So let the sunshine in....

I told Ed on the way to dropping him off at school, that I have been very surprised by the weather here. 99% of me was expecting it to be raining. Every day. Because that's what we were told by everyone when we said we were moving to Seattle. "Hope you like the rain!" or "Wow...it rains A LOT there." So I started to think that it rains here a lot. I really didn't know any different. So waking up to cloudless blue skies and 70 degree weather the past week and a half has been quite a shock to my system. And I guess it has been a bit more rainy this summer than normal. It can go two months here during the summer before any rain falls. I know its coming though. Those rainy, cloudy days are coming. Just like in Michigan, I don't expect to see the sun for weeks at a time. I wish I could pack up a day like today to put away on a shelf for one of those rainy, dreary days when I was thirsting for some sunshine. Since I can't, I'll bask in the rays while I can and get outside as much as possible before the gloomy weather sets in.

In other news, we've landed at a church. It's actually the one we visited last week (with the smoke machine...though no smoke machine this past Sunday). It's a bit different than what we're used to, but it's going to be a good experience. We're both excited to find a place to land, get involved in and the kids love it (which is such a hugely important aspect).

Now if only I could find a job as easily! Not much of a market for a 7 year stay at home mom who's degree doesn't mean much now that it's almost 10 years old. But the search continues and I know there is something right up my alley out there. Just have to find the right alley. :)

Sam started 2nd grade on Wednesday. He looked so small getting out of the van and walking towards his room. It's still hard to wrap my brain around having a 2nd grader. He made fast friends and seems to really love it at this new school. We're so excited for this year and how much he is going to learn and grow. It is so different than the past two schools he has been at. Everyone is so friendly and the principal even knows Sam, Alina, Ed and I by name and people even greet us that we don't even know. This is a small balm with not knowing anyone here and helps to start making this feel like home.

Ed and I attended Vespers last night at his school. I was able to meet students that Ed attends classes with and some of their wives. It was a time of hearing from some staff and the president as to why they continue to come back every year. We also met in small groups and talked about our journeys of how we came to the school and what brought us here. There was also a time of singing and listening to 2nd and 3rd year students read of how their lives have changed in the short time they have been here. Last was prayer for the students in each program. MDIV students and spouses, Counseling students and spouses and Christian Studies students and spouses. It was a tremendously moving evening despite being very tired.

Tonight is the neighborhood dinner at a students house where we will meet others that live in our area. Looking forward to meeting more people.

Tomorrow is convocation with a worship time and communion, then a picnic for all students and staff.

The parents head home tomorrow night. Their help the past two weeks has been tremendous and we will miss them.

Ed started working Wednesday, doing inspections for the company he worked for back in Michigan. He has two more inspections to do today, so they are keeping him busy!

Job front on my end is still slow. Lots of jobs out there, but not many for a stay at home mom for the past 7 years. Still looking daily though and continuing to pray for patience and guidance.

That's all from this side of the country!

Our house

So we found a house after crashing at Jason and Mandy's (thanks again...a ton you two) with a day to spare before the big 'ole semi came. I don't really have any pictures of moving in day b/c:

1. It was Ed and I who moved everything off the semi, with the help of our amazing mover Dennis and his wife. He pulled up and said, "Where's all your help?" Our reply, "You're looking at it." It went really smooth and only took 4 1/2 hours to unload everything.

2. All our things had to go into the garage rather than the house as the carpets were going to be cleaned the next day. So moving went in stages. Truck to garage. Garage to house. Contents to cupboards, crevices, shelves. Any place that was open, something went in it.

Here is one picture of our kitchen/eating area before it started being unpacked.

















We're more settled now than we were a week ago thanks to Hillary, my parents and Ed's mom. It's been quite the two weeks!

The kitchen/dining area. Ed bought a wire rack and a microwave stand (and a microwave) as I ran out of cupboard space fast. I do miss my other kitchen, but am settling in well here.
































The green room. This is off the kitchen/eating area and warms up pretty good from the eastern sunrise (and brightens up really early in the morning too).





















A picture from the green room one of our first mornings here.

















The living room is where Ed's office is, the piano and the couches. It's a nice cozy place with lots of books to be read. It has two pocket doors, so the room is able to be closed off when necessary.





































Our bedroom. I thought our bedroom at the other house was huge. We rattle around in this one. I told the kids when company comes, they can come sleep in our closet. Or any of you with babies that come and visit us, your child will be sleeping in the closet. Seriously....it's big enough for a pack and play (which I brought with) and room to walk around it. Not because your child deserves to be sent to the closet. :)

















Our very green bathroom attached to our room. Glad I don't dislike green. The kids have been in the tub more than I have.
















Exterior of the house. Front and back. I took the mountain pictures today as I wanted to preserve them for all the cloudy days that we will have coming up. Either the clouds or the townhouses being built behind will come first. I think if I owned this house and lived here, I would be sick to my stomach losing this view to a two story row house that will be four feet from the back fence. So sad.

































































So there you have it. Our casa for the next few years. So come whenever you like. You will have a place to lay your head, a table to eat some food and some company that would love to see you.

1st Day of School

Today starts a journey for Ed that was placed on his heart years and years ago.
To become a counselor.
He talked about going back to school well before Sam was born.
Today he is taking the first step of a desire God seared inside of him so many years ago.
It has been quite the journey getting to today. Years of finding himself. Times of hardship. Times of growth. Today he was ready.
I am so excited for him that after over a decade (and then some), he will be learning about what he loves. That he is starting something that we have talked about for years. I know his heart is going to be stretched. Our marriage is going to be stretched. We are going to learn a lot of new things over the next three years. There are going to be sacrifices. A lot of sacrifices. But in the end, I know it will be worth it. It already has been worth it. To know he's going to be able to do what he absolutely loves makes it all worth it.
We are exactly where God wants us.
We are ready for the ride.

church: week 2

Yesterday we visited yet another church we found on-line. We had one picked out, but after doing some searching on their site, I realized that they use a video to teach the kids (which I'm not at all against, but to use it every single Sunday I don't necessarily agree with). So we went to our 2nd choice. Of which after doing some searching on their site, noticed that the sermon series was exactly what Jill posted about last week! We were very skeptical. So we went back to church #1, then church #2 and finally decided on church #2.

It was loud.
A complete 180 from last weeks church.
They used a smoke machine during the songs (of which we only knew one).
We met the pastor, the children's director, teachers and people actually said hello to us (and smiled while doing it!).
My parents even met people we didn't meet.
The drummer was on a jazz kit but it was absolutely, amazingly miked so well that it sounded like a full set (After the service I told him his drumming was great. He said thanks and that he broke two drum sticks playing. My response, "Sweet!").
The kids had a blast.
We found out it's a Nazarene church.
The song the sermon was on was It's Not My Time by 3 Doors Down and it rocked (even made my mom jump when the full band came in). The sermon was based in Daniel 3. Great sermon too.
I think we'll be going back again.

moving day

Two weeks ago today we flew away from very deep roots and our home state. Here is segment one in our journey to the Evergreen State.

Moving Day(s)

The day before our truck came, my brother, sister-in-law, 3 nephews and one niece from Ohio and my sister-in-law and niece from Belding came over to help pack. I seriously would still be packing my kitchen if it wasn't for them.









These are my two 16 year old nieces who when together are inseparable.











That night, friends brought over dinner and we enjoyed hanging out and laughing. A lot. It was a very sweet night.











Friday the truck came at 7:30 a.m. Friends came to help load and brought lunch. My brother and sister-in-law from Tennessee came along with my uncle, cousins and 2nd cousins from Northern Ireland to help us out. Our entire house fit on the front half of the 53 foot semi. Dennis and Karen (the couple who drove the truck) were absolutely amazing. They have been doing this together for 37 years. 37 YEARS!



The van was put on the back of half of the semi via a flat bed tow truck.














There was a lot of laughter during the course of the day. And at the end, a lot of tears. It sure hasn't been easy and I miss my friends so very much.

Today I realized that I am more than likely going to be grocery shopping for 3 kids (no...I'm not pregnant). There were 8 of us at the dinner table tonight. Three parents, us 4 and the little neighbor girl. I think she's going to be over a lot (she's been over a lot so far). I think she's going to be one that we are going to fall in love with. She's going to be going through a lot as her mom starts radiation for breast cancer in a week. I have no clue what her home life is like, but I do know it's different than ours. She still looks at us strange when we pray before a meal. I hope she feels comfortable in our house and enjoys hanging out there. I hope I can let my bubble pop and be stretched outside of my comfort zone. I prayed to live exactly where God wanted us to be. I think there is going to be a lot of growing in this house for all four of us. There already has been.

randomness

this is a quick post as the library closes in an hour and 10 minutes (one more week with no internet....it's hard!)

We are slowly getting settled into the house. It took Ed and I (plus our amazing semi driver) 4 1/2 hours to unload the truck. The next morning I woke up to my entire body unhappy at me. But we did it. The piano was last and is all snug in the living room now.

We visited a new church this morning. Electric drum kit. That's all I'm going to say on that one.

I'm still looking for a job. It's a bit difficult with no internet at the house and it's hard to look sitting in the kids section on a little stool with one or both kids asking, "do you have a job yet?"

People here are so friendly. Neighbors came over on the first day to introduce themselves (and pretty much shared their life stories in a matter of 2 minutes). The little 4 year old girl next door (who Alina has now made friends with and brought home the 1st day we were there) informed us yesterday, "I'm going to be gone for awhile as I have to go with my dad to pick up a friend who's getting out of jail." Boy...did we live in a bubble before.

The parents come tomorrow. We found a CHEAP couch/hidabed on Craigslist (LOVE CRAIGSLIST!) that Ed and I will be snoozing on for the next two weeks.

I know how to get to the store, bank, library (which are all within a block of each other) and the airport. The map has become a very good friend.

I have exactly one hour to scour for a job.

Pictures soon. Seriously.

we're here

It's hard to believe we had family and friends over a week ago today to help pack our house. It seems forever ago, but a lot has happened in the past week! Here's a quick update.

1. We loaded a massive semi (we couldn't have done it in 4 1/2 hours without our amazing friends and family...even from N. Ireland!) on Friday with our entire house. Our driver Dennis, is amazing at packing our entire house into 24 feet. We literally had 1 foot to spare.

2. We said many tearful goodbye's on Friday. I'll be honest and say it sucked saying goodbye. Though it wasn't a goodbye forever. They (and we) know we'll be back really soon.

3. We sent the kids back to Lansing. One with Grandma, one with Uncle John and Aunt Crystal, so Ed and I could walk through the house one more time.

4. We left our house of 4 1/2 years. Locked up nice and snug, ready for the next family who is going to own it.

5. We were back 1/2 an hour later as our realtor stopped by and he couldn't get in as the door knob was acting up. So with the help of our neighbors, we were able to break into our house (all the keys were on the counter) and fix the door knob (thank heavens for that roll of packing tape in the car).

6. We made our way to Lansing, spent the night, visited my dad in the hospital and took off to the airport on Saturday.

7. Flights went smooth, were all on time and all our luggage made it. We finally made it to a hotel that had vacancy after 20 hours of being up/traveling.

8. Our friends we met back in November (who moved here 2 months ago) have graciously given up their bedroom for us so we can have a place to stay until we found a house.

9. We found a house. It's further than where we have been looking, but realized quickly the houses in our price range in the city were in that price range for a reason. Ed will have a short commute, but will be in class only 3 days a week. Sam's school is 15 minutes away in which we will be driving him there.

10. We've spent time downtown, time getting lost (a lot of time...Ed bought a car compass), time at Sam's school, time looking at what felt like a bazillion houses and time at our new place.

11. I'm amazed: that there are Thai restaurants every few blocks, that there is a 2 story Target (that starts on the 3rd floor with an escalator for the grocery carts), that cars actually make it up the hills here without tipping over, how many pine trees there are, how beautiful the city is, that people will carry on a conversation with you even when they don't speak English and don't care that you don't speak their language, that there are palm trees here, that Starbucks charges $10 to use their internet access (even when you buy a drink), and how many organic stores and fresh farm markets there are.

12. Our parents fly in Monday. My dad was released from the hospital this past Tuesday after being in a week and a half and got the O.K. from the doctor to come here next week.

13. We "move" into our house today. More like move into the garage as the carpets are being cleaned tomorrow, so we have to wait until Saturday to move all our furniture in.

14. Pictures will be coming.

reliving the past

In junior high, the one thing that I always wanted (and never did get) was a skate board. Yes, I was a tomboy. Didn't like wearing dresses, loved being outside exploring and riding my bike (complete with a banana seat) over all the jumps that were made on an empty lot, cared very little about style and was a far cry from popular in school.

So when Sam saw a skate board today at a garage sale, we went halfsies. He paid 50 cents, I paid 50 cents. He carried it around to all the other neighborhood sales and even locked his door (when all the other ones were unlocked) so no one would take it. The minute I turned off the car in the driveway, he was running to the garage to don his helmet and biking gloves and started riding. It was hard driving away all the motherly worries of "he's going to fall and break his arm like his friend did. He's going to break wrists. His nose. His knees. He's going to break everything." and just let him be a boy. All I need to do is remember to breath, swallow my heart that jumps to my throat, smile and clap while encouraging. He absolutely loves it.

Who knows, maybe I'll take it for a spin after he goes to bed tonight.

pre-move

Ed gives great background information here about how we came to the decision of moving.

back to packing...

biker boy!

This past Saturday a little town next to us had a road bike race around a 3/4 mile loop. Men and women would ride for 40 minutes plus 5 laps (the same loop over and over and over again). There were wipe outs a plenty and standing right on a corner having 30 men whip by you at a high rate of speed tends to make you want to step back. I realized it was something that I would not enjoy doing as racers are mere inches from each other at all times. No thank you.

During the middle of the race there was the Tour de Kids. 4 races were held. The first was for 4 and under and on training wheels. They rode 200 feet of the course. 2nd heat was 4 and 5 year olds. 3rd was 5-7 year old and 4th was 7-9 year olds. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups rode one lap of the course.






Sam rode in the 3rd heat of 5-7 year olds. There were about 30 kids racing in this heat. Sam started at the front, but slipped off the pedals at the start and ended up in the back half of the group. We went down to wait before the finish and saw three little guys round the last corner for the last stretch and Sam was one of them. The three finished side by side and he was considered in 2nd place.


He also rode with the 7-9 year olds and finished 10th, but riders 1-9 had bigger wheels on their bikes compared to Sam who had to ride twice as hard to keep up with them.


He was exhausted, but he absolutely loved it! Each kid received a blue ribbon and a free t-shirt. I think we've created a monster and I'm sure there will be more races ahead.

new slant on an old love

I've had a long history of loving popcorn. I think now, more than ever, it has become one of my favorite foods.

One Christmas Ed bought me a huge jug full of kernels for my hand-turned style popcorn maker. I then went over to the microwave popcorn side. For years I was so-so in love with the 3 minute, fast made popcorn in a bag.

About a month ago, I was craving popcorn. Really craving it. To the point that I was ready to go out to the store just to buy some. I knew the handy bags were gone, so I started searching for some loose kernels. I knew I had some around somewhere. Alas, I found the jar with some kernels in it, but then went to look for my hand-turned style popper and then sadly remembered I sent it to Goodwill as it was no longer functional to my taste.

Think, think, think. Then! Then I thought I'd try it in a pan on the stove. Have never done this before, but I was really wanting that popcorn. For those that know me, you would be proud that I didn't even search the internet for a recipe on how much oil to use vs. kernels. I poured in oil, poured in kernels, lidded it, and started shaking over the hot flame.

After that first bowl, I was hooked. I don't believe I can go back to the 3 minute bag option. All kernels pop, which leaves less to throw away, I only put a bit of butter and salt on and off I go. And for $2 a bag, it can't be beat.

Ahhhh popcorn. I think I'll make some tonight.

day 3

This morning I get back in the saddle again to bike to VBS down the road. 4 trips total. It is only 1.4 miles there and going takes only 6 minutes. Coming home takes much longer as it is all up hill. And pulling 50 pounds up hill is not the most fun thing to do. Day one I had to walk part way up. Day two I barely (and I mean barely) made it up. I couldn't shift down any more gears. But I somehow did it without stopping until we got home. In the middle of this hill, while Sam is doing circles around me, this tiny voice comes from the back.

"Mommy? Why are we going so slow? I want to go faster please!"

At least she used her manners.

from here

today was the day of no turning back.
the point of no return.

today we sealed our decision with 4 one-way tickets to Seattle.

no, the house hasn't sold.
no, we don't know where we're going to live or work.
we don't know a lot.

but one thing we do know. after more prayer than we even thought possible, seeking His word, and more prayer, we're taking a risk God has planted in our hearts to do and we're doing it. we can't disobey. this is truly a step of faith.

a step that's happening in 3 1/2 weeks. August 16th, we're getting on a plane at 3:00 pm to fly to the other side of the country without a return flight planned.

until christmas.

Two things I think are great surprises for myself.

1. Forgetting that I folded all laundry from the dryer, go to do laundry, open the dryer and find there are no clothes to fold. Score!

2. Forgetting I cleaned out the dishwasher, go to get ready to do the daily, unexciting task of cleaning out the dishwasher just so it can be loaded again, open the dishwasher to find it only 1/4 of the way full of dirty dishes! Ahhhhh bliss.

Either I'm becoming forgetful or I'm in such a sad state that an empty dryer and barely full dishwasher become such exciting things that help make my day.

Probably a bit of both.

a few nature pictures for you

I've been meaning to show some pictures of our beautiful wildlife here at our home and finally got around to downloading the photos off the camera from weeks ago.

Our first stop is a lovely oblong specimen. Anyone ever read this book? We actually have it and it didn't CLICK (ha ha ohhh ha...ehem) until after I let this beastly looking (of a fine specimen) go that it was one in the same. It scared the living daylights out of me when it did click that soon after I let it go back to its habitat. If I was thinking straight, I would have put it on its back to see if it really did click over to escape. But no....its image was starting to fuse into my brain and I knew I needed to let it go before it seeped into my subconscious and I started having dreams of big black looking eyes clicking every time they closed, chasing me down a dark tunnel with no light at the end...






So, onto our next fine specimens. Now these lovely, cute, cuddly little beasts are all but that. Oh...they may look cute and cuddly and I would've totally gotten closer, but my insides SCREAMED at me to stay away. Far, far away. These lovely little stripped fur balls live under our back deck (as far as we know). I thought there were only four, but alas! There are six! Though I did hear a skirmish the other night between something large and something small, and I think there may be less than six. And I do need to thank our dog sized groundhog, as I believe he/she is keeping them away as we haven't seem these fine looking pieces of black and white fir for over 2 days. Sure beats the weird looks I got from the store clerk while I put up 6 1/2 gallons of ammonia to pour around the deck (which didn't faze these cute pups one bit and it rained that night, so I'm not doing it again). So Mr./Mrs. Groundhog, thank you!




Now...I know these are not living creatures, but they were thriving and growing. Until we picked them. Still looking at this picture, my mouth waters and I have to keep typing so I won't go diving into the freezer to eat these succulent morsels! This was our first time strawberry picking. (I must say that Sam is the strawberry picking king!) 11 pounds of strawberries made us nine 1/2 pints of strawberry jam and 4 quarts of whole strawberries left over. We have yet to indulge in these juicy bites of yumminess.


So now I must say cheerio as the children are screaming outside and I need to make sure both come in unscathed.

here an ear, there an ear, everywhere an ear, ear.

This event took place last night. Ed and I were sitting outside chatting while the kids were "supposed" to be in bed and Sam came to the sliding door.

Sam: Dad? I need to tell you something.

Dad: What is it?

Sam: I did something.

Dad: And what would that be?

Sam: I put a piece of paper in my ear and I can't get it out.

Dad: Why did you do that?

Sam: So I could show my friends that I can pull a piece of paper out of my ear. Like a magic trick.

Dad: Come here please.

After much looking we couldn't see evidence of a piece of paper. Sam informed us that it was a tiny ball and he pushed it way in there. We tried ear wax removal with a warm water bath, flashlight, tweezers (not too deep in there...no worries), but to no avail, that piece of paper would not come out. I informed Sam that we were going to have to go to the doctor the next day as it could not stay in there. He was in tears, scared and really sorry. We then headed him to bed and told him to lay on the side he put the paper in to see if it would come out during the night.

In his room:

Mom: Where's the piece of paper you used?

Sam: Right there. My math flash card.

I lift up the card and see a tiny piece torn off the edge.
He goes to lay down and I move his blanket to cover him up.

Mom: Is this the piece?

Sam: IT IS!!!! (relief and a huge smile on his face) I was praying about it too!

Dad: What did you pray?

Sam: "God please take it out. God please take it out."

Mom: That's pretty awesome that God answered your prayer isn't it? He was protecting you and keeping you safe.

Sam: It sure is! (awe all over his face) I'm glad he answered my prayer.

Mom and Dad each: Me too!

Sam was so awed and amazed that God would answer his prayer and I think it had a huge impact on his faith and trust in God. It was a pretty cool experience to witness. Seeing your child in awe of God and being so thankful to Him.

This morning it was the 1st thing he told his sister about. "God took a piece of paper out of my ear!"

waiting

It has been a bit discouraging seeing and hearing people moving ahead with plans that have to do with their future, and sitting here not moving. People that I have been in contact with in WA are now packing and moving away now that their spouses are done with school. People that we have met are packing up and moving to WA to start school. We are neither packing nor moving. We're waiting. In limbo.

At times I feel like this verse:

"I am exhausted from crying for help;
my throat is parched.
My eyes are swollen with weeping,
waiting for my God to help me." Ps. 69:3

When I see my husband leave every day to a job that sucks life out of him ounce by ounce, tears me up.
Cleaning the entire house for someone to come through and 6 minutes later leave and not like it.
Pinching pennies until they start to cry.

It's easy to slide down the despair slope, it goes fast and there is no end in sight.

During these times, I have to literally stick my feet out on each side of the slide to stop my emotions and thoughts from careening and pray. A thought provoking, detailed prayer comes out: "HELP!"

These are the verses my Rescuer gives to me.

"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

So I turn around and start climbing back up the slide. Not an easy task. There is a lot of slipping, bruised and cut knees from falling. Growing takes a lot of effort, sweat and hurt.

Our house isn't sold, but we believe we are obeying and have learned SO much more than we ever thought.
My husband's lifeless job is still there day after day, but I see where God has used him and continues to use him in others' lives.
The pennies are still crying, but we have not gone hungry and have seen God's hand provide for us through others in so many ways.

The last 3 months have been very long, but we will not give up. It's tempting to sit down and let the slide carry me. There is no answer yet, we are still in limbo and who knows what is going to happen. But I am thankful for this testing period. Joy in trials. What an oxymoron. What an awesome God.

pictures

Here are the pictures I've been meaning to post. We lost our power again on Sunday and it came back on today (Tuesday). It was quite the adventure the past few days with no electricity, water or being able to flush the toilets! ;)

This was right after the huge wind came through.




















This pine tree snapped right off (we're still not sure why no other pine trees in the same row were blown down). This is also the same pine tree that I hit with the tractor...

















This was our neighbors driveway. One of our trees took out two of their trees, one of which landed in their garage.



















This is the other tree that came down. If the wind came from the other direction, the entire top would have been in our bedrooms. This tree used to tower high over the house. The wind took the whole top off.






















This is from the street looking down the valley.



















Saturday friends came over to help clean up (as we had an open house on Sunday).

































Looking down our street after the storm. No one could get through as there were trees and power lines down, covering the street.





















Lastly, what was left of our for sale sign. It was found plastered to the road by the neighbors.

craziness

Not sure what went through yesterday, but it was scary enough for me to scream at the kids to get in the basement as I thought the house was going to blow away.

1st was hail.
Then the power went out.
Then this horrendous wind blew.
It was white outside and I couldn't see the tree that is two feet away from the window.
Instinct kicked in and we ran to the basement.

30 seconds and it was over.

I assessed the damage.

It was the most bizarre thing I had seen. In the back, one plastic chair blew off the deck. Sam's soccer nets were still standing. Nothing damaged at all.

In the side yard, two huge silver maples were down. The back half of one and the entire top of the other. If the wind came from the other way, our house would've been crushed.

Our power came on 24 hours after it went out. I'm dirty and sweaty from lugging tree branches to the back yard. Friends came brandishing chain saws to cut up the trees.

Our for sale sign is gone.

Pictures to come.

the grass could be greener on the other side

I found out yesterday that:

1. Trees do not move.
2. Grass is very slippery when wet.
3. Metal is very hard.
4. Plastic cracks.
5. Wood comes apart easily.
6. I'm thankful I can still walk.

Today I'm finding that:

1. My body feels like it went through the wringer, dryer, washer, stretcher and any other torture device you can think of.

What did I do?
I mowed the lawn.
In the rain.
5th gear the entire time.
Ran into a tree (and am pretty sure I dented the trunk of it).
Cracked the entire front and top of the tractor cover.
Waited for it to blow up.
Ran over a stump (with the blades going).
Almost went over the top of the tractor (due to said stump stopping it).
Knees hitting metal were the only thing that kept me from flying off.
Waited for it to blow up again.
Peeled a board half way off the shed while putting the tractor away.
Saw the entire front of the shed bow in along with the peeling board.
Finally got the tractor in with the shed still standing.
Turned off the tractor before it blew up.


I was going to take a picture of the tractor, but Ed hasn't seen it yet and I want him to live another day.

One important note...my gracious husband was not the least bit frustrated, but smiled when I told him these sad turn of events. That spoke volumes to my heart.

13 amazing years

May 20, 1995 I said "I do" to the man of my dreams. I was but a child (at age 20), but the one thing I knew was that my Savior placed this man in my life so I could experience an adventure like never before.

What an adventure it has been.

I still had 4 years of school to complete (it was the 6 year plan) and you sacrificed so much for me to be able to finish my degree.

We somehow made it through the first couple years of you being to work at 6 a.m. and me being in school full time and coming home from work at 11:30 p.m. every night.

You introduced me to backpacking (amidst mosquito's and hyperventilating) and I thank you for not listening to my pleading of leaving me at the camp site and making a boat come and get me.

From finishing school, to job changes, to moves, to babies, to life choices for our future, you have always been by my side. Never wavering in your love for me.

We have had several rough patches, but have come out stronger. We have learned about ourselves through each other. Our marriage has been stretched so tightly and yet we have not broken. Our Lord has carried us many a time and we have used His example to carry each other many a time.

I will not ever forget this past weekend of celebrating our marriage. From wanting to impress you on the hardest mountain biking trail I have ever done, to climbing the ski hill to the tippy top and celebrating communion together. From reading scripture to sitting humbly with the wind whipping around us, having my feet washed in a gesture that moved me profoundly. From kneeling before you, weeping with thankfulness for your friendship, sacrifice and example while washing your feet, to praying together.

Thank you for living this adventure with me, for loving me when I'm grumpy, crying and have no idea how to express myself. Thank you for your patience. For being you.

I look forward to the next weeks, months and years of where God will take us, use us and grow us.

I love you.

Today was an amazing day. Ed went for his morning ride to the ski hill while the kids and I "slept in" (until 7:15 today!!). Ed and Sam had talked about going mountain biking later in the day and Ed has wanted me to come along for the longest time. So I called my brother and sister-in-law of whom were going to be home and would love to play with the smallest one of our family. Bikes were loaded, GU was distributed in the bladder packs and off we went.

I was actually pretty nervous about riding. Last time I was out there (2 years ago? 3 years ago? I can't quite remember) I clipped some trees with my handle bars and went off. Sam has been out there more times than I have. Also, I have heard many stories of guys throwing up, others who have broken bones, concussions, and have seen many pictures of gashes and flowing blood. So, yeah, I was scared. This was also the first time I've ridden off road with clip shoes. THAT was my biggest fear. I think I pictured myself every way possible of what would happen if I wasn't able to unclip my shoes from the pedals. Falling down a hill. Falling into the stream. Running over Sam. Going head first into a tree (that had happened this morning to one of the guys Ed rode with), breaking bones, flipping over the handle bars, scraping flesh off exposed body parts (it's only a flesh wound!). So yes, I had worked myself into a fine mess.

We dropped off the Little Miss, drove a bit to the bike parking lot and started on our way.

Sam lead, Ed was the middle and I brought up the rear. 30 seconds into the woods I hear this screaming. I thought it was Sam saying "HEEEEYYYYYYY!!!!" and both Ed and I said, "What Sam?". The 2nd time we heard it, we thought it was a bird. The 3rd time, both Ed and I stopped as we heard it loud and clear coming from a spot we just passed. it was a continuous scream. We hopped off our bikes, told Sam to stop and started heading towards the noise.

This is what we found.

















We're pretty sure it was born that morning as it was still wobbly on it's legs. Isn't this the CUTEST little thing EVER? It's bleating cries tore at my heart. I wanted to scoop it up and take it home. It came out of the woods and walked right up to Ed and looked at him with those big brown eyes and kept on bleating. I have never seen wildlife this close. You could see its fur crusted where it was once wet from being born. All the intricate white dots on its back. The spider webs stuck to its eyelashes from the bush it emerged from. It was breath taking and absolutely amazing. What an amazing experience that will probably never happen again.

We didn't touch it (though we wanted to SO bad) and it finally went up the hill, all the while bleating for its momma, and we had to continue on.

So I didn't throw up (though every time we stopped during the 1st two sections, I had to talk myself out of it), I came home with no broken bones, I only have one small gash on the back of my calf, I made it through this crazy stream crossing, and one of the things I absolutely loved watching was Ed. Seeing him in his element, seeing him come to life, seeing him wield his strength on the hills and with his bike.

The other thing I loved was seeing Sam in a different venue. He didn't complain once. He encouraged other riders going by. He encouraged me so many times. He was so proud of himself for making it up huge hills. He wiped out, got back on his bike and kept going. He was a huge example to me in the area of attitude.

Yes, I was outnumbered in gender and ability, but it will be one experience I will cherish deep down for a very long time.

Today our daughter went under the knife. Trigger finger on her right thumb. If she didn't have the surgery, she would eventually never be able to bend her thumb, so surgery it was. It was outpatient, but she 1. still had to be put under and 2. had to be cut open. That was enough to make me nervous and toss and turn in bed throughout all of last night.

5:30 Ed and I were up to get ready. 6:10 we left. 6:40 got to the medical building. 7:30 had to write her initials on the thumb she was having surgery on (only to check it so many times I lost count afraid I initialed the wrong one and mess everything up). 7:50 she was put under. 8:10 the doctor was done. snip, snap, sew and that was it. We blew that popsicle stand by 9:40 and headed out to get a pancake for the princess who looked ready to jump in the boxing ring complete with bandaged right hand and a left hand taped to hold on that Barbie band aid which was holding on more gauze (to stop the bleeding from the IV entrance).

She's doing amazing and has bounced back full force. We were given a prescription for tylenol with codeine, but waited to fill it. So far, she has been going on two regular strength chewable tylenol tablets.



We had to take some fun pictures to remember this day by (hence the jumpsuits and hats over faces to make her laugh). Her only tears have been when she tries to use her right hand and isn't able to.














She's a huge trooper. I'd be milking it for all its worth, but not her. So many times I've gone to help her and she looks at me and says, "Stop please. I can do it myself." Addah girl.

splintered

Have you ever felt like you've been hit with a 2x4 right between the eyes? I don't mean literally. More specifically, spiritually. This has happened more than once this past week and let me tell you...it leads to one hurting head and eyes that see oh so much clearer.

The 1st 2x4 was more like a wake up call. To pray.

The other 2x4's were at church last night. I asked to have a Sunday off of helping lead music (thank you Anne!!) to sit through a service with my husband. We decided to attend Saturday night and sure enough..I end up in tears by the end of the sermon. Our pastor taught from the book of James and how having joy through all sorts of trials is a choice.

Some trials given where joy can be chosen:
Loosing a job: ding! yes to that one.
Cracks and rocks in the marriage: ding! yes to that one.
Financial stress: ding! yes to that one.
Waiting for a house to sell: ding! yes to that one.

Choosing joy: loud annoying buzz: haven't chosen that one.

Being refined and coming out on the other side looking like a nice shiny, beautiful gravy boat (it does make sense if you heard the sermon) is so much more worth it than being filled with envy and frittering my life away. Being broken so something else can be built up and come out stronger. Choosing joy is not easy, but so worth it on the flip side.

I still haven't sorted out everything that is going on inside.
I'm still messed up from all the 2x4's last night.
And it's a great thing.

tiny tidbits

All 2T and 3T pants that are high waters (but fit in the waste) for Alina make amazing capri's when rolled up. No need to buy capri's for the summer! Sweet!!

Recipe for trimmed off pieces of a homemade pie crust. Roll out, brush with butter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, cut up and bake. Tasty little treats! Would be fantastic drizzled with chocolate sauce on top of ice cream...

Free entertainment and exercise at the airport viewing area. Lots of room to run and picnic tables to eat at while watching airplanes take off and land. We did that between the downpours today.

$1 off coupon for grocery store brand ice cream that is already on sale. End up paying $1.50 for a 1/2 gallon. Can't beat that!!

Pureed spinach mixed in spaghetti sauce for that extra veggie.

I had bread dough left over for the calzones (that were filled with spaghetti/spinach mixture), so I cut the leftover in half and gave one chunk to each kid. Instant playdough they could roll, cut up, and even eat if they wanted to (rolling pin, cookie cutters, bread cutter and pizza cutter). Quick clean up with no crumbs and into a baggie for each they went, to be pulled out the next day. They literally begged the next morning after breakfast to play with it.

knocking itself senseless

How many times will a Robin fly into the window before it tires out? Too many to count.

Yesterday a Robin decided that our sliding door needed to be flown into. Repeatedly. Smudging and pooping all over the squeaky clean door. It was starting to become annoying. Sam found his sword and went outside yelling, "GET AWAY ROBIN!!!!" chasing it around the yard with sword held high. That worked for about 20 minutes. Then it started back at the door. I finally closed the blinds and that seemed to work.

But said Robin was not done ramming itself senseless into clear glass. Sure enough, that same Robin had come to the front of the house and started on the living room windows. It would sit on edge and stare in the house to catch its breath before starting again. It was very nerve wracking having a bird looking in at you. At one point it turned around and mooned me. Lifted it's tail and squished it up against the window. Now seriously bird, did you really have to do that?

So I closed all the blinds to the front windows. I refused to turn on the lights as it was now dark in here. It finally went away.

Until 7:00 this morning.

I thought one of the kids was up making racket in the kitchen. I flew out of bed ready to scold him or her as Ed was downstairs meeting with a friend. By the time I got to the hallway, I heard their snores and knew right away what it was. Robin. I refuse to sit inside with the blinds closed all day long. Anyone have any ideas how to get rid of this bird?

pajama time!

Tonight is what we call pajama movie night. We've started a new family tradition on Friday nights of getting our jammies on, taking dinner downstairs (on top of lots of blankets so the new carpet is spared), and watching a movie together. I missed the 1st jammie-movie night of which the 1st part of Gone With The Wind was viewed. The 2nd jammie-movie night was the 2nd part of Gone With The Wind (we're still perplexed as to why the kids wanted to see it and why 1 out of 2 of them stayed awake through the entire movie). Tonight is the 3rd edition of jammie-movie night. Homemade pizza is on the menu (bbq chicken for 2 adults, chicken and pineapple for 2 kids). I think the movie choice is going to be The Wild. I'm looking forward to it already. The kids ask for it every week and I hope it continues as a tradition they carry on with their families some day.