Joining a Gym, the Budget and a Marriage Retreat

So Jer and I have joined a gym. We both feel like it is very important for the both of us to exercise on a regular basis so that we can ward off all the health problems that have been passed on to us! :)
Joining the gym has forced us to take a closer look at our budget. Today was the day. It went as good as it can when a married couple looks at their budget closely. Let's just say that nothing was broken or smashed and we did a fabulous job of keeping our voices at a normal speaking level. The outcome: We are going to be keeping things pretty tight around the Keever household for awhile. So I am begging you, don't tempt us by asking us to do fun things that cost money. Any money that is!
We are going to a Marriage Retreat this week (maybe the budget conversation should have been put on hold until after). In January we are going to celebrate 10 years of marriage and this will be our 2nd Marriage Retreat. The 1st was 5 years ago when we were pregnant with Harper Charis. I think that we learned a lot, I really don't remember. I don't have a very good memory anymore, which is super annoying. I attribute it to birthing 2 kids and trying to adopt 2 more! Anyway, we are super excited to get away and focus on us!
Thanks to Jeremy's parents for sending us and to my mom for coming to G'vegas to keep the kids!
(Ash~ does this sound more "real" :)?)

Never Have I Ever

This is from a game we play. One person says something that they have never done and anyone who has done it has to stand up and try and find a new seat. Fun game to get to know people. I thought I would tell you some Never Have I Evers about me:

• Never been to Europe
• Never liked Star Wars
• Never gotten a tattoo
• Never driven a 15 passenger van
  
• Never liked raw fish
• Never had my belly button pierced
• Never liked the Clemson Tigers
  
• Never liked Nancy Drew books
• Never been bungee jumping
• Never watched Night Rider
• Never been fluent in a foreign language
• Never thought stirrup pants were a good idea
• Never liked the Jonas Brothers
• Never been good at skate boarding

Feel free to add some of your own or some that you think about me!

Things I learned...

In my quiet time in the Bible today!
1. That even when Simon denied Jesus 3 times, Jesus promised him that when he repented and turned to Jesus again He would be used by the Lord to STRENGTHEN and BUILD UP his brothers! (Lk 22:32) Lord, thank you that you used Simon. Thank you for using me despite my sin!
2. Jesus says "The truth is, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works because I am going to be with the Father"! (Jn 14:12) Lord, Help me to do your work!
3. Jesus also tells us that " You didn't chose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last..." (Jn 15:16) Lord, Thank you for choosing me. I don't deserve what you have done for me!
4. Jesus commanded us "to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friends if you obey me." (Jn 15:12-14) Lord, please help me to deny myself. It is so easy to love me! Help me to love others more! I want to obey you.
5. Lastly, "Mark my words - I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father's Kingdom." (Mtw 26:29) That's right! There will be wine in heaven! Lord, help me learn to like wine! :)

Labor Day Fun

We had a great Labor Day. We did no labor, just fun! Our family went to Chick-Fil-A with the Burns, Espinosas, Mozingos, Nelsons (missed you Scott and Adrienne) and Taylors. We wore our favorite sports team shirts and got free chicken strips for all! As you can see we made a long parents table and then 2 kids tables right by the door to the playport. We hung out from 10:30 to about noon!
Jeremy was so proud to wear his Alabama t-shirt (shout out to Kalynn) to mock all the Clemson fans... It worked! He got several comments. Roll Tide!!!! Thanks Heather for your entertaining stories, Ashley for the idea, Joanna for letting us change plans on you last minute and Julia and Molly for just being awesome! I love all of you and can't imagine what Summer '08 would have been with out your families. What a way to send out the summer!
Afterwards some of us came back to the Keever casa to continue to hang out and then we all split up for naptime. Jeremy and I took the kids to Sno Hut for their first experience with shave ice. Calahan got root beer"d" and Harper got bubble gum. They ended up sharing them. One other funny thing Harper has started being real into her "muzzles". Those are the things that get big when they eat their green beans, brocoli, salad, ect. Muscles, if you aren't catching on. :)
This is a big week for us. Harper starts 4K on Wed and will go MWF mornings. This will allow Jer and I to have Friday mornings together! 3 hours to be together every week! Amazing.