TMC Alumni Brunch

Unfortunately, we didn't really get very many good pictures of it, but the TMC alumni brunch at the Broadmoor was an awesome event, nonetheless. I was surprised at how excited I was to go. I found out about the event the Thursday before it was scheduled to occur. Immediately I called the Alumni office at TMC and asked if we could still RSVP! I was a little hesitant to sign us up because Sean was at work and not able to be reached, and I have done a few things lately without running them by him first, and I want to avoid making a habit of that. Anyway..... Polly Meredith, the really sweet alumni relations manger, said, sure! Of course you can still come! So.... we got ready Saturday morning and headed out. I had no idea who would be there (other than John MacArthur, of course) but I figured it would be good. It was!!! The Broadmoor, as you will remember, is very fancy. Our "brunch" was orange juice, ice water, coffee or tea; fruit salad (with luscious berries and melons) in stemmed cups; open-faced ham and egg muffin; fried potatoes with grilled asparagus; and assorted pastries and muffins; yum!

Sean likes taking very candid shots. Now, this photo makes it look like not many people attended; but there were more than 50 alumni from all different years. Surprisingly enough, some people came that I knew from my time at Master's! Nick Kessener and his wife Alicia are now in Littleton, and they were part of "the group" I hung out with @ Master's-- sat in Chapel with, and went to the caf with. It was pretty sweet to catch up. We also got acquainted with one Rachel Miller, who graduated the year after I did and was also a Liberal Studies major. I don't think we ever had any classes together, but we figured out we have several mutual friends. She's now a 2nd grade teacher at the Academy, which is pretty sweet. We're now Facebook friends too. :)

Can you believe this is the best photo we got of Johnny Mac?? The formal portion of the event was very encouraging: they showed a DVD with clips from recent Chapels (some incredible pastors they have had the privilege of hosting!); college-student shenanigans/events; as well as interviews of classic faculty members, including my fave, Grant Horner. Dr. Mark Tatlock, the Senior Vice President and Provost of the college, talked some, as did Dr. MacArthur (who doesn't look like he should based on how he sounds on the radio, according to Sean). It is neat to hear about where God is taking the school in the future: they are planning on building a welcome center with a "legacy room" in celebration of Dr. MacArthur's 25 years as president. Also, they are considering starting an undergraduate nursing program, which I think would be awesome. It was a really neat event (classy and professional, as usual) and I'm so glad we were able to go. It would have been unfortunate to have found out about the event after it happened, especially since we live here! Sean enjoyed it too, even though he didn't attend school there. They gave out little gift bags with a 25-year anniversary daily-devotional book by John MacArthur... and on the table by the door there was a little stack of baby t-shirts emblazoned with "Born to be a Mustang." :) I am looking forward to putting it on our little guy! Overall, a pretty sweet way to spend a Saturday morning.

Sean's birthday shindig

For Sean's birthday on 3 July, we had people over for dinner and games! I meant to take a picture of the spread, but forgot. But there were.... strawberries and cherries with cream cheese dip; veggie tray with Ranch dip; taco lasagna (I seem to make that a lot for special-ish occasions); chips and salsa; sweet tea and soda; chocolate inside-out cake with ice cream; and lots of balloons! Can't have a birthday without balloons. I spent most of the day, while Sean was at work, feverishly preparing the house and the food. It all came together!


Opening his present from Mom and Dad J: a package "from home" would not be complete without home-baked goodies, like these awesome brownies (that he's eagerly sniffing)! I come by my baking genes honestly.

The crew: Rachel and Josh, who got engaged July 4th (and we got to witness it!); the very-pregnant Allens; and Leah and Matt, from our Friday night small group

And... substitution of Cam for Matt so we could document everyone who was there :)

July 3rd, and can you guess what those are? Not just tanks, but firework-tanks. Boys never outgrow their toys. Sean was really excited to use his "discretionary" money for the month on these fireworks (we each get a certain sum per month to use as fun money). There was an epic battle, sort of, and much fun was had by all. We also played Mad Gab, a hilarious team game. After it was all said and done, I was pretty exhausted, but it was a great day. Sean said it was a really good birthday, and that makes me happy. He is now 24, and for the next three months we will be the same age... until I turn 25 in October. :) Yikes! That's a big one. I would say that makes me feel old, but it's more like I feel more grounded and mature (not to be too presumptuous). We are really enjoying this time of life. We are settling into "life as it is now"-- learning how to be a husband and wife, building our life together, communicating, anticipating impending parenthood-- and it is very good.

July events

Not much out of the ordinary has transpired for awhile, but we have had a few "events" recently! Expect to see pictures and posts soon of:

• Sean's birthday shindig
• a spontaneous Denver day trip
• TMC alumni brunch at the Broadmoor, also fairly short-notice
• visit from Uncle Stan and Aunt Phyllis
• the burgeoning baby belly

I must admit, I have had a few moments of "I am ready to be done being pregnant!" But I know 1) it's only for a limited time, the end is in sight; 2) it's only going to get worse, and 3) I will probably miss feeling his movements inside me. Of course, that bittersweet nostalgia will be balanced by being able to sleep on my stomach, move around more easily, go for a run (in time), and hold and smooch on our son. So, I don't think I will miss being pregnant much right away. I do want to treasure this time and choose to be thankful for it, even when it's uncomfortable. People were right: summertime can be a bit miserable. But I have been making lots of smoothies (nutritious and delicious!) and trying to remember the snowy months and how ready I was for the weather to be warmer. Warmer it is. :)

As soon as I muster up the motivation to download our recent photos, I'll post some of them!