tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67624819696387398702024-02-20T15:51:52.588-06:00The Knight Life<< at least the way we live it >>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-58382216552541207912011-07-31T22:19:00.002-05:002011-07-31T22:21:52.350-05:00Last Post.Let it be known: I'm killing this blog. Not because I don't love you all, but because I'm *terrible* at keeping up with it.<div><br /></div><div>If for whatever reason you're still interested in my ramblings, you can follow my "micro" blog at http://mlizknight.tumblr.com. I can't promise well thought out posts, but I will at least share my thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>Adios.</div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-8233119358501857692010-08-17T21:52:00.002-05:002010-08-17T21:55:03.390-05:00Sharing the WealthI had read some of the most beautiful, intelligent and thought provoking books, papers and sermons since having started my seminary education. Unfortunately, I’ve read all sorts of silly things too, but the wisdom has thus far outweighed the folly.<div><br />I intend to share bits of it on this blog, as long as you permit me to do so. I’ll start including some quotations along with my posts; please find the first below. I hope that these small bits of wisdom encourage and impact your lives, as they have mine.</div><div><br /></div><blockquote>“The world of Scripture is not satisfied with claiming to be a historically true reality-- it insists that it is the only real world...The Scripture stories do not court our favor, they do not flatter us... They seek to subject us, and if we refuse to be subjected, we are rebels” <div><br />Auerbach, as quoted in Preaching the Old Testament</div></blockquote><div><div><br />If anyone wants more information about where the quotations came from, or would like to talk with me about it further, just let me know. :)</div><div><br />I start school next week and about to be immersed in the world of Scripture like I’ve never been before. I’m taking two intense exegesis classes, two preaching classes and several other language and ministry classes. I’m excited for the challenge and the pace of a full load. <br />Love to you all. Knowing that there are people all over the country, and perhaps the world, loving you and caring about you is a really beautiful reality. Thanks for making it so.<br /></div></div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-56423278075888703912010-08-02T10:25:00.005-05:002010-08-02T10:42:10.715-05:00Summer of Sewing<div style="text-align: left;">With Kenyon at his new job, a little more than a month away from school and myself occupied only by a part time / at home job, I have had ample time to devote to creativity. Though I am working ahead on homework and preparing for Fall classes, I tend to have plenty of hours in the day to spend however I want to. This is both revolutionary and wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Janelle (my maid of honor and a best friend) came to visit in July, bringing with her a generous amount of creativity as well as the all important knowledge of the inner workings of my sewing machine. She fixed it up, showed me how to work it, supplied me with yards of garage sale fabric and set me loose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since her visit, I have found such joy in sewing and creating. I've added decorative edges to otherwise plain pillowcases, learned to take in clothes that were too large, made curtains, throw pillows, and now- my personal favorite - I've created a little carrying case for my iPhone. The minute my sewing world met my Apple world, my life was complete.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Beyond that, I've been painting picture frames, knitting, re-arranging furniture, and having a generally creativity-laden summer. Couldn't be happier.</div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/TFbl4O7YB3I/AAAAAAAAAR0/uL02ck4oULU/s320/DSC05873.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500836749122209650" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Kilo has of course enjoyed the whole ordeal. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> The introductionof any kind of moving string </div><div style="text-align: center;">into our daily lives is much appreciated by the cat.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/TFbnBA_OmZI/AAAAAAAAAR8/BaYrehJuvIQ/s320/Photo+on+2010-07-18+at+14.10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500837999510722962" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-42339427183274765112010-07-07T10:24:00.004-05:002010-07-07T10:38:04.300-05:00Kenyon's New Job<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/TDSfPGgNhKI/AAAAAAAAAQs/gNJ6GJpEfSM/s1600/IMG_0615.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 162px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/TDSfPGgNhKI/AAAAAAAAAQs/gNJ6GJpEfSM/s320/IMG_0615.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491188927464047778" border="0" /></a>Good news, folks: after six years of Kenyon's dedication to the coffee industry, he is done working at Starbucks. ( *clapping * cheering * ) Though the company faithfully provided us with work as we moved about the country, our having temporarily settled down has allowed Kenyon to pursue different work.<br /><br />As of yesterday, Kenyon is wearing suits to work. He is an employee of Chase bank, a personal banker, in fact, and we expect him to do very well. The job offers us everything we had at Starbucks, plus a larger income, paid vacation, and on top of that, monthly commission. The job is one Kenyon could grow in for years, and will allow me to work only as needed throughout school, so we can get in and get this degree done. :)<br /><br />We're excited for the opportunities that this will create for us, and glad Kenyon will be in a position in which his hard work is tangibly rewarded. This is good for the male soul.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-73119036692689492492010-03-29T11:48:00.002-05:002010-03-29T12:01:28.508-05:00If I Could Be Anywhere in the World...... it would probably be right here.<br /><br />March has been a really beautiful month. Especially in the last couple weeks, I've settled into a routine that energizes, strengthens and calms me. Everything about "the average day in the life of Michelle" is pretty wonderful.<br /><br />In the last couple of weeks, I've only been subbing once a week, and then tutoring later in the afternoon. I'm only at school twice a week, leaving two empty days at home. This has been a pretty wonderful arrangement, to which I am becoming quite attached.<br /><br />On such days, I get up at 6:00. <br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've discovered that I am the most productive between the hours of 6 and 9, as after 9 my attention is shifted tremendously. I have a horrible tendency to start baking without any warning. Recently, it's been strawberry muffins. </span><br /><br />As early as possible, I work on homework. <span style="font-style: italic;">I've remembered that I need to spread out my subjects, working on everything a bit every day. Apparently, with marriage comes a terribly inconvenient shortening of attention span.</span><br /><br />During homework sessions, Kilo keeps me company by sleeping at my feet, on the guest bed, or occasionally, sprawled across my keyboard. <span style="font-style: italic;">Coincidentally, the temporary title of today's Greek Notes is something like, Gre999999999999999999k Notttttttjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjes. </span><br /><br />Homework is wonderful. Something clicked in my head and I've finally realized that I like to read my homework. I can now look forward to reading about Greek participles, amillenialism, the book of Colossians or church government. I'm finally in a stage in my education where everything that I read interests me, at some level.<br /><br />I keep the blinds flung open and music playing often. Kenyon gets home around 1:00, when he's usually up to running a couple of errands and helping me tidy and get things done. We make dinner, we watch TV, see friends and relax. We go to bed early.<br /><br />And then I get to get up early the next day and go to school.<br /><br />I love this life.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-6557358033641634832010-03-15T18:47:00.003-05:002010-03-15T19:10:05.098-05:00Spring Break in the Volunteer StateKenyon and I made our yearly pilgrimage to see Mom and Kenny in Sevierville, TN last week. They live about 45 minutes from Knoxville in a cozy little place called Wears Valley, at the foot of the Smokey Mountains. It's a really beautiful place, and we always look forward to the abrupt change in pace and time with great family.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L7Jr_7oI/AAAAAAAAAQM/OU2iPbnFFX4/s1600-h/tennesseemom.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L7Jr_7oI/AAAAAAAAAQM/OU2iPbnFFX4/s320/tennesseemom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449016816238063234" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Kenny always rises to the challenge of entertaining us with his out of the ordinary hobbies and unexpected skills. Kenyon always looks forward to the opportunity to shoot things, burn things, talk about knives, play with dogs and be all dirty, and Kenny truly enjoys the opportunity to offer such activities.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L78hJP8I/AAAAAAAAAQc/RpiqZdPWqsE/s1600-h/tennesseeus.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L78hJP8I/AAAAAAAAAQc/RpiqZdPWqsE/s320/tennesseeus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449016829882744770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As always, Kenny took us out to the farm (Kenny's family land) where we got to "go shootin'." Kenny's respectable gun collection and wealth of expertise provides me with hours of target practice and Kenyon at least a year's worth of bragging rights. Needless to say, it's a fun activity for all of us.<br /><br />Kenyon also had the unique opportunity to help Kenny and a colleague with a controlled burn. Nothing is weirder than watching your loved ones start a raging fire and set it loose on the side of a hill. But as it always is with careful preparation, the fire abruptly stops were it is supposed to, and almost overnight, lovely green things start growing with a renewed energy.<br /><br />All of our flashy and testosterone-filled activities aside, I always appreciate the simplicity of our time in Tennessee. Schedules are lax, choices are not rushed and life is never something worth getting all upset about. With the calm resolution of 'mountain people', Mom and Kenny take things as they come- and with enough coffee, patience and time- things tend to work out as they should.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L7tVltoI/AAAAAAAAAQU/0w9oppDc4s0/s1600-h/tennesseemountains.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S57L7tVltoI/AAAAAAAAAQU/0w9oppDc4s0/s320/tennesseemountains.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449016825807746690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I hope that through osmosis, some of their quiet, no fuss strength seeps in through my skin.<br /><br />For more pictures from the trip, <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.ourknightlife.com/tennessee2010/index.html">click here</a></span> to be redirected to our website.<br /><br />Love to you all.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-86935314212526703952010-02-21T19:30:00.004-06:002010-02-21T19:56:20.816-06:00Insights into the High School Psyche: Confessions of a Brand New SubstituteHaving substitute taught only three times, I have only recently re-entered the high school world. However, as in most life threatening situtations, I have quickly become familiar with my surroundings. My initial insights are as follows.<br /><br />Three days in, I have learned the following about high schools students:<br /><ol><li>Like elephants, lions, bears and tigers, (oh my) high school students can <span style="font-style: italic;">smell</span> fear. </li><li>Nagging, while ineffective with husbands, is extremely effective with the unmotivated student.</li><li>No student <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> likes to look unintelligent.</li><li>A high school student's reputation is precious. Damaging it through humiliation is deeply painful and should be avoided in almost all circumstances.</li><li>Often when you say "please" and "thankyou," your students will too.</li><li>The ability to laugh at oneself is a powerful weapon.</li><li>The dean will always scare a student more than you will (at least when you're 5"3'). Let him (or her) do the yelling.</li><li>A student would rather avoid a situation than fail in it, whether it is an assignment, a question or a discussion. Creating a safe environment for failure is essential to the learning process.</li><li>Students are prepared to hate substitutes long before they are prepared to like them. </li><li>Eyes in the back of your head are <span style="font-style: italic;">unreservedly</span> necessary. </li></ol>Three days in, I am totally glad I'm having this experience. I will never call substitute teaching easy, nor will I call it fun, but it is a great job and an incredible learning experience. I can now efficiently write my name in calligraphy, balance chemical equations and sufficiently explain the plot of Antigone.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-91664966930165018672010-02-06T13:51:00.003-06:002010-02-06T14:18:22.620-06:00ReconnectingInterestingly enough, living in Waukegan is feeling more "home-y" than I had ever expected it to. Something about knowing we will live here at least three years gives our lives some permanence, and thus gives my heart permission to love the people and places that are a part of our daily routine.<br /><br />I think the easiest part of our transition back here, and by far the coolest, has been our ability to reconnect with Jonah- the best man at our wedding and Kenyon's childhood best friend- as well as his wife, Katie. They are good friends, and within the last couple of weeks, we've been able to spend some quality time with them, which really makes this place feel like home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S23OAv0ApHI/AAAAAAAAAP0/nwiK1wwpKLM/s1600-h/DSC05580.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/S23OAv0ApHI/AAAAAAAAAP0/nwiK1wwpKLM/s400/DSC05580.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435226837535990898" border="0" /></a>At Trinity, I've also had the opportunity to make a great friend. Like me, Madison's part of the AP MDiv program and has placed in the same language classes I have. She's smart and fun, and I feel so fortunate to have her- we females are few and far between over there :)<br /><br />God continues to provide quality people in our lives, and we feel oh-so-blessed to find them everywhere we go. Waukegan, apparently, will be no exception.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-73690728341600873462010-01-26T16:22:00.002-06:002010-01-26T16:25:27.489-06:00Nested... officially.Please find a tiny video included below of our new apartment, as has been requested, promised and now delivered.<br /><br />Enjoy. Please do ignore any ridiculous commentary or general disarray.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/17-cLPKl8kY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/17-cLPKl8kY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-78391240189281264892010-01-13T20:18:00.003-06:002010-01-13T20:31:16.163-06:00FinallyAll of our open ended plans are coming to fruition.<br /><br />First: I'm officially a student. (!!!)<br /><br />Second: We move into an apartment on Saturday. Two bedrooms, safe, cozy enough. We're very excited.<br /><br />Yay. We'll fill you in on apartment stuff on Saturday!Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-75647491557712072422010-01-04T22:36:00.004-06:002010-01-04T22:52:10.084-06:00See, I'm not TOTALLY ignoring you.Hey.<br /><br />I'm sitting in a snuggly corner of a big couch at the Knight's house in Waukegan, while everyone but Tim and I are out cold. While he's clicking away at the family computer, I'm curled up on the couch trying to decompress. It feels good though, like my feet might hit solid ground again.<br /><br />So, we live in Waukegan now. As many of you may have heard, the house that we offered on in Zion was lost to a higher bid (a cash bid, unfortunately), so we are now seeking the ideal apartment for our time here. We are surprisingly relieved about losing the house; the more we consider the responsibilities and risks of owning a house at our age, the more we welcome the convenience of temporary housing during a very transitional time in our lives.<br /><br />We have narrowed our search down to two apartments, and are now considering the age old tensions of balancing convenience & necessity, location & neighborhood, commuting, working and just being comfortable. So, we're assuming we'll decide in another day or so, move our stuff in (which is piled high on Kenyon's parents' front porch), go get our kitty and get on with living here. And then start school!<br /><br />On Friday, I have my Greek proficiency exam. This is me pretending I'm not totally freaked out about it. But this is it- my last speed bump on the way to academic bliss.<br /><br />I keep praying that the test will do what it's designed to do: place me in the appropriate Greek class. I studied a lot in November/December, but with the holiday rush and the chaos of moving, I'll only have a few spare moments to finish brushing up before the exam. I know the language and remember its nuances, but unfortunately, the specifics are both super fuzzy and extremely numerous.<br /><br />I pray that God in his great grace will take this test on my behalf, because during church the other day, I was trying to remember the Greek letter that corresponds to "h." Unfortunately, friends, there is no "h" in the Greek language. <br /><br />I am officially so frazzled, I have forgotten the Greek alphabet. * sigh *Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-20480852248825192582009-09-23T18:21:00.003-05:002009-09-23T18:46:20.749-05:00Addendum.Correcting last post:<div><br /></div><div>So, instead of applying for an MA in OT, I went crazy and applied for an MDiv. An AP MDiv, actually, which means, if it works out, they consider my undergraduate classes and give me credit toward my degree based off of similar coursework I've already completed. Instead of taking a 90ish hour degree, I'll complete a 70ish hour degree. Which, beyond being more convenient, is cheaper, shorter and full of less familiar material. Cool, huh?</div><div><br /></div><div>And feel free to blame my lack of posting on the admissions process, applying for a mortgage, continuing to apartment shop, trying to remember Hebrew and general running about.</div><div><br /></div><div>More later. :o)</div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-4497845452428194712009-08-29T16:06:00.007-05:002009-08-29T16:33:58.539-05:00Preparing & ReflectingI'm sort of selfishly blogging today. I needed to sort of debrief & unwind. And as Kenyon isn't around to share a bottle of wine, I'm using you all as the perfect means for unwinding. So much is happening, so much to look forward to, so much to remember and so much to process. Here goes:<div><br /></div><div>We're moving to Chicago in January. I'm using the term "Chicago" loosely, and am referring more specifically to the Waukegan / Zion / Gurnee area. I will be attending Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and will be getting an MA in Old Testament & Semitic Languages. Waukegan is about 25 minutes away from Trinity, and the most affordable place to live within an hour of the school. Kenyon has family there, and grew up there, so after our couple of years in my hometown, I suppose it's only fair!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have a lot of friends who live in Kenosha, WI, which is just over the border and only about 30 minutes (when Kenyon drives) north of Waukegan. We're excited to live so close to them. In fact, we were both in a wedding for Jonah & Katie, two friends who live there now who we are particularly excited to be near. They've been bugging us to move for years now, so we're all excited about it. While I'm thinking about them, here's some pics from their wedding:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SpmbbgOx9EI/AAAAAAAAAPs/a3zvlBpicS8/s200/6010_529257493428_184700433_31370829_8313969_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375498527054099522" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SpmbaDhudDI/AAAAAAAAAPU/gVH9DUozmzg/s200/5692_509401838514_104300336_30326522_2674473_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375498502169064498" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SpmbaknxIvI/AAAAAAAAAPc/CdKI_ZE8HKI/s200/5692_509401843504_104300336_30326523_2437593_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375498511052776178" /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SpmbZZxbD_I/AAAAAAAAAPM/RVK3IUmST0U/s200/5692_509401828534_104300336_30326520_200628_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375498490960613362" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SpmbbDzgqZI/AAAAAAAAAPk/81R4L84PITA/s200/5692_509401953284_104300336_30326545_2590843_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375498519423527314" /></div><div>So from upper left going across, we have: 1) myself and some of the other bridesmaids, 2) Kenyon and one of his best friends, Jonah (the groom), 3) Kenyon, myself & Kristen, a friend of ours who was married to his friend Ricky, 4) Us and 5) Kenyon, Jonah's brother & Josh, one of his friends from high school. It was soo fun!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was encouraging, to be around so many people our age who we knew we'd be able to see again when we moved up. It made leaving people here a little easier.</div><div><br /></div><div>We're struggling with leaving my family, especially Chrispy & Sarah. We've even been spending time with my grandparents every other week, and are so disappointed that we'll have to give that up. But either way, we know it's time to go. I'll never be able to do what I want to do until I get back to school. It's time!</div><div><br /></div><div>In less important but exciting news, we've been saving up to refurnish our apartment when we move, and have recently bought both a desk and a bedding set. These little things make it easy to get excited about the move. A place of our very very own, where we'll stay put for about 3 or 4 years. That will be THE LONGEST we've ever lived in one place. Can't wait!</div><div><br /></div><div>More later. Enjoy your Saturday. :o)</div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-90304515875628563782009-08-17T21:45:00.008-05:002009-08-17T22:00:02.093-05:00Dad's Luau... our latest excitement.<div style="text-align: left;">That's right... we went to a luau this weekend. Dad and Wendy got married New Year's Eve last year with a super small ceremony, and planned themselves a smashin' luau for a much-later-and-bigger reception. It was Saturday, and it was fun. Enough fun, that it woke me from my I-forget-to-blog slumber. Pictures first:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SooWv02SzUI/AAAAAAAAAOs/8UvcUkHE4zw/s320/DSC05377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371130516488768834" /><div style="text-align: center;">Kenyon and I luau-ing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SooXXJhabQI/AAAAAAAAAPE/ncKYBpxPTEA/s320/DSC05356.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371131192053230850" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dad & Wendy... matching. (tee hee)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SooXABU5DYI/AAAAAAAAAO0/3dgzkNiZ1ko/s320/DSC05369.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371130794716237186" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">The PIG that was cooking IN THE PIT all night. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dug up and eaten. Delicious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SooWX2rUx_I/AAAAAAAAAOk/CALq7yRpEgA/s320/DSC05338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371130104662771698" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Enter tropical paradise here.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/SooXLRxikqI/AAAAAAAAAO8/pKzo3SYiWhQ/s320/DSC05342.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371130988109927074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dad's greenhouse turned tiki hut. Woot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a great time. A neat event in the middle of an otherwise monotonous August. We've had the pleasure of seeing Mom & Kenny a couple of times this summer, and even getting up to Chicago for pre-wedding festivities for Kenyon's long time friend Jonah, but other than that... same 'ol. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We're solidying plans for this January (when we're planning to re-arrange our lives a little bit) and will blog at that point. No point in me speculating and then changing details for you later. We'll fill you in soon. :o) </div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-29227687638472164042009-06-14T15:42:00.001-05:002009-06-14T15:43:10.967-05:00Um...WE JUST PAID OFF OUR FIRST STUDENT LOAN! <div><br /></div><div>I think I shall throw myself a party every single time...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-54274815356106879182009-06-12T13:09:00.003-05:002009-06-12T13:12:02.332-05:00Your #1 Movie SourceSince we are passionate about movies, it only makes sense that we should pass along movie-related tid bits and news to you- our dear friends.<br /><br />This is only marginally related but so dang clever. I'm posting this without Kenyon's approval, by the way, so only blame me if you find this a waste of time. :o) Brilliant, I think. This is RECYCLING, people!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.netflixorigami.com/tray.htm">http://www.netflixorigami.com/tray.htm</a>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-33267605348084239032009-06-05T17:29:00.007-05:002009-06-05T17:36:59.330-05:00Whoa I'm a GardenerThat's a lie. But, the truth is that Kenyon and I planted the miniest little garden ever, and we totally love it. It's precious. Let's just call us domesticated.<br /><br />So far, I haven't even had to water it. The rain has done it's duty. I kept getting worried that they'd get beat up outside, but then I remembered that they were designed to be outside... ya, I know. New at this.<br /><br />It's not even in the ground, it's in a super clean & well kept wooden box that Kenyon made for me. Three pepper plants an a tomato plant.<br /><br />It's like unborn salsa. :o)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Simd8NIY_aI/AAAAAAAAAOc/yzCgHbY_FTI/s1600-h/IMG_0147.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Simd8NIY_aI/AAAAAAAAAOc/yzCgHbY_FTI/s320/IMG_0147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343976090494369186" border="0" /></a>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-14631409739359847022009-05-16T20:52:00.012-05:002009-05-16T21:14:55.537-05:00Tennessee Vacation Time...So, I fail at keeping up. But here's to catching up on lost time. Some highlights:<br /><br />Kenyon got transferred to a new Starbucks store. You'll now have to go to the College Hills store to get his wonderfully brewed coffee drinks.<br /><br />Michelle had a little bit of a hospital fiasco when, during a CT scan, she was injected with IV contrast, which she apparently was allergic to. Awesome. (I recovered quickly- no worries).<br /><br />Though not really a highlight at all, our Great Grandma Henley passed away on Friday. We only know her a little bit, but have always heard her spoken of very highly. She was a very wonderful woman, nearly 90, who lived a spunky, full life. We love her dearly, and have enjoyed celebrating her the last several days. She is loved by so many and will be dearly & warmly remembered. She's wonderful enough we can't help mentioning her.<br /><br />Currently, we're enjoying a much needed vacation in Tennessee. We took the week off of work (we= Chrispy, Kenyon & myself- Sarah was unable to get off work) and spent it with Mom & Kenny. Wonderful. We're heading home tomorrow (overfed & sleepy, but extremely refreshed). Here's a few pictures for your enjoyment:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9vc7emIvI/AAAAAAAAANE/o5_DEgt0R-M/s1600-h/IMG_1823.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9vc7emIvI/AAAAAAAAANE/o5_DEgt0R-M/s200/IMG_1823.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336606626250367730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9vVQp7FDI/AAAAAAAAAM8/k_R2J4D2r_A/s1600-h/IMG_1815.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9vVQp7FDI/AAAAAAAAAM8/k_R2J4D2r_A/s200/IMG_1815.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336606494496068658" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wBLTE1mI/AAAAAAAAANM/Kr2oGG3Wtrw/s1600-h/IMG_1832.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wBLTE1mI/AAAAAAAAANM/Kr2oGG3Wtrw/s200/IMG_1832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336607248972306018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wK1VV7JI/AAAAAAAAANU/R11G-uMqERw/s1600-h/IMG_1836.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wK1VV7JI/AAAAAAAAANU/R11G-uMqERw/s200/IMG_1836.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336607414874926226" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wq7gvY9I/AAAAAAAAANc/2NDe5ounAPE/s1600-h/IMG_1861.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9wq7gvY9I/AAAAAAAAANc/2NDe5ounAPE/s200/IMG_1861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336607966289159122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9w5aAU9kI/AAAAAAAAANk/bK24VCQs2Pg/s1600-h/IMG_1872.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9w5aAU9kI/AAAAAAAAANk/bK24VCQs2Pg/s200/IMG_1872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336608214992877122" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9xHyVOUYI/AAAAAAAAANs/Nkili76fvaE/s1600-h/IMG_1877.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9xHyVOUYI/AAAAAAAAANs/Nkili76fvaE/s200/IMG_1877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336608462041141634" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9xSFrfv-I/AAAAAAAAAN0/7lkOOByhJ2k/s1600-h/IMG_1897.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Sg9xSFrfv-I/AAAAAAAAAN0/7lkOOByhJ2k/s200/IMG_1897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336608639033524194" border="0" /></a>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-87558376736996283192009-04-21T20:02:00.001-05:002009-04-21T20:03:28.086-05:00Sigh of ReliefKilo is just fine. The vet took pity on us and did a bunch of stuff on Monday that we couldn't afford... and they did it for free. Who knew people even did things like that!?<br /><br />So Kilo will make a full and wonderful recovery. My carpet, on the other hand, will not.<br /><br />Small price, I suppose...Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-79818257022991430062009-04-19T15:50:00.002-05:002009-04-19T16:00:40.793-05:00a Kilo UpdateSo, we thought Kilo was fine, but he doesn't seem to be... at all. We've been praying a lot that he'll get better, even though praying for a pet feels so silly...<br /><br />After the pen cap fiasco, we expected quick improvement, only to find that Kilo seemed to feel worse... not drinking, eating, using the litter box, cleaning himself, anything. Apparently while he wasn't feeling well, he managed to get severely dehydrated, even to the point of becoming extraordinary constipated. Feel free to stop reading, as this feels absurd and gross to type out.<br /><br />We took him to the vet Saturday morning, where they gave him an IV, two enemas, and laxatives (which we've been giving him twice a day since then), and since Saturday morning, has still not been able to move anything. The bad stuff has now been in there for at least three days, and in doing so can become extremely toxic, not to mention painful. <br /><br />Basically, there is nothing left that we can do, except an exceptionally expensive "exploratory surgery." We love this cat dearly, but cannot legitimize allotting resources of this size to a pet when they should be going toward far more important and pressing things in our life. It pains me to talk like this, but that's the truth. <br /><br />We've been force feeding him chicken broth and water for the last two days, massaging his belly and carrying him to and from the litter box, since it's getting difficult for him to walk.<br /><br />I think we're both crushed. All he needs to do is go to the bathroom...<br /><br />Thanks for caring. Again, I feel so stupid talking about a cat like this, but I really love that cat. I'd make fun of myself any other time, I promise. Just not this week.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-35895332118311379882009-04-15T22:56:00.008-05:002009-04-17T12:58:55.132-05:00Cuidado... Vomito de GatoSo I love my cat too much. This we know.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Seas913Lp5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/l63VmrnAnMY/s1600-h/DSC05327.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325133787842717586" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 400px; cursor: pointer; height: 300px; text-align: left;" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/Seas913Lp5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/l63VmrnAnMY/s400/DSC05327.JPG" border="0" /></a>Sad news... he's super sick. I think we're going to have to go to the vet. I could pretend to be unworried... but I'm blogging about it, so I've blown my cover.<br /><br />He's sleeping in the bathroom tonight, and is looking very pathetic. Kenyon, always a loving pet owner, stayed in the bathroom with him for an hour tonight. He's a sucker for that cat, you know.<br /><br />* sigh *<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 204, 204);">Quick edit 4/17/2009</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kitty ate a pen cap. Finally that went away, and he's fine now. A pen cap. Stupid cat.</span>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-86013825763007333942009-04-05T15:01:00.002-05:002009-04-05T15:17:17.713-05:00March Winds Bring April ShowersGreetings from the wetlands.<br /><br />Kenyon and I are enjoying a relaxing afternoon in the office listening to the rain. It's raining hard, which could be gloomy, but instead seems melodic and relaxing.<br /><br />I'm enjoying the rain, because our pipes get questionable when it rains, so I have an excellent excuse not to do laundry. Too bad...<br /><br />We have recently renovated (i.e. cleaned/plowed/excavated) the extra upstairs bedroom and have transformed it into an office/guest bedroom. There's a bed in here (which has been claimed by Kilo), my desk and all of my files and bill-paying, account keeping & recording necessities, two bookshelves, and the one storage closet that we have. My favorite part about the room is the bookshelves. One is mine--cluttered by concordances, a gazillion dictionaries (in various languages), bibles, files, and books-- and the other is Kenyon's, and is empty except for his matching collection of Harry Potter books and three small paperbacks of various interests. <br /><br />We spend quiet afternoons in here often, me at the desk computing, designing or studying, Kenyon on the bed, reading, using the laptop or playing with the Kitty. It's a nice change from the living room and the temptation of the TV, and an extra 20 feet further from our rather loud and intoxicated neighbors. A respite. In all honesty, it feels like a dorm room, a little bit, and we're still in a place in our lives where that's a comforting feeling.<br /><br />Kilo prefers this room, as birds play in the bush outside one window and in the tree outside the other. He runs back and forth all day, and occasionally whines for Kenyon to give him a boost to see out the window that faces the bush. Kenyon does so, begrudgingly.<br /><br />We hope you're resting somewhere, because the quiet afternoon feels so good.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-25746546737046800162009-03-22T12:15:00.003-05:002009-03-22T12:28:22.392-05:00SHERLOCK HOLMES!Couldn't contain myself; I (Michelle) had to share.<br /><br />A new Sherlock Holmes movie is set to release at the end of 2009. And who is the cast? Our very own Robert Downie Jr. stars as Sherlock Holmes... with Watson casted as none other than Jude Law. Yah, I know!<br /><br />I am surprising pleased with the casting of Sherlock, but not so sure about Watson. Funny, I always pictured Watson as a shorter and less lanky fellow, though I can't for the life of me remember if that's how Mr. Doyle described him or not. Either way... Jude Law is never what I would have expected.<br /><br />Read more about the movie <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/">here.</a><br /><br />So excited... here's one of the production pictures from the set:<div><br /><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bvfH-VCfQT0/ScZ1B3AlfJI/AAAAAAAAAMs/-wYf0Tp8f2o/s320/sherlock.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316065084964174994" /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-45019338649614177172009-03-18T15:40:00.002-05:002009-03-18T15:51:02.495-05:00Best St. Patty's Ever.Kenyon and I have had our favorite week of 2009 so far... this week. <br /><br />Which is crazy, as it has yet to come to a close.<br /><br />We had the privledge of joining my grandparents, 4 old friends and Chrispy & Sarah for cornbeef and cabbage on Monday night. Delightful. Food was surprisingly good (we won't lie... we'd never had either together in a St. Patty's day spread before), company was even better, and the conversation was hysterical. It's always wonderful to be surrounded by people who are.... quality. Down to earth, as real as they come, and terribly concerned with loving you to death.<br /><br />We share Monday nights with Nana & Papa every other week, which is cool enough, but to add four of everyone's favorite people to the mix made the night even better. For Christopher, Sarah, Kenyon and I, it was really neat to sit back and watch such loving, wise people have a really good time, and quite obliviously impart all sorts of wisdom and character to us.<br /><br />An excellent Monday night was followed by a similiarly wonderful Tuesday, when Courtney & Neil (from school) stopped in for some quality time before they prepare for their move overseas. They've felt a strong calling to head over to India to work & live there among the people for at least a couple of years, and we couldn't be more excited for them. To be immersed in such an incredibly beautiful culture is terribly exciting for them... and for us! <br /><br />So we had the pleasure of feeding off of their excitement (not to mention feeding off of Kenyon's skillfully crafted skillet cookie) and wonderful memories for much of the evening.<br /><br />A great St. Patty's day for sure. <br /><br />Oh- and we get to go to Chicago this weekend in celebration of Kenyon's upcoming birthday. A fitting end to a wonderful week, I think...Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762481969638739870.post-3006798301352998402009-03-08T14:44:00.003-05:002009-03-08T14:52:49.123-05:00Kilo's AdventureWith the sudden onset of spring weather and Kenyon and I's ever growing sense of cabin fever, we have officially thrown open all of the windows of our house to let in the fresh Spring air. I'm in heaven, as the bed sheets smell fresher, naps feel all warm & wonderful, and the smell of winter is dissipating.<br /><br />Unfortunately, in our excitement, it never occurred to us to make sure that there were screens on all of our windows. Why wouldn't there be? But there were not. We opened windows Friday night, left for a movie, and allowed Kilo to make his first Great Escape.<br /><br />We returned from the movie to find a band of stray cats scattering upon our arrival, and a poor, scrubby, dirty looking Kilo sitting on the doorstep really preferring to be indoors. If the window he escaped from had been open a little further, we surmise that he would have re-entered the house in haste. <br /><br />As it was, he was extremely happy to see us and stuck close at Kenyon's side for the rest of the night. We cleaned him up, got the bugs & grime out of his coat, and he seems to be as good as new.<br /><br />Kenyon is under the very distinct impression that he won whatever fight he was a part of, by the way, and thinks he's walking a little taller and prouder these days after proving himself to the neighborhood's feline population.<br /><br />Either way, we're glad he's still here, and will more hesitantly throw open windows from now on.Kenyon and Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17219785100251682844noreply@blogger.com0