Great News!

Some of you may or may not know, but I have been studying for a series of five NIPA exams. After completion of the fifth exam, I will be an accredited pension administrator. I took the first exam December 3rd, and received my score a few weeks later. I passed! Only four more to go!!

The Christmas Tree Hunt

Growing up, I always had "real" Christmas trees. This consisted of going to the grocery store, picking out your favorite, and taking it home. As I got older, this consisted of my mom mail ordering it so that it was delivered to our doorstep. In college, my mom opted for a new type of tree - a fake one.

Chris on the other hand, always had real Christmas trees. They would go out as a family, pick out the perfect tree, cut it down and bring it home to decorate. This was a tradition that I couldn't wait to begin with Chris!!

So, last year we cut down our first Christmas tree together. It was 8 feet tall in our tiny apartment. It took up our entire family room! Keeping that in mind, we decided we wouldn't get quite as large of a tree. Although, we do have much more space.

So, on December 3rd, Chris and I drove around until we found a Christmas tree farm. We then picked up a saw, left the measuring stick behind, and jumped on the wagon to search for our "perfect" tree.











We rode to the back of the lot, jumped off, and began the hunt. We would find a tree, try to mark where it was, then explore a different area. Trying to come back to the original tree was always a challenge. I would still be walking around trying to find it if it weren't for Chris!














Finally, we found THE tree. Chris sawed it down, while I attempted to catch it. We then carried it what seemed like a mile back to the road.




















We lucked out with the weather. It was actually cold and felt like winter!! After we brought the tree back to the front, they measured the height. 8.5 feet tall!!!! We now have the perfect tree all decorated at our new house. Pictures to come!

A Shout Out to My Wonderful Husband

25 years ago, my amazing, wonderful, and loving husband was born. Happy Birthday to the greatest guy I have ever known! I hope you have a spectacular day today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Slow to Speak, Quick to Listen

I spoke previously of "my mission field" (work). I have been faithfully praying for opportunities to share with those around me. An opportunity arose on Tuesday. I had an opportunity to share my faith with two of my co-workers. I was quick to listen to their thoughts. I was even slower to speak. Too slow. I allowed a guy that I consider to be extremely intelligent to intimidate me. Why? Is my faith that shallow? I know there was not much for me to say to him that day, but there was something. And I missed it. I pray for another opportunity and this time, this time I will be ready. I will be quick to listen and slow to speak. But not too slow.

Halloween at Work

This was my first experience dressing up for Halloween at work. The number of stares I received when we went out to lunch was overwhelming. But it was so much fun. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment.































Chris also had a fun experience dressing up at work. He met his perfect match:

What fun times...

Wedding Highlight Video

Here's a link to our wedding highlight video for anyone interested! (I know, it only took a year to get it on here!)

http://www.mysspvideos.com/WDH_KristiChris/

My Second Home...

I have had the incredible opportunity the past two and a half months to meet and develop relationships with several women at my new job. I share an office with one of the youngest ladies in the company (a mere 39 years old), and spend countless hours talking to her about a broad variety of random topics. At this company I have learned that just as people are needed in other countries to share Christ, people are needed right here in Houston, Texas. This place I "work" at, is one of my "mission fields" and I am so excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of me! For your viewing pleasure, here are a couple of pictures of my newly decorated office: