End of a Great Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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So Here are the last of my Best-Of trip pics! I figured this was a great way to end the year on the blog! This trip was three weeks of our lives this year! We also got to go to Derek & Jackie's in Sept. and they came here in July. Traveling is such a great thing! We love it!

The kids and I will be heading out to Idaho in March, over spring break! (And Jourdyn's Birthday) And then the whole family will be out to Idaho from June 27 to July 13, this next summer!

Also I wanted to post a better pic of my new look!

Here's more trip pictures!

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The New Me

BEFORE:

AFTER: My hair was getting way too long for my height! It's also darker than it has ever been before!

10 YEARS LATER...

Dear Friends and Family,

Today we are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary! WOW! Can you believe it? We barely can! It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long! But praise God that it has been!

Over the past ten years, we have been truly blessed! Our marriage has grown and strengthened in ways that as newlyweds we could have never imagined. We have lost some very important people in the past couple of years, including Rob’s father, Jack and my grandmother. We’ve lost our long time family dog, Amber after nearly 11 years of having her as part of our family. The list could go on of the things and people that we have had to say goodbye together.

We have said hello to much more though! In 2004, we were blessed with our second daughter, Bernadine and in 2006, we were given a gift we never thought possible, a son, Rowan. Jourdyn is now 10 and brilliant beyond all comparison. Children are a gift from God and we cherish ours to no end.

Well, in the past ten years, we’ve moved, moved again, only to move again and once more to be where we are now in Oregon, Ohio. Shortly after our marriage, in fact days after, Rob accepted a position at Brush Wellman in Elmore, Ohio. This job has also proven to be a gift from our gracious God and has opened many doors for our family.
We have traveled to places far and wide: Scotland, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and all over the US. It has become a passion that we love, just can’t afford to do like we would love to. But we do as often as we can. The kids love it and travel well, surprisingly!

In 2003, I finished my Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology from Bowling Green State University. Just this Fall I have begun my Master’s of Religion program at Northwest Nazarene University. With sacrifices, I have been able for the most part to be at home with our children.

If these past ten years have taught us anything it would be this! While life isn’t easy, it’s always easier together! Ten years ago, we became one! In sickness and in health, till death do us part! Our marriage is our priority and we have learned that - sometimes the hard way. But we believe in the sanctity of the union that was formed ten years ago. We know that God has blessed it in abundance! New blessings continue pour out on our family! We are excited to begin the next 10 years! Knowing that if we’ve made it this far – what’s 50 years!?!
Thank you for standing with us ten years ago, and thank you for supporting us through the years! Most of all thank you for your prayers! They have changed our lives! Continue to pray for our family, as we pray for yours!

To celebrate Rob and I went to our favorite intimate restaurant, Trattoria Sofo in Sylvania. I also sent Rob to Ahava today to have a make over. He looked very sexy! This is a picture of my anniversary present. When we were married - I was a little out of my mind - I didn't like or want a diamond! Now I want them all!!! But after 10 years, he figured he ought to buy me one! It is very beautiful! And it replaces my band that no longer fits me and cannot be resized because of the knot work. It was a GREAT night!

Happy Anniversary John and Barb!

Today is my brother John's and Barb's anniversary! I believe 13 years???? Don't quote me - it may be 12 years. They were married a few years before we were. So here is a pic of their family - it was taken this summer at Twin Falls Idaho. They live in Idaho. I have also posted some more pics from our vacation there this summer.
Devil's Tower Wyoming - Jourdyn is near the bottom of the pic climbing.
This is in Idaho on the way up the mountain from Boise to John's in Idaho City.
This is Andrew, Nathan, Jourdyn and Nadine in front of Mt. Hood in Oregon. We camped at the base of Mt. Hood for a night, right on the edge of a lake. It was a great experience! So much so that I have bought a tent. We also camp at the ocean for a couple of nights. It's not like camping back here in flat boring Ohio.

More Christmas Pictures!

You may recognize these coats - but probably not - my grandma, Bernadine made this for my brother or me - either way, I wore them as a young child and now my little ones can wear them. Julie and Brodie! This is a good pic of them - it's a little fuzzier than I thought it would be. But still good.
Tate has been in the house since it is soooo cold! Rowan loves him to death! He follows him around and sits with him.

We finished off our Christmas day with going to see National Treasure Book of Secrets with Julie and Brodie! What an excellent movie!!! Narnia - Prince Caspian comes out next summer!!! Jourdyn is excited! I'll have some extra reading to do in the coming months before I decide if she can see it.
UPDATE: It just occurred to me that many of you have never been introduced to Tate! Tate is a Hungarian Pointer - or technical name a "Vizsla" He's an upland bird hunter - or at least he's supposed to be (he does like to chase rabbits though) - He is about 5 1/2 years old. He is prematurely graying. They live between 15-18 years. Medium size dog - He weighs about 50 pounds soaking wet - yet he is tall. So he is very thin (not greyhound thin just boney) - we are constantly accused of not feeding him. However, he eats and eats some more! He's a great dog - he believes he is a lap dog. But he is a lover and loves attention! And yes, I have some kind of weird fettish for unusual dogs! Not as bad as Charlene though - she just got her third monkey for Christmas! I'll have to post some pics of her babies! I stick with domesticated pets! She goes for the exotic! Oh this is the infamous dog that got Rob a warrant for his arrest back in Sept. (Check back in archives - I think I blogged about it)

Christmas Morning!

Merry Christmas!

Rowan hasn't come down from his sugar high yesterday! After hours at Grandma's with cookies and rice krispie treats and fudge and more - and NO nap. He finally crashed at about 8:15 and by crash, I mean, screaming at the top of his lungs no stop for really no reason except he was tired and to wired to sleep! He slept solid through the night but has awoken this morning still with an attitude - wanting more fudge, chocolate and candy!

We opened just a couple of gifts this morning. The gifts from mom and Jim and the gifts from John and Barb. Of course, mom and Jim's gifts contained candy canes - and here's what happens when you take it away from Rowan. He wasn't amused!

The kids also gave each other one gift. In a little bit we are going to watch the Disney parade. Melissa and Tom and Izzy are coming over for lunch, as well.

Christmas with the McQueary's!

Christmas Eve is always at the in-laws! Jourdyn and I went up to the hospital before - we dropped off blankets for the NICU, candy canes to volunteers (we weren't allowed to give them to patients). And we stopped in to see Norm (my sister-in-law's dad).

Here's some pics from tonight! Rowan received a train set from Morgan. Sydney got Nadine pj's and Barbie stuff. Jourdyn got Hairspray (again) and some brain quest cards from Amy.

Uncle John (Beaver) plays Santa now that Jack is gone! Which has been two years but three Christmas'.

This pic below is of Crystie (sitting) and Joe. He was playing with Nadine and Rowan. The kids love him. Charlie Sue is standing ! And if you look really close Rowan is behind the Christmas tree on the stairs! Grandma has stairs - which makes a fun game!

Christmas with Dad!!!

Tonight we had Christmas dinner with Dad, Aunt Julie and Brodie. Unfortunately, I forgot the pierogies!!! But it was still great! Brodie got a Boise State Jersey from us. Ticketmaster gift certificate, McD's gift certificate, and gas certificate from Grandpa. Julie got two new tires from Dad and I, and also a candle from us and a set of candles and glasses from dad. Rob got a whole lot of Ohio State stuff from Dad. Dad, a Michigan fan, actually bought him this stuff. Dad got me a carpet cleaner, candles, and glasses. Jourdyn got High School Musical 2, Hairspray, a High school musical Barbie, clothes from Grandpa. Nadine got lots of Dora stuff, barbies, clothes from Grandpa. Rowan got trucks and cars and clothes. Aunt Julie and Bro got the girls CD's, Strawberry shortcake, and Rowan a dump truck.

It was very neat and Rowan thought every present was for him. He loved it - "Open it, Open it". And if you didn't do it quick enough he did it for you!

Christmas Plans

Well, Christmas is here! Today, Sunday we are having Christmas dinner with Dad, Julie and Brodie. We are having ham, keilbasa, pierogies, yams, candied carrots, green bean casserole and apple pie a la mode. Afterwards we will open our gifts to each other! I'll post pics later.

Tomorrow, we will go to Rob's mom's house. Jourdyn and I will be going to Toledo Hospital to visit with people who are sick. We must go see Norm Schultz, who is very ill. Please pray for him, he is my sister-in-law, Joy's dad. But while there we are going to take candy canes and Christmas wishes to any one that we are able to. I am also taking blankets to the NICU. At 10 pm we have Christmas eve service at church.

Christmas morning, we are opening the kids gifts from mom and Jim and John and Barb. The kids also earned money to buy each other small gifts. So they will open those. Rob and I have stuck to our plans. I am writing each of my kids Christmas letters that they will open that morning. We will watch the parade together and at noon, Melissa, Tom and Isabella will be coming over for lunch. Later, we are going to the movies with Julie and Brodie to see National Treasure: book of secrets.

I think that about wraps it up.

Christmas with Friends!

Chuck and Charlene invited us to their church's Christmas program tonight! They go to Cedar Creek in Perrysburg. We had never been there before tonight. But have heard a lot about it and met their pastor before. So we went! Plus it was just a night to get to hang out with Chuck and Char and the all the kids! They have 9 and we have 3, so it was lots of kids! Tim Hartman, our brother-in-law, went as well, the Chuck/Char's kids go to his youth group. It was great!

A lot of Trans-Siberian Orchestra music! Awesome musicians, lights, message, etc. It was just wonderful! They give out free pop, coffee, hot chocolate! Needless to say, I spent most of the service having to pee - really bad!

Afterwards, we went to East of Chicago pizza for their buffet. I hadn't been to East of Chicago's since, I believe, high school.

I haven't told Chuck and Char but I am so proud to call them my friends! They are awesome people! And I am so glad to call them my brother and sister now!!!!! It's always great to know that your friends are friends for eternity!!!! I love 'em!

Here's your Card!!!!

Click HERE for your Christmas card!

Oh my goodness! I forgot to tell you about my funny story yesterday! I was informed that a woman needed some assistance this Christmas with food and gifts for her children. Well, on Wednesday nights we distribute Panera bread at church. I'm in charge of it and I knew that this would be one way that we could help her immediately. So I called the cell phone number that I was given. I left a detailed message about our program and how she could get the bread! Telling her Merry Christmas and that I am praying for her and her children. Etc. etc. etc.

Well, about 30 minutes later, she calls back. Well, at least the number that I called calls me back. This is the funny part so pay attention! Here's how the conversation goes!

"Hi, is this Sharon?"

"Yes"

"Good morning, this is Marcy Kaptur, you called my phone and left a message for a woman named ______, I believe you've made some mistake."

(Not hearing pretty much anything after Marcy Kaptur, and interrupting her) "Rewind! Marcy Kaptur? Like Congress? Senators? Washington? Politics? Marcy Kaptur? That Marcy Kaptur???"

"Why yes! In fact, I'm calling from Washington right now. I was getting ready to go into session and got the message. I knew I needing to call you right away. The right woman needs the message... yada, yada, yada." (again me really not listening....because I'm too busy trying to assess the situation)

"Marcy Kaptur??? Is this a joke???"

"No. Somehow your message got into my system..."

So the conversation want on - if you actually know me, you can imagine my tone and cynicism in this conversation ---- and she told me I was doing what the true heart of Christmas is and that she appreciates me and hopes that I find the right number to reach the woman! And to have a Merry Christmas!

If I had been thinking, I should have said, "now that I have your direct number, I'm gonna set my speed dial to call you when you are doing something wrong - which by the way will be almost daily, if not twice a day!" But I refrained! I was still a little dumbfounded by the whole thing! Only I can misdial a number and get someone like Marcy Kaptur! Hilarious! I was laughing my heart out!

So anyways, it was my mistake. I had misdialed the number! It did prove to give me some much needed laughs. And I did save her number in my phone - just in case, I get pulled over or something I can say "I'm gonna call Marcy, I do have her direct line."

Sleepy Head

Okay, so we spend hundreds of dollars for beds, mattresses, sheets, blankets, pillows, etc. And what do the kids do - they sleep underneath the bunk beds they have in their rooms! Kinda like buying a gift in a box, they don't care about the gift but the box is the greatest thing in the world!
I received my final grade today in my Biblical Theology class! I was thinking a B because the prof had given me a B- on my second Lectio-Divina Bible Study. But I got on A-!!!!! YEAH!!!! This means I have maintained my 4.0! (An important goal that I have!!!) And I thought for sure that I had already blown it - in the third class!!!!


I have also cancelled my Y membership! The prices kept going up and besides that you couldn't tell that I had one because I didn't hardly use it! But I have joined Lifestyles again! I had the membership years and years ago! (like 7) and I went today for the first time! It was tiring and I thought I was going to die! But I do feel great now! I'm excited because Crystie, Evalee, Judi, Michelle, Traci and Ronda are all members! I have asked all my ladies to check in with me if they have a membership, so we can make an accountability network up! As women, we need someone to talk to while working out!! I'm excited!

I have forgotten to tell you all that I am short one rabbit now! So I have to modify my title description above. According to Nadine, he escaped and is in the back yard! But really he's well....do I have to say?

Children's Wonderland

Today was our yearly trip to Children's Wonderland! It was actually different this year! Which is good because every year they have the same things over and over. Biggest change: Santa wasn't outside! He was inside with little elves working on him.

There were also new exhibits! This one is Santa made into a lighthouse! There was also an alien one and a couple of others.

We also saw Santa Claus and got to sit on his lap! No one screamed or cried! He was giving out suckers! If you can't win their hearts - bribe 'em!!!! Rowan didn't even care who was holding him as long as he had that sucker.

Rowan was like a kid in a candy store, so was Nadine! They loved it! You couldn't keep them from running! Jourdyn loves the wax machines! She made herself a polar bear (another new addition to the Wonderland!)

Biblical Theology (Check)

Last Friday was the final day for my Biblical Theology class! It has been really taxing on me! Six weeks of taking all the things I thought I knew about the Bible and God's revelation and either modifying that or just having to chuck it out the window of my mind! This is a really hard thing to do and I thought I would never make it!

My Prof was at the beginning what I thought of as "a little of his rocker." I believe alot of what he was saying was to get me to think in a new way. And a lot of it was just what he believed to be the truth about the Bible. Either way - I learned so much and have grown in ways that I never thought imaginable. I don't know my final grade yet - but I did get an A- on my final exam essay! I had taken a completely unique approach to the essay - and he liked it!!!!

My final Bible Study I had written on I Samuel 1 and Hannah. I received a B- on that study because of not using good resources! :) I don't agree with that but oh well. So I am going to probably get a B in the class. I'll let you know when I hear for sure!

Also Rob and I have sat down and figured out when we will be going to Idaho this summer! JUNE 27 - JULY 13, of course there will be drive time included in that so we won't get to Idaho until the 30th and we would leave the 10th. But we are driving out and have to make lots of plans for things to do.

The kids and I are going to fly out hopefully in February after we get our income tax return but worst case scenario it will be over spring break which Good Friday through the following weekend. That is when we would be able to come for the longest time, instead of just a long weekend. Plus that would be a great Birthday present for all my kids! Since they are the 7th, 11th and 23rd of March. And Jourdyn told me this past week - rather proudly - that her birthday was on a VERY special day this year! The day of Christ's resurrection! She's excited!!!

Praising God!!!

Last night sometime after midnight our live tree fell over. Water was everywhere! We found it this morning. But God is so great! And we praise Him for the protection that He gave our family! The lights were on! And the tree fell on my computer power cords. We could have had a fire very easily! The tree is now on our front porch! I am taking the stand back to Andersons! It was supposed to hold a tree up to 15'. Ours was 9'. The whole stand flipped with the tree still firmly secured in the stand.

Whole in the head!!!!

Nadine's Christmas program was today! Rowan and I went! It was very cute! They all sang songs (about 5 of them) and then we had cookies and punch together!

Just before the program started, Rowan was sitting on the edge of the pew and reached forward. Slidingly off the front, falling forward head first. He just happened to clip the corner of the hymnal holder and punctured his forehead. It didn't bleed immediately -so I could see that it was a hole. Then it bled really dark red blood. There was an EMT dad there and he helped me apply pressure to it and get a bandaid. Rowan is okay - he's just gonna have a scar.

He didn't even let out the littlest wimper until we tried to confine him.

My GREAT Niece...

Tatum with her parents, my nephew, Curt and his wife, Nicole. This whole great thing is only because I'm awesome, terrific, wonderful! It has nothing to do with age!!!! Isn't she sweet???

I have to go get our pictures taken but I don't want to look at my fat self in them - so I've been procrastinating about it!!!! Maybe I'll just get the kids done!!!! Yeah, that's what I'll do!!!

Women's Christmas Celebration

Last night I had my Women of Hope Christmas Celebration! We have been planning for this for several months! And it all came together last night for one God-filled Christ-centered awesome event. It was so evident that the Holy Spirit had joined us right there in the Oregon Room at St. Charles Hospital. It was wonderful!!!!

My family was there: Jourdyn, Julie, Maryann, Connie and Crystie and Connie even brought two friends! It was great to have them all there with me!!! They all mean more than words could say to me. Also all my church family was there! All my ladies, as I call them!!!! Karen Alexander-Doyel came and spoke for us. She is such an inspiration and a miracle! A reminder that we serve an Awesome, loving, faithful God! Check out The Women of Hope blog for more pics of the evening!

I have to brag on my girls for a minute - this evening and everything else that I do in Women's Minsitries would not be possible without my good friends and sisters, Lin, Tammy, Melanie and Tracy. I am so blessed to have them!

The Brush Wellman Christmas party was yesterday, as well. I didn't go. But Rob took the kids to kids party! Rowan got a remote control jeep that doesn't work. And you should have seen him throw a fit when it wouldn't move! We are going to take it back for an exchange. Nadine got a Hide-n-seek Hayley doll. She hasn't been able to play with it yet! One because of her attitude and two because of batteries. Jourdyn got $20. She's excited! I think I'm gonna take her to Good News Christian Bookstore so she can get some new books!

And of course, we didn't go to the Adult dinner last night! Rob worked and I had my party!

My First Hatemail!!!!

I am sure that you have heard about the Golden Compass! Well, the author is not an atheist. He believes God should be killed and brought down! Worse than an atheist! Well, I was given this link to an article from Christianity Today about the movie. http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/fearnotthecompass.html
I read it and this was my reponse!

"Why as Christians would we want anything to do with "putting God down." or "My books are about killing God." ? The Bible tells us to not conform to this world. And I think this series is a big conformation of the world we are living in.

Our rights as Christians are slowly (and increasing more rapidly) being taken away from us! It is okay to be anything but a Christian! Step onto any one of our great colleges and you will find this rather quickly, even at our Christian colleges its beginning to happen. You really don't even have to do that - Have you been to Wal-Mart lately? "Happy Holidays!" Heaven forbid they say merry Christmas. Christ has been blacklisted! And this movie is just more rhetoric attesting to that.

Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, I am sicken by the suggestion that I should have to bow down to others with differing beliefs! I will not bow down! I will stand for my God, who is the God of all creation, including Pullman! Whether he'd admit it or not! Ephesians 6:10-18 recounts the Armor of God - "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist."

Ephesians 5:11-12 says "have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful to even to mention what the disobedient do in secret." Just before this vs. 6-7 says "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. THEREFORE DO NOT BE PARTNERS WITH THEM."

To not take seriously Pullman's intent in the books by saying he can't do anything to God anyways, opens a door that I'd rather not! or to say it's okay as long as someone explains that its not the truth - who's gonna do that! Parents today don't even pay attention to their kids school work, do we really think they are going to pay attention to the movies the drop their kids off to see?

Maybe the critic and Pullman would say that I am exactly the type of Christian that they are talking about! But there are some lines that I will not cross and to pay money to view a movie that's only intent to extinguish the Christian belief system including God - that's not a line that's the abyss and I'm not going to even drive along side it, let alone jump over it!

I will, like the article said pray for Pullman - but more importantly - I'm gonna pray for the millions (including impressionable young kids) that are going to be fed this hook line and sinker this weekend and beyond. And I'm gonna pray that someone be there in their lives - a Christian - to counteract the damage that this movie will bring to their walk of faith with God."

Apparently, the truth hurts! Because I had "replied to all" on the email and I got hate mail!!!! My first hatemail!!!! The Bible tells us we will be hated for following Him! Also this is just proof that just because it's from a Christian source doesnt' necessarily mean it's biblical! It could just be one Christians opinion, which is the case I see here.

This was emailed to me - oh my goodness! It is Brad Paisley and Sara Evans singing I believe what is called "New again".

Tonight I went and saw Glenn Beck (...again). His Christmas show is all about redemption. It is so awesome! And this song just really hit a cord with me tonight! I am so thankful for the redemption Christ offers me and you!

By the way to watch this - you need to scroll to the bottom of this page and pause the music.

Jourdyn's Singing Debut

Today Jourdyn and I sang together at church! We sang "Go Light Your World" by Kathy Trocoli. Jourdyn sang the first half by herself and did a MARVELOUS job!!!! She was a little nervous but did great!!! She received so many comments and a couple of emails thanking her for singing!

Nadine wanted to sing with us - but she's still a little too little! It would have been cute though!

Not much going on this week - other than me writing another Bible Study and a paper for my biblical theology class!!! Oh by the way - I got an A- on my 12 sermon ideas and an A- on my first ever Lectio-Divina Bible Study!!!! YEAH!!!! I was pleasantly surprised!!!!!! It has been a really tough class for me! Pray that I can keep that pattern up on these other two assignments this week!!!!

As Promised - My Theory on Christmas Gifts

So here's the article I wrote for December's issue of Women with Hope - the newsletter that we put together for Women's Minsitries at what is now Hope Community Church of the Nazarene. (www.onaz.org or www.oncwomensministries.blogspot.com)

Some may call me crazy, but as we are coming into this Christmas season, I have made the decision to not give my children or myself any gifts this year. The Lord has been laying this on my heart for several years and I have not listened. This is going to be the year that I do.
In our Bible study, Daniel by Beth Moore, we are learning that we are living in a world of self-indulgences, a world that the theme could be “It’s all about me.” I, myself, have fallen into this trap many times. We are bombarded with this “all about me” mindset every second of our lives. Our world is programming us to believe that we can always have it our way. That we can get what we want when we want it.
This is the year that I’ve decided to just do what God has been telling me (John 2:5) and to find out what it truly means to give of ourselves. Jesus Christ came as a baby. But the true gift wasn’t the baby in the manger, it was the man on the cross, who died, was buried and lives again. He gave us His life (John 3:16), so that we might grow to be like Him and give of ourselves to others. The best way that I can think of to celebrate His birth is to respond to the grace that He offers me, to follow His example by giving to others (James 2:14-26). Jesus didn’t stop the scourging that tore his flesh or the nails that pierced His hands. He definitely didn’t have the “it’s all about me” attitude, He had the “It’s all about you” attitude.
It’s the time of year that we are trained to expect, expect again and then expect more from others. We are mailed catalog after catalog and we see commercial after commercial telling us about the latest greatest thing that we just absolutely need. I’m not giving in this year. This year we are going to give out to others instead of giving into ourselves. It is my prayer that my family will learn to be like Christ by leaving the “It’s all about me” attitude behind this Christmas.