Roller Coaster Ride Comes To An End.....Finally!

Since December, Michael and I have been praying (and stressing) about where the girls would go to school this fall. At that time it seemed like the doors to Heritage Christian School were closing for us. We briefly looked into North Bend Elementary in North Liberty. Somehow, we began looking into homeschooling. We started to research and pray and were looking forward to attending the homeschool conference in Des Moines in June. We thought this was where God was leading us. However, everything was happening SO quickly. Typically I love change but this pace was more than I thought I could handle.

On Thursday June 4th we went into Heritage to speak with the principal. At that time we figured we'd say our goodbyes and seek his counsel. We know he has helped other homeschool families in the past. As we walked through the doors, however, I just couldn't walk away. I've come to love HCS for the past 10 years. Not being able to send our girls there would crush me. It has been my passion as a former employee and now as a parent. However, if God was asking us to leave, I'd do it despite having a disappointed heart. I truly believe that he'd carry me through it.

We had our meeting with Mr. Annis and a miracle occurred! We quickly realized that with the money saved up, some money Michael's grandmother gave us and TWO surprise anonymous donations HCS was still a possibility. Michael and I looked at each other and we couldn't believe it. I immediately felt the weight lift off of my shoulders. Even though I'm becoming more passionate about homeschooling I need more time to process it all. I want to take time to study curriculum, learn about the girls' learning styles, and get my home in order.

We may still homeschool at some point but for now, we are thrilled to send our girls to HCS in the fall! Thank you to one and all who prayed for us during this roller coaster ride. I'm glad the ride is over...at least for now!

Recent conversations

Recently my girls have been cracking me up! The things they have come up with is just too funny sometimes.



Sick Day/Late night with Cristina
C - Mom if we were homeschooled what would we do if I was sick?
Me - Basically what we did today hon
C - You mean we'd lie on the couch, watch some TV and have no homework?
Me - Yep
C - Ohhhhh Sweeeeet! Yeah baby!!



To Homeschool Or Not -
Being the analytical mind that I am I've actually created a pros/cons list for homeschooling. The #1 item on the con list is "fear". My girls saw that and....
C - Why does it say fear? We're not afraid
Me - I know sweetie but I'm afraid. I'm afraid you won't like it. I'm afraid you'll miss your friends. But mostly I'm afraid I won't be a good teacher.
V - (rather surprised) But mom you are a good teacher everyday!


Getting ready for the Spring Concert
Me - (I bent down to pick up something and apparently my shirt is too big)
C - Mom that shirt is too big on you
V - Yeah mom I can see your girls!
Me - LOL my girls?
V - yeah that is what we call 'those' in front of the boys so we don't have to say the word!
Me - oh (LOL again!)

Go Ye Mighty Pumas!

Lately the girls have been involved in softball. We've been rained out for most of our practices but the girls are still learning a lot! I'm so grateful for their coaches, especially Brad Laures, who are so patient with them.

Victoria had an opportunity to be the Catcher. After getting all the gear on she took her position. She listened intently to the directions and managed to stay focused. She even caught a few but we hope next time she'll use her mitt!

Victoria loved touching home plate. She knew she scored a run for our team and was so excited. Even though nobody kept score it was great for her self-esteem.

Cristina had a few chances up at bat and was surprised when she hit the ball! She loved running to first. I was a bit surprised that she didn't get distracted while waiting for the next batter.

All in all they are having a great time which is the main reason we enrolled them in the league.

Go Ye Mighty Pumas!

Pure in Heart

A few weeks ago, Victoria and I had a chance to go to a Pure in Heart Conference. It is designed for mothers and daughters to come together. Plus one of their goals is for tweens to keep themselves pure before God. This isn't just referring to sexual purity but purity in all areas. Plus it is also about seeing yourself as a princess. After all, we are the King's daughters!

She and I had time together as we listened to great music, skits and teaching and then she had her own workshop to go to with girls her own age. Every time we got together again Victoria couldn't wait to tell me about the things she was learning. For myself, communication was one of my primary goals for the conference. She is growing up so fast and lately I've felt like I've been missing out on what is going on in her life. Ever since we have been back we've been able to share more and more.

She loved getting her picture taken with the 'princess' that was there. She laughed a lot of the silly picture we took together! Honestly, though, her favorite time was when we broke off from the group and had lunch together. She just wanted to be with me and that was PRICELESS!

Marine storms local home

Our dear friend Jon (aka Big Jon) came to visit a few weeks ago. He has faithfully served in the Marines. He's been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and has undergone some amazing things. Right now he is stateside but apparently will be sent overseas again in October. The girls know he is their hero. Not because of his military service but because he can carry both of them at once! He lets them climb all over him and tackle him. They adore him! I love the fact that he thought my cooking was great. He has obviously served for far too long! It is hard to imagine him in full marine gear protecting our country when I see him rolling on the floor with the girls.

When the girls were younger they would pray for him almost every night. The prayers were consistent "Dear God I hope Big Jon has fun with his friends at the war." "God, I pray it is a sunny day at the war" Those were the two prayers we said for almost a year. Jon later told us that parts of it were fun (considering the circumstances) and it was hotter than he ever imagined. So their simple prayers were answered! They can't wait for him to return for another visit.

The Sap Runneth Over

Almost every post has been about the girls. Well, today I wanted to take a moment to tell all of you about my wonderful husband. Over the last few weeks I've seen him grow in his relationship with the Lord. He has become more aware of the spiritual realm and what it means to lay down your life for Christ's sake. One of those areas has been clearly visible regarding our finances versus my STRONG desire to keep our girls are Heritage Christian School. Michael has really been seeking the face of God and wanting to do what is right. Unfortunately I have not been very supportive. At times I've silently whined and complained. At times I've LOUDLY whined and complained. Through it all Michael has always been available to listen to the cry of my heart. I can't imagine this has been an easy road for him.

I'm slowly realizing that my focus has been out of focus. Even though I continue to passionately love Heritage Christian School, I realize I need to seek God first. My passion for HCS runs deep and I doubt it will ever go way yet God is much bigger than where my kids go to school. He is much stronger than my lack of faith. He is in the center of my heart but I had really lost touch with that. My fear and lack of trust have really caused a lot of stress. There is still hope that our girls will be able to continue at HCS. Yet, today I have let go. I am really willing to trust God with what is most valuable to me...my heart! He isn't going to disappoint me. No matter the outcome He will continue to uphold me and our girls. In the meantime my deepest desire is to glorify Him and to lovingly submit to my husband.

I found this picture of Michael and I back in 1995. It reminded me of simple dreams and hope. When our love for one another was new and fresh. I had a hope of a future with him. Now as I look at that picture I know that those dreams and desires haven't diminished at all. They have grown stronger as the bonds of friendship, trust and love have grown with each passing year. I am not saying the path has been easy but each step has been worth it! Michael has supported and encouraged me through rough physical ailments, surgeries, and crazy emotional drama. I have never doubted his love for me! More importantly, though, he has shown me that no matter what happens God is always for me and NEVER against me. Knowing that brings great peace, comfort and tremendous joy!

IYCSWIS ;)

Bowling Frenzy & Fun!

For Cristina's birthday party we took the 1st grade class bowling. Michael and I naively thought that we could corral 16 kids. We were WRONG! We were so grateful for Stephen Boldt and Tayna Miller that stayed and helped out. I doubt Michael and I would've survived the "fun". Those are great kids but they have a lot more energy than we anticipated. It was so much fun though and it was worth the exhaustion. I've never seen kids laugh so much no matter what the score.

Sweet 7!

As Cristina turns 7 years old it is impossible not to look back and reflect. The tears easily flow as I'm flooded with memories. She finds it amusing that I cry so much as she is so busy celebrating. I can't celebrate without taking time to thank God. Cristina is my miracle baby! (Yes I know she isn't a baby. She is quite vocal with her reminders) I was told by a few doctors that I'd never get pregnant. I had what they called "unexplained infertility". It was a frustrating and heart crushing diagnosis. Ever since I was a kid my only goal in life was to be a mom. I didn't have high aspirations for a grand career. So, with one diagnosis I thought that dream was crushed! Yet God knew better!!!

I will never forget the day that I found out I was pregnant! My parents happened to be visiting from MD at the time. Michael and I were celebrating our 5 year anniversary. Victoria was 4 months old in our foster care. One night we went out to Bennigan's and the food smell was so foul to me I could barely sit through dinner. My father made a comment "Hmph! You are probably pregnant and don't even know it!" I just rolled my eyes as my heart felt another pin prick.

I decided to get a home pregnancy test which I would take the following morning. On Wednesday September 5, 2001 I woke up at about 3 am. The thought of taking yet another negative pregnancy test was haunting me. Angrily I got up! I decided I would take the test, it would be negative, I'd cry (again!) and then I'd go back to bed. Well for those of you that have taken a pregnancy test with a negative result all you do is wait and wait and wait. The color on the stick never changes. You keep hoping and hoping something will happen but it never changes. I was shocked when the color CHANGED! I almost dropped the stick. Then I fumbled around looking for the directions because I wasn't 100% sure what I was reading. It couldn't be positive, right? Did I dare have hope? Did I dare trust God? Would I allow my heart to be vulnerable like that or would I shrink back?

I don't remember much else of that morning. Somehow I made it to work at Heritage Christian School. As a school secretary I had a lot of paperwork and phone calls to answer. I doubt I was much help to anyone that morning. I was bouncing off of the walls! Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and I asked the school principal, Mike Peters, for the rest of the day off. I clearly remember sitting in Mike's office on the brink of tears. He asked me what was wrong and I blurted out "I took a home pregnancy test and I think I might be pregnant and I want to go to the doctor and blah blah blah" He took one look at me and smiled as he said "Go!" Oh and by the way I hadn't even told my husband yet! I had to rush over to the ObyGyn's office. I had to have a medical professional confirmed what I feared/hoped to believe!

Needless to say the doctor was able to confirm what my heart was so afraid to believe. I sat in this small room crying and crying. One of the nurses stayed with me as everyone nearby was shouting for joy. Nobody could believe what God had done. He had shown Himself mighty and strong on my behalf. I honestly had no idea how I got home.

Later that night I sat my parents and Michael on the couch to tell them the good news. Since it was our anniversary I had the idea to have the nurse wrap the pregnancy test with the positive result showing. As Michael unwrapped the gift I sat off to the side holding the video camera. I couldn't wait to hear the screaming for joy. It NEVER occurred to me that my parents would not have any idea what that 'stick' was for and that is why I never got the screaming reaction I wanted. Michael didn't scream because he was in complete shock! So, the video isn't too exciting but it is funny!

In the blink of an eye seven years have flown by me. Cristina is a smart, active, funny and creative girl. She amazes me every day. She can be stubborn and strong willed at times. She challenges me in the ways that I discipline and love. I've been told by my family that she is exactly like me and that is why we tend to butt heads a lot. Currently her favorite activities are basketball, soccer, puzzles, drawing, math drills, and reading. One of my favorite activities to do with her is when I lay in bed and she reads to me. She is very expressive and is learning to change voices with the various characters. I'm continuously amazed and so thankful for my little girl. NO matter how old she gets she will always be my baby!