Wow, has it really been a month since I posted on Thankful Thursday? And, what a month it has been! I will admit, I have thought a lot lately about these posts, and have struggled with it. I have struggled to find and hold on to those things for which I am thankful. I know they are all around me, every day, but I have still struggled to see them.
This week, I will choose to be thankful for God's promises. Even though I do not completely understand the storm I am in, I will choose to be thankful. Because God, unlike man, NEVER goes back on what he has promised. He is ALWAYS there, and never stops loving. Here is what He has given me lately, much-needed Scripture that has calmed my heart and mind. Thank you Daddy, for your reminders.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."(Proverbs 21:5)
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.”(Ephesians 1:11)
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." (Colossians 3:12-15)
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." (Philippians 3:8-9)
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Have a great Thursday!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Toilet Update
So, if you missed the latest toilet adventure, read it here first.
By the time we realized what was in the toilet, it was too late. We had already plunged it back to working order. And, since we are on a community sewer system, we are hoping that the sarong has made its way through the pipes and through the system.
On another plumbing note, I got to teach my husband how to dismantle & put back together our kitchen sink last week, as we had an unidentifiable clog in the s-trap. Really, it was unidentifiable. I have no idea what this chunk of "stuff" was, and no idea how it even got down there. Oh well, chalk it up to another "only our family..."
By the time we realized what was in the toilet, it was too late. We had already plunged it back to working order. And, since we are on a community sewer system, we are hoping that the sarong has made its way through the pipes and through the system.
On another plumbing note, I got to teach my husband how to dismantle & put back together our kitchen sink last week, as we had an unidentifiable clog in the s-trap. Really, it was unidentifiable. I have no idea what this chunk of "stuff" was, and no idea how it even got down there. Oh well, chalk it up to another "only our family..."
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Still Alive...Barely!
I know, I know. I am the queen of all slackers! I have not posted in so long, I was afraid my children were going to be driving before there was another update. Life has been INSANE in the last month. Here's a quick recap of the month of February in the Bleger house:
- Work (surprise)
- Passion Play auditions, casting, rehearsals, costume searches, etc.
- Monday the 9th - a virus attacks our computer network at work, affecting ALL of the American Family computers, NATION-WIDE! It took the entire month to fix. The only reason why I am able to post today is that I have finally caught up from all the chaos this caused!
- February 11th - our last night as youth leaders (more on that in another post)
- Sunday, Feb. 15th - Violet mysteriously develops a fever during church. Random.
- Monday & Tuesday, 15th & 16th - Violet continues to get sick, developing the nasty cough I hate, not sleeping, not eating, generally miserable.
- Wednesday the 17th - All the Bleger women stayed home with colds (I love the presents my children give me.
- Thursday the 18th - I tried to go to work, only to be twarted by the Violet virus yet again. We took her to the doctor, spent 3 hours, and learned nothing. No, wait, we have a long list of what she DOESN'T have. Helpful, very helpful.
- Friday the 19th - stayed home again with the coughing wonders, Violet & Madi. They alternated laying on my lap all day. So nice to snuggle, but got nothing done.
- Saturday the 20th - ALL the girls slept till 10:30! Yippee Jesus, to steal a phrase. We then took them to breakfast/lunch at MacDo since they were feeling better (thanks great-grandma!), then back home for the rest of the day. We have been trying to encorporate a Sabbath on Saturdays, and I must say, I'm becoming addicted.
- Sunday the 21st - All the girls were starting to get back to normal - JJ & I got to teach Kat's Sunday School class, then naps, housework, and tax preparation! Madi mysteriously woke up from her nap with a 103 temp., but she's also teething.
- Yesterday - back to work, PP rehearsals, & the general insanity.
- Today - trying to figure out where February went?!?!
- Work (surprise)
- Passion Play auditions, casting, rehearsals, costume searches, etc.
- Monday the 9th - a virus attacks our computer network at work, affecting ALL of the American Family computers, NATION-WIDE! It took the entire month to fix. The only reason why I am able to post today is that I have finally caught up from all the chaos this caused!
- February 11th - our last night as youth leaders (more on that in another post)
- Sunday, Feb. 15th - Violet mysteriously develops a fever during church. Random.
- Monday & Tuesday, 15th & 16th - Violet continues to get sick, developing the nasty cough I hate, not sleeping, not eating, generally miserable.
- Wednesday the 17th - All the Bleger women stayed home with colds (I love the presents my children give me.
- Thursday the 18th - I tried to go to work, only to be twarted by the Violet virus yet again. We took her to the doctor, spent 3 hours, and learned nothing. No, wait, we have a long list of what she DOESN'T have. Helpful, very helpful.
- Friday the 19th - stayed home again with the coughing wonders, Violet & Madi. They alternated laying on my lap all day. So nice to snuggle, but got nothing done.
- Saturday the 20th - ALL the girls slept till 10:30! Yippee Jesus, to steal a phrase. We then took them to breakfast/lunch at MacDo since they were feeling better (thanks great-grandma!), then back home for the rest of the day. We have been trying to encorporate a Sabbath on Saturdays, and I must say, I'm becoming addicted.
- Sunday the 21st - All the girls were starting to get back to normal - JJ & I got to teach Kat's Sunday School class, then naps, housework, and tax preparation! Madi mysteriously woke up from her nap with a 103 temp., but she's also teething.
- Yesterday - back to work, PP rehearsals, & the general insanity.
- Today - trying to figure out where February went?!?!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Only My Children...
I am throughly convinced that only my children could accomplish what just happened in our house. I was fixing dinner while Jerome & Katrina were playing video games. Madison & Violet were playing in Violet's room & the hallway. I heard them go into the bathroom, but didn't think much of it because they often go in there to stand at the bathtub & giggle. Don't ask why, I have no idea.
They were in the bathroom for a few minutes when I heard the toilet flush. I should have immediately turned off all water to the house & called the national guard. But I didn't. Another example of "Should have..." Anyways, a few minutes later I hear the toilet flush again. By now, my curiosity is peaked. So I go into the bathroom to find Madison staring at a backed-up toilet that is dangerously close to overflowing. As I began madly plunging, I asked Madison what she flushed down the toilet. I repeatedly got "Nothing" as an answer. The last time I checked, nothing does not clog a toilet!
So, I asked her what Violet put in the toilet. "My superhero cape." Really? Seriously? My two youngest conspired to flush a pink Hawaiian sarong down the toilet? We verified - the "superhero" cape is no where to be found in the house. Only my children...
They were in the bathroom for a few minutes when I heard the toilet flush. I should have immediately turned off all water to the house & called the national guard. But I didn't. Another example of "Should have..." Anyways, a few minutes later I hear the toilet flush again. By now, my curiosity is peaked. So I go into the bathroom to find Madison staring at a backed-up toilet that is dangerously close to overflowing. As I began madly plunging, I asked Madison what she flushed down the toilet. I repeatedly got "Nothing" as an answer. The last time I checked, nothing does not clog a toilet!
So, I asked her what Violet put in the toilet. "My superhero cape." Really? Seriously? My two youngest conspired to flush a pink Hawaiian sarong down the toilet? We verified - the "superhero" cape is no where to be found in the house. Only my children...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Up, Up, and Away!
Oh, I am so far behind in the blogging it's not even funny! I never thought a creative outlet could turn into a self-induced guilt trip! AHH!
Anyways, let's move beyond my weird ramblings. We got to go hot air ballooning with my parents a few weekends ago. Every year for Snowdown, my parents sponsor a balloon pilot for the rally. So, every year we get up before the crack of dawn to drag our children all over the Animas valley to chase a hot air balloon. Crazy, you say? Why yes, yes we are! But it is so much fun, we're addicted!
Here's the view of the north valley from the balloon.
Myself and our wonderful pilot, Martin. Martin, who is German, comes every year with his wife Carol. They have become great family friends. We were explaining to the girls what ballooning is, and what happens. We told the girls that Mr. Martin is the boss of the balloon. Madison replied, "I'm not the boss. Mr. Martin is the boss." We've been milking the "Mr. Martin is the boss" ever since...
Martin's balloon, Hopscotch, from the ground. Hopscotch is the blue & white checked balloon. Yes, it is the best balloon there!
Some of the other balloons inflating & preparing to meet the train. We all inflate the envelopes, lift off, then try to touch down in a field right next to the train tracks in perfect timing with the arrival of the special Snowdown Balloon Rally Train. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on the winds and air temperatures.
Another one of the envelopes. They were one of the first to lift off this year.
My dad helping to prepare the basket for take off. My parents actually went to the Albuquerque Fiesta last year with Martin & Carol. They are officially addicted!
This photo is to give you ballooning novices an idea of just how big the envelope is. This is our friend Terry who came down for the weekend. You have to hold the bottom of the envelope open so that the pilot can direct the propane gas into the envelope to inflate it.
Another view of the basket and envelope when they're inflating.
The Bleger Women, all bundled up and ready for adventure.
My mom with Terry & Terry's daughter's friend Crystal who came along for the ride. We had to threaten Katrina to get her to pose with them for this photo.
So, if you're ever up at the crack of dawn on the Saturday or Sunday of Snowdown, come join us. Pilots & Chase Crew are a different bunch of people, but some of the nicest I've ever met. And, who knows, you may just get to go up.
Anyways, let's move beyond my weird ramblings. We got to go hot air ballooning with my parents a few weekends ago. Every year for Snowdown, my parents sponsor a balloon pilot for the rally. So, every year we get up before the crack of dawn to drag our children all over the Animas valley to chase a hot air balloon. Crazy, you say? Why yes, yes we are! But it is so much fun, we're addicted!
Here's the view of the north valley from the balloon.
Myself and our wonderful pilot, Martin. Martin, who is German, comes every year with his wife Carol. They have become great family friends. We were explaining to the girls what ballooning is, and what happens. We told the girls that Mr. Martin is the boss of the balloon. Madison replied, "I'm not the boss. Mr. Martin is the boss." We've been milking the "Mr. Martin is the boss" ever since...
Martin's balloon, Hopscotch, from the ground. Hopscotch is the blue & white checked balloon. Yes, it is the best balloon there!
Some of the other balloons inflating & preparing to meet the train. We all inflate the envelopes, lift off, then try to touch down in a field right next to the train tracks in perfect timing with the arrival of the special Snowdown Balloon Rally Train. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It all depends on the winds and air temperatures.
Another one of the envelopes. They were one of the first to lift off this year.
My dad helping to prepare the basket for take off. My parents actually went to the Albuquerque Fiesta last year with Martin & Carol. They are officially addicted!
This photo is to give you ballooning novices an idea of just how big the envelope is. This is our friend Terry who came down for the weekend. You have to hold the bottom of the envelope open so that the pilot can direct the propane gas into the envelope to inflate it.
Another view of the basket and envelope when they're inflating.
The Bleger Women, all bundled up and ready for adventure.
My mom with Terry & Terry's daughter's friend Crystal who came along for the ride. We had to threaten Katrina to get her to pose with them for this photo.
So, if you're ever up at the crack of dawn on the Saturday or Sunday of Snowdown, come join us. Pilots & Chase Crew are a different bunch of people, but some of the nicest I've ever met. And, who knows, you may just get to go up.
P.S. - I have to give a huge thanks to Nick & Kristen Carico. They watched us inflate the envelope, then we ended up landing on the road just outside their condo complex. We yelled at them to come give us a hand, and they came & helped guide the balloon to the road. They also helped deflate & pack up the envelope & basket. They were a huge help!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Alright, I give in! 25 Random Bleger Facts
Man, and I thought high school was bad! Bloggy peer pressure is the worst. And it's all imagined! "Look at their posts. They're all doing this post. Why aren't you doing it?" And so, in an attempt to quiet the blog voices in my head, here are 25 Random Bleger Facts!
4. SkippyJon Jones is our current favorite book. We now call our children Princess Fluffernutter, Miss Kittenbritches, and Little Crumb Cake. If you haven't read the book, you need to. I don't care if you have kids or not. You need to read the book!
1. I (Tiffany) share my middle name, Lynn, with my mom and dad.
2. Jerome's full name should actually be Jean-Jerome Joseph Bleger Le Fier de Bras. Le Fier de Bras means "the pride of the arms". Don't ask why - it's a weird French thing...
3. We LOVE watching sports on TV - even the smallest ones!
4. SkippyJon Jones is our current favorite book. We now call our children Princess Fluffernutter, Miss Kittenbritches, and Little Crumb Cake. If you haven't read the book, you need to. I don't care if you have kids or not. You need to read the book!5. Every day when we drive by Joe's (a local coffee shop) on the way to the sitter's house, Madison asks me, "Momma, want coffee today?" Should it scare me that my children also know all the employees of aforementioned coffee shop by name?
6. Poop is a notorious subject in our household. Just don't ask... it's safer that way!
7. Both Jerome & I have birth marks, but none of our kids do.
8. We often turn on the ipod after dinner & dance in the kitchen while doing the dishes.
9. We have the only small kids in Durango who ask for green chili & salsa (I'm convinced of this).
10. We are addicted to hot-air ballooning. 
11. Our parents were told at birth that Jerome & I probably would not live.
12. Katrina & Violet were both surprises. Madison was the only one we actually planned. Funny, huh? You get what you ask for!
13. All three girls have flowers in their names - Katrina Rose, Madison Lily, Violet Rae. It wasn't intentional... at first...
14. One of our cousins was Miss France. She was recently barred from wearing her sash and crown for six months for posing half-nude.
15. All of us like seafood.
16. All of us are extremely ticklish, but I'm the only one who can control it when being tickled.
17. The Dinner Nazi (that's me) refuses to allow the rest of the family to succumb to the evils of the Palmer Household & have breakfast for dinner.
18. In the opinion of our children, there is nothing worse than getting your face washed.
19. Jerome loves to make up random words and see if he can get the girls to repeat them.
20. Favorite Phrases:
Tiffany: For serious?
Jerome: What do you mean?
Katrina: What did you say? (she's pretending to be hard of hearing to avoid chores)
Madison: NO (or some variation...)
Violet: abbadspbttt (not sure what that one means yet)
21. Katrina walks on her tippy-toes. The only time she doesn't is when we threaten her.
22. I can guarantee that I will hear two questions every morning: Who's coming over and are we going to church? Can you tell we like to be around our friends?
23. Katrina has inherited her daddy's ability to memorize things. She already has more Bible verses memorized than I do.
24. We have close to 50,000 sports cards in the basement. I have no idea what we are going to do with them.
25. The girls think it's really funny to steal clean underwear from Mom & Dad and run around the house with it on their heads. I know, I know... they're going to need therapy later!
These really are the most random things I could think of. Hopefully, there was at least one that you didn't know.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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:
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!
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