Middle Aged?

Well I suppose I'm middle aged, right? I guess if I live to be 70 than 35 makes me middle aged.(then again, if I live to be 100, I've got a ways to go.) Wow, I don't feel middle aged, but feel or no that's what I am. I've used more wrinkle cream lately, and can't help but wish that all those years in Florida I would have worn sunblock and read more books while at the beach as opposed to soaking up all those wrinkle creating rays. I very rarely burned and I so enjoyed the feeling of sun on my skin, I never bothered with sunblock. Ah well, we live and learn. But be forewarned my 20 something friend as you run off to the beach, spend the $10 now on sunblock or deal with the $20 wrinkle cream later. :). I woke my birthday morning early. I met several of my girlfriends for breakfast. So fun. I'm so thankful to have these lovely ladies in my life. We have fun together, yet they always seem to challenge me to love Jesus more. At home when I walked back in the door at 8am I was "surprised" with a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY! And so the day went on as normal. A very nice birthday, Matt took me out for dinner that evening and then we browsed leisurely at Barnes and Noble. (this is one our favorite activities) A very nice day indeed. Even a Krispy Kreme Donut in lieu of a birthday cake. woo hoo!
Saturday we hosted Parenting Class. I so enjoyed the lesson this month. I was reminded once again of what a powerful tool for reaching the world for Christ our families can be. To glorify God is to give God a good reputation, it is by our actions and attitudes that we can do this. It is our lives that make God bigger to the world. We live in a culture that has been inundated with weird images of what it means to be "christian". If you watch TV (which happens to be to driving force of our cultures worldview) for any amount of time, you'll run across some character portraying "Christianity" as whacked out or completely out of touch with reality. Or worse yet turn to a "christian" TV station and find a circus of entertainers singing, dancing, healing, and crying all followed up with a plea for money. It's no wonder the world has no concept of what it really means to be a true follower of Christ. And no wonder they aren't interested in Christianity. In this atmosphere I could tell someone I'm a Christian or hand them Christian literature, but the images and ideas that the term Christian conjures up for them is far from what I want to communicate and will probably influence their willingness to listen to my words. However, my life can speak volumes and the power of the combined lives of a family is a force to be reckoned with. A Father and Mother who truly love and serve each other. Children who respect their parents as well as their siblings, and are thoughtful of the people around them. A family that sees the preciousness in others and treats them as such. This is an image of Christ that people are drawn to. This has been the most powerful tool I've ever experienced and it has opened doors for me to have an influence for Christ to others. Don't get me wrong I think there is a place for missions, homeless shelters, and crisis centers. But for us Mom's whose primary responsibility is to train and mold little lives, remember you are a minister. Not only, to your hubby and children, but in loving them, training them, and by understanding as a family that people are precious, you open doors to minister to your neighbors, the people at the store, the teacher at music lessons. They may never be open to a conversation that starts with "Do you ever think about God or spiritual things?" but they may come to you and say, "how do you get your kids to obey you?" "How do you get your husband to take the trash out?" "Do you and Matt ever fight?" I've been asked these questions and I see these as open doors to sharing the hope that lieth within me. They asked, they're open. What a challenge to be a vigilant wife, mother, and person. For a much higher call than "good kids, nice marriage" but for the high calling of reflecting Jesus to a lost world.

Resolutions and Revolution

Much like SJV, I get a subtle hint from my dear Mother when I don't post for awhile. I knew that phone call would soon be coming, but I've just had a hard time getting back to blogging. Well, the call came and so I will obey. :) It's not that I don't enjoy blogging, it's just hard to find time, but you all know all about that, don't you?

I've had a million thoughts running through my head lately, and will probably never take the time to hash them out in script. However, I do tend to reflect, as I'm sure most of us do, when a fresh new year presents itself. I think of what I'd like to improve and where I have been in the past. I, like Tara, don't bother with lofty resolutions. For 20 years I've been resolving to weigh 115 lbs and at almost 35 am finally realizing that it's just not going to happen. :) I will however post my not so lofty resolutions as accountability. 1. Get more organized. 2. Send Birthday cards on time, to all family members. (perhaps, I'll extend my card sending to close friends next year, but baby steps for this year.) That's it. I suppose I can handle that..... maybe.

While looking to the present and reflecting on the past. I've been thinking about what has really made the difference in my life. What few things can I look back at and say, "That really changed my life for the better." The obvious things like My trust in Jesus, Matt and our boys, my parents love, my friends influence, attending HSBA/C, and moving to Illinois come to my mind. I think I will reflect here on personal choices that have determined how influential I allowed those obvious things to be. I may post throughout the year some of the other life changing choices. Today I will reflect on one.

A very wise friend of mine once said, "You can be surrounded by the right answers, but if you're not asking the right questions, the answers don't do you any good."
One of the most powerful agents of change in my life was learning to question myself. I, like most females, found myself to be a very emotional being. If I felt something, it was real. My moods and emotions tended to dictate my attitude toward others and life. If I wanted to do something, I almost always asked, "why not?" and was pretty good at defending most any position I took by legalism. Then over time and through many influences I started to question my motives. Why am I feeling the way I do? Is the feeling legitimate? Was the comment from someone that hurt my feelings really intended to hurt me? Why would I think that it was? Why do I want to do whatever it is I'm wanting to do? I could go on and on with the questions. The point is I started to question my own motives for almost everything in my life. From why I was eating that 4th cookie to why I was feeling uncomfortable in the presence of someone. This change of perspective, was quite a revolution in my life. It makes me far less legalistic. A simple question of my motive for why I'm wanting to do something, usually makes the right choice pretty clear. It's changed my relationships. A simple question of my motives, usually aids me in trusting others and giving them the benefit of the doubt. It greatly effects how I parent. A simple question of my motives for why I am or am not disciplining a certain behavior and I find the courage or wisdom to do the right thing. The temptation to push my children for my own ego is squelched, when I ask myself why I'm pushing. It is presently helping me work on my impatience with my kiddos. When I ask myself why I'm so frustrated with them, it's usually because I'm being inconvenienced. (ouch!) It's changed my relationship with Jesus. If I question myself and my motives than I understand myself better. If I understand myself better I can begin to see myself as God sees me and it drives me to Him. It's not a quick fix all to be sure, honesty with oneself is not easy. And old habits are not easily broken. Neither do I want to promote a life of paranoia, I'm not constantly checking my pulse spiritually. Actually, it's the opposite. When I know that I am honestly trying to please God in every part of my life. It is a life of clear conscious and no doubt of my relationship with Him.

So in asking myself why I'm writing all this, the answer is that it reminds me to stay vigilant. If I don't I will find myself being carried down stream by opinions, my emotions, and whatever other wind may be blowing at the time. I also hope that it encourages you. Happy 2008!

Well, no post is complete without pictures for Nanny. So here goes.

My niece Karen and her new baby nephew Bradyn(he's my great-nephew too!). At Dad and Moms

My big bro Doug, Mom w/Bradyn, and Dad.

Making Gingerbread Men with Aunt Ginger at Nanny and Papa's house.

The annual "sleeping by the tree" at home. (Thanks for the tent Mrs. V!)

A Christmas Thank you hug!

Christmas Morning!

This last photo is a Siah Funny. I came out after reading Kayla's post about her boys playing with their Nativity set and came upon this scene.

I asked Josiah what Henry was doing at the manger. He told me that Henry wanted to go see Jesus, but a terrible storm blew up and damaged the tracks. Henry yelled, "baby Jesus say, 'peace'." Then baby Jesus said, (in Josiah's most convincing baby voice)"Peace". Then the tracks came back together and the storm stopped and Henry got to go all the way up to the manger to see Jesus.

Christmas Is Coming!

Hello my friends. Just a quick update, and probably the last until the craziness of Christmas is past. This time of year is so special with little ones in the house. Since having children we are motivated to establish family traditions that make the true meaning of Christmas a focus. I have to be careful with traditions, because the danger with me is that the traditions become the focus and then we end up serving the tradition and not the reason for the tradition. (I think the Pharisees had this problem too.) So we have kept it simple around here. Every Sunday morning in December we light one candle on our Advent Wreath as we eat breakfast and we talk about Jesus, the one who brought light to our darkness by coming to earth. We also each get three presents for Christmas. This really keeps Christmas shopping/spending under control and most importantly, it helps us to remember that Jesus received three gifts too and He is our greatest gift.

Speaking of gifts, wow isn't it so fun and frustrating at the same time to buy for everyone on your list? I struggle most with teenagers. Kids are easy, any little toy or book is usually very appreciated. Adults are usually so happy with a homemade gift. But teenagers, they are really tough. $5 or $10 doesn't buy much for them and I wonder if they think homemade is hokey. We have enough teenagers on our list that we HAVE to keep the cost down. I saw an idea that I'm going to try this year, I'll let you know how it goes over. My first attempt is in the photo here. What teenager doesn't love Soda and Candy?

Well our big Christmas Drama is less than a week away. Becca and I are directing it this year and the kids are doing GREAT! One of the young people at our church adapted the play from the book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER. It is really cute and funny. We are also looking forward to the annual church Christmas party tonight. This is a fun time of games and Christmas cookies. The kids really love it that the games are adult and kid interactive. It's a time that no matter your age you're a kid again for one night.

Thursday night we are headed to Michigan to spend some time with Dad, Mom, Grandma, and big brother Doug's family. Mom has promised us snow. I'm not that into winter, but it seems in Southern Illinois we get a lot of cold rain and not much snow. Now, if it's going to be cold, I vote for cold and pretty. If not, than just give me 80 degrees and be done with it. :) But I digress. We will be back home in IL. for Christmas Eve which we will spend with Matt's family. Then Christmas day we are home for our family Christmas. So busy busy busy.

Well, I should close. Thank you all for the gift that you are in our lives. You encourage us to stay close to Jesus and we are thankful for your prayers. May your Christmas be blessed with the Joy of abiding in our Savior.

Jingle Bells

The Mellado Conservatory Students playing Jingle Bells. Even Micah got in on this one.

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Beautiful Music

Hey, I'm trying to learn how to upload videos to my blog. Here's my first attempt.

This video is of the String Ensemble from Josiah's Christmas Recital. These are the more advanced students, ranging from age 11 to 17. LaRae and Rachelle (Laura's girls) are in this group.

A Heart full of Thanks and other stuff.

There are so many many things for which to be thankful, I am truly blessed. This post will be an eclectic update of the past few weeks and an expression of my heart of thankfulness.

1. Recital.
Josiah’s first recital of the year was at the end of October. Every year there are 4 recitals. Two solo and two group, this was a “solo recital”. Josiah played Twinkle Variation 2 (for those Suzuki people out there). All the children did so well. Recitals are a time of encouragement for everyone. It is so nice to hear beautiful music from the older students, it helps the younger ones and their parents realize that all the hard work and diligence will one day pay off.

2. Youth Challenge.
So nice to be with dear friends again. It was also nice to sing with Brent and Jani again too. Obviously, we don’t sound like we used to when we practiced hours on end. However, it just feels so good to join our voices together. I still think that the special blending we feel has more to do with our history and love for each other than the quality of our voices.

3. Creation Museum.
So cool. We had such a nice time. I would heartily suggest visiting on a week day though. Check out Tara’s blog archives for a really great review of the museum

4. Party.
Matt and Dan (a dear friend) are the “babies” of our church. Among all the adults in our church, Matt and Dan are the youngest, (aside from our dear Miss Jo) and this fall they both will or have turned 30! So Carma and I, being the “older women” in their lives had a little party for them. We surprised Dan and Matt with a Roller Palace party, complete with Sam’s CD, Roller Skates, Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes, and noise makers. The real children of the church really enjoyed the party too. What fun!

5. Thanksgiving Week
Well, we’ve made a turkey, a thankful wreath and Cyclops. I know Cyclops doesn’t seem to fit, but we studied the Ancient Greeks last week and Cyclops was quite fascinating to Josiah. We also stole Kayla’s idea and read the Pumpkin Patch Parable book and carved pumpkins. I know it’s kind of late, but if you wait until after Halloween the pumpkins are really cheap. The truth be told, I carved the pumpkins though. Go figure, our boys will play in the mud and hold snakes, but nothing doing when it comes to pulling out the slimy stickiness of a pumpkin. And they say women are a mystery.

It’s been a good week and I’ve done some perspective evaluating too. Here is a short list of things for which I am thankful.

• My relationship with Jesus. How truly blessed I am to know Him and be known by Him.
  
• My family. What a joy to have such a wonderful husband and two healthy happy boys. Not to mention, extended family that we enjoy and love.
  
• My Church Family. I am so blessed to have such a beautiful unified church family. We pursue His truth together as we learn more of what it means to be members of the Family of God.


• My Friends. I am so thankful for all of my dear friends who have known me in my yuckier times and still love me. So thankful for your consistent faithful friendship.
  
• My possessions. I’ve lived long enough to realize that no matter what our annual income may be here in the USA we are rich compared to most people in the world.
• The opportunity I have to stay home with and educate our boys. Sometimes I can feel so overwhelmed with my daily task. I can be so focused on how far we have to go in training and educating that I forget to see how much is being accomplished. I am so blessed to have been entrusted with these precious little souls. While it is scary, it is a privilege. I am so blessed to be the one who gets to see their eyes light up when they read or watch them glow when they add numbers correctly. I get to be the one who explains the history of the world and see them begin to understand the tragedy of a life lived without God. What a bonding experience to learn and grow together. I realize that not everyone has this privilege and I am so thankful that I do.

Woo Hoo

Well, woo hoo for DSL.....FINALLY! Friday turned into Monday, which turned into Wednesday. Funny how that happens with AT & T. But you will hear me complain no more than that. I can look at pictures on my computer. I can hear music via the Internet. I can even watch the goofy videos my dear friend Brent produces. I will confess I have already watched one archived Hobe Sound Bible Church service. It's interesting how fast church goes when you can FF through the prelims and through particularly long special songs. :) All this from the two minutes I've had since the instillation of High Speed on Wednesday evening. Sadly no matter how fast my computer gets, my life is always faster. Therefore, I will have to close for now. Let's see....tomorrow... oh yes, can't do it tomorrow. Hmmmm.....Saturday, nope Saturday is full. Sunday? Good heavens, that's my only afternoon nap day of the week! Well, I guess I'll catch my blog up next week. We are going to be taking it very easy in school next week. I'm thinking reading pilgrim books and making turkey crafts. So perhaps while the boys are gluing wiggly eyes on something, I'll take the time to chat with you my dear readers.

By the way, who knew Baited breath was spelled Bated? OK, of course Tara knew, but did anyone else? Wow, I just always had this image of a fishing pole with tempting bait. Thus, BAITED breath. Now I'm not sure what to think of Bated Breath. Perhaps this is the beginnings of a mid-life crisis. Until then, I'm off to buy a sports car and large gold chain necklace.

I Shall Return

Dearest of Friends;

I shall return. We are in the process of getting high speed internet. (a woo hoo was heard by all) Therefore, the computer is a bit "tied up" at the moment. Not to mention, I've just been too busy to post. For a lovely update on part of our weekend in the Cincy area check out Tara's Blog on my friends links.

OK so that's all. Just wanted to let you know that I am indeed alive and will post soon, I promise. (As if you're waiting with baited breath)

Much Love to all.
Juwah

Wacky Weekend

What a busy weekend. Here is a brief photo journal of the fun. I'll post more later, it's a busy Monday as well, so this will suffice for now.

Here are the Pampered Girls from the Friday night Pampered Chef party. I so wish you all could have joined us, we had such a nice time.

Brent was here for a few days, it was so nice to be with him again. On Saturday morning we went to Indy to meet Jani and brush up on some old songs and learn a couple new songs. It was so good to be with Brent and Jani again. So nice to sing with them again as well. We all wished we had more time and more opportunity to practise before Youth Challenge, but alas it is not to be. The above photo is of Brent in Waiting..... (as if there are not a thousand young ladies dieing to "fill in the photo.)

Below is Jani, Baby B, and I.

Saturday night when I got home from Indy, our family went out to the Gilley's for Indian Tacos. So yummy! Most of our church family was in attendace and some camp friends as well. A great time was had by all. (sorry, I forgot my camera.) Well, we need to get school finished and the Fall Solo Recital is tonight, so lots to do. Hope all is well with you.

Hey, here are a few photos for your viewing pleasure. Ok, more for Nanny's viewing pleasure.

But before that, I just wanted to let all my fair readers know that I am hosting a Pampered Chef party this Friday night at 7pm. IF you live close enough, you are welcome to come. IF you don't, and need anything from the Pampered Chef line of products you are welcome to check out the website and order at www.pamperedchef.biz/woffskitchen be sure to put my name in as your hostess.

Challah Bread and Hallah Cloth. The bread is pretty and yummy, but much more salty than we are accustomed to. Next time I make it we will use half the salt recommended.

The boys eating the Challah and holding the 10 commandments that they made. We also gave them skull caps to wear. (Don't ask what we used for skull caps.

Some of the boy's friends at the parade. Those fire trucks were loud!

Siah waiting for the candy to be tossed his direction.

Micah enjoying the parade, even the fire trucks. (notice the ear plugs) And yes, I know the Bob the Builder hat is too small, but he thinks it's cool!

Quotable Quotes:

Micah

"I need some almonds to help my rememory."

"I just fell on my big fat bottom!"

When Matt laid down beside him one morning, Micah said, "there are too much people in my bed!"

Josiah

"Oh Mommy, I just love to hug you cause you're so soft and squishy."

"I went to tricky school and now I'm gonna trick you."

"Mommy, Micah just destroyed my train tracks!" (drama anyone?) :)