the NEWMEYER adventure

Christmas, Baby and God's faithfulness!

2010-12-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since our last post. I have been horrible at keeping up with this thing!

It is now December... My favorite time of the year. I love the smells, the sounds, the lights and the decorations. I love being with my family and sharing life with each other! This Christmas is a little more special for Charles and I since we are expecting a little one in March. I keep telling my mom, who insists on buying Baby Miles Christmas things, that this isn't his first Christmas. Next year will be his first Christmas. I think she's a little excited.... like all of us, of course!

Last time I wrote, Charles had just started a job at the custom wheel place. It turned out to be an awful situation where he was treated horribly, but let me just say this. It was a HUGE learning experience for him...for us. We knew that the Lord was teaching him so much through the experience.

I was in Cape Town, South Africa from October 8th through Novemeber 1st for Cape Town 2010. The Sunday before I left, Charles and I were out walking and praying and just spending time together. It was then that I prayed that the Lord would teach Charles whatever he was supposed to learn at that job, but that he would not keep him there a moment longer than what he had to for His will to be done. The next morning, Charles was fired. (For reasons that were not his fault...) In worship the day before that. I just kept hearing that the Lord is faithful, to cling to what is true and to hold fast to His promises. He is faithful. He is faithful. He is faithful. I know now that the Lord was preparing me for the next day when Charles would call and tell me he had lost his job... only 4 days before I left for Africa. We just had to laugh. Isn't it so like God to answer our prayers, but not exactly the way we were thinking they should be answered? His ways are higher! He knew that Charles' time was finished there. The day before I left, Charles received a call from a place he had talked to weeks before. He went up there and they hired him on the spot. He's now doing fabrication on big tanks. He likes it a lot since he's finally getting to create again and it was a little bit more money and way more what he went to school for. Even though it's not exactly what he wants to be doing or what he's trained to do, this is a great learning experience for him. We will take the better environment anyday though! Praise God!

We are learning more and more about God's faitfulness! We are starting a course by Dave Ramsey on financial peace. The previews that we have had are amazing and we have already started some of his techniques for getting out of debt and money management. (Charles' school loans are looming....)

A couple of weeks ago we went to a parenting conference that was really cool! We learned a lot, not just about parenting, but about disciplines in our own lives that we need to start now and continue throughout our lives. It was great because it stirred in us things that we already new to be true. It was the cry of our hearts being reassured. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness!!

I know that I say this all the time, but I can't say it enough! I am so proud of Charles! He really is the most amazing husband! I could never have dreamed up someone better for me. He loves me like I've never been loved before... I didn't even know I could be loved like he loves me. He makes me feel like a woman... a woman who is worthy of being loved! I thank the Lord that my husband is learning to be the head of the house like Christ is the head of the Church! Jesus, please teach me to be a better wife and to respect and love Charles the way he needs!

We have recently started reading Proverbs daily. God's wisdom is so amazing and so practical. I can't wait to share more about His fatifulness and His wisdom.

Ok, I think that's it for now. So much for a "quick" update. haha.

I hope you all have a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a happy new year!! May you be reminded of all you have and give thanks daily for the loved ones in your life!!! (I'm trying hard to do that myself!)

Richest Blessings,
Casey

Recent Pics

2010-12-04T11:49:00.002-05:00

Charles and I at the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Jacksonville Landing.

The tree... all lit up!

Baby Miles Kirby Newmeyer at 23 weeks.

21 Weeks. I love that you can see his profile... little nose and mouth! So adorable!

Praise the LORD!!

2010-07-03T13:22:00.000-04:00

Charles got a job! And this one is more in his field than the last. He is doing custom wheels and tires. He doesn't love it, but it's better than doing landscaping! We have seen the Lord provide in every way! It is truly amazing! I'm so thankful for all that we are learning during this time. I feel growing pains, but at least we are growing.

We were at home group last night and something one of the guys said totally spoke to me. He was talking about his family and siblings and how they are really REALLY getting on his nerves. He then said the most profound thing! He said, "I'm sure it's just me since they are ALL annoying me." Wow, really? That's amazing. I immediately thought of our living situation and how there are days when EVERYONE gets on my nerves. How much better things would be if instead of just getting annoyed I went before the Lord and said, "Jesus, these people are seriously getting on my nerves. I don't want to feel this way, please show me what I need to change in my life and heart." What effect would that have on things at home?

Just my thoughts....

~Casey

The FLORIDA Sun!!!

2010-06-12T14:38:00.000-04:00

We have been in Florida for about 2 1/2 months now. It's so nice to be home!! Charles has started working with a friend of ours doing landscaping until he finds something in his field. I know that he's happy to finally be working! I am loving my job and learning more everyday! I'm so thankful for this opportunity to be involved in missions again and ultimately something much MUCH bigger than me and my little world!

Just a quick update on my mom. She finished her first round of chemo and came through it pretty well. She had bronchitus caused by the chemo that lasted what seemed like forever. We are thankful that the worst drugs are over now and she has a month off. To celebrate, my parents are flying to Spokane WA to see my brother and then going on a Alaskan Cruise! They are so funny!! I love my parents! When they return my mom starts round 2 of twelve chemo treatmens. They say that these are much easier than the last and we are believing for it to go smoothly.

I'm so thankful for this place in our lives. The Lord is proving Himself faithful to us! He is providing all that we need! Charles and I are learning more and more everyday and growing closer to the Lord. It certainly is not an easy place to be in, but it's a good place! I'm thankful for my amazing husband who treats me so well! I never could have dreamed up a better man for me! He truly is a gift from God!!!

As soon as Charles and I get our own place we would love to have friends come visit! Now that he's working it won't be too long! We love you all!!!

Blessings,
Casey

How He loves

2010-05-18T16:48:00.000-04:00

I love the SUNSHINE!!!
I LOVE Jesus!!
He gave me sunshine!!!
Oh, how He loves!!!

How He LOVES
by Kim Walker

He is jealous for me.
Loves like a hurricane I am a tree.
Bending beneath weight of His wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.
And I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me.

And Oh, how He loves us so.
Oh, how He loves us.
How he loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves

We are His portion and He is our prize.
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes.
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest.
I don't have time to maintain these regrets
When I think about the way...

He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves us
Oh how He loves
-----------------------------------------------------------------

I am blown away by how He loves us!!! The little gifts that He gives me throughout my day. I want to appreciate these. I want all His goodness to captivate until I lose all frustration, anger and sadness!!! I know it's OK to have these things, but I want to give them all to Him!!

Jesus, You are my Rock, my Strong Tower that I run to for refuge!! Thank YOU!!!

FLORIDA!!! sigh

2010-04-08T14:22:00.000-04:00

I know it's been some time since I have written. Things just got a little crazy towards the end of our stay in PA... ya know, with packing and saying goodbye and all that jazz. We survived all the snow storms just fine. (thanks to some wonderful people who continually gave me rides to work) Would I do it all again? If I had to...

Charles graduated, with HONORS, on March 19th. It was a lovely ceremony (short) and then we celebrated with family at his favorite japanese steakhouse. It was such an joyous time for everyone. Even his grandmother, aunt and uncle drove down from Michigan to see him walk across the stage. :0)

We left Saturday morning after a few days of frantic packing and cleaning. (thanks to Charles' sister Kim it actually got done, and to his mom and sister Elizabeth who were cheap labor) :0) The first day of driving was pretty easy. We stopped in Charlotte and stayed the night in a "pet friendly" hotel that had an amazing breakfast spread! ;0) You know me and food. haha! The second day of driving was a little rainy and generally an icky day of clouds and no sun. As soon as we drove into downtown Jacksonville, about to cross the Fuller Warren bridge, the clouds parted and sun shown brightly. It was probably just a coincidence, but we like to think that it was a welcome home present! :0)

We have now been home for 2 1/2 weeks. It is finally starting to feel like we aren't just visiting. FINALLY!!! Charles had an interview at a custom shop on Monday and is waiting to hear if they have it in the budget to hire him. They really want him, but they have to be able to afford him too! I just accepted a position as the Lausanne/Cape Town 2010 Communications Executive Assistant. Lausanne Movement is an amazing organization that I didn't know much about until recently. I'm really excited to have this opportunity to work with some great people! I know it will be a learning experience and I'm totally up for the challenge!

In case you haven't heard, my mom had a bi-lateral mastectomy March 5th and starts chemo next week. They originally thought that it wasn't aggressive and all, but the oncologist wasn't happy with the sample size of the biopsy and did more tests. They discovered that it is aggresive and non hormone responsive. She will have to go through 4 1/2 months of chemo incase it has spread anywhere else. I know that she is trusting the Lord and that He is leading her and her doctors to make the right decisions. The Lord has us here, living with my parents, for a reason! We are trying to help out in any way we can! My mom is a tough lady and has an amazing attitude! She's staying positive and I think that's half the battle!

'til next time...

~case

Blizzard = stay home and pack!

2010-02-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

For the past month I've been saying that I just wanted to experience one blizzard. Just one or two days where it snows so much that everything shuts down. Well, I got my wish! Friday afternoon it started snowing and didn't let up until saturday morning. We got approximately 20 inches and they declared it a state of emergency. If you were caught out driving around you could get a ticket. It was crazy.

Charles and I decided to walk up to the store down the road. We had so much fun playin' in it! The walk back, cold and wet, was even fun! We have spent the entire weekend packing and cleaning and just spending time together. It's been amazing! I love my Charlie!

There are boxes everywhere in the house and the fact that we are leaving seems more and more real! I can't believe it's here!!! Florida has missed us I'm sure! LOL! I know we have missed Florida! 6 weeks from today we should be there!! Starting to get settled in! :0)

The art of NOT stressing!

2010-01-18T15:14:00.001-05:00

I'm getting so excited about our move back to Florida!!! OH, to be a part of something again! To be a part of a community and family and church! It will be amazing! We never really felt like we fit in here. Although we've met some amazing people, it's really just been the two of us.

I have been starting to stress over the move back. It's overwhelming! Everything that has to be done... leaving here and preparing for our arrival in Florida. I was re-reading the first part of a book called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. In the beginning of the second chapter he says this.

"I used to believe that in this world there are two kinds of people: natural worriers and naturally joyful people. I couldn't really help that I was the worrying kind. I'm a problem solver, so I have to focus on things that need fixing. God can see that my intensity and anxiety are ministry related. I worry because I take His work seriosly.
Right?
But then there's that perplexing command: "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoince!" (phil. 4:4). You'll notice that it doesn't end with "...unless you're doing something extremely important." No, it's a command for all of us, and it follows with the charge, "Do not be anxious about anything" (v.6).
That came as a pretty staggering realization. But what I realized next was even more staggering.
When I am comsumed by my problems--stressed out about my life, my family and my job--I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstance are more important thatn God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a "right" to disobey God becuase of the magnitude of my responsibilites.
Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." (pages 41-42)

WOW! That spoke volumes to me! I know that everything is gonna be okay when we move back. I KNOW that the Lord is going to guide us and provide for us, but by stressing over it I'm really not trusting Him. Everything happens for a reason. Somedays I give this to Him what seems like every five minutes. I try to worry about it... because that's what's comfortable. (can stress be comfortable??) but I MUST believe Him... His Word! I don't think that "not worrying" means not doing anything. Things still have to be done, but I've started making lists, praying and then not letting it comsume me. It will get done. Charles and I will find jobs. Things will be taken care of. :0) The Lord will get the GLORY!!! He is faithful!

Okay... so on to other things. Charles and I are still doing p90x and mixin' it up with wii fit. I'm having so much fun and have lost another 10 pounds! YAY!! I know i've lost about 2 inches from my waist and I feel so much better. I can acutally do more of the yoga poses and feel myself getting stronger. Why did I not do this before??? I love it and look forward to the next days workout! Oh, how I had missed working out! It's been too long!

Okay, I really should start cleaning. I don't feel like I can pack if my house isn't clean. I know it's strange.

Oh yeah, it's been in the forties and the snow is almost all melted. I think we're supposed to get more soon, but it's nice when the icky stuff gets washed away and we have fresh powder! (icky is my technical term!)

Miss you guys! See all you Floridians soon! :0)

getting ready

2010-01-16T15:06:00.000-05:00

Charles is at school today and I'm supposed to be packing and cleaning. I'm just so overwhelmed. I keep thinking of all the things that I will have to do the next twomonths. There is sooo much! I started writing everything down so that I can remember and try not to stress, but I keep realizing there is more and more.

Charles is an amazing packer. I'm so thankful for that! I hate packing and I'm just not very good at it. It's funny how we really balance each other out. He's good at organizing... I'm not. I'm good with details and scheduling... he's not. He's also very good at making me get rid of the things that I really don't need anymore. We are hoping to really downsize everything before we go. We are selling our fridge, stove, couches, chair, dresser, desk, and a few other things we just don't have room for.

We have been praying that Charles and I will both find jobs right away in Florida. I will most likely have to work for a bank again... and Charles will probably work at a dealership. I was thinking about going back to waitressing, but I don't think I could handle the hours again after having a normal schedule with lots of holidays. It's really amazing how many we get a year! Bankers! HA! Although I do miss the fast pace of waitressing and the fast cash!

It's been in the 40's here for the past few days and all the snow and ice is melting. Yay! I think it's supposed to start snowing again tomorrow, but it will be nice to get a fresh clean start again! It gets so yucky after a few days! I didn't even have to turn the heat on today which is great for our electric bill! :0)

Anyhoo... Florida here we come in 9 weeks from today!! SOOOOOOO excited!!!!!! Believing that the Lord will provide all that we need to get there and survive until we get jobs!

Ice, Snow, Ice and Snow!

2010-01-13T08:30:00.001-05:00

I love this picture of the icicles hanging. This is our back porch and usually the stairs we would use. We've had to rearrange our parking so we can use the front indoor stairs. Everyone says the icicles are dangerous. I can see why.

Charlie with the icicles that he was knocking down every few days. I can't imagine what they would have looked like if he hadn't.

Our steps. The first three had about 4 inches of ice on them. I didn't realize it at first and sent Evie down them to go potty and she slipped. It was funny but sad at the same time. She wasn't hurt at all.

Charles knocking down ice.

Charles is knocking down the ice from the second story eve.

He was having too much fun!

This is an icicle that he brought in. This was only the middle of it.

Counting Down the Days!

2010-01-11T10:51:00.001-05:00

9 weeks and 5 days and we will be heading home! :0) Charles will graduate on March 19th and we will be loading up in the truck on the 20th and driving back to sunny Florida! Oh, how I've missed the beach... the smell of fresh cut grass... SUNSHINE!!! Of course all of these things are secondary to my family and friends!

I'm so proud of my hubby!! He's graduating with honors as part of the National Technical Honor Society. He has excelled in everything he put his hands to. He's a tutor, a mentor, a student activities advisor, and part of the SAE. (society of automotive engineers) It's amazing how far he's come... how much he's learned... and how his dreams have grown! I'm so thankful to the Lord for showing Charles that he could be more than what he's been told he could be his entire life! His confidence level shot through the roof this past year! I think he finally realized that the Lord had bigger and better plans for him. Jeremiah 29:11

I should probably go and start packing now.

More snow pics

2010-01-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

A few days ago.

The snow is now up over my boots... It's crazy! We've had about 8 inches since I took this picture.

I am obsessed with how the snow covers the bushes and things.

Charles' car.

I love the icicles!

Evie puppy in the snow.

Our back steps this morning.

These are the bushes ourside my work.

More snow!!!

2010-01-05T22:46:00.001-05:00

This is crazy!! I love how they pile up the snow in the parking lots. They tower over the cars! After this pics we've had more than 6 inches!

Our door watchman. The stone horsey isn't even recognizable!

Evie was so funny! When she walks through the snow you can only see her back!

P90X...2010...*sigh

2010-01-03T15:27:00.000-05:00

So...

Charles and I have been talking a lot about trying to start our family... aka baby makin' time! LOL! And yes, we stopped not trying. Whether you want to call this trying or not... I don't care. It is what it is. We have prayed about this for the past few months and really felt like it was time. I joined weight watchers in november to try and drop some pounds before conception and I got the p90x series for Christmas. My first few weeks went really well and I dropped 20 pounds. Then it was Christmas in Florida. HA!! It all started with a cookie and went down hill from there!! I only gained back 6 pounds, but now I'm working my butt off to try and get back to where I was. (by Wednesday which is weigh in time)

I am really loving my p90x videos. They are very hard... a lot harder than I expected, but we are determined to get through it! Charles and I are doing them together. (My man filled out a little the past year and wants his six pack back!!) Last year we gained quite a bit of weight during the winter because it's too cold to do anything outside! (Too cold for our Florida Blood!!) Of course, Charles got rid of his by the fall, but mine seemed to stick around! (as usual) This was our solution... an indoor at home workout! I never knew YOGA was so dang difficult... I think I only made it like 20 minutes into it... I couldn't do anymore downward dog to plank to whatever it was... LOL!

We were talking about what the theme for 2009 was and what our theme for 2010 will be. We felt like 2009 was a - realizing the future and stepping out into the unknown - year. It was a year of learning to trust the Lord and EACH OTHER!! I feel so much closer to my husband and more dependant on the Lord! The Lord's faithfulness through this season has been what we have held onto! His love, His embrace, His strength, His wisdom! Charles says the theme for 2010 should be "bundles of joy!" LOL!! Can you tell he wants a baby??? We decided we would continue to pray and seek the Lord about this year... the vision.

Can I just take a moment here to say how much I love my Charlie?? He is amazing! I know I say that all the time, but I'm just so in awe of who he is... how much he loves me... how much fun we have together! We've got a good thing going. I'm blessed!!! He sees me like the world could never see!

I'm so happy right now! Oh, and we're back in Florida in 11 weeks! I think I should start packing!! :0)

Bbrrrrrrrrrrrr!!

2010-01-03T11:17:00.001-05:00

Charles and I woke to a very cold morning! This is on our way to
church!! Too bad the heat wouldn't come on in the truck!!

Winter Pics!

2010-01-02T15:50:00.002-05:00

My Evie puppy hangin out in the snow. She looks yellow compared to the fresh fluff on the ground!

This is the view from our back balcony. Gorgeous when the snow first falls!

Our plum tree...

They call me "NANOOK!"

Its been so long

2010-01-02T09:19:00.004-05:00

Hey guys! Sorry for the delay in updates. Casey and I have been a little slacking lately. We have been getting caught up in work, school, and each other a bit too much lately. The stress of being away from friends and family, and the stress of managing our money,(what little we have), and the stress of trying to figure out what the future will hold has been getting to us. We aren't letting that overcome us though. We are pushing through and striving to win this race. We are looking forward to coming back to Florida in just a short time. 11 weeks left!!! WoooHoooo! Can't wait to be back in the sunshine where we belong. I, (Charles), am hoping to start a job at a prestigious Lexus dealership in Orange Park which is just outside of Jacksonville. Casey and I are moving into her parents house once we are done here so that we can get our feet under us. This was just the only solution, but it seems to be the best. We will be able to save a lot of money and be able to start looking for a house to buy/rent. I'm also looking to maybe hook up with a local race team to start learning more about my favorite area. I'm going to be doing work on a friend of mine's car. He's handing me the keys, and a decent check with the vision of turning it into a rally car. Going to be a lot of fun. Pics will be uploaded, I promise. Then there is the Z. Poor Zenith. She has been left sitting outside for so long that she is starting to look like a junkyard dog. No worries though. The plans for her are great and many. 1000HP anyone? Casey decided to finally get back to painting this year. She came up with some awesome ideas and pulled a few of them off. This Christmas I think that she might have outdone herself though. She made it her quest to make every member of her immediate family cry this year. She exceeded her goal (except for her brother of course). She painted her father a painting of a picture of his father. Sorry if thats confusing. She painted her mother a light house, and she painted her brother a green scene. He lives in Spokane, WA now and sees very little green during the winter. They were all very happy with what we did for them for christmas. I pulled some artistic strings as well and drew cars for several people and pinstriped a bottle for my older sister who is into the whole pin-up girl, hot rod style of things.

Got another unexpected surprise this Christmas too. My younger sister, who just got married without anyone's knowledge, to a guy nobody has even met, who already has a kid that she is in a custody battle over, is now pregnant once again. So yay I guess.

----Start Rant
I have no issue with the fact that she's pregnant. Please believe me when I say that. I love my little sister dearly and wish only the best for her. But I hate seeing people that I am personally close to making stupid decisions that I can't fix. Its not just her, there are other people in my life making equally stupid decisions that I can't stand behind or fix. I'll support her in whatever she does. But I can't endorse it. If that makes sense. Yeah, they're married, yeah they're consenting adults, but they are barely making it on his pay as a member of the military. She is one of the smartest indivuals I know when it comes to book smarts, she could have been so great, and now instead of pursuing an end to her college education, she is making children. I know college isn't for everyone, but it was for her.
----End Rant

My other little sister is trying to get involved with an older guy. She's 15 and he's 22. Anything wrong with that? Anybody? Tell ME Please?? My mother seems to have no issue with him coming over and hanging out as long as she's there. He helps around the house, he influences my sister to do what she should be doing without influence in the first place. But......... According to my mom, he's a little off.

-----Start Rant
OFF? OFF?!!! What do you mean by off??? Off mentally? Off physically? Does his family have a past of psychosomatic behavior? Is he a child molester? Evidently, cuz he didn't run when my little sister told him that she was 15. Something wrong there. Okay, not something, EVERYTHING! Then my mom tried to relate their relationship to mine and Casey's. Unh Unh. No maam. Our relationship is fine because we are both consenting adults.Underline that last word there. ADULTS. We made the decision to be with each other. This is another one of those decisions that I can't fix and that I can't come in the way of, and I can't stop. I love them to death, but I don't want to hear that my little sister has been found in a few pieces in the back of this guy's car.
------End Rant

Sorry for the blatant emotion that I am putting into this blog. I have only Casey and my older sister to relate this to. They both feel the same way, so they are easy to agree with.

Other happenings in our life, we stopped NOT trying to get pregnant. No more birth control--fail--, no more rubberized feeling stealers (Condoms), no more nothing. We are excited to start the next leg of our adventure together. Anybody got any great ideas for the name of our next dog? We are considering maybe a boxer, or maybe a bichon/terrier mix? Could be fun. We still have Evie and she is a lot of fun. She's pretty much my dog now. Our little cat Sachi is completely out of her mind. She has no idea what 5:30 in the morning means to Casey. I'm up already, but the cat seems to want to play with casey. Its so funny. She learned how to meow while we were gone and now can't seem to stop. Caterwauling is now her new favorite past time. She plays with these little strings a lot. They come from one of Casey's favorite rugs. She has learned to pull them out whenever she wants a new one. When she is done with them, she puts them into her water bowl and refuses to drink until we empty it out. Kinda annoying. But she is fun to have around.

On to school/work things. Casey got the full time position that she was hankerin for. It came with a little bit better pay, better insurance, and some other awesome stuff. She got offered a really awesome position within the branch that she is in, but because we are leaving in a few months, she can't take it. They really like her up here. I have been doing exceedingly well at school. I got inducted into the NTHS this summer. The National Technical Honor Society(NTHS) is a pretty prestigious achievement. It took me carrying a 95%or higher for the total of 5 class segments, less than 4 attendance infractions, and a teacher recommendation. I got all of those and busted my butt to get them. This means that I am among the best and brightest at the school. Only 12 out of 400 students were awarded this. Pretty cool. I get to wear some awesome ropes around my neck and a sweet sash as well when I graduate. I also just got awarded an outstanding student award for the last class that I was in. Thats pretty cool as well.

Well that wraps it up for us right now. We want to wish all of those reading this a Happy New Year, and we want you to know that we love and miss you all.

From Casey: Charles is so funny!! I love that he can vent here too and not just to me. We had a couple of scares the past few months with Charles' funding. First they said that we didn't have enough left in our loans to pay for the last 3 month course. They were able to take the remainder from our rent and living check that we get each month. About a month later they said that we got denied for our rent and living check because someone put our PA address as our permanent address and that they wont furnish the check to people who live within 60 miles of the school. Wait, NO, your permanent address is in Florida! After a week of not knowing whether we would be home in December or March we finally heard that the rent and living check had come through! Praise the LOrd!! I woke up that weekend (we were finding out on Monday) singing a song that says: "Because of Who You are I give You glory. Because of who You are I give You priase. Because of Who You are I will lift my hands and sing, I will worship You because of Who You are. Jehovah Jireh, You're my Provider. Jehovah Nissi, Lord you reign in victory. Jehovah Shaalom, You are my Prince of Peace. And I worship You because of Who You are." We had overwhelming peace then that everything was going to be okay... that the Lord knew our situation and that whatever happened was what was best. He gave me a scripture too that said something like Praise the Lord! He is great and abundant in strength. His understanding is infinite. I think this time here in PA has been really good for us... learning to trust the Lord more and more each day! And learning to trust each other... that's really important too!

Christmas with family was amazing! I think after being gone so long you start to really appreciate what is important to you. I'm so excited to be home again in March!

Okay, that's all from me... Happy new year! :0)

The end of SUMMER????

2009-09-01T10:38:00.010-04:00

It's September first and the first signs of Autumn are beginning to show. The past two nights it has been in the 40's. I love fall! I can't wait to see the leaves change. When the weather begins to turn colder it makes me feel alive. I feel as though change is coming and good things are ahead of me. It's exciting!

Charles and I are doing well. Falling more in love with each other and our Lord and Savior Jesus everyday. It's amazing what this time alone has done for us. I know that the Lord is doing things in Charles and I that would be much more difficult if we had friends and family constantly around to call upon. Here we only have each other. (and the Lord of course)

Charles is excelling in school. His grade last phase was a 99.7! I'm so proud of him! He loves what he's doing and learning. I love watching him thrive! As a wife it's very cool to see!

My amazing hubby got me a kitty. He swore he would never let me have a cat and then all of a sudden he said I could get one. Her name is Sachi.

She is so much fun! Evie doesn't know what to think of her. She likes to chase her and then just sit and watch her. Sachi isn't scared of Evie but every once in a while she will stop and give Evie a good BAAP on the nose. It's funny. We hope they will be friends.

We will be home in Florida for Christmas! So excited about that! My parents bought us tickets and I was able to take of work. We were worried that it wouldn't happen but had decided that we could just stay here and have our first Christmas together just the two of us, but my parents said NO WAY and that family needed to be together. We are very happy that we can spend time together with them! (I guess we won't have a white christmas) :0)

Summertime...

2009-07-15T14:09:00.001-04:00

So it’s the middle of July and the temp gets down to 49 degrees at night. Everyone here says this isn’t typical, but I (Casey) wouldn’t know different. It’s been gorgeous here as of late… Sunny and warm (during the day it gets to the mid 70’s - 80’s). I’m loving my sunshine… I don’t know how people live in places that don’t get much! Can you tell I miss Florida???

Speaking of Florida, Charles and I were able to come down for a week in June to see family and friends. It was a crazy whirlwind of a trip, but much needed! Every minute was planned out with meeting people and trying to cram some quality time. I wish I could have seen more people. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my parents who not only bought our tickets down there, but also helped supplement my paycheck for the days that I would have to take off work. My mom also let us use her car while we were there so we could drive to Ocala and Cocoa to see our peeps there. My parents keep blowing us away with how much they have helped us!! They are amazing!! Anne and Steve were a huge help too and gave us a generous check to help settle our minds about money. That was a huge surprise and I’m so grateful for them!! I can’t wait for the day that Charles and I will be able to be financial blessers too!! Someone’s in need???… no thought, just write a check!!! … letting the Lord lead us. We’re believing for that day!

Thank you to all of you who gave up time, work, money or even a room in your house for Charlie and I to come down and stay in Florida and to get to see you! You all mean the world to us! We can’t wait to be surrounded by all of you again! It looks like we only have 9 more months before we’ll be leaving PA. Of course, we’re praying and believing for a job offer for Charles in Florida… and close to Jacksonville, but we are willing to go where the Lord leads.

Work is going well for me. I feel more and more competent at my job everyday. (which is a very good thing) It’s been 5 months since I started and I’m just now starting to be able to talk to customers about products and services while doing the transactions. This job really is harder than it seems. There’s also so much fraudulent things happening that you have to almost be nosey with the customers to make sure that they aren’t victims of fraud. (or trying to commit fraud) I don’t think the banking world is right for me, but it is good for now and good to learn something new!

I’m finally painting again!!! (YAY!!!!) My landlady put up my paintings in her store and on her website and is actively trying to sell them. I’ve sold one so far and hopefully will sell them all!!! I realized that I was created to create and I need to use my gifts!! I want to be productive with my hands… I need to be! I have felt so distant from myself if that makes any sense at all. I didn’t really feel like me…. I hate having to be a part of corporate America to make any money and I want to get back to what I enjoy and what my talents are… so I’m finally painting again. :0) (I’ll try to stay off my soapbox)

Now I just need to start playing guitar and singing again…. Charles has been a huge encouragement in getting me to do the things that I love so much! I’m so thankful for him!!

Charles is doing amazing in school still! He’s finished his core and is now working on his first elective. He comes home with stories of what cars he was able to work on and how much he’s learning. I love seeing him so motivated and driven. I know that coming up here was a huge confidence booster for him. He’s in his niche and it’s such an empowering thing. I’m proud to be his wife!!! He is an amazing husband!

***Correction to previous post*** I had said that Charles is helping found the student chapter of the SAE (standard for automotive excellence) at wyotech… I was mistaken. It is actually the Society of Automotive Engineers. He’s still helping found it, I just had the name wrong.

Ok, well, I think that about sums up life here for now. Really not too much new. I’ll try to keep updating and being a little better about how often I do update things!!!

We miss you and love you FLORIDIANS!!!! (and others) :0)

Love&laughter,
casey

Random Stuff!

2009-05-03T20:23:00.002-04:00

Soooooooo........ We haven't been on here in a while. Just been busy with work and schooling. I, (Charles), have been running nonstop for the past 3 weeks with school. And I, Casey, have been working like crazy!! :0)

I don't know how we missed April... Sheesh, I guess it's just been busy! We moved from our apartment to a much bigger and better apartment across the street. That was a very last minute decision that kinda rocked our world for a few weeks. It took some getting settled again! So, here we are, trying to get back into the swing of things.

Charles has just started his 4th phase of classes. He is doing so well and I'm SOOOOO proud of him! He's excelling in every class, mentoring and tutoring other students, volunteering his free time to help with community projects and even is helping to establish the first wyotech student chapter of the SAE. It's pretty cool! No wonder he's always tired!!!

Has it really been four months? Wow! We made it through the winter and almost through the spring. All of you people who want to know what spring is like... imagine a Florida winter... you know, when the weather can't make up it's mind! It snowed right before Easter... then it got up into the eighties... then we were back and forth with rain and sun and rain and sun... now there's a frost warning for tonight... oh, and we had our first thunder storm this evening. PA doesn't know what a thunderstorm is!!!!! It was weak! I miss Florida thunder storms!!!!!

My parents came to visit Easter weekend. It was so great to have them here!!! They even surprised Charles and brought his lil' sister, Elizabeth. I've never seem him more surprised!!! He was so happy!!!! That weekend Charles and I also celebrated our first anniversary. Our first year together has been amazing!! We've learned a lot about each other and how to love. He's such a great husband! God is good! (all the time) I think that being up here and having only each other has been a good thing as newlyweds. It's good to get away and be strong together... only us and the Lord! (and a few friends we have made along the way!)

Work is going good for me. I like it, but it's definitely not something I want to do forever! I'm still praying about what I'm gonna do later... but for now, it's good.

We started going to a different church that's a much much smaller and more intimate church. I'm not sure if we'll keep going there or not, we're just trying to hear from the Lord.

Other than that there's not much going on...
We're just taking one day at a time.

We love you all and miss you tons!!! Hopefully we can visit soon!!!

~Casey & Charles

Spring??

2009-03-29T13:45:00.003-04:00

Wow... I can't believe we've been here for three months! It's been an interesting ride!

The snow has finally melted and the days are getting warmer. It's spring but seeing as how I've never really experienced spring I don't know what it's supposed to be like. haha. I've seen little signs of life in some plants, but almost all the trees are still barren. Charles and I were just talking the other day about how we'd really like to see some GREEN!!! The snow was beautiful, but I'm ready for some color in my life again! Hopefully soon!!!

Charles just finished his second phase of school. He got second in his class for the first phase, perfect attendance for both and we're still waiting to here how he did on his second final. I'm so proud of him! He's doing so well!!!

I have been working for PNC bank as a teller for almost 2 months now. It was very intimidating at first to be handling people's money all the time, but I got used to it pretty quick. I really do like it! I get to build relationships with the people I work with as well as with my regulars. It's fun to try and remember people and their names. I miss my regulars at LH and my coworkers there, but it's nice to be doing something different! Hopefully I'll be able to find something in Florida when we decide to head back. (Praying and believing that we will be heading back!!!)

Charles has been asked to help found the student chapter of the SAE. (standard for automotive excellence) This means that he could possibly go to automotive engineering school. We're really excited about that!! I'm so proud of him for stepping out and finding his niche!!! :0)

We miss our family and friends a whole bunch!!! My parents are coming up for easter (and our anniversary)... it will be SO great to see them!!!! I miss them tons!!! We are hoping that Charles' family can come up in the summer some time or that we could make it down to FL. It's hard for Charles to get off school. He's on spring break right now but even that only lasts 3 days plus the weekend.

So, we just moved again. It was nice to have some help from some new friends. Chad and May are a couple that we met when we went snow tubing with the young adults at church. Charles and Chad have a lot in common and May and I have fun when we hang out. She's super sweet! We actually hang out with them almost every weekend. They were a HUGE help with the move, across the street. LOL! We just moved to a bigger and better apartment from our other one. It's nice not sharing utilities with the neighbors and feeling safer and more secure! Evie loves it here too. She will run back and forth from the back bedroom to the living room for no reason. It's funny to watch.

I think that's about it for new stuff. OH, Charles' bday is tuesday march 31st. He said yesterday after moving that he was getting too old for all this. I laughed!!!! (and haven't stopped teasing him about that) He's a funny man! He makes me so happy... He really is an amazing husband and takes such good care of me!!! I love him!!!!!

Miss you all tons!!!!

Georgie, Steelers, Jobs and more snow!

2009-02-03T17:29:00.003-05:00

So, we've been here for over a month and have had a relatively easy time adjusting. Of course we both miss our friends and family very much, but we are enjoying our time with each other as well as with some new found friends.

The temp has ranged from -6 to 45 since we've been here but usually stays around 25. Charles and I attempted to make our first snowman on Saturday and had a wonderful time. His name was Georgie. (I say "was" because it was in the forties on Sunday and Georgie was no more!) We also had some fun jumping into snowbanks and throwing snowballs at each other! Sunday was a great day too! There's nothing like watching the Steelers win the Super Bowl in true STEELER country!

YAY, Pittsburgh Steelers!!! :0) People are serious about their football up here!!!!

I got a job! I start training for a bank here on Monday. I'm very excited! Charles is actually about to head out the door for an interview. We're hoping that he can be able to work and do well in his classes. I'm sure it won't be a problem for him! I don't know when I'll get to see him, but this is only for a season.

Evie is adjusting well to the weather and was acting like a puppy in the snow. She was attempting to help us with our snowman by running around us and back and forth. It was quite a sight! I think she is enjoying all the attention!

I will post some more pics soon. Love you all!!

~casey

Getting settled!

2009-01-14T22:48:00.004-05:00

It's been snowing for what seems like days! LOL! It's only a little bit falling, but boy does it pile up quick! I ventured out in it today to run some errands. It was only 18 degrees. How fun is that! I'm enjoying getting all bundled up and stuff. It's been fun! I've learned how to scrape the windshield and shovel snow. I also learned that you can't forget to scrape the side view mirrors. haha!

Charles is still loving his school and became his class leader for the SAC (student advisory council) today. I'm so proud of him. He basically listens to his fellow students and brings stuff up to the council every week. He also helps plan fun things for them to do. He was voted in by his classmates and got 48 out of 52 votes. Pretty impressive I must say! He came home very excited! It also will look good on his resume.

I'm still looking for a job and have a couple of leads. I know that I'll find the right one soon! :0) Trusting the Lord that He will provide!

We went to our second church this past Sunday. It was a lot bigger than what we are used to. It's very multi-cultural, which I loved! The worship was amazing and the teaching very real. We still have a couple more to visit (yes, the list has grown) before we decide. We know that the Lord will lead us in that too! He's faithful and has a place for us! A place where we can get involved!

We hung out with my friend Jon's parents the other night and watched the Steelers game. They are really an amazing family! We felt so comfortable talking with them. Even Charles jumped right in feeling at ease. You know that's a miracle! George and Dee are really a great blessing to us. Dee even gave me some wool socks to keep my feet toasty! While we are away from our parents we have stand-in parents who are willing to be there for us. It's really a great feeling! Nothing could ever replace the real deal (we love you mom, dad and ms karen) but it's nice to have a parent figure close by. George and Charles really hit it off too... they had lots to talk about.

Anyhoo, I guess there's not much more new to share. We miss our friends and family so much! I've been crying a lot... and trying not to smother Charlie when he gets home from school. He's longing for some guy friends too! Hoping to make some more friends soon! One of Charles' classmates is married and wants to hang out with us. He also gave my number to his wife so we can get together for coffee or something. She's in her mid 20's and is looking for a job too. I'm excited and hope that we can all become friends! We've got big plans for the steelers game this weekend! GO Black and Gold!!!! (people are the craziest i've ever seen about football here!!) Can't wait for our precious team to go all the way! (no I haven't forgotten about my Jags...)

Okay, I think that's it! We miss you guys and hope to talk soon! Love YOU!

The New Year Update!!!!!

2009-01-04T22:18:00.005-05:00

Our new year has been really exciting so far. We have met new people, seen snow, made some new friends, gone to a new church, and had a lot of time together. For our new years, we got invited to go over to one of Casey's friend's brother's house. It was a little disconcerting for me at first because I did not know what to expect and had been acting like a jackass in front of said friend the day before. It turned out to be a very good night for the both of us. I got to entertain and be entertained by their Wii. It turns out that I'm pretty bad at MarioKart. I kinda rock at Star Wars though, (so watch out). Casey got to meet some girls that it looks like she might hang out with in the future. I certainly hope so. She needs friends like I need a new set of tires :-). All the time. We ended up leaving there around 2ish. Good thing we didn't have to get up early.

We have had to spend so much money getting our apartment into liveable shape. It just felt so old that we had to go out and get those little things that made it ours. We got a sweet carving of hibiscus flowers that we got to paint and make our own. She does the big stuff, I do the details. We had to make a screen for our shower because all the hot air escapes and made it pretty uncomfortable. Our bathroom is missing the top foot and a half of wall so all the air that usually stays in and makes it comfortable to get out into, just floats away. Not anymore though. Mr. Incredible, AKA me, modified a shower curtain so that it would contain the heat and keep my baby comfortable. We had to buy a few other things like shelves, a microwave, random crap that you don't know you need until you need it. Things like that. Thank God we had a $500 gift card to Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Made our life a lot easier. (Thank you cousin Kay) <--Casey told me to put that in because its one of those things I don't normally think about :D

We went out with some guys from DriftPA.com last night to a really awesome place called the Rose Tea Cafe. Its a small place on the outside of Pittsburgh that serves authentic Chinese, Cantonese, and Taiwanese cuisine. Thats a lot of "nese". LOL . We had a great time meeting the people that I am probably going to be spending my free time with. Casey liked them too which is a good thing. She rated them as "Non-Jackasses", for now at least. They seem like a pretty cool group of guys and I already am starting to get hooked up with parts and stuff. Makes daddy happy!!

Went to Cornerstone Ministries Community Church today. Seems pretty cool. More info on whether or not we'll go there will be put up later. We still have 2 more churches to try out before we make up our mind. ;)

School starts on Tuesday!!!!! Can't wait. I am so ready to be back in a learning environment where I am expected to ask questions instead of being expected to already know what they're talking about. I'll be learning a lot in an accelerated course. It starts with the basics and moves on into advanced automotive diagnostics and electronics over the course of 6 months. After those 6 months are over, I'll be starting my first elective, High Performance Powertrain. Basically making things go faster reliably. After that Elective I am taking two more, Hot Rod and custom sheetmetal fabrication, and High Performance Chassis Fabrication. So when I'm done in 15 months, I'll be able to design a car, build the frame and body, and then build a motor for it. It will be awesome!!!

Can't wait to see all our friends when we get back.

Let it snow!

2008-12-31T16:46:00.013-05:00

So Charles and I got to play in the snow today! We had so much fun! We through snow balls and took a walk around the block just being silly! He taught me a few things and I learned a few on my own. For instance, it is smart to tuck your jeans inside your boots if you're going to be walking in the snow... otherwise you end up with wet jeans! Also, you should tuck your scarf inside your jacket... otherwise you end up with a wet scarf! Plus it's hard to pick up snow balls if everytime you bend over your scarf is in your way and dragging on the ground! :0) We had tons of fun!

This is Jed and Maxine (our cars) early this morning when it has just started snowing.

I was attempting to get Charles to come closer so I could through this snowball at him... it didn't work, but I got him later!

Our street...

He's so cute!

So I guess we're having a great time so far! Our Neighbors are from Ohio and don't really care about the snow. He thought I was crazy this morning when I was all excited and giddy! Yes, I was like a little kid! We miss all of our friends and family down in the sunny Florida, but this really is our little adventure! We love you all!!!

Love&Laughter,

Casey and Charles!

Podunk Pennsylvania~~

2008-12-29T11:16:00.002-05:00

Charles and I were so blessed to have an amazing trip up here. I think we brought Florida weather with us. (70 degrees on saturday) It was a gorgeous drive, long but beautiful! No snow and no ice made for a safe trip. We had to take a detour when we got into PA that was a tiny little windy road with steep hills and stuff. There's no way we could have made that in the snow and ice safely! Praise the Lord! The next morning it was 69 degrees when we woke up at 7am and it quickly dropped to 40 through the day. It's amazing how the Lord blesses us! We had prayed for weeks for safe driving weather and we couldn't have asked for better!

We love our new home! We've been putting stuff away since the night we got here and there's still a lot to do. It's nice to have space to put our stuff and a basement for storage. I've always been afraid of basements.... guess i need to get over that! I got the stomache flu last night and haven't gotten out of bed all day. Charles has been amazing taking care of me! And he's been putting stuff away like a mad man. He's actually a pretty good decorator! We are excited because it's our first home that's ours together first. Our apartment in cocoa was mine before we were married so he really didn't have much hand in decorating. I'm so thankful for him and all that he does! How in the world did I get so blessed!?!

My parents totally blessed us and took us shopping yesterday at walmart. They spent over $400 stocking our pantry and making sure we had what we needed. They are truly amazing! I think they're worried we might get snowed in and not have any food!

We decided last minute to bring our dog Evie with us. We were kinda worried how she would do away from my parents dogs and in the cold, but I think she's loving the attention! She doesn't seem to mind the cold... infact, she's a little more frisky than usual. Of course charles has been spoiling her like crazy... letting her sleep in the bed and giving her treats! She is adorable! She was my dog for 6 years before Charles came around and I think she loves him more. LOL!

Our camera batteries are dead right now, but we're planning on posting pics soon. We miss everyone in Florida so much! Hopefully we'll be done in the spring to say hello! Hope you are all doing well!

love&laughter,
casey

A Very Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:43:00.004-05:00

Charles and I have had an amazing day with my family. We had my mom's famous breakfast casserole this morning. Cousin Kay came over for B-fast and to open gifts with us. We got so many cool things! My parents did way too much as usual! Charles couldn't wait to get outside with his new airsoft gun. I have to admit that it is really fun to shoot! Him and my big bro set up coke cans and had shooting practice.

My mom's entire family was at my aunts house tonight for dinner and gift exchange. It was really cool to have everyone together. (All 4 sibilings and their children, my cousins) My little cousins (Amaya was the flower girl in our wedding) are cuter than ever! Of course there was way too much food and goodies to eat! It was great to see everyone right before we leave and to say goodbye. I'm gonna miss them!

We leave early tomorrow morning for my Aunt and Uncle's in GA. That will be our first leg of this journey to PA. We're trying to make it to our new home before dark on Saturday night. Which, by the way, the sun sets at like 4:45pm. LOL!

Anyhoo, excited about our new adventure! We'll keep you posted!

Love&Laughter,
casey

This Florida Boy and Girl...

2008-12-22T22:57:00.000-05:00

So, I've lived in Florida my entire life. I've never been more than 30 minutes away from the nearest beach. I love the ocean, I love the warm weather, I love the 75 degree winters. :0) I love it all... but this Florida Girl is saying goodbye to the warm weather and her sandy beaches and saying hello to the white fluffy snow. That's right, we're moving to Pennsylvania.... and in the middle of December. LOL!!

Although Charles is from Florida he spent a year or two in Michigan. This makes him a little better prepared for this move than I. Even though I don't know what to expect, I'm totally excited about it! I know that this move is going to be amazing for us both! He's going to Wyotech and doing what he loves... I get to be supportive and stand by my man... experiencing things I've never before!! It's our adventure! ...and we're totally stoked!!

Right now we are sorta homeless. LOL! We packed up our home in cocoa and are in transit to PA. We get to spend Christmas with my family and then will leave the day after. This is our time to rest and relax and visit with friends before we leave. It's nice to have this time! :0)

Anyhoo, we'll keep you posted!! :0)

love&laughter,
casey