Heather in Madrid

Something New

2010-01-17T09:14:00.001+01:00

This blog has been my companion for the past six years. Wow, I can't believe it has been that long. For the past months, I have not found the words to write here.

I think that has mainly been because over the past 18 months or so, Troy and I have been processing what God has next for us. We'd had a sense that it is time for something new. It has been a long process, full of talking, prayer, struggles, and also peace.

In June, our family will leave Spain after 12 years. Spain is the only country that our kids know as their home, so it's going to be a big change. But we hope, trust, believe that it will be good in many many ways.

We plan on settling in Chicago; there are still many details that we need to sort out.We're not sure yet what we'll be doing, but God knows, so we are OK with waiting for His timing in making all things happen.

Here is what we shared at church last night:

For the past twelve years, we have had the great privilege of serving with Christian Associates in 3 different church plants in Spain. Over the past 18 months, our family has been in process with trusted advisers and friends about what God is calling us to next, and we believe that is to move back to the US this coming June.

We feel clearly that God has brought us to the end of our ministry season in Europe. Our plan is to relocate to the Chicago area. We look forward to this positive change and its impact on our family (both immediate and extended), our finances, and our desire to continue living missionally in our own culture.

You can guess we’ve put a lot of thought into what we can do to ensure Oasis is successful with continuing ministry. Rest assured, with an elder board in place and some new CA-staffers phasing in, we feel confident that we’re leaving Oasis in good hands.

Please pray with us as we continue to seek God’s plan for what we should do next (one possibility is a different role within CA) and “stay tuned” because we are surely going to need your support and encouragement along the way!

Thanks to those of you that have been tracking with us during our Europe-based journey. We’ve appreciated your love and friendship so much these many years.

I have started a new blog, so if you are interested in joining me on this journey, you can find me here: www.heatherbetween.blogspot.com

I won't be deleting this blog, but I won't be writing here anymore. Thanks for reading!

7 Quick Takes Friday #12

2009-08-05T20:04:00.005+02:00

I have been pathetically absent from the bloggy world this summer, so I decided I was going to do a Quick Takes post today if it killed me :)

We arrived in the US on June 24, and have been in Chicago, Kansas, Colorado and now Minnesota. We're here for another week and then we head south, to Miami and then Brazil to visit my Dad and his wife.

As always, furlough is a mixture of great moments with people we love and miss, and those moments when we'd do almost anything to sit on our own couch and sleep in our own beds.

Meaghan got glasses. It took her a little while to get used to the idea, but she settled into them just fine.

Nic, as usual, has approached this summer with unbridled enthusiasm. He has gone tubing, driven the speed boat, gone fishing and all number of other things. Often at the end of the day, he says "This was the best day EVER." Here he is with his first (and only) fish.

My hard drive crashed the day before we left Colorado. Thankfully it was still under warranty at Best Buy, so I now have a new hard drive. I was impressed with the service I got from both Dell and the Geek Squad. I always forget the difference in customer service between Spain and the U.S.

My stepsister Raquel got married in Brazil this past Saturday. She was a beautiful bride, and we're looking forward to meeting her new husband when we arrive in Brazil. ~~I would show you a photo but Facebook has been crazy sluggish since the whole denial of service thing yesterday.~~ Apparently Firefox does not like my new hard drive or something. Annoying!

We have been enjoying an exceptionally cool summer. Everywhere we have been it has been bearable and often cool and rainy. Nice.

One of the highlights of the summer so far was arranging for our friends Jonathan & Taryn to show up in Colorado at our Christian Associates conference. Troy and the kids didn't know about it, and their reactions were priceless. When they post the video of it, I'll have to put it on here.

~~~
Click on the photo at the top to visit Jenn at Conversion Diary and read other Quick Takes.
Happy Friday!

He Who Began a Good Work

2009-06-22T13:30:00.002+02:00

This morning I was walking to work, listening to my MP3 player. I felt a bit unsettled and was berating myself a bit for letting my hubby down.

Just as I rounded a corner, the Lord lifted my gaze. Most Mondays and Tuesdays since October, I have been walking by a house that has been under construction. Today, it was done. Not only was it done, but the construction fence had been taken down, and the flower bed in front of the house was planted with roses and shrubs.

Into my heart, He spoke.

"There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears." Philippians 1:6

I am so grateful that He will one day complete the good work He has started in me. I've got a long way to go!

Divine Appointments

2009-06-21T13:03:00.004+02:00

A few weeks ago, Nic said to me, "Do you know who I really miss? Miss Julie. I wish I could see her again."

Miss Julie was Nic's speech and language therapist for more than a year, but this past year he didn't see her at all.

Last night, as our service ended, I came down the stairs in the building where we are meeting, after locking up the area we use for the kids. There was a woman standing by the elevators, and I offered her an offhand "Hola."

"Hi!" she said.

When I looked at her properly, lo and behold, it was Miss Julie!!

I went into the service, where Nic was standing on his chair so he could see the screen and sing along.

I said, "Come with me, buddy, I have a surprise for you. There is someone here you really wanted to see."

I opened the door. He took one look, and threw his arms around her. "I've missed you so much!"

How can you ignore a God who listens to the dreams of a 9-year-old boy, and reveals Himself so clearly?

Fans

2009-06-13T16:48:00.001+02:00

"Dime y olvidaré, muéstrame y podría recordar, involúcrame y entenderé." Proverbio Chino
Originally uploaded by los_viajes_del_gato_magenta

One of the beauties of living in Spain is the use of a fan in the summer. You can get them super cheap almost anywhere, and they are definitely not to display. They're for carrying in your purse, and flicking open at the bus stop, or on the bus, or the metro.

**When one searches for "fans" one gets people dressed up in team jerseys with painted faces :)

Grasshoppers

2009-06-10T15:37:00.002+02:00

grasshopper's face
Originally uploaded by cypherone - Taiwan

When I was a kid, we lived in Brantford, Ontario for two years. I walked to school. At certain times of the year, I had to walk by a hedge that was absolutely full of grasshoppers. I hated that hedge, because often I would get bombarded by grasshoppers jumping on me.

I have told this story to my kids (in the spirit of "I had to walk to school both ways uphill".) So yesterday, Meg said to me, giggling, "You should have taken John the Baptist with you. He could have helped you!"

That girl makes me smile.

Awards

2009-06-08T18:59:00.003+02:00

Nicolas made it through the school year without any "expert" help. He had a great teacher, and between her efforts and us working with him, he did pretty well. The last day at school he got these two awards. :) These make me happier than many others could :) He and Meg also each got their Bible award for the year.

7 Quick Takes Friday #11

2009-06-05T16:30:00.007+02:00

Summer is officially in session in our house. The kids finished school today at 1. We got home around 4, and there is already paper carnage spread around the living room. Nic raided the paper recycling he's making a waterfall apparently. And so it begins.

The Michael W. Smith concert last night was amazing. This is the first concert like that we've been to in our 11 years in Spain; what a privilege! I was really happy that our kids got the chance to do it. It's great when Compassion International is involved too, love the exposure given to kids in need. It was a late concert, and by the time all the initial stuff was done it was 10 p.m. Nic had just said to me that he was ready to go home when the light show started and the music came up. His eyes about popped out of his head and he was on his feet clapping and having a blast. He did fade but rallied for the last number :) Bless him, that boy has no beat at all but he had a blast clapping and jumping around anyway.

Ants have declared war on our household; more specifically on the kids' bathroom. We keep spraying and spraying and they keep coming. I think we have two varieties, one with wings and one without. Hello, warm temps.

I am thoroughly annoyed with the amount of spam that is getting in my inbox. I use Outlook to manage things, but use google email, which does a pretty great job of keeping most spam in my spam folder. Not lately; I get more spam in my in box than real mail by far. Someone told me that it's because spammers are using images in the messages. Whatever they are doing, they are ridiculous! Imagine what they could accomplish if they put so much energy into something productive!!

~~I am getting the hankering to mess with my blog again. Oh no, somebody stop me! :) I really love my background though, so I may just have to do a new header. We'll see. Or I could~~ TOO LATE! I SHOULD be productive and work on organizing things for our summer furlough which is approaching at the speed of light!

I got the long awaited official letter saying I can be an "Auxiliar de Conversacion" (English-speaking teacher's aide) again next year. It seems fairly clear that I will be assigned full-time at the school where I enjoy working. Still praying that proves true! The best thing is that I'll be able to drive the kids to school and pick them up, which translates into them being able to get up a little later and have more Mom time. So thankful to God for providing for our family this way!

Now that I was a numb skull and changed my template I'll be fiddling with forever until it does exactly what I want! I need help!

7 Quick Takes Friday #10

2009-05-28T19:05:00.005+02:00

This morning I had a delicious raisin bun (supplied by our good friends Al & Elizabeth who arrived from Amsterdam last night.) It was delish, as usual. Funny thing; I haven't had a piece of bread in over 3 weeks! I love bread but it hasn't been too bad not eating much of it (except an occasional craving for a croissant!

It's funny how you think your kids are always growing up but then on certain days they just seem to have changed in leaps and bounds! Nic has seemed that way to me especially lately. He goes to elementary camp with his school next week and will be gone for 2 nights. It's the first time he will be going off and leaving the rest of us at home! Recently he began making the after-school tea, and swallowing his allergy pills whole. :)

Next Thursday night we get to see Michael W. Smith in concert! Our kids really have no idea who he is :) but we are super excited. Concerts like this rarely happen in Spain!

Our kids finish school next Friday at lunch-time. They have already been eyeing the pool downstairs, which opens on June 10th :) I have to work until June 23, and we fly to Chicago on June 24!

Our dog knows that she can stare at me and annoy me to the point where I will give her food in the afternoon. No matter when I get home, she stares at me pathetically until I give in and feed her. If Troy is home alone with her she will go all afternoon without a peep. Pickle. You can tell who is the alpha around here.

You can tell that Troy and I have not been eating bread, because when I opened the bread drawer today to get bread out for sandwiches for our guests I found a VERY nasty piece of moldy homemade bread that has been festering. Ick. Nice, Heather.

Can I just say how annoying it is to have to figure out immunizations from 2 different countries? I am majorly stressed out by shots right now!!!

I hope I never stop learning this lesson...

2009-05-16T13:35:00.002+02:00

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."
Matthew 7:1-5, The Message

I love how The Message speaks to my heart. It's a lot harder to shrug off.

7 Quick Takes Friday #9

2009-05-15T09:36:00.004+02:00

Wow, I don't know what is different this year, but I have never had allergies this severe in Spain before. Nic is also having a really hard time. Whatever is out there blooming, I hope it finishes soon! A good rain would probably help clear the air as well, but I'm not sure if any is in the forecast!

Today is another holiday in Madrid, San Isidro; the patron saint of Madrid. Gotta love Spain and their constant holidays :)

Garage sales don't really exist in Spain, but once a year the school where our kids attend holds a big sale. I have some stuff to get rid of, ~~so I hope to get some time today to sort and price the stuff I have set aside~~ I decided that I would be a complete idiot to think that sorting through a bunch of dusty stuff out on the balcony and then spending tomorrow morning outside surrounded by fields would be a good idea. Oh well, there is always next year.

It's the season of saying goodbye for us once again. This weekend we have to say goodbye to one of our church gals who has been an integral part of our church for awhile now. Boooooo.

Our kids have less than a month of school left, and I am starting to realize there is a lot I need to get done before we head to the US on June 24. Yikes!

Troy and I are reaching the end of our second week of diet/eating better. We have both lost weight and are feeling more energetic, so that has been really encouraging. We're not done yet by any means, but it has been a good start!

When I read this article about the razing of the home of one of the Slumdog Millionaire child stars, it just made me feel so hopeless. How is this possible when so many of us have sat in the movie theater with our popcorn and enjoyed this movie? And yet still, this boy sits in the rubble of his home. There is something very wrong in the world.

7 Quick Takes Friday #8

2009-05-02T10:05:00.006+02:00

You can make a difference with just a click! If you click here daily you can help provide free mammograms to women who can't afford them. The site also has different tabs with other ways you can help different projects.

My hubby is the best! After last week's post, he told me he would eat better/diet with me if it would help. He even resisted homemade pizza and cheesecake on Wednesday night. We're on day 5 of a 14 day period that's fairly restricted, but we've had no whining and no cheating and we both feel better; more energetic and healthy. I am so grateful for this man! Not just in the dieting thing. Over the past few months he has been so supportive with the adjustments of me going back to work, outside our home and my church role. He has stepped up and added even more responsibilities to his already loaded plate without complaint. And his cheerfulness often keeps me going when I may not be feeling so cheerful.

I have a serving tray similar to this idea, only rectangular. I'm pretty sure we got it for a wedding present almost 18 years ago, and I really have not used it very often. This week a light bulb went on over my head. I never feel like cutting up veggies during the week, but a tray full of veggies and ranch dip made with low-fat yogurt has been awesome to have in the fridge all week! So easy and motivating to know they are in there. Meg loves veggies and dip, so even though she most certainly does not need to diet, she's been enjoying it too. I plan on doing this most weeks, even if we aren't "dieting." It's especially nice now that the weather is warm.

I just got the call that our car is repaired. Since they are only open for 2 hours I doubt I'll make it to pick it up today. Next step, inspection, which was due in April. Hope they don't hassle me too much for being late. Also that is passes without any other problems (tires could be an issue. And oh yeah, if the horn doesn't work. It's crazy strict here.)

I really need to write a newsletter since my goal is to have it out on the first of the month. I'm blogging. Uh oh.

Allergy season is definitely here. It looks like both kids are going to need to take it this year.

I probably need to go to the store and buy some veggies for dinner, but I'm hoping I can find enough stuff for a decent salad in the fridge. I defrosted the freezer this week (the fridge part is frost-free, the freezer not. Weird!) I hate that job so I'm glad it's done!

7 Quick Takes Friday #7

2009-05-01T10:22:00.004+02:00

It's a holiday in Spain today (including Mother's Day, on a Friday. Go figure!) I'm so happy about that; it has been a long week and I'm plumb tuckered out. My Dad got back late last night so we're all looking forward to a day without any obligations hanging out.

All week I was stressed out about dealing with our broken-down car. I called the Ford place where we have taken it before on Tuesday and he said "Don't bring it until at least Wednesday, but I can't look at it Wednesday or Thursday either." So I had it towed there yesterday. When I called to say it was on the way, he complained that it was a bad day, blah blah blah. Sometimes living in a foreign country wrings the joy right out of me.

We spent the afternoon out in Alcala de Henares, where we ate the world's best rotisserie chicken, walked around Plaza de Cervantes and enjoyed a beautiful blue sky. Bliss. I also got chocolate on my shirt, of course.

This is where we will spending a few days this summer with fellow missionaries from Christian Associates. SOOOOOOO excited!

I am trying to figure out what is going to work best for me to lose the extra weight I am carrying and get in healthier shape. Not sure yet what it's going to be, but something has to change. The older I get, the harder it is to lose. The biggest hurdles for me I think are if I have to eat differently from my family (which is likely!) and the cost of that fact. Oh yeah, my fondness of chocolate may be a problem too. About eight years ago I lost quite a bit after Nicolas was born and I decided to work at it. But over the years it has just been creeping back on.

I have been staring at that number 6 for far too long.

I am also very happy that today was only Friday :) I know, I'm lame!

Muz

2009-04-26T10:22:00.002+02:00

Joy Grant
May 30, 1944 - April 26, 1990

Nineteen years ago today, early on a Thursday morning in Quito, Ecuador, my Mom died of cancer.

On Wednesday afternoon, we were at the hospital with her; the hospital where she had worked many years at the information desk. We knew her time was short. The skies grew heavy and dark, and it poured rain the likes of which I had rarely, if ever seen. God was weeping with all of us as we struggled to let her go. She was mostly unconscious at that point, but had approached her illness and death with dignity, humor, and grace.

I often huddled beside her on the hospital bed in those three weeks of letting go. She would warn me if she felt sick because she knew I would hide in the bathroom while the nurses helped her so I wouldn't start gagging. Even then, she mothered me. And I knew when the kindly visitors had grown too much, and she needed peace and quiet again. Most of the time, I lay beside her, holding on as long as I could.

At the end of the day, we went home, leaving her with the hospital staff, as well as two missionary friends who were nurses. They sat with her all night, and were with her when Jesus took her home.

I heard the telephone ring, but I burrowed under the covers and pretended I had not heard. My Dad came gently to tell me what I already knew in my heart.

Nineteen years later, I still miss her. Not as painfully as before, but in moments when I would do anything to have my Mom again. I wish she could have met my children. I wish so many things.

I know that Heaven is a better place because she is there, and sometimes I am amazed God lent her to us at all. I like now to think of her rocking the baby I lost, Grandma to a grandchild after all. I like to think of her sipping coffee with her friend Carol, one of the nurses who was with her when she died, who has since joined her in Heaven. When our friend Judi died recently on Maundy Thursday, I smiled to think of Mom waiting for her to welcome her and show her the ropes.

I love you Mom.

7 Quick Takes Friday #6

2009-04-24T17:46:00.004+02:00

Grandpa is in town :) Well, not mine, but my kids'. I am super happy to have him here, and the kids are pretty happy too.

Here is a photo of the two of us taken in November 07.

I always get more emotional in airports at the arrival hall (not the departures.) It makes me teary watching people reunite. I remember when we arrived back in Colorado Springs after our 3-month internship in Lisbon, Portugal (we had to pick up our visas for Spain in the US.) I walked out into the terminal with 15-month old Meaghan asleep on my shoulder, and when I saw my friend Lucy standing there waiting for us, I almost lost it.

I have been wanting a new shoulder bag. Now that our car is dead I have been taking the bus out to work and I find I want to drag more stuff with me than will fit in my purse. I saw this bag at Accessorize (which is a store I love!) but was very put off by the price tag, which was more than 50 euro. Today I found a cute one at C&A that was less than half of that. Woo hoo! It's not quite as cute as the Accessorize, but I was happy to find something that will work that's not going to break the bank!

I am thoroughly disgusted about my current weight. Hopefully disgusted enough to actually DO something about it.

I am still coming to grips with the fact that ER is gone for good. I watched the very episode 15 years ago (when we actually lived in Chicago) and have watched all the seasons. Crazy!

I just noticed that my little calendar date icons are wonky. When did that happen. Now I will have to ~~obsess~~ fix them. Phooey.

Sometimes I feel weird that I participate in this and am not Catholic. I hope nobody thinks I'm a poser.

Shutterfly

2009-04-19T19:10:00.002+02:00

It took me awhile to settle on a place to "keep" our digital photos. I have tried out quite a few, but in the end I settled on Shutterfly and I have been really happy with it. You can download free photo software, but the thing that I like the best about it is the "Share" sites you can use to show your photos. I like the way you can personalize the display in many different ways. And the best thing is that it's free. Since I try and use our money as wisely as possible, I'm really happy not to have to pay a fee every year. They also have great offers for members. And, I was also able to add a page for Meaghan to put her pictures.

If you want to check out our page, it's here.

**Uploading to Shutterfly does take significantly longer than some other sites, but since it's free, I don't mind!

7 Quick Takes Friday #5

2009-04-17T10:31:00.002+02:00

During Lent, I had the mumps. Seriously. What? I had terrible pain in my face and jaw one night. The next day I went to the ER, thinking I had an infected tooth or something. The ER doc said he wasn't 100% sure but he thought I had "parotiditis, a viral inflammation of the salivary glands." I came home and looked up the English translation. "Wait, he's saying I have the MUMPS???" Yeah. Go figure.

Our 15-year old car is dead. Meg and I drove the dog to the vet (who would take her to the kennel) the day before our annual Easter retreat. The already poorly car began acting up even more on the way home. Thankfully, we made it home. It's now parked in the garage under the building, and I'm wondering if it will even start again. This is when the stress of living in a foreign country is the worst. We're trying to decide if we at least find out what it will cost to repair, or if we should just junk it. Either way, the whole thing is a pain and I'd rather just leave it in the garage. Yeah, very mature.

I love this picture of my daughter. My friend Amy took it on the Easter retreat during the worship jam session.

We finally have tickets for our furlough this summer. We normally have one every other summer, but we skipped last summer. Although it's not always the most restful time, I am so looking forward to heart connections with people who know and love us well back in the US. We're ready for a break, and I so need to have my emotional tank filled again.

My Daddy is coming to visit. He and my step-mom actually arrive in Madrid today but are driving straight to Portugal, so I won't see him until next Friday. That makes me strangely misty; wish I could at least get in one hug today. But very excited to see him next Friday.

We had a great time on our Easter retreat. I am always so blessed and grateful for the time and space to really sit with the Easter story. The whole experience of Maundy Thursday, celebrating a Seder, worshipping together, hanging out, and the joy of Sunday morning is a treasure.

I finally read The Shack this week. I tend to wait awhile when something gets a lot of hype because I am resistant to hype :) I really enjoyed it. I was tickled to find out it was written by a missionary kid. I can feel the stirrings of the story working their way through my heart.

Fat Tuesday

2009-02-24T16:39:00.002+01:00

Like last year, I won't be on facebook or blogs during Lent. If you need me you can reach me on email heatheracady at gmail dot com.

I WILL be posting one blog entry between March 9-13 about Daisy Chain, because I really want to help promote Mary's book.

See you after Easter!

7 Quick Takes Friday # 4

2009-02-13T17:38:00.004+01:00

We have finally gotten some sun again, and boy, has it made a HUGE difference in my spirits. I have been trying to get outside in the sunshine as much as I can to soak it up. My weather bar has a big ole sun on it for tomorrow with a 57 next to it. That makes me very very happy!

I have been reading through the Bible chronologically this year (I found a schedule here) for the first time, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm reading in the Message, which I love. I haven't read much of the OT in The Message yet, and it's really coming alive. I am behind this week, so I plan on spending some time on the balcony in the sun tomorrow, catching up.

Facebook makes me happy. I have been getting back in touch with people from years ago (lately, from Canada) and it does my heart so much good to reconnect. At this point in my life I deeply appreciate relationships with longevity. I am grateful that God is blessing me with this "reconnectings."

I am looking forward to Lent again this year. I only began observing Lent a few years ago (I'm not a Catholic but my hubby and I deeply value the ancient future aspect of our faith.) Last year I gave up facebook (which makes #3 considerably ironic! :) ) reading blogs and writing on mine. This year I plan to do the same, but also make some changes in my eating habits. I like the idea of not only "taking things away" but also adding good things as well.

Our daughter turns 12 soon, and we're starting on the adventure that is puberty :) Thankfully, she is a delightful girl. I am hoping that we'll have to deal with rampant emotions more than snarkiness. She has a tender heart. Last week during Godly Play, she told me about how she had learned in chapel (at school) that people are persecuted for their faith. She said "I think it's happening right now, so I think we should pray about it." So we did.

Having lived outside of the US for the past 11 years, I forget that Valentine's Day is not just romantic. Here they call it "El Dia de los Enamorados" (those in love) and they would be stunned at the amount of loot my son came home with from school today.

Next week my friend Lisa (one of the 3 close friends that California has stolen from me in recent years) is coming to town for a quick visit. I am SOOO excited.

Daisy Chain: Coming Soon!

2009-02-02T18:48:00.006+01:00

I am super excited that my friend Mary's (she's the only celebrity I know!) new fiction book is coming out soon. I have been waiting for this impatiently! You can check out Mary's blog here. And watch this space for more info on this book, as soon as I can get my hot little hands on it!

7 Quick Takes Friday #3

2009-01-30T19:11:00.005+01:00

#1

I have been soooo tired the past couple of Fridays that I haven't gotten anywhere near a post. I'm tired today too but determined to write SOMETHING.

#2

My baby turns 9 tomorrow. I got on the birthday party bandwagon a bit late and everything may end up being a bit haphazard. Thankfully Nic is easy to please. We just got back from a little jaunt down to the party store to pick up supplies. I was afraid that nobody would be able to come since we live quite a distance from most of his classmates, but there will be at least 6, so he's happy.

#3

Friday is "Mess Around Day" at our house. The kids are allowed to do whatever when they get home from school (they don't have to do homework). We often make popcorn, watch a movie or play Wii. Ray Charles wrote our theme song :)

#4

We don't feed our Beagle (a.k.a Lardo) people food (mainly because she steals it whenever she can) EXCEPT for popcorn. She is addicted. As soon as she hears the popcorn bag being opened to put in the microwave she comes running. Here she is "sitting pretty" for popcorn.

#5

My husband makes the potato salad in our house. I love potato salad but have always considered it too much work to make myself :) Tonight he made it for the community group he and Meg go to. I made him leave me a little bit. The house smells delicious!

#6

Winter in Madrid is normally fairly sunny. Even if it's cold we usually have deep blue skies. This winter it has been cloudy, cloudy, snowy, rainy, foggy and cloudy some more. I think that might be part of the reason I feel so tired. I need me some sunshine.

#7

I very rarely have long conversations on the phone anymore. When we first moved to Spain we had to pay for all our calls so I got in the habit of not talking long. Now we pay a flat fee (albeit a fairly pricey one) for calls but I still rarely pick up the phone.

Floundering

2009-01-26T13:13:00.002+01:00

I don't know what my deal is, but I have got to get myself motivated. Christmas vacation was great (I was very tired and really needed that down time) but I have had such a hard time getting back into good routines since then!

I think one of my biggest problem areas right now is grocery shopping. I haven't quite figured this out since I started working part-time. And since the opened a Carrefour City just down the block it has been too easy and convenient to make a dozen little trips there. Granted, the prices are OK. But they don't carry everything, obviously, since the story is probably 1/eleventy-billionth of the size of the big one 3 metro stops away.

I feel generally disorganized and behind on things. Why am I telling you this? I don't know :) But maybe it will embarrass me into some kind of action!

That is all.

7 Quick Takes Friday #2

2009-01-09T16:42:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Jennifer at Conversion Diary for hosting!

We actually had a snow day today! It's practically unheard of, but it snowed most of the morning and is back at it again. It would have been nice to know it was coming before we got up at 6:25, and the kids left at 7:10 and then spent 20 minutes standing outside in the dark waiting for their ride. But either way, we've enjoyed the unexpected sight of white where we usually only see green!

Poor puppy wanted to go play too.

#2

I fear my husband may blow a gasket while playing the Wii NHL game he got for Christmas. He's tripping people, fighting and all kinds of hockey-like behavior. He also is doing TERRIBLE, he's NEVER GOING TO BE ABLE TO PLAY ALL-STAR...

#3

I went back to work at one of my schools yesterday and I have to say, I missed those little critters. Gotta love 6-year-olds giving me hugs and telling me they missed me etc.

#4

I really wanted to have sushi for dinner tonight, but I am way too comfy and warm and too lazy to walk the over one block and down a block and a bit to buy cream cheese and soy sauce. That's pretty bad!

#5

I got to chat with my friend Gretchen in Boston, which was nice. I miss her! She used to live here in Madrid but moved back at the end of the summer.

#6

Nic turns 9 on the last day of January. Apparently he wants a birthday party this year. A soccer party, with soccer plates, cups and napkins. And "we" can make a soccer cake. How soon they learn that royal we. Never mind that in Spain it's called futbol and he doesn't even really play. And excuse me, but how did my baby get to be almost 9?

#7

I am excited because we're going to be treated to quite a few visitors over the next months.Lisa, Linus, Hud and Nancy, Rita, my Dad and step-mom, hopefully the Aults. Yay! Visitors make me happy. What are you waiting for?

The Bells

2009-01-04T11:59:00.003+01:00

Our apartment is only a block away from a church that rings its bells. Even though we don't worship there, I love the sound of the bells that calls me to worship, no matter what I am doing when I hear them.

7 Quick Takes Friday

2009-01-02T13:00:00.005+01:00

I have been reading Jennifer over at Conversion Diary for awhile now. She's smart and funny and I really enjoy her perspective on things. I really want to blog more this year, but who knows if it's really going to happen. I figure I can at least manage once a week :) I was going to take some photos and all that but then it'll be next Friday before I get this post done.

My daughter's feet are almost the same size as mine. I wear a size 5. She's almost 12. Do you think I can wish that she'll stop at size 5 so we can share shoes? I didn't think so :( A girl can dream though.

#2
This year my "theme" is the word "present" as in "being present" (although I like presents too!) Circumstances in our life and ministry mean that life in Madrid is often lonely. Since I connect with people online a lot, I am often on my computer. That's a necessary evil to be able to stay in touch with those I love who are far away, but this year I want to do better about really being present where I am. I think this year that will mean more deliberate connection with my family.

#3
When I was growing up I journaled like crazy. I haven't done that in a long long time, but I'd like to journal more regularly this year.

#4
Barb over at Chelsea Morning has a "Good Things" book where she keeps track of ideas she likes and all kinds of stuff. Even though I don't get many magazines (too much of a pain to ship to Spain) I think this would be a great way to keep track of stuff I find online and print out. I'd like to start one this year.

#5
I am perplexed by the amount of cleavage I see nowadays. Not just on celebrities but on normal everyday people, even women my age. I just don't get it. I'm just saying.

#6
After being a complete slug almost constantly since December 26th, I went a little nuts today. We put away all the Christmas stuff, I'm washing couch throw pillows and even took the footstool apart so I could "dry-clean" the fabric in the dryer.

#7
When we're on vacation, we tend to stay up WAAAAAAAY later than normal and then sleep in. Problem is, that does not mesh with real life. So starting tonight, I have to start going to bed at a normal hour for me. Or next week will be a killer.

~~~

That's all!

The end of 2008

2008-12-31T10:50:00.003+01:00

Well, after literally spending most of the last days with my behind planted firmly on the couch I am finally starting to feel some stirrings of motivation to do SOMETHING. Problem with me is that my desire for order always goes a little nuts at New Year's so I have to be careful or I'll try to go from 0 to 105 in 30 seconds and end up right back where I was at the end of Christmas, plumb tuckered out. Oh the ongoing challenge of finding balance in life!

I really do want to get things in order though before the long haul until Easter begins. November was the only month that I worked a normal schedule and although it was manageable, I have a feeling that by Easter I'll be ready for a break again. So I want to be able to start well and keep up a reasonable pace.

Hard to believe it's the end of another year. Last year we made the mistake of trying to get some food delivered. For some reason after all the years we have lived in Spain we didn't realize that NOTHING is open on New Year's Eve. So yeah, we were kind of pathetic. Since I have been a slug for the last 5 days I am thinking I might make lasagna. I haven't made it for a LONG time (it's a pretty expensive dish with the meat and cheese) but I grew up making it with my Mom.

Wherever you are, may you have something to eat tonight. And may 2009 be whatever HE wants it to be for each of us.

See you next year!

Growing Up Is Hard...

2008-12-07T14:57:00.003+01:00

Whether you are 11 or 40.

This Advent season has been joyful and peaceful amidst the busyness and perhaps I have grown a bit smug. Over the weekend it became apparent that our 14-year-old car needs some definite work. I have been very aware and challenged to keep Advent despite this looming issue and not to let my heart and thoughts spin out of control with thoughts of money and logistics (I have been driving the car to work 2 days a week, the kids have their Christmas program on Friday, we have to empty out the last of the church stuff on Saturday night, and I have to drive over and pick up a friend's dog since we are watching her for part of their vacation.) And of course my mind assumes the car repairs will be 3 to 4 figures.

Meg has been finding middle school more of a challenge. She has a hard time thinking critically, so learning to study for tests etc. has been hard on her. And hormones are beginning to rear their ugly heads. Not full-blown yet, but they are out there. This morning I "advised" her about hormones and feeling crabby and weepy etc. She was not impressed, especially when she learned that her younger brother will not struggle with the same issues.

We're both working on growing up gracefully.

Monday Advent Moments

2008-12-02T08:01:00.000+01:00

A few moments of peace in the living room with Troy, after kids were out the door and before the busyness of work began. Christmas tree lights and Christmas music.
Walking to work in a crazy wet snow shower.
A smooth and efficient bank transition that meant having some time to sit and eat lunch in peace and quiet.

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

2008-11-28T17:13:00.004+01:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving. We took a vacation day today. I've been sick all week, so it felt good to sleep in. We put up the tree and are working on the other decorations. At the moment we are taking a break and watching "Elf", which we all love. Later on tonight we'll order Chinese food and watch Polar Express :) Yes, it's a movie kind of day.

Last year, Christmas snuck up on me and I felt scattered, unprepared and just generally caught-off guard. This year it's better. In many ways our Christmas will be smaller and simpler this year, including sadly, less loved ones around us.

But the spirit of Advent is on us.

Advent Conspiracy

2008-11-25T11:21:00.000+01:00

Pondering

2008-10-17T16:51:00.001+02:00

a1237 Autumn Leaves Afloat
Originally uploaded by tengtan (away)

I started my new job as an English -speaking teacher's aide this week. I'm working at two different schools. One is close to home, one is out near where our kids go to school. I've been to both schools now.

Today I was walking home pondering some of the kids who crossed my path this week, especially ones who seem to be a bit out of control. It has been interesting for me to watch the levels of discipline (whether high or low) in the classroom.

I met several children today who are from a subculture in Spain that has a certain reputation. They are often shunned and discriminated against and pigeonholed. They seemed totally disinterested in school in general, and a bit lost in a world of their own creation.

My mind circled around the problems of engaging them when I can only speak to them in English, and at this point their exposure to that has been minimal. I wondered how I can teach them to respect each other, and themselves and me.

I don't know how it will go once I begin interacting with them on a consistent basis. The only thing I know for sure is to pray for them, that somehow I will be able to share the love of the only One who can make them whole.

This Boy of Mine

2008-10-13T21:24:00.003+02:00

When Meaghan and Nicolas started taking the metro by themselves to meet up with their ride to school, one of our main concerns was that Nic, (8) would behave for his sister (11). Troy talked to them about teamwork, and Nic took that very, very seriously.

Today, we were on the way home from hanging out with our team. Nic sat across from Troy on the metro, and said "Dad, when we get home, I want to talk to you for a little bit."

Troy raised one eyebrow at me and we exchanged a secret grin. I leaned back and said behind Meg, "What do you want to talk to Dad about?"

"I'm keeping it sort of a secret."

"You only want to talk to Dad about it?"

"Well, maybe you too."

After we got home, Nic followed Troy into the office and solemnly shut the door.

"You know, how when we started on the metro, we did good teamwork? Well, I was thinking that maybe, when Meaghan walks the dog, maybe I can go with her, to do good teamwork. You know, I can make sure no cars are coming, and stuff."

"You want to go with Meg when she walks the dog?"

"Yeah! You know, for good teamwork."

"Do you want to try it right now? OK, well, ask Meaghan what she thinks about it."

"Right now? OK, I'll come back and tell you about what she says."

Exit boy, door closes, more shared smiles between Mom and Dad.

Enter boy.

"She said YOU (Mom) were going to walk the dog now."

"Well, tell her you want to try it out now."

"She said she would think about it."

Enter Meg. Lexi stands up and puts her paws against her, pleadingly.

"Look at her, she is saying PLeeeeeeeeeeeeez, take me out Meg"

"OoooooooooooooooooKkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk."

Exit girl, boy, dog.

Mom's heart explodes.

The end.

It was a beautiful day

2008-10-02T09:12:00.001+02:00

Nikon D40
Originally uploaded by conras

My friend Kim and I had scheduled breakfast and camera pointers. We've been trying to do it for months but things kept getting in the way.

It was a beautiful day, blue sky making a perfect backdrop for impressive Madrid landmarks. I cleaned off my SD card so I could snap at will. I was feeling impressively organized, collecting everyone's monthly transportation passes so I could buy October's pass.

I wanted to take the bus but traffic was crazy, so I dutifully descended into the metro.

Somewhere between Lista and Goya, I remembered the camera battery. It was all charged up so I could again, shoot at will. It was also still in the battery charger, at home. My camera was in my bag.

Thanksgiving

2008-09-27T15:38:00.003+02:00

Photo by Troy, taken during our stay in Salzburg

Yes, I know it's not Thanksgiving yet :) (even for us Canucks) and I don't know why I'm blogging NOW when I am alternating between the almost 9-year-old-laptop with the wonky "l" and Troy's computer when he can spare it. But there you have it.

I have been thinking about thanksgiving lately. I have been, frankly, pretty stressed out. Each week seems to bring a new wave of challenges with it, just when the last set has been dealt with. And it's not just me, I've noticed. All over, people I know are dealing with hard stuff...illness, financial crisis, eviction, the list goes on. Hope sometimes seems very far away for many of us.

But I've been trying to keep a thankful spirit, to learn to dwell simply in His presence and give each challenge to Him.

I actually find it easier to be thankful when I put myself in a thanksgiving mind-set. Today I broke apart bread to make stuffing for the little Cady family sized chicken that is roasting in the oven. Later we'll eat mashed potatoes and gravy and chicken and stuffing, and it will be a little bit easier to be thankful (at least for me) in the face of stress.

What do you do to help you feel thankful?

Beagles!

2008-09-24T12:45:00.002+02:00

This dog looks remarkably like Lexi, our Beagle. And this is TOTALLY the kind of stunt she pulls!

Closed for Repairs

2008-09-23T09:33:00.002+02:00

I will probably not be blogging until the end of October. My laptop screen bit the dust so I'm sharing with Troy or using our 9-year-old laptop with the l that you have to pound :) Life is just crazy right now!

Closet Progress

2008-08-29T15:52:00.011+02:00

I am so happy with the way my front closet has shaped up. I unfortunately just plowed into it one afternoon without taking any before photos.

This is the left side of the closet, with great built-in shelves. The top shelf holds things we don't use often: games, toddler toys for visitors, games, our picnic basket etc. The side shelves hold our videos (yes, we still own some and use them!), candles, and my scrapbooking supplies. The Ikea bins on the bottom hold more scrapbooking stuff. I like to keep it here because I most often scrap on our table with Meg or anyone else I can get to scrap with me! We thinned out the coats and keep the kids' current season's coat in this closet and their others in their closet. Troy hung hooks on the inside of the doors for his murses, backpacks etc.

I bought cheap magazine holders at Ikea to store my scrapping paper etc. The boxes hold photos, the wire basket holds candles.

These Ikea bins hold the rest of my scrapbooking stuff. Since it's all together, it's easy to move it to the table and back.

The right side of the closet is my favorite! I also got these organizers at Ikea, and they didn't cost me an arm and a leg. Troy keeps his shoes in this closet, so now they are organized. Everyone has a one of the little drawers for gloves, hat and scarves.

The top right shelf holds the purse or two that I am currently using. Below that is extra bigger bags that I might take if we are going to the park or something, and below that are our canvas shopping bags that we have been trying to be more diligent in using, especially if we are just running to the store down the street.

The two big drawers are our "to return" drawer (usually stuff that gets left at our house) and the umbrella drawer.

With the shoes all up off the floor, the vacuum fits nicely underneath!

You're Blessed

2008-08-18T17:23:00.001+02:00

I know I have posted this before, but it's time again. Oh how I love the Beatitudes from The Message (Matthew 3)

3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Seventeen on the 17th

2008-08-17T10:25:00.007+02:00

Expanding the Repertoire

2008-08-15T15:13:00.003+02:00

Even though I'm generally the one who cooks, Troy has a certain repertoire of dishes that he always makes. They include all dishes involving bacon (bacon and tomato sandwiches, French toast and bacon) and grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken noodle soup.

Last week we wrote about summer foods we love. I was working full-time at Red Hat, so I wasn't much good in the cooking department when I dragged my butt home through the heat. One night my amazing hubby decided he was going to try and make some stuff off my summer list. He made potato salad which was amazing, cold carrot/bacon/raisin salad (he wanted to make the broccoli-bacon-raisin one but couldn't find broccoli and fried chicken. I was impressed.

So now, even though he admits that potato salad is sort of finicky to make, he has agreed that it can be part of his repertoire. It's on the menu for dinner!

Delicious

2008-08-13T22:14:00.002+02:00

Early this morning, around 6, I woke from a dream in which I was cold. Our room was blissfully cool.

I happily, sleepily, pulled a light blanket from the under-the-bed-storage and snuggled back to sleep.

I can't wait until the nights are cold enough to put the duvet back in the cover.

Fine Kettle of Fish

2008-08-12T18:54:00.002+02:00

Here is a fine message to send to our daughters!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/12/oly.kids/index.html

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig

2008-08-03T14:29:00.002+02:00

We're back from our wet wanderings in Salzburg and a great week with our colleagues in Sopron, Hungary. It's hot in Madrid, the dog has been sacked out completely, pathetically grateful we came back for her, Nic is catching up on building things, and making ships out of paper while watching Star Wars and Meg is wandering between time on her own and feeding her brain. Troy is puttering, I'm still in my jammies.

It's good to be home. I have to work all week at Red Hat, but I'll be back at some point!

Seaweed

2008-07-12T11:06:00.003+02:00

When I was growing up, we visited my Dad's brother and family in Nova Scotia one summer. My aunt had a package of dried seaweed in the house, and I can remember my Mom sitting in her kitchen munching on seaweed. I thought that was a ridiculous thing to eat as a snack.

Fast forward several (cough) years. Not only do I regularly eat sushi (wrapped, in, um, SEAWEED), in the past 24 hours I devoured this, all by myself, plain, with no rice, no nothing. 80 little strips of flavored Nori. My friend Kristen left it when she moved back to the US recently. I had never heard of flavored seaweed. I hope they don't sell it here, or I'm in trouble.

I'm pretty sure that I could have gotten my Mom addicted to sushi too. And it makes me kind of sad that I'll never have that chance. Mom, sorry I laughed at you for eating seaweed!

This Just In

2008-07-12T10:01:00.000+02:00

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features. However, if she is pre-menstrual or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his forehead while he is on fire.

No further studies are expected.

Tagged!

2008-07-09T21:14:00.003+02:00

My friend Peej tagged me to do this book thingy, and I guess it's as good a way to re-enter as any other :) So without further ado:

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? Nope! I have been reading voraciously as long as I can remember. When I was a kid I was always reading a few grade levels ahead of my age.
What are some books you read as a child? Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, Wind in the Willows, Little Women, The Black Stallion series, etc. etc. :)
What is your favorite genre? I don't think I can pick only one, because it depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I don't read Westerns, Science Fiction, "Bodice Rippers" or the Encyclopedia. But other than that, I read pretty widely.
Do you have a favorite novel? If I have to pick only one, I'd have to say 'Til We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis. It captured my imagination in high school and I still love it.
Where do you usually read? Nowadays, usually on the couch (or in the hammock in good weather). But my couches are comfy and great for reading either sprawled out or tucked in a corner.
When do you usually read? Vacation, my day off, Sundays, on the bus or metro.
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Yep, almost always.
Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? Um, sort of. I read both on public transportation. I tend to read non-fiction in the glider in the living room because I usually keep those in my "devotional" basket.
Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? I borrow as many as I can (and then try to buy the ones I love) and try and buy the rest used. I also buy e-books to read on my PDA because they are cheaper and they save trees!
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? I often shop in the 1-3 euro room of used bookstores (because I don't have access to a library). With those I try and sell them back to the store, or pass them on. If it's a book I know I'll read again I keep them. I have my Chronicles of Narnia from when I was a kid and quite a few others. I hope they'll get passed down through the generations.
If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? We've read The Chronicles of Narnia, and the Little House on the Prairie series with them. Right now bed-time reading is The Wind in the Willows, and Meg and I are reading Little Women together. Some of the ones in the line-up: Where the Red Ferns Grow, A Wrinkle in Time, The Hobbit.
What are you reading now? Non-fiction: A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, The Ragamuffin Gospel, finishing Celebration of Discipline (but that one will be a life-long companion!), and Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and "Women's Work". Fiction: just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list? Sort of, but it all depends on what I can get my hands on, and what I'm in the mood for next.
What’s next? Not sure, but if I could pick it would be Jan Karon's Home to Holly Springs.
What books would you like to reread? I usually read the Narnia and Little House books once a year (often on Christmas vacation. I know I'll read Jan Karon's Mitford Series a bunch more times in my life.
Who are your favorite authors? C.S. Lewis, Donald Miller, Jan Karon, Eugene Peterson to name a very few.

OK, now I have to tag 2 people. Let's say Amy, who is trying to blog more, so here you go girl :) and Mary, if she has time between law school assignments.

I'm Outta Here

2008-07-01T20:57:00.002+02:00

I'm now officially on vacation until next Tuesday morning. SWEET! I have not been this ready for a vacation in quite awhile; it's been an overbearing couple of weeks and I am almost overwrought. I'm tired, emotional, and really sick of saying goodbyes. Tonight it was Kristen.

I'm thankful to have my friend Lisa here, but all the while I'm enjoying her company I realize I have to say goodbye to her again next Tuesday. I'm sitting here eating the Jr. Mints she brought me and I can't stop, even though I find I can only handle a few before the sweetness becomes ridiculous.

I'm proud of myself because I did not even consider taking my computer on this vacation. We're going to be hanging out with friends of ours. I'm hoping for lots of laughter, time with my family, maybe some reading, playing with our Christmas camera, etc. It feels good to be able to leave it all behind.

Peace, I'm out.

Home Alone

2008-06-27T10:43:00.002+02:00

No, not the annoying movie(s), and not for long, either.

Given our lifestyle of working from home, summer can be a challenge because all four of us are usually here 24/7. That makes having any alone time pretty stinkin' impossible!

This morning the kids are at their last day of VBS and Troy is out for meetings. I have a couple of hours of being in the house all by myself and I am positively giddy. The possibilities are endless!

Perspective

2008-06-25T10:11:00.002+02:00

I just watched this article on CNN about the increasing frequency of families having to give their children up to orphanages in many poor countries because they simply cannot afford to feed them. I cannot imagine. It definitely helps me re-evaluate my life-style though! Sobering.

Reading

2008-06-23T22:22:00.007+02:00

One of the things I hope to do more of this summer (as things move at a slower pace) is reading. This year the kids have finally gotten it in their heads that they will actually get more pool time if they don't insist that we get in with them. Frankly, Troy and I just don't feel like getting in every day. So today I sat and read two chapters of A Long Obedience in the Same Direction which I had been reading with some ladies in the fall, but set aside when the group dispanded. I LOVE this book. I feel like I underline half the chapter and I pretty much just want to copy and past it here. If you have never read it, I highly recommend it.

Later, our family watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie in which the girls put on a scene from Little Women. My Meg was asking about it, so I was inspired to pull my Reader's Digest classics copy off the shelf and we decided to read it together this summer. I have read this book eleventy billion times and love it so much. I'm really excited to be sharing it with Meg!

Small Constants

2008-06-22T11:14:00.002+02:00

Troy keeps nudging me to write something. Honestly, I haven't had the emotional or mental energy to even begin to process everything, and it just seemed pointless to write anything fluffy. Frankly I don't have fluffy in me right now.

Every summer, we have to say goodbye to people in our community, and it's never fun. This year however, it has beaten the snot out of me. It's partly because I have had more significant relationships with the people who are leaving. And I think it's partly because this past year I have had more of myself to give away, more to invest. Which is great, but it makes the letting go that much harder.

This morning the church bells rang at their appointed hour, and I found them strangely comforting. I always love them, marking the rhythm of our days, calling me to prayer even though I don't walk over to attend mass. But today they reminded me of small constants in my life.

It's a hard lesson to learn, and one I don't embrace fully, that sometimes, in order to grow new friendships and relationships in life, God has to remove some, at least from our immediate vicinity. Perhaps, if I were able to keep these significant people in my life, I would miss opportunities not only to be blessed, but to bless people who I have yet to meet. Or maybe deepen relationships I already have. Living this life is a constant struggle of being willing to know and be known again, even when running the risk of having to say goodbye to that person in six months. Hard not to say "Hi, what's your name and HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO BE HERE?"

I don't know, but I feel raw around the edges, and tears are just below the surface, jumping out and then subsiding with all the energy of a jack-in-the-box but with none of the gleeful hilarity.

Our kids just finished two years at Numont, and I am almost stunned that our time there is over, in what seems like the blink of an eye. I find myself ridiculously emotional about it.

I have learned in life that it's necessary to do the hard and unpleasant work of grieving, even when it seems more painless to just ignore it. So when it hits me that Mary won't be around on Tuesday night, not because she's had a busy week, but because she moved to San Diego, I will try and give myself the space to grieve. And when I'm longing for a coffee with Mona, to see the twinkle in Paul's eye, and to call Jonathan Wonder Boy even though it annoys the heck out of him, I will have to just sit with the loss.

Hopefully it's a lesson I can help Meg learn as well. She is already on her way, with frequent comments of "I will miss my friends" and plans to invite them over so those ties are not broken. We tell her that it's OK to be sad.

Hopefully I'll be back to posting more regularly soon.

Craving Order: A Completely Shallow Post in which I Covet Organization stuff.

2008-06-06T17:47:00.008+02:00

I have a draft post waiting to be written. It's called "Uproar", which basically describes the state of my life right now. But as you can see, the uproar in my life has kept me from writing about it. Anyway, more on that later.

I have been craving more order, especially around the house. I really like having a small amount of living space because it encourages us to live with less stuff, and it's also less house to clean. But the problem comes with ORGANIZING the stuff. A few weeks ago, I saw this post, and it made me sin. I coveted that little haven of organization!!! I was ready to throw away my Swiss Family Robinson balconied apartment (which I dearly love) and go find a house, with a mudroom, so I too could have a space like that.

Problem is, having a space like that requires $$$$$$$$$. Or at least $$. A few weeks ago I was completely fed up with the closet in our office, so I ~~mostly~~ cleaned it out and ~~somewhat~~ organized it. Except for now the office actually looks worse because there is stuff strewn about that I need to get rid of/find another spot for etc. And I tend to feel like if I could just to to Ikea and spend 20 or 30 or 400 euro on organizational stuff, everything would fall into place, miraculously.

Sigh. The other thing is, most of the organizational stuff requires SPACE, still. I am limited by little nooks and crannies, short lengths of wall, and radiators standing in inconvenient-something-else-would-be-so-cute-there corners. I have been wandering around with a tape measuring, muttering to myself and flipping feverishly through the Ikea catalog.

Here are some photos that make me swoon. Yes, they are Pottery Barn photos, and no, I have never bought a single thing there. But look, how neat and pretty!

Below is the most spectacular wall organizer thing I have ever seen! It has little pockets for my gadgets, where they can actually charge! Be still my heart. But you know what, there isn't enough a span of wall in our office big enough to accommodate it! (Now isn't that a relief, because otherwise I would have just ordered it and had it shipped to Spain. I wish.) I would also love to do the office in that blue, and chocolate brown.

And look at this handy little charging station. I tried to make one with a basket recently, for our phone chargers. My husband looked at me askance and asked me to extricate his phone charger since we were going away for the weekend.

Note to all my Macivite friends. I do not want the IPhone (but yes I am cool enough to recognize it when I see it) I just want the charging station!!

Even this jobby would make the organization of said office closet much easier. But guess what, Amazon.co.uk does not carry it and I am not paying to have it shipped from America.

Spain does not have the Container Store, and the stuff they do have to organize is often nice but way pricey. No garage sales or Goodwill where I can pick up used stuff either.

So, does anyone know how I can win a whole bunch of organizing? And does anybody else ever get this way?

2008-06-06T09:10:00.000+02:00

I'm 40, short, wider than I should be. I have been married to my best friend for 17 years. We have 2 kids who I love fiercely. Born in Canada, I have lived most of my life as an "alien," in Costa Rica, Ecuador, the US, Portugal, The Netherlands and Spain. Sometimes I think it's a great way to remember that this world is not my home. Sometimes it's crazy-making. Someday, I'd like to grow some deeper roots. In the mean-time, I'm a forgiven follower of Jesus Christ.

Dufus

2008-05-21T21:03:00.005+02:00

Nic has speech and language therapy every Wednesday, so when I take him I have an hour to kill. I have been trying to watch how much we spend, so today I avoided Starbucks and instead went next door to VIPS. I ordered Patatas Vips (potatoes with ali oli) and a Coke. While I waited, I cleaned out my purse a bit (something I often do during those Wednesday hours.) The waitress brought my Coke but I hadn't taken even one sip, when I noticed that my wallet was not in my purse! I had a moment of panic when I wondered if it had been lifted on the metro on the way home after the morning meetings that Troy and I had.

Then I very clearly remembered taking it out of my purse to get some euro coins to tip the grocery delivery guys. And leaving it on the kitchen table.

I quickly got up and explained to the waitress that I had forgotten my wallet, that I hadn't even sipped my Coke, and that I needed to cancel my order. I slunk out of the restaurant, wondering what I should do with the 50 minutes I had left.

That's when I remembered the cash I had in my pocket, a 50 euro bill and at least one 20 euro bill.

But at that point I was too embarrassed to go back in and say "Oh wait, bring my potatoes, I'm an idiot and I had money all the time!"

So I went next door to Starbucks and bought a small coffee.

Tagged: 10 Reasons Why I Blog

2008-05-05T17:55:00.002+02:00

My friend Peej (PJ, Patty) and I have been writing together since high school. She is a lot more diligent about it than I am though! Anyway, she tagged me, so what is a girl to do? So without further ado (oh, I'm sure there will be SOME ado along the way!) here are 10 reasons I blog:

1) It gives me a place to verbally roll my eyes. You know how much I love to roll my eyes.
2) I laugh at myself all the time, might as well let you laugh along.
3) Sometimes, a girl's just gotta vent.
4) It's a good way to get built-in accountability. Nothing like opening yourself up to the internets!
5) It keeps me writing, even if it's not scintillating.
6) I have actually made some really good friends in the blogosphere even though I have never met them in real life! (Hi Heidi! :) )
7) Sadly, I never/rarely journal anymore, so at least I have some sort of record of things this way.
8) I have tons of fun co-writing He Said, She Said with my hubby. (And maybe someday we'll earn some money that way!)
9) Most days, I actually believe I have something worthwhile to say.
10) I hope that somehow, in some small way I can point people to Jesus.

I'm too chicken to tag anyone, but if you write a post, let me know!

Leaving

2008-05-04T11:21:00.002+02:00

For us, one of the hardest parts of Troy going away is that he often has to "leave" before he's actually gone. Most of the time his trips are because he is speaking or contributing in some other way so that means he has to get material prepared.

So when he is busy with that stuff, I have to remember that in saying "yes" to any trip, I also have said "yes" to the prep time. And while I'd like him to be sitting next to me on the couch, or playing Wii with us, I have to remember that leaving begins a little earlier than I'd like.

Just What I Needed

2008-05-02T20:41:00.002+02:00

After almost 7 straight days of busyness, the past two have been a balm for my soul, especially as I ramp up mentally for 5 more days of Troylessness next week (he's going to a conference Monday through Friday). The kids have been off school (actually the whole week) and yesterday and today are holidays. So there has been lots of lounging on the couch, reading, playing Wii, watching some TV and movies, sleeping in, etc. going on. It has been bliss. I found out that I am pretty good at Wii golf and bowling, but I am a complete failure at tennis. I guess the C I got in tennis class in college was no fluke.

It's truly amazing how being rested helps you face things better. I've got some goals for next week while my hubby is away and will hopefully have some girl time too. The house needs a good cleaning, although I plan on starting on that tomorrow and once again my desk could use some attention. Actually, the big box of filing REALLY needs my attention.

My allergies are starting to kick in, with itchy eyes being the worst. So far I'm surviving with the generic stuff I bought at Sam's club last furlough, but I might have to kick it up a notch to the more expensive stuff I buy here. I find it very disagreeable that one of the most beautiful times of the year makes me fairly miserable, especially if I go outside!

Thursday Thirteen

2008-05-01T11:17:00.003+02:00

Thirteen reasons I am glad it's today...

I like the beginning of a new month; it inspires me. Perhaps my bloggy writing record will improve this month.
It's May now and I like May a lot better than April!
I don't have any responsibilities today other than being with my family (and feeding them, I guess :) )
If it's warm enough I can chill in one of the hammocks.
The dog is beside me on the couch keeping me warm on a surprisingly chilly morning.
My hubby is home! (he won't be all next week.)
I didn't have to walk a dog first thing this morning.
I don't have to answer phones at Red Hat today.
I have a stash of goodies in the freezer.
I can get in the Wii action with my family today.
I heart facebook's new chat feature.
Perhaps I will read a book.
Tomorrow is another day with no responsibility!

Really glad my hubby is home

2008-04-21T22:10:00.002+02:00

So I can kick his butt in Wii golf!

Insert evil cackle.

Under construction

2008-04-20T09:53:00.003+02:00

I have always had a lot of respect for single parents, whatever the circumstances that got them there. Troy has been been gone most of the week (M-W, F-Sun). Nothing out of the ordinary has happened, no medical emergencies, no car trouble, the floor has not given way and dropped us into the swimming pool below. I've said before that I don't mind a couple of days on my own to recharge my "me".

But this week it has worn a little thin. Last night after church everyone was going off to do fun things, and I have to admit I felt a little sorry for myself as I drove off with the kids. We don't often go out after church mainly because it gets expensive with four of us, plus we live farthest away from church. Normally it's cool because Troy and I spend the evening together. But it definitely wasn't so much fun not having him here last night.

The whole thing about burdens halved and joys multiplied is so true. I still have to finish cleaning up the mess from Friday night home group. And last night in church when Nic was singing his heart out and making up motions to go along with the songs (and also watching himself in the mirror while he did it! ;) ) Troy was not there for me to exchanged amused and also pleased glances with.

Thing is, I know I am both spoiled and blessed. Being church planters means that our time is flexible and I am privileged to have a husband who participates 100% with our kids. Every day he helps Nic with his homework. And I really do not take that for granted.

As Troy's influence and responsibility grow, I have a feeling that I'm going to have to adjust more to having a more normal "social base" where I am holding down the fort. Even thought that is going to require work on my part, and probably a little more growing up, I'm up for it. It's clear that my character needs to develop more. Troy always seems to manage things much better when he's the only one left to do things, like when I have to work at Red Hat.

Dang it, don't you hate it when your spouse's strengths make your own weakness glaringly clear?

I keep hitting home runs

2008-04-18T17:01:00.003+02:00

Some very generous friends of ours recently bought us a Wii. I have had a good time watching the kids (all three of them) play. Even though I have made a Mii, I have yet to play on ours (only on our friends') But I am apparently a really good baseball player because I keep showing up in the batting order and hitting home runs. Who would have thought? Also, I wonder if Nintendo thinks we should spell our last name Cadii?

Mr. Cady is gone again until Sunday. It's a cold, haily (is that a word?) windy Friday and the kids and I are hunkered down in the house.

Have a good weekend!

Keep the Home Fires Burning

2008-04-14T21:15:00.003+02:00

Troy is in Amsterdam until late Wednesday afternoon, and then he leaves again on Friday afternoon until Sunday. We're all a bit glum here without him; nothing is quite the same without him here.

The kids both stayed home today with sniffles, and Meg had a fever. She's had a runny nose all day. I hope she sleeps well and feels better tomorrow.

I've had a "heavy" head all last week and today it's worse so maybe I'm fighting something too. I can't tell if it's a cold or allergies.

Either way, I'm here, trying to keep the house running without a crucial part of it.

And sneezing on the computer screen.

Tinker

2008-04-12T12:48:00.002+02:00

Main Entry:
²tinker
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
tin·kered; tin·ker·ing \-k(ə-)riŋ\
Date:
1592

intransitive verb: to work in the manner of a tinker; especially : to repair, adjust, or work with something in an unskilled or experimental manner : fiddle tinkering with his car>transitive verb: to repair, adjust, or experiment with"

When I don't know what to write, my tendency is to tinker with my blog. This morning I read a friend's blog and she had used a snazzy new template, from a site I had never heard of before. So of course I clicked over to peruse the layouts there. But I am partial to 3-columns and I didn't see any, so then I googled...

But I resisted temptation. And now I'm going to put the computer down and go read a book!

Finding my bloggy voice again

2008-04-10T08:25:00.004+02:00

I have had a really hard time writing anything here lately. I think I am conflicted about my voice. I am not a funny southern woman like BooMama or BigMama.I don't do giveaways, host discussions or contests. I don't write deep devotionals or quote much scripture. Frankly, lately I haven't written much of anything at all.

Par of it could be only have so much creativity, and since I am writing regularly with Troy over at He Said, She Said, that's all I got.

It's hard not to get caught up in the numbers and the comments and the "Oh, maybe I could make a little money" and all that. But really, what am I doing here in the bloggy world?

I've had thoughts of going on hiatus (even though I just had one during Lent) or deleting this blog altogether. But I'm not quite ready to give up on it yet.

Any thoughts?

I'll be back

2008-04-01T21:21:00.002+02:00

Don't have much time or energy to write this week. Stupid time change. It's killing me.

We'll be out of town Thursday to Saturday for our team launch and I have a billion things to get done before then.

See you Sunday or Monday.

They'll be coming to take me away soon

2008-03-28T19:02:00.005+01:00

Apparently my life is now destined to be a cosmic comedy of sorts. I don't really know how to deal with that other than laugh, so you might as well laugh with me.

This afternoon I went to help the Crulls pack. I had offered to wash their 2 big rag rugs for them, so we loaded them into the granny cart so I could drag them home on the metro. In a moment of sheer stupidity, I also tucked my shopping bag containing my nori and rice vinegar into the granny cart.

Since I am short, the cart was a bit unwieldy, but I managed to trundle up the road to the metro, drag the cart down the stairs, up the little stairs, down the other little stairs and wrestled it through the metro turnstile. I also had my coat draped over the whole contraption because it was too warm for a coat and I was definitely working up a sweat. As I was headed for the final set of stairs down to the metro platform, the cart decided to brake and them promptly topple face-first onto the ground. OK, fine, ignoring stares of people. I picked up the cart, and headed toward the stairs. As I teetered on the top, I noticed some sort of wet patch on the front of the cart.

Uh oh. The rice vinegar came to mind. In another moment of sheer stupidity, I thought that perhaps the cap had become dislodged. I reached into the plastic bag and promptly sliced my index finger open on the shattered bottle. Oh yes.

Well, no use crying over spilled ~~vinegar~~ milk. Might as well solider on home. I staunched the flow of blood against my coat sleeve, dragged the cart down the stairs and waited for the metro, hoping that the vinegar smell would stay kind of contained.

Of course I got the wheels of the cart caught between "coche and anden" (can anyone say "Mind the gap?") but finally stumbled onto the car. I parked my cart tightly up against the doors that would not be opening, and assumed a nonchalant posture, again hoping that people would not start sniffing the air suspiciously.

At this point I was overheated, smelled of vinegar and my finger was still gushing blood every time I took the pressure of. I made it about 9 of the 11 stops, and then I began to feel very, very woozy. Blood doesn't bother me, but I actually thought that little nick in my finger, combined with the heat and the lovely smell of sushi vinegar was going to make me pass out. I got off at the stop before mine. I took off my sweatshirt jacket, wrapped a Kleenex tightly around my finger and sat on the bench. I also ate half a Twix type generic candy bar to boost my sugar level.

I waited three minutes until the next train came and made it to my stop, through the turnstile, up the escalator, up the last wicked flight of stairs and home. I looked at myself in the elevator and I was as white as a ghost.

I recovered from my little adventure after the second band aid finally stopped the bleeding.

Later, I walked to our little local grocery and bought fake crab, because I must definitely now have sushi. They did not have a ripe avocado. I got home. I noticed that the package was not sealed properly. I walked BACK to the grocery store to get a sealed package of fake crab. Nothing but the best.

Upon arriving home, I put rice in the pot so it would be cooked and cooled later. And I promptly dropped the lid of the sugar bowl (the one that matches the set I bought at the store that no longer sells that set) on the floor. It can be glued back together. But the seam will always be there to remind me of this comedic day.

Now as long as the washing machine doesn't blow up because of the weight of the rug, or my husband doesn't have me committed, I will be enjoying sushi tonight.

Amen.

It's Tomorrow, My Love

2008-03-28T00:46:00.008+01:00

It's already tomorrow
and down the hall
I can hear you breathing peacefully.
Freed earlier than I
from the grip of the coffee
we should not have had after dinner.

The minutes ticks over
and I listen to the plastic
covering the plants upstairs
flap in the wind
wondering who on earth is leaning
on their horn
at this hour.

One more Texas car chase,
another mother shot her children
more government officials
doing things they shouldn't.
My thoughts wander to worry
as they often do when sleepless.
Random worries though, of addresses
not updated on driving licenses,
etc. etc.

From down the hall,
Your peace silently beckons,
the knowledge that as sure
as I will ease carefully over
to my side in the dark,
tomorrow will be a hope-filled day
with you,
burdens halved
joys multiplied.

It's already tomorrow, love.
And I'm coming to bed now.

Words

2008-03-27T12:02:00.002+01:00

I have found my words to be bottled up lately. Sometimes I have them in my head, but they refuse to be translated to either page or computer screen. I think my Lenten fast from reading and writing many words has helped some.

Refraining from reading blogs and facebook did help me break some unhealthy patterns. I find it so easy to just keep blog surfing etc. if I am tired, bored, or just unmotivated to do anything productive. But the blog surfing just makes all those feelings worse I think, because there is an unlimited supply of words out there to read!

Part of my re-entering process has been to start deleting bookmarked blogs. I have been thinking carefully about who and what I read, but mainly the reasons that I read them. There are plenty of interesting and entertaining blogs out there. But am I reading them because I am nosy, because I want to be included in something, etc? I have been paring down my list of regular reads to those of people I actually KNOW in real life and love, or blogs that teach me/challenge me/help me either spiritually, in my homemaking, or some other area.

I'm hoping that the more I value words in general, the more they will mean to me as well.

Meaghan's Rite of Conversion

2008-03-25T18:00:00.003+01:00

This past weekend we went on our third annual Oasis Madrid Easter Retreat. On Saturday morning, Meg had her Rite of Conversion. She has been going through discipleship material with Troy since December, and this is the culmination of the first book.

Of course I cried, but one of the things that made me cry the most was the group of young adults who stood with Meg and cried too. I love our church so much, especially because of the way they are family to my kids.

Here are some photos, we'll post a video soon!

Flash Slideshow

I'm back!

2008-03-24T16:00:00.002+01:00

Wow, I'm here! :)

Still recovering from our Easter Retreat (which was amazing, the best yet, but a lot of work!) and resting today. The dog is home from the kennel and she is sacked out on one couch and Troy is lightly snoring on the other. There is no place like home!

Anyway, you can visit me again now. I'll be posting!

Hugs

Journey into Lent

2008-02-05T18:05:00.000+01:00

photo courtesy of Kelly

I'm going to use Lent as an opportunity to re-orient my heart and time to Jesus. I'll be back after Easter! May you have a blessed Easter season.

A Few Things

2008-02-03T16:21:00.001+01:00

I finally stopped fretting that I had not been posting anything, and as I did some thinking about the state of things, I realized that I need to take a deliberate break from blogging here. Nothing is seriously amiss, just busy times and the conscious desire to step back and re-order.

Since Lent begins this week it seems like the perfect time for a break. I've decided to "fast" reading blogs, writing on this one, and also facebook. People that know me well think I'm slightly crazy and they are probably right, but oh well :)

I'll leave you with a list of update items!

Nicolas turned 8 on Thursday!
Meaghan will turn 11 on February 23.
Troy and I will be in Lisbon from Feb. 26-March 1.
After an internet shopping fiasco (DO NOT order from www.STOP4CAMERA.COM, yes I know I was stupid) we finally ordered our Christmas camera (we didn't buy each other any gifts and used all our Christmas money) and will get in when we go to Lisbon. I'm excited to have a working camera again!

Studied Avoidance...and Follow Me

2008-01-26T13:27:00.000+01:00

I am studiously avoiding the list of questions that Phil left me. Not forever, but until my brain doesn't feel like mush any more. Until I don't feel like I'm about 100 years old. I hope that happens soon. My knees are creaky, my back is one big knot, I'm sinusy and headaches and at least 3 kilos too heavy for comfort. I'm mourning my38-year-old self. Because apparently 39 is the Year of Deteriorating as quickly as possibly. Wheeeee. We're off to a great start.

In an abrupt about-face, now I will talk about something serious :)

One of the things that Troy and I firmly believe in is that it is our job as parents to grow our kids spiritually. This is not the job of "the church" although the body of Christ of course does have a crucial role. But we don't subscribe to the "they'll-learn-what-they-need-to-know-once-a-week-in-Sunday-
school" way of thinking. We are in a unique situation because right now our kids are the only regular kids at our very young church. Even so, every time we have a service, we do Godly Play with them. Even if it's just me and the two of them.

We are trying to weave Christ into their everyday life as much as possible. Every week-day morning (our weekends are more unstructured) we say morning prayers together from Celtic Daily Prayer. Evenings are also more flexible depending on what we have going, but we often also say evening prayers from the same book. Our community knows that if you are at the Cady home at bed-time, they'll be handed a sheet with the prayers and invited to join in bedtime prayers, hugs and kisses. For me, those evenings are one of the best and most beautiful experiences of church.

For Christmas, we gave Meaghan four books that we use for discipleship in our church. They were developed by the late Robert E. Webber. (We first met Dr. Webber when Troy was in grad school and became Dr. Webber's T.A.) The series is called Journey to Jesus, and the four books are called Follow Me, Be My Disciple, Walk in the Spirit, and Find Your Gift. Every week she reads through the chapter, and meets with her Daddy on the weekends to talk about what she read that week. As she completes each book (and feels ready), we'll celebrate with her with different rites of passage, the Rite of Conversion, The Rite of Covenant, Baptism, and then the beginning of "a long obedience in the same direction." I found it interesting just now that I have been reading Eugene Peterson's book by that same title, and I didn't know that Webber used the same phrase until I got the books out just now.

I think it's pretty amazing that both Meaghan and I are on this journey together, although at different stages, to a long obedience in the same direction.

More than I Bargained For

2008-01-24T11:44:00.000+01:00

Our friend Phil, who is a sleep-deprived Dad with a six-week old baby, left me a list of questions on facebook that made my head spin.

Questions like:

Have you ever considered what it will be like moving back to the US permanently? Or will you avoid the entire mess and just stay in Spain for the rest of your natural lives?

What is the longest your hair has ever grown?

What attracts you to God? When you pray, how does God speak to you?

How important, or necessary is your own confidence or positivism to understanding God's plan for you?

When Troy says, "I love you", or"scratch my back", is it the same thing?

Does the internet give you more acquaintances, let you keep in touch with lots of people, or actually build friendships?

Can you answer Nic's questions?

If I asked you for questions to get started on, or at least premises to practice writing fiction on, would you help me out too?

Oy vey! Me and my big mouth! :) Just kidding Phil!

I am too sleepy and brain-dead today to start answering this minute, plus if we don't absolutely go grocery shopping today we may starve.

I'll be back with answers soon!

I Gotta Write SOMETHING

2008-01-21T18:57:00.000+01:00

Since nobody has asked me any reasonable questions (ahem, Nick!) which I really can't blame you for since I have been such a slacker, but I have to write something lest I never get my groove back on...

I'm happy to announce that my hubby got home last night; a day earlier than anticipated. He was apparently very confused about his travel dates. Either way, I was happy to see him!

I still have a monster knot in my left shoulder and neck, so I have become very good friends with my heating pad and some lovely smelling ointment that isn't doing me much good. Oh well.

But the main subject of this clever post is to tell you how much I love my Paul Potts CD, which I got for Christmas. If you haven't heard of him, he is the winner of Britain's Got Talent, capturing the hearts of many with his amazing opera talent. Anyway, I'm not being paid to advertise here, but I do really like his CD, One Chance. I'm not a huge opera freak, but I find this CD very relaxing and soothing. So there you have it, the opinion of one.

If you have never seen it, his audition video is totally worth watching, especially to watch the change in the demeanor of the judges, and the overwhelming response of the audience.

I for one hope he never has to go back to selling car phones!

That is all for today. Whew.

Call to Worship

2008-01-20T12:14:00.000+01:00

I walked the dog around the block just now. The day is unseasonably warm for January, the skies a deep cloudless periwinkle. As I rounded the corner, the church bells began to peal. Blue sky and exuberant bells collided in my senses, ringing in my heart that today is a new day, a new beginning. As I watched a faithful few stream thinly towards the church, I was called to worship. I may not worship in that building, at that time, standing next to the woman with a grand-daughter in a matching pink coat on each side of her. But I worship(ed) nevertheless.

My aimless day is re-set. I turn towards home.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

2008-01-18T16:28:00.000+01:00

I'm kind of surprised I still remember how to get into blogger. And kind of wondering if I'm ever going to have the kind of week ever again that allows me to post, yea, even one maybe three times. Honestly, even if I've had a moment to write lately I just haven't been able to bring myself to write anything.

Christmas really did me in this year and I was completely worn out afterwards (that has led to ponderings about how we "do" Christmas" but that will have to be another post.) Troy was gone to the US, and then I got a cold and I honestly have not felt 100% more than a day at a time since then. This week I have a horrific knot in my shoulder and neck (despite the free massage last night :) ) I know I'm not old, but dang, I have been realizing more and more than I am definitely not 25 anymore and I can't keep going like I am.

More and more it seems like it's going to be rare for us to have a "normal" week around here. The kids are getting older, we have more things going, people have actually been coming to visit us :) (Yay for CJ & Amy. I can't tell you who they are, because then CJ would have to kill me. And you. Nuff said. Hi guys! :) ) I don't know, I'm just all befuddled. Even though I would really like to suddenly feel all organized and together again, I'm slightly off kilter somehow.

So I'm trying to sit with being off-kilter and be OK with it. I'm not miserable, I'm not unhappy, I'm not stressed. Not sure if God is just trying to teach me some stuff or what.

Hopefully soon I'll catch up with the emails, get my newsletter written, get thank you notes written and mailed etc. Nic's birthday is only 2 weeks away, then Meg's about 3 weeks after that. Then it's Lent, and Easter...and the rest of life!

Anyway, you get what I'm saying. No need to beat a dead horse!

In the interest of getting my brain back in gear, I'm going to beg/borrow/steal an idea I've seen going around. If there is a question you have about me (this will be thrilling, I'm sure) leave me a comment or email me and I'll start answering next week. And maybe eventually I'll be able to come up with some material on my own!

Questions anyone?

Almost

2008-01-10T17:24:00.000+01:00

Man, I have not been able to get my game back on. This whole week my head has felt like it was going to either explode or fall off. Either option might have been a welcome relief. Last night I slept more propped up and that seemed to help. Even though I still do not feel great I feel more human today and have a bit more energy.

Anyway, I'll be back eventually.

Not Dead Yet

2008-01-05T17:45:00.000+01:00

Hey peeps, just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive, just recovering from the holidays, resting, pondering, etc. The kids go back to school on Tuesday and I imagine life will take on more of a normal rhythm again. We'll see!

Note to Self for Future New Year's Eve in Madrid

2007-12-31T23:16:00.000+01:00

Apparently, no restaurants in your neighborhood are open or within delivery distance. Next year, go to the grocery store (before 3 pm) so you won't be stuck eating Christmas leftovers for the 6th day in a row.

That is all. Thank you and Happy New Year.

Last One In

2007-12-23T14:13:00.000+01:00

Christmas has come late for me this year. Any number of circumstances have robbed me of time to dwell in the season, and for the most part, have left me feeling more stressed than joyful.

Yesterday my last "work" responsibility before vacation started was doing Godly Play in our service last night. This was no small task, because the Advent story is pretty long and I have had little time to look at it this week. But I have done it before, and for the kids' sake (and the grown-ups too although they don't often appreciate it!) I wanted to do it.

As I was preparing, the line: "Joseph and Mary must have been the last ones coming up the road to Bethlehem that night" struck deep in my heart. I am definitely the last one coming up the road to Bethlehem this year. I have been waylaid by a million tasks that I was faithful to complete. With each of those tasks, the crowd of travelers drew further and further away, and I found myself standing on the dark road, weary and a little sad.

But God is faithful, and He walked that road with me to meet Him. He gave me the strength to finish my tasks well. And today He has blessed me with the time to sit, and look at the tree, and tend to my home with joy, and prepare gifts for friends and family. I spend a lot of energy at Christmas making it as meaningful as possible for the people around me, and that makes me joyful.

So today I will complete my labors of love with peace and joy, for the sake of the one born in Bethlehem.

How did it get to be December 18?

2007-12-18T09:58:00.000+01:00

I know I have been scarce on here. I feel like I've just been generally scarce! With working at Red Hat, and all other matter of stuff going on, I feel like I have woken up and discovered there is one week left until Christmas and I am so far behind!!!

So I will probably not be on much, if at all, between now and next week just so I have the time to enter into the season as much as I can in the time left!

Hope that your Advent season is full of peace and joy!

It's the Simple Things

2007-12-04T18:28:00.000+01:00

My favorite grocery store in Spain is Mercadona. When we lived in the suburbs I always shopped there. But when we moved into the city there wasn't one that was convenient, and they wouldn't deliver to my area. So I started shopping somewhere else.

Today I got online to do a grocery order because I didn't really have the time or energy to go to the store. On a whim, I decided to check one more time to see if they had expanded their delivery area.

They have!!! I am so excited. Of course I was less excited after filling out my order (which took a good amount of time) only to find out they can't bring my food until next Tuesday! Yikes. Clearly I can't wait that long, and after finding out that my usual store can't deliver until Friday either, and that my Bible Study is cancelled for tomorrow afternoon, I'll be headed to the store tomorrow.

But! I am still planning on ordering from Mercadona. I just need to plan ahead a little. But I know we'll save money because their prices are great. Plus online shopping cuts down on any impulse shopping!

He Said, She Said

2007-12-03T10:04:00.000+01:00

You might have noticed the little button to the left that says "He Said, She Said". It's a new blog that Troy and I are writing together. When you have a minute, stop by and check it out. I'd love to hear what you think!

There is even a button in the right sidebar if you feel like linking to us :)

Also, a warning, I feel some blog template tinkering coming on, so brace yourselves!

Church Bells

2007-12-02T11:10:00.000+01:00

It's Sunday morning, the tree is lit up and the church bells at the church one street over are ringing. I love those church bells.

I have lots of things I want to do today so this will just be a quick post to say I survived my work week. I worked 34 1/2 hours. The first day I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole idea, but it got steadily better. The job itself is low stress, which is exactly what I need. And the paycheck is in euro, which is another thing I need :)

Everything here at home has been become more precious. Even walking the dog around the block is a quiet moment to enjoy.

I am not working this week, and the kids have Thursday and Friday off so it will be a good week together.

Happy Advent everyone. More soon.

39

2007-11-26T00:25:00.000+01:00

It's late, and I was already in bed, but my brain is full, so I had to get back up and empty it so I can sleep. It has been a crazy week. I actually had to go look at my blog to see what on earth I wrote last. I'm warning you that this will probably be a ramble, so read at your own peril.

Last week Dad was here from late Monday night until Thursday around lunch. On Thursday we had our "family" Thanksgiving and I was a bit dejected that my guest list had shrunk down to 9 of us including the kids. But we still had fun and yummy food. I was relieved that the turkey fit in the oven.

Friday morning I spent all morning running around doing paperwork so I could start work tomorrow. More on work in a minute. Four bus trips and a trip home for a piece of paper I didn't have with me later, I am now "empadronada" (like registered with city hall I guess) and have a Spanish social security number. Then it was on to service design meeting, then parent teacher conferences at school, then a mad dash to finish my CV before 5:30. Once that was done I crashed on the couch until my friend Pic and the kids came over to eat Thanksgiving leftovers (Troy went out with the lads a bit later.) After we ate (love leftover and friends who don't mind being handed a plate to fill and heat!) Pic and I lolled on the couches while the kids played.

Saturday we spent gearing up for our annual church Thanksgiving dinner that we host. It was too high pressure, but involved cooking 3 (small) turkeys, 2 turkey breast roasts, getting the house ready, going to pick up extra chairs, plates etc. and all that. Thankfully we had so much help from our great people that we were in great shape by the time the doorbell started ringing. We never got an exact count but it was over 50 for sure, and by 7:30 or so (we started at 6) all the green bean casserole, stuffing and sweet potatoes were completely gone. Plenty of desserts though (there still are leftover, come over for a piece! :) )

Today I turned 39. I didn't get out of bed until my family came in at 10 with my breakfast on a tray :) After scavenger hunts created by the kids (that's a whole post in itself) we got cracking, because we are insane. Insane because we decorated the house for Christmas today and had to clean it first after last night. Then we had a few friends over this evening to celebrate my birthday. Yes, we are nuts. But the tree sure looks pretty!

Anyway, so tomorrow morning I will go sign a work contract as a temp receptionist. I'll be working for a friend of mine who is an office manager a week here and there. I have not worked in an office for almost 11 years, and I have never worked in a Spanish office, so we'll see. Thankfully I am strangely at peace about it tonight and not nervous. I'll let you know how I feel on Friday after a week of 9-6! It's really a provision though as we need the money, and I'm thankful I'll get paid in euros.

Troy and I have also been frantically working on a new blog we are launching in hopes of bringing in some extra income. Hopefully we'll be ready in a few days. I'll keep you posted on that.

I am sadly behind in my Jesse tree ornaments but I still hope we can do it. I have the first six completely stitched but still have to finish them somehow. After that if I can stay a day ahead I guess we are OK :)

I have no idea what this week will bring blog-wise. I'm taking my laptop to the office with me but I am sure I won't be blogging!

All in all 39 is a good place to be!

Laughter and Tears

2007-11-19T20:34:00.000+01:00

It has been kind of a manic evening. After school I showed the kids the video below, which made them shriek with laughter. Then during evening prayers we kept thinking about the Dalmatian saying "herro" and we lost it. I'm glad God enjoys our laughter because our prayers were full of lots of snorts tonight.

After prayers though, on the way to getting kids in bed, we discovered Nic had not finished his dinner (he said he did) so had to address that. He was very repentant and tearful. I have noticed him being teary a lot this week, so I wrapped him in a blanket and sat in the rocker with him. I sang to him for a bit, and told him how we had bought the very rocking chair for when he was born. I never rocked my kids to sleep (I wanted them to learn to go to sleep on their own, which they did beautifully) preferring instead to use the chair for cuddle and bonding time. Tonight it felt good to hold my big little man close and sing his old bed-time songs to him.

The blessing of laughter and tears.

A Week Later

2007-11-18T17:41:00.000+01:00

It feels to me as if I have been away a long time, and I can hardly believe my calendar when it tells me that this Thursday is Thanksgiving. I'm not quite ready for it to be Thanksgiving already! Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year, but it's passing too quickly. The view from here of the coming week is already full: two runs to the airport tomorrow, one at 4 am, Tuesday, shopping for all the Thanksgivings, Wednesday a full day of plans, Thursday, my Dad to the airport again and our family Thanksgiving, Friday a morning outing and Thanksgiving leftovers with friends in the evening, Saturday our church Thanksgiving (we're expecting more than 40) and Sunday, Christmas decorations and up as a fun way to celebrate my birthday. And if everything comes together, then that next week means a 9-6 work week as I take on a temp (seasonal) receptionist job. Whew!

Our days have been full of visitors, and wondering what we are going to do for school for Meg next year (our school of choice has a severe shortage of openings) and all sorts of things. I'm only on ornament #6 of the Jesse tree, and a writing venture that Troy and I hoped to launch on Tuesday is nowhere near ready.

We have had the most beautiful fall weather. It has turned much colder, but the sky is amazing blue and the leaves are amazing. And since we haven't had much rain (which is actually not good) the leaves are still on the tree.

Anyway, that's what I've been up to. We'll see what this week brings!

Status

2007-11-14T08:34:00.000+01:00

My posts will probably be slim this week. Our "connectors" Scott and Terri have been here from Lisbon and we have had a great time hanging out with them. And my Dad arrived yesterday. And I still have work to do.

I'll be back eventually. Talk amongst yourselves, all 3 of you.

Doin' the Mess Around

2007-11-08T16:33:00.000+01:00

The last school day of the week has transformed itself into "Doin' The Mess Around" Day. It started out with us saying that after school the kids could goof around (no homework). Nic was always gleeful on Fridays, saying "Today we get to goof around!"

One recent Friday Troy went to get the kids and I had Ray Charles ready on the CD player so that when the kids walked in it started playing. Nic loves it and it has become our Friday (or the last school day; it's another Madrid holiday tomorrow) anthem. This morning he crawled into bed with me and started singing "Everybody doin' the mess around."

Here's to family time, relaxing at home and messin' around. Enjoy!

So True

2007-11-07T17:56:00.000+01:00

I get a daily joke from the Good Clean Funny List, just for kicks. I just had to share today's with you, because really, it's so true.

"A husband looking through the paper came upon a study that said women use more words than men.

It read, "Men use about 15,000 words per day, but women use 30,000."

Excited to prove to his wife that he had been right all along when he accused her of talking too much, he showed her the study results.

The wife thought for a while, then finally she said to her husband, "It's because we have to repeat everything we say."

The husband said, "What?"

Received from Docs Daily Chuckle, via the Good Clean Funnies List.

Why a Spiritual Director

2007-11-06T17:44:00.000+01:00

I can't remember when I first heard the term spiritual director, and to be honest, mine grew out of an already existing friendship and mentoring relationship. I got to know Elizabeth while we lived in Holland, doing an internship with our mission organization in between our time in Barcelona and Madrid. She came along at a very opportune time, took me under wing and began to mentor me in the area of worship.

Over time, our friendship deepened and the mentoring was really in a whole-life sort of way. Awhile back, she began seminary and training in actual spiritual directing. She herself began meeting with a spiritual director and the thought of it intrigued and appealed to me. So we made the arrangement a bit more official.

We talk once a month, for at least an hour. While spiritual directors are normally someone you meet with in person, it has worked well because of our prior relationship.

So why have a spiritual director? For me, I think it's a very good source of accountability and discipline. If left to my own devices, I know that I would not tend to my spiritual life in the same way. Inviting Elizabeth into my life in a deep and deliberate way helps me make sure that I am doing the work I need to do.

In all honestly, it doesn't always feel easy or natural, much like meeting with a counselor can be uncomfortable at times. I find there are many obstacles that get thrown up. But no matter what goes on before, I always come away from our conversations deeply grateful for them.

I would be interested in hearing your own experiences with the concept of a spiritual director, so leave me a comment!

I'm back...sort of

2007-11-05T18:12:00.000+01:00

Last week kind of got away from me with our friend Heide visiting and the kids being off school the whole week. The weekend was also really busy without our usual time to veg and be slugs. That wasn't the smartest move because Mondays are pretty intense days. Office hours hours and staff meeting meld into kids being home and often Troy plays tennis. Anyway, I'm wiped out today, but I hope to get back to more regular posting this week.

All My Children

2007-10-31T22:43:00.000+01:00

Not long ago we were at Templo de Debod for Alleke's first birthday party. Our friend Paul was watching Nic run around and remarked "Nic needs a brother."

"Welcome to the family, son" I said. "That's the only way this family is expanding!"

So now I have a 20-something son. He stopped by tonight for a little while, (long enough for us to feed him; thankfully he didn't bring any laundry!) and was here for story time and bed-time prayers. Then he left. So typical. They don't call, they don't write, they just stop in for dinner :)

But hey, at least the labor wasn't long!

Friends

2007-10-29T17:24:00.000+01:00

Our friend Heide is here from the US. We've been friends for more than 12 years, and she's one of those people who we can really relax with. For one thing, she has known us for a long time, and our friendship is one that we can fall back into comfortably and effortlessly even though we only get to see each other for a few hours every couple of years now.

Troy and I took today and tomorrow off so we could spend time with her. Today the most ambitious thing we will do is go see a movie (she's a movie buff like us.) We've sat around together most of the day (in our jammies for a good part of it), just talking talking talking, drinking coffee, eating, and watching a movie (of course). Tomorrow the plan is to go out and ride around on the Madrid Vision bus, but that's as touristic as it'll get. Even the dog has gotten really attached to Heide and spends as much time as possible draped across her lap.

So here's to good friends, who know you well, to friendships that you can slip on like a cozy worn sweater that fits perfectly and does your heart good.

God's Timing

2007-10-26T12:05:00.000+02:00

I have had a classified ad in one of the local English magazines for over a year about scrapbooking. Last year, my friend Lisa and I would get together almost every Friday to scrap, and although we were hoping to get a bigger group going, it ended up being just the two of us. We had a lot of fun anyway! But then she moved back to the US during the summer and I honestly haven't done anything since then. It's just more fun with friends.

Anyway, recently I have been thinking about taking the ad out so that I could do other things with my Fridays (I have been keeping those days clear just in case.) I figured that if I need to get a job anyway I need to clear my schedule some.

On the way home from walking the kids to school yesterday morning, I figured today would be as good as any other to try and get the ad removed. When I got home I was distracted by other stuff.

Later, Troy and I were praying together, and my mobile rang. Since it was our day off, I checked the number (in case it was the school or whatever) and on a whim, answered, although I didn't recognize the number.

It was D, a woman who moved her in the summer and saw my ad. And she knew more ladies who are interested!

This morning D and her adorable daughter came over and we shared a cup of tea. I'm excited to have some ladies to scrap with again!

God does have good timing....

Brainstorm

2007-10-25T18:06:00.000+02:00

It's our day off today. Earlier, we decided to spend some time doing some brainstorming and fleshing out some of our writing ideas.

Those of you who know Troy well know what is coming next.

"I'll get the post-its."

"I am NOT using post-its."

"But I think better that way."

"Fine, YOU use post-its."

Seriously. I should have invested in 3-M YEARS ago.

Life Lessons

2007-10-24T16:03:00.000+02:00

Our kids are in an international (read non-religious) school, so there is all manner of behavior that goes on. We are doing our best to teach our kids to treat others respectfully even when kids are behaving inappropriately. I've talked to them a lot about the difference between rejecting the person and rejecting their actions. For instance, if a kid tends to be a bully, I encourage them not to label them "a bully", but to try and figure out why they might be acting that way, and perhaps think of ways they can help that child act differently. Either way, they know that they are never ever to treat others unkindly, no matter what. We've talked about the fact that many people in life will not act nicely, but because we follow Jesus, we will not respond the same way.

Today as we left school, Nic said goodbye to one of his classmates who was sitting on the school-bus. The little boy (who is around 7 probably) responded by sticking his tongue out and raising his middle finger. Nice! I wanted to climb on the bus and give that little boy a piece of my mind. Thankfully, both my kids are blissfully unaware of what the second gesture means.

It has been interesting because Nic has gotten quite protective of his big sister, and he gets very concerned if anyone is teasing or bothering Meg. He considers it his duty to intervene.

Anyway, I took the opportunity to have another conversation with them about treating others with respect; reacting differently because that's what Jesus wants us to do. And even though I'm less than thrilled that 7-year-olds are giving my son the finger, I am grateful that my kids are learning to show the love and compassion of Jesus to others from an early age.

Creative Juices

2007-10-23T16:42:00.000+02:00

Troy and I haven't had many dates lately (unless you count the trip to buy the new washing machine!) because date money is always the first thing that gets cut from the budget. So today we threw caution to the wind, took our 3 euro VIPS coupon and went to lunch.

Over our menu del dia we got talking about some writing projects that we could work on together that might generate some income. If we need to supplement our income we'd rather do it from home if possible.

Anyway, our creative juices woke up and we had fun brainstorming some ideas. We'll let you know if we get rich :)

Routines Old and New

2007-10-22T17:36:00.000+02:00

It's about 7:15 in the morning. I vaguely here Meg's door creak open, and then Nic's.

Sleepily, I pull back the duvet so Meg can slide in beside me on my left, tucking the covers back over both of us. Then I lift the covers to my right and feel Nic's steps imprinting the bed as Troy sets him down somewhere near my feet. Nic wiggles noisily in beside me and we pile cozily together for the next 10 minutes while Troy showers and shaves. Cuddles and kisses and giggles, the best way to wake.

~~~
Later, on the way back from walking the kids to school, I solidify a new Monday morning routine now that Troy has Spanish class. Instead of crossing at my usual stoplight, I turn right and walk upstream against the general flow of people. I stop at the corner and pick up 2 of the free newspapers they hand out at the metro entrance.

Once home, I peruse the news and finish my now-cold coffee.

Then I get on with my day.

Routine. Satisfying.