Helicopter Parents

Well, I'm not a parent, so I am a little biased. I may change my mind when I have my own kids, but for now, I'm speaking as a teacher and child. My dad took a very different approach. I remember going to McDonald's after begging for an ice cream. We would walk in and my dad would hand me a $5 bill while he took a seat. I'd sit too. Then I would tell him what I would want. He'd basically ignore me. Then he would finally tell me to go order whatever I wanted. I hated him at the time, and probably shed tears over these instances. I'd finally order when he would threaten to leave. Then, I would get a sandwich with everything on it, despite the cheese and ketchup only request. Again, probably tears because I HATE mustard. I'd beg my dad to go fix it. He'd refuse. He'd pack up ready to go to the car and again, I'd go and resolve the situation. I never quite understood why a dad would make their 5 or 6 year old go through this pain. Why couldn't he just do it? He has more power than a 5 year old, right?! As I grew up and even without a curfew, I realized that this was my dad's way of parenting. Yes, PARENTING! Parenting doesn't require handcuffs on the children. It's a place to empower your children to take responsibility for their actions, good and bad. Through all of this, I was well-prepared to be on my own and stand up for my beliefs, not my friends, dads, or anyone else's. Helicopter parents, quite the opposite. I'm thankful for my dad and his parenting techniques. Sure, my dad missed some games and school activities between me and my two sisters. I would have loved for him to have attended more. But as a single parent, a FATHER, raising three teenage girls, he worked his tail off to provide the best life for us. Plus, I think raising three teenage girls was enough estrogen for him. I'm sure he needed some work to escape any more bows and make-up. So, here's an incredible article on Helicopter Parents. Please don't be one.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1940395,00.html

When the dog bites..

Coca-cola. Yes, one of my favorite things. I don't think my stomach likes it, but my mouth sure does.

I love my naps too. I've been missing out on those, but I love my sleep. I got so used to sleeping in over break, that I have been exhausted. I'm longing for a nap, but I don't see one coming any time soon.

Cupcakes. I LOVE cupcakes. Unfortunately, I don't get to enjoy cupcake days each month at school because they all contain gluten. I do love Whole Foods because they make cupcakes gluten free and freeze them. I pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and then I get the warm melted chocolate to enjoy too. Plus, Betty Crocker is also making GF mixes.

LOST. I refused to watch this show. For 1, I couldn't get hooked on anything else. Second, I tried to watch an episode once, and I was completely confused. They were jumping all over decades and who really believes in time travel?! Then, I borrowed season 1 from the neighbors to watch while I did some grading. Mike was out of town and I couldn't stand the quiet house. Well, 48 hours later, I had watched 1008 minutes of LOST and graded 0 tests. I made it through 5 seasons in a month and I am anxiously waiting for January to start the last season. So, if you haven't seen it, get season 1. Watch 2 episodes. If you don't like it, then no worries. I'm pretty sure you'll be hooked after the first one. It's by far one of the best shows ever to hit tv. If you haven't seen it before, this may mean nothing to you. But I can tell you that those that have gotten hooked, have chills going up their spines as soon as they hit play.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, it was the first Thanksgiving we spent completely at home. We had a few gracious invitations for lunch/dinner, but with my new diet, it's too big of a risk. We politely declined and enjoyed staying in to get some things done around the house. We watched some cable at our neighbor's since they were out of town and played some board games. Mike made our Thanksgiving dinner, Taco Soup with cornbread. It's a great winter meal and one of our staples. We ventured out to Michael's later in the evening for a couple of office items. It's not the normal Thanksgiving, but it was important for us to spend some quality time together, without distractions.

I've been thinking of revamping some things for this blog, and the photography blog. I'm hoping this will reduce the lack of structure and improve some traffic. Until I figure out exactly what that's going to look like, I'm going to use this wonderful season to reflect on some of "My Favorite Things." There's not necessarily an order to the blessings, but in light of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I'll share some ideas that I am grateful for and can't imagine my life without.

1. CHRISTMAS! I love Christmas and everything about it. We put up the tree yesterday and all is decorated. My least favorite part, taking the tree down and cleaning up after the holidays.

around the world (or nation) in 80 days...

Well, it hasn't quite been 80 days, but it has been awhile since I've updated the blog. We haven't really made it around the world during that time either, but we did manage to make it down to Florida and back in less than 48 hours...driving. We've been busy!

We traveled to Orlando to tie up some lose ends on our condo. In the next 60 days, it should be behind us for good and we are thankful for a productive and gracious trip. We loved seeing a few dear friends and the warm sun. We spent quite a bit of time talking while we were stuck in the car and shared our short and long term goals, which are always changing.

I came back to work with lots of papers to grade. We've spent this weekend playing catch up. I have grades two classes of assignments, but still have three to go. As much as the students don't like completing the assignment, I don't like grading them. If it was up to them, I wouldn't assign any work. Any one that has made it through school, knows the value of practice, so I have to keep my job of a teacher and practice makes perfect. In between grading, I have joined Mike with perfecting the photography business. We are so thankful for David and his revision of the website! Thank you! What do you think? Plus, we've had 5 different appointments over the past week. What a great gift! You can see some of the recent work at saraGphotography. We'll be in Florida over Christmas break. If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a photographer, please let us know and we can see if we can work something out.

Mike has also started blogging. If you haven't already checked it out, be sure to do so. It's a different vibe than what you find here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

friends

Wow, it's been awhile.

We've been pretty busy the past few weeks. We headed out for a little getaway last weekend. I had a few days off from school and we decided to take advantage of some extra time together. We've had a few photo sessions and the quarter ended at school. I forgot how much work went in to the end of the quarter. This week, I'm attending a state math conference.

All that to say, we are grateful for some wonderful friends. Many people have continued to ask about my health. We've experienced great support and prayers. We've even had a few people attempt to cook for me, and they haven't made me sick. We love that we can still enjoy the sweet fellowship and breaking of bread with our friends, despite my special diet. My health has been wonderful over the past few months. I've fought off some cold or flu thing, but Celiac hasn't been an issue. I can't believe it's been almost a year since my diagnoses. We have learned so much during this time. We are especially grateful for friends that keep us in mind everywhere they go. We have had lots of ideas of finding different things gluten free or finding a restaurant that has a GF menu. Some friends have even cooked for you or picked up a special treat they saw was GF at the local store.

For all of those wonderful ideas, THANK YOU! We love knowing people are thinking of us, praying for us, and looking out for us. I guess its more me, then us, but I know Mike is grateful as well.

money, money, mo-oney...

Well, last night was not a fun night. Mike's fighting off a cold and I heard him coughing up a lung all night long. Luckily, it's just a cold or that, but I thought he was dying in the bathroom every time I woke up. I'm sure he doesn't think it's fun either, but in case you don't me too well, I HATE germs. I have no idea why I think teaching is a good idea when I don't like germs, but I love that my school supplies me with Clorox wipes and anti-bac.

So, weekends are my friend. I LOVE sleeping in on Saturday mornings and staying in my pj's all day. Now that it's Mike's favorite season, we stay infront of the tv all day watching football. Sadly, we don't get most of the games with our favorite teams, but we can get them over the internet. Not quite the same, but better than nothing. Meanwhile, we're on to a new adventure...

MONOPOLY! Yes, in case you haven't heard, there is now an online real-life game of monopoly. It's called monopoly city streets and it just started on the 9th. There's a few kinks they're working out before they restart the game in a few days, but we are already addicted. Luckily, once you run out of money you can't do anything. So, each night, at 8pm, we're stuck in front of our computers buying properties and building properties. You also get to demolish other peoples' properties and build prisons, factories, etc. on their streets too. I had quite a few CHANCE cards tonight and was able to keep building. Tomorrow night, I'll bring in 7 million dollars on rent! Mike's not too happy about this, as he is the master at Monopoly. This is the only game of Monopoly I play with him because he shows no mercy in the board game.

So, if you haven't registered, you should. Feel free to add us as a friend and play against us too. Good Luck!

f r i e n d s

A few years back, Mike bought me all 10 seasons of FRIENDS. We've slowly been making our way through from start to finish, but it's always a good laugh. Well, until we saw it on sale for $80 a few weeks ago. Anyhow, we've watched a few episodes this past week and I realized that for most people, their lives of never going to look like that. It's rare that your best friends will all stick together in the same stage of life and location for so long. For most, there's a transition along the way...

So, Mike and I are in a new transition. I'm still teaching Middle School math and I love my community. I have such great colleagues, students, and parents. I really can't imagine being anywhere else, except for maybe in full-time ministry.

We are back looking for a church. This new season is bittersweet for us. We are excited about what is to come, but there is still a loss, especially of friends. No matter if you move, change jobs, or switch churches, those crucial parts of your life include relationships. Changing positions, means those relationships will also change. We hope and pray they won't disappear, but they will change. They're just different.

I have been amazed as some of our friends and the love and comfort they have given to us over the past few weeks. Many of these people I have only been able to interact with in person with a handful of times because we are separated by thousands of miles. Despite the distance, they love for us has spread vast across the ocean. The love that comes with truth from people you trust. A hard word, that you know is right, is a sweet taste because of the love. The encouragement, prayers, and support has been an incredible gift. Other people have been close to us, but we have neglected to have the time, or make the effort to spend with them. When we called, they were quick to make time for us. to listen, to talk, to love, and to pray. Others, just stop by to bring a special (GF) treat because they thought of us. (It's delicious by the way!) Oh how sweet is the body of Christ!

Or, there's just the small of familiarity. Mike and I both met some new friends this morning from Miami, Florida, and RTS. Even a few of our new friends had spent some time overseas and some similar areas. The rich memories that shaped our lives, could be shared with some of some not-so-familiar faces. It's amazing how the Spirit of God can work. Shared experiences (or locations) can even be a breath of fresh air!

I'm saddened to miss yet another wedding of some dear friends. It's been such a long time for us to celebrate God's covenant of marriage with our friends. We are looking forward to witnessing some great covenants in the next few months and catching up with our friends from miles away.

Our printed updates, will become less. We plan on keeping our blog updated and Mike is entertaining starting his own. We love catching up with all of our friends and family, and would greatly appreciate the love and prayers. Please feel free to call, or write, we'd love to hear from you and share about our journey.

With love,

there will be a day...

There will be a day with no more tears
No more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day
When the burdens of this place
Will be no more
We'll see Jesus face to face

(Jeremy Camp)

Mike and I have been watching the John Adams series. As much as Mike LOVES history and politics, it was right up his alley. I'm not big on either, but it was definitely worth watching. It reminds me of the price paid for our freedom and the cost 200 years ago. It's something that people live, and die for...year after year. For that I am very thankful. Well, throughout the series, many lives end for a variety of reasons. This last episode really made me start thinking about death. Some days I feel like I am comfortable with death and the idea of dying. Other days, I'm terrified of the unknown or being left alone. Most days, I tend to not think about dying and what is to come.

What is exactly the way to go? John Adams shows dying after a good LONG life. Do I want that? Do I want that for my loved ones? I'm not sure if I'm ready for mourning to be a process, sometimes I think it would be better to not seeing coming. Really?! Yes, I can;t come to grips with that either. How do you say you love someone not knowing its the last time you'll see them? How do you look at them thinking "what could I have done differently?" How do you allow your life to change in a split second. Somehow, I don't know if there is a good way to say goodbye for eternity.

After we finished watching this episode, Mike was watching a video posted on Justin Taylor's blog. Although this is really pointing towards missions, I was struck by the beginning and the urgency along with the reality of death. No matter if we want it or not, it will come. We have two options: heaven or hell. With God or without God. Obey or disobey.



Life is not about me. It's not about a ministry a job or even a church. It's about God. If I'm not living a life of Christ, what's the point? As a Christian, we have the only way to spend eternity with God - Jesus Christ. By keeping this quiet and to ourselves, we are hiding the key to heaven from all of those around us. We might be the only that knows this Truth and can share it with others. This is what gives me comfort in death.

I remember back to being a kid and growing up on the picture perfect street. I had no worries. I had no curfew. I had no responsibility. My life seemed perfect. The past few years, have not been so joyous. Moving a dozen times, entering in to our first lawsuit, health issues, etc. etc. etc. Mike is always the optimist in our house. He would talk regularly about the comfort in God's kingdom in what't to come when Jesus returns. I didn't always understand this. Will there be beaches there? What about cute clothes? What about naps? I like those things and if heaven doesn't have those, I'm not sure if I'm interested. Once everything started with my health, I started to get the idea. A place with no more tears and no more suffering. A play without anxiety and wondering if I (or someone around me) will throw up. What's wrong with me and why can't I make it through a week without feeling normal and being overpowered by my poor health. As I'm sitting crunched up over the toilet, on the couch, or in tears, it hit me - this won't exist in heaven. I won't have to deal with the pain, discomfort, and sickness. I'll see Jesus face to face and won't even realize the pain of this world. I still hope there is a little bit of earth in heaven, especially some gluten filled cupcakes and doritos, but if not, I think I'll still enjoy it. This is what gives me comfort in living.

So, this entry is a little more serious than most. Basically, all I wanted to share was that Jesus Christ is the only thing that satisfies. Some days are easier to realize that than others, but it's true. That alone is what gives me comfort in living...and dying. There will be a day...

oh where, oh where has my....

...summer gone! The summer has seemed to come and go at the blink of an eye. We've had some time to enjoy as a couple, recharge with friends, and refine our minds in classes. I've picked up several tutoring clients and had some photography opportunities. It's kept me busy and I've loved seeing some fun faces around school. This week is my last week back before I'm in full swing in the classroom. WOW, how time flies! I love my job and everything with it. It's a great community and I really couldn't ask for anything else (unless it was maybe high school students...?) They one thing I dread, going back over a bittersweet summer. I'm just not ready, but then again, who ever is?

And AGAIN, I'm kicking myself because I STILL haven't posted pictures! I have several things to share, including a new haircut. Well, not too new, but still. BLAH! Hopefully I'll post some fun pictures up and around this next week while Mike is working hard and I'm enjoying the house. Well, I guess that all depends on how fast our AC gets fixed. 88 degrees in the house is not very enjoyable. It's going to be a pretty crazy month for us, but we are excited to have some things behind us. If you are familiar with our path over the past few years, please pray for our condo situation! We're hoping this is all said and done within the next 3 months and should have some good news in the next week. THANKS!

For now, it's off to spend the evening with Mike and relax so we don't recognize how hot it is. Oh yeah, and dinner!

inside the eye

The last month has been complete chaos, my body is convinced. I've been out of school for 5 weeks, and 4 of those weeks have been staying in a bed that does not have my name on it. It's nice to lay my head on my pillow. Cook in my kitchen. Be on my time. And know, for the most part, where to look for what. I'm happy to be back in our home.

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel too. Mike finished his second to last seminary course on Friday. This is the last class in person. It was fitting that we ran in to Dr. MacKenzie, Mike's favorite professor. What a perfect gift on his last day!

Tomorrow I start back to work, half days. I guess it's not quite starting back as it is tutoring and not teaching, but it's work. I'm excited to see some familiar faces. I ran in to three former students on the way to Target yesterday. Such a fun treat! It's nice to be excited about seeing them and not running and hiding from them like I used to do.

So, what else...DOMINION! It's our new favorite game. We played it a million times with Scott and Robin on vacation and quickly purchased our own copy. The expansion is now out, Intrigue, and we just can't seem to get enough of it. Luckily, the Bowerman's enjoyed the game too and we had lots of fun playing with them over the past week.

I chopped my hair off too. Well, Becky technically did. I love it! Takes a little while to get used to, but it's much cooler and actually has a style. I've been meaning to take some pictures, so I'll try to get that taken care of this week.

I'm on a hunt for a good way to organize coupons. I've heard about this new binder system, but I'm just not sure if I want to go that route. Still contemplating the grocery list, especially since I need so many speciality products. ::sigh:: Lot's to figure out before I go back to school full time in 5 weeks.

On a very exciting note, Amanda's in town!!! This is my long lost friend. Mike went to high school with her and they even share the same birthday. She's slightly responsible for Mike and I being together too. She's been in Italy for what seems like forever and she's back on a little furlough for the summer and meeting all the BF's family, and friends. YEAH! I get to see her tomorrow and I can't wait! I also get to meet this BF, well RE-meet. He seems pretty cool and we did go to the same school too. So, CHEERS, to Amanda and Chris! YIIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(It's been one of those days. I apologize for the stream of consciousness, but you get the idea.)