some time with my hubby

So, this week was supposed to be more exciting...I know.

I decided to take a little trip with my hubby 

instead of staying home to write blog posts. :)

He had to go to Manhattan (Kansas not New York) 

for a class and I decided to go along.

It was just us...not even Levi this time.

When we got to Manhattan on Tuesday we met my brother 

for lunch at our favorite lunch spot.

We used to eat here all the time.

It was just as good as I remembered.

Owen gave us a tour of his fraternity before heading back to his classes.

I tried to get him to skip class to hang out with me, 

but he is too much like his sister and said he had to go.

Joel tried to remind him that the difference between 

an A and a B in college is a whole lot of fun.

He always tried to tell me that in college too.

I got the A's. He had a lot of fun. :)

How did my baby brother get big enough to be in college?

Joel had to go to his class too.

Which is funny because I'm pretty sure Joel skipped 

more classes in college than he went to.

So, the rest of the day I spent checking out Manhattan and shopping a little.

Manhattan has changed so much since we were in college.

After I got tired of shopping I went to our hotel until Joel was done with his class.

I sat on the comfy bed, watched TV and ate Chipotle all by myself.

It was lovely.

The next morning Joel had to go back for class.

I stayed in the hotel and just relaxed and caught up on my Bible study.

Can you tell that this trip was all about class for Joel...

and all about relaxing and eating for me??

When Joel was done with his class we went to another favorite lunch spot.

They have the yummiest burgers and fries.

I was glad to have some company again too!

Before going home we drove by our first apartment.

It was a one bedroom teeny-tiny apartment.

We both couldn't even fit in the kitchen at the same time.

But we thought it was great!

This was our little balcony.

So many memories.

We were talking about how much we miss those first two years we were newly married and finishing college. Life was so simple back then. We hadn't really faced anything difficult. We spend tons of time just hanging out and talking. Our schedules were so flexible. We didn't have very much money and our apartment was nothing special, but we didn't care. Some days I would do anything to go back to those days of no worries.

Tonight in our small group we are talking about growth in our life as a Christian. Growth is a process. Our book says becoming a Christian begins a lifelong adventure of knowing God better and loving Him more. I love that. And while those college days seem so easy and carefree, I see now how they were just part of our journey. God was using those days to ground us for what was ahead. I had no idea back then that He would choose to allow heartache and tragedy in my life to mold me and change me. Romans 5:3 says, "we glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." The suffering I have faced doesn't compare to what Paul was facing when he wrote these words. It doesn't compare to what many are facing around the world today. And I can't honestly say that I am at the point where I can say I glory in my suffering. But I do know that God has used and continues to use Cora's death to produce perseverance and character and hope in my life. He is changing me. And for that I am thankful.    

So, today I am thankful for time away with my hubby.

I am thankful to be home playing blocks with Levi this morning.

I am thankful for the reminder of God's work in my life.

And I am thankful that Joel and I are not the same people we once were.

He is changing us.

I pray that I would always be open to His changing work in my life.