mr. fix it

A couple of months ago I started a book with a group of ladies that live in our city.  We do a book study and pick a book, reading one chapter per month and getting together to discuss.  Right up my alley.  This go round we are reading Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free.  The chapter we just covered was on the lies we believe about God.  I was pretty sure I didn't believe any lies about God...until I read this chapter.

It hit me right in the face.  And since I didn't really expect it, the impact was double.  I won't go into each thing the chapter talked about, but I really wanted to share the one that made the biggest impact.  

THE LIE:  God should fix my problems. 

THE TRUTH:

-Life is hard.  Romans 8:21-22

-God is more concerned about glorifying Himself and changing me than about solving all my problems.  2 Corinthians 4:17

-God has an eternal purpose He is fulfilling in the midst of my problems. Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4

-God wants to use my problems as part of His sanctifying process in my life.  Job 23:10

-No matter what problem I am facing, God's grace is sufficient for me.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I have spent the last 10 years as a believer, and I'm sure several before, expecting that God would make everything better by making my problems go away and/or solving them for me.  I mean I knew God wasn't Mr. Fix It and that things wouldn't always be happy go lucky, but in the back of my mind I always expected that His number one concern for me was to have a good life that would be free of major issues.  Like I really thought living a 'good Christian life' would exempt me from having problems.  I mean that is just absurd.  And I didn't really realize that I thought that until I read it, reread it and then read it again.

Yes, God loves me.  In a way that I can never fully understand.  But for the first time I realized my problems aren't really His concern.  Mostly because he doesn't see them as problems.  He sees them as the thing that makes me better.  Makes me more like Christ.  Wow.  So yes, I see it as a problem that I don't get enough sleep.  That I'm sick of chasing a 3 year old around trying to coax him to the potty.  That there isn't a quick fix to losing weight and more importantly changing the way I think about myself in reference to my weight.  What He sees is the means to growing me in my pursuit to manage my time better, in persistence and in patience.  And even in the big stuff.  What is loss to me is gain to Him.  When I feel bitter or angry or frustrated, I am acting on the growing pains He is happy to see.  It's not fun.  It's not pleasant. It's not what I see as fair.  But it is His perfect plan for me.  It is His way of shaping and forming and changing me.  It is good.

Do I like having problems.  Mmm...not so much.  Do I like God's purpose in them.  Oh yes, I absolutely do.  

homeschooling

This week I have spent at least 20 hours on the computer researching homeschool curriculums.  I had a pretty good idea what I wanted to do but I needed to look into several things and make decisions.  I have to say, it's pretty overwhelming.

I have never been one of those moms that was overly pro homeschool (my whole family has worked in public education) or knew from the moment I conceived that I would choose to do it.  It has been something that I was always open to and with our living situation it is a must.  The only other option would be to send Kirby to a local school which would be pretty difficult considering the language barrier.  Not to mention he wouldn't learn to read English for several years.  I don't even have a clue what choice we would have made were we living in the States, cause let's face it, it's not worth the brain power to think about something that isn't a current reality.  So here I am, gearing up for our first year of school.

I've been trying to focus solely on the positive aspects of homeschooling, like being able to determine exactly how our children learn, going at an individual pace, and so on.  But it's incredibly intimidating.  I am a little sad that they won't get the socialization that a classroom offers and at the same time so very happy that they won't pick up the 'bad' habits of anyone other than me and Stan.  You know, they may be a little sarcastic but not with an accompanying potty mouth.

So for Kindergarten we are going to focus mostly on, first and foremost, creating a love of learning, and secondly, learning to read and basic math.  I've found curriculums that I like but haven't ordered quite yet, so if you are interested I will share all that I am using once final decisions have been made.  My plan is to find readers (oh how I will miss not being able to use a library) that will cover some topics in science and history in addition to some fun topics but not cover either of those subjects on their own just yet.  I am also planning on picking a fun Bible learning program since they aren't getting anything on a regular basis that is directed specifically towards children.  That is something I'm going to go ahead and do with Bennett too, in addition to some preschool stuff.  I know if Kirby is doing school there will have to be something for Bennett as well.  And I'm pretty set on not using the tradition school calendar for planning out our year.  With celebrating both American and local holidays and having random times for likely vacation, my thoughts are that it will be easier to keep up if we try to find a year round type calendar that works for us.  Maybe with a few modifications.  Still looking in to that though.

Once all final decisions are made and materials ordered I will start on my Summer to do list.  #1 on that list is potty train Bennett, or die trying.  Pray for us as we are making these homeschool decisions.  I know I can't mess up too bad at this point but I have to be honest, I'm still pretty nervous!

oven

I warned you.  So now out of pure joy I have to show off my new oven.  Why is this such a big deal you ask?  Well I'll let the pictures do the explaining.

This was my oven (and microwave before).  The oven was just big enough to get a 9x13 pan in and the cookie sheet I have had to be slid into the slots on the sides.  It was an ok oven but didn't cook evenly.  The top would always be done WAY before the inside was so I had to watch it constantly and be strategic with the aluminum foil.  I have dreamed of buying a full sized oven since we moved here.  Of course it would have to be bought in the capital city and brought by bus.  That wasn't appealing to me.  Not to mention there were other house hold items that had to come first.

Until we found out that some friends were moving back to the States.  When she asked me if there was anything in particular I was interested in buying (please understand this is just the way here) and I immediately told her definitely her oven.  She said my name was on it!  So Thursday Stan went to pick it up--with a few other items--and Friday we spent the day reorganizing.  The doors and shelf had to come down and I had to find something or organize my pots and pans on but as you can see it worked out.

Oh and now the microwave (yes we got this from them as well, ours was bought from another family and was pretty old) has to live in the cabinets.  But it doesn't really bother me.

So before you think me completely cold hearted, yes I will really miss my friend.  That family was one that has been on this journey with us from the beginning, through the interviews, our time in Richmond and adjusting to living in a new country.  They have small children just like us so it was nice to have someone who understood exactly where we were at.  But this is just how it works around here.  In our short time here (two years this summer) we have seen many families move away.  We aren't numb to it but we are accepting of it as just a part of this life.  

fashion friday

Not typical for my Fridays but I got inspired by other posts and thought I would give it a try.  Just a few outfits for fun.  

#1. Shopping and lunch with friends

(I actually own this outfit, well the jeans aren't exact but close.)

#2. Sunset Beach date night

(I have almost absolutely no occasion to wear a dress at this point but this looks super comfy and I think it's cute.

#3. Saturday afternoon family picky nick

    

(pink cardigan worn over t-shirt, animal print flops cause they are adorable)

All of this is courtesy of Old Navy, which is still one of my favorites since I worked there in high school, with the exception of the Crocs and earrings (Etsy) in #1.  Yes, I do still love Crocs. 

make over time

I worked all day yesterday to make over the blogs.  OK, when I say all day I really mean intermittently but still, I didn't finish up until last night.  The blog itself didn't take long but trying to get the header sized right and all takes me forever.  The program I use is quite quirky and not so user friendly.  Anyone got a great program they use for things like that?  Let me know cause I'm looking for something new. Especially cause I'm not doing anything complicated and it shouldn't take so long.

I hope you likey the pink.  I sure do.  It will go nicely with the birthday present Stan bought me that my dad will bring in just over 3 weeks...

Dell Inspiron mini 10 Netbook

Yes, I really did get a pink one.  No more laptop sharing for us!  Oh and did you see that my Dad and Eric will be here in just over 3 weeks!  It has been almost two years since we've seen them and we are so excited to play host and show them around where we live and just have some good visit time.

Today Stan is off to pick up some things we are buying from some good friends that will be moving back to the States.  I feel like we are forever buying stuff from those that are moving away.  It's funny how this is kinda the pattern around here.  When someone moves away it's like a feeding frenzy of 'foreigner' stuff.  The two major things we are buying is a full sized oven--you may just get to see it cause it could quite possibly get a post of it's very own--and a new desk.  The desk we have has a warped and cracked top so we are going to use the drawers (they are still fine and can be separated from the rest of the desk) for homeschool materials and move our stuff to the new desk, which has much more storage space.  I think the desk top itself is also a bit smaller which will be nice.  So over the weekend I will be doing some organizing and setting up of the school area.  Hoping to get started on some Kirby schooling soon.

And one more thing.  Do you remember this post?  It's still something I dream of.  But since it is likely I will never, or at least not in the foreseeable future, get to have an entire room just for me I am carving out my own little space in our bedroom.  We are blessed to have a pretty big master bedroom and my favorite chaise from that post is in there.  So I am setting up camp there.  Stan doesn't know but I'm going to hunt out a new throw (if you have a nice quilt like the one I pictured before and are looking to get rid of it let me know) and just make myself a little area of comfort.  I already use that space for my quiet time so I thought I would just spruce it up a little with some things that make me happy.  Surprise Stan!   

Off to be productive on the Angels' blog.  I'm hoping the internet will be my friend today and let me upload pictures.  Check in to see. :)

Easter and stuff

I was on such a blogging roll.  On Sunday I planned to share a song that we sang on Sunday morning that made me happy (and gave me chills).  Yesterday I planned to share a story about me and Stan in honor of our 6th Anniversary that came on March 20th, during our internet issues.  But Sunday afternoon my sinuses began to feel as if they were slowly expanding and taking over my head so I took the afternoon to rest and since it was a holiday here yesterday I took advantage of Stan not having class and also rested.  But today is back to normal.  I must run to the market and I have tutoring this afternoon so I have to take some medicine, suck it up and get on with the day.  Thanks to my good friend Jennifer , who seems to be the only friend I have that eats dinner, for giving me five new recipes to try out.  I'm making the Honey Roasted Potatoes for dinner tonight--if you want to check out her recipes look here.  Anyway, I thought I would at least still share this great song, even if a few days late.

How Deep the Father's Love For Us

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure.

That He should give His only Son,

To make a wretch His treasure.

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away.

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon a cross,

My sin upon His shoulders.

Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,

Call out among the scoffers.

It was my sin that held Him there, 

Until it was accomplished.

His dying breath has brought me life,

I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything.

No gifts, no power, no wisdom.

But I will boast in Jesus Christ,

His death and resurrection.

Why should I gain from His reward?

I cannot give an answer.

But this I know with all my heart,

His wounds have paid my ransom.

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.  And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.  While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen."

Luke 24:1-6a NASB

'D' date

Tonight we got to have our 'D' date night.  Since D and E are also dating through the alphabet, and we are going about the same pace, we decided that a Double Date would be most fitting.  We lined up three very capable babysitters to watch the boys (our three and D and E's almost one year old son) and headed out.  Let's just say that E is definitely more creative than I am so these ideas were hers.  Too bad she can't plan all of our dates...maybe we will just start to copy them each time. :)

We started off with Dinner in Dali (Old Town) and ate at one of our favorite restaurants.  We Dined on some Delicious food.  During our dinner we played Dare to Dream, where we each listed different scenarios (dream vacation, dream house, etc.) and had to go around and answer.  It was fun to talk about our Dreams with our friends.

Since Easter is tomorrow morning we knew we couldn't stay out late so we headed back early to make sure all the boys got to bed on time.  Also, no one wanted to Dance in public so we decided that we could end our dates at home with a little Dancing.  It was a fun to go out (with no children) and enjoy good food and good conversation with good friends.  Thanks D and E for a great Double Date!

living in organized chaos

Before I start I must say that I'm so sad no one has any dinner ideas for me.  I'm pretty sure this is the second time I've tried this without any takers.  Seriously, are you all in dinner ruts as well?  If I get a spare day I may google some stuff and post it.  Either that or my lack of posting has dispersed anyone who reads this at all to the four corners of the earth.  Please come back, I need your dinner ideas!

Now with that said I had some other things on my mind lately as well.  It seems like I've read a ton of blogs on organization lately.  Organizing makes me happy.  But since I now share a home with a man and three mini men, organization doesn't last very long.  I don't think I will ever get to the point of just letting it go because my personality won't allow it.  So I persevere in this endeavor.  I will never give up.

I didn't know if anyone else out there was struggling with keeping things organized, at least to a level to prevent frustration and complete mental break down, in a world with those who may not share your OCD tendencies love of order.  So here is my little strategy to keep myself sane and my house in a little order without driving my men--or myself--crazy.

1.  I keep areas in the bathroom and bedroom that are just mine.  That way I can keep them just as I want them.  This gives me a little space for me and boundaries.  Stan and the boys can keep their dressers as messy as they would like and I don't have to look at it.

2.  I do little clean sweeps, maybe just one room per day but each area of the house gets done at least once each week.  This means I go through the boys toys at least once a week and get them in their proper place (mostly I do this, with Kirby's help, to seek out missing parts and such).  I'll look through their dresser drawers to make sure no dirty clothes have gotten put back in and that all underwear, undershirts and socks are in the appropriate brother's drawer.  

3.  When things are no longer needed they leave my house.  Since clothes get passed down (the biggest advantage to having all boys) they don't leave our possession but they do get stored outside in our storage area if they are not currently being worn.  Shoes are the one thing I don't typically pass down, they usually look pretty bad after one owner.  My Big Sister also serves as our local Goodwill donation center.  If we are getting rid of something she will take it and find it a new home.  Yes, this constantly reminds me of the consumer mentality we Americans have but we like many are doing our best to reduce, reuse, recycle.

4.  CONTAINERS!  Plastic bins, baskets and space bags are my friend.  My kitchen drawers are full of baskets to keep items in their place.  Often used items are quickly accessible and not as often used items are well stored but easy to get to.  Storage space in every room of the house is used to the max with bins and shelves.

So those are my biggies.  What do you do?  I am constantly looking for suggestions.  I love little projects to make life easier.  I'm currently still working on our office/school/ laundry room to maximize the space and storage that we have.  This week we are getting a new desk (bought from some friends that are moving back to the States) so we can use the storage drawers of our current one but get rid of the extremely warped desk top.  I'm excited about getting it all straightened out.  Yes, I said excited.  It's the little things.

dinner

In my house it's the constant burning question of 'what's for dinner?'  It's forever on my mind.  I try to plan ahead and have a menu set so that I'm prepared to do my shopping and can plan ahead in other ways, making tortillas, having on hand sauce ingredients, etc.  But I am stuck in a rut.  I need ideas.  I know about 3 ways to cook beef, chicken and pork each and I've got to get some new things into the rotation.  

My boys eat just about anything.  So this is where I need your help.  As I've said before I have some limited resources to work with so I will end up adapting almost every recipe you send me, so don't be offended.  But I would love some of your easy family recipes.  Especially if you have a new and exciting way to cook rice and/or potatoes.  Rice especially.  We eat plain old white rice on a regular basis so if I'm making rice at home (cause in my opinion it goes better with some main dishes than something else) I would love a way to spice it up.  And for that matter are there any starchy sides out there that I'm missing?  Rice, potatoes and pasta are just about all there is in my house.

So this is a challenge.  I need EVERYONE that reads, lurkers included, to post a comment with a dish idea.  If your recipe is long email it to me.  Also, if it's good I don't mind it being slightly complicated.  Just think, if you all post something then we could all benefit.  I may even get inspired and post one of my own tried and true (yet boring) recipes.