NMN

It has been another successful No Make-Up November =)

I am pleased with this years results. Similar lessons and reminders; such as: letting my smile be the most beautiful thing about me, not my shadowed eyes and long lashes. My mom always stressed to me when I was growing up that people are most beautiful when they smile =)

Smiles are the best, aren't they?! true and genuine.

dogs with gogs

cute puppy we met on the road =)

Every night after a show, I head to the 'green room' and this is what I am greeted with: jeff's stuff. I pack it all up, sometimes more bitterly than others ;)

i just think to myself

*treasures in heaven, treasures in heaven*

Discovered this beautiful bit of creation while in Texas.

A trail opened to a rock bed hugging the edge of a river.

And it is discoveries like these that make my heart swell with gratitude. I rest in Him. When we travel so much, not always in comfortable situations, accomadations, etc. it is wonderfully refreshing to just rest in Him, and be comforted. Being uncomfortable forces me to rely on the Comforter.

cute babies

sleepy boys.

I love to have my picture taken with cute babies. These are our friends Brian and Mindy's adorable kids. Makayla, 2 and Owen, i think 5 months. We got to visit them last weekend =) Makayla is shy at first, but she warmed up to us and was quite spirited and cute. And Owen loves to be held, yes please!

ariel

my voice is almost gone. I had a very sore throat for a few days and now my voice won't work.

weird thing is, i kinda like it.
it's fun; like when you're a little kid and you wish you had braces, or glasses, or a cast for your broken arm. then everybody could sign it!

immature, i know.

No Make Up November

it's that time again!

Last year, I challenged myself to be Make-Up free for the month of November.

What I learned:

Make-up makes me feel a little glamorous, it's an addicting pick-me-up. With out it, I feel less than gorgeous; I must rely on my personality, not my looks for confidence. Last November, I remember looking in the mirror after I was all "ready" (no make-up really cuts down the time you need to get ready!), and thinking "welp, this is me." Before this challenge, I sensed myself becoming dependent on make-up and I didn't like that. Possibly, I was compensating for having a low physical self-image at the time. I learned that it is ok to have a low "self-image", because my physical self-image is not important. My spiritual self-image, relational self-image, emotional self-image, should far outweigh the physical. I know, girls, easier said than done.

After the challenge, I had broken my dependence on make-up. That felt great! When December 1 rolled around I was excited to wear some mascara, but I didn't feel like I NEEDed make-up anymore. I learned that I can be out-going, friendly, smiley, kind, loving, compassionate, all the good things that I want to be- all with out make-up!? The experience helped to shift my focus a little more off myself, which is always a good thing.

These are just a few little things that I learned from NMN last year.

Isn't it interesting? When I am headed to see friends, meet new people, work, i think i have to look my best. got to impress. When i feel good about my physical appearance, i elevate myself above others, what an ugly form of confidence? maybe i should be my best, not by looking the best, but loving the best.
Ladies, feel free to join me in this challenge=) I'd love to hear how it impacts you.

TV

i got it.

I found the sweet spot for my antenna and now I have about 10 channels!!! I am very excited, i think.

But, just from having the TV on for the last hour, I realize how LOUD it is....all the noise, advertisement, messages, junk.

is life better or worse with TV?

13.1

This summer I decided to train for a half marathon. It was motivating to have a goal to work towards, and I am so happy with the results: I ran the (Ft. Wayne) Fort4Fitness Half Marathon last Saturday and hit my goal time! 1:51, that averages out to be 8:28 miles, which I am so proud of =)

We travel ALL over in the summers, so I had much variety in my training scenery and terrain. It kept things fresh. I invented my own training schedule, which also added to my ownership of the whole experience. Here are the places that I trained this summer; from the beach in New Jersey to the hills of Wisconsin! 9 states total!

happy running ;)

3 anniversary tacos: 2 crunchy, 1 soft

3 tacos for 3 years!

We started our 3 year anniversary trip with a scrumptious stop at a Taco Bell. Nothing says 'romance' like TB. Jeff is a creature of habit, big time.... he always gets 3 tacos: 2 crunchy, 1 soft.
We made it! A lovely day at the quaint Lake Michigan town of St. Joseph.
We spent most of the day scooting around on these scooters that we rented! Neither of us had driven one before, and they were a blast! We scooted along the shore as much as we could and then explored the town.
You know the two finger, lazy wave that you see motorcyclists give each other?? Yea, we got that! Jeff was so excited, he nearly ran into the curb. I only got honked at once for poor driving. oops.

We stopped at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe and enjoyed some yummy ice cream.
A sunset stroll on the beach. A sailboat race was happening near the shore and made for a lovely scene.
3 years. i'd say this has been our best year yet.

Sweet September

Sweet September

I see a few leaves blow across the pavement, the first casualties of autumn.

I taste the dry air, it makes my throat scratchy.

I feel the sky shift above me, the scorch seems less strong.

I smell the citrusy, dusty smell of green things withering, it gives me allergies.

I hear nature sigh with relief, the seasons change around me, sweet september.

summer thoughts

Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen??!! ......eeeehhhhh........

This is Jeff wearing my 80's prom dress for an 80's night at camp! It was completely open and unzipped in the back, that little hussy....!

This summer I took ownership of my position in life. I could sit at the merch table, sulk and pout, looking pissed at all these dumb strangers that I am ALWAYs surrounded by.

OR I could minister.

I could smile and talk to people, novel idea! It has been a very refreshing summer, it feels good to take ownership and engage with those around me. We met some amazing people this summer and I am so thankful that I got the chance to do so. Jeff and I have always had this vision for me to step right in and minister right along side him, it just took me 2.5 years to get there! And that's ok, it was a HUGE adjustment for us in so many areas of our life. Newlywed, newlyhouse, newlyroadlife, newlycats, nearly newly-everything!

I have realized that it is much more rewarding to jump in with both feet and minister to those that we meet on the road. And be ministered to in return. These people love us, accept us, support us. And I have grown to love them. This summer, I have been challenged to live for others, and learn how to make decisions NOT based on my comfort, my desires, my selfishness. I'm getting over myself, and it feels real good.

In the past, it has been difficult for me to reach out to people that we encounter on the road, because who am I to them? What does it matter if I have a bad attitude, nobody knows who I even am? Unlike the guys in the band, I don't have an instant cool factor and platform. And I've just realized that's OK! I can show the love of Christ, even if I am a SOMEBODY, or a NOBODY. It's a beautiful and freeing revelation.

when things were pretty tough for jeff and i on the road, i would sometimes hit him with an unfair," I hate my life". I hated it cuz it was mostly about me. I am now finding myself in the opposite predicament, i might love my life too much!

MollyMade

I am launching a new blog for the purpose of showcasing my handmade crafts that are for sale.

I plan on updating with each new creation =)

Feel free to stop by anytime!

MollyMade

Coloardo

I made the 18 hour trek to CO with good friends Emily and Ryan Holliday. Ryan drove us the entire way out there! Upon arriving, it was amazing to be re-united with great friends Rachael and Daron Short. The Shorts were great hosts. We enjoyed the breathtaking nature all around and went on a few hikes around Colorado Springs, where the Shorts live.

The Short's dog, Belle. She is expressing perfectly

the way that Em and I felt after going on a hike.

Maroon Bell Mountains.

Near Aspen, where we stayed for two nights. Well, we camped a few miles outside of Aspen. We woke up early on Saturday morning to do Buckskin Pass Trail.

The trail was 8 miles round trip and was SO scenic.

This is me in my happy place,

a meadow of wildflowers,

on the side of a mountain.

Looking quite dorky, but not too concerned.

Look at this place?!?!

It was a much needed time with friends and nature and God.

Praise him, sun and moon,

Praise him, you morning stars;

Praise, oh let them praise the name of God-

he spoke the word, and there they were!

He set them in place

from all time to eternity;

He gave his orders,

and that's it!

Praise God from earth,

You mountains and all hills...

psalm 148

Summer, Week 5

Baraboo, WI

Managed to not take a single pic all week. oops!

This was an outdoor adventure camp, i had been looking forward to it all summer and it lived up to my expectations.

Two firsts for me:

1. Rock climbing on real rocks!! cool!

2. White water rafting.

Spent the night in tents, woke up and went white water rafting. Got to swim/be carried down a rapid- it was fun! It helped me to conquer my fear of falling out of our raft. it was like going to God's waterpark, much better than any man-made one. It was just Jeff and I in a two person raft- no guide?! We went through 4 or so rapids and off 2 waterfalls. eek!

it was terrifyingly fun- kinda like a roller coaster, i freak out before and during, but love it when it's over!

Jeff said the most unpredictable part of the whole thing was me! haha. i can get pretty intense.

This was my last week of camp this summer, since the next two weeks of camp don't invite family members....arrrggg. don't get me started on that issue. Luckily to keep me busy, i've got some adventures up my sleeve ;)

Just a Band Wife

Sometimes I get the vibe that people think I am a loser.

Don't judge me! *finger snap* You don't even know me! ;)

It never fails- at most venues someone will say,

"So you're like a roadie?!"

or

"So you're like a groupie?!".

I know they mean well, but i'm kinda over this talk. I don't think they understand.

They ask me if I like being on the road, well yes, i like being with my husband, so yes.

I really don't struggle with my purpose until I see it in someone else's eyes, or face, or reaction.

Why does she do this?

It's a difficult motive to explain and I often must remind even myself of it:

At the end of this experience, I want to have shared everything with Jeff. That's why I married him. To share life. It just so happens that our life takes us rockin' across the U.S.A. ;)

my struggle: Am I less of a wife, woman, or person because I am not pursuing my career? or following my so-called passions?

From the outside, it may seem that my life is void of some of the 'importants' that compose a person's identity.

But conveniently enough, it just so happens that my true passions lie right here,

right where I am.

Those passions that lie closest to my heart,

my family and my Savior.

If that makes me lame, then OK.

I don't know who I am trying to impress. I sit there and think, "I gotta be someone cool..." I guess i've always wished that i had a glamorous passion, one that will:

1) Make me stand out and be recognizable

2) Make me money

3) Give me popularity and a cool factor

But as hard as I try, i have unglamorous passions. There are actually people out there that have genuine glamorous passions, but not me. my silly passions that will:

1) Not make me recognizable

2) Make me poor

3) Make me UNpopular with the world

Thanks for your concern everybody, but I DO have purpose and passion,

unglamorous as it may be.

so, phooey- I am NOT just a band wife, I am Jeff's wife and he is my husband!

and we make a great team!

Summer Week 3

We spent the 4th in Chambersburg, PA with a weekend in between camps. Enjoyed some traditional spectacles: grillin, sparklers (my fave!), fireworks in the backyard.

Our drummer's family hosted us for the weekend and we much appreciated their hospitality =) It is a gift to relax and feel at home when you rarely find yourself actually there.

Tattoo/Gas Station- don't see that every day?!

We went from last week's "commercial-cheeseball-corny-town USA" to "country-mountainside-cowtown".

Opposites. This week we are in Beaver Dams, NY.

Please notice the cows across the street=)
We are surrounded by green hills. They look more like mountains to this Indiana girl.

it's lovely.

I am torn between longing for convenience or searching for solitude. I would REALly like to live less than 5 from a Target and Hobby Lobby ;) But in the same breath, my soul is alive in nature. I like challenges, and I think it would be challenging and extremely stretching to live in a rural area. Rural life seems to lend itself easier to simple living, living by necessity, not convenience. Maybe those desires to shop, consume, waste would eventually shrink in comparison to the desire to cultivate and relish nature. Or are those desires already a part of me.

Atta-news

My talented husband released his latest CD with the band Attaboy. It is their best album, to date! If you want to see more about Attaboy you can check them out on their website, facebook, or myspace. You can listen to all of Attaboy's newest album on facebook!

Also, I'd like to introduce the newest member of Attaboy, Matt Siewert (with the hat). He is a 2010 grad from Huntington University with a major in worship leadership. He is a great guy and a wonderful, fresh addition to our team. We are truly excited for the part he will play in the evolution of Attaboy as he will take over the role of lead singer in the fall of this year.

Every day, we are thankful for this adventure. Jeff is grateful to be doing his dream job and I am grateful to be experiencing it all together.

New Jersey, Summer Week 2

It's kind of weird to wake up in a new place. I do that a lot.

Today I woke up in New Jersey,

in a tiny bed,

in a tiny motel room,

with a sleepy little Jeff beside me.

I had a nice morning run on the boardwalk that outlines this little stretch of Jersey Shore. The ocean is COLD. And if you try and look down the shoreline, you can't see too far, it is strangely hazy.

With all of the places that we have played, I sometimes have a hard time keeping them all straight. I associate them with.... the food that we ate, the promoter of the show, the look of the stage or venue, other bands that we may have played with, funny stories from that show.....sometimes I just can't remember the places at all.

I took a picture of this place, so that I won't forget.

This week we are playing for a couple hundred Youth For Christ students from the surrounding area.

jeff + concrete

WARNING: This post contains images that may be disturbing for certain audiences.

We were at a show in Illinois and Jeff got hurt. He slammed into the concrete smashing his nose and lip.


He was trying to be funny in the picture above. You have to laugh in situations like this, it helps get you through it. We thought he might need stitches, so we took him to the Ready-Med just in case. Luckily, no stitches!



Back at the venue, getting ready for the show that he STILL played that night,
bloody face and all!

Jeff is still on the road to recovery. His face is swollen in places, but the wounds are healing up.

oh, the memories we are making=)

Summer, so far

Lake James, Andrews Family Vaca. Happy Birthday Sheeshaw! We love you.
It was great to see the Andrews fam. The week consisted of Shrek, playing games, inventing games (we're dorks), laughing, tubing, swimming, cards, candy for dinner, macaroni at midnight, quoting, over-quoting, love, fun.

I am SO pumped to have Chris' wife Brittney joining us on the road now full time! She and I already went to Goodwill, organized the merch tubs, and then I taught her how to crochet! It is going to be great having her around for so many reasons. AND, we have matching bags! how cute!



Welcome to my "secret garden", that's what I've deemed it, just cause.
Mom and I created this 'something' from a 'nothing' side yard. I really love it and can't wait to watch it grow.

4:30 AM Show

We played a show at 4:30 AM. Yes, you read correctly, AM- in the morning! It was crazy. the night before the AM show we went to bed around 10:30 and then woke up at 3 AM. uggg. The show was a "Surprise show" for a class of seniors who had just graduated that previous night. Their parents planned an all-nighter for the grads and we were the finale.

I am NOT a morning person. I am easily aggravated and quick to grit my teeth. I was sitting at the light board giving off the vibe-- "i don't want to be here, don't mess with me, and while you're at it, please don't even look at me".

The show could have gone all wrong if the kids were too tired, but by concert time they were slap happy and jumped around like sleep deprived maniacs for the entire show! So we were glad for that. We were headed home by 7:30 and in our door step at 11, it was a strange feeling to know that we didn't play a show last night, as usual, but THAT SAME morning.......

This experience will be one of those, "You remember that time we played a show at 4:30 in the morning?!........"

Social Studies

"The Pentagon is an important building in Pennsylvania."
- me, to a class of 26 6th graders. i was quickly corrected.

I have been teaching 6th grade Social Studies (and mostly Math) for the last 4 weeks. I'm still learning a lot....a lesson learned very quickly was how little I know about Social Studies.....I have 4 periods of math and 1 period of SS. Jeff thinks it is terrible of me if I tell the kids wrong info (only a few happenings of this). and he's right, it's not good. Don't send your kids to my class!

I'm THAT teacher!!!, Ah! THAT teacher that doesn't know what the heck they are talking about. crap. I've learned : if you don't know, don't try and pretend like you do. just move on.

On a positive note, math classes are going well =)

28

Jeff turned 28. We went on a date with our coupons for a free birthday burger at Red Robin with a free birthday ice cream from Coldstone. YUM. Sandwiched between was a nice walk at a park in Ft. Wayne where we first held hands =) In the spring of '04, Jeff took my hand and said,

"Hold hands while crossing the street!" we made it safely across, but then he didn't let go.

This place is magical for me, and reminds me of a young and exciting love. Our love grows older, but it is still exciting.

Jeff has had a SUPER busy month or so. He has been writing new music for an album that will be released this summer. I am very proud of his song writing abilities; he has a gift. I love the new songs he wrote! I told him that I think this will be his best album yet.

The spring tour is just kicking off. So on top of writing new music and daily band maintenance, Jeff has been preparing for that! have i mentioned that i am so proud of all that he does?! His birthday fell on the week that the tour started, so jeff got multiple birthday cakes and desserts! (4 days in a row of bday sweets!)

Concrete Jungle

in Central Park

Highlights from our trip to New York City:

1. Seeing Lutz from the show "30 Rock". He was walking down the street towards us, I recognized him just as he was going into his bank. Jeff was like, "hey", i was like, " can we get our picture with you??" as he shuts the door in my face. He totally ignored us! Not to give up; I wanted to take a picture of him filling out his deposit slip, but thought that might be illegal or something, so we just moved on. It was exciting none the less. my goal for the trip was to see someone from "30 Rock", it just so happened to be my least favorite character... beggars can't be choosers!

at the infamous ice rink at Rockefeller Center

2. Jimmy Fallon Show. The only recognizable guest was Alicia Silverstone (from the movie "Clueless"! lol). Jimmy was goofy to see in person, as you might imagine. He seems like a normal guy that you'd want to hang out with. We didn't hang out with him, but Jeff DID get a high five! We were able to sit in the third row, and had our 2 seconds of fame during a shot of the audience!! here's us on TV:

3. just seeing things that you see on TV or movies was really exciting to me. i guess i am easy to please!

for dad:

you can't really tell, but below I am trying to smile like Kenneth from 30 Rock. i am such a dork; the morning of our NYC trip, i practiced my "Kenneth smile" in the mirror.

This was my idea. i hang out with guys too much

4. Going to a Broadway show. We got discount tickets the day-of and saw the musical, "Next to Normal". We both enjoyed the performance, amazing talent, but the story line was depressing. we sat next to an older couple from Jersey, and i was envious to hear that they frequently go to shows. That would be so fun to live close enough to do!

While riding the subway a few times, i noticed that most people either had their music or some reading material with them. It seemed to be an unspoken rule that I didn't know. I didn't have anything to read, so I just made awkward eye contact with people.

What draws me back to NY the most is the thought of going to another broadway show. The city itself was amazing to see, and i am pretty sure that we saw a lot: Chinatown, Little Italy, Statue of Liberty, SOHO(super trendy hipster area), Times Square, Empire State Building, Grand Central Station, Wall Street, the Financial District and those already mentioned. It's a pretty magical place.

I wish i could live in all the different places in the world, just for a bit. i am content to just visit them, for now.