So tonight one of my goals was to check and make sure my passport was still valid and would be for my trip to the DR. We have a place we keep all our important documents, and in it tonight I found:
1. My passport, which is still valid. I think I'll have to bring along a copy of our marriage license, however, since on my passport I'm a Zuidema.
2. A $20 bill.
3. A $12 check I got to cover a lost hat over thanksgiving.
4. Our towing bill for $62 from last month which I am sending to our insurance agent tomorrow.
5. A receipt for $11.24 from one of the Christmas presents we bought someone and found out they already had it and now need to return.
There you have it, $105.24 richer in 5 minutes!
God provides in some creative ways sometimes, huh?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Thankful
Tonight I am thankful for the wonderful community God has given me through Plymouth Heights. I have made amazing friends and really feel a part of the family here. I'm thankful for our Oasis bible study - that we can all feel free to share stuff going on in our lives & will pray for each other.
I am thankful for having a washer & dryer. Our dryer was broken for about 2 weeks, and with 6 people in this house, we had a mountain of laundry almost competing with the mountain of snow in our yard (see Marc's blog). Mike Feys from church came over last night and fixed it all up. I never appreciated the convenience of having this amenity in our home. I do now!
I'm thankful for my family who watches Isaac while I work. Our family schedule is tough, but it would be truly impossible without my mom, sister and mother in law who all spend time weekly watching Isaac so Marc can go to class and I can go to the office. Kerri also helps a ton without much notice. I'm constantly asking her "can you watch Isaac for a sec so I can...". Thanks Ker!
I'm thankful that I have an ambitious and intellectual husband. I admire his desire to learn and pursue a dream of being a teacher. There have been so many times we've both wanted to give up on his education, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel. 3 semesters until graduation. Let the countdown begin!
I'm thankful for a healthy son. I keep hearing of health conditions of little ones that would be incredibly difficult to bear as a mother. I pray for those mothers and children, and thank the Lord that Isaac is healthy.
I'm thankful that we are able to live in this amazing home. It is a huge blessing to be next to church & work, have space to host meetings and parties and be able to have others living with us.
There are numerous times every year...okay...every month, where I get overwhelmed with life. I start thinking WAY ahead and freak out. I compare our life & situation with my friends and get jealous. I think of how far we have to go & get frustrated. I think things are impossible and I doubt.
Being thankful is one of my ways to combat this ugliness. So tonight, I'm thankful.
I am thankful for having a washer & dryer. Our dryer was broken for about 2 weeks, and with 6 people in this house, we had a mountain of laundry almost competing with the mountain of snow in our yard (see Marc's blog). Mike Feys from church came over last night and fixed it all up. I never appreciated the convenience of having this amenity in our home. I do now!
I'm thankful for my family who watches Isaac while I work. Our family schedule is tough, but it would be truly impossible without my mom, sister and mother in law who all spend time weekly watching Isaac so Marc can go to class and I can go to the office. Kerri also helps a ton without much notice. I'm constantly asking her "can you watch Isaac for a sec so I can...". Thanks Ker!
I'm thankful that I have an ambitious and intellectual husband. I admire his desire to learn and pursue a dream of being a teacher. There have been so many times we've both wanted to give up on his education, but we see the light at the end of the tunnel. 3 semesters until graduation. Let the countdown begin!
I'm thankful for a healthy son. I keep hearing of health conditions of little ones that would be incredibly difficult to bear as a mother. I pray for those mothers and children, and thank the Lord that Isaac is healthy.
I'm thankful that we are able to live in this amazing home. It is a huge blessing to be next to church & work, have space to host meetings and parties and be able to have others living with us.
There are numerous times every year...okay...every month, where I get overwhelmed with life. I start thinking WAY ahead and freak out. I compare our life & situation with my friends and get jealous. I think of how far we have to go & get frustrated. I think things are impossible and I doubt.
Being thankful is one of my ways to combat this ugliness. So tonight, I'm thankful.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Where were you?
This seems to be a question brought up often in regards to historical moments in time. Where were you when Kennedy was shot? When MLK Jr. was shot? Where were you when 9/11 happened? I bet the question will be asked, 'Where were you when our first African American president was elected/inaguated?'
Me? I was sitting in my rocking chair in the living room with my husband, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and two Korean exchange students. Isaac must have realized something big was happening, as he woke up mid-speech and came downstairs to join us.
I teared up as President Obama took his oath as our 44th President of the USA. Not because I agree with every platform of his, or believe that he is the 'savior' of our country, but becasue a beautiful moment in history was taking place. I tried to get a picture of Isaac with the TV on in the background. I wanted to capture this moment; a moment that Isaac won't remember but will have a picture to prove he was a part of it.
I am now dedicated to praying for our new President - that he will be given wisdom and courage to lead our nation in the right direction. I fear the outcome of some of the decisions that he will need to make, but that will only make me fall to my knees quicker. I suppose I would fear the outcome of decision regardless of who had become President. Whatever your political stance or view of our new President, please pray for him, and for the other leaders of our nation.
Me? I was sitting in my rocking chair in the living room with my husband, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and two Korean exchange students. Isaac must have realized something big was happening, as he woke up mid-speech and came downstairs to join us.
I teared up as President Obama took his oath as our 44th President of the USA. Not because I agree with every platform of his, or believe that he is the 'savior' of our country, but becasue a beautiful moment in history was taking place. I tried to get a picture of Isaac with the TV on in the background. I wanted to capture this moment; a moment that Isaac won't remember but will have a picture to prove he was a part of it.
I am now dedicated to praying for our new President - that he will be given wisdom and courage to lead our nation in the right direction. I fear the outcome of some of the decisions that he will need to make, but that will only make me fall to my knees quicker. I suppose I would fear the outcome of decision regardless of who had become President. Whatever your political stance or view of our new President, please pray for him, and for the other leaders of our nation.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Korean food, Kalamazoo and a Fire
That is what my day has consisted of. Actually, a bit more than that, but those are the things that stick out to me.
I had a Missional Action Team meeting at 7:30am, but woke up at 6:50am with the doorbell ringing. Jung was getting picked up for his TOEFL test in Kalamazoo, but he didn't wake up. So, down to the basement, wake up Jung, back upstairs, lay in bed for 20 minutes, get up, go to meeting, come home. Then meal time with Isaac and off to drop him off at my sisters house so I could drive to Kalamazoo to pick up Jung. I got to Kalamazoo with no problems, but since he didn't actually know where he was going to be for his test, I drove around until he called. After about 45 minutes, we finally connected and headed back home.
After over 3 hours in the van and feeling like I had accomplished nothing throughout the day, I had little motivation to cook. So, we went and picked up Korean take out. We feasted, and although I can't completely tell the difference between Korean and Chinese food, it was good.
Now, Isaac is in bed and we're wrapped up blankets in the living room with a rip-roaring fire in the fireplace. It's calming to hear the sound of the fire - even if it is gas and the cool 'popping' noise of the wood is missing.
I had much higher hopes of what I would get done today. I'm getting really tired of having such a busy life. People (what people? I don't know...just people!) say that life never really calms down, and especially when you add more kids. Honestly though, I don't believe that is true in our case. Let's see...Marc's working full time and taking a full course load at Cornerstone. I'm working full time, which often means 45+ hours/week. Trying to be good parents. Hosting 2 exchange students.
I think when Marc is teaching (summers and breaks off!) and I can drop down to part-time or no work - even adding more children won't equal the chaos we have now.
I often get anxious and start to worry about our future. Will Marc really be done in 3 semesters? What then? Will we have to move for him to find a job? Will we go overseas for a year? Will we be able to sell our house if we need to move? When will child #2 be talked about? When will we reduce our debt enough for me to not have to work full time (even though I TRULY love my work and ministry)? Will we ever be debt free?
My sister and bro-in-law are reading a book for their small group called 'Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate', and she was in the middle of reading it the other day when I walked in to do some laundry (dryer is broken). The chapter she was reading was about anxiety, worry and frustration. In just her description of the chapter, God convicted me of my sin. I tolerate this sin so much in my life - it seems to be a part of who I am. I was reminded that it is not a healthy part, but a broken part of who I am, and I need the Lord to fix me. I am guilty of not trusting in the Lord and his plans for my familie's future. I have watched God unfold amazing paths in front of us, and offer us opportunities I would've never imagined. I've learned countless times that I can indeed trust the Lord, yet I revert back into my depraved nature and worry, doubt and become anxious.
I am forever grateful that our God shows us mercy when we fall short and grace we don't deserve. I am a sinner in need of grace, and I praise the Lord for the forgivness of sins.
I had a Missional Action Team meeting at 7:30am, but woke up at 6:50am with the doorbell ringing. Jung was getting picked up for his TOEFL test in Kalamazoo, but he didn't wake up. So, down to the basement, wake up Jung, back upstairs, lay in bed for 20 minutes, get up, go to meeting, come home. Then meal time with Isaac and off to drop him off at my sisters house so I could drive to Kalamazoo to pick up Jung. I got to Kalamazoo with no problems, but since he didn't actually know where he was going to be for his test, I drove around until he called. After about 45 minutes, we finally connected and headed back home.
After over 3 hours in the van and feeling like I had accomplished nothing throughout the day, I had little motivation to cook. So, we went and picked up Korean take out. We feasted, and although I can't completely tell the difference between Korean and Chinese food, it was good.
Now, Isaac is in bed and we're wrapped up blankets in the living room with a rip-roaring fire in the fireplace. It's calming to hear the sound of the fire - even if it is gas and the cool 'popping' noise of the wood is missing.
I had much higher hopes of what I would get done today. I'm getting really tired of having such a busy life. People (what people? I don't know...just people!) say that life never really calms down, and especially when you add more kids. Honestly though, I don't believe that is true in our case. Let's see...Marc's working full time and taking a full course load at Cornerstone. I'm working full time, which often means 45+ hours/week. Trying to be good parents. Hosting 2 exchange students.
I think when Marc is teaching (summers and breaks off!) and I can drop down to part-time or no work - even adding more children won't equal the chaos we have now.
I often get anxious and start to worry about our future. Will Marc really be done in 3 semesters? What then? Will we have to move for him to find a job? Will we go overseas for a year? Will we be able to sell our house if we need to move? When will child #2 be talked about? When will we reduce our debt enough for me to not have to work full time (even though I TRULY love my work and ministry)? Will we ever be debt free?
My sister and bro-in-law are reading a book for their small group called 'Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate', and she was in the middle of reading it the other day when I walked in to do some laundry (dryer is broken). The chapter she was reading was about anxiety, worry and frustration. In just her description of the chapter, God convicted me of my sin. I tolerate this sin so much in my life - it seems to be a part of who I am. I was reminded that it is not a healthy part, but a broken part of who I am, and I need the Lord to fix me. I am guilty of not trusting in the Lord and his plans for my familie's future. I have watched God unfold amazing paths in front of us, and offer us opportunities I would've never imagined. I've learned countless times that I can indeed trust the Lord, yet I revert back into my depraved nature and worry, doubt and become anxious.
I am forever grateful that our God shows us mercy when we fall short and grace we don't deserve. I am a sinner in need of grace, and I praise the Lord for the forgivness of sins.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Isaac!
January 2008
Isaac's Baptism day - February 17, 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008 - Isaac and Ali sitting in a tree...
June 2008 - Father's Day
July 2008
August 2008
September 2008
October 2008
November 2008
December 2008
Happy 1st Birthday to my precious little man!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Rough morning, hopefully joyful evening
Isaac has had a rough morning. He slept wonderfully (he's been waking up at least once during the night lately) and was having fun playing with some of his toys. He tripped over one of them and slammed his face into the toy basket we have sitting on the floor. Blood came spilling out of his mouth right away and we realized he had bitten into his lip. Thankfully it didn't go through his lip, but he's still quite swollen and hurting. Poor little man.
We called the doc, but since it's not through the lip there's not much we can do except keep it from scabbing over with vaseline on it constantly.
We called the doc, but since it's not through the lip there's not much we can do except keep it from scabbing over with vaseline on it constantly.
We're hoping that lots of friends, family and his first taste of cake will make the day better. Isaac's birthday party is tonight, and if you're reading this, you're invited to stop by anytime after 6:30pm for a piece of cake and a look at Isaacs puffy lip! We'd love to see you!
It's amazing that he'll be 1 tomorrow! What a year its' been!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Hopes for 2009
I have learned over the years (especially married years) that I can plan, but God ususally has a different plan. I like to think about the future and start to dream about what may be, so I thought I would share some hopes and dreams for the next year. It'll be interesting to see a year from now what has happened.
* Pay off a few more debts & build up our Emergency fund
* Marc to get through 2 more semesters!
* Take a week long vacation with my family
* Have the conversation about baby #2
* Lose another 5lbs-10lbs
* Meet my neice or nephew, and several other playmates for Isaac
* Try several new recipes and learn how to meal plan a bit better (thanks for the inspiration Tera!)
* Know God and his word more.
* faithfully exercise (have now done yoga 3 times since Jan 1)
* Say "good bye" to Tim & Jung in June :( and perhaps "hello" to another student in the fall
* Fight with Kerri's friends, Mary & Jamie, to keep her living with us and not them.
* Read more books. I have many on my 'to read' list.
* Take more pictures and explore that hobby a bit more
* Have the conversation about our future post-marc's graduation.
* New renters or buyers next fall for our Quimby street house.
* Drink more water & less Diet Coke.
* Deepen friendships - be intentional in my relationships.
* Honor my husband more & better.
*
That last one is for you to fill out for me. Ideas?
* Pay off a few more debts & build up our Emergency fund
* Marc to get through 2 more semesters!
* Take a week long vacation with my family
* Have the conversation about baby #2
* Lose another 5lbs-10lbs
* Meet my neice or nephew, and several other playmates for Isaac
* Try several new recipes and learn how to meal plan a bit better (thanks for the inspiration Tera!)
* Know God and his word more.
* faithfully exercise (have now done yoga 3 times since Jan 1)
* Say "good bye" to Tim & Jung in June :( and perhaps "hello" to another student in the fall
* Fight with Kerri's friends, Mary & Jamie, to keep her living with us and not them.
* Read more books. I have many on my 'to read' list.
* Take more pictures and explore that hobby a bit more
* Have the conversation about our future post-marc's graduation.
* New renters or buyers next fall for our Quimby street house.
* Drink more water & less Diet Coke.
* Deepen friendships - be intentional in my relationships.
* Honor my husband more & better.
*
That last one is for you to fill out for me. Ideas?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Christmas in January
DeWayne and Leah...and the Care Bears. DeWayne got those to match his childhood blanket. :)
Marc and his siblings: Jen, Kerri, & Leah.
We celebrated our final Christmas party this afternoon. After having a New Years eve party, a baby shower and 5 adults on vacation for a week, I had no motivation left to clean things up before everyone arrived. Good thing my family loves me and doesn't mind a toy cluttered, handprint covered, messy house!
I am looking forward to all of us being back into a routine. I am remembering how desperately I need routine in my life, along with my goals. There is a part of me that longs for the days when I can stay at home with the kids (someday we'll have more than one!) and not have the chaos of working full time on top of being a mom. There is another part of me that thinks I need (or maybe know how to function better) in a busy or full schedule. Maybe I'm just saying that to convince myself that I can handle work/mothering. Of course, if (when?) I am blessed enough to stay at home I'm sure I will find plenty to keep my schedule full, but will it be a routine or new everyday? Will I be the type to schedule days to dust, do laundry, volunteer somewhere, exercise...or just fly by the seat of my pants. It's funny - I always believed I was a 'fly' type of person, but I really crave the normalcy a schedule brings. I guess we'll see when the time comes.
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