Monday, June 9, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
The priceless couch and loveseat
Thank you Jamie for the lovely couch and loveseat! The are fabulous! I have tried seveal times to post pictures and blogger is not cooperating with me, or maybe it is me not cooperating with blogger.
Imagine 3 grown men trying to move the couch/loveseat combo to the basement living room. Imagine the couch becoming stuck. Imagine the men pushing and shoving causing slight damage to the wall. Imagine the couch/loveseat becoming further stuck. Imagine the man of the house taking a saws-all to the wall and creating a very large hole in the wall to get the couch into the living room. Imagine much laughter as we evaluate the damage.
I wish I could post the pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Remember the post of how our house projects snowball? I didn't think that moving a couch into the house was really a project...but I guess it is. By the way, if we ever sell the house...the couch comes with it.
Imagine 3 grown men trying to move the couch/loveseat combo to the basement living room. Imagine the couch becoming stuck. Imagine the men pushing and shoving causing slight damage to the wall. Imagine the couch/loveseat becoming further stuck. Imagine the man of the house taking a saws-all to the wall and creating a very large hole in the wall to get the couch into the living room. Imagine much laughter as we evaluate the damage.
I wish I could post the pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Remember the post of how our house projects snowball? I didn't think that moving a couch into the house was really a project...but I guess it is. By the way, if we ever sell the house...the couch comes with it.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
When we moved into this neighborhood 16 years ago this month it was supposed to be temporary. We were newlyweds and didn't care for apartment living. We were wanting to be in a house so we rented this one when it came available just months after we married. Ron's parents owned the duplex and gave us a great deal on rent. I think we paid like $400 a month.
After a couple years we bought the duplex from the parents. We rented one side while living in the other. We had the opportunity to rent to several colorful tenants. Our intention was to do this for a few years then buy something else in a nicer neighborhood and keep this home as rental property. Again, the best laid plans... These were our plans and not God's.
When Ron changed careers and went into the ministry it was obvious that we either needed to sell and move or keep and live. We would not be able to do both. Our family was growing and we were out-growing one side of the duplex. The choice was made to keep this house and convert it into one home. Lots of blood, sweat and tears later we are still in that process.
There have been seasons where I hated this house. I hated this neighborhood. But I can see that this has been God's plan for our family, even if I have been a reluctant participant. Our neighbors have been colorful to say the least. We have had a shooting across the street, a meth dealer two doors over, immigrants from Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Ukraine all speaking little or no English. I wanted more for my kids, and to be honest for me too. I wanted a pretty yard. I wanted a beautiful home that was finished and completed, no wall to remove, plumbing to revamp or windows to replace. But all these things have really been blessings. We have been able to expose our kids to the real world in a safe way. They have seen the effects of bad choices first hand.
Gradually and slowly the Lord has changed my heart. Don't get me wrong, I am very tired of living in this undone home. I would love to have the Contractor Fairy come and finish it while we sleep, but that is not going to happen. I have come to love my neighbors. the Lord is showing me how to love them and see them through His eyes, not mine. God has showed me that not only is there value in being the home that all the kids migrate to, but that others notice and appreciate it. My neighbor that we affectionately call 'Mrs. Cravitts' (from Bewitched) just told me the other day how much she appreciated our ministry to the neighborhood and how we let all the neighborhood kids play here. One day she called just to let me know that she counted and there were 14 kids in my backyard. Thank you Mrs. Cravitts. Often we will have friends over and there will be little noses against the glass in my front door or an eye peering in to see if the kids can come outside to play.
My dear friend Ganiment who is from Albania has become a dear friend. Her husband was a judge and lawyer in Kosovo, now he delivers pizza , and they are thankful. They are so grateful for our country and the opportunities their children have here. For them it is not about materialism, opportunity and safety is the American Dream. Their family reminds me that what really matters in life is relationships with friends and family. They love to talk over a cup of coffee or come check out how the garden is growing. They remind me of how ridiculous it is to accumulate things just for the sake of things. They also remind me of how wasteful I can be. Recently they couldn't believe it when I ripped out my pansies to replace them with petunias. The pansies were wilting in the heat, and I knew they wouldn't make it though the summer months. One of the neighbors asked to have them to put in her shaded back yard.
I remember years ago a friend of mine had a neighborhood that had ice cream socials and bunko parties and I wanted that so badly. After years of whining to the Lord to move us He told me 'if you want that do something about it'. We have had a hot dog roast and an ice cream party that was so much fun. At first the neighbors didn't know what to think about being invited over, but after the awkwardness wore off everyone had a great time and we are a better neighborhood for it. This summer we are planning a backyard movie night and several neighbors are already looking forward to it.
There are still some families that stretch me and are hard to love, but I am sure I am the same to others too. I wish I would have not been such a late bloomer, as in 'bloom where you are planted'? I missed great opportunities while I was thinking about the 'If onlys'. Opportunities for friendships as well as sharing the love of Christ.
I am thankful for my neighbors. I am thankful for the children. Blerta (little B), Alton, Ghent, Kaltrina, Alma, Zane and Nate. I am thankful for my kids being exposed and learning about other cultures. I am thankful for the other two christian families. I am thankful that our yard has no trees so the kids can play football or we can lay out a slip and slide. I can truly say I am thankful for my home and my neighborhood.
After a couple years we bought the duplex from the parents. We rented one side while living in the other. We had the opportunity to rent to several colorful tenants. Our intention was to do this for a few years then buy something else in a nicer neighborhood and keep this home as rental property. Again, the best laid plans... These were our plans and not God's.
When Ron changed careers and went into the ministry it was obvious that we either needed to sell and move or keep and live. We would not be able to do both. Our family was growing and we were out-growing one side of the duplex. The choice was made to keep this house and convert it into one home. Lots of blood, sweat and tears later we are still in that process.
There have been seasons where I hated this house. I hated this neighborhood. But I can see that this has been God's plan for our family, even if I have been a reluctant participant. Our neighbors have been colorful to say the least. We have had a shooting across the street, a meth dealer two doors over, immigrants from Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Ukraine all speaking little or no English. I wanted more for my kids, and to be honest for me too. I wanted a pretty yard. I wanted a beautiful home that was finished and completed, no wall to remove, plumbing to revamp or windows to replace. But all these things have really been blessings. We have been able to expose our kids to the real world in a safe way. They have seen the effects of bad choices first hand.
Gradually and slowly the Lord has changed my heart. Don't get me wrong, I am very tired of living in this undone home. I would love to have the Contractor Fairy come and finish it while we sleep, but that is not going to happen. I have come to love my neighbors. the Lord is showing me how to love them and see them through His eyes, not mine. God has showed me that not only is there value in being the home that all the kids migrate to, but that others notice and appreciate it. My neighbor that we affectionately call 'Mrs. Cravitts' (from Bewitched) just told me the other day how much she appreciated our ministry to the neighborhood and how we let all the neighborhood kids play here. One day she called just to let me know that she counted and there were 14 kids in my backyard. Thank you Mrs. Cravitts. Often we will have friends over and there will be little noses against the glass in my front door or an eye peering in to see if the kids can come outside to play.
My dear friend Ganiment who is from Albania has become a dear friend. Her husband was a judge and lawyer in Kosovo, now he delivers pizza , and they are thankful. They are so grateful for our country and the opportunities their children have here. For them it is not about materialism, opportunity and safety is the American Dream. Their family reminds me that what really matters in life is relationships with friends and family. They love to talk over a cup of coffee or come check out how the garden is growing. They remind me of how ridiculous it is to accumulate things just for the sake of things. They also remind me of how wasteful I can be. Recently they couldn't believe it when I ripped out my pansies to replace them with petunias. The pansies were wilting in the heat, and I knew they wouldn't make it though the summer months. One of the neighbors asked to have them to put in her shaded back yard.
I remember years ago a friend of mine had a neighborhood that had ice cream socials and bunko parties and I wanted that so badly. After years of whining to the Lord to move us He told me 'if you want that do something about it'. We have had a hot dog roast and an ice cream party that was so much fun. At first the neighbors didn't know what to think about being invited over, but after the awkwardness wore off everyone had a great time and we are a better neighborhood for it. This summer we are planning a backyard movie night and several neighbors are already looking forward to it.
There are still some families that stretch me and are hard to love, but I am sure I am the same to others too. I wish I would have not been such a late bloomer, as in 'bloom where you are planted'? I missed great opportunities while I was thinking about the 'If onlys'. Opportunities for friendships as well as sharing the love of Christ.
I am thankful for my neighbors. I am thankful for the children. Blerta (little B), Alton, Ghent, Kaltrina, Alma, Zane and Nate. I am thankful for my kids being exposed and learning about other cultures. I am thankful for the other two christian families. I am thankful that our yard has no trees so the kids can play football or we can lay out a slip and slide. I can truly say I am thankful for my home and my neighborhood.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
OK So I have checked on all your blogs and it seems many of you are suffering from writer's block so I suggest a little something to get y'all typing again. (I don't know why I was feeling guilty for being away ;o)
Sitting: At the computer desk
Suffering Not much at all in the grand scheme...
Pondering: High School choices for the daughter
Feeling: Excited for vacation
Seeking God's will on mission opportunities.
Wondering: If warm weather is on the way.
Loving: That school is done and summer is here!
Reading: The Shack
This came from Lisa Writes. I love her blog.
Sitting: At the computer desk
Suffering Not much at all in the grand scheme...
Pondering: High School choices for the daughter
Feeling: Excited for vacation
Seeking God's will on mission opportunities.
Wondering: If warm weather is on the way.
Loving: That school is done and summer is here!
Reading: The Shack
This came from Lisa Writes. I love her blog.
My name is Jill, and it has been six days since my last post.
I just lost a long post...argh! I hate that!
I apologize for the unscheduled blog break. I know you have been anxiously awaiting some wonderful insightful or spiritual thought...or maybe not.
I have been busy living in the other world of reality. Finishing up school books, filling out forms for next year, signing up for swim lessons, sports camps, vbs, church camps and such. I love the change of pace that summer brings, yet it brings with it it's own stresses and busyness. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to the beach, although that means lots of packing between now and then.
The cookies from a post or so back turned out yummy! I highly recommend it! Here it is.
I had every intention of taking a picture and posting it, but... well...I didn't.
I used this recipe to ice them:
1 1/2 C Confectioners Sugar
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
5-6 tsp. lemon juice
yellow food color
yellow sugar sprinkles
I apologize for the unscheduled blog break. I know you have been anxiously awaiting some wonderful insightful or spiritual thought...or maybe not.
I have been busy living in the other world of reality. Finishing up school books, filling out forms for next year, signing up for swim lessons, sports camps, vbs, church camps and such. I love the change of pace that summer brings, yet it brings with it it's own stresses and busyness. We are looking forward to our upcoming trip to the beach, although that means lots of packing between now and then.
The cookies from a post or so back turned out yummy! I highly recommend it! Here it is.
I had every intention of taking a picture and posting it, but... well...I didn't.
I used this recipe to ice them:
1 1/2 C Confectioners Sugar
1/2 tsp. lemon zest
5-6 tsp. lemon juice
yellow food color
yellow sugar sprinkles
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The best laid plans of mice and men....
A fellow blogger commented on how I must be dry because I am only posting videos... Truth is I kinda am.
Remember my list of to-do's from a week or so back? Well, not going so good. I ripped all the wallpaper out of the bathroom to discover that we needed to replace the window now. Ron and I decided that we really should replace the countertop now before the new paper goes up and long story short...we are replacing the entire vanity. Don't worry girls...my super deal of a dad came through and we got a $600 vanity for $0.00. He got a great deal (under $100) and wouldn't let us pay for it. Shucks...
We had a piece of countertop already, but we did have to buy two new sinks. This was supposed to be just replacing the wallpaper and now...ARGH! I know it will be nice when we are finished but we are heading into the busy season with Ron's job and I really have no idea when we will actually have the new wallpaper up.
Ron and Eli leave tomorrow for 2 days of fishing so I think I am going to try to paint Eli's bathroom since I am kind of waiting on Ron for the next step in my bathroom. I bought the paint months ago and just have not done it yet. I would also like to bake a batch of cookies from this new reciepe I found. Oh yeah, and make sure that my four other kids are being well cared for...I let you know if any of this actually gets done.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Memorial Day 2008
It is Memorial Day. We usually mark this day by the official opening of my in-laws pool with a barbecue and lots of swimming. This year they are having a new liner installed and the pool is not ready, so no pool party yet.
We do not have any veterans on my side of the family. I think maybe a great uncle or two somewhere. But none that either my mom or I were close to or knew much about. None that I know of on my dad's side. I really don't know about any on Ron's side of the family either. I am sure somewhere there has to be someone. This makes me sad. Memorial Day has always been about a barbecue or a day off. Not to remember those that have served our country which it was designed to do. I think the closest it came to that was when Emma was a baby and my in-laws took us to the cemetery and showed us where Grandpa JO was buried and where their plots were. I couldn't find them again to save my life.
My point is even though our country has faults, it is still the greatest country. We may not be perfect by a long shot but God has been faithful. The commitment and sacrifices of our forefathers has benefited us generation after generation. In some ways I think we are a lot like the Israelites that have 'forgotten' what God has done for us. We have not all passed down the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation. Last year I used The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall as part of our history and it was wonderful to hear the amazing stories of God involved in the founding of America. I want my kids to know this stuff, I want to know this stuff! I want them to know that God is not just the God of the Old and New Testament, but God of here and now. That He still works in amazing ways if we rely and trust Him. I want Ella to know how much she is blessed living in the US as opposed to her homeland of China.
Our country is certainly at risk of losing God's favor, so it is up to us, the remnant to make sure that we pass down what we know. I am very grateful for the men and women who have risked so much so we can have so much now. I am grateful for my Albanian neighbors who remind me that life is not like this everywhere and how I should not, cannot take it for granted.
We do not have any veterans on my side of the family. I think maybe a great uncle or two somewhere. But none that either my mom or I were close to or knew much about. None that I know of on my dad's side. I really don't know about any on Ron's side of the family either. I am sure somewhere there has to be someone. This makes me sad. Memorial Day has always been about a barbecue or a day off. Not to remember those that have served our country which it was designed to do. I think the closest it came to that was when Emma was a baby and my in-laws took us to the cemetery and showed us where Grandpa JO was buried and where their plots were. I couldn't find them again to save my life.
My point is even though our country has faults, it is still the greatest country. We may not be perfect by a long shot but God has been faithful. The commitment and sacrifices of our forefathers has benefited us generation after generation. In some ways I think we are a lot like the Israelites that have 'forgotten' what God has done for us. We have not all passed down the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation. Last year I used The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall as part of our history and it was wonderful to hear the amazing stories of God involved in the founding of America. I want my kids to know this stuff, I want to know this stuff! I want them to know that God is not just the God of the Old and New Testament, but God of here and now. That He still works in amazing ways if we rely and trust Him. I want Ella to know how much she is blessed living in the US as opposed to her homeland of China.
Our country is certainly at risk of losing God's favor, so it is up to us, the remnant to make sure that we pass down what we know. I am very grateful for the men and women who have risked so much so we can have so much now. I am grateful for my Albanian neighbors who remind me that life is not like this everywhere and how I should not, cannot take it for granted.
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