Summer Time!

We are lovin summer! In the last few days it actually started to feel like summer around here! It's been such a cold start to the season. Here's a few pics of some highlights so far!

Rachel and Maddie came to visit the first week in June! Rach and I did it again...forgot to take pics of the two of us, but I have plenty of her beautiful little girl! Look at those blue eyes!

Andy and Maddie havin fun!

Rach and I talked about life for hours! I couldn't be more thankful for their visit and for her friendship! Love ya Rachie.

One of the things I love most about having the summer off is having time to catch up with people. My friend Natalie studied abroad last semester and it was incredible to hear about her experience in Egypt.

Our dear friends Kaylee and Scott got married last weekend! Such a beautiful wedding! My hair started on fire during the reception...it was quite a sight to see!

Hanging out with high school friends and their babies!

Our church group is meeting each week at one of the members signficant places of ministry. Last week we met at Camp Friendship where our friend Brad works. We got to try out some of the team buidlers and ropes courses. It was a blast. It's amazing how seeing where someone spends their time gives you a different picture of what they do day in and day out. Last night we went to Abbott Hospital where my friend Faith works. What a gift it is to support, encourage and pray for one another in the places that God has us in. We're also studying Acts for the summer and both Andy and I are excited to journey with our friends in this way.

May 30th was our 6th year anniversary! I can hardly believe it! God has been so good! Andy and I spent the weekend together doing some of our favorite things. On Saturday we went hiking at Taylors Falls! Check out these pics!

GRADUATION! it feels soooooooo good to be done.

I could not have finished this program without the support of Andy and my friend Miranda! Thank you both. I don't have words to express my gratefulness to you.

Whew!

These last couple weeks have been CRAZY! I finished my master's thesis and wow, that really is one of the more difficult things I've done. I defended it yesterday and I'm so proud to say I passed! This unbelieveably full year is coming to a close. I have 2 and a 1/2 weeks to go!

There it is. 57 pages.

Andy designed this elderly care facility. This is his first job as project manager. I got to tour it, and it's so cool inside!

Here's my new staff. We had spring training on Saturday.

Can't believe I'm going into my 5th year as an RD. Working with the RAs is my absolute favorite part.

My nephew is getting so big! Isn't he cute? I'm kinda obesssed with him!!

Sister-in-laws! Love em!

Me and my bros.

We recently had a wine and fondu night with some dear friends....good times.

At our home church this week, we wrote down...in stone...the stories of God's faithfulness over the year...what a powerful way to reflect on God's goodness. This group has meant the world to Andy and I. We've been challenged to live missionally...in our everyday, ordinary lives...

I've learned a ton about racism this year. I've been very ignorant to the reality of racism that people face on a daily basis. I've become aware of white privilege and realize that I still have a lot of learning and growing to do in this area. My staff and I put together a program for my residence hall...

Bethel's president, campus pastor, worship leader and a resident in East all shared their stories and experiences regarding racism/white privilege....very thought provoking....

A couple weeks ago Andy and I took my staff on a retreat. We had a blast hanging out!

These are pics from the RA appreciation banquet last night. I hate the thought of saying goodbye to this team. It's the hardest part of my RD job...I love them...and then they leave and I start over with another group. This team has blown me away with their passion and committment to this ministry...

Babies!!

Wow, what a blessing it has been celebrating the births of many babies! Brian & Kristina had Landon Douglas Martell on Sunday. He came 6 weeks early, but is doing great. He's absolutely adorable! Then on Monday, Chris and Christa had twin girls, Mayah and Jayda...they are so beautiful! We couldn't be more excited about being an Aunt and Uncle to these dear ones. Also this week, my good friend Ann from high school delievered Mercy. She looks so precious...I just can't wait to meet her. Amanda, another good friend from high school was recently in town with her new baby Levi. I can't believe how much he smiled for being so young. It was just so fun to hold him. Then, this past weekend, Andy and I went to Chicago to visit Greg and Rachel, Josh, Tony and Mary! We got to spend time with baby Maddie! Just love her... Congratulations dear friends and family for God's good gifts!

Mayah Alise and JaydaChristine

I still can't believe my brother is a dad!!
Landon was 4 lbs and 14 ounces....so tiny!!

Ann holding Mercy!

Chilin with Levi!

Maddie & Andy!

This picture sums up most of January for me. ..writing my philosophy of counseling paper. I've decided it's one of the harder things that I've done and I will be so proud when it's finished. This is a picture of Andy and other local architects who worked on the "search for shelter" series this past weekend. Andy worked on a ton of the behind the scenes pieces of this event for the last few months so it was exciting to see it all come together. Basically, architects in the community devote a weekend to volunteer work...it's awesome! Andy's group designed a space for homeless women to live in the basement of a church. Housing advocacy is definitely something he is super passionate about.

Speaking of things that Andy is super passionate about...SNOWBOARDING! Last night a bunch of his friends went snowboarding together. They all came home in one piece! yay.

Back to Bloggin...

It's been awhile...but here's a few pics from over the holidays. We spent Christmas in Ohio with Andy's family. It was so wonderful to spend time with them! I had the next week off of work which was quickly filled with errands, homework and coffee dates! Andy and I spent new years with dear friends from high school. And the last few weeks I've been consumed with homework! I just keep reminding myself that I'm getting close to graduating! Andy has been getting ready for another "Search for Shelter" volunteer weekend with other local architects. He's been taking care of a lot of the behind the scenes pieces to get ready for the event. So there, you have it. A little update from the Centanni's!

My staff took 60 Bethel students downtown skating. It was freezing, but so fun!

We spent a night in Cincinnati with Chris and Christa! Christa is 7 months pregnant with twins and couldn't be more adorable!

Andy gave Rhema "cold hard cash" for Christmas....she's opening up a block ice in this picture.

We took a trip into Cleveland to check out the Christmas lights. We love spending time with your niece and nephews!

Christmas with the Martells!

We had a gingerbread making contest...pretty sure ours one.