything (even rats) trying to take in the most that the yule tide has to offer!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Dreams Really Do Come True
It has seriously been a month...a little more...since we got home from our trip to Ireland and I realized that I didn't say anything about it!
Well...I haven't said anything about anything really! :)
For the sake of not making people look through the exasperating number of pictures on Facebook...and in reflection of the trip of a lifetime...I have decided to make a little post about it!
(Also, in honor of Ellie Gundlach for being so patient with me putting pictures on my blog!)
So...here a few highlights from our trip!
First thing is first...our entire reason for the trip was to go and celebrate the wedding of my dear friend Emma and her now husband Yannic. We felt so honored to be a part of this incredible celebration of two of the most incredible people I have ever known. We made new friends with amazing people from Switzerland and spent some much needed soul time with old friends from many years ago! Honestly, we could have travelled the world and not found a better time anywhere else. It was such a blessing to be with all of these people, laughing, crying, reminiscing, and enjoying life!
After our time at the wedding, we went into Belfast to see my old stomping grounds while in YWAM! This is the church that we lived at while we served. It was crazy how many flashbacks I had while walking up the street and back down to the City Centre...including walking down to the mailbox with the Teen Squad to mail a letter to Erik confessing my love for him! Wow...
We also enjoyed some breakfast at Cafe Nero, including those delicious scones! My husband is so good looking!
From there, we travelled to the South and ventured into Galway! We spent one of the days driving through the Connemara National Park, which felt just like a storybook...or Lord of the Rings...
We stopped by the Kylemore Abbey....crazy beautiful...and the oldest Victorian garden in Ireland!
We also got to meet up with some great friends of our from Modesto, Larry and Missy Stewart! We had lunch with them in Killarney and caught up on all of our adventures in travelling!
On our last day in Ireland, we made a special stop at the K Club for Erik! Not only did we get to take in all the greatness of the golf course...but we got to see the Ryder Cup and the whole shrine of pictures that they have to commemorate the event and the golfers! It was like a little paradise for Erik!
Our last evening we stayed with my friend Tom outside of Dublin! He took us for an evening of fish and chips and a walk on the pier! It was the perfect way to end an incredible trip!
To sum it up....
Even these pictures can't tell the full story of our amazing journey! It was truly incredible!
Well...I haven't said anything about anything really! :)
For the sake of not making people look through the exasperating number of pictures on Facebook...and in reflection of the trip of a lifetime...I have decided to make a little post about it!
(Also, in honor of Ellie Gundlach for being so patient with me putting pictures on my blog!)
So...here a few highlights from our trip!
First thing is first...our entire reason for the trip was to go and celebrate the wedding of my dear friend Emma and her now husband Yannic. We felt so honored to be a part of this incredible celebration of two of the most incredible people I have ever known. We made new friends with amazing people from Switzerland and spent some much needed soul time with old friends from many years ago! Honestly, we could have travelled the world and not found a better time anywhere else. It was such a blessing to be with all of these people, laughing, crying, reminiscing, and enjoying life!
From Belfast, we headed up to the North Coast! I think (as far as road tripping went) this was our favorite portion of the trip! We toured the Bushmills Whiskey Distillary...a dream come true for Erik...visited the Giant's Causeway...and stayed in Port Rush for an evening of GREAT food and beach walking!
We stopped by the Kylemore Abbey....crazy beautiful...and the oldest Victorian garden in Ireland!
Our adventures continued and took us to the Cliffs of Moher, where I totally reenacted the beginning of Princess Bride! Ok...not really...but it was completely breathtaking...and super windy!
We also got to meet up with some great friends of our from Modesto, Larry and Missy Stewart! We had lunch with them in Killarney and caught up on all of our adventures in travelling!
To sum it up....
Even these pictures can't tell the full story of our amazing journey! It was truly incredible!
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