Day 23: 28 Candles

This past Friday I celebrated my 28th birthday with German pancakes, angel food cake and strawberries, and my wonderful family. We all gathered around the patio table and feasted on the munchkins favorites, German pancakes and bacon. I had a wonderful time and am so very blessed to have such an awesome family. Josh, Emma, and Hannah decided to get me a pink sleeping bag for when we have sleepovers. They originally wanted to find me a Hannah Montana sleeping bag, but it would have come up to my bellybutton! I can't wait to use it! 

Thank you for another wonderful year!

Day 22: YouTuberiffic!

Last week at work my boss showed a couple of us a hilarious video on YouTube. This video is a Chinese workout tape where not only do they burn calories, but they also learn English. I'm not sure if this is an actual product, or if its just a joke, but if it is real, its surprising to see what the Chinese think is important to learn before coming to America. Check out the video to see what I mean! 

Day 21: I've Been Tagged

Apparently Tag isn't just for kids anymore. The other day my sister "Tagged" me, meaning that I have to answer the 5 questions on her blog. If anyone out there has a blog that is reading this, Tag, now you're it!

3 Joys... 1) My salvation I have in Jesus Christ.  2) My family and friends who love me unconditionally and stand behind me cheering me on as I strive to be a better and stronger me.  3) Hearing the rain falling outside my bedroom window. 

3 Fears... 1) Dying before I have a chance to fulfill God's purpose for my life.  2) Someone in family passing away.  3) Spiders...yuck!

3 Goals... 1) To be a good, Christian example to my nieces and nephew as well as to others around me.  

2) To be a loving and supportive daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.  3) To start my own freelance graphic design company. 

3 Obsessions...  1) Cookies and milk...I could seriously eat cookies all day long!  2) Reading, eww, reading with cookies would be even better!  3) I love going to Target! I could spend hours in there just wandering around...I know...weird.

3 Randoms...  1) Like my sister, I rarely leave the house without mascara, we swear we look like turtles without it! hehe!  2) I have always wanted a bulldog named Cromwell!  3) I love butterflies!

Day 20: Right Time, Right Song

Tonight driving home, I switched on K-Love to find a little encouragement and a reminder that no matter what situation you may find yourself in, you can be encouraged knowing that God is faithful, he is our rock when we find ourselves on the sand. 

After a few songs my ears soon perked up hearing this song from Casting Crowns. I decided to share these lyrics for anyone else finding themselves in their own boat surrounded by crashing waves or facing their very own giant. 

Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have 

The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in

Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone

To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is

And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The waves they keep on telling me 

Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"

And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"

Out of all the voices calling out to me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have

The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant

With just a Sling and a stone

Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors

Shaking in their armor

Wishing they'd have the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me

Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed

The giant keeps on telling me 

Time and time again "Boy, you'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size 

To put the giant on the ground

And the waves they don't seem so high

From on top of them looking down

I will soar with the wings of eagles

When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus

Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Click here to listen to the actual song. 

Day 19: Blue Sky

In October, Willow is coming out with a brand new leadership event called Blue Sky. Oddly enough the title has nothing to do with leadership or the actual event itself, but rather the room at Willow it is going to be held in The Blue Sky Room. This is going to be a very specialized event for professionals looking to further develop their unique leadership styles.

Over the past couple of weeks, Sue and I have been brainstorming and coming up with different concepts of the actual look of the event that will be applied to the brochure, website, different mailings, and so on. This past Thursday we had a total of 16 concepts (or ideas) we shared with parts of the leadership team and they just loved them. So far, they are split on what look they want to go with and will be getting back to us probably sometime next week. I just thought it would be fun to show you a sample of the ones we presented. I'll keep you updated on what they eventually choose. Hope you enjoy! 

Day 18: Slumber Party

Well, this Saturday was a first. I was staying over at my sisters and it eventually came time for the kids to go to bed. Josh however had different plans. Remembering that my sister had promised that he and Emma could sleep downstairs with me and have a "Sleeping Party" the next time I stayed over, he nicely protested when it was time for them to head upstairs. Keeping her promise, however, sleeping bags, pillows, favorite stuffed animals, and sippy cups were all piled into the family room for a Peanut/Auntie sleepover. It was so much fun. I was amazed that once they fell asleep (which didn't take them long) they were out and there wasn't a peep out of them the entire night.

I, on the other hand did not behave as nicely. Sure enough, in the middle of the night I let out one of my ear shattering screams (don't ask me why I do this, I have no idea, its part of my charm I guess : )  ). I rarely wake myself up when I do this, and this time was no different, fortunately I didn't wake up my fellow "Sleeping Party" either!

Day 16: The Importance of Compassion

A couple months ago I started sponsoring a child through Compassion International. I was able to choose a little 5 year old girl from Peru. The second I saw her photo I just knew God was leading me to help her and show her the love of Christ through sponsorship, letters, and prayer.

Compassion International is an amazing ministry which was founded in 1952 resulting from the despair of the Korean War. Starting in South Korea and aiding 35 orphaned children, Compassion has extended their efforts into 24 countries with more than 950,000 children. With a contribution of only $32 a month Compassion is able to provide your child with educational opportunities, health care, nutrition, life-skills training, and opportunities to hear about the gospel. But also and just as important, a sponsored child is given hope, encouragement, "and an often-neglected message that they matter." Its hard to imagine that only $32, on average the cost of a single shirt from Old Navy, or only a couple of drinks from Starbucks, can make such an enormous impact on a child's life.

This sponsorship program is key in aiding children all over the world, however, I never imagined how much I would get blessed in return. Just the other day I was so excited to get a translated letter from Lady (the little girl I sponsor). The letter wasn't very long, but she told me about her family, her favorite color, the school she goes to, and how she loves dogs. But most touching was how she ended her letter with "a big hug and many kisses. May God bless you!" What a wonderful, unexpected blessing! 

Day 14: Karen, Chloe, and Some Elephants

This weekend I had a wonderful time over at my good friend Karen's while her hubby was out of town. As usual, I always have a blast with Karen and munchkin Chloe! We had a great time chatting, having a Heroes marathon (watched 13 episodes, and now I'm totally addicted!) and having some yummy wine and snacks. We also took a field trip to Brookfield Zoo! I haven't been to the zoo in years! I felt like a little kid looking at the kangaroos, bears, penguins, and of course the adorable elephants! It was such a wonderful time, thank you Karen and Chloe!

Day 13: CMYK

This past week I had the awesome opportunity to go on a press check for the WCA catalog with my good friend Sue. We left Tuesday evening for Wisconsin and stayed until Friday morning. Having never been on a press check before I learned so much and really appreciate all of the knowledge that Sue, Lisa, Steve and others passed along to me about the printing process and what things to look for while at a press check. Although it was tiring, I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to possibly going again. Weeee!

Day 10: Something to Think About

Today I'm cheating a little and posting a screen capture from a website and not a picture...but I think it still works!  : ) 

Yesterday, Jaime and I went to Calvary Church in Naperville to attend their Saturday service. The topic was a continuing series called "A Life That Works" from Pastor Randal Ross. I really enjoyed the entire message and believe that Pastor Ross is very engaging and keeps you focused on the subject at hand. There was one thing, however, he said that really hit me. I've been thinking about it ever since. 

Now, I don't remember his exact words, but the message is still the same, he said "If you are constantly looking and waiting for what God is going to bless you with and do in your life, you will miss what he is doing in your life at that very moment." After he said that it was like a light bulb had gone off inside my head and I finally saw what I had been missing all along. 

I know I am guilty, even recently, of not being patient and complaining to God why certain things weren't going the way I wanted. I have just been waiting, and watching, like someone waiting for a highly anticipated package to be delivered Priority mail, not knowing that the sender had chosen a much slower shipping rate. In the meantime, while waiting for this "package" I haven't been paying attention to all the other "mail" being delivered, and have been pushing it to the side never bothering to open it. 

I have been blessed with so much and when I sit back and actually pay attention, I realize God knows exactly what I need at the moment and what I can handle and is blessing me in more ways than I could imagine. This message has helped me realize that if you have faith and pay attention, the smallest envelope could contain the greatest blessing of all. 

Day 9: Back in Town

Pulling into the Walgreen's parking lot tonight, I was reminded by the Ferris wheel, many other strange looking rides, and numerous trailers that it must truly be summer. Every year around this time a "carnival" comes to town and sets up camp behind the Walgreen's in an open field, attracting all sorts of interesting characters.  

Years ago it was the thing to do in the summer right before the Fourth of July. Being just down the street from our house, my sister and I would get friends together and walk over and go on the rides, eat cotton candy and dippin' dots, and watch the fireworks at night. 

For about a week our little section of Roselle was taken over by this carnival. There were closed streets, blaring music throughout the day, bright lights coming from all the rides at night, and of course the carnie folk! You know what I mean, "small hands, smells like cabbage"? Ok, not really, but we always used to joke that the carnies were in town and were taking over because you would see them at the nearby grocery stores walking around buying a snack, taking a look at the locals. 

Now a days we happily stay away from the carnival ever since its been taken over by teeny-boppers wearing way too much makeup and way too little clothing. Fortunately, we can still see the fireworks, and we'll forever have memories of summers full of ice cream, cotton candy, and carnies. 

Day 8: Lots o' Trees

This Sunday for the first time in a long time, I went to the Morton Arboretum. Jaime and I had a blast riding the trails (in the air-conditioned car of course) looking at all the beautiful trees and meadows and their many lakes/ponds. I even got to see a few Ginkgos (my favorite tree!) It was so peaceful, except for the occasional enormous bug that would appear (gotta look at the website to understand). We went through the large maze, the children's garden with its fun tree house, and we even found the Morton family cemetery, which was very interesting. 

One of the funniest things we saw were two signs pointing to either the "Shrub of the Month" or the "Tree of the Month". The signs made us think of businesses that have "Employees of the Month" and we wondered what exactly did the tree and shrub do to get such recognition?!

Day 7: Disappearing Crime Scene

For the past couple days it has been a joy walking into work proudly passing the crime scene we recently created with a couple pieces of masking tape and some bright yellow caution tape. 

(See Day 5) 

Today however, was a different story. Rounding the corner into the office to smile at our handy work I was stunned to see that someone had picked up all the tape and destroyed our masterpiece! We all knew this day was coming, but I was hoping it would last just a little bit longer. On further investigation, however, I realized that whoever had picked up our "body" outline and caution tape, had, for some reason I assume we will never know, left the outline of the gun behind! Had they missed this minor detail, or was it intentional? 

And so, the mystery of the disappearing crime scene continues...

Day 6: Coffee Anyone

This is my faithful mug Sulley. I happily bought him in Disney World a couple years ago since Monsters Inc. is my favorite Disney movie of all time and also because you can NEVER find anything with Mike or Sulley on it. Every day he lovingly sits on my desk right next to my computer with that friendly smile and wave just waiting for me to get something to drink. Its amazing what can put a smile on a face!

Day 5: Murder at Work?

No don't worry, no crime was committed, just three creatives with a little too much time on their hands. 

For the past week or so at work we have been walking by a taped outline on the ground of two walls they are planning on building for an additional conference room right down the hall from our cubicles. Sue and I talked about how funny it would be to make a "chalk" outline of a body next to the wall outlines. Realizing our jobs may be in danger, we decided against it until, however, our boss approached us with the same idea! Needless to say it did not take long for us to round up some masking tape and quickly trace around Sue's "lifeless" body. We topped the whole "crime scene" off with some caution tape we just happened to have stowed away for such an occasion. 

This morning we heard a couple of comments about our secret, creative escapade, but not the shock and awe we had anticipated. To our surprise however, later on in the day we noticed someone had added a taped outline of a gun next to our "body"! Although slightly shocked, we were pleased that someone finally joined in on the fun. 

Day 4: Someone's Turning 60

Today is a very special day in the Anderson household! It is my mom's 60th Birthday! I called and sang "Happy Birthday" this morning and she is having a nice day relaxing and reading. Wanting to do something special since we already celebrated, she suggested we get Portillos, always a favorite. Looks like we'll be celebrating with hot dogs and chocolate cake! Happy Birthday Mom! (Ok, so this picture isn't from today, but I think a 60th birthday can be an exception: "The Ladies at Mill Race In" Lisa, Nana, Hannah, Mom, me, and Emma)

Day 3: Happy Father's Day

Today was Father's Day! It was another fun day with the family, appreciating all the dad's in both the Anderson and Greenberg families and remembering those special dads who are no longer with us (both Grandpa and Papa). Our family has been very blessed to have such wonderful Dads, Grandpas, Papas, Uncles, and Brother-in-laws. Thank you especially to my dad for being the type of dad who is there no matter what. Always available to talk and give great advice and of course plenty of hugs. I am so blessed to have such a great dad who loves me unconditionally. Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you! 

Day 2: Family

My niece Hannah has the greatest expression in order to sum up the day: happy!

Today was a great day filled with family, celebrations, and even a little shopping. Lisa and I took Mom on a surprise trip to 1154 Lill Studio for her 60th birthday to create her very own custom purse. It is so much fun, you get to pick the style of bag and all of the fabric. Nothing like a little creativity with purses to start out the day. After, we headed out for a light lunch and had a fun "Mommy/Daughter" outing. Even little Hannah had fun!

Later that evening the whole family went to Mill Race Inn in Geneva to have a fancy dinner to celebrate Mom's birthday. It was a great time with delicious food, wonderful family, and we even fed the ducks afterwards. What a wonderful day!

Day 1: Me

I decided to dedicate my very first post to introducing myself. This picture says it all, and for those who aren't sure what its saying I'll summarize: 27 years old, graphic designer, blonde hair, blue eyes, oh and likes to be goofy!