No Excuses!

I have no excuses for a lack of communication. Isn't it odd when someone just checks out for a while? I have several blogs I watch, and I occasionally think, "Why haven't they updated?" Thankfully, with my vast media empire, I don't have a huge following and not many pondering my whereabouts.

So... Where have I been?? Life is good. I continue to be so thankful! As I catch up on this blog, my sweet Kate is playing doll house right next to me. Allie is outside in the Teepee she is building (you should check it out). William and Jon are playing chess. Does life get any simpler? Does life get any better?

Where have my thoughts been? Here is what I have been thinking about lately:

• Should I let my hair grow longer? Should I keep it the same color? Should I get it really, really short?
• Can I be more organized? If yes, am I willing to do the work to be more organized?
• Am I being the best parent I can be? Am I being a good wife? Am I being a good friend?
• Is my time being spent well, or am I just "killing time?"
• Should I take students to Haiti in October? If yes, should I go with NVM or with another organization?
• What else needs to be added to that recipe that is brewing around in my brain?
• Why is it that sometimes non-Christians are far more loving, generous, and welcoming than Christians?
• What am I going to do with that 30 pounds of blueberries?
• Who is going to clean my house?

Not very exciting, but there it is!

Be Careful What you Ask For!

Recently I asked God if I was truly faithful in times of storms, or if I only celebrated Him because I have pretty great life.

Well, my family and I are being stretched, pounded, and challenged. Man, I should have watched my words! hah!

Although I cannot really share all that is going on, just a few highlights... our bank account was hacked; our van broke down and repairs equal about $3500; a project has proven to be far more complex, costly, and time draining than first planned; and this is just a few of the several issues in front of us.

My wonderful husband said it well today when he said this, "My body is tired from working on the project. My mind it exhausted from working on ______. My emotions are spent from this experience. I think the only thing holding me together at this point is my faith and my family."

A couple things that amaze me in this... first of all, we have so much for which to be thankful! We have a house, food, jobs, friends, etc. Our problems are so minor in the scope of others. I know that and freely acknowledge it. We can easily share one car... inconvenient- yes! End of the world- No! We negotiated costs, found another mechanic, chose which repairs are necessary versus can wait, etc. We are working things out with the bank. Other situations will either be repaired, accepted for what they are, or ??? Who knows what!

Second, God is choosing not to rescue us. He is allowing this to occur. I have to be honest, but I don't love my choices. I can either sit on the floor and cry, whine, and complain. Or, I can have joy in the process, respond in a way that is pleasing to God, and rely on Him to let me know the next steps. It is not very pretty, but I am wavering between my two options. In some times, I am keeping my eyes on God and looking forward. In a moment this afternoon, I wanted to defend myself (even when not being heard), cry (which I did do later), and actually not even be gracious. I know that Jon has been feeling some of these same feelings with regard to one of the other situations.

Instead, silence for now is the correct response. Prayer is the appropriate source for counsel. Waiting on the Lord (without being Lazy for the Lord) is the response we choose today.

How long does it take?

I was recently reading about Jim Elliot. He was a missionary to Ecuador. When he first decided to go to Ecuador to serve (from what I read) he was really excited to get in the trenches to share God's love. Instead, he arrived in Ecuador to hostile villagers.

He first spent time learning the language. Months of training.

Knowing that the villagers were hostile, he couldn't just walk up to them. He devised a plan to get to know the villagers first. He had a plane fly over the village, and he dropped down supplies and gifts from the plane. While giving gifts, he used his newly acquired language to yell words of encouragement, greetings, and information about why he was there. Again, months and months.

He was finally able to get into the village and meet the villagers. He was finally able to begin the work he came to do. How long he had waited!

This story made me think of the work at The Crossing. Great news! We do not have to drop boxes from planes. The bad news... We cannot just jump in and do our work. First, prayer, prayer, prayer. How do we know where we are to go? How do we know which students we are supposed to reach? Second, we have to learn the language. Wow. This is a tricky one. I am not just thinking about the language but about really knowing someone. We need to learn about the lives being led, the aspirations, the issues. This takes time and perseverance. Finally, finally... the work can begin. It is just plain messy. It can be painful; it can be rewarding.

I think that reading about Jim Elliot reminded me one more time that working at The Crossing is not a job. It is first and foremost a missionary calling.

The End

Here he is on his first day of kindergarten. Made me cry a little to look at this sweet face so little, so happy, so innocent.

I thought I should talk about the end. Yes, the end of an era. William graduated elementary school this week. He is officially a middle schooler now. How is that possible? People always say, "It goes so fast." Isn't it funny how sometimes it feels like the time is slowly ticking by while managing temper tantrums, doing homework, daily tasks, and just life. Other moments flash before me, and I am looking at my pre-teen and thinking, "How?"

I am so proud of him. I have to admit that I am really nervous about him going to middle school. Organization is not his strength. He is still very small for his age. I just want to protect him. On the other hand, he is really excited about band, sports, and having a locker.

Middle School is the turning point, I think. Having taught middle school, I know this is where kids make big decisions on what they will do, who they will follow, and how far they are willing to go to get friends. What will he choose?

My prayer today is that he will remember what we taught him, that he will be comfortable in his own skin, and that he will find the right path. He is growing up so fast.

So, I feel like I should have something profound to write after such a long lapse; however, here I am with so little to say. My friends are thinking that they wish I had so little to say when I am in their company. HAH

Let's try this... Lessons from a vacation:

• Vacation brings out the best and worst in our family (and I think society as a whole, really). Children who normally argue over the simplest of situations are extending graces towards one another. There is a lot of time for snuggles on the couch, the beach, and carrying a sleeping, content four-year-old for miles on end. On the other hand, driving straight through or staying up late playing games or watching fireworks, pushes people past limits of kindness. Listening to parents (in "The Happiest Place on Earth") threaten to "yank your sorry butt out of this Dumbo line" and yell "Why do you have to act stupid like your grandma?" made me think they had somehow lost the point at being at Disney. I found myself, though, telling a child that if he didn't eat some protein for breakfast he wouldn't be able to ride rides. Hmmm... low moment on the vacation.
• Going to the beach is more fun than I thought it would be. I grew up on the beaches of California but still feel grossed out by spending so much time there as a family. Sand in too many places. Children who think rolling in sand is the most fun activity ever just make me cringe. I have to say, though, getting up each morning and heading to the beach was so relaxing and fun. I spent time reading, people-watching, and playing. Those who know me, know sitting around doing nothing is not my strong suit, but I bought into it.

• Seeing Kate's face at Disney World made the trip so great. I cried more than once seeing her sweet smile. She was so enjoyable on this trip. We are starting to discover more of her personality.

• William can do anything he puts his mind to... He can make me smile in an instant. He can change the mood in our entire family- positively or negatively. The kid can do anything athletic! He is growing up faster than I ever thought possible!

• I realized the downfall of the "middle child." Allie is my sweet, content, helpful child. She is just easy-going. I realized, though, that it becomes easy to expect her to sacrifice, flex, or be easy going even when she doesn't feel like it. I was taught a lesson to take time to make sure she feels special, unique, and loved. She is one great kid!

Well, I think those are all of my lessons for the trip! Nothing profound but loads of fun.

The allergy update

After traveling fourteen hours (seven hours each way), we gained more information regarding our dear Kate.

She is (confirmed) allergic to eggs, wheat, and milk. We knew about the milk. Jon reminded me that egg and wheat were mentioned a couple years ago, but I apparently chose to ignore the facts.

Our next steps... We are determining if she is a candidate for the sublingual immunization therapy. (Sounds fancy, huh?) Sublingual refers to glands under the tongue (that's my basic definition). The immunization therapy means placing a small amount of the allergen under the tongue several times a day to gradually increase her immunity to the allergens. This is similar to allergy shots, but it is in very small doses over the course of a day.

Once we determine IF she is a candidate, we have to determine if WE are willing to try this therapy. One part of me says, "Why not?" The other part of me says, "Get used to her life with food allergies now, hope she will outgrow them, and train her how she can eat."

We don't know what we will do.

Tasty Tuesday

As I continue to reflect on all that I have, I realize how much I waste. My complaints in America are basic: my house is a mess, my kids are in too many activities, wish my girls didn't have to share a too small bedroom, etc.

So, in thinking of all I have, I decided I really need to be much more resourceful in how I spend my food and time. We have a family goal of sit down dinners. I also love to try new recipes. Can be tricky with two working parents and busy schedules. Here is my tip for the week...

Cook once for the week: I usually cook on Saturday or Sundays. Here was last week's menu:

• Roast turkey, potatoes, and green beans

With the left over turkey, I made turkey stock and then shredded the meat. Here was the result:

• Turkey divan with homemade applesauce
• Turkey and stuffing casserole
• Turkey noodle soup

Knowing that the family would be sick of turkey, I also found a recipe for "brown bag burritos". We put together 20 burritos (homemade refried beans, browned hamburger, enchilada sauce, and some spices). We then wrapped and froze the burritos. These are excellent to heat for a quick family dinner. Finally, I made three lasagnas and froze them.

So, after one day's work we had family dinners for one week (and then some!) We were able to provide some meals for friends, too.

This week we continued the trend, but we wanted to try some new recipes and had lots of fresh fruits and veggies on hand... Here is the week:

• Turkey sausage, sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, sauteed spinach
• Roast, potatoes, carrots, salad
• Beef and noodles (leftover beef and stock)
• Spaghetti (homemade meatballs- made and frozen on Sunday), salad, homemade applesauce
• homemade eggrolls
• bbq chicken legs, rice, peas
• bbq chicken wraps (leftover chicken and rice)

So... my challenge to you is this: Do you want more time with your family? Do you want to make use of your pantry items and incorporate fresh fruits and veggies? Interested in family dinners with low stress on the family?

Try cooking one meal and "remaking" it for a later meal (like the roast or bbq chicken) OR cook once for the week (like the turkey).