Saturday, December 29, 2007
The end of the year is almost upon us. It is hard to believe that 2008 is a few days away. It seems like is should still be July! I have decided to try to be more faithful with blogging and taking pictures this new year. The picture thing is mainly for family. I am going to try to post a picture per day. I realize that it is not always do-able...sometimes because our email is down and not working but I will do the best that I can. We have had trouble with our internet lately. Maybe it is all the season activity? I don't know we seem to have trouble periodically.
My friend Jeanni is coming over in a little while to help me reorganize my room. I am stuck and need help continuing. Thank God for good friends! The downstairs is more organized than it was last yr at this time! I can say I am making progress but still have a long way to go.
We finally purchased closets for the girls and we moved the boys downstairs and Malia upstairs. She likes to sleep later than the rest of us and we often disturb her with our noise in the mornings so she asked for a change. We didn't realize that the ceiling is lower in the downstairs room so with the loft beds in there, Noah cannot even sit up in his bed. Oh well....we are going to give him one of those triangle things to prop up against when in his bed. He doesn't do alot of sitting in his bed anyway. Malia's closet hasn't arrived yet...they only had one in stock (SAv's) and we have to wait for Malia's. Kelly is installing new runners (I'm not sure if that is the correct word for them) in their dressers and we will paint them white to match their closets.
The family is still majorly enjoying WII. We have to take breaks from it. We have rearranged the LR at the moment so that all focus can be on the WII. It won't stay that way for long. I need to post some of our Christmas pictures. I'll try to do that now. I'll close this down and just post some pics from the past few months.
Happy New Year!
My friend Jeanni is coming over in a little while to help me reorganize my room. I am stuck and need help continuing. Thank God for good friends! The downstairs is more organized than it was last yr at this time! I can say I am making progress but still have a long way to go.
We finally purchased closets for the girls and we moved the boys downstairs and Malia upstairs. She likes to sleep later than the rest of us and we often disturb her with our noise in the mornings so she asked for a change. We didn't realize that the ceiling is lower in the downstairs room so with the loft beds in there, Noah cannot even sit up in his bed. Oh well....we are going to give him one of those triangle things to prop up against when in his bed. He doesn't do alot of sitting in his bed anyway. Malia's closet hasn't arrived yet...they only had one in stock (SAv's) and we have to wait for Malia's. Kelly is installing new runners (I'm not sure if that is the correct word for them) in their dressers and we will paint them white to match their closets.
The family is still majorly enjoying WII. We have to take breaks from it. We have rearranged the LR at the moment so that all focus can be on the WII. It won't stay that way for long. I need to post some of our Christmas pictures. I'll try to do that now. I'll close this down and just post some pics from the past few months.
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 10, 2007
Our shopping trip was wonderful. It was high on those year highlights for me. I did not buy as much as I wanted to, but I am not an impluse buyer unless I just LOVE it and it takes a while for me to decide....and we didn't have alot of time to decide. Mom, I bought some room decor stuff for Savvy, and I think she is going to love it. It is this stuff to hang on her wall and one of the mom's of one of the girls in her "gang" is going to take a pic of the gang and we are going to blow it up and frame it and put it in the middle. It is going to look great with her quilt and I think she is going to be really excited about it all. I also bought her a book. I have enough money left to get the pic framed and maybe get her an outfit--if I can find one I think she might like. It is tricky. I didn't buy much for the Malia or the boys, just a few little things. I'll have to shop more here. Nor for Kelly or me....I just can't pay $100 for one pair of pants or a shirt. I will go to the export places here and see what I can find. Marla, we are going to buy a WII for the family with the money you sent. I hope that's ok. I bought some makeup for me! It seems like that's what I buy every year, isn't it? This yr I bought Bobbie Brown. Kelly said I look 5 yrs younger. I'm still trying to get used to it....I think I have to figure out how to make it not cling to the wrinkles. Ha. A challenge with makeup these last few years, esp. around the eyes. I guess you are not there yet! :>
Mel and Dee made it in today. It is great having them here. They made it all day until about 9pm and I am sure they are sound asleep now. We are really enjoying them, and the children are really loving having them here. There has been lots of laughter Malia will stay home from school with them tomorrow. The boys and Savannah will stay with them on Thursday. SAv is in a play tomorrow and needs to be at school, tomorrow.
Funny things said...As we were bringing the bags into the house one of the children asked Melanie if that was her bag....pointing to a certain bag.....as she said no, Sage looked up at her and said, "Did you steal it?" He was completely serious when he said it.
Last night, right after they went to bed Sage starts banging on our door saying, DAD, Noah says I must Expect my elders." Noah was telling him he must RESPECT his elders, meaning he (Noah) was one of the elders SAge needed to (expect-obey!). Too funny!
Mel and Dee made it in today. It is great having them here. They made it all day until about 9pm and I am sure they are sound asleep now. We are really enjoying them, and the children are really loving having them here. There has been lots of laughter Malia will stay home from school with them tomorrow. The boys and Savannah will stay with them on Thursday. SAv is in a play tomorrow and needs to be at school, tomorrow.
Funny things said...As we were bringing the bags into the house one of the children asked Melanie if that was her bag....pointing to a certain bag.....as she said no, Sage looked up at her and said, "Did you steal it?" He was completely serious when he said it.
Last night, right after they went to bed Sage starts banging on our door saying, DAD, Noah says I must Expect my elders." Noah was telling him he must RESPECT his elders, meaning he (Noah) was one of the elders SAge needed to (expect-obey!). Too funny!
Monday, December 3, 2007
I'm feeling better this week. Sage still has croup, though. Most likely, it's allergy related. If we were in the U.S. I think he might already be feeling better. He probably needs a steroid. They don't give them as readily here for croup as they do in the U.S.
The big Grace news is the school is looking for new property. This has been a nightmarish experience with the neighborhood association. New property means, new land, new buildings, more money. I pray that God will provide. The hard thing is that several dorms (including 2 IMB dorms) are located in the neighborhood, along with several folks have purchased houses in the neighborhood. It will be a couple of years before the new buildings will be completed so we are still in the old property for now. If the legal system here determines that Grace has the rights to the property we will take that when it comes and decide what is best. In the meantime, we are building anew.
Pray for funds, and the right property. It would be great if it was near this part of town. The positive thing about the school moving, is that we will be able to build space to fit us. Right now, we have no more space to add students in grades 5-12. This is a problem since we want to service the M community. So, the positive thing is that the building will fit us better. The negative....well, I won't go into all the negative right now.
The big Grace news is the school is looking for new property. This has been a nightmarish experience with the neighborhood association. New property means, new land, new buildings, more money. I pray that God will provide. The hard thing is that several dorms (including 2 IMB dorms) are located in the neighborhood, along with several folks have purchased houses in the neighborhood. It will be a couple of years before the new buildings will be completed so we are still in the old property for now. If the legal system here determines that Grace has the rights to the property we will take that when it comes and decide what is best. In the meantime, we are building anew.
Pray for funds, and the right property. It would be great if it was near this part of town. The positive thing about the school moving, is that we will be able to build space to fit us. Right now, we have no more space to add students in grades 5-12. This is a problem since we want to service the M community. So, the positive thing is that the building will fit us better. The negative....well, I won't go into all the negative right now.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
It's hard to believe it's been almost a month since I last posted. I am sitting here in bed, not wanting to get up because it's cold out of the covers. I have on long pj's and sweater. I have to get up soon, because I want to hit the grocery store before the Sunday crowds do. I need to make sandwiches tonight for the annual MK Christmas cookie party. The kids will go to later this afternoon. We also may go to a baptism at the waterfall this morning since about 6 children from two families that are good friends are getting baptized this morning! It sure is going to be a cool baptism! Makes me shiver just thinking about it.
My allergies are awful and the only thing I can think is that I need to change my allergy meds. They are not working. Maybe I will try Singulair...which is the medicine the dr. recommended I try next. I find myself waking up angry because I feel awful.
It still doesn't seem like Christmas that much...I guess I'm still not that excited. Our homegroup is doing some fun Christmas Eve activities, so I need to try harder to get into the mood. We will be having a progressive dinner type activity with different activities at different homes. The main meal will be here and it will be Mexican. I haven't quite decided what it will be....probably taco's.
Kel took the boys to his favorite breakfast place. He seems to be addicted to it or something and feels like he must go there every morning. It is a hot chicken soup type thing. I imagine it is probably Freezing there! They went in the car and not the motorbike.
The girls are still sleeping as usual. Malia slept until 11:20 yesterday. I tend to think if we let her sleep late on weekend mornings she will be more rested at school during the week. I'm not sure Kelly agrees with me.
He is preparing for band practice this afternoon. There will be a Christmas carol fest at Grace on Tuesday evening and he is leading the music for that time. The girls will be helping him. Pray for them, I know Malia will say she doesn't want to do it but it will be such a blessing if she will do it. It will be the first such thing he has done at Grace and will be good for the girls.
Well, I guess I need to make myself get up now and get dressed. Merry Christmas!
My allergies are awful and the only thing I can think is that I need to change my allergy meds. They are not working. Maybe I will try Singulair...which is the medicine the dr. recommended I try next. I find myself waking up angry because I feel awful.
It still doesn't seem like Christmas that much...I guess I'm still not that excited. Our homegroup is doing some fun Christmas Eve activities, so I need to try harder to get into the mood. We will be having a progressive dinner type activity with different activities at different homes. The main meal will be here and it will be Mexican. I haven't quite decided what it will be....probably taco's.
Kel took the boys to his favorite breakfast place. He seems to be addicted to it or something and feels like he must go there every morning. It is a hot chicken soup type thing. I imagine it is probably Freezing there! They went in the car and not the motorbike.
The girls are still sleeping as usual. Malia slept until 11:20 yesterday. I tend to think if we let her sleep late on weekend mornings she will be more rested at school during the week. I'm not sure Kelly agrees with me.
He is preparing for band practice this afternoon. There will be a Christmas carol fest at Grace on Tuesday evening and he is leading the music for that time. The girls will be helping him. Pray for them, I know Malia will say she doesn't want to do it but it will be such a blessing if she will do it. It will be the first such thing he has done at Grace and will be good for the girls.
Well, I guess I need to make myself get up now and get dressed. Merry Christmas!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
While we were away, my new nephew was born! Jacob Reed Smith was born on Oct. 30. He and his mom are healthy and home now. We are so excited to have a new nephew and look forward to meeting him in May! He joins his big brother William, who I know is thrilled to have a brother!
Kelly and I returned from our get away on Thursday evening. We had a wonderful relaxing time in Phuket. Our hotel was near the beach (a short walk away) and had several very nice swimming pools. There ended up being several friends there but we kept most of our time for just the two of us. Larry and Diane were there so we did spend one evening playing cards with them. It was great to be with them and catch up on their family and latest news. We are very grateful to ERin and Carolyn for keeping our kiddo's during this time. They said it is much easier to keep them now (than when they were younger!)--much less work! Kel surprised me with business class tickets (we used frequent flier miles) and what a treat that was!
We returned to CM to cooler weather and rain. It has rained almost solid for the last 24 hours. We did not use A/c last night but slept with the windows open. I can't believe how cool it is, but it is November!
Kel is getting ready to leave for the states in a little over a week. He will be there for almost 3 weeks. I'm trying to get some Christmas shopping done so he can take gifts back with him.
I have TWO small groups to lead this week. Monday morning I will lead a book discussion for a group of mothers. It is a parenting book. Thursday evening, I will lead a parent support group for the special needs department. Pray for me as I prepare to lead these two events. I, also return back to my normal school schedule after a few weeks break. Please pray for me to have wisdom and knowledge in working with my students and know how to encourage and motivate them. I can't believe it is November already!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Malia, Noah and I are in Singapore. We catch an early morning flight tomorrow to get the kdis back in time for school. They will be about an hour late. Dr. appts went good today. Noah has made a tremendous improvement. He gave us more exercises to do but we don't really have to bring him back to the Dr. Malia is doing ok. I still really like her Dr. here although I don't know if we will get approval to come back to Singapore again. I like the way he interacts with her. He is much more agressive than any of the Thai dr.'s we have seen. As far as getting her to talk to him and her talking back.
Had fun shopping this afternoon with my friend, Anne. Went to IKEA. Didn't buy alot but Bought Kel a couple of Christmas presents. He never accesses this blog so I think I can tell you what I bought. ONe is a computer lap board. The other is a battery operated phone charger in case you forget to charge your phone. I think both of these will be big hits for him and I'm excited to have found something for him.
Tomorrow, my ladies group meets and we will discuss doing some cooking together....where we each make 5 of one meal and then share them with each other. I saw a book based on the concept at Borders although I didn't know it was in a book. I didn't buy the book but I looked at it to get some ideas about how to make this work. If the ladies think we need the book I will order it for Kel to bring back.
Monday, Kel and I head off for our get away. I can't wait! I found a couple of good travel friendly outfits at some outlets here. I also bought Malia a couple ofthings. Well, that is enough my time on this rented computer is almost up.
Had fun shopping this afternoon with my friend, Anne. Went to IKEA. Didn't buy alot but Bought Kel a couple of Christmas presents. He never accesses this blog so I think I can tell you what I bought. ONe is a computer lap board. The other is a battery operated phone charger in case you forget to charge your phone. I think both of these will be big hits for him and I'm excited to have found something for him.
Tomorrow, my ladies group meets and we will discuss doing some cooking together....where we each make 5 of one meal and then share them with each other. I saw a book based on the concept at Borders although I didn't know it was in a book. I didn't buy the book but I looked at it to get some ideas about how to make this work. If the ladies think we need the book I will order it for Kel to bring back.
Monday, Kel and I head off for our get away. I can't wait! I found a couple of good travel friendly outfits at some outlets here. I also bought Malia a couple ofthings. Well, that is enough my time on this rented computer is almost up.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Please go to this website and see our new vehicle. We haven't actually gotten it yet but it has been ordered and we will be getting it at the end of the month. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Avanza If that doesn't pick it up do a search on Avanza. It has three seats....much smaller than this 12 passenger van we are driving now. Kel thinks we are crazy to let the van go. I like the idea of parking and negotiating this better and since I mainly drive it, he is going with my choice. I hope we don't regret it in the future. We will get it the end of the month. I'm excited.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The kids and I are back and Kel makes it back later tonight. We stayed at one of the oldest hotels in Bangkok, it just happens to be right by our office on Soi 2. I have never even really noticed it before. Anyway, it had the FIRST real hotel swimming pool ever built back in the 1950's. It had some very fun aspects about the hotel pool--like several ledges and roofs that you could dive off into the pool. The hotel was OLD...quaint and had that musty cat litter smell...except for when they covered it up with air freshner. There were cats everywhere but not in our room and since it was just regular floors and walls, we did fine with that. The toliet stayed stopped up about half way through the days but it would manage to clear out sometime--that was the grossest part. The rest was fine...clean beds, clean sheets each morning and we spent little time there.
As we were walking down the soi the first morning (small street) Savannah said, "I've been thinking about writing a book titled, LOST IN BANGKOK," which made me smile.....Sometimes it seems like we are lost there, although we're usually not lost...just trying to figure out how we are going to get to the next place. (6 of us barely fit in a taxi and traffic is horrible!) Savannah later said this was her best vacation ever! :> She liked the pool and she liked the fact that we decided to spend a little extra money and go see a movie with the big recliner type hairs and blankets. She thought that was a very special treat! We saw several good movies...I can't remember the one in the special theatre or the name of it...it was about a young boy who is a Ceasear..
My favorite was StarDust...don't know if you've seen it but I thought it was a clean, fun, fairy tale. Both boys were bothered by the ugly witches in it, though. The kids and Kel also saw "UnderDog." I shopped while they watched it. Didn't get to really shop like I had hoped. Since we had dr. appt's scheduled in at various times, I just wasn't allowed the shopping time I wanted. I would still love to buy an outfit for the girls that they could wear in public....they chose one outfit...with those gaucho type things and they look ok but they can't wear them everyday (although I think Malia did and Sav. wore the bottoms daily)--oh well, that's what the Europeans do when they are on vacation! The kids and I went to the IMAX theatre and saw "Dinosaur" I thought it was enjoyable if you can get past all the evolution stuff.
Malia's muscle weakness is some of the side effects from last yr and her other illness. A friend asked me how it was and I told her it was like taking a teenager to the dr. The dr would say, "what seems to be the problem?" She would not answer. Then he would say, "does your legs hurt?" She would say no. It was like pulling eye teeth to get the answers. Later she would say, "my legs don't hurt, it's my knees... he wasn't asking the right questions." I finally said, "I am not speaking, if you want to tell him what is wrong, then you can tell him, i will say nothing. And I will not bring you again..." She started talking a little more. I, also checked on that intermittant leg pain and it is a tendon. I have shoots of pain periodically that have been mistaken for leg cramps. I know it is the tendon because after he pushed around on it, I was limping for the rest of the evening. Thankfully, it only gives me trouble when I have the shooting pain episodes....they don't last long and most of the rest of the time it doesn't hurt. I, also, had my mamaogram and ultrasound which I detest greatly. I know they are very thorough here an I don't think I could go elsewhere since they are so familiar with my br--sts but I have so many cysts and it takes such a long time I HATE it. I have started doing some reading about HRT and am going to research the topic to see if it is time to get off the hormones to get the cysts to go away. If any of you have any info on that, send it my way.
Well, that is enough for now. We are home and all glad to be here. Kel will join us tonight--yesterday and today he has been in a meeting. I will say it IS stressful trying to corral all 4 children, attitudes and transportation in BKK!
Blessings!
As we were walking down the soi the first morning (small street) Savannah said, "I've been thinking about writing a book titled, LOST IN BANGKOK," which made me smile.....Sometimes it seems like we are lost there, although we're usually not lost...just trying to figure out how we are going to get to the next place. (6 of us barely fit in a taxi and traffic is horrible!) Savannah later said this was her best vacation ever! :> She liked the pool and she liked the fact that we decided to spend a little extra money and go see a movie with the big recliner type hairs and blankets. She thought that was a very special treat! We saw several good movies...I can't remember the one in the special theatre or the name of it...it was about a young boy who is a Ceasear..
My favorite was StarDust...don't know if you've seen it but I thought it was a clean, fun, fairy tale. Both boys were bothered by the ugly witches in it, though. The kids and Kel also saw "UnderDog." I shopped while they watched it. Didn't get to really shop like I had hoped. Since we had dr. appt's scheduled in at various times, I just wasn't allowed the shopping time I wanted. I would still love to buy an outfit for the girls that they could wear in public....they chose one outfit...with those gaucho type things and they look ok but they can't wear them everyday (although I think Malia did and Sav. wore the bottoms daily)--oh well, that's what the Europeans do when they are on vacation! The kids and I went to the IMAX theatre and saw "Dinosaur" I thought it was enjoyable if you can get past all the evolution stuff.
Malia's muscle weakness is some of the side effects from last yr and her other illness. A friend asked me how it was and I told her it was like taking a teenager to the dr. The dr would say, "what seems to be the problem?" She would not answer. Then he would say, "does your legs hurt?" She would say no. It was like pulling eye teeth to get the answers. Later she would say, "my legs don't hurt, it's my knees... he wasn't asking the right questions." I finally said, "I am not speaking, if you want to tell him what is wrong, then you can tell him, i will say nothing. And I will not bring you again..." She started talking a little more. I, also checked on that intermittant leg pain and it is a tendon. I have shoots of pain periodically that have been mistaken for leg cramps. I know it is the tendon because after he pushed around on it, I was limping for the rest of the evening. Thankfully, it only gives me trouble when I have the shooting pain episodes....they don't last long and most of the rest of the time it doesn't hurt. I, also, had my mamaogram and ultrasound which I detest greatly. I know they are very thorough here an I don't think I could go elsewhere since they are so familiar with my br--sts but I have so many cysts and it takes such a long time I HATE it. I have started doing some reading about HRT and am going to research the topic to see if it is time to get off the hormones to get the cysts to go away. If any of you have any info on that, send it my way.
Well, that is enough for now. We are home and all glad to be here. Kel will join us tonight--yesterday and today he has been in a meeting. I will say it IS stressful trying to corral all 4 children, attitudes and transportation in BKK!
Blessings!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Sorry it's been a whle since I wrote anything. We are fine here. Just finished up swim meets. I'm glad the 4 days a week of swimming is over for a while. Here are quick updates for each child:
-Malia: did great in the swim meet...one several medals...just not sure which ones because I wasn't there and she hasn't got them yet. She went to her first school dance on Sat. She was Princess Lea from Star WArs it was a masquarade dance. Most of my pics turned out blurry but I may go ahead and try to post one anyway. She is enjoying school and friends this yr.
-Sav: Still is my melancholy child who values quality time. Just spend time with her nightly snuggling before bed and it fills her love tank! Her teacher this year is not as structured as last year and a little more up and down. This causes Savvy (as her friends call her) a little more anxiety, although she is still doing good in school. She also desires to move to world club neighborhood near the school because most of her friends live there. Pray for a friend for her in the neighborhood. That would help.
Noah- They had him swimming the butterfly this yr much to his disdain. I think in his age group he was one of the only ones who could do it. He only has two more full days before break and is excited to be getting a break. He is having a very good school year although he still struggles with handwriting--everything else is much better!
Sage-He and his brother were able to swim on one of the relay teams together. They came in 2nd in that race. Sage came in 3rd in almost every race he swam.. Remember he has only been swimming for about 2 1/2 years so we think he's doing great. He's excited about starting soccer in a few weeks. School wise he is making progress with lots of assistance. I think he's doing okay. Please pray for him.
Well, I slice 3/4 of the tip of my finger the other day and since I have 5 stitches on that tip it is very hard to type. I'm going to stop now. God Bless!
-Malia: did great in the swim meet...one several medals...just not sure which ones because I wasn't there and she hasn't got them yet. She went to her first school dance on Sat. She was Princess Lea from Star WArs it was a masquarade dance. Most of my pics turned out blurry but I may go ahead and try to post one anyway. She is enjoying school and friends this yr.
-Sav: Still is my melancholy child who values quality time. Just spend time with her nightly snuggling before bed and it fills her love tank! Her teacher this year is not as structured as last year and a little more up and down. This causes Savvy (as her friends call her) a little more anxiety, although she is still doing good in school. She also desires to move to world club neighborhood near the school because most of her friends live there. Pray for a friend for her in the neighborhood. That would help.
Noah- They had him swimming the butterfly this yr much to his disdain. I think in his age group he was one of the only ones who could do it. He only has two more full days before break and is excited to be getting a break. He is having a very good school year although he still struggles with handwriting--everything else is much better!
Sage-He and his brother were able to swim on one of the relay teams together. They came in 2nd in that race. Sage came in 3rd in almost every race he swam.. Remember he has only been swimming for about 2 1/2 years so we think he's doing great. He's excited about starting soccer in a few weeks. School wise he is making progress with lots of assistance. I think he's doing okay. Please pray for him.
Well, I slice 3/4 of the tip of my finger the other day and since I have 5 stitches on that tip it is very hard to type. I'm going to stop now. God Bless!
Monday, August 27, 2007
We made it through the week!
News for us....Savannah decided to play the trombone instead of the Oboe. We purchased her trombone and it arrived yesterday. Everyone was excited to see it and find out about how it works. Kelly is thrilled about having a brass instrument in the house. BTW, we found out that our friend, Brooke plays the oboe!
I purchased a couple of new shirts yesterday. Spent more money on them than I should. I hope to take one and have it copied. Didn't feel like I had any stylish...clothes. The new fad is kind of the "hippy tops" or that is what I call them. I love to wear leggings and don't have any but I will have one of these tops copied,lengthened and then have leggings to go along with it. Hopefully, I can get this made beforeI go to V. Wish I could be there to get some sale items!
Not much else new. Long day today... I start seeing students today. Three of the kidsstay forswim team. There are so many students swimming the younger ones have to alternate days (Noah, Sage). Sage and I will stay for Michael's volleyball game and then the girls willshower andwe'lltake Michael outforhis birthday.
I'm havingsome problems with my spacekey.
News for us....Savannah decided to play the trombone instead of the Oboe. We purchased her trombone and it arrived yesterday. Everyone was excited to see it and find out about how it works. Kelly is thrilled about having a brass instrument in the house. BTW, we found out that our friend, Brooke plays the oboe!
I purchased a couple of new shirts yesterday. Spent more money on them than I should. I hope to take one and have it copied. Didn't feel like I had any stylish...clothes. The new fad is kind of the "hippy tops" or that is what I call them. I love to wear leggings and don't have any but I will have one of these tops copied,lengthened and then have leggings to go along with it. Hopefully, I can get this made beforeI go to V. Wish I could be there to get some sale items!
Not much else new. Long day today... I start seeing students today. Three of the kidsstay forswim team. There are so many students swimming the younger ones have to alternate days (Noah, Sage). Sage and I will stay for Michael's volleyball game and then the girls willshower andwe'lltake Michael outforhis birthday.
I'm havingsome problems with my spacekey.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Busy week this week!
Tuesday night: dorm sitting
Wed. night: House church grown ups meet for dinner
Thursday (house guest arrives) and we go to surprise bday party for a friend
Friday: going away party for friends here
Sat: meeting at school for parents of middle schoolers involved in sports/ house church
Sun: house guest leaves, dessert party at dorm for students to meet dorm committee
Mon: bday party for Brooke
Tues:
Wed: Michael Het's bday on Thursday so we will probably take him out this night
And this is just the extra stuff. I also start my Daniel bible study on Friday. STart our Home church ladies time Wed. morning. Have our first special needs staff meeting on Wed. at noon. Work at school on Tues/Thursday. I think that is all the regular stuff. You know as well as I do, that other things always come up!
Oh, and the kids start swim team this week!
Tuesday night: dorm sitting
Wed. night: House church grown ups meet for dinner
Thursday (house guest arrives) and we go to surprise bday party for a friend
Friday: going away party for friends here
Sat: meeting at school for parents of middle schoolers involved in sports/ house church
Sun: house guest leaves, dessert party at dorm for students to meet dorm committee
Mon: bday party for Brooke
Tues:
Wed: Michael Het's bday on Thursday so we will probably take him out this night
And this is just the extra stuff. I also start my Daniel bible study on Friday. STart our Home church ladies time Wed. morning. Have our first special needs staff meeting on Wed. at noon. Work at school on Tues/Thursday. I think that is all the regular stuff. You know as well as I do, that other things always come up!
Oh, and the kids start swim team this week!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
First day of school was a success. Sage is already asking about 4th grade. Sometimes, I have difficulty understanding what is going on in his brain. :>
Yesterday morning we were talking about the importance of using words...instead of fists and he said, "I respond better to fists than words." What is he thinking? There are sometimes huge gaps in his ability to explain his thoughts. He is the sweetest, kindest, pleaser child... He wants to do right--does it most of the time...is popular at school...is funny... but he still cannot articulate his thoughts in a systematic manner. AND, he has a poor short term memory. Now is that true or does he just have so many things to remember? It is hard to know. I cannot give him multi step instructions and expect him to follow through. We have some new materials at Grace about how to distinguish Learning needs issues and ESL issues. I'm thinking we will have a better understanding of what his needs actually are at the end of this year.
Noah...has a complete melt down because he has to write 3 sentences to go with his math homework. He is obviously tired from the day. I observed him in action today. I watched as he chose to be by himself on the playground. I saw him choose to reach out and talk to another younger child who is in our house church and sometimes lonely. I saw Noah separate himself again. And then I saw him in action. In PE, he was a leader...directing and telling everyone what to do. I guess it helps that he is shoulder and head above all the rest of them, doesn't it?
Pr for Malia...there is a girl in her core class. Please continue to pr for a good friend for her. She seemed encouraged after today. I saw her by herself in a group of people. I thought, "oh, dear, God, I can't do this again...." I realize it's not all about me....
Sav was greatly in tune to the interactions between friends---friends separated from the summer...interactions between teachers and students---new teachers---she observed some insecurity (from the teacher) and she was concerned. She has such a gentle sensitive heart. PR that heart can be channeled for good and not for melancholy meanderings that spiral downhill. She had a good day.
I am feeling insecure and out of balance. I have dealt with insecurity the last few months. Not sure what that is all about. Need to spend more time in the word and on my knees!
Yesterday morning we were talking about the importance of using words...instead of fists and he said, "I respond better to fists than words." What is he thinking? There are sometimes huge gaps in his ability to explain his thoughts. He is the sweetest, kindest, pleaser child... He wants to do right--does it most of the time...is popular at school...is funny... but he still cannot articulate his thoughts in a systematic manner. AND, he has a poor short term memory. Now is that true or does he just have so many things to remember? It is hard to know. I cannot give him multi step instructions and expect him to follow through. We have some new materials at Grace about how to distinguish Learning needs issues and ESL issues. I'm thinking we will have a better understanding of what his needs actually are at the end of this year.
Noah...has a complete melt down because he has to write 3 sentences to go with his math homework. He is obviously tired from the day. I observed him in action today. I watched as he chose to be by himself on the playground. I saw him choose to reach out and talk to another younger child who is in our house church and sometimes lonely. I saw Noah separate himself again. And then I saw him in action. In PE, he was a leader...directing and telling everyone what to do. I guess it helps that he is shoulder and head above all the rest of them, doesn't it?
Pr for Malia...there is a girl in her core class. Please continue to pr for a good friend for her. She seemed encouraged after today. I saw her by herself in a group of people. I thought, "oh, dear, God, I can't do this again...." I realize it's not all about me....
Sav was greatly in tune to the interactions between friends---friends separated from the summer...interactions between teachers and students---new teachers---she observed some insecurity (from the teacher) and she was concerned. She has such a gentle sensitive heart. PR that heart can be channeled for good and not for melancholy meanderings that spiral downhill. She had a good day.
I am feeling insecure and out of balance. I have dealt with insecurity the last few months. Not sure what that is all about. Need to spend more time in the word and on my knees!
Monday, August 13, 2007
The other night we were driving home from a movie and saw and elephant coming towards us down the street. I told Kelly, "just in case we begin to forget we live in Thailand." Can't say I've ever been in America and coming home from the movie saw an elephant on it's way home. We saw the new Bourne movie. We liked it. We rented the other two to watch first so we could remember. I think it helped us enjoy this one.
I have agreed to take on the responsibility of dorm committee chairman. I was pretty much doing the job anyway. So, now, at least I officially have the teeth. Not that I really wanted it. Please pray for me. I feel underqualified for this. I also feel like I don't have alot of time to give to it. The main thing we are doing right now is lining up dorm sitters for the two dorms for the nights off this semester.
Tomorrow is the first day of school. I think we are all ready--physically--but mentally? I'm not sure any of us are ready.
Kelly and Malia had a good trip to Singapore. They enjoyed the musical and had good dr. appt's. M was also able to spend time with her friend.
Please pr with me about the dorms. We have career dorm parents who have been stateside who moved from the dorm in Dalat. And then we have a Masters Couple dorm parents who are finished up their term and 2nd yr in the dorm. The career couple have invested alot in the dorm and have lots of fun decor. The Masters couple has nothing. They inherited nothing and are only here temporarily. The career couple has collected over years many of these things. Pr esp. that the two couples will not compare themselves. Pr that the children will have good relationships with both couples and respect them. Pr for wise decisions from the dorm parents and the dorm committee.
I need to start an exercise program. I guess you can pr that I will have the motivation and will to do so!
I have agreed to take on the responsibility of dorm committee chairman. I was pretty much doing the job anyway. So, now, at least I officially have the teeth. Not that I really wanted it. Please pray for me. I feel underqualified for this. I also feel like I don't have alot of time to give to it. The main thing we are doing right now is lining up dorm sitters for the two dorms for the nights off this semester.
Tomorrow is the first day of school. I think we are all ready--physically--but mentally? I'm not sure any of us are ready.
Kelly and Malia had a good trip to Singapore. They enjoyed the musical and had good dr. appt's. M was also able to spend time with her friend.
Please pr with me about the dorms. We have career dorm parents who have been stateside who moved from the dorm in Dalat. And then we have a Masters Couple dorm parents who are finished up their term and 2nd yr in the dorm. The career couple have invested alot in the dorm and have lots of fun decor. The Masters couple has nothing. They inherited nothing and are only here temporarily. The career couple has collected over years many of these things. Pr esp. that the two couples will not compare themselves. Pr that the children will have good relationships with both couples and respect them. Pr for wise decisions from the dorm parents and the dorm committee.
I need to start an exercise program. I guess you can pr that I will have the motivation and will to do so!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Immigration went surprisingly fast the other day. We were in and out of there in less than thirty min. Then we headed out of town for the retreat. It was a good time to reconnect with Grace staff and be reminded of how blessed we are to be able to live here and have our children attend the school.
One of the main reasons I wanted to attend was because I was hoping it would give Malia a good opportunity to connect with girls her age. I have prayed off and on all summer that this will be a new year at school for her and she will thrive instead of agonizingly strive as she did last year. Well, I was immediately disappointed as I saw her rush ahead to catch up with the 4 girls her age that didn't wait for her. Then, after our session I found her up in our room by herself--not feeling included. I did'nt say much...just watched and kept silently praying. She immediately said she didn't want to go to play putt putt with the group and that when her dad returned from playing golf she was ready to head on home. Thankfully during free time, she ended up going bike riding with her sister and some of Savannah's friends. Then, they asked her to join them for dinner. Then, she wanted to go play putt-putt. I don't know what is ahead for her this year. In some ways she seems more mature than the others her age. And then in other ways she seems less mature. In the ways that really matter--she seems more mature. I am grateful for that. I pray that she will have the stamina to continue to reach out to folks and that God will bring her some friends this semester at school. She is seeing one of her friends she was with alot this summer tomorrow night when she and her dad are in Singapore. I think Kelly is going to take them out to dinner and let them sit at a table by themselves.
Pray for Noah. He is not looking forward to school starting. He tried very hard to smile at his new teacher and not act horribly disappointed about it starting back but he is not thrilled with it. I love his teacher. I think he will, too. She is a retired teacher from Arkansas who has the sweetest southern, grandmotherly disposition. I pray he will have a good year.
You can also pray that his dad has the birds and bees talk with him. I've been telling K Noah is ready but K hasn't really seen the signs until lately. It seems in almost every famiy devo, lately, Noah is asking..."how could they do that?" "how did that happen?" And it usually has to do with birds and bees type issues. And he is not satisfied with just a blow off answer. Inquiring minds want to know! :> Pray that the right time in the next few days will present itself. I dread him going to school and asking those same questions!
One of the main reasons I wanted to attend was because I was hoping it would give Malia a good opportunity to connect with girls her age. I have prayed off and on all summer that this will be a new year at school for her and she will thrive instead of agonizingly strive as she did last year. Well, I was immediately disappointed as I saw her rush ahead to catch up with the 4 girls her age that didn't wait for her. Then, after our session I found her up in our room by herself--not feeling included. I did'nt say much...just watched and kept silently praying. She immediately said she didn't want to go to play putt putt with the group and that when her dad returned from playing golf she was ready to head on home. Thankfully during free time, she ended up going bike riding with her sister and some of Savannah's friends. Then, they asked her to join them for dinner. Then, she wanted to go play putt-putt. I don't know what is ahead for her this year. In some ways she seems more mature than the others her age. And then in other ways she seems less mature. In the ways that really matter--she seems more mature. I am grateful for that. I pray that she will have the stamina to continue to reach out to folks and that God will bring her some friends this semester at school. She is seeing one of her friends she was with alot this summer tomorrow night when she and her dad are in Singapore. I think Kelly is going to take them out to dinner and let them sit at a table by themselves.
Pray for Noah. He is not looking forward to school starting. He tried very hard to smile at his new teacher and not act horribly disappointed about it starting back but he is not thrilled with it. I love his teacher. I think he will, too. She is a retired teacher from Arkansas who has the sweetest southern, grandmotherly disposition. I pray he will have a good year.
You can also pray that his dad has the birds and bees talk with him. I've been telling K Noah is ready but K hasn't really seen the signs until lately. It seems in almost every famiy devo, lately, Noah is asking..."how could they do that?" "how did that happen?" And it usually has to do with birds and bees type issues. And he is not satisfied with just a blow off answer. Inquiring minds want to know! :> Pray that the right time in the next few days will present itself. I dread him going to school and asking those same questions!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
The best laid plans...
We are on our way to immigration today...hoping to be there at 8:30 but Kel has something he must take care of be4 we go. So, we are waiting on him. Malia, Noah and I need new re-entry permits put into our passport because we are leaving the country before the end of the yr and we might as well do it all at one time. So, we must go and wait.... Sometimes we wait for hours. We are taking good books! :>
We hope to leave today for the Grace Staff retreat around 11. It's just an overnight event. Kel and Malia will not spend the night since they are heading to Singapore early in the morning so they will sleep at home tonight. (the retreat is about an hour away)They return on Sunday morning.
My school schedule has not all been worked out yet but it's looking like I will have mainly boys this year. That will be different from last yr when I only had ONE boy student. I'm looking forward to the new year and getting back into a more structured day. I feel torn at this time of year as I see all the needs and feel like I can only meet some of them with my part time schedule. But, the reality is that we have another job to do, also and my time is limited. Our special needs staff has grown this year to 12 or 13 people so we have doubled since last year! I am amazed how that happens.
Well, since we really need to be out the door, I will close.
We hope to leave today for the Grace Staff retreat around 11. It's just an overnight event. Kel and Malia will not spend the night since they are heading to Singapore early in the morning so they will sleep at home tonight. (the retreat is about an hour away)They return on Sunday morning.
My school schedule has not all been worked out yet but it's looking like I will have mainly boys this year. That will be different from last yr when I only had ONE boy student. I'm looking forward to the new year and getting back into a more structured day. I feel torn at this time of year as I see all the needs and feel like I can only meet some of them with my part time schedule. But, the reality is that we have another job to do, also and my time is limited. Our special needs staff has grown this year to 12 or 13 people so we have doubled since last year! I am amazed how that happens.
Well, since we really need to be out the door, I will close.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
I said almost finished....
You will notice the dark window above the couch. We have a wall hanging we would like to put there but we need to have something made to hang it over the window. It doesn't fill up the whole window but I think it will be sufficient to draw your eye to the wall hanging and not the window. I will also eventually want to get new curtains for the "Gold room" but it may be next year before I do that, since the peach curtains are just fine. You will notice some fabric hanging on one of the pictures and I would like to recover the chairs in that fabric but it won't be until I'm ready to change the curtains.
Did you see the Chinese panels in the dining area? Can you see the detail on them? That is the wall that I wanted to stencil but I couldn't get it to look exactly like I wanted it to on the poster board so I haven't done it yet. The stencil would go behind the plant and we would remove the plant. It would like to get a corner waterfall type thing for the corner in the dining area but I have no idea if I could find anything like that here. I haven't been able to, yet.
I may end up putting rod iron candle holders on each side of the mirror OR I've thought about doing black and white family photo's. I'm not sure yet.
Did you see the Chinese panels in the dining area? Can you see the detail on them? That is the wall that I wanted to stencil but I couldn't get it to look exactly like I wanted it to on the poster board so I haven't done it yet. The stencil would go behind the plant and we would remove the plant. It would like to get a corner waterfall type thing for the corner in the dining area but I have no idea if I could find anything like that here. I haven't been able to, yet.
I may end up putting rod iron candle holders on each side of the mirror OR I've thought about doing black and white family photo's. I'm not sure yet.
Sunday morning
It's Sunday morning here.... I think I am finally able to download some of the pictures of the house. It is my goal to be better about showing pictures on this blog!
I'm sorry it's been a few weeks since I've updated. Shortly, after returning home from the meeting, I was sick. That cut my week--my one week before I had to be at school for meetings--very short with lots to do in those few remaining days. Then, this past week, I spent at school learning the phonics program in a five day seminar. This coming week, we will have some meetings at school and then school starts next week.
We are in the midst of getting ready for school...updating uniforms, buying underwear, getting haircuts, and shoes....all those last minute things you do before school starts. We now need to order new pants and skirts for Malia and get the boys shorts altered....they are being passed down and we will be ready to go. We will need to do this on Monday to make sure that Malia has something to wear on the first day of school :>! She has truly grown in the last few months and can wear none of the old clothes. Hopefully, this will be her last growing year! :> Around this time, is when I stopped growing. She still is not taller than me, but it is getting very close. I keep telling her she's not going to surpass me. She keeps telling me she is!
This week, Kel and Malia are headed back to Singapore on Friday for a medical trip. Some of her test results from the previous trip showed that she had some positive titers for Lyme disease (which if I understand correctly shows that she has had Lyme disease in the past) and they are going to do some follow up blood tests on that as well as see another Dr. from follow up from our trip. For a special treat, he is taking her to see The King and I musical! We bought her a new dress to wear. At first she said she was only wearing jeans--the age, I guess--but it didn't take her long to get into the shopping mood and we found a dress in record time!
The others and I are going on a staff retreat with the school start on Thursday and Friday. Pray that we can have a productive fun filled week before the kids start their first week, next week!
They received their class lists and teacher names yesterday and they are all very excited about this new year.
I will try to download some of the pics on my camera now!
Friday, July 20, 2007
What a week!
The week is over! It was a success. I am so grateful to the volunteers who came to serve us. They were an exceptional group and were true servants!
The week began with a big bang when Savannah fainted on the first day of the meeting up on stage helping to lead worship. It happened to be my bday...and I found myself saying, "Happy Birthday!" :> Thankfully, there was a dr. available who did a great exam and found all to be well. He said it is actually not abnormal for adolescents to faint...we are guessing she may have been dehydrated. She was fine the rest of the week.
I had a great birthday! My friends gave me a party...we had homemade hamburgers and it was a great party. I am so grateful for all the gifts and fun that I had. Yes, it was the first bday in 44 years that I have not talked to my mom and dad---and I hope to make up for that soon! I am grateful that I have been able to go this long with talking to them every birthday. Next year I will be in the states so we should be able to continue to tradition!
It was such a treat to be around zack! He and Kelly are so much alike and it's just fun to have him around. I wish he could have stayed longer and brought the rest of his family!
We have been breaking in the new game! According to Noah we are not breaking it in nearly enough since we have not been able to finish a game. Maybe we can remedy that tomorrow. WE are taking vacation time this next week as we take a breath and get ready for the school year. The next week I have to be at school for a training.
The week began with a big bang when Savannah fainted on the first day of the meeting up on stage helping to lead worship. It happened to be my bday...and I found myself saying, "Happy Birthday!" :> Thankfully, there was a dr. available who did a great exam and found all to be well. He said it is actually not abnormal for adolescents to faint...we are guessing she may have been dehydrated. She was fine the rest of the week.
I had a great birthday! My friends gave me a party...we had homemade hamburgers and it was a great party. I am so grateful for all the gifts and fun that I had. Yes, it was the first bday in 44 years that I have not talked to my mom and dad---and I hope to make up for that soon! I am grateful that I have been able to go this long with talking to them every birthday. Next year I will be in the states so we should be able to continue to tradition!
It was such a treat to be around zack! He and Kelly are so much alike and it's just fun to have him around. I wish he could have stayed longer and brought the rest of his family!
We have been breaking in the new game! According to Noah we are not breaking it in nearly enough since we have not been able to finish a game. Maybe we can remedy that tomorrow. WE are taking vacation time this next week as we take a breath and get ready for the school year. The next week I have to be at school for a training.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
The volunteers are riding elephants right now. This is our last day to get ready for things to start tomorrow. We are not able to access the rooms until later in the day so please pr-y we will get things together and ready before tomorrow. It is easy to feel stressed with all the last minute details as well as keeping the family together! So, continue to pr-y for us. The group leaders luggage did not arrive but it is supposed to be at the airport now. Pr-y that it will be there. Much of the stuff is in those suitcases!
One of our close friends here works in media for the main office in RVA. They are doing something new by having a blog and media up while they are shooting. Thought you might be interested. You can access it here: www.iwcstories.com Our friend is the videographer.
Blessings!
One of our close friends here works in media for the main office in RVA. They are doing something new by having a blog and media up while they are shooting. Thought you might be interested. You can access it here: www.iwcstories.com Our friend is the videographer.
Blessings!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
They are coming...
More volunteers started arriving today. I picked up two separate groups. One couple from Mississippi spent the last couple of days in Bangkok and were overwhelmed with the sights and sounds. They were relieved to be with here in Chiangmai and make contact. My friend, Andrea, from Knoxville arrived today. I have known Andrea for years. We met her in 2001 on stateside assignment when we visited her church. I will never forget when I asked her to come out and visit us and her reply..."Oh, that's not my role...my role is to pray..." Wouldn't you know, God was smiling when she made that statement because now she GOES two to three times or more a year! She goes to Vietnam every year and God has used her to push back some of those layers of darkness so they can hear. It is a treat to have Andrea here with us this week.
Pray for me! Pray that I will serve and love these volunteers while they are here. Pray that they will be able to pull together even though they are from different churches. Pray that God will use them in the lives of our children to help them grow closer to the Lord!
Thanks!
Pray for me! Pray that I will serve and love these volunteers while they are here. Pray that they will be able to pull together even though they are from different churches. Pray that God will use them in the lives of our children to help them grow closer to the Lord!
Thanks!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Zack arrived
Zack made it! And you would never believe where he and Kelly are right now! Well, those of you who are family and know them would! They decided to go to a movie and see Die Hard! Zack is running on adrenaline. It is 9:35 pm here.
Well, we had Christmas first...or that is what it seemed! Marshmallows, graham crackers, Chocolate chips, apple jelly, velveeta, rotel, peanut butter, spices, Dr. Pepper, muffin mixes, poptarts---and MORE! Wow! Sage was thrilled with the two shorts outfits and Noah with his new jean shorts. Sage was also thrilled with his bible! I have my Daniel bible study book and Passport 2 Purity that I hope to use with Malia, soon...AND my Good Housekeeping magazine! I didn't really have them bring anything special for the girls but Zettie recommended a Hannah Montana DvD that they are THRILLED with. Thank you Zettie!
We are glad that Zack is here to experience a little bit of our life. Makes us miss Bob and Zona ever so much more, since they were also supposed to be here at this time.
Blessings!
Well, we had Christmas first...or that is what it seemed! Marshmallows, graham crackers, Chocolate chips, apple jelly, velveeta, rotel, peanut butter, spices, Dr. Pepper, muffin mixes, poptarts---and MORE! Wow! Sage was thrilled with the two shorts outfits and Noah with his new jean shorts. Sage was also thrilled with his bible! I have my Daniel bible study book and Passport 2 Purity that I hope to use with Malia, soon...AND my Good Housekeeping magazine! I didn't really have them bring anything special for the girls but Zettie recommended a Hannah Montana DvD that they are THRILLED with. Thank you Zettie!
We are glad that Zack is here to experience a little bit of our life. Makes us miss Bob and Zona ever so much more, since they were also supposed to be here at this time.
Blessings!
Friday, July 6, 2007
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
These are the latest couple of updates about Angela:
This is the secondary principal at Grace's daughter. Her husband is also the band and choir director. Angela was young...around age 25. She was here last year and since she was a nurse, she worked in the nurses office at school. Please pray for the Fishers as they grieve this major loss.
------------------------------
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
At 1:00 PM on Friday, July 6th, Angela went home to be with her Lord. In keeping with her generous spirit, Angela had arranged to be an organ donor.
Angela's memorial service will be at First Baptist Church in Wheaton, IL on Wednesday, July 11, at 10:00 AM. There will be a viewing on Tuesday afternoon at First Baptist. More details will be available later.
Thanks to all of you who prayed, wrote emails, and called. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Angela and the rest of our family.
Entry for July 06, 2007
Friday AM
Angela's condition continues to deteriorate. We arrived at the hospital shortly after 8:00 this morning and her night nurse was still here. She told us that Angela had a rough night. Her blood pressure had dropped and they had to give her some medication to bring it back up. Her body temperature also had dropped so she has a "bear hug" which is a special blanket that hugs her body to warm her.
Angela seems to be slipping further away. Her pupils are fixed and dilated, her gag reflex is gone, her bowels are not functioning and she has no response to painful stimuli.
We were asked about organ donation - we know that Angela would want to do that. Apparently later today a team will be here from "Gift of Hope" to assess her organs.
This is the hardest thing we have ever gone through but we continue to cling to the Lord for strength to walk this path. We remain fully confident that God is able to do a miracle and raise her to full health. However, at this point, it seems that it is in God's plan to take her home.
Please continue to pray for a miracle for Angela and for our family in general. We are holding up as well as can be expected, but this is very hard. Angela does not have any kind of life insurance. As such, the financial pressure on our family is quite significant.
We are continually overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has been showered on us by all of you. Thank you for all of your kind words.
We are not able to respond to each of you personally, but please be assured that we are reading each message and are touched by your care and support.
This is the secondary principal at Grace's daughter. Her husband is also the band and choir director. Angela was young...around age 25. She was here last year and since she was a nurse, she worked in the nurses office at school. Please pray for the Fishers as they grieve this major loss.
------------------------------
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
At 1:00 PM on Friday, July 6th, Angela went home to be with her Lord. In keeping with her generous spirit, Angela had arranged to be an organ donor.
Angela's memorial service will be at First Baptist Church in Wheaton, IL on Wednesday, July 11, at 10:00 AM. There will be a viewing on Tuesday afternoon at First Baptist. More details will be available later.
Thanks to all of you who prayed, wrote emails, and called. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for Angela and the rest of our family.
Entry for July 06, 2007
Friday AM
Angela's condition continues to deteriorate. We arrived at the hospital shortly after 8:00 this morning and her night nurse was still here. She told us that Angela had a rough night. Her blood pressure had dropped and they had to give her some medication to bring it back up. Her body temperature also had dropped so she has a "bear hug" which is a special blanket that hugs her body to warm her.
Angela seems to be slipping further away. Her pupils are fixed and dilated, her gag reflex is gone, her bowels are not functioning and she has no response to painful stimuli.
We were asked about organ donation - we know that Angela would want to do that. Apparently later today a team will be here from "Gift of Hope" to assess her organs.
This is the hardest thing we have ever gone through but we continue to cling to the Lord for strength to walk this path. We remain fully confident that God is able to do a miracle and raise her to full health. However, at this point, it seems that it is in God's plan to take her home.
Please continue to pray for a miracle for Angela and for our family in general. We are holding up as well as can be expected, but this is very hard. Angela does not have any kind of life insurance. As such, the financial pressure on our family is quite significant.
We are continually overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that has been showered on us by all of you. Thank you for all of your kind words.
We are not able to respond to each of you personally, but please be assured that we are reading each message and are touched by your care and support.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
One of those weeks.....
Three nights ago we received a phone call at about 9pm from a friends daughter (she's 10) who said, "Aunt Jamie, my mama and my daddy are really sick. I just wanted you to know." I asked her if I needed to come and she said yes. As soon as I walked in the door she said, "Aunt Jamie, my mama needs you very much." We went upstairs and Kim and Quinton were both down with a stomach virus but Kim was very dehydrated and needed to go to the hospital. We called a Dr. friend and he and Kelly carried her to the car. I spent the night at the hospital with her. She's home and better now.
The next night was 4th of July night and I was exhausted so I went to bed at about 9pm as soon as we got home. I woke up at 10:30 because Sage was screaming and my first thought was "I can't believe Kelly is letting them stay up so late..." Then I heard Noah say something like, "of all the nights for mom to go to bed...." :> I decided to drag myself out of bed...Sage was still wailing. Noah had thrown up from the loft... Sage had started gagging and tried to escape the room and tripped and had a hard fall so since he was half asleep just started screaming. I looked at him to make sure he was fine and turned around and went back to bed. (I'm wondering if I was still half asleep...but Kel had it all taken care of--What a man!)
Then yesterday while I was in the middle of finishing getting dinner ready for guests, the boys were playing soccer and kicked the soccer ball into the water pipe and it broke...which meant the water in the tank was all we had until it could be fixed and of course this is around 4:30 in the afternoon--which meant we would need to wait until morning. There was also a slow leak which meant we had to turn the water off and on when we wanted to use it (from outside). The boys first of all had to figure out how to stop the water from gushing out....they figured it out after about 10 minutes. Then, as I was trying to figure out what to do next...Noah comes running in and Sage had taken a fall and was hit in the head with a metal swing. I was on my way to the park and Quinton comes carrying him home...he's covered in blood. I start cleaning and exploring to figure out the extent of the damage and finally find a small hole. I don't think it needs to be stitched, just cleaned. It ended up oozing all night. My main concern is keeping his dirty hands out of it!
We enjoyed our time with our friends last night!
Now the water pipes are being fixed and hopefully all will be right soon. Tonight Kelly and I are going out to dinner with a group of friends to celebrate a friends birthday. I'm looking forward to that.
Zack arrives on Monday evening. The meeting starts next Sat. Daddy Bob is home and gaining strength each day.
Angela, who I wrote about yesterday, continues to struggle. Here is the latest update on her:
Angela remained in much the same condition overnight. When we left last evening, she was getting nutrition through a gastro-nasal tube and that was going well. Today, however, her bowel function is not good and the doctor has decided to start IV nutrition this afternoon. Her eyes today are more dilated and not responding to light.
Preliminary results of the lumbar puncture show some indication of encephalitis. Her primary care physician said he had never seen encephalitis present like this but it is possible that if she had a stomach virus last week, the virus could have caused the encephalitis. They are also checking for West Nile Virus but the results of that test will not be back for 6 - 7 days. She has been on antibiotics in case there is a bacterial infection of some sort.
We continue to be in awe at the amount of love and support we are receiving. We've had phone calls and emails from around the world and know that Angela is being prayed for 24 hours a day. Our desire in all this is that Jesus be glorified. We are trying to take every opportunity to share the hope that is within us.
Thursday July 5, 2007 - 02:27pm (CDT)
The next night was 4th of July night and I was exhausted so I went to bed at about 9pm as soon as we got home. I woke up at 10:30 because Sage was screaming and my first thought was "I can't believe Kelly is letting them stay up so late..." Then I heard Noah say something like, "of all the nights for mom to go to bed...." :> I decided to drag myself out of bed...Sage was still wailing. Noah had thrown up from the loft... Sage had started gagging and tried to escape the room and tripped and had a hard fall so since he was half asleep just started screaming. I looked at him to make sure he was fine and turned around and went back to bed. (I'm wondering if I was still half asleep...but Kel had it all taken care of--What a man!)
Then yesterday while I was in the middle of finishing getting dinner ready for guests, the boys were playing soccer and kicked the soccer ball into the water pipe and it broke...which meant the water in the tank was all we had until it could be fixed and of course this is around 4:30 in the afternoon--which meant we would need to wait until morning. There was also a slow leak which meant we had to turn the water off and on when we wanted to use it (from outside). The boys first of all had to figure out how to stop the water from gushing out....they figured it out after about 10 minutes. Then, as I was trying to figure out what to do next...Noah comes running in and Sage had taken a fall and was hit in the head with a metal swing. I was on my way to the park and Quinton comes carrying him home...he's covered in blood. I start cleaning and exploring to figure out the extent of the damage and finally find a small hole. I don't think it needs to be stitched, just cleaned. It ended up oozing all night. My main concern is keeping his dirty hands out of it!
We enjoyed our time with our friends last night!
Now the water pipes are being fixed and hopefully all will be right soon. Tonight Kelly and I are going out to dinner with a group of friends to celebrate a friends birthday. I'm looking forward to that.
Zack arrives on Monday evening. The meeting starts next Sat. Daddy Bob is home and gaining strength each day.
Angela, who I wrote about yesterday, continues to struggle. Here is the latest update on her:
Angela remained in much the same condition overnight. When we left last evening, she was getting nutrition through a gastro-nasal tube and that was going well. Today, however, her bowel function is not good and the doctor has decided to start IV nutrition this afternoon. Her eyes today are more dilated and not responding to light.
Preliminary results of the lumbar puncture show some indication of encephalitis. Her primary care physician said he had never seen encephalitis present like this but it is possible that if she had a stomach virus last week, the virus could have caused the encephalitis. They are also checking for West Nile Virus but the results of that test will not be back for 6 - 7 days. She has been on antibiotics in case there is a bacterial infection of some sort.
We continue to be in awe at the amount of love and support we are receiving. We've had phone calls and emails from around the world and know that Angela is being prayed for 24 hours a day. Our desire in all this is that Jesus be glorified. We are trying to take every opportunity to share the hope that is within us.
Thursday July 5, 2007 - 02:27pm (CDT)
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy 4th!
Happy July 4! We celebrated with friends---went bowling and then had a cook out and fireworks. Our family made up a cheer to celebrate the day:
It's July 4
we're here today
We're here to Cheer
The U.S.A.
USA...CHEER IT ON
USA...CHEER IT ON
We had unbelievable fireworks! Most of you go to a firework show to see the kind of fireworks we shot last night at our friends house. An unbelievable shower of color and flames right above us. The adults are a little bit shell shocked each time to believe that we can actually by these types of fireworks and do our own show! Wish you could have seen it.
We've got another full day today.... Library, orthodontist appointments, then friends are coming for dinner. The Mimms---Neill, Margit, Ana, Gabi and Coleen.
I'm still working on organizing the house. Don't think there will be much time for that today,though.
Please pray for a friend. Her name is Angela. She is the adult daughter of the high school principle here and her husband is the band director. She has been sick the last few weeks and the other day she had a very bad seizure. She is now unconscious with little brain activity....still seizing...on a ventilator, and they still don't know why. Please pray that she will recover and pray for peace and support for the family.
It's July 4
we're here today
We're here to Cheer
The U.S.A.
USA...CHEER IT ON
USA...CHEER IT ON
We had unbelievable fireworks! Most of you go to a firework show to see the kind of fireworks we shot last night at our friends house. An unbelievable shower of color and flames right above us. The adults are a little bit shell shocked each time to believe that we can actually by these types of fireworks and do our own show! Wish you could have seen it.
We've got another full day today.... Library, orthodontist appointments, then friends are coming for dinner. The Mimms---Neill, Margit, Ana, Gabi and Coleen.
I'm still working on organizing the house. Don't think there will be much time for that today,though.
Please pray for a friend. Her name is Angela. She is the adult daughter of the high school principle here and her husband is the band director. She has been sick the last few weeks and the other day she had a very bad seizure. She is now unconscious with little brain activity....still seizing...on a ventilator, and they still don't know why. Please pray that she will recover and pray for peace and support for the family.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Where does the summer go??? We calculated that we have 2 weeks and then volunteers start arriving for our next meeting. After the meeting, there is one week before I have to be at a week long training at school. The next week starts teacher orientation and then August 13, school officially starts back. Where does the summer go?
Today we have dentist appointments. Some of you may know, that I like the dentist the very least of any kind of medical thing. Yuck! But, we are all going to get it over with today. We will make appt's for three of the children to have a follow up with the orthodontist next week.
Tomorrow, house church is at our place. We are planning after worship to go out to eat and then bowling. We will eat at a restaurant called "Hell's Kitchen." Interesting place to go after worship, wouldn't you say?
Yesterday, after working in the library at school for a few hours, we had friends come over. The mom, Sandra, is an organization guru and she has agree to help me with some organizing. It's hard to get started, though. I mean, where do you start? Right now, we are trying to figure out how to use one corner of the living area downstairs. Right now there is nothing in it but junk--since Kel moved his office out. We need some kind of small office set up down there but I kind of dread that because desks in the past have always looked cluttered. So, if you have any ideas, please let me know. I may post a picture of that space to see what ideas we can come up with.
After Sandra left, Savannah cooked supper. We also babysat 2 children. Malia did an excellent job of keeping the little girl entertained. (she is 4) Savannah cooked potato soup for supper and it was delicious. The boys played with the little boy.
After everyone was in bed last night, Kel and I watched and episode of LOST. Wow! That show just keeps having new twists.
Today we have dentist appointments. Some of you may know, that I like the dentist the very least of any kind of medical thing. Yuck! But, we are all going to get it over with today. We will make appt's for three of the children to have a follow up with the orthodontist next week.
Tomorrow, house church is at our place. We are planning after worship to go out to eat and then bowling. We will eat at a restaurant called "Hell's Kitchen." Interesting place to go after worship, wouldn't you say?
Yesterday, after working in the library at school for a few hours, we had friends come over. The mom, Sandra, is an organization guru and she has agree to help me with some organizing. It's hard to get started, though. I mean, where do you start? Right now, we are trying to figure out how to use one corner of the living area downstairs. Right now there is nothing in it but junk--since Kel moved his office out. We need some kind of small office set up down there but I kind of dread that because desks in the past have always looked cluttered. So, if you have any ideas, please let me know. I may post a picture of that space to see what ideas we can come up with.
After Sandra left, Savannah cooked supper. We also babysat 2 children. Malia did an excellent job of keeping the little girl entertained. (she is 4) Savannah cooked potato soup for supper and it was delicious. The boys played with the little boy.
After everyone was in bed last night, Kel and I watched and episode of LOST. Wow! That show just keeps having new twists.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Get Out of the Pit by Beth Moore Chapter 1
“One reason some of you nicer folks are in a pit without realizing it is because you mistakenly characterize pits only in terms of sin.”
You can know you’re in a pit when:
1. You feel stuck (Is. 42:22 says a pit is somewhere you feel trapped) You can’t get your self out.
2. You can’t stand up (Ps. 69:2 David cries out, “I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing.”) You know you are in a pit when you feel ineffective and utterly powerless against attack.
3. You’ve lost vision (“The close confinement of a pit exhausts us with the endless echo of self-absorption. We can’t see out, so we turn ourselves in. After a while, our nearsightedness breeds hopelessness.”)
In answer to her question….Are you in a pit? I would have to answer yes. Not as deep a pit as I’ve found myself in before but…still in there. Answers to questions:
1. I feel stuck…stuck in patterns of sin. Or at least that’s what it seems like to me. Stuck in cycles of hopelessness regarding making self discipline changes regarding home organization, meal planning and child training.
2. Can I stand up? I think I’m standing…. However, I do feel hopeless to change in areas that I would like to make changes in, so maybe I’m swaying???
3. You’ve lost vision? Absolutely…that is me to the T. Why are we here? What difference are we making? I am continually tormented by these questions. Did God create me for a specific purpose? I am reading Kevin Leman’s new book “The Real You: Become the Person you were Meant to Be (Unlock the Secrets to your True Potential)” and become discouraged because I don’t fit the patterns. Or at least I can’t see it if I do. Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, Phlegmatic? I absolutely, do not fit the typical pattern for oldest child or ONLY although, I might be closer to that one. Neither does my sister, although my brother comes close to fitting the patterns for first born males. So, if I don’t fit the patterns, I guess I can’t become “who I was meant to be…” or that is the way my quirky brain works it out. I’ve put that book away for a while. :>
You can know you’re in a pit when:
1. You feel stuck (Is. 42:22 says a pit is somewhere you feel trapped) You can’t get your self out.
2. You can’t stand up (Ps. 69:2 David cries out, “I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing.”) You know you are in a pit when you feel ineffective and utterly powerless against attack.
3. You’ve lost vision (“The close confinement of a pit exhausts us with the endless echo of self-absorption. We can’t see out, so we turn ourselves in. After a while, our nearsightedness breeds hopelessness.”)
In answer to her question….Are you in a pit? I would have to answer yes. Not as deep a pit as I’ve found myself in before but…still in there. Answers to questions:
1. I feel stuck…stuck in patterns of sin. Or at least that’s what it seems like to me. Stuck in cycles of hopelessness regarding making self discipline changes regarding home organization, meal planning and child training.
2. Can I stand up? I think I’m standing…. However, I do feel hopeless to change in areas that I would like to make changes in, so maybe I’m swaying???
3. You’ve lost vision? Absolutely…that is me to the T. Why are we here? What difference are we making? I am continually tormented by these questions. Did God create me for a specific purpose? I am reading Kevin Leman’s new book “The Real You: Become the Person you were Meant to Be (Unlock the Secrets to your True Potential)” and become discouraged because I don’t fit the patterns. Or at least I can’t see it if I do. Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, Phlegmatic? I absolutely, do not fit the typical pattern for oldest child or ONLY although, I might be closer to that one. Neither does my sister, although my brother comes close to fitting the patterns for first born males. So, if I don’t fit the patterns, I guess I can’t become “who I was meant to be…” or that is the way my quirky brain works it out. I’ve put that book away for a while. :>
Summer Reading Challenge
I've wanted to join DeEtta's summer reading challenge and I am just now having time to type in my books. When I looked at DeEtta's list, mine seems small but then to others, it will look like a long list. I will not compare. If you want to find out more, go to DeEtta's blog (linked to the right). My goal is to read a bit each day. We will see how far I get. I've already started and have completed a couple of books.
Strong Women Soft Hearts: A Woman’s Guide to Cultivating a Wise Heart and a Passionate Life (Paula Rhinehart) Finished
Get out of That Pit (Beth Moore)Finished
The Battlefield of the Mind (Joyce Meyer)Finished
God At Your Wit’s End (Marilyn Meberg)
A New Kind of Normal (Carol Kent)Finished
Created to be His Helpmeet (Debi Pearl)Finished
Love and Respect (Eggerichs)
9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and in Life (Dr. Henry Cloud)
The North Face of God (Ken Gire)
The Gift of Dyslexia (Davis and Braun)Finished
Ritalin Free Finished
Medicating Young Minds (Glen Elliott)Finished
Fiction:
Forever (Kingsbury)- FINISHED
Sunrise (Kingsbury)- FINISHED
Trial by Ordeal (Parshall)
The Thai Amulet (Hamilton)
It Happens Every Spring (Chapman and Palmer)
Summer Breeze (Chapman and Palmer)
Dying Declaration (Singer)- FINISHED
Expectations (Melanie Jeschke)- FINISHED
When You Believe (Deborah Bradford)- FINISHED
Blow Out (Catherine Coulter)- FINISHED
Blind Side (Catherine Coulter)
Dangerous Silence (Catherine Palmer - FINISHED
Then Am I Strong (Francine Arnold)-FINISHED
Strong Women Soft Hearts: A Woman’s Guide to Cultivating a Wise Heart and a Passionate Life (Paula Rhinehart) Finished
Get out of That Pit (Beth Moore)Finished
The Battlefield of the Mind (Joyce Meyer)Finished
God At Your Wit’s End (Marilyn Meberg)
A New Kind of Normal (Carol Kent)Finished
Created to be His Helpmeet (Debi Pearl)Finished
Love and Respect (Eggerichs)
9 Things You Simply Must Do to Succeed in Love and in Life (Dr. Henry Cloud)
The North Face of God (Ken Gire)
The Gift of Dyslexia (Davis and Braun)Finished
Ritalin Free Finished
Medicating Young Minds (Glen Elliott)Finished
Fiction:
Forever (Kingsbury)- FINISHED
Sunrise (Kingsbury)- FINISHED
Trial by Ordeal (Parshall)
The Thai Amulet (Hamilton)
It Happens Every Spring (Chapman and Palmer)
Summer Breeze (Chapman and Palmer)
Dying Declaration (Singer)- FINISHED
Expectations (Melanie Jeschke)- FINISHED
When You Believe (Deborah Bradford)- FINISHED
Blow Out (Catherine Coulter)- FINISHED
Blind Side (Catherine Coulter)
Dangerous Silence (Catherine Palmer - FINISHED
Then Am I Strong (Francine Arnold)-FINISHED
No surgery!
Daddy Bob did not have to have surgery! After IV antibiotics, he improved and they are thinking it was an infection and not a leak! Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray for complete healing and that he can go home, soon.
Our family is back together again! Three are sick....and dragging around. I hope the others of us don't get it. We had a family meeting today to discuss expectations and schedules, etc. The girls (each) and the boys (together) will each be cooking one meal a week in our 6 weeks of summer time that we are home. They are also going to be taking more responsibilities in the garden (known as a yard for most Americans), laundry and keeping the car clean. We will let you know how it goes.
Sage read 8 Dr. Suess books a few days ago. He is reading now! yippee! Continue to pray for him as he moves into 3rd grade at a 2nd grade level. He is improving in his English and cognitive skills and hopefully will be on grade level at the end of this next school year.
Noah started his eye exercises today. When we went to Singapore we found out that he has some visual deficits that make reading and school work more difficult for him. The good news is that these deficits can be strengthened with exercises we do two times a day. Pray that we can be consistent with the exercises!
Those are the only two that are really up, and moving around 100 percent. That should give you an idea about the ones that are sick. :>
Laundry is almost caught up, bags are unpacked and we are settling back in. Kel has a bunch of work to catch up on. I think he needs to make about 6 overseas phone calls tonight in his low, bass cold voice! The weather continues to be hot and not rainy...or not any significant rain. We have been catching up with 24 by watching about 6 new episodes that Jon sent. We are ready for more, as always!
Well, that's an update here.
Blessings!
Our family is back together again! Three are sick....and dragging around. I hope the others of us don't get it. We had a family meeting today to discuss expectations and schedules, etc. The girls (each) and the boys (together) will each be cooking one meal a week in our 6 weeks of summer time that we are home. They are also going to be taking more responsibilities in the garden (known as a yard for most Americans), laundry and keeping the car clean. We will let you know how it goes.
Sage read 8 Dr. Suess books a few days ago. He is reading now! yippee! Continue to pray for him as he moves into 3rd grade at a 2nd grade level. He is improving in his English and cognitive skills and hopefully will be on grade level at the end of this next school year.
Noah started his eye exercises today. When we went to Singapore we found out that he has some visual deficits that make reading and school work more difficult for him. The good news is that these deficits can be strengthened with exercises we do two times a day. Pray that we can be consistent with the exercises!
Those are the only two that are really up, and moving around 100 percent. That should give you an idea about the ones that are sick. :>
Laundry is almost caught up, bags are unpacked and we are settling back in. Kel has a bunch of work to catch up on. I think he needs to make about 6 overseas phone calls tonight in his low, bass cold voice! The weather continues to be hot and not rainy...or not any significant rain. We have been catching up with 24 by watching about 6 new episodes that Jon sent. We are ready for more, as always!
Well, that's an update here.
Blessings!
Friday, June 22, 2007
Daddy Bob update
Received this message from Melanie today:
Hello--quick note to you guys. Dad was to go home today--all tubes gone since yesterday. Yesterday had more pain and it concerned him. He did not feel that good, but then this morning was so excited that he was going to go home. Well, his WBC (white blood cell count) was up--sign of infection and he had some increase in pain in his LLQ LL abdomen, so they did some x-rays---showed some air in there, but not conclusive----so did a CAT scan and he has a leak. What size leak? No clue. Now (literally) doing a barium enema to decide the size of the leak---if very small, will try to give abx and allow to heal slowly. If not, then will reopen him and do a colostomy which he will have for 6-8 weeks. The hope there is that after the healing, he can then be closed and the colon sown back together.
Please continue to pray for them!
Kel and the three oldest are still at camp. Sage and I are holding our own here. We've had guests and more guests. We're pretty lonely and ready for the others to come home. They come back on Monday.
Hello--quick note to you guys. Dad was to go home today--all tubes gone since yesterday. Yesterday had more pain and it concerned him. He did not feel that good, but then this morning was so excited that he was going to go home. Well, his WBC (white blood cell count) was up--sign of infection and he had some increase in pain in his LLQ LL abdomen, so they did some x-rays---showed some air in there, but not conclusive----so did a CAT scan and he has a leak. What size leak? No clue. Now (literally) doing a barium enema to decide the size of the leak---if very small, will try to give abx and allow to heal slowly. If not, then will reopen him and do a colostomy which he will have for 6-8 weeks. The hope there is that after the healing, he can then be closed and the colon sown back together.
Please continue to pray for them!
Kel and the three oldest are still at camp. Sage and I are holding our own here. We've had guests and more guests. We're pretty lonely and ready for the others to come home. They come back on Monday.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Singapore airport
We are in the Singapore airport using their free internet. Everyone is online. Kids are greatly impressed and all they've experienced so far is the bathrooms! More soon....
Saturday, June 2, 2007
We're heading out
We're heading out today. Our flight is this afternoon and we will spend the night in BKK. Then, early in the morning we will head to our destination. I'm not sure if we are really excited but it will be nice to get away and eat out daily. We will be staying in an apartment so we will have plenty of room.
Today is Malia's 13th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Malia. I am now the mother of a teenager. I like Paul Tripp's definition of agoing from childhood to adulthood....and expecting the teens to be young adults. Instead of expecting teens to be teens.... Get the difference? I'm sure I'll probably go into more details about this later.
The swim meet last night was loads of fun. Malia won 9 medals (2 2nds, 1 3rd and the rest 1st's) , Savannah 7,(maybe 2 2nd's and the rest 1st's?) Sage 3 (3blue ribbons) and Noah 2 (one red and one blue ribbon). Noah was disappointed he only swam in two heats--we were too, and he did very well in those two. Most of the heats were relays. Malia and Savannah both did very well. All four kids have greatly improved in their swimming abilities this year. I asked Noah if he was going to swim next year and much to my surprise he said, "Yes." He seemed to be one of the better swimmers in his age group and kind of liked it. He has always been the "one least likely to swim." (Hasn't enjoyed it but was a fish since age 3!) Seems like at least the oldest three will continue to compete. I'm not sure about Sage. It's not his best sport--and he has some good ones! But he holds his own.
I'm going to join a summer reading club. I'll try to post all the stuff here so you can keep up with what I'm reading. I'm still a little bit technologically challenged when it comes to this but have patience with me!
Blessings!
Today is Malia's 13th Birthday! Happy Birthday, Malia. I am now the mother of a teenager. I like Paul Tripp's definition of agoing from childhood to adulthood....and expecting the teens to be young adults. Instead of expecting teens to be teens.... Get the difference? I'm sure I'll probably go into more details about this later.
The swim meet last night was loads of fun. Malia won 9 medals (2 2nds, 1 3rd and the rest 1st's) , Savannah 7,(maybe 2 2nd's and the rest 1st's?) Sage 3 (3blue ribbons) and Noah 2 (one red and one blue ribbon). Noah was disappointed he only swam in two heats--we were too, and he did very well in those two. Most of the heats were relays. Malia and Savannah both did very well. All four kids have greatly improved in their swimming abilities this year. I asked Noah if he was going to swim next year and much to my surprise he said, "Yes." He seemed to be one of the better swimmers in his age group and kind of liked it. He has always been the "one least likely to swim." (Hasn't enjoyed it but was a fish since age 3!) Seems like at least the oldest three will continue to compete. I'm not sure about Sage. It's not his best sport--and he has some good ones! But he holds his own.
I'm going to join a summer reading club. I'll try to post all the stuff here so you can keep up with what I'm reading. I'm still a little bit technologically challenged when it comes to this but have patience with me!
Blessings!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Bob's Surgery postponed
Just received this message from Mel....
Pops could not have his surgery today---had a skin reaction to the dye in the CAT scan dye so they have sent him home with steroids. Thinking it will be a couple of days at least until the surgery.
Pops could not have his surgery today---had a skin reaction to the dye in the CAT scan dye so they have sent him home with steroids. Thinking it will be a couple of days at least until the surgery.
Bob's surgery
Zona and Bob called this morning to let us know that his surgery is today in the U.S. (Wed.) at 11:00 am. Wow! They were able to get him right in and get the surgery scheduled. They still think it looks very good and will only remove a small portion and he should still be able to function just fine with what he has left. They will not be able to visit us as they had planned because their trip was planned less than 4 weeks from the surgery and that is just not enough recovery time. We are disappointed that they will not be able to come as planned but are hoping they can reschedule their trip for later on in the year. We are thankful that they found the mass early and are able to get this taken care of quickly. Please join us in praying for him!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Yesterday we received the news that Bob (Kelly's dad)has a malignancy on his colon. He is meeting with a surgeon today to find out what is involved with surgery to remove it and what other treatment might be needed. We are grateful that Mama Z, suggested he get a colonoscopy (he was not having any negative symptoms)because the Dr.'s feel confident that they have found it in the very early stages.
Please pray for the surgeons for wisdom and timing to remove it and pray that God would allow it to be completely eradicated from his body!
Today, I spent most of the day with my husband--which is always an unexpected treat! We began the day, going to school to hear Noah's "Home Country" presentation. He did a good job of presenting the U.S.A.---the home of this birth--and learned a few things in the process!
After the meeting we returned home and I did email while Kelly cleaned up the lose ends from moving his office out yesterday. Then we headed into town to run some errands and then meet friends for lunch to hear how their latest trip in country went. It was exciting to hear the latest about how G has opened the doors for them to open a rep office for an export business in the U.S. I remember having a meeting with them about a year ago--a hard meeting, where K asked them to spend the next yr figuring out a way to go live back inside and them thinking there was no possible way they could be involved in business. We have seen G change their hearts and lead them step by step to this process so they will be moving back around the first of the year. We spent about 3 hours with them.
Then, we headed to Kelly's new office so he could show me and get input about the arrangement of everything. We had an unexpected treat while we were there, of seeing an old friend who used to work with us in V but now lives in another country nearby. He was able to show us pictures of his family and we were able to spend a little time catching up. BTW, I'm excited about Kelly's new office set up and the possibilities.
After this we returned home in time to get ready for the kids to arrive home at 4:30. They are all swimming on the swim team so they get home late four days a week. Sat. will be the swim meet and they all came home and with the assignments of the races they will compete in. They are excited and nervous about the swim meet!
I am reading a book a friend sent called, "Get Out of That Pit," by Beth Moore. I've just started it but like it so far. I'll try to write up a review of it when I'm finished but can't promise it will be anytime soon. :>
I'm feeling better...but still a bit queasy, esp. when it comes to eating. Tomorrow, we've got a pretty full day--ending with Malia having a sleep over in the evening for her birthday. She has invited 4 friends---and with her and her sister that makes 6! She is excited!
Blessings!
Please pray for the surgeons for wisdom and timing to remove it and pray that God would allow it to be completely eradicated from his body!
Today, I spent most of the day with my husband--which is always an unexpected treat! We began the day, going to school to hear Noah's "Home Country" presentation. He did a good job of presenting the U.S.A.---the home of this birth--and learned a few things in the process!
After the meeting we returned home and I did email while Kelly cleaned up the lose ends from moving his office out yesterday. Then we headed into town to run some errands and then meet friends for lunch to hear how their latest trip in country went. It was exciting to hear the latest about how G has opened the doors for them to open a rep office for an export business in the U.S. I remember having a meeting with them about a year ago--a hard meeting, where K asked them to spend the next yr figuring out a way to go live back inside and them thinking there was no possible way they could be involved in business. We have seen G change their hearts and lead them step by step to this process so they will be moving back around the first of the year. We spent about 3 hours with them.
Then, we headed to Kelly's new office so he could show me and get input about the arrangement of everything. We had an unexpected treat while we were there, of seeing an old friend who used to work with us in V but now lives in another country nearby. He was able to show us pictures of his family and we were able to spend a little time catching up. BTW, I'm excited about Kelly's new office set up and the possibilities.
After this we returned home in time to get ready for the kids to arrive home at 4:30. They are all swimming on the swim team so they get home late four days a week. Sat. will be the swim meet and they all came home and with the assignments of the races they will compete in. They are excited and nervous about the swim meet!
I am reading a book a friend sent called, "Get Out of That Pit," by Beth Moore. I've just started it but like it so far. I'll try to write up a review of it when I'm finished but can't promise it will be anytime soon. :>
I'm feeling better...but still a bit queasy, esp. when it comes to eating. Tomorrow, we've got a pretty full day--ending with Malia having a sleep over in the evening for her birthday. She has invited 4 friends---and with her and her sister that makes 6! She is excited!
Blessings!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Finally.....
It's been a while since I've been able to send an update. First, my computer crashed. We took it in to have it repaired. The memory was corrupted. Then, when we got it back, the files we had saved had many errors and it just took a while to be able to get it all up and running again. Then, when it was finally repaired, many of my old settings were gone. When I tried to log onto blogger...it was in Thai and I couldn't read it. It took several days to try and figure out how to change it back to English!
The kids still have one week left of school. There are actually 10 days left but we are leaving for Singapore next Sunday, so they will miss the last 3 days. Funny, if you've seen the new Pirates movie, they go to Singapore. The kids have NO memory of Singapore and it is not very inviting in the movie. They will be pleasantly surprised!
Everyone is doing very well...except for me. I've had a stomach bug for almost a week now. I am just finding myself very weak. I hope it is over with. The last couple of mornings, I've started out feeling much better but end up crashing by about 3pm.
We received our new couches...FINALLY. They are beautiful and make such a difference. I feel like our home finally looks like a home...what a difference a few nice chairs make! Kel moves his desk out on Monday so downstairs will look like a "normal" home. I've practice stenciled but still haven't found just the right combination I was hoping to find.
I want to take some pictures and show you. I'll work on that. I often forget how to do it. It's nice because I can take pics now with my phone. BUT, I can't remember how to download them.
The kids still have one week left of school. There are actually 10 days left but we are leaving for Singapore next Sunday, so they will miss the last 3 days. Funny, if you've seen the new Pirates movie, they go to Singapore. The kids have NO memory of Singapore and it is not very inviting in the movie. They will be pleasantly surprised!
Everyone is doing very well...except for me. I've had a stomach bug for almost a week now. I am just finding myself very weak. I hope it is over with. The last couple of mornings, I've started out feeling much better but end up crashing by about 3pm.
We received our new couches...FINALLY. They are beautiful and make such a difference. I feel like our home finally looks like a home...what a difference a few nice chairs make! Kel moves his desk out on Monday so downstairs will look like a "normal" home. I've practice stenciled but still haven't found just the right combination I was hoping to find.
I want to take some pictures and show you. I'll work on that. I often forget how to do it. It's nice because I can take pics now with my phone. BUT, I can't remember how to download them.
Monday, May 7, 2007
My helper has been gone since Friday and tonight we had our book study at our house. I dread her being gone but then at the same time, enjoy it, too. She doesn't clean like I would like her to, so I usually take the times when she is gone to get in the kitchen with the bleach and clean it like I like it. In my opinion, bleach is a clean smell. In Kelly's opinion, bleach is a strong smell. Funny, Sage, came into the kitchen and said, "it smells so clean in here!" Ha. Anyway, she won't be here tomorrow either. And, everything is nice and clean. I'm astounded that we CAN keep it clean, if we really try. My helper likes to iron. She will spend hours ironing. She doesn't like to clean that much. I HATE to iron. I would choose cleaning over ironing anyday! :>
I was dreading book study. There is an interesting dilemma that has occurred in our small group. Two of the families own their own home. The rest of us are renters. The two that own their own homes are new to Chiangmai and their standards for their homes and decor is on a different level than ours. The positive thing about it is that they have motivated me to make some changes that will make me happier in the long run. Things that you try to tell yourself are insignificant and don't really matter but they make a world of difference to your disposition when they are done. The negative is that I was dreading having folks come over because I felt like there is just no way that our home can measure up to the same standard as theirs. I'm not sure I've ever felt that way out here. So, instead of focusing on the book, or my friends, or the fellowship.... It was needless worry.
After the study, I was so thankful that God has given me the husband/marriage/family that he has given me. Rejoicing that my husband is a Godly man who does what is right and not concerned at all about how my house looked. Of course, it still Smelled, clean, so there was pleasure in that! I'm so relieved because I was worried about how I was going to get over this obsession with things not being like theirs. When, now, I'm thanking God.... :> Wish I could go into more detail.
The girls gave a pre-garage sale with their Barbie's and Polly's since some of these couples have little girls. They ended up making about $40...which isn't a bad deal at all. I think they were thrilled. There is still a little bit left that will go into our garage sale.
One day soon, I will figure out how to upload pictures to the computer and I will take pictures of some of the changes that I am making. It's still not going to be Better Homes and Garden, but I think it will be inviting, comfortable and pleasing to be here.
I was dreading book study. There is an interesting dilemma that has occurred in our small group. Two of the families own their own home. The rest of us are renters. The two that own their own homes are new to Chiangmai and their standards for their homes and decor is on a different level than ours. The positive thing about it is that they have motivated me to make some changes that will make me happier in the long run. Things that you try to tell yourself are insignificant and don't really matter but they make a world of difference to your disposition when they are done. The negative is that I was dreading having folks come over because I felt like there is just no way that our home can measure up to the same standard as theirs. I'm not sure I've ever felt that way out here. So, instead of focusing on the book, or my friends, or the fellowship.... It was needless worry.
After the study, I was so thankful that God has given me the husband/marriage/family that he has given me. Rejoicing that my husband is a Godly man who does what is right and not concerned at all about how my house looked. Of course, it still Smelled, clean, so there was pleasure in that! I'm so relieved because I was worried about how I was going to get over this obsession with things not being like theirs. When, now, I'm thanking God.... :> Wish I could go into more detail.
The girls gave a pre-garage sale with their Barbie's and Polly's since some of these couples have little girls. They ended up making about $40...which isn't a bad deal at all. I think they were thrilled. There is still a little bit left that will go into our garage sale.
One day soon, I will figure out how to upload pictures to the computer and I will take pictures of some of the changes that I am making. It's still not going to be Better Homes and Garden, but I think it will be inviting, comfortable and pleasing to be here.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Wacky weather
It's STILL raining!
Kel leaves for a trip to V, tomorrow. Pr for him as he goes and for us as we stay. :> He will return on Friday. This past week he led worship at an agricultural conference. The worship was in the evenings and they had meetings all during the day. The surprised him at the end with a gift certificate to Duke's, so our family ate lunch there yesterday.
We also saw Spiderman 3. It's my favorite Spiderman so far, although, I haven't really liked the other ones that much. The kids are are excited about the trilogy of Three's coming out this May! Spiderman, Shrek and Pirates of the Carribean all have their third movies coming out in May! We've been on a Movie dearth the past few months. There have mainly been Tha-i movies and they have a wicked sense of entertainment. We saw a preview yesterday for "The Death Train..."
Today will be a lazy laid back day since we now have our worship time on Sat. evening. I still have the dregs of a sore throat--cough. Each day it seems a little better but this nagging cough won't go away. I wonder if it's connected to the dampness? It's better but it still is painful to swallow so I guess it's still swollen in there. It's been almost a week now.
I hear that weather in the U.S. is really strange right now. The rumor mill says that mom and dad must get a new fence because of 100 mph winds? I read an interesting article on the Dallas Morning News website comparing last years weather to this years. "This year also logged 25 days where temperatures sat at freezing or below. That's almost triple what was recorded in the same period in 2006." Amazing! Last year on April 17, the temp. hit 101 degrees. This year, it was freezing! This picture is from the Dallas Morning news, taken in Arlington.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Rainy Days!
It's finally raining everyday, here, lately! Yesterday morning, this morning.... We picked a good time to put in grass--last weekend. We pulled up the bricks that were surrounding our house (the wee bit of bricks!) and had grass put in. It looks so much fresher having that green surrounding the house. We want to add a tree (the space is very very small)--there is one that resembles a magnolia and change the flowers out front. It is my desire to have a regular gardener come but we haven't found one yet. So, the other things will need to wait.
The couches are still being made. We were supposed to be able to try them out on Wed. but of course, they were not there. This is about the 4th trip we've made...it's been 2 months??? (This is life in Asia!) The man agreed to have them on Monday so we could try them out before K leaves for his trip to V. Do you think they will actually be there???
Today is Family FUN day at Grace. Parents are invited. Kel and the children have gone. I was planning on going but since it's raining and since I've been sick all week and my throat is still quite raw, I decided to opt out of the festivities. I wasn't able to go last year. Last year, Malia and I were in Bangkok on one of her medical trips. Thank the Lord we are not at that same place this year.
She and her dad had a great time in Bangkok. Kel received thank you notes that said he was the best chaperone ever. Must have something to do with the Diplomacy game he took, wouldn't you think? They all had a blast. From all that I talked to, the train ride there and back were the highlight of the trip!
Savannah and Sage went rock climbing this week. They actually both did very well. Now, Sage wants to do it for his birthday celebration. I'm not sure we can afford it but we will check into it. Yes, he has a birthday next Thursday. Savannah had a birthday party last weekend. I took her gang of girls to see "Meet the Robinson's." Then, they went to another friends house to spend the night (for the friend's birthday). They are a great group of gals.
There are lots of holiday's here in the month of May. The kids are out today (Family FUn day...finished at noon) and Monday is also a holiday. I guess it is a trial run of the summer.
I'm practicing stenciling in my free time. I have considered doing a little on the walls but it's not as easy as I thought it would be. If the practice goes ok, I will consider doing it. A friend here has all the supplies and stencils. She shares them with those around. It's a great blessing.
Well, that is all for now. Just thought I would send a short update.
Blessings!
The couches are still being made. We were supposed to be able to try them out on Wed. but of course, they were not there. This is about the 4th trip we've made...it's been 2 months??? (This is life in Asia!) The man agreed to have them on Monday so we could try them out before K leaves for his trip to V. Do you think they will actually be there???
Today is Family FUN day at Grace. Parents are invited. Kel and the children have gone. I was planning on going but since it's raining and since I've been sick all week and my throat is still quite raw, I decided to opt out of the festivities. I wasn't able to go last year. Last year, Malia and I were in Bangkok on one of her medical trips. Thank the Lord we are not at that same place this year.
She and her dad had a great time in Bangkok. Kel received thank you notes that said he was the best chaperone ever. Must have something to do with the Diplomacy game he took, wouldn't you think? They all had a blast. From all that I talked to, the train ride there and back were the highlight of the trip!
Savannah and Sage went rock climbing this week. They actually both did very well. Now, Sage wants to do it for his birthday celebration. I'm not sure we can afford it but we will check into it. Yes, he has a birthday next Thursday. Savannah had a birthday party last weekend. I took her gang of girls to see "Meet the Robinson's." Then, they went to another friends house to spend the night (for the friend's birthday). They are a great group of gals.
There are lots of holiday's here in the month of May. The kids are out today (Family FUn day...finished at noon) and Monday is also a holiday. I guess it is a trial run of the summer.
I'm practicing stenciling in my free time. I have considered doing a little on the walls but it's not as easy as I thought it would be. If the practice goes ok, I will consider doing it. A friend here has all the supplies and stencils. She shares them with those around. It's a great blessing.
Well, that is all for now. Just thought I would send a short update.
Blessings!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Email out
Our email has been out since last Thursday so I've not been able to send an update. Our power went out Thursday evening and when it came back on, we had not internet. So, I've got lots to catch up on. We had a great SongKran (Thai New Year). Hoppy enjoyed getting wet and we took several pictures (more about that later). Kel has gone to Nepal for the first time for a week. The kids and I are still hanging out here. They start back to school on Wed. I need to run to the store before the crowds hit! More soon...
Blessings,
Jamie
Blessings,
Jamie
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Learning something new about your spouse!
I am reading Fox news on the computer and Kelly is looking over my shoulder. The headline reads, "Georgia High School to Try Integrated Prom." Kel says, "I bet that's Turner County.... Did your high school have integrated proms?" I said, "When did you go to high school? In the dark ages? Of course, our school had integrated proms and integrated everything else." He informed me that his school...Turner County High School, did not. Wow! My senior year the homecoming queen was "African American." (that's not what we called it, then!)
Lo and behold, he was RIGHT! It was Turner County High and they have had segregated proms for the last TWENTY TWO years! (or it's been that long since K graduated!) This year will be the very first integrated prom.
See news report below!
Georgia High School to Try Integrated Prom
Tuesday , April 10, 2007
AP
ADVERTISEMENT
ASHBURN, Ga. —
Breaking from tradition, high school students in this small town are getting together for this year's prom.
Prom night at Turner County High has long been an evening of de facto segregation: white students organized their own unofficial prom, while black students did the same.
This year's group of seniors didn't want that legacy. When the four senior class officers — two whites and two blacks — met with Principal Chad Stone at the start of the school year, they had more on their minds than changes to the school's dress code.
They wanted an all-school prom. They wanted everyone invited.
On April 21, they'll have their wish. The town's auditorium will be transformed into a tropical scene, and for the first time, every junior and senior, regardless of race, will be invited.
The prom's theme: Breakaway.
"Everybody says that's just how it's always been. It's just the way of this very small town," said James Hall, a 17-year-old black student who is the senior class president.
"But it's time for a change."
There are excited announcements of the upcoming dance plastered all over the school, where about 55 percent of students are black and most of the rest are white.
A makeshift countdown to the prom is displayed as a cardboard cutout on a main hallway. Student council members canvass the hallways, asking students to buy a $25 ticket and be a part of history. In the cafeteria, images of palm trees and waterfalls brighten up the sterile walls. "The First Ever!" a poster exclaims. "Got your haircut?"
Students say the self-segregation that splits social circles in school mirrors the attitude of this town of 4,000 people. So getting every student to break from the past could be a difficult task.
With prom night about two weeks away, only half of the 160 upper-class students have bought tickets. And there's talk around the school that some white students might throw a competing party at a nearby lake.
"Everyone is saying they're not going to the school prom," said Steven Tuller, a 17-year-old white junior who doesn't plan to attend either event because he wants to wait until he's a senior. "They're saying it's tradition."
Yet Turner County High already has defied tradition this year. The school abandoned its practice of naming separate white and black homecoming queens. Instead, a mixed-race student was named the county's first solo homecoming queen.
Some alumni welcome change at Turner County High.
"People still think of how life was 20, 30 years ago," said Keith Massey, a 1990 graduate who now runs the popular Keith-A-Que restaurant in town, about 75 miles south of Macon. "And life's got to move on."
Massey recalls an attempt to integrate one of the prom parties when he was in school, but few whites showed up. Attempts to organize a school-wide prom in recent years failed because of a lack of student support.
Stone, serving his first year as the school's principal, has been enthusiastic about an integrated prom. He's funneling $5,000 of his meager discretionary fund to hire a DJ and buy decorations, and he's persuaded a photographer to set up shop at the civic center to snap photos of the couples before the dance.
"This senior class is a close-knit group from top to bottom, and they want to do what's right," said Stone, who is white. "They wanted a full school prom. And I told them if they would do it, I'd do them right."
Lo and behold, he was RIGHT! It was Turner County High and they have had segregated proms for the last TWENTY TWO years! (or it's been that long since K graduated!) This year will be the very first integrated prom.
See news report below!
Georgia High School to Try Integrated Prom
Tuesday , April 10, 2007
AP
ADVERTISEMENT
ASHBURN, Ga. —
Breaking from tradition, high school students in this small town are getting together for this year's prom.
Prom night at Turner County High has long been an evening of de facto segregation: white students organized their own unofficial prom, while black students did the same.
This year's group of seniors didn't want that legacy. When the four senior class officers — two whites and two blacks — met with Principal Chad Stone at the start of the school year, they had more on their minds than changes to the school's dress code.
They wanted an all-school prom. They wanted everyone invited.
On April 21, they'll have their wish. The town's auditorium will be transformed into a tropical scene, and for the first time, every junior and senior, regardless of race, will be invited.
The prom's theme: Breakaway.
"Everybody says that's just how it's always been. It's just the way of this very small town," said James Hall, a 17-year-old black student who is the senior class president.
"But it's time for a change."
There are excited announcements of the upcoming dance plastered all over the school, where about 55 percent of students are black and most of the rest are white.
A makeshift countdown to the prom is displayed as a cardboard cutout on a main hallway. Student council members canvass the hallways, asking students to buy a $25 ticket and be a part of history. In the cafeteria, images of palm trees and waterfalls brighten up the sterile walls. "The First Ever!" a poster exclaims. "Got your haircut?"
Students say the self-segregation that splits social circles in school mirrors the attitude of this town of 4,000 people. So getting every student to break from the past could be a difficult task.
With prom night about two weeks away, only half of the 160 upper-class students have bought tickets. And there's talk around the school that some white students might throw a competing party at a nearby lake.
"Everyone is saying they're not going to the school prom," said Steven Tuller, a 17-year-old white junior who doesn't plan to attend either event because he wants to wait until he's a senior. "They're saying it's tradition."
Yet Turner County High already has defied tradition this year. The school abandoned its practice of naming separate white and black homecoming queens. Instead, a mixed-race student was named the county's first solo homecoming queen.
Some alumni welcome change at Turner County High.
"People still think of how life was 20, 30 years ago," said Keith Massey, a 1990 graduate who now runs the popular Keith-A-Que restaurant in town, about 75 miles south of Macon. "And life's got to move on."
Massey recalls an attempt to integrate one of the prom parties when he was in school, but few whites showed up. Attempts to organize a school-wide prom in recent years failed because of a lack of student support.
Stone, serving his first year as the school's principal, has been enthusiastic about an integrated prom. He's funneling $5,000 of his meager discretionary fund to hire a DJ and buy decorations, and he's persuaded a photographer to set up shop at the civic center to snap photos of the couples before the dance.
"This senior class is a close-knit group from top to bottom, and they want to do what's right," said Stone, who is white. "They wanted a full school prom. And I told them if they would do it, I'd do them right."
Saturday, April 7, 2007
HomeMakeover Continues
We worked hard again today. We started off by going to a garage sale. We ended up buying bookshelves, odds and ends and a queen size frame and mattress. It was an older lady who lived in Nepal for about 20 years and here for about 5. The bed was in very good shape...it was her guest bed. Malia is thrilled. Kelly told her it is OUR guest bed and he is allowing her to sleep in it! :>
Of course, before we could bring it in the house, we had to disassemble her room, and disassemble Sav's room to disassemble the boys' room, so there could be room for it. We ended up giving, Noah, Malia's old loft bed. Giving Sav. the extra twin bed from the bunk beds (she has two twin beds in her room) and now there is the loft bed and a twin bed in the boys room. Whew! It was a lot of work! We will probably be all sore tomorrow. Going up and down the stairs with that loft bed is a lot of work!!! So, we have plenty of room for guests now! (Hint, Hint...)
We ended the day by meeting friends at the pool and then going to "In and Out Burgers," a new burger place out on our side of town. The kids ended up having the kids over to spend the night that we met at the pool.
It's hard to believe tomorrow is Easter! All the other families in our home group are out of town so we will go to the Big international church tomorrow. We don't have a big Sunday dinner planned, though. Oh, well, not much time to think about dinner when your moving around furniture! I'm sure we'll figure something out.
Happy Easter everyone!
Of course, before we could bring it in the house, we had to disassemble her room, and disassemble Sav's room to disassemble the boys' room, so there could be room for it. We ended up giving, Noah, Malia's old loft bed. Giving Sav. the extra twin bed from the bunk beds (she has two twin beds in her room) and now there is the loft bed and a twin bed in the boys room. Whew! It was a lot of work! We will probably be all sore tomorrow. Going up and down the stairs with that loft bed is a lot of work!!! So, we have plenty of room for guests now! (Hint, Hint...)
We ended the day by meeting friends at the pool and then going to "In and Out Burgers," a new burger place out on our side of town. The kids ended up having the kids over to spend the night that we met at the pool.
It's hard to believe tomorrow is Easter! All the other families in our home group are out of town so we will go to the Big international church tomorrow. We don't have a big Sunday dinner planned, though. Oh, well, not much time to think about dinner when your moving around furniture! I'm sure we'll figure something out.
Happy Easter everyone!
Friday, April 6, 2007
God Answers Prayer!
Today we painted a wall in Savannah's room and repainted a wall in the boys room. Yesterday, the boys cleaned out their room and (I think) emptied several of their drawers into a huge give-away box so we spent several hours this afternoon going through that box! There were lots of treasures....AND I have an organized box for the Grace garage sale if I decide to participate.
Tomorrow, we will paint the dining area/family room.
I have some baskets that I have put on top of the closets in my room. I'm thinking about filling them with my favorite books and really parring down the books. I want to get rid of the book corner in my room and make it a sitting area. We can take the couch that is downstairs (the landlords) up there when the new one arrives, IF I have the area cleaned out. I will also need to sell my desk. It's big and I never use it.
Malia is spending the night at a friends tonight. Yesterday we discussed the friendship issue...she lamented that she didn't have any friends. We discussed ways she could be a friend and then just spent some time praying about it. Today, she got a call from one of her classmates inviting her over. God does answer prayers! I hope she will get the connection!
I've done some surfing on the internet tonight some, looking back at Sage's orphanage and reading about the latest with adoptions in Ukraine. I've told Kelly that I have a hard time when I think about Sage's half-brother still back in the orphanage. I know there is no way we could go back and get him. The funds just aren't there, as well as the emotional energy it takes to go through the process. But, I can't help thinking about him. Pray that God will give him a Christian home and help us be able to connect them when the time comes.
Blessings!
Tomorrow, we will paint the dining area/family room.
I have some baskets that I have put on top of the closets in my room. I'm thinking about filling them with my favorite books and really parring down the books. I want to get rid of the book corner in my room and make it a sitting area. We can take the couch that is downstairs (the landlords) up there when the new one arrives, IF I have the area cleaned out. I will also need to sell my desk. It's big and I never use it.
Malia is spending the night at a friends tonight. Yesterday we discussed the friendship issue...she lamented that she didn't have any friends. We discussed ways she could be a friend and then just spent some time praying about it. Today, she got a call from one of her classmates inviting her over. God does answer prayers! I hope she will get the connection!
I've done some surfing on the internet tonight some, looking back at Sage's orphanage and reading about the latest with adoptions in Ukraine. I've told Kelly that I have a hard time when I think about Sage's half-brother still back in the orphanage. I know there is no way we could go back and get him. The funds just aren't there, as well as the emotional energy it takes to go through the process. But, I can't help thinking about him. Pray that God will give him a Christian home and help us be able to connect them when the time comes.
Blessings!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
House makeover
We continue to work on our home/decor/organization projects. We bought fabric for the girls rooms and I found fabric for my chair and made a decision about what sofa fabric I am going to use. We will take the girls fabric to the tailor in the next couple of days. We will try to send pictures of the finished projects when we get them completed. We have decided not to go away but to stay home and finish some of these projects as well as take breaks for swimming and eating out!
The boys are busy cleaning out their drawers and getting rid of things. Then, I will need to decide if I'm going to do the large garage sale at Grace in May. We have enough junk. It's just how much time do I want to spend organizing it to get rid of it? :>
In between times we are doing some shopping. The girls desperately need a couple of new outfits to wear when they are not in school. They will also need something to wear at the meetings this summer. I've pulled out some of Malia's old things for Sav to wear and we will see if they are a go. Before she wouldn't be caught dead in them (they are skorts!) but I think she is desperate! Ha. Neither of these two like to shop so it's not fun taking them to try on clothes. Yesterday, we were successful with getting Malia some tops but we still need one or two pairs of shorts and a pair of jeans (she's outgrown the ones she has although she doesn't think so) It's good for Malia that the tops are a bit longer than the style a few years back. IF we can last until summer (I'm not sure we can!) We might order some things for grandmother to bring back with her.
The boys are busy cleaning out their drawers and getting rid of things. Then, I will need to decide if I'm going to do the large garage sale at Grace in May. We have enough junk. It's just how much time do I want to spend organizing it to get rid of it? :>
In between times we are doing some shopping. The girls desperately need a couple of new outfits to wear when they are not in school. They will also need something to wear at the meetings this summer. I've pulled out some of Malia's old things for Sav to wear and we will see if they are a go. Before she wouldn't be caught dead in them (they are skorts!) but I think she is desperate! Ha. Neither of these two like to shop so it's not fun taking them to try on clothes. Yesterday, we were successful with getting Malia some tops but we still need one or two pairs of shorts and a pair of jeans (she's outgrown the ones she has although she doesn't think so) It's good for Malia that the tops are a bit longer than the style a few years back. IF we can last until summer (I'm not sure we can!) We might order some things for grandmother to bring back with her.
Science project
The picture above is Sav's science project that she and Sara did for class. Sara's parents work for the same organization we do and the class was paired up to work on these projects. I think they did an excellent job...the teacher thought so, too, because they received A's.
Friday, March 30, 2007
High School Musical
This afternoon we are going to see the play "High School Musical." The kids are all excited since it is the ONE movie they ALL like to watch! (boys and girls tastes are diverging!) If you have not seen it, it is a fun musical with teenagers in it. Ha. Not much too it, but lots of fun music and dancing. One of the International Schools is putting it on. We'll let you know how it goes.
It has been a busy, busy week and Kel is still at it. He is doing a two day training for some V students that are here at one of the universities. Lift him up! Our meetings went fine, but they were long and our evenings extended into dinner. I, also, tried to spend some time at school, in between times and take Malia to her various appts. We are ready for our spring break that started yesterday! Yoohoo!
We received the IOWA Basic skills scores. Savannah and Noah did great! They decided to let Noah circle the answers in the test booklet and someone else filled in the bubbles for him. His scores were alot higher than they had been in years before, probably because of this. Savannah's scores were very high. We are so proud of her. She will graduate from speech therapy! Malia's scores were good, esp. with all she has been through this past year. Sage's scores were terrible and I am meeting with the principal on Monday morning to discuss them. Please pray for us for wisdom for next year. It looks like the school may provide the independent study classes Malia needs but it's not a done deal and we are still unsure how to proceed with Sage. I have grave concerns about him going into 3rd grade with the situation as it has been this year--only ONE teacher (Noah has been in that class). They desperately need another 3rd grade teacher. I, also, am unsure if he should repeat 2nd grade. One of the special ed teachers suggested I homeschool him, so please pray for wisdom! I am of the opinion that many of his issues are language/adjustment related and that he doesn't have a learning disability but that might just be wishful thinking. I pray it is not. Noah will not be happy if I homeschool Sage and not Noah, BUT, Noah needs to be at school. So, pray! We also received the results of Sage's ESL testing. He is up to par speaking but has a long way to go with reading and writing!
Well, those are the main highlights of the week! We are on break and we are glad to be. We don't know yet if we will be taking a trip or not. I'll keep in touch!
Blessings!
It has been a busy, busy week and Kel is still at it. He is doing a two day training for some V students that are here at one of the universities. Lift him up! Our meetings went fine, but they were long and our evenings extended into dinner. I, also, tried to spend some time at school, in between times and take Malia to her various appts. We are ready for our spring break that started yesterday! Yoohoo!
We received the IOWA Basic skills scores. Savannah and Noah did great! They decided to let Noah circle the answers in the test booklet and someone else filled in the bubbles for him. His scores were alot higher than they had been in years before, probably because of this. Savannah's scores were very high. We are so proud of her. She will graduate from speech therapy! Malia's scores were good, esp. with all she has been through this past year. Sage's scores were terrible and I am meeting with the principal on Monday morning to discuss them. Please pray for us for wisdom for next year. It looks like the school may provide the independent study classes Malia needs but it's not a done deal and we are still unsure how to proceed with Sage. I have grave concerns about him going into 3rd grade with the situation as it has been this year--only ONE teacher (Noah has been in that class). They desperately need another 3rd grade teacher. I, also, am unsure if he should repeat 2nd grade. One of the special ed teachers suggested I homeschool him, so please pray for wisdom! I am of the opinion that many of his issues are language/adjustment related and that he doesn't have a learning disability but that might just be wishful thinking. I pray it is not. Noah will not be happy if I homeschool Sage and not Noah, BUT, Noah needs to be at school. So, pray! We also received the results of Sage's ESL testing. He is up to par speaking but has a long way to go with reading and writing!
Well, those are the main highlights of the week! We are on break and we are glad to be. We don't know yet if we will be taking a trip or not. I'll keep in touch!
Blessings!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Monday update
I wanted to send a quick update at the beginning of the week, since I am unsure if I will have a chance later in the week.
***Happy Birthday Carolyn!***
Today is Carolyn's 50th Birthday! Carolyn has been working with us the whole time we have been here (Asia) and we are privileged to have her as a colleague and friend. One highlight of turning 50 for her means she is eligible for a retirement visa...which means she can live her with much less hassle and work! Congratulations Carolyn on turning 50!
Tomorrow, we begin SGL meetings and will be busy day and night. I will be at the meeting tomorrow and then popping in and out as my schedule allows. Kel starts a big training here on Sat. with some V students that are here at a university.
Next week starts spring break. We have not decided what/if our family will be traveling or going anywhere. The kids want to stay home. The girls want the focus to be on decorating their rooms. I'm hoping if we stay home we can plan some fun relaxing times. Everyone else we know will be going away!
A family has decided to join our house church that has a 12 year old daughter. She and Malia seem to have hit it off and we are rejoicing that they have decided to join the group. They also have a 14 yr old and an 11 yr old so our kids are no longer the oldest kids in the group.
Yesterday we had our first celebration service--where 4-5 house groups came together for a celebration service. Kelly led the music, found the place, chose the speaker and that type of thing. We had around 100 people there. We plan to have this type of service every 2 months, so the next one will be in May.
Bob, Zona and Zack are planning a trip to Thailand this summer. They will be helping with childcare at one of the meetings and then they will spend some time with us. We are looking forward to their visit!
Well, I think that's the latest here. Let us hear updates from each of you!
Blessings!
***Happy Birthday Carolyn!***
Today is Carolyn's 50th Birthday! Carolyn has been working with us the whole time we have been here (Asia) and we are privileged to have her as a colleague and friend. One highlight of turning 50 for her means she is eligible for a retirement visa...which means she can live her with much less hassle and work! Congratulations Carolyn on turning 50!
Tomorrow, we begin SGL meetings and will be busy day and night. I will be at the meeting tomorrow and then popping in and out as my schedule allows. Kel starts a big training here on Sat. with some V students that are here at a university.
Next week starts spring break. We have not decided what/if our family will be traveling or going anywhere. The kids want to stay home. The girls want the focus to be on decorating their rooms. I'm hoping if we stay home we can plan some fun relaxing times. Everyone else we know will be going away!
A family has decided to join our house church that has a 12 year old daughter. She and Malia seem to have hit it off and we are rejoicing that they have decided to join the group. They also have a 14 yr old and an 11 yr old so our kids are no longer the oldest kids in the group.
Yesterday we had our first celebration service--where 4-5 house groups came together for a celebration service. Kelly led the music, found the place, chose the speaker and that type of thing. We had around 100 people there. We plan to have this type of service every 2 months, so the next one will be in May.
Bob, Zona and Zack are planning a trip to Thailand this summer. They will be helping with childcare at one of the meetings and then they will spend some time with us. We are looking forward to their visit!
Well, I think that's the latest here. Let us hear updates from each of you!
Blessings!
Friday, March 23, 2007
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