After nine months Andrew is still capable of making Irene mad.
He is also still capable of feeling sorry.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Monday, December 8, 2008
Thanksgiving 2008
We had a great thanks giving. Irene's brother came home for a surprise visit. Everyone was shocked... it was great. I'm feeling more at home with Irene's family than ever... It is fun having brothers around again. There were several follow-on dinners that made for some really great conversation, thanksgiving, and prayer times.
Group Shot after stuffing ourselves with Turkey
On Friday we cut down our Christmas Tree (an Andrew-Irene Tradition 3 years running) at Linvilla Orchards. Here are a few fun pictures...
Andrew Kissing Irene
Andrew Scaring the Tree Into Falling Over
Irene Shocked At the '8 "10 Tree In Our '9 Living Room
Group Shot after stuffing ourselves with Turkey
On Friday we cut down our Christmas Tree (an Andrew-Irene Tradition 3 years running) at Linvilla Orchards. Here are a few fun pictures...
Andrew Kissing Irene
Andrew Scaring the Tree Into Falling Over
Irene Shocked At the '8 "10 Tree In Our '9 Living Room
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What remains
Dad was a gentle man. Softspoken and kind, he preferred to coexist with the mice in his home than trap them or kill them. In spite of his eccentricities, he was so generous and warm that he made many faithful friends. He loved the Bible and Emily Dickinson. He lived quietly with his own thoughts for the most part, writing pages of letters and detailed notes about everything. He loved leather moccasins and rolling his own cigarettes. He loved his two cats, and he was happy to let the raccoons share their food.
We started cleaning out his trailer about two weeks ago, after a ten hour drive from our front door into the southern Ohio countryside. We took his clothes into the nearest town to wash and donate. We marveled at the stacks of books and papers that we found, still smelling like tobacco smoke, and mildewy from months of moisture. He hadn't lived here for several months, since beginning cancer treatments in the city back in the spring. Since we were miles away from any recycling or trash dumps, we built a fire and started burning the books that were water damaged, dirty, or torn.
It was a numbing task. We became cold and methodical, sorting through things and passing judgment on them: This item can be donated to Goodwill, but this one must be destroyed or thrown away. We set aside just a few items to bring back with us: A chainsaw that Andrew had given him for Christmas, that had never even been taken out of the box; a meaningful letter; a piece of wood that Dad had painted with bright colors. As I stood tossing things into the fire, a couple of times I glanced up, expecting to see Dad suddenly standing over us, asking softly, "Why are you burning my books? What did you do with my clothes?"
If holding onto all that stuff could somehow keep Dad alive with us, we would do it. If only keeping it just as it was could entice him back, so he could live there again. But all those papers, rusty tools, and stained clothes didn't feel alive anymore. We camped in a tent on Dad's land that night, and we woke up in the cold morning air. We felt alive.
In loving memory
WILLIAM RICHARD ARMSTRONG
February 14, 1946 - September 4, 2008
(Posted by Irene)
We started cleaning out his trailer about two weeks ago, after a ten hour drive from our front door into the southern Ohio countryside. We took his clothes into the nearest town to wash and donate. We marveled at the stacks of books and papers that we found, still smelling like tobacco smoke, and mildewy from months of moisture. He hadn't lived here for several months, since beginning cancer treatments in the city back in the spring. Since we were miles away from any recycling or trash dumps, we built a fire and started burning the books that were water damaged, dirty, or torn.
It was a numbing task. We became cold and methodical, sorting through things and passing judgment on them: This item can be donated to Goodwill, but this one must be destroyed or thrown away. We set aside just a few items to bring back with us: A chainsaw that Andrew had given him for Christmas, that had never even been taken out of the box; a meaningful letter; a piece of wood that Dad had painted with bright colors. As I stood tossing things into the fire, a couple of times I glanced up, expecting to see Dad suddenly standing over us, asking softly, "Why are you burning my books? What did you do with my clothes?"
If holding onto all that stuff could somehow keep Dad alive with us, we would do it. If only keeping it just as it was could entice him back, so he could live there again. But all those papers, rusty tools, and stained clothes didn't feel alive anymore. We camped in a tent on Dad's land that night, and we woke up in the cold morning air. We felt alive.
In loving memory
WILLIAM RICHARD ARMSTRONG
February 14, 1946 - September 4, 2008
(Posted by Irene)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Progress Report - 4 months, 8 days
Here's a quick update, in no particular order, on what we're doing in our newlywed life.
FRIENDS & FAMILY: We see Irene's parents quite frequently - sometimes as much as once a week. We've been to see Andrew's parents in the Midwest twice since the wedding. Most recently, Andrew's parents took us sailing, which was fabulous! We've thrown a housewarming party, and hosted one or two other get-togethers, which were all a blast.
OTHER WEDDINGS: Let's see, since our own wedding, we've been invited to 4, 5... 6 other weddings, including one in which Andrew was a member of the bridal party! We've managed to attend 4 out of the 6 (well, 3 and a half, because we missed the ceremony for one of them and only made it to the reception). It's been a busy year!
THANK-YOU CARDS: I'd say we're about 65% done with sending out thank-yous to all the dear friends who gave us wedding gifts. I was hoping to be finished by now, but I underestimated how many people would give us gifts. I DEFINITELY underestimated the difficulty of consistently working through the thank-yous that we owe. We are truly touched and honored by everyone who gave us something for our wedding, and yes, if you haven't gotten a thank-you from us yet, it is COMING!!
GETTING ALONG: I think we get along marvelously. We've had some disagreements and hurt feelings, but they've all resolved fairly quickly, and I think they've been good for us!
ROMANCE: Fabulous. We're falling more in love all the time. Being married is awesome!
HOME ORGANIZATION: I'd give this a 7 out of 10. We are making progress, but we still have one mostly unusable room (which is significant, since we've only got a 2-bedroom apartment) that's full of junk and unopened boxes. We are still in need of some furniture too, if only for the storage.
BABY PLANS: We're talking about it. But don't hold your breath!
CHURCH: Leading up to the wedding, both of us cut down on our commitments, but now we're getting back into the swing of things. The newest endeavor is that we are now leading a small group that meets at our place every Saturday morning.
SUMMER VACATIONS: This has been a really wonderful summer, as our work schedules have allowed us to have long weekends together every weekend! We've taken a few fun trips this summer, but the biggest one (a fabulous tropical vacation... our second honeymoon!) is coming up on Friday, and we'll be gone for almost two weeks! Then it will be back to school and back to work.
OTHER STUFF: Irene had a significant birthday a few weeks ago. Andrew's is coming up in a few months too. It's been a great ride so far... can't wait to see what the next 80 years will bring!
(Posted by Irene)
FRIENDS & FAMILY: We see Irene's parents quite frequently - sometimes as much as once a week. We've been to see Andrew's parents in the Midwest twice since the wedding. Most recently, Andrew's parents took us sailing, which was fabulous! We've thrown a housewarming party, and hosted one or two other get-togethers, which were all a blast.
OTHER WEDDINGS: Let's see, since our own wedding, we've been invited to 4, 5... 6 other weddings, including one in which Andrew was a member of the bridal party! We've managed to attend 4 out of the 6 (well, 3 and a half, because we missed the ceremony for one of them and only made it to the reception). It's been a busy year!
THANK-YOU CARDS: I'd say we're about 65% done with sending out thank-yous to all the dear friends who gave us wedding gifts. I was hoping to be finished by now, but I underestimated how many people would give us gifts. I DEFINITELY underestimated the difficulty of consistently working through the thank-yous that we owe. We are truly touched and honored by everyone who gave us something for our wedding, and yes, if you haven't gotten a thank-you from us yet, it is COMING!!
GETTING ALONG: I think we get along marvelously. We've had some disagreements and hurt feelings, but they've all resolved fairly quickly, and I think they've been good for us!
ROMANCE: Fabulous. We're falling more in love all the time. Being married is awesome!
HOME ORGANIZATION: I'd give this a 7 out of 10. We are making progress, but we still have one mostly unusable room (which is significant, since we've only got a 2-bedroom apartment) that's full of junk and unopened boxes. We are still in need of some furniture too, if only for the storage.
BABY PLANS: We're talking about it. But don't hold your breath!
CHURCH: Leading up to the wedding, both of us cut down on our commitments, but now we're getting back into the swing of things. The newest endeavor is that we are now leading a small group that meets at our place every Saturday morning.
SUMMER VACATIONS: This has been a really wonderful summer, as our work schedules have allowed us to have long weekends together every weekend! We've taken a few fun trips this summer, but the biggest one (a fabulous tropical vacation... our second honeymoon!) is coming up on Friday, and we'll be gone for almost two weeks! Then it will be back to school and back to work.
OTHER STUFF: Irene had a significant birthday a few weeks ago. Andrew's is coming up in a few months too. It's been a great ride so far... can't wait to see what the next 80 years will bring!
(Posted by Irene)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Bet you can't take just one!
With the holiday weekend we've found some time to veg, and as we sat around we came up with some thoughts we want to share. Well, one though really, and that is... Honeymoons are so great, why take just one?
So in the following we tag team our top reasons for taking multiple honeymoons:
a) The first year is important as you get to know each other. During the first honeymoon anything you learn is more like shock therapy. Having a second honeymoon lets you understand your spouse in a more relaxed way. (andrew)
b) Half of the first honeymoon is spent catching up on sleep and coming down from the craziness of the wedding. The second can actually be a vacation! (irene)
c) Having more than one honeymoon takes the stress off. Say that cabin in the woods ended up being filled with mosquitoes, or your idyllic tropical beach resort got hit by a hurricane. You only get one shot at the wedding, but you can have as many honeymoons as you want! (andrew & irene)
d) More romance all around. (irene)
e) My parents told me to do it, and I believe them. They've taken at least one honeymoon a year for the last 25 years, so I feel they speak from experience. (andrew)
f) The first year of marriage is so busy and so full of change and transition, that it's especially important to get away together. (irene)
g) Honeymoons don't have to be expensive. (irene)
After our wedding we spent a week someplace low-key and fairly close by. This fall we're planning our second honeymoon-- something longer, and more exotic. Beyond that, who knows? But no matter what it is, we'll be having fun spending time with each other as giddy newlyweds.
So in the following we tag team our top reasons for taking multiple honeymoons:
a) The first year is important as you get to know each other. During the first honeymoon anything you learn is more like shock therapy. Having a second honeymoon lets you understand your spouse in a more relaxed way. (andrew)
b) Half of the first honeymoon is spent catching up on sleep and coming down from the craziness of the wedding. The second can actually be a vacation! (irene)
c) Having more than one honeymoon takes the stress off. Say that cabin in the woods ended up being filled with mosquitoes, or your idyllic tropical beach resort got hit by a hurricane. You only get one shot at the wedding, but you can have as many honeymoons as you want! (andrew & irene)
d) More romance all around. (irene)
e) My parents told me to do it, and I believe them. They've taken at least one honeymoon a year for the last 25 years, so I feel they speak from experience. (andrew)
f) The first year of marriage is so busy and so full of change and transition, that it's especially important to get away together. (irene)
g) Honeymoons don't have to be expensive. (irene)
After our wedding we spent a week someplace low-key and fairly close by. This fall we're planning our second honeymoon-- something longer, and more exotic. Beyond that, who knows? But no matter what it is, we'll be having fun spending time with each other as giddy newlyweds.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
and turn off your phone
It's best to give advice right away while you still think you know something. With that in mind here are some tips for those planning the "biggest day of their lives".
1) Take pictures before the ceremony. I don't care what traditions you break about seeing the bride in her dress. Taking pictures before the ceremony yields a host of benefits; you aren't as rushed, your guests feel much more respected by not having to wait three hours for dinner, and you get better pictures.
2) Have a coordinator. This can be as simple as a friend (other than the Maid of Honor) keeping a to do list and talking to vendors & wedding participants on your behalf. Our coordinator did a great job. THANKS MEL!
3) Stay well fed! We had Melody pick up lunch (did I mention how great it is to have a coordinator). She brought sandwiches to the church before the pre-ceremony pictures (did I mention how pre-ceremony pictures are better.) No one fainted, and we were all in good moods because our stomachs were full.
4) Turn your cell phones off. I answered mine during the reception. Thank goodness my brother turned my phone off before I left on my honeymoon or I may have spent the entire week on the phone. NOT!
~andrew
1) Take pictures before the ceremony. I don't care what traditions you break about seeing the bride in her dress. Taking pictures before the ceremony yields a host of benefits; you aren't as rushed, your guests feel much more respected by not having to wait three hours for dinner, and you get better pictures.
2) Have a coordinator. This can be as simple as a friend (other than the Maid of Honor) keeping a to do list and talking to vendors & wedding participants on your behalf. Our coordinator did a great job. THANKS MEL!
3) Stay well fed! We had Melody pick up lunch (did I mention how great it is to have a coordinator). She brought sandwiches to the church before the pre-ceremony pictures (did I mention how pre-ceremony pictures are better.) No one fainted, and we were all in good moods because our stomachs were full.
4) Turn your cell phones off. I answered mine during the reception. Thank goodness my brother turned my phone off before I left on my honeymoon or I may have spent the entire week on the phone. NOT!
~andrew
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wonderful Wedding
Our wedding day was AWESOME! The rain stopped 1 hr. before we started taking pictures outdoors at a local college. Praise God!
So many close friends and family showed up. Thanks to everyone for coming. We really appreciated being able to share the day with so many of you. We had people come from far and near. Some of you even had to battle airlines going bankrupt. We appreciate your dedication and support.
A big thanks to everyone who helped with the big day. Melody did a great job of coordinating. To Brad & Becca for making the ceremony fun. To Karen & Marple Presbyterian for welcoming us into your church. Steven (my bro) for keeping me calm... thanks for turning off my cell phone. Dad & Mom Chow for letting me cal you "Dad" and "Mom". Luke & Caleb for making me feel welcome. All the Chow's uncles... I will take your threats seriously. Justin for still being there 18 years and counting. All our VCC family for encouraging us and supporting us. Dan, you showed up to help, and kept showing up to help weeks and weeks before the wedding. I appreciate it so much. Jimmy (James Geyer) you did a great job with the photos... thanks for making it fun.
Mom & Dad Hazelwood, you've supported me is so many ways. I'm so proud to call you my parents. Thanks!
Irene! Thanks for showing up. You were the best bride any man could hope for. You were beautiful (in both dresses), calm, and loving. I love you!
~andrew
So many close friends and family showed up. Thanks to everyone for coming. We really appreciated being able to share the day with so many of you. We had people come from far and near. Some of you even had to battle airlines going bankrupt. We appreciate your dedication and support.
A big thanks to everyone who helped with the big day. Melody did a great job of coordinating. To Brad & Becca for making the ceremony fun. To Karen & Marple Presbyterian for welcoming us into your church. Steven (my bro) for keeping me calm... thanks for turning off my cell phone. Dad & Mom Chow for letting me cal you "Dad" and "Mom". Luke & Caleb for making me feel welcome. All the Chow's uncles... I will take your threats seriously. Justin for still being there 18 years and counting. All our VCC family for encouraging us and supporting us. Dan, you showed up to help, and kept showing up to help weeks and weeks before the wedding. I appreciate it so much. Jimmy (James Geyer) you did a great job with the photos... thanks for making it fun.
Mom & Dad Hazelwood, you've supported me is so many ways. I'm so proud to call you my parents. Thanks!
Irene! Thanks for showing up. You were the best bride any man could hope for. You were beautiful (in both dresses), calm, and loving. I love you!
~andrew
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