Jennie

My Jennie is getting married today, and I can't stop the tears... tears of happiness for her, tears of sadness that I am missing it, and tears of thankfulness to the Lord for Jennie.

Did you even know that I have a Jennie?

When I was little I used to beg my mom for a little sister. Thank God and Mom in all their wisdom, that did not come to pass. That way instead of battling it out for years only later to (hopefully) become friends, I got to choose my "little sister." Don't get me wrong, I have 3 amazing sisters-in-law... Michelle, who is so fun and I love her dearly, Melissa who we are begging Paul to marry because she is awesome, and Clara who always kept us on our toes and added much spice to life, and is now in Heaven. I love them so much, but I didn't get to choose them. As one never gets to choose those kinds of sisters. However, as women become older, we form bonds with other women that are as tight if not tighter than sisters. Those girls are the sisters we choose!

Initially I didn't choose Jennie- the friend, I chose Jennie- the babysitter. When Noah was about 6 months old Justin and I were desperate to get the heck away from him (not that we didn't love him dearly, just needed a breath of fresh air and a minute to carry on a conversation!). It was about that time that we were serving on the Missions Plan Group with our church. We were getting to know a wonderful woman named Carolyn, and everyone knew her amazing, well loved and respected husband Toby. One day after a meeting, Carolyn said we should ask her daughter, Jennie, to babysit. She was newly sixteen and even had her own car. I think it took me 4 seconds to get her on the phone!!!

From that day on, Jennie was a part of our lives. I doubt a month went by that she was not in our house (if she was in the country), and lots of times, not a week went by that she was not in our house. Jennie walked through life with us. I am sure she learned a lot of what not to do, and hopefully some what to do! She was one of the first to know about my pregnancies with Callie and Lucy (the first, i think).

Jennie practically raised Callie. So much so, that in preschool when they asked Callie what she wanted to be when she grew up, she said a babysitter. All of the other little girls said they wanted to be a mommy! Not Callie, she has been stuck on Jennie since day one. An Lucy.... I am not sure I would have survived Lucy if it wasn't for Jennie. Lucy was born in October, and of course I was eating far more than my fair share of Halloween candy. Unfortunately, it took me awhile to realize that all that chocolate was what was making Lucy so fussy. During those early weeks, Jennie would come over and hold Lucy in the rocking chair while I laid on the bed and cried or talked her ear off- so happy to have another adult in the house.

Before I even realized it, I loved Jennie like a sister. I couldn't wait to see her and talk to her. She is almost 10 years younger than me, so she tried her best to help me not turn into an old lady too fast. NOT an easy task!! After we'd come home from a date, we'd sit and talk to Jennie for hours. After church on Sundays we'd always go out to lunch together. I loved sharing life with Jennie! She made everything better- especially child-rearing!!!

We moved from Kentucky to Georgia at the beginning of the summer 2007. Just as we left, Jennie started dating a new guy. She was all starry-eyed and in love. We forced her to bring him down to make sure we approve. We got to see them for a quick weekend just before we left the country. It wasn't enough time- it never is. But we loved seeing how happy Jennie was. Cory was a great catch. He treated Jennie right, and they were obviously in love.

Last summer, Jennie was our first visitor. She stayed with us for three amazing weeks. I tried to convince her to stay forever! It was some of the best time I've had here in this country. We talked, and talked, and talked. She served our family like only Jennie could. She even kept the kids, just like old times, so we could go on a date again! During that time, I could tell that she was still in love, and it had grown deeper. She was going to marry this boy! She wasn't quite herself without him here. She missed him so much, and stayed up so late every night just for the chance to hear his voice over Skype.

So, I was not surprised when I got the message on November 1st that said, "Call me! I have something important to tell you!" Of course, I was thrilled for her. Her dreams were coming true. I soaked in all of the romantic details and dreamed with her about what a wonderful life she was embarking on.

But as the date drew near (it was a short engagement) sadness began to envelop me. Of course I was incredibly happy for Jennie. She is an amazing woman (I am still tempted to type girl!) and Cory makes her very happy. What more could I want. Well... to be honest, I selfishly wanted to be a part of it. To help her plan. To take her out to Bruster's when the stress was too much. To impart my wisdom (don't laugh!). To see her put her veil in her hair and magically transform into a bride. Truthfully, when she first told me about her engagement I began secretly wishing that Callie and I could hop on a plane and cross the world to be there. It wasn't until a few weeks ago that I finally had to give up on that dream. But, you better believe that our whole family's hearts are there in that church with her. It has been all we have talked about for weeks. In fact, when some neighbors invited us for dinner, I specifically chose to plan it for this day so I wouldn't mope all night!

Today is Jennie's day. I have no doubt that she is going to be the most beautiful bride in all of the world! She has a mega-watt smile, and she is going to knock Cory's socks off with her beauty today!!! It is the beginning of an amazing life together. I am so happy for my dear friend. I am so glad that I have the amazing privilege to call her friend. I am so blessed because she a part of my life and me a part of hers.

Jennie, I love you so much. This is your day. Savor it!!! And don't forget to breathe!!!

We pray for God's richest blessings for you and Cory today and always! You are a treasure!!!

21:34

This is amount of minutes into my new Jane Austen movie that Justin began to snore! He has no appreciation for good things!!!

Drop-Out

Tonight at dinner, Noah informed us that in the old days (10 years ago) kids could stop going to school here after 3rd grade. But now they can stop after 8th grade. He also told us that he's pretty sure he'll stop going! Imagine our pride!

It Had Babies

We have a very odd pet in this house. But, in its defense, it is the best pet on the planet!!!! We don't do anything for it really. It bathes with Callie and I think it feeds off of her flesh... I'm not sure about that. You see, our pet, Squirmy, is a ringworm, deeply embedded in Callie's left leg. Don't gasp with horror! Don't judge us. Of course when the sweet little dear showed up we tried to get rid of it. Went to the dr twice, tried two different medicines. We couldn't lose the thing. And then it happened... we began to get used to having Squirmy around. Dare I say we grew attached (HA!!) to the little guy.

And then, as sometimes happens, he surprised us by turning out to be a she! And now sweet little Callie has a trail of precious ringworms down her shin. When I was young, I never dreamed that I would get to help raise a family of fungal parasites! Oh the joys of motherhood!!! What a treat!!

Reason# 46235 Why I Love my Macbook

“I myself am very glad that the divine child was born in a stable, because my soul is very much like a stable, filled with strange unsatisfied longings, with guilt and animal-like impulses, tormented by anxiety, inadequacy and pain. If the holy One could be born in such a place, the One can be born in me also. I am not excluded.”
-Morton Kelsey

Hamd olsun. Sınavımdan geçtim!!!!!

I passed my test!

BIG TEST TODAY!!!!!! Let's hope I can actually speak, write, and understand this language!!

Party #3- The Last One

Is my child spoiled? We really did celebrate her birthday a lot! At least she knows she is loved!!! This is the last post about her birthday... I promise!

Callie really wanted to have her neighborhood friends over for a birthday party. I love to put together parties, so I was up for it! Parties here are different in America. Usually the moms just sit around, eat, and talk while the kids run wild through the flat. There are cake and presents, but thats about as "birthday" as it gets. I was determined to help the girls (12 of them) stay calm while having fun, and make sure that Callie felt like it was her day.

I came up with a surefire list of games for the girls to play. Justin drew the most amazing donkey for pin the tail on the donkey. I am so sad that I didn't get the chance to take a picture of it. None of the girls had ever played that game before, and they loved it!!! We also played a modified game of charades, and heads up 7 up (with 3 up). The girls and their moms were all begging me to come to their birthday parties. They loved having games to play. We played them over and over! It was really fun!

Callie, of course, got to be first to fix her plate and eat. She blew out the candles on her sleeping beauty cake and cut it. She was first in line for each game. She got some nice presents from her friends. They usually give clothes. Although, one friend gave her goldfish! Her first pet!!

It was a great celebration of my precious Callie!!



The table is ready. All it needs is the cake!



The girls singing "İyiki Doğum Günü" to Callie.



Callie admiring her cake and preparing to blow out the candles.



Make a wish!



Cutting the cake with my girl.



Trying to be patient while waiting for a piece.



Callie's sleeping beauty cake.



Trying to keep it all together... while speaking a different language!



After the girls' plates were served, the women just pull right on up to the table. No shyness here!!



Opening presents.



The girls lined up to give their gifts to her.



Crowding around to see the loot!!

Party #2-Singing at Small Group

We meet on Friday nights with a small group of believers for church. We share a meal, have family worship time, then split up kids and adults for Bible study, and follow it up with dessert. It is very different for our church experience in America! We have to keep things calm and quiet. It is hard to keep 8 kids calm and quiet in small spaces- not to mention 8 adults!!! We rarely sing, which I miss. It just draws too much attention!


Callie wanted a pink cake with sprinkles. Thank God I found sprinkles!!!! Jennie sent a Funfetti cake mix a while back, and we have been saving it for this occasion!!!



Posing with her cake and church friend.



Small Group Sings from Elizabeth on Vimeo.

Party #1- The School Party

Callie's second birthday party was at school. Birthdays are a BIG DEAL in kindergarten.



Of course we brought treats for everyone. I made a nut, cracker, and pretzel mix. The kids really liked it. Callie got to pick her two best friends and they got to move their table out into the center of the room. It was sort of like a wedding reception where Callie was the center of attention and everyone sat around watching her.



Lucy loved getting to sit next to big sister and share the limelight.



Classmates



One of the moms posing with the cake. It was very pretty and tasted great. It did have a plastic broach and plastic heart that said mother. Luckily it did not have the fancy sign that said Happy Mother's Day. I think the plastic high heel is why Callie chose this decoration set. She thought it was Cinderella.



Callie- Happy Birthday at School from Elizabeth on Vimeo.



Birthday Girl!!



Lucy, Callie, and I cutting the cake.



Classmates



More classmates



Making a circle for present time.



Callie opening her presents.



Present Time 1 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


Opening Presents at School 2 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


The present time is about the most un-American thing that they do. Every child brings a present to school for the birthday child. After cake time, they all circle up and the birthday child gets to open presents. One by one the children retrieve their presents, kiss the birthday child on each cheek, and give the gift. The child barely opens it before the teacher holds it up for all to admire and comment on. They go all around the circle like this. If a child does not bring a gift, it is a shame, but they still get to kiss the birthday child and wish them "happy new year!". After all the presents have been opened and properly evaluated, they are stowed away and it is time to dance.


Dancing 1 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.


Dancing 2 from Elizabeth on Vimeo.

Mindy

Have I ever told you about Mindy? She is my dear sweet friend. We met in the first few days of college. Her room was next to mine. She had a tv and we didn't, so we hit it off immediately!! Also, she knew how to make raman noodles, and I didn't (yes, my mom took GOOD care of me).

Our college days included lots of prank calls, turkey and swiss bagels while watching soap operas at The Grill, passing notes in psychology, an infamous all night study session for Music and Art Appreciation in which I fell asleep during the test, and our Jr. Sr. banquet that included illegal dancing to Will Smith and meeting Steve and his nipple at the Waffle House! Who says good girls can't have fun?

Mindy was in our wedding. And she has ALWAYS stood by me. She is an encourager. She loves the Lord, and she loves me and my family. She makes me laugh and she trys to keep me up to date. My natural tendency is to let pop culture, technology, and trends pass me right by. She will not stand for that. Mindy taught me how to use and love itunes, that there is (was) a time for plazzo pants, and that The Office is the funniest show ever! She even came all the way over here to see us ( and spent a pretty penny when her luggage was overweight because she brought me peanut butter and other yummies).

Mindy, I love you so much. Your friendship has always been and continues to be such a huge blessing to me. You get me, and I love that you like me any way!!! Happy Birthday!!!! Hope its wonderful! We all love you!!!

Birthday Breakfast

Our family tradition is that the birthday person gets to pick their special birthday breakfast. Callie picked doughnuts. So, we women got ourselves into the kitchen, and got to work.


Callie was rolling out the dough while I was heating the oil.





Then, she cut out the doughnuts using a glass for the big part, and a tiny little tea glass for the middle hole. Sometimes the center wasn't so centered!







Then Lucy started helping... FUN!





Finally we had a big 'ole plate of doughnuts fit for a birthday girl!! We stuck a few candles and sparklers in doughnut mountain. Callie was thrilled




Please excuse my singing!!

Callie's 6th Birthday Breakfast from Elizabeth Leonard on Vimeo.

Presents

The birthday packages were a little slim for Callie. My family's arrived a few days late, and Justin's family's package was just mailed because Callie requested something that was on backorder. She assured us that she was fine with waiting. Really she was. She was not sad that she didn't have a lot of presents at all. She's more of a social butterfly. She was so excited about her 3 (!!!) parties- one at school, a cake with our small group, and a party at home.



We found this adorable easel at IKEA. It was a huge hit. All three kids loved it! We used half the roll of paper on her birthday morning!




Creating amazing works of art with Lucy.





They were playing school in no time. Every stuffed animal, baby doll, and creature of any sort was lined up neatly and ready to learn. Noah was the math, folk dancing (yes a real subject in school here), an Tish teacher. Callie was the English and music teacher. And, Lucy was the bully on the back row that kept stepping on the students! Those babies are smart cookies after a day at school with these two.

Decisions

On the bus today, I was watching an ambulance (with lights and sirens on) sometimes next to us, but mostly behind us. I was thinking about if I had an emergency how maybe I should take the bus to the hospital. When our bus cut the ambulance off, I decided that for sure I would take the bus!!! Nobody messes with the bus!

Also, today I decided that I would not go to a beauty shop where all the women were wearing headscarves. What sort of crazy hair mistakes are they hiding under there?!?!?

Attention

Every day the kids line up in their class lines and wait for the bell to ring. Before they go in, they stand at attention and shout the students pledge. "I promise to do my best, to obey the rules..."

Every Monday before school starts and every Friday when the school week ends the students have this ceremony in addition to singing the national anthem and sometimes a (lengthy) speech from the principle.

It is amazing how those little kids can stand at attention like perfect little soldiers for so long. They even do the at ease, attention, at ease, attention drill. Those kids can snap to it!!

The Kids

These three are trouble! But they try to look sweet when I pull out the camera!



She's just a girl, in her footie pjs and heels, trying to take her baby for a walk! No press please!



Fort time! They do this about every morning and play so hard that they work up a sweat!


Callie turned 6 on February 20th. I CANNOT believe that she is 6. I've got all sorts of pictures and video. Some time soon I'll get it up on here to show the the uniqueness of birthdays here!