Nesting

Look how I spent my Saturday. I guess they call this nesting. I usually hate putting things together but for some reason I have really enjoyed putting Lyla's toys together. Scott helped a little whenever I got really frustrated so that was nice. Thank you so much Aunt Brookie and Uncle James for the adorable swing. It was really easy to put together and it is absolutely adorable. Can't wait to put Lyla in it. Also thanks Mom and Dad for the bassinet. It is really pretty and I love it! In case you were wondering how he spent his Saturday, he decided last night that he was going to watch all three Lord of the Rings in order back to back. As I type this he is on #3. I am going on with the girls to celebrate my friend Chanel's birthday. Hopefully by the time I get back the third once will be over.

Trip to Iowa

So after our eight days in Texas we flew to Iowa to visit my family. Of course we flew into icky weather but made it home before the storm hit. Once we got settled we drove up to Lansing, IA to visit my 87 year old Grandpa Mit. We spent the day together going through old momentos, eating at Clancy's and of course a trip to Pauls. I love spending time with my grandpa and listening to all his neat old stories. He is such a character. We also got the opportunity to get together with my entire family in Iowa City for a fun weekend. My amazing sisters and mom helped throw me a baby shower. It was wonderful! It was also really neat seeing all of my friends, some I haven't seen in years. Of course the weekend flew by all too fast and my family had to go their separate ways. The rest of our trip back in Iowa was spent playing dominoes, farkle, and sequence with my parents and Ape even joined in on one game. It was so much fun just spending time with my brothers and sisters and parents. We always have such a blast when we all get together, which unfortunately only happens a few times a year. Before we knew it our trip to Iowa had come to an end and Scott and I were back on a plane to San Diego. Goodbyes are always so hard and this one was especially tough because it was going to be a while before I got back to Iowa. It is crazy to think that the next time I go back home, Lyla will be with me. Thanks to my sisters for throwing me an awesome baby shower and for Brooke and James for letting us crash at their house. Also Mom and Dad thank you so much for showing us such a great time. I miss you all so much already!

Trip to Texas

Scott and I decided to fly back to Texas one last time before we couldn't fly anymore. We had such a blast while we were down there. When we flew in Scott's sister Deborah had a basketball game and won to make it to playoffs. Deborah is a doll and she is an amazing athlete. One of my favorite things to do when we go back to Texas is to go out to eat. They have so many amazing restaurants. It is always a good time when the whole family goes to dinner. Caitlin made the trip down from Arkansas with her two doggies, Harley and Chopper. They are both Labradoodles and are adorable! We also had a fun group date with Nathan and Christe on Valentines Day. The boys planned our night. We started out by going to a fancy pizza place in Town Square and from there we went to Bahama Bucks. This place is the only place you can go to get Snow Cones in the middle of winter. It was amazing! After snow cones we went to a play called Southland. It was based on C.S. Lewis's life. Unfortunately we were the youngest people there and decided to split at intermission. From there we stayed over at Nate and Christe's and just enjoyed each other's company. While we were visiting my sister in law Christe, mother in law Linda, and Christe's mother threw me a baby shower. The shower was gorgeous and it was so sweet that they did that for Lyla and I. I am so blessed to have such an amazing family. We always have so much fun when we travel to Texas. Thank you to the Chandlers once again for showing us a great time in Texas. We love you!

I love You Apey!

Just wanted the world to know that I feel so incredibly blessed to have my twin sissy Apey in my life. She and I have experienced the ups and downs together these past few decades and I wanted her to know just special she is. Even though we live far away from each other, we never let the distance come between us. I am always here for her and she is always there for me. I love you April with all of my heart!

Family

Probably the biggest lesson I have learned since moving out to San Diego has been the importance of family. I realized you never truly appreciate your time with your family until you move away from them. I miss my family so much but know that being so far away has helped bring me closer to each and every one of my brothers, sisters, parents, and in-laws.

23 Minutes in Hell

I went to Walmart today and happened to walk by the book 23 Minutes in Hell. I had heard about this book but questioned the authenticity of it and never thought twice about buying it. Today I decided to throw it in my cart with the intentions of Scott reading it on our flight back to Texas and having him tell me if it seemed hokey. Friday nights at the Chandler house are always our "Late Night" because Scott doesn't have to work out in the morning so Scott usually plays Xbox while I dink around on the computer. I decided to pick up the book and an hour and a half later finished it. It was the first time I had ever read a book from cover to cover. I can't say that this book transformed my life like others have said after reading it. This is because I became a Christian a few years back and have no fear of death or the afterlife. I know that I am going to live eternally in Heaven with Jesus. While the authors account of hell was terrifying, it made me re-evaluate how I am using my faith to help other non believers. I think religion has always been a taboo topic amongst people. People would rather talk about movies, books, gossip, and I myself am very guilty of this. This book was one of the first books that I have ever read that explains how non believers can be assured that once they die, they will go to heaven. Most people think "I am a good person, I lead a good life, I will go to heaven." This isn't what the Bible says. We have to pray to God and acknowledge that we we were born sinners and that we sin everyday. We must also acknowledge that the only way we can get to heaven is by telling the Lord that we know that he died on the cross for our sins so that we could have eternal life. Once we ask for forgiveness and acknowledge his gift to us we have become "saved." A change must take place however once you become a Christian. We need to read our Bible, go to church, pray, and try and be more like Jesus each and every day. Who knows if this man really did spend 23 minutes in hell. He seems to think so, and if this book can help transform even one sinner, than I have no place to judge the validity of his story. If anything after reading this book I realized that I need to share the gospel any chance I can get. The Lord put us on earth to share his word and to use us as tools in his plan for salvation. I feel so blessed that the Lord saved me and I in turn hope that he uses me to help save others.

Giving Back

Scott and I went down to Horizon Christian School on Thursday to visit a couple of preschool classrooms. Scott spoke to the students about playing football for the Chargers and related how the armor he wears in his football games is like the armor of God. This is by far my favorite part of being a part of an NFL organization. Both of us love helping out in the community. This visit was extra special because not only did Scott get to teach the kids about football, he was also able to share the gospel with them.

Going Home

Scott and I are leaving on Tuesday to go back to Texas for eight days and Iowa for eight days. I absolutely love going back to visit our families. While living in San Diego has it's positives, both of us miss our families in Texas and Iowa.