Everyone in our building has been having problems with their televisions. We all have cable and apparently it's attached to the same receiver on the roof. The guy came to fix it today.
BUT...
We now get ESPN AMERICA!!!
Can I get an amen? I think my husband cried tears of joy.
During our time here I have mourned the loss of our beautiful home, having family close, understanding what people are saying, etc. Justin has mourned Monday Night Football, bowl games, March Madness, baseball, and everything else that includes TV and sports. His face was glowing when he showed me the new channel!
It's the little things that mean so much these days!
Now, let's pray that they don't take our precious ESPN away!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tea Party
Well, except now it's coffee.
The ladies in my building get together every week for coffee. Last year we got together every other week, ate a huge meal, and drank lots of tea. Then we would give the hostess 25 lira.
That is how women here save up money. They can pull a little bit out of the budget every other week for our get-togethers. And then, when they host, they get all their money back. In the end, you break even. But, its nice to get a chunk of cash.
This year, the ladies decided to get together weekly and not make any food. We just do coffee and it is so much easier.
Today was my day to host. It was so fun. Here are some pictures from our day:
The ladies in my building get together every week for coffee. Last year we got together every other week, ate a huge meal, and drank lots of tea. Then we would give the hostess 25 lira.
That is how women here save up money. They can pull a little bit out of the budget every other week for our get-togethers. And then, when they host, they get all their money back. In the end, you break even. But, its nice to get a chunk of cash.
This year, the ladies decided to get together weekly and not make any food. We just do coffee and it is so much easier.
Today was my day to host. It was so fun. Here are some pictures from our day:
Well
We conquered the stomach bug. Justin and Callie were the only victims. So... HORRAY!!!! We are all healthy and doing great.
Happiness!
Happiness!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Bad News- Good News
The bad news: I don't like corner pieces.
The good news: This homemade pecan pie doesn't have a corner piece!
The good news: This homemade pecan pie doesn't have a corner piece!
Conversation
While changing the sheets on Callie's bed...
Lucy: (whining) Why don't you change my sheets?
Me: It's not time yet. I try to change them every two weeks. I am just changing Callie's because she's been sick and needs fresh sheets.
Lucy: I'm gonna pee in my bed.
Me: What?
Lucy: I'm gonna pee in my bed so you have to change my sheets.
Me: You better not do that.
Lucy: (really whining) But I want new sheets!
Me: Well, I have a HUGE pile of laundry. I'll get to your sheets when I can. Please, don't pee in your bed.
Lucy: (thinking) Well... we'll see.
Lucy: (whining) Why don't you change my sheets?
Me: It's not time yet. I try to change them every two weeks. I am just changing Callie's because she's been sick and needs fresh sheets.
Lucy: I'm gonna pee in my bed.
Me: What?
Lucy: I'm gonna pee in my bed so you have to change my sheets.
Me: You better not do that.
Lucy: (really whining) But I want new sheets!
Me: Well, I have a HUGE pile of laundry. I'll get to your sheets when I can. Please, don't pee in your bed.
Lucy: (thinking) Well... we'll see.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Visitor
My nemesis is in town, and he is trying to take us all down.
Stomach bug, you will not win this war!!
Lorraine (my dryer) is faithful and true. In the end she will defeat you!
I sent Noah down to the neighbors' on Saturday afternoon to invite them up for tea in the evening. When they came over we were talking and they casually mentioned that their two-year-old had been barfing all afternoon.
WHAT?!?!
I wanted to pull out the bleach right then and there and get to baptisin' people. I mean really! What on earth? Keep it at home, people!
We had already made plans with our sweet friends to go on an adventure to a forest out of the city. Everyone was completely healthy so we went. I guess we should have kept it at home, too. I am praying we did not give this lovely gift to our friends!
Last night about 2 am Justin starts erupting. It was foul. Callie started some time in the very early morning.
They are both doing a bit better now. Praise the Lord, it seems to be a quick virus.
I am just watching and praying to see who will fall victim next!
Final Four, Baby!!
from ESPN.com
Isn't it beautiful?!
from Kentucky.com
C-A-T-S, CATS CATS CATS!
C-A-T-S, CATS CATS CATS!
GOOOOO WILDCATS!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
I'm Afraid to Say It But...
could this be our year?
 |
| from ESPN.com |
C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!
C-A-T-S, CATS, CATS, CATS!
GOOOOO WILDCATS!!!
Friday, March 25, 2011
YUM
Shredded chicken with homemade BBQ sauce in the crockpot.
Coleslaw chillin' in the fridge.
Sweet mercy it's American food for us tonight, baby!!
Coleslaw chillin' in the fridge.
Sweet mercy it's American food for us tonight, baby!!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Today
The sun came out today.
Can I get an AMEN?!?!
Hello friend, its been a long time. It is sooo good to see you again, Mr. Sunshine!
In other news...Callie tried to kill me today.
No AMEN for that one, please!
She threw one of her super fits about her school uniform and I was ready ship her to China to work in a factory. Sweet mercy that child can go off the deep end and then some!! I am going to bleed out from the veins in my eyes if this continues!
Her punishment was that she had to stay in her room all night. We were having one of her favorite things for dinner but she didn't get to join us for dinner. She got one piece of bread with some peanut butter on it and some water.
Oh the trauma! I think we have found an effective punishment for her.
Ever the optimist, she decided that there was one good thing about her punishment. She wouldn't have to do her homework because she was going to die.
I see a career in theatre for my little Callie!
We made her do her homework... just in case she pulls through!
Can I get an AMEN?!?!
Hello friend, its been a long time. It is sooo good to see you again, Mr. Sunshine!
In other news...Callie tried to kill me today.
No AMEN for that one, please!
She threw one of her super fits about her school uniform and I was ready ship her to China to work in a factory. Sweet mercy that child can go off the deep end and then some!! I am going to bleed out from the veins in my eyes if this continues!
Her punishment was that she had to stay in her room all night. We were having one of her favorite things for dinner but she didn't get to join us for dinner. She got one piece of bread with some peanut butter on it and some water.
Oh the trauma! I think we have found an effective punishment for her.
Ever the optimist, she decided that there was one good thing about her punishment. She wouldn't have to do her homework because she was going to die.
I see a career in theatre for my little Callie!
We made her do her homework... just in case she pulls through!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Nose in the Corner... With a Smile on my Face
Well, I just got off the phone with my mom. I got in trouble! Apparently my tone is too dark on this here blog lately.
Really, today's post was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I am NOT grumpy. And the post from the other day was just my musings about my future.
I do wonder about what God has in store for this next chapter in my life. But my faith is strong and I feel joyful.
So, mega SORRY if my tone is bumming you out. If the dern sun would just come out...
Oops... there I go again. I mean, I feel pretty great right now. No worries about me, mate!
Really, today's post was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I am NOT grumpy. And the post from the other day was just my musings about my future.
I do wonder about what God has in store for this next chapter in my life. But my faith is strong and I feel joyful.
So, mega SORRY if my tone is bumming you out. If the dern sun would just come out...
Oops... there I go again. I mean, I feel pretty great right now. No worries about me, mate!
Inside Voice and Other Musings
I have decided that my children do not have inside voices. They are so stinkin' LOUD! I guess they take after Justin!
Winter came back, and I just want to crawl up in my bed and hide until spring really comes. This girl needs to experience some sunshine.
I am in a cooking funk. Any good recipes or dinner ideas that you want to share?
Lucy has a favorite minibus driver. He lets her sit up front with him and gives her gum. She is so happy when we end up on his minibus. When we got off today she said, "I just love him, Mama!"
We are still looking for some fun activities for the kids to do. The guitar lessons are going well, but their teacher is moving so we have to find a new teacher. What they really need is something active. Why is it that God gives the energy to the young? Life would certainly be easier if things we reversed a bit!
On that note, why is it that kids and old people wake up so stinkin' early? What on earth do they need to do? Sleep in a bit, for Pete's sake!
Clearly I'm grumpy today! I had no idea!
Winter came back, and I just want to crawl up in my bed and hide until spring really comes. This girl needs to experience some sunshine.
I am in a cooking funk. Any good recipes or dinner ideas that you want to share?
Lucy has a favorite minibus driver. He lets her sit up front with him and gives her gum. She is so happy when we end up on his minibus. When we got off today she said, "I just love him, Mama!"
We are still looking for some fun activities for the kids to do. The guitar lessons are going well, but their teacher is moving so we have to find a new teacher. What they really need is something active. Why is it that God gives the energy to the young? Life would certainly be easier if things we reversed a bit!
On that note, why is it that kids and old people wake up so stinkin' early? What on earth do they need to do? Sleep in a bit, for Pete's sake!
Clearly I'm grumpy today! I had no idea!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday Sneak Peak
Our government has outlawed Google again.
This is what our home page looks like now.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Retreat: The Rest
***** Don't forget to enter my giveaway right here!*****
I wrote about the first day of our team retreat here if you are interested.
Several families had to come up a bit later for various reasons, but by Friday night our whole team was together. We had such a good time together.
One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to worship freely. Since we all live in apartments in the city, we have to be a bit careful about the noise we make and what our neighbors can hear. But, being up on a mountain, out in the middle of nowhere, we could sing our hearts out! It was great!
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend:
This is the bucket of firewood. You could easily exchange the new bucket for the empty one in the stove or just add wood as needed.
This is what the stoves looked like. They were in each of the bigger gathering rooms and in some of the bedrooms.
The "neighbors."
The local mosque. It is closed during the winter because hardly anyone is in this tiny village at that time. The people all come up with their herds during the spring, summer, and fall.
The frozen pond near the house. There was a big wooden play fort made like a boat.
Lucy settling into her bed.
The view from the front door.
The house dog had puppies. Of course, they were a HUGE hit!
The mosque.
Callie
The wood stove in this room was the largest. It had a cook-top and an oven on the side.
Looking down towards the pond.
Lucy could have played with those puppies all day! That child loves animals!
Justin could have played with the stoves all day! That child loves fire!
Noah reading Scripture during one of our worship times.
Noah playing a game with the boys one night.
Each night I was in charge of giving a little slide show of pictures from that day. It was a fun task, and I think everyone loved seeing fun pictures of themselves. Justin was helping me get the slide show together.
Retreats are just the best! It is such a blessing to get out of your environment and just focus on the Lord. Of course, going to a beautiful place makes it easy! I just look at God's amazing creation and instantly want to worship our beautiful Lord who made it.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
700th Post Celebration
Yall,
This is my 700th post!!!!
Who knew I had so much to say? Just kidding! Every person who has ever met me knows that I do not lack words!
Anyhow, I thought it would be so fun to do a giveaway to celebrate!
The winner may choose either a nice coffee gift pack (our country is famous for its coffee) or a beautiful scarf gift pack (our country is also famous for its silks and scarves). Your choice, selected for you, shipped from me over here (so, be patient!)!
Sound exciting?
Just leave me a comment and let me know which you'd choose. I'll pick a winner on Saturday!
This is my 700th post!!!!
Who knew I had so much to say? Just kidding! Every person who has ever met me knows that I do not lack words!
Anyhow, I thought it would be so fun to do a giveaway to celebrate!
The winner may choose either a nice coffee gift pack (our country is famous for its coffee) or a beautiful scarf gift pack (our country is also famous for its silks and scarves). Your choice, selected for you, shipped from me over here (so, be patient!)!
Sound exciting?
Just leave me a comment and let me know which you'd choose. I'll pick a winner on Saturday!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saved to Serve Whom?
While Justin was gone I wanted to take the kids to a movie. They had been really good and deserved a special treat. (Other than the trip to London. Ha!)
So after our house fellowship one Sunday we dropped by the local theatre (along with half of the city) to see what was playing. We searched for a parking place for almost 45 minutes (one of the few downsides to having a car). My nerves were shot and I was ready to quit and go home. But, you can't promise kids a movie and dinner out and expect them to let you just give up after only 45 minutes of traffic battle.
So we persevered and in the end followed some shoppers to their car lightly clipping their heels along the way. We parked and went to check out the movies. The only thing playing that was appropriate for our family was Secretariat. I was a little nervous about this one because I didn't know if my heart could handle it.
You see, after only a few months of living here a friend let us borrow the movie Dreamer. We were excited because it was filmed not far from our beautiful home in beautiful Kentucky. But, we'd left all that and watching the rolling green hills, horse farms, and even the races was like a shot to the gut. I cried... a lot- mourning the loss of the American dream and our old life. From there on out, whenever I was feeling down or in need of a good cry, I would just pull out Dreamer and let the tears flow.
(Another embarrassing side note: A few years back Callie was going through a bit of a Hannah Montana (GAG!) phase so I took her to see that movie when it came out over here. I cried then, too. Anything southern, with family, horses, beautiful scenery, or suburbia could trigger the tears!)
But, that was then, and we've been here a while. So, I thought that I could handle it. My girls and I LOVE horses and Noah loves anything with competition and suspense. So I bought the tickets.
Rabbit trail alert: One great thing about movies here is that seating is assigned. When you buy your ticket you get to pick your seats. I love not having to show up early and sit in the theatre trying to entertain the kids!
Anyway, we loved the movie. I was proud at how far I had come. I didn't cry at all. I could really just appreciate how beautiful that part of the world is and be grateful that I had my chance to live there.
But, one thing from the movie slapped me in the face, and I can't stop thinking about it. They sort of glossed over it, but the main character (a woman) eventually divorces her husband and sort of drops her family in order to pursue her dream. I have heard so many stories like this.
Now, I have all but given up on trying to be Superwoman. In fact, I've done a bit of a 180 and almost enjoy being flawed. But I still have dreams and hopes and bigger plans than getting the laundry done or food on the table.
I love my husband and I love my kids, but I want more than just to serve them. But it feels like it is impossible- one or the other. A woman must choose.
I am really struggling with this lately. The past year has been hard on our family. Justin went through quite a dramatic job search that lead our family in a new direction. I felt like my role in that time was to try to encourage and support him and just try to keep it all together.
But, now we are through that. He is very happily employed and is reveling in the firm identity that his job provides for our lives in this country. We have margin now, which is such a blessing. I am so thankful for my husband who followed his heart and trusted the Lord. He (both the Lord and Justin) have brought our family to a really great place. Not for one second am I rejecting that blessing.
But what do I do. I have always dreamed of doing something a bit more tangible here. The needs are so great and I feel like I have a lot to offer. It gets a bit tricky because we are in the Middle East and the government is extremely strict. (Google has been outlawed and blocked again. Thank God for husbands who are computer savvy and can get around things like that!). So, ministry in a traditional form is not really possible.
I am sure that there is something that I can do to serve those around me but will it be to the detriment of my family? The last thing I want is to take away form them. But at the same time, I want to be who God made me to be. I want to show the love of Jesus instead of just talking about it.
What does it look like to be a woman of God here?
Is that just a woman who loves and serves her family and tries to share truth with her neighbors over tea or is there more? I just don't know!
So after our house fellowship one Sunday we dropped by the local theatre (along with half of the city) to see what was playing. We searched for a parking place for almost 45 minutes (one of the few downsides to having a car). My nerves were shot and I was ready to quit and go home. But, you can't promise kids a movie and dinner out and expect them to let you just give up after only 45 minutes of traffic battle.
So we persevered and in the end followed some shoppers to their car lightly clipping their heels along the way. We parked and went to check out the movies. The only thing playing that was appropriate for our family was Secretariat. I was a little nervous about this one because I didn't know if my heart could handle it.
You see, after only a few months of living here a friend let us borrow the movie Dreamer. We were excited because it was filmed not far from our beautiful home in beautiful Kentucky. But, we'd left all that and watching the rolling green hills, horse farms, and even the races was like a shot to the gut. I cried... a lot- mourning the loss of the American dream and our old life. From there on out, whenever I was feeling down or in need of a good cry, I would just pull out Dreamer and let the tears flow.
(Another embarrassing side note: A few years back Callie was going through a bit of a Hannah Montana (GAG!) phase so I took her to see that movie when it came out over here. I cried then, too. Anything southern, with family, horses, beautiful scenery, or suburbia could trigger the tears!)
But, that was then, and we've been here a while. So, I thought that I could handle it. My girls and I LOVE horses and Noah loves anything with competition and suspense. So I bought the tickets.
Rabbit trail alert: One great thing about movies here is that seating is assigned. When you buy your ticket you get to pick your seats. I love not having to show up early and sit in the theatre trying to entertain the kids!
Anyway, we loved the movie. I was proud at how far I had come. I didn't cry at all. I could really just appreciate how beautiful that part of the world is and be grateful that I had my chance to live there.
But, one thing from the movie slapped me in the face, and I can't stop thinking about it. They sort of glossed over it, but the main character (a woman) eventually divorces her husband and sort of drops her family in order to pursue her dream. I have heard so many stories like this.
Now, I have all but given up on trying to be Superwoman. In fact, I've done a bit of a 180 and almost enjoy being flawed. But I still have dreams and hopes and bigger plans than getting the laundry done or food on the table.
I love my husband and I love my kids, but I want more than just to serve them. But it feels like it is impossible- one or the other. A woman must choose.
I am really struggling with this lately. The past year has been hard on our family. Justin went through quite a dramatic job search that lead our family in a new direction. I felt like my role in that time was to try to encourage and support him and just try to keep it all together.
But, now we are through that. He is very happily employed and is reveling in the firm identity that his job provides for our lives in this country. We have margin now, which is such a blessing. I am so thankful for my husband who followed his heart and trusted the Lord. He (both the Lord and Justin) have brought our family to a really great place. Not for one second am I rejecting that blessing.
But what do I do. I have always dreamed of doing something a bit more tangible here. The needs are so great and I feel like I have a lot to offer. It gets a bit tricky because we are in the Middle East and the government is extremely strict. (Google has been outlawed and blocked again. Thank God for husbands who are computer savvy and can get around things like that!). So, ministry in a traditional form is not really possible.
I am sure that there is something that I can do to serve those around me but will it be to the detriment of my family? The last thing I want is to take away form them. But at the same time, I want to be who God made me to be. I want to show the love of Jesus instead of just talking about it.
What does it look like to be a woman of God here?
Is that just a woman who loves and serves her family and tries to share truth with her neighbors over tea or is there more? I just don't know!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Retreat: Snow Skiing
Last weekend our team went on a retreat. The time leading up to it was so hectic. Justin arrived after being out of the country for a month. We had some "management" from our company visit. We had to make the rounds to all of our friends for Justin to say hello. So by the time the retreat came I was ready not just to retreat, but to hibernate!! I still hadn't recovered from Justin being gone for a month!
So, to recap; tired... yes!
Ready for retreat; once all the packing was done and we were in the car... yes!
We went to a friend's friend's huge old house out in the middle of nowhere up on a mountain. It was our family's first roadtrip in our car!! I am a girl who LOVES a roadtrip. So much adventure. So much possibility on the road ahead. Plus, there is so much we haven't seen here yet- and I want to see it ALL!!
We kept the kids out of school on Thursday and left early that afternoon. We arrived early in the evening and could not believe that we were still in the same country. I guess because we have only lived in this HUGE city, or maybe because we haven't had the chance to travel much, it is hard to believe that this country is much other than the city.
Um... there is a lot of beauty here! You may notice from the approximately 4 million scenery pictures that I have taken! Lucky for you, to protect the privacy of our teammates, I am only going to show you pictures of us and scenery. So, that knocks it down to about half!
Friday morning we headed up to the peak of the mountain to snow ski. It was the kids' first time, and we were all really excited.
So, to recap; tired... yes!
Ready for retreat; once all the packing was done and we were in the car... yes!
We went to a friend's friend's huge old house out in the middle of nowhere up on a mountain. It was our family's first roadtrip in our car!! I am a girl who LOVES a roadtrip. So much adventure. So much possibility on the road ahead. Plus, there is so much we haven't seen here yet- and I want to see it ALL!!
We kept the kids out of school on Thursday and left early that afternoon. We arrived early in the evening and could not believe that we were still in the same country. I guess because we have only lived in this HUGE city, or maybe because we haven't had the chance to travel much, it is hard to believe that this country is much other than the city.
Um... there is a lot of beauty here! You may notice from the approximately 4 million scenery pictures that I have taken! Lucky for you, to protect the privacy of our teammates, I am only going to show you pictures of us and scenery. So, that knocks it down to about half!
Friday morning we headed up to the peak of the mountain to snow ski. It was the kids' first time, and we were all really excited.
We were a little bummed to find out that the kids couldn't get into a lesson until 1.
So we tried to help them get used to the gear and teach them a bit ourselves. Keep in mind that we haven't been on skis in 7 years! We started at the top of the hill. It was only slightly sloped there. But it was crowded. They started to get the hang of it and their courage increased.
Justin patiently working his was down the bunny slope with Noah.
Callie spent a lot of time on her bottom!
Made it to the bottom in one piece.
I couldn't take any pictures of Lucy because working with her was far more hands on. But she did pretty well also.
We took a break at noon to eat our picnic lunch, rest, and go to the bathroom before the kids' lessons.
At one we dropped the kids off with their instructors and went to the big slopes with our team leaders. One is from the Vancouver area and the other not far from the Alps so they can ski beautifully! I tried to get behind the woman and move like her. My body does not have the capacity for that kind of grace!
I always have to take a bit of a breath and give myself a pep talk when I reach this point.
Then force myself to go down!
I just kept pinching myself. I could not believe that we were in the same country. Just a short drive away, really. We need to get out more!
Mr. Cool, sporting the white pants!
Pure beauty.
Justin coming down the slope.
Enjoying our precious time together.
We hurried back to the bunny slope, very curious about how the kids had progressed.
It was amazing. The olders had so much confidence and could really do it.
Lucy had no fear and could ski pretty well herself.
Callie coming down her first big slope.
The instructor told her to hold her hand behind her back.
Already looking like a natural.
I took the kids up on this run. It was their first big slope. Noah fell getting off the lift. So Callie and I began slowly working our way down the slope. Noah wizzed past us and I thought for sure that he was going to end up injured. As zig-zagged down the slope I kept searching for a body. Never found it! When we got to the bottom there he was going up and down on the bunny slope waiting for us!
I took a little bit of video of Noah and Callie coming down the bunny slope. You can see it here.
I will post some more pictures from the rest of the retreat later on in the week.
Also, I have a BIG giveaway coming up on Thursday, so check back for that also!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pray
****UPDATE******
****************
When you read this and all throughout the day, would you please pray for my dear friend, Mindy? She is having major surgery this morning. The Lord has been very close to Mindy throughout this health scare and she has great peace about the whole thing. Please pray for this to continue and for complete healing.
While you are at it, would you pray for the Vanderpool family. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Mike went to be with the Lord on Saturday. Everyone who knew Mike loved him. He was a blessing and such an encouragement to everyone around him. He will be so missed.
Also, would you pray for my dear friend Earlda. She went into the hospital early in January for surgery. There were complications and three months later she is still in a health care facility trying to recover!
Mindy's surgery went well. The doctors removed as much of the tumor as possible, but could not get it all. So she will definitely have to do radiation. She was awake and alert quickly after the surgery and continues to progress well. So well in fact that she was released from ICU to like a boarding house near the hospital because she lives far away. And today will see her doctor and probably be released to go home. Please continue to keep her in your prayers as she undergoes radiation treatment.
****************
When you read this and all throughout the day, would you please pray for my dear friend, Mindy? She is having major surgery this morning. The Lord has been very close to Mindy throughout this health scare and she has great peace about the whole thing. Please pray for this to continue and for complete healing.
While you are at it, would you pray for the Vanderpool family. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, Mike went to be with the Lord on Saturday. Everyone who knew Mike loved him. He was a blessing and such an encouragement to everyone around him. He will be so missed.
Also, would you pray for my dear friend Earlda. She went into the hospital early in January for surgery. There were complications and three months later she is still in a health care facility trying to recover!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
