Well that was a weekend!

It started out normally enough.  Finished out work, came home and made a nutritious, organic dinner (read: take and bake pizza), and baked a nutritious, organic dessert for home group (read:  soda pop cake). 


What?  You have never made soda pop cake?  For shame!  My bloggy friend Becky turned me onto the Hungry Girl site, where I found the recipe.  All you have to do is take 1 box of cake mix, add with 12 oz soda, mix until smooth, then bake like normal.  Hopefully, your cake will come out looking something like this:

Yes, it is quite possibly the best cake you will ever eat.  You are welcome.  No, it is not the healthiest cake you will ever eat.  Anywho, this one was a combination of devils food cake and Dr. Pepper soda.  I also made a white cake with peach soda for the kids.  All were completely eaten.  Our home group likes food. 



Saturday morning, Super Realtor had to go show houses to some clients, so the girls & I headed into town for some fun.  We started out at the church, helping our friend/ mentor/ children's pastor Jen clean out her office from all the Daddy Daughter Dance stuff.  Then, Madi got to go the the fabulous Pinkalicious birthday party of her friend Kate.  They had a grand time.  You can see the pics, and wish the birthday girl a happy birthday, on her mommas blog here.



While Madi was at the party, Jen and I took the rest of the kids (hers + mine) to a healthy, organic lunch.  NOT!!!  Truth: we bribed them with fast food and a play place so we could have a semi-coherent, adult conversation.  While we were there, I managed to snap this precious photo of her smallest, ornery wonder:

Don't you just want to bite those cheeks?  Yeah, me too.



The entire day, I knew something was wrong with Violet.  Truth be told, she hadn't slept well in about 2 weeks.  Friday night was miserable.  We slept for about 2 hours total.  She was okay when she first got up, but progressively got worse throughout the day.  She tried to sleep that afternoon, but could not stop coughing long enough to get comfortable. 



So, we headed in to the urgent care after Super Realtor got home.  They took one look at her and started calling the hospital.  They started her on oxygen and IV fluids with antibiotics immediately.  X rays revealed what I suspected - pneumonia.  The only way I convinced them to not transport her from the urgent care to the hospital via ambulance was if I promised to drive her immediately there, no stops.  I knew she was bad, but not that bad.



So, Violet & I got to spend the night in the hospital.  Our nurses ( two dad of two kids each) were amazing, and Violet responded well.  They let us go on Sunday afternoon with oxygen, more albuterol for the nebulizer, and the rest of her antibiotics. 



Today we visited with her doctor again.  Looks like we are going to be chasing the leash at least until Friday.

At least she knows how to do it in style.

PYHO: Why I Got Dunked

Today, I am linking up with Shell for Pour Your Heart Out.  Basically, it's a safe place for anything you know you need to say. 

How do you express in words the deepest cry of your heart?

Or do you?

On October 31, I was baptized.  Again.  

And, two months later, I still struggle to explain the how, the why.

The first time, I was 19.  I had accepted Christ not too long before. 

I did it because the mature Christians said it was the next step.

I did it because I wanted to prove to my parents that my Christianity was not just a phase.

I did it because I wanted to make God happy.

 

The trouble is, not much changed.

I was unwilling to let God work in those deep, painful areas of my life. 

In August, I wrote about my experience in allowing God into those recesses for the first time. 

In September, I wrote about the pain and numbness of my depression, the Scriptures that jumped off the page and into my heart, the truth of who I am versus the lies I have believed for too long.

This journey has been long, and hard.  But I need to document it, for no other reason than my own sanity.  There are still dark days, for sure.  Days where I battle to claw the edge of the precipice, terrified of slipping.  But the dark days are starting to number less than the good ones.

On October 31st, I was baptized.  Again.

I struggled for a month before with the decision.  Do I do it?  Should I do it?

No one knew, other than my husband, until that morning.

This COULD NOT be something I did for ANYONE else.

I had to do this for me.

I know that the last 4 months have been completely different than the last 12 years.

I know that God is doing a new work in my heart.

I know that, for the first time, I do not have to fear when God starts to reveal an area of my life that He wants to heal.

It hurts.

And I am not perfect yet. 

Sometimes it seems easier to run sometimes than face the pain.  Sometimes I do run.

But I am learning that He will chase me.

And when I let Him catch me, He will not be angry.

I know that the worst thing I could do is hide the pain.

I know I have no reason for shame or guilt.

And that is why, on October 31st, I was baptized.  Again.

Because I know I am not the only one.

We May Need To Work On This

I must be brilliant.  If I make a promise on this blog to take a photo of my children and post it, it drives me nuts until I get it done.  I may have just discovered the secret to regular posts.  Either that or I am just weird.  Anywho...

Sunday morning was the kids' program at church.  I was able to snap these photos before church (but only by allowing Violet to have Mr. Giraffe Puzzle Piece come with). 

Yes, I am not above bribing my children for photos of matching outfits.

And I am very glad I took those photos before church.  Kat's ankle was hurting bad enough that she did NOT want to stand on stage for the performances.  And, since Jerome was in a drama for service, I got to haul my lazy rear up the hill to the kids' building, carry Kat back down to the main building, carry her onto stage, set her up on the little stool, hide somewhere while they were singing, and carry her back up the hill to her class.  Twice.  No wonder I was tired.  And there are no photos of my children singing.

After church, the littles were playing with the nativity set my mom got them last year.  I love it because it is virtually indestructible.   They love it because it is, well, virtually indestructible.

Although I was a bit confused when I saw this:

According to Madi, Dora is Jesus's big sister.  Hmm...

Just a minute...

... is all I seem to have this week.  I have at least three posts swirling in my head, but neither the time nor the mental facility to get them typed out.  I have get done with work, go to the bank and the post office, pick up the sitter, get home, unload groceries, load up the kids, get to the rehearsal dinner, try to not fall asleep at the rehearsal dinner, try to not fall asleep on the way home, get the minions to bed, and crash.  That will be the next opportunity to type.  I can almost guarantee you won't get another post out of me tonight.


Tomorrow is the library, finding some cheap sunglasses for the drive to Denver until I can get some good ones (since I have broken 3 pairs in two weeks), getting the kids down for early naps, making three lasagnas (2 for new mommies, 1 for Jerome while I'm gone), getting dinners prepped for Jerome for next week, finding time for a shower, figuring out something appropriate to wear, making sure the kids are presentable, threatening them with death and dismemberment if they misbehave during the wedding, keep them quiet during the wedding, keep them from stripping and dancing naked during the reception, trying not to fall asleep on the way home, get the minions to bed, and crash.


Sunday is church (both services), church business meeting, home for naps for the kids and meal prep for me, leadership family meeting and potluck at church, keep the minions from stripping and dancing naked in the church, trying not to fall asleep on the way home, get the minions to bed, and crash.


Monday is frantically try to get the kids out the door and in the car on time by myself since Jerome will be at bible study (sheesh - those men who want to lead their families and stuff), drop off Kat at school, drop off the littles at the nanny's, work, fix dinner, pack for Denver, arrange car stuff with Dad (I get to rock the Expedition to Denver baby!), and crash. 


And Tuesday we leave.


And my minute is up. 

This Weekend I...

This Weekend I...


... got these beautiful flowers from my sweet hubby at work, for no particular reason.

...spent a sweet breakfast with girlfriends from church.


... got to fix lunch for over 50 kids kindergarten through 5th grade.


...  had 1 1/2 hours to prepare for a surprise 40th birthday party for a friend.


...  hosted a wonderful surprise birthday party, thanks mostly to some amazing girlfriends who came early to help.


... was able to be at church for the first time in a few weeks.  Man I love our family of choice!


...  TOOK A NAP!!!  HALLELUJAH!!!


... was tortured by the presence of the Three Musketeers and D'Artagnon in the backyard.

Just wait, my lovelies.  Only two more weeks...


... got my FB fix via crackberry and my blogging fix via hubby's computer since my computer has decided to die.  My less-than-a-year-old computer.  Thankfully, we are friends with a few fabulous computer guys.  Althought I'm not sure they appreciate being called fabulous. 


...  earned a nickname that I didn't really ask for.  Thanks to this post, and Rachel's wonderful comment (which I am going to make you find on your own), and an all-out FB war against my better judgement waged by the Queen of TST herself and my loving sister that lasted all stinking Saturday, I have earned the moniker of...




... Saint Poopicus.



... which is so much better than my nickname growing up, Tiffany Tooterooski.  Why do all of my nicknames revolve around bodily functions?

One Tough Chica

On Saturday, our family participated in the River Run for Orphans. It is a run that brings together people from all different churches to raise money for orphans around the world. Runners and walkers gather pledges from friends, family, and others, then walk or run a 5K course along the River Trail here in beautiful Colorado.

Jerome ran last year, and gathered pledges to run again this year. Feeling a little under the weather lately, I opted to be a course marshall with the kiddos. Pushing a double jogger 3.2 miles with an extra 60 lbs of kiddo did not exactly appeal to me. Although there were many tough individuals that did run the race with kiddos. They are so much tougher than me...

Before the "real" race, there is a kids 1-mile fun run. About 5 minutes before the start, Katrina decided she wanted to run. Good thing we put her tennies on her this morning. She was very excited to put her little number on her belly, and lined up at the start with Daddy.

She ran/walked the ENTIRE 1 mile course. I wasn't sure she'd last one lap, let alone 4. When she was done, they gave all the kiddos medals. She (according to the paper) came in 22nd, but definitely was first in her own mind.

When Madi saw big sis finishing the race, she decided she wanted in. So, she ran the last 30 yards to the finish line, collected a medal, then ran back to me. She also decided that she came in first. Didn't know we had a tie, but ok!

Violet got to spend most of the morning with one of her new favorite people, Miss Kayla. Kayla is the daughter of our new Pastors of Student Ministries, and an absolute joy.

After the kids race, the girls and I positioned ourselves on the course to cheer them on an make sure no one fell in the river. We all did our jobs marvelously, I might add. But, you can imagine my surprise when I got to work this morning to discover this wonderful article in our local paper about the race, featuring this lovely photo of my speed demon husband.

Yes, there he is on the right, starting the course. He's so cute. No, they don't give out medals to the big kids. Jerome was disappointed, but he took it well. The girls slept with theirs, and wore them all day Saturday. What a great morning raising money for a wonderful cause!

New Ministries & New Blessings

Jerome & I recently embarked on a new adventure at church. Our friends, the "J team" (Jen, Jo, Jinny, and Jill) that head up various areas of the children's ministry, all ganged up on us. Somehow we got coerced into heading up a new facet of the children's ministry. OK, we weren't coerced. We had been talking and praying about it for a while. Actually, since we stepped down from the student ministries. It didn't take much convincing. They pretty much said, "Hey, what do you think about...?" and we said, "sure". Like I said, it didn't take much.

Well, we are now (gulp) River Guides. We are forming a team of Super Greeters, whose ongoing mission is to boldly go where no greeter has gone before. To seek out shy children, and uneasy parents. To explore new ways of making kids excited to come to church. Sorry, too much Star Trek lately. I digress...

We have always loved visiting with people, and getting to know new visitors and members to our church. And, now, we get to love on kids and visit with all their parents every week. I am really excited.

But, soon after accepting this prestigious appointment (yes, it is similar to a Supreme Court acceptance - you're there till you die. Just kidding. I think. Am I Jen?), I got really overwhelmed. How in the world were we going to find enough people to greet during two services in two different areas each week? That's essentially four teams each week. Four weeks a month. 12 months a year. That's a lot of people. I got a little stressed. Cause I never do that otherwise...

And then, we had church this week. We have gone from a ministry of two (Jerome & I) to fifteen in three hours. We approached people we thought would be fun, welcoming, and available. And they said yes. We have four couples (not counting us), with a fifth still considering, and six middle schoolers and high schoolers. Kayla, our new youth pastor's amazing young daughter, helped us this morning, and is willing to take over one service for the next 4 weeks. We have the Three Musketeers (or Stooges) - three of our high school boys, who are going to join. Couples that weren't serving elsewhere on Sunday mornings.

The best part is that I still have a list of people to ask that is still longer than our list of people who've joined us. I am so excited to see where God is going to take this - a group of people who might otherwise not have known each other, serving together because it is needed. Isn't that what a church is supposed to do? Help where you're needed.

I have seen the potential this morning. I have seen how to get people involved. And I'm hooked. I wish everyone would find a place to serve in their church. You want to meet people? You want to make friends? You want to feel needed? Then serve. Somewhere. Anywhere. But, if you go to TRC, I'd prefer that you serve with us... cause our ministry is the best. Not that I'm biased or anything. But we're going to have the most fun. And I am giddy to see where God is going to take it!

P.S. - And, J team, I'm not feeling as overwhelmed anymore. Although I am racing to get to the QuissenSaunderDolbeeBerrys before you do.

Thoughts from the Other Side

This post is a long time coming. It has taken me a little bit to process my thoughts about Violet's hospital stay. Please understand, I am by no means trying to make it sound like a huge ordeal. There are so many other families and moms, like MckMama, Cari, and Linn, who have been and are walking through so much more. Our little adventure seems so pale in comparison. But it is still our adventure.

I was given the opportunity last Sunday to share a few minutes about small groups. Spend two minutes with me, and I'll probably ask you if you are involved in one. I love our group. We are by no means the smartest, wisest people in our group, but I love them all passionately. And, that Thursday, when I heard those words every parent dreads, I immediately thought of them.

We were supposed to start a new study that night, 40 Days of Love. All the usual suspects were to come over, along with some newbies we were looking forward to welcoming. But, I was going to the hospital with Violet. I called our amazing friend Jill, who immediately began calling & emailing the group, along with other friends from church.

Something amazing happened that afternoon. As I was sitting with Violet, comforting her as the nurses poked and prodded, I felt peace. I am not a peaceful person, by nature. I am a worrier/freaker-outer! But I was peaceful. I could literally and physically feel people praying over me. You may be tempted to stop reading here, thinking that this is too weird. Imagine how I felt! I could sense that, in the spiritual, friends and family were dropping to their knees and lifting my baby before the Throne of the Almighty.

What a humbling, honoring thought that is. That people were willing to pray for us, for Violet, for me. The entire time we were there, I was at peace. There is no more helpless feeling than watching your child sleep in a hospital bed, knowing that you as Mom cannot fix her. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that a large part of the reason Violet recovered so quickly was because of the prayers offered up on her behalf.

I am trying to write real thank you notes to everyone who visited, brought meals, took our kids, fed my caffeine addiction, etc while we were there, but for now a virtual thank you will have to suffice.

And if you are one of those who doubts the power of prayer, join the club. It is something I have struggled with since asking Christ into my life. It is much easier to believe that God will heal/answer prayers for others than for me. I cannot doubt that now. I have seen the proof. But, God knows it is a journey of faith and trust for us. This is one of my milestones, a time I will look back upon in the dark of night and say, without doubt, "God heard me then, He can hear me now!"

Thankful Thursday...Choices

I love Passover Week. I will admit, I am a history/archeology nerd. I love reading the footnotes in my bible, watching the shows on the History Channel, studying the rituals. I'm a bit of an apologetic, and I love to prove the truth and accuracy of God's Word, historically. I even chose for our ladies book club the new Josh McDowell book, The Case for the Real Jesus. They are, I suspect, just trying to be nice to me. But I'm loving it! I've read it twice so far.



Somehow, every year, during the week before Easter, my thoughts wander. You see, Easter is not just the celebration of Christ's Resurrection for me. On Easter, 1998, I rose from the dead, was freed from myself, and began a relationship with the Holy Creator of the Universe. Easter is my birthday! And this is one birthday I don't mind celebrating!

But I cannot help but wonder at all the choices that went into my salvation. First, God chose to place me in the family and time that He did. My parents tried for 2 1/2 years to conceive me. Then, He chose to have me go to DHS. Then He chose to place me in a French class with a cute white kid with a fro. Jerome & I chose to start dating. Jerome chose to love me, even though I thought his beliefs were ridiculous. Jerome chose to continue praying for me. My now mom-in-law, Rebecca, chose to allow him to continue the relationship, because she saw something higher. Mark chose to challenge Jerome in where the relationship was going, and to pray for me. Jerome chose to stick with me, to answer all my questions, to ease my fears. Jerome chose to invite me to church. The members of the church chose to welcome me, to love me regardless. And finally, I chose to trust. I chose to trust that words I read were true, the love I felt was real. And I chose Jesus.

We may think our choices don't matter, that we really do not affect eternity. But they do. Every choice, great or small, will affect the destiny of someone. And that someone could be someone like me.

This week, I am so thankful for those choices. Because those choices led me to the greatest relationship I could ever have. And, on Sunday, I get to celebrate 11 years of friendship with Jesus, who chose me.

The End of an Era

As I hinted at previously, Jerome & I recently spent our last Wednesday evening at church with the middle and high school students. What a bittersweet night that was! Jerome began serving with the youth in 1998, and I joined him in 2000. What a blessing these past years have been. I love these amazing students, and always will. We made this decision right after Christmas, and immediately felt peaceful about it. That, in itself, is an answer to prayer for me. I had always asked God that, when it was time to move on, He would confirm it to me by giving me peace about it. We have endured many hard times in the years we served, but never felt that peace until now.

A funny side note - along with that peace, God has filled my heart with a passion and love for these students that I have never felt before. At first, I actually said "Seriously, God? Now? You wait until NOW to fill me with this passion?" But, God knew what He was doing. He knew that the passion He was giving me was going to feed this next move in our lives.

This generation that I love is desperately feared and hated by Satan. Why else would we have the problems with suicide, drug and alcohol abuse, child abuse, pornography, abortion? Yes, it is the product of a society, but I believe it is also a direct attack by the enemy of their souls. Satan knows just how powerful these young people would be for God's kingdom.

Jerome & I have been leading a small group in our home for a few years. God revealed to both of us that the problems we saw in the youth, began in their homes. It begins with their parents, their home life. And, to be quite honest, we are tired of watching Satan tear apart families. I know far too many couples that have gotten divorced or are contemplating separation right now.

This is why we are now at the "end of an era". I want to see marriages thrive, reunite, be bold. I want to see husbands who love their wives as Christ loves the church. I want to see wives really learn the true meanings of love, submission, respect - not the distorted, ugly, worldly versions, but God's amazing, freeing, joyful intention. And, please understand, Jerome and I are NOT the models for this - we are imperfect, learning, screwing up and trying again.

My current favorite band is Casting Crowns. I fell in love with their song "Slow Fade", but love it even more now that I've seen the video. This song encompasses everything I want families to realize.

Thankful Thursday... Our Amazing Home Group!

Every Thursday, this crazy bunch of people invades our house, terrorizes our cats, systematically puts EVERY toy on the floor, and raids our fridge. And, every week, we welcome them back with open arms and look forward to the next Thursday. Are we crazy? Yes! Do we absolutely love these amazing people who come to our home group every week? Yes! And so, this week is dedicated to those wonderful families that have blessed our lives in ways they will never understand.


To the Palmers:

What an honor to call you friends. You have been there through so much. You have seen us at our worst, and our best. You consistently challenge us to strive toward righteousness in ALL things, to honor God above ALL else. Your children are a joy, your friendship priceless. You are amazing, & we love you!


To the Randols:

I still vividly remember your first night at our house. What an amazing road Papa has walked you down since that night. You are our examples of perseverance, of faith, of honoring God in everything. You consistently give, not because you have to, but out of your desire to please God & love on others. Thank you for giving unselfishly, and encouraging us down that same path.


To the Dendys:

Oh, our twins! Only God could have planned two separate families to be so alike in so many ways! Your joy of life is so spontaneous, so catching. Even when life's struggles are weighing on you, you still take time to minister to others. What a testimony you are to God's miraculous works, His love of adoption, His presence in the midst of trials. You trust, even in the middle of the storm. That trust is not common.


To the Richards:

You ARE a redemption story - a testimony to fulfilling promises. We strive to make our marriage more like yours - unconditional love, unselfish desire for the other person. You are both so gentle in spirit, yet so strong. People are drawn to you because of those things. I firmly believe that God has a greater calling & purpose for you both in your marriage. I cannot wait to see where He takes you, because I know it will be incredible.


To Mike D:

I admire your optimism. No matter what situation you are in, you can find the silver lining. Not many people are capable of that - it is a gift. You can be serious & thought-provoking when needed, but will let loose & have fun when you can. That is a balancing act that requires skill! We love your stories, your ideas, your passion for life. There is a greater testimony that will come out of your struggles right now - I don't know the details, but I do trust that God can take these lemons and make lemonade! Thank you for joining us for dinner these last few weeks - all of us look forward to our time with "Uncle Mike"!




To the Millicans:

Jenni & Josalyn, the only way I can describe you is sweet. You have both been through more junk than two precious people deserved, and yet your outlook on life is so positive. You are tenacious, a fighter. But you know that your battle is not with the flesh, but the spirit. And so, you fight in the spirit. Thank you for all the encouragement you have given us - your kind words mean the world to all who are blessed to know you.




To the Belins:

Ester & the girls - what an amazing bunch! Esther, you are such an amazing mom! You fight for your daughters, both in the physical & on your knees. You are so strong. It was such a treat the night you shared your "Christian" heritage - the love of family, both physical & spiritual, is so important to you. You are a missionary to the college, and I have no doubt that, one day before our Saviour, He will introduce you to all the people that are in the kingdom because of your influence. You are influential, and you have taught your girls that as well!




To the Hoyts:

You two are perfect for each other! I love watching the friendship between you develop. You are always looking for a way to have fun & make other people laugh. You have loved and continue to love all the crazy children that attack you, and are always willing to pour into their lives. You care so deeply for the people you love - I think that when people really get to know you both, they realize just how much you do love. Thank you for sharing in our quirkyness - it fun to have other "weird" people around!



To the Krupas:

Thank you for FINALLY coming to our group! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. It has been such a joy to get to know the amazing wife that God had planned for Mike, because you two truly are a perfect fit! You are both great examples of true servants - people who consistently place the needs of others before their own. Thank you for the love you give our children - the girls love to see "Poopa & Miss Stepany". You have a wisdom that exceeds your years - don't be afraid to use it!



To the Klines:

What great friends God chose to place in our lives. You are prayer warriors - unafraid to storm the doors of heaven with every need. You speak truth with discernment, and are able to give the perfect word of encouragement. Your presence is like a breath of fresh air - always refreshing & life-giving. You persevere through the storms, but are unafraid to share with others that you are in a storm - that transparency is unusual. I am delighted to see where God is going to take you next - it's gonna be big!



To the Beachs:

Yes, I know - they haven't actually shown up on Thursday nights yet. But, there are bonds that go beyond the physical with this family. You are a serving, loving family. You actively look for a need, then figure out how to meet it. You don't just sit around waiting for someone else to tell you. You have been through so much as a family, and you fight as a family. This is a tight-knit bunch! It is unusual these days to see a family with older children who are so respectful of their parents. That type of respect takes a lot of dedication. Thanks for being an example of successful parenting to the rest of us!

We are so honored to have you all in our home every week. Every Thursday, as I write my Thankful Thursday post, I look forward to the evening I am blessed to share with good friends. You all have taught us so much - about life, love, friendship, honor, service, family, prayer, devotion, God. Thank you, my friends!

For the Saunders...please pray!

I know I have a few "lurkers" and readers that do not follow our dear pastor Linn's blog. I have wanted to post about what has been going on this week, and to ask you to plead in prayer for them with me, but I simply did not know where to start. My heart is so heavy, and so hurting for this family, that I couldn't even begin to write.

Wednesday morning I received a call at 7:15 AM from Linn. When she answered, she was so hysterical I could barely understand her. Their home was on fire. She had gotten all the kids out of the house, but couldn't get diapers for the little ones. For those of you who do not know, they have 9 children, both by birth and adoption, with 6 of them at home. Her husband Dwight was about an hour away at a pastor's retreat. We live nearby, so as I quickly grabbed diapers, wipes, whatever I could think of, Jerome & the girls began praying.

The day was filled with frantic emails & phone calls as the news spread. Praise God, everyone is safe, but they believe they have lost most of their belongings. The damage to their home is extensive, but they believe it is repairable. They are now beginning the process of sifting through what is left of their belongings, a task I cannot even imagine.

And, when the timing couldn't be worse, their son Graham had to be rushed into emergency surgery yesterday for acute appendicitis. He is recovering well, but this dear family is beyond what they can handle. I know God's word says that He will not give us more than we can handle, but I can't imagine much more than this.

Two fellow bloggers, Lori and Lydsey, dear friends of the Saunders, have built a blog dedicated to updates about the family. They are also using this blog as a way for people to communicate how amazing this family is. You can go there for updates, and to leave encouragement for the family. They have also set up a ChipIn account for people across the nation and the world to be able to give to this family. Lurkers, this is the time to come out of hiding! This family could use all the support and prayer you can give. Please pray especially for the children - they are mourning the loss of their beloved possessions - blankies, stuffed animals, etc. Two of their precious family, Elizabeth & Elijah, just came home to them from Uganda right before Christmas.

Thank you, my dear friends & family, for lifting up this family with us.

Thankful Thursday...On Sunday?

I know, I know... I am so late it isn't even funny! I completely missed Christmas & New Year's, and I'm three days late this week. Well, better late than never, right? I have spent much of the last few weeks reminiscing over the last year. I have been so humbled by God's provision, mercy, and grace over the last 14 months. I feel like I have grown more in the last year in my walk with God than I have in the last 11. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths that Daddy has to go through to get me past my stubborn nature. And yet, for all the good, bad, and the ugly, I would not trade this year for anything!

Our "year" actually began on November 2, 2007, when our precious Violet was born. What a surprise her pregnancy was! Only 7 months after Madison was born, I was pregnant again! But what a gift she has been. Her birth was divinely ordained for such a time as this - I can't wait to see where God takes her next!

Our Christmas picture from 2007, taken by our friend Roxanne Vargas.

In January, we took a family trip to Paris with our great friend/babysitter extraordinaire Katie Swartzman. You might say we were crazy, taking 3 children under the age of 5 on a transatlantic flight. Yes, yes we are! But I would not trade the memories for the world! Here we are on the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Feeding the birds in a little park next to the Seine River.


Relaxing in the apartment. How the children have grown in a year!


Yes, I was crazy to take a 2 month old to France! But even more crazy to take Madison, who wasn't walking yet, and just as stubborn then as she is now!


Our family at Disneyland Paris. Such a great day, with so many fun memories with the girls!


By far, Kat's favorite part of the trip - getting to meet Cinderella!



She looks so little in this picture!


And Madison is so little, too - still a baby.

Shortly after our Paris trip, we decided that I needed to go to work to help with our family's finances. God opened an opportunity for me to work at my parents' office. I was there part time until September, when I started full-time. We have learned so much humility (how do you tell your parents that you want to work for them?) and grace (parents that still love you even when you have to admit that you've royally screwed up). We have seen God provide, financially, emotionally, and spiritually, in ways that we would not have imagined. And His ideas for provision are so much cooler than ours! We have seen Jerome's business go from losing 6 deals in 3 months to having a home under contract that was only on the market for 2 weeks! We have had friends come alongside us to watch our children so that I can work (many, many, many thanks to all of you). We have had friends, family, and mentors pray for us continually. We made it through 10 months with no real estate sales, and God provided. Such a great time to be alive!

Violet during 4th of July celebrations - what a party animal!



The Blegers terrorize Indiana! Cousin Michael got married October 4, so we ALL flew TOGETHER (thanks Mama) for the celebration. And we're all still alive! Seriously, it was a great trip, and so wonderful to watch the girls with their great-grandpa. He is so precious & loving, just like his daughter.


Madison & Papa at a Tucker family wedding in October.


The princess & the King! he, he, he... I only say "King" because we are constantly reminding the older princesses that Mommy is Queen of the Castle!


The infamous poop night! If you missed that post, click here and prepare to laugh until you pee your pants. I will NEVER forget that night.


Our 2008 family picture, taken in October by my daddy. While Mom did really silly, embarrassing things to get the grandkids to smile. They never did that for us. They threatened... yeah, again, good to be the grandkid!





Violet's 1st birthday party! Such a little princess!

The Tucker/Bleger family trip to Phoenix for Thanksgiving. Violet got to meet that family, including the great-grandparents, and we got to wear shorts! God is good!

They still love the ears, even after a year. And now, Violet actually likes to wear them.

They're big enough now to perform in the Christmas program at church.

All in all, this has been an amazing year. Filled with joy, heartache, praise, prayer, miracles,tears, laughter, family, friends, frustrations, fears, provision, and trust. I believe that is the most important lesson I have learned this year - trust. I CAN trust Daddy! Thank you , my friends, for sharing in this year with me, for walking with our family, for holding us up in prayer, for laughing with us, for sharing life. I am honored, and looking forward to what God has in store for 2009. It's gotta be good!

Christmas Memories

I know, I know... It's after New Year's, and I'm just now blogging about Christmas. So, I'm a little behind. We've been slightly busy in our house. So, be prepared for a whole slew of posts. I've commandered the laptop and I don't plan on giving it back until I'm caught up! Blogging meets anal rententive. Gotta love it!

Anyways, I love Christmas. I love the decorations, the parties, the time with family. Since much of our family is out of the area, here are a few memories from this season:

Katrina singing with friends Kale and Grace in the kids' program at church (thanks to Jill P for the pics - our batteries died in our camera right after it started).

Madison as a sheep in the program. She really enjoyed being a sheep. She, in fact, insisted that she was going to be a sheep every time we went near the church for the next two weeks.

Our beautiful tree - found after a mile and a half hike into the woods behind my parents' ranch. Grandma and Grandpa went up early to "scout" potential trees. When we got there, Grandma showed Madison the tree she liked & asked her if she liked it. Madison said, "No, I no like it." Grandpa then took her to his tree and asked the same question. Madison said, "I like it. It's pretty." Guess which tree ended up at my parents' house? Yup, my dad, big fat tree. The pretty, perfectly formed tree ended up at our house. Good choice Madison!

Katrina & Madison enjoying some hot cocoa after the "hunt".

My mom & dad's tree - aka Madison's choice. Aka the fat tree with the massive pile of presents!

Our back deck after the huge snowstorm - we got a bunch of snow in not much time. It was the first white Christmas in a while!



Jerome's parents' tree - they actually got lights on it before Christmas this year! Now we'll just have to see how long it takes to get it down.


Our front yard after the second major snowstorm of the season. We're now officially tired of shoveling!

Thankful Thursday... Girlfriends!

Yeah, yeah, I know... this is STILL not about Jerome. But, trust me, there is an ulterior motive at work here. We will tout the praises of my spouse in the future, but today is all about friends!

And, just so you know, I started this with listing specific people and why I am thankful for them. But, then I realized that SO many women contribute a part of themselves to inspire me, the list would be very long. I would also feel horrible if I forgot to list someone. And the attributes of a friend can sometimes get forgotten. And I didn't want to start any catfights!

Girlfriends:

• love you when you are unlovely.
• challenge you to be a better wife, mother, and woman of God.
• understand when you have become so addicted to blogging that you JUST HAVE to figure out the whole background thing!
• love your children when you can't.
• give you a swift kick in the rear when needed.
• hold you when you cry.
• challenge you to realize that most ministry does not happen at church.
• help you see the awesome splendor of God's creation when it's easy to be focused on the mundane.
• know that you drink your coffee with a straw, and are ok with that.
• put up with and laugh at all your other weird habits.
• know all your weird habits.
• know all your dirty laundry, and love you more because of it.
• encourage you to live your passions & dreams.
• find the good in you when all you see is the crap.
• pray, anytime.
• laugh over dumb things.
• push you outside of your box to find where you are truly called.
• can see you looking your worst & still think you're beautiful.
• can see you looking your best and know that you're hiding.
• don't care how clean your house is, but how clean your heart is.
• love you no matter what.
• are there no matter what.

Thank you, my girlfriends, for being there for me. You inspire, challenge, comfort, and encourage me in ways I will never be able to express. Thank you for allowing me to be me, to share my heart, and to let down my guard. I am truly thankful that my Daddy has given me such wonderful friends with whom to share this life. I couldn't do it without you! Know that you are a blessing today!

And, if you do not feel like you have someone in your life who is like that, tell me. I will gladly volunteer!

Prayer for Today

I would just like to offer a prayer for a dear friend today, Ashley Beech. She is having surgery at the Children's Hospital today in Denver. Her mom, Kim, has posted details on her blog, http://beachfamily4.blogspot.com/. Ashley is such a dear young lady, so loving to our family. She is amazing!


Papa,
Protect Miss Ashley. Please cover that hospital with your angelic host today. As she is prepped for surgery, I pray that she feels your tangible presence with her in the room. Give her peace and hopefullness today. Guide the surgeon's hands, and keep watch over all the equipment and people involved in this surgery. Keep Kim, David, and Chris sane today, as they wait for news. Holy Spirit, I pray you comfort & ease the burdens on all of their minds. Ashley is a dear daughter, sister, and friend, and I KNOW this will become another miracle story to add to her testimony. Let this procedure be a witness to everyone she comes into contact with in that hospital. May your glory be evident! You are amazing! You have a divine appointment for Ashley & Kim in Denver! You never intend pain & suffering, but you can and do turn all things for your purpose. Let your power, presence, and might be thick in Denver today! Amen

Please take a few minutes to pray for this amazing young lady today. She gives so much of herself to so many children. Thanks, friends!

tiff

Is ALL Scripture God-Breathed?

So, this man, who is apparently very smart (PHD in Theology), decided to comment on my Thankful Thursday blog. He specifically referenced my use & belief in Malacai 3:10-12. I promptly deleted it, because it was too long, and why would I keep a comment from someone I don't even know on there? But, it got me thinking. How many people are like him? He claimed that this passage was THE most mis-quoted & mis-used passage in the Bible in regards to tithing & offerings. His basic premise is that tithing is an Old-Testament concept, completely irrelevant and inappropriate in light of the New Testament grace. And offerings were ususally, if not always, food & animals, not money. He claimed that the tithe & offering were no longer appropriate spiritual disciplines for Christians to follow. He also referenced encyclopedia articles, which I checked out, that refer to the tithe as a 6th century Roman Catholic initiative to tax the general population. It then spread to the secular government. Some churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox, have never accepted the tithe, while others require it of members.

While yes, I agree that "tithe" is mentioned far more in the Old rather than New Testament, there are numerous examples of both church leaders & lay people bringing both money & physical goods to the church for the benenit of both the church and the community. I happen to look at 2 Timothy 2:16. It says, "16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,..." Why would God write something, New or Old Testament, if it were not appropriate for use in the building of our faith?

Perhaps I am way off track. Maybe my faith is too simple. Maybe I am in error for taking God at his literal Word. And perhaps I am not. Maybe this country, and "Christianity" has become too intellectual. Perhaps we spend more time analyzing & criticizing, instead of obeying & loving. While God welcomes believers with a brain, I do believe that it is easy to "intellectualize" too much. I was guilty of it. I had to come to a place where I realized that I was not smarter than God. I had to take Him at His word. I would welcome your comments, as long as they are not too long-winded! And believe me, I am grateful for this very smart man's comment, because it means that people are reading my blog! And if I can challenge a few people to reexamine their beliefs, while sharing the joys & trials of our family, then PRAISE THE LORD!

In Honor of Our Pastors

While I was creating my "Thankful Thursday" list, I realized just how grateful I am for the pastors of our church - ALL OF THEM! Because, husbands & wives have to be a team in ministry for it to succeed. And these couples have succeeded! So, since I know that at least one member of each pastor household is a blog addict, I would like to take the time to honor each of them. I encourage you to do the same...

Pastor Dwight:

I cannot even begin to imagine the emotional & spiritual challenges you have faced on a daily basis since coming here. But, I am so grateful that you continue to face those challenges head-on, unafraid. You lead our church with passion, integrity, & committment. You have & continue to challenge our family to strive towards Christ and His calling for us. Thank you for preaching the truth, no matter what.

Pastor Linn:

Thank you for being transparent. You have shared so much of your life with us. You are who you are, in every circumstance. You don't beat around the bush, and you don't play games. You continue to challenge me to be consistent in my relationships, to give honor where honor is due, & to show respect to people, even when they may not deserve it. You have challenged me to look at myself through my Daddy's eyes, & I will forever be grateful for that revelation. You are amazing!

Pastor Seth:

I am so grateful you & Maria came to Durango with Dwight & Linn. You have challenged me to let go of my compulsive, organized side for a while & just go where the Spirit leads. You lead with passion & love. You are an encourager, constantly seeking to bring out the Spirit's gifts in people. Thank you for seeing the gifts in me. My heart is both overjoyed & broken to see you go to SF. I will miss serving with you, but I know you will accomplish great things there. Thank you for encouraging me to look beyond the walls of our church, & challenging me to serve, even when I may not "feel" like it.

Maria:

I love you, girlfriend! I really feel that God brought me a kindred spirit when you & Seth came here. You are an example of how to bring balance to relationships. You serve wherever you are needed, whenever you are needed. You have shown that, yes, women can be passionate about sports! Before you came, I thought I was the only one! You have taken all of the "God" surprises in your life, & thrived. I will miss you so much when you leave... Thank you for speaking the truth, even when it hurts. Thank you for enouraging me, & helping me to see God in EVERY circumstance!

Benjie:

Wow, what a joy you are to my life! You are a bringer of joy to everyone you meet. People cannot help but smile when they are around you. I have so much respect for the passion you show - you wear your heart for God & Megan on your sleeve! You have shown me that the only things you really need in this life are your relationships. I have watched you walk by faith in so many situations - you encourage my faith every day. You have challenged me to seek God everyday, in every place. Thank you for helping me see Him! And, by the way, the Lakers will never compare to the Suns!

Megan:

Thank you for becoming a prayer warrior. You have challenged me that prayer is so much more than most people realize - that an intimate, personal relationship build on trust & conversation is possible with the Ultimate Creator. Thank you for being willing to serve, wherever in the world God calls. Thank you for challenging me to follow my dreams, & to discover what those dreams are. You, like Benjie, are examples of faith giants to me. Seeing God provide in amazing ways for you, because of your faith, has encouraged me to trust my Daddy for those "faith mountains" in my life. I pray that my girls follow their Heavenly Daddy like you have - in absolute faith & trust!

Mark:

Oh Mark, my friend, my absolute opposite! Thank you for stealing me from Children's Ministry so many years ago. You sparked a passion for young people that I wish I could explain. You challenge me to think outside the box, to let go of myself & my desire for control, & to just have fun with life. Thank you for consistently hearing & following God, even when it didn't make sense at the time. Your "hat" at the church has changed a few times throughout the years, but your passion & commitment to God's people hasn't. Thank you for taking Jerome under your wing so many years ago, & not letting him go. You have helped to shape him into the man he is today, and in the future. You & Jill have challenged me to never give up, & to never lose hope. You have held Jerome & I up when we could not stand on our own. I am eternally grateful to God that He gave us such amazing friends & traveling partners for this journey.

Jill:

My sunshine, my friend, my challenger, my encourager, my JillyBean! I love you so much! You have seen the best in me, even when I couldn't. You have taught me so much about biblical counseling, prayer, accountability, true friendship, motherhood, life as a wife, life in ministry, integrity, etc., etc., etc. Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I tried, in my times of depression, to push you away. Thank you for pushing harder. Thank you for loving me in my ugliest times & seasons. Thank you for "rejoicing when they rejoice, and weeping when they weep". You have been there for us, and me, no matter what. I pray that someday I am able to return to you even half of what you have given me.

Adam:

How far we have come! Thank you that, even when we didn't get along, we were able to love each other through Jerome. Thank you for loving & encouraging him. I, as a wife, can only do & say so much. The love of a brother is so strong! Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for listening to the calling of God on your life, & obeying. Your time as the youth pastor has encouraged & challenged me like no other time in my Christian walk. Your teaching & leading of the Well has pushed me to strive towards Christ with reckless abandon. You continue to challenge me in integrity, transparency, and honesty. You have pushed me to do things that were uncomfortable, but necessary for my growth. Thank you for getting me out of the kitchen, too! I wish I could convey in words what your leadership has meant for my walk - all I can say is that I am closer to God & more confident in His calling on my life now than I have ever been, and I know that a great portion of that has come from you. Thank you!

Kristin:

I had to save you for last, because I knew that if I started with you, I would be crying so hard (at work, no less) that I wouldn't be able to continue. I cannot express my gratitude to God for bringing you into Adam's life. I will never, as I have told you before, be able to forget the first description I heard about you, from Jerome. "I think I just met our sister-in-law". Jerome is not known for his immediate confidence in situations, so the fact that he said that spoke volumes to me. I know that Adam had started the journey back to God when you met, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that it has been your influence in his life that has led him this far. You have challenged us to seek God's plan for us, no matter what anyone else says. While we have had our challenges in our relationship, there is no doubt in my mind you will be there for us, no matter what. You have shown me that it is okay to say no, and to serve where God has called you. Thank you for continuing to serve on the worship team after Pax was born - what an example that children are a continuation of the ministry, not the end! Thank you for being my sister. Thank you for leading the youth with integrity, & encouraging the leaders to challenge students in their integrity. Thank you for not standing behind Adam, but alongside. Thank you for showing me what a strong woman in ministry looks like. Thank you for loving my children - there are few people on this earth that matter more to them than Uncle Adam & Aunt Dub! I love you, now & forever, my sister & friend!

Thank you, all of you, for what you do. You inspire, challenge, encourage, & lead me towards Christ every day. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I am grateful for all of you!