Merry Christmas!

Michael and I had a great Christmas this year.  Thankfully we were able to travel 8 hours to York, PA and thankfully the drive was not too bad- we just tried to stop a lot and stretch and walk.  We spent some time visiting friends and family (more pics to come on those) and we enjoyed time with Mike & Rachel (my new brother-in-law and my sister).  Today, my mom is planning what was supposed to be a "surprise" baby shower for me but I already knew about it.  It is sweet of her to be working so hard to plan this.  We are hoping to travel back to Cincy tomorrow to celebrate with the Lyons' side of the family.

But for now some of the fun Pennsylvania foods I am enjoying:  Funny Cake, Cream Dried Beef & those wonderful Pretzel Roll turkey sandwiches- yum!!!  

33 weeks and counting...

Lately, as I have rounded the 30 week mark of pregnancy, I have been slightly overwhelmed with the thought that this baby could come relatively soon.  Though I am thrilled at the thought of being able to see with my eyes what has been hidden the last few months, I am also scared at the thought of being a mom even though I have waited for this for so long.  Today, we had our last ultrasound just to check to see if my placenta was still in the wrong place possibly indicating a need for a C-section.  Thankfully, the placenta has moved and our little guy is currently 4lb. 12 oz is the estimate.  The ultrasound lady said he probably will be a 7 lb baby and for that I was excited to hear he might be on the smaller end.  She even thought he had my chin and my nose- which is hard to believe they can tell all that from a picture I can't even really make out.  We are very thankful that he is still doing well and praise God for His development and growth.  We continue to entrust this little one to the Lord and pray that He would prepare us in the next few weeks to be godly parents!  Dr. Grim thankfully said I was officially cleared for take off... take off to Pennsylvania that is- we are attempting and 8 hour drive on Thursday to PA and trying to avoid the snow coming here on Friday.  I am thankful to be able to go to PA for Christmas to see family and friends! 

Last Weekend

Last weekend, we took a quick trip to our old stomping grounds of Louisville, KY!  We left on Thursday after Michael's classes to see the Keith & Krystn Getty concert-  despite coming down with a cold that day it was sooo enjoyable and worshipful!  We got to stay with our dear and most hospital friend Anne Marrs who made us a yummy meal!  Friday we were able to see some of graduation, Erin was able to see some of her co-workers and we were able to have lunch with your dear friends!  We went to Havanna Rumba and we were not disappointed with our Cuban dishes!  But the fellowship was the sweetest of all! 
We really miss our dear friends that the Lord has given us from our time at Southern!  I am realizing now that that season was very sweet, being surrounded by so many strong believers that have a passion to serve the Lord!  Saturday night we had Sarah Brown over and tried to make our traditional Thanksgiving dinner though it was a bit late!  The turkey was quite the success due to our expert bone picker, Sarah Brown!  :)

This weekend's line-up:  Meeting with Meredith Irving in Lebanon, OH for lunch and possibly seeing Mark & Leslie Awabdy who happen to be visiting family on our street. :)
As well as date night tonight to see Voyage of the Dawn Treader as well as seeing Handel's Messiah tomorrow with some Hebrew Union students! 

Decorating for Christmas...

Here are a few pics of our new apartment decorated for Christmas!  Michael keeps reminding me of our electric bill this month with all these lights but I tell him that it is worth it.  I just love lights- it is just a reminder to me of how Christ is the Light of the World and what that truly means!

A Few Things...

Well it is official... I think Michael and I have become mall walkers.  We both want to try to keep exercising and so we decided to go to the mall down the road and join the older folks and walk the mall.  It is kinda funny to see a pregnant lady with her little hand weights walking in the busy mall where most people are shopping for gifts.  :)

Saturday it snowed here on the 4th of December...  I spent the day making some yummy cookies.  And watching the snow fall and listening to Christmas music- well so only a few inches fell- it was still pretty.

Michael took me last night to drive around and see lights.  We drove around and listened to the Chipmunks Christmas CD and even had a lovely "cheap" dinner for 2 at Chick Fil A.  We ended the night with being greeted by a giant Christmas tree- he was quite funny. 

Thanksgiving Week

I look forward every year to Thanksgiving and some great turkey & food but also for time with family that we do not see but once a year.  Ben and Laura (Michael's brother and his wife) live in Vermont and we do not get to see them but once a year.  It was a treat to be able to have them for dinner in our apartment as well as have Rebekah Lyons for dinner as she came in from Colorado!  Looks like we are the stable midwest ones for now. :)  We had a relaxing morning at home for once on Thanksgiving Day and then went to Papa and Mama Growl's house and with aunts, uncles and cousins for dinner- I made Gluten Free carrot casserole and Gluten Free pumpkin pie (Michael's favorite). 

Friday- Michael wanted to be at Half Price Books for their Black Friday sale at 7am- so we got up to a little layer of snow on the ground and we made it just in time for me to be the 100th person getting a $5.00 gift card- Michael was excited!  They spent 3 hours just in the bookstore alone- I ran to a few others stores.  Our day was not complete without a Kohls run, Skyline Chili lunch for Ben who does not have them in Vermont & Goodwill stop (they have a huge store in Cincy with 50% off everything the two days after Thanksgiving)

Thanksgiving Day- Michael got out his French Horn and played- it actually was my first time to hear him play an instrument he used to love and play very well in high school!  And he can still play by ear- amazing! 
Since Laura (Ben's wife) is expecting her 1st child in March- of course, the boys had to have pictures of themselves getting bigger- though I think it might just be from eating too much from the Thanksgiving turkey.  :)  Only brothers would be goofy like that.
We are blessed to think of all the things we are thankful for even as we enter this busy Christmas season! 

Michael & Rachel Santoro!!!

This past weekend Michael & I headed to York, PA for a big occasion- my sister's wedding!  My sister was so excited for this day!  She has been in many weddings and I admire how she has waited patiently and contentedly for the man the Lord would bring in her life!  We are very excited to be gaining a new brother- another Michael- we may need to name our son Michael to keep that name in the family.  :) 

Rachel was a beautiful bride- we spent the week getting our nails done, going to dinner to celebrate and of course preparing for the big day!!!  Here are some pics from the weekend.  I have to admit it was my most tiring trip home- with struggling to sleep some at night- I came home completely exhausted and am still trying to recover this week!!  :)

Today, I am excited to have Brooke & Zoe Kearfott coming to visit all the way from Simpsonville (near Louisville).  How sweet that they would drive all this way to visit!!  I'm excited to see friendly familiar faces!!!




Rache & Mike at their new apartment!




Getting our nails done!



Dear Dad showing off his Muslim Philippino garb!!



Rachel, Josh, Me and Jon- my siblings!



Going To Get Married...

My little sister is getting married this Saturday, November 13th.  I am so thrilled to be traveling to York, PA tomorrow to be able to help with the festivities.  Being so far away it has been hard to be away from her during this special time of her life!!!  Michael is coming shortly behind on Thursday and he has the privilege of sharing the gospel at their wedding on Saturday and I have the privilege of being her matron of honor ( I think that is the one that is married- I get confused!)  So this entry is for my sister!  Praying the Lord prepares you in the days ahead as you get prepared to be married and united as one to your husband!!!

Hebrew Thursday...

The past few Thursdays Michael has begun teaching a class on Biblical Hebrew for the community at Hebrew Union College.  When he was hired to teach this class, I thought well, now is my chance to learn the alphabet that has been on my fridge for the past 3 years!  So needless to say, I am a student of my husband and he is doing an excellent job teaching this class!  We were amazed the first night with the backgrounds of the few ladies that came to the class.  These few had called Hebrew Union and asked about a class.  They are from all different backgrounds and varying beliefs and we feel like it is such a privilege to get to know them and learn Hebrew and think how neat that Hebrew may be an avenue the Lord will use in their lives to teach them about Him!  So please pray with us for opportunities to talk about Christ!  Last week, Michael began mentioning the name for Yahweh in Hebrew and talked a little bit about the history and background of God's name!  It was neat! 

I feel like for the past 5 years I have been in a "Christian seminary bubble" and now since we have moved to Cincinnati- I am surrounded with more unbelievers.  I feel kinda new to this since it has been awhile and I am praying that the Lord uses my relationships with these women as well as the women that I watch their kids to allow me to have opportunities to share about Christ!

Oh and by the way- Michael Lyons is the greatest Hebrew teacher in the world!!!  He really is good at breaking down the language to help you understand- so if you are wanting to learn Biblical Hebrew- I think I could hook you up with a good one.  :)

Happy Reformation Day!!!

I think I am "officially" ready for Halloween to be over this year!!!  I am just sickened the grotesque images I see around me.  I am sick of little kids that I watch mimicking ghosts and witches and just think how sad it is that our culture thinks that is cute.  We walk in stores and see scary costumes that mimick death.  We are a society fascinated with death- ghosts, goblins anything that comes from the grave.  We forget that death is the ultimate curse of sin and that many will go to their final grave forever and it will be horrific.  Why is our culture so fascinated with the demonic and death? 

Instead of Halloween, for the last 5 years our family has chosen to celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st.  It is a tradition that every year we watch the movie "Luther" and I can tell you that I do not tire of this movie!!!  Well, and it helps to have a husband who knows every ounce of church history and can spout out things about Luther that just fascinate me!  Every year it is a great reminder of the Reformation that changed the face of Europe and the world and how Luther was instrumental in bringing the Scriptures to the people!  How amazing it must have been to read the Scriptures in one's own language and not interpreted through a pope!!! 

So Happy Reformation Day!!  I can't wait to watch this movie again this year as a reminder of God's Sovereignty in our history and in the world!!!

Photos from August

Well, I wanted to post these pictures of my dear friends Sarah Brown (SB) and Sara Fillmann and her two little ones Eric and Kirsten!  In August- I went home for my sister's bridal shower and Sarah Brown graciously drove me to York and we visited Sara and Rob and their two little kids.  It was so much fun!!!  I sure do miss my dear Saras- though I am closer to one Sarah who lives in Cincinnati- yippee! 

On another note- we are going to a very fancy banquet on Sunday night through Hebrew Union, honoring some donors.   I feel like this might be the fanciest thing we have gone to in a long time- in fact so fancy the girls have to wear cocktail dresses and I'm having trouble finding a dress that I could fit into.  I feel like the past 5 years I have been surrounded by believers with working a seminary setting and now am thrust into the world of people that need to hear the gospel.  In Louisville, I struggled to have relationships with unbelievers and here I am surrounded every day with people to hear the gospel- especially down at Hebrew Union.  Pray the Lord would give us open doors on Sunday night at this banquet to even share the gospel!

Other Fall Festival Pics...

A Fall of Festivals...

A Fall of Festivals…

A few weeks ago we journeyed up to Enon, Ohio to go to the Pork Festival with Michael’s parents where they had gobs of crafts and lots of piggly food. You could even watch them slaughter a pig- but thankfully we got to the demo too late for that option.

The next weekend we went up to Lebanon, Ohio for the Apple Festival and met our dear friends Mark & Meredith from Cedarville for dinner. We had so much fun with them walking around and even went to the Ice Cream Parlor Restaurant for dinner.

The next weekend (I know you may think that is all we do on Saturdays), we went up to Cedarville, Ohio for Homecoming and saw our dear friends Matt & Leann Whitacre- both Leann and I are having babies due a day apart, those this is her second child. We had fun walking through a pumpkin patch and taking fall pictures. It was fun to visit some friendly faces even though the weather was rainy and cold that day!



Well, I think we are finished with our Fall Festival ramblings. I do love fall and the apples, pumpkins and beautiful colors of the leaves that are almost in full bloom! The Lord displays His glory through His creation!!



And to my sister Rachel Delp- one more month until your wedding!!! We are excited for you guys!!!

Our Fifth Anniversary!

A week or so ago we celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary!  I can hardly believe it has been 5 years and I can't imagine my life now with out Michael Lyons!!  This year we just spent the evening going out to Red Lobster and spending some quality time together!  Though we may be "for poorer" this year- Michael made me a sweet booklet with some of our favorite memories over the last years!  It was a fun evening together!  Then Saturday we headed up to Lebanon Ohio for the Apple Festival and spend the evening with our dear friends and mentors from college Mark & Meredith Irving- it is so fun to be closer to them now.  :) 

Pictures of the Apartment

Here are some promised pictures of our apartment- mostly the finished product so far.



He is such a busy studier...