The Little Car that Could...

I have had my car since my freshman year of college. I was so excited the first time I drove it because it was the first “new” car I had. I own a 1997 Nissan Altima. It officially has over 200,000 miles on it. I have driven her up and down I-5 more times than I could count in the 6 or so years I have had her. I have never had any major problems with my car. Oh sure, new brakes, and a few other minor things, but all in all she has been a great car

Ryan and I want to keep Jolie (my car’s name, yes, I am one of those people) for as long as we can. We want to basically run the little Altima into the ground.

Today Ryan took my car in to get some basic maintenance work done. We had to have one part replaced. The mechanic ( a long time friend of Ryan’s family) told Ryan over and over again how great my car is! It has no major problems, and could probably go another 200,000 miles…WOW!!
We are so thankful! Sure my little black car has seen better days. The paint is fading, and well chipping. And there is a lovely spot of yellow on the front bumper where the paint has completely come off. The brakes squeek, a lot…but that is ok, the brakes are just fine. But all in all my Jolie has served me well…here is to another 200,000 miles. Man, will I ever get a new car? :)




* The picture is not my car, but same year! Only not black...

A Few of my Favorite Things

I was just thinking about some of my favorite things.

* A hot cup of tea on a cold day, with a blanket, my cat and a good book
* Holding Hands with Ryan
* The way Meow rushes to see me when I get home
* Clean sheets
* Gloves and Scarfs
* Random notes from friends
* Fall leaves all over the ground and still on the trees
* Post it notes
* Listening to music loudly in my car
* Ice cream
* Talking to my mom
* Looking at pictures
* Taking pictures
* Levi's Laugh
* Hadlie!!! Her smiles, words, laughter, hugs, dancing.
* Sharing joyful, happy occassions with friends
* A good glass of wine-red, white whichever!
* Being goofy with Ryan
* Baking delicious treats for other people
* Worship
* A good movie on a Friday or Saturday night.
* To-do lists
* The beach
* Getting flowers from my husband
* Weddings
* The News (haha, and no I didn't have to say that!)
* Traveling
* Going out to dinner
* Watermelon Martinis
* My family and friends
* Giraffes
* The Eifel Tower
* My husband. Just being together. Laughing. Living life.

One Year

So I am stealing an idea from my best friend who just celebrated her 3 year anniversary and doing a very similar blog...thanks Tiffany, and Happy Anniversary!

It was one year ago today that Ryan and I got married. It's hard to believe how quickly time flies by. It has been a whirlwind of a year. Many ups and a few downs, new challenges, and even more joys. It has been an amazing year. It's still weird to call Ryan "husband" and to see my name as Danielle Hawes and not Davis.

I couldn't be more blessed or thankful for this amazing man that I am married too. I am grateful for this past year and how it has shaped and changed us, and looking forward to this next year wtih much excitement and anticipation.

To my Husband, Happy Birthday!

Because Ryan is not a big fan of birthday's, I will not write much here.

But I did want to say Happy Birthday to the most amazing man I know. My best friend. My husband. I love you and I am so thankful that you are in my life!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Meeting Robin

When I was a teenage girl I began reading a book series called "Sierra Jensen". I fell in love with the characters and couldn't put the books down. Soon after reading that series, I discovered that the very same author wrote another series called the "Christy Miller" series. Then onto her adult books. The point being, I found my new favorite author, Robin Jones Gunn. I have read all of her books, most of them at least 10 times each, and that's no exaggeration. They are my favorite.

Well, for years I have wanted to meet Robin. She lives in the Portland area and I had always hoped that one day I would meet her. My time finally came, last night!

I have met a lot of "famous" people before, bands, news anchors, and that's about it. But I had never met an author...especially one I love so much. I walked into Christian Supply last night shaking. I was so nervous. I kept walking around before I finally walked over and asked her if she is signing books. We ended up talking for what felt like 10 minutes. I asked her about some of the characters in her books that you still wonder about after a series ends. We talked about life, God, her books and how she writes. She was so easy to talk to. It felt like I was talking to an old friend, to a fellow "sisterchick". It was such an encouraging time for me. She gave me a huge hug when I left and took a picture to put on her facebook! I cannot wait to see it myself.

I left on a cloud. Not because I just met my favorite author of all times, but because I was in the presence of a women of who passionately loves the Lord and people. When we were talking I felt as if she truly wanted to talk with me, and was fully engaged.

It was a wonderful experience, and I am so glad I went. It was just the boost of encouragement I needed to make it through the rest of a tough week. Thanks Robin for impacting my life through your books, and for sharing a bit of life with me last night.

Playing Fetch

Last night I opened a new gallon of milk. Meow loves to play with the seal part of the lid, you know the part you pull off and usually throw away.

He was loving his new toy last night. He usually loses it within an hour, under the fridge, washer, behind the tv. Or he eats it. But last night when he was playing he would jump up on the ottoman by my feet and play, so I took it and threw it. He ran after it...but didn't bring it back. Then a little bit later we would repeat this, so not really playing fetch.

But! As I was falling asleep last night I felt him jump up on the bed next to me, and I looked, and there in his mouth was a blue ring. His milk lid thingy. I laughed and threw it. He played with it for just a second before jumping on the bed to do it all over again. We did this four or five times. It was so funny! My cat can play fetch, who knew. Such a smart cat...sometimes.

Learning Patience and being Grateful

I find myself in a very interesting state of mind. In fact, I think both Danielle and I do. We are both feeling change in our life, good change – but still change. Yet at the same time, that change can’t happen for a while. Have you ever been there?

I see and feel a change happening in my life and in my heart, but I can’t fingerpoint it. In fact, I think I know what it is – but God isn’t revealing it all to me. I like that because it assures me God knows my character and he knows my mind. I like things to happen fast and to happen now.

So, then I ask myself – what do I do now? If I think something is going to happen, how do I prepare for it? Better yet, how I do I prepare for today? I think that’s the first mystery I’m going to ask God to reveal to me.

As for what I think God is preparing us for, I think I’ll leave you hanging. Why reveal something that hasn’t been completely revealed to us.

-Ryan