:(

Well, the talk went really good...although Marlon was chosen for a trial so I had to go solo. Tuesday nite however my illness took a turn for the worse and ended with me having to stay home yesterday. The kids enjoyed the day off and to be honest came at a good time with all of the boys getting over their sickness as well. Jordyn was joking that she must be immune, because she VERY rarely gets sick--even when the rest of us are. So Wed. was spent with me in bed all day and nite and sleeping most of that time. I must say how wonderful it is to have my kids able to entertain and take care of themselves enough that I could get all of that rest. I am a little better today, fever has gone down...but Marlon encouraged me to stay home one more day and build up my energy. After another day of sleeping off and on, I am glad that I did. This cough---it just is taking everything out of me. My chest is so sore---probably just from coughing so hard.
Anyway...been up about 20 minutes...gonna go and take a shower (haven't since Tues--YUCK) and freshen up. Can't miss tomorrow--way too much to do at work to get ready for the weekend.
If I get up to it...I'll be back to post about my job switch later tonight!!

The Master Bedroom: Intimacy in Marriage

So tomorrow (& Wed) Marlon and I are speaking at MOPS at Elmbrook on intimacy in marriage. It's the first time we've spoken on this topic--so we'll see how it goes. We're ready-the only thing is I actually might end up talking alone because Marlon has to report for jury duty tomorrow morning. If that's the case, I'll just have to take it alone. Should be very interesting.......lol

We have a sick household. Izzy yesterday and today, Marlon, Isaiah, Elijah and I today...we'll see what tomorrow brings. Nyquil is a good friend right now!!

Grandma continues to do well. She was up and taking short walks, has kept broth down, is off the catheter and switched from morphine to perkacit (sp?) Doing so well, especially recouping for a 75 year old woman!

I'm so excited because I actually think I have a Saturday with nothing planned! That would be so wonderful because the rest of the month is busy weekends, so I have to really savor any free time. But I'm getting ahead of myself. One day. Focus on one day. And since tomorrow is up early for school and to speak I'd better try and get some sleep now!!

Nighty nite!

Sunday

Sunday Seven

Name the top 7 designs you would get if you had to get a tattoo.

1. Salt and Light written on the instep of each of my feet. Salt on one & light on the other.

2. a tattoo of a ring around my wedding ring finger

3. a cross on my upper arm

4. a small heart on my inner thigh

5. M & M on shoulder

6. a sun on my belly

7. Phil 4:11 on my hand

I'm too big of a chicken to probably ever get one. I've always said that I'd like one, but never follow through.

Good day. Except I realized today how Jordyn and I are going to soon drown in the testosterone in this house...lol. Watching some crazy kick boxing/fight show the boys (minus Izzy who is still VERY sick with fever and chills) decide that they are going to punch themselves as hard as they can in their guts to strengthen their stomach muscles. I threatened to put them in ballet. They didn't even flinch. :)

Ahhh...

What a day! It was busy, but so filled with the glory of God that even though there is silly soccer drama (how could there not be...lol) I can't even think about engaging in it!!

First, the blessing that came in my Grandma's surgery and the surgeon's ability to get all of the cancer. She is recuperating well. When I stopped there this afternoon the nurse got her up for short walk and helped her get into her chair to sit for awhile. I think the nurses are always a little surprised to come in her room and see anywhere from 5 to 15 people there at any given time. :)

Aroma Cafe this morning was so wonderful. We took the teen MOP leaders and had a blast. It was fun to get together outside of a Wednesday. The speaker was AMAZING. Her story of transformation is probably one of the most miraculous I have ever heard. After a light brunch and break (still think you and Deb should have jumped in for a ballroom dance lesson Amy!!) she then went into an awesome talk based on her book "The Parable of the Shoe". Her name is Judy Reamer. Seriously, if you ever get the chance to hear her story--go!

My niece Nia's basketball game was at church at 1, so it was perfect timing to just walk down the hall and watch it. It's great to see her so much more involved in the game and what's happening on the court. Last year it seemed she NEVER wanted the ball--now she's shooting, trying to take the ball away from the other team--it's fun.

After the game, Marlon and the boys had a basketball game, Izzy is sick so he stayed home with my mom. (Thanks again Mom for helping out) I had worship rehearsal and then church at 5, so I ran to the hospital to visit a bit and then headed up to church. We are singing such profound songs this weekend and it's been a long time since I've been a part of the worship team (November I believe) Reminding myself who is in control of everything. God knows the beginning and end of every story. He knows our hearts. He knows every deep, dark thought. He knows our every fear. That is what the sermon is on this weekend. Our fears and how we can deal with them.

One of the songs we're singing, which is actually probably going to get cut because of time, is one of my favorite songs because of the lyrics...

Lord, I run to you
No one else will do
Lord you said we'd face
Trouble, pain and tears
But to be of good cheer,
be of good cheer,
for you have overcome, overcome the world.
I lift my eyes up...to the heavens
Where does my help come from
It comes from you, Lord
You are the maker, of Earth and Heaven
And there is nothing that's too hard for you.

Beth did a fun Thursdays Thirteen and got me checking on blogs for good memes. I love memes. It's kind of like the quizzes from Facebook. I think it's just good distraction sometimes for me. Here's one for Saturday

Saturday Six

You go to a restaurant and order alcohol: based on past experience, how likely are you to be carded? (Are you of legal drinking age?) I am of legal drinking age and I haven't been carded in awhile.

2. You’re selecting a new physician and you learn that the doctor you are visiting is in his twenties: would you feel any less confident about his ability? I guess it might depend on what kind of dr. he was. Sometimes older an older dr. can make me feel weasy as well because he/she might not be on the cutting edge of medicine.

3. One must be 35 years old or older to run for president. Based on arguments about experience, should the age be increased to 45? Why or why not? Doesn't matter to me either way.

4. Take the quiz: What age do you act? Honestly, I can act from anywhere as young as school age kid to an old lady. lol

5. When you were in high school, what age, in your opinion, qualified someone as being “old?” Wow. I think like 60

6. Do you find yourself better relating to people older than you or younger than you? (Sorry, your same age group isn’t an option in this one!) Older than me.

Alright. Done for the night. Or at least for now.

Grandma update

I'm exhausted beyond belief and need to go to bed so I can get up bright and early for Aroma Cafe' tomorrow, but I wanted to get an update out...
Here's the basic info:

The dr. was able to remove the entire tumor—without taking ANY of her kidney (just a small slice where it was attached)—the biopsy looked good and he said it’s 95% that she will stay cancer free. Grandma is resting well and should be able to go home on Monday or Tuesday.

Thank you all for praying.

Creator...

Today is surgery day for Grandma. Last night we was in so-so spirits. When I first go there two of my cousins, Rafe and Mahleah, were over-so we had her laughing pretty good. As it got later and I was getting ready to go, she got really quiet. I asked if she was nervous and she admitted that she was...just a little bit.

Comforter. Redeemer. Yahweh. Mighty Counselor. Healer. King. Prince of Peace. Almighty. Awesome. Wonderful. Holy Father. Majesty. All-Knowing. Lord of All. Annointed One. Alpha and Omega. Most High. Deliverer. Giver of Life. Sovereign.

God, You are bigger than anything here on Earth. You know every step of every walk. You see into the deep, dark places of our hearts and You love us just the same. You desire for us to come to You and run into Your arms. There is nothing on Earth that can touch us. Circumstances change. The valley always comes back up on the other side of the mountain. When the storm rages fiercely, You are constant. When it seems that there is no way out, You always provide. I know that every day is a gift from You and my response to it is my responsibility. I know that You love my Grandma and she is in Your care. I am thankful that she knows You and I am praying with my full heart that You would be exalted in this situation...that Your peace and comfort will touch my family in a way that it never has before. I will glorify Your name and proclaim Your faithfulness-morning and night. I love you.

Not so typical Tuesday....

So today I made the executive decision to stay home from bible study and just rest. After last night and the crazy drive home in the snow, Teen MOPS tomorrow, worship rehearsal on Thursday and then worshipping all weekend...I just couldn't bring myself to be gone all night tonight too. We all had dinner together, watched American Idol...it was a nice night.

Last night went really well. I would encourage any of you to stop in at Alliance Bible Church in Oconomowoc for one of their LAFF events. They are free and a great time. The food was just wonderful! An Italian buffet of lasagna, alfredo, eggplant, garlic bread, and a salad...some worship time and then a speaker. I think my talk went well. It's hard for me to judge because it's so much of my testimony and I can't take ANY credit whatsoever for that because it's only the story that it is because of Christ. I can't separate and judge my life from who He is because it's due to His love for me...His desire to draw me near to Him...His grace and mercy that I am. Kind of the only way for me to determine if it went well is by the comments from people there and the fact that I can't fully remember every thing said because I allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through me. When that happens...then I know that He must have been up to something good...lol.

I wanted to share this....

Romans 12:1,2
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Why do we cling to our "christianity" and then turn our nose to Christ? As I strive to challenge myself---to truly walk in obedience...I see how silly humans are. Especially Christians. We can't let this world...people around us...define how we behave and what we believe. We fall slave to materialism, gossip, inappropriate behavior, evil thoughts, anger...we need to turn our eyes to Him and let go of the things of this world. I am not sure why, but as I am writing this I have certain people in mind and just feel I need to say these things. We are destined to "shoot ourselves in the foot" and Satan just loves it. Do you know those people who start on the path to God...they are learning and changing and excited for what they see Him doing? They are hopeful of a new life and find comfort in finding out more about Him? They start to change...their thinking changes...their outlook on life changes...and then---almost as suddenly as it started, it stops. They let laziness, outside influences, fear, friends interfere. Is the need to fit in...to party...to do what they want so important that they are willing to be disobedient to God? That they are willing to throw away the comfort and love of Christ--the peace that He brings. Why do we do it? We forget that on our own we are doomed to fail. We will have a false sense of security because things seem great and then BOOM...we're gonna fall. It's inevitable.

Tonight I pray for myself. I pray that I don't sit on my laurels in my faith. That I actively take steps every day to draw closer to You, Lord and live in obedience with Your call on my life. I pray for my friends, family...for those that know You to be strengthened and find peace in Your arms and for those that waver or have turned their back on You...I pray that they realize the call on their life. That they realize that not everyone is a preacher or missionary...but everyone does have a call on their life. Everyone has a purpose for being here. God I know that you do not make any mistakes and You are waiting for us to turn You...depend on You. I pray we open Your word to find the truth, go to church to find fellowship with other believers, and pray so that our relationship can continue to grow. Lord, have mercy on us for our disobedience and thank you for loving so much that You would allow your Son to suffer and die so that we could have eternal life with You.

Refreshed....

So here's what's been up the past few days in my life. The Just Between Us Ministry Wives Conference was truly amazing. It was the perfect break and rest that I needed to put life back in perspective. The first thing that makes it so important is that all of the women there are either pastor's wives, missionaries, ministry leaders, wives of ministry leaders...from all over the world joining together in a safe place to talk about our dreams, our stresses, our confusion sometimes at our role, our sometimes inability to have safe places to talk about these things because we are so involved in our churches...while our lives and experiences might be different, many of the struggles and pain that we feel is so similar. The second thing that makes it so important is the worship. Steph Seefeldt (who has become a friend) If you've never heard her sing (you can hear a little clip on her website)...you are missing hearing an angel bring a piece of heaven right to you. Sounds cheesy I know...but seriously, you can feel and see the Holy Spirit move in her as she leads worship and if you allow yourself to "go" there...to put your inhibitions aside and allow the Spirit to come...words just don't even justify. She brings us ladies to such a place of worship--it's nothing short of total joy. And this year the 3rd thing that made it so special was the restoration walk. This was 12 tables accompanied by a devotion book that took us through a total soul overhaul. There's no other way to explain it. At each table there was a symbolic activity, prayer, action that we had to do. I've never seen so many tears, hugs, prayers...it was so wonderful. I have to admit I was exhausted after that hour! The 4th thing that made it so special was just hanging out with Steph and Katie (another kooky friend) and being silly. I seriously think we might have scared a few of the other women...lol. Also, I connected with some pastor's wives in Milwaukee--we exchanged information and our excited about potential relationships that might be made.
The conference ended yesterday and I had an hour to get situated before getting ready for our talk. Marlon got home from the boys basketball game, changed and we headed out. It was a great night. There were about 80 couples, a really yummy mexican dinner and amazing worship from Marlon's friend, Rodney Cunningham. I was so excited to have this wonderful gospel group at Elmbrook. It was even more exciting to see the response===the clapping, standing, people so enjoying it. Our talk seemed to go well. It's funny because we just were ourselves and shared our stories and some things that we've found out, so it's such a blessing to us that it touched other people. That's truly God working and nothing of us.
Now I am sick. :( I woke up today with a horrible headache, totally congested and full of phlegm (yummy!) So I decided to stay home from church, basketball and just rest and go through everything one last time for my talk tomorrow night at Alliance Bible Church. I am looking forward to a lovely relaxing day before returning to work tomorrow.
Have a good day!!

Anniversary

10 years today. Marlon and I have been married 10 years. It's been such a ride. The marriage we have today I know only God could have orchestrated. The committment to Him and each other, the ability to rise above our selfishness and frustration, the desire to be together forever...these are things that not every marriage can boast of. I know that without Christ we would not be together. Do we ever argue? Oh yes. Do we ever hurt each other? Oh yes. Are there days we don't like each other? Oh yes. But love? Always. We've learned that the romantic love they talk about in movies and books is not the sustaining love that keeps a couple united and grounded forever. Can you have romance-definately. You should. But will that alone...or lust alone...or sex alone keep a couple together? Heck no.

We are speaking this Sat. at a couples date night at church. While I know there will be many couples there with more experience and vested years of marriage...I do believe we will have something to share because of where we've come from and what we've learned about each other, God, and marriage in our years together.

Ladies, stay in prayer over your man. Not that they will change to be what you want...but that they would realize who and become who God wants them to be. Pray for their heart and the desires. Pray that you learn how to meet their needs. Pray that God would draw you closer to each other each day. You will be amazed at how God will solidify and strengthen your bond to each other when you do this.

Off to sleep now. I have tomorrow and Friday off because I'm off to a ministry wives conference. I can't wait---it's truly a refreshing and rejuvenating weekend each year for me.

Nite!

Breakaway!

Ladies. Don't miss this amazing retreat. Guys. Let the women in your life know about this and encourage them to take this opportunity. I went to my first Breakaway years ago and have been making it a point to go ever since. The speakers are wonderful, the food yummy, the time away refreshing, the accommodations beautiful (who doesn't love the Grand Geneva Resort)? Seriously, it is an amazing time. Take a chance--you owe it to yourself!! Check it out here:

www.elmbrook.org/events/breakaway.asp

The Retreat

Here's a few photos from our night on Friday. Lindsay and Kelly settle in for one of our discussions after a yummy breakfast on Friday morning.

Lovely me full of mud after we did a "she-ra" and pushed the stuck vehicle out of the mud on our way to bowling...lol. What an adventure!

Our group after a really good fish fry at the Golden Mast. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for a good fish fry.

Sylvia and Julie waiting for their mud masks to dry.

It was really a great time. Because of our meetings being held at the same time, and working full time for Children's...there are often times that I don't fully feel like a part of the Women 2Day staff. It is totally not anything anyone does or says or anything---it just is what it is. It was so great how everyone there really made me feel like a part of the team and I loved having the opportunity to get to know them better. Friday morning we arrived around 9am to a light breakfast. The morning was spent discussing our book (Emotionally Healthy Spirituality), breaking into teams and setting up challenges (um...I will say nothing more than bras and boogers Team 2...bras and boogers...lol), sharing our kitchen utensils...just having a lot of great conversation. Team 1 set up for lunch and we all took a break to enjoy a great chicken salad, veggies, fruit. Meanwhile we are of course all sharing the snacks that we all brought. Although, I think Beth's brilliant snacks of Milk Duds, Whoppers, Licorice and Good-n-Plenty were the big hit! During the time between lunch and bowling we discussed more about the book, played a mean game of spoons (such violence...lol), shared our thoughts about where the ministry is headed and how we can impact Christ's kingdom best, had some personal time to reflect on scripture...it truly was such a needed time for me. After quick freshening up, we headed out to the bowling alley. Well, let's say we tried to...lol. Our vehicle got just a little stuck. So we piled out to push it out. This first led to Beth getting her boots FULL of mud and a little splatter on her clothes. So as she is in getting cleaned up, we try one last time. Lo and behold, we are able to push the darn thing out...however, in the special location of the driver's side I proceed to receive a beautiful mud bath...lol. (Hence the picture above) I have not laughed so hard in a long time. It was like happening in slow motion and I couldn't move. This was wayyyy beyond wiping it off, my sweater, hair, everything was full...so in I went to change. At least Beth and I had to wear our sweatsuits together! We finally got to the bowling alley. While bowling is definately not one of my favorite sports, it was still a good time to just hang out and laugh and watch everyone try and get over 50! Alright, there were a few ladies (Sharon, Deb, Laurie) who are closet bowlers because they did outstanding! After bowling we headed on over to the Golden Mast for dinner. I was able to share some of my story with a few of the ladies. Sometimes I forget how many people don't know what I've come from and how I've transformed. Not that there isn't still a TON of work to be done...lol...but the way that Christ has redeemed me is nothing short of a miracle. Once we got back we stayed up late like a bunch a teenagers, giggling, doing our nails, facials, bizarre and strange conversations. (I will say nothing more than...unwrapping presents, ears covered w/blankets, whales, and shower curtains!!) I slept amazingly well and was so comfortable. Sat. morning started with an incredible breakfast, devotion, more discussion, prayer and clean up. I can truly say that this is a group of Godly women who take their positions seriously and honestly want to make the ministry all that God has planned for it. The love of Christ and compassion for the women they serve was so apparent and the desire to do it well was abounding. I feel priveleged to be a part of it and really inspired and on fire to make whatever changes God has planned.

Anyway. Just wanted to share. I love feeling like I'm in the right place at the right time.

Lounging at home...

I just woke up from a 2 hr. nap. Ahhh--lovely. After church we just came home and Marlon had gotten hot ham and rolls and we ate a simple lunch and then he got some laundry done for me while I took a nap. Marlon was home because he ended up in a ditch this morning on the way to prison! A snow plow basically ran him off the road and then didn't even stop. No injury and no problems with the car, but he missed gate time and had to just turn around and come home. It's always crazy how God allows things to happen in our lives and then we try to figure out what it means and what our response should be. This was especially poignant because there are great opportunities opening up for Marlon to potentially switch his ministry focus. Not that prison ministry won't be a part of it---but BASICS has extended a meeting to us to possibly join their ministry. This would allow Marlon to do city ministry, mentoring, so many of the things he really enjoys and he could still lead his bible studies with the guys he's grown so close to. It's a chance to help them on the outside.

Yesterday after the retreat I had a prayer meeting with the women from Alliance Bible Church in Oconomowoc where I will be speaking on the 21st. This meeting made me even more excited for that evening. I really feel that this is a God annointed appointment and that he has amazing plans for that evening. I am humbled to be a part of it and can't wait to see what he has in store that night. Once I got home, I got to see that the men of the house (Jordyn was at her dad's this weekend)had done some great things for me. They cleaned the house beautifully, did almost all of the laundry, got a new massaging shower head for me, took off the shower door and got a cute shower curtain-with matching new rugs (I've been wanting that door gone since we moved in!) It was great. I love that while I was gone they so enjoyed "guy" time, but they still thought of me and what would make me smile when I walked in the door. Marlon said it was funny because the woman at the store was like, "Are you sure your wife won't care that you picked this stuff out?" Marlon knew from other things that I could care less about that stuff. As long as it matches color wise, I have no real opinion about that kind of stuff. Two years ago when I went on a retreat is when they got the new stove. So he told her no and she was suprised...lol. I guess most women probably would be.

I'll blog later about the overnight. Such a great time---I really enjoyed myself. I have some pictures to share as well....that's all I got for now tho'.

A little time away...

So tomorrow is the Women 2Day staff retreat...so I get to head to Oconomowoc at 9am and stay until noon on Sat. I'm really looking forward to it. I know that we are going to brainstorm a little, go bowling, go to a fish fry, watch a movie and play some games. It should be a good time.

Last night I missed MOPS due to the boys AU game in Milwaukee. They made the team for summer, but have been invited to join the team for as many games as they can make this spring. Marlon let the coach know that they are already on one basketball team and Isaiah's soccer will start up again soon, but he still wants them to come when then can. It was so much fun. Fast pace, movin', so different. The two of them scored 13 of their 15 points. They loved it. I think the move to a city league was a good idea for them.

Update on my Grandma:

Surgery is scheduled Jan. 25th. Her dr. is sending her to see Dr. Sanchez (a Guatemalan oncologist) on the 16th. He speak spanish and her dr. thinks that he will be able to explain things for her, answer any questions, etc. She is still a little nervous, but says that she is okay having the surgery. As for her back...a bulged disc in her lower back caused a vertabrae to shatter and so she is going to need surgery on that as well. The dr. wants to worry about that after the cancer has been removed. He is hopeful that they can get it all and she will not need any chemo and radiation. She stil believes they might open her up and not find anything at all. I know there are a LOT of people praying for her. I just love her so much and don't want her to be in any pain...

Well, people, I need to get my bag packed and still read about 100 pages of this book for tomorrow so I'm off like a dirty shirt!!

Change....

Today's sermon on change was great. It talked about health and the wholeness of it that we miss. True health is not having a physically fit body and no ailments. True health is not being spiritually mature. True health is not studying and challenging our mind to learn new things. True health is all three working together.

The entire 7 weeks is focusing on "Real Questions, Real Solutions". It's a great challenge and I am excited at how it's going to impact my life. If it sounds like it might interest you, you can check it out here at The Brook.

Heading over to my parent's house for dinner for my sister's birthday.

Later Gators.

Fun pictures..

I was trying to upload the video that I made for my family for Christmas, but because it's 13 minutes long, that isn't happening...so I thought I'd share a few of the pictures...


A few of the youngest grandkids and oldest great-grandkids on Easter about 5yrs. ago


The oldest few grandkids on Christmas Eve--many moons ago


Me and my Grandma

New Car, New Job...growing up

Our friends got a new car and as a result passed the other onto their daughters. Which meant they decided to sell the daughter's car. So...Jordyn has a car! They sold it to us for a song and we just really couldn't pass it up. So with help from my parents we bought it for her. It's a 2001 Kia Rio and in really good shape. This of course is a big, big help to us as well. The best part is it gives her immense freedom---to visit her dad's more easily, to get to school and youth group, if she wants to hang out with friends it doesn't have to be around any sport carpool, and also to get to her job. Yes, job. Jordyn got a job. She is working at Landmark Credit Union part time. For the most part she'll only work 10-12 hours each week, but it's a great start and she'll still be able to keep it when her summer camp job starts. It's exciting to see her so happy and growing up.

Izzy got to stay at his friend Jalen's house last night and had a blast. They stayed up until 2am! He's lookin' a lil like a Zombie right about now...lol. Marlon had his first funeral this afternoon. Just a very small affair for a friend's brother. He said that it went pretty well. Isaiah and Elijah had tryouts for the AAU basketball league in Milwaukee. Isaiah was scouted before Christmas by the director. He was out in Waukesha at a tournament watching games and approached me about Isaiah and asked me to brig him to the tryouts and give his info to my husband. After he and Marlon talked he let him know that there was a 5th grade team as well and invited Elijah. Basically he was like---if your other son has the skills that Isaiah has then I'd like him to try out. They both did pretty good. We should get a call sometime tomorrow or the next day if they made it. I know they'll be disappointed if they don't...but they also both said that they'd just try out next year. Had to give them kudos for the positive attitude.

As for me...I'm still sporting this cold. I just can't seem to shake it. Sometimes it clears up a little bit, but for the most part I am so congested and keep getting these yucky headaches. :( It sucks too because January is SUCH a busy month for me. Just about all of it is really fun stuff, but it's still stuff ya know? Next week Friday and Sat. the Women 2Day staff at Elmbrook is having our overnight retreat. Because of my work with Teen MOPS, I get to go. The following Thurs./Fri./Sat. is the Ministry Wives Conference that I go to every year. It's such a rejuvenating time for me and I love getting away and seeing women I usually only see once a year and just veggin' out, relaxing, and decompressing. Then that Sat. night Marlon and I are speaking at date night. That following Monday-on the 21st I am speaking at the Alliance Bible Church in Oconomowoc for their Women's Night. On the 26th we are going to Aroma Cafe and then on the 29th and 30th Marlon and I are speaking at MOPS. One good thing is I purposely didn't schedule any prisons this month because I knew I'd be on overload. I'm so glad that I followed my gut instinct and did that. It'll help me out a lot and thus help my family cuz I won't be so crabby...lol!

Jordyn and I are still trying to decide if we're going to see a movie tonight or not. There's a good girlie movie Juno out that looks pretty good. Just trying to decide how much energy I have...lol.

Peace out.

This just might be...

the craziest meme yet...lol. Listed A through Z--my favorite movie of each letter.

A: A Few Good Men
B: Breakfast Club (I loveeee that movie, this was hard because I also love Beaches)
C: Chicago
D: Do the Right Thing
E: Elf
F: Finding Forrester
G: Girl, Interrupted
H: Hairspray
I: I am Sam
J: Jumanji
K: Kicking and Screaming
L: Little Miss Sunshine
M: Men of Honor
N: Napoleon Dynamite
O: Ordinary People
P: P.S. I Love You
Q: Really none...but if I had to pick then Queen of the Damned cuz it's the only Q movie I've seen...lol
R: Radio
S: Save the Last Dance
T: The Color Purple
U: Unfaithful
V: Vacancy (I love scary movies)
W: When a Man Loves a Woman
X: Xanadu
Y: You Got Served
Z: Zodiac (this was actually pretty scary)

Sno Rodeo

So Isaiah is home. And he loved his first Sno Rodeo. Whenever Isaiah talks a mile a minute--you know he is excited!! His leaders Kyle and Drew were really cool and sounds like they were a great fit for him--they were all into throwing people into snow banks, staying up late, pillow wars...totally up his alley. He actually said he mostly hung out as opposed to doing a lot of the "winter" activities. He didn't like broom ball and didn't horseback ride at all, but he liked ice skating and also the tubing. He said he had fun with his friends, but there were a couple of boys that kind of bothered him a bit because they were swearing like every other word and just trying to act all tough and hard core. Isaiah can't stand it when people swear, that is a big pet peeve of his. I love how honest our kids are with us...he was like, "oh guess what...we hung out with some girls...they go to school with Simeon now, in 7th grade, but I knew them from Heyer...and we played truth or dare with them...and Tyler dared them to kiss and can you believe they did!!" Oh my goodness my face was hilarious. Marlon and I started laughing and I said, well I'm glad he didn't dare two boys to kiss! I must admit my heart stopped just a little bit. Ah yes--growing up--yikes! I asked him if there was a girl there at all he liked and he said, "mmm...not really. Like as friends, but not to like-like Oh silly mom...just like, not like like. He said that the theme was about being an ordinary hero. God doesn't just want "special, famous, glamorous, grown up, important" people. He wants each of us...right where we are to be just our ordinary self and with Him we can do extraordinary things. Isaiah can be a hero. It's not about waiting until the "right" time---the time is now. Then he also told me that the pastor (my friend Brandon) told him that he needs to talk me into coming and working with him. I can't even reiterate properly all of the things he said, hysterical, but it made me laugh because he tells me all the time that I should switch over. If there were ministry hours in middle school I wouldn't mind working there. I like messed up kids and there aren't kids much more messed up than middle school kids...lol. It's such a turbulent time as they grow and change and hit hormones, and try to decide who they are going to be. I just keep praying over them. That they enjoy life, have fun, but stay as close to God as possible so He can help make the right choices. I'm so glad he went and can't wait until next year when he can go again. Now the next thing is to get him ready for the trip to Mexico this summer. He'll go with the middle school ministry for a week to build houses. It was a life changing thing for Jordyn. There's a whole wide world out there that needs the love of Christ and Marlon and I want to expose our kids as much as we can to the whole world and to open their eyes to what path God might want them to take. It's probably the hardest part about being a parent. Knowing they are only ours for a season...the majority of their life will not be as a minor living in our home, "under our rules"...they are hopefully going to be full fledged, spiritually mature, Christ following adults adding love and joy to the world. What a gift.
2008. It's going to be a good year.
Anyway---off to watch Hairspray again. :) Nite.

More on the ENFP....

"They can't bear to miss out on what is going on around them; they must experience, first hand, all the significant social events that affect our lives."
- The Portrait of the Champion Idealist (Keirsey)

"ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate and excited about things. Their enthusiasm lends them the ability to inspire and motivate others, more so than we see in other types. They can talk their way in or out of anything. They love life, seeing it as a special gift, and strive to make the most out of it."
- Portrait of an ENFP (The Personality Page)

"ENFPs are energetic and enthusiastic leaders who are likely to take charge when a new endeavor needs a visionary spokesperson. ENFPs are values-oriented people who become champions of causes and services relating to human needs and dreams. Their leadership style is one of soliciting and recognizing others' contributions and of evaluating the personal needs of their followers. ENFPs are often charismatic leaders who are able to help people see the possibilities beyond themselves and their current realities. They function as catalysts."
- ENFP - The Visionary (Lifexplore)

"Ranked 1st of all 16 types in using social and emotional coping resources and 2nd in using cognitive resources. "
- ENFP Facts (discoveryourpersonality.com)

What do you think?

Collide Family Event-Sledding

This is how busy my life is...lol...I forgot that among our errand running on New Year's Eve we also went sledding with Collide from Elmbrook. Collide is a family ministry that provides opportunities for families to have fun together, engage in the community and just hang out. So my friend Sue, who's the ministry assistant for Collide had the idea for a sledding day. So much fun. Sent an e-mail out to families involved in Children's Ministry, set up a table with hot cocoa and marshmallows and went sledding for a few hours. Of course we offered cocoa to anyone who wanted some and had some great conversations. It also gave us a chance to let people know about Camp Vertical. It was fun.

2008!!

Wow---2008! Crazy. 2007 seriously just flew by. Of course, it was such a full year I understand why I feel that way...it still just blows my mind though that it has.

What a fun break we had this year. I'm glad that we still have one last day before we return to the rigamaroll of life---I need it. The weekend was pretty uneventful-which was nice, we lounged a lot. On Saturday Elijah and Israel went to spend the night at their Aunt DeeDee's house. She wanted to have Isaiah as well, but he was leaving early Sunday morning for Sno Rodeo. They had such fun and really enjoyed themselves. We had to have Isaiah to church at 8am--yuck...lol. All of the parents were laughing about how asleep we all still were and how amped up our kids all were. While a lot of kids that Isaiah knows are going, it's cool because three of his really good friends are going. Sno Rodeo is the winter retreat that the middle and high school goes on. They do all kinds of fun winter games/sports and then of course have time to be challenged in their Christian walk. We actually leave in a few minutes to pick him up. Jordyn has never been because Christmas break is often a time she hangs out at her dad's a lot and so I'm excited to hear from Isaiah how it was. I'll have to post more about that later.
After dropping him off on Sunday we visited New Beginnings church. Our friend is the pastor and it's held right down the street at the Schuetze building. Pastor Jerome pulled me up to lead worship with him--which he's always told me he would do when I was to go...lol--and it was a lot of fun. The church is very new and small (about 40 people) and he is just so full of the spirit. It is a great church for seekers. I'm sure we'll go again.
New Years Eve was spent running some errands in the am and then Marlon, my dad and the boys headed to the Globetrotters game (like last year---we won a spot as a Jr. Globetrotter-so this year Izzy got to do it) They had great seats and a lot of fun meeting the players beforehand. Since the boys were busy, Jordyn, my mom and I went to the movies. P.S. I Love You. Really sweet movie and a total girlie girl movie. Afterwards we grabbed something to eat and went to their house to watch Hairspray. I love musicals!! We got home about 10 and just Wii'd it out until midnight. Great day.
Today--Marlon, my brother in law Rod, my cousin Jeremy and I all did the POLAR BEAR PLUNGE in Lake Michigan at Bradford beach!! Totally crazy...lol. There were soooo many people down there. We had to park about 1/2 mile away so that walk there actually helped warm us up a bit, but it sure sucked on the way back...lol. The craziest part was probably all of the strange outfits and then people getting naked afterwards to change!! Came home, had lunch and zonked out for a good few hours. Being frozen takes a lot out of you I guess...lol!
Anyway...I'm sure I'll be back on tonight with Sno Rodeo updates!!