Chicago!

I knew I would love it, I just didn't know how MUCH I would love it!

Mom, Molly and I took a long weekend trip to Chicago this week and it was fantastic. Yes, we went during one of the coldest times of the year and it was great! Chicago is by far the largest city I've ever visited (does that make me sound bumpkin-ish?) and it was such fun!

We saw all the sights we could in our three days there: Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Art Institute, Sears Tower, Garrett Popcorn (yes, please!), Giordano's Pizza (double yes, please!) and lots more. We walked, a lot and rode every possible mode of transit they offer in Chicago - it was great! Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Map break!

The Chicago River - right next to our hotel!

Big city snow!

No game, of course, but we had to take the "L" out to Wrigley Field to see it.

Pier Park

On the Skydeck at the Sears Tower. It's called Willis Tower now, but it will always be the Sears Tower to me.

The Art Institute of Chicago - the whole time we were in there all I could think of was "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Millennium Park

Riding on The "L"

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

When is it officially too late to wish someone, "Happy New Year?" I hope that January 30 is not too late, because here it is! Happy New Year to everyone from Jeremy and me. Here's a picture of us in front of our new house. Apparently on one of the few very sunny days we've had here in Tennessee lately.

We've been busy with things around the house and hopefully more pictures of that will come soon.

For now, Happy New Year! Hope 2011 is wonderful for you!

Scattered Thoughts

I just got home from a couple of days away visiting a good friend. It was wonderful. It was so nice to have some time with her, and her sweet baby girl, just to hang out, catch up, and enjoy being together. I'm not sure if she knows, but it was good for my soul. Thanks for that!

In other news, Jeremy and I put a contract on a house and waited 30 days for the seller (whom you would think would be eager to move) to find a place. We waited and waited and waited and she never found anything. Our closing date came and went, so we terminated the contract. I was SO excited about this house and very disappointed that we had to walk away. I keep telling myself that things happen for a reason. I can't wait until the day I understand exactly why this happened.

It's back to the drawing board for house hunting. More waiting. More hoping. So it was good when I read a friend's status update on Facebook today. It said,

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness."

What a great reminder in this crazy, crazy world. I love the depth of old hymns like that. That song will be in my head the rest of the night and probably through tomorrow.
Great words to meditate on.

"I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand."

Chihuly at Cheekwood

Jeremy and I went to see the Chihuly exhibit at Cheekwood last week. It was such a cool exhibit and I'm glad we got to see it before it ended...even in the cold and rain. Of course, I walked out of the house with out my camera, so here are a few of the shots I got with my phone.

A Weekend Away

Jeremy started his new job in September and his company is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. He's been spending a lot of time there in training, I went up to visit him for a weekend early in October - since he had a free place to stay and all, we decided, why not!? While I was there, we drove over to Boston - it's only about 45 minutes away and neither of us had ever been. It's fabulous city and we had a great time seeing the sights. The picture above is the USS Constitution. There is a TON of history in Boston - really cool!

Cruising the Boston Harbor. It was a beautiful, clear, sunny, but COOL day when we were there!

Lunch at Cheers. I had the best grilled cheese sandwich of my entire life there. Seriously. Three cheeses, roasted red peppers and black olives - so good!

Me posing with all the buoys!

The next day, Jeremy showed me around Hartford. He found this cute little park to go running. We went to see the fall colors.

I was scheduled to fly out on Sunday night, but due to computer issues on my plane, the flight was delayed indefinitely. The airline informed me that I would miss my connection and wouldn't be able to get to Nashville on Sunday. So, I stayed one more night in Hartford and flew out at 5:45 on Monday morning (yikes!). I was able to get some neat shots from my window seat, though.

Where Has the Time Gone??

My last post was June 25. Over 2 months ago. I've had plenty to blog about, but I guess I just haven't felt inspired or made the time - and p.s. we're not in our own house yet, so internet usage just doesn't happen that often.

So here's a quick recap of the last couple of months.

1. We moved to Nashville.

2. I started my new job and I LOVE it!

3. We went to see Paul McCartney. It. Was. Amazing! (I have no pictures that are worth sharing because we were kind of far away, so I borrowed one from Miss Emily that is fabulous:

I knew it would be a great show, but didn't realize how great it would be. It was an amazing night and I'm so glad I got to see him perform.

4. My mom, sister and I threw a little baby shower for a sweet friend of mine. It was such a great time and lots of fun memories were made.

5.. Jeremy received a job offer. Hooray! We were starting to panic a little on this one, but God is faithful and provided just what we needed in his time. He starts his new job on September 13.

6. The house hunt is in full effect. We are looking and trying to decide what's best for us. I cannot wait to be back in a place of our own. It will be so nice!

It has been a busy couple of months and the busy-ness just keeps coming. Things are good. I am blessed beyond measure and so excited about what the future holds.

My favorite time of the year is here and the weather is beautiful, not to mention, it's football season!

Friday's Photo

Jeremy and one of our nephews, Brody, on our boat ride to Shell Island in Panama City Beach. So much fun!