Play Pretty Jack!

Our WONDERFUL and DEAR friend, Josh Cassidy, just published his first children's book!!! He has an AMAZING talent, as he wrote and illustrated the book above. I'm definitely buying a bunch for my nieces and nephews! It's now available online at www.playprettyjack.com and should be hitting book stores very shortly.



Joshy,

We are SO PROUD of you and excited to see what God has in store for you and Layza! HE is limitless :)

Your #1 fans,
Bob & Katie

Grove Gang!

MY SWEET, SWEET NEPHEWS- Matty & Colester!

So, now that I'm finally getting use to this blog thing, I crave to do it more often. And my twin sister, Annie, has even joined in on the fun with her family blog, www.grovegang.blogspot.com. Check it out!

San Diego 1/2 Marathon... Here I come!!!

Yep, that's right! I will be running my first 1/2 marathon in San Diego, August 16th!! I'm super excited, yet very nervous! I have done a handful of triathlon's, BUT to run 13.1 miles straight through (without stopping) is an overwhelming thought at the moment, especially with how out of shape I am. Training starts this weekend! I CAN DO THIS and am excited to get back into shape (like my self motivation talk?).

Baltimore with the Whiting's- Memorial Day!!

As always, another fun day with the Whiting's! We started off the day with standing in line in the sticky weather trying to get cheap tickets to the baseball game- apparently everyone thought it would be fun to go to a baseball game on memorial day! After sweating it out, we finally made it to our seats and enjoyed the game!

Afterwards, we walked around the inner harbor, ate yummy spanish tapas and drank some wine, acted silly, and walked 10,000 steps (according to Dan's pedometer reading). It was a perfect way to end a 3-day weekend.

The day has come... Bob has graduated!!!

After countless hours at the library and numerous class presentations, IT IS FINISHED! Bob has graduated and what a mighty fine day it was! His mother and friends from AZ flew out to DC to join in this wondrous celebration. We are all so proud of him and I am honored to call him my husband! He is a go-getter and isn't afraid to take chances, which I love about him. I can't wait to see what our Lord has in store for us. Life is SWEET!!!

New Format

Since I'm horrible at updating our blog monthly, I've decided to change the format from vague monthly updates to our random adventures/story's in marriage. It will make it easier for me and less repetitive to you, the reader.

We just found out that Bob was chosen to be the graduate commencement speaker for the Business School's graduation in May 2009. I am SO PROUD of my hubby! He had to write a speech and audition, as did many others, and he got it! Such a praise moment!!

Graduation is 2 months away and his mom, our friend Donny, and family friend Bev will be joining us in DC for this wonderful CELEBRATION. The countdown begins to a life of normalcy- no late night studying for Bob, more quality family time together, and a new adventure to ????.

And NO, we are still not certain where we will be post graduation (so quit asking Ryan Matthew Charles- hahaha). All we know is that God has truly been faithful to us and we continue to give Him praise for our wonderful little life here in DC. What comes next is for Him to decide. We are just enjoying the journey :) A little saying that puts things into perspective for me is, "We plan and God laughs." So TRUE!! I can plan the next 2 years of my life, but God may have something different in store. I am daily reminded of this.

Set your minds on the things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

September & October 2008

So I've been horrible at posting, but life has been busy these past 2 months. I can't believe how quickly September and October have come and gone!

I've had quite a few work events to run and attend and Bob's been working hard both at McCain's campaign and with school. We keep inching towards his graduation day (May '09). It's not soon enough. Don't get me wrong, we feel very blessed and are learning to be thankful and joyful in this time, as it is preparing us for our future. God is so gracious and we are excited to see His plan in all of this.

Hehehe, So I've established a new friendship with the neighborhood elder, Willy! Every morning on my walk to work, Willy (in his mid 70's) is on his porch working on the local newspaper's crossword puzzle and always greets me with a "Hello Katie" as I pass by. I return the greeting with a big smile on my face, as it always brightens my morning. He's my new pal and it's nice to know I get to see him every week day on my way to work.

Bob and I are starting a newly married couples Bible study this week. I am excited to meet and be in fellowship with other newly married Christians. There are about 5 couples total and I'm excited for the wonderful experience and growth. I've also been plugged into a one on one Bible study with my new friend Kelli :0) I have been in awe of the overwhelming love and grace that God has for me, despite my sins!! I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful church that is deep in the word and in fellowship. I have been truly humbled by His grace and mercy in my life, although I am not deserving of any of it.

Life is AMAZING!!! Despite the every day stresses, Bob and I couldn't be more HAPPY in DC! What's not to love about our nation's capitol? Especially at this time, when the fall leaves are turning yellow and red and the weather is starting to cool down (mid 60's). My thin AZ skin is definitely in shock!! My co-workers often make fun of my sauna office. I admit, it's pretty toasty in my office, and that's the way I like it :-)

Bob and I will be traveling back to AZ for 9 days during Christmas/New Years. Can you believe it will be almost a year since being back in AZ? Better yet, almost 1 year of marriage!! My, how time flies by!