Dear Journal~

Johathon here.  Just got up from a well-needed nap; school has been keeping me very busy (not to mention, extremely tired).  Am more than ready for Thanksgiving break, which is in less than a month or so from now .... then we have to think about what to get each other for Christmas and what to get for the family.

Healthwise, Rebekka and I have been doing great, but I still have the ongoing pain from my muscle spasma; it doesn't really leave me much room to sleep.  It's no wonder I've been a zombie-head as of late ....

Hard to believe that Rebekka and I have been married for almost one year (October 16th, 2012 will mark our first wedding anniversary!).  Where has the year gone by so fast??  I'm just thankful that I have such a wonderful woman who is an excellent cook; she is doing a great job at trying to fatten me up (and that is a full-time job in itself, since my metabolism rate is so rapid! LOL).  I do appreciate her efforts, though ....

I cook somewhat, but Rebekka Rachel is the real Julia Child of this chicken outfit.  :)  My specialty is grilled burgers with seasoning and onions; Rebekka (not to mention, my neighbors) say they're to die for.  :) Not to brag, but I AM King when it comes to grilling hamburgers (or even steaks); I got that gift from my father.

Maman's no slouch in the kitchen either; in fact, she is an even better cook than Daddy.  She can make it all: German, Cajun, Mexican, Chinese, plain ol' American, Greek, Iranian, Vietnamese, Native American .... it's no wonder that Maman has won awards for her cooking skills during the fair ....

The weather here in Tennessee is cool and bright sunshiney out: not a cloud in the sky.  We could have rain later on this week, but for now, Rebekka and I have been enjoying the cool, fall weather, looking at all the trees starting to change color.  Yes, fall has definitely arrived here in Tennessee and the fall colors are only going to get all the more brilliant and spectacular before too long .... lots of opportunities for picture taking and leaf-peeping!

Rebekka and myself have been toying with the idea of adopting a child into our family.  We haven't come to a final decision as of yet regarding this decision, but we would like to have a child, even if by adoption.  Maman and Daddy were kind enough to take me in; might as well continue the trend and come full circle!  There are so  many needy children out there!  We would like to adopt a little boy from Korea or China and raise him as our very own.  If we do get a child, we would plan on calling him Owen Johnathon.

If we were to get a girl, we would call her Faith Grace; but we both would rather have a boy right now.  Still, as I just said, our decision hasn't been set in stone just yet; we will let you know when it is, so stay tuned!

Of course, Maman and Daddy would be thrilled: it would mean another grandchild for them.  I can't hardly wait to break the news to them when we make the decision!  There will probably be a lot of tears shed; Maman has always been a huge crier!

My sister, Ronee' and her husband, Michael, got married a few weeks back; they just got back from their honeymoon, where they went to Israel.  They had a marvelous time; but then Ronee' got sick with pneumonia; she just got out of the hospital earlier today.  I talked to her, but not for long; she was tired and wanted nothing more to sleep.  I am glad she is feeling better!

If I know Michael, he will take very good care of her and make sure she gets plenty of rest (not to mention, take her medication).

The wedding was beautiful.  It was held at Christ Community Assembly of God Church here in Nashville and there was not a dry eye in the house.  I even cried, especially when Pastor Bilkey pronounced them as husband and wife.  Ronee' made a beautiful bride; it is hard to believe how much she has grown up and matured!

For now, though, I have to think about finals coming up in about a month, and what Rebekka and I are going to do for Halloween.  We also have to think about assignments and of course, our impending adoption and what the demands of parenthood are going to do to us as a couple.  It is not gonna get any easier, but as long as we are able, we are going to strive on becoming the best parents that our child-to-be will ever have!

In addition, we have to think about Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas.  Busy times are quickly approaching for us!  Whee!

Well, Rebekka just made supper; she made chicken cacciatore and lettuce and tomato salad, as well as mashed potatoes; it smells heavenly!  Guess that means I'm gonna get my grub face on!  Until later, this is Johnathon Sandusky saying so long; I will write in here again soon! Sorry it's been so long in doing so!  Now you know why I haven't written.  Take care and may Yeshua bless you over and above what you can ever imagine!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Johnathon.  :)