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Sometimes the best parts of my day are the times when nothing too much is going on. For example right now...Andy is playing the guitar and I am on the computer. It truly can be the simple things in life that can be the most satisfying!

Mein Garten Ist Growin!

Our garden has grown. We have added broccoli and a dwarf spruce, or affectionately: our little tannenbaum.




















The new broccoli!
















The spinach and mesclun (lettuce) is growing rapidly!




















Our Little Tannenbaum!

Andy exploding from too much schnitzel!

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Lunch on the Little Rhine.

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We're going to Germany!!

Well...that is our dream at least. Until that time however we will be going to "Little" Germany here in MO. Tomorrow we will head to Hermann, Mo, to celebrate Andy's 33rd birthday. We are staying at a B&B (http://www.hermannlodging.com/schiller1.htm) and touring the town. I am sure we will have a great time and can't wait to get away. As of now our schedule is pretty open but tomorrow night we will be having dinner at a Winery with traditional German food. (Which Andy is really excited about!). Other than that, it should be a relaxing and exciting weekend! If you are not from around here and want to see more of Hermann you can go here. http://www.hermannmissouri.com/

If we are lucky we will find Andy a pair of lederhosen by the end of the night!! And if you are lucky there will be pictures to follow!

Back to School

Yes, I'm going back to school August 20. But this time, not as a student (at least not a full-time student). Next week I will begin my new career as the newest team member of Student Services at St. Louis Community College-Wildwood. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to be working in education again. This position will include recruitment, admissions, registration, orientation, and other administrative duties. Being on campus will probably provide me the opportunity to teach in the future. I think it might be a bit much to try to teach my first college course this semester. I'm looking forward to being a part of an educational environment that also happens to be a "green" campus. Look out St. Louis, I'm expanding minds and changing lives!

Our Garden

Our (sub)urban farm is growing! We have a small balcony container garden. From left to right: purple basil, lavender, sage, rosemary, stevia. We also have Kentucky colonel mint. The seemingly "empty" planter actually has just sprouted. We just planted mesclun and spinach.














You can just barely see the mesclun breaking through the surface!















Our cherry tomato plants are thriving, but not blooming yet. Hopefully soon, so we can enjoy them before the first frost--probably around mid-October.

Last night at The Muny to see Fiddler on the Roof!

Sunday Lunch at Bread Co. waiting to meet with John and Joy Schubert, friends from Lauren's internship in Arizona. Then a short nap at home before an evening at the Muny.

Our Wedding

Note:
Since we moved our home on the web to this fancy new blog, I didn't want to lose some of the information about our wedding, even though the day has passed. Here is the original article from the original "BreadForUs.net"

THE WEDDING

Our wedding will probably seem a bit different from other weddings today. In preparing for our wedding and a life-time commitment to faithful marriage we first turned to God's Word. Reading John 6: 32-35 makes His Truth clear to us that regardless of the earthly food we have or lack, our truly nourishing food is Jesus, the Bread of Heaven. When He comes to us in Word and Sacrament we have all that we need for life eternal.

THE WORD

The text for our wedding is John 6:22-58 (ESV)
On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. [23] Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. [24] So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
[25] When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?" [26] Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. [27] Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal." [28] Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" [29] Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." [30] So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? [31] Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.' " [32] Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." [34] They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always."
[35] Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. [36] But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. [37] All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. [38] For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. [39] And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. [40] For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."
[41] So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." [42] They said, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" [43] Jesus answered them, "Do not grumble among yourselves. [44] No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. [45] It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— [46] not that anyone has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. [47] Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
[52] The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" [53] So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. [54] Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. [55] For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. [56] Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. [57] As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. [58] This is the bread that came down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever."

THE MINISTER

The Rev. Mark A. Wood will be officiating. Pastor Wood serves as the pastor serves Immanuel's daughter congregation, Lamb of God Lutheran Church, Lithia, FL.

THE SERVICE

We have chosen to use the order for Holy Matrimony in the new Lutheran Service Book , the new hymnal of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod . In addition to Scripture readings, the matrimony address, a sermon and prayers, we have chosen to include hymns to be sung by the congregation. The hymns we have selected reflect the selected Scripture and theme for our wedding and marriage.

The first hymn:

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
By: William C. Dix, 1837-98

(click here to listen)

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of every nation
Has redeemed us by His blood."

Alleluia! Not as orphans
Are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us:
Faith believes, nor questions how.
Though the cloud from sight received Him
When the forty days were over,
Shall our hearts forget His promise:
"I am with you ever-more"?

Alleluia! Bread of heaven,
Here on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! Here the sinful
Flee to You from day to day.
Intercessor, Friend of sinners,
Earth’s Redeemer, hear our plea
Where the songs of all the sinless
Sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal,
Lord omnipotent we own;
Alleluia! Born of Mary,
Earth Your foot-stool, heaven Your throne.
As within the veil You entered,
Robed in flesh, our great high priest,
Here on earth both priest and victim
In the eucharistic feast.

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus;
His the scepter, His the throne;
Alleluia! His the triumph,
His the victory alone.
Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion
Thunder like a mighty flood:
"Jesus out of every nation
Has redeemed us by His blood."

The recessional hymn:

Go, My Children With My Blessing

(click here to listen)
by Jaroslav Vajda

Go, My children, with My blessing, Never alone.
Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are My own.
In My love’s baptismal river I have made you Mine forever.
Go, My children, with My blessing, You are My own.

Go, My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure.
Here you learned how much I love you, What I can cure.
Here you heard My dear Son’s story; Here you touched Him, saw His glory.
Go, My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure.

Go, My children, fed and nourished, Closer to Me;
Grow in love and love by serving, Joyful and free.
Here My Spirit’s power filled you; Here His tender comfort stilled you.
Go, My children, fed and nourished, Joyful and free.

I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace;
I the Lord will smile upon you And give you peace;
I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter, and Brother.
Go, My Children; I will keep you And give you peace.

In this union I have joined you husband and wife,

Now, My children, live together as heirs of life:

Each the other's gladness sharing, each the other's burdens bearing

Now, My children, live together as heirs of life.

THE RINGS

Lauren's engagement ring is very special. The diamond was originally given to her mother on their wedding day. The Lord, beyond our understanding, but in His infinite wisdom chose to call Diane to her eternal home during Lauren's childhood. Lauren's gracious father has helped us remember her mother by giving us her mother's ring to mark our commitment to one another. Lauren will also receive a simple wedding band with small stones as reminder of marital fidelity.

Andy's wedding ring also has special meaning. Our confession and household is undoubtedly Lutheran. Therefore it is fitting that his ring is a replica of the ring given to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther by his wife, Katrina von Bora, on their wedding day. The ring is detailed with images of Christ's passion. The flagellation and torture are represented by the reed and the pillar and cord; the anchor on the cord stands for hope. On one side of the pillar is a ladder; on the other, the sword of Simon Peter. At the top of the cross rests the inscription "INRI" (Jesus, king of the Jews) and a garnet, a symbol of Christ's blood. Below the cross are two dice, symbolic of the soldiers casting lots for Jesus' clothing. The spear which pierced His side stands to the left beside the reeds. To the right of the cross is a head, believed to be the High Priest Caiaphas, who presided over Jesus' trial. Beside the head is the reed of hyssop and sponge soaked with vinegar.

This ring is recreated by James Avery Craftsmen jewelers in Texas. It is certain to be a daily reminder of Christ's passion that provides the nourishment and strength to sustain our family.

Cold Soup is Random

Cold Soup is as random as this post. The other night Andy and I went out for dinner. It was an Asian restaurant where I ordered what looked delicious. Beef and Vegetables in a broth with whole wheat noodles. Looks like a good and simple meal to me!

The waitress said as I ordered "That is no good for you"

I said "No,really,I will like it.

She said "Americans no like it."

I took my chances and really thought what is not to like. The soup came out and sure enough I was thankful for my wonderful husband who has a tongue and stomach of steel and enjoys a variety of cuisine. Broth, beef, vegetables, noodles, with large amounts of crushed ice, a hard boiled egg, and why not some pears too???

Saturday is for Lovers.....

I LOVE the weekend. Especially when there is nothing pressing to do. Currently it is 9:30 a.m. and I woke up not too long ago. Andy is still sleeping and probably will be until I wake him up with food or hugs. While I will be doing some work today as well, it is a beautiful day. A family day. On the list of things to do...

5. Sleep in (Check)
4. Check email (Check)
3. Go into work
2. Run and/or lift
1. Whatever we want! (Check Check)

I also can't wait until tomorrow when Andy and I get to see some very dear friends from my internship who will be in town!! Pastor John, Joy, and Austin are in PA now but are here for a few days in the Lou. It will be great to see them!

Better go wake up the sleepy guy.....

Welcome to our home on the web. As a new family, we're grateful for all the Lord has given us. For in Word and Sacrament, we receive Jesus who is our very bread that gives life.
Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." They said to him, "Sir, give us this bread always." Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. John 6:32-35 (ESV)