Stories, House Help, and Fun

     It was Beach Week at school this past week. This week tends to be one of my favorite out of the school year. It allows my inner Miss Frizzle to shine. Some of the days included:

Wacky Wednesday. I was struggling to think of what to wear and so Luke googled ideas for me and this is what the results were. I just so happened to have a shirt that was the perfect color for Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. I think this was my favorite outfit of the week. 

 Hawaii Day. I will say, I don't like to be cold so I went for the layered tropical look. 

Crazy Hair Day. I brought back the 80's

Class Color Day. My room had yellow. Wearing a tie with your apron is the classy way to go.

      Friday was the end of quarter reward so we took the kids skiing at Buena Vista. This was the first year that I didn't get to ski with them, but it was enjoyable day regardless. 

     Then Yesterday, the Lovely Keren Ruth and Benjamin were taking pictures for a wedding, so Mr. Ephraim and I got to hang out together. He helped me with my house cleaning. He is one happy camper and laid back little dude. 

We started by cleaning the bathrooms, he did the sweeping. 

Then we vacuumed. 

And he decided to organize my cupboards even though that wasn't on the list for the day. 

All that work makes a body hungry. 

    On to other things, the Lovely Keren Ruth and I have taken pictures together in the same spot at Church ever since Luke and I got married. Some how that just became the place where we would take a picture when we had a color contest, showed up matching, or just needed a photo. We hadn't taken one recently, so today we made it happen. Keren pointed out the other day, the fact that we are truly spectacular posers. What can I say!

Mara used our spot today as well. 

    And then there is this crazy story, and it makes me smile. This is my friend Katy. A couple years ago, her husband Andrew got a job up here. He showed up at Church one Wednesday night that Luke and I had stayed home. I got a text from Bonnie telling me that a family member of mine had visited Church. I asked her the name and it didn't ring a bell. But she said that he was somehow related to my Grandpa and Grandma Shearer, so I texted my Dad. It turns out he was my second cousin, meaning we share great grandparents. His wife Katy grew up in my grandparents Church and I remember her from VBS when I was quite little. Our parents all know each other and our grandparents are all friends, It's a small world out there. In these past two years they have become really good friends and we feel blessed to have them around. It just so happens that Katy is expecting their third baby and is due 1 day after me. So, these babies are 3rd cousins. 

May the rest of your Sunday be delightful and your week ahead a grand one! 

"Look at the beautiful world around you." ~Unknown 

For the Days We Don't Understand

       I do not always understand the Bible or God. I have frequently ended my devotion time confused and frustrated.  I read something and I allow the tangled web that is my brain get it all mixed up and confused and before you know it I'm frustrated or worried because I either don't get something, or I've allowed my own understanding in and that has clouded the truth.
      What I'm starting to learn is that I will never fully understand the mystery of God, at least not until I meet Him face to face, and that is ok. I need to get comfortable with my not understanding. I don't mean that I should give up pressing in or trying to understand, what I mean is I need to come to the realization that it's a learning process and I may not understand everything right away or in the time frame that I would like. I'm also slowly starting to learn that when I don't understand something, I can't let fear and the idol of my own understanding come flying in, because the minute I let that happen I loose all sense of logic and end up taking steps backwards instead of forwards.
      As I was thinking about this this afternoon, I thought about how it relates, in a way, to a problem I often come across as a teacher. Occasionally, usually in math, we will hit a topic that for some reason my students just can't seem to grasp. It doesn't seem to matter how much I explain it or lay out the steps, I simply end up with blank stares or looks of dismay(long division anyone).
      I know that the best way to teach students a topic is to help them to understand the "why" of something, but I also have come to realize that there are days they may just not get the "why," but we still need to learn the "how." They may not yet grasp the "why" of how long division works, but we need to at least get the "how" so that they can begin working to solve the problems.
      I know that for myself, the "why" for a lot of math things didn't really click till I was much older, but I could do the problems, I had figured out the "how." When we hit these road blocks in the classroom, I tell the kids that for now they need to just trust me and follow the steps that I've shown them, and that we will survive the unit.
     Back to my struggle with understanding, I can apply this same lesson. When I hit a road block and don't understand, instead of freaking out(which doesn't help ever, be it the Bible or math) I need to lean back into trust and God's peace. Trust what I do know, trust the wise and godly people God has put in my life, trust that some day I will figure it out, or even if I don't that's ok, because God is so good and full of grace. It says in Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I love this verse for multiple reasons, one of them being that part about God's peace transcending my understanding. But I've got to be willing to let that peace in. 
      Well, a brand new day is upon us. Lessons and Adventures abound. Happy Thursday!

"Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching." ~Unknown 

Memories and Waiting

      The other evening, Luke and I had dinner out at Steven and Bonnie's(Luke's parents). While we were there I took a picture of this sketch that I did back in 2010. It was a thank you note for letting us spend the weekend with them the 2nd time Jordan and I visited Bemidji, and it's been on the wall pretty much ever since.

       Jordan had needed to come up to get registered for school. At the time, I still had no intention of moving up here, but my friend Emily and I went along for the adventure. My friend Polly told us that we should stay with her family friends, the Williams while we were up here, so we did.
     That was the weekend when I met My Love, the Lovely Keren Ruth, my future in-laws and so many other people that have since become deeply important to my life. That weekend Luke and Keren gave us the tour of Bemidji as well as taking us to Itasca State Park where we went canoeing. It was a truly lovely weekend that made some pretty great memories. I do like how our story has happened and continues on.

At the Itasca fire tower. Jordan, Emily, Luke, Keren, and myself(the beginning of a great story)

     Back to the here and now. I am 35 weeks with 5 to go. The crib is set up, the car seat is ready, the hospital bag is packed, and yesterday Luke and I took a birth class at the hospital. So now we wait. 

Happy Sunday. 

"Today's moments are tomorrow's memories." ~Unknown

The Reverse Break-in

    The other day I returned home from school, I parked the car, walked into the house, turned the corner into the kitchen/dining room and noticed that something was different. Things were not as we had left them that morning. That's right, we had had a "break-in." But before you get all worried, let me assure you. It was a reverse break-in, instead of things missing, something had been added. It was the the type of "break-in" done by people you know and love, who just so happen to have a set of keys to your house.
    Long story short, there was a new dining room table left by Luke's parents, Steven and Bonnie. We have been talking about wanting a farm house table for quite some time. The table we currently had was very serviceable, but it was old and rather wobbly when we had all the leaves in. My dream had been to have a long, one piece(no leaves) rectangular table and there it was. Now when I say "new table" let me also clarify, this is not a new table. It is the table that Luke grew up with, the table that Steven made with wood from their land, and that has been sitting in their dining room for many many years. Steven and Bonnie had found a new table for their kitchen and thus decided to gift us theirs and we feel oh so blessed to get to own it.

    Thinking about "break-ins" reminded me of another time a year or so ago, when I wondered if perhaps someone had broken in to our house. I had decided that I wanted to slow roast a chicken for our dinner. So, one morning before work, I pulled out the roaster, placed the chicken in, got it all seasoned up and headed to work. When I returned home, the house no doubt smelled amazing as I walked in. I headed to the kitchen to check on my bird. I pulled the lid off and was instantly confused. There was a gaping hole where the breast should have been. I couldn't figure out who would have taken just the breast of our roasting chicken. When Luke got home I asked him and he laughed at me.  He then told me that he had noticed me putting the chicken in the roaster upside down and that the gaping hole was simply the back of the bird caved in on itself. Perhaps not my brightest moment but a funny one non-the-less.
    So there you have it, adventures that just keep coming. It's almost Friday my friends!

"Never go a day without laughing at least once." ~Unknown

Birthdays, Shoes, and other Randomness

     Yesterday was My Love's birthday. The big 30. He spent a good chunk of the day working out in his shop, creating.

      This is the 7th birthday I have gotten to celebrate with him. The first one was his 24th when we were dating. He is such a good man. He has an unshakable faith, a gentle spirit, a kind heart, and an easy laugh. He works hard and he loves to learn. I am so blessed to be able to live life with him.
      He had requested spaghetti for his birthday supper and german chocolate cake(The only cake he has ever asked for on his birthday as long as I've been around). As I was cooking the topping, I had to smile to myself remembering the first time I made his birthday cake. The recipe calls for 6 egg yolks. Now my mother-in-law occasionally will just cut the amount of eggs and use the whole egg instead of the yolk or the white, because in some cases that is just fine. So I figured I would just go ahead and do that. Well, apparently german chocolate cake topping is not a recipe where this works. As I was stirring the cooking goo I noticed that the egg whites were beginning to "scramble." Scrambled egg and pecan frosting...YUM.  So yeah, I guess you live and learn. It turned out much better this time around.
     34 weeks and 6 to go! I was thinking the other day about how Baby Williams has already amassed a nice shoe collection. I guess it runs in the family, both Luke and I have a decent collection of shoes.
    Work boots for when he needs to go split wood with Daddy(from Uncle Peter and Aunt Holly) Red Converse for when he needs a little pizazz in his outfit(from Uncle Jordan) and tractor moccasins for all his toddling needs(From Uncle Travis, Aunt Anna, and cousins)

    On another note, here is some randomness that always makes me smile. I keep a running grocery list on the refrigerator. Occasionally, after the Lovely Keren Ruth has been for a visit, I notice that new and unusual items have been added to the list. Things like chocolate and polka dotted underwear have made it on there and most recently it was armpit diapers and an ear wax candle. I like that girl, she brings joy to my life. 

    January is closer to the end than the beginning and as I've been working on my goals of learning what it means to follow Jesus, change my perspective, and live a life that is not run by fear, I've begun to think about something. I do believe that I have an idol in my life and it needs to go. An idol is anything we set up in our lives that takes top billing over Jesus, and nothing and no one is supposed to do that. I think that in a lot of ways, I have set up "The idol of my own understanding," and I turn to it a lot.

      Fear has become such an ingrained habit in my life that I will all to often listen to every thought that pops into my head and believe that it is the truth, regardless of whether or not it lines up with what God's word says. Fear can be so strong that it convinces me that these thoughts are the truth and that I must follow them. But in doing this, I take what I think I know or what I feel(my own understanding) and raise it up to a place where it does not belong. 

     Proverbs 3:5-6 says, 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean NOT on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

      Then Proverbs 28:25b-26 says, 

"But the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched. Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."

    I don't want to trust in my own understanding anymore, clearly it's a foolish way to go. I want to learn how to lay aside what my own uncertain brain tells me and look to God's word for wisdom. I want to learn how to rest in peace when I don't understand something and trust that in time, God will show me what I need to know and lead me through, rather then let fear seep in and confuse the issue. The learning goes ever on. Happy Sunday. 

"Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it." ~Unknown 

"You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind." ~Joyce Meyer 

The Chair

     My grandma has a chair, it is her spot. A big easy chair that has sat in pretty much the same spot in her and Grandpa's living room my entire life. Over the years the chair has occasionally changed, but the spot and the sentiment have not, that is Grandma's chair, and it is a good place.

Grandma, Lydia, and baby me 1989

Grandma, Lydia, and me 1999

Grandma, Baby Jordan, and me 1990

Grandma and me 1996ish

     I too am a creature of habit. Both Luke and I have spots that are "our spots" in our living room. I have a seat that I always sit at for staff meetings and teacher devotions at school. We have a spot at church and spots at the dinner table. It's nice.
     We all have our "spots." In a way, I think it may be a part of our desire for home, a place that is ours, where we are safe and comfortable. As I was thinking about this today, it occurred to me that in Jesus we find our spot. The One who designed us and our need for a safe space also designed the perfect safe space. A place where we can always rest in peace and security. In Jesus we can be confident that we are ok. In Jesus we can rest in peace. In Jesus we can relax, breath, and know that we are in the safest spot imaginable.
    Now in no way do I mean to imply that we can or should let our faith stagnate and remain unmoving. We should always be striving to grow deeper in our faith and our desire to know The One who created this life. But in that growth and forward movement we can remain ever steady in our "spot," that safe place that is Jesus. Rest in Him!

"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."
~Maya Angelou

"God's mercy and grace give me hope, for myself, and for our world." ~Billy Graham  

28 Degree Heat Wave...A Matter of Perspective

      Well, January is already half way through and as I mentioned before, my goal this year is to learn what it truly means to follow Christ and to start living my life from a new perspective. I decided that a good verse to sum up said goals would be,

Ephesians 1:17-18

"That the God of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." 

      This just says what I'm striving for this year. I want to seek wisdom, and learn some new things about The One who created me. I want the eyes of my heart to open up and start seeing things anew. I want to truly learn what it means to understand the hope that Jesus offers me each and every day. 

     After my last post on perspective, I've been thinking a lot about that concept and discussed it quite a bit with my students. I tend to turn lessons I'm working through in my own life into lessons for my students as well. A perfect example of perspective came today with the shift in the weather. 

     Last week was BITTERLY cold. Friday was cold enough(-31 actual temperatures) that they called school 2 hours late. They don't close or delay school for much up here. But today the sun has been shining with all its might and the mercury hit a balmy 28 degrees which felt downright blissful. Perspective!

So warm! 33 weeks and 3 days...Closer and closer!

Before Christmas, Luke made a purchase for his workshop that has brought him much joy. A metal lathe. I have been getting an education on the subject. It is an awesome blessing that fits into his dreams of a future in metal work. 

He has made a couple of little tops as he experimented with the lathe. They work pretty well and Ephraim thinks they are fun to stop once you get them going. 

      As this Sunday winds down, I hope that sun continues to shine in your hearts. Remember the Hope that The One who created today gives, and may your perspective be one of joy!

"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing." ~Camille Pissarro 

Perspective

     Today we got our crib and it is a beauty. Baby Williams is going to be snoozing in style. There are about 2 months till my due date... A little less than 8 weeks... 53 days till March 3. WOWZERS!     Today I was thinking about the different ways I can measure the time until his arrival. Perspective is an interesting thing. 2 months seems like awhile, 53 days does not. 

      There are many things in life that can be seen from different perspectives. One area that I have decided I need to change my perspective is my faith. I realize that all to often, I view God and His word from a perspective of fear, and that needs to change. I have decided that this year is going to be a year to change(there will certainly be changes coming in more ways than one), but I am specifically thinking of change in my perspective. I desire to get to know God in a new way. To change some negative thoughts that have become deeply ingrained. To truly learn what it means to follow Christ, and most importantly to learn how to rest in peace, say no to fear, and start living my faith from a different perspective. Adventures ahead!

The assembly process, he is pretty handy.

Work in progress.

      I've been craving a double layer, chocolate, cake with chocolate frosting for a couple days(I guess I might as well blame Baby Williams, seeing as there are only 53 days left to blame my eating habits on him). My Love brought this home as a surprise tonight. It wasn't double layered but he is a thinker, so he bought a tub of frosting, cut the top of, slathered on a layer of frosting and neatly returned the top. Ta-da! a double layer cake. He is too good to me.

    A new week is well underway. May your evening be delightful and your tomorrow even better! Happy Monday. 

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." ~Dr. Wayne Dyer

"The right perspective makes the impossible possible." ~Unknown 

Christmas 2016

     My Love and I returned home yesterday from a lovely adventure of Christmas and family and all such good things. It was good to spend time with my side of the family. All of my siblings made it except Jesse who unfortunately couldn't make the trip this time. Though, we are looking forward to seeing him in March when Baby Williams arrives. We also got to spend a couple days with my Kinney Grandparents and my Uncle, Aunt, and cousins from Missouri. I was reminded though of the saying that, "There is no place like home." It was wonderful to adventure and travel and see people, but I am quite happy to be home in our own little world once again.

We don't get to see Jordan nearly often enough. 

My Grandpa is a craftsman. On Monday we went out to his shop for a bit. He had found some cute chairs for Luke and I. We ended up sitting out there talking for awhile. 

 Grandpa is also a lover of red plaid and he likes to spread the love. I think Luke looks spectacular in his new lumberjack gear. 

This man is truly a wonderful blessing to me. I've been thinking lately about how very nice it is to be cared for. Luke is a great carer. He takes my arm across the icy driveway so I don't slip. He asks me to please stay home because the roads aren't good. He knows how tired I have been lately so he tells me to sleep in and rest when needed. He is ok with me waking him up in the middle of the night when I get a charlie horse so bad that I can hardly move my leg. I am so blessed. And Baby Williams doesn't know it yet, but he is too because Luke is going to be the best Daddy.  

   Speaking of Baby Williams he and I hit 31 weeks tomorrow. It is crazy that that means there are only 9 weeks left until he makes his appearance. I can't wait to meet him. Though I was thinking the other night that he and I are going to have to have a discussion about the hours he occasionally keeps. There are days where I don't feel him move or kick much until the end of the day. Specifically the other day, when he decided 11:30pm was the time to wake up and start dancing/kickboxing/gymnastic routining. That's all fine for now, but I would much prefer if he does those things during the day once he arrives.

Jordan is pretty excited about being an uncle and Baby Williams certainly benefited. Those tiny red shoes are simply too adorable. When I was a kid, my dad was known for his red tennis, now Baby W. can literally follow in his grandpa's footsteps. 

     And now the New Year with all it's adventures and surprises is just about here. May the rest of your 2016 be delightful!

"A new year is on the way and the possibilities are endless." ~Unknown

Thanksgiving Eve 2016

      There is a lemon pie baking in the oven, pie crust for two pecan pies chilling in the fridge and a ham just waiting to go into the oven. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I love it. The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. This year we will be having dinner at Luke's sister Abbi's house. I was told to bring a side and got carried away. Luke's favorite is pecan pie and my favorite is lemon so what is a girl to do. Plus last night I was sadly bemoaning the fact that we rarely have ham for Thanksgiving. Luke then logically suggested the idea that we take one as a part of of our contribution. He is so smart! And then I'm also taking a a hot orange and cranberry spiced punch which my mom starting making years back and I've been making ever since.

    Now the pies are out of the oven and a big pot of curry is bubbling on the stove simmering its delicious flavors together for supper. So now I am on to other delightful, afternoon off, sort of activities.
    I am so very blessed in this life and therefore I have much to be thankful for. I am thankful for this guy. He is gentle and kind, wise and forgiving. He pushes me to be my best and has helped me grow in my faith and understanding of who God is. I remember a Thanksgiving about 6 years ago when we were just at the beginning of our story. My brother Jordan and I were still in school and were planning on heading south for Thanksgiving. I remember secretly wishing that it would snow really bad and we would be stuck in town, thus getting to spend the holiday with Luke and his family. It didn't happen, but it was a nice thought. And I've spent every Thanksgiving with him since. He is my favorite!

     I'm also incredibly thankful for the little guy who is getting bigger every day. He makes me smile with his sturdy  kicks and wiggles. I remember the days of longing for a baby, any baby to call my own. And now that longing is replaced with an intense love for this little guy specifically. He has a name already and he is his own little person and we haven't even met him yet. About 3 1/2 more months!

   

     My list continues on... I am thankful for this house and its beautiful blue roof. I am thankful for my job at Heartland Christian Academy and what a crazy blessing and joy it has been to be there. I am thankful for my family and many friends. People who are incredibly important to me and constantly remind me how good God is. And I am thankful for the snow that is ushering in the holiday season in the proper Minnesotan way. 

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

"Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." ~William Arthur Ward

Hunting Season With a Twist

      The past few weeks have been deer, hunting, season here in the Minnesota Northlands. I have friends who have been out sitting in trees, anxiously awaiting the appearance of the perfect specimen of future venison and antlers. Blaze orange and camouflage are totally in and the radio has discussed how very warm it is for the hunt.
      Here at the Williams' home, we've been doing a little hunting of our own...Of a slightly different variety. Mice! Once again the creepy little things have decided to move on in and torment me. I know that I am not alone in this hunt. Many of my friends know that the struggle is real as they are dealing with it in their own homes. In fact, I mentioned tonight that perhaps we should form a club and call ourselves The Sisterhood of the Great Mouse Hunters. I have a trapline throughout the house and have had considerable success, and yet they keep coming. Don't mess with me rodents, don't mess with me. Happy Hunting.

(Disclaimer, I did not use the muzzle loader on any mice. As much as I despise the critters, I like my cabinets more...)

"To live will be an awfully big adventure." ~Peter Pan