So many wonderful things have been happening lately, its almost too many to touch on even briefly, but I wanted to share the most recent events that have been so big in my life.

Jarrod and I are in the process of purchasing our first home. The paperwork is in the hands of the bank that owns the house and we're are simply waiting for a signature. Thursday is the inspection and if everything goes as we hope (and pray) it does, we will own our home on April 27th. It is so crazy how everything worked out. We had just enough money to go for the house we fell in love with. And it was a whirlwind trying to get it! I guess it has been a very popular house. We should be able to grow into it someday with family but for now lots of friends for dinner will do just fine. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2500 square feet, hardwood floors, attached two-car garage, great big back yard for Samantha to play (my dog)....the list goes on and on. And none of this is due to anything we did or payed for - simply a gracious God who knew that I LOVE to have people over and be a hostess...and the means to pay for the home are falling into place just perfectly - only God could orchestrate that! By no means do Jarrod and I have a lot of money. What we are going to be paying on this house to own it is slightly less than what many people in Denver pay to rent an apartment!

Anyway, more to come on that. Life otherwise is still crazy - I wouldn't have it any other way! Wedding plans are falling into place - just bought the most beautiful wedding gown and picked out my bridesmaid and flower girl dresses. Leading worship each Sunday has it's ups and downs but most importantly, God is teaching me to be patient and focused on Him instead of the politics that church sometimes has. Work is heating up - I am traveling about once a week which seems to be too much while trying to do everything else in my life - but I am trying not to take for granted a great job that allows me to buy a home!

I'M ENGAGED!

On Sunday November 19th Jarrod Artim asked me to marry him as the sun was coming up over the mountains in Evergreen Colorado. I can't explain the depth of love I have for this man and I am overjoyed that God finally answered my prayers and allowed me to find the one I've been searching for! Jarrod and I are hoping to get married some time in the fall of 2007. Most likely in September. You can probably tell by the silly grin on my face that I am beside myself with excitement! There's nothing I want more than to be married to Jarrod and seek the Lord together as one. Praise God with me! I appreciate your prayers as we begin our journey towards marriage and growing in love for God and for one another!

It has been quite a while since I last updated so I thought I would give it a go. I am actually in New York right now for an orientation for work. (yes, its been like over 6 months but I am still pretty new to all this). We went to dinner tonight at Virgils in Times Square - I have never been to New York so this was quite an experience for me! Crazy, but a lot of fun! I've been here since Monday and after our meetings are done Friday afternoon, my co worker Connie and I are going to hit the Big Apple on our own for the weekend. I am so excited. In even bigger news, I have been dating a wonderful guy for almost 2 months and I can't tell you how amazing he is. I am happier than I have ever been but more importantly, I have never felt the hand of the Lord so strongly over a relationship before. Its definitely worth asking about if you're curious. For now I will leave it at that.

Sweet Samantha; Contemplative yet somehow knows she's on camera.

This show is going to be awesome! We have a full band now which = ROCK YOUR FACE OFF! Come see us if you're in town!

My last business trip took me straight to the heart of Las Vegas. After a long day of travel and meeting with retailers, we took to the town and strolled down the strip. It looked just like it does in the movies. You wouldn't believe all the sadness that happens down there. I'm glad I don't live there. But for what it was worth, we saw some neat tourist shows at casinos and saw a lot of very interesting people!

You can dress her up...sort of...but you can't take her out.
Naomi's wedding was absolutely beautiful. She is basking in the sun of Hawaii right about now. It was so good to see friends from ACU and people I love from Highland Church of Christ. Being back in Abilene was strange, but somehow still felt like my home away from home. I can go there any time and feel completely at ease.