Words

This has been the worst september of my life.

My Uncle Bill passed away on Sunday September 16th, two weeks after his mom died. He is survived by his wife, and his three kids who are the same ages as my sisters and I. It was so hard to see him on sunday because he didn't look anything like the Uncle Bill I knew. He was so skinny with no hair, he was only semi-concious, and he was struggling to breath. We only were there for about two hours and then he was gone. Something that was really nice to see was the way his wife was taking care of him. You could tell that they were still totally commited to loving eachother even after twenty-five years of marriage ( It will be their 25th anniversary this tuesday, the day his funeral is planned for) My family prayed fiercely that God would open Bill's heart and he would accept Christ before he died. We won't know until we meet our Heavenly Father if he did.

This has been such an incredibly hard year, I can't even explain it. There has been so much to be discouraged about but we've always pulled through because of the hope we have in Christ. I've been realizing that almost NOTHING is in my control. So many people would think this a scary thing, but I find it kind of relieving. I can always be assured that God is working for the good, and no matter what happens in my life that I see as "bad", God is using it somehow for His Glory. This doesn't mean I'm happy with my circumstances, but it does mean I can be joyful and hopeful.

Do you know what was really neat? My parents told me that they were feeling down and oppressed and they felt like they needed to read the passage about the armour of God. They picked up the nearest Bible and it happend to be my granny's that they took home after she passed away. They looked it up in her Bible, and there is was circled, the whole passage. We didn't even know if she had been reading it. I just thought that was neat, if you don't that's fine, I'm not very good at telling stories anyway. Do you know what else is neat, through everything that has been going on we have had multiple opportunities to share the gospel with our family and to pray with them, something that would never have been accepted before. Our greatest hope for them is that they will come to know Jesus as their Friend, Saviour, and Lord, He is the only way.

I still don't have a kitten and I really want one. I think God is teaching me something about patience, I don't know. haha.





Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm, then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, witht the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation ad the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Ephesians 6: 10-20

Well, I'm back at work now. I haven't decided how I feel about that quite yet. It is definitely nice to have a routine again, but those preteen boys are just so irritating it makes me want to pull my hair out. And the thing is, they're way worse for me than they are for any of the other staff because I'm young and apparently I don't deserve respect. They said yesterday they'd rather be rude than weird. I think that generation is going to have major problems.

On Friday night Nathan took me out for a date and it was fantastic! We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner, then he took me to Marble Slab for dessert, and then we headed out to High Knolls to play a round of mini golf. It was so much fun and we tied so I didn't have to be fake mad at him for kicking my butt! Random note: I discovered a dead bunny just off of hole 10. That's not really very important or interesting, but I thought I'd share that anyway.
Saturday we had a youth worship practice at 9 in the morning, I did not pick that time nor did I want to get up but I had to because Nathan threatend to meanly tickle me until I got out of bed. That pretty much means that he'll sit on me, put on a scary face and pretend he's some sort of savage animal attacking me, so I got up. Afterwards we had a very very long nap and a wonderful rest of our day bonding and having a really good time. Sunday looked pretty much the same except the nap was way longer haha. It was so long we didn't go to bed until about 4 in the morning. Monday was my dad's birthday so we went mini golfing again and we ate a dinner of steak and massive baked potatoes at 3:30 before Kate had to go to work. Then we watched the first Die Hard in the trilogy we got my dad for his new big screen t.v.

Unfortunately the weekend didn't really end on a happy note.

Nathan and I were about to walk out the door to go grocery shopping when there was a loud knock from the other side. I knew what was coming.... My mom was there with tears in her eyes. "She's gone." My granny had finally lost her battle with brain cancer.

Marguerite Riel (I think her dad was cousins with Louis Riel) was born in Saskatchewan in the 1920's. I would ask my dad what exact date but he's on the phone right now, and I don't even know if I spelled her name right. Oh dear me. Anyway... She married a man named Dollard Samson and had eight wonderful children, four girls and four boys, with Mr. Gary Samson being the wonderfulest of all of course! She enjoyed going dancing and dressing very funky for her age. We're talking mid-drif baring tops not too long ago haha. She was a pretty hip granny!

I was telling Nathan on Monday that he needs to really cherish his grandparents. I only have one gramma left, I didn't even get to meet my mom's dad. I'm only twenty and I know people who are way older than me who still have all of their grandparents. Cherish them, you're lucky if you still have them.

With all of these things going on in my family, my granny dying, my uncle being in the hospital with cancer, my dad having a stroke and then just last week having to go back to the hospital with other problems, has really made me realize that life is short. I don't want to have a wasted life, do you? Probably not. The only way to not have a wasted life is to live with Jesus as your guide. Give Him everything you are and your life will count for something.

I really want a kitten.

That's all folks.

My dad meant to say "out of breath"

The dishes and laundry are piling up so I think it's time to write another post. Isn't that how it always works? I think so!

Of course I'm going to have to mention how married life is going. We don't really understand why people say newlyweds always fight because we haven't been. I'm actually wondering if there's something seriously wrong with us. haha. We decided that we get frustrated with one another but not angry, which I'm sure is a good thing. We expected to get frustrated with one another, we're totally different people trying to "become one" as they say. We've found it quite entertaining to see how each other react in a situation, and then talk about it after and analyze where our thoughts and actions stem from. You all should do that one day, it's fun! There's so much more I could say about marriage, even though i've only been a part of one for 7 weeks... I think I'll write a book. If everyone who reads this promises to buy my best seller I will give them 50% off, what do you think?

On Sunday night, Nathan and I had our night caps on, ready to settle in for a long winter's nap when all of a sudden there was stirring on the other side of the bed from me. Nathan quickly got up without saying anything and I knew right away what was going on... we had an intruder!!! Are you all nervous? Don't be, it was just a spider. But seriously, this spider was the mother of all spiders. I have seen bigger but I was in Africa so that doesn't really count. So Nathan dashes out of the room with me screaming "He's on the move, he's on the move!!" And he comes back adorned in steel toed boots and with a weapon (a broom) in hand. After having a short photo shoot with the spider, Nathan announced that he was going to "Show it who's boss!" I held my breath as my brave knight (just to make it a little more dramatic) lifted the broom above his head and swatted the beast from it's perch. It was stunned but it's legs started moving a mile a minute towards my closet. Screams could be heard from a mile away as I realized the perspective horror of a spider getting lost in, and eventually inhabiting my closet. So Nathan's savage insticts to protect his woman came out and he brutalized the spider once more. He took the broom and launched the spider through the air into our bedroom door. This time it just lay there, a few legs missing, and nathan took his foot and stomped the crap out of it. Then to end this dramatic moment in our lives, he dust busted it up and we went to sleep.... But not without the fear of the mother spider returning to haunt our dreams.
The End.

I will put some pictures up when I figure out how to get them. Yes, I am technologically challenged.

I had one other adventure that I do not care to go into detail about. All you have to know is that I almost puked on someone's head. Lindsay can testify to that. No chunks, just lots of gag. Oh, I'm going to the P.N.E. this weekend. Woohoo.
Have a wonderful day everyone!

Being the professional procrastinator I am, and at the request of my sister, I have decided to update my blog. I'm supposed to fold all of mine and nathan's laundry. That's boring and I hate folding laundry so I don't think I'll do that right now.

So I'm sure lots has happend since I've last updated, but nothing super excting comes to mind... so here I go rambling.

Rough Acres was really really cool. My job for the week was to look after the support staff. I pretty much ran around telling people where they were supposed to be, what they were supposed to be doing, and asking them why the heck they weren't doing what I told them to. haha. It was a lot of fun. The best time was definitely when all the kids left. That night we had a campfire and it was just an amazing time of worship and prayer. It was beautiful with the fire, and the millions of stars above, and the cool clean air. It was just one of those times that you can't really explain, but you know you just don't want to forget. God's presence was very evident and you could just feel it. Yay!

I'm watching Dr. Phil right now and he's doing a show on wedding disasters. I'm so glad nathan didn't get drunk and punch my dad like this woman's groom did... So, living with Nathan has definitely been interesting. We are learning so much about eachother and how we react to situations. It's so good though because although we have a little conflict at times, it has definitely strengthened our relationship instead of tearing us apart. It's an adventure and it's so much fun! Except for the whole farting in bed thing. Why do men do that? haha.

Nathan and I went to see Hairspray last night and oh my goodness gracious it is soooo good! I laughed so much because it made me so happy. It is probably one of the funnest movies I've ever seen. I literally danced out of the movie theatre, of course with Nathan holding on to my arm hoping that I would end his embarassment very soon. I respect my husband so I did stop my attempt to make my life into a musical. I really want to go see it live now, wouldn't that be lovely?

I have pictures of my new home but I still don't know how to use this computer so I can't get them off the camera on to the computer but that's okay. I'm really enjoying living in our basement suite. I love our patio... I just really wish i had two lounge chairs so we could sit out there and sip some iced tea, just looking into the beautiful, lush green forest. I love trees! Anyhoo, I should really go accomplish something for the day. Laundry, here I come!

p.s. if anyone wants to donate lawn lounge chairs to us it will be graciously accepted haha

Guess what! I'm married! I've been married for like two and a half weeks now though so it's kind of old news. Hopefully at the end of this post I will be able to put up pictures, but nathan's computer is a mac and I have no idea how to work these babies.

Our wedding was even more than I hoped it would be. The decorations were gorgeous, there were absolutely no gliches, it wasn't stressful, and the day was full of romance. I had so much fun! Nathan and I made sure the ceremony was really personal, we wanted to tailor it completely to us and it was. Even right down to me giggling as I walked down the aisle. Chris did an amazing job as our officiate. I honestly don't know if I've heard a more interesting wedding speech thingy (Yeah, I'm biased), It was so personal which I loved. I'm so glad He was able to be our marrying guy!
Our wedding party was seriously amazing! I think we must have picked the funniest 10 people we know to be our attendants and they were a big reason that the day was so much fun. They were all so helpful and I feel very blessed for their friendship.
Our wedding day was the most amazing day of my life thus far. How could it not? I was surrounded by people I love, I got to wear pretty clothes, and I married the most incredible man I have ever met. I had so many people come up to me and say that it was the best wedding they have ever been to or it was the most beautiful wedding they've ever seen, from the decorations to our vows to eachother. I'm not trying to brag, I swear, it was just a really special day. Thank you all so much for sharing in it with us, and I have to thank our Heavenly Father for really blessing the day for us. May He be honoured in our marriage!

Our honeymoon was wonderful too. It was full of relaxing and just getting to know eachother better. We went to a really cute place in Lynden, Washington. Seriously, Lynden is beautiful! We had an incredible view of Mt. Baker and a whole lot of other mountains. I love mountains. We went for walks, cooked A meal (we ate a lot of cereal haha), and bought some fudge.

Married life is awesome! I'm seriously loving being Nathan's wife. I actually enjoy cooking for him and cleaning for him. What is this new phenomenon? hehe. I love waking up beside him. I love it when he comes home from work. It's all so exciting right now. Oh, and he talks in his sleep. The other night I woke up to him kissing his pillow and telling it he loved it. Here's the diaglogue:

Kerri: Nathan, what are you doing?
Nathan: I'm kissing you (says I love you to the pillow)
Kerri: No, actually you're kissing the pillow
Nathan: No, I'm kissing you (kisses the pillow) and I love you. (Rolls over and is asleep again)

Yeah, it makes for funny stories, but not such a good sleep. I love it though. Nathan has been such a great husband. He's so attentive, and wants to help out around the house. I had been slacking on the dishes and he woke up on saturday morning and the first thing he did was start on the dishes. I went to go help him but he said, just relax. It was really nice. We haven't had any disagreements or anything yet, I'm just waiting for the conflict... Marriage can't be THIS good can it? haha. Yes, I know we're still in the honeymoon stages.

Sorry that this is so incredily long and you are all bored out of your minds right now. Thanks for reading though!

Oh, I'm going to Rough Acres in two days and Im so excited, AND me and Linds got our noses pierced! woohoo! bye!
And one last thing, Kellee I loved the cake, it was so pretty. I just have to say sorry for cutting it so horribly, I didn't know what to do!

OR is it the beginning? Let us ponder this for a second...

Okay, times up! Although wedding plans have been a tad stressful lately I have still enjoyed them and I will probably miss the excitement when it's all over and I'm no longer a bride, just an old maid. Just kidding of course! I am honestly more excited for the marriage than I am for the wedding. It is such a privilege to be able to spend my life with someone I love so much! I know I'm in the "honeymoon stages" right now, but I really hope I don't lose that outlook once I've been married for a while and he leaves toothpaste in the sink and other gross things like that and I'm not feeling so 'lovey dovey'. But as I've said in a previous post... it's not all about feelings. You can't rely on your emotions!

So on Saturday my darling friend Vanessa came all the way from Wetaskiwin, Alberta to spend a whole week and a day here with me during this exciting time. Yup, she's one of my bridesmaids. We've been busy watching movies and the o.c., shopping, and lots of other important things. I'm sure that kind of fun will end today when the busy wedding week begins!

You know how you have horrid dreams before a big test or some other important occasion, and you wake up in a sweat (well, not for me) and possibly even with tears in your eyes? Well, I've had a few of these dreams and it's usually about my hair. My hair being messy and frizzy, my hair not getting done on the wedding day. Well, on Saturday, one of my dreams came true! Well, not really, just the concept.
I was sitting in the barber chair and I asked if she could give me bangs again. The last time she cut my bangs I was impressed so I thought she would do a good job this time as well. Big mistake! She took a chunk of hair in the front of my head and just chopped it. No shaping, no nothing, she just chopped it. I was horrified, but didn't say anything out of fear that she would try to fix it and make it worse! So later on we went to a salon in the mall and I told them my situation. They were all very shocked at what an atrocity this woman just committed (it was actually pretty funny.. I was treated very well because I'm a bride and apparently something like this shouldn't happen a week before the wedding haha) Luckily, some russian lady was able to perform emergency surgery on my bangs, and they turned out pretty good. A little short, but defnitely better than my other "forehead grass". I'm not actually sure why I called it that.

So, as I wind down this entry, I will say that this will probaby be the last time I have a chance to post before I am Nathan's wife. I'm pretty dang excited, and I hope I will see many of you who are reading this at the wedding! Pray for us! haha

That's more for a bath and I'm going to talk about a shower... but do you see how it's all connected. It's not really, but let's pretend.

On June 1st my amazing friend Leah Peah Diarreah planned a wonderful bridal shower for me! They were an hour late picking me up, but that's okay. haha. I got there and oh my goodness gracious there was so much food! Sam bought a chocolate fountain just for this event, and planned to take it back after giving it a thorough cleaning. They had brought all my favourite goodies, it was very thoughtful! We played lots of fun and embarassing games, one of which I do not wish to describe on my blog. There could be under age readers. Now I made it sound really bad, it wasn't, it was just a little embarassing. Anyway... we played this one game called "How well does the bride know the groom?" They had asked Nathan a ton of questions and I had to guess his answers and with every one I got wrong I had to put a piece of double bubble in my mouth! According to this game I don't know Nathan very well... how am I supposed to know what his parents would have named him if he were a girl? Let's just say, at the end of it I was drooling and gagging and everyone had a good laugh.

I'm trying to think of what else... OH yeah! My sister got home on monday! It seems like longer, I don't have my own bathroom anymore. That's okay though, there haven't been any fights over the shower yet and I should enjoy this time because there are only 22 more days that we get to share a bathroom. Then I have to share one with a boy. I haven't seen her pictures yet because she's waiting until my faja comes home from the hospital, and we don't know when that will be yet. She brought us some really cool gifts. I got a silver toe ring, a change purse, and a gorgeous hand painted bracelet that is REALLY hard to get on and off! haha. I'm sooo glad she's home. And do you know what? She has a tan! Yes, my very very white sister has a tan. She's darker than me and we are all very proud of her for this. Congratulations Lindsay!

We went to dancing lessons last night, learned some very cool new moves, and I DID NOT have another encounter with "Betty" the dog. It was a joyous evening. And Leah came to this one, she was partners with Brandon and I felt sorry for her. haha. He's improving though! Good job buddy! Okay, I think that's all for now because I've been typing fast and I think my fingers are about to spasm! haha. Oh, I have another shower tonight... a kitchen one. It shall be interesting!