Michelle's Marvelous Life

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Cools

2008-11-06T19:39:00.002-05:00

Vacation

2008-07-22T13:25:00.001-04:00

Easter

2008-03-24T00:53:00.002-04:00

Easter at GLC Ann Arbor

2008-03-23T00:53:00.002-04:00

2008 Calei

2008-03-23T00:34:00.003-04:00

Wednesday

2008-03-22T17:17:00.004-04:00

Hanging Around the House

2008-03-22T17:12:00.004-04:00

Keeping the World Caffeinated

2008-03-10T23:51:00.003-04:00

Joshua, Isabella, and Me

2008-02-27T16:51:00.004-05:00

In this picture of Isabella, notice that she is missing whiskers on one side of her forehead. She just can't seem to learn to stay away from the candles!

Isabella and Me

2008-02-25T17:58:00.003-05:00

Tiger's Baseball

2008-02-25T17:43:00.002-05:00

Law School = Lots of Work + Lots of Fun

2008-02-25T17:34:00.001-05:00

Summer Trip to Oregon

2008-02-25T17:27:00.002-05:00

I Love Football. He Loves Football. We Love Football.

2008-02-25T17:24:00.001-05:00

My Birthday

2008-02-23T15:44:00.003-05:00

My Dad's 50th Birthday

2008-02-23T14:42:00.005-05:00

Jason and Amanda's Wedding

2007-07-10T21:00:00.001-04:00

2007-02-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

Well, the holidays have passed, we've returned from our travels, I've recovered from my post-vacation blues, and the month of December can be fairly well summed up by the stack of 2006 Christmas cards that are still sadly sitting on my desk (hopefully you will see them in December of 2007).

Here are some pics of our recent ventures...

Oregon Trip

2007-01-24T07:42:00.002-05:00

Finding the Perfect Family Christmas Tree

2007-01-23T21:32:00.000-05:00

Getting Our Christmas Tree

2007-01-23T21:27:00.000-05:00

Jeremy's Surprise Birthday Party

2007-01-23T20:27:00.004-05:00

Michelle and Emily's Photo Shoot

2006-12-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

A Weekend with Jake and Emily

2006-12-03T22:12:00.000-05:00

Riddle of the Day

2006-11-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

Question: What could be better than an extra hot, no foam caramel latte?

Answer: An extra hot, no foam caramel latte in a holiday cup.

*I do not endorse any coffee other than the best (Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co.). Being that there is not a Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co. within a 100 mile radius of Ann Arbor, I do allow myself to indulge in lattes from other cafes at times. However, I will refrain myself from revealing, and therefore endorsing the specific alternate and inferior brand. :)

Lesson of the Day: Don't Work Too Late

2006-10-12T23:04:00.000-04:00

So I'm not much of an e-mailer -- AT ALL. However, I do e-mail for business and to Joshua often throughout the day. I was doing some work late tonight preparing to be in Indiana on business tomorrow. I think I will try not to work this late ever again. I almost sent an e-mail to a customer signed, "Love you, Michelle."

The Wedding of Jared Light and Katie Truesdale

2006-10-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Though these pictures didn't turn out the best, I am happy to provide those on the west coast with the first look at Jared Light's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony with gorgeous music, including a piece performed by the Kalamazoo Children's Choir. The reception was lovely -- With my napkin folded like a flower, more silverware surrounding my plate than I have ever seen, an orchid adorning my Chicken Marsala, and a clear view of the happy couple, how could it not be? CONGRATULATIONS JARED AND KATIE!

The World of Straight Hair

2006-10-05T20:17:00.000-04:00

So, last summer I bought a straight iron at a garage sale, and I just finally tried it out for the first time. Straightening my hair was a lot easier than what I thought it would be. My stylist, Christine, inspired me to try it after sucessfully conquering my coils (She may be in 7th grade, but she is my fabulous fashion/beauty consultant). It only took me 15 minutes, and I was able to enter the world of straight hair for a day. These are my observations: 1) Running my fingers or a comb through my hair is really a thrill. 2) Having straight hair makes me aware of how many split ends I have. 3) My hair is a lot longer than what I thought it was.

(Can you tell how uncomfortable I feel taking a picture of only myself?!?!)

Michelle's 48 Hour Extreme Home Make-Over

2006-09-30T23:31:00.000-04:00

Friends and family have requested pictures of our home here in Ann Arbor, but I thought that would be too dull on its own. SO, welcome to this edition of MICHELLE'S 48 Hour EXTREME HOME MAKE-OVER!!! How did the transformation take place within 48 hours? First, credit is due to Joshua being out of town for work at the time, allowing me to get away with staying up until 3:00am. Second, as much as I wanted to paint color on my walls for the first time in six places of residence (knowing that we would actually mantain this one for three whole years), I realized a speedy return to order was more important at the time :( Lastly and probably mostly, there is a second bedroom in our apartment... and it is not pictured... for a reason. :)

This Extreme Home Make-Over edition is brought to you by the following sponsors:

T.J. Maxx
T.J. Maxx's return policy
Meijer's incredibly cheap frames
Big Lots' incredibly cheap everything
Patient neighbors (who endured our shelves being out on our front porch for nearly 2 months while being stained)
Dicker and Deal Pawn Shop (buying those coffee tables may have been one of the creepiest experiences of my life)
Women Commisioners' Sale
Walmart's dirt cheap shower curtains
Rich people's garage sales
Radio Shack's Employee Discount
God's Provision (of course)

*And special thanks to my Aunt Tammy and her friends who moved to New Zealand and gave/loaned us our bedroom furniture and couch.

Dining Room Before:
(The morning after move-in)

Dining Room After:

Living Room Before:

Living Room After:

Master Bedroom Before:

Master Bedroom After:

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After:

2006-09-23T22:59:00.000-04:00

I Love Being Aunt Michelle

2006-09-23T22:26:00.000-04:00

Caitlin and little Joshua came to visit me today, and we had a wonderful time. We enjoyed lunch, coffee, and a l-o-n-g drive (let's just say I'm still getting to know my way around Ann Arbor... and surrounding areas). As you can see, Joshua and I then enjoyed showing off our Lantz genes by doing a little photo shoot matching our beautiful Lantz expressions. ;)

Labor Day Weekend at the Cottage

2006-09-15T20:43:00.000-04:00

So Happy Together

2006-09-12T21:04:00.000-04:00

Since starting law school, Joshua has been studying really hard during the week -- mostly about 10-12 hours a day including classes. Yet, life has been absolutely grand. Joshua enjoys his studies, and I am just reveling in having him around so much. In addition, he chose to not study on Sundays (with God's help!), in order to observe the Sabbath and devote the day to one another. SO, Sunday is glorious date night, and this last Sunday was no exception. After playing a grueling tennis match (Joshua barely won), we sadly watched Andy Roddick lose the US Open, then washed up and went to the Macaroni Grill for dinner. It was our first time to that particular restaurant, and it was fabulous. With all of their pasta being imported from Italy, and with a focus on presenting authentic Italian food and atmosphere, it was a unique restaurant and (as to be expected) a beautiful evening.

The End of Summer

2006-09-10T01:40:00.000-04:00

The weather is starting to change, football season has begun, and a few leaves have even initiated their descent, but what really marked the end of the season for me was my last day of summer fun with Jon, Christine, Matt, and Sophia. My last two summers have been largely defined by the wonderful memories made with them. Whether we're jumping on the trampoline, playing hide & go seek at the park, swimming at the University Club, or sipping some 7-11 slurpees, when it comes to "Team Cool Snavely," we are always having the best time. I miss all of you so much, and I look forward to our next adventure!

LOCKER ROOM TALK AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB:
Sophia (4 years old): (Making pig noises)
Michelle: Why are you snorting like a pig?
Sophia: Because pigs are pink, and pink is my favorite color.

So many posts to write, so little time!!!

2006-09-06T22:35:00.000-04:00

I have so many pictures and little stories to post, but being that it is 10:30pm and I'm having my first chance to look at my ever-so-handsome-especially-in-non-Radio-Shack-clothing husband so far today, I had better keep this short.

Life is good. I'm working as the Corporate Sales Coordinator for Great Lakes Chocolate & Coffee Co, and I'm adjusting to working full time. It's hard to get everything done in a day when there are only 4 hours left after work. However, I'm totally confident that I am doing what God has for me right now, so I just know that he will provide the grace and time I need to not just get everything done, but enjoy life along the way.

Joshua and I were able to spend Labor Day Weekend in the "Promised Land" (as Peter Gregory calls it) -- the Traverse City area. We water skiied, played tennis, water skiied, played tennis, and now we are aching like we've been run over by a train... no, a buldozer... NO, a TANK... NO, a PLANET!!! Okay, you get the point... we have been limping around ever since the weekend feeling very old and very motiviated to get into better shape.

The weekend was fabulous, but not quite complete without my little sis, Heather. Every time I turned around I was looking for her to go sit on the beach with. It was weird being there without her, and I don't want to have to get used to it. Heather, I miss you and I am praying for you every day... oh, and I'm also praying for all the guys down there in Texas -- that they would be very ugly and unattractive and mean. COME BACK TO ME!!! Okay, fine, I'm just kidding -- kind of.

BY THE WAY: Josh has started a Xanga at xanga.com/joshuacools . It will be much more intellectually stimulating than mine, though I'm sure not as visually entertaining (I'm the picture-maniac in our relationship, that's for sure). In addition, my sister has started a blog at
ironpillar18.blogspot.com.

New England Road Trip

2006-08-31T23:02:00.000-04:00

Though this entry is long overdue, I want to share a few pictures and moments from the vacation Joshua and I took earlier this summer. We road-tripped to New England, and we had the best time. Visitting 8 states in 8 days, we covered a lot of ground, and everything was perfect. We hiked, camped, stayed at a gorgeous bed and breakfast, had great conversations, listened to excellent books on CD, and happily explored some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. It was one of those experiences that simply thinking of makes me smile, and smile, and smile, and smile...

On the beach in Connecticut

The view from our table at the restaurant in Acadia National Park

Exploring Boston

Visitting Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, RI

A Moment from our New England Road Trip

2006-08-31T22:54:00.000-04:00

This is a great moment from our vacation that I couldn't resist sharing with you. I hope that you will get a laugh out of this -- we do give you permission to laugh at our expense!!!

Do you like to cook?

2006-08-29T20:24:00.000-04:00

I've decided to start a recipe blog, and if you are interested, I would love for you to use it and contribute to it at you leisure. The web address is:

http://www.thecoolskitchen.blogspot.com

I think it would be great to use this site to share favorite recipes, and to even ask others for recipes your kitchen might be lacking. I know that I am always looking for something new to make for dinner or for a special treat, and I hope that you might enjoy the opportunity as well. If you would like to be a contributor, just leave your e-mail address under the comments for this post, or e-mail me at mkcools@hotmail.com

Saturday, Oh Saturday

2006-08-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

So, Joshua's official last moment at Radio Shack was 10:00ish Sunday night, August 20, 2006.

Thus, I need to take a moment to announce that since then we have experienced...

OUR FIRST "REAL WEEKEND"!!!!

It was SO great! I mean, of course we've had days off, but with Joshua working retail, in the 3 years we've been married, we could only think of 1 or maybe 2 weekends we have spent at home together... AND boy, was it great! It was amazing to be able to do work projects AND relax, and not have to choose one or the other. Sunday was awesome too. As much as I love and appreciate church, with Sunday previously being Joshua's only day off, it was sometimes hard to focus on church, and even harder to want to give any extra time there. NOW, I'm like, "BRING ON THE POTLUCKS BABY! I've had my husband around for a whole day already!!! Woo Hoo -- pass that mystery casserole, please! Do you need help moving chairs???" Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but truly, this weekend felt like an insane excess of time, and I think it will take a little while before weekends stop feeling like a weekly vacation.

It's great to not take the little things in life for granted.

Rainy Day

2006-08-29T06:39:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was one of my favorite kind of days -- warm and rainy -- ALL day. It just makes me want to curl up with some good reading, a mug of hot chocolate, and maybe a little jazz music... Oh dear, how am I going to get anything done when I move to Portland?

Ise Paradis

2006-08-26T09:39:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we went with my family on our second trip to Ise Paradis, a little island in a remote area of Canada. Joshua's brothers, Jordan and Quin, were able to come out for the trip, and we had the BEST time. We fished, read, explored the island, played Settlers of Catan obsessively, and made the greatest memories.

Aunt Michelle

2006-08-24T22:23:00.000-04:00

Being an aunt is one of the best titles I think I'll ever have. I just love having little guys to love and dote on so much. However, it comes with its downside: I MISS THEM SOOOOO MUCH. Even though they can't talk, I know that they miss me too. I mean, it's actually kind of obvious as you can see...

Ann Arbor Observations

2006-08-24T11:57:00.000-04:00

Well, after having lived here for 6 weeks, I must take a moment to make my observations of Ann Arbor and its surrounding area thus far:

I don't like the drivers here. They are mean.
The University of Michigan hospital is H-U-G-E -- it is about the size of some other towns I've lived in.
The movie theaters are OUT OF THIS WORLD expensive -- $9.75!!!! (Gasp! Shriek! Pain in my chest, pain in my chest!!!)
The cyclists here are weird -- So far, I have seen 3. The first one was an elderly man riding a bike wearing cut-off jean shorts and... a bra. The second one was a very normal looking grown adult riding a tricycle. The third one was a nun wearing a fuchsia top underneath her little nun dress, and then there were red *bling, bling* adorning her tires.
Living here makes one want a new car... badly
Detroit looks a lot classier when you are there for a baseball game
The restaurants here are SWEET. I've only actually been to one sandwich shop, but the restaurants sure look/smell awesome on the outside.

Detroit Tigers Baseball Game

2006-08-23T23:44:00.000-04:00

I have an announcement to make: I have been converted -- I AM A BASEBALL FAN. I mean, I've always been okay with baseball, just like every other sport (except for maybe dart throwing or something equally unworthy of being called a sport), but now I am a "FAN." Joshua and I were just recently able to attend a baseball game along with Jeremy, Caitlin, and Joshua #2. I LOVED IT! First, there was the the atmosphere -- the warm Monday night, the commanding stadium standing against the backdrop of the sun setting over Detroit's skyline, the vendors each with their personalized shout about hot dogs and cotton candy... Then there was the game -- How can those men hit those tiny little balls when they are going 90 mph??? How can they throw the balls to the exact right place SO fast?!?! I'm amazed. When I was growing up, I liked baseball -- I even had a few baseball cards and went to a handful of Tiger games. However, I was bored stiff by it. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but now I can hardly wait until my next chance to go to a game. GO TIGERS!!!

The Newest Member of My Beautiful Family!!!

2006-08-21T08:19:00.000-04:00

Though this announcement is a little late, I have to take the opportunity to boast about my brother Jason getting ENGAGED!!!! I absolutely adore his lovely fiance, Amanda, and I can't tell you how happy and proud I am. Though I don't have any normal pictures of Jason and Amanda right this moment, the pictures below will show how perfectly she fits into our lives! (So far, I have five sisters in-law -- well, practically six -- and all of them are more than willing to take weird pictures with me!!!)

Amanda and Me

My Brother Jason and His Fiance

How Jason Feels after Getting Engaged

Heather's Open House

2006-08-20T21:01:00.000-04:00

Last June, my baby sister graduated from high-school. I had the privilege of hosting her graduation open house at our home. My mom broke her arm a few days before the event, causing my family to band together in the truest Lantz family fashion. A few phone calls, a couple vicodins and about 15,000 milligrams of ibupfrofen after the accident, my supermom had still managed to coordinate the open house, and I simply served as her hands and feet. The open house went beautifully, and God blessed us with good weather, many great friends, and extra juicy pineapples for our fruit tray :) The pictures below are from the open house, and several of them are reenactments of pictures taken at Jeremy's high-school open house, taken at the same location nearly 10 years ago (wow, saying that makes me feel old!)

I'm Back!

2006-08-20T20:58:00.000-04:00

You look...you gasp...could it be? Did Michelle, Michelle Cools actually post on her blog?!?!?! Yes, I know that I have brought shock to your ever so peaceful day, but read on my friend, you are not dreaming. Indeed, it is I, Michelle, after a near 6 month absence, writing an excerpt. I find myself with a fresh resolution and an optimistic attitude towards technology and the wonders of the internet. Now, before you roll your eyes and liken me to a zealous teenager at a New Year's Eve lock-in (yes, okay, fine – I went to a couple of those) , let me tell you what makes my declaration different this time: It is the fact that this newfound resolve is brought to you by Apple's MacBook Pro. Here is my story:

“Get whatever computer you want,” I told my husband as he started shopping for his law school computer. “I don't care,” I continued, “I want you to have what you will be happy with.” Thus, Joshua happily proceeded, and on on July 3, 2006, Little MacBook Pro Cools arrived on our doorstep. At first, unexcited, I didn't fully appreciate it. However, I readily discovered how much it would affect our lives. You see, I soon learned that this laptop is the first computer I have used that does not come with a built-in “character tester.” That is, all of my previously owned computers provided me with more than a sufficient amount of “growing opportunities” -- opportunities to say a prayer rather than a bad word, to walk away rather than to walk to the window to pitch the computer off the highest point available. Indeed, our former virus infested computers have driven me to prayer, to repentance, and then back again. While I thank those computers for helping me to grow in patience (driving me to the brink of insanity), it is not with sadness that I bid them adieu. So, E-machine, thank you for your years of service and for your affordable price... Dell – I wish you all the best! But Apple – I appreciate you as much as it is appropriate to value a thing, and I sing the song written by Kip himself, “I love technology!!!”

2006-03-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

For more on my newest nephew, visit www.joshua-robert.blogspot.com.

Joshua Robert Lantz

2006-03-09T16:06:00.000-05:00

My New Nephew!

2006-03-05T18:17:00.000-05:00

Joshua Robert Lantz was born at about 6:15 p.m. Friday night. Caitlin did beautifully, only pushing for 40 minutes. He is ADORABLE, and of course I am crazy about him. He is almost 9 pounds, and he is sooo quiet (so far). My digital camera batteries were dead, so I don't have pics to post yet, but I will very soon.

2006-03-03T16:38:00.000-05:00

THE BABY IS COMING, THE BABY IS COMING!!!!!

Caitlin woke up this morning early with hard contractions, and she is in labor now!!!!!!

2006-02-09T15:08:00.000-05:00

You had better hurry and read this entry, because I HAVE a new claim to fame, and well... if you know me well enough, it could be your new claim to fame as well. You see, lastnight my phone rang at 10:40 something and I thought to myself, why, WHY do people call me at this hour??? SO, figuring that if someone was in the emergency room, on their deathbed, or having a child they would call again, I decided that I would let the voicemail get it. Of course, I needed to ensure that there was no precious relative or friend stranded on the side of the road or maybe in an elevator, so I listened to the message to find my sister, Heather, half screaming and half singing (I'm serious) only partially recognizable words. I was able to make the most of it out to learn that my sister's choir won not one, but TWO Grammys lastnight. So there it is, my new claim to fame. Of course it is not the first time that my sister has been my claim to fame being that her choir has already sung at the World Symposium and Carnegie Hall, but hey, she upgraded and so have my boasting rights. Therefore, I can now spend the rest of my life saying, "My sister won two Grammys." Do you think that I really need to insert choir?" Nah. Anyways, if you know me well enough to be reading this entry, I will graciously lend to you my claim to fame, and now you can tell people that your friend's/daughter in-law's/sister in-law's WHATEVER'S sister won two Grammys.

So Heather, good job. Oh, and I take back all the times I made fun of your choir outfit...... and the time that at your concert I gave you flowers with a sympathy card reading "I'm very sorry that you have to wear those balloon pants,".... and also the time(s) that I complained about how expensive your concerts were (why ISN'T there a family discount!!!). Seriously though, I'm so excited for you, and you better know that I'll always be your biggest fan in every way. Smooches to you sis. I'm so proud.

Jeremy and Caitlin's Wedding

2006-02-01T15:33:00.000-05:00

We had a blast at the wedding, celebrating our happily married couple and dancing the night away to "public school music" (to quote Caleb Griffis).

Jeremy and Caitlin Lantz

2006-02-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Joshua and I will soon be uncle and aunt to another little one THIS month (probably anyway -- technically, the due date is Feb. 28th, but Caitlin likes to say March 1st because she likes the sound of it better). So, here's to Jeremy and Caitlin and their soon to arrive little one. These pics are from their wedding nearly nine months ago. As you can see, they are bound to produce a good looking whipper-snapper.

My Birthday/Christmas Party

2005-12-20T00:29:00.000-05:00

December 15th may have been one of the best days of 2005. Not only was it my birthday, but it was our last day of school Christmas party. The Snavelys made it such a special day for me, and to top it all off, Joshua was able to join us for some serious fun. The day started with a surprise latte followed by some fresh Krispy Kremes. We then enjoyed a most excellent game of "Jeopardy" -- Cools style that is. With Josh as Vanna and myself officiating, it was a close match. The day was made perfect by building a magnificent throne in the snow and of course, having a good old fashioned snow ball fight. Thank you to everyone who made that day so very special!

Fun in the snow

2005-12-20T00:28:00.002-05:00

Josh and Sophia

2005-12-20T00:28:00.001-05:00

My Birthday

2005-12-20T00:28:00.000-05:00

Josh as Vanna

2005-12-20T00:26:00.000-05:00

Joshua and Michelle #2: Trying to get a good Christmas card picture!

2005-12-20T00:18:00.000-05:00

Joshua and Michelle

Fun Times with the Snavelys

2005-11-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

Joshua and I were able to spend an extended period of time with the Snavely kids when we stayed with them for a week this last fall. Needless to say, we had a blast. The week was marked by multiple parties including a Star Wars party, a fall fun party, and a manicure party. While the boys took over the galaxy and reveled in global domination (Star Wars: Battlefront II), the girls enjoyed viewings of Anne of Green Gables while sipping hot chocolate and doing nails. I dare say that Christine may be the most accomplished make-over artist known to man. After all, she has straightened my hair beautifully on multiple occasions, and that has to be worth a lot! In addition, her assistant, Sophia, is VERY talented with lotion and make up ;) We have made the best memories together, and I can hardly wait for our next adventure.

Matthew and I with the Native American diorama that we made for History class. You can't tell very well, but a cowboy is about to shoot a pig!

2005-11-08T18:09:00.000-05:00

This last year, I worked as a tutor for the Snavely family. In short, it was one of the best experiences of my life thus far. We worked hard, and as you can see from the pictures below, we played hard. Jonathan, Christine, Matthew, and Sophia are some of the greatest kids I'll ever know, and I hope that I can always be a part of their lives.

My brother Jonathan at Fall Fest

2005-11-08T18:01:00.000-05:00

Sophia, Matt and me out on a field trip to "Fall Fest"

2005-11-08T17:56:00.000-05:00

Setting Up a Blog

2005-10-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

As I sit here setting up a blogsite for the Joshua and Michelle Cools family, I am laughing at myself because I always thought that these types of things were for either extremely egocentric people or people with really cute babies. However, my perception has recently altered since my newfound addiction to websites such as the Molalla Winslows, Faith Harris, and David Michael Garvey (my adorable nephew). So, as I slowly enter this century and get aquainted with the technology that provides for such wonders as these, I shall try to post interesting and probably not so interesting photos and excerpts of our life here in (currently) Lansing. As I I've graduated from college and seen some of my dearest friends move across the country and the world (Ashley, I'm talking to you), and as my husband is from the fantastic but far away land of Oregon, I am grateful to live in this day and age in which communication is made so easy on so many levels. Thus, I now attempt, (and those of you aquainted with my e-mail habits know that I attempt) to embark on a new form of communication that might give my dear friends and family further insight into our life and Josh's and my never changing hair styles.