"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. " ~ James 1:2-3

How Time has Passed

Tom's 25bday Cedar Point 4

Here is a photo from almost exactly three years ago. When I was still Tom’s finance and Erin’s roommate. Before the little boy was even conceived, let alone born.
Why am I writing about a photo three years ago? Because I’m feeling nostalgic today. And quite thrilled that my computer seems to be in full working condition (with the exception of the keyboard, which needs to be replaced…)
We are at Cedar Point, celebrating Tom’s birthday. Where are we all today? Many of you have asked.
If you follow this blog, you know that Tom and I are happily married, and the parents of a beautiful blue eyed boy (see harpaler.blogspot.com). We’ve moved far from our native Michigan to the sun soaked coastal Carolina beach. I’ve got a job I love conducting epidemiological research with residents and faculty of the local hospital. Tom is going to school full time to become a school teacher.
Erin is working with foster kids over several counties in North Carolina. She’s been promoted twice in the last two years & has almost completed her licensure in social work, which means she’ll get more money and more job offers to do what she enjoys.
Betty is a parole officer for the mentally ill/challenged in the DC area, which is right up her alley since she got her masters in forensic psychology. She recently moved in with her long time beau, and so now I am not real sure where she lives… Virginia? Maryland? DC proper? No clue. I haven’t visited her recently and am hoping to rectify that when she’s got a little time off.

Road Trip 1.2

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We found him!

Play Ball! (if it stops raining)

 

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Some photos from the baseball game on Thursday night. Tom, Harper and I, and many of our friends from church enjoyed dinner at Flaming Amy’s, a local restaurant. On our way to the ball field, where college students join the local league to get summer practice, it started to rain.

The game was delayed for almost an hour and a half. The “official” game start time, sponsored by Joe’s Pools & Spa*, was 8:24pm. We stayed for roughly 45 minutes, until Harper started fussing. We enjoyed the 45 minutes of the game we did see, though. The dollar beers didn’t hurt, either.

Our team, the Sharks, were wearing pink “Molly Maid” uniforms, which made it harder to root for them. However, their playing was excellent, and the fact that they kept scoring made it easier and easier to cheer for the home team.

Go Sharks!

*Okay, so maybe the start time wasn’t sponsored by Joe’s. Everything was sponsored by someone, I just happen to forget who sponsored the start time! (Yes, the start time really was sponsored)

Road Trip 1. 1

 

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I love the slogan “in an orange grove.” Catchy.

Road Trip V1.0

 

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Wouldn’t you all love to eat at Wok N Stuff II? That means there is at least a Wok N Stuff I. I bet their “Stuff” is delicious.

Long Lost Siblings…

 

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Happy Husband

 

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On our trip to Florida, I saw a sign that said “Happy Wife, Happy Life.” This may be true, but a Happy Husband is pretty important too!

“All Suites are Better”

Driving through Florida Tom and I saw a sign for Comfort Suites which, along with exit info and amenities, told us that “all suites are better”.

This begs the question “better than what?” We have a few ideas:

All suites are better… than sleeping in your car.

All suites are better…than a rock to the head.

Seriously though, better than what? Are they better than they used to be? Am I supposed to assume that all suites are better than rooms? I really don’t understand this slogan. Comfort Suites, you have failed!