The Schafers

Top of the Morning to You

2012-02-05T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official.
Steven and I are taking another vacation.
Scotland and Ireland.
11 days.
His parents are coming too and we are going to have so much fun. It will be a much needed mental break and escape.
After much conversation, we decided that this get away is precisely what we need. We are taking a break from being so intentional about starting a family. After 17 months, the greif and emotions were really wearing us, especially me, down. It's not that we won't still try, we just won't be trying if you catch my drift.

Belfast, Dublin, Endinburgh, Glasgow, and every town in between- get ready for the Schafers!

Do you believe?

2011-11-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

In conversation a few days ago, a friend told me that I am not pregnant yet because I do not really believe that God can make me pregnant. If I really believed, then God would grant me the desires of my heart. Hmmmm.

This upset and disturbed me on multiple levels. I feel as though our conversation was very "prosperity doctrine" oriented, even though she insisted that it wasn't. My faith aparently isn't shaped like hers and I let her know that we would have to agree to disagree. I believe in God's transforming love in my life, but I do not believe that just because we want something and believe a certain way that anything is going to be given to me. This struck me as very selfish, which unfortunately oftentimes seems to be the face of Christianity in our society (in my opinion).

Steven and I shared thoughts for quite a while about the comments of my friend and I cried, of course. The love of God gives me great peace during this time and I continue to go through a process of grief and hope in repeated cycles. If in fact we cannot conceive, not due to any lack of faith mind you, then I know that there is a child out there somewhere that needs two wonderful red-headed parents.

Deep, wide, long, and high is the love...

Nothing like some true vulnerability

2011-10-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well blogging friends, I am officially coming to you (whoever you are) and asking for prayer.
Time to be real and it is frightening because I get amazingly emotional.

Steven and I have been trying to start our family for a little over a year now and have obviously had no luck. I have been to two doctors and after a horrible experience with the first, I am much happier with the second.
We never expected, as I am sure no one does, that this would happen to us. I so badly want to be a mommy and Steven is ready to be a daddy. It is very emotional month after month when we realize our dream has not yet come true.
To make matters more difficult, my body has done some out of control things that my doctors cannot even clearly explain.

I also spend my days in a line of work where I counsel, advocate, and support single mothers and fathers, which sometimes pulls on my heart stings. Not to mention that it seems like everyone of my friends and everyone else I know has one or more children and it is so frustrating that it just doesn't seem to be happening for us.

So, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are on a six month plan at this point and I go back to the doctor on December 16th. We trust that if this is meant to happen, then it will. We know we want to adopt, so we are prepared for that option, as well. I know I will grieve the loss of having a child, but if that is the case, I will learn to make some peace.

Your love and support is so appreciated.

In Him,
Linsey and Steven

Five

2011-08-06T18:06:00.000-07:00

Five is the number of years I have been married to my love as of yesterday. We celebrated with grilled chicken salads at home and a movie last night (my husband is so supportive of my Weight Watchers weekly weigh-ins) and went out for what we consider a fun day on the town today.
We began our day after I returned from my weigh in, where I lost 1.6 pounds that I know I quickly found throuh the course of our celebratory evening. :)
We went to the Zoo because our perfect Saturday wouldn't be complete without a zoo trip. And while the animals may not have been as active and glorious as our last trip, it was only 78 degree when we arrived and it was amazing to walk around in our summertime weather.
We stopped at Sonic to spoil ourselves with diet cokes and then went on an adventure to the Barnes and Noble down the street and took advantage of the going out of business sale. If they keep going out of buisness much longer, I believe that the Schafers will single handedly help to keep them in business.
We took a trip to the East end of town to the fancy-shmancy Kroger that I have heard all kinds of fun talk about. We LOVE to go to festive, new grocery stores. It totally lived up to the hype and we bought a few small items and enjoyed some sushi for lunch.
We came home and watched my anniversary present, Julie and Julia (love it!), before getting ready for our exciting date. Facing what minimal traffic Louisville has was a breeze as we made our way to Mayan Cafe for dinner. I have no idea what we ordered- all I can tell you is that is was AMAZING. We split an appetizer, I had a Mahi-Mahi Mole dish, Steven had a pork dish, and we each had a beverage. Delicious! We strolled down Market and used part of my gift card at a French chocolate shop. I definitely found my 1.6 pounds, but will start back to weight loss again tomorrow.
It was such an enjoyable day of small treasures with my best friend. I love care-free moments like this.
Yes, our daily chores and projects are still waiting for us. Yes, Steven had to prep his Sermon and I have pay bills, clean bathrooms, and write this lovely blog entry, but it is so sweet to stop and just be. Two total strangers who fell in love almost instantly about seven years ago share such a blessed life together now.
I love you Steven Craig and I am so glad to call myself your wife.
Happy 5th Anniverary.

Alaska

2011-06-23T18:03:00.000-07:00

Our Alaskan Cruise was fantastic. Hope you enjoy these pics of the scenery.

Throo the Zoo

2011-05-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

I have been running anywhere from 3.2 to 4.o miles at a time at the gym for a while now. As previously mentioned, runnin a 5K is one of my life's goals. So, I made it official. I ran a full out 5K. Paid my $25. Got up at 6:00 on a Saturday and braved the BRUTAL hills at the Louisville Zoo (one of my favorite places on earth).
I almost died or at least that's what I felt like. But, I did it!

My time was 33:01, approximately a 10 minute and 30 second mile. I am so proud and it was my best time yet. The time flew by. It was like I blinked and it was over. The sense of pride, self-worth, and achievement was very special and I will treasure this experience forever.

The fastest guy ran it in like 13 minutes and something. That makes me ill just thinking about it. I have no desire to ever run that fast. Yuck! My next goal will be a 10K (6.4 miles) and then I hope to work my way up to a mini-marathon.

We leave for our cruise in 13 DAYS!!! Hooray! I am trying to eat healthy and exercise as much as possible before we go because I plan to enjoy myself fully on the cruise. We are so excited!

Peace to you and yours-

Big News

2011-04-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

Many of my faithful readers may be thinking that I will soon announce that I am pregnant here on my blog- and I hope that someday we will bring you that news- but this is not that day.
Onto the BIG NEWS for the day.
Today, I reached one of my life goals!
I ran 3.2 miles.
A 5K.
I ran it in 36 minutes (which is about an 11.2 minute mile, which isn't that great), but the important thing is that I DID IT!
My husband was the only one there to witness it, but it was a glorious and emotional moment when I finished.
I am so pumped by reaching my goal. Now on to my next- a Mini-marathon.
One day, I will have a 13.1 sticker on the back on my car.
:)

Here's to you reaching one of your lifetime goals!

Lent

2011-03-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

I love the Lenten season. It as always been one of my favorite times of the year. As I went to the Prebyterian church in my days as a youth, we were very ritualistic (or so it seemed to me then) in the way we celebrated Lent. I remember crying hysterically my first Lenten experience in 8th grade when I gave up sodas. I was at a choir event and when I realized I had broken my promise to God by drinking a coke, I lost it in the middle of the dance floor. My friends had to calm me down.

Anywho, the 40 days of peaceful reflection on Jesus, his sacrafice and forgiveness for my shortcomings is such a transforming time. Christ is so real. It's almost as if he is blooming in my heart the same way spring is blooming here in Louisville.

As a Baptist in college and since then, I have not really observed Lent because it is typically not a Baptist tradition. I am so excited to embark on this 40 day quest once again.

Rather than giving something up this year, I am writing letters to the 40 most influential people in my life who have invested in one way or another on my walk with Christ. This is POWERFUL. I wish I had addresses of more of the people from my younger days in Houston.

How often do we really stand back and reflect on how individual people poored into our lives and how awesome God is in the way that He has moved and worked in it all.
I am so thankful for this Lenten season and for all the amazing people who have walked beside me.

Here is part of a song from our church choir this week written by our director:

I've made a list of things I carry
That I no longer need
Now in this season of letting go
I can leave them all behind me
Forty days of release
The Christ within says walk in peace
Forty days of release
The Christ within says walk in peace
Walk in peace to me
Now let us fast
From our transgressions
Our rampant thoughts be still
Prepare a feast of Christ compassion
With peace and justice let our lives be filled
Forty days of release
The Christ within says walk in peace
Walk in peace to me

I hope that you walk in peace this season.

Best. Weekend. Ever.

2011-02-01T17:00:00.000-08:00

The Hopkins, Lindsey and Matt, came to visit us from the DFW area. We had sooo much fun and it was so nice to have friends to be goofy with. We went out to eat, went to the Bourbon Trail, saw the sites, and played games. I wish they never had to leave!

My mom comes in two weekends and I am so excited for her to be our valentine!

Any ideas for creative cheap things to do for valentines day or steven's birthday?

Heavy hearted

2010-12-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Please read the post on my friend's site and pray for this family. Brooke was in my Bible Study group in college and she and her husband were both very precious to me and to many others. Michael was a contagious Christ-follower. I feel heavy and heartbroken for the loss of such an amazing person.
http://withanattitudeofgratitude.blogspot.com/

Thanks Giving

2010-11-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that I am thankful for this advent season.
Faith in things unseen
My husband
Our new faith community
Our home
Sammy Schafer the increidble mini-wiener
My amazing and supportive family
My job
Financial stability
The ability to give
A vacation coming in May
Christmas decorations
Warm showers
Pajamas
Good friends
Freedom in Christ

What are you thankful for?

My sisters

2010-10-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the picture of my newest half sister and my dad. I haven't had the chance to meet her yet, but she sure is cute. My other half sister's 19th birthday is today. Happy Birthday Kristen!

Life is interesting.

5k

2010-10-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

so, it has been one of my goals since i started my weight loss journey in 2007 to run a 5k without stopping or keeling over. so, i am on my way.
i have been running 1.7 miles solid without stopping so far and am actually enjoying the challange. I WILL ACCOMPLISH MY GOAL!

on another note, steven and i are going to take an alaskan cruise before trying to have a bambino. we are debating between princess and royal carribean. any advice?

Velma

2010-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

On our 4th anniversary, I was on my way home from work talking to Steven about how excited I was to come home so we could celebrate and go out to a nice dinner. 4 years! How exciting!
Well, a Louisville driver (not my fav), pulled out right in from of me as I passed through the green light and I t-boned him. I had miled injuries, but Velma was in bad shape.
After 3 1/2 weeks without her, I just got her back. Nightmare.
Please pray that we can get all this squared away. The other driver was not insured. Not a fun evening, but we are glad everyone is ok.

This is our 2nd car accident (not our fault) since we got here. AHHHH!

Oh Texas drivers, you may have been fast and crazy, but at least we knew what y'all were doin!

New Job

2010-08-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

I began my new job at Family Scholar House today. I am excited but I know that I have so much to learn. I have to keep reminding myself that I get at least 6 months to figure this all out.
If you get a chance, check out our website to see what we do. We are fighting poverty the smart way :)
familyscholarhouse.org

Home Sweet Home

2010-07-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Some of the house pics in random order:

Front Entry

Master Bedroom

Living room

Kitchen area

Guest bedroom/office

I didn't include Sammy's room (future baby room) or the basement, but I hope you get the idea!
Have a great day!

arrived

2010-07-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

After 14+ hours in the car, Steven, Sammy, and I are all in Kentucky. We saw 34 different state license plates and three countries represented. I am exhausted and ready to be in our house, however our stuff will not arrive for another week. Ugh!
My mom had to re-book her flight to come help us move because the movers are taking so long.
I am super thankful for my wonderful mommy! Yesterday was her birthday and I wish I could have been with her. Love you mom!
I have a job interview on Friday and one next Wednesday with no professional clothes here yet. They are all in-route. Please pray for me, as I get very nervous!

Be blessed!

Almost there

2010-06-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

We close on our house in 8 DAYS!!!!
I will be in Louisville in less than 2 weeks now.
I miss my hubby a lot and I am ready to be in our church.
I am also super excited to decorate and find my new job.

Please pray that ALL of our stuff arrives in Louisville and that the movers can get it there by the 7th of July or the 8th at the latest. Cross country moves are stressful. Yuck!

Spicy

2010-06-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

So, one eventful thing that has happened in Texas lately, other than packing up our lives, buying a house, quitting my job, etc., is the release of the Chick-fil-a Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
What joy. What bliss.
I was able to share this free food experience with two precious friends and co-workers, Glenda and Lindsey. I will miss them so!

So Long Texas

2010-06-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

It's official. We are moving to Louisville, Kentucky.
And, we bought a house.
Stress.

The Lord is good.

Kentucky bound...

2010-05-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

Well blogging world, the time has finally arrived.
Steven will go in view of a call this Sunday at a church in Louisville, Kentucky. We are feeling so good about all this and so excited. The Lord is so faithful. This ministry opportunity fits us like a glove and I am so excited to see my husband blossom in his leadership abilities and see both of us grow exponentially with Christ.
Please pray for us this weekend if you get a chance. We will be house shopping, too!

We are excited, overwhelmed, a little nervous about moving out of TX and away from our families, but mostly astounded by our Great God.
:)

Steven's Ordination

2010-04-19T15:54:00.000-07:00

It was an amazing evening on Sunday, April 11th, when Steven was ordained into the ministry. I was also commissioned, too, which was pretty sweet. The level of love and support was overwhelming and I was pretty much a royal mess the whole night.
Here are a few pics:
Husband and Wifey:

Husband with his two favorite ladies:

It was a wonderful night. Please continue to pray for a potential place to minister. We are ready for this process to be over!

Another Year Older

2010-04-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

Today is my 27th birthday, which makes me feel waaaaaaaaaay old. We celebrated this weekend with a cookout and a trip to Medieval Times, which was fun but not something I will ever do again. Today my sweet co-workers blessed me with a very happy celebration. They are wonderful... if we could have made the kids and their drama disappear, it would have been perfect!
Good Birthday with good people.
Here are some pics from the weekend:

Baby Shower

2010-03-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

I just booked the airplane tickets to Houston for my dad's girlfriend's baby shower.
I will be a sister at 27 years old.
Life is crazy sometimes, but I will keep this sweet little girl in my prayers.
On a more selfish note, I would appreciate prayers as well- I know I will have mixed emotions through the shower and as the baby's due date draws closer. Will I be more like her mom than her sister? Will she ever really know me? How will my dad handle this? Will she come to know Jesus? So many thoughts...

I'll keep you updated and hopefully have some pictures, too!

The time is now

2010-03-07T15:29:00.000-08:00

The past year and a half has definitely been one of growth and challenge for the Schafers. The Lord has broken us and humbled us in ways we did not expect and were not prepared for. I was too stubborn to listen most of the time. I have cried, raised my voice, laughed, told God how mad I am, set my parameters, had my parameters broken and tossed aside, and been humbled about how selfish and unfaithful I can oftentimes be. My plans didn't work! What? Why?

I have finally had enough insight to come to the conclusion, as I have so many times before, that what God has for our family is better than anything I can fathom. Even if it is something that sounds less than wonderful to me, I would rather be residing in God's will than anywhere else.

All this being said, Steven and I have been praying constantly for what is next. Where is our church home and ministry? Where is the Lord's place for us?
We started with a very small view of that and with the Spirit working in our hearts, we have broadened our horizons to His plan, not ours.
Please be in prayer for what takes course over the next few months. Pray that our hearts would be open to God's leading and that we would be prepared to live a life that may look a little different from the one WE expected.

By Our Love

Brothers, let us come together
Walking in the Spirit, there's much to be done
We will come reaching, out from our comforts
And they will know us by our love

Sisters, we were made for kindness
We can pierce the darkness as He shines through us
We will come reaching, with a song of healing
And they will know us by our love

The time is now
Come Church arise
Love with His hands
See with His eyes
Bind it around you,
Let it never leave you,
And they will know us by our love

Children, You are hope for justice,
Stand firm in the Truth now, set your hearts above
You will be reaching, long after we’re gone,
And they will know you by your love

Written by Christy Nockels
© 2009 worshiptogether.com Songs / sixsteps Music (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing) (ASCAP)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5NPUWCzsU0&feature=related

What state do I live in again?

2010-02-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

It has been snowing for more than ten hours here in Dallas, TX with a predicted 10 hours left to go. We have broken all kinds of records. We are currently at about 9 inches of snow.
Wow.
When is summer coming?

Welcome to the year 2010

2010-01-31T16:22:00.001-08:00

Today, I got a new cell phone.
Now, I have text messaging.
It's about time. :)

Steven has an IPhone.
Aren't we cool?

Grief

2010-01-24T07:17:00.000-08:00

Grief is a difficult process and it is so important that everyone grieves in their own way at their own speed.
I lost another student this week- one that I way very close with and who meant a great deal to me. I am almost at a loss for how to cope with it and am having to take a back seat as crisis counselor so that someone else can help all my kids deal with their emotions, as well. I know all the things to do, say, coping skills, styles, etc. Afterall, I counsel others for a living. Sometimes it is just so close to home.
Please pray for the student's friends and family, for myself and my heart as I return back to school tomorrow and attend the services this week, and for my sweet husband as he stands by me as I go through the grieving process.
I will leave you with a quote from a student in one of my last grief groups who recently lost his father:
"Grief sucks, but grieving helps."

Note to Self

2010-01-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

Clean out your filing cabinet more than once every four years.
Yikes.

Change

2010-01-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Whatcha gonna do with the 36 cents
Sticky with Coke on your floorboard
When a woman on the street is huddled in the cold
On a sidewalk vent trying to keep warm

Do you call her over, hand her the change
Ask her story, ask her her name
Or do you tell yourself

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

Oh, whatcha gonna do when you're watching TV
And an ad comes on, yeah you know the kind
Flashing up pictures of a child in need
For a dime a day you could save a life

Do you call the number, reach out a hand
Or do you change the channel, call it a scam
Or do you tell yourself

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

Oh, the smallest thing can make all the difference
Love is alive, don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

The world's so big it can break your heart
And you just want to help not sure where to start
So you close your eyes, and send up a prayer into the dark

You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world
Don't listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

Oh, the smallest thing can make all the difference
Love is alive, don't you listen to 'em when they say
You're just a fool
Just a fool to believe you can change the world

17 days

2009-12-17T19:15:00.001-08:00

thats right folks. 17 days off of work. time to refresh and renew and be with my family!

Steven graduates from Truett Theological Seminary tomorrow. Yay husband! I am so proud!
Pictures to follow...

It's A Girl!!!

2009-12-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Well, here she is in all her glory (not the best pics though)... my new, used Nissan Versa Hatchback SL 2008.
It only had 8,000 miles and was very gently used. I got an amazing deal! I am so excited and feel so blessed.
So long Henrieta. You were very good to me for 11 years.
So, my new Versa needs a name and I would love your input!
Here are the choices I have narrowed down (in no particular order):
1. Val
2. Virginia
3. Vada
4. Velma
I do have a favorite of those names, but would love any input.
Have a blessed day and stay warm!

Thursday

2009-11-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
I am most definitely thankful for the many amazing blessings in my life, even in this
crazy, not so restful week off.
We had a whirlwind trip to Estes Park, Colorado, where we sang in our dear friends wedding. Lots of time in airports.
Came back. Shopped a little. Took my car in for an oil change. Found out that Henrieta needs more work done on her than she is worth. Began the hunt for a new, used car. Stress.
Thanksgiving. Bought my first pair of size 6 jeans and wore them today to Thanksgiving at Granny's (Steven's mom's mom). Good times.
I have made my goal weight and have currently lost 66 pounds :)
I think I would like to make it an even 70 to give me room to fluctuate.

I hope everyone has an amazing Thanksgiving and that you enjoy quality time with those closest to you. I know we will!
Love, love
Steven, Linsey, and Sammy

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

We spent the eve of Halloween with precious friends, Lindsey and Matt, and their adorable son, Dean. We had so much fun making homemade pizza, going to the Corn Maze, carving pumpkins of our own and playing mexican train. Amazing night!

The night began at the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze after dinner

Funny faces...

The Hopkins Family

Lost in the Corn Maze

We found our way out!

The Pumpkin Patch

Steven Craig

We love fall!

The evolution of Percy the Pumpkin:

HaPpY hAlLoWeEn!

Transitions

2009-10-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

We continue to pray steadily during this ongoing, seemingly endless phase of transition. What we thought would be a very temporary stay with my mom is turning out to look like a very long one. I love my mom so much and living with her is wonderful- she is amazing- but at the same time, I miss my completely amazing married life. I am ready for Steven to have a Pastorship, for us to be actively engaged in OUR local church and to give back to the community God places us in, to buy a house, and to start a family.
We will wait faithfully, with joy and hope that the Lord will speak and that we will have ears and hearts ready to listen and feet ready to get movin'.
I am ready to move on.
Anyone ever felt like that?

So, to keep all my completely loyal readers informed, I am now only two and a half pounds from my goal weight. I have lost 62.5 pounds and am pumped. The holidays will be tricky, but I am determined to achieve my goal and to never go back to who/where I was 62 pounds ago.

Have a blessed week. :)

Big News

2009-09-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

After 2 1/2 years, months of studying, and much stress...
I
AM
OFFICIALLY
AN
LCSW!!!!!!!

I passed my test today with a 75!
Yay!
Thanks for the prayers :)

59 and counting

2009-09-09T17:31:00.000-07:00

So, as of Monday I have lost 59 pounds and am finally in a size 8. This is a major achievement that I have been working VERY hard toward for a VERY long time.
Only 6 pounds to go until I reach my goal weight!

To change topics completely... please pray for Steven to find an amazing church/place of work for us to call home. We are on the hunt and are praying for a place where Steven would feel that he could invest his all, as well as a place I would feel at home in, too. The job hunt is hard and we are tired of this time of transition. Prayers are greatly desired and appreciated.

Please let us know how we may pray for you, as well.

Be blessed :)

3 Years

2009-08-09T07:42:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday, August 5th, Steven Craig and I celebrated 3 fabulous years of marriage. We are saving money for a house and I am diligently trying to reach my goal weight, so our festivities were not as grandiose as years past, but we had a fun evening none the less. After I got home from work, we made the drive to downtown Ft. Worth and went to Joe T. Garcias for dinner. Yum!!! I decided I was splurging that night (I rarely ever cheat) and ate a ton of chips and salsa and the most delicious chicken tortilla soup I have ever had. Steven had the enchilada plate of course. After a lovely meal, we walked the Stockyards and then fought traffic back up to the Denton area for dessert.
Fabulous evening with my fabulous husband whom I am daily thankful for.
Yay for three years!

New Family Pics

2009-07-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

Well, it is wedding season, so mom took some pics while we were all dressed up so I could update the blog.

Husband and wifey:

SFA Groom's cake...axe 'em!

New dress ($13 at Kohls)

Adorable mom:

Sammy Boy with his mommy

Food, Fun, and Family

2009-07-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

The 4th was a fun weekend and Steven and I enjoyed spending time with our family. We shopped, smoked out b-b-q, played many games, celebrated both my parent's birthdays and my aunt and uncle's anniversary. It is always a busy time of year, but is so fun.

This is us at Life's A Beach, a way awesome place that is about to close down

My dad drove up from Houston to spend the weekend with us. You'll have to excuse my outfit... I was in my post swim, bumming clothes.

This is my mom, dad and I together. We don't get many picutres like this anymore, so it's pretty special.

Hope your summer is going well!

Learning to Live Loved

2009-07-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

So, I have never loved reading, which is probably very sad for my mother who is a retired reading teacher and dyslexia specialist. I recently picked up and began to read a book that many of my friends fell in love with, The Shack.
It is AMAZING. I am very close to being done with it and will post a few of my favorite sections when I finish. The major themes throughout the book are relationship building, letting go of our "independence" and learning to live loved.
Sooooooooooo good.

In other news, I have officially lost 51 pounds! I don't think I have weighed what I do now since like early high school. My mom is looking great, too. Go Weight Watchers! Pictures will follow once my mom uploads some to her computer (mine is in storage with all the rest of our worldly possessions).

My dad is coming today to visit his ex-family for the holiday. Should be interesting- it always is.

Happy Fourth of July!!!

defensive driving

2009-06-09T15:50:00.000-07:00

So about a month and a half ago, I was leaving a meeting at a building in my district after only having worked there for a short few weeks. I was praying for the sale of our house and for Steven's finals while driving and before I knew it I had been pulled over by a not-so-friendly officer who proceeded to give me a speeding ticket. What?! I was going 45, which is the limit on that road.
Well, apparently I was in a school zone and had NO idea. There is not even a school presently there- it has become admin. offices. So, of course I ended up crying because if you know me, you know that I rarely get in trouble. I told him I didn't live there and that I had just started a new job at the High School. He wasn't fazed.
$232
ugh.
So, after agreeing to do defensive driving, my ticket was only $132 + the $25 for defensive driving.
I have chosen to do the online course so I could do it at my own leisure and it would be so quick and easy. LIE! It has taken me about 4-5 to get just over half way done and I am bored out of my mind.
Here is my friendly advice for what it's worth. Take the comedy daytime course. Don't punish yourself the way I am.
Defensive driving = yuck.

Homeless and unemployed...

2009-05-26T17:06:00.001-07:00

Well, two weeks ago today we got an offer on our house and after much packing/moving/driving, we CLOSED today and are no longer home owners! So, now we are homeless- living with my mom until Steven is called to his first pastorate. We are going to be able to save a lot of money over the next few months and I am very excited about our next potential home purchase.

Yay!

prayers please

2009-05-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

Would someone please, please, please buy our precious home in Waco?

Please...

3 months

2009-04-22T15:57:00.000-07:00

So, on January 9, 2009, our lives drastically changed and I have been unable to blog about it and it's been killing me. For those of you who know me well, you know that I loved my job as a supervisor with CIS and it would take something huge to pull me away. If you know anything about Steven and my great hopes for the future, you might probably also know that we hope to end up in the Dallas area to start our family and pastor our first church. We yearn to be near our families.
So, on Jan. 9th I get a voicemail from my old internship supervisor from grad school telling me that her job is open and they would like me to apply. WHAT???? Colleyville Heritage High School??? The place where I fell in love with school social work... are you kidding me? So after much talk and prayer and planning with the husband and mom (who I would live with if this all goes down), we decided to go for it. So, a week later I had the interview, and a few days after that I had the job. The job description was even rewritten for an LMSW or LCSW. It truly is the dream school social work job. Freedom to work with the kids, a nice raise, NO grants, employed directly by the school district, and 6 weeks off in the summer. Could life get any better?
The tough part came in the harsh realization that Steven and I would not be living together and that our great master plan for how things would happen was apparently not the same as God's. So, my last day of work at CIS was February 13th and I "moved out" that weekend and moved myself, Sammy, and my clothes in with my mom in Denton.
While the past 2+ months have not been easy, they are and will be well worth it.
Exciting, crazy, stressful times.
All that being said, areas of needed prayer:
-the transition of leaving our church
-the sale of our home
-the transition of living with mom and not with each other (i love my mommy... she's great)
-steven finding a job up here next fall
-prayer for me as I am still adjusting and learning my way around my new job

I reallllllly miss my friends in Waco, so that has been definitely not so much fun to be apart from good girlfriends.

So, that is our 3 month update that I have been dying to tell my faithful readers.

Have a great day!

Steven's first baptism

2009-04-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

As a Christian and a pastor's wife, it was such a joy for me to see my husband perform his first baptism. Several weeks ago, this precious young lady, Morgan, came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as savior and her family asked Steven to do the baptism. Yay! This sweet family is wonderful and a great refletion of God's goodness and love. It was a proud moment. It is amazing to have such a loving God and a husband so committed to serving him.

Be blessed!

New York and happenings

2009-03-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

Spring break was good...
I gained 5 pounds in NYC so that proves how wonderful it was. We saw Wicked (amazing) and the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were probably our overall favs. I will post pics soon...

There are many things going on in the lives of the Schafers right now which I wish I could blog about and ask for specific prayer. I am not at a point where I can do that however, and would just like to ask for general intercession on behalf of my husband and myself. There are many exciting, scary, overwhelming, amazing things happening and I would appreciate any lifting up.

In other news, someday Sammy will get a little wienie dog brother and we have decided that he shall be named Gus. What do you think of this name? :)

I have the most amazing husband in the world... sorry ladies

2009-01-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

I have officially decided today (not that I didn't already know this) that I have the most amazing, supportive, fabulous husband in the world.
After two trips to Hobby Lobby in one day to help me pick out candles, baskets, and fake flowers, I know he surpasses the greatness of most other men.
On top of this fabulousness, he also helped me clean house all morning, helped me buy and organize things for our ladies retreat, and took me for a delicious Mexican breakfast at Lolitas. Yummy!
Steven is so caring, supportive, and generous in his love for me and I am so thankful for the way we work as a team.
Oh, and did I mention that he is totally cute?!

In other news, I made my first faux flower arrangement and it is totally cute. I feel so proud when I succeed at being crafty.

New York is only like a month and a half away- we are so excited! We really need to start making an itinerary. We are in the 7th row for Wicked on Broadway...wahoo!
Spring break here we come...

Christmas Chaos...

2009-01-02T07:51:00.000-08:00

I love the holidays, but I am pretty sure I will love them even more when we live closer to the majority of our family. In the past week and a half we have driven to and from Waco and Denton four times and to and from Waco and Houston two times. It is so exhausting, especially for Sammy. He is a trooper.

It was an amazaing holiday, which began with Drew and Sarah's wedding. Steven was the best man. It was a beautiful ceremony and the bride was gorgeous!

Then came Christmas with out families. We were very spoiled and it was wonderful to spend an entire week with everyone. I gained SIX pounds back over the holidays though, so now I have some work to do to get back on track and lose more weight. We went to Maggiano's to eat, saw the trains at NorthPark, went to ICE at the Gaylord Texan, played a ton of games, and ate a lot. Great holiday!

While in houston with my dad, we were able to go see my best friends from high school. We once were four, but now are nine. They are so wonderful! We were also totally excited to see Kristin and Russell King and their precious baby girl, Campbell. Silly me forgot to take pictures, but she is beautiful. It was great to catch up.

They New Year's party at my dad's was fun. I must say that I dominate at American Idol on the Xbox.

It was a great holiday, but I am so glad to be home!

Happy New Year!

It covers me...

2008-12-03T20:02:00.000-08:00

Steven and I have so many things to be thankful for during this glorious advent season. I am so thankful first of all for the precious blood and grace of Jesus Christ that covers me. Without that, I would surely have nothing to be joyous or thankful for. I am also extremely thankful for my family and friends. The Lord weaves people together in such an interesting manner and it is so exciting to see pieces of his master plan revealed. My thankful list could go on and on, but I won't bore my approximately 3 readers with that info.

Thanksgiving break was great- not long enough. I love spending time with family... and eating :) The entire thing would have been oh so much better if I hadn't contracted Shingles somewhere along the way. Booo. I have never expereinced pain like I have in the past week and a half, but with much prayer and petition on my behalf by co-workers, friends, church members, the pain is bareable and I am hopeful it won't last as long as the doctors said it could possibly last (2-3 months).

In the midst of work drama, family drama, church drama, etc., there is such surpassing peace in knowing Jesus. I am very frustrated with politcial mumbo-jumbo in work, relationships, and mainly church issues, that it drives me batty.
When did Jesus Christ stop being enough?
I have been pondering this question about our churches, relationships, and culture/society and it saddens me. So many rules and regulations-and yes I understand that all those things have their place but at what point do we stop and say "Wait a minute here...we've lost sight of Christ"? When did everything get so complicated and how we get back to the basics? I know I am totally rambling and not making much sense but all these matters are hitting home so much lately.

In other lighter news:
-New York trip is 3 months away
-Christmas is 3 weeks away
-I officially have the baby bug
-I have lost 42 pounds total now (we'll see how I do over the holidays)
-Sammy is the cutest puppy ever

I will post Thanksgiving pics soon.
Be blessed!

New York, New York...

2008-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

We booked out trip tonight! Yay!!!!
We are so excited!

Change of Plans

2008-10-14T20:07:00.000-07:00

So Steven and I have been saving money to take a vacation in March during his spring break for some time now. My wonderful mommy is giving us free airline tickets, so of course we just have to use them! We had set our minds on doing Disneyworld because it would be such a magical blast before we have kiddos, however, there has been a change in plans.

When reviewing the budget in our monthly Schafer Family meeting, we have changed our minds and have decided to go with something equally as exciting and less expensive... NEW YORK CITY. We have been researching, budgeting, etc., but would love feedback from those who have gone and conquered the Big Apple in an economical fashion. So shoot any suggestions our way.

We are totally excited and can't wait for a totally FUN vacation together!

Friends

2008-09-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

Almost our entire first year living in Waco I was extremely miserable because I was so lonely. I had no good girl friends that lived withing 150 miles of me. I love having great friends and love being able to be a great friend in return, so this was an extremely rough period in my life and my poor husband heard me cry all the time.
The Lord of course heard my ridiculous sobbing and fervent prayers for friends and sent me the most amazing women. Lacy, Abigail, Robin, and Rachel have all become integral people in my life and I feel so blessed to have them. I know I can call any of them any time, I can pray with them, we can be insanely silly together and just be ourselves. It is wonderful. The Lord is faithful.

Last night we had a game night at our house with our closest friends and it was such a blast. Steven made tortilla role-ups and I made homemade meatballs, cream cheese salsa, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my fav). I must say as a wife that accomplishing something like making my mother's yummy meatballs well gives me a little confidence boost. Like, look I can be a good hostess, a good cook, etc. Yay! Anyway, we played Sequence, Loaded Question (fun new game), and catch phrase. Sammy was entertaining as always and everyone loves him :) I loved this time of fellowship and it made me reflect on how blessed Steven and I are with amazing Christ seeking, fun to be with friends.

Sunday Afternoon Bliss

2008-08-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon naps are almost required in our household. After a wonderful lunch (whatever I can whip together in half an hour or less) we all settle in for a fabulous nap. Sammy is even trained to sleep for at least an hour. It is amazing family time and really refreshes us after busy Sunday mornings.

Steven has finished his Greek course, and consequently all his language requirements in seminary. If Steven was a dancer, he would have danced with joy. My staff start school tommorrow and my life will also get crazier with fires to put out all over the place. I am pretty excited about it all, though. I bought myself an easy button from staples for my desk and do believe it is going to be my best therapy this year.

Yesterday we went to the Cameron Park Zoo here in Waco. We have memberships there and it is pretty much, handsdown our favorite place in Waco. We are getting an Orangutan and Kimodo Dragon, too (I am sure I spelled both of those words wrong). We also got drinks at Sonic's Happy Hour (yum) and shopeed around at Hobby Lobby and the grocery store. What a fun day! We topeed it all off with a treat to ourselves at OLIVE GARDEN and watching a movie. I love not having a huge Saturday agenda and getting to enjoy time together as husband and wife and best friends.

I hope everyone has an amazing next week and if you are at all affected by school being in session, good luck! Here are some pictures from our Anniversary weekend trip to Mesina Hof:

2nd Anniversary

2008-08-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

On August 5th we celebrated year number two of marriage. We may not be wealthy or able to celebrate in extravagant ways, but we enjoy each other and spending time together. I love this man. Love him!
The weekend before the actual day, my mom paid for us to go on a wonderful getaway for a night and we had sooo much fun. She offered to pay to do that for us every year for our anniversary. She is so wonderful and we are so blessed.
The 5th was on a Tuesday and I had to work all day and Steven had a Greek test, so needless to say he way a little bit stressed. I left work right on time so that I could swing by Mardels and buy him a book (he deserves so much more... being poor stinks). When I arrived home, the house was clean and there were post-it notes hung everywhere with sweet little notes for me with scripture and lovely complements written on them. My sweet husband was also cooking seafood alfredo, garlic bread, and I made brownies. Yum!
We played with Sammy, opened cards, and watched a silly movie. It was a great evening and I feel so lucky to be married to Steven Craig.
Hopefully I will have pictures to post soon of our weekend getaway.

Be blessed :)

A Great Week

2008-07-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished up VBS on Friday night with an excellent family night. The week was fabulous and completely exhausting being the VBS Director and working full time. We had about 80 kids on average, which is amazing for our little country church, and we had four children make decisions and even new families come to church on Sunday! Yay! The children were so joyous this week and learned to "Love God and Love their Neighbors". Intentional followup will happen and I am excited to see our church come together for our community. All that is left to do is tear it all down. Booo.

In other news, I had an interview in the middle of the week and received a promotion and a raise! I will now be the CIS Middle School Program Coordinator. I will no longer be at my school site, but instead will be housed out of our central office and will supervise all the social workers who do my current job. My official first day is Friday the 1st. Hoooooray for a raise.

Steven is still trucking along through Greek class. He definitely is not enjoying himself, but he knows that there are only 2 and a half weeks left and he CAN make it through. If you think about it, please pray for him. He is really stressed and discouraged about Greek.

It has been a wonderful week and we have officially decided (upon news of my raise) that we are going to DISNEYWORLD!!!!! Yay! More details to follow.

I must go now... the puppy wants to play :)

Yes!

2008-07-19T18:37:00.001-07:00

You know you are a huge nerd when you get excited about finding the perfect background for your blog...
I am maybe the biggest nerd ever.

In other news, I spent about 9 1/2 hours at church today (with many awesome church members) decorating and getting last minute things ready for VBS. The church is AMAZING. The Lord truly knows how to bring things together for His glory. I am now less stressed and more looking forward to watching God move this week in God's Big Backyard. I am totally pooped, though and so is my poor husband. Steven is such a trooper-he even made me a sack lunch today to bring to church. Sweet, sweet boy.

Changing gears: We have decided that I need a raise and Sammy needs a brother! Yes, a chocolate dachshund will be next... maybe next summer :)

I will leave you with the VBS memory verse for this week: Mark 12:29-31

29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[b] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[c]There is no commandment greater than these."

I forgot to mention...

2008-07-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

We finally got to meet the new addition to the Albers family this past weekend while in Houston.

Here his is: Caleb Mark Albers. We are so excited and happy for Sharla and Byron.

Now I just need to meet Campbell Rose King and Jaxon Britt Asbill...

Isn't summer suppossed to be relaxing??

2008-07-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

I am a school social worker and you would think with basically limited interaction with those Jr. High rebels from June-July that my summer would be enjoyable and restful... hah!
Between being the church's VBS director, summer school chaos, data entry, out of town trips, baby madness (not mine, of course), eye infections, puppy problems, and money that seems to be constantly disappearing, life is INSANE. Steven is taking all of his Greek courses this summer as well and is totally busy studying Greek night and day. I am a very proud wifey though- Steven made an A- in the first semester of Greek!
We have gone on "vacations" to Houston and Dallas to visit family, but they are very busy and are generally filled with weight gain and sometimes drama, depending on the family. We love our families though...
If I can get past VBS (July 20th-25th) life will start to look a little less hectic and I might feel like I can breathe again. If anyone actually reads this, which is probably very unlikely, please pray for our children at VBS. I hope that Jesus will work in lives and stir in hearts and be completely glorified!

If there is anyone out there who has one of these who can tell me how to effectively use it, I would so appreciate it. I don't know how to add friends, etc. and would like to do that.

Be blessed :)

Something in the water...

2008-05-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

It seems that just about every married couple that Steven and I know are having babies.
Holy cow.
Steven and I are so excited for all of our friends, but are just so far from being ready for that ourselves. We pray for the day that pregnancy does happen and we joke around picking out future baby names, but in reality we are just not there yet. I feel like we are still learning how to minister to each other, to the people of our community and congregation, and are still praying for insight and vision for our future.
I must admit in all the excitement and amazingness that is babies/pregnancy, I do find myself with the beginnings of baby fever. I will pacify those feelings for the time being. We must get Steven through his MDiv!
So, if there is something in the water, I will just have to start drinking coke :)

Catching the Vision

2008-05-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

Steven and I are at a point in our faith journey, both together and as individuals, where the Lord is really starting to vision cast in our hearts and minds. It is both exciting as it is totally frightening. Part of me is so ready to take a giant leap of faith and step out of our comfortable boundaries and part of me wants the safety and security that is so familiar.

We decided to keep a blog, as are so many of our friends, during our time of vision seeking and steady growth as family. I will update more soon once I get this whole blog thing figured out.