Pics of the New Place

Okay, so I told you I would post some pics of our tiny apartment. Here it is before and in the process of being redone. It's going to be nice when we're done, but it'll be a while so wait patiently until I finish up. --Faith--

Ding Dong Ditch

Ding Dong Ditch - Jr. High Kids with $5, Needy Families, Groceries, Household Items, a Dark Night, a Doorbell, a dash out of sight.

Mimi's Visit, the Mini, Thanksgiving, Our Pad

We are in store for quite the adventure the next few days. This week has been so crazy with getting our apartment ready to be moved into, trying to sell our Mini, making plans for my grandma, Mimi to visit and preparing to head to Colorado for Thanksgiving! When I try to think about how everything will work out, it gives me a headache. I know that I'll just have to trust the Lord that he will work things out and take one day at a time. Of course, I would personally rather be busy then have nothing to do, but I never seem to find a good balance. Right now my major dilemas are: what are we going to drive to Colorado if the guy buys the Mini this week, what am I going to sleep on in our new apartment and how are we going to afford to spend $1000 on plane tickets to get home for Christmas. When we moved out here, I wanted to really grow in the Lord, so I prayed that He would give me more trials to increase my faith. There have definately been trials, but I know that what I face doesn't compare to many other people! I am grateful that, even though my trials seem huge to me, the Lord has blessed me with a great life, great people to have around me and the things I need (and some that I want).

Our New Nephew - August George Hassler

Early this morning our nephew, August, was born. We are so excited to be Uncle Buck and Aunt Faith again! It's really hard being away from our families and especially at times like this. We hope that we can see this little guy really soon! Congradulations, Sarah, Andy and Jakob! We miss you!!

Our New Place

Have you ever wondered how life would be if you lived in a dollhouse? I never did until I saw the "apartment" that we will be living in for, possibly, the next year. Denver Miller, a friend of Kourtney's from school, told us that his mom had an apartment for rent off of her house. We were thrilled because we needed to be in town closer to school, church and work. We basically committed to it before seeing it because Denver told us it was a small, yet nice place and his mom would rent it to us for $400 per month and that included utilities. That is pretty cheap for a place in ABQ. In anticipation, we went and saw the apartment on Saturday night. It was nice, but smaller than I imagined. I walked around a couple of times, trying to figure out how in the world I would fit even the slightest amount of belongings in there. If anyone knows me, I love to have people over and cook up a good meal. Of course, I was thinking that I would be able to do this again, but pretty sure that's not going to happen. Last night I got a tape measurer and decided to do some measuring to see what I could actually fit in there. I was hoping to have a real bed because we have been sleeping on an air mattress for a couple of weeks and before that a futon which unfortunately is not the most comfortable. Here are the measurements: 11' by 14'. Now, that is not counting the bathroom or kitchen area, but still quite small to put a bed, a small table to eat at and possibly a tv and bookshelves. I'll put some pictures up when I get them, but for now if anyone has some good ideas on how I can fit stuff in here I'd love to hear them! I'm off to Ashley furniture to find a sofa bed and then to Starbucks.

Balloon Fiesta

Albuquerque, New Mexico is famous for the world's largest hot air balloon spectular, the Balloon Fiesta. We spent one evening with Kevin, Jenn and Emery Miller (Velocity Pastor) and my mom enjoying what is called the "Glowdeo." It would have been fun to see the balloons take off in the morning, but we decided not to get up at 4 am to see them!

Santa Fe

Since we've moved here it seems like we visit Santa Fe on a bi-weekly basis! Let's see...the first time was with Hayley, second with my mom and third with Jason, Stacy, Denver and Shawna. I guess it's only once per month, but I think I know my way around old town extremely well! The guy at the Fajita Stand probably knows who I am too! Those things are delicious! Here's some pictures so you all can experience it too!

Fall Fest

Last night we enjoyed the fall festivities at Calvary Chapel. There were between 2 and 3,000 kids that came. JR's BBQ served roasted Turkey Legs and Chick-Fil-A served chicken nuggets and sandwiches. Kourtney was a judge in the costume contest. Kevin and Jenn Miller's baby girl, Emery was dressed as a ladybug and Kourtney thought she should be the winner! Velocity served hot apple cider, hot chocolate and caramel apples. The money they raised went towards a leaders retreat. It was chilly and windy, so Jenn and I came up with a way to warm up! We decided that we would buy tickets to soft-toy city (which is lots of blow up rides). We went down the slide together, raced through the obstacle course and battled it out at the gladiator station. I hadn't had a work out like that for a long time!