Tired of Thanksgiving Meals

Saturday Ryan smoked the turkey and prepared another Thanksgiving meal. That was much appreciated. I'm not much for left overs though and after having them for lunch yesterday, I couldn't force myself to have my 5th Thanksgiving meal. I opted for two rolls instead. I was sorry for it later when hunger made me sick. Gotta love that that happens to me. If I ever wanted to do a food "fast", my body doesn't allow it.

In other news, we had my inlaws over for the evening and it was fun to watch both of them play Guitar Hero on the Wii.

I'm Full!

Thankful for a day off of work to celebrate with family and a new friend over plates full of food.



One of the Mongolian students joined us as did my mom and step-dad. It was quite enjoyable and I'm thankful that Ryan prepared most of the meal. Mom brought peach cobbler, one of my favorite desserts. We learned a little about Mongolian culture, played the Wii, and I ate more dessert :)



Later that afternoon, we put the kids down for a nap and then woke them up early to take them to a movie. Madagascar 2 was really cute and well worth the time and money. The kids sat well for it, although Bethany started to squirm a little after the first hour or so. It was a cute movie. Scott was thrilled to get a free Madagascar poster from the theater which we promptly had to put up when we got home.



By the way, Bethany turned 18 months old on Thanksgiving and I didn't get a picture of her... oops!

Thankful

I am thankful for many things but here are a few:
- Parents that raised me in a loving home
- A big family, even though I don't get to see them often enough
- Ryan's family who accepts me as their own
- Not having to earn salvation
- The ability to to be forgiven and forgive others
- A tummy too full of food

Thanksgiving Plans update

So I just talked to one of the Mongolian students who told me that they are going to WI to visit one of their cousins. I kindly informed them that when a family plans to feed them a big meal and have them over for a few days, that its offensive to cancel plans just before hand.

Ryan just called and one of the girls had sent him a text message at 420pm. We have a bunch of food we're preparing and we're looking forward to having them in our home. Now, we'll have a bunch of food and hang out with my parents which will also be nice. I know there's a big cultural difference but its difficult to not be upset at their decision.

but it will be warm and there will be food

Monday night we did laundry, dishes, and the regular house keeping items that need to be done after a full day of shopping on Saturday and a day of "rest" on Sunday. Last night was supposed to be the night I spent making the house shine. Know what I did last night? We came home, baked a frozen pizza, cleaned up the toys long enough to sweep and vacuum before the kids tore their toys back out. The kids went to bed and I curled up on the couch and finished putting the binding on Bethany's quilt.

I didn't mop the floor in the kitchen, shoot, I didn't even sweep it. I didn't get the spare bedroom that the girls will be sleeping in cleaned. I didn't scrub my shower but I did wipe down the counter and shove stuff under the sink. I didn't get my house in perfect order partly because I was lazy and partly because I'm learning that it's okay to be like that. The students and my parents that come over for Thanksgiving won't care. They'll be glad that the house is warm and there will be food.

Happy Thanksgiving friends and family!

Mongolian Friends

Our family has a connection to Mongolia. The connection began when Ryan made several trips to Mongolia to do missions work through CVM with the local vets. We have continued that connection by supporting the Vet Net in Mongolia through prayer and finances. Through that support, we are able to read monthly updates from our friends in Mongolia. We would love to return to Mongolia together. Ryan is sure that I wouldn't go there because of the lifestyle in the country side. I've tried to assure him that I would do fine if I could bring PB&J or if I could stay in the city with the American misisonary.
For several years we have dreamed of adopting. And Mongolia wasn't exactly an option because of their requirements. Now that we've been married 5 years, a Mongolian adoption would be possible. We have yet to run that race.
In the mean time, we've sought to strengthen that connection to a place and a people that are dear to our hearts. Last year we became friends with the only Mongolian international student at our nearby university. This year, Naraa is still here and there are 3 more students. Reaching out to them is the least we can do. Last Friday Melody joined us for the evening. She took two years of English in high school and although she does excellent for the amount of English education she had, much gets lost in the translation of things. We loved having her over and the kids adored her. This weekend we plan to have the students join us for our trip to the city to do a little Christmas shopping. We also plan to have them over for Thanksgiving and stay the weekend since food services aren't available at the university. I'm excited and anxious for this reaching out of sorts. The two new girls are extremely home sick and certainly need some love and attention. The new boy student we have yet to meet but I'm hopeful that he'll come around as well. May God truly bless each one of us as we add them to our extended family in the coming days.

Ryan is Headed to Jail

I just talked to Ryan and he said that he's headed to "jail". A few weeks ago, he was called by the muscular dystrophy organization because he's a business owner in the community. He agreed to go to help them out by going to jail. From what Ryan said on the phone today, he agreed to post bail ($1600) or spend an hour of his time calling people and asking them to donate. Since we don't have $1600 sitting around, he was donating his time. This is not at all Ryan's personality, not something he want to volunteer doing. I'm so proud of my husband for stepping out of his comfort zone and volunteering his time.

If you happen to get a call from Dr. Ryan the veterinarian, please consider donating today :)

Life Changing

We've been reading a book with our small group called "love and respect". It has really opened our eyes on how we treat our marriages. An email from one of the wives this morning, got me thinking. It really has been life changing for us. I'm learning how to respect Ryan in ways that he spells respect. And Ryan is learning to love me in ways that I speak love. It's great. Ryan has been taking out the trash on a regular basis without my asking. To me, this is one of those things that he should automatically do. Recently I'm excited to say that he's doing it. Hmm, I hope there are ways that I'm showing him some/more respect.

Adoption

Today, I'm thinking Mongolia, Ethiopia or domestic. Start praying that we'd be obedient and that God would open doors!

Last night

Last night we watched a show where a family adopted 8 kids. Some from Haiti and some from the inner city. I was blown away by their love for others. Tears filled my eyes and I turned to Ryan and said something like "I wanna adopt".

Thursday already?

I've had so much to blog about. Random things but that's how my life is right now. If only I had a phone with email on it so I could do a quick post when I'm stopped along side the road after watching a corn field burn thanks to corn stalks that caught on fire under my work truck. I wish I had the internet at home to post a quick video of Bethany jabbering like crazy when I was home with the kids on Tuesday or to tell you about her repeating "Noah, Noah" while she laid in her crib and a friend's baby, Noah, slept in the room next to her. I wish I worked for a private company that would allow me to blog about all the craziness of things at work, while at work. I wish I had the time at work (or the memory to do it after work) to tell you about the guy who complimented my wedding ring at least 4 times yesterday (Ryan, if you're reading this, Connie and I are sure that you probably paid him to say that so I would quit asking you about having my ring reset). But I don't.

I've been swamped with a million things going on at home. I have so much to do that it would be easy for me to be a workaholic. But, I know that I'm needed at home so I try to find the middle ground and not spend too much extra time at the office. I know that I should be home with my family but I also know that the extra hour at the office earns me some much needed vacation time.

I've been intrigued a lot by the lack of "care" that people have around my work environment. They care about their work but don't seem to care about how you are or who you are. I guess I'm just a little different in how I work. I know that my job is important and that it needs to get done but I'm also a firm believer in caring about people. Showing a genuine interest in who they are and how life is for them. I was out with a farmer earlier that asked me about my family and then talked a little about his family, how they chose to raise their kids, etc. I was suprised by it. And just a few minutes ago, I had a guy in the office who was diagnosed with cancer on his tongue this summer. And because of his health issues we're trying to make some changes to a contract he has. I helped the guy write his letter to the management folks who have the final say. He was so appreciative and said "I couldn't have written it better myself". All because I took a few minutes to ask and listen.

Recently a lady in our building resigned after dealing with too much stress, struggling with alcoholism and some health issues as well. She is my friend. I have since been asked by her boss (via my boss) to not talk about her while at work. I can understand that they want to get over the issues stemming from her resignation but at the same time, she's a person and there are several of us in the building who care about her. How selfish and sad to ask that I not mention her at all. And on top of that, how degrading for her to tell my boss that I spend time on her side of the building talking about said person. That boss is either mis-informed or making stuff up, either of which are a mis-reprensentation of my character. I don't talk about her all the time anyway. Should I be sorry for caring?

On another note, it is Thursday. I have bible study tonight and have yet to do my study. Whoops. Tuesday I was home all day with the kids but never had a minute to myself. Last night I had Noah and then some other friends came over until late. I guess that means I'll have to rush through it tonight. I know that I don't get as much out of it then, but its too late now.

Healthy Eating

I ate a home-made ice-cream sandwich for breakfast this morning. It was good.

I have totally changed my eating style. No more going back for 2nds or 3rds. No more snacking all the time. No more drinking a slim fast and eating a granola bar. It was hard at first but now its good and I like how I feel, even if at my physical yesterday I still weigh way more than I want to. Last night we had bible study at our house. We served Wild Rice Soup and for dessert Ryan served home-made ice-cream sandwiches. They were yummy. So much so that I skipped the slim fast this morning and had an ice-cream sandwich.

Free to Vote

I voted today.  Have you?

I was encouraged and frustrated at my local polling place.  Encouraged that so many were out to vote early this morning and frustrated that I had to wait 15 minutes to vote.  I thank God that we live in a place where we have the freedom to vote.  I complain about a 15 minute wait when people in other nations walk miles to the polling center and then stand in line for 4 hours to vote.

 

I hope you take the time today to vote not only for our next president but also for the local offices that will be filled.

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Breitbach's Did It Again

Last Christmas Eve, a very popular local restaraunt burned down.  Breitbach's was the oldest running restaraunt in the state, if I remember correctly.  It has tons of history, including a neat mural on the wall in the bar area that was uncovered during a remodel process years ago.  When the place burned, the history went with it but people still wanted Breitbach's home style cooking, and atmosphere.  They rebuilt.  News this morning is that the new Breitbachs burned down early this morning. Can you believe it?  We hadn't been back since they re-opened.  Now I wonder if we'll have a chance to.  I hope Breitbach's survives and they can rebuild again.

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Life Happens

A quick photo update:

Scott rubbing aloe vera lotion on his sun burned face. He came downstairs with it all over. It was too cute!
Bethany loves to go out in the shop with her grammy. She can be found sitting next to Grammy on a stool playing with "toys" while Grammy quilts. This and meal time are the only times you can find this child sitting still.

Daddy reads to Bethany just before she goes to bed.

Aunt Janie finally taking a picture of the tree with beautiful fall colors after talking about the tree for 5 days.

Great Gram, Aunt Janie and Scott go for a walk to the park.

I hate waking up to a dark sky and have a hard time dragging my butt out of bed when its dark. But the gorgeous sunrises I see as I head to work make it all a little better.

Wii weren't the only ones having fun with our new toy. Ryan's parents and grandparents could be found playing the Wii last Sunday at our house

Right after a nap is not a good time for Great Grandpa to hold Bethany... but a cookie might make all the difference.

Way Behind in Life

I feel so behind at the moment. Since we stepped off the plane returning from California, life has been is fast forward it feels like. Our free weekends haven't been free and we've been going non stop during the week. Not that there's anyone to blame but myself. I have so much to do:

1. Thank you's from vacation that have been in my purse since right after we got home. Some are done and just need to get into an envelope and find the mail box. Some are blank. And now that they've been in my purse for a few weeks and Bethany's little hands have found them, they're not in tip top shape. So, if you get a partially crumpled thank you, know that I'm better to send them that way so that they at least get sent. (with that said, I just handed out some of birthday thank you's from July that I found in my other bible that I apparently haven't used for several months.)
2. I managed to partially clean Ryan's bathroom but it still needs a good scrub as does my own.
3. Those dead flies in the window sills. I've kept up with the downstairs ones since I see those. The kids rooms though need some serious attention. As we continue to cool off outside, the flies are making way into my house somehow and dying in the window sills.
4. We're running out of food at our house. I totally meant to bring the Once a Month Cookbook today to tweak their lists and make a list of the dishes I like best. Forgot the book so maybe I'll get that done tonight.
5. Need to schedule my annual appointment. Should have done that in July. Thankfully Dr. Ryan gave me a 3 month extension but that's overdue now too. I called yesterday but can't get into her office for 6 weeks so now I need to call the other doc to see if he can get me in.
6. Need to have our Mongolian student over but haven't got a hold of her... we're already 9 weeks into the semester and we've not had her over yet!
7. Christmas is right around the corner and I need to start on calendars... eek!

Okay, that's enough of a list. I have gotten a few things done but there's lots to do around the house. Get out fall clothes, put away summer clothes, lose 10 pounds so I can fit into my fall clothes, mend some other clothes, figure out how to remodel that room, etc.

My inlaws were offerred a cruise with the sale of their house. They can apparently transfer it to us. Oh how I'd love that opportunity to take a cruise with Ryan and relax... it's going to be a crazy fall!

Fireplace or Update a Room

I would like to think that some of our budget this month can go towards updating the carpeted room. But, after the chimney sweep guy left our house on Saturday, we learned that $350 of our budget was going to him instead. Yes, a little more than we expected but he also capped the chimney. I hope there's enough this month cause I just ordered some stuff for the kids at 0ldN@vy and a few books to share with some friends.

Feeling a Little Offended

It's Boss' Day. Each year, our secretary takes care of getting our boss a little something. I remember last year being irritated that she buys something and tells us after the fact that we owe her money. It's usually 2 or 3 bucks a piece so its not a lot of cash but what irritates me is that she doesn't ask us ahead of time if we want to go in on a gift. Is it right to buy a gift and expect people to pay without asking?

This morning though was a little different. Our secretary is off today so I took it upon myself to make a card from the whole staff and buy him a big bag of his favorite candy. The secretary calls in and talks to one of the guys who tells her that I made a card and bought candy. She apparently didn't like what I'd done and asked him to go downtown and pick up a gift certificate and we can split the cost later. Now I'm irritated for two reasons: 1. Once again we'll be expected to chip in later, 2. My idea wasn't good enough.

Grr!

Random Thoughts

• Hubby went back to work to check on a dog on IV fluids. I love when he's home.
• Scott is ready for Cubbies tomorrow night and can tell you his verse but he just pooped in his undies... we've told him he can't go if he does that. I don't like keeping him from "church" for being naughty.
• I miss my friend Cori. She's a college buddy and we don't talk much but we kept up via blogs. She's not blogging now.
• It's time for my annual review at work. That always makes me think about how much I enjoy my job. Sometimes I do. Sometimes I don't.
• I need to schedule an annual check up. I'm 3 1/2 months over due for that. Hate that appointment.
• My grandma and aunt headed back home today. It's been a busy month with two weeks in CA and straight into two weeks of my family being at mom's and wanting to hang out there.
• Thank you Lord for federal holidays!
• Spent Saturday helping my inlaws with an artist show where they got to display, show off and sell some jewelry. He's amazingly talented with the projects he puts his hand to.

Entertainment for Today

Had a spam email earlier. Didn't know it was spam. I only looked at the subject line and read:
"big peckers for sale"
I laughed out loud and proceeded to tell my co-worker about it. The email title wasn't so funny but it caught me off guard and my reaction was funny.

A few minutes later I hear said coworker:
so how much were they?

A few minutes later we're working with a guy who's a real piece of work. He's totally cocky. After the guy leaves, I comment to co-worker:
Right there was the big pecker.

Maybe it was one of those "you had to be there" moments. C, did I get the story right?