1/3 Life Crisis Ramblings..

A few months ago, I made my way out to the family playground.  I hadn’t been there in months for two reasons: a. Kalyb didn’t come back to us until the end of November and b. My life from November – February included practicing from 5:30-7:30am, teaching from 7:30-4:00pm and attending some sort of game or practice until anywhere between 6pm and 9:30pm.  Come to find out, 9:30pm is not the most ideal time for a trip to the family playground in the winter months. 

So, when I did finally make it out to the playground, I was the new one out there.  Moms approached me wondering when we’d moved to campus (6 months ago) and introducing their children (we live on a Christian campus – most have about 3.2 children with 1 in the womb).  One conversation stuck out as a woman asked how old I was (gasp! 30!) and said that she had also just turned 30 and then wanted to talk about how awesome it was to be 30.  I’m not sure I’m there yet, as it still feels surreal.

What stuck out to me, though, was how in my mind I had created this woman to be so much older (she’s so put together and is absolutely beautiful), so much wiser (she’s married to a man with a prominent position on campus), so much more….grown up.  How did I become a 30 year old (step) Mama?  I mean, I can answer that: I fell in love with and married Josiah and got an amazing bonus with Kalyb.  But…30?  In my little girl mind, even 18 seemed so far-fetched.  30.  At 30, you had it all together.  You were established.  Focused.  Organized.  Grown up!

I attended another gathering that was full of 30-something young mothers.  I missed a call from a dear high school friend as I was there and had to grin as I thought of the stark differences between where I was and where the Lord has brought me.  15 years ago, I spent evenings at parks over-analyzing life and relationships.  I gallivanted all over ‘the valley’ meeting up with friends, hanging out, and having friends over to enjoy our ‘bomb shelter’ (pantry FULL of food that could’ve kept the entire neighborhood alive in case of any bomb threats).  We had family dinners and my sister was just a room away to go crawl in bed or to go wake up for our morning drives to school singing Christina Aguilara. In college, I spent late nights rummaging through the local Wal-Mart, hung out with my teammates and came home with random animals that I had no way of keeping, I thought I would be getting married to several different people.  I lost my best friend.  I went to Spain.  I student taught.  I graduated.  Just years ago, I was living in downtown San Diego with an amazing group of friends.  Working a job I came to love with people who were like family.  Spending my evenings at Bible Study, walking downtown, helping at the youth group, and praying for my husband hunt. 

And now here I am.  A 30 year old wife and mother, in love with Jesus and desperately trying to portray Him through my life, my marriage, my family, my home, my job, and my choices.  Trying to get a better understanding of my identity in Christ in regards to each of these roles that I play.  Feeling a little out of place in the process, a little challenged, a little uncomfortable, and a little frustrated at times.  But, I think those are good things.  In these 30 years under my belt, I haven’t felt too challenged, uncomfortable or frustrated.  So, Lord, bring on the growth!  The revelation and understanding.  I can feel it brewing and I’m so excited to be where He has me. 

Remembering Kisha…

In the past, I’ve allotted quite the amount of time to reflect, reminisce, and remember on this day.  No longer the case with an amazing husband and energetic 5 year-old.  However, I left Josiah on full daddy-duty this evening so I could be sure to get away to do some reflecting, remembering, and reminiscing.

Eight years.  That boggles my mind.  I think it goes without saying that 8 years leaves a lot of room for change.  Some things that come to mind that have occurred within the past 8 years: finished my basketball career at UNT, studied abroad in Spain, student taught, graduated from UNT, moved to Los Angeles, barely survived my first year of teaching, met an amazing group of friends through FCA camps, lived with my sister, was in my  Mom and Jim’s wedding, participated in several seasons of Water Buffalo, broke off a serious relationship, moved to San Diego, completed a discipleship program, lived at Casa Schneple, started teaching again, traveled, moved to Casa Camden, met Lynn at Marshall’s, met my would-be husband, fell in love with my step-son, moved to Texas, started yet another job, began coaching, watched my sister begin an active life of sobriety, etc.  Whew.  There’s been a lot of sadness in those eight years too: lost Kisha, had an interesting relationship in Spain marked by a lot of miscommunication, left my college friends and teammates in my move, endured my first year of teaching, encountered a reality check of life in Watts/South Central, watched students battle battles a teenager should never have to face, had some turmoil in those friendships, my sister and I left each other after over a year of living together, watched my sister actively  battle addiction, feared for my sister’s life countless times, lost my Gramps, my best friend lost her Dad, etc. 

What an adventure the Lord has us on.  One marked with change, life, death, growth, disappointment, excitement.  And one I pray to handle with joy, grace, gentleness, and seasoned with love, patience and peace.  Some days turn out better than others.  But the Truth remains.  I am not alone.

I think the most alone I’ve ever felt were in those weeks and months after Kisha’s death.  Cleaning out her room.  Reading through memories.  Glancing through photographs.  Realizing that I no longer had a person there that I had shared countless hours with.  We worked together.  Ate breakfast together.  Lunch.  Dinner.  Went to games together.  Participated in intramurals together.  Attended school together.  Visited family together.  There were a lot of things that once were mundane that became a source of sadness and emptiness. 

So beautiful to me that losing her happened on Good Friday of 2004.  A day marked with death.  With grief.  Loss.  It was symbolic to me.  I’ll always be thankful for the Harriman family for taking me in, loving me, comforting me.  Just letting me be.  I think of the people that loved and supported me during that time: my family, Kisha’s family, Lindsay, Kisha’s teammates, Andrea, Eagle Ambassador friendships, Ashley in LA, Trisha in Spain, too many to name really.  And the Lord proved Himself amazingly faithful in my life.  To comfort me when the pain left me in despair.  To encourage me when I didn’t see an end.  To speak to me in moments that I couldn’t feel anyone.

I’m not sure what else I can say that hasn’t already been said in years past.  With technology these days, blogs are easily found and rediscovered.  I’m just overcome with a sense of hope.  How sweet that the Lord would allow us to celebrate her life with confidence of where she is celebrating.  How sweet that the Lord let the regrets remain minimal.  How sweet that the Lord is my Comforter.  How interesting that the Lord knew that when Kisha entered this world that she would abruptly leave it exactly 21 years later.  I’m eating a little lemon loaf at Starbucks in memory of the day that would have been Kisha’s 29^th birthday – the day she would begin her 30^th year here.  Instead, she’s spent the last eight in the most incredible place one can imagine.  I love reading through Revelation and books like, ‘In Light of Eternity’ and just think about the things she’s been able to experience in Heaven – about the One she’s been able to spend her days consumed by: worshiping, loving, dancing, singing. 

One time a dear friend of mind (and an avid atheist) said to me, “I find it so interesting that so many Christians focus on the DEATH of Jesus on the CROSS.   Isn’t the remarkable thing that Jesus supposedly raised from the DEAD to give LIFE?  Isn’t that what Christians should be concentrating on?”  It was so humbling to me because I feel like on Easter, Christians do a great job of that – but is that a thought that penetrates our soul daily when we realize the VICTORY we have in the LIFE that came after the death and resurrection.  My mind is kind of spinning now, as I’m sure your eyes are if you’re trying to keep up with this…it’s just amazing to me that the Lord would choose to give life to Kisha on the same day he would choose to ETERNALLY give life to her 21 years later.  That the day, April 9^th, was  marked with excitement due to her birth then became seemingly marred by her death.  Let it not be so.  Let us celebrate her life.  Happy birthday, LaKisha Antinette Gentry.  You are deeply missed.

2011′s Post on Kisha: http://karskorner.wordpress.com/2011/04/13/7-years/

2010′s Post on Kisha: http://karskorner.wordpress.com/2010/04/09/another-year-gone-by/

2009′s Post on Kisha: http://karskorner.wordpress.com/2009/04/10/in-loving-memory/

2008′s Post on Kisha: http://karskorner.wordpress.com/2008/04/09/in-his-hands/

 

On the way here, “The Hurt & The Healer” was on….

 On the way home, “I Will Rise” played… (I can’t figure out how to post either in the blog as wordpress is not cooperating – yes, I realize this is more than likely user error…)

The Hurt & The Healer

Listen to this…

My 30th Birthday Weekend!

Seeing as my birthmonth has come and gone…it’s about time I write a weekend re-cap of my 30th birthday festivities.  Or I’ll forget.  Let’s be honest.

So, Thursday night I was planning to pick up my Mom from the airport.  For the previous two weeks, I’d been telling everyone that would listen that my sister had BETTER be surprising me as well.  I’d even looked up her school schedule online and noticed that we had the same spring break.  Come Thursday though, I’d chosen to believe there actually isn’t anyway that she would make it due to work and other demands.  I just didn’t want to be super disappointed.  So, there I was parking at DFW. I’d received a couple strange texts about late arrivals, etc. and now that I think about it, I still don’t know the whole story.  But, I had the chance to catch up with Mistie while I waited for their supposed late arrival.

Finally, I went in to find my Mom.  After greeting and hugging the amazing Mama, there popped my sister!  She’d been hiding around the corner and, of course, her appearance resulted in high-level squeaking/screaming/squacking sounds that I’m sure were a delight for other travelers to hear at 11pm.  HOW FUN!  We made it back home around midnight, set up sleeping arrangements, and hit the sack.

Friday, we were up early with a full day ahead.  My mom and sister joined me at work and got to see some of the craziness of the day.  Sister complained commented about the fact that I never stay in one place for more than one class period.  There’s lots of running around.  And I love it!  They got to meet all my kiddos and a lot of my friends and co-workers and we got to meet Kalyb for lunch.  Upon arriving a little earlier than usual, we interrupted the set-up of a surprise birthday party from the aforementioned friends/co-workers!  They were celebrating my big 3-0 and Kristin’s big 4-0 which was quickly approaching as well.  Mom and Sister went home for a few hours during lunch to grab a nap and I desperately wished I could join them.  They returned and we wrapped up the day and went to pick up Kalyb   He’d had a great day (as is becoming the norm around here for the most part, praise the Lord!) and we headed home.  Friday evening, we headed to uptown to eat some Mexican food and spend some more time together.  Mom and Becca took Kalyb to their hotel so that Josiah and I could have a night together which was awesome!  We don’t get too much alone time!

Saturday, we were up and at ‘em!  Sister woke up next to Kalyb and upon asking if he’d wet the bed, Kalyb immediately responded with, ‘I’m only answering that if there’s a washing machine and clean sheets.’  (Despite my adamant reminder to tell Kalyb to go to the bathroom IMMEDIATELY before bedtime, they took his simple ‘I don’t have to go’ as truth.  Not so with a 5 year old, not so.)  Anyways, we got a kick out of that.  Around 11am, we headed to Wal-Mart to collect some party goods.  Unfortunately, the keys also got inadvertently locked in the car at this time as well.  So we spent about 30 minutes waiting for AAA to arrive and come to our rescue.  And they did.  So we continued on. 

My hope was to have my birthday party at a park up at White Rock Lake.  Unfortunately, the rain/mud/wind/cold stopped this from happening.  Jessica Cowan, similar to AAA, swept in and saved the day!  She offered to host the little birthday gathering at their home.  A-MAZING!  The boys grilled and we had snacks to munch on and Jessica spoiled me with cake and cupcakes.  Really, what would we have done without her??  We played a game of Fishbowl (per norm), opened gifts (I didn’t know that still happened at 30!), and enjoyed a quiet afternoon in.  We wrapped up and headed to go see The Lorax at our $2.75 movie theater (plus a few dollars more for 3D – can you believe that?!).  What a cute movie!  On the way home, we stopped by the grocery store for some goodies and Josiah spoiled us with some salmon, asparagus and potatoes.  My favorite!  Saturday night was my night to head to the hotel with the girls.  Mom and I spent some time in the hot tub while Sister got her alone time and we had a great time.  What was not so great was losing that hour in the middle of the night.

Sunday we were up DARK and EARLY due to Daylight’s Savings.  We got ready and essentially searched the city of Dallas for a Starbucks.  REALLY?!  How were two non-existent, one was closed, and another inside a building that was closed?!  Unheard of.  We picked up the boys and stopped by a different Starbucks on the way to church.  Why I didn’t think of that ahead of time is beyond me.  Anyways, into church we went, Starbucks in hand and enjoyed a good message by a guest speaker.  Afterwards, we dropped the boys off and the girls went to play!  Okay, not really, but we went to get spoiled by massages and facials.  YES PLEASE!!  It was wonderful and kind of funny as Sister and I got a couples’ room.  Ha!  Afterwards, we were borderline about to pass out (thankfully we’d found some Girl Scouts and bought some cookies to hold us over) and were on the hunt for a yummy place to eat.  We ended up at the most random of places.  RANDOM.  I’m talking they served this tuna stack thing with a side of potato chips.  We had edamame.  Sweet potatoe fries.  Sushi.  It was quite amusing really.  And delicious! 

We headed back down south so that Josiah and I could make it to our Small Group meeting we have.  Mom dropped us off and then headed to drop Bec off at the airport :’-(  A short but sweet visit indeed!  After the drop-off, my mom returned and we wrapped up and headed home.  Monday was spent at the Dallas Zoo!  Most of it in line to park at the zoo, but nonetheless, we made it.  It was a BEAUTIFUL day and we were really impressed by the zoo!  Mom even spoiled us with an annual pass so that we can go throughout the year!  YAH!  (This in addition to the diamond earrings and bracelet, the party supplies, the meals, the massages, etc.  Can you say SPOILED?  I’m VERY appreciative though!)  We brought out lunch and had fun petting the giraffes, Mom and Kalyb rode a camel, and there were all sorts of other fun things to see.

Monday evening brought some stress as our plan was to leave by 6am the following morning and Josiah, Kalyb and I were then dropping my mom off at the airport and heading straight to Amarillo en route to Colorado Springs (that trip will be for my next post).  Thankfully, we survived.  Kalyb made it to Tae Kwon Do, we ran a bazillion errands and ended up back home to call it a night.

What a fabulous way to celebrate my 30^th!  We all know this hasn’t been the easiest of years between the move and the move.  Really, that’s about it.  But lots of stuff comes with that – new job, new friends (not having friends for awhile), new place, etc.  As we look back on this year, what an amazing journey the Lord has brought us on!  We’re so thankful for the people in our lives, our families, etc.  Continuing to stand in awe of how blessed we are.  Happy birthday to me!

30 for 30

With it being my 30^th birthday and all, I thought I should post a list of 30 random things on my mind/about me/etc.  I started one BEFORE I actually turned 30, but somehow between my actual birthday, over 1500 miles and spring break travels it has disappeared…so here we go.  I have 8 minutes left of my lunch break and intend on this being completed by then.  So this could become incredibly random and… well, a little desperate. 

1. The main reason I want to complete this is to mark it off of my list.  I love lists.  Anybody who knows me knows I love lists.  Friends in high school thought it’d be funny to steal my lists.  It wasn’t.
2. Speaking of love, I also love data and numbers.  Rumor has it I was compiling data at my 5^th birthday party regarding who won what games.
3. Speaking of games, I also LOVE Boggle.  There is also an app called ‘Scramble with friends’ which simulates Boggle.  Not quite as good as the real thing.  But good.
4. In the past seven years or so, there have been 9 new boys added to my family.  ALL of them are boys.  Every single one of them!  Gavin, Dizel, Xander, Chase, Drake, Bryce, Xavier, Felix and Kalyb.  Count ‘em.
5. There are several more babies that are going to be added to my family within the next year – the word’s not out on the sex of any of them.  But we’re hoping for a girl addition for our family at some point.
6. No, I’m not pregnant.  We would like to be at some point this year, but we’ll see what the Lord’s plan is.  I like my plan, but as it turns out, His plans always beat mine anyways.  Exceedingly abundantly.
7. I love Tetris.  Had to quit playing it cold turkey a few years ago as it was dominating every thought.  I couldn’t even have a conversation without picturing tetris pieces falling in front of whoever I was speaking with.
8. I love reading.  My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks.  I know, total cheese.  A good, clean escape.
9. During the other night at counseling (Kalyb has had so much transition in his life, we’re trying to give him some outlets), I overheard Kalyb’s transition.  Counselor was talking about school and Kalyb chimed in, ‘I’ve been waiting for the tooth fairy for SO long.  But Karolyn makes me brush my teeth EVERY SINGLE NIGHT.  My teeth are never going to fall out.’  HA!  I about fell out of my chair laughing.
10. Kalyb is probably the funniest kid I’ve met in my life.  And the thing I like most about not being biologically related to him (he’s my step-son, for those of you wondering) is that I can brag about him unabashedly and not be one of those moms.  So I’ll continue to brag.  And no guarantees I won’t become one of those moms anyways.
11. Apparently 30 is quite a list.  I’ve struggled through 10, but I’m committed to 30.  I’ll like to look back on this one day.  And, yes, my lunch period has come and gone. I’m extremely competitive.  It’s actually been pretty embarrassing the past two Thanksgivings.  We’ve spent them with my husband’s family and they weren’t full aware of my competitive nature.  They are now.  End of story.
12. My main goal in my blog is so that I don’t forget things.  It’s primary purpose is to serve me.  And, I’ve consulted it often when wondering what I’ve done at certain times.  Hopefully you’re amused in the process, but if not, that is a-ok.
13. This was the first year in about ten years that I didn’t write a Christmas letter.  So, if you didn’t get one, that’s why!   I can’t believe it.  It was on my list for months, but when I tried to write it, it just wasn’t flowing.   So I finally forgave myself and just let it go.
14. I love the randomness in which I met my husband.  What a fun story to pass down generations to come.  I can’t believe that the Lord would work it out for me to have this kind of story to share.
15. I believe the Lord has given me quite the stories to share – I just need to figure out the when, where, and the who to share them with.  I’ll just be obedient and see where He takes me!
16. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I like to do our budget.  I calms me.  Usually.  This month I miscalculated some things, so it actually stresses me out a little bit more.  But, I have seen our God provide in miraculous ways and we stand amazed…
17. Since committing to our GOOD (Get Out Of Debt) journey, we’ve been able to get out of about $34,000 of debt.  When looking at our finances from last year, this is nearly impossible.  We serve a Big God.
18. No, we don’t have any private jets, homes, or investments to speak of.  We were both unfaithful with our money and now we’re paying the price.  And now I’m passionate about living lives DEBT-FREE!
19. I wish I lived in a non-stop musical.  Life would be so fun if we just went around singing to each other through excitement, sadness, anger, etc.  I’m pretty sure  my students think I’m crazy.  I do spontaneously burst out in song.  Regularly.
20. I’ve had a student write an essay on how weird I am.  I chose to take that as a compliment.
21. I’ve had a book in which the author gave thanks to me (and others…but still).  That was pretty special.  A poem in there was even entitled, ‘how I see Karolyn’.
22. My coach wrote an inspiring book on losing her Mom and even included me in some of her chapters on loss.
23. My best friend was killed in a motorcycle accident almost 8 years ago.  I’d like to think that her life and unfortunate death have changed me for the better.  The Lord did quite the work in her life too.  Ask me sometime.  Or I’ll share it with you on her anniversary.
24. Because of this loss, I am pretty uncommitted to ‘things’.  This can be a little frustrating if you’re my husband and trying to keep things nice and neat and my response is, it’s just a thing.  He’s getting used to it.
25. I have an amazing husband.  Sometimes I focus on the negative and that gets us to a bad spot.  The reality is there is SO MUCH positive to speak of.  Last week, he came home from his lunch break to give me a neck massage.  He asks how he can help, he ALWAYS takes out the garbage WITHOUT being asked, he doesn’t mind my lists, he’s affirming, loving, growing, strong, etc.  I have a man who fears the Lord and I am BLESSED.
26. In the last few months, we’ve gotten involved with a home group at church and it has been absolutely amazing.  Most of you know that I usually have quite a few friends in my life, and that has not been the case since moving to Texas.  Now, we’re creating some awesome friendships with some awesome people who love an awesome Jesus!
27. I LOVE my job.  I can’t think of a morning that I’ve dreaded coming to work.  My kids are amazing and respectful and sweet.  They work hard (for the most part) and inspire me.
28. I think the ideal way to live is with someone mentoring you and you mentoring someone.  I have neither right now, but I remember a summer I had both and it was a sweet, sweet place. 
29. I cry at 98% of the episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.  Most of the time Josiah can’t figure out why I’d even be crying, but whew, that show gets me to the core.  I fondly remember times with Jojo and Homeless in Casa Schneple.
30. I’ve lived a pretty amazing life.  I’m humbled with all the Lord has done in and through me and am excited to see the next 30 years ahead of me.  May it be marked by grace, compassion, love, humility, gentleness, kindness, and joy.  May I be captivated by my Creator!

My Mom :-)

And not but five days behind my Dad comes my amazing Mom – who also turns the big 6-0 this year with a daughter turning 3-0 just a few months behind her! 

 

What a blessing my Mother has been in my life.  I never realized my mom was so amazing until I started comparing – let me explain: in my little world, it just seemed obvious that a Mom would do what my Mom did.  Unfortunately for many others, that is just not so.  My mom is so supportive – even with the phone call from her 11th grade daughter letting her know she was never going to play basketball again, her response was, ‘Karolyn, that’s fine.  Just come home.’  I know many parents that would’ve redirected or told me to suck it up or talk about how ungrateful I was that I’d been given the entire summer to play and now I just wanted to throw it away.  But she didn’t.  I’m sure she knew I’d play again once the fatigue passed, but it was so reassuring knowing I didn’t have to perform to be loved.

My mom made my lunch through my junior year of high school (my senior year I didn’t eat at school, or I’m sure she would’ve made it then too) – she did my laundry up until I left for college – and she came to every event I ever participated in.  I’m talking I had to request for her to NOT attend some things.  I never realized that some Moms didn’t do this until I was in college and had several teammates and friends whose moms had NEVER shown up to sporting events.  My heart broke for them and swelled with the amount of appreciation I had for my mom being one of my #1 supporters and encouragers. 

At times, my mom would cook four different variations of a meal just to appease all of the eaters at our home (I was always doing some strange diet, my mom has salt restrictions, my sister was vegetarian for parts of middle school and high school and I’m pretty sure my dad just wanted to be fed).  Not that this caretaking of hers allowed us to be lazy, I don’t want you to think that.  We still had stuff to take care of around our house, but my mom’s heart is a servant’s heart.  She serves and serves.  She cleaned and she cooked and she cheered and she loved and she listened and she did some more and then woke up and did it all over again.  And, now, here I am raising a family of my own and I realize that magnitude of what she did.  And please note she always had a full-time job while I was growing up.  I’m trying to make it all work in our little family and it’s challenging.  It’s tough.  And I’m so thankful I have an example where I have seen it done.  And done well.

As I’ve grown up and seen my Mom for more of who she is rather than just a parent in my life, I’ve also grown a greater appreciation for her as a person.  She’s shown me it’s never to late to change, to learn, to grow, to get better.  She’s been intentional about chasing her dreams – about finishing her Master’s, moving to California, marrying Jim, etc.  She’s been intentional in improving – in having difficult conversations, in forgiving, in asking for forgiveness.  I’ve been impressed by her example.  And I love our relationship.

It was the coolest thing to get to live with my sister as an adult and have my mom within driving distance.  We had our Wednesday girls nights and plenty of get togethers in between.  It was the greatest thing to be newly married and have my mom a drive away to meet up for dinner a few times a month (also a huge part in how I even became a newlywed!).  It was the perfect situation to be new to this parenting gig and having a mom live a drive away and so willing to love and invest in Kalyb’s life.  I miss the drive.  I miss having my mom close.  But, I’m so thankful for the mom that I have.  For the example that I have.  For the life she is living.  And the love that she gives. 

Happy Birthday, my sweet Mother!  I can’t wait to celebrate with you this weekend!!!  I LOVE YOU!

2011…

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

Parented.  Whew – that will show you your need for Jesus!

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I chose not to do resolutions last year and was quite satisfied and have chosen the same for this year.  I’d like to be intentional in all that I do and that about sums up my life motto for this season – so, it’s not really a resolution but a lifestyle I’m trying to incorporate.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

My cousin, Heather in early December to another little boy, Felix!  And, since I’m waiting so late to write this and it’s not just a 2011 update, my sister-in-law, Nichole had a little boy on January 4^th, Anthony.  So many boys in this family!!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My Grandpa passed away in March after a few weeks of illness.  So thankful that he didn’t suffer for long.  So thankful that I got to see him before he went.  So thankful for family that got to get together and celebrate his life twice.  And, most importantly, so thankful for the example he set.
5. What countries did you visit?

Good old US of A.  I believe we went to Mexico a few times for dental work for the Hubs, and that’s about it!  Although many Texans consider this place their own country, so we could go ahead and include Texas in that count!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Stability in where we live which shouldn’t be a problem – we don’t see any moves in 2012.  Well, perhaps LATE 2012 but it’d be within our complex, so that’s not quite a daunting.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

March 3^rd – the day my amazing Grandpa passed away.  July 17^th – the day we began our trek eastward.  November 19^th – the day I left to go pick up Kalyb in Germany.

8. What was your biggest achievement for the year?

Not too many achievements in 2011 – I was awarded ‘Support Teacher of the Year’ from King Chavez before I left which was really special.  And I think an achievement is becoming a better wife and (step) mother.  Also really thankful that I secured a job in Texas – one that I LOVE!  That’s an achievement, this day in age.

9. What was your biggest failure?

This gentle, encouraging, supportive wife thing is challenging for me – but so thankful that it draws me closer to Jesus and that I married a man so patient, forgiving, and loving with me.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Is homesickness an illness?  Sure missed my west coast family and friends a lot.  Still do.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Hmm…we’re trying to turn away from buying too much (thanks, Jesus courtesy of promptings by Dave Ramsey) – but I really like the things that my mom helped me buy to make our bathroom complete.  That and a $10 TV antennae – who knew I would miss a functioning TV that much?
12. Where did most of your money go?

Debt, debt and more debt.  Discouraging at times – but so encouraging that we see the light at the end of the tunnel!

13. What did you get really excited about?

Getting out of debt!  Coaching volleyball and basketball – I’m constantly amazed at how intense 7^th grade sports can get.  That and teaching Kalyb about Jesus – so amazing to watch his heart change!

14. What song will always remind you of 2011?

Nothing comes to mind…I prefer silence when I can get it.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
-Happier or sadder?

Sadder – away from family and friends, but slowly becoming happier

-Thinner or fatter?

Thinner for unbeknownst reasons.

-Richer or poorer?

Richer in love – and since we’re closer to being out of debt, richer in that sense too.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Nothing comes to mind here either…I was blessed with a very fulfilling 2011.

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Probably facebook.

18. How did you spend Christmas?

Two weeks of celebrating with all families: we started with just the three of us, went to AZ for time with Mom & Jim, Becca, and Dad and then we spent actual Christmas in Amarillo with Nichole & family and Lynn & Rudy before having a late Christmas with Randy & Mari.  We are blessed beyond measure.

19. What was your favorite TV program?

We’re gluttons for Grey’s.  That’s about all we watch really.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?

Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis, the new Nicholas Sparks one, Feathers from my Nest by Beth Moore.

21. What was your favorite music this year?

I always enjoy David Crowder and Jeremy Camp.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?

Surprisingly – Warrior.  I’m not a huge movie fan and that’s about all I can remember right now.  But, really, it was that good.  Go see it.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 29 (which for those of you mathmeticians out there, means I’ll be 30 in a few weeks) – my Mom and Jim took us up to LA for Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast, Josiah took me out to Sushi, and we had a fun party at our house to wrap things up that weekend.  So fun J

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Being with Jesus.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?

Hmm…I wouldn’t say I have much of a concept of fashion.  Comfortable.  And sometimes cute when I have the time.

26. What kept you sane?

JESUS!  The prayers of the righteous.  A husband who laughs with me.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

It’s important to be secure in your convictions with Biblical support because there are many people even in the body who have differing opinions.  And although it can be challenging, we are called to help create unity whenver we can – using God’s Word as our Source.