Posts Tagged ‘Windham Familia’
Yeah, we’re that good. Remember, I told you Hispanic and hosting are spelled the same.
Friday night, Leah came over with her family. They had originally intended to help us with unpacking, rearranging and any other tidbits. However, we weren’t ready to actually do anything. Surprise, surprise. Anyways, we cooked them dinner and then just hung out while the kids ran around and Jon and Jason worked on the laundry room.
While we were serving dinner, Leah and Jason commented on how impressed they were (was that right Leah? Or am I tooting my own horn? 😉 ) that our kitchen wasn’t even put together and already we were having company. I even got the go ahead to say “I’m awesome”. Oh yeah…
However, Leah washed our dishes. Which is a sure fire way to get themselves invited back.
I use to run like Homer Simpson
Posted on: March 11, 2010
- In: Life
- 13 Comments
For weeks, I was ready to give up on my half marathon training. Every time I stepped on the treadmill I dreaded the next 45 minutes of my life. And then something beautiful happened. The sun began to shine and the weather got just a little warmer. So I started running outside. And I love it. It has made all the difference in the world. In fact, I even ran my last long run (7 miles) without listening to music.
I’ve been learning a lot since taking on this new adventure. Here are just a few:
1. Accepting that I am a runner.
I’ve always wanted to be a runner. That girl who can run 6 miles; who has to buy new running shoes, not because she wants to, but because her other ones are worn out from overuse. But, you can want something and never do it. For many years I liked the idea of running, but not the act itself. It is hard, sometimes boring, and always tiring. Now that I’m actually running, I keep thinking “I wish I was a runner.” Every time I run, I think how much easier this would be if I was a true runner. Not some pseudo-runner. Then, after my long run this last weekend, I realized: I am a runner. It was the longest run I’ve ever done. There were plenty of hills, and enough cold melted-ice puddles to wet my shoes through, but I completed it. Without stopping. And I felt awesome by the end. Then some lightbulb went off: What pseudo-runner runs 15+ miles a week? Only real runners do that. I am a runner.
I’ve gone from this:
To this:
2. Using my time effectively.
I’ve been training without music for the last three weeks. In my little world, that’s pretty huge. Four months ago, I couldn’t run a mile without tunes, but now it’s just me, the road and God. I use my time away to really get before God. I sing praises, have prayer time, and just mediate on Him. It’s awesome. I love feeling like I’m training my body and my spirit at the same time.
3. Learning the difference between big and small rocks.
For a while, whether I was running 2 miles or 7 miles, I felt really, really, really nervous right beforehand. I keep thinking “I have to run 2 miles”; “I have to run 7 miles”. It seemed overwhelming and intimidating, making me feel defeated before I ever started. Jonathan started encouraging me to think of it as “I only have to run 2 miles”; “I only have to run 7 miles”, which when compared to 13 miles is nothing (or who knows, maybe 26 miles one day). Since I’ve started seeing my small rocks, the runs don’t seem that bad. Don’t get me wrong, after running for an hour, I’m glad to be done, but at least when I start off I’m not feeling defeated.
4. I may run alone, but I am not training alone.
Training for a half marathon requires a lot of time. Being a wife and mother requires even more time. My family is sacrificing just as much as I am in this whole process. It’s not easy to ask them to give up time through the week and then 1-2 hours every Saturday for me to run. But, they do. And since starting my long runs, it seems like their support has tripled. It’s amazing. And the best part? The support doesn’t stop with just my family. Last week, Shirley bought me a new running jacket for my birthday. I love it. It has pockets in all the right places, is lightweight but still keeps me warm. (Thanks again, Shirley!) I know that come the day of my race, I’ll be able to say “I couldn’t have done it without them.”.
Green living, Part 1
Posted on: March 8, 2010
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
Last Wednesday, I had the privilege of speaking about “Green Living” to about 30 moms. I never realized how big of a topic green living is. Let me tell you, it’s huge. And slightly overwhelming. For the two days leading up to the speech, I started to get a little nervous. The night before Jonathan reassured me that 1) this isn’t a test, 2) people really just want to be entertained, 3) just talk like you’re talking to friends. I took these things to heart and feel like the presentation went really well.
They recorded the audio for the speech and the entire session (also featuring my friend, Leah – it happens to be her birthday so go say hi) will be available online in a couple of weeks. However, I thought I’d do a blog “series” on the three ways our family has gone green.
Why is our family striving to become green? Green living to me is a way to reveal to this world just one more aspect of Christ. Romans 1:19-20 (NLT) says “They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” God has revealed Himself to this world through His creation. I want to do my part to ensure that His creation stays healthy and vibrate so that generations from now, people will still be able to see God’s hand through His creation.
One of the first steps we incorporated in becoming green was effectively using cloth.
The first step we’ve taken is using cloth bags instead of plastic bags. I keep cloth bags in my purse, my car and by my backdoor. I do this, so that they are easily accessible when I am going grocery shopping, running errands or even cleaning toys out of my car. I admit, it did take a little time to get use to using cloth bags when grocery shopping. I would forget them at home (still do sometimes!) or not bring enough along for all the grocery items. But, once I started having one on hand in my purse and keeping several in my car, I found it to be much easier.
The second step we’ve taken is using cloth napkins instead of paper towels. Jonathan would go through a roll of paper towels in a week if I didn’t watch out. So, when I purchased a 24 set of wash clothes and banished the paper towels, it was an adjustment to say the least. I love using wash clothes over paper towels: they are so much more absorbent, obviously reusable, and sturdy. I will say this, not all of our guests have been as easy going about using a wash cloth as a napkin. Most people don’t have a problem with it, especially since we’ve been doing it for a while, but in the beginning we did get some weird looks.
The third step we’ve taken is using cloth diapers instead of disposables. I’ve blogged about this topic a lot. I will say 3 things I’ve learned about in the last 18+ months of cloth diapering is: delay solids as long as possible; invest in a diaper sprayer – even if you don’t think you’ll use it you really will; and encourage early potty training. While it took Julia longer to catch on to peeing in the potty, she loved pooping from the first time we gave it a shot at 11 months. And she’s been pooping in the potty exclusively since 20 months. A-mazing.
The fourth step we’ve I’ve taken is using cloth pads instead of plastic pads. If you really want to read up on my “adventure” go here or here. Enjoy! 😉
Welcome to our home sweet home!
Posted on: March 6, 2010
- In: Life
- 5 Comments
This past Tuesday we signed on our new house. And here it is:
Here’s the kitchen:
We are having everything painted this weekend and we’re still moving things in, so once the house is settled (or should I say, once the house is not in total choas, just minor chaos) I’ll post more pictures of all the rooms. Maybe you can consider this your teaser. 😉
The 12 Project
Posted on: February 28, 2010
- In: Life
- 2 Comments
I came across this site, earlier this month, that does one of the funnest challenges I’ve seen yet:
- Take a photo of your family once a month.
- Write a few things about that month.
- Make it into a book at the end of the year.
I missed out on January, but we finally did our picture for February. Today, actually. Which is very fitting for us, being the last day of the month. Sort of symbolizes how we do things. Very planned, yet very last minute. (That seems like an oxymoron, but trust me, it’s how we roll.)
We sign for our house on Tuesday and wrap up our last week at the Abdos’. The last 8 weeks have been some of the best times I think our family has had. I am learning more and more about how to give of myself, not just to Jonathan and the girls, but those around me. I’m not always great at it, but the Abdos have been gracious in helping me grow and stretch myself. It has been overwhelming to see how all four boys interact with the girls. They have become older brothers to Julia and Hannah and it fills my heart with joy. Joe and Shirley have shown me that, while it’s tough to wrangle 4 teenage boys, it’s not impossible and can be done with overflowing grace and love. If I dare say, seeing their family has made me excited for when my girls become teens. Since moving here, Jonathan and I have had the opportunity to have weekly date nights. That has been amazing. Funny enough, we go to the same place each week. Typically, that’s not our style, as we like variety, but the setting is relaxed and perfect for hours of conversation.
I am excited for this next transition and settling into our new home, but it is bittersweet to leave the Abdos. They are very much a part of our family and we are so grateful that we’ve become a part of theirs.
- In: Life
- 11 Comments
Want to hear something even crazier? I’m really glad.
Ok, I’ll give you a moment to compose yourself.
Better now?
The first time I toured the house, I didn’t notice the lack of dishwasher. But sure enough, it’s not there. The kitchen is a galley design, meaning it’s long and narrow. The house was built in 1959, and while other parts of the house are very up-to-date, the kitchen is not. The kitchen is something Jonathan and I discussed a lot before putting in an offer: could we live with it as-is?
Yes. And I love it.
We’re a family that hosts. A lot. In fact, I’m fairly certain Hispanic and hosting are spelled the same. So, why would I love “wasting” time in the kitchen? Because, and this is where things get crazy, it’s simple.
I didn’t have a dishwasher until my family built our house when I was 17. Actually, I take that back, my family did have a dish washer: me. And while at the time, washing dishes for my entire family was by no means fun, it was usually the only part of my day that was just to myself. I’ve been telling Jonathan lately, that in all the chaos, all the facebooking, blogging, playdating, 1/2 marathon training, news-updating world that has become my life, I’m really longing for something that takes it back a few steps. And hand washing dishes is one of those.
We do plan to remodel at some point. Since hosting is a big part of our lives and the kitchen is the natural place where we gather, we would like to make it more inviting for our “extended familia”. But, the ideas we have are going to take time to see through. Which means, in the mean time, I’m going old school.
Welcome to our humble abode
Posted on: February 5, 2010
- In: Life
- 4 Comments
We are entering the second month of our stay with our host family, the Abdos. They have graciously given us full rein of their basement and Julia is slowly claiming her rights to the main floor and their living quarters. And she’s also done a pretty descent job of wrapping their boys around her finger. 😉
One of the best things about living here, is seeing how much everyone loves on the girls. It’s made me realize, that the quickest way to a mama’s heart is to love her children. The Abdos do an fantastic job of showering Julia and Hannah with attention and affection. It makes me love the Abdos even more (which is saying something, because we already love them a ton).
Jonathan and I have joked that our area is very European. If we had a little kitchenette in the laundry room, we’d be all set to live in France! After we packed all our things into storage, there was an amazing weight lifted at realizing just how little we can (and should) be living off.
Here are some pictures of our humble abode:
Living room/ office / master bedroom *Don't mind the oversized dog*
Living room / office / closet area
The girls' room / Julia's sleeping area
The girls' room / Hannah's sleeping area
I am adopted
Posted on: January 26, 2010
- In: Life
- 6 Comments
“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
I am not adopted in the earthly sense. But, I have been adopted as a child of God. And that right there means so much. Just thinking about what it means to adopt a child – to choose to love and care for another as your own – makes me humbled. Before I ever graduate high school, I thought about adoption as an option for my future family. Yet, truth be known, my attitude towards adoption in the last several years has been very close-minded. While I think adoption is not only good, but necessary, I am not sure I, personally, could ever adopt. I’d even go so far as to say “it’s not my calling”.
Then the other day, I read a post by Jon Acuff over at Stuff Christians Like, that hit me to my core. It might not be in God’s plan for us to ever have adopted children, but it is His plan for me to be “called to that”. It is my role, my calling, as a Christ follower, to love orphans and care for them, the same way Christ loves and cares for me. My heart needs to be open to orphans even if it’s not through adoption. I read in World Magazine twenty different ways to impact an orphan. I won’t list all twenty, but here are a few that impressed me:
1. Sponsor a child
We’ve all probably seen those “Sponsor a Child” commercials. They pull at my heart strings every time I see them. And for good reason. These children need help. They need food, shelter, clothing. They need love. Since the Haiti Earthquake, I’ve been praying more about sponsoring a child. Even if not a Haitian, then another child who needs our help.
2. Give financial support to an adoptive family
This one hits pretty close to home. We have several friends who have either adopted, or wish to adopt. While I don’t know the exact cost for the process, I know it’s expensive. Like crazy expensive. Giving them financial support would be huge – not only in achieving their goal, but in showing you support and love them and their child(ren).
3. Participate in mission trips to orphanages abroad
I love this idea. I love the idea of my entire family going. I want my children to have a heart for those around them. I think seeing other children with nothing, or close to nothing, would move us all to want to help in any way we can.
What are your thoughts? Do you want to adopt? Have you ever adopted?
The Penny Trip
Posted on: January 20, 2010
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I’ve counted all my pennies. Paris, here we come!
Jonathan and I are planning an anniversary trip to Paris this fall. Can I confess that I am maybe just a tiny, tiny, little bit excited? I’m already dreaming of crepes, wine, cheese and visiting Pont Nuef, where we got engaged. In order to go, Jonathan said that I needed to raise half of our travel funds. Which is no small feat for a person with no steady income and who isn’t nearly as business savvy as my friend, Leah. I’ve been saving money since last summer and shortly before we moved, Jonathan said he’d donate our change jar to my funds. I’ve been wanting to count the money for a while, but haven’t had the chance until this week. My grand total in coins? $58.90.
$36 in pennies
and
$22.90 in silver
I got a huge kick out of counting all those pennies. Every time I hit a dollar I thought, “Oh, yeah baby!”. Here’s the beginning:
I roped Julia into helping me out, handing me pennies as we went:
Here’s my system, that Jonathan laughed at; I’d make 10 columns, 2 pennies deep, 5 rows long:
Here’s the finished product; I really need some penny sleeves:
And some more pennies for my jar:
- In: Life
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November came to a close yesterday, with me cooking very little, obtaining an awesome new crockpot (thanks babe and Black Friday!) and realizing how much I love having dinner done by 9am. I’d say No Cook November was a pretty good success, with just a few hiccups. It took me a little time to figure out just how to use the crockpot (what settings were best, how much liquid I really should add, etc). But once I got things more under control, I loved it and started experimenting more and more.
But November has come and gone, leaving us with a new month and a new goal.
Since we’re moving out this month, and will not have the benefit of our extra freezer, all our frozen meats/veggies, along with most of our canned goods, needs to go. That means, this month I am introducing:
Do It All December
Have a can of rotel?
Let’s use it!
Leftover bag of stuffing?
Toss it in the mix!
Packet of onion mix collecting dust in the back pantry?
One beef stew mixture coming right up!
This month I am cooking completely spur of the moment – for me at least – and forgoing my monthly meal plans and simply cooking what we have on hand. This could get interesting…. Yesterday we had chicken and veggies (in the crockpot to finish off NCN) and today I have beef stew (again, in the crockpot, because, hey, why not?). Tomorrow’s menu? Who knows? Pork and stuffing? Spaghetti? Pad Thai? We’ll see what mood strikes. We’ve got plenty of meat to carry us through and will only need to restock some can goods and vegetables. I’m hoping we’ll see our food budget drop as we get only the essentials over the next three weeks. I’m pretty excited about this new adventure and hope it turns out as well as NCN.
Here I come, Do It All December!
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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