Casa de Esperanza II

We moved (and so did my new blog)

2010-06-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hey guys and dolls: I finally started my new blog "Confessions of a Coffee Lover". You can click on http://melissaflaming.blogspot.com.

Also, we're in New Mexico! More info to come!

Just Dance

2010-06-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

I'm listening to my two youngest sing/dance to Wii's "Just Dance". I tried it last night, and lemme tell ya, it's DANG HARD!! Had a great workout. I'm rather proud of myself for not requiring everyone to leave the room whilst I "danced".

It's loaded with songs I'm familiar with -can we say

"70 &80's"?!?Bonus!!

Random-ness

2010-06-03T06:43:00.001-07:00

I'm in the process of setting up my OWN blog. I want it to ooze "Me". But it's not ready yet, so don't peek.

For now, I'll just give a little snippet here and there.

We're down to 17 glorious days before we're back in our "neighborhood". Remember Mr. Rogers? He really WAS my favorite to watch on PBS (before the days of cable, satellite, Disney Channel & so forth). I tried to get my kids to watch it when they were little. I dunno...they were bored to tears. Anyhoo, I am so ready to mean it when I sing, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..." My bro-in-law recently posted a Facebook status with a quote from Andy Stanley: "

"Never stop dreaming! When your memories outnumber your dreams, the end is near."

Ok, Sorry, Andy, that's MY quote now. I've DREAMED of this day for more than a year. Why? Cuz I've been so far from home and everything that says, "Me". I truly have felt that my memories have overtaken my dreams, and I'm only 39! I cannot allow my heart to resign itself to mediocrity. I was made for so much more (and, by the way, so were YOU!!).

I'm realizing that this would be a perfect post for my NEW BLOG, so I'm gonna stop here.

Quinoa Tabouli

2010-05-29T11:31:00.001-07:00

Ok, here's the requested recipe. Granted, it's one I make every Friday at work, and I NEVER thought I would these kinds of foods...vegetarian junk, I mean stuff. I like the flavor, but the quinoa is a little too weird in my mouth. I'm all about texture when it comes to food. Normally, Tabouli is made with bulghur wheat. I'm sure you can just sub out the quinoa for bulghur.

Quinoa Tabouli

1 c. Quinoa

2c. water

3 med. tomatoes, seeded and diced

1/2 cucumber, seeded and diced

1 1/2 c. parsley, coarsely chopped

2 T. fresh mint, chopped

1/3 c. lemon juice

1/3 c. olive oil

1/2 t. salt

Rinse quinoa in cold water, rubbing between fingers to remove bitter, outer layer. Bring 2 c. water to a boil. Add quinoa. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 min. or until water is absorbed.

Chop veggies and herbs. Place in bowl and add lemon juice, oil, and salt. Stir gently. Add quinoa and gently toss. Allow to refrigerate for a while to blend flavors.

Variations: Substitute Bulghur Wheat for quinoa: Bring 2 c. water to a boil. Remove from heat. Add bulghur; cover, and let stand until water is absorbed (15-20 min.).

Could it be more simple than that? Hope you enjoy it.

Ya'll Get to See the Real Me

2010-05-27T06:23:00.001-07:00

Hello, Peeps. This morning I thought, "It's time to let the world in on my life, if only briefly. I keep putting it off because it's been so long that I get all tied up in knots wondering what to post. Fear of blogging- Blogophobia? I dunno. Ok, this is my "Personal Thots" paragraph...

Why am I so hesitant to be me right now? Here I've been counting the days until we get to go HOME to NM, yet I feel like I can't be me because I don't want to offend anyone, or I fear peoples' reactions or thoughts...I really battle with fear of man. Sometimes, I honestly think, " I don't give a damn what anyone else thinks about me!"sorry, family if my choice of words causes you to gasp. Sometimes there ARE no other words. Yet, other times I think, "What do they think of me? Am I a failure? I wonder who's reading this and rolling their eyes (only payback for the thousands of "eye rolls" I gave my parents) thinking, "She sure has made a mess of her life. When is she gonna decide what she wants and settle down?"

Well, I'll tell you...NEVER. Why? Because God didn't make me that way. I am realizing that I was created with an "adventure mode". Some peeps are created with a "nesting mode", and I am completely jealous of that at times. To be in one place, one job, one church, one group of peeps that you've known for a lifetime...that sometimes sounds so inviting. But God didn't make us all the same (duh).

Another secret of mine: I've purposely not blogged or posted pics of where we've been living for the past year because I've been embarrassed and ashamed of where God has allowed us to be-an old, two bedroom mobile home that doesn't look very pretty on the outside. Isn't that horrible? There. I said it. When I take a step back and look at His hand in our lives since last summer my heart is so full of thankfulness, but I've not wanted to share it because of pride (even now there is a lump in my throat). Dang, this is freeing!!! (But I still won't post any pics).

Last night Jarrod and I were looking through a blog of someone we know here in town. I finally told him, "Ok, I need to stop looking at all this because I am feeling so jealous of it all." Beautiful home, beautiful fabrics, beautiful EVERYTHING!!! And here I sat, longing to be able to release all of that creativity that I have, but not knowing if/when it will ever happen again.

All of that to say...

We are getting to move back HOME to New Mexico in June!! When we made the decision to move here to Kansas, it was in a terrible time of crisis, financially, with the economy, etc. I don't know; maybe it was a mistake, maybe not. Either way, we moved here, hoping/dreaming that God would allow us to "prosper" in a quieter community, simpler lifestyle, all the things you think of when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. But ya know what? It isn't HOME. For any of us. We've been here 1 1/2 yrs. and honestly had some good times..and crappy times, too. That's just all part of living in this world. Yes, we have dear, dear friends that we wish could go with us and keep getting together every weekend. Our kiddos have good friends that I know they don't want to leave. However, it's time. It's time to be where we love to be; to be with family as our kids grow up; time to invest in their lives as much as we can before this ol' world is over. I don't know how many years we have left here; when Jesus is coming back. It sure seems like it can't be that long now. But however long or short it is, I want to live it out to the FULLEST! BTW, this is still a major dream of ours...

Wow. I just realized that this "paragraph" is now a full-blown article. Well, you don't have to read it if you don't want to...too late, huh? We have about 3 wks. left here in Newton. I want to live those 3 wks. to the fullest. I honestly don't always know how to do that. I think it really involves God, though. In fact, I'm SURE it does!

Another blog...

2010-04-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

For anyone that's even remotely interested, I'm starting another blog, a personal one, over on wordpress.com. I'm not exactly sure how often or what I'll post, but I think it'll be more of an interactive online journal for me. Not ever been one to like to write in a book, but maybe it'll start to flow if I'm typing. Weird, but hey, that's me!

If you're interested or maybe even bored, come on over sometime. address is http://jarrodf.wordpress.com.

Thanks!

Forever Update

2010-04-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it's been about forever since anyone has updated this thing, especially me. So, here ya go.

First off, this past weekend was Jake's last basketball tournament; 4 games on Saturday: 10:00, 1:00, 6:00 and 8:00. Talk about "all day"! Anyway, he's been working for the past 2 weeks, along with 4-5 other guys, with former KU Jayhawks player Alonzo Jamison, who is now an Assistant Men's b-ball coach here in town. Well, it paid off (I mean, it was free, but...you know). The first game Jake scored 15, and 7 in the 2nd. We lost those two. Then, during the long break in between he got a haircut and came back and scored 30 points in the 3rd game. Yes, that is a 3-0, 30! At halftime the score was tied 21-21 and Jake had 19 points! It was fun to watch. The last game he had 15 and they won the last two, taking 3rd place in the tourney! Thank you, Alonzo!

Ok, so an even more important reason for getting back to this blog today is to tell you all of a story of what happened to me this morning. Melissa had gone in to work early, and so I had to get the kids ready and out the door a little earlier, so that I could get to work on time. I had been able to spend some time reading my Bible this morning, but not really much time to pray and prepare for the day. So, after I dropped the kids off, I was just contemplating what God was doing in my life and began talking to Him and realized I hadn't asked for forgiveness for some personal stuff that I'd just recently covered over. (You don't need/want to know what it was and it's not the point anyway) :) What was so amazing is how God decided to speak back to me that I was forgiven. I know it was Him so don't bother arguing philosophically with me about this. Anyway, I'd had the radio on softly, but after I finished praying, I turned it up. And low and behold, this song by Sanctus Real "Forgiven" was playing and God let me know that I was forgiven. Beautiful time for me! Thanks, God!!

The link above is for Youtube video of the song with the lyrics. I hope you enjoy it and are blessed as I was!!

2 1/2 weeks!!

2010-02-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post: We are leaving for Spring Break in 2 1/2 weeks!! Where? Why, New Mexico, of course. All of us are waaaay too excited to be with our fam and our friends.

In the meantime, Jarrod continues to recover from his back injury at work. He's got about 3 more weeks of Phys. Therapy, then another trip to the back surgeon in Wichita to check his progress. We'll have to just wait and see what our next step is. He's become quite the Mr. Mom these past two months, and I honestly think this time of "Forced Rest" has been exactly what his body needs. He's the hardest working man I've ever known and hardly EVER stops to take time for himself. Of course, I've become rather attached to this guy after all these weeks and it will be hard to see him head off to work on a daily basis. What shall I do? DISHES?!? LAUNDRY?!? ALL... BY... MYSELF?!?! Ok, I don't need to panic yet. We have another month before any of that takes place. I've become quite used to going to work and kissing HIM good-bye.

Anna Mary turns 11 years old tomorrow (Feb. 24th)!! She's so tall, skinny, beautiful, and very witty! She's always making us laugh.

This year, the 2010 year as of today, has been the most unexpected, unpredictable two months of our lives so far, yet we feel held in the Hand of God Himself. Who'd have thought that 5 days into the new year our lives would be turned upside-down (not the first time)? If nothing else, it has been a time of giving without expecting anything in return and trusting that God knows what He's doing. Thanks for all of your sweet Facebook comments, emails, meals, encouraging words, and on and on. You are so dear to us, and we love each of you!

Stopping to Take a Breath

2010-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hello all of you sweet peeps. I don't have long because we have two basketball games in a while, plus I'm at the library since our computer is down (still) and I have a HEAVY BREATHER sitting next to me...humming, too. ugh.

Anyway, this has been a crazy, crazy, CRAZY month for us. I'm learning to accept that when it ....ok, the guy just BURPED...with juiciness. I"m outta here.

Just a Quick Little Update

2009-12-16T17:32:00.000-08:00

So for three weeks our computer has been sick...very sick. So much so that we are going to have to get a new one. NOT good timing. What am I to do at home when I get a craving for Scramble, or Jewel Quest? For Facebook or Gmail? For...the OUTSIDE WORLD?!?!?!?

Anyhoo, enough whining. Here are a few events that have kept us on our toes for the past month:

*Celebrated Thanksgiving together as a family with our dear friend Faith. Played games and talked and enjoyed each other's company.
*Anna came down with Chickenpox--BAD! She missed a week of school and was covered from head to toe .
*Jacob had his first band concert ever. He is playing the trumpet and is really really good at it. AND, if I may brag, he is teaching himself the guitar!! He can pick out just about any song by ear, and has learned tons of chords. We even played a couple of Christmas songs together (me, on the keyboard). What a dream come true for a piano teacher!!
*Caleb had his 3rd grade Christmas Program; he actually helped conduct one of the songs and did it PERFECTLY!! Talk about a proud Mom and Dad! I was smiling from ear to ear as my youngest sang his heart out...ON KEY!!
*Anna played her first basketball game EVER last Saturday. I guess she has enough of her Daddy's genes to actually play a sport. She did a great job! In all other respects, she's like her Mom. :)
*This past weekend Jarrod and I attended 7, count 'em, SEVEN, basketball games between our three kiddos! I cannot begin to tell you how much fun it was and how exhausting it was!
*Jacob came down with the Chickenpox last night!!! He's had the shot, so it seems to be a very mild case.
*We are staying here in Newton for Christmas. Had great plans of going home to NM, but the timing just wasn't working out for my side of the family to be able to spend any real time together. We are all very disappointed, but we're planning to take a trip out there in a couple months. In lieu of NM we are going to spend it, once again, as a family doing super-fun things in Wichita. I'll let you know what we decide. ;)

To all my dear friends: I miss you so much and am so glad that we can "talk" through this fascinating little thing called The Internet.

Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating our sweet Saviour! Love to all!

Chicken Tamale Pie

2009-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

This looks involved, but it's really a snap to throw together. We all need a new recipe now and then, don't we?

Chicken Tamale Pie

Filling:

1 whole chicken, cooked, boned, yada yada

3-4 NM green chiles seeded and chopped (OR 1 can chopped green chiles)

1/2 can creamed corn

2 c. shredded cheese

2 t. taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients and place in 9x13 pan. Mix all cornbread ingredients together well. Pour over the top of of chicken mixture and bake at 350° for 25-30 min. or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cornbread Topping:

1 c. cornmeal

1 t. baking powder

1 1/2 t. baking soda

1 t. salt

1 c. buttermilk

2 T. melted butter, or oil

1/2 can creamed corn

2 eggs

Easy-Peasy variation:

*Use canned chicken or chopped chicken breasts

*Mix up a box of Jiffy cornbread mix and call it good!

The Things We Do That Make Us A Parent

2009-10-11T05:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the computer in the dark. It's been a looong weekend. My poor Caleb has the dreaded H1N1 (aka: piggy flu, "Hiney" flu, whatever). Thankfully, he's doing better this morning. Fever is down a bit, he's still sleeping and I got a mostly full night's sleep.

I won't whine, mind you, but I will say that I am missing 3 important things this weekend:

Jarrod ~I sent him off to Kansas City yesterday to a Jayhawks game.

Weekend in KC with my hubby at a Jayhawks game

My 20th HS Reunion in Spring, TX

Ya know, God always has a reason for these quirky happenings that "mess up our plans".

"You can make many plans,

but the Lord's purpose will prevail."

~Proverbs 19:21

Jarrod just called this morning to tell me some of what God has spoken to him about...great, exciting stuff. Myself: I've had a weekend with my three kids in a tiny house and it's been good. I've let the house get messy (gasp!), we've watched lots of tv and movies (gasp!), we've baked STORE BOUGHT cookie dough (what?!? Not from scratch? Yeah, they're delish!)

When a kiddo is really sick, you stop everything and pour every ounce into getting him better.

Thank goodness for Facebook! I've been able to see pics from my reunion almost instantly! They're all old. ;)

Thank goodness for cellphones! Jarrod and I have texted and called a bunch.

yep, he misses me. :}

Plus, had I been in KC, I would have missed Jacob's first win yesterday: 18-6

GO WARRIORS!!

Now I shall begin the great clean-up.

Homemade Deliciousness...Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

2009-09-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I must say that this is not MY recipe, but rather from my Mom's bestest friend ever, Julia Sommers. I must give credit where credit is due. She gave it to me at my bridal shower, so many years ago, and everyone goes nuts over it.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. creamy peanut butter

1 egg

1/4 c. milk

1 c. flour

1/2 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 c. oatmeal

Chocolate Frosting:

2 c. powdered sugar

1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa

3-5 T. boiling water

1/2 t. vanilla

Mix first 7 ingredients, then add dry ingredients. Spread in pan.

Bake at 350° for 20 min. Cool.

Beat frosting ingredients together and spread over bars. Cut when cooled.

Yield: 12 servings

Oh my gosh, does it get any easier than this?!?

Today I...

2009-08-25T11:47:00.000-07:00

On my Blessed Day Off I...

Baked hamburger buns for our "Green Chile Cheeseburgers" tonight.

Sewed up a clothespin bag (so easy, and so needed)

Baked Whole Wheat Bread, which looks like it's gonna be hard as a rock...too much wheat flour or it's too old

Watched old "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie" on hulu.com while I clean/sew/bake.

Hung clothes on the line on this beautiful day, but one line fell down. boo hoo.

Played a couple rounds of "WordWhomp" while I ate my lunch. Was craving Beenie Weenies, but had to sub the weenies for leftover meatballs. Not too bad.

Need to change into nicer clothes to pick up the kids and take them for eye appts.

Need to call and wish my Dad a "Happy 62nd Birthday"!

Talked to Jarrod as he was going from one construction job to another.

She's Back

2009-08-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pic #1:Mom, my cousin, and Myself
Pic #2: Caleb, Me and Jacob in the cccold stream.

In case you were worried...I'm still alive. I've kinda strayed from the blog-thing. Twitter captured my attention for a couple of months, but I'm bored with that. There are too many people who give a second-by-second account of their lives, and honestly,

I DON'T CARE!!

AND I don't think anyone really cares about MY little details on a regular basis. Boy, that sounds harsh.

Anyway, I'm back to "Blogsville". I've been so inspired by the cutest, most creative looking blog pages lately and it is stirring up the "left-hander" in me- ie: time to sew, bake, redecorate, shop..."let the creative juices flow!!!"

I was going to post about my summer adventure to New Mexico, but I did already mention some of the stuff I did there in my last post. Plus, I asked my Dad to post some pics from my trip as, *sniff, sniff*, I LOST MY CAMERA IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SANTA FE!!!!

OK, here's the low-down: So my parents (who BTW were AWESOME to be with), my kids and myself went up to the Sangre de Cristo mountains in Santa Fe. We did this twice while I was there to cook breakfast in the morning up in the mountains. We're weird like that. Eggs, bacon, fried potatoes and green chile just taste better up there. Well, then we drove up a little further for a hike. NOW, in case you are getting all impressed at my "athletic prowess", let me halt right there, partner, and make you aware that the term "hiking" is extremely relative. HIKE: to walk down the path at "my Dad's Rock" and enjoy the scenery.

So towards the end of our "hike", Mom and I decided to wait at the top at the van while Dad and the kids played in the stream downhill. I set my backpack down and walked around for a little bit. Then when the gang got to the van, I hopped in and we drove home. Lalala, I go about my day and begin packing that night to drive home the next morning, and I have this sickening feeling: THE CAMERA!! Too late now. It's a goner!

All that to say...I asked my Dad for any pics he had on HIS camera so I could post them on here. Well, I pray that these weren't his only pics, as I am lookin' pretty rough. But, in humbleness I will post these if you promise not to laugh.

Things I am Doing this Month

2009-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

*Driving 12 hrs. straight with 3 kids to see my fam. in New Mexico

*Sitting in my sister's house in Albuquerque,blogging.

*Working waay to much and too early, and wishing I could be a stay-at-home mom again.

*Missing my hubby while he works in Kansas.

*Wondering why I feel like a Gypsy (never settled, always moving).

*Hoping beyond hope that God shows Jarrod and me just what on earth we are here for!!!

*Getting a pedicure today...I'm determined!

*Eating a huge Green Chile Cheeseburger from Blake's Lotaburger in Abq.

*Driving 12 hrs. straight back to Kansas to see my sweet hubby who works his butt off and is the greatest guy ever, and deserves...well EVERYTHING good that God has to throw his way!

*Making lots of yummy smoothies.

*Getting our new little home in order.

*Fryin' up our fresh eggs from our chickens.

*Scouring my Bible in search of what God is wanting to speak to me about. Looking for answers to this crummy life, and hoping to make the best of it while we all have to be here.

*Thanking God for ALL the blessings He hands me each day...my kids, my sister and her family, my parents, my good friends back in KS...and of course, Gooey Bars. ~sigh~

Will post pics of this trip when I get home.

It's Moving Day Once More

2009-06-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we're either brave or stupid.
Today is supposed to be our big day. It doesn't feel like it, because we've been on a roller coaster of a ride for two weeks now with a "whole 'notha situation", plus Jarrod is working in 100°+ weather this week, I'm working EARLY mornings (today I went in at 4:30am), the kids are going to VBS...
You just do what you hav-ta do.
Jarrod and I (even the kiddos) could really use a vacation. We just don't get to take them. I must admit I am jealous of families who can get away every year to relax and refresh. My prayer is that this move will eventually allow us to experience that on a regular basis. Until then:
Thanks God, for my life. You've given me everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)

New Address

2009-06-14T07:23:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I'm in a big hurry, but I want to let you know our new address as of July 1, 2009.
600 SW 24th
Newton, KS
67114
We'll be VERY crazy busy for the next two weeks, so I probably won't be on here until we get settled out in the country.
Three things I am soooooooo looking forward to:
1. PRIVACY!!
2. SPACE!!
3. QUIET!!!
Hmmm, can you tell I'm an introvert? No more revving up engines outside my windows all hours of the day and night. No more SHARING a single driveway with 6 other cars!! No more cops zipping by on 1st. St. at 50mph! No more train whistles causing my teeth to itch.

Space, glorious SPACE!!
Ok, I need to get ready for church now. Bye for now.

I Write When I'm Heavy-Hearted

2009-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a not-so-fun-post. It's been a hard couple of days. There is a pastor/friend of our church who just this last week had to resign because of an affair with his Admin. Assist. He leaves a wife and 2 children shipwrecked.

Then today I opened a message on Facebook to find out that the marriage of two dear friends of ours whom we traveled with in Life Action is ending. Why? A homosexual affair that has gone on for 11 years was found out; he is a worship pastor. He leaves a wife and 5 children shipwrecked.

Believe me, these are only two out of umpteen families that I know have fallen apart. But it's two in ONE WEEK!

If you think for one second that you are immune, shame on you.

If I think for one second that Jarrod and I are immune, shame on ME!!

Do we REALLY not believe that Satan is prowling around, devouring Christ-followers? Is anyone as sick and tired and mad as I am that we constantly fall for the lies from the Enemy?

It doesn't happen "all of a sudden". It happens when for ONE MOMENT you let your guard down and tell yourself, "It's no biggie." Then multiply those "moments" and you're toast.

Last night Jarrod and I realized that WE need to reinforce the hedges around our relationship. He's the Student Pastor at our church. I'm on the Worship Team. What areas have even a tiny crack that needs repairing? How can we 24/7 have eachothers' backs??

This man that I am married to means more to me than any other person on the face of this earth! And my three kiddos are right behind my hubby! I NEVER want to shipwreck them!

Jesus, be the center.

Sum, sum, summer

2009-05-28T10:30:00.001-07:00

Summer has arrived in the Flaming house! Here are a couple of things I am planning on implementing for the next three months:

"Dog/Chicken Duty" - this means that each kid is in charge of one of our pets for a week at a time.

"Chores List" - each day each kid is assigned a specific chore(s) that has to be completed (to momma's approval) before they are allowed to go off for the day.
"Walk My Butt Off" - I've been walking EARLY mornings with two friends who are way more athletic than I...shh, I think I'm fooling them.

Thursday morning was a hoot...

Well, Wednesday night Anna invited her friend to spend the night. Then, we are taking care of our friend's Dalmation, Glimmer, for a week. She's old and no trouble at all, but now our adopted chihuahua thinks Glimmer's GINORMOUS dog bed is her's. THEN, Thursday morning I woke up to find our youngest kid sleeping on Glimmer's dog bed with her!!

And they slept until 9am! For the next week, the kids will rotate which dog they feed/water/walk, and I will handle the chickens.

Yes, our house is CrAzInEsS, but it's teaching them responsibility, which, of course, is a most important character trait our kids need to learn.

Any kind of new post

2009-05-26T04:15:00.001-07:00

I just have to post something to get that other post from being the most recent one on here. I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend. We did. I wasn't sure what it would be like when it started, but we spent a lot of time with the Koerner's and it was great! And thank you GOD for the beautiful weather and lack of humidity!! This time last year we were here for a visit and it was hot and muggy!

I do still owe Melissa a nice picture posted here for our "war", but I don't have anything yet. I have been working on business cards and a flyer so she can get her piano lesson business going again. Here's what I have for the biz card for now. Check out her website if you're interested in lessons (and live in the general vicinity of Newton, KS) :)

It is actually in color, but I just don't have a copy of that right now. Here's a look at the flyer so you can see the colors. I like doing this kind of stuff. It's fun.

I just couldn't help myself

2009-05-17T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, Jarrod's gonna kill me for this, but after going back and forth in my mind, I decided, "What the heck! This is so worth it!"

Meet "Chloe" the foster dog.

Speedy Quick

2009-05-12T07:02:00.001-07:00

Well, I've totally slacked on blogs lately. I SHOULD be making my grocery list and heading to the store, but once again it's cold, dark and about to rain (I am SICK SICK SICK of the weather here!!!!) did I mention SICK?!?. I heard a girl on Wheel of Fortune last night say that she just moved to California from Ohio for the sunshine. We have a bond.
Anyway, the last week or two have been full with "end of the year" stuff. Jacob graduated from 5th grade. The kid is almost 5'9", taller than ALL the students in his school, and taller than many of the teachers as well. Jarrod and I couldn't have been prouder- not just because he's tall, but because he has worked so hard to catch up after moving here and has proven that he can do it!! Of course, during the looong program Caleb leans over and says, "I hate to say it, but this is pretty boring!". Spoken like a true little brother.
Let's see, I highlighted all the kids' hair this weekend. Jacob's been begging to get highlights in his hair, so being the cool mom that I am ;) I did it. Caleb's hair is just too dark to take highlights, but he thinks he can see them. They look too cute, and hey, they're happy.
Mother's Day was a Humongous treat! Jarrod and the kids did everything for me-down to the linen tablecloth, napkins, bouquet of flowers, and cards; fixing the delicious dinner and cleaning up afterward. And guess what? Since it was MY day, I didn't make myself eat the green beans (yuck)! There are perks to having your own special day.
Ok, I need to get moving. But let me just say that I believe that I have the BEST husband and kids in the whole universe!!

Only in the Flaming Household

2009-04-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

So I am at work, when someone hands me the phone: "I think it's for you."

I pick up the phone, "Hello?"

"Mom, it's Caleb. (sniff,sniff). I have diarrhea. (sniff,cry, sniff)."

"Ok, Sweetie. I'll come get you and take you home, Honey."

"Ok. But, Mom, I AM at home."

"What?!?"

"I walked home (cry, sniff, sniff)."

"You WALKED home??? Does anybody know this at school?"

"No."

"Ok, stay there. I'll be there in a few minutes."

From that moment my mind began racing, wondering how in the world he managed to leave the school grounds without anybody seeing him!! What were his teacher and the secretaries thinking? Was there a search party going already? Did the nurse just send him walking?!? Surely not!

I called the school, and NO, they did NOT know he was gone! Good grief! I got home as soon as I could, and he was on the couch, opposite Anna Mary, who is home with a cold.

When I began to question him (gently, mind you because I know better than to force ANYTHING out of this kid), he told me some cockamamie story about how he went to the nurse but he couldn't remember what she said...

I just could not imagine him walking out the front door and no one seeing him. I called the school back, and was able to talk to the principal, who told me what seems to have really happened up until Caleb went AWOL. I told him Caleb was still crying and I needed to let him calm down before I got the whole story from him. Everyone was just glad that he was home safely.

Sooo, I called Caleb to my room once again, and calmly and lovingly got the real story: his class was next door watching a math video. His tummy hurt so he asked to go to the bathroom. His teacher gave him a bathroom pass, which he went and put on HIS desk, went potty, then because he had the big "D", he went back to his room, got his jacket and backpack and quietly went out the back door of his classroom and walked home! There WAS no nurse involved. All I could do was hold him and tell him that everyone was just so glad he was ok, and all the typical things you have to tell your kid about WHY we stay at school, etc., and that the police are on their way to take him to juvie. (JK) :)

The principal did tell me that he wants to talk with Caleb tomorrow. It's all good. This man is a great Christian guy who is FOR our kids.

Why me, Lord?

One of My Favorite Signs at Work

2009-04-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

One of those days

2009-04-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

I am so incredibly homesick today I could scream!! Here are some of the things I miss (in no particular order) :

*The Sandia mountains

*Green Chili

*The Desert

*Jefferson St. by my sister's house. It's a tree-lined drive that is so comforting.

*the Rio Grande

*Spanish

*My sister and her sweet family

*My parents coming down from Santa Fe to spend the night.

*My Grandparents and their house (also comforting)

*Old Town

*Blake's Lotaburger

*The drive down Paseo del Norte (never thought THAT was possible!)

*Going to lunch with my sis

*teaching piano

*the dry warm days and cool nights

*Green Chili Cheeseburgers

*Posole with pork and red chili

*New Mexican food in general

*The Fruit Basket (a tiny Mexican Fruit/Veg stand)

*Adobe homes

* Pretty much everything.

♫ "Spring, Spring, Spring" ♫

2009-04-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

If you've ever seen the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" you hopefully remember that song.

The chicks really like Anna Mary. She carries them around all the time.

Here at the Flaming backyard we've been watching our little chicks grow for a month now. They are actually about 6-7 wks. old, and are changing so quickly. Scroll down for pics of the younger days. :)

It's amazing what you can build with scrap wood!

Jarrod and I have been working on the coop as often as we can, but the crazy Kansas weather has slowed us down- April has brought us 3 snowstorms!! yuck. But, we'll keep posting more pics as we make progress. The coop will eventually be painted red with white trim, and may even have a cute little flower box under the window.

Bat Dog

2009-03-24T04:04:00.000-07:00

And this is Kansas, folks. No, the van is not moving. You should've seen Anna Mary walking to the car after school, or should I say, FLYING. Dang this wind!

Chick Pics

2009-03-08T20:09:00.003-07:00

So, I got a few more pics of the chicks. Man, we can already see how they've grown taller and some of their feathers in just 2 days!

Pickin' up chicks!

2009-03-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

Come on! Not that kind of chicks. Chickens! For a long time we've been wanting to have a bit of a "hobby farm" and now we're startin' with chicks! We just got home with our first 6 chicks - 3 Rhode Island Reds and 3 Gold Sex Links. I know it's a funny name. It means they are chickens which can be sexed at hatching. Learn something new every day, right?

We've been learning a lot from different websites and decided to go for it. One of our favorites is www.backyardchickens.com. Each of the kids has claimed one as their own and right now the chicks are in our basement in a box, adjusting to their new home. I think everyone has even named one. We have Thelma (Anna's), Redbud (Jacob's), Odie (Caleb's) Gussie (Melissa's) and Rhody (Jarrod's). Oops. One doesn't have a name yet, but I think Cookie would like to name it "Dinner".

Within 5-12 weeks they will be out in a chicken coop (which I have yet to build) and then a few more weeks before they are ready to lay eggs. Aren't they cute?!?

Feeling Jilted By My 7 yr. Old

2009-02-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here. I am waiting.

Caleb and I are supposed to go on a date tonight. Jarrod and the older kids are in Wichita at a concert. So I told Caleb that we would get to spend time together, just the two of us. He's my baby, so I am looking forward to his choice of restaurant:

McDonald's

However, my youngest is a Wii addict today. I even offered to take him to a movie. "No thanks", says he, as he does another flip on the Wii and defeats the Storm Troopers ONE MORE TIME.

I am feeling stood up; jilted; 2nd place. Sigh. Guess I could MAKE him go on a date, but how much fun is that? I'll give him a few more minutes, then I'll wave a McDonald's sign in front of his face. Maybe that will bring him back from the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

The Reveal...finally

2009-02-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

Well, as promised, here are some before/after pics of our new home. Man, 100 yr. old homes do have their quirks, but overall we are enjoying having a place to call our own. Watch and see what a little (or a lot) or paint can do!

Living Room

Dining Room
Bathroom

Kitchen ~ before

Kitchen~ after

Master Bedroom
My next project is curtains for all the windows. As for the kids' rooms...when they are clean (ha ha) I will post some pics.

A couple of funny things

2009-02-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, I just made a heart-shaped two-layer Chocolate Cake for Valentine's Day.

I ate too much of the frosting, and now I'm too sick to eat a piece of cake.

However, before I even frosted it I went into the kitchen only to find two big chunks missing from each layer! AAAANNNNNNNNNAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She just hid in the couch and raised her hand in surrender. No problemo. What Anna Mary doesn't realize is that now I get to put MORE FROSTING on to cover those holes!! yum.

Then, the other day I was making a snack for my kids: cinnamon graham crackers with frosting(do you see a pattern?). Anna Mary was in there when I was licking the spoon, and she says, "Mom, you better stop eating that or you're gonna get fat....(taking the bowl from me)...But I won't!" grrrr.

My Week Thus Far

2009-02-11T03:54:00.000-08:00

It's raining outside this morning. But I still have to go to work. No fair, huh? This week I am working every day. I'd whine, except that millions of you are thinking, "Yeah, what's so bizarre about that?" Well, I am used to my little schedule of M-W-F, with Thur. afternoons thrown in there. Only, this being Valentine's week, and this being a busy catering week at work, I am being FORCED to cook every day (the nerve!).

Our store is serving 3 dinners on Valentine's Day. Yesterday I did a "trial run" on our entree to make sure that it's gonna be delish! Yep, it was.

SPICED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH CHILI-CRANBERRY GLAZE. (plus a lot of other homemade deliciousness)

Today I am prepping huge amounts of two different soups for a group of 150+ on Thursday.

And why am I blogging all of this? Hmmm, I guess because this is about all that is going on in my life right now: WORK.

My house looks like it, too~

Yeah, I'll walk over that sock for the 50th time

What half -full bowl of cereal on the coffee table?

Feed the kids?!? I've been cooking all the live-long day!

As for celebrating Valentine's with my hubby, well, it'll have to happen NEXT WEEK. Don't worry, Babe, I'll make it up to ya. ;)

2009-02-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

Superbowl Party 2009

We had a great time having 25 people over for our first party in our new home. Thanks for bringing good food and even better friendships!

Quick Post

2009-01-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Hey! We're still here! We're getting our internet installed at the house this Thursday! Yea! (Thanks Melissa for setting that up!)

This week has been cold, icy and snowy so far. I didn't work yesterday, so it was a good day to get some work done on the bathroom. You may recall that it only had a tub (and she don't do baths) :) So, I've been installing tub surround and walls for a shower. I'll post pics soon. Fun thing about this one is that they positioned the tub about 8" from the wall, which also has a regular-sized window in the wall. So, I framed up a wall for the tub and used the last 8" for a couple of shelves. I think it will work ok. I know everyone is ready to stop taking showers down in the dungeon and running through the freezing gauntlet past the back door.

I know this is quick and brief, and I assure you there will be more to come soon but... I am now the new Youth Pastor, Leader, whatever for Riverpoint Church. I know, I know...I never thought I would volunteer for something this crazy either. It's just that God has really put teens on my heart lately and I couldn't say no. :) I know God has some cool stuff in store for us. Now, all you prayer warriors, please put me way up on the list! :) Thanks!

Well, that's all for now! Stay tuned! We're comin' back online!!

True Confessions of a Tired Woman

2008-12-31T14:05:00.001-08:00

I finally got a shower after two days. I know, I know..."GROSS!", some of you are thinking. Ya see, we are going from living at my mother-in-law's home to living in our home this week. With the move, and working M-W-F at 6am, etc. I've had to take "spit baths" to get by until 30 minutes ago. Wowsa, that shower felt heavenly!

The bad thing is, Jarrod tore out the wall around the bathtub to install a shower surround...in two weeks. :{

One of the joys of an oooolllld house is that it ONLY has a tub. (Well, there IS a scary old shower in the basement where the boogyman lives, but...)

I DON'T DO BATHS!!!

If I'm sick, yeah, but sitting in dirty water to get clean?!? What a dumb idea. So anyway, the next two weeks I will surrender myself to bath-taking, without complaining (too much).

Pics of the house will follow in a couple days.

Toodles.

Getting Closer Every Day!!

2008-12-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

Ok, here are a couple more pics of the house in progress.

Master Bedroom...not finished yet.

(great view of the neighbors, eh?)

Living Room under construction

Living Room receiving new life.

Christmas Goodies

2008-12-24T09:38:00.001-08:00

Here are two of the Christmas Goodies that I've baked the past week.

Peanut Butter Blossoms

I always think of my sister, Donna, when I make these. I don't know why.

Biscochitos

The Official New Mexico State Cookie

These are NOT snickerdoodles.

I cannot begin to explain how much I want to be in NM today and tomorrow with my family. In leiu of that, I made my Gramma Rivera's specialty.

One Room at a Time

2008-12-23T04:24:00.001-08:00

I am going to post one or two "Transformation" pictures of our house every couple of days.

For starters, I will show you Before and After pics of the "Blue Room"; ie: the boys' room.

Home again, Home again, Jiggity-Jig

2008-12-18T05:54:00.001-08:00

"Welcome Home, Flaming Family, Welcome Home"

216 E. 1st Newton, KS 67114

Our Living Room-to-be

Oh My Gosh!!! Did a blind person paint in here?!?

The scary basement.

No, I don't think we'll use this!!

This little "thing of beauty" is one of my favorite parts of the house. Why? It's welcoming and unique.

Every room will receive a beautiful coat of paint, and Jarrod will put his creative hands to work to make this house a place to call home.

Thank you so much, EVERYONE, for praying for us to find a house. You are a part of this!

You can see more "before" pics at http://www.kodakgallery.com/AlbumMenu.jsp?.

Thanks, God.

Brrrrrrrrrrr

2008-12-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, I can't think of the last time I was in -16 degree wind chill! I know, I know...moving to Kansas means dealing with the hard winters. I'm just sayin'- THIS is cold!

We had a really good weekend. Friday night we did pizza and games at our dear friends, the Koerners. Saturday we looked at a couple of houses (hopefully the one close to the kids' school will be the one!! please, God, let this be the one), then we all went Christmas shopping- yes, on a Saturday- in Wichita. We met Jarrod's mom and his brother for supper, then did the "Christmas Lights" thing. There are some incredibly HUGE houses in Wichita!!

And some "Griswald Competition" goin' on, too! It was fun...except for the part where Ben's car overheated in a parking lot in downtown Wichita. But we left it there, and kept having fun. Then there was the part where all of us were tired, and finished looking at lights, so we dropped Ben off at his house, and as we are getting back to our van, Anna accidentally locked the keys in the van! So, in the very, very windy, cold dark of night, Jarrod and Ben got to spend an HOUR with two wire hangers! Talk about Male Bonding.

Apart from those two little inconveniences, it proved to be a very Christmasy day.

Thoughts from the Basement

2008-12-08T04:34:00.000-08:00

I am getting ready to go to work this in about an hour. When I get there I will make the coffee cake that we serve on Mon. mornings, then begin cooking and preparing the sandwiches and wraps for lunch. Mondays are busy, but I like being busy.

Jarrod is already off to work (6:30am). He has been blessed to be able to work since week 2 of our move to Newton. It's supposedly temporary, until the end of the year, while he's looking for something permanent. He's working for Smith Home Improvements, for a guy he went to high school with. He's enjoying the remodeling/construction stuff. His face is nice and dark, and he looks like a hunk in those insulated overalls and tool belt!

We have been here 5 weeks now, and are ready for God to show us the house He has all picked out for us, and a permanent job for Jarrod. There have been good days, and bad days, but overall, we are doing well. I have to fight rushing to adjust to this new place. I just want everything to feel "normal".

Oh, Jacob turned 11 years old on Nov. 24th. We had the easiest party ever...he doesn't like cake, so why bother with the expense? He invited 4 neighborhood boys over and we had Root beer Floats. Then, Jarrod took them down the street to the park and played Capture the Flag for an hour or more. The boys were thrilled!! What did I do? Take a nap on the couch! Aaaah. That's my kind of party!

The Working Woman

2008-12-02T03:15:00.000-08:00

It's long past time to update our blog. And I promise to post pics after today...my day off!
We have passed the one month mark now. I don't like that the days turn so quickly into weeks. But, then again, it's good that I'm not sitting around with too much time on my hands. Hey, that reminds me of a Styx song. "t-t-t-t-t-t-t Too much time on my hands..."
Anyway...I will be true to my promise before to find one good thing about Newton, KS each day. I've forgotten a few days, but who's counting?

"I work in a very cool store that has the coolest wood floors."

Visit http://www.prairieharvestnewton.com/ for more info.

Here's how it happened...

Once upon a time (the first week we moved to town), Jarrod and I decided to go "downtown" to check out the stores. Mind you, this is a town that rolls up the sidewalks at 5pm, and is NOT open on Sundays. However, on Thursday nights, the downtown is open until 8:30pm. It's a big deal here. Having very recently moved from a big city, where anything and everything is open pretty much anytime of day or night, this is an adjustment.

Ok, back to the story...
So, Jarrod and I walked into this store called "Prairie Harvest". It was an oasis for me. You see, I love beautiful things, and this store, to me, was beautiful. Simple and beautiful. The colors on the walls, the old wood floors, the decor...it spoke to me: "Melissa, come and visit me when you need a beauty-boost."
As Jarrod and I perused the bulk grains, the spices, the lotions, the deli, I thought to myself, "This would be a cool place to work." Little did I know that Jarrod was thinking that, too (for me, not him). One of the cool things about this store is that it connects to three other stores from the inside: a bookstore/coffee shop, a cool kitchen store, and a froo-froo girlie store with purses, scarves, etc.

One week later...it's a Thursday night and Jarrod takes me on a date. Guess where? Downtown Newton, of course! We went back into Prairie Harvest and before long Jarrod's asking the manager if they are hiring for the holidays. She said, "Well, not really for the holidays. We really need someone for more than the holidays." Wow. Even better. So I took an application, and the next day returned it. The owner happened to be there, looked at my experience, skills, etc. and said, "We are needing someone in our kitchen. One of our cooks is moving. This is Providence, that we are losing a cook, and here you walked in with your application, and you are a cook!! I can hardly contain my excitement!" She offered me a job on the spot. As I walked out of the store, I thought, "Is this for real? I am going to work at this beautiful place, and not only work here, but COOK here?" Wow.

And so began my journey as a cook at Prairie Harvest. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, is made from scratch- which I love. Since it's an organic, whole foods-type place, we do a lot of vegetarian dishes, but we always offer what I like to call "real food" along with it. Who knows? I might even TRY some of the vegetarian stuff sometime. It sure smells yummy.

There is also a catering side to it, which I will do plenty of this month. We do on-site catering in our Prairie Room, so I am excited to be involved in that. One of the best parts about my job is that I only work when the kiddos are at school and only M-W-F, basically.

Remember when I told you that Thursday nights the town is open late? Well, I prepare the menu for that, as well. I love that people enjoy the food. It's a great feeling to make people happy.

There really is so much more to blog about from the month of November. However, I'll let Jarrod take a turn and tell you from HIS standpoint how life in Newton, KS is going.

Click on the Pic

2008-11-15T07:43:00.001-08:00

Because I've had several inquiries such as, "What is WordWhomp?" I am posting a link so that you, too, may enjoy the many hours of fun that Jarrod and I have experienced.

7 Things About Me You May (or may not) Want to Know

2008-11-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Why not? It's just for the heck of it.

#1- I can't stand to hear people clipping their fingernails.

#2- I love to have my ears rubbed.

#3- I talk to myself...a lot!! Complete conversations. Ask Jarrod.

#4- I think any type of fish is disgusting...even tuna fish.

#5- Today I splurged and bought a Chocolate Malt from Braum's. wowsa!

#6- I play a lot of WordWhomp.

#7- If the UNM Lobos and KU Jayhawks ever played against eachother (HA!) I'd have to go for the Lobos. Sorry, J.

Feeling Kinda Homesick Today

2008-11-06T12:27:00.000-08:00

We made it safe and sound- after 16 hours, 3 vehicles, 9 people, and

1 Cocker Spaniel!

Our Dear Friends, Todd, Robert, Julie, and Malee- who helped us make this move!!

The Reveal...in Newton, Kansas

Thank God for a big, strong hubby!

OMG!! We got it all in Todd and Julie's garage!

Ok, so it took a week to find my camera to post any "moving pics". I can't find my huge thing of laundry detergent that I swore I would not allow to get packed into storage. And my cooler filled with green chili that I guarded with my life in order to move it safely to Kansas so that I could make my favorite NM dishes?? I left it at my sister's house the night we said good-bye.

My Mountains

We are in a great town, a small town with way more conservative values; where our kids are safe to play outside after dark...but it isn't home yet.

The kids are on day 4 of their new school. The school is so great: Christian Principal, many Christian teachers, etc. Each of them has had good days and tough days. Overall, they are enjoying it. And Jacob? Well, our 10 yr old, 5' 7" 5th grader is bound to be the class heart throb! The girls lit up when he walked in to the room! Yikes!

I am very glad that they have so many neighborhood friends already...even though we won't LIVE on this street more than a few weeks(we're living in Jarrod's Mom's basement until we find a place).

I am feeling a little blue this afternoon. Why? Because it has been a little over a week since we moved away from my beloved New Mexico, the wind blew constantly last week, and it's dark and cloudy today. I think I just need a hug from my parents and sisters, and then I'll be ok.

It's the little things...like not being able to order a "Green Chili Double Cheeseburger at the local McD's; like going to the grocery store and not being able to find decent flour tortillas. After several "disappointments" like that, I nearly cried at the tortilla section of Walmart.

Moving sucks. But it will get better.

Jarrod was supposed to start work yesterday (Monday), but since it's a construction job, and it's rained the past two days, he's been outta luck. Lord, pa-leez give us some encouragement today.

So, if you happen to read this today, send me a hug via email. I sure need one!

Packing...still

2008-10-28T05:53:00.001-07:00

Well, yesterday was a good day. The good part started after the kids were off to school and Melissa's mom and dad took us to The Frontier for breakfast. This place is right across the street from the University of New Mexico, so it is usually packed with students. It is a long-time Brown family favorite!

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm Good!

Well, the house really looks like we're moving now. The walls are bare, beds are torn down and dressers are empty and most of it is in the garage. Melissa's mom and dad came down Sunday evening, spent the night and worked with us all day Monday...after breakfast.

Mom and Melissa spent the day in the kitchen and it is cleaned and pretty much packed, except for a few items we still need, of course. I mean, we obviously like to eat! Dad spent the day going around patching nail holes and doing touch-up paint. We do to hang stuff, huh Dad? He also helped me tear down our king-size bed. We're all sleeping on our mattresses on the floor. Woo hoo! I moved the remaining furniture from our bedroom downstairs. We now have all the furniture - dressers, bed frames, chairs & desks in the garage ready to be loaded.

Today I plan on finalizing plans with the utility companies, landlord, etc. and then cleaning/packing up the patio and backyard. Melissa has her last lineup of piano lessons today. Fortunately, we have a friend nearby that has a piano, so they can all go over there since our house is in upheaval stage.

Last night David, Donna, Taylor and Lindsey (Melissa's sister's fam) joined us for supper after Taylor's soccer game and Mom & Dad brought in Dion's pizza and salad. Mmmm!

After some fun and crazy stories, many surrounding our driving experiences (good luck, Taylor) we took a few minutes to take some family pictures. It was getting silly and crazy. I think maybe we were a bit tired?

What a great family I am in!

UNM - Lobo Howl Night 2008

2008-10-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

I took the boys to the University of New Mexico Lobo Howl Night 2008 last Friday. This is the college basketball season opening night where many schools have a free open practice and introduction to the fans. Our pastor used to be the chaplain for the team, so we've gotten to know 6 or 7 of the guys that come to our small church on the Westside of Albuquerque.

Here are the guys: Will Brown, Tony Dandridge, Daniel Faris, Dairese Gary, A.J. Hardeman and Phillip McDonald. Duane Broussard is the Director of Operations and he and his family come to church as well. At this Howl Night, I talked to Duane and he said, "If you ever need tickets, just let me know." Doh! And now we're moving!?! Too bad I don't know anyone at KU!

The boys jumped into line for autographs. We were fortunate to get there early and had seats right on the corner of the court on the floor! These would be awesome seats for a game if we were still here!

Notice Caleb is several people behind Jacob...thanks big brother!

Phillip signing a ball for someone.

Jacob's hero, Daniel, takes time for a pic.

Caleb gets his pic taken too.

Here are some dunks from the dunk contest:

Philip with his "Hand in the Cookie Jar".

Dairese does a toss-up dunk.

Tony and the "Windmill".

Tony goes under his leg.

Tony does a "double-stuff". Way cool! You can see some more of Tony's dunks on YouTube. There is one against Kansas State a couple years ago where his head is above the rim!

Here's Daniel in the 3-point contest.

We had an incredible time together that night!

We also got to meet/know J.R. Giddens from church. He is a former Lobo and Jayhawk before he moved to Boston to play for the Celtics.

Packing and Storm Troopers

2008-10-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today we packed, and packed, and cleaned, and packed. We have 14 days left, and are doing pretty good. Anna has moved in with the boys for the next couple of weeks. We got her room completely cleaned out. Jarrod and I both knew that her room would take longer than any other room in the house because she is...well, I'll put it nicely: a pack-rat.

The boys' room is empty except for three mattresses, and a suitcase for each. This makes life so much easier for us as moving day gets closer.
Just the thought of having dear friends coming to help move us out of this house and drive it to Newton, KS makes my heart smile! To know that you're loved and wanted is the best feeling in the world.

I have two more weeks of piano lessons. I am getting sad at the thought of leaving my 11 students. I feel so badly that they each picked out Christmas songs to learn for our recital, then the next week I had to drop the bomb on them. I hope to start up again in Kansas after Christmas, when we are settled and I have time to catch my breath.

I'm also getting sadder (is that correct grammar?) at the thought of leaving my family. The past three years with my parents close by (Santa Fe) and my older sister here in Alb. have been the best! I'll miss meeting Donna for coffee or lunch on a Friday morning. And I'll miss teaching my niece piano. Ok, I'll stop now, because I'm gonna cry.

Jarrod has two days of work left at the State. Friday, his office gave him a big "going away dinner". They've been such a great group of co-workers, and I know Jarrod's had a huge impact on their lives the past two years. I am so proud of him for sticking it out when the commute was too much to bear or people were less than nice. On the bright side:

NO MORE BUS COOTIES!!!

Oh, on a funny note: we bought a "Storm Trooper" costume for Caleb for Halloween. I've always made their costumes, but this one?? No thanks! So, anyway, he's worn it constantly for 4 days now. He even wore it to the store with me the other day. Why not? People love to see kids dressed up for no reason. Plus, that's the stuff being a kid is made of. He was a little embarrassed once we walked IN the store, but happy, nonetheless. And I?? Well, I was just the proud mother of a storm trooper.

I know, I know...details. More details.

2008-10-14T07:11:00.001-07:00

So, you want more details? Sorry.

No, just kidding. I'll give you what we have, ok?

We have just not been making it out here in the desert...financially. We have given a good, hard, 3-year try and are falling farther and farther behind. Some of you may recall that in November of 2005 we set out on a trek and we called it The Hope Plan. Our verse was, and is, Jeremiah 29:11, which says, " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' " We still cling to this verse and know it's true. I love the following few verses as well. " 'In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,' says the LORD. 'I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and bring you home again to your own land.' "

So, why are we moving away from where our dreams and plans led us? Roadblocks. When it becomes painfully obvious that things are not working, you try something else. We've tried finding cheaper housing. I've applied and even interviewed for better paying jobs, asked for a raise and other ideas, but nothing. Now, just to show you that God has a hilarious sense of humor, just 4 days after we decided to move - I was notified that I had been chosen for and was going to be offered a job in Albuquerque (no more commute to Santa Fe) that was $2.00 more per hour! Too late! :)

The plan at the moment is to move in with my mom for a few weeks until we find a place of our own. I do not have a job lined up definitely, but there are some strong leads. Please pray for us that those leads turn into a job(s).

So, it may sound like we've given up on those dreams and hopes. That is certainly not the case. Our time in New Mexico has been rich with experiences and some really fun times. We've been able to spend some good time with Melissa's family and we are soooo grateful for that! These are the things that certainly makes this decision bittersweet. We will miss them. We will miss the mountains and the dry air and sunshine 90% of the time.

But, we really do see this as a positive thing that God is not going to allow our hopes and dreams to die, but is rather just changing the direction of the outcome of those ideas. And it's ok, because those dreams come from Him anyway.

I had a word picture come to my mind the other day and I hope it helps you understand it like it helped me. Imagine you're going hiking up a pretty nice mountainside. After being gone for an hour or so, you see the top and you say to yourself, ok, I can make it. But, when you get there, as you come to the top of that crest, you realize that's all it is - a crest. You still have quite a ways to go. At first, you feel defeated; like you know you just can't do anymore. But, then you realize that's what you're out there for. To experience the outdoors, the beauty of creation and to get some exercise. And so you look up again, this time with a different perspective that this is going to be good. That is how we are moving to Kansas. That Albuquerque is just a "crest" in our "hike" that we've made it to, and there is more good to come.

Please join us in seeing what is yet to come as we continue toward the next "crest" in life's hike.

My, my, my!

2008-10-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

"My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isa 55:8 NLT

Boy, is that ever sayin' the truth?!

Well, welcome to Casa de Esperanza II. If you've been following our blog over on Casa de Esperanza, then you know a bit of what has been going on with our family the past while, especially these past several months. This is a fresh continuation of chronicling that journey.

First, I want to thank you all for your prayers and your encouragement. Psalms 6:9 says, "The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD will answer my prayer."

Another near and dear passage of Scripture is Matthew 7:7-11, "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks.

Ok, so here's the answer for us and you're gonna love how God worked this out! We're moving to Kansas!! Yep, that's right! We're counting down the days until we load everything back on that moving truck and heading it over to Newton, Kansas - my (Jarrod) home town.

Every round of the whirlwind we've been on the past 3-4 days has been so directed by God it is still amazing us. It started with a comment, a certainly sincere comment, from a dear friend of ours who said that if she could she would come down here, pack us up, load it on a truck and move us back home to make it better, then she would. Well, she and her family are doing exactly that the last two days of October.

It's a new step, a fresh start in a place I never dreamed of returning. But, God is bigger than my dreams and he has so orchestrated each move thus far and the overwhelming peace He's provided with it is so refreshing! I don't know if you remember or ever saw the verse we had posted for a while on our other blog, but it was Jeremiah 29:11, which says, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." And I just love verse 12 "In those days when you pray, I will listen."

He certainly has listened. To all of you and to us.

Thank you. From the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so much for your prayer and encouragement. Please ~ don't stop now!!

Like SCC says in The Great Adventure -

Saddle up your horses we've got a trail to blaze

Through the wild blue yonder of God's amazing grace

Let's follow our leader into the glorious unknown

This is a life like no other - this is The Great Adventure

Stayed tuned right here as we ride into the next phase of our adventure.