Kansas, Here We Come!

Tonight Matt, Lilly, Mom, Ann and I are taking the 14-hour drive to Kansas to spend time with family over Labor Day. We can't wait to go! Every year, the entire Lilly side of the family (my mom's paternal side) goes to Camp Mary Dell in Abilene, KS for a couple days. We've been doing this for as long as I can remember. We spend the weekend sleeping in cabins, playing games, playing lots of volleyball and ping-pong and just hanging out. I've been able to go a number of times in the last 10 years, but this is Mom and Ann's first time back to Camp Mary Dell since we moved away from Kansas in 1989.

We'll also be spending a lot of time at my Grandma & Grandpa Lilly's place in Mentor. The sunrise photos that I've posted show the view from their back yard. The other photo is one I took of Mentor (yes, that's pretty much the whole town there). I took all the photos last Christmas. I hope I'll have time to take more during this trip.
Well, I am in the process of packing up the van (babies need lots of stuff when you're traveling!) and we'll head out after Matt & Ann get off work tonight. I'm sure I'll have pictures up late next week when we get back, so see you then!

Buy This Book!

In my opinion, one of the best Christian musicians out there right now is David Crowder. His band's 2 latest CD's (A Collision & B Collision) are amazing! I really like his first book, Praise Habit, too. I recommend them all. -Kate

The following is an excerpt from the David Crowder Band's website:

There is a quote that goes something like this: “Man cannot subsist on bread alone.” We are not scientists, so we can’t vouch for the validity of such a statement. But we are musicians, so we are very adept at making assumptions. And therefore, we assume that if man were to subsist on only bread, he would eventually get very, very thirsty.

It is in this vain that we bring you this official announcement - looming over the horizon is a new project by none other than David Crowder and Mike Hogan! If creating music is the bread they have subsisted on, then the act of stringing words into sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and, eventually, books has become the long draw of water they so needed!

Ok ok ok… That was way too dramatic. Lets try this another way…

Come check out the new book by none other than our own David Crowder and Mike Hogan!!!!! It is entitled Everybody Wants to go to Heaven but Nobody Wants to Die.

“What is it about?” You ask.“It is about our Mortal Soul,” we say. “It is about death, and what happens when we die. It is about how we deal with loss. It is about a multitude of birds. It is about long journeys.”

“Wow,” you say.“We know,” we say. “Did we mention that it is also about bluegrass music?”“No you did not. But now you have my interest.”We always knew it would be the bluegrass that really brought people in…

“When does the book come out?” you ask. “Where can I get it?”“It comes out soon. September 12, to be exact.”“Hmmm. September 12 isn’t that far away. How can I get it?”“You can already pre-order it on our website, which you are reading right now! Go ahead and click this link right here.”

“Awesome. I can’t wait to read it! Should I tell my friends?”

“It would be criminal not to. Think of this like a chain letter. If you don’t tell at least 12 friends about it, then surely horrible demise shall find you. It’s really in your best self-interest. Trust us.”

(DISCLAIMER: horrible demise will not find you. But our feelings will be hurt, which is reason enough.)

“Thanks for the tip! I’m ordering hundreds of copies right this very instant!”

“Exxxcccelent…”

Yeah! An Update! (...finally)

Okay, so things have been super busy around the Podjan apartment lately. Today is the first day in weeks that I have been able to take a breather between projects. Between Michiana Prayer Network, Soul Pardon, apartment/house hunting, worship music, photography jobs and Lilly, I have been stretched pretty thin as of late. Don't get me wrong, these are all good things, but it sure is nice to do something that doesn't require a deadline for a change!

Kate Podjan Photography is up and running! I have already completed 2 projects and am getting ready to start on my 3rd this month! I am so excited to work more on the artistic side of things. I have my letterhead all made up! I'm such a geek! The money I make from photography will go towards my new camera. I figure it will take me 3 weddings until I can buy it, so if you know anyone getting married that needs a photographer, give them my name!

On the topic of weddings, Ann's florist was phenomenal. If you ever need flowers, go to Granger Florist on State Road 23.

In other news, Sam came home a couple weeks ago and is heading back to Afghanistan this Friday. It has been great having him here, and I am so glad he and Shannon have had this time together. We will miss him so much when he heads back.

Matt and I are actively looking for a bigger place to move into in 2 months. We have officially outgrown our current apartment, and I desperately need an office that does not share the same space with a bed (we moved my desk to our bedroom today--Lilly can't take naps with my office in her room anymore). We looked at an amazing apartment over the weekend, and are filling out applications as I type. We know God has a place in store for us, but I am still stressed out not knowing where we'll be in 60 days from now. We are putting our complete trust in Him. If you think of it, please pray for our living situation to be sorted out in His time and according to His plan. We need wisdom and guidance, people!

Since my last Lilly update, a lot has happened. She is cutting her first tooth, she had her 2nd round of shots, she's eating cereal, she can roll over and over and over..., she sucks her thumb quite often, she grabs her toys and she found her toes. What a genius! We're so proud of her!

Here are some photos from the past few weeks:

What a cutie!

Sleeping with DaddyMommy's Little Valentine

(We have to put the hat on Lilly after her baths to keep her hair from sticking straight up...that darn cowlick!) Playing with her toes AND sucking her hand! What a multitalented baby! Getting ready for (yet another) car ride!Uncle SamSHAMBY

Our Family Picture

Top Row: Sam, Shannon, Ann, Andrew

Middle Row: Matthew, Kate, Lilly (not having a good moment), Nic

Bottom Row: Sharon/Mom/Mammy/Grandma, Dennis/Dad/Pappy/GrandpaWhat a photogenic bunch.

(Note: Jen wasn't there. Way to go, Jen. Loser.)1st time in the high chairMmmm, good.Holla.Tuckered out after lunch.

Kimmi G...

This is Kim. She visits this blog often while she is at work. Lately I have been letting her down because I am so busy and cannot update this page like I would love to do. So, in honor of her steadfast patience with me, I am dedicating this blog to her. Here's to you, Kim!