With that said, Josh and I would covet your prayers as we have a long road ahead of us until April (and beyond!). Not only are we walking through a very new territory full of unkowns, but we are also hoping to get into a home before the baby comes. We are in the process of house hunting, but with the first house contract falling through, we are starting over again and praying God would direct us to the right one.

We will keep the updates coming as the months progress – next week we get to hear the heartbeat!!

With much love to all our family and friends,
Kristin (and Josh)

This sermon by Louie Giglio blew me away several years ago. I know I emailed it to several friends at the time, but I wanted to share it with you all here. I would highly recommend watching it. It brought me to tears several times and sends chills up my spine today. Huge blessing! Take the time to watch it!

If you would like to purchase the dvd of this sermon you can find it on the 268 Store website: http://268store.com/store/product/223/Indescribable/

Good-natured Realist (GR) – Kristin

Good-natured Realists are warm-hearted, helpful personalities. They do their work conscientiously and have a pronounced organising talent. They often feel they are committed to traditional values. The family in particular is extremely important to Good-natured Realists. Their greatest pleasure is making themselves useful and taking care of other people. But they do not like pushing themselves to the fore; they prefer to fulfil their tasks out of the limelight. Good-natured Realists are real workaholics; they are very reliable and nothing is too much for them when it is a question of completing a project. Thoroughness, conscientiousness and sense of duty are their strongest points. They prefer established and familiar situations to new and unknown situations.

In dealing with others, Good-natured Realists are considerate and obliging; they are always happy to put aside their own requirements in the interest of their family and friends. Their home is mostly very well cared-for, cosy and tidy. Their perfectionism on the one hand and their aversion to delegating tasks on the other hand often lead to them taking on too much both professionally and privately. They cannot stand discord; conflicts make them very unhappy. One could almost describe them as being harmony-addicted – and this sometimes leads them to strongly neglecting themselves and their own wishes because they are unable to bring themselves to put up a fight.

Good-natured Realists dream of a stable and trusting relationship for life. Marriage and family are very important to them. They take care of their partner attentively and lovingly and put up with a lot for a harmonious relationship. They are also loyal and reliable friends. However, they can be very hurt if their interpersonal commitment is taken for granted for too long.

Harmony-seeking Idealist (HI) – Josh

Harmony-seeking Idealists are characterised by a complex personality and an abundance of thoughts and feelings. They are warm-hearted persons by nature. They are sympathetic and understanding. Harmony-seeking Idealists expect a lot of themselves and of others. They have a strong understanding of human nature and are often very good judges of character. But they are mostly reserved and confide their thoughts and feelings to very few people they trust. They are deeply hurt by rejection or criticism. Harmony-seeking Idealists find conflict situations unpleasant and prefer harmonious relationships. However, if reaching a certain target is very important to them they can assert themselves with a doggedness bordering on obstinacy.

Harmony-seeking Idealists have a lively fantasy, often an almost clairvoyant intuition and are often very creative. Once they have tackled a project, they do everything in their power to achieve their goals. In everyday life, they often prove to be excellent problem solvers. They like to get to the root of things and have a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. At the same time, they are practically oriented, well organised and in a position to tackle complex situations in a structured and carefully considered manner. When they concentrate on something, they do so one hundred percent – they often become so immersed in a task that they forget everything else around them. That is the secret of their often very large professional success.

As partners, harmony-seeking idealists are loyal and reliable; a permanent relationship is very important to them. They seldom fall in love head over heels nor do they like quick affairs. They sometimes find it very difficult to clearly show their affection although their feelings are deep and sincere. In as far as their circle of friends is concerned, their motto is: less is more! As far as new contacts are concerned, they are approachable to only a limited extent; they prefer to put their energy into just a few, close friendships. Their demands on friends and partners are very high. As they do not like conflicts, they hesitate for some time before raising unsatisfactory issues and, when they do, they make every effort not to hurt anyone as a result.

I really wanted to do something special for her birthday, so months before when I knew all this would happen I planned an incredible evening of fun and excitement. Yay, go me. :-) Before Kristin left, I had told her that I had made reservations for her and Laura to go out to a nice restaurant for her birthday and that I hoped they would have a really good time. ;-) I was not exactly telling the whole truth . . . I completely surprised her by flying into Chicago on Friday afternoon. Laura and I had arranged for them to drop by the airport and the Lord worked out this cover story regarding ROH that worked flawlessly. :-) When they pulled up Kristin was completely taken back, “Wait, what are you doing here? This is amazing…wow…what are…” I love surprising her like this! :) Boy, that was fun…

We had a little time to kill in the afternoon so we decided to head over to where we were staying that night at IBLP HQ and drop the backs off, which also gave time for the girls to get all fixed up. :-) After everyone had changed into formal clothes for this nice dinner we headed over to the restaurant. I had chosen Il Mulino, it was the best Italian restaurant in Chicago and had incredible reviews. Well anyway, it was a good thing I had planned some extra time in the afternoon, traffic was a little heavy and we made it there just on time. I have been to some really formal functions and great restaurants but never a five star restaurant like this one before. This was guaranteed to be an incredible new experience for all of us! As we walked up the stairs to the restaurant, I felt like a millionaire. hehe I had budgeted the night in, so I had complete freedom to spend the money without having to even think about it . . . good thing I did **wow**. :-) Quite frankly it was the nicest dinner I have ever had. There were eight people who served us, one of which’s job was just to replace our silverware, which he did three or four times. :-) I have never experienced so many new tastes with each bite! It was incredible! There were about five courses and then the entree. Kristin ordered the cannelloni (pasta stuffed with veal, lamb and beef), Laura ordered the tetrazzini, and I ordered the filet mignon and a caesar salad. It was incredible!! I cannot say enough about how good it was! :)

After we got a little ways into the meal I informed Kristin that I had tickets for the three of us to go see “Wicked” on Broadway there in Chicago. She was once again blown away by this new surprise to the evening and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes. I cannot tell you the joy that was in my heart to be able to make a few of her dreams come true that night. Kristin has been waiting to see Wicked for many years and the day finally came. :-) Dreams do come true after all… :-)

After dinner we went and watched the show. When I purchased the tickets I was able to get Row A on the Loge level and the seats were amazing! Wicked was an incredible show! It was the best pop Broadway show I have ever seen. Really it is in a class of it’s own. I would highly recommend seeing it or if you can’t try getting the music which you can find here on Amazon or at least listen to the samples. :-)

The next morning we met up with Amy Bogner a good friend of ours that happened to be taking a class in Chicago at that time. We went out for breakfast and shopping. :-) Yay! So there I was with three beautiful women walking around the historic town of Hinsdale, IL. I got more cracks from store clerks than ever. “My there’s a lot of estrogen isn’t there fellow?” Laura commented in reply, “Oh, don’t feel sorry for him I think he is doing just fine…see that pretty girl…that’s his fiancé.” :-) We had a great time that morning and finished the day off with talking with Amy and Laura at a local chocolate lounge. Ymm! I had a delicious chocolate with fresh berries on top! Ymmmm!

When I booked the flights home, I fixed it so Kristin and I were on the same flight back to Houston even though we both the tickets a month apart. :) Yay! I was so glad it worked out. There was a nice gentleman that gave up his seat so we could both sit together, how cool is that. :) We arrived home safe and sound, exhausted from a great weekend along with many incredible memories that we will each have for the rest of our lives. :) Someday, when we are warn and weary from a long life and bedridden we will have the warm memories of yester-year and all the great adventures! :)

Here are some photos below of the weekends events! :-) What a blast! What a joy getting to spend time with my sweetheart on this amazing journey through life! :)

[ Defying Gravity ]

A few weeks ago, Kristin and I had made some plans to drive out to San Antonio, Texas, and make a day of it! We both love road trips, so Kristin had jumped at the thought of driving out there, walking the River Walk and doing some shopping. However, I had a little plan up my sleeve. For awhile now I had been conceiving a plan to ask Kristin to marry me. Although the epiphany for my plan had only come twelve days before and Thursday the 18th was fast approaching, not even the hurricane would stop me this time. ;) I decided to use the San Antonio trip as a cover for what I was actually planning. Hehe

I drove in on Wednesday afternoon, the 17th, and spent the evening with Kristin. I had told her that we would need to go to bed early because we would be leaving really early in the morning for San Antonio. We talked about it and agreed that I would wake her up around 5:30am the following morning. I barely got a wink of sleep the whole night, I was so afraid I would miss my alarm. :) Just as I had finally fallen asleep, the alarm went off. Oh no, it’s time… :) I got out of bed and went to wake Kristin up. It was 3:15 in the morning when I proceeded to tell her that we were not going to be able to go to San Antonio that day. I saw her face just drop, then a look of sudden concern as she wanted to know what had happened to change plans so suddenly.

In a simple, matter-of-fact-way, I told her that we couldn’t go to San Antonio because we would be leaving for Colorado at 6am. :) Kristin was completely taken back. She said, “Colorado? Really, like you mean Colorado? Seriously right? You’re not kidding are you? Colorado?” I told her that I was very serious and we needed to get going. :) She asked me, “Please tell me it’s not 5:30?” I just chuckled, “No dear, it’s 3:15 in the morning. You have an hour and a half.” She said, “Oh ok, I thought the night seemed really short…” hehe :) I haven’t seen someone more awake in a short amount of time than we were in those moments. :) LOL

We got ready and by 4:15am we were out the door, breakfast in hand and a song in our hearts! :) We arrived at the airport shortly after 4:45 and had the car parked and were on the shuttle by 4:55. By 5:00am we made it through security and stopped off at Starbucks for an early morning caffeine boost – we were still waking up, hehe. Our flight was to leave by 6:10am, and we were in the air shortly after that. Kristin and I dozed off and on as the flight progressed, often looking over at each other and smiling, amazed that we were actually doing something crazy. Doing the kind of, spur-of-the-moment thing that one only dreams about but never does…Colorado for a day? Wow. :)

By 7am mountain time, we had made it to Denver and within the hour had the rental car. As we started our drive further into the heart of Denver, I tried to act like nothing was going on. I told Kristin that we could do anything she wanted. We could go to a nearby mall and shop around or we could do some antiquing or we could get some breakfast, really anything. I told her that Rocky Mountain National Park was only about an hour an a half away and I had never been there before, she thought that was a good idea. So, after stopping by Walmart and grabbing a few snacks, we started our trek up the mountain. All part of the plan… hehe :)

We made it to Estes Park by 10:30am and drove around the mountains for a little while just seeing the sights. I wanted to end up over at Bear Lake, right in the center of Rockies and a very beautiful lake on top of everything else. This was Colorado in September, so the leaf-bearing trees were a vibrant yellow and the aspens were incredible! Surrounded by mountains and gorgeous trees, all of which was reflected in the crystal clear water was almost to much to take in. :) The walk around the lake would only take about 20-25min. So we started our little stroll around the lake. Once we made it to the other side of the lake we came upon a large rock jutting out into the lake. We climbed out on the rock and asked a passing couple to take a photo of us.

We were standing there, right in the middle of the Rockies with absolutely perfect weather and stunning views. It was amazing! :) After we finished up taking the photos, we sat down on the rock and  just talked for a little while, the conversation ending with a sigh and an I love you. sigh. :) I reached into my pocket and pulled out a little box. :) Kristin looked down and immediately her face lit up with excitement! :) I got down on one knee in front of her and asked her to marry me. Words cannot express the feeling that was in our hearts during that moment. :) Kristin was clearly excited that I would ask her to marry me, and I was extremely excited when she said yes. :) I slipped the diamond ring onto her finger as she said yes.  It was the most amazing moment of my life to this day! God is sooo good!

After the proposal, we still had a few hours before we needed to head back to the airport, so we drove through the rest of the Park, taking in the amazing views from the peaks. There was even snow on the ground up at the top! It was beautiful! We wanted to keep driving, but a coming storm made us turn around and head back for Denver. On the way back, we decided to eat at a lovely little Italian restaurant tucked away on main street. One of us ordered lasagna, of course. :-) As we drove back to Denver, we looked behind us and found the mountain range completely covered with the storm we had narrowly escaped. God had given us the perfect window of time for the proposal to be done in the most beautiful weather imaginable! God is so good!

We arrived at the airport a little early and waited in really long security lines. Once we made it through security we crashed at the gate, completely exhausted from the day. By 7pm we were on the plane flying home. Kristin and I both fell asleep on the flight, and it was good to get some rest after such a long, yet wonderful day. :) Before we fell asleep, Kristin asked if Laura would be at the house when we got back because I always said that I would love to fly Laura in when the time came. I very emphatically told her no. :) Laura was actually landing about 15min after we were, and I planned for us to pick her up. After we went and got the car, Laura just so happened to call Kristin and conveniently distracted her while I drove back to terminal c arrivals. :) As Kristin was talking with Laura she looked up and there she was standing there with her bags. She was sooo surprised and it was so great to have Laura a part of the weekend. :)

The day ended with a warm reception at the Shaffer house, complete with video cameras and lots of pictures of Kristin showing off her ring. No one would settle down until we presented a full slideshow of pictures from our day and talked through every detail of “the moment.” By the time we were done, it was 3am in the morning – it had been a full 24 hours! Hehe. Sleep was never more welcome.

The next day as Kristin woke up, the day before seemed so surreal, she wondered for a moment if the entire thing had simply been a really wonderful dream…but no. Her ring glitters on her finger, and now we can start the journey toward “happily ever after.”

I am glad
At least in my life
I’ve found someone
That may not be here forever
To see me through
But I found my strength in you
‘Cause in my mind
You will stay here always
In love, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I
In my mind
We can conquer the world
In love, you and I
You and I, you and I

Performed by Michael Buble

The night went well here in Dallas and it has hardly rained all day. We got a little wind, but other than that things have done really well here. My parents drove up early and are now staying in Fort Worth. Their house is doing well too, they called the neighbors and there are some branches down in the yard but the house is in tact. There is a little water in the street, but it was nowhere near the house. Praise the Lord, He has protected us again! :)

I am not really sure when I will be heading down to Houston this next week but I am looking forward to getting back. This is the first weekend in weeks that I have had by myself, I have been trying to get some things done on the computer (changed the theme on this site) and some things around the house. :) Continue to pray that the Lord brings the power back to our families homes. More to come later…

Ok this is Josh, here is the reason I am not in Houston.

Hurricane Ike: Satallite

Partly because all lanes lead out of Houston at the moment but those are small details. Back to the big story . . . meet my friend Ike. :)

Hurricane Ike: Over Houston

He is big, large, hungry and wants to take a big bite out to the H town. I had great plans to be at the Houston Symphony tonight with Kristin listening to Dvorak’s New World Symphony, instead I will probably do something really boring around the house. I just talked with Kristin and the wind is picking up a little already, meanwhile Mr. Shaffer aka David is boarding the house up. :) With winds expected up to 74+ I really think that is a wise idea. :)

Hurricane Ike: Forcast Models

Hurricane Ike: Advisories

Hurricane Ike: Storm Pulse

Here are some photos from the latest storm trackers. If you would like to follow the storm closely go to www.stormpulse.com.