Happy Birthday, Juju!

Today is Juju's 1st Birthday!

Since she calls her toys "monkeys" (If you say "Go get your monkey" she'll bring you a toy) I picked out a new monkey toy for her birthday from PetSmart (since she got a birthday card with a coupon for a free toy)!

She enjoys throwing her toys...

Here she's giving me a birthday kiss...

At Juju's last trip to the vet a couple of weeks ago to get her nails trimmed she weighed in at 49.6 pounds, so she's probably pretty much full grown now. She still loves to cuddle--all 50 pounds of her. She loves her nightly walks and rawhide bones and still loves to play. This summer we will really work on learning to come when called, too! She's my big baby! Happy Birthday Ju!

A Night at the Symphony

The crowd buzzed while the instruments tuned. "Are you coming to my dinner party?" "Haven't seen you in ages. How ARE you?" Conversations carried on around me. The lights dimmed and the instruments became silent. A lone cell phone droned out the "William Tell Overture" as an unscheduled prelude. I reached down to turn my cell phone to silent mode.

As the joyous sounds of Shastakovich enveloped me, I realized I had not been to a concert with professional musicians in quite a while. It was wonderful. My ticket that I had received as a gift was for a seat on the main floor, instead of the balcony, where I usually frequent, and I enjoyed watching the people around me. I looked for anyone that looked younger than 50 and had a hard time finding anyone. I felt like I had been transported in time to an age gone by. I almost started looking to see if the ladies were dressed in bustles and fancy hats. I felt like I was surrounded by an elite group, the upper class, where a night at the symphony was just something you were expected to flaunt, like the Mayor up in the box seats.

At intermission I ventured up to the balcony. There I was met by the younger crowd, even a few children, and finally some familiar faces. There were actually some people under 50!

Dvorak's symphony ended the evening. I relaxed to the pleasant harmonies and let myself sit and enjoy the music. The night ended in thunderous applause and I sneaked out to get an early start home. The Lafayette Symphony Orchesta had finished another great concert.

I Bought a Lawn Mower

It's time. Tonight I bought a lawn mower. However, since I purchased it online I will not get it for another 2 weeks... Ah, the pros and cons of buying online. I have been pricing lawn mowers for the last year or so and finally decided that I would buy an electric lawn mower. So the last few days I have been pricing those. Walmart and Target sell them, but only online. I was at Menards Saturday and the least expensive one they had was $200. The ones at Walmart and Target were in the $150-$225 range. However, I believe I got the best deal direct from amazon.com for $155 (and free shipping if you're willing to wait about 2 weeks)--this was the same one Target was selling for $220. (retail value something like $398??)

Anyway, for those of you who are interested, I decided to go with the Black & Decker Lawn Hog 18-inch 12 Amp Electric Mulching Mower, Flip-Handle #MM675. I didn't read ALL of the 110 reviews at amazon.com, but most were satisified with the mower, although we'll have to see if the flip-handle is really a good feature or not. I might take the advice of others to tie up the flaps that are on both ends of the mower, since it can go either direction, theoretically to keep the power cord on one side. For the size of my lawn, I think I can hardly go wrong. I am looking forward to giving it a try.

Isn't online shipping an amazing thing? You hardly have to go out to the stores anymore. A great deal, delivered right to my door!

By the way, if anyone has anything bad to report about this lawn mower, please don't tell me...yet. Let me bask in my ignorance for just a while longer.

G-Knee

I would like to take a moment to recognize Miss Jeannie Wetzel on her BIRTHDAY today!!

Jeannie is my good friend and "Amazing Race" buddy! We have been enjoying spending time together watching the Amazing Race on Sunday nights--usually at my place, but I think this week we're at hers! She is one of those people you can always spend time with and you never get to see often enough. But she is also a friend that you can always pick up with, no matter how long it's been since you've seen her last. When I think of Jeannie, I think of singing (in choir or in small groups), youth activities, bulletin boards, February conference, and of course the AMAZING RACE! Jeannie is an awesome person because she wants to be used of the Lord and has a real heart for Him and serving others. Thank you for your friendship, G-Knee! Happy birthday! :)

5 Missed Calls...

...because I'm an idiot.

I left my purse, including all of my identification, credit cards, flash drive, and cell phone (and Keri Dutton's cellphone) at our very first stop 2 hours down the road on FMT tour! I set most of my stuff down off to a corner in the church, but put my purse underneath the piano by my feet. I set my camera down on top of the piano and remember thinking that it would be really bad to forget my camera at the very first stop. So I know I was very careful to get my camera and other belongings; I even did a "loss prevention" check where all the students were sitting, but I managed to forget my purse. I didn't notice until we got off of the bus at the NEXT place approximately another 2 hours down the road. I guess when you're not driving and don't need to grab your keys out of your purse...

Anyway, I was able to get a hold of the school and had them overnight it back to me in Lafayette from Friday to Saturday. I really didn't need anything in my purse on tour, other than a little bit of money (I had neglected to get cash before leaving anyway so I didn't have any in my purse as it was). But Mrs. Heim was able to bale me out and loan me a few dollars for souvenirs in Grand Haven.

So I should have received my purse on Saturday, but the ONLY hour that no one was home (between 1:30 and 2:30), apparently the mail came, and thus my purse was taken to the post office, which is closed from noon on Saturday until 8 AM on Monday! I did have an emergency fund of cash at home that I had saved from a teacher's bonus, although I had saved a $100 bill for my "emergency fund"--which no fast food restaurant will accept, and all the banks are closed on Sunday so that really didn't do me any good either. (An emergency cash fund is a good idea but you may want to consider stocking it with smaller bills.) Thankfully I was able to go and pick up my purse Monday night around 6:00 at the Post Office (it was back there after being out for delivery). My cell phone actually still had battery life left, and was still on vibrate from when I had turned it off for our first tour performance. The alarm is set for 6:30 AM every weekday, too, so I'm glad that the package wasn't mistaken for a bomb or anything!

I am very glad to have my purse back!

FMT Tour 2007

I got back last night from traveling on tour over Spring Break with the Faith Ministry Team, those wonderful 9th-12th graders from our school who are privileged to audition and make this group to represent our school. We had a wonderful trip to First Baptist Church Christian School in Mishawaka, IN, Fish Lake Bible Church in Sturgis, MI, Three Rivers High School, and Lakeshore Baptist Church in Grand Haven, MI over the last three days. We had a great time meeting new people and getting to sing for other believers. It was a special privilege to also be allowed to sing for the choir class of a public high school. We enjoyed spending time in Grand Haven, first with the Lakeshore teens, playing 9 holes of "Monster Golf" with giant plastic golf clubs and tennis balls (around the outside of the church building). Then we were able to have some fun time hanging out at the pier of Grand Haven, on the beach of Lake Michigan. We had dinner out at Red Robbin before coming on home. Of course, there are more stories to go along with this, but that's the brief recap.

If you have any stories you want to add, feel free to comment!

Contentment

I have turned a corner. I no longer feel like I'm stuck in limbo-land.

This last weekend I was back home in Michigan, surrounded by family and friends, most of whom I have known pratically all of my life. Friends near my age (in our 20's) are in that new stage of life, entering the work force, many getting married and starting their own families, finding their niches in their local churches, and transitioning into "adulthood" (whatever that is). Sometimes that can feel awkward, trying to relate as "adults" when you've never conversed on that plane before. The last few times going home sometimes I would feel that awkward gap. But this trip home, for whatever reason, I felt totally comfortable in who I was and my place in the whole scheme of things.

For instance, my whole family (mom and dad, brothers and sisters) went out to Country Kitchen for breakfast on Saturday, and it is just a joy to be FRIENDS with all of your siblings. We reminisced about things in the "good old days," but I didn't have the desire this time to go back to those days or find myself choked up because those days are over. This time I was just surrounded with such peace and contentment--and, yes, a few tears when we were singing for Mrs. Midkiff in the nursing home, but that was different. It is no longer weird to think of my sister Rachel as married. She and her husband Matt are doing fine and raising two very cute and lively little dachshunds. My brother Tim is counting down the days (80-something by now) until he and his fiance Kristen get married. And it wasn't weird to think about that, either. Kristen is becoming a normal part of conversation--and we even saved a place for her at Country Kitchen. Of course Sarah lives with me now so I am able to see her maturity as a young adult firsthand all the time. I was just able to see us all moving on to our own places in life and serving the Lord in our different ways. I was just so content this trip, but who can't but be content around family members that love the Lord and are able to have meaningful discussions and game times and look forward to spending time together? Maybe it was just the four of us siblings back together again and sitting around the kitchen table playing Settlers of Catan, but it was wonderful to be back with each other, not longing for the old times back, but facing forward, looking forward to more times together we can share as we move on to our different lives and vocations, yet are still connected, not only as family members, but as the body of Christ. And I am so thankful that I know that no matter what else happens, I will be able to spend eternity with my family, together in heaven.

I am home. Content with where God has placed me for now and so thankful for my wonderful family.

"For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

Goin' Home!!!

Yay! I'm going home! Sarah and I leave tomorrow (Friday) afternoon to drive up to the U.P. of Michigan for the weekend. My brother Tim will be home so I guess this will our last big bachelor fling with him before he gets married in June. I am looking foward to getting away and spending time with family! We took Monday off so we have a nice long weekend ahead of us.

Bonus Picture: For all the protesting Sarah does about Juju, they look pretty cuddly here:

No Rest for the Weary

(Disclaimer: The following contains the rantings of a tired, cranky, and unstable person.)

I've been too tired to sleep lately. I feel almost like I'm so far behind on my sleep that I will never get caught up, so I don't even want to try. I know that I've been "working" extra hours lately due to the many school funcions the past couple weeks: late evenings preparing for the Friendship Banquet, the last two days spending about 6 hours in a bus to and from Anderson, IN, leaving at 7:00 a.m. and not getting home until about 8:30. Spending Saturday (today) at a choir competition for another 5 hours of competition-related activities. I'm worn out. The hard part has been that I have still not quite recovered from being sick (the sickness has been tickling my throat--not much of a voice--the past few days still). And I've just not had good nights of sleep. I know, I know, I should probably do a better job at going to bed on time, especially since I've been so tired, but I've almost been too tired to care (bad, I know). I've been a bad girl and staying up watching movies, because when you get home at 8:30 and then take the dog for a walk, you don't feel like going to bed yet--and the dog hasn't been much help. Juju is usually up for at least 3 hours from whenever I get home, so if I don't get home until 8:30 I can pretty much guarantee I'll be up with her until about 11:00 or 12:00, keeping her from chewing up my things or playing with her and putting her in and out. But I came into this dog thing with my eyes wide open...I knew that she would she require lots of time and TLC. But some days I wish I could sleep in and Ju would sleep in (or go to bed at 9:00) and not get me up at 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning. I am even having a hard time taking afternoon naps; I just can't sleep...

I'm not a morning person. I like staying up late, but I can definitely feel it taking its toll...do I get a day off?? I am really looking forward to summer vacation.

Okay. I'm done.

Sarah made this special St. Patrick's Day supper and it's time to eat!

Can You Smell It?

Fresh air...the wind rushing through open car windows...screen doors open...daffodils and tulips peeking through the soil...thermometer reading 60 degrees...taking down the last vestiges of Christmas lights and paraphernalia...shorts and t-shirts...kids riding bikes...getting the car washed...the last snow piles dissolving into muddy pools...spending time outdoors in short sleeves (even if it is picking up dog poop)...spring is here!

A Little Stressed

Sorry I haven't updated lately. I am kind of running in panic mode trying to finish up (well, actually start and finish up) presentations for Friday night's FCS Friendship Banquet!

Thankfully I finished up the Spirit Week 2007 DVD (BOTH discs--the 94-minute video and the "Bonus DVD" with extra features!) last night so that is ready for the auction. It's pretty sweet, if I do say so myself.

iMovie and iDVD are fun.

I'm not feeling as sick.

Chicken Soup for the Soul

I am sick.

I have the runny nose, congestion, drainage, and today the tickle in the throat signifying those oncoming coughing spells. The Kleenex box and I have become good buddies in the last two days.

I was starting to feel sorry for myself about having to continue on at work and not having any time to get sick...but also that I didn't have anyone to "pamper" me...you know, how you miss your mom babying you when you don't feel well?

Well, to my surprise, about 1:15 this afternoon, I was hacking my way through a piano lesson, when who would knock on my office door but my Lafayette "Mom"--Amy Knolhoff! (Technically, she's more the age of a big sister, but...never mind...) In she pops and hands me a little baggie with Motrin, Sudafed, a multivitamin, and zinc tablets. Then she gives me a bottle of water and a bottle of Diet 7up AND a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup! And she gives me "doctor's orders" to take the pills IMMEDIATELY. Of course, I complied. And the chicken noodle soup was SO GOOD! What a wonderful surprise! It's so neat to see God provide a friend like this one to encourage me!

Amazing Race All-Stars

I apologize for the frivolity of this post--especially to those of you who could care less--but the Amazing Race All-Stars started last night!

There were some people I would have liked to see back in the race (hippies, Tyler & James, Colin & Christie); I don't think the teams are as tough as they could be, but it is fun to see Rob & Amber back in it. I know you either love 'em or you hate 'em, and while I can't really sanction the necessity of someone winning aNOTHER million dollars (Amber already won a million on Survivor), I would much rather watch people who are really competitive and know how to play the GAME and make it interesting. Thus I am glad to see Rob & Amber around again and have to admit I am rooting for them to do well!

Blizzard of '07

As many of you know, Lafayette has experienced its biggest snowfall in about 30 years, I believe. We received about 17 inches from Tuesday to Wednesday.

And, of course, we had already canceled school for the week due to the Biblical Counseling Training Conference going on at church. So was I able to enjoy the "snow days" and take some time off to sit down and sip my hot chocolate while enjoying watching the snow fall from inside in my nice cozy warm house? Of course not! I was out shoveling my way out so my parents and my guest and my sister and I could go across the street to the conference--which MUST go on--and helping out fill in for people that couldn't make it. "No rest for the weary."

Oh, you want pictures? Of course! Here they are:

Happy Valentine's Day!

This has been the running joke throughout the February conference this year. Word got out that apparently the White Castle sign has had up on it "Make your Valentine's Day Reservations Now" with a phone number. So the teasing has been going on that this is where husbands should take their wives for Valentine's Day! So yesterday the sound techs put this picture up on the screen before Pastor Viars got ready to give a talk in the auditorium.

My Dad

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. Since he's not a woman, I'm sure he wouldn't mind me sharing his age: he is now 62 years old. He is now enjoying some of the Senior discounts that come with (ahem) old age...

My dad grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his parents and 3 sisters. He liked hunting with his dog(s) and blowing things up in his chemistry shack. He eventually went on to Michigan Tech University to study organic chemistry. After graduating and getting a job at DOW chemical near Flint, Michigan, he met a Baptist pastor who challenged his thinking. He had grown up Lutheran and had been saved as a boy in the Lutheran church. While in Flint he attended a Lutheran church for Sunday mornings, but they didn't have an evening service, so he went to a small Baptist church (Baptists are generally known for having MULTIPLE services a week)! I'm not sure of the whole story, but I believe he was baptized and eventually joined the Baptist church. The pastor was a big influence on him and encouraged him to attend Bible college. He decided to get more schooling at Faith Baptist Bible College (in Iowa), and there met my mother. They got married and decided God was leading them into missions here in America by planting churches. So they joined what is now Continental Baptist Missions and set out to raise support. After deputation they moved to the Upper Peninsula to start a church in Marquette, ended up in Ishpeming...and that was a little more than 30 years ago. They are no longer church planting as the church "graduated" about 5 years ago, but they are still pastoring the "flock" there in the U.P.--a place I'd go back to in a heartbeat if I felt God was leading me back.

My Dad and I are pretty similar in that we have the same even-keeled personalities and like to do a lot of the same kinds of outdoor activities. Dad is pretty musical too in that he has a great ear for music and plays the trombone and guitar very well. My Dad was my age when he got married, and it is true that your perspective changes as you get older. I am so thankful that Dad made the choices he did and that he has been faithful to be obedient to God's working in his life. While he is of course not a perfect man I am thankful that God has given us to each other. Some of my memories of growing up with Dad are all the things he taught me: playing football or catch with my brother and me, teaching me how to fish, teaching me how to drive (and drive a stick shift), teaching me how to mow the lawn, garden, wash the car, hang pictures--he's the REAL handyman around the house. (He can fix ANYTHING!) Thankfully I learned a few of those tips which have come in extremely handy in having my own house.

However, I am glad that Dad is still around to fix stuff for me and give me advice. I don't know what I'd do without him! And, by the way, Dad, I do have a SMALL list of stuff to look at when you are here next week...I love you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!

Super Bowl XLI Winners

CONGRATULATIONS PEYTON MANNING & TONY DUNGY!

So I briefly texted my friend Jackie in Chicago last night after the game to offer my "condolences." It went like this:
Me: "How bout dem colts? ;)"
A minute later...
Jackie: "Whatever. Haha"

My Focus

I have recently been struggling with making Christ my main purpose in life, but I was reminded again this week--both by Pastor Viars talking about "The Prayer of Dependence" on Sunday and by Pastor Aucoin talking about Samson's lack of purpose in life in high school chapel on Monday--how I need to be actively striving to make my main goal in life to glorify God. (One sidelight about Samson; I re-read the story in Judges last night, and the point that Brent made is accurate: according to Scripture, even though the angel told Samson's mother that his purpose was to bring judgment on the Philistines, no one ever told Samson what his purpose was--his mother never even told his father! It seems as if he knew he was a Nazarite but knew no purpose as to why.)

How is this "fleshed out" in my life, though? What can I do differently to be focusing on glorifying God? The most obvious answer, and the thing I have failed in lately, is taking time for private time alone with God. So yesterday I finally made it a priority to open up God's Word and devote time to listen to God "speak." I also pulled out my copy of "Loving God with All Your Mind" by Elizabeth George that I had started to read at the beginning of the year but had also fallen away from. Wouldn't you know it? The chapter my bookmark was in was on "Keeping On Keeping On" and persevering "toward the goal of the high calling of God." (Phil. 3:14) It was just what I needed to hear. I have been so overbooked with practices, lessons, and teaching times that I have not allowed myself to be empowered with the Holy Spirit's strength. I have been struggling to get it all done and have been so tired.

It is true that God gives "strength to the weary, and to them that have no might he increases strength." (Isaiah 40:28-31)

Even in the busy times of life, when I have to schedule things on top of each other and hope that someone doesn't show up or something works out, I cannot do it in my own strength. I need to acknowledge that I am utterly dependent on God, which I realize more the more time I spend with God.

But when I try to work things out on my own, I tend to forget about God and lack purpose in life. Yes, I can "maintain" for a little while on my own, but I will not see true joy or spiritual growth (in fact, I will tend to slide backward) the longer I think I can go without God.

So this has been my reminder to myself that, no matter the busy-ness of life, I need to schedule into each day the reminder that God is my true source of strength.

Oh, and incidentally, God gave me plenty of time to get things done today because after I arrived at school this morning I remembered I had 2 piano students out because they were gone on a field trip, and then I heard that I had a family of 3 students all home with the flu. So I finally have time to blog! :)

Super Bowl XLI

Whaddyaknow...It's COLTS vs. BEARS for Super Bowl XLI! I enjoy watching football, but I usually don't make the time for it. However, last night I enjoyed watching almost the entire Colts/Patriots Championship game...(I took Juju for a walk at the beginning of the game so I missed the first quarter.) What an exciting game!! I really didn't think they were going to be able to pull off a win when they botched the first half, but it was a great finish. I don't mind the Patriots, but, honestly, they've been to, like, the last 10 Super Bowls, so I'm glad the Colts (especially Tony Dungee & Peyton Manning) get a chance at it this year. And the Bears, too! Hey, living in Lafayette, I'm pretty much right in the middle of it. But I'll root for the Colts on February 4. GO COLTS!!

To Unt Elaine

Dear Auntie,
You asked about my recent weight loss, so I thought I'd share my "secret"--unfortunately, there isn't one! Lately I've found myself in clothes too big for me and able to wear 2 sizes smaller, and I'm not exactly sure what happened...but I'm not complaining! ;) Partly it's just learning to wear the "right" clothes, but I thought I'd share my "diet" as well. I am NOT a dieter. I really don't like the concept of eating something special for only a couple of weeks and then resuming the same eating struggles after that. Ever since college I've tried to eat healthier and be a better steward of my body by watching what I eat-- obviously sometimes more successfully than others--but just this summer and fall it seems to be paying off. So I've been trying to evaluate what I've done differently.

Here's what I think I've been doing:
1. Eat more. Yes, that's right; eat MORE. I had gotten in the unhealthy habit of not taking time for lunch, in fact, not eating most of the day. So I think my metabolism slowed down. To get my metabolism back up, I've been eating every meal: breakfast, lunch, and supper with possibly a healthy snack in between: granola bar, yogurt, apple, orange, banana, etc.
2. Eat oatmeal every day. At least most days. I usually am rushing out the door so don't eat before I leave for work, but now I grab a package of instant oatmeal and a bowl (and a spoon) and I'm good to go for after my first couple lessons when I have a 10-15 minute break. (This replaces a pop tart--but sometimes I have a granola bar instead.)
3. Walk. Since June (when I got Juju) I have taken her for about a 30-minute walk nearly every day--sometimes more than once. I do Tae Bo with Sarah sometimes, but that's pretty rare. So that's my exercise regimen (which was sorely lacking before).
4. Have your health-conscious sister come live with you. :) I think this may have had some affect too, as Sarah is good about adding whole wheats and fewer sugars, things I didn't really think about much before. I have also tried to cut back on the carbs and fats and eating smaller portions and all that good stuff that you normally think about to do too. (No more ice cream every night!)

But overall I haven't really TRIED to necessarily lose weight, I'm just trying to be a better steward of my body. And I've actually dropped about 20-25 pounds, so that's a great blessing. The bad thing is that the more healthy food is usually more expensive, but I'm trying to balance that as well.

Well, dear Aunt, since you asked (and cousin Becky too) I thought I'd share.

Love,
Beth

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31 (New American Standard Bible)

This is What Happens When...

This is what happens when you let your dog out in the middle of the night and then accidentally fall back to sleep...she makes her own doggy door!

We had about an inch of snow overnight (yay! Our first "big" snowfall!) and maybe Juju was just so enamored with watching the snow fall or something, but she wanted to go out three times last night. By 4:00 AM I was fed up and just left her out and went back to bed...not planning on falling back to sleep...but 30 minutes later I wake up to a cold dog wanting to come back inside and a shredded sliding screen door! The funny thing was that I'm pretty sure I left the screen door open (although Juju has been known to slide it by herself)--but it was sticking as it was kind of frozen--so apparently she closed it and then scratched it open.

Dad--here's another project for your "daddy-do list" in February! :)

Spirit Week 2007

Thanks to all of you loyal readers for commenting on my blog. I feel inspired to continue my entries now!

This week was the infamous Spirit Week at FCS. Monday was just a prep day/dress in college sweatshirts/jerseys. The real festivities started on Tuesday.

Each day the grades paraded past the judges into the gym and competed in class songs, cheers, or skits, depending on the day.




Tuesday's Theme was "Would you be my friend if I dressed like this?" Here's my lovely outfit. Sarah helped me pick it out to be the best matching I could be.















Wednesday's theme was "Puttin' on the Ritz" for the high school and "Hat Day" for the elementary. I did both.
















Thursday was Class Theme day. We had "Sailing the 7th Seas," "8th Grade Calendar Craze," "Fighting Freshmen," "10 Little Indians," "Juniors of the Great Outdoors," and "Seafaring Seniors." I dressed with the Elementary's theme of "Riding the Waves/Ocean," which also fit with the 7th grade song I was a part of "Under the Sea"--which incidentally won FIRST PLACE!












And today (Friday) is school colors--Maroon & Gold Day. We cap it off with the Homecoming Games tonight and get to watch the video of the week that I was able to tape for the school. Should be fun!

No Comments

*sigh* Apparently no one reads my blog anymore. I have only received 1 comment ALL YEAR! At least my brother loves me...

New Year Snow in the U.P.

Tonight is my last night in Michigan. I have to leave in the morning to head back to Indiana. I will enjoy being back home, but time with family goes by way too fast! We have had a couple late movie and game nights (or one night I stayed up reading a Karen Kingsbury book). Lots of playing Apples to Apples, Rook (7up), Scattergories, and Scene It. I also enjoyed watching Pirates of the Caribbean 2 that I got for Christmas!

Last night coming back home from church at 1 AM after the New Year's Eve service and game night at church the snow was really coming down and the roads were really bad. We got about 6 inches of heavy, wet snow overnight that my dad had the job of snowblowing out this morning. The snow looked really beautiful, and I was SO GLAD to see it! Truly.

Tim Hill's Engaged!

My brother "popped the question" Tuesday night and Kristen said yes! For those of you who don't know, Tim is going to Central Baptist Seminary East in Virginia Beach, VA and has been dating a great girl that I was able to meet this summer.
Here's the story straight from him:
"After a long four months of papers, presentations, reading, and projects, Kristen and I planned to go out to dinner to celebrate the end of the school semester. It was to be her treat as a "congratulations" for finishing up. I still had one more paper left to complete, but since she was leaving to go home to Michigan on Thursday, we planned on Tuesday night as our "date night." Tuesday night also marked the eve of 13 months of dating. I had been doing some planning, however, and knew that tonight would be more than simply an "end of the semester" celebration.

You see last week, which was actually one the busiest times of the semester, I made time to do a little bit of—shopping. A friend had given me a phone number for the "ring lady," so on Tuesday I met with her to pick out something nice. I found something I liked. I went back on Wednesday (in between school reading) to confirm the setting and to see it looked like with the rock in it. However, at the end of the meeting, I wasn't quite sure that what I had picked out fit Kristen's personality. And I was worried the band might be too bulky. I had already told the lady "yes" and left to go home, but my mind was not settled. Well, I kept thinking about it and wondering about it. That evening I went over to give a get-well card to my girlfriend who had come home early from school that day because of sickness. As I sat with her, I looked at her hand and pictured what the ring might look like on it. I wasn't sold.

Instead of paying for the ring that night as scheduled, I called the lady back and asked to see more bands. Thursday afternoon I was back over looking at more options, praying for God's wisdom. She showed me a few more that she had in stock, one already looked much more like Kristen. We were on the right track. After a few more minutes of looking, she kind of gave an "Oh," and pulled out another ring. It was beautiful. Amazing! It was a white gold setting that was just perfect—it was delicate, feminine—everything that fit Kristen. And it was a little bit different—which fit me! J I was sold. She could have it to me by Monday.

Hmm…still needed to call her dad. I had previously swiped her parents' cell and home number—figured it might come in handy some time. But after trying the cell and getting a lady's voice, I realized I didn't have her Dad's cell number. Kristen's roommate, who was helpful as far as a ring size goes, proved to be helpful yet again in procuring her dad's cell number. Called him, Thursday. Got the OK. Things were rolling.

As I had previously said, we had already made plans to celebrate the end of the semester. Perfect! She wouldn't even see it coming! And I got to pick the location. So, on what seemed like a whim, we were headed over Tuesday night to Regent University Campus and the Swan Terrace Restaurant. Also at this time of year, they have a section on campus behind the restaurant all lit up for the holidays: A nice, romantic place to walk around after dinner. (Funny—on the way over, Kristen saw the lights and said, "Oh Tim, could we walk around there after dinner?" Could she make this any easier?)

Dinner was excellent. We had a fireplace table for two—thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere and each other's company. I had previously placed the box in my inside coat pocket. Minor point: the ring box had a light inside of it that shone when the box was opened. Pretty cool. So, after dinner while in the restroom, I made the switch from my inside coat pocket to my outside coat pocket—more accessible. And we headed over to see the lights.


They were beautiful and right next to the lake on campus. Trees and bushes were all lit up in a myriad of white lights as Christmas music floated through the evening air. (Funny: a thought went through Kristen's mind which she immediately brushed aside—"This would be the perfect place to get engaged.") After walking around and through the lights we sat down on a park bench. As we sat together and enjoyed the sounds and scenery, I wondered if now was the time. A few people lingered in the area, and others would occasionally come and go. I thought it would be best away from other people—so we could enjoy the moment together. As we sat there, Kristen looked over to a covered walkway and asked if those were more lights she saw over there. So we got up and walked that direction. (Like I said before, could she make it any easier?) Once under the walkway, we turned back to look at the lights and just stood there to admire the sight before us. I knew it was the time. I pulled out the box and opened it. Kristen was shocked. I dropped to one knee—and well…

she said Yes.

Then came the phone calls, and text messages, and showing everyone. What an exciting evening!

So everyone…we're engaged!"

CONGRATULATIONS, TIM & KRISTEN!

Christmas Letter 2006

(This is my 2006 Christmas letter, for those of you unfortunate souls who will not receive a hard copy, if you are interested...)


Friday, December 15, 2006

Dear Family & Friends,

Whew. Now that this week is nearly over I feel I can finally sit down to write that Christmas letter I’ve been meaning to get to all month.

I will try to give you a synopsis of what I’ve been up to this year by first telling you how the last month has gone.

The last couple weeks have flown by as I’ve been going from one thing to the next—mostly from rehearsals and more rehearsals to programs and more programs! This week we had a K5-3rd grade program on Tuesday night and a 4th-6th grade program on Thursday night. Monday the Jr. High and high school choirs sang at the mall. Sunday afternoon I had a small piano recital between cantata practices for church. Last week was our first-ever Preschool only Christmas program on Thursday night. So I have been working on helping to get these programs together (thankfully I’m not really “in charge” of any of them except for my own recitals) and making PowerPoints for the big nights. That’s probably why this Christmas letter will be late…Oh yes, I finally got my Christmas tree up at home too.

Things are starting to slow down now as there are only a few days left in school before Christmas vacation. Our church musical is this Sunday, so there’s only one more practice for that. And next week I am having one more piano recital for the rest of my students. Then I am looking forward to traveling and seeing my family!

I am still enjoying my job at Faith Christian School (www.fcslafayette.org) teaching piano and accompanying. I also enjoy being on the Worship Team for church and playing the piano on Sundays. It seems there always a special event going on too that I am involved in.

I think since my last letter came out the main thing I have to share with you is my new puppy—Juju (Jubal Lee), whom I took home at 9 weeks old in June. She weighed about 9 pounds then, and is up to close to 50 pounds now at 8 months old—complete with puppy energy to go with it. She is a German shepherd mix—supposed to have lab, chow, retriever, and who knows what else. She loves everybody and everything and is a very happy dog when she can be around people—or chewing on something (hopefully not my shoes or socks or dirty clothes or towels—some of her favorites).

My summer project (other than training a puppy and reading all the dog books from the library) was getting my youngest sister Sarah’s room ready for her to move into. I painted it red and helped her decorate (well, I helped her find what she was looking for) when she moved in in August.

I have been having fun this year with all the “new toys” I got this summer. I am more set up to spend time at home, as now I have my MacBook to work on projects at home (it was nice this week to be able to search for clip art in my leisure time at home instead of at school). I have a piano now at home so I don’t HAVE to go to church to practice (although I don’t use it all that much—but it’s nice that it’s there). And having a dog to come home to and a sister around helps to enjoy my house…and remind me to keep it clean, as Juju is great for making lots of messes (ripping up stuffed animals, getting in the trash) and reminding me to vacuum. Having Sarah around as a housemate helps me remember to do the dishes (as there are more of them now) and take out the trash (as that seems to multiply) too.

This year has been a transitioning year as I have had to make changes to my “single, carefree” lifestyle by adopting more responsibilities with a puppy and a roommate. So now I have a little “family” in my house—that takes more work and more communicating, but I guess that’s all part of life. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking by wanting to have these things to care for…but in the long run I know it is helping me to actually become more like Christ by working on new areas of growth in my own life and stretching me a little more.

I think the biggest concept God has been reminding me of this past year is not to think too highly of “my” things—now that I have to share them. I have been used to being the only person that touches “my stuff.” So it’s been good for me to realize that it’s okay if your sister loads things onto YOUR computer, or if the carpet gets a spot on it (the house is meant to be lived in, not as a showpiece). It’s all right if your sister invites people over to the house, even if it means more work for you. Whatever happens to “stuff” is okay—if your sister dents your garage door or burns your stove covers, if you leave your dog out and she chews lip gloss on the carpet, knocks a homemade cheesecake on the floor, digs holes in the yard, or spills orange juice on your laptop—I want to respond to these things in such a way that I can give a good account to God. (And not leave these things in her reach ever again!) I want to be a good steward of what God has entrusted me with—we are only here on earth for a short time anyway, and our material goods are only given to us to maintain for a short time. But we will be held accountable for the way we interact with people in our speech, thoughts, and actions.

So Merry Christmas to all, and may we all be seeking to progress in our sanctification as we grow closer to God than we have ever been before.

I look forward to hearing from all of you as well.

Love in Christ, the Greatest Gift of all,
Beth Hill
& Juju

Post #100

This is post #100. Sounds like a milestone. Congratulations to me!

O Christmas Tree

Whew. I have survived the Christmas programs!! Everything went mostly fine...the PowerPoint didn't work for the first half of the preschool program, and we had one kid throw up in the grand finale of the K5-3rd program, but otherwise they mostly went off without a hitch. Singing at the mall, 4th-6th grade program, and the church musical yesterday went very well.

Now I am finally able to get some things done, like cleaning off my desk, getting my Christmas lists in order, writing a Christmas letter, planning for Christmas shopping, etc. I have an appointment to get my hair cut tomorrow, and I am also enjoying reading the book "House" by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker.

Saturday December 9 I was able to put up my Christmas tree! G-Knee and I went out to her landlord's tree farm and she cut down my tree for me. Go G-KNEE!! I got a 7' balsam that is just gorgeous. After I brought it inside and set it up I discovered there was actually a bird's nest inside it, too! Is that supposed to mean anything?

Congratulations AR 10 Winners!

For the second time in a row, the team I actually wanted to win the Amazing Race has done it successfully!! (See my blog post on October 9.) Congratulations, Tyler & James, for not getting lost on the way to the final pit stop!

This Isn't My House...

...but it'd be cool if it was! (although a lot of work and very expensive, probably)

I love Christmas lights, and I saw a video once of someone who had set their Christmas lights to music so that different ones went off and on as you listened to a festive tune...some sort of gizmo run by a computer and with music broadcast over a radio channel and whatnot.

Last week I saw a news story that there was an actual house about a half-hour away (in Battle Ground) that had done this and was hoping to visit it sometime this season. Well, come to find out, this house just a few blocks away that I walk Juju by almost every night (depending on my route) did the same thing! So just a few blocks away we can enjoy this wonderful phenomenon of dancing Christmas lights. It's pretty cool. Last night Sarah and I drove by, parked, and watched all 3 songs. It was pretty cool!

Shopping Weekend

Thanksgiving in Chicago was wonderful, as always. I enjoy my holiday tradition of spending the day after Thanksgiving hitting the streets of downtown Chicago with my friend Jackie. The weather was absolutely gorgeous--as you can see I didn't even need my coat! We just enjoyed window shopping and browsing...the new thing this year was that Macy's bought out Marshall Field's so that store is now Macy's. There were people with signs boycotting the change, but I didn't really notice any change. In fact, I thought the window display (Mary Poppins) was exceptionally good this year. We got out the door nice and early so the streets didn't seem as crowded, but by mid-afternoon the crowds were starting to pick up and the Salvation Army bands were out in full force.

I was also able to enjoy some good relaxing time and watch a couple of fun movies, which I would recommend: The Shaggy Dog (the new one with Tim Allen) and Sky High, if you're in the mood for some family-friendly films!

The weather has been beautiful lately, but they say a change is in the air. The weathermen say there's a possibility of snow accumulation on Friday!

In Defense of Juju

Sarah is ecstatic that she gets to be home alone with Juju over the next 2 and a half days while I go to Chicago for Thanksgiving. But she IS back on speaking terms with the dog.

In defense of my puppy, she is still only 7 months old, by all accounts still a puppy, and definitely still in the training stages. She is still distracted by all sorts of smells (trash, socks, laundry, food) but is gradually learning what is acceptable and NOT acceptable to chew on. She does well at walking on a leash and is getting really good at sit, and is even learning to heel. She loves water and didn't mind getting a bath tonight. Hopefully the medicated shampoo I tried will help with her itchy skin. She is a vey loveable dog and loves to cuddle (yes, and sit on your lap). I tried to weigh her tonight and came up with about 45 pounds. And she is pretty quiet as she only barks to go outside or when she really wants something. And she is great with kids and other dogs. And VERY friendly with people...

Anyway, have a happy Thanksgiving. At least I am thankful for my puppy, even though she is a handful at times.

Juju and Sarah are Not on Speaking Terms

We had a minor tragedy at home this morning. Think of the worst thing that could happen regarding a cheescake on the counter and a dog, and you can probably guess correctly.

Tonight we are having a dessert fellowship after church--and a contest for the best dessert, so Sarah decided to make a delicious mint cheesecake that we bought special ingredients for and everything. She made it last night and left it to cool on the counter. She even pushed it to the back of the counter because Juju hasn't learned to stop getting onto the counter and eating all the goodies she finds there. She has a thing for anything that smells good or tastes good (even bread and flour). So I got up and fed her breakfast this morning and went back to my bathroom to finish getting ready. I could hear Juju doing something (besides eating) and went back to check on her--she was trying to get on the table where her food was so I commanded her to get "Off!" which she did, then I went back to finish getting ready. The next thing I hear is a loud THUD, which didn't sound good at all. I came in and my worst fears were confirmed. There was the cheesecake lying upside down on the floor (the cleanly washed floor, I might add)--and Juju cowering by the door. I tried to pick up the cheescake but the middle of it remained behind on the floor.

So that's why Sarah and Juju are definitely not on speaking terms. I will try to refrain Sarah from mutilating my poor puppy, as she has already dented the kennel door after finding out.

BAD PUPPY!

Where has it gone?

Someone told me on Monday that Thanksgiving is next week. I didn't believe them. I had to get out my calendar and look it up for myself. Yup...Thanksgiving IS next week. Where has the month gone? So tonight I am sitting on my couch on a cold, rainy day relaxing by watching a movie, finally having a moment to reflect upon the brevity of the rest of the year, trying to remember what I've been doing this month.

The first weekend of the month I spent helping Laurie Dutton (& Titus Justus) with music at an Elizabeth George conference an hour north of here. That was a long rehearsal night but an enjoyable day at the Saturday women's conference.

We had a big Veterans Day chapel that I was in charge of getting the powerpoint ready for last week.

Last Saturday I had piano students involved in an all-day festival where I was also helping to get the rooms set up and cleaned up afterward. I gave Theory tests in the morning and judged repertoire in the afternoon.

This week has been our 4th-6th grade Fine Arts Festival at school. Monday I accompanied for some brass players. Tuesday I was in charge of the piano festival, and Thursday is my day to accompany a whole host of elementary singers!

Sunday is a big day for music at church, too. We have a big Praise & Thanksgiving service at church, complete with 3 choir numbers, congregational music, and specials. So we have a rehearsal on Sunday afternoon for that too.

Otherwise I haven't been up to much besides my normal schedule of piano teaching and accompanying--and squeezing in a chapter or two of some of the latest Karen Kingsbury books, which are hard to put down!

I am really looking forward to this Saturday when I can get caught up on some housecleaning and rest!!

I VOTED!...

Finally! If you will remember, the last time I tried to vote I drove around looking for my polling place and never was able to find it--after visiting 2 other polling places. THIS time I only visited 3 wrong polling places (4 if you count my church) before finding my name on "the list."

Okay, so I asked my neighbor where he votes: the fire station. So I went to the Fire Station. She asked me where I lived (Lexington Farms) and told me I needed to go to a church just on the other side of my subdivision. Okay, that made sense because it was right nearby where I lived. But, no luck there either. No name on "the list." They said to try my old polling place (where I had tried to vote last time around), so I drove off to where I used to live and checked there. They DID find my name on the computer there--and I was off to find that same Methodist Church that I was unable to find last time. Okay, I thought your polling place was supposed to be somewhere nearby where you live. I drove a LONG way away and FOUND the church (thanks bro for pointing me in the right direction). I FINALLY voted, which took a grand total of 5 seconds (or so)--and they were OUT of stickers! Come on, I was consoling myself that at least I would FINALLY get my sticker. Thankfully, the lady that was working there gave me the sticker off of her own sweater! AND I filled out an address change form.

But I don't understand how I moved from one precinct to another and my name appears on a 3rd precinct that I have never lived in--with my old address still on the "new" precinct. Whatever. The only thing I can figure is that possibly when I got my drivers licensed changed that they started changing my precinct and it ended up being changed erroneously? I have no clue. But I voted!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy 1st Anniversary to my dear sister Rachel and her husband Mathew Eliason!!

Here's a picture to commemorate the occasion!

The Pride Issue

Here's a theological issue for you. I have recently realized what a proud person I am. I'm sure I will struggle with this all of my life, but I have been really made aware of it lately and have been trying to work on this area.

"Some counselors [people] emphasize doctrine and the exegesis of God's word as if they could stand alone, divorced from life. That's pride: knowledge by itself puffs up. Others of us may emphasize practical application to life without careful study of how God's word must undergird practice, thus offering mere morality without a vital connection to life in Christ. With such an epidemic of pride, the virtue of humility is perenially on the endangered list." --Stuart Scott ("Pursue the Servant's Mindset," Journal of Biblical Counseling, Vol. 17 No. 3 1999) (Thank you, Sarah, for this article.)

What a challenge to find that balance between the two! I think I used to be in the camp to emphasize doctrine back in college days, but found it challenging to apply to the "real world." Now I have been working on practical application, and seem to have swung to the other extreme (mentally) of morality without the undergirding of the Scripture. It is that overarching struggle of having my motivating factor the love of Christ and doing all for His glory. But that is easy to work on doing in my own strength, neglecting my dependence on Christ! Even in doing the "right things" it is easy to be doing it with the wrong motivation. Or it is easy to think "I'm not as bad as that person" without realizing how much of an abomination my proud thoughts are to the most-holy God and how in need of His mercy I am.

In that same article by Stuart Scott, he gives 10 ways to replace pride and work on humility:
1) Focus on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the author and perfecter of our faith.
2) Be overwhelmed by God's goodness.
3) Commune with God.
4) Serve others.
5) Obey God's revealed will in all things.
6) Learn from others.
7) Encourage others.
8) Pursue integrity in private as well as public life.
9) Deny self by assuming no rights, living unto Christ, buffeting the body, keeping it under subjection, exercising yourself unto godliness, mortifying sins and the deeds of the flesh.
10) Think rightly or soberly about yourself while bowing low before God and others.

Philippians 2:1-16

Okay, here's another dilemma...in publishing this on my blog am I hoping to be open and honest with my struggles or am I merely being proud about my handling of this acknowledgement of pride? Just throwing that out there.

Lord, I confess I am guilty of not giving You first place in my actions and thoughts. With Your help, help my motives to be God-honoring and may I work on acknowleding my dependence on you daily in Bible study and prayer.

Chicago...again

Last Saturday Sarah and I took a day trip to Chicago. We got to see the NBBC women's volleyball team play a tournament game (for a 3rd place finish) at Moody Bible Institute. Sarah was able to see her old roomies, so that was very fun for her.

In the afternoon we went to the CHEESECAKE FACTORY for lunch (appetizer, salad, and brownie cheesecake). We were very full.

Then we walked to Navy Pier and just enjoyed walking around. The weather was gorgeous, and it was even a little warm when you were in the sun. We walked back along Michigan Avenue and enjoyed a treat at the Ghirardelli shop before heading back home to Lafayette.

Along the way we ran across this piece of "modern art" as well...

CHICAGO is fun!

Quote of the Day

Conversation today with Jennifer, a 2nd grader:

Me: "Okay, a TRI-angle has 3 sides, a TRI-cycle has 3 wheels, how many notes does a TRI-ad have?"

Jennifer: "And a POP-sicle has stuff inside that tastes really yummy!"

LOL

No Salt Added

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing..." Matthew 5:13 (KJV)

I was recently posed the question, "So, how are we as Christians like salt?" I'm still not sure of the answer to that one. Do we give flavor to the world? Do we spice things up? I'll have to study this passage again to remember how exactly we as Christians relate to salt (comments welcome), but I had an illustration in my own life recently that reminded me how bland things are without salt.

I was trying to add a little more health (and color!) to my evening meal of macaroni and cheese AND baked beans, so I heated up a can of peas to throw into the mix. Those peas looked so nice and green on the plate next to the macaroni/baked beans mix--until I took a bite. YUCK! Unsalted??! Did I accidentally buy unsalted peas? I pulled the can out of the trash. Yup: "No Salt Added."

Those peas looked the same, were the same temperature as normal, yummy peas, BUT definitely did NOT taste the same!

So...how are Christians supposed to relate to salt??

It's Fall

Here's a cool pic I took of the red maple tree in my front yard...yes, you are right. This picture was NOT taken this week! This is quite a few weeks old now; it was a beautiful day; I was home for lunch, and the sky was so blue and the tree was so red I just had to take a picture. But I hadn't downloaded it until now. Yep, Sarah's at work so I get a shot at the computer tonight! :)

Poor Puppy

Little, 40-pound Juju is recovering from surgery. She had her routine operation to be spayed ("neutered") on Monday. Bob Barker would be proud. I brought her in to the vet around 7:45 and picked her up at 2:30. She was definitely still under the "influence," unsteady on her feet, droopy, and just prepared to sleep. I think this was the first day she didn't have an evening walk of some sort. She was pretty out of it. She has pain meds for the next 2 days, but they said she should be back to normal in a day or so! (She was feeling well enough at 2 AM to start digging through the trash again!)

IHOPping

I did something unusual on Friday night...Sarah and I went to IHOP at 11:00 p.m. Friday night for pancakes! It was great fun...partly because I'd already gotten a couple of hours of sleep so I wasn't totally exhausted. Plus that's the kind of thing I have kind of wanted to do for...ever. We thought there would be a few people there, but let me tell you that IHOP was really HOPPING that night! They were a little overwhelmed. People kept streaming in--apparently there was some deal about a football game that night or other things going on. And they only had 2 waitresses on the floor, but they did a really good job at keeping everything going. I had chocolate chip pancakes and hot chocolate. By the way--it was really cold outside! (Sarah had just come from a College class bonfire and verified the nippiness.) It was great fun to go hopping to IHOP.

Are You Ready?

I just saw this one-minute video today. Check it out!

Wicked-ly Cool

Here's a shot outside the Ford Oriental Theatre where we got to see the musical "Wicked" on Friday night! Their voices were incredible! If you don't know what "Wicked" is, it is a twist and the "actual stories" of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. It takes place before, during, and after the story of the Wizard of Oz and tells how the Wicked Witch of the West is born green, accidentally finds her "gift" for magic, and how she really has a good heart but is misunderstood. She is roommates with Glinda the Good Witch in college (who is a really ditzy blond)...you can also find the backgrounds of the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. The guy who wrote the story is pretty warped theologically, but it was a cute story. I have also seen Les Mis and Phantom, and it is hard to compare this Broadway to those. I would have to say that "Wicked" is more of a "cartoon" feel (with comedic one-liners and not true-to-life characters) while Phatom and Les Mis are "real" stories that are more like old classic films that never go out of style. But "Wicked" was fun to watch, and I do like the music.

Sarah & Breanna Booth at Giordano's Pizza (on Saturday).

The group of 8 of us went out to eat at Giordano's Pizza (yes, I ate there TWICE in 2 days!) before the show and enjoyed some good Chicago-style pizza.

Saturday Sarah and I enjoyed walking Michigan Avenue and shopping and sightseeing. Chicago is so fun to visit!! We actually had SNOW in the air on Thursday, but by Saturday it had warmed up into the 50's so I didn't even need my hat and scarf.

Of course, there is more I could share, but those are the highlights!

In the Windy City

I'm in my hotel room in Schaumburg, IL right now, posting from my snazzy laptop. We (basically all of the teachers from my school) are attending a Teacher's Conference (for AACS in both IL and IN) here in Schaumburg. Jana Pendl and I are staying together, and we were just looking up places to visit tomorrow when we go DOWNTOWN Chicago. And the best part is that we're going to go see the musical show "Wicked" at the Ford Theatre! Tomorrow night at 8:00. I can hardly wait!!!!!

The Amazing Race

I saw Episode 4 of the Amazing Race 10 last night, in which some wonderful things happened. I won't give it away for those of you who haven't seen it yet, but I was very happy with the way things turned out. I am enjoying rooting for Tyler & James, although the "beauty queens" aren' so bad either, and I was finding myself hoping they would stay in the race and do well. Rob & Kimberly and their "communication skills" drive me crazy!

I just visited the AR website, and I must confess to being disappointed. There isn't nearly the information and fun stuff that they used to have on the website: more info on each team, polls, pictures of various race moments. The only pic I could find worthwhile was this tiny picture of Tyler & James. Now it's all videos and a big Sprint commercial. And the videos don't play on my work computer because I don't have the latest "Macromedia Flash Player," apparently, and I can't download it.

But anyway, I still enjoy watching the Amazing Race! Now we're down to 7 teams!!

Grandparents' Day!

(5th Graders at Recess)

Whew! I made it through Grandparents' Day! (BIG *sigh* of relief) Yesterday Grandparents' Day moved me to tears but the program today went very smoothly...in fact, I don't think it really could have gone better! The preschoolers sang well. No one fell off the risers or threw up or fainted. The remote worked for me to click through the powerpoint. I didn't forget any powerpoint slides. There was a man in the sound room who knew what he was doing and didn't miss any mic cues (even though he had never rehearsed with us). I had about 60 pictures to scroll through beforehand when on Wednesday I had 0. (Thanks to all the teachers for donating pictures...that's also where I got these cute pictures from...going around and taking pictures of random kids doing random school things to show in a presentation beforehand...which got put together at 7:30 this morning!) The Piano Prelude went well and was even the right length!

I am thankful that I also had a good night's sleep last night (unlike some previous years) and woke up with new ideas on my mind and things to get done this morning, but it all worked out.

But I am SO THANKFUL that it's over!

I have to admit that the last few days I have NOT been relying on the strength of the Lord. I have been trying to do everything in my own strength. That definitely leads to frustration and tiredness! As I was sitting down and finally enjoying the program today; I was reminded that I should be relying on God just as I was relying on the remote that I held in my hand that when I clicked it would advance to the next slide (or sound effect). (Well, theologically I'm sure that's not totally accurate, but I think you get the idea.)

There are special blessings that come as we rely upon God, too. He also provides us with others who are available to meet our needs. I'm thankful I have friends that will bring me food for supper (like the Knolhoffs did last night) and a sister who can let out and feed my dog (thanks, Sarah).

It is so easy to try to do things on our own, but that's why God gives us a church family and the Body of Christ to come alongside us and strengthen us and take off some of the load.

On a side note, I am also thankful for the fellowship I was also able to enjoy with Aunt Louise while she was visiting this week. She commuted to Indy every day, but we were able to chat as we took our evening walks with the dogs and when we were able to go to Cracker Barrel Wednesday night. Oh yes. And watching the Dutton kids went well, thanks to Sarah and her schedule. I've been to more soccer and volleyball games than ever now thanks to them!

But God's grace is definitely sufficient!

Happy Birthday, Tim!

I would like to dedicate this post to my brother Tim (whose myspace I got this lovely picture from). I do have to make a disclaimer on the Myspace, though...Tim's roommate made it for him...so it's a pretty funny site but not always too accurate to real life. Tim turns 27 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRO!

Company's Coming!

I know all of you dedicated readers (yeah, right) have been eagerly awaiting a new post. I don't know how much time I'll have to post in the next week or so because I'm getting ready for company!

Sarah and I had company over Sunday night too when Sarah made some delicious food and the Heim family came over to play a game (we ended up playing Scattergories).

Now we get to clean again because my Aunt Louise and her schnauzer Chara are coming on Friday to stay with us until the next Thursday so my aunt can attend the NANC Conference in Indianapolis. It looks as if Sarah and I will also be babysitting the Dutton kids from Monday-Wednesday, too while Mark & Laurie are at the NANC Conference.

It's also getting crazy at school starting to prepare for Grandparents' Day on Friday, October 6!!

So this next week I'll be having company!

Weekend Craziness

This weekend was a busy one.

Friday night we met two ladies from church and rode with them down to Indianapolis so Sarah could participate in her first 5K race (3 miles). It was one of the features of this Irish Festival going on that weekend. So while they ran I looked around at the booths and listened to all kinds of Irish bands playing. Sarah did really well, placing 14 of 34 in her age group and running the 3 miles in about 26 minutes. We didn't get home until after 11:00 p.m.

Then Saturday morning we got up to go tailgating with some more friends from church at the Purdue football game! Sarah had to work later so she didn't get a ticket to the game, but my friends got me a ticket so I was able to enjoy watching my first college football game. Although I think it is actually easier to pay attention to the game when you are watching it on TV as there are so many distractions at a "live" football game!! It was a beautiful, hot day.


And, oh yes, the main reason we went to that particular game was that the half-time presentation was by all the area high school's marching bands playing with Purdue's marching band. So our Faith Christian marching band was right there on the field, too. If you look closely in these pictures you can see their maroon t-shirts on the FAR side of the field!So Friday and Saturday were pretty busy.
Then Sunday night I had a friend over to watch the first episode of the new Amazing Race!
It was a very fun weekend!

Resetting the Clocks

Lately we've had quite a few thunderstorms that have caused the power to blink off at home, causing a thousand and one clocks to start flashing "reset me!" "reset me!" (you didn't know I had that many clocks at home, did you? I didn't either). We had a doozy of a storm on Tuesday night between 8 and 9; the power went out at least twice, and the lightning was just awesome! But anyway, it seems that just the time I get around to finally setting the clocks, the power will blink off again--and there goes all that work down the drain! In fact, I don't think I've even reset the clock in my bathroom yet. It's probably still flashing at this very moment.

Okay, spiritual application. Even though it's a pain to have to reset clocks when the electricity goes out, it is a good idea to check them and make sure that they are all running at the right time (or even a few minutes fast). It was a good reminder to me to do the same kind of "reset" in my spiritual life. The beginning of the school year is a good time to "reset the clocks" and begin afresh with personal Bible reading and prayer and setting new goals. It's also not a good idea to be stuck in the "flashing 12:00" mode where I am stuck in limbo. I need to be moving forward with a purpose, on track, sync'ed (sp?) up with my Master.

9-11

5 years ago today...we remember.

Livin' With My Sister

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when my sister moved in with me last month. I mean, I've been living by myself for 6 years now, how hard was it going to be to change that??

There were some things I was looking forward to...namely, another person to help pay those house payments! So more income for ME is always a good thing! :) I was also looking forwad to having some accountability at home: someone to help keep me accountable to make sure I'm having my devotions, not watching too much TV, and eating right and exercising. And also I was looking forward to having someone else around to go along with me to various events and to help share in my activities.

But there were some concerns I had...namely, how much will I have to sacrifice with someone else in the house--wanting to watch her own TV programs or eat her own type of food? Or how much am I going to have to be the "big sister" and remind her to get her oil changed, check her antifreeze, pitch in around the house, or pay the rent? Will she want to be totally on her own and never want to be around me at all?

Some of the things I was expecting from a roommate have pros and cons, of course. I wanted an incentive to have more people over and be hospitable and do more with reaching out and getting to know others. But since that area is a stretch for me, having a people person such as Sarah who LOVES those kinds of activities may be a bit of an area of growth. Plus I've learned a lot about myself in the last few years--how I work, what the habits I naturally fall into are, what I like and don't like. And are those habits bad or good? Is it all right to enjoy a Saturday lazily cleaning the house and maybe taking a break for a few hours to read a book or watch TV if I really enjoy that, or do I need to be out going somewhere and doing something?

I tend to be an old-fashioned, stick-to-the-schedule, I-always-do-it-this-way-what's-wrong-with-that? type of person. Sarah's the spontaneous, let's-go-shopping-right-now-even-though-it's-9:00-p.m. type. So that's good for me; I should be spontaneous every once in a while. It's okay to have change, but it's not always my favorite thing. I guess where I'm at right now with that is, Is it okay that I feel that way and don't want to go out driving in the middle of the night or is that something I should be trying to work on and not live by my feelings? Is it okay for me to want to stay home and spend some time with this new dog that I got since I really do enjoy that?

But, overall, I can say that things have turned out even better than I had expected. I had remembered us as being pretty different in our likes and dislikes, but we actually do have a lot in common. We do like a lot of the same types of food (although I'm not a big fan of Chinese and that's Sarah's favorite). We both like to eat healthy (although we both have our own areas of splurging!) and I've discovered (thanks to Sarah) that I'm a fan of tuna with relish. I've also discovered (from Sarah) what a great idea peanut butter and banana on a BAGEL is! We both pitch in and clean on our days off. Sarah's been a great help in loading and running the dishwasher, doing laundry, and occasionally vacuuming. One thing that I thought might bother her is my messy coffeetable, but she leaves stuff around the living room TOO so it's all good!! We love to watch movies together since we have a lot of the same taste there. And she has encouraged me to do Tae Bo with her, too, which is a good stretch for me. And Sarah has a great love for people and has a real heart for wanting to reach out to others. I love her taste in decorating, too. She has really grown up into a lovely young adult and I look forward to having her around to get to know better.

It's great to know that we can always be growing and changing, and I've had lots of new opportunities this past year with both the puppy (trying to be more scheduled) and with my great sis!

Rules of Thumb

Three rules I have discovered in the past 3 days:

1) Always use your mirrors when backing out of the garage.

2) Be extremely cautious when setting a glass of orange juice somewhere that your puppy can spill it on your laptop.

3) No matter how late you are running, always put your puppy outside first thing in the morning. Period.

*sigh* It's been an interesting three days...