Australia Day 2010

We were having so much fun, but didn't get to capture a lot of it, because the batteries died.

Erika likes to look pretty!

Anniversary celebration

Bon Voyage!

countdown.

20 days until we step on US soil.  How insane is that?  I cannot believe we've been down under for a year!  Time flies...  However, we've been crazy busy and have LOTS to do before we make it home for our visit.  I think its time for one of my infamous lists...

1.  We had a Hillsong Album recording on Sunday.  It was one of the most incredible worship experiences I've ever been apart of.  I am constantly blessed by such a phenomenal church.  Be looking for the new album around July.  It will NOT disappoint!

2.  Brian only has 3 weeks of class.  I can't believe he's nearly done with his first year.  Its been an amazing ride for me to watch the Lord mold Brian into an incredible leader, musician, singer, and husband.  I'm such a blessed wife.

3.  I'm extremely psyched for Brian's Graduation Ball.  Each year of completion, there is a Graduation Dinner & Dance for the students and their dates.  Its a formal occasion.  Fancy dinner, dancing, and most important FORMAL ATTIRE!  I'm on the hunt for the perfect dress to wear at the perfect price (cheap)!  Ha!  Brian has a, how do I put it, unique style on the dance floor and I'm thrilled for all his fellow classmates, instructors, and Hillsong staff to experience it!  Don't worry, we'll post heaps of pics.  Oh, and its on Thanksgiving!  So while you're eating Turkey, think of us as we'll be boogying down!

4.  I haven't started listening to Christmas music-yet.  And for those of you nearest and dearest to my heart, I know you are shocked.  But its hard to listen to Winter Wonderland when you are sweating from 100 degree heat!  I'm not complaining, I love my weekends at the beach but its not looking a lot like Christmas.  But I'm gonna give it a go next week.  I love me some Christmas music!

5.  I love my job.  I know heaps of people say this, but I really mean it.  We had a boy come to us who could not read and he was in 5th grade.  At the end of 4 weeks he is reading at a 1st grade level.  How amazing is that?  Not to mention, his confidence has gone through the roof.  Don't get me wrong, its a lot of hard work but so worth it!  And kids say the darndest things.  For instance a boy today did not like my curly hair, "Erika did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?"  "No, why do you say that?"  "Your hair looks like you did!"  Heehee.  Okay men, you can ONLY get away with this if you are 9.  After that, you WILL get slapped.

6.  Jillian Michaels is kicking my butt.  Into shape that is.  As most of you know, I am a fitness nazi (as my sis affectionately calls me).  I've really gotten into fitness and working out the past 5 years or so.  Its my stress relief!  And normally I HATE workout dvds.  I normally view them as "sissy".  Until now.  Jillian Michael's, she is the trainer for Biggest Loser, is one of the HARDEST workouts I've ever done.  She does a circuit workout and I'm feeling it!!!

Thats about all for the Opperman household.  We are so looking forward to our visit home, and reacquainting ourselves with all things "American"!  

xoxo

erika

face-lift and eats

Our blog got a new look! I have a habit of picking the girliest, well, anything. All things pink, leopard print, frills-I LOVE it all. However, the mister does not appreciate a girlie blog. So it was time for something new. This is the product of a two hour compromise! Ha! My pick that I designed was pink and cheetah print. Brian gagged. So we changed it. And this is what we came up with...not too shabby. I like it.

In other news, Brian and I are trying to eat extremely healthy. We ate at a Christian owned Organic Restaurant and learned a lot about our bodies, how they were created, and how & what we were intended to eat. It was very interesting. So we immediately went home and did some research. No, we are not on a diet. And no we are not doing this for weight loss. Just to make wise choices when we eat in order to live an even richer life! We are eating according to our blood type. Each body is different and needs more and less of certain foods-this is based on the chemistry make up of your body. Pretty much we've adjusted certain foods and increased our veges and fruit intake. We have been doing this for 3 weeks, and we have both noticed a huge difference. We have more energy, don't suffer from bloating, and feel better all around. On top of that, we've found some yummy healthy alternatives to our naughty favs! This afternoon, I baked banana carrot bread-wheat and gluten free! Seriously, it was AMAZING. I was concerned B wasn't going to like it-but it got two thumbs up!!

Well, that is about it! Not too much to report, but I'm trying to get into a routine of blogging so this is what ya get this week! This coming week is quite full, so we'll have more for next week. We have a birthday party of one of our dearest friends here, Gemma, on Tuesday; Connect Group on Wednesday; and I have an Open House at work on Thursday! Geesh, I'm tired just talking about it! On that note, I'm off to relax for the remaining of my Sunday evening.

xoxo

erika

**the BIG 2-6 in photos**

My sweet hubby and friends threw me a mexican fiesta party!

Gem & I

Brian & Corey are REALLY excited for my party!

The ever popular jumping photos

All of us girlies at the party

I don't know why that number is on my cookie cake. I'm not THAT old.

Brian & I being silly on my special day!

Brian took me for a day of shopping and dinner-PERFECT-O.

It down-poured, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

As you can see, I was extremely blessed on my big day! I also was showered with birthday love from friends and family back home! My parents, sis, and soon to be bro-in-law sent me a package and I got to open it with them on Skype! How fun is technology?! A big thank you to you ALL who made me feel so loved. I'm a blessed girl!

xoxo

erika.