Weeks in Review

We're sorry that its taken so long to get another post up. The developments of the past few weeks have caused things to be both sad and hectic, and we are just settling back into what feels more like a normal schedule. Because of the turmoil, this post will be backwards, meaning starting with most recent news and moving back over exciting things from the past few weeks.

This past weekend Nate and I traveled to Maryland for what will likely be our last trip to Sandy Spring Friends home, at least for a long time. Though the reason for the trip was extremely sad, we were very happy to see and spend time with family. The trip there was difficult, as some of you already know. Just as we crossed the border into Pennsylvania, there was a blizzard; we estimated three inches of snow in approximately twenty minutes. Without having time to melt before it was packed down, this made driving extremely treacherous, and we found a parking lot in which to sit for a while to wait out the storm. Once we did begin moving again, the highway in both directions was blocked off because of accidents and the only way that we were able to make any headway was going 0n 40 west, the opposite direction of where we wanted to be going. Luckily the GPS has a button called 'detour,' and it got us to our next highway on back roads beautifully. Unfortunately we only had an hour or so of clear driving before we had to tackle the storm a second time. We arrived safely, albeit two hours later than we had intended.

Mommer's memorial service was the most painfully wonderful thing I think I have ever experienced. Everyone gathered seated in a circle in a large room and sat in silence until they had something to share. So many people had her mannerisms down so well, and when stories were shared Nate and I would exchange a look that said 'that sounds exactly like something she would say/do.' The woman who was Mommer's nurse in the hospital was so touched by Mommer's personality and grace that she came to the service. Seeing how many lives Mommer had touched was wonderful. Getting to spend time with the family was, as always, filled with laughter and teasing.



We received news last week that Nate's second contest entry took top prize for Earlham's Dance Alloy poster contest (pictured above). This makes two designs in two weeks, and Nate is excited about finding another project to which he can apply his creative prowess. We also were able to use the new Ipod on the drive to and from Maryland to listen to 'Deception Point' and begin 'Dreams of my Father.' As an interesting side-note, the book is read by the author, so we got to spend a good deal of time listening to Obama's voice. On another side note, we can't recommend 'Deception Point'. Though we both enjoyed Dan Brown's previous books, we spent the whole time rolling our eyes and shaking our head while listening to this one. At least our running commentary about the story was fun!

A few weekends ago, my girlfreinds were wonderful enough to organize and throw a birdal shower for me. More pictures were taken but I haven't tracked them down yet. For now, here is a picture of all my 'girls' and myself. From left to right is: Amrit, Jen, Caroline, me, Ashton, Kaitlyn, Ann and Kyla. Ann is one of the girls from my cheer team, most are on the Earthquakers dance team, and Jen was pretty much the first friendly face I met upon transferring. They are really incredible, and you will hopefully be seeing them all and a few more as our ushers at the wedding. The one exception I think will be Ashton, who is moving out to Washington DC this winter.




We should post an update about wedding plans soon, but just thinking about it makes me tired, so it will have to wait. I'm also dedicating all my time these next few days to trying to finish the bathroom, but it is coming along slower than I had hoped and so will also have to wait. We miss and love all of you! Luckily we'll be seeing most if not all within the next month and a half! Happy holidays everyone!