Update...

Its been a long time (November 7th, in fact) since I've posted anything to this blog. For those of you waiting with baited breath, sorry. You can breathe easier now. For those who haven't been waiting, well, surprise...here's an update!

Susan and I have had a very eventful week and are looking forward to an even more exciting weekend! Let's do a quick recap:

Last Saturday - we took Isabelle downtown with Sibi, Ninit and Alexis and experienced the windows on State Street and had a nice lunch downtown at Macy's. Even though it was freezing, the girls had a blast and loved the chance to spend time together.

1. Sunday - We were immensely challenged the previous week to be more obedient to God and took a couple of huge steps of obedience. For several years we had both been wanting to take this step, but always have found a way to talk ourselves out of it. Well finally the opportunity presented itself and we took the plunge. Give me a call or send us a note to get more details, if you're interested.

2. Monday - I woke up and went to work. After work I had a "blindspot check" with a friend. We practically have known each other since 2nd grade, and have shared so many experiences together. The interesting part for both of us is that we even though we know so much about each others' lives, we rarely tried to dig deeper into our relationship. This was more a symptom of my personality. After hearing a message at church (by Pastor James MacDonald), we both were interested in checking our lives and sought out a way to find the blindspots in our lives. We dig deep about our roles as leaders in our families, workplaces and really try to help each other see the blindspot.

3. Tuesday - as a result of our blindspot check, I woke up earlier than usual and spent some time in the Word. I believe as a direct result, I had a great (!) day at work. Even though I've known that spending good, quality time with the Lord everyday was essential, I was really good at not focusing on that aspect. I'm praying that I can create a persisent and consistent time in the Word and experience more great days at work. Also, I went Christmas shopping with Susan and got a gift for myself...the Dark Knight DVD!!

4. Wednesdsay - I woke up...went to work...and came home...it snowed here in Chicago, so Isabelle, Susan and I went outside and built our first snowman as a family. Here's a picture:


5. Thursday - I woke...went to work...and went to the Bears-Saints game!!! What a game! Daniel Manning ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, Mike Brown had an interception, the Bears kicked a game-tying field goal with 0:00 seconds left, and then won in overtime with a field goal. The guys I went with had a blast and we got to know the people that were sitting around us. To go to a game with friends is a great time, but to make friends and create a "system" during the game was just as fun. The people that were sitting in front of us were really cool people. For example, when the Saints were on offense and they faced 3rd downs, typically the fans get on their feet and make as much noise as possible. Well, for some reason the Bears D wasn't stopping the Saints, so "Joe" and I decided to sit during the next 3rd down. Lo and behold! The Bears forced a 3 and out! We sat the next time the Saints were facing 3rd down...and again, it worked. Soon people around us saw this and were into our "system" too. It was a cool study in understanding human interaction.

6. Friday - woke up with no voice and toes that were still thawing out. Went to work, came home and got to play with Izzy. Susan spent most of the day baking a cake and cupcakes for Izzy's birthday party. What a great wife...she cares so much about us in ways that I often take for granted. Ever since we've moved back to Chicago, I have marveled at the way she has taken to the transition. Even though I know she works hard and has to balance so much, she rarely, if ever, seems flustered. She's a wonderful woman and I'm proud of her beyond words can express.

7. Saturday - tomorrow morning. God willing we wake up and drive back to Bloomington for the day. Most importantly, it's Izzy's 3rd birthday! The reason we are driving to Bloomington is because I get to take part in the commencement at ISU for my MBA. After almost 3 years, I get to celebrate with my cohort and family for this step in our lives.

8. Sunday - I'll have pictures and a recap of Izzy's party next week.

Thanks for reading this long post. This past week has truly been one of the most eventful and "memory creating" weeks in our lives...just thought I would share it with the 2 or 3 of you that are reading.

re>rooting is pretty cool.