Life without my better 1/2

Well, Jeremy and Anora got off to North Carolina on Saturday despite some snowy weather here. The arrived at his Mom's on Sunday night , safe and sound.
So on Saturday I got to work. I cleaned and took. down the Christmas decorations. Then I rearranged the living room and brought the computer down to use in the living room. This way it'll be easier to watch hulu without Jeremy's computer hooked up. It's brilliant, but the wireless keyboard doesn't seem to like it.
Sunday I went to church, it was nice, but sparse. The I went shopping with some of our Christmas money. Jeremy took most of it for the trip for food and gas. But I was able to get 4 new towels, a 3 qt sauce pan, a bunch of groceries, and just some stuff we were doing without to be thrifty. I'm feeling very flush.
So of course since I spent all our extra money our much loved coffee maker died. But while picking something else up, I found wonderful buy I couldn't pass up. It's a work of art really. We'll see how it performs tomorrow.
Well, I'm done fighting the keyboard. Good night. Please Pray Jeremy stall wants to come home on Saturday when it' only 10 degrees.

2009 school holiday show

Well, tonight is Anora's church Christmas pageant. So I had to get the photos from the school pageant off. So here are a couple from the show and us getting the tree ready.

oops

Not such a good night. On the way home from work I put the truck in the ditch! I was going to fast, and a long list of other reasons I'm blaming myself for. We've contacted a tow co. and when the tow ban lifts this morning they'll get it out. Jeremy went to school this morning, but Anora doesn't have school today. So, I'm home this morning, and when Jeremy is done at school we'll go to Camanche to get the truck and then I'll go to work. So we have it worked out for now. I hope not to repeat this. I'm not meant to work so far from where I live.
Blessings... I didn't hit anything, or anyone. A police officer picked me up and took me someplace safer to wait for Jeremy. I don't think there is any real damage. I had people come to my rescue.
Testings... getting back behind the wheel in the dark tonight, paying for the tow truck when I've been squeaky tight with money for my own stupidity. Being closer to a cornfield than the shoulder, missing part of a day at work.

Nov 23, 2009

Well it's been a far from normal week around here.
1. Thursday we got some good news. We received a benefactor to help out with tuition. It's a bigger gesture than I can say here. More important to me than any kind of money is the relief that I won't fail. God won't let me fail completely. And even... mooore important than that was to really know that God hasn't forgotten us, we're not in this adventure alone. I was on cloud 9 all day Friday and Saturday. I felt like a teenager after a first kiss, or after a good date. I felt wonderful.
2. Sunday I was all in a stir again. The president of the seminary came to church to deliver a message and tour the Midwest for other sem students. I started at his surprise entrance being a little star struck, though no need to be. But after his powerful message I had a huge epiphany! I don't need to be star struck by some man who manages a school. Jesus is King! I should be star struck by him all the time. How much greater is Jesus. Wow!
3. then today was a downer. On Friday the boss stayed late at work. After I was all done with my work I opened my e mail and web page to do a little browsing. But my boss walked up behind me and she was not amused!!! Though out of things to do, I shouldn't have wasted company time. Leading us to day. She came down hard threatening no one could use internet anytime but lunch. And we can't leave the building or our desk a minute before 7pm. It was a real mess and I feel terrible. I apologized to the boss, but it seems to have not made any difference.
Counting the weeks it appears I still have around 28 weeks there. I did find out though, my temp agency at least doesn't mind me putting my name in for another job. It'd be nice to have a different job with better hours or better pay.
Well that brings me to the present. Anora running a fever watching Harry Potter and snoozing on Jeremy. No apparent reason for the fever, but had to stay home from school because of it, and it spiked again this afternoon, so no school again tomorrow.
Yearning chocolate, Shannon

Well halloween is nearly here! Anora will be trick or treating as a "friend of Tinker Bell" She's excited!
While i look like a halloween mask. Something has happened to my nose. It's either some new achne I've never had before or an infection under my skin. It has lasted a little over a week now. The swelling has gone down but it still looks like I've been in a car accident.

Jeremy got his mid term grades and has all a's. No surprise, but it makes life a little easier to get up and go to work in the morning.

My birthday was Saturday and we went out for dinner to a buffet and then a play at Jeremy's college. The best part was that I got to sew for several hours in the morning. I'm working on a quilt for a good friend. I'm cheating a little though cause, most of hard work has already been done by aunt, a lot is her left overs.

Blessings, please pray for the safety for all the farmers!

sickness sinking in...

Well, Anora is officially sick! We kept her home Sunday to rest and be on decongestants. She seemed ok this am so we sent her to school, but alas school called 11:30 to come and get her. So I caught Jeremy between classes, and he rushed home. He was able to pick her up and gog her directly to the Dr. Dr. figures she has the flu and a definite ear infection. So no more school tomorrow either. I'll stay home in the am to let Jeremy give a speech in Speech class and then I'll get off to work.
Part way through the day I started feeling pretty rotten myself, but some sugar and fresh air helped a lot.

I have been pretty flippant about the flu s setting in, but please do pray for all the little kids who are sick, including Anora.
Blessings

What an aweful week

So I'm trying to get back into the habit of updating my blog again. Thank you all for continuing to check while I neglected the page.

This weekend was good, we got a lot of chores done, and had a really nice Saturday with family at my aunt & uncle's cabin.

Then Sunday was spent with housework and homework.

But come Monday things slipped out of control.
While getting more time cards from my temp agency, the starter went bad, and left me there. The people at the agency were really good though. First, a fella came to help me try to jump the truck, no luck since it wasn't the battery. Then the gal that hired me, drove me to work. Jeremy came to the rescue after school to fix and replace the starter in the parking lot, What a guy, not everyone would do that. While our friend Lauren took Anora after school, letting Jeremy fix the truck. Wow, it's great to have help on an awful day. Then to top off the day, my bill for Life insurance arrived, ohh, forgot those were coming. I was hoping my job would be paying enough extra to take care of that by now, but no. Jeremy's should arrive soon too.

But then Tuesday morning Anora woke up saying she was sick. Though she didn't have a fever she did look and sound bad, so we tag teamed the day. Jeremy went to school for 2/3 classes and a test and I got most of my day in at work.

So finally on Wed I had a pretty good day and no major tragedies. What a relief.

Now, today is Thursday and my closet broke. It's a cheap fix, but still a kick to the shins.

Hope your week goes better than mine.

Please pray for my little friend Hunter trying to fight an infection and on prednisone. Pray for his Mommy too.

alls quiet

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated this blog.
Thing are ok, but very busy.
This week our big news is a visit from Jeremy's brother. It's been a really wonderful visit. He's had a true look at our lives from church to Bible study, to a day out on the town with us. He leaves soon, and we'll all be sad. The house will once again be too quiet.

Anora is enjoying school. She has gotten some grades in and is those are looking good. She had school pictures taken last week, and we're in the middle of a school fundraiser. If you feel like shopping, you can do it online and I can give you her account info.

I went with my Mom to the Cedar Rapids quilt show. I was in awe! I figured i would be there a couple hours, but it was more like 5 hours. I loved them all, and I took pictures to give me inspiration. Now I just need the material and time.

Work is ok. It seems steady, and I'm getting use to the hours. I like my co workers well enough. I'm counting the days though till moving. We kinda looking at the move like a temporary finish line.

School is great for Jeremy! He's getting good grades, and hasn't fallen behind. But there is a lot of home work. I like helping him with it and studying for quizzes.

Gotta get back to work, thanks for your prayers!!

new job

Well, I had a full day on the job yesterday. It was long. It had been almost 10 years since I worked an 8 hour day, not counting motherhood. I was lost, overwhelmed, and slightly bored. So many things to remember! Names, passwords, what to do when. The actual process of the job is pretty straight forward, but right now it seems like a lot of things to forget.

I drove home excited to be going home. Excited to see Jeremy & Anora. I when I got home I just crashed emotionally. The house was clean, Anora was getting ready for bed. All should've been right in Wilson world, and I got mad, and sad. Mad that I have to work at all, and sad that I'll still be doing this, or something like it for the next 4 years! I'll get over it, just an emotional day. I hate firsts of anything.


I woke at 3 when Anora made a noise. I tried for a while to go back to sleep, but alas it's 5: 30 when I write this.

Thank God, really I mean it!

Thanks to God, I got a job today.
It's for the local mega cable company, in the collections department.
I'll be on the phone all day. It's a 1/2 hour drive and my hours are 10-7 five days a week, so full time!! So it looks like I'll get the job of getting Anora off to school, and get the bedtime routine.

Thanks for all your prayers, I know I have many friends lifting my name to God. It's a huge relief to know we won't go hungry.

Blessings to you too.

no news

My last post was a bit depressing. I had a few interviews this week. I thought I'd hear from an empl0yer Friday afternoon. But I didn't, so apparently no one wants me to start working Monday morning. It's been quite a variety of jobs I've interviewed for this week.
Bookkeeper for a plumber, I was turned down by the end of the morning for that one.
Accounts Payable for a implement dealership.
A helper for a preschool teacher.
And a 3 year old preschool TEACHER, not helper.
The A/P position appears to be huge, and intimidating, and the 3 year old teacher seems like a lot of pressure. I'd take anything offered, but I don't feel good about any of them.
I should be hearing from a bank and a hospital yet next week about some jobs I applied for a while ago. And I keep putting out more applications.

I looked back on this blog and realized I've been job hunting 3 months hard.
I'll keep you up to date. Please pray I go where God wants me.

Still nothing!!!

Well I've had a lot of interviews. Nearly one per day. But I keep getting rejections. I'm way beyond taking it personal. Yesterday was one for a plumbing company, I really wanted it, but understood why they went with someone else. Today was a preschool job. I'm kinda hoping they go with someone else, it's a lot of pressure, and not much money. I figured out though, the best job I could get will still only be 1/2 of what Jeremy ever earned.

Jeremy has been super though. I'm glad he's home. I could easily lose it if he were not. He's been cleaning and sharing the cooking. And I know he can just stay with Anora. He had to work 1 more day yesterday though, so my parents watched Anora for the morning.

This just sucks. I'm discouraged enough to look at alternatives, but don't know what that would be yet.

Pray for Jeremy and Anora not to give up on me.

no job

just a quick update. Still no job. I've had a few interviews this week. And I've sent out a few resumes to get excited about. But nothing definite. Everything I've interviewed for is part time too, so I'd have to have 2 jobs probably.
Jeremy is smoking pork for his co workers today to celebrate his West Career. His last day is tomorrow. He's excited for school though, and has plans for his free time.

Please pray that we don't chicken out and run screaming away from our future.

couple big days

So yesterday I left the house thinking I was going to the Dr, then an interview, and then filling out insurance papers.
I totally had butterflies! It was an interview with the hospital for a great job. (I had an interview Thursday with a great bank too)But there was an emergency with the human resources, and my appointment was canceled. Whoo, and boo. Yeah, but sad. I even stole some time away to fondle fabric at the craft store!!! I left only buying a 3/8 yard remnant.

But Jeremy and Anora met me after my Dr and we filled out the insurance papers.
Then we went and played at the park for a long time. Then, wait for it,I bought clothes for myself. My very generous Mom-in-law, had sent me money a while ago for clothes just for me. So I finally used it! I bought a cute swirly skirt, and 5 shirts. Yippee!

Then, we had to pick up a watch for Jeremy. While we were at store we saw a girl Anora's age get her ears pierce. Anora was totally for it and wanted it! So for $10 we got her ears pierced! She was so brave and didn't cry or scream or anything. I thought for sure she'd hit the poor lady. She seems so grown up.

Then the sweetness wore off today. We've(Anora v. US) been fighting about the poor cat, April. Here is the story, Monday, she was caught throwing a pillow and soccer ball at the cat. We drew the line in the sand right there! Enough picking on the cat. Then on Thursday she got caught holding the cat on her lap and sticking a pencil close to the cat's eye. So!!! She got the most severe punishment to date. She had to spend the night in her room. She got dinner in her room, and then excused long enough to take a shower. But several hours (most sleeping) in her room alone. Then today she was caught pestering the cat again. Wow! Do we give the cat away, send her to the pound, or put her down. We finally decided that would only punish Jeremy, April, and Me, while Anora would get over it too quick. So we thew away the prized best lovey, Rosey. She lost the thing most valuable to her. She cried, but not nearly long enough, I'm still not convinced we're getting through to her, leave the cat alone.

That has been our week. In the week to come, I have a couple job interviews coming up. And Jeremy is done working on Friday. He's making plans already to stay busy.

another swimming

My friend Sarah just sent me this photo, it's better than any I have of the day.
PS that is as far as she got on the board today. But yesterday she went off alone.

Anora is in the middle of the frame. It was the most she actually swam on her own all week. She didn't pass this year, but I'm proud she tried hard.

So, this video is a little odd. It's so odd, that in order for us to get the video, we were trying to be sneaky, and forgot not to turn the camera. Oops.
This was taken during our VBS performance. While the older group performed, Anora performed all the songs in her own seat. She had done what the older kids did, a month ago.

Last week was all about VBS. Nothing new on the job front. I went to a testing for a job with a communications company. I loved that they were brutally honest. By the end of the intro I knew it was not the job for me. I hate phones, and I can't sit still that long. I didn't pass the test either. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong, I fail each test. But I have decided to eliminate myself this week from the job hunt and let God work. So gets the glory and I stay out of it for the week.
Jeremy has 3 weeks of work left. School for Anora starts in 1 month!

This week and next is swimming lessons, and Anora goes to a friends house. It's the first "real" going to a friend's to play. I'm a bit of a basket case, but I think it'll be good for her.

My Aunt Darlene is in the hospital following a stroke. Please pray for her recovery and for her family.

a quickie update

I don't have a lot to report, but just incase you are waiting for an update, here goes.
I still don't have a job. No real prospects either right now. Over 68 resumes out, and no luck. I've tried for everything from hospital housekeeping to Administrative assistance, and about everything in between. I've been pretty depressed last week. I've got a little more perspective this week.

This week is our Vacation Bible School. It's nice to have something to get excited about. God is working through our church to touch 102 kids today, wow!

We had a nice 4th. Saturday I ran off and hid and worked on a quilt. I got a lot done. And then we went to a friend's house to have dinner and watch fireworks! It was great!

Hope you all had a great holiday!

Glory be to God

So, I've been moping a little, waiting for a job. I've been thinking, I'm sure God has something for me, I just have to wait. I got tired of waiting a few time. But, God has chosen his time, and boy, has he delivered!
Yesterday I had a job interview. It was for sewing, and would've been a good steady job. I just didn't feel 100% about it though. I was considering turning it down if it was offered. Well this morning it was offered. Wow, what a gift, could I rightfully turn it down? I was pondering weather to take the offer or turn it down, when I got a call from a temp agency about 2 more openings I'd be qualified for. Oh, Boy. A bird in the hand or 2 in the bush. After getting a lot of advice and soul searching I had pretty much made up my mind. Then I got a call from the temp agency again, and I have an interview tomorrow! Wow! God is good, slower than I would like, but right on time and GREAT. So I called the sewing job and asked if they could wait another day for an answer. They couldn't wait, so I did turn them down. They were very big and professional about it.
I know God is great and he'll come though, I just needed a reminder of how big he is.
I'll keep you all updated on this crazy stuff.

oh, so much

So, I haven't posted for a while. It's been kinda crazy around here.

At the beginning of the month Anora had a week of VBS at the church up the hill. She liked it a lot. I think it was mostly because she liked the music, and it was new. I was able to keep the house clean and do my job hunting during that time.

Right after that (last week)we took a trip to Fergus Falls for the Church convention. Crazy week and it was only 5 days! We sat through meetings while Anora went to another VBS. But there were some big highlights. 1. The seminary people deffinately remembered us and welcomed us with open arms. 2. Learned a lot about our synod (church goverment). The people and the history, and the missionary work involved there is impressive. 3. We heard some of the best preaching ever. Each morning and each night there was an hour of good news. Just awesome! I was lit a new! 4. Town and the people reminded us of why we're doing all this crazyness. Several times we thought, can't we just buy "that house" and send for our things? Or, maybe we can stay a week and see how job hunting goes for me. But alas we came home. Tired, but ready to serve again.

I had my first job interview this morning. I think I'd like to work there, but I'm not willing to work 2nd shift, and they are primarily hiring 2nd shift. God's will, not mine.

This week has been tiring so far. With the heat 95degrees+78% humidity=105 heat index. Yuck. So in the morning, I've been letting Anora use the slip and slide for a while, and then we retreat to the (barely running) air conditioning. I've been trying to watch our energy bill and our green footprint so I have the air purposely turned to about 78-80. The house is a bit of a wreck though, I can't seem to keep it clean with Anora stuck inside air. Monday I tried something drastic, I used the neighbor's close line while catching up on a week's of laundry. So 5+ loads of laundry went out on a line. I'm unsualy anti-clothes line, but I saved a hot house, and energy. I might use one more often someday.

I'm missing my Moms4Moms friends, and missing the kids Klub kids. I like the business of a school year much better than the lonely business of summer. Well, it won't be long and it'll be done. I pray that your summer is going slower than ours. Blessings rain down.

First day of summer

Well, I think the first day of summer was a success. Anora has already earned a sticker for the day for doing her chores. We haven't fought and she is just turning the tv on after lunch. I hope it keeps going so well. I even got my lawn and another mowed!

I went out Monday and put out numerous resume's, mostly to places not looking for help. But they were places I would want to work, craft stores mainly. That brings my total of applications and resumes to 31, and I've heard from only 3. With Anora home now though, I think most of the active looking will be online and interviews. At least till 1/2 way through July.

Thank you for praying.

The countdown

The countdown is well under way. Anora even know there is only 4 days of school left. Even less now that today is 1/2 over. And even less if you count Tuesday is early out.
Oh, boy. Last year I had our whole summer planned down to what snacks I should get and art activities we should do. That plan lasted almost a week. This year I'm planning almost nothing. I know I want to concentrate on her doing more on her own with out my help. Brushing her hair and getting dressed with out me nagging her. And making her bed and putting away her own clothes. And I'm hoping to be outside more and watching much less tv. Last year I had a guilt complex not taking Anora to the pool. This year I've made arrangements to have someone else take her a few times.

Having said that, I'm into full job hunting mode. I've applied to 16 places now, hearing rejections on only 2. Job applications have changed a lot since I last did it 8 years ago. You e mail your resume a lot. And several of the major employers have online applications. This is nice, especially if you have and need spell check! I can knock out 2 applications a morning. And while applying at the hospitals, you can log on and use the same application for a few positions. So if you hear of something, preferably full time, let me know. I'm hoping the time doesn't come when I have to print 100 resumes and go door to door to the factories and stores looking for a job. I'm hoping to be working by Aug 1. But I'll take something earlier rather than later and pay childcare.

I can't quite decide what I want to be when I grow up. I've tried for cashier positions, to bank positions, to receptions and bookkeeping, to hospital kitchens. I guess really I just need full time and hopefully benefits. I'm hoping for a nice Christian environment. I haven't had to work since being saved. I've changed a lot, but haven't really had any testing of my fruits.

You know, guys have a luxury of knowing, and being born with the knowledge, that someday they will support a family. I use to have the idea I'd support myself, but never thought I'd have to support a family, good thing we're small. Wishing I had a degree in something right about now.

Jeremy is gearing up to register for his fall classes. I had once posted that he'd be going to Clinton Community, but they didn't treat him so good. So he's going to travel a little farther, but they've been accommodating and helpful. Classes start a little after Anora's. Her school starts Aug 17th I think and he starts Aug 25th I think.
So I know what happens today, and I know what happens in Sept, but the in between is very dark and scary.

Back a while ago

Back on Easter Anora rode a horse and a goat at my cousin's farm. It was exciting for her and you know I didn't have my camera! Luckily my cousin had her camera. Well now I have the photos to show off my little rider. We really need a farm someday.

School performance

Last night, Thursday, Anora had a school performance.
They performed the Mexican hat dance, sang Bingo and several variations. They "went on a bear hunt", and demonstrated a couple games. The class showed us Bug Tag, and Oscar. It was a riot. Anora has a really wonderful teacher and teacher's aid. And she has some great kids in her class.

Happy Birthday

Well yesterday Jeremy hit the maximum earthly age of our Lord and Savior.
He got tacos, cake, and way too many flames.

home again, home again, giggity gig

So, I'm home and easing back into reality. I went to our church camp first, then off to Women of Faith.
I learned God is sufficient. God's hands are huge, and not only takes care of me, but my loved ones too, so I don't need to stress over their problems, take them to God's hands.
I also learned that this itching restless feeling I have is ok, and all part of a plan.
Speaking of plans, nothing really new. I've put out a few job applications, but I'm still being picky. If I put out too many now, I'll feel rejected and stressed, so I'm not settling unless it's something I want. Now in June it'll be a different story.
Jeremy and Anora have enjoyed them selves camping one weekend, and working together the 2nd weekend.
That is us in a shell for now.
Bless you.

hi ho

Hi ho, it's off to retreat I go!
I'm off to retreat in the am. For 3 years I've gone to this same woman's retreat! It's awesome. Great food, friendship, sharing, time with God with other woman who make God a priority. I haven't been there yet when I haven't come home changed. No cleaning is always a plus. This year I'm even putting a little jewelry on and leaving my watch at home, that may shock some people, it shocks me.
And then to top is off next weekend I'm going to women of Faith for the first time! I just can't wait.
I'll be spending a lot of time with God this weekend, and I'll pray for you all!
Blessings

1 o'clock and all is well

Well, I really don't have any updates, but just wanted to wish our friends and family Happy Easter!

Nothing much is new here. It's kinda quiet, it's kinda nice! We celebrated Easter at a cousins house. Anora got to ride a horse and kinda ride a goat. I hope to get pictures of that.

College registration is in 9 days. I've started working into settling in again. Making doctor's appoints, registering Anora for school, unpacking a couple of boxes. Stuff we had on hold while we were up in the air. 

Our big projects for this week, is to hang some cupboard, and college and aid applications. And I'll be finishing my part of the parsnage up this week, preparing it ready for sale. 

To my many ill friends I'm praying for you and your families. Hang in there. 

We've made a choice

We've finally done it! We finally decided, God would be okay with either of our choices, and all logic was pointing mostly one way.

We'll be staying in DeWitt for another year. Jeremy will attend 2 semesters at CCC starting in Aug. We'll then plan on moving early July of 2010. And I'll look at going back to work in late June or July. 

Thank you for all your prayers. Now that a decision has been made we've can settle in and starting taking care of the next things on the list. Getting Jeremy and Anora enrolled in school.

Little update

So, the local community college has posted their fall schedule. Yah-hoo. 

So we've mapped out a cource load and it would work well with Anora's schedule, so we wouldn't have to have day care. And he would easily be able to complete what he needs in 2 semesters. So now we just need to do soul searching and listening for that small voice to see where we hope to be in 6 months. 

That is as far as we are now. 

junk for sale

So after a month of cleaning out the house of unused stuff, we had our garage sale Saturday. We started with 4 tables and quickly realized "are you kidding!" So we had to get 4 more. But we made double of our hopes. It was cold, and we closed early when it started sleeting. But God was good and provided well. Today I took what was left to Goodwill. We still have a small chest freezer and a nice table saw. 

Saturday night our cat nearly ate our hamster. He's still alive, but is wounded, he can't run on his wheel. His days are numbered. 

Oh, an update on college. Jeremy has met with the community college. Their schedule won't be out for a while yet. So plans are on hold for the move. There are goods and bads about moving or staying. We really can't make any decisions or plans till we know what a school year would look for him. 

That is what our house is like, I'm relishing my dwindling days as a stay at home mom.

Blessings!

working

So, I have a little mini ity bitty job right now. I'm cleaning up a house, not mine, and getting it ready for sale. It's preparing me for the prepping of our house for sale. I'm doing some painting, washing windows, and general scrubbing. I'm tired, but it feels good to be doing something, and helping at the same time.

Next week Anora has spring break. No big plans, but she'll spend a few days with grandma & grandpa while we clean out the house for a garage sale. I'm ready to purge!

Well, Anora is home and demanding attention. God Bless you.
Shannon

My week

Well, I've spent a lot of my time on two things maily this week. Painting the stairs in preperation for selling the house.

And quilting and binding a quilt.  Mom had embroidered the deer, and gave them, and some material to me for Christmas. I think it turned out real well. I think it will go to a good friend, but I'm not sure if it's good enough to give yet. It was a big experiment. I tried hand quilting, I realized in a hurry, I'm not a hand quilter. It's also the first time I used my darning/embroidery foot, and that is a little weird in some places. 

This week I have no idea what to do.

Nothing is new on the moving front. The local community college isn't returning Jeremy's calls, so they don't seem be wanting/ or needing us. I also worked on my resume and references this week.They're ready if I should need them. 

Hope you all have a good week. Please pray for my friend Sarah and her son Micah. He's having medicle problems. 

update & clarification

So, we had a pretty normal weekend. 

Saturday, we went to the church and put out the music for Sunday and spent some time talking with a friend. It was really nice. 

Then we went shopping for Mp3 players and paint for in the house.I have always like my iPod, and thought I'd have to try to get a cheep iPod. But instead I picked out an Mp3 player that shows video and pictures and holds a ton of photos. We changed all our purchased music into mp3's so I didn't even lose any of my music! I doubts but it worked. Jeremy is real happy with the one he got too. His was 5$ cheaper, but doesn't do as much. 

Then yesterday Jeremy was attached to computers all day. The church computer doing his weekly recordings, his to explain how to do all the weekly recordings, and then ours to get it to network with his. Yikes. He wasn't much company for the day. 

This week we look forward to trying to meet with the local community college, and our 'money' guy, to see how to pay for it all!

I may not have been clear last time I posted about our speed bump. We know Jeremy will need something like 32 credits of community college. So, though we don't know where yet, he'll go to college full time for a year, while I work. Then after that year (2 semesters) he'll go to seminary full time. Jeremy looks forward to working part time during school, but I think we'll need him to stay with Anora after school to avoid daycare. But I suppose that all depends on our jobs, I may be getting a head of myself. But we're undaunted, and still looking forward to him going to school.  We have reasons for staying in DeWitt (several really), but several for moving too. As long as God is with us, we can't go wrong. 

We're back from our trip to the great white north! I have so much to tell, so bare with me. 

We got there in great time. 8 hours! We went to Steve & Barb's. It's not hard to find at all, and it's a real nice house. We unloaded the truck we drove. It had some things of thier's from their move. Then went in to warm up. It was a bit colder, but not shocking. But the snow was surprising. We left brown grass here, but up there there is at least6" everywhere not counting drifts and plow mounds.

The next morning we went to church. It was really nice. Small, but the people were almost as welcoming as here. But they all seemed real nice, and Anora was playing with a little girl by the time we left. Jeremy met someone from the seminary and talked with him a lot. And I met a few women. They had good coffee, though slightly weak. 

Then after church we spent the day with Barb & Steve. She fixed a big meal and had a fancy table. It was so nice. Then they took us for a nap, or drive, depending who you asked. Anora, Micah, and Barb napped. The rest of us learned the streets and layout of town. 

Then we went to the President of the Seminary's home and met him and his wife and also Professor Erickson. What wonderful people! It was nice. We had pizza and good discussion. 

The next day was Jeremy's trip to the seminary. We got a little surprising news, and that gave us a little speed bump. We had the understanding that Jeremy could take his general ed. courses at the same time as seminary. But there is a very recent change where he has to complete his gen. ed. before attending seminary. So, now things are slowing down, and waiting on God to show our next step. "we" still want to move. But we want to make sure that is what we "should" do. 

But after that we still met with the community college and liked what they had to say. And we still met with the realtor, and we like what he had to say, and are still having him send us info.

And then we went to Anora's potential new school. The building was nice. And the people we met were great. But another surprising bit of info, their Kindergarten is only Mon, Wed, Fri. unless you pay (a lot). So if we move this year, we have to decide on 2 days of day care/week or paying for 5 day school. 

I took refuge at Barb's house a lot of that Monday after we ran our errands. We also price, that day, health insurance. Ouch!!! I didn't like what I heard there one bit. Jeremy later said it wasn't unreasonable. But there is just such a thing as too much reality. And Monday I hit that point. 

We had dinner with Barb and Steve too. They were so wonderful to us. 

Then we made it home in just over 8 hours, more potty stops on the way back. 

There you have it our whirl wind, dizzy, looking for a lantern, up to knees in snow, 4 wheel drive, weekend trip. 

God bless you for reading all this rambling. 

PS. somewhere a long the way Jeremy lost his iPod and morning that more than anything else. 

Here in Fergus

So, we're in town for a visit and business.
But it's been a strange health weekend so far. Both of us have had what can only be described as sinus attacks. Our noses are plugging, and draining, and in my case, gagging me. Jeremy's getting wiped out though. I hope we start feeling better. I'm really glad that I thought to bring the sinus medicine with us, or we'd be miserable!

We're due at church in an hour. I'm a little nervous, but looking forward to it. Meeting new people isn't usually my thing, but I'm really quite calm. And well, Jeremy is snoring!

We're planning on spending the day with Barb & Steve. We saw them a little last night, and peppered them with our stockpile of questions. They look good! Then tonight we get to go to the President of the school's house for dinner. We've felt very welcome!

Then tomorrow while Jeremy is at the school, I've got a list so daunting I can't even start to describe. Errands mostly, but I think we'll start the morning at Anora's new school. I hoping to get a tour. I think it'll make Anora more excited, and something to look forward to.
We have appointments at the community college and with a Realtor tomorrow too.

Pray we find some humidity for our sinuses!

My First Gig

Well, before I had the chance to so much as visit the seminary I will be attending in the fall, I had the opportunity to stand up and preach in front of some of our congregation. Our pastor has been fighting a terrible cold, and mentioned that he may not be able to perform the Lent service tonight. When I had heard that, I couldn't stop my mind from turning over ideas of what I could talk about in his place. The Holy Spirit was working in me in a big way. So, I contacted him and asked if I could be of service. He said yes, so I went on to get all of these thoughts down on paper, and prepared myself to lead the service this evening. What follows is my notes I wrote up for the sermon. I would welcome and encourage any and all thoughts and comments on what you see here.

-Jeremy

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Lenten Service Message, 02-25-09 - Why Jesus?
Or, more importantly, why not Jesus right away? God had a plan, and he knew exactly how our minds work, so he had to accomplish that plan in such a way that we would really get it.

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;

We were created in God's image - Sinless, Just, Righteous. We had a nature that, because we were sinless, allowed us to have fellowship with God and that allowed us to remain in his perfect presence without the stench of sin driving us away from Him. But, we were not mindless puppets that God controlled. We were created with a will. A will that can be convinced to go wrong because of the lies of the devil.

So, what happened?

Genesis 2:16-17 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Genesis 3:4-6  4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.;

We fell, lied to by the devil, convinced to sin against God's one and only commandment at the time. And as soon as the skin of the fruit was broken by the human tooth...

God shook his head and said, "no." The devil raised his fist and said, "Yes!"

Now, God could have said, "you screwed up, I'm done with you" but the God of Love prevailed. He found Adam and Eve ("where are you", as if He didn't know), showed them their sin, promised a constant struggle between mankind and the devil, and told us that we shall surly die an eternal death separated from God because of our sins, but then cleaned them up and clothed them. He wiped the tears from their eyes, wiped the juice from their chins, and made for them some L.L. Bean for their backs and Birkenstocks for their feet.

Now, God's plan is set into motion to restore us to him and His promise of eternity. We learn slow. He had to do it in a manner in which we would understand how it is that we can be righteous enough to remain with him in eternity.

Part 1 – Figuring it out for ourselves
We were then on our own for a while to try to figure out how to live righteously.

So, what happened?

Genesis 6:5-8 5 Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

In trying to sort out what it means to be righteous, we got it horribly wrong and the flood happened. Our floundering around, trying to get it right prepared us for what was to come next. We were now ready for the Law.

Part 2 – A blueprint for righteousness
What did the law do for us? The law revealed God’s righteous nature so that we had a blueprint to guide us in righteous living. We had a way of figuring out how we need to live in order to stack up against God in righteousness. Eventually, we figured out that we don't have it in us to figure out on our own how to live righteously, so God sent His law through Moses.

So, what happened?

Ezekiel 33:17-19 17 “Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their way which is not fair! 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. 19 But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it.

It took a couple of thousand years for it to finally sink in that we don't have it in us to follow all the rules and restrictions ourselves in order to live righteously. We were now ready for Jesus.

Part 3 – The answer
Jesus came and explained to us what righteousness really is. It is so much more than simply following the letter of the law. Our hearts, minds, and souls also have to follow the law. We can't possibly present ourselves as righteous before God by following the rules because our hearts, minds, and souls remain focused on the sin our nature wants us to commit. Jesus taught us that instead of our suffering and dying an eternal death separated from God, that He would be the one God would punish for all of our sins.
Just try to comprehend the Father pouring out his wrath on His Son for every sin that ever was committed, is being committed, and ever will be committed, all the while knowing that not one of these sins was committed by His Son. Jesus felt the full brunt of that pain, and God had to too. Finally, when Jesus had breathed His last breath, and his heart had beat it's last beat, and his body hung limp in defeat…

God smiled and said, "yes." The devil fell to his knees and said, "No!"

The devil knew that he had been beat once and for all. He knew that now he had no power to win souls for his own purposes in the face of the realization of what the death of God's son had now accomplished. The rest was just a formality. Jesus went down into hell for a one-on-one with the devil to let him know just how beat he was, and then rose again, triumphing over not only His own death, but for all of ours.

God had planned a way to restore us to righteousness that we could never have done on our own. God also carried out this plan in the only way it could have worked: by letting us sin, leaving us to try to be righteous on our own, giving us a blueprint of what it means to be righteous, and finally sending His Son as that one perfect and total sacrifice that paid for all of our sins, allowing God to once again look on us as we once were when we were first created in Adam.

oh, the nerves

So, today we meet with the realtor. I was suppose to meet her last week. But I got the jitters, overreacted, threw the world on my self, and ran out of the house screaming. I ran to a series of fabric stores! Ooh, fabric. (drool)
So, Jeremy isn't let me overwhelm myself. And, if I flip out, he'll be here to continue after I run out screaming.
I don't know why selling the house is weirding me out. I don't like the house, and I've wanted to sell it since shortly after we bought it. But it is 1 of only 2 things that are freaking me out about the move. I'm good with packing, selling and giving, change in J's career, change in lifestyle, picking out new houses, renting trucks, living in a new town, even (wait for it) meeting new people. But selling the house seems to suck the air right out of me.
So wish us luck. Pray for slow moving feet for me.

We leave this weekend to go up to the new town. We'll see friends, see lots of business people, see 2 schools for Jeremy and Anora's new school. We planned our "to-do" list for our visit, it's daunting.

We were going to stay at our friends' house, but after looking at our to do list, I'll be ready to hide in a hotel room under the covers. Stressed company isn't good company. 

Well, that is where we are at right now.

class performance

So, today was Anora's class performance. They did a few songs, and then a dance. I hope you enjoy. We made bracelets and decorated cookies after. It was wonderful. And the best part is each kid had "someone" there.

Anxiety is revealed

So, today is the day I believe I can reveal the cause of my anxiety. 

Plans are underway in the house. Come August Jeremy will be going to Seminary. Great news.

That means us moving to MN. So we're preparing the house to sell,taking care of responsibilities here, and purging our belongings. We don't want to leave any of our friends or loved one, but we are really looking forward to the change. I'll be going back to work, but I'm hoping to do something crafty.

So there is our big secret. God Bless.

The battle has raged all day. It has at last ended with defeat for me.
My sink is full, the plumbing is clogged. 
My dishes are now clean, but not with out a lot work by my feet. 
As the washer would drain I would bail out the sink. 
To the tub I ran, pail in hand. 
The water rose, my temper did too.
At least plungering is good ab work, you know.
The water will sit now till reinforcements arrive. 
Jeremy will get home, he’ll show the pipes who’s boss of this hive.
The realtor comes Friday, 
I pray, I don’t need a pipe surgeon on Thursday. 

What a bad day.

Not mine, but Jeremy's. He has had a just awe full day! He had the day off, we were planning on doing some traveling, but plans fell through. He decided he just waned to keep the day free.
First he woke early, remembering he left some stuff at work that he needed this weekend. So he took off early, hoping to beat traffic. On the way home, he ran out of gas. Yuck!
Then we all took a drive to get groceries. That went pretty well.
Being the great guy he is, he went out to buy some home improvement supplies. While he was out though, the car's battery light came on! He limped the car home.
Did have one thing go well. He found he could take off the big belt and the alternator off easily. So armed with the old parts he headed off to a near by big town. He visited several car supply stores. No luck, no one had it. So he came home down trodden, but not beat. He took the phone and called the favorite store in the next big town near by. Wallah they had it. He finally won a small battle. He is now in the garage battling the car once again.

I hope tomorrow goes much better!
I pray that your day goes better.

When I can't say much, I turn to scripture.

Php 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

Mat 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 

AMEN

I recieved this from a thoughtful friend today. And as a quilter, and having holes, I had to share.

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which
were the largest holes of all.




I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit,
only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it
up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'


May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life ..it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

When there is nothing left but God that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Profound thought for now

Mat 10:37-42
(37) Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
(38) And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
(39) Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
(40) "Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.
(41) The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.

(42) And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

Wow.

Fleece-ing thought

(Jdg 6:36) Then Gideon said to God, "If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said,

(Jdg 6:37) behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said."

(Jdg 6:38) And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water.

(Jdg 6:39) Then Gideon said to God, "Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew."

(Jdg 6:40) And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.

slow is nice

So, no fun, exciting things to catch you up on yet. It was a slow quiet weekend. Just what we needed.

On Saturday, we hung around the house most of the morning. Then we took a drive down to the lock and damn to watch eagles. We've lived in the Quad Cities ( kind of) for 8years and this is the first time we've gone to watch the eagles. It was so cold, but a real experience to see. 

Just seeing how many photographers were there was awesome. I counted in just one area there were 20 serious photographers. And there had to be more than that in another area. I'm saying, they had big cameras and tripods. It looked like the sidelines of a football game. Then I was stunned that they throw fish out there to bring the eagles in closer. And there were a dozen eagle just near the parking area. I couldn't count how many were on the island where we normally fish. It was just really cool; no, it was cold. It was around 10 degrees or so. We weren't prepared for it at all. We didn't have enough clothes, the camera, or binoculars. We'll go back more prepared next time. 

Then Jeremy was sweet. We saw a quilt shop and stopped in. It was nice. Laid out well. And they had a lot of kits. Jeremy was surprised by the prices of the kits, but they were reasonable. And the ladies were real nice. I could have spent hours there. But we didn't have a list or the check book, I was able to walk out empty handed. 

Sunday was church, and we watched movies. 

Overall a nice quiet weekend.

Next week Jeremy is trowing a "game" party at church. With TV, movies, games of all kinds, and snacks. I think it'll be fun. And best of all, I need to do very little, and no planning. I love it! 

My Moms birthday is next Sunday too, Happy Birthday to her and my friend Pam's. God bless birthdays! Another year wiser.

are you frigid kidding me?

It is so cold. I'm sure it's cold about everywhere, but I gotta wine too. 

The image isn't great, but look it's nearly 10 am and still it's -13. Yikes. Anora is out of school, as well as most kids around here. I'm just guessing but the buses aren't real dependable in these temps. They're talking a HIGH OF -4. But we're hunkered down, and Anora is playing well. To all my friends in Florida right now, I raspberry at you. Bzzrbt.

I also wanted to post some pictures our friend sent of a the hockey game we went to the other night. Anora learned how to "braid(?)" on our friend's hair that night.

        

I have recently gotten hooked on Facebook. I was spending far too much time on it. But it was depressing me. I was making several "friends" of old classmates. 2 are in San Diego, one in Hollywood, and one in Switzerland for Pete's sake. I had thought I was doing well moving 50 miles away. I'm happy on my own merits, so I had to stop comparing myself to them. So, my name is Shannon and I'm a recovering Facebook junky. 

Well, Anora is nagging to use the computer. Stay warm and pray for power. 

Catching up, what it's all about

Well I named this blog Catch up for a reason. In anticipation of falling behind. I don't mean on the ice.

I left off at Christmas pageant. Santa was very good to us. Anora didn't get anything big, but a ton of new toys. Toy horses seemed to be the theme. Jeremy got saw horses, and they are tired already. And Shannon got spoiled this year. Along with a REALLY fancy sewing machine I also got a lot of sewing supplies. I think this is a good hobby. Now matter what notions I get as gifts, I can use them, and I can't have too many. Well, until I outgrow the bedroom.

We went to Christmas eve service. It is my favorite service of the year. Anora is all cuddly, it's dark and romantic, I can sing music I know. It's just wonderful. Then off to bed for Santa to arrive.
In the morning, Anora found a couple toys left by Santa, but couldn't find her huge stocking. It was on her bedroom floor, and she didn't trip over it; though I don't understand how. Then my parents arrived and we had Eggs and Bacon, and then opened a lot of presents! I'll have to post a picture of Anora's mountain. Then we ate a full turkey meal and played cards. But alas Mom and Dad didn't beat the sleet that fell. They stayed in a hotel.

There were a few dull days in there.Then we took our Christmas money and bonuses and bought flooring for 3 rooms!!! That was a great and overdue present. So after Anora went to Grandma & Grandpa's for New Years, Jeremy & I laid floor. It looks wonderful! 

Now it's a matter of cleaning up after construction, and vacation. I'm still trying to catch up. I have been spending way too much time on the computer. Why? I could be sewing. I'll post some pictures, and then enjoy myself.

School, bible study, Moms4Moms, and Kids Klub all resume this week. In that order as a matter of fact. And then Friday we're planning on going to a local hockey game with friends!
I hope you're as blessed as we are. Stay warm.