::Joy is my middle name::

En Route

2010-08-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Wedding pictures are on their way!

Introducing...

2010-08-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Mr. and Mrs. Marty and Annette Lessmann!

bruce shrock photography

July 24 was a day we'll never forget. It was full of love... we feel so blessed to be able to celebrate with our closest family and friends! We're thankful for the support and for all that everyone did to make it such a special day.

I woke up that morning at 4:00... I was just too excited to sleep! I forced myself to stay in bed until 6 and was making blueberry coffee cake for my bridesmaids before everyone else was up. All of the gals came over for hair and makeup and we headed to Boulder to take pictures with Marty and the groomsmen.

The first time Marty and I saw each other was a beautiful moment. His tears said it all. I was in awe of this man I was about to marry... and I made sure to soak up every moment. Taking pictures with Marty and the rest of the wedding party was a blast... we love our bridesmaids and groomsmen!!

The wedding was amazing. Hotter than hot, but perfect. The wedding party and I walked down the aisle to "Walk Down this Mountain" by Bebo Norman (played by the very talented Chuck Hugenberg and Brian Davis). Dear friends sang an artsy rendition of the Doxology and we enjoyed hymns and favorite worship songs during Communion. Our pastor invited us to serve the Communion. It was one of the best parts of the ceremony because we were able to interact with each of our guests in a divine way.

The ceremony wasn't a performance... it was a worship service. A beautiful, simple, loving statement lifting up Jesus in our lives and in our relationship. It looked exactly how we wanted it to look, and I think it looked exactly how Jesus wanted it to look as well.

We became man and wife! While running to our decorated car through all of our guests' cheering, I felt the love of the day radiating toward my new husband and me.

Then... we partied. We had a wonderful reception at the Colorado National Golf Club where we chatted with the guests, ate dinner, enjoyed time as man & wife, danced, tossed, and celebrated the incredible thing that had just happened.

Again, thanks to everyone who made it such a fantastic day. We're so grateful for the love and support!

We haven't seen all of the wedding photos yet, but they're on their way... and when we see them, we'll be sure to share them with you. Enjoy the few we have...

bruce shrock photography

Island Time

2010-06-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

Marty and I just got back from a fantastic sailing vacation with family and friends in the British Virgin Islands. The two weeks were full of beautiful sights, exciting adventures, quality conversations, and much needed relaxation. Highlights from the trip included scuba diving around a shipwreck, snorkeling, running on Peter Island, reading, enjoying wonderful sunsets, experiencing the island culture, and quality time with my Marty Man.

Journeying

2010-06-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

The past 4 months have been some of the most intense and poignant months I have ever experienced. There were many tears, prayers, conversations, and moments wondering if the right decision was being made.

The sweetest part was that I got to journey right alongside Marty.

Knowing that we wanted something new when we got married, Marty started the job hunting process way back at the beginning of spring. The guy watched every school district in Colorado closely to see if a math opening would be available for the fall. He applied over and over again not letting the fact that this is THE most difficult job market for teachers in the history of... teachers. I supported him in any way that I could and eagerly awaited news of an upcoming interview.

Windsor High School (in Northern Colorado) interviewed Marty and offered him a job in mid-April. My first reaction was "we're moving to Fort Collins!" Marty's first reaction was anything but. His heart was completely on edge about the entire thing and he felt no peace about the job. So, after much deliberation, we decided to turn it down.

It was then that the toughest parts of the journey began. We had so many conversations about where we wanted to live (we even thought of moving to Seattle for something really new), what our goals were, and what we wanted our marriage to look like. Neither of us wanted to cause the other person to sacrifice a lot, but we also didn't want to settle. We had a few great conversations with our counselor and friends, and their wisdom and guidance helped us to realize what was truly important to us. We knew we wanted to be in Colorado. We knew that I would start school as soon as possible to get my teaching license. We knew we wanted a story to tell.

A few weeks ago, Marty applied at Niwot High School. It wasn't a school he had heard a lot about, but he applied anyway. Right before we left St. Louis for Colorado to spend Memorial Day with family, he got a call from the high school's interview team. They wanted to talk to him on the Thursday that we were driving to Colorado, so Marty interviewed in the car while we headed west on I-70. After the interview, we were both pretty sure that we wouldn't hear back from them.

A few days later, however, Marty got an email from Niwot's principal. He wanted to talk to him again! After that meeting, Marty became Niwot High School's newest math teacher! We both love the area (mountains, trees, open space, and friendly people) and are really looking forward to starting live just north of Boulder.

I'm thankful for the journey. It's just beginning! Even though what we went through was hard, it was refining, and I truly believe that the Lord used that time to ask us to trust Him more and more. We learned so much about each other, about ourselves, and about life - and we are truly thankful for His hand in all of it.

If you prayed for us, thank you. If you thought of us, thank you. If you asked us about our journey, thank you. This isn't the end... we're just getting started. Life together isn't always going to be easy, but it is going to be good.

Showered...

2010-05-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my first bridal shower! It was in Bakersfield, California so that I could celebrate with all of my aunts and cousins. My cousin Emily and sister-in-law Danielle threw the party... and they did a fabulous job!

I'm so thankful for all of the friends and family who have surrounded us at this time. It's such a blessing and it makes this sweet time even better.

Here are some pictures from the sunny afternoon...

Enjoying this sweet time

2010-04-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

... it has been far too long since I last posted a blog.

The month of March was crazy and amazing and beautiful and meaningful all at the same time. The last time I wrote, the man I love so much had proposed only hours earlier. What a whirlwind it was to realize my life is changing and to feel so chosen and loved. It took a while for reality to set in - I kept thinking wow, do I really get to marry this guy?!

We hit the ground running with our wedding plans. Asking our attendants to be a part of our wedding was special... my best friend, Jill, was honored. My sister in law laughed (and said yes, of course). Cousin Emily squealed. Marty's sisters were shocked and glad I asked them. My favorite reaction of them all: Roma. One of the flower girls.

I think our favorite part of planning so far has been the registering. While walking around Target and Crate & Barrel, we'd see something to add to our list, and Marty would gleefully say, let me hear that beep!

A mid-March trip to snowy Colorado allowed for an awesome day with my mom and Jill to find THE DRESS. I found it. And since Marty reads this blog, that's all I'm going to say about it...

I could go on and on about details (like a fantastic honeymoon in the Upper Northwest), but I won't. One thing that I've learned is that instead of getting caught up in the planning and details of the "day", to enjoy the man I get to spend my life with. He's an amazing helper with all of the things that need to get finished, but I'm most thankful that through the process since we've gotten engaged, I've truly seen his heart beat less and less for himself, and more and more for us.

There are 109 days until we get to truly be "us" and I couldn't be happier!

YES!

2010-03-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely on Cloud 9!

Marty asked me to marry him today! And of course, I said yes.

After coaching baseball this morning, Marty rode his bike over to my house. He showed up and motioned for me to get my keys so he could put his bike in my car. I pushed the unlock button from inside the house, but he wanted me to go outside. I walked out to the car, and he asked "what do you want to do today?" I said, "how about we take the Metro (subway) somewhere?" He said "That's a great idea... I have a better idea (while getting down on his knee) -- Annette Versluys, will you marry me?" I said over and over again, "are you kidding me?" and I said an emphatic YES.

I loved the proposal. I thought he'd do something big and grand, but had he, I would have known he was up to something. He totally caught me off guard. It was simple, sweet, and totally us.

We still ended up taking the Metro to downtown St. Louis and enjoyed talking about marriage and being giddy.

Wow. It's awesome!

Happy Monday!!

2010-02-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Whew, it's been over a month since I moved to Missouri. I've definitely enjoyed myself and have loved getting to know Marty better in the same city.

My job is going well (I'm actually enjoying it!). It's been nice to get to know some of the people I work with. In a typical week, I work during the day twice and at night once. I hope to add some more hours, but for now I'm thankful that I even have a job.

Last weekend, Marty and I ventured 11 1/2 hours in the car to Santa Rosa, Florida. It's a small beach community between Destin and Panama City Beach. We were supposed to meet up with two other couples, but due to sickness and snow, it ended up just being us. It was a nice weekend to learn more about each other and enjoy uninterrupted time together. Highlights included a great walk on the beach followed by a beautiful sunset, time in the sun (it was a little cold... but it was definitely warmer than chilly St. Louis!), and a funny seafood hunt. We were thankful for the house that was generously given to us for the weekend.

So, life in St. Louis isn't only a giant blessing, it's also really fun!

What do we do out here? Well... we cook, run, play, laugh, go to the park, walk around the museums (I haven't mentioned yet, but a bunch of great museums and the zoo are all free out here! Can't beat that!), learn, watch Jeopardy (and lately the Olympics), work, chat, and enjoy life.

Life is good.

Oh, and Marty says hi.

:)

Feeling settled in St. Louis

2010-02-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm well into my third week in St. Louis. I'm finally feeling settled here... I know my way around and it feels like "my" city.

St. Louis is a neat city. The sunny days are BEAUTIFUL. The cloudy days are frigid, but I remind myself that it is February after all...

The job hunt was a little frustrating. Coming to Missouri, I thought I'd be able to apply at a few places and get a job. I was proved wrong. I ended up applying at over 20 different places: coffee shops, clothing stores, REI, Restoration Hardware, cupcake bakeries, and other places. I finally got a job at a place called Time for Dinner. It's a place where people come and prepare meals that they take home, freeze, and cook later. I think it'll be a fun job with good people. I'll continue to look for another job, but for right now, this one seems like a good fit.

My little apartment is treating me well, too...

The other day Marty showed up with some tulips...

My room is small but cozy...

Last weekend, M and I went on a spontaneous weekend getaway to Greencastle, Indiana. Population: tiny. We spent the weekend with his dear friends Bob and Jamie Jedele. Bob and Jamie are the parents of Marty's best friend, Paul and they have a wonderful, welcoming home. We laughed... a lot. We went sledding and laughed even more. We shot guns off the back porch... which was not a laughing matter (even though we laughed at how good I was, even though it was my first time!). On Saturday afternoon we met up with some of Marty's friends, watched Kentucky Basketball and later sat around the camp fire. The weekend was precious to me because I was able to see Marty in his element... so comfortable, so free, so himself. The company was awesome -- I wouldn't mind taking another trip to the "Jedele Retreat Center" again!

So, needless to say, things are going really well. Visitors are always welcome... there are plenty of things to do and see in this city! It would be fun to show my friends and family this place that I get to call "home".

home.

2010-01-28T09:50:00.000-08:00

This song brought tears to my eyes this morning. I've heard it a thousand times, but today something struck me...

I've been feeling pretty homesick the past couple of days. If I'm busy job hunting or cooking dinner with Marty, I don't feel much of it. But it's in the moments when I'm by myself or thinking about Colorado that I feel it the most. After searching my heart this morning, I realized something: I miss home because that's where I found my identity. I found my identity in the people I surrounded myself with, in the comfort I felt, in the things I did. Now I don't have those things anymore... I have a new love, a new place to live, and new things to do in life.

Maybe... just maybe... God has taken me out of Colorado not only to fall deeper in love with a wonderful man, but to fall deeper in love with Jesus. Because no matter where I am or what I'm doing...

...HE is home.

The things I've learned

2010-01-27T06:42:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting here in my apartment thinking about the things I've learned in the past week while living in St. Louis. It was weird to put my clothes into a dresser instead of taking them out of a dresser.

I've learned persistence. I was so naive in thinking that it wouldn't take long to get a job. I applied at a few school districts and four Starbucks, only to be told "we don't need anyone right now" each time. So now I've everywhere from REI to Gap (3 Gaps, actually) to a little cupcake bakery down the street. Something will pop up... hopefully...

I've learned that even if the sky is gray, blue skies will come again one day. From the time we drove into the fog in Kansas to when we played golf on Sunday, we didn't see the sun... the fog just sat over St. Louis. But more than physical fog, last week I felt an emotional fog... not only did I miss Colorado and all the people I love there, but the move out east proved to be a bigger transition than I was expecting. After some time with Jesus on Sunday morning, a joyful afternoon on the golf course following church (it was fahhhreezing), and a great conversation with Marty that night, my spirits were lifted and I gained perspective on life in St. Lou.

I've learned that 9.5 times out of 10 the noises outside of my room aren't a creeper in my apartment... they're just coming from next door. Ohhh, apartment life. This is my first time living in an apartment... the walls are paper thin, the heat can't decide what to do, the shower will remain unmentioned, but it's home. Marty was so gracious in helping me make this place feel homey for the next four months. On Saturday, we found a thrift store where we got a food storage cabinet for $6 and barn stars for $1. I painted 5 red tulips on a white canvas. I have frames but no pictures to fill them and a lamp without a shade. But other than that, I'm settled.

I've learned that being able to date my boyfriend like any normal couple would do has made everything worth it. Last night was the first time Marty came over after work to hang out, make dinner, and spend some time together (I stayed at his parents' house for the first week before we had the chance to move me in to my place). And we'll try it out again tonight... dating like a real couple... who live 15 minutes apart. How great is that??

Finally.

2010-01-12T17:44:00.001-08:00

Thursday is my last day of work.

Saturday is the day Marty flies out here.

Monday morning is when we hop in the car and move me out to St. Louis.

Recently, the fact that I'm moving out east has felt a lot more real. Before, it was a thought, a conversation, a far-off idea. But now, it's happening!

I'm excited to live in the same place as my love.

I'm nervous about meeting new friends and starting a life out there. I know the city, but I wonder how long it'll be until it feels like 'home'. Will it ever feel like home? With Marty down the street, I'm sure it will feel like home pretty quickly.

I'm looking forward to date nights after work, going on runs together, cheering for Marty and his team at baseball games, weekends together, and phone calls where we get to say things like "I'll see you in a bit" or "come over at 5" or "I'll be right there".

I'm wondering what kind of a job I'll get. Substitute teaching? Starbucks? Who knows!

All I know is that this move means life is changing. I'm almost packed. I like that it's reality.

Happy 2010!

2010-01-08T11:31:00.000-08:00

Last year absolutely flew by. It was a great year... a lot of change, growth, and exciting things. The Lessmanns have a family tradition of each person writing a list of their top ten favorites from the year... whether that be events, encounters, or even jokes. I was invited to write my own top ten and now I'm sharing it with you.

Annette's Top Ten of 2009

10. Having Fridays off.
I don't so much care that I only had four-day work weeks, but what was wonderful were the three-day weekends and the ability to travel. Seattle in February, California in March and June, Michigan in May and August, California again in November, and five trips to St. Louis. My favorite getaway was Seattle... the city is gorgeous and I loved walking around the Pikes Place Market, soaking up all of the sights and sounds of the bustling must-see part of downtown. The Michigan weekend was a quick road trip where five of us crammed into my CR-V and drove through the night to attend our friends' wedding on the Lake Michigan shore. It was exhausting but well worth it!

9. Persistence.
In January, I moved back in with my parents. I moved back into the town I grew up in, but it felt strangely different. It was lonely, yet refreshing. I knew that it was time to look for some sort of community, after being surrounded by good friends in college. First I thought I'd try the singles ministry at my church called "Fusion"... wrong idea. It was awkward, and even though they tried to make us think it wasn't a place the creepy old guys were going to find dates, it was. It was a one-time deal for this girl. Next, I tried a singles Bible Study. Why I thought I'd find good friends in the "singles crowd"... no idea. Again, it was a flop in finding friends. But the persistence paid off because I now know great people who are fun to be around and who add richness to my life. Some notable times with friends were rock climbing on the 4th of July in Estes Park, drinking sangria with college friends in September, and times after church with friends - old and new - during the summer. I think the persistence has been most rewarding. And although the friendships I had in college have changed, it's still so fun to get together with those people and hear about their lives. I've found the greatness that is New Belgium brewery... we go, wait an hour for a table, order the free beer, and drink it... but the very best part is the conversation that comes with the afternoon at the brewery. And persistence in finding new friends as well... I didn't stop looking for friends after the awkward night at Fusion, and I ended up meeting some pretty neat people. Maybe it isn't the friendships themselves that make this part of my year "top ten worthy"... but instead being forced to try something new.

8. Trying it once.
My attitude with new things has become "just give it a try"... whether that meant drinking a french press (which I admittedly neuter with creamer), peeing in the woods, flying Pops' plane, or tasting durian, I've learned that trying something just once usually shows me that I can do it and that I actually enjoy it. Except eating durian... I almost threw up and will not eat that stuff again. With that, I'm stinkin' proud of myself for conquering goals that I set earlier this year... even just earlier in the fall. For an example, Marty took me on a run in Faust Park in mid-September. I had barely run before and I felt like I was going to throw up. In my words, I "hated life". But just the other day we ran that same trail... and added more... and there were no thoughts of puking.

7. Caring for a one-year-old.
There were many days this year that I could honestly say, "I love my job!" I started caring for little Bjorn Martinsson back in January when he was just 10 months old and I've watched him grow into this spunky, opinionated, truck-loving, sweet little boy. Being a full time nanny is ridiculous... I mean, there were many days last summer when we spent the afternoons at the pool and many more days when we went for a long walk just because I wanted to. Although I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things -- and to St. Louis -- learning to care for Bjorn has been priceless. Just think, I've already screwed up enough times with him and so when I have my own kids one day, they just might turn out okay.

6. A little big church called Flatirons.
brian and randy... our awesome worship leaders

I am so thankful for my church, and being able to attend on a regular basis is definitely one of the highlights of my year. Flatirons is the kind of church where it's so big that if you didn't want to get to know anyone, you didn't have to. I had that attitude for a while... I kind of thought, "it's so big, why bother?" However, now I've gotten to a point where I do feel like I know people and can call them dear friends... which makes a church that size seem a bit smaller. The Lord has used different times at the church to speak to my heart specifically. In the late spring, they did a series on the parable of the sower. Looking back, I'm amazed by what I learned... my hard heart was softened through the process or learning what Jesus meant when he talked about those little seeds.

Back in May, I started playing on the worship team. Let me tell you, though, that I first thought about applying way back in January. The application sat in my room -- all filled out -- for nearly 5 months. Why I waited so long to start playing -- I have no idea. It is such a joy to use my gifts with other people using theirs. It is a joy to play with such great musicians. It is a joy to learn new things from two wonderful, humble men who lead our church in worship. And I'll be honest, the people who play on the team are really cool... I'm glad I get to call many of them my friends.

5. A wedding at Camp T.
In October, my best friend Jill Fowler married a guy she met up at Camp Timberline in 2008. It was sweet to get the "we're engaged" phone call in April, the "I need your help with ideas" phone calls during the summer, the "will you be my bridesmaid" phone call in August, and the "sex is awesome" phone call in October. The bridal showers before the wedding were exhausting (and expensive), but so worth it in the end after seeing Jill know how loved and supported she is. This really handsome guy from St Louis flew out to be my date for the October 3 wedding up at Camp. My strapless dress was in no way warm enough during the 4:00 ceremony. It was freezing. But the attitude of the weekend itself was warm and loving. Marty and I were able to see Camp Timberline in new ways... after working at the place for so long, it was nice to be a visitor.

4. Life with the Lessmanns.
I'm completely biased, but the Lessmanns are a family that everyone should know. Laughter resonates in the house and frisky reindogs sit in the front yard. Two buck chuck seems to make it's way to the counter and to our glasses every evening. Cathy and Gary are vicious croquet players yet excellent hosts. The little Lessmanns and Pritchards are so cute... and apparently they have a kid named Jackson living in the back yard. Kevin hates the little drummer boy and wonders why Mary would let someone play a drum when her newborn son is sleeping on a pile of hay. It's been a gift to get to know this family and to see all of the things that make them who they are. Highlights from the few months I've known this awesome clan are... dinner with Marty, Ryan and Gayle way back in July; sitting around the Pritchard's patio furniture while drinking homemade wine; dinner and airport rides with Gayle; Thanksgiving in Chesterfield; and the National Lutheran Choir concert on Marty's birthday.

3. 23 years old and living with my parents.
When I moved back into my parents' house in January, I had feelings of being inferior... not doing anything with my life... it felt childish. My attitude about it needed to change, so I realized that it was a great opportunity to grow closer in community with my mom and dad. I like eating dinner with them. I like fighting for time to make faces at Roma while she's on Skype. I even sometimes like going to my mom's store to help her out with decorating. I don't know why she asks for my help, she's a much better decorator than I am. I like that it's a cheap place to live. Heck, I like that the money I save by living at home is given to Southwest Airlines. I like that we share an excitement about church. When I was growing up, my dad didn't show much excitement for church... it was a weekly thing that we did, but he never seemed eager to go. I didn't doubt his relationship with the Lord, but I knew something was missing. He started going to Flatirons this year and quickly became passionate about the church, the teaching, and about what the Lord is doing through us. Thinking about having a dad who is finally excited about going to church has brought me to tears a few times... I love sharing the story with others because it's something I've wanted for so long.

2. The Littlest Versluys.
In late September, my sister in law had baby number three: Nora Jayne. Eric and Danielle asked me to be her godmother, which I proudly accepted. I flew to California in November to meet the sweet little girl. I enjoyed sitting with her and staring at her little face... I am truly amazed by the miracle that a little newborn is. She's a cute little kid so it's easy to ooh and aah over her.

1. A man named Moose.
Alright, sappy time. I wouldn't honestly be able to complete my top ten if I didn't tell you that falling in love with Marty Lessmann has been the highlight of my year. I didn't want to get all sappy with this top ten, but falling in love with Marty is the highlight of my year. First off, bumping into him in July was so unexpected. When I saw him for the first time at the ice cream parlor, I felt this "it's Marty" sense come over me... comfort, fun, smiles. As our friendship grew, I found myself increasingly excited to see him next. Being open and honest with him came so naturally; usually I'm not one to open up to people, but I wanted Marty to know me and I wanted to know him. August came and Marty asked me to be his girlfriend. Knowing that he had only dated one other gal, I knew this would be different and I was ready.

Long distance relationships aren't the easiest thing in the world. It's so hard to want to be with the person, but to have to wait. Although weekend visits are precious and so fun, they feel rushed. Learning to communicate was key. Marty is already so good at asking questions that talking to him wasn't hard. But I had to learn to accept the long distance for what it was because in it Marty was proving to be an amazing boyfriend... and soon became my very best friend. I can't tell you the moment I realized that I loved Marty, but it didn't take long. He is so kind and has the biggest heart... I feel blessed that he's chosen me! And now, I'm so happy to say that starting late-January, my new mailing address will be "University City, Missouri". Man, I'm ecstatic to even think about the fact that I'll see Marty on a near-daily basis.

Life with Marty is an adventure. He has a ginormous heart. He encourages me. He cares about me. He lifts me towards the Cross. I have so much fun with him. Not only do I appreciate who he is, but I appreciate who I am when I'm with him. And it's a bonus that he's so nice to look at. He's kept me on my toes, whether we were trail blazing in August, scavenger hunt and winery in September, canoe camping in October, enjoying a Bed and Breakfast in Ste. Genevieve in November, running in the snow in December...

I'm looking forward to learning more about Marty... experiencing life with him... falling more in love with him... and seeing where we are when we write 2010's Top Ten.

Blessings in this new decade!

Day ten: Indulge

2009-12-23T11:38:00.000-08:00

As the neighbors bring over all different kinds of sweets (we haven't gotten as many as in the past... which is just fine...), I've thought about what kind of Christmas cookie I'd call my favorite. So here you have it... Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Mexican Wedding Cookies...

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for coating baked cookies
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting hands
1 cup pecans, chopped into very small pieces

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar at low speed until it is smooth. Beat in the vanilla. At low speed gradually add the flour. Mix in the pecans with a spatula. With floured hands, take out about 1 tablespoon of dough and shape into a crescent. Continue to dust hands with flour as you make more cookies. Place onto prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 40 minutes. When cool enough to handle but still warm, roll in additional confectioners' sugar. Cool on wire racks.

Making cookies at Christmastime just feels a little different than the rest of the year. And you can always jog them off in January...

Day nine: Laugh

2009-12-22T16:26:00.001-08:00

This video has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas (except for that it was taken today), but I hope it'll make you laugh. I think laughter is an amazing gift, don't you?

(Marty took the video in his classroom... it's of a putt putt course he made during an off period today)

Days seven and eight: Sing

2009-12-21T11:56:00.001-08:00

I was out in St. Louis this past weekend for Marty's 26th Birthday... my blogging wasn't a big priority while celebrating with my man.

One of the highlights of the weekend was a concert at an old old church in downtown St. Louis (we're talking mid-1800's... so cool!). The group was a 60-person choir called The National Lutheran Choir. Their voices were beautiful and it was such a gift to hear the music that Marty loves so much.

Here's a clip of the choir...

What a treat to hear such rich music this Christmas season!

I'm reminded of the angels the night Jesus was born...

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

I can imagine that the song that night was different than any song that had been heard before.

Gloria in excelsis Deo... Glory to God in the highest!

Day six: Rejuvenate

2009-12-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm thankful for this time of year and the reminders it brings... it's rejuvenating. Bring on 2010.

Day five: Remember

2009-12-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love thinking about what Christmas was like when I was a child...

I remember the "village" my mom would set up in the dining room. I'd play with the tiny people and make up stories about their tiny lives. I set that very village up just the other day so that my nieces can see the tiny people the same way I saw them years ago.

I remember decorating the tree and placing the star on top as the very last thing... with my dad's help, of course! Like any sneaky kid, I'd hunt around the tree and shake my gifts while trying to guess what I'd be getting.

I remember looking forward to Christmas at Oma's (I still look forward to that!). One year, she gave me a beautiful snow globe, but I dropped it on the tile floor, shattering it and sending glittery water everywhere. I was devastated. But Oma, the wonder woman that she is, had a spare one in her gift closet.

I remember baking cookies with my cousins. The tiny, edible silver balls were my favorite decorations to put on the gingerbread men and sugar cookie trees.

I remember playing the angel in the Christmas pagant at church. One year, I got to be a shepherd... I wore my mom's pink bathrobe and carried a big staff. I'm sure I looked like a genuine shepherd.

What are your Christmas memories?

Day four: Wise Guys

2009-12-17T11:44:00.000-08:00

Last week at Young Life, one of the leaders talked about the Three Wise Men and how seemingly "unwise" their trip to see Jesus was. They followed a star... they dodged Herod... they left everything they knew and traveled to see something that had only been prophesied. What really stood out to me about the Wise Men were the gifts that they gave to Jesus and the symbolism behind those gifts. It was a baby shower of sorts... but one with exceptional meaning.

The first wise man brought gold. The gold signified that Jesus is a king... royalty. The wise man was acknowledging that Jesus indeed was the King of the Jews.

The second wise man brought frankincense. Frankincense was commonly used in the temple as the "fragrance of God". With the gift, the wise man said, "I believe that this baby has the aroma of God... He is God."

The third wise man brought myrrh, which was used as an embalming fluid. The myrrh signified that death would play a huge part in who Jesus was.

Knowing more about the significance of the wise men's gifts, I wonder... what is it that we're giving to Jesus? Not because we have to. But because we want to. When we seek him, we find him, and because of who he is, we honor him.

Day three: Listen

2009-12-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas music. A few weeks ago I was driving to the airport to pick up Marty and I had Josh Groban's Christmas CD playing extra loud in my car. Of course I was singing extra loud, too. I love that it is played for only a small part of the year. I love when we sing Christmas carols in church. I love candlelight services with "Oh Holy Night" being played on the piano.

For some reason, this is the first year that something has hit me, and it's such an obvious thing... so many Christmas carols share the Gospel and the fact that the tiny baby was and is a huge deal.

Exhibit one. Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

...Born that men no more may die...
...Born to give them second birth...

Exhibit two. Joy to the World.

...Let every heart prepare Him room...
...No more may sins and sorrows grow...

I'm sure you're thinking, "Yes Annette, Christmas songs are about Jesus. Good job." I get that. I think what hit me the hardest is that while these words are on the radio... tv... gosh, they're just plain stuck in our heads, so many people hear them and still choose unbelief.

So this was the year that I chose to listen... to let the words set in... to be reminded to let my heart prepare Him room.

Day two: Room

2009-12-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

Marty gave me the inspiration for today's Cheer...

The following words were those of the Lessmanns' friend, Bob. He said these things when he was close to death, but Marty remembers that as Bob spoke, his lifeless face regained color and for a moment he had energy again.

We have turned Christmas into an "I" holiday, where we worry about ourselves, what we will get everyone, how we will make the house pretty (all good things when our approach is correct), but fail to remember WHAT WE ARE PREPARING FOR. More so, WHO we are preparing, and for what reason. In the end we are preparing our hearts. Preparing to be transformed, preparing for the chance to become connected with God. And so we say, Come Quickly Lord Jesus. And when you do come, this time there will be room for you in the Inn, the Inn in our Hearts.

Day one: Prepare

2009-12-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

My little bit of Christmas cheer today was borrowed from my friend, Cynthia.

"A voice of one calling in the desert: 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" (Isaiah40:3).

Advent is the season of preparing the way-- for Christ! It's funny, we often prepare for Easter by bringing ourselves closer to the Lord through an action, or by abstaining from something... but how do we prepare for Christmas? Like, "ready your heart"; what does that even mean?

I think about Mary during Advent a lot (as you probably have recognized I generally prefer to ruminate over the actions of Christ's female followers). At any rate, Mary, during Advent is pregnant-- super pregnant. She's all of 14, 15 or 16 years old, 8+ months pregnant, and riding a donkey on really awful roads... for days. (read: pregnancy nightmare).
Mary is not only preparing physically for the birth of our Lord by going back to Bethlehem, finding a safe place, trying to sustain her physical needs, but how else has she prepared?

Mary's risked it all. Jesus was conceived "outside of marriage." It's commonplace today, but this was grounds, not only to be completely ostracized socially-- both from family, friends, and the city in its entirety, but it furthermore risked her ability to have access to freshwater, food, a "doctor" (a scary thing not to have access to when you're agreeing to carry a baby), and her opportunity to marry-- ever (since Joseph could have denied her with no consequence, and even had her put to death).

It was bold. It was gutsy. It was her everything.

How are you preparing the way of the Lord? What is the Lord putting on your heart that is risky? The Lord DEPENDS, like the infant that the Lord was at Christmas, on us entirely-- not for the kingdom, not for repentence, not for anything except our hearts; only we can surrender those. So, I encourage you all: PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD!!

The best way to spread Christmas cheer...

2009-12-13T21:20:00.000-08:00

It's Christmastime...

...and this year it feels a little crazier than normal. Maybe it's because we have three Christmases to plan for. Maybe it's because there's so much coordinating that has to happen. Maybe it's because we have to work until the 23rd (lame), so it doesn't feel like we have much time to do all that needs to be done.

Or maybe it's because we know that this isn't the way Christmas was intended to be spent.

You know, intensely long lines to see Santa at the mall on a Sunday afternoon. Stimulation overload with half-off sales and buy-one-get-one deals. Wrapping paper out the wazoo.

I think that Christmas was meant to be simple. A reminder of our HUGE God coming down in a tiny way.

So, starting tomorrow and for the twelve days leading up to Christmas, I'm going to reflect on simplicity. I don't quite know what that'll look like... maybe I'll type up my favorite Elf quote just because it makes me laugh. But in the midst of craziness, I think it'll be good to come back to the basics and relax.

That makes me even more excited about Christmas.

Jason Mraz better watch out...

2009-12-12T22:15:00.000-08:00

I just love this...

Alright, alright.... I'll write something new

2009-12-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

A few people (ahem, Aunt Lori, Caley...) have told me that it's time to start blogging again. And I totally agree... it's been too long. But I have my excuses for neglecting this thing for over a month. I mean, it's hard work to travel to St. Louis once a month, have Marty come here once a month, play at church once a month, and pretend to have any time to do the things I'm supposed to do around the house (like cleaning my bathroom and staying organized). Not to mention work nearly 40 hours a week, work out a few days a week, lead Young Life twice a week, and sneak in some time for myself and the Marty man.

Alright, I'm done with that.

So, life is busy. It's what happens this time of year, anyway. Big things have happened in the past month...

I went to California to meet little Nora Jayne. She's such a sweet baby!
I got really sick while in California... it took me nearly a week to recover... no fun.
I spent Thanksgiving week in St. Louis with Marty and his family. It was great to spend a whole week out there!

But really, I think the biggest thing that's happened is the decision that we made for me to move out to St. Louis early next year.

That's right, I'm moving to St. Louis! I'll be finished with my job right before Martin Luther King Jr. Day and I'll head out a few days after that. It's crazy how the whole thing worked out... and I can definitely see the Lord's hand in all of it.

While I was in St. Louis for Thanksgiving, it became very clear to me that I want to be able to live life with Marty on a daily basis, rather than rushing through weekend visits. I want to know him in that context. Plus, I really enjoy the guy, not to mention love him, and want to be with him.

So yep, January 2010... I'm off to St. Lou!

our first holiday together... thanksgiving 2009

snow day.

2009-10-28T11:49:00.000-07:00

Winter storm warnings. Schools are closed. It's WHITE outside. We're stuck inside. It's a snow day!

I've gotten to spend the past two weekends in St. Louis. It's extraordinary to get to date my best friend. I enjoy him so much and we truly bring out the best qualities in each other.

The first weekend I was in Missouri, we went canoe camping. We floated down the Courtois River and camped on a river bank. It was my first "real" camping experience, and I loved it!

as close to a gondola ride as i'll get...

This past weekend we took a little trip to Evansville, IN. Marty's friend got married in his dad's backyard. It was an... interesting wedding.

Itinerary...

2009-10-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm in St. Louis with the Marty Man!

We're having a date night.
We're canoe camping.
We're cooking dinner.
We're going to his dad's choir concert.
We're enjoying time together.

How did I get so lucky?

sweet sixteen

2009-10-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

...days, that is...

This little gal is a cute kid! Nora has been here for 16 days. Oma and Grandpa (my parents) are out visiting... I can't wait for my turn to meet her!

a little pick me up...

2009-10-09T20:23:00.000-07:00

Literally.

Every other week either Marty or I fly... across Kansas... to spend the weekend together. We're blessed with the fact that we get to fly so much.

Last Thursday Marty flew in... he was supposed to be in at 8:10, but his flight was late, so I waited...

...and waited...

...and waited...

While I was waiting, I ran into a guy I went to high school with. He was in the terminal at DIA working on a journalism project about love... he was taking pictures and interviewing people who were waiting for their loved ones. He got some pictures of us when Marty showed up (they're blurry, but it's fun to have them!)

waiting... with butterflies...

at this point, marty was asking me about the random guy taking pictures of us... i told him not to worry about it... :)

A sweet wedding at Camp...

2009-10-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

My best friend Jill and I both worked at Camp Timberline last summer. Before heading up in May, we went to the Gap to get a few things for our time up in Estes Park. The cashier at the store asked what we were doing for the summer and after we told her about being camp counselors, she said "oh... I met my husband at camp! Maybe you will, too!" Jill, being the non-dater that she was, quickly responded "no.... not me...."

Well, a year and a few months later and she married the man she met at Camp Timberline.

And they had a really sweet Camp T-style wedding weekend... complete with the zip line and baked oatmeal.

Jill and Zach are so in love. It was so sweet to stand up with Jill as her almost-husband wept through his vows. It was sweet to pray for them as they took communion together. It was special to watch my best friend kiss her new husband for the first time as a married lady.

After the ceremony, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the newlyweds got in a huddle and said "Holy Matrimony on three... one... two... three... Hold Matrimony!" Then we ran inside to warm up... it was about 35 degrees during the ceremony and yes, we were outside.

The reception was very "Zach and Jill-ish"... burgers and fries for dinner, cupcakes for dessert, fun dancing, and fires in the lodge to warm our cold fingers. It even started snowing during the party. The Griffins left to us throwing birdseed at them... apparently Zach found some later that night in his ear.

What a great time! I loved having Marty as my date. Spending the weekend with him up at Camp was a neat experience for me. It was relaxing, fun, and an adventure (I expect nothing less from that man...). My parents were at the wedding and stayed the night in Estes, so the four of us walked around a snowy lake the next morning.

Jill is married. That's still weird to say! But I'm so happy for her as she begins this journey with Zach.

:: the weekend ::

we hiked with my cousin beth, who is attending ravencrest bible college in estes.

cute table decorations

getting ready in our cabin!

:: the wedding ::

oh hello, twin sisters...

steepest aisle... ever....

jill's bridesmaids

her groom was coming to get her

the griffins!

:: the reception ::

the lodge looked great!

cupcakes... mmm...

jill and her mom made the bouquets

my hot date :)

college roommates!

so happy together

:: sunday morning hike ::

i feel so blessed that i get to date this man...

Ten Days Old...

2009-10-05T21:37:00.000-07:00

Nora has been around for ten days now... everyone is doing really well! I just bought my plane ticket to meet her. Her Aunt Nettie is ITCHING to hold that little one...

oh boy oh boy!

2009-10-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been long awaited... my very best friend Jill is getting married! She met Zach at Camp Timberline last summer, so they're tying the knot up there on Saturday afternoon.

She's super excited. She looks stunning.

The guest list is great.

Our bridesmaids dresses are smokin'.

The trees in Estes are changing. Ahhh.

My Marty will be my date!

Marty flies in tonight... we're excited to spend the weekend up at Camp. The air will be crisp, but I think 9400 feet is a beautiful place to get married!

Pictures and stories to come...

Simple things

2009-09-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

... laughter
... snail mail from Missouri
... Skype with my brother and his family
... a delicious apple in the fall
... church coffee
... 65 and sunny
... Flatirons church
... Bjorn's belly laughs
... chocolate covered almonds
... hearing a great song and playing it over and over again
... flying to St. Louis
... scarves
... sauntering
... the drive into Boulder, staring at the Flatirons
... emails from the cute math teacher at Parkway Central High School
... pictures of sweet Nora

They make me smile... I am thankful.

I love laughing

2009-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

College days are such sweet memories and my college friends are always so good at bringing me back to those special four years. On Saturday night, I got together with five amazing women: Caley, Sarah, Marissa, Mandi, and Jen. We're all in very different places now and so it's great to get together and reflect on what the Lord is doing in our lives.

Marissa's uncle owns a restaurant at a golf course in Loveland. We insist on always having girls nights at Uncle Dan's restaurant... it's a great place to build new memories. The very best part of the entire place is the dessert that we always share...

Famous...Award Winning..Stone Ridge Bread Pudding -
Our own recipe served with "scotch sauce" and with a side of ice cream... $3.99

Delicious.

Enjoy some fun pictures from the night!

Obsessed Auntie Syndrome has begun...

2009-09-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 0th Birthday, Nora Jayne!

Nora's Birthday from Eric Versluys on Vimeo.

Exhausted from the move...

2009-09-27T11:25:00.001-07:00

Sweet sweet Nora... she's had a busy 30 hours!

Love

2009-09-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb."

Psalm 139:13

Nora Jayne Versluys
September 26 at 3:20
7 lbs, 5 oz

This morning we welcomed sweet baby number three into the world. After 18 and a half hours of labor, Nora made her grand appearance. Nora, Danielle, Eric, Roma and Quincy are all doing well. Wow, a family of five!

I am Nora's godmother, so I already feel a special bond with this little one. I was thinking about her this morning and thought of Psalm 139:13. Even though we're just meeting this little one, the Lord has known her intimately since even before she entered our thoughts. He created all of who Nora is and all of who Nora will be. He sees her first day of kindergarten. He sees her first date. He sees her college graduation. He sees her wedding day.

And I see a sweet baby girl who warms our hearts with who she is right now.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

A fun date with my littlest friend

2009-09-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Bjorn is obsessed with Big Bird. Actually, the entire Sesame Street cast, so Big Bird is included in the mix. This morning the giant bird was at the South Boulder Rec Center for "Story time with Big Bird"... so we hopped in the car and went to this once in a lifetime event.

Bjorn was so excited when we walked in the room. He didn't care that Big Bird was half-man-in-a-referee-jersey-and-yellow-gloves-half-paper-mache-bird-head. I mean, the guy was even wearing tennis shoes as if he had run over to story time that morning. But regardless, Bjorn was starstruck.

this picture just says "excitement" and "joy", doesn't it?

My mom came along to the story time, so after it was finished we ate lunch at Noodles and Company. Bjorn is a pasta-lover through and through, so he had a great time.

Eight hundred forty six.

2009-09-24T11:46:00.001-07:00

My weekend away in St. Louis was really great. Marty was an awesome host... we had so much fun while he showed me around the place he calls home.

I flew in on Thursday night. He was standing at the door waiting and it was really special to see his face again.

On Friday, Marty had to go to school to give his students the beloved tests, so I tagged along. It was neat to get to meet his students (they were pretty excited that I was there... they referred to me as "the girl in the pictures") and to talk to a few teachers who he thinks highly of. Parkway Central is a big school and so Marty gave me the grand-abbreviated tour during one of his off periods.

On Friday afternoon, we played. We ran through a historical park, dove into the freezing cold pool, played croquet with his parents, and enjoyed dinner and conversation with them until dark.

Saturday was a busy (but oh-so-fun) day. After a lazy morning, we headed into St. Louis where we went to the zoo and the art museum. The art museum was a neat experience... a few years ago, I took an African Art History class and I saw a few of the pieces in the museum that I had seen in my text book. After those two little adventures, we went sailing at Creve Couer Park where Marty taught me a few of the sailing basics. I'm ready for more sailing... as long as he's in the boat!

After sailing, my belated-birthday celebration began. It was honestly the sweetest thing anyone has done for me... so much thought in who I am and how we'd want to spend our time together. It included a saunter and some wine... and that's all I'm going to say.

On Sunday, I got a taste of the church that the Lessmanns are so involved in. They go to Trinity Lutheran Church and all three of them sing in the choir. Even though the song they sang wasn't Marty's favorite, it was still so fun to hear them sing.

Marty and I ended the weekend with a nice walk through the neighborhood. It's so special to me that we can do just about anything and truly enjoy it because it's about the time we're spending together. Sappy, I know...

Being together last weekend was special. We're learning so much about each other and enjoying all different aspects of our relationship. We're also learning that according to the world's standards, we're very different... and we like that.

Marty is headed back to Colorado in a week for my best friend's wedding. We're going up to Camp Timberline (where it all began) for the weekend. I can't wait! I'll definitely be posting a ton of pictures and stories about Jill and Zach and all of the festivities...

i don't even know this little guy, but seeing him that close to a monkey was a neat thing

my man at the zoo

art museum...

frank lloyd wright... no big...

this piece made a big statment

do tell... do you think this is a photo or a painting?

saunter

so happy together!

Note to self...

2009-09-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

...it's time to blog about last weekend...

He's baaaack!

2009-09-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

A long long time ago, my cousin Scott lived down the street. We'd play house. We'd go on adventures. We'd bug his little sister. When I was 11 and he was 10, his family moved to Ohio.

Now Scott and I are grown up. We've both graduated college. He's even found himself a wife.

This week Scott and Jenna moved BACK to Louisville! I'm so excited that they're here so we can enjoy the wonders of cousinship again.

blurry as all get out... but still fun!

One more day...

2009-09-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

...until I board a plane to the 'Lou.

Marty has a lot of things up his sleeve, so I've decided to not ask any questions. Apparently Saturday night includes dinner and wine and a live band, all while seated 500 feet above the Missouri River Valley. Well, well Mr. Lessmann... you sure know how to treat a lady right!

last summer at camp timberline... an oldie but goodie!

He moves mountains

2009-09-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

The kid is sleeping, the french press is brewing, and it's time for me to blog about the weekend in the mountains.

This last weekend was the Young Life fall retreat for staff, leaders, and college students from the Front Range (From Pueblo all the way to Laramie!). We took 27 girls and 9 guys from CU up to Crooked Creek. It was an intentional time of precious community, valuable conversations (we were encouraged to go deep rather than dabble), and laughter. It was good for the students to get away from Boulder and to experience God... many in new, refreshing ways.

The theme of the weekend was Luke 10:27... " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " We talked about loving God with all that we are and that God Is. The first night, we had to write our own interpretation to the verse. I wrote:

Put God first, in His most rightful place. In my core, my breath, my waking and sleeping. In my emotions, relationships, joys and tears. In my knowing and unknowing. In my passions, my gifts, my chores, my desires, my words and my actions.

Love God. Love people.

I've been a Christian for a while and felt convicted with the fact that I'm not often amazed by God.

"Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." Habakkuk 1:5

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" Matthew 8:27

"The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law." Mark 1:22

"He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'" Mark 2:12

I know that God does amazing things every day... it's me who doesn't see them.

The whole CU crew went for a hike on Saturday afternoon. We didn't really get to a specific destination, but at one point Paul (our leader) stopped us and talked about how Jesus would go to the mountains to spend time with His Father.

He went to the mountains to gain perspective. And so did I.

While we were spending some time with the Lord on the hike, God reminded me of something really neat: the last time I was at a Young Life camp (in November of 2000), I met Christ for the first time in a real, personal way. It was there that I trusted Christ. I felt God telling me "look at all I've done in your life since then." Great perspective! I was able to dwell on the fact that God has moved in mighty ways in my life. I sat in silence with my God and was truly amazed.

::A few pictures from the weekend::

carpool buddies... liz and anna

mealtimes are noisy and fun at camp!

"...and he will make my paths straight..."

paul, brittney, skyler, and me... fun friends!
brittney and i had no clue we were matching til it was time to leave...

we are beyond!

I also appreciated just how simple the worship was during the weekend. Two guitars. One drum. And 500 voices all singing to their King...

I'm so thankful for a weekend full of perspective and friends!

2009-09-10T17:06:00.000-07:00

At times I find myself living with an anxious heart. Trusting in myself and undoubtedly letting myself down. But it's those times that Christ gently invites me to again trust in Him. What a blessing that God is the God of second... and third... and countless chances.

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty...

I hear those words and am reminded that God is bigger. God is bigger than anything I'm feeling or thinking or experiencing. But not only is God bigger, He loves me exactly where I am.

9.7.09

2009-09-08T08:03:00.001-07:00

Labor Day 2009... I sure enjoyed having the day off!

Yesterday three other Beyond leaders and I took six of our girls hiking. What a great time! The weather was beautiful, the scenery... ahhh... and the company was sweet. I'm really enjoying being part of such a great community!

On new friends and faith

2009-09-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

::new friends::
I've gotten the PRIVILEGE to lead with Younglife at CU. College freshmen are unique in that they're so excited to start fresh and to explore who they really are. They ask questions. They're willing to hear answers. They want to hang out at a coffee shop. They're adventurous. They're excited about their new surroundings. It's a special time.

Meet my new friends Anna and Grace. Anna is from the DC area and Grace is from LA. Two different sides of the country and already they've become great friends. Last weekend, Marty and I gave them a ride from CU to the Boulder Res. I knew we'd be fast friends. On Friday, my friend Cynthia (another Beyond leader from Chicago) and I went to a beautiful tea house in Boulder with Grace and Anna. We sat and talked while drinking chai and enjoying new friendships.

I'm excited about my friendship with Anna, Grace, and Cynthia. We get along really well and are always thinking of fun things to do. I'm all for showing the out-of-towners around my state!

waterskiing... anna, grace and me

anna, cynthia, me and grace
at the dushanbe tea house

I'm playing at Flatirons this weekend. So fun! I showed up to rehearsal yesterday to a great birthday cake from one of the vocalists... Thanks, Sonja!

what a fun cake! tasty, too...

::faith::
Playing weekends at Flatirons is such a gift. It's a wonderful way for me to get involved and to use the gifts God has given me. Plus, it's a stinkin' blast! The series is "House of Cards" and Jim (our pastor) is talking about faith and how if we lean our faith on anything other than Jesus and the "sweet swap", it'll collapse. It's a challenging thing to think about what I put my faith in. It's so true... if it's not Jesus, it's a matter of time before I'm let down.

Hebrews 12 : 2-3... "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Sometimes it's tempting to only look at what is in front of me. It's when I look to Jesus - fix my eyes on Him - and realize just what He did for me on the cross 2,000 years ago that I'm able to gain perspective and to trust Him.

The last song we play each service says it all so well...

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus' Name

When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my Hope and Stay

When He shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in Him be found
Dressed in His righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

Oh Christ the solid Rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand...

That's faith.

...and what a great birthday it was...

2009-09-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

A sweet birthday message from Marty, cupcakes with my best friend Jill (who is getting married in less than a month!), e-mails and messages from friends and family, a football game with Uncle Steve... I felt really loved and special yesterday. What a wonderful way to say "hello" to 23 years...

September Third

2009-09-03T11:32:00.000-07:00

Twenty-three years old today. Wow, that feels old. Even though I went to bed last night thinking "it sure doesn't feel like tomorrow is my birthday...", I feel very loved and special today. Birthdays are fun! My mom and dad came downstairs this morning with a donut and candle for me. I wished for something great... :) My niece Roma left me a sweet voicemail with her own rendition of "Happy Birthday".

I'm looking forward to being 23. I don't care so much about the age thing, but I can only imagine all of the great things that are going to happen this year. Following God has been an amazing journey thus far, and I have no doubt it'll be a great year.

In one year I'm 24. No big. But then I'm 25. Quarter-century. Whoa.

88 degrees

2009-09-02T14:16:00.001-07:00

I loved the summer, but I'm hot. Totally ready for fall weather...

That's all I've got.

What a gift...

2009-09-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

Marty and I live 846 miles apart from each other, but this weekend made those 846 miles seem a whole lot smaller. When we started dating long distance, we said we'd see each other every 2 to 3 weeks. This past weekend was visit number one. And what a great weekend it was!

I'm so impressed with who Marty is...

He's adventurous. We went for a hike on Saturday afternoon, but only hiked on a trail for a little bit of it. The rest of the time we were walking around the woods, climbing over fallen trees, picking & eating wild raspberries, and hanging out in a really beautiful meadow.

He's friendly. I started leading with Younglife, and we took the students water skiing on Saturday morning at the Boulder Res. Marty was comforting to have there, because he was intentional about getting to know the college students and helping them have a good time. He's a great water skiier, too! :)

He's challenging. On Saturday night, we went out for dinner and Mart was able to ask me really good questions about where I'm going in life. They definitely got me thinking and challenged me to really explore my passions.

He's fun! The weekend was great partially because we really do have a bunch of fun together. We laugh a lot.

He's willing. Marty met a lot of important people in my life over the course of 3 days. This could be an intimidating thing, but he handled it well. In fact, everyone is raving about how great he is. I couldn't agree more! I appreciate how much he talked with my parents and wanted to get to know them.

He's romantic. Enough said... :)

He's intentional. It's obvious that Marty wants to know my heart well. He thinks things through and openly shares. With his lead and example, I'm definitely able to do the same.

He's picking me up from the St. Louis airport in 16 days. I'm really excited to see Mart's life out in Missouri. To see his house, his school, his favorite places, what makes him smile, where he goes to unwind, his church, and his favorite people.

This weekend definitely made me appreciate and excited about the time we get to share with each other. The richness of the time spent together makes living 846 miles apart totally worth it.

::Pictures from the weekend::
(But really just from Sunday... my camera was dead the other two days)

saturday night was date night

pearl street with my parents

we went to lucile's with my parents, uncle steve, and cousin beth to
celebrate my birthday (sept. 3)

he's such a great guy!

The Final Countdown...

2009-08-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

Marty is coming to visit on Friday! I am so ready to see that man again...

A Wedding on the Lake

2009-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I'm finally finding some time to post pictures and stories from my long weekend in Holland, Michigan. The highlight of the trip was definitely Aaron and Sarah's beautiful wedding (the whole reason we went out there), but it was really fun to show my friends around Holland and to have a few chances to play outside.

We left on Wednesday night at 7 and booked it to Michigan. We only stopped for gas... and one Starbucks stop in Iowa. Driving through the night wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. And driving with 5 people in my CR-V wasn't as bad as we expected, either. We laughed a lot, rocked out to Dan's awesome iPod playlist (including Michael Jackson and Seal), played 'get to know you' games and tried to sleep as we could. Not much sleeping happened that night and so Thursday night in Holland was brutal.

While in Holland, we visited with my grandparents and also hung out with another camp friend named Jess. She got a kick out of playing hostess for the weekend -- we went kayaking and boogie boarding (yep - in Lake Michigan - the waves were huge!), out for dinner, played games, and walked around the Holland farmer's market.

The wedding was on Saturday afternoon. It was a great wedding! Both the wedding and reception were at Sarah's grandparents' house in Grand Haven. They live on a hill right next to the lake, so the views from where the ceremony was held were breathtaking. It had rained all day in Grand Haven, but as the bridesmaids started walking down the aisle, the sun came out and it ended up being perfect weather for a party.

Bill and Dana Darrough, the founders and owners of Camp Timberline, also came to the wedding. They were fun wedding guests and it was great to share a table with them! The reception was under a tent in the front yard. Dinner was amazing... tapas! It was a fun night.

I'm glad we went. I know it meant a lot to Aaron and Sarah and the trip was a nice little vacation to end the summer well.

I took a ton of pictures. Most of them are on facebook. Click this link if you'd like to see all of them. Here are some of my favorites*...

and we're off!

a little picnic before kayaking

the kayaking crew! 4 boats... 5 people... can you guess who flipped?

farmers market flowers for my grandma. dahlias may be my new favorites!

dan brass. great guy!

my friend jess... we were in the same small group all summer last year at camp!

all set for the festivities. thanks for having us over, grandpa & grandma!

all the kids

dan, dana and bill before the ceremony

amazing setting for a wedding!

aaron and sarah making their vows

the crawfords - i love that they took pictures with their lucy dog!

camp timberline love in michigan. how fun!

i didn't actually do it. thought about it, though...

glad i was there!

dana and bill... a great couple!

sarah: "we don't know what we're doing"
aaron: "keep touching!"

the men of camp timberline

best. picture. ever.

the wedding was up under the white tent

what a sweet friend!

oh how excited we were to see that sign... the trip home was tooooo long!

*I'm terrible at narrowing them down... I should've just made a slideshow... :)

Road trip 09... The starting lineup...

2009-08-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night I'm driving to Michigan with these crazy people...

To see these crazy people get married...

And we're staying with these crazy people...

We're leaving Colorado at 7 p.m on Wednesday, driving through the night, hanging out in Holland for a few days, watching the nuptials of Aaron and Sarah, and driving home on Sunday.

5 people in the car for 36 hours... I'm sure I'll have plenty of stories to tell!

Happy Anniversary you two...

2009-08-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

Eric and Danielle just celebrated four blissful years of marriage. I think this video best showcases their relationship. Congrats E & D!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Roma... the artist :)

2009-08-15T19:57:00.001-07:00

I got this letter in the mail from my sweet niece, Roma. Thanks, big girl!!

Brown Bananas

2009-08-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have been buying bananas lately, but not eating them quickly enough. What do you do with brown bananas? Bake this bread. It's great!

Banana Bread

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
3 1/2 bananas, very ripe, mashed
2 tablespoons creme fraiche or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped (optional)

Directions

Set oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Beat sugar and eggs with a whisk until light and fluffy, about 10 minutes. Drizzle in oil. Add mashed bananas, creme fraiche, and vanilla. Fold in dry ingredients and nuts. Pour into a lined loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour

Time wasters.

2009-08-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

Some people have too much time on their hands and blog about everything. Like me.

But then there are some people who have taken blogs to the complete next level... their blog is their passion, their baby, their heart and soul. They're funny, sarcastic, satirical, and let's face it -- they make this whole internet thing worthwhile.

There are three that I get a kick out of.

Cake Wrecks
This blog's tagline is "when professional cakes go horribly, hilariously wrong..." I guess you have to give the cake decorators credit... at least they tried...

Awkward Family Photos

This blog brings laughter to the Versluys home weekly. We laugh because we can admit that we've had our fair share...

Probably Bad News

Aren't typos awesome? Especially when they're printed on something for the whole world to see...

Just another Wednesday night

2009-08-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

Pick up dinner at Chipotle. Drive up into the mountains. Enjoy good conversation. Listen to Mom freak out about mountain lions and sing "Hi Ho" to distract them. Check out beautiful things that God created.

Remember how thankful I am for those parents... even when they sing Disney songs on the trail.

Sweet Summer

2009-08-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

Life is about to get crazy. But it's all exciting stuff, so I'm glad. Here's what's coming up on my radar...

Playing at church, driving to Michigan for a wedding, Marty's visit, leading with Young Life at CU, my birthday, playing at church again, volunteering in my friend's 2nd grade classroom, a weekend retreat in the mountains with Young Life, a bridal shower for my best friend, my trip to St. Louis, welcoming little miss Nora (my newest niece), and my best friend's wedding. All in the next 8 weeks.

Whew.

Marty's getting his classroom ready, things are getting busy, school supplies are nearly sold out at Target... the summer is coming to a close. But wow, it was an amazing summer. I loved being here and enjoying the Colorado summer. I especially enjoyed cultivating friendships with the people who are closest to my heart...

I'm looking forward to what's next. I want to take steps of faith this fall and to embark on new adventures. I know we still have a month of summer left, but bring on the fall!

Story time...

2009-08-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

I posted about the Lessmann family the other day. Now I'm going to tell you just why I'm so fond of them... especially one of them.

Meet Marty Lessmann. High school Math teacher. Bass in the church choir. Baseball & golf coach. Expert fly fisherman. Nature lover. Captain of this summer's sailboat down in the Caribbean. 25 years old. Youngest of four. Resident of St. Louis, Missouri. Nicknamed "Moose" by everyone around him. Praises God often. Great, great guy.

Marty and I met last summer at Camp Timberline, where we both worked as counselors. A friendship quickly grew, but things happened that caused us to not make much contact for a year. Fast forward to July 2009. I was online and saw that Marty was too, so I said "hello!" He told me he'd be in Colorado that next week and asked if I'd want to get together. We ate ice cream and talked about the past year, reminisced, and shared stories of exciting things coming up.

Over the course of the ten days that Marty was in town, we got to see each other a bunch of times: at church (where after meeting Marty, my Uncle Steve whispered in my ear, "Ok... I approve"), while I watched Bjorn one day, at his brother & sister in law's house, and during a nice drive in the mountains. The more and more we hung out, the more and more we started thinking, "hmmm... what's this I'm feeling here?"

After driving up into the mountains, we sat outside of the Best Western hotel while drinking chai tea and coffee (Mart wasn't really drinking his, he was more so spilling it on his white polo shirt). It was on that bench that we were really able to talk about what was on our hearts and confess to each other that we were way interested in getting to know the other person. No pressure, no agenda, no rushing, just experiencing who that person is.

Marty then left for Michigan and Indiana for a week for his friend's bachelor weekend and wedding. The week that he was gone was a great time for us to pray, think, talk, and wonder what could be next. I just remember thinking about how excited I was to see him again -- he'd return to Colorado after the wedding to go backpacking with his dad, whom he calls "Pops". It was also good to know that he was surrounded by people who love him so much and to hear him tell story after story of conversations with those people.

This is going to be a long post. Bear with me.

After he returned to Colorado for round two, Marty and I got to see each other again. Paul (Marty's best friend) and his wife Kara needed a ride to the airport, so we drove them to Terminal West -- and laughed the whole way there. On the drive back, M and I were able to talk about the past week and to share our fears, but also our excitement. We agreed that love is a risk... one we're both willing to take. He made me blush when he slyly asked to hold my hand. After getting to his sister's house, hanging out with the family, and walking his sister's dog, we sat at a little park until late late at night... sharing, talking, laughing, praying, and realizing God's hand in all of it.

Marty and Pops then ventured out into the mountains and to the Continental Divide for a few days. He had told me "look at the moon and know that I'm looking at it, too"... as corny as I thought it was, I found myself (and still find myself) glancing at the sky thinking of this man I'd met a year ago. After a few days of backpacking, Marty returned and I picked him up at a nearby Panda Express (don't ask why, that's just where Pops dropped him off). We got to finally spend the afternoon together and enjoy how comfortable it was. We ate macaroni and cheese for lunch, looked at pictures on my computer, watched Marley and Me and shopped for some new school clothes for Mr. Lessmann. We ended the day by spending time with his family and eating yummy halibut, steak, parmesan risotto, brocolli slaw (from Costco -- good stuff!) and fruit. I love sitting around the dinner table with the Lessmanns!

The next day, Thursday, was our last together before Marty had to return to St. Louis to get ready for his students and the school year. We knew it would be a bummer to say goodbye, but we also know we'd be seeing each other soon. We ventured down to Pearl Street to go to happy hour at West End tavern. That was when we both really started to feel like a couple. We cooked dinner at my house, enjoyed a good bottle of wine, listened to music, and simply enjoyed time together.

So, you may ask.... who really is this Marty Lessmann to you, Annette Versluys? Marty is my man. My main squeeze. My boyfriend. And that's fun! The last three weeks have been completely unexpected. We agree that we would have NEVER expected to be reunited and to start dating. Sure, it's long distance. But I told him last night "those 843 miles are 843 reasons to praise God for what He's doing in our lives." Plus it helps that we've both booked plane tickets to see each other... he's coming out here again at the end of the month and I'm headed to the 'Lou on September 17. Like I said before, it's a risk... that we're willing to take!

People, I'll tell you... it's easy. Natural. Fun! I don't have to strive when I'm around him and I don't have to be anyone but me. The huge amount of grace that Marty extends is inspiring. It's obvious that he trusts God and recognizes Christ in his life and mine. He points me toward the Cross. But along with that, he's real. Authentic. He does little things that impress me in huge ways. I appreciate him even more this year than I did last. The past year has been one of growth and recognizing my need for the Lord, and it's so good to know that this man is going to always encourage me as I walk with Jesus and try to live life the way He intended.

::thank you, self-timer for these fun shots::

Bailey Baker

2009-08-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I joined a new Bible study. I love it. I'm thankful that I get to call everyone in the group friend. Sometimes we hang out outside of Tuesday nights and last night was one of those nights.

Courtney and Brian, one of the couples in the group, just adopted a little Chocolate Lab named Bailey. He's two months old, a little shy, likes to lick faces, and attacks his squeaky sheep. Last night a few of us got together for a "Welcome Bailey" party. It was fun to meet the pup and great to hang out with friends!

Courtney got all creative and made a "Welcome Bailey" cake. Cute!

Austin's Bug

2009-08-07T09:21:00.001-07:00

I've gotten to hang out with almost all of the Lessmanns lately (more on why later)... I could say things like these people are so warm and awesome, but that wouldn't do them justice. The big brother of the littlest Lessmanns, Austin, is an absolute crack up. He loves talking about mowing the lawn and pretends to shave his legs with a crayon. Big imagination! We found a praying manitis on Wednesday night which quickly became Austin's pet. When asked what he wanted to name his bug, Austin responded, "Tigger!". We eventually let Tigger go into the wild (I mean the backyard), so this picture is for Austin to remember his new pet for an evening.

99 Balloons

2009-08-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

I want to be able to live my life where no matter what happens, I'll be able to say:

GOD GIVES. GOD TAKES.
GOD'S NAME EVER BE BLESSED.
Job 1:21

What made me think of this? Below I've posted a video about a little guy whose life showed God's love in the simplest ways. He lived for 99 days. It's a sad video, but it honors the Lord and little Eliot well...

"An underdeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it, and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of your body could not stop God from revealing himself through a child who never uttered a word... God found great pleasure to take a lowly thing in the eyes of the world and show truth."

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

fulfilled.

2009-08-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

I've been playing keys at church this weekend. Being part of the worship team is truly an honor... and so stinkin' fun!

God has blown me away with the mystery of His love. There's one song in particular that we've been playing that speaks to my core. It's called Your Love...

What is this love that ran to meet me in my brokenness
That sought to cover all my shamefullness
Love that brought me home

What is this love that overwhelmed me with extravagance
That clothed me in your righteousness
Love that brought me home

It's your love that draws me to my knees
And even when I'm far from you it reaches out to me
It's your love that brings me back to life
That brings me running to your side
It's your love

Your love outruns my wayward heart
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive
Your boundless grace outweighs my sin
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive

It's this love that causes me to love Him back. I can't love on my own. I have no idea how.

"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:9-10)

My sin has disconnected me from God. My desires to serve myself. My ideas that I know what's best. When I choose anything other than what God had in mind. All those things make it impossible for me to be connected to God. But Christ came to reconnect me back to God. So that I can experience this life that God has laid out for me. So that I can know God, his love, and his Son. So that I can love others well.

That's love.

I'm keeping myself busy...

2009-07-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

...by crocheting a blanket. Although, it's already becoming a tedious project, so it may be a scarf. I'll try a blanket later... I'm planning on sending it out to Afghanistan. My church's next trip isn't until November, so I have a while to finish it... whatever it becomes...

...by catching up with my best friend, Jill... I love this gal! Yesterday she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids in her October 3rd wedding. My response? "Jill... I'd be honored to be in your wedding!"

...by reading The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch... a great book about a man's childhood dreams and enabling others' dreams. Dr. Pausch gave his 'last lecture' at Carnegie Mellon University months before he died of pancreatic cancer. It's a really powerful lecture... watch it if you have the time!

...but I'm out of ideas and still have a week and a half off of work...

I cannot believe how big he is!

2009-07-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted something about Bjorn, he was just barely a year old. Now he's topping out a whoppin' 16 months. He walks! He talks! He draws! He climbs on stuff! All with a little bit of his quirky, Bjorn style.

We are constantly blown away with how much he's talking -- or at least trying to. These are some of the many words:

"Ana" or "Nun" -- that's me
"Mama work" and "Dada work"
"Dado" -- Colorado, of course
"Bawk" -- park
"Poo" -- pool
"Einstein" -- he's addicted to the Baby Einstein videos
"Papa" -- pasta
"Hot" -- paired with a goofy hand wave
"Bapa" -- this started off as Grandpa, but now he calls any older man "Bapa"

Our weeks have evolved into quite the routine. Mondays are storytime at Borders Bookstore in Boulder. Tuesdays we go for a long walk and to the dinosaurs at the mall. Wednesdays we go to the pool. Thursdays are "Tiny Tumblers" (baby gymnastics) at the rec center. Of course, with all of his fun developments (especially walking/running/climbing) come bumps and bruises, but he's holding his own really well. Now that I think about it, the kid really doesn't ever quit moving... except during nap time... which I'm always thankful for!

Bjorn constantly wants to listen to music. But we can't listen to Annette's music. We have to listen to Sesame Street. We have to listen to track 9. We have to listen to Grover singing "Wompa wompa woo woo woo". Bjorn asks for it by saying "Wa woo woo woo??" At least he says please.

He's quite the character. And quite the stinker. But we all are so thankful for that little boy! He really does radiate the joy that only a fun little guy can.

Wow, it's been FOREVER!

2009-07-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

The last time I posted a blog was on April 6... It's JULY... How pathetic is that?

Last night I drove in the craziest rain storm I've ever seen. I was at the grocery store, innocently buying some granola, yogurt, and fruit. When I walked out, it was dumping rain on Boulder. The drive home took twice as long because we were going twice as slow! So, apparently the storm was threatening to become a tornado and I was right in the middle of it... comforting...

I'm completely enjoying summertime in Colorado. Sure, it's hot (although, today is a whoppin' 58 degrees). But goodness, it's so beautiful! I've been blown away by God's goodness -- and that He does things like this for us:

If I look at the summer so far (sigh... is it really half over??), the most precious times have been surrounded by great friends. I've been reminded of the richness of good, authentic community. Really, I wouldn't have it any other way.

In May, I was able to spend time with my best friend, Jill. She's in Michigan for a dietetics internship. It was so sweet to see her... I'm really excited for her to move back to Colorado for good in a few weeks!

Also in May, my good friend Laura gave birth to little Avery Joy. Avery was a long awaited baby and is a huge blessing!

In June, I visited my brother, sister in law, and nieces in California. I spent a long weekend running around with Roma and Quincy. Roma and I took a short trip to San Diego to visit some friends of mine who were doing ministry with Campus Crusade down there...

July has been a month of being with friends in Colorado....

On the 4th of July, my friends Bryon, Kristin and Jared and I went climbing up near Estes Park. We stayed in town for dinner at my favorite Estes restaurant and the great fireworks show.

My friend, Marissa, spent this past year in East Asia. She got home in early July, so a bunch of college friends got together to welcome her home! ...And to get free Slurpees, as it was July 11...

The girls in my Bible study all went out on Friday night for our first -- but definitely not last -- Girls Night. It was great to connect with them outside of Bible study...

On Sunday night after church, a bunch of friends went to dinner at Chili's... One of my most favorite things in life is sitting with good people and laughing, telling stories, and catching up. So we did that. I was truly content!

So that's that... I'm about to get a two-week vacation (Bjorn and his parents are headed to Sweden to visit his grandparents) and I'm so ready to sleep in, lay by the pool, visit more friends, and enjoy down time. I hope you're enjoying your summer, too!

So much to say...

2009-04-06T08:11:00.001-07:00

I feel like it's been forever since I've actually spent time to write down some thoughts. A lot has happened in the past few weeks...

I was baptized on Saturday night...
My church does about 4 baptism services each year. They have a class for people to go to and learn what baptism is/isn't. I guess about 30 people went to that class this time around. While I was sitting in the service listening to what the Lord can do and has done in my heart, I had an overwhelming sense that I wanted to get baptized. So I did! (I was baptized as a baby, and I totally appreciate my parents for doing that, but I needed to do it for me -- as my decision, my declaration.) Our pastor, Jim, put it well -- I was "ambushed by God". What amazed me about this weekend was that over 200 people were baptized, and only 30 were planning on it. You do that math -- God ambushed a bunch of hearts this weekend! I went to church again on Sunday with Shawn and watched as fathers and sons, best friends, mothers and children, old people, young children, and people who were clearly not planning on hopping into an inflatable hot tub gathered together in the Lord's name to state "yes, we believe!"

April Fool's Day was fun...
One of my dearest friends, Elise, hates dogs. So I loved what I did to her on April 1st. I placed an ad on Craigslist that went a little like this...

I have 5 adorable puppies who are all ready to leave their mom as
soon as you can pick them up!  They're a mix between a yellow lab and a golden
retriever.  Beautiful parents.  3 females, 2 males. 
I'm only asking $50 for each and I can work out a deal if you want. 
Call now, they'll go quickly!  303-818-4254

Throughout the course of the day, Elise got over 15 phone calls for puppies and she had no clue why. She even got a phone call from a producer looking for puppies for a sitcom he was working on. Really?!

I take full credit for that amazing April Fool's joke. You can use it next year if you'd like... but remember, it was my idea ;)

I'll post California pictures, soon.

May the Force be with you

2009-03-24T10:50:00.001-07:00

Luke Skywalker (er, I mean Roma) is defeating the Dark Side...

I'm on Spring Break

2009-03-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Except I'm not in school.

Bjorn's dad is a professor and he does get Spring Break so they headed to Mexico... and I headed to California. My brother and sister in law are in Australia, so I'm out here with my mom to hang out with Roma.

We started off in Los Angeles on Thursday night where we met up with the California Versluys' to get the kid and the car. Long story short, I spent almost two and a half hours at In-N-Out Burger while people and luggage were shuttled from and to the airport.

After dinner in LA, we headed to Bakersfield to spend a few days at my grandma's house. We had brunch with my aunts, got pedicures, took naps, and played Scrabble. (ahem... I got a whoppin' 321 points...)

Today we drove the 3 hours to my Aunt Netti and Uncle Dan's house outside of Solvang. They have a GREAT house. Their 5 kids (Taylor, Paige, Blake, Grant, and Luke) have a ton of fun things to do... a trampoline, swimming pool, animals, go-carts. The snakes get out of their cage every once in a while -- it keeps life interesting. My aunt is such a talented hostess and a great friend. It's very relaxing at their house!

I'll be in California for another week and I'm looking forward to a bunch of relaxing and being with family. More stories and pictures to come...

Vogue.

2009-03-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Bjorn is practicing his male modeling poses. Over the shoulder. Very snazzy.

she said it...

2009-03-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

"no cake, no joy. know cake, know joy."

-my lovely college roommate, becca parsons. classy gal.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

2009-03-10T09:16:00.001-07:00

Little Bjorn is 1 today!

When I started the job as his nanny, I really had no idea how much love I'd feel for this little guy and how much joy he'd bring to me. He's a happy baby and I appreciate him more and more and more every day!

Oh, sweet Seattle...

2009-03-09T10:24:00.001-07:00

i had an amazing weekend.

One of my very best friends is going to school in Seattle, so I got to go visit her and see all of the sights. I fell in love with the city.

::friday::
Friday morning was spent full of good conversations and good coffee. We were in Seattle, we had to. We walked around a big lake and talked about life, our men, memories, faith, future stuff...

Seattle has a bunch of cute "towns" around the big city. Em lives in Wallingford. Her boyfriend lives in Ballard. The really expensive boutiques are in Fremont. We window shopped because quite frankly, a $300 shirt is ridiculous.

Fremont also has a great little chocolate factory called Theo Chocolate. Yum. It's organic, pure, creative chocolate (Chai Chocolate... Bread & Chocolate... Coconut Curry Chocolate...). I was a kid in a candy shop... literally... walking around, sampling the different flavors. I brought some home for my mom.

After browsing shops, we met up with Emily's boyfriend for lunch. Best sandwich ever... We ate on the beach and enjoyed the Seattle sunshine (I know, crazy!). Matt dropped his sandwich in the sand. A little dog came and ate the lettuce - its owner wasn't amused. Emily knows all of the fun parks, so we walked around an old park called Gas Works. She also showed me a huge troll. Yes, a troll under a bridge.

On Friday night, we headed downtown and met up with a guy I worked with at camp, Barrett Caldwell. Barrett is a southern boy working for the Coast Guard and living smack dab on 1st Avenue. It was fun to meet his roommates and to reminisce about a summer up in the mountains.

::saturday::
After a lazy morning, Emily and I headed to the University Village -- near the University of Washington -- to go to Anthropologie and H&M. I got a fun gray coat!

After the U Village, we went downtown to go to Pike Place Market. I would love living in a city with a fun open-aired market like this one. I couldn't help but soak in all of the different things there were to see... I was such a tourist, taking pictures, not watching where I was walking. It was great. I wish I lived in a place with a market. It's such a neat thing to be able to go there and grab everything. In fact, it's kind of a lifestyle -- one that's appealing to me.

On Saturday night, we headed to a little restaurant in Ballard called The Root Table. Wow, that was a neat place to eat dinner! All of the tables were roots (hence the name) and you sat on stumps. The atmosphere was artsy, laid back, and exotic. After dinner, I got to catch up with my 2nd cousin, Rebekah. I hadn't seen her since 2005 so we had much needed time together.

::sunday::
After church and eating lunch at the Ballard Farmer's Market, I headed home. A great weekend!

I took a ton of pictures...

walking around green lake with coffee in hand and best friend at side...

modern day willy wonka... organic and fair trade... and delicious

on the menu for lunch on friday... amazingness in sandwich form

our picnic spot. really? could it get any better?

great friend

yep, a giant troll

looking down troll street (avenue? lane? i don't know)

the needle

i love the fact that there's water all over the place out there!

downtown. and boats. awesome.

barrett & his football trophy from earlier that day.
you know what they say about the camp t family...

barrett's roommate, adam. a good ol' southern boy with his clemson hat and banjo...

seattle-style serenade.

::the market::

i brought some pasta home with $5 i found on the ground...

i'm working on that coffee drinking goal.

one of these things is not like the other...

great little restaurant with wooden menus.

this is my "i see you every five years" cousin... we should fix that problem.

ballard farmers market quesadillas

washington apples!

I'll be booking another ticket again soon.

Hello Seattle...

2009-03-07T17:10:00.000-08:00

I've spent a wonderful weekend touring Seattle with my best friend, Emily. Pictures and stories to come!

For Danielle

2009-03-05T15:36:00.001-08:00

The pregnant lady requested this. She's hungry...

Sub Love

2009-03-02T08:32:00.000-08:00

1429 11th Avenue was a great house. It'll always be one of my favorites... not because it was painted a cute yellow color, not because we had an awesome couch that could seat 20 people, not because we had two refrigerators, and not because the of the squeaky staircases.

I simply loved living with 5 amazing women.

Our big yellow house got the name "The Sub" soon after we moved in (you know, we all live in a yellow submarine). It stuck.

Yesterday we had a little Sub reunion... Jamie and Becca were in from out of state and Bianca and Megan drove over from Greeley. It was a sweet time filled with stories, memories, and laughter. It was so great to see the girls again and to all be in the same place. It's been a while since we've had the chance to do that.

Bianca got married in December and lives in Greeley. She's one of the most compassionate people I know. Becca lives in Kansas City and loves doggies. She's a forever friend... always laughing or making people laugh. Megan is finishing up school in Greeley and speaks Spanish like a pro. She's super passionate about what she does and inspires others to come alongside her. Jamie is living with her husband in Iowa while he finishes up pharmacy school. She has a really sweet spirit. That's what I think of those girls.

I love the pictures that Bianca's husband took of us...

The lessons that come from a latte

2009-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:00

Today is a good day.

I stopped at Starbucks on the way to work. I usually get a tall soy chai latte. So of course I ordered that this morning. I tend to get stuck in a rut at Starbucks... I'll get the exact same thing every single time until I'm absolutely sick of it. Maybe that's because I don't want to pay $3.50 for a drink I'm not sure I'll like or not. But today... ohhh today... I accidentally grabbed the wrong drink and didn't realize it til I was on my way out of the parking lot... and running late for work. This drink was a tall soy latte. Coffee. Wait, I'm drinking coffee? Yes, and I'm enjoying this tall soy latte a lot. So maybe I'm stepping out of a soy chai rut. Probably not, I really enjoy that drink.

I feel like I've been thinking about stepping out of a rut a lot lately. I don't want to be a person who just lives life without truly living. I want to believe in what God is doing in my life and let my actions reflect that. I don't want to just accept things as they are... I want to think about them, talk about them, reflect on them, pray about them, chew on them...

My life has potential to be the "same old thing" every day. I could wake up... hit my alarm 3 times (I really hate the song on my alarm)... get ready... spend the day talking to a baby who's vocabulary consists of "da" and "mmmmm"... go home... watch Wheel of Fortune... stalk friends on facebook... head to bed. No, thank you. So, instead of settling for what could be, I make a point of doing new things. I've challenged myself to be spontaneous, to go out and try new things, but more importantly to really think about why I do what I do or believe what I believe.

I'm 22... one day life is going to settle down (maybe?) and I'll settle down (a little, I guess). As for right now, I'm exploring... where I'm at, what I'm doing, who I am. I may not find the answers that I'm expecting or looking for and that's just fine... I don't want to just sit back and wait for things to happen. But then sometimes I'm surprised with a new thing like a mistaken drink in the craziness of the morning.

And of course... I'm up for enjoying soy lattes anytime if you want to grab some coffee.

30 by 30

2009-02-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

I was encouraged to make a list of 30 things I want to do by the time I turn 30. Luckily I still have 7 1/2 years to do them. Here you go...

Get my teaching license
Travel around Europe and South/Central America
Knock on the door of the house I grew up in and ask to look around
Build something out of wood
Fall in love
Plant tulips
Get married
Move to another state (California?)
Visit Napa Valley
Hike Longs Peak
Take a cooking class
Learn to truly hear the voice of God
Sponsor two kids through Compassion International
Visit Afghanistan with my church
Have a baby
Learn to like coffee and own an espresso machine
Read the entire Bible
Visit Mission Beach with Summer Project friends
Visit the places where my grandparents grew up
Have at least one good conversation with my brother & sister in law each month
Throw my parents a surprise party (not such a surprise anymore...)
Get a dog
Go to at least one concert per year
Write a song
Own a Kitchen Aid mixer
Fall more in love with the Lord
Cut down my own Christmas tree and have Christmas parties
Teach
Tell the man that I love "I love you" at least once a day

This is fun: The 'name game'

2009-02-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

1.YOUR REAL NAME
Annette Joy Versluys

2.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother and fathers middle names)
Louise James

3.NASCAR NAME:(first name of your mother's dad, father's dad)
Henry James

4.STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name)
Veran

5.DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal)
Green Giraffe

6.SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, town where you were born)
Joy Louisville

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color, fav drink, add "THE" to the beginning)
The Orange Izzy

8.FLY NAME:(first 2 letters of 1st name, last 2 letters of your last name)
Anys

9.ROCK STAR NAME:(current pets name, current street name)
Anna Muirfield

10. PORN NAME: (1st pet, street you grew up on)
Nibbles Dahlia (ha.)

11.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(first 3 letters of real name plus izzle)
Annizzle

12.YOUR IRAQI.. NAME:(2nd letter of your first name, 3rd letter of your last name, first two letters of your middle name, last two letters of your first name then last three letters of your last name)
Nrjoteuys (ha.)

13.YOUR GOTH NAME:(black, and the name of one of your pets)
Black Oliver

14. STRIPPER NAME: (name of your fav perfume/cologne, fav candy
American Chocolate

I guess you could say that I've kept my New Year's Resolution...

2009-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not a huge fan of people who brag about how on top of things they are, so I'm not trying to do that at all. I've just recognized some changes in my lifestyle and I'm really enjoying it.

I go to the gym. I know you're supposed to go to the gym a lot. I don't. But because I pay for it, I feel more obligated to go. I don't even think I really know what I'm doing... all I know is that I should get my heart rate higher for 30 minutes. And I do some abs on the exercise ball. Sometimes I'll use weights to work on my arms or legs. Oh, and I watched a video online about how to use a rowing machine... so I guess that means I know how to use it. Ha.

I have a reusable grocery bag that I'll use if I remember. Save the pandas. I guess that has absolutely nothing to do with how I feel... maybe it makes me happy, I don't know.

I like to eat healthy foods. In fact, when I eat junk, I feel like junk (funny how that happens -- you are what you eat, I guess). I think what's keeping me healthier is that I love fresh fruits and vegetables... I've discovered an awesome little market in Boulder called Sunflower Market. Their ploy to get you into their store is by selling cheap produce, meats, and bulk foods. Last week I enjoyed french vanilla granola, walnuts, pecans, and raspberry yogurt a few times for breakfast. Mmmm!

I like to drink soy chai lattes right now. I'm sure I'll get sick of them soon and find another drink. Vanilla soy milk and Oregon chai = great! Sometimes I think about how they get soy milk... do they milk a bean? I don't know, I just buy a carton. It works for me.

Cutting my hair off helped with the lifestyle change, too! To me, it's fun.

It's 70 degrees outside today... so instead of sitting inside, I'm going to get out there. Enjoy your day!

January is... gone?

2009-02-01T19:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend was great.

God was glorified through John's death. A community came together... it's unlike anything I've seen out here in our small town. This afternoon after church I drove by the site where John passed away. Traffic going by was stop-and-go because so many people were on the side of the road paying their respects. Police and firemen were there to direct traffic and make sure everything ran smoothly. Tons of people had left flowers and balloons. The neatest thing was that someone had locked a bike with grocery bags on the handle bars to a tree... the entire bike was painted white...

I'm thankful that John didn't go unnoticed. In fact, as far as I know, nobody in our community has been this well noticed or recognized. But John didn't care about recognition. He just wanted to be everybody's friend. Our pastor Jim said that most of the time, John was asking how he could help. People love this man, and it's so neat to see everyone honoring him.

On a lighter note...

*Bjorn and I got to hang out Friday night.
*I chopped my hair off... I was getting sick of pony tails (because that's the only thing I had the patience to do)... I'll post pictures soon!
*After church on Saturday night, my buddy Kevin and I went to Denver to enjoy beers and burgers at the Cherry Cricket... so good! We had a great time! And we laughed a lot... Always a good thing!
*I went to church again this morning (yep... same church... same sermon... same worship) with some Bible Study friends. It was fun to see them outside of Tuesday nights!
*My parents had some friends over for the Super Bowl... My mom made our Dutch tradition... Oliebollen. Dutch donuts.
*I realized tonight how much I really do enjoy football. That was a great game! I was hoping that the Cardinals would win, but they played really well. I guess you can't win everything, right?

Hey, have a wonderful week! Maybe this week we can all focus on living a little like John Breaux... sacrificially and with a smile!

Remembering John...

2009-01-30T21:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight I'm sad... I lost a friend who I never actually met.

John Breaux was a familiar face in our community. He was an older man who we'd see around town picking up trash, collecting carts, holding the doors at stores, and giving free smiles and hand shakes at my church. John was different... he was bold yet so quiet. I had never heard him speak, and I think all I've ever said to him was "hello". John let people know the best, yet simplest message by writing "Jesus Loves You" in the snow. I was intrigued by this man and who he was.

John was walking on the side of the road with his bike (a usual sight) when he got hit by a car this afternoon. Here's the article on the Daily Camera website.

This simple man touched my life, and I know that my life isn't the only one that was touched.

Compassion, humility, truth, love, kindness, friendship... thank you for being an incredible example, John Breaux.

I can only imagine how eager our God was to tell his son "well done, good and faithful servant" after John's step into Glory.

A dog roasting marshmallows? Awesome.

2009-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

I put this sticker on the back of my car this afternoon. It reminds me of my dog, Anna. Anna isn't smart enough to roast marshmallows without burning them... but we'll just pretend. It also reminds me of the time my friends Ian and Michael roasted a marshmallow on the biggest stick they could find. Ohhh camp memories...

The cold weather can't keep us inside!

2009-01-28T13:44:00.000-08:00

Bjorn and I were getting a little restless being cooped up in the house for 2 days. So, we went digging for layers... and more layers... and even more layers of clothing and walked to the library.

This proves that even the freezing temperatures won't keep us in!

Friends from my Bible study and I got together last night for a "fun night". Welp, the night lived up to its expectations... it was fun! Everyone brought pints of ice cream. I brought Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Dough. With all this ice cream talk... here's the recipe to an awesome hot fudge sauce. So good!

Ingredients

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped (you can use morsel if you don't want to chop chocolate)
1/2 cup very strong black coffee (instant works, just add a rounded teaspoonfull of it to a half cup of hot water)
3 tablespoons salted butter, cut into pieces
4 tablespoons (three turns around the pan) heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional... but good!)

Directions

In a heavy saucepan over medium low heat melt the chocolate and the coffee; once melted remove pan from heat and stir in the butter, cream, and cinnamon.

Psalm 139:7-12

2009-01-26T21:03:00.001-08:00

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

New Year, New Memories, New Belgium.

2009-01-25T22:03:00.000-08:00

Don't you love weekends that are relaxing, spent with friends, and full of laughter? And don't you hate it when they're over? That's my current dilemma.

A bunch of good friends and I spent yesterday afternoon at New Belgium Brewery up in Fort Collins... We sat, talked, enjoyed each other, and sampled some free beer. Does it get any better? Really?

I was in an artsy "black and white photo" kind of a mood...

The Hula Hooping in front of the brewery was hilarious...

That wasn't it. Oh no, I got even MORE time with MORE good friends! I was simply... content.

That's right, count 'em... I got four different sauces with my dinner.
Completely unnecessary.

Happy Birthday, Audi!

My friend Andy... He calls me Annie...

Choose joy this week!

...I'm not pregnant...

2009-01-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not pregnant. Which is good, considering my circumstances. But someone is pregnant... my sister in law!

That's right, Quincy is going to be a big sister and Roma is going to be a bigger sister!

Baby #3 is coming sometime in late September.

Be praying for Eric and Danielle as they celebrate and process this big surprise!

Thankful for the weekend...

2009-01-23T23:24:00.000-08:00

...yep...

Kevin and I just saw Gran Torino, the Clint Eastwood movie. At first I was a little skeptical... I thought it was just a movie about some cynical old man hating his Asian neighbors. But I ended up liking it -- it was a neat story with a lot of heart. Go see it. Don't bring your kids... unless you want them saying bad words and racial comments.

Quite the week...

2009-01-22T13:40:00.001-08:00

Mmm... Blueberries!

I don't know why, but I'm exhausted! Wait, I do know why... I went from doing hardly anything for 2 months to being busy all day, every day. But I'm really enjoying myself!

Walks to the park, walks around the block, walks to the coffee shop & library, walks around the house... Bjorn and I have gone on a lot of walks. I love being his nanny... it's taken a few days, but I've finally gotten into a "routine". Today after he ate a delicious lunch of baby food and more baby food, we joined my parents and Aunt Lori at Panera for a while. Bjorn loves watching all of the people and my mom got some much needed baby time, so it was a good deal!

I joined a Bible Study with other single people from the area. I'm definitely the youngest one there, but I like that we're all different ages, but we can all be friends. Next week is our fun week -- we're all bringing our favorite pint of ice cream (I'm thinking... what IS my favorite pint of ice cream?) and we'll play some games (Catchphrase is a must!). I'm excited about the new community I've found in this group of people.

I just thought more about the ice cream question, so I googled "quiz -- what's your favorite kind of ice cream?" and came up with this site about what your favorite ice cream says about you. I love anything chocolate, so...

Chocolate-lover,
you are a total flirt --- you love attention!
But at heart, you're really a hopeless romantic
waiting for your prince/princess to come along.

Oh gosh...

Hold on tight!

2009-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

My friend Kevin and I went bouldering last night at a place in Boulder (fitting, huh) called The Spot. I've rock climbed a lot with ropes, but this was a totally different feeling because bouldering is without ropes. I'll admit, it kind of freaked me out to be climbing without ropes. But I'm getting used to it. It's a challenge for sure, but a lot of fun, too! By the end of the night, I'd try to climb and reach a hold, but my hands literally wouldn't hold on... In the words of my new friend Kevin, "you're shot." Yep, I was shot.

My sister in law and my niece, Quincy, are headed to D.C. right now for the inauguration. I hope they stay warm... It's 67 here today.

Jehovah-jireh

2009-01-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

I want to be like my friends who blog. It's a neat way to keep track of what's going on in each others lives.... So here I go, I'm beginning this journey with my new blog.

I'm amazed at the Lord's provision. In fact, I'm quite blown away. Ever since I graduated back in May, He's shown me that He will indeed take care of me... not always in the ways that I want or expect, but in His perfect way.

I just started an awesome job as a nanny for a 10-month-old named Bjorn. He's a sweet baby who likes to show off his skills: clapping and saying "moo" when I say "Bjorn, a cow says....". I spend 9 hours a day with him, Monday through Thursday. We get to hang out, go for walks, go to the park, work on eating finger foods (Moms -- any ideas? He's getting a little bored with Cheerios). But what blessed me this morning was realizing that while he's napping in the morning, I get to spend time with the Lord. So, the Lord has provided for me a job where I'll get to know Him more intimately. Bjorn's parents are great, too... I'm glad they trust me with their baby!

Baby Bjorn

I'm not one to worry too much about money, but up until last week, I had been jobless since November. November 19, to be exact. I didn't know where I was going to come up with finances to last me til the middle of January (with Christmas and a vacation in Phoenix thrown in the mix). It's been such a treat to watch the Lord provide for me in tangible ways through a ton of odd jobs... House sitting, babysitting, heading to Downtown Denver to watch some kids, and even gracious parents who lovingly support me while still encouraging me to become completely independent.

I was discouraged about the lack of friends in my life. The Lord gave me a great roommate last fall (roommate by force) named Elise, and we've gotten to hang out and become closer since she lives just over in Boulder. She's living with her parents, too... Really, all the cool kids are doing it. We've gotten involved at our church, Flatirons, and have met some fun and neat friends there. We're going rock climbing with the guys tonight... The guys are great rock climbers, we are not. Wish us luck.

The weather today is awesome... I love love LOVE Colorado! I think it's going to get up to 65 degrees (and yes, it is January 19), so in a little bit, Bjorn and I are going to walk to the park.

thankful for summer 07

2007-07-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

I have loved this summer. I only have a few weeks left to enjoy time off from school, but I feel like the Lord has prepared me to go back to school and serve Him and to really enjoy myself in the process! I'm excited to begin my senior year (senior?!) at UNC and to finish strong. Let's hope senioritis doesn't kick in anytime soon...!

Summer Projects are great! Last summer, I went to San Diego in desperate need to know what it means to walk with the Lord. I was tired... tired of trying to do things on my own and ultimately failing. Have you ever felt that way?

I am incapable of doing anything on my own. And I'm thankful for that. It is through the power of Jesus Christ that my weakness is made strong. By myself, I am nothing. With Him, I am everything.

I went back to San Diego this summer for 7 weeks to intern with the Project. Man, did the Lord blow me away! I'm going to write a ton about it later... but until then, I just wanted to share what I've been feeling about the Lord's goodness. He's captured my heart! :)