Random Ramblings of the Wilson's Lives

Days... well, all the ones I've missed!

2009-12-17T22:32:00.007-06:00

We have been busy with scheduled events, working in the studio, and me being sick... and when I am mean sick... coughing, congestion, sore throat, fever, and body aches. I am feeling better now, but man am I glad that I am heading home soon.

Here are a few images from the past several days of all our activites. I am afraid that I do not have time to go over them to explain, but I hope you enjoy viewing them. We have lunch in a few minutes and then onto our critic!! I hope that you can come out to our gallery show in Feb. back in Arlington. I will have more information about later next year.

Ha, next year. It sure is weird to think it is December, and almost Christmas!! It is summer time, I've been wearing sundresses and flip flops. Christmas isn't so commercialized down here so you hardly even notice it is around the corner. This has been nice in a way, but I definitely miss the Christmas spirit that isn't down here. It will be nice to be with friends and family again!

I hope to post at least one more time before I leave on Sunday... if not, see you back in the states!

Day Six

2009-12-12T07:15:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a busy day! The bus came to pick us up at 9am to take us on a boat tour of the Delta Plata River and the Tiger River. The Plata River is the wides river in the world. It looks like an ocean! In fact, it felt like an ocean on our ride home... the weather turned cloudy and windy making large swells in the river. What would have been an 45 minute ride was 2 hours long. We saw lots of wind surfers and kite riders too!

Here is the Delta Plata River and a view of the north part of Buenos Aires.

Our group.

The Tiger River.

Doesn't this door remind you of a Disney movie? He is yawning. :o)

We took a tour of the Tiger Art Museum. The building was absolutely beautiful!!

I should have gotten an upclose shot of this bridge (the white pointy thing in the background). It is the same bridge they are going to build over the Trinity River in Dallas. Very cool looking!

And this is the Pink House... it is their white house. This is where the president lives. Their current president is a woman... the widower of the former president. There just happened to be a protest of some sort going on while we walked by the pink house so there were police men everywhere.

Today we are taking a tour of La Boca neighboorhood. A very interesting and old part of town. There are people on the side of the road selling arts and crafts. So to those I promised leather gifts... today is the day I get them. Sorry I won't be able to send you a picture before I buy... I guess you will just have to trust my judge of taste. :o) I will upload pictures of our trip a later tonight.

Have a wonderful day!

Day Five

2009-12-10T22:42:00.003-06:00

I'm tired... here are some pictures from today.
Good night! :o)

Day Four

2009-12-09T20:42:00.002-06:00

So first of all I will say that today I had the best steak of my life thusfar. It is a young life so I cannot say there won't be others. But previous today, Ruth's Chris steakhouse was my best, and that stuff is good. But this was better. Almost or maybe at or over... who really knows? a pound of pure unadultrated beef! And the best part... it only cost 42 pesos... which translates to...$12.35 dollars. AWESOME! :o)

Today was a hard work day. We were in the studio all day working on our images. I've got my first one set up and ready to start printing on our next work day... which just happens to be Monday. Our schedule is so pack this next few days, it is crazy. But that also means lots and lots of pictures! Today, since we just worked I only have a few images from yesterday. This was on our walk around town to find a good resturant to eat at. As far as what I am printing... you will all have to wait until Feburuary when we have our gallery exhibition from our Argentina trip. :o)
Enjoy the few photos.

Miss you all! I will soak up all the sun for all you freezing people.

LOVE YOU!

Day Three

2009-12-08T21:07:00.004-06:00

Today was basically a work day. We got familiar with the studio and the process we are working with. We will be doing a waterless lithogrpahy process. It is really neat. I'm super excited to get started.

I don't have very many pictures to show you today. I haven't taken very many since we were at the studio all day. But I do want to show you what I believe that I will be working on. For some reason I am really attracted to all the graffiti on the walls. Actually that reason is because my last seires of paintings have been all about my unique mark as an artist. They are very gestural, flat, black, and graphic. This seires was greatly influenced by Japanese calligraphy. Well... these marks remind me a great deal of graffiti. I also really like the idea of personal expression and making your mark on society. So here are just a few of the snaps I've taken walking around the city.

These are my two images that I have so far... I may change things up or go out and gather more images. What do you think?

One thing I wanted to mention is the food. It is amazing!! We've treated ourselves to some nice resturants (easy to do when 4 pesos = $1)... the beef is some of the best in the world!! I wish I could take home everyone a thick slice of steak!! Mmmm.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Love you and miss you all! Wish you were here!

Day Two

2009-12-07T20:25:00.008-06:00

So today we started our day with taking a city tour of Buenos Aires. Now of course this was an abbreviated tour seeming how Buenos Aires is a city of 13 million people... there is a lot to see in this city! One thing that has caught my eye is all the grafitti.
I love grafitti! I don't know why but it just seems interesting to me. Not just the regular tagging of walls but there are some amazing work out there just spray painted onto public street walls. This picture however isn't one of those beautiful works... but it is russian! It actually says "I love you" in russian. I thought it was funny, so here it is.

Our first tour stop was at a new public park. Here they have recently installed a moving sculpture of a tulip. This has now become the symbol of the city of Buenos Aires. It is huge! And it opens during the day and closes at night, just like a real flower.

Our second stop was at the largest cemetary in the world! Now this isn't your typicall cemetary with all the tomb stones, this cemetary is full of these large beautiful mosoleums. Now of course when we talk about largest... we also have to consider not only the square feet on ground but underground also!

Of course only the rich and famous could ever afford a mosoleum in this cemetary. Anybody whos somebody in Argentina is buried here... including the ever famous Eva Peron.

I like this photo just because its interesting... this is us looking into one of the mosoleums... there is beautiful stain glass inside the glass doors.

Our next stop was on of the most famous bookstores in the world. It was converted from the old opera house. There are a ton of books and lots of places to sit and read... thats for sure!

We also stopped at one of the largest and most beautiful Catholic churchs in the area. It was amazing, not only for the architecture but because of something else. I was so used to being a tourist at this point, I didn't realize that people where actually there to worship! There were people sitting and praying, singing to themselves and gazing upon the statues of Jesus. I was so taken back at one point it just about brought me to tears. I was so wrapped up in my little art world with my liberal art buddies that I almost forgot really what it was all about. I followed around this one woman who went room to room worshiping at each statue, listening to her sing, and praying to herself. Watching her I was able to refocus myself and take a moment to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings God has showered upon me to be enjoying this experience and knowing what it really is all about... despite all my extremely liberal classmates.

Here you can see the woman's reflection as she is raising her hands to Jesus. There is also a little hole in the plastic case the wraps around Jesus so you can touch his feet while praying.

I included this last little picture because I love this older couple walking and holding hands. Such love! :o)

Tomorrow we start our first day of working in the print shop.
What an amazing thing to experience and what a blessing God has given me. What a blessing He has given us all... His love and mercy. Keep that in mind to give you perspective. I know I will... when I am grumpy, missing home, tired, culture shocked (which I have been every single one of those today). I have been blessed.

Day One

2009-12-06T14:49:00.006-06:00

So this afternoon, after settling into our cozy hostel/hotel:

We set out to walk part of the city, explore, and get a bit to eat. After walking a good distance, past all the yummy looking resturant district mind you, we searched high and low for a pizzeria for lunch. After wandering several blocks we finally came across a little resturant and ate lots of bread, pizza, orange fanta, and malbec wine (Argentina's famous type of grape is the malbec). We probably annoyed our waiter... being the loud, non spanish speaking people we are... but we will get the hang of it soon.

We did have a funny/scary moment today. After lunch we proceeded to walk around some more, talking pictures as we went. One of my fellow students saw a license plate he thought was funny... so he decided to snap a picture. All of the sudden a woman jumps out of the car yelling at him for taking the picture. Of course neither one of us knew a word she was saying... except for photographia and polica... YIKES! I just couldn't help but laugh... it was only our first day and someone almost went to jail! Or at least in maybe some seriuos trouble. Of course the lady wasn't happy at us...we tried to explain that we were students and the photographer deleted the picture, but she still wasn't happy. Of course it probably didn't help that I was laughing the whole time. So I finally called over our "expert" spanish speaker to help clear things us. We got it sorted out... mostly. She did call over he husband... who flashed us his police badge... whoops! Apperantly it is a big deal to snap pictures of license plates... its the way that people steal cars here in Argentina. Who knew?!? It was all cleared up in the end... but I still laugh thinking about it. All this trouble just because the license plate started with the letters VEG. Ha.

On our way back we stopped at the Gelato shop.... mmmmm gelato! It was sooo yummy!

A few of us old people headed back for the hotel to relax and take a nap... and thats where I am now... about to fall asleep... at 6pm.

Tomorrow we have a large day planned and hopefully there will be a lot of picture taking. Until then, enjoy a few from today.

And these are for my fellow Twilight fans!

I have made it!

2009-12-06T09:17:00.002-06:00

I am in Buenos Aires, Argentina! We got in this morning around 8:30am... which is 6:30am for y'all back in Texas. It is only a 2 hour difference... however, the nice thing is that it is the beginning of summer! Forget that 30 degree weather... 70 + and sunny for me and the next 2 weeks!

I promise to get some pictures up a bit later tonight. I discovered today that I made an uh-oh. In all my time searching and debating over which electrical outlet converter to buy... the cheaper one or the more expensive one... I ended up getting one that my laptop cannot use... and it was the more expensive one!! It only has two prongs and my laptop requires 3. So, while I either see if any of my other classmates have one I can use or go out and buy one... you will all have to wait.

Hello to all my friends and family. Wish you could be here. It is beautiful in it's own unique way. More to come later!

Love you!

One Month in a Couple Paragraphs

2009-02-28T17:14:00.005-06:00

1.) I walked out of work one day and saw a huge dent in my beautiful car!! It was so sad to see my brand new baby with a boo boo.
Since it was a hit and run, we only had a little deductable and in a week she was back to her pretty self. I got it back last week on Monday.

2.) That Friday I was headed to OKC to throw my wonderful friend Ashley a wedding shower. I stopped in N Fort Worth to get some grub... and I was rear-ended! Really... REALLY?! Is there a sign on my car somewhere that says "Please hit me, I'm new!"???

Oh my heart sank.

I took it into the shop and 2 days later my baby was like brand new... again. Although now I don't think I can call it brand new. :o/

3.) I got my hair cut!! Its funny because I've always had my hair short up until I met Jake. So to everyone that has know me since we've been a couple, my hair is super short. To all my "oldie but goodie" friends, its actaully normal.

4.) Jake and I drove to Austin today to look at a puppy we are interested. I've been wanting a puppy for a long tim but we've waited for just the right time. That time would be spring break!

Meet Soup! She is an 8 month Great Dane!! Isn't she cute??

The End

Bad Habit

2009-01-27T22:54:00.002-06:00

So one of my bad habits is that I blog surf... when I really shouldn't be. You know, when I should be doing homework or maybe spending time with my hubby. Whoops! :o)

Anywho, I came across a HI-larious blog and I thought I'd share with y'all. It is called Cake Wrecks. People send in funny, weird, and down right wrong pictures of cakes. So anytime you need a laugh... just click here.

My New Ride

2009-01-15T10:35:00.003-06:00

So it finally happened. We bought a car!
Jake did a good job in talking with the sales people to get what we wanted and we drove off with my car Monday night!

It is so much fun to drive! YAY! I am so excited!

My 2009 Mazda 3 Hatchback:

Weekend Test Drive

2009-01-11T20:19:00.002-06:00

We've been putting off buying me a car because some how we keep spending our money (whoops)... first it was before this past summer, then before school starts, and then it was Christmas.

Well, the need for a car really started to hit us after we gave my car to my parents. But then we borrowed Grand-daddy's truck for a couple weeks and it was working out for us well. We picked up the truck Sunday night from Grand-daddy thinking we'd use it for the next month and maybe beginning of February we'd have enough cash for a good down payment (since I am working 21 hours a week at the Y).

However, Sunday night Grand-daddy passed away and now the family is thinking about selling the truck to help pay for some of the funeral costs. UH OH... now we really need to get a car soon!

Well, Saturday Jake and I went to test drive a couple cars. And of course we weren't planning on buying anything... and we didn't. But the people at the Mazda dealership had some really good offers that we were seriously considering buying on the spot... no down payment.

They finally told us to take the car for a 24 hour test drive. WHAT? We can do that? Turns out they aren't open on Sundays, so it is more like a 48 hour test drive! I've been driving this Mazda 3 hatchback everywhere and I LOVE IT! I don't want to give it back! :o) So, Monday we are going to go in and Jake will give them a little talking to to get the monthly payments down at little and then its pretty much a deal.

WOOT!

I love the Mazda 3! Especially the hatchback part too. It will fit all my large paintings and other tools very well!

I may be a new car owner very soon!

Good things come to those who wait... and drive around a '94 Mitsubishi Mirage, power nothing, no cruise control, no power steering, NO AC!, aluminum coke can.

I'm back!

2009-01-08T10:54:00.003-06:00

I know I have been MIA from the blog world for several weeks. It is call being unmotivated. Things happen and I have no desire to type about it. I suppose it could be for the fact that nothing dramatic has happen, and that is a good thing…or at least until this week. But first, I will bring everyone up to speed on the past several weeks.

1.) North Carolina was wonderful! That week away from work, school, family, etc. is exactly what we needed. Jake has a hard time relaxing sometimes, and if we just sat at home for that week, we (and mostly he) would feel guilty for not working on our house.

We slept in late on the huge king size bed (we sleep on a full at home), watched random TV shows (animal planet!), sat by the fire, and ate all our holiday snacks (and probably gained 5 pounds that week). Oh it was great!
We did a little bit of hiking and waterfall viewing, went tubing down the “fake” snow hill (pumped out by a machine), and toured the Biltmore (definitely worth it, thanks Andrea and Amy!).

We also discovered a little town that I am totally infatuated with… Highland, NC. It is a beautiful touristy town at about 4,000 ft above sea level with amazing views of the mountains. It has all the cutesy little shops: boutiques, ice cream shop, art galleries, salons and restaurants. The architecture on some of the buildings was amazing. And best of all it was Christmas time, so the whole time is lighted up with bright lights.
I told Jake that if we were ever to move out of state and retire, Highlands North Carolina it would be.

2.) Jake and I hosted a New Years party at our house for our class at church. It was the first time we really hosted people at our house, for entertainment and not putting them to work. Ha. We had a fairly decent turn out of 18 people.
There were board games on the kitchen table, video games in the living room, food out in the formal dining, and ping-pong plus darts upstairs. It was a blast!

However, before we could have people over, there was a lot of cleaning to do and projects to finish. We painted one of the formal dining room walls red and hung one of my huge paintings up, Jake and my brother-in-law put up shelving in the living room… YAY! Shelving!… I hung up several unique light shades.
Of course there will be pictures to come of all of this, but if I put them all up right now, this post would be too long.

3.) We had a little bit of a freeze here in Arlington on Monday morning. Nothing too big or dramatic… I would not dare compare it to all the snow they’ve been getting back in my good ‘ole home state of Oregon. But, I did want to post a couple pictures and highlight the one of Leo.
Leo is our lime plant. I might have posted about him before. We got him right after we were married because I felt like we needed some kind of greenery. After a year of watching it bloom and waiting for it to produce some limes… we killed it. Or at least almost, because we left it outside during a large freeze. It sat out on our apartment balcony for several months, just a twig with no leaves, until one day we notice green things sprouting out. It was alive! However, since then it has yet to bloom. Which makes me sad because lime blooms, or any citrus plant for that matter, smell so beautiful. Well, Leo had been doing alright since that freeze and we had been bringing him in anytime the weather got too cold… that is until this last Monday, we forgot. Leo turned into one big icicle!
Poor Leo. Bad plant parents.

4.) And the biggest news we have: Monday Jake got a call at about 6am, while I was at work, informing him that his grandfather had passed away. This is his mom’s father, who lives in Fort Worth and who we are pretty close to. His health has slowly but steadily been on the decline, so we knew his passing was coming, but it is still shocking.

This week has been a blur. Monday Jake and I left work early to go be with the family, and spent most of the day with Grand-Mommy. Tuesday night was the viewing and yesterday we had the funeral and burial. Tonight we are going back to Grand-Mommy’s to all have dinner together.

Grand-Daddy’s passing has been hard on the family. He really was the glue holding everyone together. Sitting at his funeral and hearing all the wonderful things said about him was comforting and saddening at the same time. Grand-daddy was an amazing man. He was a great dad and grandfather, wonderful husband who doted on his wife, and a great Christian man. I wish I could have had more time to get to know him better and to learn from him.

I believe that Grand-daddy was the first one of the family to love me… of course other than my husband and possibly my mother in law. I know this because he told me. He told me how much he loved me, how happy he was Jacob married me, and how proud he was of the two of us. I am really going to miss him.

5.) Yesterday afternoon Karen, my mother-in-law, gave me a big long hug (hugs are wonderful things during hard times) and whispered to me that she knows this time is hard on me… thinking of what is to come for my family. It is true.
It is hard for me not to think about the future and my own dad passing away. Oh the tears that I will shed then! Oh the stress we will endure! 3 days off of work? Try weeks!
It is not only the emotional side but also the financial aspect…no life insurance, no savings of any sort, and broke children = not a good situation.

It is interesting the things you learn when someone passes away, for instance when picking out clothes, don’t bother with shoes because they don’t wear any.

Death is an interesting thing.

Sapphire Valley, NC

2008-12-21T11:39:00.002-06:00

We made it and it is awesome!

What great views!! Granted, there isn't any snow...but there is FAKE snow!! YAY! Tubing opens Tuesday ( hopefully) and there are trips up to the slopes. Tuesday we are hoping to take a trip to The Biltmore House... Jake says its the "thing" to go and see here in Western NC, but 3 hours touring a house? Ok... :o)

Granted... my foot still hurts and I am still sneezing and having the yucky nose, but it is hard not to love the scenery and be relaxed out here.

YAY for vacation!

I forgot...

2008-12-17T18:42:00.001-06:00

6.) My first official shift back at the YMCA starts at 5am tomorrow... technically have to be there by about 4:45am. Boo.

Really the end.
6:43pm

Pity Party, Table for One Please

2008-12-17T16:18:00.002-06:00

Yes... it is true, I am going to blog a pity post... poor poor me...pity me. Well not really, y'all don't have to pity me, it is a party for one.

1.) The soul of my right foot has been hurting for the past couple days. It has hurt like this before but only for a couple hours... never for this long. I've gone to the doctor for it, but there were no answers. It hurts to walk or just to move around my foot. I think it could be something like a stress fracture.

2.) I have a sore throat. :o( Don't sound all too bad but just keep reading.

3.) Hormones... early. A week and a half early. Boo.

So... all these things, not so much for one to be so upset about...under normal circumstances, BUT
Friday Jake and I are leaving for a nice long week long vacation...alone...just the two of us... in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It was hopefully going to be full of snow fun, maybe some snowboarding or tubing, mountain biking, lots of laughs, snuggling, and maybe some football.
Well, if my leg continues to hurt...maybe no snow fun. If we (Jake also has a soar throat and nose yuckiness) continue to get sick... we will be probably only be snuggling up with a blanket, tissues, and cough drops. I guess there is always football... :oP

4.) It seems like the only I emotion I have for my parents is anger... for all they do and don't do. I think I need therapy.

5.) I'm cold. I hate being cold.

That is all for my pity party. Just need to vent.
Hopefully it will be done all in vain and that our week ends up great!
Party officially over... 4:42pm.

Car Issues

2008-12-03T11:08:00.003-06:00

I didn't blog about the car problems my parents had last month. Mainly because it was so stressful I didn't want to re-live it.
So to summarize, my mom's car broke down (the one she bought 6 months earlier). Jake and I ran around like chickens, minus the head, trying to "fix" the situation.
And far the past month my mom has been driving around their other car, which is very old and unreliable.
Well, yesterday that car finally bit the dust.

So now we are left with no other choice. I gave up my little Mitsy Coke Can to my mom and Jake and I have become a one car family.
Ugh.
This means I get up every morning at the same time as Jake, get ready for the day, drive Jake to work, and then head to school (usually 30 mins early). I then have to wait until he gets done with work and pick him up, which right now isn't so bad because I am at school late anyway catching up for finals next week. AHH!

Jake and I aren't ready just yet to by another car. We've been saving money but it is difficult around the holidays. We forget we have presents to buy, parties to go to, dinners, etc.

We are thinking that in January we might be able to get a car for me... but until then, it is 6am for me! (Even while I am on vacation week after next and Jake is still working!) YIPES!

Things I'm Crazy For...

2008-11-24T10:51:00.000-06:00

Bookshelves!

I wish I could have walls and walls of bookshelves! I need a house with a huge library! I want to put a shelve in the kitchen to put cooking books, china, etc. Ooh bookshelves.

And

Plates...

I wants fun looking plates to go up on my wall in the kitchen. So far, my collection consists of 3 plates. :o)

Sleeply Sleep... SLEEP SLEEP!

2008-11-22T10:02:00.000-06:00

Oh sweet sleep. Sweet sleep that I did not get because I had a cup of Starbucks at 10pm... drats. That darn Starbucks. The good news... while I was lying in bed, not sleeping, I came up with a made-of-honor toast for my beest friend's wedding in March. Ha ha. And another one for a friend who isn't even engaged. Hmmm... the things you think of when you can't sleep.

And the about the title... thats what I chant to Jake when it is late and I want him to come to bed with me. Ha ha.

I'm in Shock!

2008-11-21T23:19:00.000-06:00

Tonight was a very fun night. Despite the cold. Burrr!! I don't do cold well.

My Japanese Art History teach, Dr. Ingrid Furniss (what a name, hu?), was giving a lecture at the Crow Collection of Asian Art in Dallas. She talked about Chinese and Egyptian burial and funeral traditions... pretty interesting stuff! It was extra credit to go, so I dragged Jake to the arts district tonight. We had a good time... walking around the exhibit, making fun of the funny looking statues. It was cold outside so we bundled up tight and walked closely while going out the the car. Being in the arts district made me feel... well artsy. Soooo, after the lecture we went to....

STARBUCKS!

Now, if you know my husband... you know he has a passion for NOT going to Starbucks... in fact, he enjoys making fun of the company and complaining about the high priced coffee. I don't think he has even gone into a Starbucks without a gift card in hand. I mean actually PAYING for Starbucks coffee? Yea right! Well, surprise surprise! We went in and ordered fancy stuff... Chocolate Truffle Espresso... Peppermint Mocha Twist (YUMMY!!! I highly recommend). It was very special. Not to mention the holiday flavors. It makes me feel all warm in side (does help that the coffee is warm too...he he).

We sat around talking for a bit, enjoying the drink and the atmosphere. It almost made me thing I could do the downtown living thing. And then I think of the loud honks, the lack of trees, the fast pace of everything... and I come back to earth. But it is nice to live that life every now and then.

In other news... (pretty big news actually)

I put in 2(ish) weeks notice this week. Its hard doing it just once (since I have grown to love each woman I work for)... but I got to resign three times!

It is just one of those things. Economy has slowed down and so has work. Jake and I are trying to save up for things, especially for a new car for me. If you have seen my car... you understand. I drive around a little Mitsubishi Mirage, 1994. They don't even make that kind of car anymore! It is two door, manual, no power steering, no power anything! (window, doors, etc) and the kicker... no A/C! What a great husband of mine to drive it around during the summer.

Anywho... with jobs being so unpredictable it is hard to have a stable income. So I have resolved to going back to the YMCA, life guarding and teaching swim lessons. I feel like it is almost a step backwards. I used to work there before starting work for Leisha. In fact, I was a lifeguard for 5 years. It was my very first job when I was 15-16 years old. I felt like leaving and working for Leisha was a step forward... doing something different, and now I've gone back. But that is probably all just in my head... who cares what I am doing as long as I am making money. Plus, I am not really a real person since I am not out of college yet, he he. And if it isn't all up in my head, I don't care that much because I REALLY REALLY want a new car. I can deal. :o)

I am trying to decide between two different cars. Next time I blog I will post some pictures and conduct a survey to see which one y'all think I should get. :o)

Until then... goodnight!

What a Lubbock Weekend

2008-11-17T10:54:00.000-06:00

I was exhausted Sunday after our quick weekend trip to Lubbock for the craft fair. 11-12 hours total spent driving in the car. Yipes!

The craft fair was pretty successful. We learned that people will spend more money on their kids then for themselves. Rachel's kids table and chairs were the first thing to go, and all other furniture bought was for the kid's room! Interesting. So, next time I guess we will be focusing on babies!

We did have a fan of Rachel's buckets... I call him Bucket Head!

Over all it was a success. I do have a couple of pieces left that I will probaby put up for sale on Etsy.

Jake was also there this weekend and such a big help! He stood around, talked to potential customers, and carried the heavy items out to the cars. And he did this all with a smile! What a great husband to go to a craft fair with his wife and not complain... much. :o)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2008-11-12T09:23:00.001-06:00

I have become addicted to a website named Etsy.
For those who do not know what it is, Etsy is a website that was created for people to buy and sell their handmade items.

I have never bought or sold anything there but I like to check it everyday for new items. A lot of the items are expensive, but they are fun to look at! It is a great place to go to to get inspired for new art projects also.

Here a just a few of my favorite items from their showcase.

Strawberry Cheesecake Soap, yummy!

Pretty Purse, love the fabric!

Yellow-y Shirt Dress

Beautiful Earrings

So these are just a few of my favorite things! Check our Etsy and see if you find anything you like... and remember, support the artists!

3 Weeks

2008-11-10T11:02:00.000-06:00

Where have I been the past 3 weeks?

Painting!
And doing homework.
And PAINTING!

Rachel and I are vendors at a craft sale this weekend in Lubbock. So we have been painting our rear ends off. Rachel has several pieces of furniture, while I only have two so far and several window panes.

I also have been working on a few pieces for Debra Jackson. She has some furniture she wanted stained and/or painted differently.

So, here are some pictures of what I have so far. I have several more windows to paint this week! Ah!

Before

After

Another Piece

Matching Window Pane

Bird on Branch

Flower Window Pane

Zebra Print Storage Box

Debra's 3 Drawer Dresser

So that is about it for now. Hopefully I will get a lot more done this week.

Unmotivated

2008-11-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

Recently I have been extremely unmotivated to blog.
There are so many other things to do...like school work, paint for the craft show, or just sit on the couch and veg out. The latter one being of choice.

So much has happen the last couple weeks... drama with the family, big painting projects due, holidays, etc. But of course... I am still finding myself unmotivated to blog about any of it. Maybe I will post some pictures later.
Ah... Later. Does later really ever come? Or if a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to see it or hear it, does it make a noise? What is the sound of one hand clapping? How about, can you catch a catfish with a gord? Random.

Anywho, my mind isn't quite functioning right now. I am exhausted. But here, I will leave you all with this short animation I made in my digital design class. Watch it... it is only about 45 seconds long. :o)

Ode to Jacob

2008-10-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

33 years ago today, October 20th, at 3:30pm, a wonderful miracle happened... Jacob (Jake, Jakey, Jocobo) Robert (Rufus) Wilson (Mr. Wilson) was born.

Now, I know Jake doesn't actually read "our" blog, but I thought I'd give him a "shout out" anyway. He is just a wonderful husband, friend, and human being. But, I won't go on about all this qualities and will just say...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAKE!

And for fun...

Today on this date...
1803- The U.S. Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase.
1859- John Dewey, the influential American philosopher, was born.
1931- Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle was born in Spavinaw, Okla.
1968- Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
1992- In the first World Series game to be played outside the United States, the host Toronto Blue Jays beat the Atlanta Braves 3-2.

People who share Jake's birthday:

Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus)Rapper
Jim SonefeldRock musician (Hootie & The Blowfish)
John KrasinskiActor ("The Office")
Mickey Mantle10/20/1931 - 8/13/1995American professional baseball player
William ChristopherActor ("M*A*S*H")
Tom PettyRock singer, musician

Update

2008-10-13T08:19:00.000-05:00

It has been about a week since I've blogged, so I thought I'd give a quick (ok, semi quick) update to what we've been up to.

1.) Two weekends ago, Jake and I took a much needed getaway. We drove to Holly Lake Ranch,
about 30 miles north of Tyler. It was beautiful... trees, hills, lakes, wildlife... so peaceful, so quite. Of course until football comes on. :o) We spent the weekend walking the nature trails, picking pine cones (because someday I may use them in some crafty project), paddle boating on the lake, searched for alligators, napping and playing putt putt. After all that fun we sat down to watch the Texas vs. Colorado game.
Overall it was nice to spend time together, relaxing.

2.) Thursday we had my parents over for dinner. For once it was semi-normal... which for us is abnormal. However, my parents did inform me that my brother was flying back to Oregon. Apparently he has a friend there who is paying for the plane ticket and has a job for him. Interesting. This is good news, very good news. That is, if it actually happens. My family is notorious for saying something and going back on in. But, this way he can take care of his warrant (yes, he has a warrant for his arrest in Oregon... therefore he can't get a job until it is paid off or time is served) and possibly learn some responsibility.
This is also good for my parents, since they fight a lot with and about my brother and it frees up some money for them.

3.) I went to Oklahoma City this past weekend. My best friend Ashley is getting married next spring, so we went wedding dress shopping! We had a grand time trying on pretty dresses. I think she looked like a yummy cupcake in one of the dresses.

Another plus was that I got to escape the Texas vs. OU weekend, and all the madness that comes with it. The trip there and back was wonderful, mainly because traffic was flowing the opposite way and I could be a speed demon since all the cops where also sitting on the opposite side. Although, I was a little scared for my life traveling through Oklahoma after Texas upset the number 1 ranked Sooners. I was driving in Jake's truck, which if you don't know is covered in longhorn stickers. I got honked at and stared at... I also did have the urge to just hide the truck in a garage somewhere and carpool with Ashley. But I did get home safely.

4.) Sunday afternoon, after returning from OK, the Varneys, the Wilsons, and Andrew & Laurel went to the state fair! We walked around for several hours, watching people, shows and just enjoying the atmosphere. We did get to try fried guacamole (that was interesting), chicken fried bacon (YUMMY!), and a fried s'more. Jake and I walked around in search of the fried banana split, but to no avail... it was no where to be seen. So sad. We will just have to wait til next year to see what kind of fried food they will come up with next. Yes, we live in Texas alright.
We stopped at the petting zoo and saw some fun animals! Look, its George the giraffe! :o) Also, I had to put in the picture of the 4 horned goats... because they are called Jacob's 4 horned goats. Jake got very excited. He loves his name... thinks it is the best in the world. So when we saw the goats, he said they made the whole trip worth it. Yipes.

Thats all the update.

Way To Go, Tanya!

2008-10-06T08:11:00.000-05:00

It was pouring rain outside at about 4am today and it is still raining a little.
This means the roads are wet outside... which means people drive really slow and crazy. Knowing this, I left home a little early this morning. The whole way I was worried about someone rear ending me.

I have a fear of getting in car crashes. I have been in a couple, nothing major. A couple semesters ago I was rear ended...ever so slightly. But I can always hear the sounds... the metal crunching up, the screeching of the tires.... ahhhh. It freaks me out.

Anywho, I did make it to school just fine. Although, I did have some other problems.

It took me a little bit to get out of the car... it was raining so I hard to first get the umbrella open and over the door. I grabbed my purse and tried getting my backpack out. My backpack is really heavy and I have to lift it over the e-brake in my little coke can car. It wasn't working at the time so I put my purse down on the seat and grabbed my backpack... finally I got it out and started to put in on over my shoulders. At this time, as I am standing with an umbrella in one hand and the other hand working my backpack.

So who is holding the door open you ask? No one. Infact, it closes.
Well... not a big deal right? Just open in. No. I have the habit of locking the door automatically after opening it.
Okay, so just get your keys out. That's a little tough... seeming it is in my purse, that is sitting on the driver's seat!! I LOCKED MY PURSE IN THE CAR!

So, I texted the good ole hubby and see if he can come rescue me. Although he is across town... at work... oh so busy. But at least I have my backpack and can go to all my classes. I also have my lunch. UTA just might become my home today. Luckily I don't have to work today!

Good job Tanya!!!

What did you just say??

2008-10-05T19:42:00.000-05:00

I love my husband. He is a great man, very funny, strong, and treats me much better than I deserve to be treated.

Saying that, we had a funny moment on the couch today.
We were watching a couple episodes of Scrubs, putting off doing the laundry. The episode ended and our DVR went to the episodes we have in que, ones we haven't watched yet.

I turned my back to the TV and jumped on top of Jake so he couldn't get up to put up the clothes just yet. I planted a couple kisses on him and he looked at me and said, in a babyish tone, "My Princess".

WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?
I didn't actually ask. Actually, nothing came out of my mouth... no words. I was in shock. Princess? Did he actually call me Princess? Is he joking? Is the world coming to an end? Did I finally wear him down to see a softer side or did he get hit really hard on the head???

Now you have to know Jake to understand my shock. He is the definition of man's man... He is a football loving, working on the car getting your hands dirty, I bring home the bacon, belching, hairy kind of guy. I doubt he will ever call our daughter "princess"... only because I am sure he is hoping for a tom-boy if we ever have girls.

He saw the confused look on my face and pointed to the TV. The next episode of Scrubs is titled, "My Princess".

Well, I guess the world is not ending.
But we got a good laugh out of that one.

Wake Up!

2008-09-29T14:13:00.000-05:00

Last night I set my alarm clock to 6:30am. That is sleeping in from my usual 6:15am (big whoop, 15 minutes...hu?).

Well, I was rudely waken this morning at 6:25am (I know, I know... only 5 minutes, why am I complaining? Well, when sleeping in is 15 minutes, 5 minutes is a lot!) by our smoke detector. No worries, our house wasn't on fire. The battery is just dying. So it beeps. At random times. Maybe 7-8 times. Maybe just once and then it will stop for several days. 3am... 6Pm...You never know. It is really annoying! (I know, we could just change the batteries... but that would require going to the store to buy batteries. Who has time for that?!)

This has been going on for a 2-3 weeks.

But the funny part of all of this is that the dog we are sitting (We've had Chopper again all last week) is SO afraid of this high pitched beep.

Now, Chopper is a great dog... very obedient, usually very calm. He follows us, ok he follows me, around the house. The only time he is upstairs is if I am.

However, this morning (while I was lying awake in bed) I hear him running upstairs... jingle jingle jingle of his collar tags. Then he promptly jumps right onto the bed and lays right next to me. He has never jumped onto the bed. We won't let him. But today he did. And he wouldn't get off. I yelled. I pushed (just a little... I am not abusive!!!). He just rolled around on and around me. Poor little guy was afraid of the beeping!! He was shaking and whining a little.

For the rest of the morning he was spooked. The detector beeped off and on this morning. I was sitting on the computer trying to study for my Japanese Art History test this morning (WHY?! Why did I pick such a hard class???) and any time there was a beep, he was practically sitting in my lap.

I can only image what he is going through while I am here at work (yes, I know...once again blogging when I shouldn't be!) and he is at home all alone.

Poor Choppy!

Just when I start to think...

2008-09-26T22:18:00.000-05:00

It is funny how it happens.
Okay, maybe not funny.
Interesting. Maybe?

The moment I start to think good thoughts about the situation with my parents, Satan rains on my parade.

As I was sitting at Harvest Call (training for LST), I started to think about the amazing time I had in Japan. I shared my life, my faith, my struggles with these people and I made some amazing connections because of it. I shared how much I struggled and they did too. I shared how I've become a stronger, wiser person because of it. My experience this past summer would have been completely different if I wasn't going through this... God used me in an amazing way, to reach out to people who also struggle.

It put a smile on my face.
I realized that I should be praising God for my struggles. I realized that I wasn't even letting God in as much as I should. People have been praying for me and my family. So many people. I get told just about every Sunday. I've gotten emails from friends, sending me helpful links. And it has encouraged in ways I cannot put into words. But how much have I been lifting it up? Not enough.
Why?
Well, because I am stubborn. I can do it on my own. Because really, I have had to do many things on my own since about high school. Actually, probably middle school (Yea, it is called Middle School in the northwest, not Jr. High).

So tonight I came to this realization. And I felt good (not about the lack of prayer on my end). I felt like I at least came to an understanding of my situation and what I need to do about it. Like it wasn't the end of me. I still don't feel that way, but I do feel robbed of my brief feeling of happiness.

Of course I get a call from my mom. There is a problem with my brother. He took the car keys from my mom's purse and took off, only saying "I'll be right back". An hour later, he is still out... license less, insurance less, and warrant out for his arrest in another state. If he gets pulled over, he will be arrest and the car will be impounded... of which there is no money to bail him or the car out (car being most important). And this is the only running car my parents have. My mom does work.

The problem aside, I feel like I was robbed. That Satan just snatched that good feeling away. He knew I was feeling good and he hated it. He wants me so much to be depressed about this. He wants me to feel like there is no hope. He wanted me to keep pushing God away.

Well I am here to say that he will not win. No sir. I am not going down without a fight. With the help of my friends, my husband (what a great husband he is!), and God... I will make it through. I will not be depressed. I will continually praise God... knowing that He will always be there for me and that He will not give me anything that I cannot handle. I will not loose hope.

Never give up, Never surrender! (-Galaxy Quest...That was a horrible movie, I know.)

GO BEAVS!

2008-09-25T23:33:00.001-05:00

Yea, it is 11:32pm. I am usually in bed at 10:00pm. But there is no way I would pass up the opportunity to watch the Oregon State Beavers upset number 1 ranked USC!

What an awsome game! I mean the defense! And the little 5'6 running back that no one could tackle! I mean really! 27-21 Beavs!

And now, I have no voice...

And that is it.

Can I Please Get a Break?!?

2008-09-22T08:09:00.000-05:00

Leisha Norwood asked me about my parents the other day. I told her things were about the same. She had mentioned to me that there are several people at church who are dealing with family members who have Alzheimer's. She specifically recommended Beverly Adibi (spelling?) because she might know more about getting help from associations, medicare, and things like that.

So Sunday after services, I found Beverly and told her about my dad. She asked about my mom and how she was dealing with it... I flat out told her that she was basically gone psycho (of course not in those words). She then told me something that really gave me some relief. It is semi-normal. Spouses of someone going through a big change sometime take it really hard. Yea, I know that... DUH. Well, she told me that her parents sort of reacted the same way when they first started going through Alzheimer's. *Sigh of relief* Right at that moment I felt almost normal. There is a glimmer of hope for me and my family... and we are not the only ones who are completely dysfunctional!

My little bubble was popped at about 7pm that night.
My dad called.

He wanted me to come over so we could talk. What now? Well, he started to tell me about something that happened earlier that day. My mom and dad were going somewhere. My dad was taking his time trying to get into the car, he is a little slow. My mom was impatient and started to "help" him in... by pushing him and shoving him in! What?! He didn't get to finish the story because my brother was in the room and said something like... "Oh come on."

And speaking of my brother. At one point on the phone I heard an "oomf" from my dad. I asked what had happened and he said my brother had hit his stomach... and of course my brother shouted in the background, "No... I patted your stomach". Well, I don't think a pat would knock the wind out of someone.

I want my dad out of that house!! He is not only being emotionally abused, but physically too!

I found out my mom is doing some kind of counseling on how to deal with Alzheimer's in the family, among other things. She is more then halfway through her sessions, only 3 more left, and I don't think it has changed a thing!

Jake was in the car with me when I was talking to my dad. I explained everything to him and he said if I wanted to move my dad in with us. Well, I'd like that more then him staying with my mom! So he told me to call Alzheimer's Association or someone like that to find out about hospice care. So that it kind of my plan today. Just to call and find info about different options.

I was thinking about all the things that need to be done if my dad was to live with us. Man, that would be rough. Our house has a bad floor plan for that. All our bedrooms are upstairs along with the showers. It would be rough for him to walk up and down. He needs rails in the tub to help him in and out. We would need to be getting some extra money to help support him... we struggle with out food budget with just us two. My mom would resent me for forever. What about my brother? They probably be coming over all the time.

I don't know. I don't even know if he wants to live with us. He was a little hesitant when I mentioned it the other day. And I don't even know everything that happened. So I guess I just have to wait and see what he has to tell me. Jake and I are planning a trip up there today. He isn't letting me go on my own... which is probably pretty smart.

Well, at least I got that little break of 7 hours thinking that my life was semi-normal!

Destination- Procrastination

2008-09-20T20:20:00.000-05:00

Do you like the new look of my blog? It was inspired by Andrea's new "facelift".
Of course, I took the time to do all of this when I have a ton of homework to do. Isn't that the best time to spruce up a blog? For some reason I feel extra creative when I am procrastinating! :o) Now if only I could put that energy into digital design class! Ha ha.

Poor George

2008-09-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

So for clay class, I have been working on a hollow clay form. Our teacher showed us an example... he hollowed out an oval shape and then a long skinny tube. His example gave me the inspiration for George... George the Giraffe.

Meet George, he is a nice fellow...quite and shy, but very friendly.

The problem with George is that I've been over-working him. He is stressed out! So stressed, his legs are breaking. :o( Hopefully I can repair him tomorrow morning in class with some special bandage-slip. And then finish him up with more spots!

And now my kitchen table is officially a disaster zone... clay EVERYWHERE! Jake isn't too happy about it. :o/

Also, here is my self portrait. Can anyone tell what I am feeling?? (sorry for the glare...)

My Bi-annual Breakdown

2008-09-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

I usually break down once a semester. It usually happens towards the middle to end of the semester when all of the sudden everything is due and I have 3 big tests. It mainly happens because I start thinking of all the things I have to do and overload my brain. Then, Jake has to take my hand, pet my head and tell me everything will be alright, just take one step at a time. And with a deep breath, I usually calm down. No biggie. :o)

Well, I had my semester break down last week... in the third week of school! What? Yea. So this week I have been out of touch with the world (I haven't seen anyone in forever or read many blogs...sorry). I've been hiding in our house, trying to finish all these art projects... self portrait for my painting class, several pots for clay, and a story board for digital design. On Tuesday night, as I was sitting at the computer (for what seemed like hours), struggling with Photoshop. It doesn't help that I am exhausted from waking at 6a, M-Th. So I just started crying.

Work... school...art projects...I have to clean the house at some point, it is a mess! There are still boxes everywhere from moving... there are dishes in the sink, there are walls to be painted, and furniture to paint. What is for dinner tonight? I don't feel like cooking. How long do I have sit at the computer and work on this?! This is due at 8am tomorrow! Jake is going to need to use the computer later. I want to sleep. I still need to finish my painting. Blah blah blah blah.

Why do I do this to myself? I start thinking of all the things I need to do and freak myself out. But if I just take one step at a time, one project at a time, and manage my time well...everything will work out fine.

But Agh! I am ready to be out of school. I want to be able to come home, sit on the couch and not worry about all the things I need to do for school. Ah, to be able to leave school at school and come home to relax.

I did get my work done this week/weekend but it came at an expense. I stressed out so much about everything that I got myself sick. Sniffles, coughing, congestion, etc. It is wonderful to wake up at 6am and feel sick also! :oP

So here's to my bi-annual breakdown becoming more of a regular thing... at least for this semester. The wonders of art majors and 3 studio classes... 3 hours each. Cheers.

Do Re Me Fa So La Te Do

2008-09-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

We started Growth Groups (small groups) for church last night. This year we have a different array of topic groups. After doing "enie minie," Jake and I chose to be a part of the Singing/Devotional group. I was really excited about our decision. I love to singing! At OSU (that would be Oregon State University) our campus college group would go out onto campus at night and sing. We'd stay there for several hours and I would be the one shouting out the numbers of the next song.

Now, saying that... I am NOT a great singer. I wouldn't even say good. Decent. Decent is a good word. And Jake, yea...decent. So, mainly I am expecting to go into our growth group and have a good time, fellowship, and be uplifted by devotional songs. That did happen Sunday night, but so did some other things I didn't expect.

We got to the Norwood's house and packed in their living room. After everyone arrived, Tom split us up into sections (Bass, Tenor, Alto, and Soprano). I look over at Jake and he is shaking his head. He doesn't think he sings well so he is mouthing to me that I can stay in this group and he will go to another growth group. Me, being the supportive wife, answer back "What?! You want to sing a solo? Ok, I will tell Tom." :o) He loved that. Anywho, he was nervous... I was not. I love singing!

So we started a couple songs. I sat next to the beautiful Aud Lugo so I could hear her wonderful alto voice (even though she normally sings soprano). About half way through the song I started thinking... man, I kinda suck. I don't know ANY of the alto parts. Then I got to thinking... I don't know very many alto parts at all. What do I do during morning worship? Well... I sing the melody (which is usually the soprano part) but sing it in a lower key... almost like a tenor. I just follow what Tom does. Man, he is too good of a worship leader.

So I didn't sing much. I tried learning the alto part, but it was hard since I sat next to the tenors and I could hear the sopranos clearly from across the living room. But, it will be nice learning the different parts to sing during worship. Well, at least I am still being lifted up, that is all the matters... right? :o)

It will never be the same again

2008-09-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

I haven't spoken to my mom ever since our argument. I've talked to my dad several times, but not my mom. I have this feeling that our little fight wasn't like the many we've had before... sure this time she didn't spit on me (which she did earlier this year) but still. Some how I know that things will never be the same again.

I've always tried to understand my mom and be sensitive to her problems. If there was ever anything going on at home, we would go out and spend some girl time together... I'd take her to the gardens that she loved so much, we'd go shopping, to the art museum, I took her around Dallas and Ft. Worth so she'd get used to living in Texas, I'd stop by to see her at work, etc. etc. etc.! I love my mom... still do...respect her because she is my mom, but that is it. I've lost all respect for her as a woman, a Christian, and even as a person. And I just don't think I can have the same relationship or same respect for her.

You think that is bad of me? I feel like I should pull the "Christian" card and tell myself that I need to be nicer to her because she has her own emotional problems. I should suck it up and be the bigger person. I feel like I need to be her friend because she doesn't have many. I feel like I need to support her through this rough time because we are family. But I also know it is not my responsibility. But where do I draw the line? And when do I say, my sanity is more important... my future is more important, I don't need you as an example of what kind of wife/woman to be so I don't need to be around you as much.

I called my dad today because I haven't heard from him in a while. We talked for about half an hour, and it was the same 'ol same 'ol. He was afraid of my mom having control of all the money because he doesn't know whats going on. He also talked about going away. He has talked a lot about up and leaving, going back to Oregon or vacationing til he dies in Florida. Then he asked me if I would take my mom in while him and my brother go away. HA HA. That was a big fat NO.

I feel bad for my dad, because I know he just wants to live out the rest of his days in peace... enjoying life... not being yelled at, cursed at, and belittled everyday. Heck, that is one of the reasons why I got out of my parents house as soon as I could... there is no way I could put up with their bickering anymore. It is also probably one of the reasons why I got married so young too. So I understand. I don't want him living with that either... but there just doesn't seem to be many other options.

He could move in with us... I wouldn't mind that a whole lot but that would mean that I would have to quit school and work to take care of him full time and I don't really want to post-pone school any longer (Yea 7- year plan!). My mom would have to move somewhere... probably back to Oregon with a family member.
We could put him in a retirement community/nursing home type thing, but that would cost a lot of money... out of his social security income, which is all they have. What would my mom do for money, rent, food, etc? They struggle as it is.
My dad could leave like he keeps dreaming about, taking my brother with him... spending all their money...leaving my mom with none. He probably wouldn't go to the doctor like he should, something would happen to him and we would never know (We moved them to Texas so that they would be closer in case something did happen to him, we could help without it being so stressful).
Or we could do nothing, my mom continues to verbally (and I am afraid it may become physical someday) abuse him, they struggle with finances, and Jake and I have to swoop in and "save the day" every couple months. How horrible of a life is that? Not only for us but for the both of them!

I feel like there is no solution and nothing I can do. I'd love to sit down and talk about it all but there is no way my mom will listen. She doesn't think she is doing anything wrong! How can anything change? You know, I am so tempted to call Adult Protection Services and tell them about how she is abusing my dad so something would have to happen... but I know that wouldn't be a solution either. But just the thought, I could do it... my mom is that bad. I could call and they would take him away from her. It is like a parent abusing their child.

Anyway, these are just the thoughts running through my mind today. God definitely has a plan for us and them... He really does. I just don't know what it is. And I really think he is trying to break the cycle with me... after all this, I hope my children don't go through the same things. I do know that because of this, I have become a stronger person. So it is not all in vain. I just wish I knew what to do.

Shleepy

2008-09-03T08:02:00.000-05:00

Every morning when I wake up and every evening when Jake comes home, he asks me how I am feeling. My response for the past week and a half has been...shleepy(I add the "h" only because I like to make words sound silly... its a hobby). School has only been in for... one week and two days (and counting... only 80 more days!) and I am already exhausted!

I know that there are a lot of you who wake up at 6am everyday, manage a busy work day among other things, and still come home...cook some dinner and spend time with the fam. How do you do it all? I am ready for bed at 9pm! What was I thinking in having 8am classes Monday-Thursday, I mean really?!? Maybe when we get into the swing of things, it will be better.

This past weekend we were dog sitting for my boss Cherry. Chopper, a very hairy medium sized dog, got to spend several nights at our house. We had a lot of fun playing ball, going for walks, and taking afternoon naps. Chopper and I have been good friends for a while now, seeming how I visit his house at least once a week. However, Jake and Chopper didn't get off to a great start. As soon as Jake came home Thursday night from work, Chopper greeted him at the door with growls. That night as we were getting ready for bed, Choppy laid down on Jake's side of the bed... as if he was guarding the bed! When Jake walked up, Choppy growled as if he was saying "Don't you even think about getting into bed with her!" What a good guard dog! :o)
Chopper later warmed up to Jake, of course after they played catch together at the park
Here is a picture of a dog similar to Chopper:

Now I have to go home a vacuum my whole house of all the black chunks of dog hair.

Saturday we had a fun day. Because I am such an amazing wife (sometimes), I bought my wonderful husband tickets to the Texas vs. Florida Atlantic game. We try to go once a year to a game... usually a non-conference game because conference games are SOOO expensive. If you don't know my husband... he is a BIG Longhorns fan. Which I always thought was a little silly, since he didn't actually attend UT (he graduated from David Lipscomb University and UTA). But... apparently that doesn't really matter.
Jake had a great time... singing all the songs, yelling at the defense to be better against the pass, and eating stadium hot dogs.

Oh and Texas won, 52-10... or something like that.

I don't think I have much else to report right now... and I probably should pay attention to class... yes, I am in class. I know, shame on me. :o)

Doubt and Insecurities

2008-08-27T08:13:00.000-05:00

Today is the third day of classes. The first two days were full of syllabi's and needed materials, which by the way, if you ever want to major in art you first might want to win the lottery... it is SO expensive!!

Anyway, yesterday I kind of went through a melt down because I have been doubting my artistic abilities. I have always been good at art... elementary school-high school and even in all my foundation classes in college, I have at least been one of the top 5 better artist. So I was a little nervous going into my intermediate painting class, it is no longer foundations... this is a class where all the students are painting majors. I went into this class knowing that I may not be one of the top but in fact I may be one of the worst.

Well, I started this class off being late. I hate being late! And especially to the first class, I feel like I've already missed a ton of information. My teacher was going over the syllabus and all the materials we need for class. I am sitting looking over the paper in my hand and thinking... WHAT IN THE WORLD IS SHE TALKING ABOUT? (This is not a good thing to be thinking.) What are supports? What is cradled Masonite? What am I doing? Okay... we are building our own canvases... cool! I don't know how to do that... I need to buy all the supplies? Where do I get those? How much do I need? Bring your own painting supplies? I have paints... what colors do I need? Can you be more specific? TOO MANY QUESTIONS!

Ha ha, you should have seen me today at Asel Art (art store in town... awesome). I was looking for more "professional" paint brushes because I have destroyed my cheap ones...anywhoit was ridiculous! I wish I would have taken a picture of this wall of paint brushes! I was so confused! There were so many different brushes to choose from, different brands, different uses... which ones to buy?!?! I mean seriously? I almost had a break down there! I finally just grabbed about 7 different sizes and tips.

Okay, so not knowing vocabulary and which brushes are best isn't something that is going to kill my painting career. I will learn all that... and I may look like a fool in front of everyone else in class who have own studio (stinking people who know more than me)... but I will get there. My fear is that, what if I am just a hobby painter? Sure I can paint something and it looks great, it looks real... but do I have the creativity to be a professional painter? Our teacher made it clear to us that there is a difference between being able to draw or paint something that looks real... she called that "skill" not "art". And those who have the "skill" are just hobby painters, you have to have something more to be an artist. Well... what if I don't have it? This is my major!

It is kind of scary to go into this not knowing what the outcome will be. And I guess I am more scared because I haven't had the opportunity to prove to myself that I do have it... the creativity and pzazzSo we will see this semester how it goes. Hopefully I don't fail! He he. :o)

Back to the grind

2008-08-25T09:52:00.000-05:00

Welp, it is back to school for most of the Metroplex... including me!

It is always an interesting feeling wandering the halls of UTA (University of Texas at Arlington). I am 23 years old (as of tomorrow!!), married, and own my own house. How many of the students around me can say that? Maybe a few. It is still a weird feeling being in college but not living like I am.

I actually kind of miss those days... living in the dorms, missing class to sleep in, and the most important thing on my mind is getting tickets for the football game on Saturday.

But then again... I cannot wait until I get out!!! This is the start of my 6th year in school. Yep, I am on the 7 year plan. But my classes are pretty good this year... Clay, Painting, Digital Design, Japanese Art History.

Happy first day back to school everyone!!

Toilet papering and taping the next door neighbor's door. Good times. :o)

I don't really want to explain...

2008-08-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

But I will.
Last night Jake thought it would be a good idea to go to my parents place and talk to them... about finances but also about their behavior and attitude. WONDERFUL. Perfect time to go... when I am already emotionally stressed from a prior visit. I guess Jake didn't think it would be very bad but I already knew that it would be tough for me to hold back any feelings I have.

So that's basically what happened... we went, we fought, and I cried.
My dad was in the bath when we got there. When he got out, there were plenty of demands my mom made of him... turn off the lights! No, don't turn off the fan! Where are you going? You don't need to go over to the other bathroom! You only need to use one bathroom! And on and on and on. Later, Jake had said something about how they both need to be better to each other. He said some thing to my mom about not yelling at my dad... he said it very gently and nicely and of course my mom had to go into defense mode... I don't yell! (As she raises her voice) I wasn't yelling earlier! Yea... whatever.

That is when I lost it and basically started yelling at her all the things I've been thinking. No, I wasn't very nice but I really wouldn't take it back. In fact, I wish I could have collected all my words beforehand so they would have been more poignant. Is that bad??
So, as I was saying all these things to her... how horrible she treated her husband, etc. she then proceeded to yell at me that I am her daughter and she is not taking ANY advice from me... that I don't have the right to teach her anything or counsel her. She was not hearing anything I say and then she pointed to the door and said get out.

Well, I didn't get out. We continued on. My dad asked her who then, would teach her if he could not. She matter of factly said that she doesn't need to be taught anything. As God as her witness, she says, she tries her hardest and does her best. I asked her about calling my dad a moron and treating him like a child. She said, well that's what he is and that I don't understand what its like to take care of someone who is sick... you have to treat them like that. OH REALLY?
And that's when she walked off saying she doesn't have to put up with any of my bull.

Sadly, I do not believe that this woman will EVER change. It is hard enough to change your habits and character after so many years, but basically impossible to change when you don't think that there is anything wrong with you.

My mom wasn't always like this, maybe a little but not all the time. And now that I've seen her in this way, I don't think I can ever go back to the way I thought of her before. I've seen this coming though. For the past couple of years it has been harder and harder for me to write nice Mother's Day cards to her. I'd always write something encouraging, loving, etc. because I knew that's what she needed... she was so insecure. But I just can't do that anymore, I don't feel those things toward her. But then again... is it really my job to make my mom feel better about herself? Shouldn't she feel good because she is God's child, because she did the best she could as a mother, because she can look at my life and know that she didn't (completely) ruin me? I don't know.

All I know is that I don't think our relationship will ever be the same.

And just a thank you to Jake for being so supportive and loving in the aftermath. Him and his never ceasing patience and positive outlook on my parents situation has been one of the main things that has helped me get through this. God really blessed me with the perfect man for my life and situation.

I take it back.

2008-08-20T23:02:00.001-05:00

I'm not sorry.

Mixed feelings

2008-08-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

I feel like I am on the Titan... the scary (actually I LOVE it) roller coaster at 6 Flags.
Today I stopped by at my parent's place to say HI. I haven't seen them in a few days, and it seems like after 4-5 days they flip if I don't see them.
Anywho, so it was confirmed that my dad was upset with me. It is kind of a weird feeling to not feel bad when my dad is angry at me. It used to kill me growing up when he's scowl me. Leisha told me something today that kind of put it in perspective. It is just like when you have kids of your own, you have to do what is best for them even if they do not like it. It is funny to think of my parents like that. It feels like not that long ago I was sneaking out of the house late at night. Ha ha.

Also, I watched my mom doing her hair and makeup for work... she was sweating and a little panicky trying to get everything done... frustrated that her hair needs another perm, but she doesn't have the money. She complained about stomach aches, diarrhea, etc. all because she is so stressed out with their finances. I feel bad for her! I love my mom and hate to see her so worked up, ready to cry at a drop of a hat because she is so emotionally tired. I sympathize with her because I would be the same way... in fact, I am the same way when I have to try to deal with our own financial short comes. How can I not feel sorry for her? I wanna hug her and tell her it will be okay... I wanna get a massage for her so she can relax... I wanna... WAIT. Wasn't it just the other day that I was mad at her and crying because I am like her? Wasn't I just shuddering at the thought of just being in her presence??

Gosh, I HATE this feeling!! One minute I am angry at her (and them) and the next I want to swoop in and save them. I can't find a middle ground and I think that is what kills me the most...being an emotional wreck. I can't handle it. Gah!

Weekend Escape

2008-08-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

This weekend Jake and I took a quick trip to Oregon for a friend's wedding.

We had a really good time visiting old friends and my family. We stayed at my sister's in Keizer. Keizer is a suburb of Salem, the state capital. It is also about 15 minutes away from Woodburn, the town I grew up in. As we hung out in Keizer for most of the weekend, Jake and I noticed how nice a slow things are there. Arlington technically isn't a very large city and may not be as fast paced as someplace like New York but I still feel like we live in the fast lane. So, it was a nice change of pace. Plus, I love soaking up Oregon fresh air, the trees, and the beautiful mountains.

I got a chance to hang out with one of my really good friends from middle and high school, Amanda.

Amanda and I have been planning on getting tattoos together (yes I know they are permanent!). So, last Saturday we finally did! And let me tell you... it hurt. Technically it is not my first but this time, it was on my foot! At first, it was like... ok, this isn't all that bad. Then it became like, oh... Oh... OH!

Ladybug!

So after our tattoos, Jake and I drove out to Green Peter's Reservoir to meet my sister and her family on their boat. Oh, I was so nice to be able to be out on a boat again! A lot of my great childhood memories are from being out on the lake with the boat. It felt like we went out every weekend during the summer. Anywho... Jake and I got to take a ride on the intertube (even though I am not supposed to get my tat wet... oops). Here is Jake with my nephew Nathan.

And when I say lake... this is what I think of lake being like.... Beautiful mountains trees and deep clear waters.

So while we were staying with my sister (half sister- from my dad's previous marriage, for those of you thinking... Tanya doesn't have sisters!), we updated her on all the family stuff. We also made sure to tell them NOT to lend my parents any money, which my dad had already called her the previous day asking for some. That is the last thing my parents need... not because they don't need the money, they do, but it isn't going to teach them anything. They've already borrowed a lot of money from people before and they just go on getting themselves into debt, they don't change. So, my sister said no and I don't think my dad is very happy. Actually, he is not very happy with me.

I called earlier today and I think I overheard him trying to convince my mom not to give him the phone. It really doesn't bother me too much because I know we are doing to right thing. They need to learn to make it on their own... the right way. I think the next step is to teach my mom how to grocery shop, funny thought hu? I just don't understand why you would buy something like honey oat, whole wheat bread when you only have the money to buy the store brand white bread.

As far as my mom, I've just been trying to keep my distance and the topic of conversation off of finances. But thanks to everyone who's called and emailed me about it. I really appreciate the support, even if the words do make me cry! :o)

Nature vs Nurture

2008-08-13T23:20:00.000-05:00

So...
My mom.
What can I say about my mom? Not very many good things. Unfortunately.
Today my dad called me and asked me what was going on with my mom because she was upset, crying, and had yelled some pretty mean things at him. So I talked to her, briefly. I asked her if she was OK, she said no... that she couldn't handle all this stress (financial things) anymore and that she didn't want to be around anymore (meaning she didn't want to be alive anymore). Now, it isn't the first time I've heard this from her, so I wasn't too surprised but it is always stressful and emotional when you hear that your mother wishes she was dead.

The point of this story is that I've recently have realized just how mean my mom is. Today my dad was slow, like a normal Alzheimer's patient is. She got mad at him for it, then he asked what she was upset at and she yelled at him to get out and that she didn't want to see him anymore... ever. What a nice thing to say to your spouse of 25+ years, who also has many physical and mental problems. It made me think of just how UGLY my mom is. That is the only good word I can think of... UGLY.

Now, the worst part of this story is that lately I've realized that I act like my mom at times. Jake and I had an argument this past week, of course about something petty, and the way I acted toward him and treated him... just like my mom. I started crying that night because it was a horrible realization. Then today we chatted a bit with my dad while my mom was a church (ironic hu?) and he started listing off all the things my mom does... and Jake basically finished his sentences because that is exactly what I do when I get mad. Slap in the face! How horrible is that? I think my mom is one of the ugliest people I know (how sad hu?) and I have some of the same tendencies she does.

Another scary thing... Jake asked me earlier if I thought my mom was always that way and I am just now realizing it or she just started. I think that she had her moments in the past where she'd act like this, but now it is just all the time (I mean, literally ALL the time. There is nothing nice that comes out of her mouth when she is at home). Knowing this, my mind is thinking and praying that that will not be me... every now and then I get real mad and act mean and ugly then someday it will become my whole personality. I hope not!

I have a lot of love and respect for my mom. She taught me so many things in my life (both because of what she has done well and that that she has not done well) and has helped shape the person I've become. I just can't understand how a person becomes like her. Especially since she is one of the most dedicated persons I know... she reads her bible almost everyday and back in Oregon she would write lengthy notes of Sunday morning service then go and buy the tape and listen to it (and write more notes) later in the week. She would always (and actually still does) get on my case about not always listening to Christian music on the radio and having and what she calls idols (Japanese souvenirs) in our home. Yet she has so much hate, spite, etc. in her. I guess that would be the definition of a pharisee?

And I don't know how to approach her with all of this. I have been so tired, stressed, worn emotionally dealing with my family's problems that I feel like if I even begin a conversation with my mom about this, I would just end up yelling at her that I thought she was the ugliest person I know. Ha, that would not end very well. I can't even think about this without crying, it is so frustrating.

Pray for me... something to the extent of "God, please don't let Tanya end up being like her mother."
*Also keep in mind... this is just the the emotional side of the family problems... they...we are still struggling financially.

Smile Award

2008-08-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

The Smile Award

Sweet, fun Rachel Varney awarded me with the smile award. Thanks for thinking of me!
Gosh, I don't even know where to begin about Rachel. She is definitely one of my favorite people I know. She loves so many things: art, music... musicals, kids, God, her husband, etc. She inspires me to be more passionate about life. Her laugh and smile always brightens my day!

These are the rules:
1. The recipient must link back to the awards creator the babblings of mere
2. You must post these rules if you receive the award.
3. You must chose 5 people to receive the award after receiving it yourself
4. You must fit the characteristics of the recipient of the award, as posted by Mere.
5. You must post the characteristics of a recipient.
6. You must create a post sharing your win with others.
7. You must thank your giver.
Characteristics for the Smile Award:
1. Must display a cheerful attitude. (not necessarily at all times--we are all human)
2. Must love one another
3. Must make mistakes
4. Must learn from others
5. Must be a positive contributor to blog world
6. Must love life
7. Must love kids

Ok, so being fairly new to this whole blog world... I don't know many people who still update their blog, but I will try my best to get 5 people.

1.) Andrea http://andrea-mominterrupted.blogspot.com/
Andrea has to be the first one here, because I absolutely LOVE reading her blog! She is an amazing writer, but not only that but and amazing person. You can tell how much she loves her kids, husband and friends. Her blog is one of the ones I have to check everyday and it always puts a smile on my face. She also came up with the idea to create a blog for the women at our church: http://www.woodlandwestwomen.blogspot.com/ What a great idea! What a great woman!

2.) Amy http://amytindell.blogspot.com/
Oh Amy. I love it when I see Amy because she usually has a huge smile on her face. I can just image it now, her face lights up and I can hear the big "HI" in a high pitched voice that her and her sister do oh so well. Amy is another person who just loves to laugh! Her and Rachel together can brighten anyone's day with their humor and wit. I appreciate Amy's influence in my life, she is a role model to me... in her marriage, how good of a friend she is to others, and her relationship with God.

3.) Ainsley http://randyspells.blogspot.com/
I appreciate Randy and Ainsley flying from Tenn. to Oregon for our wedding two years ago. They were both a big help. Although we don't get to see them a whole lot, I love keeping up to date with their blog. I love when Ainsley posts all of Ammie's famous sayings. They make me laugh and gets me excited for when Jake and I will have our little ones around the house saying rediculous things. Thanks for making me smile!!

Okay, so I mustered up 3. How sad for me! :op

Craft Time

2008-08-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

We had a couple repair men come out today, one to fix the disposal and the other to fix our range. Since their estimated time was between 10am-2pm, I've had some time to finish up a couple of my projects.

Here is the latest... my coffee table (two end tables coming soon).

Things to be thankful for...

2008-08-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

1.) Friends.

We had 9 guys come out to help Jake work in our backyard on Saturday. Nine! They worked anywhere from 8am-2pm, digging holes, shoveling gravel, breaking up concrete, moving brick, and a whole lot of other things. Our backyard looked terrible when we first bought it... and now it only looks slightly terrible. :o) We are very lucky that so many people like Jake enough to come out on their weekend and work outside on a 105 degree day!

And of course I can't forget Amy and Rachel who came and helped me paint our master bedroom. It is a beautiful chocolate brown!

2.) Air Conditioning.

For those of you who don't live in Texas... it has been HOT! 100-108 for the past couple of weeks! Today and yesterday we have been in a heat advisory... which means that they advise people not to be outside for a long period of time because it is so hot and the heat index is even hotter! That never happened in Oregon! Ha ha.

But, however I am thankful for the AC in our house, my car still does not have AC!! Which leads me to my number 3.

3.) My husband.

He is so good to me. On the hot days... he takes my little clunker and sweats everywhere he goes.

And, I haven't had a mental breakdown thinking about my parents in the past couple of weeks. Jake has been doing a stand up job keeping them on track. And surprisingly, my parents (especially my mom) has been very willing to listen to him and do everything he asks. Shocking.

Gosh, I love my husband (plus... hes so handsome!).

4.) Amy.

Amy Tindall wanted to invite Rachel and I over to hang out at their house in Grandbury before the chaos of school started again (plus, Brian is out of state of a couple days on work). We couldn't work anything out because of work and the rest of busyness. But she had the idea for us to come over Sunday night, stay the night and then I'd go into work Monday afternoon.

Now, I haven't spent the night at someone's house... without a reason (travel, etc.) since high school! So it was like a little slumber party. We didn't stay up late giggling and talking about boys, but it was very refreshing to be able to do something like that just for fun.

So, thanks Amy!

Sad News

2008-07-30T11:00:00.000-05:00

My sister-in-law, Danielle, and her husband, Chris, have been trying to have a baby for a couple years now. They have a beautiful 3 1/2 year old daughter but wanted to add another little one to the family. After at least a year on baby making meds, she finally got pregnant! We found out after we got back from Japan. Everyone was very excited, especially Karen (my mother-in-law).

This past weekend, Danielle wasn't feeling very well and went to the doctor. They found out it was a tubal baby. So yesterday she had surgery to remove the baby. :o(

So I would like to ask that everyone remember Chris and Danielle in your prayers. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to go through this.

Thanks!

Too busy or just lazy?

2008-07-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

So it has been a couple weeks... ok maybe like 3 or 4, since I last blogged. It just seems like I've been so busy! Or is it too lazy? I never knew how much time and effort it takes to keep up with a house and I don't even have kids, school hasn't started yet, and I only work part time!! Jake was telling me today, that it seems like all we do is work on house stuff... water the lawn, do the dishes, mow the grass, do the laundry, do the dishes, vacuum, do the dishes... we have a very shallow sink so we end up having to do the dishes almost every other day! When we do have a spare minutes, it just feels so good just to veg out on the couch. Ha ha. How does a house owner keep up with everything?!?

Although I will confess, I have picked up an extra hobby (on top of all the other million things we are doing and having to take care of... I will fill everyone in on our family situation also). Beautiful Rachel Varney and I have been garage saling it (yea, probably not a word I know) this past weekend for some furniture. We've decided to go into business together. Or at least a trial run of selling some artsy-fartsy things we're putting together. Rach is working on painting a kids room set and I am doing some smaller things. I am almost done with my first project, mosaicing an end table, here is what it looks like so far. I ran out of grout today, so I need to pick up so more and I need to finish painting the legs white. What do you think?

So other than getting paint and tile all over our carpet, Jake and I have been dealing with my family problems. Usually when you think of family, I assume you think visiting them, talking, hanging out... whatever. Us... we have to deal. And It has been frustrating! I will spare everyone the details because this post could go on FOREVER.

So basically my parents are very irresponsible... funny for people who are are in their 50's and 60's, hu? They have always struggled with their finances. They basically spend more then they make... much more. Plus, my brother (25 y/o) still lives and home, mooches, and takes advantage of their leniency towards him (basically he spends their money without them knowing or them doing anything). Anyway, their situation came down to us having to pay their electric bill for them (yea, like we have any money) so my dad, who's health is very poor, could have electricity and AC. (Side note: my dad had a triple heart bypass surgery about 10 years ago, so the doctors think that some of his problems right now are due to heart failure, plus he has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. It is very sad to see. He takes medicine for just about all these things and so it makes him very dizzy. He takes about 3 steps and falls. It is hard to watch your parents deteriorate so quickly right in front of you.)

So, with their finances and my dad's health problems you would think that alone would be rough. Well, it is. However, it is much harder because of the fact that both my brother and mother are very mean people. With my brother... it is because he is very dysfunctional and well so is my mother. But I just don't understand my mom. She will yell at my dad for forgetting things, putting things in the wrong place, being slow, etc. Does she not understand what is going on?!?!

For the past year and a half Jake has watched me cry late at night because I've been so stressed and worried about my parents and their whole situation. I try not to get too emotional or involved, but it is hard... especially when I've been told "we need you... we can't do this without you... please help us..."

Jake finally drew the line this past week... and I am not allowed to be involved. Jake has been meeting with them the past couple of days... going over the bills, helping to set up a budget, making a plan for the future. Man, what an amazing husband I have, hu?!? And let me tell you... it has been such a big relief not to worry about whats going to happen. Granted, it will take a long time before they will get out of debt again but at least it is a start. Actually, we figure that they will end up living with us just to save money and make it every month. In January their lease is up, so that is when we are thinking that is going to happen. Oh joy... :o/ Please pray for us!!

To end on a lighter note... Jake and I celebrated out 2 year anniversary last week! We did it by pulling weeds in the yard! Ha ha! And we went out to eat later that night.

Home Sweet Home

2008-07-08T23:34:00.000-05:00

After a long....long time being on a couple of planes and hanging out in airports, WE ARE HOME!

Our flight from Tokyo to Atlanta was about 13 hours long. I had a hard time sleeping... like normally on planes... but Jake had several nice naps. By the time we got to Atlanta, went through immigration, customs, rechecked our bags, and changed terminals... we missed our flight! So, we were put on standby for the next flight... 3 hours later!

Delta was obviously having problems that day because there were 45 people on standby for our one flight from their missed connections. Our flight was also then delayed. So we hung out in the airport a little longer. I ended up passing out for a little while on the floor next to the check in counter!

Oh it was a long day! But, after almost 24 hours of traveling and waiting in airports, we are finally home.

I will say, it is interesting being in this house. Tonight will be my first night sleeping here. It is funny because all of our stuff is familiar, but this place isn't. And then there are boxes everywhere!! I will update the blog with pictures of our house later.

Thanks for keeping up with us during our time in Japan!

NOT the end...

2008-07-07T23:25:00.000-05:00

So today is Monday and we are packing up our suitcases and cleaning up the church building. It is a bitter sweet time. We have so many great memories here in Japan and I know all of us will cherish them forever. We`ve met many amazing people and they`ve made an impact on our lives. Hopefully we as well have changed their lives in some way.

Sunday was a difficult day. We said goodbye to many church members during the potluck after church. The team got up and spoke a few words about our experience in Japan. The church then gave us each a beautiful mug with our name painted on the side in Japanese.

After church, we had our Bon Voyage party. Many of our readers who don`t normally come, did. That was very exciting. All of my favorites were there and I was really excited to see them all again. Tanis, Tyler and I put on our Ukatas (it looks like a Kimono but is for the summer time, since Kimonos are very heavy and hot) for the occasion. We had a great time playing games and just talking.

After the party was the after party... Oh I mean, we had dinner at the McLains after our goodbyes at the party. We hung out and ate some very missed Mexican food. Chips and queso...Mmmmm. It rained on us for a little while, but some people didn`t seem to care much, they just hung out on the back porch. Oh and don`t ask me what Mike is wearing... Ha ha.
All of my readers invited Jake and I to back to Japan. I told them that someday we would be back, whether on LST or just for vacation. We love Japan so much, we couldn`t image not ever coming back. Then many of my older women friends told me that when I come back, bring my little baby! We just can`t get away from the pressure! Ha ha.
Then Kiyomi told me there is a Japanese saying that if you met a person twice, randomly, it has to happen a third time... for good luck or something like that. So, when she left after the party instead of saying "goodbye", we said "see you later". I pray that, if I don`t see her on earth again, one day I will see her in heaven.

Yuko

Mai

Kumiko and her son Riyota

Makoto

Kiyomi

Vacation Bible School

2008-07-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

For the past couple of years, Taga church has been doing a VBS program. This year, the LST team helped out by doing the Bible story skits. Since the theme of VBS was service, we did the story of Miriam helping her mother with baby Moses. Then in the afternoon we did the story of the good Samaritan. The skits were very kid friendly. After the team did the skit, the kids had the opportunity to do it themselves. Here are a couple of pictures:

Here is a video of the kids acting out the baby Moses story. It isn`t quite as entertaining as all the silly stuff we did, but it is definitely very cute. The woman talking in Japanese in the background is the narrator.

In the afternoon we had some extra time at the end, so we sang some kids songs. Hey, Bible Hour, VBS, and/or Kid`s Time people, do you recognize it?? :o)

Aren`t these kids so cute?!?

VBS was a blast and the kids loved it too! Hopefully it made an impact on the kids and gave them good memories of church. And hopefully the parents were impressed too.

Thank you to Woodland West Church of Christ for supporting VBS!

Earthquake!!!

2008-07-05T02:59:00.000-05:00

We just had an earthquake here in Hitachi at a magnitude of 5.0!
Earthquakes aren`t a rare thing around here, so when it started we didn`t think much of it. Then it really started to shake and some of the pots and pans feel in the kitchen.
Everyone is safe and nothing else happened, but it was a pretty cool experience.
Here is the website for earthquakes in Japan, check it out!
http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/

Surfing

2008-07-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

No, not the net but in the actual ocean!

Sammy, Tanis, Tyler and I got up this morning at 5:45am to go surfing! One of the church members at Taga church owns a surf shop, so he kindly let us use some wet suits and boards! We had such a great time! Sammy did really well and got up on several big waves. The rest of us probably need a little more practice. :o)

It was a beautiful day this morning. It was a little on the humid side, but once we jumped in the water it felt great! Also, we had the sun shining brightly on us... you must remember that the sun rises over the ocean here! (In Oregon, the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean) Plus, the sun rises here at about 4am, so by 6am it feels like and looks like noon!

We only were able to be out there for about 2 hours, since today from 10am-3pm we have VBS! It is going to be a loooong day! I am already sleepy! But several cups of coffee and maybe a coke will do the trick! I will walk down the street to one of the many vending machines on the street corners.

Right now, I only have this one picture of us in the wet suits, more pictures of surfing and VBS to come!

Last day of classes

2008-07-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

It is Thursday and our last day of classes. We are all very sad to say goodbye to our new good friends, but I know many of us are ready to go home. Jake and I have a new house to come home to...and unpack. :o) But even with the that, it is still hard to leave our new "home" in Japan.

Yesterday we had a fun day. In the morning we were blessed because it was pool day at the kindergarten! The PE teacher comes and teaches the kids how to hold their breath and blow bubbles. These Japanese kids are absolutely the cutest!

Here is a video... I hope it works. The kids walk around the pool quacking like ducks:

Also, Sammy and Tanis read with a married couple. They have absolutely spoiled them, and us, with gifts. We've gotten Japanese fans, hankerchiefs, sweet snacks, and many more things. So we decided to invite them to lunch with us yesterday. We made spagetti with marinara sauce and an alfredo sauce. It was delish! But the best part was after dinner. They had brought Nato with them!

Now, Nato is an interesting Japanese food item. It is very popular in the prefecture we are in, Ibaraki. Many people eat it and claim it`s health benifits...protien. Anywho, Nato is fermented soybeans. Mmmm...yummy. (NOT) They prepared it by adding soy sauce and mustard. When you try to eat it, with chopsticks of course, it is very stringy and gooey.

I was pretty fortunate though, because when everyone started trying it, Kiyomi my reader came! So I had to go start my reading session. Yay for me! However, later that day one of my other readers, Miho, brought me her favorite snack... Nato flavored waffers. I haven`t tried them yet... anyone want one? I will bring them home for everyone to try! :o)

WE HAVE THE INTERNET!!

2008-06-29T05:37:00.000-05:00

Now that we have only about a week left, WE HAVE THE INTERNET!! :o)

We all just got back from FriendsCamp this weekend. Taga church is very blessed to have so many members and friends who help support this camp. For camp, we invite all of our readers to come join us at a retreat type facility out of the city. We sleep in cabins and enjoy our meals in the great outdoors (with the wonderful mushi...bugs... and all!). We have four reading/class session spread out over 3 days, where we read more about Jesus and share our lives.

This past weekend we had about 30-40 people, although only some were part time, participating in reading sessions, activities, and fun. Scott and Luanne Snow led camp this year and it was a blast! Here are just a couple of pictures of what we did:

Devo held on the stairs overlooking the beautiful forest covered mountains.

We had some team/group building time. Everyone had to put their the puzzle piece that matched theirs and put together their group puzzle!

We had a great talent show this year. Here our famous church member, Mr. Siato did a little dance for us. Everyone sang the song "As the Deer" while Mr. Siato pranced around in his reindeer antler on his head. It was hilarious. Mr. Siato is about 85 years old and has the heart of a 20 year old!! He loves to laugh and has so much joy in his heart about God. Him and his wife are wonderful examples to us.

Another highlight was Sammy`s reader, Masa. He is has a black belt in Karate. He showed us how to punch and kick. Then he did a couple of really awesome karate routines.

We all got together Saturday afternoon for a game of kick ball out in the field. And luckily the weather was perfect that day! It rained all day Sunday!

Saturday night we had Japanese BBQ! Oh it was soo good! First you marinate the strips of meat in a sauce and then you fry them on this griddle that sit in the middle of your table! You then fry up all the vegetables (cabbage, mushrooms, bell peppers, and egg plant). Once you are full on that and think it was the best meal you`ve had in forever, they bring out the yakisoba! You add more veggies and soba noodles to the mix. Oh, it is so good! I`m thinking that it just might be better than an old fashion American BBQ!

To end our camp pictures, here is Jake being really silly for the camera. Unfortunately, I didn`t get as many pictures of camp as I wanted to because my batteries died on Saturday night... right in the middle of the talent show! I was a little unprepared for that. I would have loved to show you a picture of our worship service this morning.

Since it was pouring rain, we ALL crowded into ONE cabin this morning (we had 4 cabins just to fit all of us Saturday night). Although these cabins were a fairly good size... there was a nice downstairs part with a small kitchen table, sink, and two gas burners. A little "living" area, the bathroom and shower room. Then there was small upstairs room that is more like a balcony. It is about half the size of the downstairs part with railing that overlooks the living area. Anywho, we all packed into this one cabin... people sitting downstairs on the chairs and window sills, and then upstairs looking down through the railing! We had a great time! It was nice to be able to all be in the same place together and I think it was a fun experience for our readers too!

Time goes by too quickly! Now there is only a week left, and only 3 more days to meet with our readers! I had an amazing week last week with my readers. I grew really close with two of my favorite readers. Kiyomi, the woman I had met in Takahagi in 2004, has been very stressed with work and the things she is involved with. She came in the other day crying. We talked about her things, I share some of my stress back at home and we found so many things in common. At that point we both knew that it wasn`t chance we met again this year. I had asked her when was the last time she did LST (many of our readers do LST for 3+ years, every year). She told me that not since 2004 in Takahagi. That is when I started crying. God works in some amazing ways. Kiyomi and I have two more classes together... I am looking forward to them but also dreading them because I know that after Thursday it will be all over. This woman is searching for God in her life and she feels Him working in her heart. I just pray that she finds Him. Please be praying for her also.

My other favorite is Yuko, I`ve posted several pictures. She is so sweet! We have been sharing so many things. She talks a lot about her beautiful daughter Sakura and how much joy that she has brought to her life. I was talking to Judith (one of the women who has been working in Japan for 5 years. She helps prepare for LST and does a lot of adversiting before we arrive on site. Check out her blog!) about Yuko on Friday and she told me about an email Yuko had sent her:

“I really enjoyed my English conversation lesson so much today. Tanya is teaching me so many things…. the words in the Bible are so great! I am learning so much from it. I am not a Christian but the things we talked about today are still deeply impressed on my heart. After each class I share these stories with my husband. I appreciate you so much for telling me about LST. Thank you so much!”

I will post some pictures of our readers here in the next couple of days. Tomorrow we have a day off, since this past weekend we worked at camp. We will be helping to prepare for VBS this Saturday. Our theme this year is Serving... our families, friends, and community. Hopefully we will have a good turn out. Please be praying for that also!

GOOD NIGHT! (or good morning for people in the US! ha ha)

At the WEC!

2008-06-24T01:38:00.000-05:00

Today, my pictures are at the beginning because that is where Blogger puts them, and I am too lazy/busy to go through and arrange them! Sorry! Please check out the pictures and read what they are all about. Some pictures will not have a description due to lack of time on the internet. But please enjoy them anyway!! :o)

I am at the World English Center, where Bryan Snow works, so I can use the internet!! It is getting a little frustrating not having the internet. I feel so out of touch with everyone and there are so many things I want to share!!

We have been having a great time with our readers. There are several that I have gotten so close to. And thinking about the future, with only 2 more weeks.... actually only 5 more days of reading session, makes me really sad. I have a couple of readers who are just really wanting to know more about Jesus. We have been sharing a lot of our experiences and things we have struggled with. I just hate to leave at a time where they want more. But I guess I just need to have more faith that God with help the seeds in their hearts grow after we leave.

I just love this woman, Yuko, and her daughter Sakura. I am sure I have already posted a picture of her, but here is one from today!

We also had a Ladies Tea party that some of our readers came to. We did a fun ice breakers and then I have a little lesson/testimony. We had a great time!

Last weekend we went Tokyo!! We had a great time! We did some normal sight seeing things, Asaktsua (a temple and huge market place), Edo-Tokyo Musuem, and Tokyo Tower. Jake and I went to a couple of art museums and went to the Tokyo Dome (Baseball Stadium) and rode a couple roller coasters. The team went to Disney Sea... Japans own version of Disneyland. They had a great time! It was nice to get away for a little while from everything, but we were exhausted after two days! We walked everywhere!! Jake was our amazing tour guide... Tokyo's subway and train system is super confusing. But Jake did a great job and we only took the wrong train once! :o)

Tommie and Phyllis also went to Tokyo with us. It was great to be with them again, after all the training we've done to come here. I am so happy they are here in Japan, and I know they are having an amazing time.

TWO MORE WEEKS!! AHHH! Not enough time!

This weekend we have Friends Camp. Scott and Luanne Snow have arrive and they are diligently planning for camp. The week after camp is VBS. So we have a busy couple of weeks ahead of us... not only that but we have to prepare to leave! It will be very sad!

Sunday we had our Kareoke party!! It was a blast. And of course, for the Takahagi 2004 girls... I dedicaded the song to you! :o)

Internet down... STILL!

2008-06-17T07:56:00.001-05:00

So yes, we are still down on the internet at church.
It has been an interesting experience.... no cell phone and no internet! What is an American college student supposed to do?!? Actually, it has been a great experience for us all. We are more dedicated to our reading sessions, preparing for our lessons, and catching up on chores.

We have had a busy week! I am sorry, I don't have any pictures today. I left my camera back at the church building and we are now at Bryan Snow's house.

Friday we spent the morning with Sammy's reader (and a previous reader of Jake's), Kiyomi. He is the chief at the fire station in Taga. We got to watch the firemen and EMTs do their training and we also got the chance to go up in the firetruck lift. We went 25 meters (about 70 ft?) in the air! It was a beautiful view of Taga, the ocean, and the mountains.

Saturday, Tanis and I visited her reader's art studio. She has been a painter for the past 35 years, so it was amazing to see her place. She also took us around to several places around the Hitachi area. Several of the places I had gone to while I was on my LST trip in 2004 to Takahagi. It was a great experience to see the same places. It brought back many happy memories of my first trip to Japan.

Sunday we had our beach party. The weather was beautiful! We had a great time playing on the beach with our students. We played volleyball, frisbee, and did smores! After the party was the real exciting part (or at least for me!)......

JAKE CAME!!!
I am sooo happy that Jake is in Japan now! I feel a great sense of relief I can relinquish some of my duties as "trainer" and leader to him. I am not very good at some of that sort of stuff. I am definitely a worker.
And of course that is not the only reason why I am glad he is here! :o) It is so great to be able to share the experience of a foriegn country with your best friend. Plus the fact that Japan is so special to us. It is great to be here together.

We are excited for tomorrow because Jake, Bryan, and I will be making a trip out to Tomobe. We will be visiting Tommie and Phyllis! Visit their website, it sounds like they are having a great time! I am also excited to be visiting Marc and Elissa, the host missionaries in Tomobe. I actually went to school with them my first two years in Oregon. Plus, Elissa is 7 months pregnant!

Well, I will update y'all with more info and pictures when we get the internet back! Thanks again for your patience!!

Love,
JAKE and Tanya

Internet is down!

2008-06-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the long delay in posting a blog. Our internet went down a the church building a couple days ago. Right now, we are at Bryan Snow's house using his internet. Hopefully Sugao, the preacher, can call someone to come and fix the modem.

So to catch everyone up on basically the past week, I will post some pictures and a brief description.
We have been having an amazing time getting to know our readers! It seems like each time we get done with a lesson with someone, we've determined that person to be our favorite. But by the time we are finished with the next lesson, that person is our favorite. It never seems to end. We love all our readers and have a special bond with each one.

There have been several days we've had sunshine! It is a nice break from all the rain. Here are a couple of kids from the kindergarten playing outside.

On our way to cell group (like Growth Groups, but it is a class just for college aged people) last Wednesday we stopped at an Obento restaurant. This is a place where you can get individual items like chicken, rice, or noodles instead of going to a restaurant and ordering the whole meal. It was yummy! The guy next to Tyler is Dan. He has lived here in Hitachi for the past 2 years. He is originally from Minnesota.

On Friday we went to Mito, the capital of Ibaraki prefecture (a prefecture is like a state). We did some shopping while in Mito and ate at the McDonalds!

Just in case you forget how to wash your hands, here are some directions.

Here is the big city of Mito.

Mmmm, Mister Donut!! When we walked by the shop, they were playing Lion King's "Can you feel the love tonight?" There are many little shops that will play random American music.

This is a little alley-way we passed by while walking down Main Street. I just thought it looked cool.

Mmmm, STARBUCKS!
On Saturday we went to Mike and Tomoko McClain's house. They are long time church members at Taga CofC. They met while they were both going to Oklahoma Christian University, got married and moved to Japan. They have 3 beautiful daughters, Anna, Erica, and Keira. The McClains invited us over to their "American style" house they build a couple years back. In fact, Jake was in Taga the year they were building their house and helped plaster the kitchen ceiling.

Here is what a more traditional Japanese style looks like. This house is actually where Jake and I will be staying once he arrives. Only 5 more days!!!

This is the view from the McClain's house, it is amazing!

At the McClain's house we played a little basketball and then cooked up an amazing BBQ. After we were stuffed full of good food we sat down to what the first game of the NBA championship. Mike, Tyler, and Sammy are all big Celtics fans, so we all had a good time!

Sunday morning we had church service. The girls don't have far to go. We are actually staying at the building, in one of the rooms upstairs. This picture was taking after service, during announcement time. Several of the church women had left the auditorium to prepare for our potluck!

And what an amazing potluck it was! Food seems to be the theme of this blog but I just can't help talking about how much I love Japanese food.

Several of the kids at church made a basket full of origami flowers. We were told that it was the day to celebrate the beautiful flowers that God has made. What a wonderful idea!

Sunday we also had our Fiesta party!! It was a blast! Let me take you on a tour of how the party went. Please come inside!

At the table with the two beautiful senoritas, you will find a place to write yourself a name tag.

Now guess the number of candies there are in the bowl, check out the pinata, and pick up a maraca as your party favor!

Find a seat in one of the chairs...

And don't forget to get some chips, salsa, queso, and gauc! There is also plenty to drink!

Our first activity is an ice breaker. We walk around in two big circles to the Mexican music. When the music stops, you stop. Now introduce yourself to the person you are in front of. Tell them your name, hobby, and favorite color!

Next activity is called "Adios!" We sit in a big circle, the person in the middle calls out something like, "Everyone wearing black, Adios!" So if you are wearing black, you have to get out of your seat and run to another chair! Last person standing is the next one to call out "Adios!"

And now, time for the best part! The pinata! Lets see who can break the candy out!

What a great time! Some people went home with a second party favor, the pinata!

Now, time for a group picture!

Oh, can't forget the team picture! I think Sammy thinks Tanis is the pinata!

Hope y'all enjoyed the pictures! Thanks for being patient with me and my lack of updates!

Reading Sessions

2008-06-04T02:10:00.000-05:00

So we in full swing of our reading session. They`ve been going really well.

I admit that I do have some favorites: Kyomi the reader I knew from previous years, Mitsue the 67 year old woman who runs marathons on her free time, Izumi the Pre-K teacher, Shizuka the woman who has traveled a lot and speaks English like an American... and well, they are ALL my favorite.

Here is a picture of one of my readers, Yuko, and her daughter Sakura (it means cherry blossom in Japanese).

I can definitely see God at work in our reading sessions. From the very first time we started in the Luke workbooks (taken from the gospel of Luke) somehow I`ve found all the words to say and the right questions to ask to get the reader to start thinking deeper. Of course, it is all because of God`s work. One of my most favorite things is after we`ve finished a lesson, I ask the student if they have any questions... and they start delving into deeper questions and the meaning of the story. What does this mean or why did they do that? Oh it makes me so happy that they want to understand. Nodding your head and saying "yes" to the question, "do you understand?" is very common... even if you have no idea of what is going on. Please continue to pray for us and our reading sessions as we progress more into the life of Jesus.

Another thing that is exciting is that a lot of our readers are returning from previous years with LST. Everyone has a reader that has already completed the Luke book and now are studying in Acts, John, or a compilation book of the gospels call Good News. That is very encouraging. It is a long process for a Japanese person to become a Christian. The idea of living a different life, other than the Japanese way (a mixture of Buddist and Shinto) is so foriegn, it takes years to change the heart. So thank you to all the people who have supported us and who continue to support us as we help spread the word in Japan.

Today, the weather has been beautiful! We were able to get out of the church building and walk around for awhile. It was really refreshing to be able to breathe fresh air and not inhale rain also. We, at least the girls, have been cooped up in the church building for a couple of days... we started to get a little silly. Amen for the sun!

It has been a long day!

2008-06-01T07:31:00.000-05:00

We are winding down a long Sunday by catching up with some emails and doing so LST reports. I thought that since I have a couple minutes to spare I`d update y`all on some of our adventures the past couples of days.

Saturday before grocery shopping, we stopped at a traditional sushi resturant. It was a first for Sammy who doesn`t really like seafood.

Tanis was super adventurous and tried Uni (Sea Urchin) and Taco (Octopus) which she is pictured here eating.

We tried many new things and some of our favorites. Mine is the Eel! Luckily for us, this resturant is only 100 Yen per plate (that is just about equvilant to our $1).

Later for dinner, we went to another resturant. On my trip to the restroom I encountered something completely new.

This is what a nice "western style" toliet looks like. Notice the remote on the left side. Japanese toliet seats have all these fun little buttons, like a seat warmer. Although this is not what was new to me. If you look to the left of that you see this beige box thing (yea, that would be the thing behind that yellow date and time). This, from why I can only assume, is a motion sensor sound box. When the customer goes to sit on the toliet, the box would sense to the motion and automatically turn on this noise that sounded like a waterfall or water running from a sink. So, my theory is that it is for people who don`t want others to hear them urinate. Very funny, I think!

Here are some pictures I`ve accumulated the past couple days, enjoy!

Yes, that is a lid to a cooking pot on her head.

Our first train ride in Japan... or at least Tanis and Sammy`s.
And of course, for Momma T, here are pictures from our Bunko Party today.

Sammy and Bryan Snow (a friend from our church Woodland West who now lived in Taga, Japan for 2 years) being goofy.

We all had a great time!! Next week I am in charge of the Feista Party. I am in the process of making a pinata. I will let you all see my work once it is done! :o)

Until then, goodnight!

It is Friday!

2008-05-30T03:26:00.000-05:00

Today is Friday. Normally we would have this day off but since we started our reading sessions so late into the week, we are reading today. So far all our sessions have been amazing! A lot of our readers are returning from previous years with LST, and that in itself is very encouraging.
Here is a picture of Tanis and her reader "in deep thought".

It has been cold and rainy the past couple of days! A little unsual for this time of year in Japan. It is the beginning of the rainy season, but normally it is very humid. Here is a picture of the puddles by the Kindergarden playground. (The church has a Christian kindergarden next door)

And here is the church building:

Like I said in my last blog, I am so excited about my reader Kiyomi. She came yesterday and we had a great conversation! I looking forward to our next reading session.

Tomorrow is our day off. We will probably be exploring the town a little bit more, going to the grocery store, and haning out with Bryan Snow.

Hope y`all liked the pictures! Thanks for keeping up with me.

Love you all!

Day Number 3

2008-05-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

It is early Thursday morning here in Japan... evening time for you folks back in the states. Japan is 14 hours ahead of Central Standard time.

Our team was a bit jet-lagged yesterday afternoon. We had a busy morning with an early meeting with the preacher and then our first information meeting at 10am. An information meeting is where all the people interested in having converstation English classes come to the building, learn more about the LST program, and sign up with a teacher and time slot. We had a second meeting later in the evening for the people who could not make it in the morning. These two meeting were fairly successful, most of us have 9-11 readers. We were, however, hoping more would come so be praying that God will send more our way!

The children at the kindergarden next door made some beautiful things for us yesterday. This sign was up for when we got to Taga. Cute, isn`t it??? They also gave us medallion things to wear around our neck and paper origami flowers! We felt very special and blessed. I have the opportunity to read with one of the kindergarden teachers this week. I am looking forward to it!

Also, I was assigned another student would couldn`t make it to the information meeting yesterday. It was only later that day that someone had realized that she read in Takahagi in 2004... the year I was there!!! So I am very excited to see her again! She has three girls and they all are ver cute and involved in our activites and parties. She, Kiyomi, had decided this year that she wanted to study the Bible again and I was the one she got paired up with. That is definitely a God-thing!

Yesterday, we had some time in the afternoon to run errands. We went to the bank and exchanged money and then to the "super", or grocery store. One thing that was really neat was where we parked. Sugao, the preacher here, took us in his car and showed us this amazing parking structure/device.

You park your can on this turn-table thing and then it turns the car to face this yellow carrier. You drive into it, the man pushes a button and then the car rotates up into a "parking" or holding spot. When you return, you give the man your number and he rotates it back down! How neat is that!! I`ve never seen anything like it! The Japanese... so far ahead in technology!

Please leave a comment to let me know you are reading my blog!!

Have a great day!

We Made It!

2008-05-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

We are now in Hitachi-Taga, Japan after a 2 hour flight to Atlanta, then a 13 hour flight back the other direction to Tokyo. When we arrive, Sugao the preacher picked us up and drove us back in Taga in a small van which seted 4. The problem was there wasn`t any room for our luggage!! It was a long 4 hour van ride to the church building. It was also quite as scene!

Japan is an amazing country! It is funny, for a country that is only 1% Christian, I see God everywhere! It is beautiful here! There are rolling hills and mountians coverd by forests of tress and bamboo plants. Rice fields are scattered between all the houses. I definitely feel like I am going back to nature.

Here is one of the views out the church building window.

We have two information meetings today. We will also be taking a small drive around town to do a little grocery shopping and the go to the bank. For the first couple of days, we are lucky to have Sugao to show us where everything is and to give us some hints on what to buy a the store. From this day on, we are on our own for that kind of stuff!　

Until next time, Sinara!

Whats Shaking?

2008-05-23T16:24:00.000-05:00

So heres whats new:

WE ARE OFFICAL HOME OWNERS!!

After months of searching and weeks of waiting, we can finally relax! This morning Jake and I signed the papers (and basically our life away for the next 30 years) and this afternoon we received our keys!

So mark your address books, you can now reach us at 833 Pryor Dr. Arlington, TX 76001

Jake will be moving boxes and furniture for the next three weeks... if you have any time, I am sure he would appreciate some help!! :o)

In other exciting news...

Monday morning at 5am, I am leaving for Japan! I will be there for 6 1/2 weeks working for Lets Start Talking. Jake will leave after he gets off work for the summer, June 14th and will be with me and our team for 3 weeks.

Jake and I have been involved with LST for several years, infact it was on an LST trip in Japan were we met! So we have a special place in our heart for LST and for Japan.

LST is a non-profit organization that sends Christians all over the world for conversation English classes. We use an easy to read version of Luke and gospel book of the Bible. Since English is in demand globally, Christians partnering with LST have a unique opportunity to show the love of Christ to unbelievers while the Word speaks to open hearts.

If you want more information, just ask! (Yes, I am a walking commercial for LST! He he)

Anywho, Jake and I did a training last September to become team trainers for LST. And this year we have put together (I say "we" put together, but God choose the people for us!) two teams from our church Woodland West Church of Christ. My team (which consists of Jake, Me, Tyler Snow and two other people from Lubbock Christian University, Tanis Garrett and Sammy Hawkins) will be going to Hitachi-Taga and the other team (Tommie Varney and Phyllis Hay) will be going to Tomobe.

We are all super excited about going! Please keep us in your prayers, that we will be able to share Jesus and our lives with many non-Christians and that our faith would increase also. Keep checking back on our blog, I promise I will try to update every day or two with stories and pictures!

:o)