This October

It's been awhile since we've blogged without pictures. Katie competed in a triathlon but i've yet to post those pics obviously. I didn't get any good ones.

School has been a challenge for me and everyone in my class. They pretty much test us on the spot and grill us with questions while the whole class watches. The professors pressure us to know our stuff and I guess that's a good thing. Sometimes it's a little overwhelming. Overall, it is coming together and I don't have to study as much for tests because I am grasping the concepts and able to critically think through diagnoses and scenarios that are thrown my way.

October whether here in California is so nice. It's probably the best time all round. Of course summer is great for the beach but October gives you warm days and cool nights.

For the first time in my life I rooted for the Yankees. I'm sorry family please don't disown me. I know I'm going to hear it from my grandpa and dad. But here is the thing, you haven't met L.A. fans. I won't say anything more. Now I root for the phillies. Go Cliff Lee and Charlie Manuel! And I say to you both: I apologize you couldn't get it done in Cleveland. Many have gone before you, Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, C.C. more recently. Just don't call Lebron and tell him his chances are better somewhere else. He probably knows. Do you sense my bitterness? Come on Cleveland! Give me one championship...in any Sport!

I'm excited for Christmas. I get to see a couple good friends who are coming to visit. It is needed for me here. One of my teachers asked me the other day how I was doing. I thanked him for asking. It isn't often I am asked that. You are intentional and mean it! I respect you.

My sister is engaged. I expected it when she called. I just heard it in her voice. I respect Aaron for asking my parents. I also appreciate the surprise. Not so much the way he proposed, though that was neat, but the fact that she was clueless he was going to. I enjoyed seeing Katie's surprise when I proposed and I know he enjoyed seeing Emily's surprise. My other sister, who deserves a phone call from me got married. Congrats Kristen and Jeremy. My other sister is about to explode with new life as she is about to experience childbirth. A lot has happened this month! Lets hear it for the ladies!

I'm tired. I am experiencing the toll of school. Katie and I are feeling it on our marriage. I am feeling it on my physical life and spiritual life. So I take hold of an encouraging scripture: "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:13,14 I will continue to go against the grain and rely on Truths regardless of those around me who think otherwise.

A tribute to Katie

Can I praise my wife for a minute? The number one comment I get from single people in my program is, "It's probably really hard to be married while in this program." For some people, yes, it probably is difficult. But for me, Kate has made this transition and season in our lives incredibly easy. Yes, school is hard. Very hard. But I enjoy it because my wife understands the demands and instead of complaining about my studies she has ran with it and made the most of it for me and for herself.
Katie has been disappointed in the lack of coffee shops down here. She missed meeting with other girls over a good cup of coffee.

I just had to put some old photos in here.Katie at a dance. Can you pick out her date? I think they probably went with the other girls just to be in Katie's group.
Today, I walked around the track at school while Kate ran. I watched her and she is so motivated. This Sunday she will do another Triathlon. Someone asked me if I was going to do the tri as well. I said no. It's more fun watching her.
Katie has done a good job keeping up with those she loves. Sarah, a Spokane friend has met up with her a few times since we moved to California.I have to thank Colleen (Below middle) who mentored Katie in the years we dated. Both Colleen and husband Bill met with us consistently after our marriage and we give them a lot of credit for our success in our first three years of marriage. This is Katie's "Alright, I can fix what Scott did wrong and it will be ok" face. Haha.Though we are thousands of miles away from my family, Katie appreciates them. I appreciate her effort to get to know them. Here Katie is at a wedding shower for Amanda. That's Amanda with her.
This is Katie telling me all the ingredients in this meal. She does this every meal. "Do you taste the basil?" "No, Kate, I don't know what that tastes like." "Do you taste the...?" "Yeah, no."
Katie is quite the outdoors woman too. She never complains about being in the woods or being a little dirty.
Thanks Kate for supporting me though this time. Thanks for believing in me and respecting me. Thanks for cooking great food. Thanks for encouraging me to exercise and pray. Thanks for getting excited about what I am excited about. Thanks for keeping me grounded.

I want all to know that I love my wife and need her. I would be fat and out of school if I didn't have her. I appreciate what she is doing here in California. She is making the most of it. Building friendships, getting involved, and pushing through the tough times. Thanks Katie.

Let's give Katie a virtual hug.

Happy Birthday Kate!

We appreciate our friends. Kate and I set out to enjoy an evening alone but they wouldn't have that. Katie really had a birthday weekend as we entertained Friday night, Saturday night, and ice cream Sunday night. It's always interesting when people appreciate your birthday more than you do. In the end we have smiles on our faces and memories to share with you.

Katieanne made a cake and brought it over and surprised Katie.
Shannon planned the sabatoge that involved 5 of our friends.
Our backyard all lit up.

I took Katie out for sushi. Let's just say she enjoyed it. And that's all that matters right?!

Week two of seven in school. These are always the worst!