Today

Today started out to be a time for Ansley and I to go for a walk & take pics. Last night she said "I need to tell you something. Can we spend some time together tomorrow?" That warms my heart and humbles me at the same time. You see, we are together all the time! We are in a new place, in the snow, without a car or anyone we know well enough to babysit! But I know what she means- undivided attention. Well, making a long story short, we decided to all go out because it was raining and hardly anything was open because its a bank holiday and she really wasn't sold on going out but I had to get out of the house!! But they had our undivided attention and we had theirs with no competition from Wii or TV, so it was good. Here's pics of our explorations...





This old church had a great old cemetery (too many pics to post). But when we left, Ansley said "That was a really old place, with dead people and snow." That does make it sound more interesting...



Culcheth's Linear Park has a nature trail that took us back home! It was awesome!

My Observations Over the Past 4 Weeks

Well, tomorrow will mark 4 weeks since we moved to Culcheth. Time has flown by! The children will start school in a week and we all have mixed emotions about that. A little nervous, but I also know it is the best thing for everyone. It will allow them to make friends, get involved in activities and have some structure.

We have all been stuck in the house together these four weeks and it has taken its toll. We don't have a car yet, not that we could drive much anyway with snow and ice on the ground for almost 4 solid weeks! (The temps got above freezing today and the snow started to melt away. I'm very glad!! Its pretty to look at, but no fun to walk in!) I am really looking forward to getting a car so we can go explore other places in this beautiful country! (Or just go to the store and get stuff when we need it- I'm just sayin') What I want to do is go to different villages, take pics and blog about them. That's the new hobby I plan to have.

Slowly progressing is setting up our home. I really like our house and our neighborhood. Our next door neighbors have children the same age as Cullen & Ansley- boy and girl. The girl will be in Ansley's class, so I am really hoping for good friendships there. They are scarcely seen, so we have yet to play with them, although we built snowmen alongside them last weekend. Hopefully when the snow melts, they will come out and play.

I have had fun at the grocery store, decoding items. I read all the labels to see what things are, because i learned that just because it has the same name does not mean it tastes the same! For instance, here Old El Paso taco seasoning DOES NOT taste like taco seasoning. But, I can use chili seasoning and it does taste like taco seasoning. Ranch dressing...not so much! It says it, but its not IT. The other day I was at the store, looking at an apple pie, reading the label very closely. I felt a lady beside me, just watching me and I could tell she was wondering why I was so intently looking at it, as if I've never seen an apple pie before.

I'm getting used to standing out, looking and sounding different. (As used to it as I can get, you must know I hate to stand out) This is a small village, and word is getting around that Americans have moved in. I find it funny that on two different occasions, people have asked Trace if he's from Australia. I try to listen to hear what our accents must sound like to them.

This is a lovely place. The people are very sweet. Ansley said tonight "Are there any bullies here? I bet not, because this is a sweet place." We have been overwhelmed with love from our new church family- but that's a blog for another day...

What To Do Before the Holiday Craziness Begins...

These last few weeks have been crazy-visas, packing, finding a home in Culcheth, living around boxes...Did I mention boxes?





So, now that all is packed, visa info is sent off, and house is held I can breathe a little. And I sit and think, "what else do I need to do in these last 4 weeks before we move across the pond?" CHRISTMAS CARDS! I do not want to think about that once I'm there! I've just gotten good at Christmas cards the last couple of years-because I can't resist cool designs and my children's pictures on printed paper. Shutterfly is mostly what I use for my prints, photobooks, cards and even website to share photos, so they are awesome. So, I'm browsing and I thought I'd show you some of my favorites:









Well, now that's figured out, what do I give for Christmas gifts? *SPOILER ALERT-hope our parents aren't reading this post* Maybe a calendar for the grandparents, since they won't see their babies next year...


(Shutterfly has offered to give me 50 free cards for blogging. Cha-ching! But let it be known, Shutterfly has awesome quality and I would use them again anyway, even if this wasn't an offer. But I am a missionary, and frugal is the name of the game!)

If you blog, you should do the same...Calling all bloggers! You can receive 50 free greeting cards from Shutterfly http://bit.ly/sfly2010

By Hand Boutique

I am super excited about the By Hand Boutique! Its a way to support local artists (some of which are my very talented, personal friends) and give some one-of-a-kind gifts. I even found an inspiration for decorating my living room from one painting. Love it!

Here's the details:
By Hand Boutique- A Market of Homespun Goods

Place: Community Presbyterian Church

Time: Friday, Nov. 12 7-9pm
Saturday, Nov. 13 9am-4pm

The blog features different artists and samples of what they create, so check it out!

Come out and bring some friends!

"Remember this: you have the privilege of passing on to young hearts a knowledge of the very character of God, and that, ladies, is worth getting totally exhausted for." -Jani Ortlund.

I took this quote from a friend's facebook status to post here, because I cannot stop thinking about it. Sometimes I think about it too late, once I've already condemned my child or was easily frustrated. But it moves me to apologize.
I have been meditating on it the last couple of days. This thought motivates me when its just easier to say "No' because I don't want to play that game or I'm tempted to let that bad behavior slide.
Praise the Lord that He gently guides us and teaches us, without condemnation. May I be able to show this example.

Randomness and Bargains

Random thoughts:

1. Three times this week I have caught myself about to turn on the sink and submerge my hand in water while drying my hair! Its for the sake of multi-tasking, but its not a good idea. So, if it turns out I've electricuted myself, you'll have an explanation...

2. Why is there something sticky on my hair dryer? This is why I've almost washed my hands while drying my hair 3 times!! Why don't I just wipe off the hair dryer?

3. Yesterday, Ansley drew an enormous chalk drawing of Elvis! Complete with big hair and tall collar! So funny!

4. I hate that I am such a slow thinker. I need time to process thoughts and articulate them. I will replay a conversation in my head over and over, wishing I had inserted wisdom or an idea. So, if you'd like to ask me a question and/or advice, please submit it in writing and I will get back to you in 1-3 days. Not really, but don't be surprised if I revisit the topic to add more later...


Completely unrelated:

I found some FABULOUS bargains today! I bought 2 shirts and a sweater today ; .99 + 1.99 + 7.69 = $10.67 And all of them I can wear in the Fall! Love it!

Oh Mickey

My mom called this morning to tell me she was listening to "Mickey" by Toni Basil on the radio. That was my favorite song when I was little! What a blast from the past! I have been singing it in my head ALL DAY!

The other song that instantly brings me back to my childhood is the theme from Greatest American Hero! I would watch that show while sitting in my daddy's lap in the recliner! I posted those two on my playlist- so jam along with me today! Then, go find your favorite songs from back then, and laugh at the fun memories!!

My Indulgence

My friend, Kristy, is a fabulous cook! Everything she makes is delicious but she makes this tiramisu cake that is ridiculously good! Its a plate full of happiness! I had some for dessert last night, for lunch today and if I ration it out just right, I can stretch it another day or two! Mmmm,,,

I'm Back?

I have fallen off the blogger horse. Do I want to climb back on? Sure, why not? This is a new phase in my life- both of children are in school and I fill my days helping raise our remaining support, reading, running errands, exercising and packing to move. Packing is hard to do because we don't have a moving date, so occasionally I'll drop something in a box that I'm tired of looking at (usually the donate box) or work my way through a stack of papers. No real goal in mind, except to take as little as possible with us to England.

I mentioned reading. I'm reading three books at the moment. Yes, me, the girl who HATED to read just a few short years ago. The girl who would find ways of doing book reports without actually reading the book. The girl who graduated college with a 3.75 and never read a whole book all the way through. Yep, that's me. But, now, I feel an overwhelming urge to learn and prepare for the ministries God has called us to: our children and Brits (those who know Christ and those who don't). And I'm reading for my own spiritual vitality, because the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. (Stop and think about that one for a minute!)

What books, you ask?

The Reason For God by Timothy Keller - this book asks the questions people wonder most about Christianity. It gives good arguments for both sides, but its all about loving and listening to those who question, and hopefully you will have the opportunity share the Gospel!

Our Covenant with Kids by Dr. Timothy A. Sisemore- a fabulous book about nurturing children within a Christian, covenantal framework

Surrender by Nancy Leigh DeMoss- a bible study about surrendering every part of you to God

I desperately want to read a good fiction book, but I must take a big chunk out of my book list first!

I'd like to record this phase of my life, so I thought its a good time to share my thoughts and feelings, joys and struggles on my blog again. Because I bought a journal about 2 years ago to record our support raising journey and still haven't written in it. So, don't be surprised if I'm inconsistent!

Charlie Brooker's Newswipe - News Coverage Of "Frozen Britain"