A Special Surprise!

Yesterday I was in Washington and today I am in Chico, CA!

I have always wanted to be one of those people with a great surprise story and last night I became one of them.

My mom has been in and out of the hospital with cancer problems; she had her thyroid removed last week. Wednesday was her birthday and I thought it would be wonderful to fly back to Chico as a surprise. Being that Bart and Linda are in Ecuador, it made sense as far as work goes--- so, I began to look into possibilities. Unfortunately, the flights were very expensive, so I decided against it. Then, Linda got in touch with her sister, an airline stewardess, and I got companion passes.

With all that said, I took at 6pm non-stop flight from DC and arrived last night at 8:40pm. On the way back from the airport Megan and I discussed how we would surprise mom. We had an idea, but when we walked in the door, my dad had an idea too, so we went with my dad's idea.

He went into kiss my mom goodnight and he kissed her, then he said "Wouldn't you like a good kiss goodnight?" and then I popped in the room and said "From Me". My mom was freaked out and so excited. We hugged and hugged and hugged and hugged. She had NO idea.

So, that is my surprise story. Thanks for reading about my special time with my family.

Washington Life, School, Work, Friends and Kicked Out of the Poolhouse

This past week has been epicly eventful in a hectic and emotional sort of way.

1) I had a paper due, so most of my background thoughts were consumed with the fact that I should be writing a paper.

2) Work is good, as usual. I love Bart and Linda. Holding down the fort is one of my specialties and it seems that they like me to hold down the fort, so we are a good fit.
Fitting into the work area, taxes. I got my taxes done today. Just in the nick of time and I have a refund comin', which makes the world seem a little better.

3) My friends in DC are great! We have a ton of fun. Fun is usually consisting of going to get something to eat and then a drive around the city.

4) Michelle and I are kicked out of the poolhouse as of the end of April. I shouldn't say we are "kicked out" because we have been given two extra months in the poolhouse. Plus, everyone is helping us look for a place to live in the area.

With all that said, things are going well.

Successful launch!

Abie Curry is my friend. She is here in Washington DC with me right now. We are having fun! She is a true Nabber of the nugget! If only we all had nabber skills like abber.
She is truly a phenomenon.

Jen Ronconi is better than macaroni. Her heart is like a fluttering little flutter. Don't make her laugh or she will flutter away. She wants to out nab abber, but so far all she can get is macaroni.

If you don't get this then you need to inspect your underwear and label them with your number. Then I will find you.

Peace......mmmm...I love reeses pieces!

Misty's Wedding

Dinner Rehearsal

Let's try this....for more pictures go to this website:

http://web.mac.com/amberrader/iWeb/Site/Library.html

Some of these pictures are horrible because Misty and I were taking them of ourselves. But, as you will see, we had a lot of fun.

Florida is very beautiful and it was great to get out of the DC cold and into the FL sunshine!!

Karaoke AGAIN!

Click on the little "?" to see my photo Library!






More pics- These are some of the worst pictures of me...but once again, the display of fun times over beauty overrides. As you will see...fun things happen in DC at Karaoke Night!

A bunch of us went to karaoke again. This time there were a few little twists! Let me show you.
DEAREST FRIENDS~
William Hung REALLY thinks ya’ll outta come to Karaoke Night.



And if you can’t make it to Karaoke, then William wants you to know that he WILL kick your…Ask me no more questions. ;) Hurry…try and escape the wrath of William….go to the Karaoke Night.



He says “BE THERE OR ELSE!”

And to be honest, I, Amber Rader, would REALLY love your presence at Karaoke Night too!

So, please join us (William and I) for a POTLUCK (that means you bring something to eat) at the Cedar’s Poolhouse at 7pm.

I will need to know if you are attending by 12pm tomorrow. Also, feel free to invite friends, but I will need you to respond for them as well.

SIDE NOTE: You will need to dress up….or at least wear something COMPLETELY out of character. For example, I might choose to dress up as William Hung or I might wear Bart’s snow hat or my HUGE glasses or…you get the picture.

WHO: You

WHAT: Potluck and Karaoke

WHEN: Friday 7pm Potluck, Karaoke at 9pm

WHERE: Cedars Poolhouse and Caf� Muse in Annandale

WHY: Because William Hung says so

Look forward to hearing from ya!

Amber


RSVP to amberrader@gmail.com

Let's Try Again

So, my last post was over a month ago! Posting blogs is not that difficult, however finding time to post is very difficult. With that said, I am going to try and post more often, which means I will MAKE time.

Right now I am in a really cool coffee shop called 'Murky Coffee'. It's the coolest spot in town, in my opinion. It's nearly three stories tall and its really old and they have free wireless internet, so every person has a laptop...literally. And I noticed that everyone downstairs is of the male race. I think there are a lot of men who use this location as their office. If you ever visit me, I will show you Murky Coffee.

One of the most annoying things happened a minute ago....here at Murky Coffee. These men decided to take over the entire table, he literally say right across from me and is trying to get me to move. WELL, guess what, I am still sitting here. yep, I am and I'm not moving either.

Korean Karaoke

So, Last night was Korean Karaoke and it was a blast. Before the singing we decided to eat Korean food and it was soooo good!!! I definately encourage everyone to try Korean food.

A bunch of people from Georgia invited me to Karaoke with them. Hopefully, we will do it again soon.
Here are some pictures of the crazy Korean night! My friend Trent Walters was definately the star of the night!!! SPOTLIGHT ON TRENT WALTERS!!! He is from Georgia and works at the Cedars in the Carriage House. This picture is awesome and really displays the enthusiasm of his singing.

Office Fun

So, I have made some great friends! These are some wacky pictures we took in the office one night. Basically, my friends Sean and Trent dressed me up in some clothes that have been in the closet!
These are funny pics.

The National Prayer Breakfast

Saturday was a beautiful day!

Things are getting crazy in DC as the NPB approaches!! Starting tomorrow there will be 3800 guests, 600 internationals, from 180 countries! Please be praying for us as we build relationships in the name of Jesus with people from all over the world.

This past weekend I went to the monuments with some Chico folks (working at the Cedars). It is an absolute blessing to be able to walk the mall of monuments whenever I want to....I am really loving DC!


Michelle Anderson and Amber with the Washington Monument in the back!!!

Amber, Michelle Anderson and Hilary Ely in front of the Lincoln Monument.

Megan's 25th Birthday dinner!! It wasn't the same without Amber, but very special.. especially Dad's baked beans, Jon's hamburgers, and Mom's white cake with chocolate frosting. We miss you and love you, Amber!

Hello this is Jon...I wanted to get in on this post...Megan is upset because of this...Well enjoy the picture. I really mean enjoy..not just a casual enjoy but one that you can spend hours looking at the picture and come away feeling satisfied. Enjoy.

THE BIG MOVE!

I arrived in Washington DC a little under two weeks ago. My parents and I approached the pool house of the Cedars (where I am living) and there was a sign on the door that read "Welcome Home Amber!" My roommate, Michelle, warmly welcomed me and I am very thankful for her. Michelle is from Seattle, WA and she has been in DC for about four months (I think?). Being that she has been around the joint for a bit longer, she knows a lot of people and has included me in her circle of friends. Thanks Michelle! You are the best!

Washington DC is Washington DC. I really don't have much to say yet about my feelings, thoughts, etc because I haven't been here that long. I am big on processing until I arrive at the most accurate descriptions of my feelings. Until I have pondered a bit longer, know that I like it here. The people are wonderful and I find myself in awe of Jesus as he continually shows his love to me in undeserving ways.

Here are some pictures with more to come!
Blessings and Peace in Jesus,
Amber

The best gifts ever!

It was a great Christmas this year! I got everything I asked for..a new bike, power ranger triple threat action figure, and a toe nail clipper. How did some one know I needed a toe nail clipper? Psychic? Or Psycho?

Christmas Pics

Just to post something!

Posting things on a blog is not that hard. Actually, the hardest part is figuring out what to write about. I have nothing to write about, but I do want to post some GREAT pictures.

This is a picture taken on my birthday. Bob, Deb, Amy and Amy's friend...Sarah??? (not sure)










This was the front of a card I recieved from the Sprague's. I think its hilarious.










I love this picture because I love this girl! Genessa Ann is her name and man can she throw game!
She came from Seattle to Chico for my Birthday. We had a great weekend.

Look at those legs!!!!!

Hi! My name is Jon. If you want my body and you think I'm sexy, come'on baby let me know.

Please feel free to comment on the "comments" section of this blog!!! Come on, I know you want to....i.e. ...Megan....I am waiting for your comment.

I love my Brother!!!!!!! Brothers can't shake hands, brothers gotta hug!

Here I come Washington DC!!!

When I moved back to Chico two and half years ago I imagined I would stay for awhile, but when this job in Washington DC was brought to my attention I couldn't resist. At the beginning of January I will be packing up my car and driving 3,000 miles to our Nation's Capital. I am so excited and feel blessed to have such an opportunity. It's hard to leave friends, family and work, but I know that there is something special for me in Washington DC.

I will be working for Bart and Linda Tarman. Bart used to be the Chaplain at Westmont College in Santa Barbara and now he is a pastor at large. Basically, he and Linda have a ministry to people in Latin America, but they also have been walking with some US legislators in DC. They have a large circle of relationships and I will be helping them maintain those relationships. It will be fun to coordinate their ministry and be apart of their team.

In addition to a new job and location, I am working on my Masters of Organizational Leadership through Gonzaga University. My first class was great, I got an A. YESSS! My current class is Servant Leadership, it’s awesome!! The work load is hard to get used to, but I love the books I read and the discussions with my online classmates.

Overall, life is good and God is doing some profound things. I am learning to trust him more and in the midst of all these changes I am more aware of His grace. I read in a book, Blue Like Jazz, that grace is the charity of God. It seems I am becoming more aware of my dependance on His charity.

I can Shoot!

Shooting in Washington DC

I went out to Washington DC a few weekends ago to visit Sarah & Kyle and my friend Mitch. I was also met with Tarman's who I will be working with in January.

This is a picture of me-- packin' heat!!! ;) My friend Mitch took me trap shooting...I thoroughly enjoyed it! In fact, I would love to take shooting lessons.

My time in DC was great, but this particular event will always stick out in my memory!!! If anyone would like to visit me in DC, I can take you trap shooting.

My First Blog Ever!

While I was in Guatemala, Jesse asked me what I wanted to do when I got home. I responded that I would like to create a Rader Web site. Hopefully, this could be fun site for my family to keep some memories and pictures.