Thursday, April 29

How Does This Happen?











I was telling a wonderful family friend tonight at dinner that once this much time passes between posts, it's so hard to write something again because I start thinking about it and there's just absolutely too much to say, so I don't even know where to start! And I concluded that I just need to do it and start with the current. SO, here I sit at just after 11:00 trying to put into practice what I know to be true.
This has been a wonderful and challenging couple of months. God's Truth is so simple yet so profound. I may or may not share with you at a later date what He's been saying--when it's not closing in on midnight. For another month, I am tutoring math (go figure!) 2 afternoons a week at an inner city elementary school. Its great pay and a challenging yet good chance to connect with four 3rd and 4th graders. Karl continues to work at a custom wood factory, though his job has changed. He is working less hours which is good for family time, but bad for the budget. God continues to provide. It's completely and totally miraculous really. We are still in our house. We are still seeking Him for the next step. We are trying to focus on living as believers TODAY. This is challenging many moments and easy others....or atleast less challenging in others.
As you can see from the pictures, my sister Alyssa got married last month. She was the most beautiful bride. Alyssa's new husband has won all of our hearts. We couldn't be more happy for them. I have told several people it was the most perfect weekend--intimate, beautiful, priceless.
We have been enjoying the weather as it leaps back and forth between the 40s and 70s. Ahhh, spring in the Midwest. It has felt so wonderful to get outside more. I have actually been running again (another miracle).
After watching Food Inc. on PBS, we have made the decision to only buy our meat from a local farmer (or my uncle one state over), thus ensuring in this season of life, we will be mostly vegetarian. Luckily, we have about a month's worth of meat in our freezer that I will NOT be purging. In the meantime, I am researching a lot about vegetarian life/recipes. I think I currently have 3 books on hold at the library (must pay down that fine and find that Magic Tree House tape series) and am recombing the Mennonite Central Committee cookbooks (More with Less, Extending the Table, and Simply in Season) so that I can plan out a month's worth of meals.
For the first time ever, I feel like we are a "sports family." Kole chose soccer while Braden chose baseball. What a schedule! We are still reeling to try to figure out how to work in family dinner around these practices and games. I'm not ready to give up that rare and precious time. When school's done in a month, it will probably get easier (we'll just eat after), but right now I'm just baffled with how to make it work. Any great suggestions? I'm open and very new at this.
Well, that's a start to re-entering bloggy land. I feel like "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow" should be sung with vigor right about now. Too bad I'm the only one up!

10 comments:

Melissa Juvinall said...

We love you and miss you, my friend!! What a beautiful family!!

Jolene Shrock said...

Yes! please get back into my life LOL

Britney said...

For she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow
For she's a jolly good fellow (hold then)(pause), which nobody can deny
Which nobody can deny, which nobody can deny
For she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow
For she's a jolly good fellow (hold then)(pause), which nobody can deny!

Britney said...

I love reading your blog, Danielle. I'm glad you're able to share snippets of life on it, even if the posts are separated by bigger chunks of time.

RYC: I am excited about transferring to MHS, but I would prefer to be in Haiti next year. I am in communications with both Jeff Clay and the missionaries in Haiti about going for a year. There are a lot of things that have to happen so I could leave in August, I'm confident God will take care of the details if he wants me there.

jill coen said...

I think we're on the same blogging schedule! :) So good to "see" ya'll!! Still wish we were neighbors or something. :)

jeny said...

I'm up and I'm singing! It's good to catch up with you if only in blog land.
I have absolutely (that's the second time I've used that word in the last five minutes) no good advise to give about workin' it all in. Very thankfully I'm not there yet! I know you'll do it though, it may just take some time to get into a good rhythm.

Carpenters said...

It's so good to see all the pictures of your beautiful family. So glad to hear that you are doing well. A very full life is good. Thanks for sharing.

Ruth P. said...

Thanks for the posting Danielle!!! It was sooo great to be with you and the family last week! Made us miss you and Indiana all the more:(

Jeremy said...

Selah turned girl from baby just like that. I don't like it because I know what that means for Lila. Keep doin' what your doin. Thinking and praying for you 2000 miles away.

krissilugbill said...

It was fun reading your blog Danielle! Selah has grown so quickly along with your three little rascal's :) It was nice to hear the run down of what's going on with you all! I have heard that Food, inc. movie is a life changer...I think cuting down on meat sounds like a great idea :) it's pretty gross if you ask me,bla...after baby number two is done nursing its back to veg I go. As for planning dinner time, I can see how that will be hard with the activities and I have no experience or advise, but I know you will find a way, and when you do, please remember to tell me in a few years! we love you so much and can't wait till the next time we are with you again!!

Love Krissi and Lila Mae