Forecasts....phooey!

Harrummmph. No sun.


Still, not too cold--not too hot.


No complaining.


Okay. I feel better now.

Musings...

So as I mentioned yesterday, my head has been swimming with thoughts, ideas and feelings. In no particular order--

Missing the City
Brookfield...well, actually suburban southeastern WI...lacks flavor. It is very nice and there are a lot of friendly people there. I don't want to be misquoted as saying that I do not enjoy the people I know from there or that I do not like the area. But...it lacks urban flavor. Houses...clothing...hairstyles...experiences...for the most part they are cookie cutter. Sweeping generalization I know. Forgive me, it's where my head is at right now. Leaving my car unlocked in the parking lot? No worry of being jumped on the way to my car? Not stepping over drug addicts waiting for their methodone on my way into the office? It seems odd. Boy do I miss the city. Even more than the city...I miss ethnic diversity. I miss black people. I miss latin people. I miss the city.

Where to Start
People have needs. Other people have the desire to help and the money, resources, things to help with. How to connect them? What got me on this is a call that came into church the day before yesterday. A pastor on call phone call. A man called because his fridge had died and he was not sure what to do with his stuff. He didn't have any money and someone had said that since Elmbrook was a big church maybe we could help him. Since I was covering reception at the time I couldn't ask questions, couldn't find out the details and had to pass it on to the pastor on call. One of my bosses was the pastor on call that day and I must say he handled it the best he could. He offered advice, some places to contact and gave the guy his name and direct line. Then he called back today. Who bridges the gap? What kills me is that with the size of our church, I know there are probably several fridges sitting in garages or basements that people would love to donate to someone who could use it. Pray for me as I continue to try and figure out how to bridge that gap and the role I play in it.

Friends
Love your friends. Warts and all. But know that there are levels of friendship and that's okay. We've all recieved the e-mails about friends for a reason, friends for a season and friends for life...sometimes those anecdotal stories/poems are corny, but that is one that is really true. The reason friends are necessary. Often times we have a need that they fill. Or we may fill a need in them. I've been in those lost places where a friend came into my life who just had the gift of encouragement and a discerning spirit---and they helped me get back on track. I've been that listener for someone else when they've needed it. When I was in my young 20s and first started working professionally---I had some great older female co-workers who befriended me and I learned so much from. Most time when the need has been met--when the reason for the friendship is gone--the friendship is as well. There is nothing wrong with this.
The season friends are so fun to be with. You might have a lot in common and just enjoy each other's company. As your life changes and shifts those friends do to, but that doesn't mean that the impact they had on your life is any less. These are often your sharing friends, friends that you tell your secrets, friends that you spend a lot of time with...the seasons can be short or long.
Lifetime friends are there for the long haul and you are there for them the same. There is a connection beyond reason or season and you learn so much from them-as they do from you. There are strong emotional and foundation truths that bind you. This friendship does not end because of arguments. This friendship does not end because of hurt. What's painful is when you thought someone was this kind of a friend and they aren't. I've had that happen. What I've had to do when that has happened is really soul search. After doing so, I find that the person was probably a reason or season friend and I tried to fit them into the lifetime friend spot. Lifetime friends usually share your morals, dreams, idealogies---they don't have to---but those are things that often times link you for life.
Sometimes people go through stages of their lives where they don't make good friends. They might be having marital problems, addiction issues, mental health struggles, or maybe they are just selfish and unable to look past themselves. They might lie to protect themselves. Forgive them. They might lash out in anger because they don't want to face the truth. Forgive them. Be a friend to them if you can. But know that they might be a reason or season friend and it is okay for the friendship to be over. Nobody ever said that once you become friends with someone you have to stay that way for life. That's pressure we put on ourselves...I'm still working on this myself, so I am certainly not coming from a place of authority. But my head has been swimming with these thoughts and I had to get them down.

Tomorrow is the first outdoor game for soccer. I'm glad that sun is supposed to be out and shining. Certainly better than the strange weird snow we had this week...lol. Off to fold a load of towels, let the dog out and get some sleep.

Much love!

Friday's Feast

Appetizer

When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite?

This is still my favorite crayon...cornflower!!

Soup

On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest)

How likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move?

Wow. Well, I would really need to feel that it was a call from God before I would move either to a new job or a new place. There are already stirrings in my heart that my position will switch and move back to social ministry. Now how and when I have no idea. As for moving to a new place--I can't imagine leaving my extended family, my home, how would we take Jordyn away from her dad...so much to think about...all I can say is that it would be likely only if I had to in order to be obedient.

Salad

Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What’s the total?

48

Main Course

Have you ever “re-gifted” anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to?

I've only re-gifted at White Elephant parties. Not so much that I think it's a "bad" thing...I've just had wonderful gifts that I've always really wanted or could use or needed!

Dessert

Name something you need from the store.

We need toilet paper. What else is new?

Need of Prayer

These are my good missionary friends, the Ryders. (who Marlon stayed with for a week last Oct.) They currently live in Nairobi, Kenya and are the most amazing ministry couple I know. I am asking for prayer for Jan. She has been battling some strange stomach, digestive problems for a couple of weeks and they can't find out what is wrong with her. They have done many different tests, X-rays, etc. and have been unsuccessful in finding anything. While it is good news that no cancer or lumps were found...it is also a little unnerving to be unable to effectively accomplish ministry tasks, run programs and handle her job as a Children's Director. She has maintained such positive spirits about it all and continues to keep on trucking. Please pray that she is able to fully recover. That through being able to tolerate solid foods again she will regain her strength and return to her normal activities. Pray that there are other ministry folks to come alongside her and complete her tasks and help alleviate her worries. Pray that the ministry does not suffer in anyway because of her illness and that Satan would not gain any stronghold.

Thanks!

Lunch with the Girls

What fun lunch dates Amy and Beth are! We went to Blue Sombrero's today and had a blast. Thanks girls for such great conversation and laughs! I think all of us would attest that we don't take enough time to just hang out with the girls (especially other than soccer stuff or home parties...lol) I had to thank God for bringing such great women into my life. I laughed because I remember a time when Marlon used to have to try and FORCE me to have friends...and now I have great women I know I could call upon for help, to vent, to cry, to share a story, to lend an ear, to listen...

On my way back to work I thought about Jesus and how he made it a point to befriend, love, hang out with people that "society" didn't think he should or could. I like that. How wonderful to never worry about whether or not someone look or acted right before you sat down to be their friend. While I may try to do this....and be somewhat successful....I must also acknowledge that there are many times where I do hesitate. Where I think...hmmm...what's this person's story...they look shady...and I have to consciously put those thoughts away and extend my hand to them.

I have a ton more thoughts about this. And I've had all of these feelings today because I am missing the city....missing ethnic diversity...but there isn't time right now to properly address them, so I'll have to come back and blog later. I also have to do the Thirteen. Can't forget that!!

Some Easter Photos

My cousin dressed up as the Easter Bunny poses with a few of the kids after the egg hunt.

Only Rafe would take his acting to the level of needing to eat grass...lol!

After leading the kids across the street in the bunny hop, they turn on Bugs and teach him who's boss!!! :)

Just a few pics from my Grandma's house on Sunday. I am busy, busy here at work...but couldn't resist getting these posted because they just make me laugh out loud. Hope you're all having a good day!

I love Easter...

I love Easter...

I love the fact that Jesus laid down His life for me. He knew what sins I would commit, He knew that I would forever be cut off from God---if He didn't, I wouldn't be able to spend the rest of eternity in Heaven. Amazing.

I love that while Good Friday is somber---when we think of the torture and pain He went through....it is also wonderful and joyous because we know the rest of the story. We know that He rose Easter morning!! Hallelujah!!

I love doing the resurrection eggs with my kids. Making sure that amongst the candy and eggs they understand and appreciate the real meaning of Easter. Even if they can' t grasp the magnitude at their ages, they can certainly comprehend that Jesus Christ came to Earth and fulfilled God's plan of absolving us of our sins by dying on a cross and rising again---that full belief in that will allow them to never die. We will die a physical death yes, but our spirit will live on for eternity in Heaven.

Lastly, I love going to my Grandma's house for the egg hunt for the kids. Every year she and my Aunt have a huge platter of candy, dozens of dyed hard-boiled eggs, and one plastic egg for each child with a dollar in it for them. It's so exciting to see the kids get so excited to run out with their plastic bag and search for the eggs. The older, older kids (teenagers) get to hide them and the older kids (like my boys and niece) always have to get the strict talking to---"make sure the little kids get some"---"don't knock anyone over trying to get an egg"---"there's plenty for everyone" lol . It's a rite of passage as they pass from toddler to preschooler and can search on their own without hanging on to mommy's hand. Last year my cousin Tony was able to borrow a bunny costume from this job and wore it over. All of the kids were laughing...actually there were a few tears as well! That probably won't happen this year.

What I do hope happens though---is that we relish in each moment knowing that it will be the last at that house. Who knows what size house my Aunt will purchase and if our traditions like this will continue? There are 69 of us after all (plus one on the way!) not the easiest number for someone to just fit everyone in! :) So while I know that memories and traditions aren't necessarily tied to the house...in some ways they are because without that house...it makes me sad. Circumstance cannot dictate my attitude. Circumstance cannot dictate or change the truth. The truth is that we are a large, kooky, loving family that will persevere because Grandma wouldn't have it any other way.

I love Easter!

Thursdays Thirteen...

Okay, Amy posted her thirteen as thirteen warm and sunny places that she has been. Since I have not been to 13 warm and sunny places that won't do. So...I am going to post my thirteen favorite memories from childhood...

1. Our family trip to Texas when I was in 8th grade. The four of us drove down to San Antonio with my Aunt and Uncle and their 3 kids, along with my Grandma. We stayed with our Aunt Stella and just had a BLAST...

2. My dad reading the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve. This actually continued until Jordyn was born and we were still living there. We'd get in our jammies and sit on his lap and he'd read it to us after we came home from Grandma Calderon's house.

3. Pouring water on each other when we were taking showers. Now this sounds crazy...but it's true. If the door was locked then we would use a driver's license or credit card to open it and then pour cold water over the person that was in the shower.

4. Camping trips. I suppose if I broke this down it could be all thirteen...because we had SUCH fun each time we went. From our pop-up camper to the RV we got when I was older...we went camping numerous times each summer and had such a great time. Campfire songs...swimming...mini-golf...inside jokes with our friends and relatives...those times are irreplacable.

5. Nick's Thing. My Grandma and Grandpa Nickel's bar in Merton. lol...such a funny thing, a bar, to hold such good memories...but it really did. We'd stay overnight and Connie and thought we ran that place. Becoming good friends with the regulars...picking what music was on the jukebox (I still remember how they all freaked out when I had Billie Jean and Thriller put on it...lol), sitting behind the bar and getting all of the candy bars we wanted, dancing on the stage...

6. My 7th grade birthday party. Growing up I had a lot of super birthdays...but for my 7th grade party we went into Milwaukee--ate at Shakey's and saw Breakin' at Capitol Court. I thought it was so exciting to be in the "big" city

7. Mrs. Cooke--my 3rd grade teacher. Wow--this woman was wonderful. She made us all feel like we were her children and just loved us so much. We even went to her wedding and just felt so special.

8. Playing barbies with my sister. Oh my goodness we would just have elaborate fantasies about our barbies lives. Sometimes even naughty stuff...lol!! We'd set up all of the album covers (remember albums!) as the walls to their house and play for hours!!

9. Christmas Eve at Grandma Calderon's house. Who knew last Christmas would be our last one there. Anyway---Christmas always meant yummy, homemade Mexican food, watching Grandma open her presents and then each getting something ourselves...always some kind of big debate/argument in the dining room...picking on my cousin Jr...kids EVERYWHERE. A lot of times the cousins would all be in Grandma's bedroom and Shawn would DJ and then all of us who were brave enough would dance. I remember performing the Micheal Jackson commercial with Alfonso Rivera a time or two as well.

10. My friend Jenny Zastrow. We were inseparable. Every day of the summer, riding our bikes to each other's houses, going on walks, hanging out at the big hill, terrorizing our little sisters, playing cops and robbers, crank calling people and then telling our parents--um, duh! I don't think, no, I know grade school would not have been the same without her.

11. Our family trip to Florida when I was in 4th grade. The four of us really had a good time together. My parents always made sure that Connie and I had and experienced things they had not as children. Flying was so exciting...staying in a fancy (well, fancy to us) hotel, seeing Disney World...spending the day at Wet n Wild and Busch Gardens.

12. Dance class. I started taking dance when I was 5 at the Park and Rec. It became such a big part of my life and where I truly felt comfortable. This of course was before high school and my poor self image as a dancer issues. But as a young girl, dressing up in the costumes, getting to be on stage and dance...what fun!

13. Wow...so many memories are running through my head as I try to pick the last one...which one really stands out...probably every Halloween staying up late to watch horror movies on Select TV. We'd all have popcorn (remember air poppers?) and blankets and we'd just stay up as late as we could last as they played back to back scary movies. It wasn't even so much the movies (although I do like being scared) as it was the whole afternoon and evening sitting together on the couch screaming, covering our eyes, and grabbing onto each other!

Reading these back...it makes me hope that Marlon and I are creating special memories for our kids as well. That they'll remember trips and vacations, but also just the fun family time at home--telling stories, jokes, sharing time together. Each day matters.

A Cute Meme

Found this on another blog. Finish the sentence with the FIRST thing that pops in your mind.


I AM: really enjoying this day off. It's 1:15 and I'm still in my jammies. Ah---lovely!

I WANT: to take a nap before the kids get home. After this, I'm gonna try to make that happen.

I WISH: that I understood why people lie and gossip so much. It sucks.

I HATE: still having this darn cold. Sinus issues and I don't mix.

I HEAR: the kids from the Lutheran School across the street out on recess. Wow-they are loud..lol.

I WONDER: what my family is going to do for Thanksgiving and Easter with my Grandma's house being gone by then?

I REGRET: the times that I missed out on helping someone because I was too busy with my own issues or agenda to notice.

I AM NOT: going to freak out about gross things I may eat in the Phillippines

I DANCE: for fun with the kids when we are cleaning.

I SING: all of the time!

I CRY: at TV, movies, commercials, stories, songs, life...I love to cry.

I AM NOT ALWAYS: chipper. I get crabby too darn it all!!

I MAKE WITH MY HANDS: not much other than dinner and scrapbooks.

I WRITE: as a release.

I CONFUSE: the make and model of a car. I never know which is which...lol

I NEED: to get more sleep at night.

I SHOULD: make sure that I spend time with God everyday...not just in prayer and bible study...but just setting time aside out of my day to hear Him.

I START: a lot of projects.

I FINISH: about half of what I start!

Thought it was a fun one...haven't seen that one yet. Now off to that nap....

Relaxing Sunday night...

So it's been a busy few days...

Thursday ended well and then I had worship rehearsal at church. Friday Marlon and I stuck to our word and did the office. It felt so good to get all of that junk out, put the new bookcase in and organize everything. We also got the dining room back in order and I got my dining room table back!! (It had been hiding under all of the books and things there wasn't room for in the office) Then I showered and headed to my mom's for the purse party. It was a fun time and I love the cute pink purse that I picked out. I had to get my Grandma from work at 11:30 and then headed to bed.

Sat. we had an Easter Treasure Hunt at church. It was our first one and it went over very well. The families seemed to enjoy this opportunity and we plan to make it an annual event. Complete with fun activities (coloring contest, basket weaving, shrinky dinks, etc), an easter egg hunt, treats, and the story of Easter...it was a fun morning. Izzy's friend Jalen had stayed overnight so he came along. After dropping him off we went home and I got a little nap in before having to head back to church at 3:30 for worship. After church we all watched Happy Feet...what a good movie! Jordyn spent the day shopping with friends and then went to a birthday party so I had to pick her up from that at 11pm. (can you say tired...I think I dozed on the couch 2 or 3 times before going to get her) Then it was right to bed because I had to get up this morning and be at church.

Today is Marlon's long day away. He's up north at two prisons and 4 services...so he doesn't get home until about 11. Poor baby. I didn't sing 1st service so that the kids didn't need to be at church for all 3 services...so the rest of us all got to church at about 9:15. After singing both services we came home, went to my parents for a little bit and then came back home again. Already took a short nap, vaccuumed, dusted, had dinner, got in my jammies and folded a load of laundry and it's only 6:30. Now there is nothing but laundry and The Amazing Race left for the night...so that is how I got to the Relaxing Sunday Night...lol. As most of you know by now from other posts...I enjoy doing laundry so that won't be a problem. I may put the boys to bed early just to have a quiet house to enjoy. :)

Enjoy your night.