Study Break

I am at school and have an exam and a quiz tomorrow, and should totally get back to studying :) But I wanted to share what we think our wedding colors are going to be... Be warned I have changed my mind quite a few times, but so far I really really like these and Erik does too!!

Isn't it the perfect fall green??

I will trust in HIM

Well, lets see not much has changed since the last time you came to kick it at my spot :) I am just taking it day by day with school, the 2nd year students warned us about the Fall quarters and oh WOW! Even with all of the warning I had no idea what I was in for, I have never worked so hard in school. Given that I have now been in school non-stop for eighteen years of my life, this is really sayin somethin! So, here and now I publicly apologize to all friends, family and especially my sweet fiance :) This has been a tough adjustment and I may lose it here and there haha... As far as my classes, I had the name of one class wrong (WHOOPS!) I am not taking orthopedics this quarter, but instead therapeutic exercise... ortho is next quarter, they all kinda start to blend together. But anyway, I really love therapeutic exercise! A lot of the stuff we are learning in therex I have practiced while working as a PT aide, but I am now learning when and why certain techniques are more effective than others and what effect therex has in the healing process on a molecular level, it is soo awesome! Call me a geek, thats fine :) Pathology is going well, we are starting to get into differential diagnostic tables, which is really neat to start to be able to categorize different signs and symptoms. Neuroscience is not my most fav. We are learning all of the nerve tracts, Lord have mercy!! I have also started my research project. I am on a research team with five other students from my class. It is an incredible opportunity to do research for an exercise company. The company is developing a diet and exercise program for mommys! I will be writing my thesis paper from this research, and our paper(s) will possibly be published. Right now it feels very overwhelming to add one more thing, but I think in retrospect i will be very thankful that I did not let this opportunity pass me by. God is constantly teaching me that through Him I can do ALL things, I trust that He is leading my path and would not give me more than I can handle. So heres to not holding back and giving it all I've got!!

Ethos

Our Vision:

We are a Christian community called to worship God by impacting our neighborhood through meeting physical, educational and spiritual needs, resulting in devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Ethos, our church, has been a wonderful answer to prayer. When Erik and I moved back from LB we wanted to find a church together. As we set out on our hunt we came upon many amazing churches although none of them felt right for us. In Sept 2008 Ethos began; we were there for the very first night. Ethos is truly OUR church and it has been a really good year of growing with the church. I am so excited to see what God has in store for Ethos and everyone involved in this upcoming year!!

Last Sunday Erik painted throughout the service, Here's what he came up with

The people at the bottom represent the Church, followers of Jesus Christ. Above that are people and circumstances that we have a tendency to ignore or become judgmental and dismissive of: war, death, politics, homosexual rights protests, homelessness, and sexual perversion. We as followers of Jesus have been called to be the light of the world. The hope and truth that God has given us are meant to be shared with all. I believe we are not called to stay in our own circle where we feel safe and comfortable but rather, to reach out to others, meet them where they are at and be a light for them. The painting represents the Church being a light for the world.

And then, here's the artist with two of his biggest fans :)

First Week of School...

Hi All!!

I survived my first week back to school. It is always quite an adjustment to start school after a nice, relaxing break but this time around was definitely easier because I knew what to expect. The classes I am taking this quarter are: Neuroscience, PT Differential Diagnosis and Treatment (Cardiopulmonary pathologies), PT Clinical skills of Orthopedic therapy, and Pathophysiology. So yeah, it is going to be challenging thats for sure! At this point I do not have a favorite class, they all are really interesting and very applicable to my one day profession as a therapist. The more time I spend in this program, the more I appreciate the people I am surrounded by and the knowledge I am gaining. I have my first two tests this Tuesday, so if you think about me say a

little prayer :)

Meanwhile, the wedding planning is still in full swing... Erik has kind of picked up where I left off. He has been so amazing making sure to take care of wedding details so I can focus on school. Although he is working full time he managed to book our ceremony and reception sites; for this I am very very thankful. Also, many of our family members and friends have helped soooo much, I really can not tell you how loved we feel. Your excitement speaks volumes in this busy time! THANK YOU ALL!!

Well I better get back to studying

Hope all is well

Im Engaged!!!

Holy Smokes!It totally happened, Erik proposed!

I was in complete shock and feel so blessed to have snagged such an incredible man :) All of Erik's careful planning totally paid off, the night he proposed was perfectly romantic and I could not have been more surprised!

He proposed at "our spot" which is in La Jolla, San Diego. A couple of friends were hiding out photographing the whole thing (I was SO clueless). I love that we have candid shoots of the proposal, I will treasure them forever. Later in the evening we met family and friends at our favorite Italian place, Filippis. I was on cloud 9, It just does not get any better!!

Us with his family, Minus Erik's Dad, Dan. Unfortunately, the picture with Dan is blurry, but he was definitely there to celebrate with us... shout out to Dan, much love!!!

Us with my family