Having a Merry Christmas

I am sitting in front of our (gas) fire, and that is all that is keeping me warm right now aside from Neil's laptop on my lap. Our heater broke today, and the temperature in the house is at fifty something and dropping. I cannot even tell you how thankful I am that we bought a home warranty (we debated it) because we have used it several times already! We are waiting for the heating guy to come and look at our heater tonight. ASAP!

On a related note, my laptop does not like the cord that charges it. It no longer charges and I have been living without it for a week or so. I have been only able to get any computer time when I can borrow Neil's church laptop. Not sure what that means, and how to fix it. On a thankful note, I am happy that he has one I can borrow!

So what else is happening in our house? We are busy as ever, trying to find peace in the midst of the chaos. The boys have both started basketball, so they have practice every Monday evening. They are loving it, and I think it is really good for them. Becca's cheering schedule has slowed down considerably, which is great. Ava is totally potty trained, even dry through the night, and it makes me sooo happy.

[I can't believe Christmas is next week already!!]

Neil has been delivering newspapers every day for several weeks now. This has been an adjustment, some days it has been so hard. At first he was constantly tired, but I think he is getting used to his weird schedule now. Our goal is to survive the newspaper thing for two years. It sounds so crazy, but I think the financial benefits will be worth it.

As for me, I am working here and there still. My Parent's Day Out teaching job is very much out of my comfort zone and I probably won't continue it much longer. Ava attaches herself to me all day and I find it really challenging to work and play with the other kids when she is literally crawling all over me for my attention! As for the scrap job, I love it and find that it feeds my soul. I love the artsy aspect, the social aspect, and the schedule has been working pretty well overall.

[I wonder if I will get Christmas cards out this year?]

I am so happy that it is Christmas-time. This is my favorite time of the year. I love all the Christmas lights, candy canes, giving, vacation days, snow, visitors, parties, and I love that the whole holiday is based on the most important gift that was ever given. Our Savior. And for that, I am most thankful. Without that gift, everything else would truly be pointless. We love because He loved us first.

My kids have been sick. Mostly, Ava, but Evan also missed school due to a fever. I have been on the computer a lot this week. I have been working on the store blog. Interesting how much time it takes to work on small things that one who visits the blog might not even notice! But it's fun to do and I am glad to have gotten the job. Hopefully I will get better at it the longer I work on it. So far I have changed the background, banner and the music, too. Next I want to start adding more practical info to it.




I realized that I never posted my new hair color. Some of you have seen this on facebook, but if you don't go there, here you are. I like it, it's different and nice for fall.

Giving Thanks

From now until Thanksgiving, I thought I would spend some time sharing some things I am thankful for. Today I have been thinking about how thankful I am for my friends. I have been blessed with people in my life who have walked with me in my journey and changed who I am as a person. They have touched my life in amazing ways. Some in simple ways, where I adopted an expression that they said a lot, or took a change in my life direction with their guidance.

A few quick examples so you know what I mean. My friend Jennie in Pennsylvania . . . she shared a simple chicken pot pie recipe with me about five years ago. This recipe is now a family favorite, and I don't even need to look up the recipe anymore because it is memorized. A simple but valuable gift (just one of many) that Jennie gave to me.

Years ago, my friend Laura in MO used to invite me to her house. She is an artist, and I was jealous because I am a wannabe artist. When I saw how Laura would paint on canvas, I was inspired. I remember going to the store and buying my first canvas to paint on "just for fun". I started to paint more and paint with my kids after that. Sure, I am still just a wanna be artist but Laura was the first person who made me believe that I could do it anyway. Now art is my therapy!

Which is my stepping stone to how I got started in scrapbooking. Because of the gift Hillary gave me last year. She showed me how I can scrapbook without the stress of being in chronological order. As crazy as it sounds, I got rid of so much stress by scrapping in whatever time period I feel like! Becca's baby pictures are next to knidergarten pics in my album. Who cares?! :) That was a gift from Hillary.

My life is filled to overflowing with treasures that my friends have shared with me. I could share example after example of things people have done for me, taught me, given me, and inspired me by. I have a story for each of you reading this! Friends who are more like family even! People who I may not see regularly anymore, many whom I have not seen in years. But they came into my life when I needed them, they mean so much to me, and if I ran into them in the street I have no doubt that we would just pick up where we left off immediately.

God has given me little tiny peeks into heaven through my friendships. If you are reading this, you are probably my friend. I mean, why else would you care to read my blog right? ;-) So I want to take a minute to say thank you for being you. Thanks for adding something significant and special to my life. For giving me moments of joy and laughter, being with me in the tears and sadness, and for loving me in spite of me. When God poured out his love for me with friends, it absolutely overflowed and for that, I am forever grateful. xoxo

It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to.

Today has been such a nice birthday. I am now officially closer to 40 that to 30. I don't feel 36. That sounds so old. And I am not old. In fact, I think 36 is the new 26. So there! Take that!

Neil surprised me by coming home at 10am this morning, and telling me that we get the day together. My mom showed up at noon to watch Ava, and Neil took me to lunch at Joe's Crab Shack, where we enjoyed the most delicious crab legs and conversation. Then we went to the movies and saw Fireproof. I have to say that I am a cynic when it comes to "Christian" movies. I find them to typically be trite and full of bad acting. Last year was the Christian hit, "Facing the Giants". I was not impressed and apologize to anyone who loved it, because I know it had a big following. There were a couple of great scenes, but in general I thought it was a movie that gave the impression that if you are a Christian all your problems will be solved (brand new truck, won the game, got pregnant), not to mention some major over-acting. However, I wanted to go see Fireproof in the theatre to show support of a good clean family film with a message. I found this movie to be so, well, moving. A lot of tears were shed both on the screen and from my seat, and it was filled with action and a good storyline. The only critism I had was a little overkill on Kirk Cameron's tears at the end. Enough with the crying, man! Basically, I would completely recommend this movie. If it is still showing at the theatre, please go see it and support this movie. Fireproof does a great job of summarizing at one point what I believe, faith-wise. I would love for more movies that are good quality to be available at theatres. Most of the time Christians get the bad end of the stick on film, looking stupid or hypocritical. I do think there is an audience that would watch good story lines that are clean and positive with a Christian perspective. This was a major step up from Facing The Giants. Anyway, take it for what it's worth, whether you agree or not. ;-)

Tonight Neil is clearing the house for me so I can scrapbook alone in a quiet house. Isn't he a good man? You are invited to join me if you'd like!

What's up with us?

Just a quick note since it has been a while. Things are really busy at our house. I love my job and Neil is keeping busy with his. I started teaching at Parent's Day Out and was ready to quit by mid-morning. That is hard work!! I will stick with it though, and hopefully it will get better. ;-) Evan is done with soccer so we have this month off from any sports, other than Becca's cheering schedule. Next month both the boys start Upwards, which is basketball ... it is a sports ministry at a local church in Lenexa. I have heard such good things about it, and they are looking forward to playing with their cousins.

In other news I colored my hair a chocolate brown shade. I love it. I wanted to have a picture to share, but you know how that goes. Hopefully I can do that soon so you can see.

By the way, I will really try to have more interesting things to say in my next post! Thanks for reading anyway!

Baby videos

Had a lazy day at home today with Neil and Ava. We watched old family movies, which was a blast. I decided that I need to tape myself more because my selection is not the most flattering. The post baby videos are especially horrible. This is what my grandchildren will look back at someday? Ughhh, this is not good.

We survived the weekend. One highlight was taking our four children, along with four of Chris and Andy's kids to Taco Bell. As the ten of us sat there, we got all kinds of looks and comments. One couple asked us if they were all ours! LOL Which reminds me, CONGRATS to my friend Maureen who is expecting baby #8 next year! I am so excited for you! Watching the videos today, I said ooh, that makes me want to have another baby... after Neil laughed I said, okay not HAVE another baby. Maybe borrow another baby. Or, perhaps just HOLD another baby. That is good enough for me.

Speaking of Maureen, she just called so I gotta go...

The best time of the year

Is now. I love this cool, fall weather! It is so fabulous. Perfect for taking walks, football games, sweatshirts, trick or treating, fall photos, and more. Christmas is coming, but not so close as I have to stress about shopping budgets. Turning on the heater is great, although I don't look forward to the heating bills. Even this rain can't get me down. Why, I happen to love rain too. I just prefer it when I am home, under the covers with a good book or movie.

Pray for me this week. Neil and I are watching my friend's kids while they are away Thurs-Mon. So it will be madness. Kids are all out of school Thur/Fri and seven or eight kids running around here. I will need some headache medicine I am sure. Not easy, but totally worth it. Praying that the sun shines so they can play outside a bit!

Dave Ramsey

It is a quiet Sunday morning here. A beautiful day. Ava and I are home from church this morning, she woke up with a wicked cough and runny nose. I have a million things to do, but am enjoying not doing much at all!

As you could probably see by reading my last post with all my jobs going on, Neil and I have gotten on the Dave Ramsey plan. I think it could possibly be on the the hardest (yet rewarding) thing we have ever done as a couple other than parenting! It is taking every ounce of willpower we have to stick with it. But at the same time, it is inspiring to have a plan. That part is exciting. The down side is that I have never thought so much of money in my life! It takes getting used to not using credit cards, they have always been my security blanket before. So anyway, I was just thinking that I wanted to share this with you in case you are struggling in this hard economy with credit card debt, etc. If you need some hope, I highly recommend you check this out. Good stuff. If you have read any of Dave's stuff, tell me what you think!

Well, I am off to make lunch for my family so it looks like I was doing something while they were at church worshipping!

Snapshots of our fall.

Life in the fast lane.

The cord to my laptop broke a couple weeks ago. Right after the wireless modem of ours broke. Then our new cord was ordered, and mailed to PA on accident. They forwarded it to us but we have yet to receive it. So basically I can only get online late at night on Neil's laptop when he is home from work, or on a weekend such as today. This is a big lesson in patience for me! And Becca!

Things here are good, and very busy. In addition to my Arbonne biz, and working at the scrapbook store, I am also helping my SIL with an art class once a week that she is teaching. Then my friend Tracy asked me if I would be interested in helping with her Parents Day Out Program, teaching 2yo's once a week. I said yes, as we need the extra money and I can bring Ava with me. Suddenly, my fall is looking very busy!

On another note, my longtime friend Jill started a new adventure offering doula services. You have to check out her website at www.jillclingan.com and please refer her to anyone you know who is pregnant or a new mom. No more babies for me or else I would totally use her services! :-)

My new favorite magazine...

I found this really cool magazine that I just had to share with you, thanks to my friend who shared it with me! It's called KIWI, Growing families the natural and organic way. It is just chock full of good ideas! Articles like: 23 healthy school snacks, how to pack a waste-free lunch, peanut butter alternatives, and more. I highly recommend that you check it out. You won't regret it. Have I ever steered you wrong?? :-)

Mission: Yard Sale!

Yard Sales. I love them. It is so much fun to find fabulous treasures, and things we need. Like yesterday when I found Evan a 20" Mongoose bike like he has been neeeding at a yard sale for $15. I am finding that here in Kansas yard sales go much later, some are open until 5PM! Do people have nothing better to do than to sit outside for the entire day?! Not that I am complaining, because I totally benefit. So does my family. I am like that Proverbs woman who wakes up early to, well, okay, maybe she didn't yardsale. But I am getting good deals on stuff we need (no junk allowed) and saving tons of money. That's good for something, isn't it?? I really love a deal.

BTW, our church has Garage Sales going on as a fundraiser for Cachi, Argentina. So if you want to get rid of some stuff and help out (oh, and if you are local to us), too ... just let me know. Thanks :)

Job

I don't think that I have shared yet with you all that I got a job. Yes, a j-o-b. I never thought I would get another job, being as I have been self employed in some capacity for over 10 years now. But I have to say that I love it. Totally LOVE it. I spontaneously applied at a scrapbooking store that is close to my house, to work a couple of evenings a week. After interviewing (which required me to show them my latest scrapbook) they hired me. I am having so much fun, scrapping! I love that I can go and play for a few hours and then leave and not think about it again until I step foot into the store again. Scrapbooking has become my passion in the last year so to be able to "work" at a place where I would be all the time anyway, it is a blast. Tonight at work they told me that they want me to do some layouts and store displays. I think this will be a nice challenge for me, scrap wise.

In case you are wondering, I am still an Arbonne consultant and you can still get your stuff from me whenever you want. No worries! This is just a nice change of pace for me, and I am having fun with it.

Nevermind

I woke up this morning thinking about my post last night. I think I came across as ungrateful, and that was not my intention. So just nevermind my rantings. I appreciate that my kids have grandparents who spoil and love them endlessly. I plan to do the same thing when I am a grandparent. So there.

Remember.

I don't have much to say today, but wanted to acknowledge the anniversary of 9/11/01. So many lives affected, and each year I think about the kids who lost their parents, spouses who lost their other half, parents who lost their children. Today I watched both presidential nominees walk together--unified. Why can't it be like that more often? Today is a day of rememberence that can easily become like those other days where you carry on with your day and don't take a minute to remember the lost lives. I am hopeful that this country will never experience anything like that day again. I am so thankful that we live in a country where safety is something expected, rather than death by violence being an everyday thing (like some countries).

Just Fallin'

I love fall weather, and this week has been perfect for it! Cool temperatures, sweatshirts, football games(I am just not a huge fan of watching it on tv), seeing the leaves change color, bonfires with a chill in the air, picking out pumpkins, these are a few of my favorite things! I hope that we can keep this weather for awhile.

Northeast vs. Midwest slang

Neil said pop today. It was the first time I have heard him say that in about 7 years. The last time I remember him saying that was when we first moved to PA and he announced to the (then new) youth group that we had pop over on the table and they said, "What?". The other thing he did was to call all soda, "Coke". He would say, "Do you want some Coke?" and everyone learned quickly he didn't mean Coke specifically, just soda/pop in general.

I can't go back to saying pop. I am sorry, but I just can't. I think it sounds very, umm, hick. It sounds like what people THINK people on a farm would say. I won't do it, I can't. My PA friends already think that Kansas people all live in the middle of nowhere on flat land (ok, the flatland part is right) . . . I will not encourage it any further.

Now, I will go back to saying tennis shoes, even though technically sneakers is a more appropriate word.

And I am okay with saying y'all. (I hated the term "yous" that Pennsylvania Dutch people would say. It made me cringe every time, and in seven years I never got on board with it.)

So anyway, just wanted to share with you what is on my mind tonight. Deep thoughts, I know!

Some house pics

Okay, so I finally took some pictures of the house. Actually only pics of the downstairs and outside. Ava was sleeping so I didn't want to go upstairs and take a chance of waking her from my beloved naptime! We have spent a lot of time painting . . . everything was beige when we moved in. Color, well, it makes a world of difference!








The view from the front porch.



A couple shots of the back yard.



We feel so blessed. We think this house will be perfect for our family for years to come. We'd love to have you come and visit us sometime! :-)

Here's a meme.

Here is a meme . . . thanks to an old friend from college, Jennifer, who sent this to me. What is a meme you ask?
(I copied and pasted this)...
In the context of web logs / 'blogs / blogging and other kinds of personal web sites it's some kind of list of questions that you saw somewhere else and you decided to answer the questions. Then someone else sees them and does them and so on and so on. I generally consider these to be actual questions and not some multiple choice quizzes that determine some result at the end (what color you are most like, what cartoon character are you, what 80s movie are you).

This one is Four, four, four, four...

1. Four places that I go over and over: Target, Panera, church, Kids' school.

2. Four people who email me regularly: Freecycle, Tiff, Lisa, my mom

3. Four of my favorite places to eat: Panera, Pizza Shoppe, Olive Garden, The Cheesecake Factory.

4. Four places I would rather be right now: Hawaii, WDW, that's about it.

5. Four people I tag: Amber, Jackie, Becki, Jill.

6. Four TV shows I watch: LOST, Project Runway, What Not To Wear, The Amazing Race.

I am aware that I am long overdue for a post. It has been bothering me but I keep thinking I need to have pictures to post, and I haven't taken much so I wait. However, today I give up and I will write anyway!

The last month has been a blur in many ways. Getting into our house, painting, settling in, these things have kept me busy. I have to say that I lovvvvvve our new home. I love it in every way. I will refrain from gushing but let's just say most days I want to shout from the rooftops, "Thank You God!" because I almost do not feel deserving of this place, it is beyond fabulous.

School started, and the kids are loving their schools and meeting lots of new friends. Evan is playing soccer, and loves it. Becca is cheering for the 7th grade and loves it. The kids are all very happy with our new church and have transitioned well. Other than one meltdown for Becca and I each . . .

Ava is trying to make me into a crazy person, and so far she is accomplishing it. She exhausts me daily. In the last week she has finally started to get into a routine, so I may be able to save a piece of sanity yet! Potty training, while you would think it would be easy with the fourth now that I have such a wealth of experience . . . still seems challenging. I am training myself to be consistent with taking her to the potty. Let's just say that I am looking forward to moving past this stage.

Moving meant saying goodbye to familiarity and comfort, and starting fresh. This meant leaving the church family and friends in PA who loved us, knew us, and put up with us and all our imperfections. Starting over can be hard. I miss the comfortable, and at the same time I know that God has not called us to stay in my comfort zone.
It will be good in the end, of this I have no doubt! God is good, all the time. {Just don't mind me and my tears as I adjust.}

We are having so much fun with our family. We are also having a great time getting to know our new youth group. I can't wait to spend more time with them. Being here seems surreal, but in a good way.

Pictures are coming, I promise.

Summer is over . . . already?!

We are finishing up our summer break this weekend with the big move. The kids start school on Monday. In two days we will close on our house and start the moving in process. We will spend the next week cleaning, painting, and preparing the house. Next weekend (the 23rd) we will move all the big furniture in. I am so happy to get settled in at last! Looking forward to a schedule and routine!

Good House News . . .

Looks like we can get into the house on or before August 15th, and we can start doing yardwork anytime! Yah!

Living out of a suitcase is no fun.

Being homeless is hard. We are guests in my parent's house, but not. We have a million things to do, but can't. We have a lot of people we'd like to see, but don't know when or how, and have nowhere to invite them to. I can't wait to get into our own house!

Becca started cheer camp at her Middle School this week. Seems to be going well, thankfully. Evan is going to play soccer this fall, and is jumping into practices this week after missing the first few. I am running around registering the kids for school, getting school supplies, and taking the kids to the swimming pool so they can enjoy their last few weeks of summer vacation.

Did I mention that I can't wait to get into our house? :-)

Another Goodbye

The Friday before we left, my friend Lisa invited our family over for dinner. What she didn't tell us was it was actually a going away party for us. Lisa's family, along with Hillary, Blanca, and Sarah surprised us by getting our families together at Lisa's house. It was a relaxing night where we could spend time together one last time as a group. I love these girls, we have gotten together for "tea" and bonding too many times to count, and they have taught me so much. I am going to miss them like crazy!


Hillary

Lisa

Me and Blanca

Sarah "Sarita"

A fierce game of Four Square. Yeah, that's right!


All the kids but Breannah (who went to bed!)


Friends through thick & thin.

PS: Does anyone know how to center the words under my pictures??

The weekend madness.

What an exhausting weekend. Once again I am overwhelmed by the friends that God has brought into our lives here in PA. Saturday morning teens and adults from our church showed up to help us pack up the house. PJ (Pastor Joe, the Sr High Pastor), spent the day manipulating all of our home into these two pod things, called SAM (Store and Move). Here he is in the pod, with our friend Kevin helping load.



Here Neil is teaching some girls how to use a tape gun. I love how they are completely focused on what he is saying, LOL.

On Sunday we had a really nice sendoff from the Sr High and Middle School. During Sunday School students stood up and shared how Neil's ministry had impacted their life. It meant so much to hear all the encouragement and stories. Then they all prayed over us. Jim prayed and started crying, then I lost it and was a crying mess. After the second service there was a farewell reception where we were able to hug and say our goodbyes. I wish I could have gotten pictures, but it was too crazy until later when it settled down. Then I got a few . . .




Crazy Pastor kids. The Sr High Pastors boys and our boys love to hang out and be silly.

And then there are the "Big Boys" . . .





Kids saying Goodbye . . .



Joe & Karine



Neil and Joe made such a good team. They had opposite personalities that worked so well together. We will miss them a lot.

Sunday afternoon my friends Aminah, Jennie, and Maureen showed up to help me clean and organize the house. Before they arrived I was completely overwhelmed and didn't even know where to start! I am so THANKFUL for these precious friends. They worked so hard and didn't leave my house until after midnight. Thanks Maureen, for driving all the way from Lancaster to help. You are awesome. :-)


Aminah

Maureen

Jennie

Most of the house is ready to go now. We just have to get rid of some stuff, load some more stuff, and take care of small details. Then we are off to the beach for a couple days of relaxation before we close on our house here Thursday and start the drive home. Whew!

Excitement, sadness, and a little stress mixed in, (just for fun).

I am so exhausted. Tired of packing, tired of my messy house, tired of my kids asking if they can go see so and so "one last time", and lack of food and real utensils.

One of the highlights of my week was when one of the high school students came over to help me pack. Anna was at our house from 10am until after 5pm and she was a slavedriver. And by that I mean, everytime we finished a bookshelf, cupboard, or room, she would say, "What next?" right as I was heading to the couch to sit down and take a break! She was awesome, and we had a great time.

The other highlight was on Wednesday night at our going away party at BOB.


Of course we had to start with singing. It is essential.


Ava gets in on the act.


Jim and Frank, two of the BOB leaders, decided to "roast" Neil. It was hilarious.


We love these kids so much, and are going to miss them like crazy!


Ava with Megs. She was stuffing her face with pretzels, can you tell?



Becca and some of her BFF's. They have been friends since Kindergarten.


Evan with the Frankster.


Me with one of our fearless leaders, Holly.


Neil with a good friend, BOB leader, mentor . . . Jim. Jim has been in middle school ministry since, well, a very long time! His experience shows, and we will miss him so much!

Anyway. A couple girls made us videos that basically made everyone cry. There were much tears, hugs, and love given. I am so thankful for BOB and our experiences here. It has changed us, and made us better, and for that we will be forever grateful.