A Whirlwind

So, I guess it is time to start blogging again. After leaving my job at BSC, I suddenly didn't HAVE to be in front of a computer for 8 hours a day. So I didn't want to be at a computer at all! Email, blogging and the like all went on the back burner... But now it's time to get re-acquainted with cyberspace.

A lot has happened in the past two months. I've been to St Louis, Tulsa four times, Stillwater two times, Norman, Eureka Springs, Harrison three times, New Mexico, Denver, Ft Smith twice, and Mulberry. We've celebrated family birthdays, my cousin's wedding, my parent's 30th anniversary, our 2nd anniversary, AND the birth of my precious little nephew, Jack Tyler (pic attached)! We had a huge water leak in our upstairs bathroom that flooded our downstairs about four weeks ago that we just now got all fixed. Needless to say, it's been kind of crazy around our house!!!

I think I have finally gotten settled in to not going into an office everyday. As silly as it sounds, I really had a hard time with that for the first month or so! I didn't know what do with myself! But it's been a complete blessing to be able to work out the house. God is pretty cool!

Winding Down

I am down to my last week here at Black Star Creative. It's been a whirlwind trying to get jobs wrapped up and making sure I am not going to leave the guys hanging. I am having a hard time even imagining what it's going to be like not coming here to work every day. I almost feel guilty thinking about not working 8-5!! I have worked with Larry and Greg for almost four years now...that is longer than any single dating relationship I've had, my marriage/relationship with Chris, and a lot of my friendships! But with all that I have been through with them I really don't feel regret or any sort of sadness when I think about leaving. I guess that's good. It's time this chapter of my life is closed. I can't wait to see what lies ahead!

Changes...

(No, we're not pregnant!!!!!)

As most of you know, I started a graphic design company about a year and a half ago with four other people. The business has done well, but as Chris and I have re-evaluated things and after much discussion and prayer, we have decided that now is a good time for me leave Black Star Creative and become a stay-at-home-mommy for our kitty, Marley. :)

I am going to be doing two businesses from home now - Arbonne International and freelance graphic design. Both of these businesses are not nearly as established as I had originally planned on them being when I thought I would be ready to leave Black Star, so this has really tested me to see if I do trust that the Lord will provide. I know he will...and I am excited to see how he does it!! So, if I could ask for your prayers as we take this next step, we'd really appreciate it. Also, if you have any need for graphic design, if you'd like to know more about a business with Arbonne International, OR if you'd like to order any Arbonne products, please don't hesitate to email or call.

Outside of that, everything else is pretty normal here in the Hoyle household. Well, Chris is starting a new job next week with a sales firm, so he's really excited to start something new (we like to make big changes together).

Isn't it ironic...

...that the last post I made talked about a tornado hitting our house and then the one previous is titled "There's no place like home"? If I had a dog named Toto or if my name were Dorthy it would be TOO fitting. Well, my parents live on Yellow Brick Road and my grandmother's name was Dorothy....I should take a nap.

What the hail?

We had a tornado in Bentonville last night. I had been told by several people that tornadoes don't hit NWA (something to do with hills), but apparently they didn't know what they were talking about. I guess we don't have them that often though b/c the whole timing of sirens going off in comparison to when the tornado actually hit was pretty off. (I think the sirens went off briefly 30 minutes before anything happened and then we didn't hear anything after that.) Thankfully, there was no damage to our house - other than one of our spot lights being shattered. Chris' poor car took a beating though. The softball-sized hail left nice pock marks on the roof and hood, and his windshield is cracked too. Compared to the damage other people suffered though, we were very fortunate.

There's no place like home...

We made it back from "the motherland" as Chris likes to call it. It was an amazing trip. The Lord really blessed us with easy travel and aside from the minor bump of the airlines misplacing our luggage (it was found and returned by the next day), things really couldn't have gone any smoother. We stayed with our friends Kevin and Alyson while we were in Moscow - they live there and work full-time with Campus Crusade. They were such good hosts (Alyson is a fabulous cook). We were able to hit all the major "hot spots" of Moscow while we were there, including the amazing Honey Festival (there were literally hundreds of booths of people selling honey for all ailments one could possibly have - I had no idea there were that many kinds of honey!!!).

We flew to Samara (where Chris lived for two years) on Tuesday. We met up with several students that Chris became friends as well as the CRU team. I was able to see where Chris lived for both years (they definitely have a different standard of living than here!!!), and I was also able to meet Chris language teacher that still loves him to death. We hung out with a Russian, Nick, that Chris knew his two years there and Nick's girlfriend (that spoke no English) on two different occassions. It was rather entertaining having every conversation translated at least once for her or for me!

After a marathon trip to Samara we came back to Moscow to spend our last two days. We bought lots of vodka and chocolate to bring home to friends, and I got myself an official Russian tea set. (I am having people over for tea in a few days to show Chris it really was a worthwhile purchase!)

There are so many other things that happened that I can't even begin to write about them all. It was a wonderful experience that I am so glad we had together. It is, however, SO nice to be back in a place where everyone speaks the same language I do.

We made it!

We made it to Russia in one piece! We arrived yesterday afternoon in Moscow with no complications. They lost our bags but ended up delivering them sometime early this morning. We were able to get a full nights rest, so the jet lag hasn't been too bad. Today we're going to a Russian church service and then to a honey festival (I am not really sure what that entails). The weather is beautiful here...lots of snow but sunny and in the 20s. I can definitely handle that! I will try to keep you all posted as I have internet connection...

Russia, here we come!

We're leaving tomorrow morning for Russia. Most people go to the beach or somewhere warm, but who wants to be "normal", right?! It's really snuck up on me b/c we've been so busy with work and life in general. I was able to get most of our packing done last night, so tonight we can focus on making sure we have everything. Luckily, the weather there has warmed (warm being relative, of course), so I won't have to pack TOO many sweaters. I have been told that January had record breaking cold weather. I am SO thankful that it's February!!!

We are leaving tomorrow morning and should arrive in Moscow 17 hours and 1,264 miles later. Our friends will be picking us up at the airport and we'll be staying with them for three days or so. (I have been told that you never really plan anything there...you just go with the flow) We'll then fly to Samara, where Chris lived for his two years there. I am excited to meet the students he worked with as well as see where he lived. We'll be there for a couple of days and then begin our trip back home.

V-Day

Our community group had the chance to serve dinner at a women's shelter for Valentines Day. It was such a blessing for me to be able to love on some women that hadn't really seen a lot of love in their lives. Not only were we able to love on them, but we were also able to hang out with everyone in our community group. What a fun bunch of people...

Early Valentines Celebration

My favorite husband surprised me with an early Valetines surprise this past weekend. He and Caleb planned a day-long scavenger hunt for Amanda and me. Our day started with notes explaining that our day would begin by getting a massage and that we'd have further instructions after that. After Amanda was dropped off at my house, we went to a salon nearby and received an hour long massage. (they can't seem to not get your hair all greasy - hence the picture)

After the massage, and all the women in the salon ooh-ing and aahh-ing about what sweet husbands we had, we were told to go to Kennedy Coffee. There we had to tell the employee behind the counter that we needed an envelope pertaining to "Operation Sweet Husband". (yes, rather corny) There was money for coffee and instructions to go to Fayetteville. After a few more stops, lunch at a Greek restaurant, and a little bit of shopping, we ended up back at my house to watch "Cinderella Man". (I guess it's a good movie about supporting your husband?) After the movie we met our men for dinner. They were waiting in front of the restaurant with flowers. Yep, I think I will keep him.

20/20

So, with two weeks of 20/20 vision, I feel like I can write and say that Lasik surgery is the most amazing thing ever. I had a check up with the doctor last week and he said that I had perfect vision. I have never heard those words before in my life. I have to laugh at myself though - I still reach up to take my glasses off when I go to bed. I also forget that taking the contacts out is no longer part of my nightly routine. I am sure that I will get used to it one of these days!

Tomorrow is the Big Day...

...I am getting Lasik eye surgery!!! For the first time in I don't know how long, I am going to be able to see when I open my eyes in the morning... I won't have to wear glasses. I just can't even fathom....

An Arkansas Kinda Date

We were finally able to double date with the Gabrieles this past weekend. We had plans for a high-fa-looten evening of dinner and movie, but somehow it took a weird turn....

We all met for dinner at Chilis and planned to go back to our house for a movie or something. Somehow, though, we all decided that if we were close to Lowes, we should really stop in. After we all looked at washers and dryers, picked out our light bulbs and dishwasher plugs, we were happily on our way to continue the date. Once we got back to our house though, Caleb, being the servant that he is, offered to help put in our range hood (we got new appliances for our kitchen). Of course the guys got on a roll and the next thing we knew they had saws, drills, and a big stick sort-of-thing out to help wedge out the dishwasher. Unfortunately, nothing went as planned. At one point water was leaking from underneath our sink - luckily we had a plumber friend to call. Then we realized that we had the wrong plug-in AND that we needed a different hose. Amanda and I took a trip to WalMart and spent about 20 minutes in the hardware section - of course WalMart had nothing that we were looking for. So, finally by 11, we all gave up. The great thing is, though, that we had a blast with them. We wanted to do something out of the ordinary for a date...we just hadn't planned on home improvement!

That was four days ago and we're still not able to use our dishwasher...yet. I guess we'll need to have another date with them so we can get it all done!

It's been awhile...

Things have been insane the past several weeks. We went to Mulberry/Alma, AR for Christmas to celebrate with Chris' side of the family. It was my first Christmas not to spend with my family. While it was a little odd and had its sad moments, it wasn't as traumatic as I thought it was going to be. It was fun hanging out with the Hoyle family and watching them all interact with each other.

The week after Christmas I didn't have to work and it was absolutely heavenly. I hadn't realized how much my job was affecting my attitude until Chris mentioned how pleasant I was to be around! It struck me as funny that you can be so wrapped up in something that you can't even see the change in yourself. It was really hard coming back to work... I could almost see myself wanting to be a stay at home mom very soon. Without the mom part, of course! ;)

For New Years we celebrated Christmas with my family. We pretended that New Year's Eve was Christmas day and we did the whole shabang with stocking stuffers, a HUGE breakfast, finding the pickle on the tree, reading the Christmas story, and hugs after opening each and every gift. It's fun to have the tried and true holiday traditions.

During our New Years Eve/Christmas Day celebration we rented the first season of "24". Man, I knew that if I started watching that show that I would get addicted. Yep, I am addicted. We're over half way through the first season and are in the process of tracking down season two. I can see why my brother always asks the question, "What would Jack Bower do?" Yes, it's a sickness....

Elation

The bane of my existence (over the past two months) was just completed. I just dropped the cd of catalog artwork into the FedEx box. Six proofs later (four of which were unscheduled due to their inability to make up their minds) the catalog is done. I am experiencing feelings of Christmas Day euphoria... Now on to the next catalog...blast.

Thanksgiving

The Poopsy Brothers joined forces again. I think this picture was before Josh tried to spin on his head - cracking the helmet...


Katie on the phone sharing the news that she's PREGNANT!!!


Isn't he cute? I don't think that I am bossing him around in this picture...that's normally how he reacts to my bossing though. With laughter.


Sweet Josh.


Marley joined us for Thanksgiving at Grandma V's house. He didn't spend too much time begging to be let out of the bathroom...

Rambling Again

It's been way too long since my last post. Things have been overwhelmingly insane. Work has been crazy. We've been out of town too much. Important things like blogging have been put on the back burner...

Aside from living at my office, here are some things that have gone on over this past month:

- I became an aunt (by blood - not through marriage)!! My brother and his wife, Katie, told us over Thanksgiving that
they're expecting!!! Whooo hoooo!!! Katie is due June 24th. I think the weirdest part about the whole thing is that my
parents are now GRANDPARENTS. I don't know why that is so weird to me...Jon being a dad SHOULD be weird...

- Chris and I went to Chicago. What a cool city. Chris had to go to South Bend for work, so his boss flew me up to see
Chris and we spent part of the weekend in Chicago. We didn't get to see much of the city, but it definitely makes me
want to go back.

- We've been to Stillwater three times in 6 weeks. Now that is just crazy. But fun. I am already missing Momma V's
cooking. Or should I say GRANDMA V?

- I have finished over half of my Christmas shopping. (hard to believe, I know)

- I finished reading "Flames of Rome" and "Pontius Pilate". I need a new book to read - any suggestions??

In Honor of the Holiday

This last Monday at book club we all shared what our favorite Halloween costume has been. Since we didn't really celebrate Halloween growing up, I didn't have any fond memories of costumes as a child. Last year, however, was quite memorable. Since explaining the costume doesn't really do it justice, I thought I would post it. There is nothing like perpetuating the Arkansas stereotype...

My "Guilty" Pleasures/Confessions

Okay, Shauna, I accept your "tag"!

- I talk in a "baby" voice to my cat...I don't know why. He's just so stinkin' cute that it comes out of me without even thinking about it. I PRAY I don't talk like that to the kids we hopefully have (in about 10 years).

- I have been reading websites on the history of Rome. I am obsessed. My favorite husband has ordered me another history book about Pontius Pilot...I cannot wait to get it!

- I watch the Ashlee Simpson show. (I am so ashamed...I just can't help it....)

- I own all of Celine Dion's cds from about 1990-1997. Shauna, you can borrow any of them! ;)

- I love vacuuming - but you all probably know that now.

- I LOVE personality tests. As much as I hate being "put in a box" I love trying to understand why I do what I do. It helps me relate to others better too.

- I don't know what my real hair color is.

- I am obsessive compulsive. Seriously, ask Chris.

So, now I tag you all!

In the Lines

I spent Saturday with Chris' side of the family watching the OU football game. (yes, the things you do for love) Anyway, I got to hang out with my beautiful niece, Alyssa (she's an artist/Olympic gymnast/Pro-soccer player in the making - of course I am selfishly trying to encourage the artist side). While the game was on she asked me to color with her, so we sat down and took turns coloring from a Toy Story coloring book. I was amazed at how therapeutic it was. Between work and, well life in general, it was so nice to sit down to something that was all lined out - no surprises, rules or sudden changes. I could see the entire picture and could fill in the blank spaces with the colors as I wanted. If only life was that simple some times!