updates

I have had a lot of moments lately where I think, "I should blog about that later" and then almost immediately forget. I will try to recap those thoughts tonight while sitting here with whitening strips on my teeth. Have to kill 30 minutes somehow!

* Today was a good day filled with friends from high school and their children. It was a good distraction as I should be 20 weeks pregnant today & should be having an ultra sound to find out the gender this week. I was so excited to start out 2010 with the knowledge of whether Isaac would have a brother or a sister. I am now determined to find other things to be excited about for the start of the new year.

* Sorry, another sad one. We did Christmas with my parents on Christmas eve with our traditional roast & potatoes dinner with homemade chocolate pudding & real whipped cream for dessert. We eat the pudding out of little glass dishes that my mother and her family ate pudding out of every Sunday as she was a girl. I love certain traditions! Anyhow, as we sat around the fire to begin opening our stockings, my mother pointed out that there was an extra stocking hung on the mantle. It was for her grandbaby who she never got to meet. I was in joyful and mournful tears at the same time. It means so much to me that my parents wanted to recognize our missing baby at Christmas. Thank you Mom & Dad.

* Moving on to happier thoughts, I have this whole week off! I'm using up the last of my vacation days before I loose them. My goal is to work on my list (see previous post) and to stay away from playing bejeweled all week. So far I have cleared out the garage so Marc can park his car in it & we have shopped for flooring for Quimby & bought new lights (on sale!) for the Quimby kitchen. Anyone want to paint a kitchen on Wednesday?

* Speaking of Quimby, we have decided to put it on the market. We have no potential renters yet, and supposedly January is going to be a hot market time with some homebuyers tax credit kicking in. If we sell it, we'll take a loss & still have to make monthly payments to pay off our mortgage, but that might be worth it to have the stress of it gone. Who knew as a newly engaged couple buying our first home that it would become such a headache!

* I'm hosting a reunion for all my old Sunshine co-workers and volunteers on Thursday morning. We did it last year and it's become a sort of traditions. Well, I'm not sure how many times/years you have to do something for it to be a tradition, but it's well on it's way! It's interesting as almost all of the people who will be there no longer work at, volunteer or even attend Sunshine anymore. Even funnier is that I'm hosting a SUNSHINE reunion at PLYMOUTH!

* I have been praying for God to renew my faith. As I have been weighing in physically each week, I have also been weighing in spiritually, and have found myself a little too light. With the trials that have occured over the last few months, I have been praying more, but somehow that has not translated into trusting more. My prayers have become like a 3 year old at Christmas; "I want this, and this, and this...oh, oh, and PLEASE let me have THIS!" Rather than praying for peace about God's sovereign plan and faith in that plan, I have been demanding things of my heavenly Father. Yes, I need to ask, seek and knock, but I also need to trust when God's answers and timing are not my own. So today, I choose to trust in God's plan: for our family, for our Quimby house, for our finances, for my health and for next semesters craziness!

Weigh in Wednesday

Down another pound, bringing my total in 8 weeks is 7.5lbs. Not too shabby! I'll find out tomorrow where I stand in the ranks for the competition.

a few pictures

a bit late...

So weigh-in wednesday is happening on thursday this week. Final exams will do that to you!

Anyhow, I weighed in 1lb less than last week! It's small, but I'll take it. I am now tied for 2nd place in my biggest loser challenge. We have 4 weeks left until the end and if I win, I get $110! Let's hope I continue to do well and, well, is it bad to wish the other ladies don't do well? Probably, but...

Marc finished up his finals this week and I had my final exam today. It went okay. I am just relieved to have it done and not have to read anything for the next month.

Now, I am on to wrapping gifts and creating my list of goals for the next few weeks. I am taking the last of my vacation days between Christmas and New Years and have a lot I hope to accomplish:

* Finish Simon's baby blanket
* Start Olive's baby blanket
* finish removing wall paper from our 1/2 bath
* watch the LOTR trilogy (Christmas break tradition)
* do a thorough cleaning of my entire house!
* spend as much time as possible with my family!
* work out a few times

Hopefully that is a realistic list and will allow for plenty of relaxation and visiting all the friends that will be in town!

Ideas for Mom & Dad

I am happy to report that I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done and mostly wrapped. The one gift yet to be thought of & bought is for my parents. I know they are not expecting much, if anything, but I want to get them a little token of my love and appreciation.

There isn't much they need, so I want to go the more sentimental route. Any ideas?

Can there be a snow day for life?

I may need to go buy a Kit Kat bar, cause I'm in need of a break. :)

So, I have strep throat for the 2nd time in 3.5 weeks.

I just found out tonight that our potential renters for Quimby street have backed out.

We have money to buy the flooring for our Quimby kitchen from insurance, and after that, life goes on credit cards.

Marc & I both have finals next week.

I'm stressed.

Still, God is faithful and I will try to rest in that promise.

Weigh in Wednesday

Stayed the same this week. At least I haven't gained.

That's all I've got for now.

Things I unintentionally teach my son...

It's a month or so old, but still funny!

Weigh In Wednesday

Up another .5lbs.

I have, however started drinking a lot more water and less caffeine. I have also worked out twice this week thus far. It's a start.

Adios November!

So much has happened in the last week it's just crazy! Too much to write thoughtfully about it, so tonights update is in bullet form.

* My 3rd nephew, Simon Cole, was born on the 25th by emergency C-section. He was 6lbs 13oz. My sister is now home, but Simon is in the NICU because his lungs were not fully developed. He had chest tubes, a Cpap machine, suction to his stomach, IV's, etc. It was hard to see the little guy all hooked up. He's doing better each day, however. He got the CPap machine off today, one chest tube out, the other capped and ate for the first time tonight! What a trooper!

* Due to all the chaos of Simon being born, Marc and I ended up being parents to 3 boys for 3 days. The boys did great over here and Isaac loved having his cousins around 24/7 to play with. He's now constantly asking for 'woovi' (levi).

* We cut down our first Christmas tree with all three boys on Friday. It's decorated & we're almost ready for all the parties coming up.

* A little over 5 weeks after my miscarriage, my body is finally getting back to normal. There have been some days which trigger my emotions and I end up crying myself to sleep, but those are becoming less and less. I'm finally getting back into some sort of routine and feeling a bit more on top of things. Not completely yet, but getting there.

* Our car broke down this weekend & is going to be $600 to fix. Sweet. Cause we have lots of money in our ER fund after all this Quimby street crap. Seriously.

* My baby is going to be 2 in less than 2 months! It's just crazy how quick time flies!

* I am trying to get into a exercise habit by rotating the Biggest Loser Bootcamp & Yoga DVD's. I did the bootcamp one tonight and already feel my muscles aching. It's a good ache though! Hopefully I can keep up with this.

Weigh-In Wednesday

I wanted to skip posting today, as it's a tad embarassing. I'm up .5lbs. So, total after 4 weeks is now 6lbs. I have to also admit that I weighed myself in the morning, as opposed to the afternoons as I have been doing. It's probably more than .5lbs that I gained, but we'll go by the scale. :)

And, for my other goals - big FAT FAILURE!!

I think my only goal for this next week (being thanksgiving and all) is to NOT gain any weight. That's a legit goal, right?

blah

I should be 15 weeks pregnant today. It's been a bit of a rough evening as I remembered. It's been just over a month and some days I don't even think about it. Others it's on my mind constantly. It's not helping that we're not able to start trying again yet. I'm anxious about the future and our family. I'm fearful that it could happen again. I'm tired. I feel like since it happened, I haven't been on top of anything. Today, I missed a meeting that had been rescheduled because I missed it last week. That's the story of the last 5 weeks. I haven't been using my planner and feel like I'm always doing things last minute, which is not like me. I've been lazy, unproductive and just kind of blah. I really hope this changes soon.

Weigh-In Wednesday

I'm 30 today. Whoa. I woke up to flowers and a card from both my husband, and my son. :) I showed our Quimby street house to a very interested fellow, got a latte, got some work done, got the OFFICE season 5 on DVD, the game Boggle, and a new black sweater from my hubby, and now I'm waiting til 6pm when I go out to dinner with a few friends. I'm looking forward to a 'girls night'. I can't remember the last time I've had that. Most of my girl nights include my son.

Anyhow, I weighed in today and have lost 1lb this past week, bringing my total in 3 weeks to 6.5lbs. Not to shabby. I think my 1lb is due to sitting on the couch for 3 days straight due to strep throat. Hopefully I can get back into some physical activity this week.

And as far as my goal of going to bed at 11pm. Yeah. FAILED!! I'm not sure why it's so hard for me, but I just can't seem to do it. I'm going to try again this week, although a youth group trip to Chicago over the weekend certainly won't help with that routine. I think perhaps I'll add a goal of drinking more water as well. I got a sweet new purple water bottle to inspire me to drink more. Hopefully I'll have better results when I check in next week!

Strep Throat & countdown to 30

After a few days of feeling like I was swallowing razor blades, I went to urgent care and was diagnosed with Strep Throat. Boo. I started my anti-biotics, which quickly gave me a stomach ache. Boo again. I only hope I feel well enough to go out for dinner with a few friends on Wednesday night for my 30th birthday.

Twice today I was reminded that I'm not pregnant anymore. The first time was when the nurse asked me when my last period was, to write it down on her charts. I had to explain to her my miscarriage. It's only been a month, but she treated it like it was a very matter-of-fact medical things to write down. She didn't look at me at all as I talked, just kept focused on her stupid chart. The doc at least offered a 'I'm sorry' after asking the same question. Sidenote: why does the nurse ask, write it down, and the doc have to ask again?

Second time was when I was reflecting on my goals before I turn 30. One of them was to be pregnant again. I haven't failed that goal, but I will not get to enjoy the outcome in May. It's strange to me that whenever I have to fill out medical forms, I will have to report 2 pregnancies, but only 1 living child.

Not a great day physically or emotionally.

Tradition (no, not a post about Fiddler on the Roof)

This holiday season, I am hoping to start new family traditions. I'm not exactly sure what they will be yet, but they will happen!

Marc has never been one to 'get into the holiday spirit', but this year I think I might be rubbing off on him a bit. More than ever, I am anxious to put up decorations, pop in my Martina McBride Christmas album and start baking! As Isaac is starting to grow up and become more aware of what Christmas means, I want to begin family traditions. Marc has agreed this year to go cut down a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not sure that will be a lasting tradition for us, however - it's a little hard for me to justify spending money on a tree that sits and slowly dies and makes a mess.

Anyhow, I'm looking for ideas for Christmas traditions - share any that you have had & why they are meaningful!

Weigh-in Wednesday

Down 2.5lbs this week bringing my total in 2 weeks to 5.5lbs. Yay!

This week I was sick & did not exercise at all. I'm feeling a bit better today and will try to get in a workout video at the very least. I really want to focus on being healthy, not just loosing weight, and exercise has got to be a part of that.

More than anything, I need to get into a routine in my life. The last few weeks have been so emotional and exhausting that a routine was the furthest thing from my mind. Now that I am feeling stronger, I want to get back into it. I would love to jump into all my goals at once, but I know I will fail, so each week when I weigh -in, I'm going to choose something to work on. This week it's going to be going to bed by 11pm each night.

So if you see me on facebook playing bejeweled, you have permission to yell at me.

A few of my favorite things

As I was eating my Lime tortilla chips with lunch, I was thinking about how they are by far, my favorite chip ever. And a blog post was born. Here is a list of a few of my other favorite things.

* good fitting shoes
* sleepytime tea
* When Marc has a night off work
* the Heidelberg Catechism (yes, seriously)
* Martina McBrides Christmas album (I might be busting that out soon!)
* the holiday's, when I get to reunite with tons of friends
* naps
* Sunday nights off
* Sunday nights when students really 'get it' at youth group
* my pink Columbia fleece
* helping others reach a goal
* playing with my son
* weekends away
* stepping on the scale to find out I've lost weight!
* Thai food
* Chaco flip flops

Auction for Olive Hope

I am associated with a couple - Rusty & Lynette - who are missionaries in Thailand. I met Rusty my freshmen year at college, when he was then dating one of my best friends. I didn't keep up with him after they broke up, but they remained friends and so I hear periodic updates about his life.

Well, they recently had a baby. Way to early. She is struggling for her life, and they are struggling with decisions, questions, and medical bills. Friends and family of Rusty & Lynette have started a blog auction to help with the medical bills & I have donated a baby blanket (yet to be made) for the cause.

Check it out at:http://auctionforolive.blogspot.com/

You can read more about their journey here: http://rustylynette.blogspot.com/

Do a little Christmas shopping while helping a family in need!

Home Remedies

I've got a cold. Any home remedies to try?

Quimby Street Update

Marc and I met this morning at 5:30am after both of us got done working. We actually got to go to bed at the same time! Anyhow, we tried to get a little sleep then got up to head to Quimby Street. Marc has successfully gotten to the point of laying the subfloor. That means next week we're up to drywall and cabinets! The following week, Marc will lay the new hardwood floors & I will paint. Then we just have the finishing touches of a countertop and hardware for the cabinets.

This has been a headache, for sure, but it's going to be impressive when it's done! Hopefully it will help the house sell when we decide to put it on the market again.

I'm getting too old for this...

I have an all-nighter with my middle school group tonight. Yes, an all-nighter, not an overnighter. All-nighter meaning no sleep, running around, playing games, keeping kids out of trouble, trying to stay positive & energetic, all while wanting to be home, in bed and fast alseep.

I seriously might be getting too old for this.

Doctrine can bring Comfort

This semester I am taking the class called Reformed Creeds & Confessions. It has been providencial that throughout the difficult month of October, I have been required to read the Belgic Confession, the Heidelberg Catechism and now we're into the Canons of Dort. Each of these have brought in their own way comfort, understanding and assurance during periods of hurt, confusion and doubt.

I'm not sure I quite understand those who believe that doctrine is dry, boring and not relevant for our lives. My greatest source of comfort has been these creeds & confessions. I am thankful for my Reformed heritage and the depth of it's insight into God's word.

I've already shared a few Heidelberg Q & A's in previous posts, so I'll only include the Canons & Belgic this time.

Canons of Dort
Article 17
The Salvation of the Infants of Believers
Since we must make judgments about God's will from his Word, which testifies that the children of believers are holy, not by nature but by virtue of the gracious covenant in which they together with their parents are included, godly parents ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom God calls out of this life in infancy.

Belgic Confession
Article 13
The Doctrine of God's Providence
We believe that this good God,
after he created all things,
did not abandon them to chance or fortunebut leads and governs them
according to his holy will,
in such a way that nothing happens in this world
without his orderly arrangement....
...This doctrine gives us unspeakable comfort
since it teaches us
that nothing can happen to us by chance
but only by the arrangement of our gracious
heavenly Father.
He watches over us with fatherly care,
keeping all creatures under his control,
so that not one of the hairs on our heads(for they are all numbered)
nor even a little bird
can fall to the ground...

Weigh-In Wednesday

My body has been through a lot in the last few weeks. I've been more aware of my body recently than I have been since giving birth. I'm realizing that I'm not altogether healthy. I may have competed in a triathlon only 2 months ago, and I may not be obese, but I am certainly not as strong or fit as I could be. And I have no doubts that my eating habits need to improve. I had a goal of getting down to my pre-Isaac weight before getting pregnant again. I failed. Now is another opportunity to get there, so I'm going for it.

On Monday I joined about 15 other women who are doing a local 'biggest loser' competition. We weigh in on Wednesday's and track our progress on a blog. If we gain, we pay more into the pot. It's going until January 13th - Isaac's 2nd birthday! I weighed in on Monday and weighed in again today & have lost 3lbs already! I think I may have weighed in right after eating lunch on Monday or something. :)

Anyhow - I thought I'd track my progress on my own blog as well.

Just to clarify:

I am NOT interested in being a skinny minnie. I am NOT interested in looking like a model, or being able to wear a bikini. I am NOT interested in unhealthy obsessing over my looks or weight. I am NOT interested in placing my value or worth on my weight.

I AM trying to get to a healthy weight for my height and frame. I AM trying to get healthy so I can teach my son healthy living habits. I AM trying to get fit so that when I hopefully am able to get pregnant again, my body is in good shape for it.

So, Weigh in Wednesday #1 - 3lbs lost! Total lost: 3lbs

Rememberance Ring

It will in no way ever replace the dear baby I lost, but it will be a constant reminder of the short life he or she had. It will also remind me of God's faithful plan for my family, which is obviously different than what I had in mind, but I remain confident in Him.

My little American Idol

In His Hand

Heidelberg Catechsim

Lord's Day 10

Question & Answer 28

How does the knowledge of God's creation and providence help us?

We can be patient when things go against us,
thankful when things go well,
and for the guture we can have
good confidence in our faithful God and Father
that nothing will separate us from his love.
All creatures are so completely in his hand
that without his will
they can neither move nor be moved.

My baby is so completely in His Hand. That brings me comfort.

One Week.

It’s been one week; one week since I had a miscarriage. This past week has been one of the most emotional weeks of my life. It’s amazing the loss I feel after only 10 weeks of pregnancy. Marc & I already loved our little one and had hopes and dreams for him or her. We were overjoyed thinking about having another blessing from God and a sibling for Isaac. I’m not questioning why, for I know God has reasons beyond what I can comprehend. While I have been grieving over the last week, I have felt the comfort and peace only my Savior can give. He grieved over the loss of his friend, He was disappointed, He was frustrated and angry, He knows anguish and pain, He relates to me in a very real and personal way – that is the God that I serve.

Hebrews 4:14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[e] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

It is my time of need. I’ve cried each day. I’m not really sure how to process all of this. My baby died very early on in the pregnancy, even though I didn’t miscarry until 10 weeks 4 days. I believe it had a life, but it’s almost hard to even call it a ‘baby’. Did it have a soul? Will I see my baby in heaven someday? If we believe that in heaven it will actually be our same, but refined bodies, will my baby have a body? Why is the Bible so silent on questions such as these?

Each day is getting a bit better. There are still many moments of sadness and sometimes downright depression, but I am slowly able to accomplish daily tasks. Today I had about 2 hours where I got a ton done. It’s the first time I’ve felt productive in a week. And last night I actually played with Isaac – and not just from my position lying on the couch while Thomas the Train played to keep him occupied. I’m getting stronger.

I’ve decided to get a ring with an emerald in it to remember my little one who would’ve been arriving around May 17th, 2010 (Emerald = May birthstone). It will be a reminder of my child, but also a reminder of God’s providence and sovereignty. I will continue to trust in Him during the good and the difficult times. I just hope I don’t have too many more difficult times in the near future. October 2009 has not been the best of months, with this and the Quimby house and all the financial stresses that have come with that – bring on November.

Heidelberg Catechism Q & A 26

Q. What do you believe when you say,
"I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth"?

A. That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who out of nothing created heaven and earth
and everything in them,^1
who still upholds and rules them
by his eternal counsel and providence,^2
is my God and Father
because of Christ his Son.^3

I trust him so much that I do not doubt
he will provide
whatever I need
for body and soul,^4
and he will turn to my good
whatever adversity he sends me
in this sad world.^5

He is able to do this because he is almighty God;^6
he desires to do this because he is a faithful Father.^7

Amen!

My blessings List

From the time that we discovered our Quimby street house to be such a mess, there have been countless blessings that we have seen & received. I decided to start a list.

Every day I am honestly questioning how this is all happening. I know that it is God's hand moving, but I feel so undeserving. There are so many other people who have issues way bigger than ours. Why have we been so blessed? I don't understand it, but I praise God for it and for using his church to minister to us in this time.

1. A lawyer friend (Mark VA) from church who was able to give me free advice about how to handle the situation & advised me to get the locks changed.

2. A locksmith who was cheap & came a 1/2 hour after calling.

3. Taking a wrong turn & ending up behind a plumbers truck, just after realizing I needed a plumber & didn't know who to call. He also came withing 1 hour of calling and was affordable.

4. My parents, my Mother-in-law Grace, Kelly H, Kelly B, Jane T, Jeni S, my pastor Steve, Kathy & Dennis S, DeWayne C, Molly T, neighobors from our Plymouth neighborhood; Misty & Larry, Kerri D; who have all come to help us in various ways. We already have others who are planning to help in the next few weeks.

5. My pastor, who is always looking out for me. He's on 'counter top duty' for the Quimby house and is planning on using some of his vacation next week to be at our house working. Seriously??

6. Drywall supplies, paint, primer, screening, cleaning supplies and lots of other things being given to us by friends.

7. Jane T, who's husband works at Holland Home had the epiphany of getting carpet through her hubbys work. When a new tennant moves out (or dies, I suppose) they re-carpet. They were tearing out some today which will find it's new home at Quimby street.

8. A dear friend, who I don't want to embarass by naming, gave us a loan to help with some of the expenses of all of this. This is HUGE! We were at the bottom of the barrel before this!

9. The administrative council from church is waiving our rent for a few months, until we are able to get renters in Quimby. This is also HUGE!!!!! Seriously, this will prevent us from missing mortgage payments, and will also enable us to not have to use our credit cards for this stuff.

10. Our insurance co is covering the water damage to our kitchen floors. We got the check today. After our $1000 deductible (which we DID NOT have to pay out of pocket) we got $1600 to pay for the repairs to our floors. WHOA!!!! We are required to spend $1000 on actual flooring supplies (no problem) and the rest is ours to do with what we want. This extra will help to pay for the kitchen cabinets & counter top which all have to be completely replaced.

11. The first day I went over to get the keys from our tenants, I met our new Quimby neighbors across the street, Mike & Tam. They are GREAT! We exchanged phone numbers and they have called a few times when it looks like there's people hanging around the house that shouldn't be. It's nice to have eyes on Quimby when we're on the other side of town.

12. PRAYER!!! We have so many people praying for us, and I truly feel strengthened by it.

13. This isn't related to the house, but yesterday I got the most encouraging email from a student that I've ever received. She's growing in her faith and passion for Christ and it is so encouraging to hear that youth group has been a part of that.

Before pics of our house:

There are a few after pics a few posts back...Here are a few more:

Blessed beyond belief

I feel like I'm on "Extreme Home Makeover" because of all the blessings I have received in the last few days. And because of how much I've been crying! :) I seriously want to video tape my life recently & put together a documentary of how good GOD is!

I've received so much prayer & emails just checking in to see how I'm doing. We've received several offers of help, as well as free stuff that we need for repairs and updates to the house. Last Friday several family and friends came over to help already. I've had two calls/emails about the house from potential renters. The elders spent time praying for our situation at the Elder meeting monday night. I've experienced God's providence as I 'happen' to be behind a plumbers truck right as I was remembering I didn't have a plumber to call. I had taken a wrong turn & ended up with a name & phone number staring at me through my windshield. I passed a sign (while having a breakdown) that said "This too Shall Pass". I'd like to think that was a little reminder from God at a time when I desperately needed it. And tonight, I can't even tell you the blessing I received.

I feel more at peace tonight than I have in a week. I have been reminded (once again) of God's provision. I am incredibly blessed and want to shout God's faithfulness from a mountaintop. If only we lived in Colorado or someplace with mountains. My blog will have to do for now.

A glimpse into my house

If only you could see the details of empty beer & alcohol containers + all the cigarette butts all over the place. Actually, be glad you can't.


They have used my house as a coloring book. :(

After changing the locks on Thursday night, we arrived Friday morning to find a guy sleeping on this mattress, which by the way, is in the dining room. Yeah, he's lucky I let him leave & didn't call the cops. I saved that for today.

So, my neighbor across the street called & said there were lights on in the house. I asked him to check the doors & low and behold, the back door is wide open. So, I called the cops to let them know someone had broken into my house. They beat me there & apparently stayed about 20 minutes (I had to drive from church & stop to get gas on the way) and had left when I arrived.

Haven't heard from them yet, so I'm not sure what the deal is.

Tomorrow morning the insurance person is coming to see if our home owners insurance will cover our ruined kitchen floors due to water damage. Please pray!

Little Moments Today

Isaac has a almost unhealthy attachment to a stuffed elephant, but it is just SO adorable when he looks around for it, can't find it & says, "Where elephant? Where elephant?".

Tonight I picked up Sang & 2 of his Korean friends from ArtPrize downtown & had to drop off Kerri before dropping off the boys. She said, "adios" to which all three Korean boys said "adios!" in unison. Maybe you had to be there, but it was funny.

I cleaned out a closet that I haven't really utilized properly since moving in here. My vacuum cleaner now has a home.

I'm drinking my first cup of hot chocolate this fall. Yummy.

One more down, a few more to go

I just sent off our last payment to St. Mary's for Isaac's labor & delivery. That only took 20 months. :) One more debt to cross off the list! Unfortunetly we had to add another debt this month to pay for Marc's semester. :(

Next month we'll take that extra $50 and add it to our next smallest debt. Ahh, the joy of pulling one more chain off & feeling the tiniest bit more free.

Pictures

Saturday evening, Marc & I took our nephews, Noah & Levi, to Craig's Cruisers as their birthday present. We played mini-golf, the boys all went on the go-karts, Noah & Marc did the high ropes while Levi & I earned 107 tickets from all the games we played! It was such a fun night out with all the boys! Made me realize how crazy my sisters life is going to be come December when her 3rd boy is born! Geesh!

Saturday morning Noah had his first soccer game. While they didn't exactly win, or even come close, I think Noah had fun.

It was just over a week ago when kerri & I took this pic before the start of our race! By the way, if you happen to see the article in the Press on 9/12, I was in the picture of the swimmers in pink caps!

If you haven't met him yet, this is Sangjeong Kim (Sang), our exchange student. He's been fantastic & we're really enjoying him in the house. We're trying to get Isaac to learn his name, but for now he calls him "jung". Poor Sang.


By the way- answers to the John quiz are posted below. Leave a comment & let me know how you did!

Book of John - Answers!

So, in Inklings (high school sunday school) this semester, we are studying the book of John. I gave my students a 'quiz' on Sunday to gauge where their knowledge of the book was.

Take the quiz below - see how you do! I'll post the answers in a few days. :)

Book of John Quiz

What was the family relationship between John & Jesus? Cousins

What was the purpose of John’s life? To prepare the way for Jesus

To whom was the book of John written? Particulary Gentiles

Who are John’s parents? Zechariah & Elisabeth

John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his one & only son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life.

Are people at their core, basically good or basically evil? evil

Name 3 miracles of Jesus.
Water into wine
Healing the officials son
Paralyzed man by the gate
Feeing the 5 thousand
Walking on water
Jesus heals a blind man
Lazaras raised from the dead Miraculous catch of fish

Who are Jesus’ 3 closest friends? Peter, James & John

What was Jesus reaction to the woman caught in adultery? "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

What was controversial about Jesus healing the blind man? It was on the sabbath.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have ____, and have it to the ____. LIFE, FULL

Who did Jesus raise from the dead? Why? Lazarus. Because he loved him.

What Old Testament book is this verse taken from? Zechariah
Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt

For I did not come to judge the world, but to ____ it. SAVE

Who said this when Jesus was washing his disciples feet? 9"Then, Lord," __________ replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Peter

Who are the 3 people/groups of people Jesus prayed for in John 17? Himself, his disciples, all believers.

Who cut off a guard’s right ear in the garden when Jesus was arrested? Peter

Who was released when Jesus was taken to be crucified? Barabbas

Needing Prayer

We got a letter today from the Housing Commission stating that our tennant has not met the requipements for section 8 any longer. This means that as of 9/28 she will need to be out & we will have to get in, clean & repair and try to find another tennant.

September is a very busy month in youth ministry, and adding this stress is overwhelming, not only with our time, but also finances. I'm truly trusting God during this time and will wait to see how he is going to work through this. I would greatly appreciate prayers though.

A Big Decision

After crying myself to sleep last night and Marc being wired until about 5am, we were finally able to come to a conclusion this morning about our immediate future. We both feel a peace about Marc cutting back on school right now while continuing to work full time. This means the graduation party is posponed until December 2010, but what a party it will be! While Marc finishing school is high on the priority list, it came in second after evaluating the prospect of Marc working only part-time. We just can't swing it right now.

There are several pros to this decision, in my mind:

1. Marc will have a little more time to be around the family.

2. He will also have time to focus more on really learning what's he's being taught, rather than just doing it to get it done.

3. We will be able to continue our debt snowball & make a little progress over the next year, rather than making minimum payments on everything & making very little progress.

4. I will be working at least 2 more years at Plymouth. While I am looking forward to the day when I can stay at home, I'm not upset at all about being at Plymouth right now.

5. We will have a little flexibility in our budget and may be able to take a spring break trip for a few days.

6. I love my friends. I get at least 1 more year of being in GR around them. Again, I'm looking forward to experiencing more of the globe, but perhaps right now that just means through trips and vacations.

7. We have another year to figure out what to do about our Quimby street house.

I'm sure there are probably more, but after such an intense, emotional week, my brain is fried.

Thanks for those who were praying for us. Please continue to pray. This decision by no means makes the semester easy for either of us, but it will make it a bit easier.

And by the way, my husband is amazing. And I love him dearly. :)

Korean 'son' #3

We welcomed Sang Kim into our home this evening! He's exhausted and had probably the most blood shot eyes I had ever seen, but he's here & sleeping.

It'll be an interesting few weeks as we adjust to one another, school begins for Marc & Sang, ministries at church kick off and we fully get the fall underway.

We have a pretty big decision to make in the next few weeks as well. We've realized that Marc either needs to cut back on work or on school. There are a lot of financial implications either way, so we need a lot of wisdom to figure out what is best for our family. Prayers would be appreciated!

Sabbath in marriage - thoughts from Mark Driscoll

Marriage is an illustration of Christ & the church.

We are meant to take a sabbath from our work to have time with God.

Translate into marriage: We are meant to take a sabbath from our work and have time with our spouse.

If you don't take a sabbath with your spouse, your relationship will suffer. You need to have a 'marital sabbath'.

Obviously this is not something new I've just discovered, but something I needed to hear, especially as the fall draws near.

Okay, another cool idea I just heard: A babysitting co-op. A bunch of church families take turns every Friday or Saturday night hosting all the kids at their house. That means you have 3 date nights a month & 1 night a month with the chaos of little ones at your house. Anyone interested???

Today is a day where I want to be a stay at home mom. I don't want to think about recruiting leaders, planning curriculum, laying out calendars and planning events. Please don't misunderstand - I love what I do, but right now I want to take a nap and then have a stress free day playing with my son outside. I hate that when he wakes up soon, I will need to try to keep him busy while I finish up my work for the day rather than just putting on our shoes & going to the park across the street.

I think about this time every year I get a little overwhelmed. I start getting anxious as I think about Marc going back to full time school + 5 hours a week of teacher aiding + 40 hours of work + me starting a seminary class + full time work + Isaac + 2 exchange students. Most of the time I can handle it. Not today.

Well, enough blogging. The more work I get done now, the more play time when Isaac wakes up.

The Ragamuffin Gospel - quote

"When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes.
I believe and I doubt, I hope and I get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer."

Brennan Manning
The Ragamuffin Gospel

Garage Sale

I am having a garage sale this week Thurday and Friday from 8am-5pm each day.

There are about 7 or 8 people contributing to the sale, so there should be lots of goodies.

Come on by to shop & say hello!

Meal Planning Glory!!!

One of the best (worst if you ask Marc) things about not having a full house during the summer is that it somewhat relieves my obligation to cook meals each night. I don't mind doing it, but I always feel like I'm making the same things over and over.

My bright idea for this coming fall was to sit down one night & come up with 8-12 weeks of meal plans, including corresponding grocery lists. I figured that way, I elimiate the stress of meal planning each week and can just refer to "week 1" or "week 10". Great idea, right?

Guess what - I found someone to do it for me!!!

I happen to be browsing a friends blog (hi Tera!) and she had a website listed. I went there & found another site listed called "Stolen Moments Menu Planning". I was intrigued. I went, I read & I bought.

For $7.95 I have purchased a month long menu plan including grocery lists. Oh, and my menu will include no mushrooms, some vegetarian options, some Korean or asian recipes and will be low-fat. This woman is amazing! I also told her our monthly grocery budget, which she will stick within. She caters to all of your needs. I bought the basic plan, but you can buy the complete plan which includes bfast & lunch as well.

Another cool thing about this website is that you can give a gift subscription. So, if you have a sister, friend, mother, etc who is a very busy woman, this could be a great gift idea!
http://stolenmomentsmenuplanning.com/

Okay - can you tell I'm excited!?! Stay tuned for a menu planning review in a few weeks!

On Friday I took a group of students up North a bit to go on a Dune Buggy ride. I typically don't take Isaac to many events - especially if Marc isn't there, but I thought he could handle it. He did incredibly well and conquered his fear of sand and some of his fear of water.

On Saturday morning, we packed up the van and headed to Wheaton to visit our good friends George & Melissa. They have Hannah & Dylan who are about 2 months older than Isaac, and Ella who is 6 months. We took a little trip to a local 'zoo' which was filled with farm animals and plenty of paths for the kids to run on.

How cute!

On Sunday we walked into town to get coffee and along the railroad tracks to a little park. All the kids had a lot of fun and required a bath that evening. I bet this photo shows up in wedding slide shows 25...or 30 years from now!

On our way home, Marc and I started the oh so fun conversation of where we'll look for teaching jobs a year from now for him. It's scary to think/talk about. One of my many limitations I've placed on this whole search is that it must be within a 10 hour drive from GR. I want to be able to drive home and not have to fly, and I also want other people to be able to visit without flying. Our favorite so far is Rochester, NY, however I heard today they have horrible winters. Not so sure I'm excited about that. Do you have any ideas for us?

Praying

A Boy!!!

I'm going to have another nephew! My sister had her appt today! Everything looks good and healthy.

My dad sure is getting his fill of boys after having 2 girls! :)

SERVE

This past missions trip marked a new 'era' in youth ministry for me. I had new perceptions and criticisms of this trip that I have not had before.

When I was at Sunshine, we planned every last detail of our own missions trip. We had a staff of 5, so we had the luxery of putting that many staff hours into 3-4 week long trips each year. Having that much control and responsibility on a trip has it's pros and cons. The Pros being that YOU get to choose where you go, what you do, what you eat, the topics that are discussed, the worship music & style, the theme, etc. The Cons are that YOU are responsibile for carrying out all of those details; speaking, preparing lessons & small group questions, lining up leaders to drive, cook, lead, plan games. You don't get a lot of down time because you're always a few steps ahead making sure everything is set and ready to go.

Coming to Plymouth is the first time I every went on a 'boxed' trip. Have you ever bought a 'bed in a bag'? It comes with a dust ruffle, sheets, shams, pillow cases & a comforter - all nicely packaged and ready to go. SERVE is like a bed in a bag. I don't mean that in a negative way, just that everything is pre-arranged and all I have to do is invite the students & then get them there.

Before I tell you my own perceptions, I want you to know that our students had a fantastic time, and that makes it all completely worth it. I had some in depth one -on-ones with several of our kids about their walk with God and how they have been growing. They were challenged, equipped, and engaged on this trip. I dare say that almost every student bonded with their small groups and walked away with new friendships and renewed faith.

Okay, now for my perception. The Redlands Site is extremely well organized and run. The host team was fantastic. The work sites were varied and you truly felt you were needed - not that they were coming up with work in order for us to feel useful. They had great pools for us to swim in, host families to take care of us, they took us to in & out burger, the beach, a hike, a concert...no complaints with any of that.

I guess my issue is that the theme and the talks seemed very, well, youth groupy. Our speaker was engaging, humorous, used some good illustrations - our kids got a lot out of it. My issue is not necessarily with her, it's more with how we do youth ministry. I guess after being in it for 7 years I'm starting to get a bit jaded. The scriptures were completely predictable. I think I've probably used the same ones in talks I've done. The videos and illustrations were funny, but I wasn't always sure they hit home the point. The theme was 'Living Inside Out' and I walked away still wondering exactly what I was supposed to get out of that. Every night we were given a challenge and had to write down something on a colored piece of paper and bring it to the cross. It seems like a cool, experiential, element, however I can barely remember the challenges and what I was supposed to do with all that. I wonder how effective and long-lasting those challenges were.

We also had a very genuine worship leader, however we sang the same 5-7 songs over and over, and they were songs where you repeat the chorus 15 times and build up the music, throw in a drum solo, then repeat the ending 7 times before moving on to the next one. Oh- and I forgot to mention that every song had motions. And if it didn't, well, we made them up so they did. I LOVE Jesus with all my heart, but I'm not huge into being a cheerleader & calling it worship. I'm sure that is worshipful to some, just not to me. Give me some thoughtful words with depth & let me sing them once so they don't lose their meaning.

Typically I come home from a trip feeling closer to God and on a little bit of that 'spiritual high'.

This year, I felt nothing. I didn't have any new insights about God or my life in Christ.

Thank goodness this trip was for the students and not for me. I can rest assured that God was present, that he was moving and working and he was glorified.

California....knows how to party....

This is Sue & Steph VanderHart. Steph was my youth pastor in high school - the one I told that I was going to have his job someday. :) These two people have had the largest influence on my faith besides my parents, and I have a deep respect and admiration for them. I'm so grateful for their role in my life!

Apparently this is where a lot of celebs eat. We didn't see any, of course.

Outside of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

Kerri & I having fun on the giant slip & slid on Friday.

In & Out Burger. Kerri & I both got grilled cheese :)

We met the "clear eyes guy", also known as Ben Stein, at the airport about 3 minutes after we got to LA.

Our team before heading to the airport.

And I'm off...again!

Another week long trip, here we come!

It's extremely disappointing that Marc can't come - It's now been almost 4.5 years since we've been together and he has never been able to come on a trip with me. It would've been the first, but we'll have to wait for another opportunity, I suppose.

Despite leaving my husband and son at home for 8 days, I am truly excited for this trip. We have an incredible speaker and I've heard fantastic things about this SERVE site. If I get a chance, I'll update while we are there, but for now, I should finish packing.

I made everyone bring their luggage tonight at 7pm and I haven't even finished! How's that for leading by example?

P.S. check out my blog list on the side- Redlands Serve has a blog - come check up on me during the week!

A cluttered mind

1. I leave for CA in 3 days. Despite switching leaders, changing airline tickets, registering a new leader and doing it all 4 days before the trip, I think all the details are falling into place. Marc can no longer go on the trip because his old job refuses to pay his vacation time. The vacation time that he's earned and asked off probably 6 months ago. Ugh. Anyhow, Kerri has graciously agreed to step in and it all happened pretty easily! I am grateful.

2. I want Kelly's baby to arrive before I leave! I just have this feeling it'll happen when I'm in the van on the way to Detroit or sometime while I'm gone. I can't wait to meet the little one & find out who he or she is! Praying for you Kel!

3. My training for the tri kinda sucked last week. And to be honest, the beginning of this week too. I went swimming over my lunch today and I'm going running tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to get in at least 3 runs next week during SERVE. We'll see how that goes.

4. We have decided to take in 2 exchange students again next year. I was thinking that with Marc working 2nd shift again that having only 1 student would be more awkward for me than having 2. Also, both boys could be upstairs, so no one would have to sleep in the small, windowless room in the basement. We really enjoyed our experience last year, and hopefully will love these new boys just as much!

5. Chris Schoon is leaving our church soon. I'm sure their family is going through a ton of emotions as they prepare to say goodbye to family, friends, neighborhood and church. I haven't slowed down enought to truly think how much this will affect our church, and our staff. I don't want to.

6. I need to study for my Bible knowledge exam.

7. Hennie Schoon is a wise woman. We talked a few weeks ago at a staff gathering and she helped me put something into perspective. I've been struggling with the idea that a year from now, Marc & I might be moving/leaving just like the Schoons. I love where I'm at and I love what I do. It's hard to think of leaving something you love so dearly to step into the unknown. Hennie reminded me of a lesson we all learned way back in preschool: taking turns. I realized that for almost 4 years now, Marc has been allowing me to have 'my turn'. He has followed me through 2 churches and allowed me to do what I love. I need to allow him to have his turn of doing what he loves. That may mean sacrificing for me, and while I hate to think of leaving Plymouth, I'm also becoming more open to what God might have in store for Marc & our family. When I'm honest, there is a growing part of me that is longing to be home with Isaac and perhaps that's what God has in store for me. Time will tell.

8. Only a few more weeks until Emilie finds out if baby is a boy or a girl! She doesn't even look pregnant yet!

9. I feel like the fall is going to be here before I know it & that stresses me out.

10. I'm disappointed that no-one came to my first high school bible study. I understand that people are busy and that summer is busy, but I HATE the idea that because it's summer, we just don't study God's word together.

June - more pictures

Isaac is really into dogs right now. Probably because it's one of the few animal noises he can make.


Our beautiful neice, Charlotte.



Spent a Sunday afternoon at the beach. Mommy & Daddy liked it, Isaac, well, not so much. The beach isn't a great place for you when you're afraid of the sand.

Isaac's first experience on a boat.

I keep trying to upload a video we took of Isaac singing, but blogger is having technical difficulties. Hopefully I'll get it up here soon!