The Melting Pot and the Brewer Game

So Wednesday nite we took the Teen MOPS leaders out to the Melting Pot. I had never been there and oh my goodness, it was so much fun! Since we hadn't had our big overnight retreat we opted to spend a little more and get the full treatment for these amazing ladies. I am so proud to be a part of this awesome team of leaders. Each week they give so selflessly of themselves to ensure that our girls feel loved, taken care of and have strong models of who Jesus is. It was so much fun to just sit and relax together, enjoy the food, and have a little freak out when Kristen got a nut in her salad (which led to $15 off of her meal by the way...lol) It was great too because all 10 of us were able to go. If you haven't been, I would definately recommend it.


So Thursday Children's Ministry staff and the interns went to a Brewers game together. We went early to tailgate and had a really good time. I am not a big baseball person (Izzy's games aside) so I actually left early with a couple other ladies who wanted to go too. Here's a few pictures from the day.
Cheryl and I cheer on our team!

Me and my friend the Chorizo...

My friend Ali and her guy the hot dog. Although we found out later this is the polish? Not sure.

To quote my friend Steph...."wow--these ladies are a catch!" Me, Sue, Julie, Steph and Shelbi

Brother Bob just got here so I am going to go and visit. Have a really good nite!!

Thursday Thirteen and a whole lotta lotta...

First, my Thursday Thirteen.

The Top 13 Things I am Looking Forward to this Summer
1. My trip to North Carolina for a conference
2. Swimming at my parent's house
3. Camp Zoom
4. Not being as busy as last summer
5. Going to Kids Kamp as a counselor with Jordyn as my intern
6. Losing more weight
7. Continued SUNSHINE
8. not working on Sundays
9. the Waukesha Community Picnic on July 26th
10. It staying light out later
11. going to the zoo (I really like the zoo)
12. Brother Bob's visit from the Philippines
13. cook-outs!!

Next...

I have two situations with work where I see how God is working on me and honing my leadership skills. I am not someone who shys away from conflict. I do not have a problem speaking my mind and prefer it when people speak theirs. I like to express what I am feeling. Probably the most difficult people in the world for me to deal with are people who are reserved and not honest about what they are thinking for feeling. On two different teams that I am a part of...there is a person that is the TOTAL opposite of me. Each of these people shy away from conflict, don't like to say anything uncomfortable or negative, don't express their emotions easily and are very reserved. We've butted heads many times and in one of the situations I recently asked to have a 3rd person sit in with us because I could tell that our communication just wasn't jiving and that I might be overpowering the person. What has happened is that I am learning how to reach and communicate with that last person who drives me nuts...lol...and also learning how to not drive them so nuts! My friend and Pastor and confidant, Dave, is doing the mediation for me and the one person. He hit the nail on the head yesterday by saying that our personalities as well as our cultural background put us on totally different hemispheres and make it near impossible for us to see where the other one is coming from. So we need to always walk in the spirit and allow God to guide our conversations so that we extend grace to each other at all times. It makes total sense and I am so happy and relieved to have tools to help me communicate better with these people and in the process have less stress. :)

I have to go and give my Grandma her shot so I will have to finish later. Want to share about our special Teen MOP leader dinner last night and the Brewer game today.

ttfn (tata for now)

The Biggest Loser

Oooo...almost forgot to update on this. I lost 3 lbs. this week and Jordyn lost another pound. I'm up to 24 now!! Unfortunately my brother in law and friend had a great week and etched us out of 1st place by .2 percent!!! Jordyn and I are determined to move back into first this week. Now it's a battle for real :)
Wish me luck because I have my work cut out for me after all I ate today at my Grandma's!!

Memorial Day....family, fun and an extreme water fight!

Every year my family gets together on Memorial Day. (actually we get together all the time...lol) This year was nice because my Uncle Lino and Cameron are here from Cali and my Uncle Frankie had a weekend pass so he was there too. My parents kept the kids overnight on Sunday so Marlon and I slept in a little and then they came over to watch the parade. Waukesha's Memorial Day parade is not very large so it only lasted about 10 or 15 minutes. At noon we went to my parents to swim a little bit and then headed over to my Grandma's about 2ish. What a wonderful day to sit outside. I got sooo dark just from one day...lol!
My Aunt Josie bought the kids some water balloons and what ensued was a hilarious water balloon fight with the kids. First the littler kids and then some of the older kids got involved. After the balloons were gone they had to move to glasses, bowls and plastic jars. By then some of my cousins had gotten in on the excitement. This led to the hose and buckets...lol! The chaos escalated when my cousin Tony got up on the roof (with the help of my Uncle Davy steadying the ladder and then quickly putting it away) so that he could get my cousin Jackie's boyfriend Myron. Myron had gotten EVERYONE and Tony had to get him back. The culmination of the fun came though when my cousin's Shawn and Cristy tag teamed him and got him with the hose. We like to make boyfriends feel welcome. :) Here's some pictures.... Cameron has grown so much since they were here last year.

My cousin Junior and his nephew Tomas.

Jackie and Myron. The last time you will see him dry. :)

The kids LOVED the bubble grill that my Aunt Josie bought. It was kind of cool actually.

The start of the chaos!

A prayer request would be about Uncle Lino. When he got here from Cali it was easy to see that he is not healthy. He did confess that he has been sick and just hung on because he was determined to get out here with Cameron. My aunt's took him to the VA hospital late yesterday afternoon and they are running tests and bloodwork. He has some kind of infection and his liver appears to be affected. I'm worried (I know I shouldn't be--God has everything) because he really did not look good at all. Cameron is staying with my Grandma and Aunt Linda so pray for them as well. They both love kids but Cameron is little and takes a lot of time and energy. Help me know how to help.

Thanks.

Our day of baseball...

With 2 boys being involved and Marlon being the coach, it seems that basketball often consumes us. This weekend there was no tournament (yay) and Izzy had a double header in Sheboygan so we set out at 9:30 to spend the day focused on him. It was a lot of fun and he really enjoyed himself. He's grown so much this season already...learning not to be so hard on himself, how to take criticism, understanding the game more. He is the starting catcher and really getting pretty good at it. Here's some pictures from our day on Saturday.
Izzy getting some sunflower seeds in while his team was up at bat.

Celebrating after two teammates scored!

Up to bat. (elbow up---makes Daddy and Papa so proud...lol)

Izzy and his buddy relaxing in between games.

The other team provided lunch for EVERYONE while we waited for the next game to start. It was very nice.

One of the best things about this season of baseball is the new friendship that is starting between me and the coaches wife. She actually was a very close friend of my cousin's growing up. Nina has an amazing testimony and lives out loud for Christ. I love it because we've found out that our stories are similar. The details of how we lived might not be...but our hearts and our brokenness definately are. She and her husband (who actually has been a casual friend of Marlon's for years--they played prison softball together) and Marlon and I are going to get together soon. Just the four of us and then maybe a BBQ or something with the kids as well.

Oh---and just as an update. You may remember on May 13th I posted about how crazy my time was going to be for the next two weeks. Well, that time has ended and I survived suprisingly well. I was able to enjoy it and I know that it was by laying it all on Jesus that I did.

Because I don't always daily blog anymore....or because I might not give glory to Him as often as I should...it might seem that the focus of my heart is not fully committed to living our His will for me. I must admit in all honesty that the last month or two I have not been as obedient to Him as I should. Other than preparing for things for work---I have not been in the word. Other than praying for other people and when I've needed help out of stressful situations---I have not been in conversation with Him. I've too many times relied on my own strength to get through the day and put on a happy face for others when I've really be hurting, struggling or sad on the inside.

This past weekend I got up early Saturday and Sunday to do my powerwalk around the river. By early I mean 6ish am. What it did was rejuvenate my spirit and restore my soul. In the newness of the day--fresh with the early morning sunshine--I was able to connect with God again. When we confess our disobedience to Him, set our hearts straight again and align our spirit----it is amazing and awesome to me how He can immediately lift the burden we've been living under. Like a cloud that separates and allows the sun to show through---that is how my heart is feeling today. I leave you with Psalm 23. Please don't dismiss this part of my blog because you know this verse and have heard it a zillion times. Please don't stop reading here because you really aren't in the "religious" stuff. Please don't leave without taking a minute to read and think about the words of this Psalm.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,he restores my soul He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

B-day dinner

Tonight we celebrated mine and Isaiah's birthdays. My parents, Connie and her family and even the Anderson family came over! Marlon grilled out, I ate wayyyyyyyyyy too much, then we opened gifts, had cake and went for a walk around the river. Yes...me, Izzy, Amy, Gabby, Baba, Papa, Aunt Connie, Keyona, Nia and her friend Shania...lol. I definately did not make it 3 times around tonight :)

Isaiah and I

Owen was HYSTERICAL tonight! He is such a cutie!! He was cracking me up because he found the 12 pack boxes of soda that each had some cans left in them. He brought them in the living room and proceeded to take each can out and put it on the coffee table....separating them by the kind they were...lol. So smart. Marlon said he's gonna be an engineer or something because he definately has mechanical mind. I had to get the camera out he was so sweet....and I tell you that kid loves to have his picture taken! I kept telling him to pose for the Tab commercial and he just held the can so perfect and still...lol. It was a great evening and I'm so glad that they were able to come and hang out with us.

Tomorrow is a double header baseball game in Sheboygan. I really didn't exercise today and so I am thinking about getting up and walking before we go. Last week I only lost 1 lb. so I really want to lose 2 or 3 this week. We'll see.

Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!!!

Field Trip

Me and my group. We had a really fun day.

Checking out the 3D action.

Elijah checks out the bed of nails---ouch!

Elijah and his guys while we waited for the busses

Me and the ladies!

Me and my boys

The poetry in my mind tonight....

Life...

Back and forth

Around again

Over and under

Where did I begin?

Why are there days when I just can't seem

To find my way

Then I get my head straight

Focus and know

That He always has me and never lets go

I let my foolish decisions dictate my day

cloud my way

lead me astray

Ignoring the freedom He offers me

And forgetting what He created me to be

So I start fresh as He grants me a new day

Crosstrainers Academy

Just some pics from Friday and my excursion to Crosstrainers. I love this place. I could just eat those kids all up! My friend Jan Whittow is the principal and a "new" friend, Will Branch is a teacher, worship leader, gym teacher, bus driver...lol. We've chosen the school as the mission for Kids Kamp this summer. We are going to use the offering money to revamp their gym and supply them with gym equipment. I have also decided to make Crosstrainers our new mission for K-1. Each department has a mission/social service agency that we support with our weekly offering. I am hoping to help the kids take this to a different level and praying that God will grow this into relationships versus just a "mission" to support. When a mission or missionary is overseas, it's understandable that the only contact can be through financial support and possibly an occasional letter or newsletter. But these are kids just like the kids at Elmbrook...separated only by a highway. I think God can do amazing things to transform lives, perceptions and world views. Not think...I know He can. And I'm prayerful that he'll use a new relationship between this school and the K1 kids at Elmbrook and these kids will be a new generation of people striving to bring racial reconciliation to our communities.

Have a good nite...

Well...

it's Saturday nite at 10:30 and I'm finally getting a chance to blog. So much has happened. It's been a quick week. Now the weekend is flying by as well. I can't believe tomorrow is Sunday already!

My next posts are some pictures from this last week. I have some more on the work camera--but the cord to download is at work, so that'll have to wait until tomorrow or Monday.

One important thing. Please pray for my friends Troy and Amy. They had a house fire on Thursday and are currently in a hotel. Insurance is going to work to find them more suitable housing as they'll be out of their home for a bit, but it could be a week or so. They just had a horrible fire not much more than 5 years ago so this is extremely upsetting to Amy, as well as everyone in the family. Thanks for thinking of them.....

The AAU boys....

Well, a Waukesha tournament always means the team hanging out at our house. This time we only had three with us...however, this weekend Marlon also coached the 8th gr. team so in between games this afternooon we had an additional 7 boys with us. I got up early to make them a big breakfast and then they spent the morning on the trampoline, playing WII, listening to music and on the playstation. Then we spent the afternoon swimming at my parent's house and having lunch. I must admit---it was a ton of fun---and only a little trying. They are good kids and just loved hangin' out. After the games (and me working) we got them some pizza and are now slowly trying to get them to settle down and start thinking about bed. Let's see if we can get them down by 11:00!

Teacher Appreciation Dinner

Just a few pics of our amazing volunteers in Praise Pond, Celebration Station, Kid Zone and Clubhouse Kids. It is an honor to serve with such a faithful leadership team. Our dinner was yummy cook-out food prepared by Feed My Sheep. A couple of parents shared how the ministry has impacted their families and we gave out a devotion book to the volunteer who'd been serving the longest and least time. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Now tomorrow is the last Sunday school until fall, then it'll be time for a break. :)

Clubhouse Kids Luau

It was such a fun nite! So many parents came and that really helped make it a great evening. I am beyond thankful for such great kids who are so eager to learn and love the Lord. I pray that they each remember with affection their time in Clubhouse Kids and what they learned there.

Long day....

Today is going to be a fun day, but a long one. I am asking if you either visit my page on the regular or just happen upon it today---that you say a prayer for me. It's our last Clubhouse Kids for the year and we are having a "luau" style party. Parents are invited and the format is going to be much different so all in all it'll take a lot of prep work, set up and I still have to get out and do some shopping for it. I am very excited though...just praying that going to bed early last night will pay off in my energy and endurance...lol! :)

My schedule for the next week or so has been swimming in my mind. I hate when I do that because my mind can start to race and spin and then it's like I can't get focused or slow down even if I wanted to. So I am going to write down all of the "stuff" that I have coming up and then release it.

Tonight: Clubhouse Kids Celebration
Wed: Three meetings, Teen MOPS
Thurs: Two meetings, Israel's baseball game
Fri: Teaching at Crossroads Academy school at the Rescue Mission
Sat: Teacher appreciation dinner
Sun: Last Sunday school, Keyona's birthday
Mon: Izzy's baseball practise
Tues: Isaiah's birthday (prep for last Teen MOPS)
Wed: Teen MOPS celebration
Thurs: Two meetings, Izzy's baseball game
Fri: field trip for Elijah
Sat: baseball tournament in Sheboygan
Sun: John Burke prison

Then....yes then....I will be taking off a few days!!! Aside of a few meetings and a staff day at a Brewer's game...I am not working the last week of May. Writing it down actually felt good. Just putting it out there and then letting it go so that I can focus. While most of the things need to be worked on daily (like prepping for the end of year parties), many of the things on the list (like meetings) don't need to twirl around in my brain until the actual day of the event. So. That being said---I will share about these things as they occur....but in the next two weeks if I blog about stress, worry, concern in relationship to any of these things you can beat me with a wet noodle!!!

Here's a verse I'm sharing with you today, because I need it to!!

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Njoy ur day!

Oh yes...and the fun ensued...

Me ready for a nite on the town.

My friend Sarah and I. I love this girl.

Of course sweet Amy and I had to get a picture together.

Me, Connie and Mahleah. Yay for cousins!! (we finally got a picture where Connie's eyes were open..lol)

DeeDee and I. My forever freaky dance partner....lol.

Friday was such a fun nite. Actually this has been a really good weekend all around. Marlon and the boys ended up having to leave for the tournament on Friday. It was a crazy relay of occurrences that led to that decision, but he was able to get a hold of all of the parents, the hotel and put it all into action. One thing is for sure---when that man sets his mind to get something done---not a THING is going to stand in his way. Jordyn had to work and then since nobody else was going to be home, I offered for her to stay at my parent's house. I didn't want her to be alone until 1am ish when I got home.

So Sarah, Amy and I met at a park and ride and then I drove us to Chile's. We met up with Connie, Katie, Angie, and Camellie. It was a riot. We laughed so hard and talked about EVERYTHING under the sun. And we learned about all the different kinds of swings.

After dinner it was only 9, and not recalling if clubs were even OPEN that early, we decided to hang out at Katie's house for a lil bit. After some silly pictures on rocky horses, a lil salsa dancin, several laugh attacks that led to emergency bathroom breaks and disturbing reminiscing convo we headed to the club. My cousin Mahleah and sister in law DeeDee came and met us. We hung out in the lounge area until 11:30 when the club opened. By now I KNEW we were gonna make it out past 12:00 (which had been a goal of this group) because I have to get at least a good hour of dancing in...lol. They'd played a good mix of music. A little too much rock for me, but it was so immersed in the hip hop and old stuff that it wasn't so bad. The crowd was obviously younger than the majority of us (to be fair Sarah and DeeDee aren't even 30 yet) but what club isn't gonna be younger than us...lol?? We danced non stop from 11:30 to 1:30am. If I wouldn't have had to drive home---I was starting to get tired---then I definately could have stayed longer.

It was so much fun. I love dancing so much. In my younger, wilder days dancing always seemed connected to gettin' a guy, turning someone on, playing games...so when those things became obsolete in my life...I thought that going dancing had to be too. I never really had a group of girl friends who wanted to just go out and have fun and not have it revolve around rubbin up on someone-getting wasted-goin' home with someone. Friday was nothing like that. A friend saw my picture and asked if the guys were all after me. That made me laugh because I don't even think of myself like that anymore. Did I feel attractive on Friday--definately. Did I enjoy the fact that I looked just like sassy Mindy and not Mom Mindy, Wife Mindy, Give Give Give Mindy--definately. But I had to tell her it's not about that. I couldn't tell you if a single person even gave me a second look because it was all about my girls, the music and dancin' like a diva...lol. Plus I've always had a system for nights when I wanted to be left alone.

1. Do not make eye contact.

2. If you happen to make eye contact inadvertantly, scowl, roll your eyes and look away. 99% of the time, he's going to think ur a ---- and leave you alone. Or he'll be so intimidated that he won't have the guts to approach you. If he is part of the 1% that will still approach you...you just ask him what made him think you wanted him to come and dance with you?

At 1:30 we finally headed home. It was such a great night---total bonding for all of us I think. We'll definately have to make this a regular occurrence I think. We may need to even make a road trip of it. Sarah had mentioned Vegas. Not sure if I can swing that one---but maybe Madison or Chicago....Love all you ladies!!

Oh--for the challenge this week. I lost 5.6 lbs!!! That's 20 lbs. total :) My goal is another 15 by the end of the challenge on 6/28. I know that the dancing HAD to have helped.

Well, the Survivor finale is on---so I'll get more out to you later about my good weekend.

Peace.

Random Pics

Jordyn and I at Spamalot. Why am I leaning so far forward...lol??

My friend Erica's son, Marcus. He is suchhhh a cutie!

This morning at Muffins & Moms with my niece, sister and mommy. I even drew my mommy a picture :)

Me and my lil Nia. This is one of the sweetest kids you'll ever meet!