Marlon

If September was a slower month of weekend prison travelling for Marlon, then October and November are certainly going to make up for it! It is a good busy...a good chaos...how blessed he is to be able to do what he loves and touch so many lives each week. I wish that you, especially those that support him, could see God working through him. The impact that is made on the men and women incarcerated in Wisconsin is amazing. To see new Christians discover salvation and weep at the Lord's mercy...to see Christians who strayed from His path-return and recommit their lives to Him...to see the rejoicing and gratitude in their eyes that someone would take their time to care about them. God is good and He has a faithful, devoted servant in Marlon. I am proud to be his wife and full of love for his compassion for spreading the gospel.
If you would, please pray for his strength as he is still grieving the loss of his beloved Granny and his focus on identifying some new institutions to work with.

Love and respect your husbands ladies. They are not perfect, but neither are we. Don't be a hindrance on their walk with the Lord, help them by encouraging them and lifting them up in prayer! Do not expect what you are not willing to give.

Yeahhhhhhhh!!!

God is so good. I've said it before, let me say it again.
God is so good!! So a few posts ago, I spoke about a job
at Elmbrook Church that I did not get. And how even though
I really wanted it, I was content with not getting it,
because I knew that must have meant that it wasn't the time.
Then a little over a week ago, I found out that the person
who had been hired-quit. Hmmm.... So I sent a little
e-mail and voicemail just to let them know I'd still be
interested and low and behold-they offered me the job on
Thursday!! It so exciting and I am so thankful that I had
this second opportunity. What fun it was to go in and give
my two weeks!! (Sorry, that was a little mean...)
My title is Administrative Assistant for the Children's
Ministry. You would be suprised at all of the administrative
tasks that go along with a ministry the size of Elmbrook's
Children's Ministry. Since the ministry is broken down into
subgroups (based on age), the Admin. Assist. is also the hub of
the department-connecting all of the areas and linking the
staff to what is going on.
November 14th will be my first official day at Elmbrook. There
are so many things that I am going to enjoy. No commute-it's only
about 7 minutes from my house. No unethical red tape-there aren't
political ties that determine how the director makes changes.
No stress-while I am sure that there will be some-it certainly
won't be to the level that I have now.
Thank you Lord for giving me this opportunity. I will take it and
make it Yours! Giving back freely and fully to your kingdom!

Just some morning rambles...

Well it's been a few days...the stomach flu struck the Pitchford house. The worst was probably Sunday with a little lag over for mom on Monday. There nothing worse for me I think than being sick. It's very hard for me to slow down and relax and do absolutely nothing around the house...lol! Marlon says sometimes it's like a blessing because he knows that I'm at least getting rest and not overworking myself.

So the soccer season is almost over. Any soccer moms out there? Then you can relate to these pictures! The cold! Oh my goodness it gets sooooo cold out there! I have to say with Marlon as the coach, the boys have really come a long way this season! Isaiah and Elijah are our soccer boys. Every fall and spring for the last three years, 8 weeks are devoted to soccer. As they've gotten older and really developed skill and passion for the game, I've seen it become an outlet for both of them. Isaiah-it's helped him become a very confident leader. Elijah-it is such an energy release and a place he can get frustration out. I know some people think competitive games aren't necessarily a good thing, and it'd be nice if there was always a tie...but that just isn't life. There sometimes are winners and losers. Doesn't make anyone "better" than anyone else, but it does teach them that they aren't always on top. As good as they get...sometimes a team is better. If the odds are stacked against them and they pesevere, don't give up and fight to the end...they've learned the self respect of giving their all. It's also a time to learn that everybody can't be the best as everything. We all have gifts and talents and sometimes are better suited for other things. Lastly, as parents and coaches we can help them learn good sportsmanship whether they win or lose. How winning can make you feel happiness, and losing can make you feel a little sad...but it's still just a game and life goes on.
Just some morning rambles...

HE is in control...

So I am not that incredibly happy at my job. While I love feeling like I am contributing to society in a positive way...there are many problems where I work and I keep getting the feeling that there is something more out there for me. Unsure what God has in store for me. I am not the kind of person who is only involved in social issues on the job, it is who I am. The ministries that I participate in, the charge I get from seeing others find success, the satisfaction I feel when I have helped someone else-been a true servant...it is not just an "on-the-job" thing, it's the way I try to live my life. So when I applied for the job at church and didn't get it, I must admit I felt a little let down, disappointed. There was a part of me that wanted to say, "Please...don't I deserve this? Just think of the impact I could have if I wasn't so stressed at my 9 to 5?" But who am I?
I have a verse on my computer at work. It helps remind me in times like that...that God is always looking out for me...always has my best interest at heart. I just have to rely on that. 1Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you" I don't have to know why or how something happens...He does and if I continue to put all of my trust in Him, only good can come of it.

Izzy's Birthday!!!

My baby is 7. I guess that means he's not a
baby anymore, huh? It is so strange and odd
to me that so much time has passed since he
was born! He is definately the youngest-
kind of a momma's boy (ok-not kind of), the
ruler of the roost and sen-si-tive...ooh that
boy is sensitive!
So I guess on everyone's birthday I will take
some time to tell you all a little bit about
them. Izzy demanded attention and to be
heard from the start-he was quite the crybaby
as an infant. He has always been my shadow, and
I know that I helped create that. He was the
last and I knew that, so I wanted to hold onto
that "babyness" as long as I could. He also
got to be in childcare by himself-so he has
always had his own identity and independence.
My cousin Tessie took care of him, mostly at
my Grandma's house next door-so there was
always a lot of ladies to dote on him. My Grandma,
my Aunt Linda, Tessie, my Aunt Mary was there
alot too. This helped Izzy come into his own
and not just be the "little" brother. I was
then able to stay home from work for just about
a year with Izzy. This made him even more
of my shadow!! :)
Izzy loves to clean. He is the only kid I know
who would cry because he couldn't wash the dishes
when he wanted to! He often goes into his room,
takes all of his clothes out of the drawer, and
then refolds them!! He enjoys dusting and
mopping. He also has an obsession with promptness
and following through. If you tell Izzy that
something is happening at 2-it had better happen
at 2! We actually find ourselves telling him to
loosen up and not worry so much about things.
Hopefully this is somewhat of a stage since he can
finally tell time on his own. Otherwise Marlon
jokes that he will have trouble hanging out
with the guys when he's older. Can't you see him?
"Oh-it's 11:50-curfew at midnight-we'd better get
a move on!"
Izzy knows who he is. He has confidence and a sweet
heart. He doesn't let anyone mess with him. Sometimes
he can see a little too tough-but he is always going
to make sure that if someone picks on him, they don't
do it again. Bullies beware because if you make him
mad, you will end up crying!
As I see him grow and change, my 4th child-it awes me
how God can make each of us so different. Their
uniqueness is wonderful and I pray daily for his
safety, his health and spirit, and his continued love
of Christ. He is only ours on loan, a gift from God
that Marlon and I get the privelege of building up
in Christ, so that he can follow God's path for
his life.
Happy Birthday, my sweet busy, Izzy!!

Weekend fun...

Another busy weekend passed at the Pitchford home. On Friday, Jordyn
had a birthday party to attend for a friend. Her paternal great-
grandmother went to Heaven last week and the wake/service was Friday
night, so I went to that. Her father's family has always been so kind
to me and even though Tom and I never married or stayed together, they
have always welcomed me.
Saturday brought another soccer game-and the team that beat us the
first time 7-0, we tied 1-1. It was a great game and the boys played
so well! It is so wonderful to see how they've improved over the season.
Jordyn spent the day with her dad's family and we took the boys to
lunch as a reward for their hard work. Then I had a wedding shower for
a young lady from Teen MOPS. She recently got married and we wanted to
help her start out with a small celebration. Saturday night I watched
my niece for a bit because my sister and brother-in-law took the boys
for ice cream and to the store. After visiting for awhile, having a
great conversation with my sister-in-law DeeDee and getting everybody
in bed, I headed next door to my grandma's house to watch a movie with
my grandma, aunt and cousins. Have you seen Crash? If not, you
should...it is almost painful to watch because it is so true...the
racism and prejudice that exists.
Sunday Marlon was up and out early (6am)for Taycheedah. The rest of
the crew got up and off to church about 9:15. After Sunday school and
service, we went to lunch with everyone (parents, Aunt Darlene, Connie
and her kids) even Marlon got to come as he was back in time. After
lunch, the grandparents took the kids bowling. I went along to help
keep an eye on everyone! Finally home, there was time to visit at my
grandma's a little bit again, grocery shop, get some laundry done,
finish up homework and finally-sit and rest!
God is so good! There is nothing to do but praise Him for such great
blessings all weekend. A life lived that touched so many! Health and
strength in our kids and their good sportsmanship, food and shelter,
the financial means to care for our family! A young lady excited at her
new marriage and hopeful of it's endurance! The ability to touch others
with His love and truth through worship, singing, and example. My cousin
Tony is enjoying church and is seeking ways to make positive changes in
his life! Thank you Lord for giving us more than we ever deserve!

Focus...

For the past months I have been praying for a little bit of
focus in where I should put my time and energy-ministrywise.
I have been involved in numerous ministries for the past few
years. Couples Ministry, Children's Ministry, Teen MOPS,
Brother Bob's Outreach...then those other one or two time a
year things like counseling at Breakaway or serving during
Harvest Fest at Elmbrook. I enjoy them all and the people
that I have become friends with are amazing! Perhaps because
I am outgoing and an overachiever by nature, it was so hard
to make the decision myself. Praying for God's guidance was
a natural request to make. Thankfully, God always knows when to
hit us over the head with reality. Wednesdays-when Teen MOPS
is held, was always a great day to be away. Marlon had his
bible study group at church, but Jordyn did not have any
activities. MOPS started at 5:15 (Marlon didn't leave until
just about 6) and was done by 7:30. This meant I could be home
in time to hang out with the kids for awhile and put them to
bed. Things change. Now that Jordyn is in high school, her
youth ministry meets on Wednesdays. She is loving the Lord and
we certainly don't want to limit her time spent in fellowship
with other teens who aren't afraid or ashamed that they have
chosen to put Christ in their life. Marlon attempted to find
another night for his men's group to meet, however, he was the
only one with a conflict on Wed. He needs this group and this
time. Aside of being his true, close friends, they are also
his accountability partners. The other wives and I talk about
how we can tell when they haven't had each other to turn to.
So my "handle it all" nature, leads me to start brainstorming
about how I am still going to get to Teen MOPS, who can I get
to watch the boys...until suddenly, God kind of hits me on the
head. Listen to the spirit. What have you been praying for?
So the decision to let Teen MOPS go was made for me. Just as
I prayed. I almost didn't listen, I almost put my concerns
and my judgement over HIS!
It got me thinking, howe often do we do that. Miss His answer
to prayer, because we are so busy trying to come up with the
solution ourselves? He is going to know what we can't see.
He has the master plan of our lives and it could be so much
easier if we would just follow His lead. We don't know, He
knows!
1Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time; Casting all your
care upon Him, for He careth for you.

Night of rest...

So yesterday when I left work I had the worst headache. The
kind that makes your eyes hurt and makes you feel nauseous.
When I got home, Marlon sent me to bed and took care of every-
thing! He called his bible study group to say that he wouldn't
be there, he got Jordyn off to youth group, took the boys to the
library so the house would be quiet and gave them their showers-
put them to bed. I slept from about 6:30pm until 11:30pm!!
After waking up for a couple of hours, I went right back to sleep
until this morning. It felt so good to sleep and even though
there is a little bit of the mommy guilt that I wasn't there...
it's so wonderful to know that I have a husband who is not only
able to handle everything, but is willing to do it!!

So proud....

Okay-so the proud mommy is gonna boast a little bit!!
Jordyn's progress report came back with 5 At and 3 A!!!
She also was given a letter from her principal that her
math teacher has recommended her to be a peer tutor!
She is loving school and I am so happy to see her coming
out of her shell and enjoy life!
Isaiah has chosen to get baptized this November. Our
church practices "believer's baptism", which basically
means that baptism is done when a youth or adult is ready
to make the statement that they believe in Christ and want
to show that in an outward expression of faith.
Elijah continues to work very hard on his schoolwork and his
last progress report noted that he always does his best and
takes his time. I am proud that he is consistently working
on improving and showing how diligence pays off!
Israel is still the charmer...he was given his first gift
from a girl in school yesterday-her bracelet! Of course, he has
to return it, but it's kind of sweet :) He continues to be
my shadow, doing everything he can to help around the house
and keep up with his brothers!
Okay...that's enough for now. I could go on all day!

Just another day...

I can't believe it is the 11th of October already. This year has really
flown by. That sounds so cliche', but it's totally true. I think time
does travel faster the older you get :)
Tuesdays are just another day. No major activities for anyone but Marlon.
He is the chaplain and spiritual advisor at Norris Adolescent Center in
Mukwanago and works Tuesday nights for a few hours. Jordyn is part of
the stage crew for the fall play so she stays after school until November.
So here's a question: When your life is so busy and full-how do you find
time to yourself?? I have struggled with that over and over in my adult
life. A few weeks ago when I was sick and had to stay home from work, I
realized that it is a great time to be alone when all of the kids are at
school and Marlon is working as well. Now that particular day wasn't much
fun because I was sick and slept pretty much the whole day...but a random
vacation day DURING THE WEEK sounds like it will work out great!! Keep that
in mind all of you mommies who work outside of the home as well as inside!!
Love to all of you!

Me & Marlon

This was taken at Kasie & Chris's wedding in May 2005. Hard to believe we've been married ourselves for almost 8 yearsssssssssssssssssss!!
Marriage isn't always easy and if you know us, you know we've had our hard times, but God is good and when we trust in Him, He can make everything right.

Our little lady...JORDYN

Here's Jordyn-all dressed up and some place to go!! She is a freshman in high school now, if you can believe that!

Those handsome Pitchford boys

Here are the boys. From left to right:
Israel, Isaiah and Elijah. It is amazing how they are such individuals...even being so close in age. I look at them and how they've grown and it's hard to remember them as little babies! You'll be seeing a lot more of them!

1st Entry!!

Here is our new site. Very new to this, so it may take a little bit to get used to it. However, as much as I like to talk and write-I don't think it will be a problem. Thought it would be fun to keep an online journal and keep in touch with what's new in our lives at the same time.