Globetrotters

So much fun this afternoon! Of course it totally wore me out (so much so that I am aleady in my jammies!!) but it was such fun. Elijah had a blast--all the boys did really. It really touches me at how happy for each other they can be. There was no jealousy that Elijah was chosen for a "Jr. Globetrotter"...no complaining that he got to sit on the bench and clown around with the players. Whenver I see children acting foolish and being disrespectful--I am happy that we normally don't have to worry about that with the boys. Are they perfect? Hardly. But they know respect and know their place. Nothing worse than kids that think the world revolve around them. Of course-that's normally a parents doing---the kid is just who's going to have to suffer through teen and young adult years as they realize that isn't true! Can you tell there were a ton of wretched little tantrum throwers--fighting with their siblings and parents there??

So anyway...lol...since we decided to just stay home in our jammies and watch TV, make popcorm and play Monopoly until midnight I thought I'd get online and post some pictures. Since it's working well I stuck some of the Christmas ones on as well.




Have a safe New Year's! For those of you drinking--please don't drive. For those of you not drinking, but having to drive home from parties and bars--please be careful for those drunk drivers. May 2007 bring you hope, prosperity and a relationship with Christ in a way that you've never experienced! God Bless!

A few picture from Christmas Eve at Pitchfords

This is Micah-cousin Nori's daughter. She loves to play with the boys and they of course love to tease her and have fun. She is a total spitfire so she can totally handle them! This girl has house shoes (slippers) to match every outfit!!


Kwame and Tabia--had to catch a picture of them together--especially with him showing affection!!! lol



Uncle Jerome playing Santa---that man makes a production out of everything...lol...it's why we love him so much though!! Auntie Geri, Elijah and Phillip open their gifts.

Christmas Eve at Pitchfords

Here is our beloved Pops-hanging out probably wondering when all the loud and crazy people are gonna go home...lol! He usually gets in his chair and stays there most of the night.

This is Auntie Jean and Dee Dee. Auntie Jean always has some slick fancy shirt on for Christmas Eve.

More Christmas Eve at Pitchfords

Here is Pop's Christmas tree and all of our presents from Christmas Eve. By the time everyone brings their gifts there's not even room to walk through the living room!!



Here is the annual Connect Four tournament between the boys and Uncle Jerry. I think they love playing with him because he is NEVER gonna let a kid off easy, so when they beat him it means even more.

Friendship and Illness and Cool "Luck"

This is a picture of Izzy and his good friend Jalen at their Christmas concert. This is the buddy that came to play the other day. I finally got my camera back from Pops and Niecy's house so I just had to post this picture because it was so cute. Izzy just had to wear a tie to the concert-he loves getting dressed up!

Now Illness--that's because I am sick :( Yesterday I started feeling worse (we've all had little sniffle/cough colds) and my back started to hurt. Not hurt like it does from time to time because of my bulged discs--more like from congestion. Whenever I cough or take a deep breath it just aches. I slept horribly and napped off and on all day switching from the bed to the recliner to the couch just to try and get comfortable. Decided against going tomorrow for two reasons. One-if I feel like this there is no way I can make it with the 1 1/2 drive and then 2 hours of worship service and a 1 1/2 drive home--I'd rather give them a day to try and find someone else than cancel at the last minute and Two-germs travel so rampantly through prisons. Once one inmate gets sick it infects EVERYONE and so we try to never go when we are sick. Disappointing, but it's better to be careful and safe.

Lastly-cool "luck"--I say that because I really don't believe in luck-so it's just like a little joke. Anyway--I've talked about how the boys and Marlon are going to the Harlem Globetrotter game tomorrow afternoon. Well my mom just got a call from a girl at work that she was able to get her 3 tickets so me and my parents are going to watch a little of the game--mostly to see Elijah as a Jr. Globetrotter. It's funny because so many people have asked me if it was hard for me to let Marlon and the boys go. It wasn't because I know they need their "boy" time and with only 4 tickets there's no way I'd go instead of Marlon...but there was a little part of me that was going to miss Elijah being part of the show. Now I don't need to.

Anyway--going to lay back down for a bit. If I'm up to it later, I may post some Christmas pictures.

New Year's

So as I've said, Sunday I am going to John Burke by myself (Marlon and the boys will be at the Globetrotter game) I had so much fun speaking in Oct. when I went while Marlon was in Africa--so I am really looking forward to it, but am not sure yet what to speak about. There are so many topics that you really just can't take to women in prison because they aren't relevant or meaningful to them--like parenting, busy lives, juggling scheduling, marriage things...topics that I normally can speak about at great length...lol! So this morning of course it's heavy on my mind because it's only two days away. I decide to speak about negative patterns/self-criticism we as women sometimes fall into and what the bible says is true. So I am glad to have that done and be able to move onto the next thing--actually studying/prepping for it.

I actually got some more scrapbooking done yesterday. My mentee Jackie wasn't able to come by so we'll have to get her gifts a different day--what that did though was allow me to do a little cleaning and get about 4 pages of Jordyn's book done. I have actually hit year 2! Only 13 more to go!! lol... There will be some years that are smaller-depending on if I was in a "picture" stage or not...plus a couple of years ago when our computer crashed we lost a TON of digital pictures so there will be very, very few from that time period. I may just decide to switch this whole thing up and make ABC scrapbooks---so much easier than chronological---we'll see.

I should be in the shower getting ready to head into Milwaukee---but of course I am procrastinating. Actually between Jordyn and Israel, this is the first chance I've had at the computer today! Who knew MySpace and Disney games had such priority in life? If we leave by 2 that should be fine.

I am very excited for Jan. 17th. For Jordyn's "big" gift, Marlon and I got she and I tickets to Wicked in Chicago. We are going to take the train down and have lunch and then see the show at 2pm. It is going to be such a fun girl day!! Our friends saw it on Christmas Eve and said it was awesome--since Jordyn and I are musical junkies I know it will be! That is one thing I know she got from me...my love of musical theatre and the arts. Sometimes I miss not being a part of drama any more (well--other than the drama that is my life...lol) With a minor in dance and muscial theatre--well technically 2 credits away from a minor in musical theatre--it was such a part of my life. I'd like to get more involved--most likely at church during the coming year. That got me thinking about my thoughts last year at this time-so I looked on my old post and found this:

As for me, I usually don't do "resolutions" because there is so

much normally that I need to work on, but I do tryto recommit

myself to things with a new start. I am going to read more...make a concerted effort to read. I love to read and used to read frequently, but I let that slip so easily with busy schedules. We have an office full of books I have not yet read and I need to devote daily to the bible and give it the reverence that it deserves. I also am going to allow myself the privelege of taking time to slow down and relax. I am trusting God to handle stripping away the things that I don'tneed to be concerned with...He has been so faithful with that already. I know that when I am closer to Him...everything is that much better!

So have I stuck to that? Not totally I must confess. I have started to read the bible much more regularly, but other than a morning devotion, I still don't open my bible daily. I might come across scripture daily, but that really isn't the same as opening my bible and studying the word. I know this. As for taking time to slow down and relax--I definately have gotten good at that. I think our Jubilee at Elmbrook helped me in that regard. I have allowed Him to strip away those parts of my life--activities that I'm involved in that aren't of Him. I think it's so easy and even a little dangerous to---especially when it's church---get over involved in activities. Especially when they are things you are "good" at or where people are telling how much you are needed. On the flip side however, I think that it is also easy to use your own life and "busyness" as a cop-out and reason why you CAN'T be more invovled. It's a thin line to walk. Because I know that there are other things I am feeling drawn to in ministry--I am pulling myself from leading worship on Sunday mornings and coordinating the worship music for Kid Zone. I will be leaving in May when the school year ends. This frees up much time and energy on Sundays. It's both exciting and scary.

Anyway--posted much longer than I wanted to...lol...now I really have to get in that shower!!

Later :)

12 Days of Christmas

I forgot to post the 12 Days of Christmas. It was a really fun thing with the kids and a new tradition I think we might keep. I wrote this--and of course will have to change it every year if we decide to do it again. We started at one and then each day they were given the next part of the song. I'll just give you the last day so you can see it all:

On the 12th day of Christmas,

my parents gave to me...

12 cans of soda,

11 Christmas stickers,

10 packs of Juicy Fruit,

9 Crabby Patties,

8 packs of Pringles,

7 hershey kisses,

6 chocolate reindeer,

5 Candy Canes!

4 gummy worms,

3 Christmas pencils

2 tootsie rolls

and a

special ornament for the Christmas tree!

Anyway--I said I would post it when we were done-so there it is :)

Remember how I said it'd be a relaxing week? Lol---already a ton of plans! Tomorrow Izzy is having a friend over during the day, at 11 Jackie my mentee from Teen MOPS is coming with her 2 children to get their presents and our friends Dave and Sue are coming for dinner. Friday we are going to Marlon's moms so she can give the kids their presents and Friday night if we aren't back too late we might try the Cheesecake Factory. Depending on his day off, Collin will come over Fri. or Sat. and then I am going to see if my friend Jackie (different Jackie) wants to come for lunch and Sunday is soccer, the Globetrotter game for the boys/Marlon and a prison for me. Thank goodness I have Monday off too!

I'm back!!

Hola everyone! Hope you all had an amazing Christmas! The past few days have been very busy here---but wonderful nonetheless. Friday brought only half of a day of work and then to the boys school--Marlon to chaperone a bowling trip and me to help run Elijah's Christmas party. Friday night Jordyn had a babysitting job and we went to my niece's "Holiday" concert. Very cute even though it was total chaos & over an hour long! Afterwards we all went out to eat. Did a lot of wrapping that night.

Sat. we ran errands, I took Jordyn to her dad's (it was her year to sleep at his house on Christmas eve)I did some laundry, went to Christmas Eve service, watched my nieces for a few hours and finished the Christmas shopping. Marlon's awesome gift for his family almost didn't work--so there was a lot of praying on my part on Sat. that it would come together. After everyone went to bed Marlon helped me finish the wrapping.

Sunday we were able to sleep in a little, so I was so glad we had decided to go to church on Sat. We make Mexican food at my Grandma's house (who lives next door) so I spent the day going back and forth helping them and getting the taco meat going (my job for the last several years) It's so awesome because Marlon and I both come from close families, but our traditions complement each other so well that we didn't need to change anything when we got married. My dad's family celebrates at my Grandma Calderon's pretty much all afternoon and into the evening. His family opens presents right at midnight. So we head out to Milwaukee at about 9.

My Grandma's house. Now this is hard to explain to anyone. My dad is the oldest of 10 kids. I am the oldest of 25 grandkids, there are already 21 great grandkids!! Just about everyone-except occasionally my uncle, cousin/wife who live in Cali.-comes to my Grandma's for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Including all in-laws and boyfriend/girlfriends-there are 73 people!! All in one 4 bedroom house! This year we took a picture outside of her house when the majority of us were there--I think like 10 are missing. As soon as my aunt e-mails it, I'll post it. It's so hard to describe and do it justice. There is Mexican food for days--chicken mole, tamales, enchiladas, tostados, tacos, sopa, fidejo, beans...when we open gifts--everyone sits and waits and watches as my Grandma opens hers first. Even the kids. Patience is a good thing and they can whine all they want--it's the way it is. Actually because it's been our tradition for so long, nobody is really too out of hand about it. The "grown-ups" (or aunts and uncles) all exchange names and then all of the cousins older than 14 through me exchange names. Everyone younger gets a gift from Grandma. There is so much sound--kids yelling, babies crying, men yelling at some game, me and my aunts yelling at Jr. (my cousin) for sneaking in the kitchen and eating, laughing at stories and loud heated debates around the dining room table. This year was even more wonderful because two of my aunts who have not been speaking made up and it ended with my Grandma and her three daughters in the kitchen crying and hugging. I love them all-warts and all.

Then we head to the Pitchford's. They are a hoot too. His uncle Jerome falling out while he passes out the gifts, breaking into song, his uncle Keith and Marlon and their witty verbal sparring, dominoes or spades, Miracle on 34th St. Our boys are really the only kids that come-so they are usually pretty spoiled there with gifts. Sometimes Micah (Marlon's cousin Nori's daughter) comes too. Marlon's slide show gift was a big hit and everyone was so thankful that he took the time to do that for them. Again lots of food and laughs, noise...I love it! We finally head home around 1:30am and by 2:15 we're all in bed and ASLEEP--at least this year we didn't have to run around and "be Santa"!

Christmas day we usually get up around 8ish and open gifts with the kids. Jordyn's dad brings her about 10 and then she gets to open all of her gifts as well as the one from Grandma Calderon's and the ones from the Pitchford's. By noon we're all dressed and packing the car because we head over to my mom's to celebrate with her family. My uncle and his family and my Aunt and hers all come. We have more finger food there and do a white elephant gift exchange. There we also played Dance Dance Revolution and the kids had a dance off! After everyone else leaves my parents, our family and my sister and her family all stay to exchange our gifts.
Whew! Now you know why I slept until 10 today and then stayed in sweats all day...lol! I did get a lot of the gifts put away and of course did a load of laundry. There were a ton of leftovers to eat and so Marlon and I didn't have to cook-so that was nice. I have vacation all week so I plan to have a few friends over for lunch--Marlon and I were given a gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory (which we've never been to) so maybe we'll use that.

Now we're caught up and my goodness what a long post! Who knew so much could happen in such a few days!
God bless!!

Can't think of a title!!

Well-we did it again--got 90% of our shopping done in one night! Found a lot of good sales and all that's left is a gift for my cousin (we exchange names on the Calderon's side) I even stayed up to get most of the wrapping done...didn't bring the kids stuff in from the car--will probably tackle that tomorrow night. One nice thing is with no Santa-there's not a need to hide. Once it's wrapped it can go under the tree!

Tomorrow will be a pretty full day. I have to work 1/2 a day, then run and buy cupcakes for Elijah's birthday (his b--day is in July but it's his "Star Student" week at school) then go to the school to help out at his class Christmas party. Marlon will chaperone Isaiah's class on their bowling field trip. Then we have my niece's concert tomorrow night and Jordyn is babysitting for her youth group leader's kids.

I still really can't believe that it's going to be Christmas already. The more I really think about it...I believe that Marlon being gone for Oct. and then all of us being gone for Thanksgiving totally threw off our pace of life for the fall. For fun I searched blogs with the word Christmas...it's cool to see all of the blogs with Christmas pictures, family photos, stories of how they celebrate. I know...Curious George!

As the year ends, it's always fun to look back over the year and think about all that's happened. 2006 was a good year and very blessed:

• Marlon and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary--we've come a long way baby!!
• My sister, aunt, mom, friend and I enjoyed an awesome weekend away at Breakway! (and I certainly can't wait until this March for another!)
• Marlon coached the boy's Upward basketball teams, last season of rec soccer and Izzy's baseball team
• We met Kilyouni Kilounde from Zambia during Elmbrook's International Center
• Jordyn finished her freshman year with a 4.3 GPA
• Many weddings: Lannetta & Ansley, Kris & Stacy, Rafe & GerryLynn, Dustin & Michelle
• Our annual family get away to the Wilderness-the kids had such a good time and I am always amazed at how brave they are!!
• Summer activities: Discovery Days, Musical Camp, Kids Kamp
• Marlon got another 2 classes under his belt
• I got to coach my friend from Teen MOPS, Jackie, during her delivery
• Isaiah switched to select soccer and we entered a whole new world!
• Marlon's mission trip to Africa--what an amazing month for all of us. Really reminded us to put first things first and stay focused on Him.
• Harvest Fest and Jubilee at Elmbrook
• The Pitchford vacation to Florida

It looks so nice and simple when you just bullet the "big" things...lol.

Before I go, I have a prayer request. My cousin, Jasmine, died three years ago tomorrow. She was only 18 and it was very unexpected...they believe it to be meningitis. She woke up feeling ill on a Sat.---told my aunt and uncle she thought she was going to die, was in a coma by Sunday and by Monday she was pronounced dead. Please pray for my Aunt Josie, Uncle Larry, and cousins: Larry Jr., Joseph and Gabrielle. Pray that they continue to heal, that they continue to embrace life and have some happy moments amidst the feelings of loss they still deal with on a daily basis.

Love your families. Let go of anger and hurt. Live in honesty and hold yourself accountable for your actions and "re"actions. Don't dwell on the past. Life is too short.

I doubt I'll be back on before Christmas...so much still to do. So if I'm not--have a very, very Merry Christmas!! God's blessing on you and yours!!

Just an update...

Hi everyone--
like the title says...just an update today. Monday we had our Christmas party for Children's Ministry and revealed our secret santa gifts. I got some really cool scrapbooking stuff from Cheri. She was the best secret santa...her gifts were totally perfect for me. We had wonderful food, fun chats...it was just nice to get out of the office and hang out together for a few hours. Then we broke struck the set for Bethlehem Marketplace for the rest of the day.
My friend Jackie and I were talking about how we have a sort of "senioritis" this week. Knowing that the building is closed next week and that I only have a 1/2 day on Friday to help out with the kids Christmas parties...it is very hard to concentrate at work...lol. There's also so much to do at home to get ready--it is like I'm just not keeping up. The one thing that I am doing different is that I am not allowing myself to get stressed by it. Perspective is just totally different for us this year.

Then this month is always a hard month financially because there are so many of Marlon's contributors that don't send their normal contribution because they do an end of the year gift--Jordyn's dad also lost his job so her child support is not coming regularly (when it does come)--so it's just always a walk in faith. Not that other months aren't, this one is just more so because for the past 3 years that he's been a full time missionary it's been this way in December. Another yucky thing is knowing that our van is dying and we'll need to get something new soon. Seriously dying. But I just know that it's going to last the winter. After Christmas we'll have my cousin who's a mechanic take a look at it and get it all tuned up and then we should be good to go until at least March.

My house was a crazy mess this morning as we were on the hunt with the boys for a hat, a pair of gloves and pair of glasses....new glasses mind you, just replaced last week. Chaos, never ending chaos of lost and misplaced, forgotten things.

Tonight is a soccer game (what else is new) and tomorrow night Marlon and I will probably get some Christmas shopping done.

Meanwhile--the 12 days of Christmas is going very well. The kids are really enjoying it. Today is day 8--so in a few days I can post the whole shebang for you.

That's all for now. Back to work.

Can you believe....

Now I know that there are still very ignorant people in the world when it comes to race, prejudice, etc...but when someone flat out demonstrates that in conversation with me--I still never cease to be floored! Here goes:

On Friday I volunteered at Bethlehem Marketplace. I love doing it because it really reminds me of one of my favorite (and yet, very infrequently used) pastime--acting. I'm in costume as a money lender in Bethlehem...giving each patron 4 sheckles (sp?) to spend at the shops of Bethlehem. There is a very shy, quiet woman who is working with me in this role. The fun part of this part is that there is always a short little break between the groups coming through. We get a little time to chat every once in a while. Anyway....so as we are talking I can tell we don't have much in common--not that there's anything wrong with that--sometimes you just get the feeling that you're more being cordial to each other than really caring about what the other person is saying. After one group of really fun, excitable school age children pass I tell her how I love volunteering during the day when the school groups go through. They are so engaging and love to interact with the volunteers and it's easy to see that they are truly amazed by what they see, hear and smell in Bethlehem. She agrees and then starts to tell me about a large group that came through the day before of high schoolers. (I start to smile because I am sure she is talking about my aunties school--all 167 and me certainly qualified as a large high school group...lol) She says, "They were so excited and really enjoyed themselves, they were...pretty much all...colored...."

Okay. Read that last sentence again. Yes, you read correctly. She said colored. If you know me....you know that it took everything inside of me not to pass out right there or scream at the top of my lungs. What I did do was take a deep breath, swallow and kind of interrupt saying, "Black you mean?" She said, "oh...yes....and they were really well-behaved" This as well irritated me to no end. Well-behaved compared to?? Why was this said with such awe? Unfortunately because of the setting, continued groups of kids and I think her realization that she said something wrong--there really wasn't time to talk about it anymore than that.

1st thing. People you can not say colored. This woman was not in her 80s. She was probably in her 40s....she was not from a generation where that word was okay. She should know better. She isn't living on one of the last plantations left in the south that is decades behind the rest of society. She should know better.
2nd thing. Someone's race usually doesn't need to be brought into it. Are there times it can be appropriate? Sure. Now if I'm describing my husband at church to someone who says they don't know him--I know if I say, "he is the handsome bald, black man that works with prison ministry" I know they will know him because he is pretty much the only one. If those high school kids had been white, would she have said, " They were so excited and really enjoyed themselves, they were...they were....pretty much all...honkies....??? (using the decade correct terminology mind you) Um...probably not.

So anyway...just had to share that story!

What's the rest of my life been like since I last blogged? Well, it's large choir worship this weekend, so Elijah and I are singing. That meant practise on Thursday and then a full weekend at church. Yesterday we went to the Stuedemann's to watch movies and hang out--such fun! Jordyn watched the boys for us and it really was a much needed break just kickin' back with friends. Today I did a lot of laundry, some cleaning, shopping, choir practise and Sat. night service and after blogging this I have to get the music ready for tomorrow. Marlon and I head up to Taycheedah tomorrow and my parents are watching the boys for us. Elijah and I have to be there at 7am and then Marlon will come with Israel and Isaiah for 2nd service. Tomorrow night we have a project for one kid, Kid of the Week poster board for another and of course, more laundry. I am looking more and more forward to my vacation between Christmas and New Year's!!
Nite :)

Marlon...I mean Elijah...I mean Marlon

Here is handsome Marlon probably about Elijah's age. They look so much alike!



This picture is Marlon with Niecy and Phillip. Love that 80s tie!! I love looking at old pictures. It's both fun and sad sometimes to look back and remember life...friends....family. Anyway, can't gab--gotta get ready for work! It's so quiet here though--the boys had dental appointments this morning so Marlon took them, Jordyn is always gone by 6:50 and I don't have to be to work until about 8:30 so there's a nice lull in the house right now. Have a great day!!

Old School...

This is a picture of Marlon's Granny and Pops back in the day. Aren't they awesome! He's doing this very cool Christmas gift for his family with pictures...one I may actually to think about for next year with mine. Anyway---there are so many awesome pictures that I am going to have to pick a few and post (like a couple of Marlon when he was little!!)

Weekend...

What a great weekend this was. Friday our friends, Eda and Albo from Nairobi, Kenya came for dinner. We talked about differences in worship here and there...ministry...racial things...everything under the sun really. We had a great time and will definately have to get together again.
Yesterday we went to Bethlehem Marketplace at Elmbrook. Really try and get there if you can. Amazing. The kids were much older and got so much more out of it. The way everyone stays in character just adds so much to the experience. Marlon is kind of mentoring this boy Collin and so he came and spent the day with us yesterday. He seemed to really enjoy himself. He's 16 and lives in Mukwonago. He seems to really just need an outlet to relax, get a different perspective about life and process. That is one place where Marlon really uses his gifts well...he can help young people get themselves in check---but in a way where they respect him and his opinions. He seemed to really connect with our boys as well and they of course thought he was great. After Bethlehem Marketplace I had worship practise and then service...Marlon, Collin, the boys and my niece went to visit with Pops in Milw. After service my sister picked me up at church and brought me home--then I watched my nieces while Connie and Rod went bowling with my parents. Afterwards they all stopped over--talk about a full house...lol. After everyone went home and Marlon ran Collin home I got things ready for church. Today because I sang I had to be at church from 7am to noon. Then I went to lunch with a good friend from high school, Jeri. Do you have the kind of friend where you can see each other only once or twice a year...but when you do it's like there's been no time in between? It's an awesome thing. I have a few friends like that and they are truly those special people that are part of your life for always. Jeri is one of them. We probably could have talked even longer, but of course we had to get back to our families. Then at 5 was Isaiah's soccer game. They played pretty good, especially for having 10 days in between games...and lost by one point. This was the last game for indoor session 1. Now there a little break before session 2 begins. Actually sports are about to really take over because basketball begins the first week of Jan. for the other two boys!! Jordyn and I will really need a girl's day out then!
So as I was folding clothes tonight and thinking back over my weekend I just had to thank God for the blessings that He's given us. When we flounder and make mistakes--He is forgiving and understanding. When we get caught up in our own choices and don't put Him first--He showers us with grace and mercy and gives us a new day to start fresh. Each day is new in Him and a new chance to serve His will. Blessings all around---friends, both old and new, family that I love to spend time with, a full house of love, children that love the Lord, my Grandma that lives right next door so that I can be there for her as she needs me. Don't overlook and take for granted your blessings. Nite!

Christmas and other stuff

Now that none of our kids believe in Santa, we aren't doing St. Nick and Santa this year. It's exciting because it helps take the pressure off of "doing" Santa. While we love giving the kids gifts and actually just gifts in general, I certainly don't like the commercialism that this season unfortunately becomes. Jesus. If it wasn't for the birth of the Christ child we would not even celebrate this holiday! How soon we forget! How soon we make it something it's not!

So what we are doing this year is getting each of the kids that one thing we know they really, really want. That special thing that any other time of the year we normally wouldn't buy or spend money on, but will be a wonderfully cherished gift. For the oldest two we've already determined what that is, for the younger two we are still in discussion...lol. The other thing we are doing is actually something really fun that my friends Dave and Sue did years ago with their daughters. It sounded so fun I had to copy!! (Thanks Sue for letting me steal your idea!) I wrote our own 12 Days of Christmas poem with fun little gifts and treats--that our kids love-as "my parent's gave to me" Each morning we'll have the next day's gift for them with the next part of the poem. After it's done-I'll share the poem.

As a side note, I found out today that two of my friends at work are pregnant! Well, actually for one-it's his wife that's pregnant! It's so exciting because both sets of parents just LOVE kids and will be awesome parents! I also have a cousin that's pregnant and since babies seem to run in threes in my family...I am sure that there will be more. Luckily, since I no longer have the "parts"...lol...I don't have to worry about it being ME! Until my kids are much older and we possibly become foster parents--we are done with babies and toddlers in this house :)

Well, off to write some more Christmas cards. I think I'm already to 60, but my lifelong friend Jeri already got hers out so now the pressure is on ;) (just teasing Jer)

Have a great day tomorrow--I have choir practise and a Bethlehem Marketplace meeting and missionary friends from Africa to dinner on Friday--so I probably won't be around until Sat. Um...not like that matters :) Nite!

Chicken Wings

Funny thing at work today. I share this story not to make any one embarassed...it's just funny to me.

Elmbrook is famous for gatherings with food. Holidays, birthdays, retirements...any excuse to bring goodies! What I've noticed in the year that I've been there is that there are never chicken wings. Now this is what is odd about that. Every job I've had as an adult--white people have been the minority. Those that are usually the minorities (hispanics, blacks, asians, etc.) have been the majority. There were ALWAYS chicken wings...always.
Here at Elmbrook, I often times give money to someone else who is bringing something, or bring in something sweet. So today for one of our Pastor's send off parties...I forgot and had to run to the store. As I enter the store--the hot deli is just bringing up their chicken wings and I say to myself, "I'm bringing in wings" I am not sure how they will go over...but I think, why have I NOT been bringing them, just because nobody else does? As people walk up to the table I hear a lot of questions about the wings...who brought them? why are there wings there? etc. I proceed to tell a small group around me that I brought them. A few of them tell me they've never been to a gathering where there are wings. I laugh and tell them until Elmbrook, I've never been to a gathering where there aren't wings...lol. A couple honestly look dumbfounded and ask why? I tell them maybe white people don't think of wings as a finger food/hor dourves...lol. Then of course we all have a good laugh and a couple of them tell me how they have learned so many new things since I've been there...lol and they ask if I will always bring the wings!! If it means that I will get wings at Elmbrook gatherings...I will always bring them!!
Now, please don't be offended. I am not trying to say that all minorities specialize in wings or that all minorities LOVE chicken. What I think this does show is that there are cultural things that we don't always know about others and this can be a wall we never get through.
God said that we are to love each other as He loved us and we are to treat others as we would want to be treated. A lot of us "Christians" say this with a smile and believe that we live by it. We might very honestly be trying to do so. Now I am including myself in this because I've been guilty of this in the past as well. If we are to love each other....don't we need to know a little about each other? If we are to break bread together, walk in each other's shoes...shouldn't we get to know simple things that can help break barriers and bring us closer? I am white and mexican so all of my life I've lived in a dual zone. It was hard growing up and I was sometimes confused. As an adult I consider it a blessing to have insight into different cultures. The world around us is full of minorities. Do you allow yourself to interact on a personal level with ANY of them? Is your only interaction that with the clerk at the store, the staff person at your job who you smile at but never actually go to lunch with, the nurse at your Dr. office? If so, why is that? If so, how is that? How is it that in your entire life you've never befriended a minority such that they are part of your life? Invited to gatherings at your home, sharing life milestones, doing everyday things together? Just thoughts in my head. Look where I can go from chicken wings...lol.

This is my command. Love each other as I have loved you.

Oh one more thing....get to Bethlehem Marketplace! If you've never been, it's an amazing walk to the manger through Bethlehem. You will see and experience things you can't even imagine. For more info click here

Snow Day...

Today was wonderful...of course any of you in south eastern WI know that there was a snow day from school today. We all stayed in bed just a little bit longer than normal. Unfortunately, I did have some work I had to do for the weekend programming-so I went in from 9-11 but that wasn't too bad. I'm thankful to have a job where family is so important and as long as I have done what I need to there isn't a problem with me leaving to go home with the kids.

So when I got home we all had lunch and then watched Ice Age: the Meltdown. It's a cute movie. After a short cat nap, Marlon and the boys headed outside to snow blow and make snow forts, Jordyn got online (what a surprise...lol) and I headed upstairs to conquer our bedroom. Our closet needed an overhaul...especially since aquiring a new winter wardrobe from Niecy. I also got all of the Christmas decorations out of the cubby and put up all of my summer stuff. Then I went to work on the blinds--it's been awhile since I cleaned them really good. Now the room is finally done, just needs clean bedding and each kid has a pile of clothes to put away. Marlon not only did our yard, he went next door as usual and did my Grandma's, but also went across the street and did our neighbors. We have that kind of old school neighborly relationship with them. We aren't really friends, but we do things for each other often. I send over any clothes that are in decent condition once Izzy is done with them for their younger sons, we often send food/snacks over to each other, watch each other's homes when we're on vacation. It's kind of nice. Then everyone came in for cocoa or hot apple cider and now we're watching Polar Express. Exactly like a snow day should be.

I hope each of you...whether I know you or whether you're just a blogger browser...lol...had a fun and relaxing day.

Florida Reflections

Last nite on the way home from prison....ok, that will always make me laugh...Marlon and I were reflecting on our vacation. I told him that I know it was so prayed over because of the peace that I felt having someone else in charge...the days seem to last forever and the 5 days felt like 15...with a group of 12 we all got along amazingly well...the kids had a blast and Jordyn missed us, but didn't regret spending Thanksgiving with her dad's family.

Highlights:
The boys swimming in the ice water (the heater broke) and Uncle Jerome jumping in with his jammies on to swim with Izzy!

All of us gettin' our praise on in the morning after Marlon and Uncle Jerome dissected some scripture and gave a bible lesson...only in Uncle Jerome fashion. Niecy even entertained us with her interpretative praise dance!! lol

Marlon and I getting a night to ourselves to go out for dinner while everyone else watched the boys...except why did it take them as long to get their take out as we did eating AT the restaurant??? lol

Seeing the boys faces as they met new characters at Universal or Island of Adventure.

Having Isaiah tell everyone that next time he is taking all of the cell phones and putting them in a box and they can get them back when vacation is over!! (Let's just say the 16-26 year old group had trouble letting those calls go...lol)

This might not make much sense if you weren't there...but Uncle Jerome's silly self singing, "We are a part of the Rhythm Nation...." over and over again because he wanted to hear it so bad and nobody could find it on iTunes...lol. Now Elijah and Izzy sing that same line non-stop and they've never heard the whole song!!

Just spending uninterrupted time with such a loving, fun, crazy group of people!!

Marlon's Grandparents...

So I am not sure why Marlon's grandparents have been on my mind. Well, maybe I do...but that's another story. I look at my husband...at the amazing man of God he continues to be...and I know that their love for him and raising him are big contributors to who he is. Pops is laid back and cool. He is kind of quiet, but when he has an opinion about something--he'll let you know. Now Granny...when I met Granny...I remember I was so intimidated. She was a grounded, outspoken Christian who made no apologies for her direct, straight-shooting way.I felt the need to push back a little and let her know she wasn't pushing me around. :) Marlon was my man and I was the queen of MY castle...I knew how to be a mom and I knew how to raise my family.After one extreme argument (and when I say extreme...I mean it...I actually broke my foot running down the stairs to get away from her...lol) things just changed between us.It's like she had a newfound respect for me.This woman was a big part of my growth as a Christian.

She lived out Jesus.If you needed something--she was going to get it for you.She would even get things for people she didn't know. One time I had mentioned to her that my cousin needed furniture. Not even a week later she called and had found her a couch.She knew the work I did with foster care and would always call when she'd been rummaging and found bags upon bags of clothes.

She lived out Jesus.This woman prayed.When scripture talks about praying without ceasing...she took that seriously! From her moment of waking until her head hit the pillow she prayed.She taught me to claim things in faith and then watch God work.She taught me that God has a plan for each of us and He will get you through whatever you come across when you release it to him.

She lived out Jesus.She evangelized until the day she died. I never knew someone who wanted to tell everyone she met about Christ and the impact he'd had on her life. As she grew weaker in the hospital she witnessed. To doctors, to CNA's, dietary aides and housekeepers. She said, "They tell me I have the Big C, but I tell them I have a Bigger C and he is going to take care of me.He's either going to heal me or take me home and either way I say thank you!"
I am thankful to God that she and I grew to love each other deeply and respect each other greatly.I love her and know she is enjoying living it up with Jesus...and probably hanging out with my Grandma Nickel chatting about those great grand-kids!

More Photos

The boys run from the dinosaurs in Jurassic Park...

The characters in Suess Landing were a riot...of course there were 10 of us rotating to take pictures so of course they started to really ham it up with us...

Uncle Jerome strikes a pose as he rides the waves on the City Walk...

Thomas and one of his many "boos" ....lol

Florida Photos

Universal Studio and Island of Adventure were such fun!

Isaiah, Elijah, Israel and Morgan attacked by Jaws!!

Elijah giving Morgan a piggy back...and Isaiah attempting to jump on...lol

Michelle, Dee Dee and the boys strike their Captain America poses.

Home...

So we got home on Thursday about 9pm. Our flight left late. The plane was so empty...we all got to switch our seats around pretty much wherever we wanted to sit. Uncle Jerome even got to move up to first class. At 6'4, it's good for him to be able to stretch his legs out. There were quite a few kids on the flight home...arguably some of the most misbehaved children I've seen in awhile. The flight attendant was so sweet...she came to our row, bent over by the boys and handed them each a brownie...then said, "You three are so well-behaved and sweet...here's something for being so good....when the others aren't." The boys were so excited. As a mom, of course it makes you proud for your kids when are caught doing what they're supposed to and then rewarded for it. I'm thankful for those times (one other time when they were with their grandma out for a breakfast, a stranger paid for all of their breakfasts because they were such a pleasure to sit by) that they get positive reinforcement from people other than us. It's one thing for your mom and dad to give you encouragement...it's another for a stranger to point out when you do something well.
Anyway...yesterday Marlon had to get back on track by going to a prison for bible study (the boys and I straightened up) then we went to visit with Pops and pick up Chloe' from my mother in law. At Pops, Niecy gave me three large crates of clothes. I love it when she cleans our her closet! lol It's such a blessing for me because I hate to spend money on myself and if I do, I never want to spend much. She has such nice things and takes such good care of them that it looks like brand new stuff. Today we sat around lazy all day (well except for laundry which is always being done...lol) Tomorrow is church and then we have a prison to go to at night.

As for the remainder of our Florida trip...I'll post more pictures. We went to Universal Studios/Island of Adventure on Tues., Wed. and even a few hours on Thurs. before we left. Uncle Jerome stayed back on Wed. and cooked a yummy Thanksgiving dinner for us all. I must say it was one of the most relaxing vacations I've been on. There's something to be said about going when someone else is making the plans...normally with my family I help do a lot of the planning and "entertaining" so it was different to just sit back and go with the flow. I wasn't sure it I'd like it or not--- not being "in charge", but it was a nice break and needed rest. We had a blast! The Pitchford's are already talking about making this an every other year or every third year tradition...taking time to see other attractions different years. As long as we stay in that same beautiful house!!!

Sea World

Here we are starting out our day at Sea World. It was a great day, sunny and about 60-65 all day. It wasn't very busy either, so we went to see the Shamu show, the dolphin and shark show, went on a water ride twice (the boys and I did...Marlon and Lynetta thought we were crazy...lol) and of course went through some of the other stuff too.

This was so cool. You are in this long glass tube and the aquarium is all around you. The water is full of sharks! Very freaky.

We had great seats for the Shamu show. The boys and I sat down very close in the soak zone and Marlon and Lynetta sat back in the safe dry zone...lol. We really didn't even get wet anyway...but I guess they warn you to make sure you know you COULD get soaked. The boys really enjoyed themselves, but I think the highlight of the day was Marlon getting to see a manatee. He was so beside himself to see that! Funny!

Downtown Disney

Have you seen the commercial for Budweiser with the donkey who wants to be a clydesdale? This is him and the horses were in a stable nearby.

Downtown Disney had a lot of cool things to see. We spent some time there on Sunday while we waited for the time when we could check into the house. They had all of these cool lego creations.

The plane ride...

Marlon, Niecy, Michelle and DeeDee waiting for our plane to come.

And we've landed!

Florida...

Here is a picture of our pool. The kids were so excited to get in...it didn't take them long to start swimming!
Here is the house we've been staying in. It is so beautiful and hard to believe that we are already leaving tomorrow! The kids have had so much fun...and we have to. I'll share more pictures and stories....

Who can sleep?

Oh my goodness...the boys are so excited! I don't know how any of us are going to get ANY sleep! My dad is coming at 5am to pick us up and take us to the airport. I am going to vacuum and do the dishes so we don't come home to a totally disheveled house...and then I am going to lay down. Marlon is finishing his packing (I finished the boys and I late last night and Jordyn this morning) and then we are good to go. I keep going over everything again and again to make sure we don't forget anything. Hopefully anything we would forget, we could do without.

My neice is getting baptized tomorrow so that is a bummer that we won't be around. I talked to her tonight though to let her know how proud of her we are and that we'll think of her tomorrow at 11am. Marlon's bringing his laptop so I might be able to blog while we're there. We'll see how time is.

Pray the boys get at least 5 hours of sleep so they aren't totally grouchy tomorrow!!

Nite!

Day off

So I have today off and it's been great....although I've been very, very busy...it's been great! After taking the boys to school, I went and used my parent's treadmill, then I ran errands, stopped by my Grandma's, picked up a little and started packing. It was nice to know I'd have today with nobody else here so that I didn't have to pack during the week. So far so good. Only have about 3 things that I need to run back to the store for....lol. That's actually better than I thought it'd be. One bummer is that I can't find my white hoodie sweatshirt ANYWHERE and I need it for the plane :( Maybe I'll find one when I head back out. The boys and Marlon will be gone most of the evening with SFIU so Jordyn and I are going to watch a movie and have girlie time. Well, as girlie as I can get her to be...lol. That's okay-I love her just as she is!
Well, I will try to post tomorrow one last time before Florida--if not, have a great Thanksgiving!

Off Day...

I don't know what's wrong with me...but I am just off today. Actually all week I've just been off--I think it just caught up with me today because it was so crazy busy. There was so much to do at work since I'm going to be gone a week. There is also a ton to do around here since we're leaving on Sunday. I hate feeling overwhelmed. It's wasted energy because I know that I can only do the best I can do and I can't expect perfection from myself. Prayer has kept me going today. My friend Jackie says she thinks my body and emotions are just reacting to Marlon finally being home and my being able to let things go now that he's home. That could be very true-I don't know. What I do know is that I am incredibly blessed and covered in grace and each morning brings new opportunity to get it right. So I'll let my feelings of being "off" settle as I pray for renewed energy, a positive outlook and peaceful days of vacation.

Teen MOPS

So tonight I spoke at Teen MOPS. To know more click on this link http://www.elmbrook.org/articlelink.asp?iid=154 It was a lot of fun. I couldn't stick around to chat and mingle afterwards, but I had gone early to make sure I got some time to do that beforehand. It was good to see everyone-leaders included. I've said before that one hard part about going on a part time basis is that it really makes me miss it. God is at work there in a big way. I feel it when I walk in...hard to explain without sounding like a kook...lol. I think so much has to do as well with the great way the teen center is working with our youth. Check out the teen center here http://www.one2oneteencenter.org/

I think the talk went well. Sometimes it's hard to tell because the fruit of discussion can happen AFTER there's been time for follow up and reaction. It would be interesting to know what the girls thought about it--and the leaders as well. With not attending at all the month of Oct. I am not sure if it was in line with what other's have discussed or did I just really go left field on them??
Lord, I pray in all of Your might that each girl there tonight would think further about what was shared. That they might see you as a today-just for them-full of love Messiah-fully God yet fully man and not a far away God who hangs somewhere in the heavens to judge and punish them. I pray that as they make daily choices that they would pause to consider what is the moral, right and just decision. That they would feel You near and be pulled to find out more about You. That they will not find rest or peace until they are safely wrapped in Your arms. Equip the leaders with discernment, wisdom and passion for these girls. Love I know is already there...but guide them as they make decisions regarding semantics like programming, speakers, etc. and iron out all of those little details so that their focus can be right with You. Thank for this opportunity and thank you for providing a place for us to meet. In Your name.
Amen

Funny...

So the Middle School pastor and I banter a little bit...kind of like you beat up your little brother or punch your big sister...lol...and I think today someone from the "older" generation might have taken our banter too seriously and thought we were upset with each other. It's kind of cute when you think about it. Luckily he and I are both the kind of people to go straight to each other and say, "um...I heard that you were upset and it might be my fault.." Then it was like, "um no...I heard the same thing!!" So for the record, Brandon Brown is my friend and he is a cool, rebel Middle School Pastor with great passion for those irritating middle schoolers that the rest of us write off so often! Check out his blog http://brownsquirrel.blogspot.com/

Click here for Marlon's Testimony

Check out Marlon's video testimony from Jubilee. This was shared during service Oct. 28/29. If you look at the different characteristics of Jubilee you can see the other 6 testimonies. Powerful.

Musings about nothing really...

What a good weekend. Movie night at church http://elmbrook.org on Friday, cleaning on Sat. morning and then we hung out with Marlon's family all Sat. evening. He not only got to share all about Africa, we finalized the rest of the Disney plans. I can't believe we leave in a week. Actually this time next week we'll have had a day there already. The kids are so excited! Today was church in the morning and then finishing school projects all afternoon. I also went and used my parents new treadmill. Jordyn was at a friend's house for the day and the boys were out playing football with cousins, Marlon was watching the football game--so I snuck off on my own to exercise for an hour. It was very nice. While walking I was able to think a lot and pray a lot too. It's always interesting to me who God brings to mind when I am praying. I may start out praying one thing and then I can feel the spirit bringing a name or a face to mind and the next thing I know I am praying about that.
So much to do this week. Harder because Marlon has a very busy week too. I am excited because I have Friday off. Since we weren't sure what day we were going to leave I had taken it off. Even though we aren't leaving on Friday--I am still keeping it off because while the kids are at school and Marlon has a meeting I can finish packing and getting everything ready around here.
Gonna go see if I can talk Marlon into giving me a back rub. I do love walking, but it certainly doesn't do much for my lower back when I haven't done it in awhile. Reading over this blog I see how fitting the title was...lol. Nite!

Sick

So the Pitchford house has been sick this week. Actually just Marlon, Jordyn and I. Jordyn was just down for an evening with a horrible headache and stomach ache. Marlon and I had full fledged stomach flu. I must admit that sometimes for me, being ill isn't that bad. While I hate the feeling you have when you are sick...it's really the only time when I am totally at rest. I know, I know...probably why I get sick so often lately. It's funny because the whole time Marlon was gone I didn't get ill once. The week of Harvest Fest I had a few days of exhaustion...but Sunday nite--bam! It hit me. Tuesday-little better-still went to bed super early, Wednesday did alright and today I was doing okay. Not 100%, but okay. I picked the kids up from school today because Marlon went down for the count last night. We stopped at the store so they could get "fun" snacks for their bag lunch tomorrow (all school field trip to the PAC) and on the way home it hit me again like a ton of bricks. I do have to say it was so funny to hear my three sons all chanting, "green light...green light...green light" all the way home. My oldest was like, "oh Mom...please don't puke in the car, that's gross!" Like that would be MY choice...lol. What it did mean was I missed worship practise--so I won't be part of service this weekend. Odd blessings, because it means I won't have a weekend of chaos and a long Sunday. I know I need to read again about Sabbath and shabbat. That is my weak area (um...okay there are about 2,000, but we'll start with that!) It is so easy for me to fall back into busy mode. Much of my life before becoming a Christian was spent "doing". I've always been one to pitch in and help, lend a hand to others-even if it meant putting myself way out. Becoming a Christian certainly didn't change that. If anything it may have made that stronger. What I continue to learn and be reminded of though is that I have to focus and be guided strictly by what God wants me to do. When I lose that focus and rely on my own judgement and my own discretion--I easily fall back into the habit of being the "yes" girl. Need a speaker for an event--why yes I can! Need someone to volunteer on a weekend--why yes I can! Need cookies baked for class party--certainly! etc, etc.
Anyway...not sure how I got to my business from my illness...but such is life in the mind of a random thinker. Now off to switch the laundry and then bed. Peace.

Amazing...

Here's Marlon with our friend Kilyoni and his wife Queen outside of their home in Chingola, Zambia. More pictures to come...there's so many, I'll just upload a few at a time.

Marlon has been back a week. We looked at each other this morning and could hardly believe it! With Harvest Fest, our schedule really wasn't going to get back to normal until Monday and Sunday I came down with a horrible case of the stomach flu. Nasty. So today was really our first "normal" day--whatever normal is around here...lol. What I do know is that we're complete with him here.

Harvest Fest was amazing and really an inspiring time. It's already opened doors. Marlon and I were asked to speak at a couple of venues and Marlon was asked to come to a couple of the high school youth groups to share about prison ministry and his trip. He's already been asked to go to the Philippines next summer (this would possibly be a trip for all of us) and Pastor Allan in Zambia asked him back for a different conference in Aug. Also, a Pastor at our church from the Congo asked him to come along with him on one of his next trips to the Congo and of course there's our family mission trip to Biloxi in June. There we will, with one of our Children's Pastors, run a vacation bible school for a week in the mornings and then help in the afternoons with any service projects they might need. We have a relationship with a church there that coordinates a lot of Katrina relief efforts and will be working with them. It's an exciting time for us. Blessings continue to flow and I know that they are not from us but only from Him who continues to provide for us and we continue to seek daily.

Seeing Marlon's pictures and video footage just remind me what gluttons we are as a society. Always searching for things to make us happy. Clothing, jewelry, homes, cars, furniture, artwork...whatever it might be...material things that really mean nothing at all. While I do believe that it's great to make your home an inviting place and a safe haven for your family...I honestly feel that most of American society has a thwarted idea of what that is. We really can live fulfilling lives without so much of what we have. We also have a responsibility to use what we have wisely, share resources and not take things for granted. We also need to thank God every day for being born into the country that we were and seek to find out what He would have us do with that blessing. Maybe it's to be a missionary to the world (whether cross ocean or just cross county)...maybe it's to support a missionary...maybe it's to share our wealth with organizations that need donations to run...maybe it's to be a foster parent or house exchange students...maybe it's give our time and volunteer somewhere in an area where we have something to share...the possibilities are endless.

Anyway...things can now return to normal and we're back in the swing of things. Thanks to everyone for patience with us this past week as we needed time to finish Harvest Fest and reconnect with each other. You'll be hearing from us now!!

Thanks to anyone who prayed with me over a situation with a person who I was having trouble communicating with...it's getting better! God never ceases to awe me!

He's home!! Sweet, sweet times.

oh my oh my...

Well, in 2 1/2 hours we leave for the airport and then after about a 2 hour drive we'll be with Marlon. God has been so kind as to let this time fly by. On those days where I started to tire and grow weary--he always picked me right up and gave me what I needed to get back on track. I can't wait to see my husband--my love!!!

Harvest Fest has been amazing so far. The other guest missionaries are wonderful and it's inspiring to hear the stories of what God is doing through them. Marlon's video testimony this past weekend was so touching. Of course we loved it, but what was so sweet is how many people came up to me and told me what an amazing man I am married to. How his heart just came through the screen and his love for God. How they could tell of my love for him as they watched me watch it. Humbling...humbling because it is so not of us--only of Christ. Only a kinsman Redeemer could take such brokenness and make it whole, take the filthy rags that we have to offer Him and wipe us clean.

I love what we are being challenged about from our speakers this week at Harvest Fest. Justice...unity...being honest about how crippled we are. Christians...what does that mean if you don't do anything about it. Saying that you are saved and believe with all of your heart will give you everlasting life. So many of us stop right there. That occurs and then we try to live a good honest life and we think that's enough. It's not. And it's not pleasing to God. Our responsibility is not to have a nice little home, raise nice little kids, have nice little friends and go to a nice little church. Those are our selfish desires.

Mt 28:19 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Mt 35-40 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and fee you, or thirsty and giv eyou something to drink? What did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Luke 6:37-38 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

John 15:10-13 "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. My command is his; Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

And that's just the gospels. Read Acts, Romans, Ephesians...
The disciples were fishermen, tax collectors...ordinary men. Commanded to take the gospel to the ends of the earth...to love the unloveable...to do His work. The bible is not just a story book for us to enjoy. It's a manual for how to live and to grow closer to God asnd discover His plan for us. Becoming a Christian is not about how God is going to bless you or what great things God is going to do for you. Following Christ and obeying the word of God is about being a blessing to the world and living out daily as a sacrifice----Romans 12:1-2, "I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Each one. We must each be a "preacher". We must each be a "missionary". The mission field isn't just Africa or Pakistan. The mission field is our next door neighbor. We are living next to people going to hell because we won't share the love that Christ has for them. Who are we to deny them that love? Christians can't be worried about what others will say, what others are doing...how nice their lives are or how comfortably they're going to retire. We can't...not that and be in the world giving all that we are for all He is. The end of the world will come and we will stand before God and give an account of our life. Every thought. Every deed. Every mean, angry, snide, prideful thing we've done. Even worse...every opportunity we walked away from because of how the person looked, or acted, or lived. I confess it now the times I've been too busy to stop and chat with someone...seen someone at a store looking lost and alone and just hurried past with a quick smile and then prayed for them out in the car later.

Anyway...sorry...lol. Harvest is amazing. Come if you can. I've said before--check out the link to the right for details. It's transforming.

Blessings...

What a day. So many blessings I was brought to tears. First, when I got to work I went into our kitchen to purchase an English Toffee cappicuino (however you spell that) Only 12oz. cups left so they let me have the larger size for the same $.75 as the 8 oz. Then I had ordered Marlon's prayer cards from the print shop and asked for them to be ready by Sat. This was a last minute request. There they were on my desk. When I called the printshop to ask the cost--I was told no charge! Amazing. For our display table at Harvest Fest, I had requested a TV/VCR but was told I needed to try and find one to borrow if possible because there weren't enough. Friends had said I could use their laptop (Marlon has his in Africa), but I felt a little bad about borrowing it because I always hate being responsible for other's things just in case something goes wrong. Today the IT coordinator emailed me to say they had enough equipment and he would set up the TV/VCR for me. Marlon's tablecloth was packed poorly last time and was going to need a intense ironing...then I found out today very nice linen black coverings were being provided. The most amazing thing happened when I went to Signature to get my haircut. I sat in the chair and the lady (someone new) was telling me how relaxing my conditioning treatment was going to be...I said, oh no...I didn't ask for that (it's an additional charge) and she said...oh--I thought you knew, your style is covered today. I was like, what? I thought I was the 100th customer or something! Then she said, I guess it's supposed to be suprise--someone called and said they were covering your cut, the conditioning treatment and gratuity! I almost fell out of the chair. Immediately I was brought to tears. After the day of blessing it really was almost more than I could take emotionally. So I shared about my husband, the long month we've had and a little of what we do. She started asking about our church and missions trips, etc. It was a great conversation. After picking up the boys from my brother-in-law (which was another great blessing today)we came home and a family friend called to stop by and bring us some treats. Ting--which is a fun soda Marlon and the boys LOVE, pizzas, two big bags of candy and a box of toiletries for Teen MOPS. Blessings. Abundance of love. There are no words to express how grateful I am for the thoughtful and caring people God has put in our lives. No words to express how humbled I continue to be that we are so loved. I pray for blessings upon my friends and family double what they have ever shown us.

request for prayer

Hi everyone

Sitting here at work, but needed to put this out there. Please pray for me. I have this person in my life who seems to think that every comment I make, every thought I have is somehow related to them and their situation. That it is somehow a reflection of a conversation we had, a response to something they've said...and it's very difficult to communicate with that person. I find that I am so hesitant when I talk to this person. While it's always good to think before we speak, it's so hard to be worried about this person over analyzing my words, looking for hidden meaning...it makes open and honest communication very difficult. This person and I have had conversations about it...but it seems like it's not getting better or changing and that is frustrating. I certainly don't want to start every sentence by saying, "This is in no way related to you..." Pray that hidden things can be brought to light. That I don't allow my hesitancy to make open dialogue difficult. That I have patience and understanding with this person. That I truly reflect over my words and they do not harbor any uncomfortableness when communicating with this person. Pray that my heart has patience and that I continue to try and see the big picture. Pray that I temper my words and comments that make this person defensive, yet still honestly relay my thoughts when asked a question.
Thanks. I know many of you who read this have no idea what or who I am talking about and that's okay. It's really just a help knowing there's some prayer out there for this situation and me. :)

Harvest Fest

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I am a loser. I got a message from Pops...which was left probably as we were on our way home Sunday...that he was there waiting for us and had cooked :( Because I am totally horrible about checking the machine--I didn't even get it until days later! I called to apologize, but he wasn't there so I left a message. Hopefully he'll get it because he's told me that he never checks his either! What a pair we are.

Do you have those moments? Where you didn't purposely disappoint someone but you did it just the same. It sucks. We'll have to make plans to go there when Marlon gets back.

8 Days...8 Days....8 Days....

Wow...overall I must admit this month has flown by. And so, I am very thankful that it went as I hoped it would. Only 8 days and my honey will be home. I am excited and wonder if now this week will actually be the slowest because it's so close...lol!

I took a nap today after our long crazy weekend and I must admit...I am tired people!! I don't think I really realized how tired I was and I really never like to admit that I'm tired because I know there are people who have it much harder then I do. But I think I might see Marlon in the airport and just collapse in his arms! :) This weekend was probably the hardest. Friday I made beef stew for Izzy's birthday (what 8 year old picks that as his birthday dinner..lol) and packed everybody for their different destinations. We went to my parents at about 7 for his cake and presents. Here's where things get tricky. Isaiah's tournament was in Mequon at 7:15 AND 10:30....yuck! Who picks these times anyway! So he and I left at about 9 so we could get right in bed. Elijah had a football game Sat. morning so my sister and brother in law took him home with them so Rod could take him to his game and then he was staying with them to go to my cousin's wedding. Jordyn and Izzy stayed with my parents to hang out in the morning before it was time for the wedding. Isaiah and I came home from the games, quick got ready, bought a gift, let the dog out, switched the laundry and headed out to Greendale to slide into the church right as everyone was standing for the bride to come down the aisle...lol. Perfect timing. We then hung out for a little bit and ran to Target and a little diner for the kids to get something in their stomach since dinner wasn't until 7. Then we headed over to the reception. Very beautiful. Michelle looked lovely and the bridesmaids dresses were really cool. They had a really nice slideshow--which my other cousins did too...I think this must be the new "thing". Isaiah and I had to drop out early because again a 7:15 soccer game in Mequon--argh!! Sat. night however, my daughter stayed with my parents so they could take her to church with them (she teaches Sunday school) and both Elijah and Izzy went with my sister and brother in law so that I didn't have to deal with them so early in the morning. Got home, let out the dog, picked up the puke that was everywhere because she decided to ransack the garbage (gotta love those kids not closing the lid all the way, put away the piles of laundry on my bed so that I could go to bed!....Are you tired yet?

**Little interject**big area of missing Marlon--driving!! I never realized 1) how much I hate driving 2) how I don't appreciate enough that he does all of the driving and 3)I am not a good driver at night, especially in the rain, in fact, I am downright scary. FYI if we ever road trip....you drive!

So anyway--we played a great game of soccer and win at 7:15, but because Mequon is undefeated--we don't go to the championship. The soccer mom in me feels for Isaiah because I know he was hopeful to go...but the realist in me is like, woohooo---let's get back to Connie's and rest! So we hang out at my sister's for awhile and then head over to Pop's house (Marlon's grandfather) to have lunch. I had told him we would be coming between 12 and 1, since I wasn't sure if we were going to play in the championship, but I keep calling and he isn't there. We wait until 1 and drive over anyway but he's not home. I did forget to remind him what time I was coming...I am sure he got caught up at church or something. So then we come home, I switch the laundry, let out the dog, put away all of the million piles of clothes from the weekend, take a nap, watch Over the Hedge, rake the front lawn, go to my parent's to take a walk and end up watching Extreme Home Makeover instead...come back home, give my Grandma her shot, pray with the kids, put the boys to bed, look at my daughter's project, help her study for an AP test and then put her to bed. Well, at 15 she really puts herself to bed...but you get my drift...lol.

Um...okay...I guess I have a reason to be tired! So it's 9:55 and I am going to watch Amazing Race...thank goodness for digital cable and fast forwarding through commercials...and then GO TO BED!

8 days. I can hardly wait. I feel like a schoolgirl who's excited to see her crush after summer break!