Camping!

With our friends, Adam and Maria, Gerrit and I went camping this weekend. Since we didn't leave until after work, we arrived at our campsite around 8 p.m. and got set up right away. It was our first time camping as a couple and I was curious to see how putting up the tent would go. I think setting up a tent really brings out a person's true colors. But yay! We made a good team (and I like our "colors").

When we finished setting up, we made a fire, which sparked a debate about which formation is best: Tepee or Log Cabin. I say Log Cabin all the way. Even as I write this, Gerrit is reading over my shoulder waiting for me to defame him. But alas, we both made successful fires using both formations.

After our fire, we went to bed. I had discovered earlier that I had forgotten to pack my sweatpants. I spent the night trying to find any warmth from Gerrit's frigid body. Is that a TMI? The next day, we got up from our freezing night of little sleep and made our way to the waterfall. Obviously, it was gorgeous!
Here we are! The happy campers!

Adam and Maria!
The boys found a cave.
There was a lookout on top of the cliff that we wanted to check out. We had to climb about a horrific amount of stairs to get there. We were all gasping for breath when we reached the top when along came a jogger who seemed completely unaffected by the stairs of death. She made several trips up and down and made us all feel very bad about ourselves.
Later that day, we wanted to take a swim. Once we got there we decieded against swimming because the beach looked like this: (those ARE dead fish, in case you were wondering)
Some other highlights from the trip were walking up a ridiculously steep hill to see the grave site of the first settlers in the area. Again, were gasping for breath wondering why we would do this to ourselves when along came the stair jogger! What was she on? Maria and I were also quite amused when we took a trip to the ladies restroom and found a woman with a blow dryer....and a curling iron!!!! Seriously?!
And here are our portraits from our second morning of camping! All looking very attractive, I might add.
Despite what you might think from the portraits, we all had a great time. We hope to do it again sometime. Who wants to come next time?

Lord Help My Little Broken Body

In the past week, I have been hit, punched, kicked in the shin and head, bit in the arm, scratched, had my hair pulled and been called R-rated words. Am I a UFC champion? No. Do I work with talking, exotic animals? No, no. As you may recall, I work at an elementary school with 5-10 year olds. I work in the EBD room (Emotional and Behavior Disorder Room), so violence can sometimes be an issue. But the closer we come to the end of the year, the more bruises I'm getting. I look like a battered woman and have to explain to people that Gerrit doesn't beat me!
I come home with new battle wounds and stories to go with them almost everyday.
Gerrit's reaction is, "Those little jerks. I'm sorry, babe. How can I make you feel better?"
My sister Courtney (in a high-pitched, disgusted voice), "WHAT?! Oh my gosh, Cass!"
My mom (with deep concern), "Well honey, how are you ever going to be pregnant someday with a job like that?"
I don't know, Mom. I just don't know. Surprisingly enough, I do love the kids and my job. But I'm praising the Lord Jesus that school is almost done. Amen.

A Re-Visit

I was looking through my blog and realized I did this survey a year ago yesterday. Let's see if anything has changed, shall we?

I am: Cassie
I think: too much when I'm trying to fall asleep. I have to pray myself to sleep.
I know: basic math better than ever, now that I work at an elementary school.
I want: my cold to go away! Having a cold in warm weather throws me off!
I wish: I hadn't dyed my hair so dark at Christmas. Actually, that was fun, but I wish it were back to normal now.
I hate: to be tickled. Unfortunately, that is one of Gerrit's favorite things to do!
I miss: going to summer camp, especially around this time of year when I used to count down the days till I got to go. I thought I would grow out of that phase, but I haven't yet. Maybe that doesn't go away.
I fear: many things. I'm a worry wart! It's what I do.
I feel: grateful that I didn't get beat up by any kids today!
I hear: the news in the background, which I'm annoyed by because I usually try to avoid watching the news.
I smell: nothing. I have a cold. For the past few days, I've pondered what life would be like with no sense of smell.
I crave: a Caramel Highrise from Caribou, but I'm trying to control myself.
I search: craigslist for multi-million dollar homes. Why not? I love fancy real estate!
I wonder: how the kids I work with will turn out.
I regret: not putting my clean clothes away right when they came out of the dryer. Now I don't want to do it at all.
I love: God, Gerrit, my family, my friends
I ache: in my nasal area.
I care: about the rumors about Jon and Kate plus 8! I hope they aren't true!
I always: push the snooze button several times before getting out of bed. I'm too deep into this habit to break it. Don't judge me.
I am not: good at accessorizing.
I believe: and I know that Jesus died for my sins, rose again, and is coming back one day.
I dance: like my Great-Grandma S. Or so it appears from the footage I've seen.
I sing: any theme song that comes up in conversation.
I cry: in my heart, because I usually don't cry tears.
I don't always: eat breakfast. Isn't that terrrible?
I fight: with Gerrit about who steals the covers. (It's him.)
I write: the alphabet when I doodle. According to my doodle diary, that means I'm very organized. My doodle diary has obviously never met me.
I win: board games because I have no compassion for my fellow players.
I lose: my keys within my purse.
I never: pass up a good conversation with a cashier.
I confuse: affect with effect. Our language....too confusing.
I listen: to the crazies outside our apartment every night!
I can usually be found: reading on the couch after work while Gerrit watches ESPN.
I am scared: of....well, lots of things. As I said: I'm a worrier. It's something I need to work on!
I need: to go to bed.
I am happy about: my life in general. I've been very blessed by God with an amazing husband, a wonderful family, great friends and most importantly, a relationship with Him.
I hope: to blog more later. Love you all!

Happy Birthday, Dad

Dad,

Thanks for:
*teaching me how to ride a bike. I know I was not a good student.

*letting me sit on your lap while playing cards or just when I needed a good cry.

*being frank about boys. I hated that conversation, but I'm so glad you had it with me. It helped me find the right boy (even if he is a Vikings' fan!).

*sharing your love of music. Because of you, I love Chicago and CCR; and I know that Sinatra was more than a good singer, but a great story teller.

*picking me up from Jr. High dances and convincing me that the boys didn't dance with me because they were intimidated by my beauty.

*coming to every mediocre high school play and finding something nice to say at the end.

*preparing me to be a hard worker.

*being on my side every time, even when I know I'm probably wrong.

*loving us girls through our emotional ups and downs. And you never once said you wish you had had boys!

*loving Mom and being an example of what a wonderful husband looks like.

*walking me down the aisle to give me away to someone you trust to be the kind of husband you are to Mom.

*most importantly, teaching me about God; answering my questions; encouraging me in my faith and for loving God yourself.

*and for much, much more.

You're my favorite dad. I love you so much.

Communication Gold

While watching the Twins' on TV (between American Idol commercials):

Cassie: Who's that?
Gerrit: What's what?

Cassie: Who's that pitcher?
Gerrit: What picture?

Cassie: No. Who is the pitcher?
Gerrit: Nick.

Cassie: Ugh. Nick who?
Gerrit: Nick Blackburn.

Cassie: Nick Blackbird???
Gerrit: No. Blackburn.

And while writing this blog:

Gerrit: Oh Cassie, you are so pretty.
Cassie: What? I am so picky?

To My Man on His Birthday

For kicks and giggles....a tribute to Gerrit.....in pictures and lyrics:
Isn't he lovely? Isn't he wonderful? Isn't he precious? Made from love.....


Wherever you go, whatever you do...I will be right here waiting for you.


Look into my eyes and you will see what you mean to me. Search your heart. Search your soul. And when you find me there, you'll search no more.


Wild thing....you make my heart sing. You make everything groovy. Wild thing...I think I love you.

The days may be cloudy or sunny....We're in or out of the money.
But I'm with you always. Come rain or come shine.

I love you, Baby. Happy Birthday.

And the Award Goes To:

Let me set the scene for the dramatic "movie" that was our life last night.

Place: Right outside our window in the parking lot of our apartment.

Time: 2:30 am-3:30 am

Plot: Gerrit and Cassie, once sound asleep in their bed, are awakened by the sound of 5 or 6 drunken twenty-somethings coming home after what seems to be a rough night on the town.

Soundtrack: Instead of music, a symphony of ear-splitting noises, such as: the dragging of stilettos on asphalt when the defeated wearer can no longer lift her feet; the sobbing and yelling of said Foot Dragger; the click-click-click of the stiletto wearer who is supporting her; the laughing of the Frat Bros around them.

But wait! The plot thickens! The Drunk Foot Dragger makes a run for it to her car! Screaming:
"I'm going home! I'm going home! I hate Erin/Aaron!"

Suddenly realizing the seriousness of the situation, the frat bros burst into action.
Frat Bro #1: Give me your keys. You can't go home like this.
Frat Bro #2: Just come inside. Erin/Aaron isn't worth all this trouble. Man, I don't have any shoes on.
Supportive Stiletto Wearer: Just come inside, sweetie. We'll figure this out.

Cassie: WHY? WHY AM I AWAKE FOR THIS????
Gerrit: I know, babe. I know.

Drunk Foot Dragger turns on the ignition. Cassie and Gerrit rush to the window to witness what is about to unfold. The Frat Bros struggle to get Foot Dragger out of her car. With some success they drag her into the apartment building.

Cassie: (grumble, grumble)

But just when Cassie and Gerrit thought the worst was over, the Drunk Foot Dragger escapes to her car with a Frat Bro yelling behind her. The Foot Dragger starts her car and begins to pull out of the space when Frat Bro throws himself onto the trunk.

Foot Dragger: Just let me go! Get out of the way! (HONK! HONK!)
Frat Bro: No, you can't drive like this!

In her sleepy stuper, Cassie dials 911 and explains what is happening outside.

Foot Dragger: MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! (HOOOOOOOONK!)
Frat Bro: You're gonna have to kill me first.

Cassie tells operater: He's in front of the car saying, 'You're going to have to kill me first.' Oh crap, she's driving away.
Operater: Can you tell me the make of the vehicle?
Cassie (still in stuper): No, I'm sorry. Everything is covered in snow. It a dark colored compact.
Operater: Thanks. (click)

The Frat Bros make their way back inside. Gerrit and Cassie try to slip back into sleep. Gerrit finds more success. Cassie must now go to the living room and try to fall asleep to Pride and Prejudice. (grumble, grumble)