R is for Ronnebeck!

Tonight for cRAVE we had a group of 7th grade boys play for us. Their band name is SEND. It's an anagram of their names. They were pretty excited to play for us. They played a Set of 5 Christian songs we often sing in worship. They did a pretty awesome job. Here's some pictures of the guys playing. Eric on the Drums... He was rocking it out! Daniel on the Bass and the Lead guitarist ... I'm not sure of his name I never got a chance to talk with him and he doesn't go to our church. And the pianist... again, never got to talk to him, so I'm not sure if he's the S or the N! This guy could really play the guitar! He was even using a waa paddle. It was an impressive set! We hope to have them back again sometime. Stay tuned for my view on our theme of the night "I am Thirsty". Lent 5.0. for tonight ... Blessings > Abby

After this weekend, I realized how much I don't miss being a Junior High kid. Don't get me wrong, I love Junior High Kids, I love them so much I advise them at church but never intend to have one of my own. So I started thinking about the days when I was in Junior High, and thought of reasons why I don't miss being in Junior High from what I've observed this past weekend Because... ... Life's happiness was too dependant on my BFF's. ... Screaming was the only way I knew how to express my happiness. ... I was so awkward. ... Boys still had cooties. ... I was never able to let my hair down and play. ... I was always worried about what other people thought ... Mt.Dew and Laffy Taffy was a "balanced diet" for me. ... My feet were too big for my body ... I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a big kid or a little kid. ... I had just moved from a small school and was a small fish in a big pond. ... I played sports in that big pond that I found out I wasn't...

Some people have expressed their concern for my well being recently. I have been told I should be certifiably insane for doing what I do. I am here to post the second installment of the bus lock- in's for GLC youth group only this time We took 70 Junior High Kids out and about from 7pm to 7am. We had an amazing time as usual, and If you could hear the screams and excitement pouring out of them though deafening it's a reminder of why I do sacrifice a completely good night's rest to make these kids bus lock-in dreams come true. They love every stinkin second of it. That being said I'm also working on a top ten type list "top ten reasons I don't miss Junior high school" We started the night out by going to the Family Fun Center in Renton . The bus drivers got a little confused and we had to take a round about way of getting there. The moment we'd get close the the Center the kids on the bus would start screaming because they were so excited. Perhaps ...

I found this on one of the blogs I frequent, and because I'm bored and feel like posting... here it is! 2 Names you go by: 1. Abberdabberdoo - Thank you Uncle Greg 2. Herb - Thank you Heidi 2 Parts of my Heritage: 1. Irish 2. Norwegian 2 things that scare me: 1. The dark- I know I'm like 5 right? 2. Losing Loved ones. 2 everyday essential: 1. Red Sequin Shoes - even if I'm just going out to check the mail 2. My camera . I've made it essential Artists: 1. Karen Russell - not proclaimed but I love her photographs 2. Amelia Lyon - photographer from San Diego - beautiful work. 2 things you want in a relationship (other than love): 1. I want someone who makes me laugh - obvious why I married Eric :) 2. To feel absolutely, positively adored 2 of my favorite hobbies: 1. Scrapbooking 2. Photography 2 things I want really badly: 1. Someone to come visit me in Seattle 2. Another lens for my EOS. 2 places I want to go on vacation: 1. Washington DC 2. Chicago 2 things I...

About a month ago I had a post about my dear friend Heidi and how wonderful She is. This week I was sifting through some old photos on my computer and saw a couple of Liz. I decided to do a little post about Liz. Here's Liz and I at SafeCo when she came out for the wedding. It was so fun to have her here, and so fun to go to a game together. Here's Liz and I after our ride on the Monorail. The picture is from the side of the Jimmy Hendrix's museum the EMP . Just a couple of my favorite pictures from her visit. A few things you should know about Liz, she's a crazy awesome Nurse at the Med Center in Nebraska and she takes pride in her work. She's a world champ when it comes to Nintendo. She's a grey's anatomy fanatic and is part of the Beer club for Old Chicago. That's Liz :) You've gotta love her!

So, I finally scheduled my week(s) of vacation time and I couldn't be happier to have that off my plate. In September we're heading to Omaha for Heidi's wedding! I couldn't be more thrilled to be part of her day! In July I have a week off and it's still up in the air what for... I might get to meet this little guy... and bring one home of him myself... but it's still in progress!

I know I usually write this blog on Wednesday's after I'd been at cRAVe for Tuesday night, but I have to admit I have a sneak peak into what we're talking about because I am writing / giving the message. My God My God Why have you forsaken me? (Matthew 24:46) King David first writes these words in Psalm 22. There are people who are out to kill David and he feels abandon by God. He goes on to write "Why are you so far from saving me Lord? Why are you so far from my cries? Why do I cry out to you but you do not answer?” Job writes countless entries about how he feels abandon by God. Job loses everything, his family, his farms, his children , and his Wife. He continuously writes in anger and rage to and about God. Jesus faces the most harsh punishment known to man- crucifixion. In the three hours he was hanging on the cross leading up to these words he silently prays "Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do". He then gently speaks to the criminal ne...

I promised to post pictures of the new babies as soon as I recieved them and here they are! Hot out of the E-mail! I was so happy to see these! Here's Angie, Her husband Toby holding their new little one (born 3-18) Allie Nannette and Heather and her husband Joe holding their new little one (born 3-16) Cooper Joseph. Angie & Allie and Heather & Cooper! They're such proud mommies! And here's Grandma Nannette with Cooper and Allie. Looks like she has her hands full!

Meet Gracie... Aquaman's favorite chew toy. Meet Mittens.... Aquaman's NEW Favorite chew toy! Gracie Thanks us! Tonight Eric and I ran some errands including Pet Smart. He came across this crazy smart toy for our pup. Aquaman loves to wrestle with our hands and trys to play all the time and sometime gets a little rough. The Bite- Meez kitty is made to wear on your hand and play with your pup, it's got a squeeker on the inside and is made of industrial strength cloth. It was a smart buy. He loves it all ready !

I have had a post request from one of my readers about the bus. I tried desperately to get in the mood to write this blog by trying to post it on my way home last night via cell phone, on the bus! I think the guy next to me was getting a little irritated by the constant clicking of the buttons on my phone. I was on a roll, and loving what I was clicking or typing on my phone until something happened and the complete blog was deleted. UGH! So, here I am on my break, at work typing to you trying to put my brain back on the bus. The Metro bus is a melting pot of wonderful sights, smells and creatures. When I moved to Seattle in '06 I never imagined I'd ride the bus to and from work every day. I kind of felt like I was a little too cool for the bus. Boy what a terrible thought that was! I wasted a lot of time and money being frusterated with traffic and parking in downtown Seattle. At $8 dollars a day (now $14) to park in Seattle the $2.00 bus fare (now $2.50) seems like chump chan...

My cousin Angie (Joe's sister) and her husband Toby and their little girl Kelsey welcomed another little girl into their family today! Allie Nannette arrived today and weighs in at 5lbs and 14 oz. I am so excited to meet her too! It's so weird to report 2 births in less than a week! Congratulations Mom & Dad and Kelsey We're So happy for you! Welcome to the family Allie. We're excited you're here!

Happy Wednesday to all - and Happy Lenten Season! I've changed up the headings on the blog(s) to reflect the church season. I love Lent this year! Here's the weekly sharing of what we talked about at cRAVE last night. I thought it was a good message. The words from the cross continue. "Today, You will be with me in Paradise". There were a couple really great things that came from last night's message. The person who spoke was a fellow advisor named Chris; he brought up a couple points and let himself be venerable to the youth in a way most others have not. He talked about the two men that were crucified next to Jesus. Luke 23:32-33 " Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals - one on his right, the other on his left." ... Luke 23:39-43 "One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: 'Aren't you the C...

As I was standing in the shower this morning thinking about what to wear for work, and how I needed to incorporate green into my outfit; I had a big of a flashback to my former St Patrick’s days. I remember being in Mrs. Rumpca’s class and her drawing green shamrocks on our hands with a magic marker if we forgot to wear green. I also remember as a kid “hunting” the people who were not wearing green to make them “pay” for forgetting. I once pinched my cousin Joe because he had no visible green as I was studying his outfit. He then pinched me back twice as hard and showed me the waistband of his green underwear. Then there were the college days where green took on a whole new meaning. Green Beer was available by the pitcher and we would dance the night away to Third Frate (our favorite cover band) and in the morning regret the Green beer choice. So, in the spirit of good Ole St. Pat; I dug out my green sweater, tank top, argyle socks and tacky shamrock earrings and put them on and thanke...

It’s so hard to believe its Monday already. I feel like I slept my Saturday away – probably because I did. I wanted to post an installment of Happies, because it’s been a little while since I did one. But first I want to state a few BOO’s that I had this week (end). BOOS… -The senior high boys who thought I was a target for Whirly ball, my back and neck haven’t hurt this bad in a long time. -My decision to wear heels all the way down to Borders on my lunch hour. What was I thinking? Now my feet hurt too! Happies… -I pulled a prank on my co-worker Alex by changing the wallpaper on his computer unexpectedly to Sarah Palin on the cover of Vogue (to see image go to http://www.google.com/ and type in Sarah Palin and look at Images, it’s the first one). It was hilarious. -Eric and I watched 2 movies this weekend and I think “Role Models” has made its way to my top 10 most favorite comedies. It was pretty cute. -I finally got my Sister, Shannon’s birthday gift in the mail only 11 days late! ...

Join us in welcoming a new addition to the Nielsen side of our family! His name is Cooper Joseph and weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 20.5 inches long. Joe and Heather welcomed this Bouncing baby boy into the world this morning around 8:45 am! Erica will be very excited to share her birthday with Cooper. It might be awhile, but I’m looking forward to meeting lil Cooper. Funny story about the name Cooper? Angie and Toby and Tony and Julie both toyed with naming babies Cooper – I guess the name was just meant to be in the family! Until then, enjoy the photo I’ve posted that I found on the hospital website. Cooper's only a few hours old and Joe's allready trying to make him a Vikings fan! Congratulations Mommy & Daddy! Very happy for both of you!

Last night Eric and I helped out with a Senior High Bus Lock-in for the GLC Youth group we work with. We met at the church at 6:45 and had 5 events planned for the evening. I know you think we're crazy but we had so much fun! Senior High Youth are the best! We started out the night by attending Laser Queen. Laser Queen is a laser light show in the Adobe Laser Dome at the Pacific Science Center. It's a good show to sit, listen to Queen music and be mesmerized by colorful lasers and fog machines. I felt like I was watching the computer music player that does the same thing. After we walked back to the bus from the laser show we headed towards the Market to go to an Improv show at the Market Alley Theater. As a photographer (by hobby) I was drooling at all the beautiful lighting and cool things that were surrounding us. I can not wait to head back there (sans 60 kids) and take 1,000 pictures. Market Alley or better known as Post Alley in Seattle is home of the infamous gum wall...

Fatty broke her kitty condo the other day... made me laugh... had to share:)

I feel compelled to write a bit of a Lenten series for my blog, and I’m not sure why, but I do have a few reasons for my madness. 1- I enjoy seeking information on my religion, I think it’s vital that everyone does this regardless of what they believe. 2- I like to type / blog. 3- It’s a good avenue to explain the methods to our madness to non Christian readers and friends without “shoving” it in their face. Evangelism? 4- I REALLY like lent. I’m not sure why, it’s always been my favorite church season. 5- My Youth Pastor training in my just cannot die. I have to get up on my soapbox every now and again and let you know what’s on my mind. It’s ingrained in my brain. (thanks a lot Pastor Tom). 6- Eric and I are involved with cRAVE for our youth every Tuesday night and we’re exploring the last words of Jesus. Which I find completely fascinating. And I will be delivering at least 2 messages before Easter. Before...

Last night was cRAVE as always on a Tuesday night. The sermon was great, the music was great, and the cop lights outside the windows were… distracting. Eric and I left to take a few kids home just in time to escape lock down at the church. A few kids were in hysterics and letting their imagination run with them. We then ventured up to McDonalds for a little Ice Cream after cRAVE which is kind of a “thing” for us, McDonalds has the best $1 sundaes. We asked the lady “what’s going on here” as there were 4 cop cars in the parking lot. She told us that a couple guys were trying to pimp prostitutes up and down Pacific Highway and ran when they saw the cops, so the cops were looking for them. Turns out they hid near the church, which was what all the commotion was about. So, as it turns out “Pimpin ain’t easy”. There really hasn’t been much going on recently, we’ve been enjoying the extra hour of daylight in the evening to take advantage of our view of the sound, and finally took down our Ch...

My co-worker Tacy and I have a standing joke with her chicken that she brought back form Belieze the last time she went. This weekend I've been working on a project for her with it, so she let me bring it home and babysit the chicken. I have been taking care of it pretty well, and my family has helped. This post is more or less to make Tacy smile... I hope that you enjoy some random shots of the kids and Eric and I with the chicken. It's just pretty random so I thought I'd share. Here's Aquaman with the chicken... and Gracie with the chicken... shortly after this Eric and I had a good laugh because Gracie jumped down from her condo and ran away, the chicken more or less kicked her out of her own home. Here I am giving Tacy's chicken some love, She brought me back my own, since she just got back last week. Mine is more sun tanned than hers, but I really love both chickens! Eric was pretty indifferent about the chicken. He's such a good participant in my crazy an...

Georgetown is an old part of Seattle. It's full of young families, yuppies and 20 something eclectic young adults. In Georgetown are some of the tastiest restaurants, record stores, bars and a Vespa dealership! Tonight Eric and I went into Georgetown to have pizza at Stellars. It's a pizzeria that I have blogged about in the past, it's one of our favorite spots in Georgetown to grab a pizza. A cool side of a building, I really loved the lighting. This hair studio I have passed by a hundred times and I have always wanted to gawk at it. It's so loud I can't imagine getting my hair done there, I go to a spa-esque place where I can relax. This place is insane. I will end this post on my favorite shot of the night. We round this corner every time we head out of Georgetown to hit the freeway and I often want to get out of the car and take a photo, but tonight I just snapped it while we were driving and it worked beautifully.

In the midst of being sick I've gone into the "feeling sorry for myself" slippery slope I think most of us face when we're sick. So it's been a while and what might help me feel better is posting things I'm happy about or grateful for. Sometimes It's all about remembering the little things. - I have gotten my fair share of 'What not to wear' in the past two days and am feeling more inspired to dress better (this show does this to me). - Aquaman has been super snuggly the past couple days. He's fallen asleep on my lap more than once in the past couple days and that makes me smile. - Eric has been taking care of me. He's such a good husband - I am so blessed. - Mom has been on vacation and she's been texting me love. It makes me smile that my mom can text! - I get to go to work tomorrow. I am really REALLY looking forward to getting back to my normal schedule. - It rained yesterday (a lot) and I love the rain, and after the storm we got a...

I came down with a cold on Sunday, and it's been bringing me down ever since. I finally broke today and came home early from work. My boss took one look at me and simply said "Go HOME!" So, by 10 am, Eric was picking me up from my office and taking me home to get better. I came home and crawled into bed, and around 3:15 I finally woke up. I'm sure that my body needed rest because I'm allready getting sleepy again. I'm not really worried about having to try and fall asleep tonight, I'm sure it will come to me. We had a good weekend and it was actually pretty productive. We conquored a whole season of 30 Rock. Oh yeah, and I cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom. I get that whole "clean thearapy" from my mom. I cleaned the floor and cabinets with a lovely mix of bleach water. Mmmh, I can smell my clean kitchen from here. I hope to get out and about this coming weekend, I'm feeling a little cabin feaver since I've been sick for the past cou...