random happenings

The past couple of days have been full of fun interesting people!  On Monday night we had our first summer reading group meeting with the youth.  We are having everyone over to our house every Monday night from 6 -8pm to read through the book Adventures in Missing the Point by Brian Mclaren and Tony Campolo. It was nice sitting around the living room reading aloud and listening to the questions from the youth. I must say that we have been blessed with some intelligent individuals. They ask the BEST questions and they seem to be VERY interested in learning more about their faith.  Each time I am with them they amaze me with their interest and sincere desire to grow deeper in their faith.  They truly want to make it their own.

On Tuesday night we all met at the church for the oh so lovely lock-n.  We had about 20 people there.  I think.  I should have counted.  At first it was only going to be Roger and I chaperoning but after discovering that a lot of the kids invited a LOT of friends we called Emily C, a lovely girl that we go to seminary with who also happens to be a youth minister, and asked at the last minute if she could help.  She came over on such short notice and stayed all night even though she had to work the next morning. I must say that that had to be one of the nicest things anyone has done for us. It was also nice getting the opportunity to get to know her a little better.

The lock-n went pretty well.  We had a few little issues but what lock-n doesn't. Paul and Anna had a BLAST.  Yes, we took the kids. Our family doesn't live near us and I could not really think of anyone to ask to keep them over night so we drug the baby bed from the nursery into Roger's office for Anna and told Paul we were camping out at the church. He had a great time hanging out with the youth until he finally decided it was time to climb into his sleeping bag for the night. I slept on the couch in Roger's office beside the kids and had a lovely time snoozing in between checking on the loud noises in the room above me and making my rounds through the church to check on the status of everyone.  I found some of the girls sitting in the girls bathroom with the lights off talking when I went in to pee. I started laughing at them and opted to find another bathroom to pee in.  I guess it was a good idea to sit there. The ladies bathroom has a nice little sitting area with couches and as long as they were in their the boys couldn't bother them. I'm glad that they got the opportunity to sit up with each other all night in the bathroom talking girl talk.  That is true bonding!!!!  I remember those days. :)

Wednesday morning was miserable. I was soooooo tired, Roger was soooooo tired and Paul and Anna were NOT. i finally broke down after feeding them breakfast and cleaning the kitchen.  I climbed into bed and said "Sorry Roger. I can't feel my heart beating. I think I am going to die. My heart is worn out. There is no way I'm going to be able to........."  And then I feel asleep.  Roger took care of the kids the rest of the day. I finally got up around 3pm and took a shower.  Then I felt a lot better.

Later Wednesday afternoon we walked to our neighbor's house next door and enjoyed some yummy watermelon while the kids swam in the kiddy pool.  We also got to meet the neighbor that lives behind us!!!  Then we came back home, I went for a little bike ride and Roger put Anna to bed. When I got back Paul and I stayed up late catching lighting bugs!  Our neighbor even joined in on the fun.  He was sitting outside on his porch when paul and I ran around the corner trying to catch one. He smiled and joined us.  

This morning I got up around 6:30 and went for a 3 mile hike through the farm.  The grass was wet, my feet got very wet but it was very refreshing to be up so early taking in the fresh air and feeling the dew all over my feet. This afternoon we met a few of the stay-at-home moms at the church for a picnic on the playground. It started to storm so we ended up taking the fun inside. So, we're going to try again next week and pray that it doesn't rain.  The last two times it has.  But the kids don't really seem to care.  

This afternoon I am going back to the church to partake in the ladies sewing circle. I'm awful tired but the sewing circle only takes place once a month at the most so I can't really miss. I'll just crash when I get home and plan absolutely nothing for this weekend. I'm just going to lay around and read.  Well, I guess if Paul and Anna let me. I'm reading a great book by lisa Samson, "Embrace Me."  Thus far I have to say she is a good writer.  The story is very interesting!!! 

   

Mr Grouch

I am tired, my leg muscles are burning and I am in a down right bad mood.  Im hoping this blog thing will help to put me in a more jolly way so that I can go to sleep not so angry.  What am I angry about?  Absolutely nothing. Nothing really.  My body is just plum worn out and I don't think I can walk up the stairs one more time caring Anna kicking and screaming.  The child is getting massive. I've not been able to go to the gym in over a week because by the time Roger gets home my muscles are throbbing from cleaning, picking up Anna non stop, carrying Paul's toys here or there, pushing the kids to and from the park (paul is 35Ibs and Anna is 22Ibs...that's a lot of weight to push up a massive hill).  I am worn out.

This afternoon we rushed to eat dinner so we could take Paul to the library to see Silly Safarie Steve.  He is a Zoo dude with animals and he adds a bit of comedy into explaining the creatures.  It was rather funny. Paul thought it was down right HILARIOUS.  The child laughed really hard.  At the end we were able to pet the baby Alligator, rabbit and massive toad.  He was in awe.  Yet again, I'm my child's hero "my mom took me to see animals at the library."  We walked to and from the library so that added on to the already "they are freakin' killing me" legs.   I just couldn't justify putting toxic vapor in the air just because my legs hurt.  so, I sucked it up and walked with the kids in tow.

when we got home we watered the plants, let the kids play in the pool until bath time/bed time and then I took a hot bath in my hot bathroom.  We have yet to turn the air on. We're trying to hold out. We open the windows in the early morning then shut them around 9am.  At night before bed we put fans in all the windows upstairs and air the place out.  It gets it rather cool.  Bearable. i still have to sleep a bit on the naked side.  But hey, less energy used makes for a happier earth.  Plus it's fun to see how long we can go on suffering.  I guess it is a sadistic game. But your body does get used to the weather change. And I like to keep in mind those in this town who actually don't choose to suffer but truly have no air conditioning.  Like our neighbors down the road.  I guess that's why we all sit outside when it cools off at night.  It is cooler outside than it is in our houses.  It makes me think that air conditioning and TV have killed the sense of community. You were forced out of your house by heat and boredom.  Heck, that's why we do front porch sittin'

Anyway, Roger is at the grocery store while I lay here in bed with a restless mind. I'm tired but haven't been able to sleep real well lately.  the heat??  maybe.  But I'm almost certain I am having heart palpitations at night again.  big oh that sucks.  I have these vivid dreams of being chased.  That something or someone is after me.  I feel like I am in a deep sleep but when I wake up I feel like I have not rested at all and have been chased all night.  The same feeling I had before getting the pacemaker and the medicine.  So, I guess here we go again.  I wonder if it has anything to do with my  second lead not functioning and being turned off or the fact that it is getting closer to the time for me to get my pacemaker replaced.  I have an appointment in July but I'll be out of the state so I have to reschedule.  Anyone who has had to see a cardiologist knows that if you have an appointment you don't reschedule but alas that is my only option.   

The kids are in bed, roger is doing a late night shopping expedition (when else do you shop) and I am laying in the bed with the fan in the window blowing on me.  It is peaceful and I am no longer in a Mr. grouch mood.  However, I feel the urge to eat ice cream with peanut butter until I feel like vomiting, taking some benadryl and becoming zombiefide to the movie When Harry Met Sally.  Don't worry, I will not partake in the above. 

    

I do need to mention what a wonderful husband I have.  This morning before work he cleaned the kitchen, straightened up the house and even made the bed. For his lunch break he met us at the church park and we partook in the classic peanut butter and jelly followed by an apple and a crazy game of Peter Pan "I'm peter, your captian hook, mom's Windy and Anna is tinker bell."  And the fact that after working hard all day he walked to the library with us, got Anna cleaned and ready for bed  and has rushed to the store for food is AMAZING.  He is the best and I am madly in love with him.  Even when I am Mr. grouch.

Roger and I when we were little. I'm the one on the left with the head band and my friend Kim is on the right.  Roger was trying to make a funny face.

Roger and I our sophomore year of college. We started officially dating Novemeber 27, 1999 and got the opportunity to go to college together after our 2002 graduation from HS.  I had just gotten into a shaving cream and flour/water war.

On May 15, 2004 we took vows and exchanged rings!!!  Best friends deciding to be best friends forever.  We continued going to college, living on campus and had a blast being roomies.  We would see each other on campus walking to class, give a high five and say "hey roomie."  

On July 25, 2005 we welcomed Paul Calvin into the world.  We had a blast having him as the campus baby.  He went to class with us, played on a blanket in the library while we studied and made for a fun break from writing papers.

On May 21, 2008 we welcomed our second precious baby Anna Catherine into our fun filled circle. I was on bed rest with her for 3 months and the finally had to take her by c-section because in the middle of the night her heart rate was undetectable.  turns out the cord was wrapped around here neck. it was a blessing in disguise that I was in the hospital on bed rest.  I would have lost our precious baby.

Now we own a home together, go to seminary together and enjoy laughing together.  Funny when I think about the first time I met him in fourth grade.  He is a great guy and I am super blessed to have him and his crazy personality. 

Summer Day Lilies

We've had an excellent uplifting weekend. We dropped the kids off at our parents house on Thursday and have spent the weekend meeting new people and joking around with old friends. It's been great.

On Friday we all met at Al's bar and enjoyed some good music and yummy bison burgers. Our friends Amanda and Justin found this group called the Seedy Seeds (check them out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az-JA89uW6U )and then found out they were going to be at a favorite bar of ours that just so happens to be within walking distance of their house.  YAY "We MUST go!!!   It is CRUCIAL" 

After the show we all went back to Theresa's house. A girl that I have just recently met and become friends with. She frequents the house church that Amanda and Justin attend. YAY for meeting new people that are COOL!!!!!!! We all sat around, stood around, laughing at random things until we decided "hey, let's play Scatagories."  And so we did.  Hilarious!!!  I must say Justin and Roger have rather weird thoughts.  I also must say how refreshing it was to be around people who are relaxed, enjoying life and not to wrapped up in the business of life. I just get so tired of the conversation of "how are you all today??"  "Oh, busy."  

This morning Roger and I enjoyed sleeping in!!!  YAY slept in until 9:30!!!  HOLLLER  Then we took a long bike ride down near the railroad tracks. It was nice being out together enjoying the beautiful weather and the town. We rode down to the farmers market and bought WAY to many onions.  They laughed at how funny my backpack looked with onion stems sticking out the top. "hey gotta support the locals"

After the bike ride we headed for college park and attempted to play tennis.  It was rather hilarious. "Ok, here's the plan. Lets try to hit it back and forth 5 times."  We never got to the goal but we had fun trying. We also had fun picking up the balls after the game. It felt like easter all over again. "I know it landed over here somewhere."

Showers, a quick lunch and a few words spoken on the back porch and we found our selves headed  to the city. We found, well, we asked Justin and Amanda and they led us to a nice little coffee shop were we enjoyed sipping tea/coffee, reading will and lisa samson/studying Greek, and talking about social justice issues that have been plaguing our minds. When the coffee shop felt as if it was closing in on us we took a walk around the university's campus and day dreamed about going to grad school together. I for my marriage and family degree and roger for his church history.  Oh, I sure hope we get in to the school we want or well, I guess we'll just keep trying until we do. Or we'll just burn the place down.

This evening we met up with Justin and Amanda yet again and attended a block party on, yes you guessed it, their block. YAY for meeting people....AGAIN!!!  It was great. I was able to get so many ideas about how to go about throwing a block party. We plan on doing that here on our little block. YAY for meeting your neighbors!!!!  YAY for no garage doors!!!!!!  YAY for front porches!!!!!!   YAY for nice weather!!!!!!   

Tomorrow a lot of people are getting together early in the morning for a bike ride through the country.  I want to go so bad that I could, well, go. But I feel that I shouldn't skip my church. We're trying to build community here so I can't keep running off to a community that has already been established.  sadness.  But I sure am glad that those wonderful people are their for support.  There have been many a time that I have said "Rog lets sell the house and move to the city near friends.  I can't stand this any more."  But I truly feel like we are here for some reason.  There's always a reason.  It's not always the easiest thing but there is always a reason.  So, here we are.  In a town where we know few and can't seem to find like minded people.  However, I do have hope that they are out there and I shall be on a quest to find them!!!  Or I''ll just convert my neighbors!!! HA HA sneaky!!!    And I'll take frequent trips into the city for support.  After all we went 5 years driving 45 min to and from work.  20 min is a piece of cake!!! 

growing a community garden

Summer is officially here and the summer reading group at the library is completely NUTTTTTS. During the school year they just have the regular reading times but during the summer they go all out and have some sort of AWESOME activity each day and the best part......YOU CAN WIN THESE AWESOME PRIZES. It is wild how many people showed up today to make these iron on t-shirts. over 100 people. Who knows how many people will show up for Safari Steve or Origami night or when the Lexington Children's Theatre performs for free.  AAAAHHHH  

I was a little taken back this morning and tempted to haul tail outta there but I stayed. Mainly because we walked all the way there mies well sit back and enjoy the crowd. It was pretty cool. The kids were handed a page to color whatever they wished and then that was ironed onto a t-shirt for them. So, Paul has a shirt with his art work on it!!!!  Pretty neat.

After the library I took Paul to a play group that I was just recently asked to be a part of. We were both excited. They were some of the kids that were in his preschool class and their parents. It was nice sitting in the gym (it was raining out so we couldn't go to the park) watching the kids ride bikes, play basketball, attempt to hulahup and chase each other around while talking with my fellow stay at home mommers!!  YAY!!  Paul was super excited to see his little friends from class. He had been missing them. And I was super excited to be around stay at home moms that aren't super wild and crazy. You know what I mean. The "I only talk to your baby and ignore the fact that you are there" kind.

I am happy to announce that we are slowly starting to meet people around town. It helps being so close to down town. You wouldn't believe how many people we have met just walking to and from places. It's great! A book that I just recently finished reading "New Monasticism"by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove explained it this way.  Making community is like growing a garden. It takes time and effort. You don't just go out there and sprinkle seeds and automatically have a tomato to eat. You have to work the earth, plant the seed, water the seed continuously, tie up the plant and then wait.  One day you'll walk out and there will be a beautiful red tomato for you to enjoy.   So, now that we have worked the earth (moved downtown and became involved in several activities) we are now planting the seeds (starting friendships). It will take a while for the tomato to appear but I am willing to put forth the effort to grow this community!

God sends a gutter fixer man

We just got finished with our first maintenance project on our new (old) house. After moving into the place we noticed that the front gutter over the porch wasn't draining well. So, we thought, "Hey we need to get the gutters cleaned."  Months later we noticed that it was collecting so much water that it was binding and pulling away from the house, "Hey, we need to get that gutter fixed."  Months later.  "Roger, call someone to fix that gutter."  Several weeks later.  "I called someone he should be over this afternoon to give an estaminet."  The next day "Well, I guess the guy never showed up. Now what do we do??"   So, we did the only thing that we knew to do......we prayed and had faith.  The next thing I am about to tell you will put you i awe.

I was sitting on the couch early Saturday afternoon relaxing before a friends wedding and praying silently about the gutter situation when I heard a knock on the door. A man was standing outside. Normally I wouldn't answer the door when Roger isn't home but for some reason I was like "Jess, you gotta get over the irrational fears." So I answered the door. "Mam, would you mind if I bought some water off of you. I am cleaning out the gutters at your neighbor's and he doesn't have a spout on this side of the house?"  I immediately jumped on the gun and said "hold on.  you clean gutters?  Do you fix gutters too?!?"  he replied with a smile "yes, mam I do."  I then asked who he worked for and he said for himself.  YAY a local guy!!!  So, I asked how much and when and he said he could do it just as soon as he finished our neighbor's house. "I'm over here I mise well do it today."      

He ended up having to come back today, tuesday, to finish up because while he was cleaning and fixing our gutters he noticed that the wood behind the gutter that wasn't draining well was pretty rotten and REALLY needed to be replaced.  I must say that I wasn't shocked about that. From way it was sagging it looked at if the previous owner hadn't fixed it in a while. But I am shocked that our house inspector that we hired before we bought the house didn't catch that. It kinda makes me mad.  REALLY mad.  We could have had the previous owner fix that.

So, the moral of the story. Don't worry. Have faith. Pray. And God will have the gutter fixer man knocking on your door. This is why Roger and I try not to worry about situations. In the end they typically work out!

simplicity

A song by one of my favorite bands, The Weepies.  The Simple Life.  It is pretty much our anthem. 

Can i get up in the morning

Put the kettle on
Make us some coffee, say "hey" to the sun...
Is it enough to write a song and sing it to the birds?
They'd hear just the tune
Not understand my love for words
But you would hear me and know

I want only this, I want to live
I want to live a simple life.

I dreamed you first
But not so real
And everyday since I've found you
Such moments we steal
Like little thieves, we rub our hands
We hold our hearts between them.
But will you hear me and know?

I want only this, I want to live
I want to live a simple life.

Move on, move on
Time is accelerating.
Drive on all night
Traffic lights and one-ways.
Move on, move on
Parking violations waiting
Turn off the car, breathe the air
Let's stay here.

I'll kiss you awake, and we'll have time
To know our neighbors all by name
And every star at night.
We'll weave our days together like waves
And particles of light.

I want only this, I want to live
I want to live a simple life.

tempted to pick the wildflowers

Today  I was trying my best to have dinner done before Roger got home from work. I wanted to be able to enjoy the night by crashing together so I wanted to get the whole eating/cleaning up process finished early.  When you have two kids the eating/cleaning up processes never seems to end.  While I was in the middle of loading the dishwasher I heard a scream and laughter followed. "Mom, Anna is playing in the toilet."  I ran into the bathroom to find Anna giggling, her arm all the way in the toilet like she was reaching for a long lost toy in the hole, and Paul standing there pants down holding his little one.  "Oh man."  I couldn't help but laugh and say "ha ha Anna is playing in the toilet."  Then I realized I was the Mother in the scenario and should take action fast since Anna was lifting her foot up as if she had decided to crawl on in.  

After cleaning up the drama I had no time left before Roger got home from work.  Too bad.  Sad face. He ended up watching the kids while I attempted to make dinner.  I finally gave up when after chopping up fresh produce for 20 min that I had forgotten to chop up the onion.  That's when he stepped in to finish while I wrangled the crazies.

Eating dinner has become a challenge. Anna is constantly crawling under the table to get stuck, scream for help and proceed again into the unknown.  Paul is always in need of more of this more of that or I HATE this meal mode.  Roger and I are always starting conversations that end in "I was trying to tell you're Dad something. Oh, well, I guess we'll talk when they go to bed." I yearn to sit with a meal, not rushed, not getting up every five seconds. Just slowly eating with a glass of white wine. 

After dinner I needed to get the heck away from Anna.  I'm just being truthful.  She was driving me nuts. I went for a 3 mile hike through a farm that has been opened up to the public to walk on. It was relaxing (what the hell am I saying my legs are killing me) and revived my soul. I enjoyed listening to the crickets, observing the big puffy marshmallows in the sky, taking deep breaths of honeysuckle and talking myself out of picking the beautiful wildflowers that lined the path.

When I got home Roger, Paul and I sat on the front porch swing (after I washed up and put on my PJ's) and read a Homily aloud that a Monk had written at Gesthemani. The last two days we have done this before bed and both find it relaxing. I guess it is kinda like our family complines. I enjoy reading out loud. It makes me feel like we are all sharing in the experience of being transformed. It makes for good conversation and personal meditation as well. I can see how one can become addicted to reading homilies. I feel as if that is the road that we are on. I must admit that I am enjoying the road and hope we continue on it. 

Now, off to bed so that if the Lord pleases I will be blessed to enjoy another beautiful day. But maybe tomorrow I will go ahead and pick the darn wildflowers.  Man, they are just beautiful!!!