Monday, January 24, 2011
Reason # 984 That I Love Being Married to Marc
We laid on the bed, on our backs, legs intertwined and threw sock balls up in the air for about 10 minutes. Who ever hit the ceiling and caught their sock ball the most was the winner. We laughed and laughed and laughed. Marc won (I think making me laugh was part of his game plan to domination).
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
One word
I chuckled as I wrote the title of this blog - Sara Pensyl and "one word" don't often go together.
I talk a lot. I know this. In 10th grade my Typing teacher said to me (with a hint of frustration), "Sara! You talk too much! Use less words!" (I should mention that I got in trouble a lot throughout my school years for talking in class...I even had my name written on the board...more than once...yikes). While initially mildly offended by her words, I realized even then that it was a good lesson to learn.
I was just sharing last night about something my friend Stacy does (Hi Stac!). When Stacy talks it's worth listening to. Stac takes long pauses when he talks to make sure he's getting the right words. I love this and hate this at the same time. I only hate it because often I'm like "What? What! Stac! Finish your thought!". I do this because I'm so into what he's saying that the pause while he searches for the words is so dramatic - like the cliff hanger ending of a season of LOST. At the same time I love that Stacy does this. It shows that he really puts thought into each and every single word that exits his lips. I think that is admirable. How much of what I say isn't heard because I was just dumping words out? Because Stac shows you that he is putting a lot of thought into what he is saying to you it makes it worth listening to - the stuff you talk about with him is always good.
Anyway, on KLOVE this morning they were challenging listeners to pick one word to be their focus for the year. For example, the morning DJ Eric chose "deeper" in an effort to focus on tearing down walls and going deeper with God and his relationships with friends and his wife.
I really like this idea. I like things to focus on. I'd like to do this. Too bad now that I know Eric chose deeper I think it's like the best word ever, but feel like I can't use it because he's using it. Sigh.
I'll be thinking about what word I'll choose for me and let you know. What word are you choosing?
I talk a lot. I know this. In 10th grade my Typing teacher said to me (with a hint of frustration), "Sara! You talk too much! Use less words!" (I should mention that I got in trouble a lot throughout my school years for talking in class...I even had my name written on the board...more than once...yikes). While initially mildly offended by her words, I realized even then that it was a good lesson to learn.
I was just sharing last night about something my friend Stacy does (Hi Stac!). When Stacy talks it's worth listening to. Stac takes long pauses when he talks to make sure he's getting the right words. I love this and hate this at the same time. I only hate it because often I'm like "What? What! Stac! Finish your thought!". I do this because I'm so into what he's saying that the pause while he searches for the words is so dramatic - like the cliff hanger ending of a season of LOST. At the same time I love that Stacy does this. It shows that he really puts thought into each and every single word that exits his lips. I think that is admirable. How much of what I say isn't heard because I was just dumping words out? Because Stac shows you that he is putting a lot of thought into what he is saying to you it makes it worth listening to - the stuff you talk about with him is always good.
Anyway, on KLOVE this morning they were challenging listeners to pick one word to be their focus for the year. For example, the morning DJ Eric chose "deeper" in an effort to focus on tearing down walls and going deeper with God and his relationships with friends and his wife.
I really like this idea. I like things to focus on. I'd like to do this. Too bad now that I know Eric chose deeper I think it's like the best word ever, but feel like I can't use it because he's using it. Sigh.
I'll be thinking about what word I'll choose for me and let you know. What word are you choosing?
Holidays
I think Madonna really hit the nail on the head with this one:
Madonna lyrics aside - I had one of the most wonderful and enjoyable holiday seasons in a long, long time. Marc and I got to spend two WONDERFUL weeks together. I love, love, LOVE spending time with Marc. I'd spend time with Marc as my full time job if I could (and if he could stand me for that long!).
We went over to Nazareth and picked up Grammy Rose on December 23 for a trip down to Princeton, NJ to see Marc's Uncle Frank, Aunt Maureen, and his two cousins Frankie and Charlie (hi guys!). We spent the day just hanging out with them and listening to Grammy tell stories (I now know that cyber bullying occurs on Facebook and her daily routine down to the minute). We got to go to squash practice at Princeton University with Frankie and enjoyed two delicious meals with them. Time with family is always too short!
We got back to our place on Christmas Eve and Erin, Jay, and the kids had arrived safely. Marc played in the worship band at the 5pm service so we loaded everyone into cars and went to church. I got to hold and snuggle David all through the service. It was wonderful spending Christmas Eve with the most handsome guy in the room. He and I also made it through the candle lighting and singing Silent Night with nothing going wrong (I was pleased about this, I didn't want to get in trouble with Erin, she's very intimidating). I held him on my hip and he just casually wiggled his legs every now and then.
We went back to my parents house and had a late dinner. Then we celebrated Jesus's birthday with a cake and much singing. Ironically, it was a devils food cake. That Jesus - what a sense of humor.
Christmas morning Marc and I woke up super early to meet our good friends Jessica and Aaron in Boalsburg to deliver Christmas presents to the family our Life Group had adopted. It was a mom and her 13 month old son - she was so pleased to have us do this. I was able to be part of delivering gifts to three different families this year - I like that heart swelling feeling that happens as you're taking your blessings from God and blessing others. I like seeing love in action.
Then we headed back to get the Pensyl family festivities started -
The fun didn't stop there though - then we headed over to my parents house where we go to hang out with Abigail and David:
If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice
Everybody spread the word
We're gonna have a celebration
All across the world
In every nation
It's time for the good times
Forget about the bad times, oh yeah
One day to come together
To release the pressure
We need a holiday
You can turn this world around
And bring back all of those happy days
Put your troubles down
It's time to celebrate
Let love shine
And we will find
A way to come together
And make things better
We need a holiday
Holiday Celebrate
We went over to Nazareth and picked up Grammy Rose on December 23 for a trip down to Princeton, NJ to see Marc's Uncle Frank, Aunt Maureen, and his two cousins Frankie and Charlie (hi guys!). We spent the day just hanging out with them and listening to Grammy tell stories (I now know that cyber bullying occurs on Facebook and her daily routine down to the minute). We got to go to squash practice at Princeton University with Frankie and enjoyed two delicious meals with them. Time with family is always too short!
We got back to our place on Christmas Eve and Erin, Jay, and the kids had arrived safely. Marc played in the worship band at the 5pm service so we loaded everyone into cars and went to church. I got to hold and snuggle David all through the service. It was wonderful spending Christmas Eve with the most handsome guy in the room. He and I also made it through the candle lighting and singing Silent Night with nothing going wrong (I was pleased about this, I didn't want to get in trouble with Erin, she's very intimidating). I held him on my hip and he just casually wiggled his legs every now and then.
We went back to my parents house and had a late dinner. Then we celebrated Jesus's birthday with a cake and much singing. Ironically, it was a devils food cake. That Jesus - what a sense of humor.
Christmas morning Marc and I woke up super early to meet our good friends Jessica and Aaron in Boalsburg to deliver Christmas presents to the family our Life Group had adopted. It was a mom and her 13 month old son - she was so pleased to have us do this. I was able to be part of delivering gifts to three different families this year - I like that heart swelling feeling that happens as you're taking your blessings from God and blessing others. I like seeing love in action.
Then we headed back to get the Pensyl family festivities started -
The Christmas Tree
Marc opening up one of his gifts
My favorite gift (Marc always gets me the best gifts). He took an old window frame and put in pictures from our engagement photo shoot and our wedding. I love it! We hung it on the wall in our bedroom!
The aftermath. Lil and Tuck were enjoying rawhides Santa Paws had left in their stockings.
The fun didn't stop there though - then we headed over to my parents house where we go to hang out with Abigail and David:
Christmas morning was a wee bit overwhelming for Abigail, but she had a blast anyway!
We had LOTS of tea parties!
David smiled and bounced up and down the whole day. Taking time out to eat and take a nap every now and then. I'll tell you, he really knows how it's done!
Dad's birthday is December 29, but we celebrated it on December 26 so all of the kids could be there. He turned 60 (I think he's so handsome for 60, don't you?) and had a Summer BBQ themed birthday (being born in December he's never gotten to have an outdoor birthday picnic celebration).
For some reason, still unknown to me, Dad insisted on being photographed with a beer. Dad drinks like one beer a year. I guess this was it. Oh the fashionable garb he's wearing? Marc and I took it on ourselves to purchase the party decorations...
In this photo he's instructing (yelling) at me to not put these photos on Facebook. Good thing this is a blog.
Marc and I bought moustaches for everyone to wear. Ok, ok, so it didn't fit in perfectly with the Summer BBQ theme, but they were still a hit!
Erin REALLY enjoyed her moustache. It really is the simple things she enjoys. Additionally for those who have never met Erin in person - she really is quite beautiful under that moustache - please don't let this be your lasting impression of her!
We all thought David looked the best in his moustache though!
Backstory - I had debated sticking a moustache on David earlier in the day, but in case he started to cry I didn't want Erin to yell at me so I resisted. She was out of the room later and I couldn't resist the temptation any longer as I was holding him so I just stuck it on him. He loved it! Once I saw he wasn't going to tell on me I ran down to show Erin how cute he looked! He just smiled the whole time!
It was cherished time with family which, with the exception of Jesus, is what it's all about right?
We drove up to Massachusetts to visit my grandparents - we had a great time with them. Grandma informed us that "uno" is not Spanish (don't ask) and Grandpa was a riot. Real life conversation during a wild game of Uno (where Grandpa and I beat Marc and Grandma):
Grandma (in a warning tone to Grandpa): You know Roy Powers...
Grandpa: I sure do. He's a great guy!
Hahaha - it was probably a "had to be there" moment, but it was funny (and brave of him to sass Grandma like that!).
We spent New Years Eve with the Sublett family. We love spending time with them. We went out to dinner with them and Delma at Red Lobster where we got to see Paul and Jared. Then after they went downtown and we went home to feed the dogs we met back at their house. We ate food even though we weren't hungry and placed a few rounds of the Name Game. Lilly kicked our butts - she killed us in like every round. Josie didn't quite get the concept, but it made the game more interesting (category: cartoon characters, Josie: football) - luckily she laughed along with us over it. And you know what? Princess is a tough word to spell even if English is your first language! I was able to spend time talking (...listening...) to Josie tell me about her life in China. Marc informed Kim that the reason I could understand Josie so well is because Marc is a mumbler AND a fast talker. He was sure I'd have no problem understanding Josie! Marc and Kim whipped up a cheesecake from scratch and then Marc played Webkins with Annabelle. Sadie looked beautiful in her new "fancy clothes".
At midnight the ball dropped and Marc and I kissed. Annabelle apparently missed this kiss in all the hub bub and marched over to us at about 12:00:30 and said "You. Kiss" while first pointing to us with her index fingers and then touching the tips of her index fingers together. I said "We did!", but she wasn't having it. So we kissed again, but Stac walked in between the kiss and Annabelle so she made us kiss again, then Stac just starting being goofy so Annabelle couldn't see. We ended up kissing about 47 times before Annabelle was satisfied!
Then we headed outside for Silly String time - Marc and I covertly hid our cans until the kids ran out of their silly string and posed for a picture - then we struck. Ahhhh it was great! They fell for it last year too!
Levi just stood there with his mouth slightly open and let us get him. He's such a lovable weirdo.
And that's a wrap.
We drove up to Massachusetts to visit my grandparents - we had a great time with them. Grandma informed us that "uno" is not Spanish (don't ask) and Grandpa was a riot. Real life conversation during a wild game of Uno (where Grandpa and I beat Marc and Grandma):
Grandma (in a warning tone to Grandpa): You know Roy Powers...
Grandpa: I sure do. He's a great guy!
Hahaha - it was probably a "had to be there" moment, but it was funny (and brave of him to sass Grandma like that!).
We spent New Years Eve with the Sublett family. We love spending time with them. We went out to dinner with them and Delma at Red Lobster where we got to see Paul and Jared. Then after they went downtown and we went home to feed the dogs we met back at their house. We ate food even though we weren't hungry and placed a few rounds of the Name Game. Lilly kicked our butts - she killed us in like every round. Josie didn't quite get the concept, but it made the game more interesting (category: cartoon characters, Josie: football) - luckily she laughed along with us over it. And you know what? Princess is a tough word to spell even if English is your first language! I was able to spend time talking (...listening...) to Josie tell me about her life in China. Marc informed Kim that the reason I could understand Josie so well is because Marc is a mumbler AND a fast talker. He was sure I'd have no problem understanding Josie! Marc and Kim whipped up a cheesecake from scratch and then Marc played Webkins with Annabelle. Sadie looked beautiful in her new "fancy clothes".
At midnight the ball dropped and Marc and I kissed. Annabelle apparently missed this kiss in all the hub bub and marched over to us at about 12:00:30 and said "You. Kiss" while first pointing to us with her index fingers and then touching the tips of her index fingers together. I said "We did!", but she wasn't having it. So we kissed again, but Stac walked in between the kiss and Annabelle so she made us kiss again, then Stac just starting being goofy so Annabelle couldn't see. We ended up kissing about 47 times before Annabelle was satisfied!
Then we headed outside for Silly String time - Marc and I covertly hid our cans until the kids ran out of their silly string and posed for a picture - then we struck. Ahhhh it was great! They fell for it last year too!
And that's a wrap.
T- Five Months
In exactly five months from now I will be at my favorite place on Earth. I'll probably be sweaty, have bug bites, and be kicking myself for not paying closer attention during my Spanish classes at Penn State.
I'll be in the Dominican Republic at the Rose of Sharon Orphanage with the boys and girls that live there. They'll all be talking to me (in Espanol to boot) at once and wanting me to look in 15 different directions at what each of them is doing. They'll be laughing and taking pictures with my camera. I might get run over by a bike. Whatever happens - it's going to be good. And it's going to be God.
My heart literally overflows when I'm there. This is because my two love languages are supplied in a big way there (quality time and acts of service).
I'm looking forward to talking to Juan Carlos and Bernardo. To poking David's nose. To wondering when Usher, or someone of the like, will discover Christofer and turn him into the budding rap artist that is was meant to me (watch him turn out to be a pastor or something). And most of all to hugging Jalin and trying to convey everything I can't say (literally and figuratively) to him through hugs and short amount of time I'll get to spend with him.
Five months is still too long...
I'll be in the Dominican Republic at the Rose of Sharon Orphanage with the boys and girls that live there. They'll all be talking to me (in Espanol to boot) at once and wanting me to look in 15 different directions at what each of them is doing. They'll be laughing and taking pictures with my camera. I might get run over by a bike. Whatever happens - it's going to be good. And it's going to be God.
My heart literally overflows when I'm there. This is because my two love languages are supplied in a big way there (quality time and acts of service).
I'm looking forward to talking to Juan Carlos and Bernardo. To poking David's nose. To wondering when Usher, or someone of the like, will discover Christofer and turn him into the budding rap artist that is was meant to me (watch him turn out to be a pastor or something). And most of all to hugging Jalin and trying to convey everything I can't say (literally and figuratively) to him through hugs and short amount of time I'll get to spend with him.
Five months is still too long...
Thoughts
Did you know that 49 out of 50 states have snow on the ground right now? Florida is the lucky winner with no snow on the ground.
The past year or two I kept thinking I wanted a mondo storm like 1993 again, but now I don't wish that. On days it snows Marc has to leave real early and is gone all day to plow. Snow days are no fun when you're home alone with no one to shovel, drink hot chocolate, and watch bad TV shows with! And Lily and Tucker are like two lumps who just snooze the day away so they're not that fun either on snow days!
My friend Paul said something that really struck a chord in me last night. We were at life group reading "Doctrine" by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears and discussing what the term "covenant" really means and the various covenants God has made with His creation throughout history. We were talking about how God creates us from Himself, cares for us, and loves us. Paul said, "God calls me His creation even if I am just the booger He picked out of His nose". We laughed, but what Paul said is so true and a good reminder. I'm proud to be one of God's boogers!
My Marc is so good to me. I sent him a text message from work last night while I was on a call that was going longer than I had planned. The message said, "Probably can't leave for another 15 mins...star. ving." When I got home 45 minutes later he had made me my favorite dinner (Nature burgers) and had it ready to go. Some may argue that he only does this because he fears for his own life (I'm, uh, not the nicest person to be around when I'm hungry), and while that may be true, I know that there is a tiny part of him that does it because he loves me. I am lucky to be loved by a man that likes taking care of me. It's also a good lesson for me, Miss I Don't Need Anyone To Take Care Of Me, to be reminded of.
Marc gets frustrated because he says I don't ask for help when I need it (pffft.). We joke around about this, but it is something I am trying to work on. Marc is also teaching me the point where I ask for help (apparently it's somewhere prior to when I'm all ticked of and have thrown something across the room). Over Christmas my mom (hi Mom!) had our baby books out and Marc and I were looking through mine. Guess what my first sentence was? "I do all by myself" Sigh. I have a long road ahead of me.
Bart visited last weekend - I hardly got to see him, but even if I had been around I'm not sure if I could have wiggled my way into the bromance. We are SO THANKFUL that Bart is back here safe and sound. Please still be praying for him as he is figuring out what life after the Air Force will look like.
Slip of the tongue or true feelings? An actual conversation between Marc and myself:
Sara: Marc! Marc! Marc!
Marc: What?
Sara: Uh...
Marc: Hurry up, you're a waste of time
Sara: *shocked look*
Marc: I mean you're wasting time! That's what I meant!
We laughed about it. I love this guy.
Leadership Advance was this past weekend - what a ride. I love when I go into something with a "worldly" heart and God just messes me up and pushes me and makes it so much better than I could have imagined. I posted some pictures on Facebook. We had five of the HSM senior girls and five of the HSM senior guys - this group was a trip (I guess I'm 76 since I just used the word "trip" in that context). My group two years ago was a lot of "S" - this group still had a lot of "S", but nearly every single one of us had "I" - it made for a really fun group! As a coach I was supposed to keep my mouth closed and let the participants problem solve together and observe them interacting. Many thanks to Jake Nold who asked me what I was thinking every now and then when he noticed I was nearing a point of explosion from keeping all my thoughts inside. Jake is very good to me like that. And, for the record, I didn't break any rules by anything I said. It was funny to see our personalities change throughout the day based on meal times, amount of sleep, etc. Also, for the record, I hate that PVC pipe activity as well (although it does work, I've seen it). I had a really big moment with one person in the group - they may not know it - but God was very present. I pray that He continues working in that relationship. I also got to know one of the other girls better - I had been praying for an opening in that relationship and God provided it - I pray that He guides me as I seek more time with this individual!
Marc and I just drove from Harvest Fields to Subway and back again. We hit every yellow light in between. Every. Single. One. Marc said they were "soft yellows" and drove through them.
I still owe you a post about the holidays...
The past year or two I kept thinking I wanted a mondo storm like 1993 again, but now I don't wish that. On days it snows Marc has to leave real early and is gone all day to plow. Snow days are no fun when you're home alone with no one to shovel, drink hot chocolate, and watch bad TV shows with! And Lily and Tucker are like two lumps who just snooze the day away so they're not that fun either on snow days!
My friend Paul said something that really struck a chord in me last night. We were at life group reading "Doctrine" by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears and discussing what the term "covenant" really means and the various covenants God has made with His creation throughout history. We were talking about how God creates us from Himself, cares for us, and loves us. Paul said, "God calls me His creation even if I am just the booger He picked out of His nose". We laughed, but what Paul said is so true and a good reminder. I'm proud to be one of God's boogers!
My Marc is so good to me. I sent him a text message from work last night while I was on a call that was going longer than I had planned. The message said, "Probably can't leave for another 15 mins...star. ving." When I got home 45 minutes later he had made me my favorite dinner (Nature burgers) and had it ready to go. Some may argue that he only does this because he fears for his own life (I'm, uh, not the nicest person to be around when I'm hungry), and while that may be true, I know that there is a tiny part of him that does it because he loves me. I am lucky to be loved by a man that likes taking care of me. It's also a good lesson for me, Miss I Don't Need Anyone To Take Care Of Me, to be reminded of.
Marc gets frustrated because he says I don't ask for help when I need it (pffft.). We joke around about this, but it is something I am trying to work on. Marc is also teaching me the point where I ask for help (apparently it's somewhere prior to when I'm all ticked of and have thrown something across the room). Over Christmas my mom (hi Mom!) had our baby books out and Marc and I were looking through mine. Guess what my first sentence was? "I do all by myself" Sigh. I have a long road ahead of me.
Bart visited last weekend - I hardly got to see him, but even if I had been around I'm not sure if I could have wiggled my way into the bromance. We are SO THANKFUL that Bart is back here safe and sound. Please still be praying for him as he is figuring out what life after the Air Force will look like.
Slip of the tongue or true feelings? An actual conversation between Marc and myself:
Sara: Marc! Marc! Marc!
Marc: What?
Sara: Uh...
Marc: Hurry up, you're a waste of time
Sara: *shocked look*
Marc: I mean you're wasting time! That's what I meant!
We laughed about it. I love this guy.
Leadership Advance was this past weekend - what a ride. I love when I go into something with a "worldly" heart and God just messes me up and pushes me and makes it so much better than I could have imagined. I posted some pictures on Facebook. We had five of the HSM senior girls and five of the HSM senior guys - this group was a trip (I guess I'm 76 since I just used the word "trip" in that context). My group two years ago was a lot of "S" - this group still had a lot of "S", but nearly every single one of us had "I" - it made for a really fun group! As a coach I was supposed to keep my mouth closed and let the participants problem solve together and observe them interacting. Many thanks to Jake Nold who asked me what I was thinking every now and then when he noticed I was nearing a point of explosion from keeping all my thoughts inside. Jake is very good to me like that. And, for the record, I didn't break any rules by anything I said. It was funny to see our personalities change throughout the day based on meal times, amount of sleep, etc. Also, for the record, I hate that PVC pipe activity as well (although it does work, I've seen it). I had a really big moment with one person in the group - they may not know it - but God was very present. I pray that He continues working in that relationship. I also got to know one of the other girls better - I had been praying for an opening in that relationship and God provided it - I pray that He guides me as I seek more time with this individual!
Marc and I just drove from Harvest Fields to Subway and back again. We hit every yellow light in between. Every. Single. One. Marc said they were "soft yellows" and drove through them.
I still owe you a post about the holidays...
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Blog Update
Hi Friends!
I know my blogging lately has been non-existant and I apologize for that...I actually really hate technology though and try to not use it when I get home from work. Additionally, they've added key stroke tracking software to our PCs at work so I don't want to post from there anymore (not saying I won't...). It's like they want me to be productive at work...how terribly inconvenient for me...
I'll post a Pensyl Family Holiday Update soon, I promise. Leadership Advance is this weekend so I'll be focused on that and probably won't get to another update until next week!
I know my blogging lately has been non-existant and I apologize for that...I actually really hate technology though and try to not use it when I get home from work. Additionally, they've added key stroke tracking software to our PCs at work so I don't want to post from there anymore (not saying I won't...). It's like they want me to be productive at work...how terribly inconvenient for me...
I'll post a Pensyl Family Holiday Update soon, I promise. Leadership Advance is this weekend so I'll be focused on that and probably won't get to another update until next week!
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