Moments that Matter

New Family Blog

2011-03-09T11:12:00.003-06:00

Ladies and Gentleman,

It is with great joy I invite you to our new blog! Out with the old single life and in with the new married life :)

Unterseher Family Blog

Please sign up as a follower if you read us, just to let us know you are there!

Sew Wonderful!!!!!!

2011-02-04T11:01:00.004-06:00

I want to give a shout out to a wonderful seamstress, Wendi Wheeler!

She has a small business called Wendi Wee where she makes purses, bags, tailors, does alterations and more!

Wendi is my roommate's sister and I had her make bags for my bridesmaids (see pictures below) that are just fantastic. She is very creative and also surprised us with a special bag for me!

So (or should I say... sew... hehe) If you need a creative gift, a special project or anything else related, check her out:

wendiwee.com
wendiwee.blogspot.com

Wedding Update

2011-01-10T21:18:00.002-06:00

39 Days left...

THIRTY-NINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's almost just one-month. Then, I will be married! To Jake! Forever!

Ok, now that I got that out.... here's the updates :)

Before Christmas, we planned the Liturgy- which is our favorite part! We will have such a Beautiful Mass and are so excited to have that as the center of our Wedding Day! Incense, multiple priests and servers, beautiful music.... Oh gee, it's God great that He made our worship so wonderful!

Over New Years, we had a shower with my mom's family and it was nice: beer and pizza! We received some wonderful gifts and have been getting surprises in the mail too!

Last week, I finished my veil and took my dress in for alterations. (I am wearing my mom's, so a few updates and we are all set!) And, we booked our Honeymoon for Estes Park, CO!

This weekend, I had craft weekend with my roommates! We made boutonnieres, vases for the bouquets, pots for the crayons (we are having paper table clothes with crayons for coloring!), and a basket for cards. So, all that is left to put together are the programs!

We are also getting our apartment set in place! Jake moved in last Tuesday and we put our new dishes in place.... other than that we only have a bed- but more furniture is to come. We have a family in town giving us couches, bookshelves, table and chairs, etc.

So now, we need to get final numbers in place, meet with the DJ, and then we will have a wedding! Woo!

Weakness, Failure, and a whole lotta Joy!

2010-11-15T20:31:00.002-06:00

Today is Monday, November 15th.

Today, I colored a picture of a giant penguin. It turned out blue and pink and purple... just because it could. Today, I had fun and I made other people have fun with me.

Let's start this at the beginning.

Friday, October 1st.
I woke (sort of) to find my car which had been parked on the street outside our house had been hit.... no note. $1,160 of damage.

After spending the morning with the police and getting no work done, I left for Fargo to go to NFP class and then fly to Vermont for Chris and Brenda True's wedding. I got pulled over. 83 in a 75. $35 ticket (lucky for me, North Dakota tickets are CHEAP!)

I went to NFP then headed to the airport. I arrived to find out the my first flight was delayed. Then it was delayed more. Then, I missed my second flight because of the delay. They spent three hours trying to rebook my flights. Finally, they got it figured out- I could leave on the first flight Saturday Morning and be to Burlington by 3pm- missing the wedding but still attending the reception.

Jake took me out to dinner because of my bad day. Isn't he great :)

At 11:30pm Delta called and canceled my second flight for Saturday. I cried. A LOT. I spent an hour with a cranky Delta agent and the best they could do was have me fly in to Laguardia, drive 6 hours to Burlington and arrive by 10pm. Or, they could refund my ticket. Yes, please.... I prefer not to pay $400 to drive 6 hours and miss the entire reason I was going to Vermont.

A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I spent the weekend cranky and sad.

Monday, October 5th
I reconciled my weekend with God. Now I can laugh about it.

Tuesday, October 12th
I went for a snack and opened the fridge door. And... it... fell.... OFF! Completely. Just fell off. Crash. Condiments everywhere. (Only the butter dish broke though!)

Friday, October 15th
I went to a bonfire and hayride in the country. It was cold. Despite many suggestions, I did not put on gloves.

At 10:30pm I realized that I had LOST my engagement ring. Lost it. Gone. In a field at a HAYRIDE. Gone. I called Jake and cried.

Saturday, October 16th
Fifteen people searched, on their hands and knees, for three hours in a field for my ring. We had one metal detector. I was now at my breaking point. I cried for three days.

Sunday, October 17th
I reconciled with God about the ring. I wasted if for Him, just like He wasted His life for me.

Monday, October 17th
Jake came back and we went to look, one. last. time. Within ten minutes, we found the ring. It was in the fire ashes. I literally threw my ring into a fire. It was charred, but it was beautiful. We took it to the jewelers and now it is like new- but better because of Luke 15:10. We even had a party to celebrate!

Friday, November 5th-Wednesday, November 10th
With in a week, I have a number of women come talk to me about depression, suicide, homosexuality, unchasity, pride, and a whole slew of sins that they could no longer handle.

I break down.

Big time.

Jake and Father Lefor pick up the pieces of my messy life and lovingly but firmly put me back together. The consensus: I am not having enough fun. I am not holding life lightly enough. I am not giving God my burden.

Nope. I am keeping it to myself and it gets heavier and heavier. Then, I try to control more and more. And then... I break down. Big time.

So, the moral of this story?

HAVE FUN.

If you are having fun- even if it is silly, Satan can stand it. He has to depart- he hates laughter. If you are having fun, you are holding this world lightly. It's cares to don't affect you because you think more of the next world. If you are having fun, you will find joy. God will not disappoint you :)

Here are the ways I had fun this week:
Polka Dot Socks
Swinging
Rolling down hills
Having an indoor picnic on the living room floor
Coloring
Jumping for joy
Building Lego's

So, next time you have a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. Jump for joy! Make yourself laugh. Do something silly or childlike. HAVE FUN!

Engagement Pictures

2010-10-11T20:05:00.004-05:00

Everything with our wedding planning has been so smooth and one of the best parts is all the help we receive from family and friends!

For example, these engagement pictures! Jake's best friend does some minor photography, so we were able to go to Horace, ND (south of Fargo) one weekend and take some pictures. for free. and we had them in a CD in like two days. for free. Neither of us really like getting pictures taken, but this was fun- it was with friends and we got to be our silly selves (as you will see)!

Isn't that great :) Ok, so here are Kristie's Favorites:

And here are Jake's favorites.... I think it says something about us ;)

(Do you notice a trend?)

I'm glad I have Jake to balance me out!

Trip to Montana

2010-10-04T20:56:00.003-05:00

Enjoy these photos from my trip to Montana in August! (They are out of order, but I'm too tired to fix them!)

Adina's Reception Hall

Glacier

The LaLiberty's at the Baptism of Maria

Our Cabin in Glacier
Logan's Pass

Entrance to the park

Rugby, ND

Summer Pictures

2010-09-13T21:06:00.003-05:00

Here are some more pictures from Jake and I's trip to Chicago....

Sorry it took so long- my computer broke and I had no where to put them :(

My trip to Montana will be up next!

Wedding Preparations....

2010-09-08T21:45:00.002-05:00

(I promise that not ALL of my posts will be about wedding things... )

Well, we are off to a good start for planning a simple but nice wedding! Minus a few set backs, we have pretty smoothly set up the following things:

Church is booked
Reception Hall is booked
Caterer is booked
Hotel Blocks are reserved
Groomsmen's Suits are bought
Bridesmaid's Jewelry is bought (but not made)
Honeymoon Suite is booked
Rehearsal Dinner is planned
Registry is finished
Marriage Prep with Father has started
NFP starts next week
.... and a bunch of little things are done too!

I am feeling very good about how things are going, although I do wish I could be married tomorrow! It really is a whole different ball game- being engaged versus dating.... I am just glad we opted for a short (although it feels long) engagement.

Some very exciting moments thus far:
**When we registered for gifts and didn't fight once or even get cranky!! Even after four hours!!
**When we found a reception hall that would let us bring our own caterer, could fit 350 people AND has everything included- bar tenders, security, decorations- all for a LOW price!
**When we both realized the possibility of being pregnant at this time next year!

The Future Mrs. Jacob Unterseher!

2010-08-29T15:39:00.004-05:00

Since word gets around quickly, many of you may know that on August 12, 2010, Jake proposed marriage to me! Of course, I accepted (or screamed and practically jumped on him!) and I am now the future Mrs. Jacob Unterseher!!

This means that my name will now be twenty letters long and my hopes of having a last name people know how to spell are dashed. But, I am obviously willing to sacrifice!

We both have always wanted a short engagement, so we set the date for 3:00pm on Friday, February 18, 2011! We will be getting married at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND. There are many details to come, so I am sure I will be posting those, as well as pictures! Keep an eye out :)

Here is our simple but beautiful engagement story:
Jake had been gone for ten days (FOCUS Fundraising season, you know) and he would return on August 21th only for me to leave for 10 days! So, he planned a special date night on the day he returned.

He took me out to Red Lobster for crab legs (which we both agreed was not as good as grandpas!) and then after dinner, he asked if we could go back to the Newman Center to pray the Angelus. This is our daily devotion together, so that no matter what, we always pray it together- either in person or on the phone.

As we entered the chapel, he took me up to the Mary statue (This is where I began to be suspicious!) and we prayed the Angelus. He was so choked up that he actually couldn't finish the final prayer, so I knew something was coming. Jake's not the choked up type!

As I turned to leave, he pulled me back. He told me he loved me! He got down on one knee and proposed! This is where I screamed (I know, I know, I was in the chapel. But I think Jesus screamed too!) and jumped into his arms :) I am pretty sure I even actually said yes!

Then, I turned around and our priest, Fr. Lefor came vested out of the sacristy. He called us to the altar and had a short liturgy prepare for us with readings, a blessing of engaged couples and of the ring.

Then, we had a party! Jake had already told a million people, so we went back to his house and celebrated with roommates, Father, and his team. Woo!!

More Pictures

2010-07-18T20:45:00.005-05:00

Here are a few photos of Nathan and RyAnne's trip to Hazen, ND! Enjoy :)

Jake and I at Lake Sakakawea

RyAnne takes fishing seriously!

The Sunset

Nathan and RyAnne

Vacation

2010-07-07T22:27:00.005-05:00

Well, friends, it's time to report about my most recent vacation! (I was waiting for more pictures, but those will come soon.)

As you may or may not know, recently, Jake and I traveled to Chicago and Hazen to spend time with our families. This was Jake's first trip to time with my family, so it was a big trip! We had a wonderful time (despited death threats coming from the men related to me) and Jake fit in well.

We went to the zoo, to the Taste of Chicago, Dave and Busters, karaoke and spent lots of time with the fam! He got to have both Oberweis and Banana Split ice cream, ate at the Phoenix Club, played bocce ball ... and so many more Aurora traditions. We also got together with friends from college, relatives from Georgia, and more.

Then we headed to Hazen where we celebrated the Fourth of July and my birthday! Yea! It was a nice quiet time to rest up after the craziness of the city.

Anyway, here are some great pictures from the zoo! The other things will come later, once my family sends me their photos- so keep an eye out!

A sleeping Gorilla... Jake's favorite because it looks like him :)

Jake as a vulture... impressive wingspan!

I am just too cute :)

GORILLA! (I told you they were his favorite)

Jake and I at the entrance to the Zoo

Bike Race Champions

2010-04-30T17:10:00.004-05:00

Getting Ready to Role!
Parade to the Starting Point
Jake and Kristie Being Intense, scary huh?!

Last weekend, we had our 25th annual Bike Race between NDSU Newman and UND Newman. It was a great day and we had tons of fun :) I have included some pictures for your enjoyment! For LOTS more: click here!

If you do not know what the bike race is, here's some info:

It is a 40-mile race in which the two North Dakota Newman Centers compete for a trophy. But, it's more than that- it is our largest fundraiser. The schools are 80 miles apart, so we race half the distance (we used to meet in the middle, but with ND wind, it really was not fair).

Here's how it works:

The winners are determined by three things. One, the amount of money raised. Two, the number of riders that finish the race. And three, the top twenty fastest racers.

How We Became The Champions:

We raised $82,000!! NDSU raised $72,000 (This is huge for both schools!!)

We only had 230 riders, and NDSU had 280 (Also a huge feat for both schools!)

We had 15 out of the 20 fastest riders (With Fr. Lefor coming in at #20! And our fastest was in at 1 hour 7 minutes and 58 seconds!)

Musings by Megan

2010-04-17T20:09:00.006-05:00

My Roommate Pam who is only slightly disappointed in her contributions to this article.

My Roommate Megan who was generous enough to support this blog with her own musings.

My roommate Megan would like me to blog today (mostly because I told her I was trying to think of something to write the other day, but nothing came to fruition). So, I have decided, since she is sitting across from me at this very moment, to use her own thoughts, ambitions, goals, and so forth for this entry.

Take it away Megan.

She is currently filling out her preschool skill's check-list, of which she meets most the requirements. Just kidding :) hehe. Really, she is a preschool teacher and has to do these assessment twice a year. She has stated that she now feels that she knows her students better because the assessments are easier than they were last time. Congratulations Megan.

Megan declares that she would like to work on her curriculum this summer. I have offered to help, but mentioned that it would be easier and more helpful if I was a stay at home roommate. I asked her to cover my rent and food, at which point, my roommate Pam interjected "Ok, but you can't have any of our toilet paper." My un-thought-out response was, "Fine, I'll just drip dry over the bathroom floor. But, then I'll have to clean it- dang." Megan's response: "You can't drip dry poop." Dang.

I am sorry if that was awkward for you. Let's move on.

A final thought by Megan- she ran 9 miles today as part of her training for a 1/2 marathon. On this run, a dog ran into her. She also saw three bikes for sale, if you are interested.

Megan says that she is not very exciting, but I think her life is simply beautiful :) It's real and that's what matters.

Haulin' it to Hazen

2010-03-19T16:44:00.003-05:00

Well, I just got back from a wonderful week in Hazen, North Dakota.... a small town in the West/Central part of ND. I took the trip with the man I am dating, Jake, in order to meet his family and see him in the new light of his home town.

We have been dating for about two months and had known each other for about 1 1/2 before that... many of you may remember him from my team at UND last year. We have always had a wonderful friendship and I am very blessed to be discerning marriage with him.

This trip was a big step for us! You see, we know each other VERY well and have seen one another in almost every circumstance. We have met most of our families, but we have never seen them together, never been to each other's homes and had never spent a week straight together! Yikes!

I was a bit nervous, but that proved foolish because I had a great time, got along very well with his family and learned a lot about him! We do come from very different places, so that was quite an adventure and I had to ask a lot of questions.

A little picture of our different worlds: one day we went out in his dad's big truck with wheels bigger than me... I had to jump to get in! Here I am, wearing a pink sweater and pearls in a huge truck four-wheeling on dirt roads, with a gun rack above my head. I was a little out of my element but it sure was fun :) The best part, of course, was seeing Jake so excited!

Dear John

2010-02-08T10:07:00.002-06:00

In the past, I was trying to know, love and serve the Lord but I was covered in chains of strength, self-will and control holding me back from true relationship with and dependence on God. Learning the spirituality of weakness- taking it to prayer, Mass, and confession- has really broken many of those chains in my life. So much so that I actually feel like I can breath for the first time since my conversion. In fact, this is another point of conversion in my life.

God wants to be intimately involved in your life, but He won't do it without your permission. Admitting your weakness and giving up control is the only thing that will allow God to be in it with you; it makes room for Him.

Dear John

2010-01-29T22:19:00.003-06:00

A new twist on an old letter!

As a few of my posts have recently stated, I have been spiritual revitalized by what I call the "Spirituality of Weakness" that my pastor, Father Lefor, has embrace and shared with us. I love to talk about with others :) and last November, I mentioned it to my friend John who is in his Spirituality year at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver. For those of you who don't know, the year is dedicated to breaking you down and opening old wounds so that the men can be healed by Christ before they begin their path toward the priesthood. It is a very intense year, from what I hear, and includes stepping away from phones, Internet, etc. in order to quiet the soul for true discernment and prayer. On his Thanksgiving break, I had the opportunity to talk with John quite a bit about weakness and it really hit home in what he was experiencing in his own spiritual life. We then were able to chat again at FOCUS Conference and he was yearning to dive more into the Spirituality of Weakness, but we did not have enough time to talk as we wanted, so after I decided to start writing about it in my letters to him. (That way he could learn about it at his pace and I didn't have to write him awkward letters about my life knowing he wouldn't be able to respond.)

After a few letters and discussions with my roommates, I discovered that more people need this than John. In light of that discovery, I have decided to post my letters (in pieces, because they are rather long) for all to see. So, anytime you see the title "Dear John" be prepared for weakness and failure. Some of you may not want to read it... it's hard to swallow at times, but my life has been completely changed by this and I cannot keep it to myself! Here is a taste of the first letter:

Dear John,

In writing to you about weakness, I hope to make this more profound in my own life but also introduce you to this new freedom I am experiencing. Really, John, I do not remember a time when I felt so free and like my relationship with Our Lord was so real. It is not always easy, of course, but it is worth it. This way of weakness came to me very painfully- in the midst of doubt, confusion and such brokenness that I was shocked by the peace I felt. Nothing made this doubt, brokenness, or confusion go away, but rather, allowed me to embrace it along with Christ and return to Joy. God has a plan for your discovery of weakness, too, so my prayers are with you in that!

There are so many ways that weakness is and can be embraced that I will have to break them down into topics for you, although they will overlap. Father Lefor gives us many practical things to grow, but remember that the steps, guidelines or whatever you call them WILL NOT in any way form your relationship with Christ. They will give you ways to build habits that will dispose you to Him, but your heart alone will take you to Our Lord.

Look for more to come...

Snow, Snow, Snow

2009-12-27T16:56:00.006-06:00

It must be beautiful in North Dakota this time of year... all that snow!!

Well, friends, it's that time of year in North Dakota where we lose sight of the streets (because they are covered in snow) and people make up their own parking spots (because the lines are covered in snow) and boots become business casual!

This Christmas, we met a friend named Alvin- our first blizzard of the year and boy was it a doozy! (They said when we were mad at the snow we could yell "ALLVVVVIN!!) All in all, we got 25 inches of snow plus the winds making big drifts. I took some pictures so you can all appreciate the last four days!

The snow started on Christmas Eve and didn't stop until the morning of the 27th. Christmas morning, the highways and interstates closed and there was no digging my car out of the driveway (see picture 4)! My roommate got her car stuck in our alley and then if was very shortly buried with snow :) (see picture 1) Sadly, this canceled all my Christmas plans and I was stuck by myself for three days! Luckily, the Newman Center has a sweet snow blower, so our friend Christopher walked it down to our house (leaving a nice path behind him for 6 blocks) and help dig us out. (see picture 3)

Once the snow stopped, it was a beautiful day here - blue skies and 30 degrees! My roommate Martha took the opportunity to make a castle on the top of a ginormous snow mound. To help you understand how big it was, she also went sledding down it numerous times! The streets are pretty plowed right now- as you drive there a snow walls along the sides though, which has this mystical tunnel feeling to it!

A Youtube Education

2009-12-02T18:09:00.003-06:00

When you are sick and stuck at home for a week, you get creative in what entertains you. Today, I learned a few things on Youtube:

How to cut an onion without crying

How to cut an avocado

How to cut a mango

How to peel an egg

How to peel garlic in 2 seconds

How to cut a kiwi

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

2009-12-01T15:26:00.002-06:00

I may have mentioned this before, but Fr. Lefor always talks about how we are made to give a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord. I forgot what verse it is in, but I know Paul speaks about this. This may seem silly, because we don't think of thanksgiving as a sacrifice... but it really can be. In the last two days, still filled with much joy but dying of the flu, I have felt this sacrifice!

Ok, so I am not really dying, but it feels like it. Anyway, here is how this week's sacrifice of thanksgiving goes in my life:

Thank you Jesus for the fact that I cannot control this substance coming out of my nose.

Thank you Lord for the pain of feeling like my face is going to fall off.

Jesus, you are so wonderful to make me so weak and needed. Thank you for reminding me of my smallness and calling me to rely on you

God, if I end this flu with both of my lungs, I will be so thankful. Even if I don't, I am sure you are bigger than any problems I may face.

Those things are really hard to be thankful for, but what joy it brings when you can offer it as a sacrifice for God!

The Feast of Peace

2009-11-22T16:03:00.003-06:00

Today is the feast of Christ the King and what a joyful feast it is! I have really been struggling the past few months, but just in time for the feast, I have really felt the great grace of Christ's peace!

Ahhhhhh..... It is like a weight off of my shoulders :) and I am thankful!

Anyway, today's feast solidifies this peace for me because nothing is more comforting or reassuring than to be under the reign of Christ the King! I realized this weekend that I often see my plans as more rational than God's, so I fight Him instead of resting under His Kingship. As you can imagine, this is very draining, because when you are in control, you have to plan out everything and worry and toil to make things come about! In contrast, when you let Christ reign, you just trust Him and open yourself to His will, which allows you to be joyful no matter the outcome.

Christ the King, reign over us!

Wondering Why

2009-11-16T23:13:00.002-06:00

Do you ever find yourself wondering why? I don't mean this in a negative way, although I am sure we all feel that as well. I guess I get in these moods where I just wonder why I am where I am or doing what I am doing or feeling what I am feeling.

Recently I had a discussion with a former teammate of mine who is struggling with what we call the "I don't knows." It looks something like this:

A friend asks, "How are you?"

Your respond, "Fine."

"Ok, really, how are you?"
"Honestly, I don't know."

It's when nothing is wrong, but everything is. Or, when nothing is right but nothing is wrong. Or, when you feel blank... or maybe you don't feel anything at all. Or, when you are asking why. You just don't know and that bothers you.

The last one is where I am right now. Nothing is wrong, but I just don't understand life right now. I know God works in mysterious ways, but it seems overwhelmingly true right now. I guess that is the battle of faith right? Knowing that God's ways are beyond ours and trusting Him to pull out all the stops for our happiness. But how do we know when it's God's way versus our own? It is so easy in these moments to doubt ourselves, because nothing seems to make sense, and shouldn't it? But is that what Noah's response was as he was building an ark in the dry weather? Or, Abraham's response as he raised his arm to slay his only son?

Faith is crazy. Our God is crazy. I guess that's where child-like faith helps... Kids believe the weirdest things, so it is much easier for them to trust God when He is being weird. Kids ask the question why all the time, but if the answer doesn't make sense, it doesn't phase them. They just trust that you know better than they do... maybe that's where I should start with my response to God... "Ok, Lord, you know better than I. (But, I still think you're crazy)."

Why I love Sam's Club and Other Ramblings

2009-11-05T14:22:00.002-06:00

It's be a rough year for me here in North Dakota, but through it all, my weekly trip to Sam's Club shines small rays of sunlight.

Every Sunday I head to Sam's for my weekly Newman House grocery run. I go through the store perusing for breakfast foods, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc for the women and the food for our Sunday Catholic Culture Nights. Needless to say, I fill the cart! This may seem overwhelming to some, with its 7 gallons of milk and toilet paper in packs bigger than me, but it is really a highlight in my week.

I have noticed that everyone at Sam's is friendly, on Sundays especially, because it is sample day! Maybe there is something joyful about buying in bulk, but the normal hustle and bustle of stores doesn't happen at Sam's and I love that. I have small conversations with people- about the meat they are buying or the best brand of laundry soap or why it would be cheaper for me to buy a cow rather than all this milk. We compare samples of snacks and give tips on when to buy the best fruits. It's really a glorious time.

I think I love Sam's because I am unknown. I can just exist and people treat me like a human person rather than a machine to get things done. I think I love Sam's because when you hand out free samples, everyone is a little happier and less in a hurry to get out.

Isn't it funny that something so silly could bring me joy? I guess that is how God works though- he says, Kristie, you're slaving away and people complain to you all the time, people need you all the time, people forget that you don't exist for them alone and that is hard, but here, have a sample and a smile.... Find joy in the little things.

Learning Things the Hard Way

2009-10-22T23:19:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like most of your lessons are learned the hard way? In big or small areas, I feel this way often.

Like today, for example, I learned that when you are cutting jalepeno peppers, you are supposed to wear gloves. I couldn't have learned this by example or by looking it up... oh no, that's too easy!

It wasn't until after I cut them that the burning started. I thought, maybe I am allergic to peppers- who knows? I don't eat them and I have never chopped them, so it could be. When the burning didn't go away, I googled it and found out the many people have learned this the hard way! So, my advice: wear gloves when cutting spicy peppers. And if you don't, washing your hands in dish soap followed by milk helped me!

North Dakota Winter

2009-10-11T20:38:00.002-05:00

Well, folks, I hate to admit it, but it's here. Winter has blown in for us and I am not excited at all. Of course, it won't get really cold until December and it won't get really, really cold until February, but still, I shiver at the thought. It has already snow-flurried twice.

This has inspired me though :) I thought I should tell you a little bit about our North Dakota winters! It's what were most know for and probably most proud of surviving! So here is a little list to help you visualize why I am starting to shiver...

Only in North Dakota:

Do people leave their cars on while they are grocery shopping (if you don't, it will never get warm and heck, it may not even start again)

Do you here 5-10 automatic car starters during your Post-Communion prayer at Mass.

Do people where masks and goggles to walk to class. (Some days, exposed skin is not so good)

Do snow piles last until May.

Will people miss church, but not a hockey game because of a blizzard. (In fact, people will miss church for a hockey game, not just a blizzard)

Does business casual include snow boots. And winter scarves. And winter hats.

Do couples hold mittens, instead of hands, when they walk down the street.

Can you throw a cup of hot water into the air and have it vaporize- it won't even hit the ground.

Can you blow bubbles and watch them shatter when they hit something.

Do you really learn to layer your clothing. (Under armor, pants, sweats, socks, leg warmers, boots, long sleeve shirt, short sleeve shirt, sweater, scarf- add a skirt if it's time for Mass.)

Do pumpkins from Halloween stay on the doorstep and NOT rot until May. (They can't rot if they are frozen!)

Are the people so positive. (It's supposed to warm up tomorrow, only -20!)

Can a sun-dog bring you a little hope throughout the winter! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_dog

Can a buffalo hang in a garage for a month without going bad. (Only in ND would a buffalo hang in a garage period)

(This one isn't weather related- I just saw it today though) Can you drive down an alley and have to swerve to miss two men gutting fish next to a dumpster.

Well, I think that covers enough for now! I am sure I will have pictures and many stories to share as we go through the up-coming months. I will assure you, despite all the above comments, North Dakota is totally worth it!

The Potato Bowl

2009-10-10T09:30:00.002-05:00

This weekend is the Grand Forks 44th Annual Potato Bowl Festival. It's an event no Grand Forks-ans want to miss. The University comes together with the town for a weekend of Potato Fun! What does this include?

The WORLD'S LARGEST French Fry Feed on Thursday. (You heard me right!) The company Simplot is stationed right here in Grand Forks- which means we make about 70% of McDonald's French Fries for the nation. Most of the year, you just try to ignore the terrible smells of frying fries, but this weekend, everyone comes out to celebrate the great potato produce.

We also have Baked Potato Bars all over town on Friday. The grocery stores team up for this one!

Saturday brings numerous Potato Pancake Breakfasts and the big Potato Bowl Parade. As well as, the Baked Potato Bar during Tailgating at our football stadium. Concluding with, of course, the Potato Bowl- a UND Football game!

Stay at Home Roommate

2009-09-29T17:43:00.002-05:00

I've decided I want to become a stay at home roommate.

Doesn't that sound wonderful? I could do the cooking, cleaning, baking, laundry, mowing, etc. for my roommates and they could just let me live here for free.

Ok, really, I think I just want to be a wife and mother, but while I am waiting for that, can't I practice now?! Yes, with children it will be MUCH harder and crazier, bit if I get really good at everything now, wouldn't that help. Ok, probably not.

You see, I worked 60 hours last week. I was tired: physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. So I took Sunday as my Sabbath- no work, just rest, recreation and leisure. I baked for no reason and read and lounged, even took a nap! Then I took Monday off work and stayed home all day! It was glorious! I slept in (I know for sure that one doesn't happen with kids!) I mowed the lawn, did three loads of laundry for me and my roommates, ironed their clothes, cleaned the bathroom, made dinner, read, listen to my new musicals station on Pandora.... doesn't that sound wonderful? No pressure (I know that one doesn't happen with kids either), no time constraints.

In reality, I would probably get board after a week of that, but it was so nice. Especially since the week before I didn't have time to eat let alone make a nice meal.

I am sure some of the mom's out there are thinking, you are crazy... Don't worry, I know how much work you put in. I know how much you have to sacrifice and give of yourself... it would be a lot easier to do with 25 year old roommates instead of a family though :)

Our Lady of Sorrows

2009-09-15T18:42:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the Exaltation of the Holy Cross... a painful feast, really, but important none the less.

Yesterday was also a day when my roommates and I sat around the table to pour our hearts out about our struggles and pains and loneliness we were all feeling. It hit it's breaking point with all of us yesterday and, praise God, we ended up in it together! I should have thought about it at the time, but looking back, it was fitting that we all broke...just broke into a million pieces of puddly mess, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. "Take up your cross and follow me," "Deny yourself," "You will indeed drink of the cup of my suffering." These are not easy, light hearted words. Christ meant what he said and boy, oh boy, were we feeling it.

Before I tie this together with today's feast, let me explain a few things.

1. My roommates are all women- we have emotions and sometimes we don't understand them.

2. We have all had really dry prayer and have been taken to the "alone place" for quite awhile now.

3. We are spiritually under at attack at the Newman Center. You can feel it. Everyone feels it.

4. Everything was turned on it's head in the last two weeks and that leads to disorder.

5. Disorder causes stress and stress causes big emotions.

Ok, that being said, I promise we are not crazy.

Anyway, today, our priest was talking about Our Lady of Sorrows and how the church so beautifully places this feast next to the exaltation of the cross. It is at the foot of the cross that Mary's sorrow is perfected. He points to the 13 Station and explains that as Mary held the dead body of her Son in her arms and wept with true sorrow, it was perfected because she also had true hope. She knew that God had promised to save the world through her Son and she had His hope in the moment of her greatest sorrow. That is why we celebrate her sorrow... after all, doesn't it seem weird that we celebrate someones sorrow? Well, when sorrow is perfected and calls to mind our continued hope, it should be a great celebration!

We, like Mary, should always be able to give a reason for our hope. Even amid our greatest sorrow. Even as we hold the crucified Christ in our arms. Even as we are all sitting at the table trying to reason away our worry. Even as we cry because we don't know where our life is going. Even as we fight the temptation to think our lives mean too little to matter. Even as we fight to believe God hears our prayer. Even as our heart is pierced with Christ.

Our hope is in the name of the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth!

This seems fitting

2009-09-13T00:24:00.001-05:00

"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, not small, but valuable. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void. " Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail

What do you have to fear?

2009-08-28T21:06:00.003-05:00

"What do you fear, since I have answered for you and have made Myself your guarantee?"

Words of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary

I recently have had the opportunity of reading about the life of St. Margaret Mary and draw much strength from her life. For some reason, this quote really stuck out to me in the recent weeks. I think it speaks to so many areas- for we fear so many things.

What do I fear, Jesus? I fear A LOT. I think we all do. It's like we know that you are enough in our minds but have a hard time feeling that in our hearts. It goes up and down, of course. Sometimes fear is more prevalent and sometimes we find ourselves at peace in the Lord. I guess no matter what, we must remind ourselves of this- that Christ has answered for us and made Himself our guarantee.

In Print!

2009-08-25T22:31:00.002-05:00

Well, the exciting news this week (amongst other things, I am sure) is that I recently submitted an article to Canticle Magazine and they have decided to purchase it for their June 2010 issue! I am the latest contributing writer to the magazine :)

It is simple really, but it all started when I wrote a letter to the parents of our Faith Formation children... the letter made most of them angry (another story) BUT Father Lefor kept telling people that I had a gift for writing. About a week later my subscription to Canticle arrived and I thought, I bet I could write something for them, after all, women's issues are really close to my heart. So, I wrote. And I revised. And I sent it in... with in 24 hours they wrote back and asked if they could purchase the article! I am so excited that I can have a part in their apostolate! Who knew?! God is Good!

Why I Love My Roommates

2009-07-21T22:28:00.003-05:00

I have four very unique and wonderful roommates.... I thought I would tell you a little bit about them and post some pictures of our house (I don't have pictures of them yet, so the house will have to do.)

First, there is Rachel. If you have talked to me in the last two years, you have probably heard about Rachel. She is my closest friend here and I would probably die without her. She is not my Savior; Jesus is. But she gets me through A LOT. She is 26 and she is a part time piano teacher, part time music coordinator at Newman. She is also my exact opposite. :) That is my favorite part... sometimes I ask her "Rachel, how are we friends?" and she usually says, "I don't know." Well, it works!

Then there is Megan. Megan is 24 and she is just finishing her student teaching. She will have a degree in early childhood education, just like me! Megan is one of the most caring women I know and she always asks you how your day ways. I like that about her. She likes to sing silly songs and she always has these fun children's projects going on. Last night, we made a rain forest... it was a great bonding time.

Next is Adina. She is 25 and works as a Physical Therapist at our local hospital. She is from Montana and has all these crazy sayings, like- "HOLY HANNAH!" or "peachy keen." Adina is engaged to a great man named Travis, but he is serving in Afghanistan right now. It is amazing to me the strength Adina has shown with him so far away. We get to keep a "Soldier Away" flag in our front window... It makes me really proud!

Finally, there is Pam. Pam actually does not live here yet, but she will when she gets back from clinicals in January. I have lived with Pam at the Newman House for the last six months, though. She is in graduate school for Physical Therapy... when Pam and Adina get together, watch out! It is another language :) Pam is a wonderful roommate because she leaves you all sorts of notes. We usually spend hours up late at night talking and I have grown to love our conversations.

Enjoy the pictures :)

My So Called Life

2009-07-15T20:19:00.002-05:00

Do you remember that show, My So Called Life.... it was on when I was in junior high and although I never watched it, I remember the basis. A young women, maybe in high school, telling the story of her awkward life. If I recall correctly, it was not the most appropriate show, however, I think it got across one very good point- life can be awkward.

My life is awkward. Sometimes, I am being dramatic when I say this, but not tonight. My roommates agree that today made for some awkward moments and A LOT of laughs.

It all started with my coffee. If you know me, you know I don't drink coffee often, but there I was, struggling to wake up at work and I went in for coffee. I got back to my desk where I ever so carefully sipped my coffee.... but I still managed to miss my mouth and spill on my newly cleaned and ironed skirt. I proceeded to clean up and tell Charlotte (our secretary) of my mess. Then, I went back to my desk and, of course, to my coffee. With coffee in hand, I bent down to pick up a paper and stood back up... a little too fast, apparently. My coffee went FLYING. It soaked about half of my hair, my desk- including my planner and all my papers, my floor and even my cute computer bag. I think I screamed, because Charlotte was laughing too hard for her not to have heard.

All day my hair smelled like coffee. I hate the smell of coffee.

To add to my awkwardness, I also climbed a latter in a skirt, managed to spill a plate of freshly made brownies on our back door rug, and got sheet rock glue on my skirt, too!

But this takes the cake... this wasn't me being clumsy. This was my life being awkward.

We are redoing the bathroom at the Newman House, so I came to check on the how it was going. I have a great group of men that do work for me :) but tonight was not what I thought it would be. I walked in to a small bathroom with one gentleman I went on a date with in February and pursued me against my will after that, one gentlemen who I just had the "where is our friendship going" talk with yesterday, and one gentlemen with whom I have discussed dating numerous times but finally had to end our friendship. AWKWARD. If only I could explain all the intricate details, you would be like Rachel, when I told her.... She couldn't stop laughing but looked on in horror at the same time.

At least, among other things today, I had the experience of sledge hammering an old pantry cupboard... blow off a little steam.

This is my so called life.

Photos

2009-07-07T12:50:00.004-05:00

Here are some photos from my trips this summer.... I am really bad at taking pictures at the weddings, sorry!

The first one is of me and Hilary in the Pacific Ocean with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background! The second one is of Stephanie and David in the Church and the third is of RyAnne and Nathan praying before the Blessed Sacrament before their Wedding.

Three Down, Three to Go

2009-06-29T15:27:00.003-05:00

Well, here I am at the computer, exhausted.

After three weekends of weddings and lots of travel, I am very glad to be at home for a little while. Not that the trips weren't great; they were.... that's why I am so tired! Anyway, here are a few stories from each weekend. (Pictures to be posted later... my computer crashed a while back and I can no longer just stick my card in and upload photos.)

Stephanie and David's Wedding:
June 13, 2009
Alturas, CA

For this wedding, I flew into San Francisco (my first time in CA!) and spent Thursday-Friday there, then drove up to Alturas on Saturday and back to San Fran on Sunday. My trip included crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, walking in the Pacific Ocean and seeing the Wine Country!

The wedding was simple but beautiful! My favorite part was when I realized the Steph was wearing chacos under her dress :) Just perfect for her! I loved that she was relaxed and just herself... We did have a little adventure with a wedding crasher- SKETCHY!

RyAnne and Nathan's Wedding:
June 19, 2009
Peoria, IL

For this wedding, I drove down 11 hours just in time for a Holy Hour before the rehearsal! I had to leave at 5am :) yikes. But, once I got there, it was smooth sailing and I wasn't that tired. After the wedding, I was able to spend a little time in Chicago and see my family, which was a nice bonus.

It was beautiful to watch the joy that RyAnne and Nathan had! They both could not stop smiling and their focus was completely on God as their core. After walking with Ry through such a faith journey, I felt like a mama watching her little girl grow up, it was so wonderful to know that Nathan is the one that will take Ry to heaven!

Jessica and Michael
June 27, 2009
Effingham, IL

I drove down for this wedding, by way of Minneapolis, so I was able to see my former disciple, Barb, which worked out wonderfully. I also was able to spend the night in Champaign with the Steed family and stop at summer training for FOCUS.

Like Steph's, this was a small town, country wedding, and I just really like the idea of it more and more. Jessica was radiant :) My favorite part was how excited she got every time a line dance came up at the reception! It's good to know that some things don't change...

Well, I have a two week break and then back to wedding weekends! Don't worry, I will keep you posted!

Summer of Weddings

2009-06-10T11:04:00.002-05:00

Well, friends, here we are on June 10th, 2009 preparing for the first of many weddings this summer! Total, I was invited to 12 weddings between May 16th and September 5th. TWELVE! That is a lot.... Sadly, I am only able to attend 6 of the weddings, but they are some of the people I am closest to, so I am blessed to be able to do that many.

That being said, my adventures for the summer will begin tomorrow! (As if they haven't already- but I mean my wedding adventures) I leave for California tomorrow to witness the beauty of David and Stephanie's wedding and following shortly behind that I head to Illinois to be in Nathan and RyAnne's wedding. The next week, I head back to Illinois for Michael and Jessica's wedding and then have a break of two weeks. The three upcoming weddings mean so much to me as these women have been an enormous blessing in my life and have truly helped me in my Faith journey.

Many people tease me for the amount of weddings I am going to and have been in (the saying always a bridesmaid, never a bride gets really old, really fast!) but, what an amazing gift it is to be able to watch so many holy couples start their life together! All the weddings I have been in and attended have formed a beautiful picture of marriage for me and for that I am truly grateful!

Stay tuned for pictures and adventures of my travels!

My Lenten Theme: Back to Reality

2009-02-27T16:20:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are: two days into the Lenten Season.

In recent years, I have gained a greater appreciation of Lent and it's ability to allow us to enter into the passion, death and resurrection of Our Lord. It is really a beautiful liturgical season and in order to really allow it to aid in my spiritual growth, I have made a number of Lenten promises.

My theme for Lent this year is "Back to Reality." By that, I mean that I want to come out of the cyber-emailing-texting-never-personal communication and dive into a more personal world. It hit my at Walmart the other day as I was checking out. Picture this: Talking on my cell phone, handful of items, go through the self-check out, get back into my car, music on, and go. I had no connection with anyone. I don't even think I said "hi" to the greeter. Combine this with the outrageously huge number of text messages on my last bill, the long list of people I have been meaning to write letters to, the 43 emails I recieved today alone and so on, and so on.

That's it! I am going back to a real world- a world of people and real communication. And Lent is where I am going to start. Here are a few of my small aspirations for getting back to reality:

1. Only 5 texts a day (we are taking small steps here!)
2. Write 2 letters per week- real letters, not just a note
3. No more self-checkout!

Of course, I think to myself, it is ironic that I am writing about all of this in a blog so it can be sent out to cyberspace and be read or ignored by people I may or may not know. :) Oh well, I've got to start somewhere, right?!

The Adventures of the Tundra

2009-01-19T13:29:00.003-06:00

As I drove back to North Dakota just after the new year, I slowly watched the temperature drop from a balmy 40 degrees to -18... of course, as the temperature went down, the amount of snow went up.

The snow along the curb is officially as tall as my car. The snow in our parking lot pile is two stories high. Which is nice, since eastern North Dakota doesn't have hills, we have somewhere to sled!

Learning to live in the northern tundra is always adventurous though...

When I returned, it was late and I didn't want to unpack my car, so I took out what I thought would be harmed when it froze and headed inside. The next day, as I was unpacking, I grabbed a bag (one that a comforter comes in) of clothes and it shattered. The plastic bag broke into pieces!

This week, we had two days of about -30 temperatures (plus wind chill) and my boss was visiting from Colorado. So we had to show him our exciting trick. You heat up a cup of water and throw it outside. It never touches the ground. It does not freeze- oh no, it just vaporizes. Poof! A cloud of white smoke. Gone.

In January we hold an annual Polar Bear BBQ- complete with snow-volleyball, grilling out, popsicles and more. Well we learned that marshmallows (for s'mores) freeze pretty quick and once they do, they are never the same! Our menu consisted of ham-brrrr-gers, huskie dogs, and cold slaw.

With the winter and the great survival techniques comes much pride. This is real mission teritory. No wimps aloud.

You Did What this Week?

2008-11-03T18:49:00.005-06:00

This week marks the biggest week in Kristie's history!

Last week, I was offered a position to work at the St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center (where I currently serve on staff with FOCUS) as the Director of Religious Education/Pastoral Assistant. I was blown away by the offer for many reasons- ask me why if you really want to know! But I was very flattered and very panicked... I only had a week to decide! So on Friday, I accepted the position and officially told FOCUS that I would not be returning to staff.

My new job starts May 17th and I am already soooo excited! I will be running the RE program for the parish, as well as, other parish activities and helping with Peer Ministry and Koinonia! It's a big job, but I think I am a perfect fit. This, of course, means that I will now be a permanent resident of North Dakota! NORTH DAKOTA!? Who would have ever guessed!?

On that note, this week is also exciting because I will be getting my new North Dakota Drivers License so that I can drive my NEW CAR!! After months of delay, I went car shopping on Saturday and found a deal I could not pass up. So I am now officially the owner of a 2006 Nissan Sentra- Special Edition (which means I have a sub-woofer, what ever that is!) It's color: I like to call it blood of the martyrs red! I am thinking about naming it Athanasius.... I will have to try it out for a bit though, of course.

I can't believe this is all happening in one week, but what a blessing! Pray for me as I finish off the details of my job and my car!

70 degrees in North Dakota

2008-10-31T16:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we enjoyed a sunny, 70 degree day in Grand Forks, North Dakota! With such beautiful weather, my chaplain, Father Courtright, wanted to take a ride on his motorcycle. Of course, I couldn't help but join him :) We biked all around Grand Forks, stopping for a bit at the Greenway- a beautiful path along the Red River.

I think my favorite part of the trip was watching Father bless the Cemetery as we drove by on the motorcycle! Or, it could have been when Father, who had been were jeans and a leather jacket, took off his jacket and had on the top part of his clerics!

Life is Beautiful

2008-10-18T11:56:00.003-05:00

Lately, I have noticed how easily we let the world slip by us. We are often so bogged down by the details of each day and the many disappointments we have to face that we forget that life is truly beautiful.
Recently, I have seen the movies Bella, Life is Beautiful, and The Human Experience. Each of these movies has reminded me that there is so much in life that is beautiful and worthy to be praised, after all God works in every moment. No matter the circumstances before us, we can always find much worth living for.

Kristie's Upper Arm Strength

2008-10-07T20:12:00.003-05:00

This year, Team UND has put into place a new tactic for getting rid of negative humor or sarcasm. We all know how harmful sarcasm can be and that it is the lowest form of humor, often used to get a shallow laugh at the expense of another, so we have implemented the push-ups for negative humor movement.

Today, I did twenty push-ups. I am pretty sure that I do the most push-ups on our team. I hate negative humor.

Now Mind you, I do girl push-ups, but twenty is still a lot. It used to be harder, but my form is improving. I guess that means I am getting stronger physically, however, it is a blow to my pride since my use of sarcasm is apparently not improving.

Well, by the end of the year, I will either be really buff with a shallow sense of humor, or I will be a weakling who is in control of her tongue.... I prefer the latter, but only time will tell.

My Job and the Wii

2008-10-02T22:59:00.003-05:00

If there is one thing I have learned about being a FOCUS Missionary, it's that you never know what your job will entail each day.

Today, we celebrated Father Courtright's birthday with a nice lunch followed by the opening of presents. Everyone at the Newman Center chipped in to buy Father a Nintendo Wii... He loved it! Needless to say, that after lunch we all joined in various sporting event on the Wii. It was a riot and I don't know that I will ever have another job that allows me to play a Wii with a priest as part of my work day.