tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50807171725678458852024-03-12T17:02:09.936-07:00Faith, Family, and FoodPraying, Making, and BakingNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-82866363873830502812015-06-16T21:27:00.000-07:002015-06-16T22:02:36.054-07:00That Time I Needed a BabysitterSince moving from California, I have had to become much more flexible. I haven't always been that way. The first thing that prepped me for this big adventure was having a slew of kids. I can't ever predict what will come on any given day. And flying by the seat of my pants has become QUITE an art.<br />
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This has helped me in our various moves.<br />
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I always figure, I will get it done somehow.<br />
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Nevertheless, on the flip-side, my real bent is toward organization. Truly, it is. I am a fairly organized person. So while I fly by the seat of my pants most of the time, this "chaos" is organized. It's also optimistic. Remember, where there is a will, there is a way. I always figure, I don't know how, but I will get it all done.<br />
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Moving frequently, every 8-9 months, to different states, schools for kids, lifestyles, etc...has only added to this "flexible" side of me. I've had to up the organization though to keep myself sane. You would think these two attributes would put me into total chaos (and at times I feel it) but for the most part, they balance each other and have really just made me a better person.<br />
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I remember that it was the first week we were in Colorado that I discovered I'd need to find a babysitter. We always had access to babysitters in CA (often free from our parents...we still owe them big time), and if they couldn't do it, we had known people for a long time. There wasn't much of a need for babysitting in Albuquerque. Steve still worked a fairly regular schedule and the few times we got out for a date night, we could ask someone at church.<br />
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But Colorado was different. Steve was gone. Nonexistent at times. And I had situations come up where I needed a babysitter simply because I have five kids total who sometimes need to be in different places all at the same time-and I quickly discovered, I am no Houdini! Especially, since we only had one car! I couldn't get around it. I had to accept help. <br />
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A major character flaw I have is that I don't like asking for help. I assume the other person hates me asking and doesn't want to do it. I feel like they'll think I'm not pulling my weight which I abhor more than just about ANYTHING. This is an area I've needed to grow in so much.<br />
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Colorado had it in for me. <br />
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When Steve started the semester, I looked at him and said, "Do whatever you need to do to succeed. Even if that means you're gone all day and every night. The kids and I will be okay. It's just nine months."<br />
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How nice of me right? I meant it though. I am one determined cookie. And I wasn't going to allow us to bog him down at all. He needed every hour, every second, to try and keep up with the younger students who had way less home responsibilities. I wasn't about to stop him at all. <br />
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But this also meant I'd have very little support. Now, no pity here people. I chose that. And I chose it for the good of our whole family. In fact, we both chose that together. My husband needed me to release him so that he could go and work his tail off and survive. However, I learned fast, that with him gone all the time, I would need support...I couldn't get around it anymore. I had to ask for help. Getting outside of myself and stretching in that way though, led me to great blessings.<br />
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So back to my story. We had been in Colorado a week and I found out that there was a Back to School Night at the kids' school and it was a parents' only event. I immediately thought, "Oh great! I've been here a total of 4 days and I need to find a babysitter already." I started to pine for New Mexico where I had at least one great babysitter in my back pocket, or CA where we had two sets of grandparents! But I was forced to face the reality that I had only been in Colorado a short time and would need to find a babysitter stat.<br />
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One of the administrators at the kids' school was so kind. She heard about us just moving in, anticipated my need without my asking, and wrote down some numbers of high school girls she personally knew for me who could drive. Sweet! Phew! Glad I had some options. <br />
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And then, in the midst of all the unpacking, I lost the numbers. I was mortified. I hardly lose anything. But I lost those precious numbers at a very critical time. I was forced to reach out somewhere. I did know one family from back home that lived in our general vicinity but they had already been extremely kind over the weekend and helped us move in. I'd rather die than ask for help again so soon (see...my proud nature?!) What was I going to do?<br />
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Well I got desperate. We had been to church that past Sunday for the first time and I had met a young girl in the nursery who looked capable of handling my kids for two hours while they watched a movie. So I called the church office and with a harried voice, practically begged the admin there to connect me with this random girl I'd met that Sunday. How humiliating right? How was I even going to call this poor high schooler, "Hi! I met you Sunday. Can you come over?" Totally embarrassing. I break out into a sweat just thinking about it, even now.<br />
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What I got was a beautiful response from the girl who answered the phone at church. Without skipping a beat, she said, "Here's her number. And if she can't do it, I will." I literally burst into tears. I am not a crier. But the desperation, the fear and the pressure of being in a new place and not knowing a soul but NEEDING help and not knowing where to turn, hit me. And this kind person, who I had never met, offered to come help. Just because I needed it. Just because she cared.<br />
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That sweet girl who answered the phone ended up becoming a dear friend to me. She saved me from a few other situations I was in (some my own doing by being over committed) by helping me with my kids. She was my friend. She picked Steve up at CSU in the snow when we only had one car. She came over and drank tea with me once a week throughout the fall into the spring and laughed with me about life. She provided me community. Not because I had built up rapport or even favors with her-which is normally what I'd try to do, because I hate to put people out. But just because she wanted to. I didn't even know her before. But her kindness connected me with her right away and endeared her to me forever. <br />
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What that showed me was that we need people! And that being weak only ties us faster to those around us. Believe me, I would try and pay her back in different ways for all of the things she did for me just because. But I just couldn't. It was too much. And I was in such a place that I needed all the help I could get. My pride had to die. Before I would try to do everything on my own. But I just couldn't anymore.<br />
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That was the first step for me into community. And it wouldn't be the last. I learned early in Colorado. If we were to survive without Steve, I'd need to grow personally and learn to rely on others. The thing I didn't know was that I would make lifelong friends in the process.<br />
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God always meets us where we are and gives us what we need. For me, it was the opportunity to reach out and be filled with the love of others. It was one of the first times in my life where I felt at a total loss as to how to repay all of the people in our lives the same kindness they'd shown to us. I couldn't. It was too much. <br />
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But this changed me. I am a doer. I will do for other people, no problem. But I am not a receiver. And I hate being weak. But being like that isn't strength. It's arrogance. It's pride. And it's rigid. <br />
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That my friends, has been worked on. Another addition to my flexibility. Another tool in my belt. As a result, I made beautiful friendships, gained a reshaped outlook on life and obtained a heart full of love from the friends and community we had in Colorado without whom the kids and I would not have survived. God provided so many people like my friend the church admin, who played such crucial roles in our survival. In fact, I wouldn't even call it that. With their support and love, it wasn't a survival...it was a triumph! Praise God!<br />
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Thinking of Colorado. Missing dear friends. You will "meet" many of them as they all played crucial parts in our year last year. Thanking the Lord that he forced me into a place where I needed people so that I could begin to learn to receive. Deep down, I still hate it. But I know that God intends it for my good. Reaping His goodness through these friendships last year showed me how when we are weak, HE is strong. Treasuring the time we had there with all of my heart.<br />
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-31015190981512809372015-06-11T19:41:00.001-07:002015-06-11T19:41:37.460-07:00The Story of Colorado...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I haven't paused to catch my breath in about a year. The sprint we've been on has been like no other adventure we've encountered so far. No other. No amount of children or anything so far has been like this last year. It wasn't horrible. I don't mean to make it sound like that. In fact, in some ways, it was incredibly beautiful. Difficulty breeds perseverance, darkness gives birth to hope, and uncertainty to trust in our Savior.<br />
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I still remember our first night in Colorado. We pulled up just as the sun was setting around 9 pm. It was beautiful everywhere. We found our apartment and my children immediately ran for the playground to stretch their legs after hours of driving. Yet before they reached the swings, they saw the grass. Grass. We hadn't seen grass in months after living in the desert. Without any prompting from me, they plunged into its softness, rolling around belly laughing. The night was warm and crisp. We had made it. A new state again. All new surroundings, new people, new systems, new school for Steve and the kids, new pressures and new beginnings.<br />
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The grass was a good omen.<br />
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After getting our keys and such, we settled the kids and the children climbed into their sleeping bags to calm down for the night. I went to explore the kitchen-my domain, and quickly discovered there wasn't a dishwasher. No dishwasher. As that realization began to wash over me, I felt it might sweep me away...but I quickly dismissed it and focused on where I would put things. It was the first sign though that things may be more difficult than my optimistic self might think.<br />
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I moved from the kitchen into the family room. The apartment was furnished so, there was a kitchen table and chairs. There was a spot for the tv. There was a couch. And yet there was not room for it all. While Steve was upstairs showering after a long day of driving, I imagined in my head how we could place the furniture to have both a "family room" and a place to eat dinner. It seemed literally impossible.<br />
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But where there is a will, there is a way....<br />
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I went back through the kitchen just a few feet away. Would I be able to fit the "third" of my kitchen that I had brought? It would be tight. Where would a pantry go? My mind began to swirl. Instead of worrying, I decided to retrieve some things we needed from our car. Feeling triumphant that I found what we needed, I bounded back to our little abode determined to continue organizing things in my mind. <br />
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However, my optimism soon faded when I found the door locked. I was locked out. I pounded on the door. How could it be locked? I had checked the handle as I left to be sure it was open. But it was a new door, I was in a new place, it was late now, and my assumption that our new door acted like our last door had proven unwise. Much to my surprise, it was locked, it was the only way in, and my husband couldn't hear me upstairs because he was showering.<br />
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So I plopped down outside the door, listened to the crickets, took in the sweet night air and welcomed Colorado. <br />
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I knew I would love it. From the second Steve got connected with Margaret (his advisor) I knew I would LOVE Colorado. I didn't know how hard it would be to accomplish what we needed to do there. But I knew that I would be head over heels in love with Colorado. I always say that Fort Collins had me at hello. And that is true.<br />
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We spent some of the HARDEST months of our lives so far, there. But the hardest are always the sweetest too, right?<br />
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Pretty quickly, after that night, we plunged into the depths. Into the depths of darkness. It was a journey we didn't expect. It was long. It was a grind. It was immense.<br />
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But God was long suffering, He was a daily companion and He was bigger.<br />
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As things come to me, I will chronicle that time. It's the story of Colorado. Our story. It's one of incredible heart, fight and victory. God's victory. Only He could've done what He did. And all through the darkness, He weaved such intense light into our lives through friends, our church community, LOVE from neighbors and our kids' incredible school.<br />
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I am proud of that time. It was a time of weakness for us. But God was strong. It was a time of intense focus and God was the source. I am proud of my husband and the incredible spirit he showed in overcoming times of defeat and pushing on to victory. And I know, it took an amazing amount of courage to keep pushing, to keep fighting and to slay the dragons he slayed. When God says His strength is perfect, He means it.<br />
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I haven't even opened this blog in months because I had no self reflection in me. None. It was one of the first times in my life that I simply trudged on. I laughed when I saw that the last post was of us vacationing in Breckenridge, CO just a few weeks before we moved to Colorado from Albuquerque. You see, I have not chronicled this last year on paper. There was no time. I had no time to process anything. And you know what, that too was an experience. I didn't pine for yesterday or long for the future. I just lived and took it all in...all the hard and all the beautiful. There was LOTS of both. I loved the people God put in my path and held on for the ride He had us on. I simply lived in the moment. <br />
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But now it's time to tell the story. I don't know how consistent I will be. But I will tell it. <br />
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Into the depths...the story of our beloved Colorado. And the time we took our amazing five children to grad school for a PhD in Mathematics. A time when every ounce of strength and courage we had within was expended to run through the tape.<br />
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Yes...that time.<br />
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The sweetest and most difficult of times. Full of memories, laughter and wonderful, life changing friends.<br />
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The story of Colorado.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-20002502296653159832014-07-25T14:19:00.000-07:002014-07-25T14:19:04.734-07:00Vacationing In Paradise-We're Growing UpFriends, I am writing you from the Rockies. In particular, Breckenridge, Colorado. We arrived yesterday after a seven hour car ride up here. We're the type of people that like to leave early and get in as early as possible. Our kids tend to do best driving wise if we get an early start so we headed out of Albuquerque first thing and arrived here in the late afternoon.<br />
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It was like driving into a fantasy world. No joke. There is good reason Breckenridge is a world renown ski resort and vacation spot. Unbelievable, I tell you. In fact, their off season is the summer, and so we actually got a pretty decent deal for a condo. I am sure this place goes for twice the cost during ski season. The main reason we are here is that some of our best friends from Monte Vista, next-door neighbors in fact for a few years who moved to Florida, are vacationing in Breckenridge with their family. So when we found out that they'd only be seven hours from us and not several states away, we had to come see them. Just had to come.<br />
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We are moving up to Colorado two weeks from today. So when we get back on Sunday, my busy packing mode will move into Ninja Packing mode. The kids hadn't been to Colorado yet. After arriving here yesterday Isaac said to his Daddy, "Okay, I am SO excited to moving here! This place is amazing!" Yes son, Colorado is amazing. We are Californians and we are used to a lot of natural beauty. Probably took it for granted somewhat. We're also mountain people. Love hiking. Love the cool mountain air and the trees. The beach is nice but put us up on a mountain any day. So this whole state really appeals to us. Lots of natural beauty. It's cool enough to be outside right now (not so back in Albuquerque) and let the kids run. Truly a treat for our kids. They are soaking it up.<br />
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Besides soaking up the mountain air, we are soaking up friends. These are people we used to see everyday, many times a day. Our kids grew up together (along with a few other families from MV). When they announced they were moving to FL in 10 days, I was 36 weeks pregnant with Nathan. I am not a big crier but I BAWLED. It was all so sudden and I didn't quite know what I would do with myself without them next to us. I didn't know how my kids were going to handle it. Isaac still can't talk about it without getting teary. He had to say good-bye to both of his best friends from MV in one year. It wasn't easy. But such is life sometimes. We all have to move on and go where God leads us. And more than we want our friends near us, we want God's best for them. <br />
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But that's also what makes the reunion so much sweeter. We have friends from Cal Poly that we are still as close to, if not closer, than when we all parted a decade ago. So even though we can't be near each other all the time, we can still have these times, our memories, and we know that we'll stay close over the years.<br />
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On our drive up Steve grabbed my hand and said, "Can you believe that we are going on a vacation in the Colorado Rockies? If you would've told me a year ago that we'd be doing this, I would have thought you were crazy." I responded, "Lots of change over this last year. New career. New degree. Two out-of-state moves. I started a business. Going to Breckenridge is a huge indicator that we've grown up. No more young college kids, just starting out. We've got five kids who are getting older. We're grown up now." <br />
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When we drove in to this, I was totally amazed. I mean really, unbelievable. <br />
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Being here, with friends, Such a blessing.<br />
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This PhD adventure has been just that, an adventure. But God has provided every step of the way. Through Steve's job at Sandia Labs, my Rodan + Fields business and Colorado State, we are still able to steal away for a few days and enjoy God's creation and some of our best friends in one of the most beautiful places on earth. <br />
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I like growing up. It definitely is risky to pick-up and move, change careers, jump into grad school (again) full-time this time though, and it's definitely been exciting and scary for me to start my own business. Yet seven months in, I've been blown away by how much I've been blessed! If we don't take those steps, take a risk, SAY YES to uncertainty, we have no idea the blessings that are on the other side of that. God says over and over in His word, "I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." Isaiah 41:18. And "I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them" Isaiah 42:16<br />
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Living is risky. But I've always thought that it's better to live out loud and try new things, seeking the Lord on these unknown paths than to look back and wish I would've taken that step. When we seek the Lord, work really hard and trust God to take care of us along the way, He will do it!<br />
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I have often been afraid over the last year. How were we going to pay for Steve's schooling without debt? How would we live? Where would our kids go to school? Would we have any friends? How would we financially make it through this PhD with a family of seven? How would we do living in another state and then how would we move again so soon after? The list goes on and on.<br />
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But I wanted what was on the other side more. And I trusted God would be there. And boy has He! All last summer as Steve was doing his internship at the research firm in Monterey, God kept bringing this verse to me. We had sent out hundreds, and I mean, HUNDREDS of job applications. We had been networking with family and friends for months!! And finally, through a friend of a friend of my Dad's, Steve got given this internship. That internship is what spawned all of this adventure for us. So many doors slammed in our faces. So many no's. But we knew what we were after and wouldn't give up until we got there. We didn't expect it all to play out like this but, it's SO much better than we could've ever dreamed.<br />
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"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19<br />
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Amen and amen! Take a risk./ God is an expert at making streams in the desert. <br />
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Excited to see what God will do over this next year. Trusting more streams in the desert. Not always easy to walk these paths but always GOOD as we trust in the ONE who is guiding us and providing for us along the way.<br />
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We're all grown up now... <br />
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-44538039833979932612014-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:002014-07-10T22:16:59.939-07:00So What HAVE I Been Doing?I must state the obvious-I definitely have not been blogging :). What have I been doing done here in the desert? <br />
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Well for one, I've been resting (kind of). I know that sounds funny but, for nearly four years, Steve worked full-time and went to school in his off time. That meant we didn't see him much at all. Many nights and every Saturday were spent studying. Even though Steve has had to study quite a bit to get up to speed at Sandia, all of that studying has been his work. So he's had great hours. Going in early, getting home in time for dinner and then getting every other Friday off. It's been bliss I tell you. And even though we've been making friends, our social calendar has been pretty quiet. So we have had six straight months of great Daddy time and husband/wife time. Heaven. We needed it.<br />
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But the main thing I've been doing is building my Rodan + Fields business. I'd be totally remiss if I didn't mention it. It's pretty much been my sixth child. So once Steve and I knew that we were going to pursue his PhD, we knew I was going to have to do something to contribute because we also knew that we didn't want to go into debt for him to get this degree. We'd already paid off Cal Poly, we'd paid for Texas A & M as we went through the program and we didn't want this new degree to be mortgaging our future. No way! But we also knew this was an amazing opportunity and one that had come straight from God's hand. We had to take it.<br />
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So we prayed. Where there is a will, there IS a way. God provided so many things. Steve was given a full-ride to Colorado State University which was amazing because paying out-of-state tuition is quite expensive. He was also given the internship at Sandia which has allowed us to save a decent amount over the past seven months and has given him the opportunity to telecommute part-time next year while in classes. That part-time job will pay our main expenses. <br />
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But we have five kids. And they are expensive. Most grad students are single, or newly married. Not old with five kids! Ha ha! It was plain. I had to do something to help support us during this time. But it had to be a job I could do from home all around my kids' schedule. I had a friend that I knew had replaced her full-time nursing income in 10 months with part-time hours, to become a stay-at-home mommy to her daughter. She had done it through Rodan + Fields. She and I spoke and I knew it was an incredible business opportunity.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">So two days after we moved to New Mexico, I partnered with the same two Stanford trained doctors, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, that developed ProActiv back in the 90's by joining Rodan + Fields Dermatologists as an Independent Consultant. I was looking for a company that was reputable, had products that were excellent and gave people amazing results, a flexible work schedule and a generous pay plan. R + F was all of that and more. </span><br />
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I was given the opportunity to leverage this already established brand that had a great reputation from ProActiv. All of the products have been through independent clinical trials, giving real, quantifiable results. They also came with a 60 day money back guarantee further proving their efficacy and endorsing the company's credibility. I could work whenever I wanted, from wherever I wanted. I could run my business off of my phone if I wanted to. And the pay plan was worth all of my effort. In the last six months, I earned back my investment in the first sixty days and since then, I've built enough of a business to support our rent and groceries next year when Steve only works part-time all while providing an incredible service to my valued customers who were in search of great skin care. They are truly the reason I am in business today and I am so thankful for their support!! <br />
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This business has been a blast. I knew nothing about skincare or sales before. But we have incredible team support and the business is duplicatable. If one follows the plan, they will be successful. So that's what I've been doing. Following the plan and running this race. I've been building a business. I've been wiping noses and bottoms and gaining team members! I've been training and reading books to my littles. I've been homeschooling and doing sales calls for my downline to help them train. And I've been supporting my Mathematician who is my favorite person of them all! <br />
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I have seven direct teammates. And I love every single one of them. They bless me every day. One of my favorite parts of the whole deal is helping my friends and family build businesses that are significantly changing their family's financial futures. And then seeing them do the same and give more than they ever have before. That's incredible to me! <br />
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It's been amazing. Totally amazing. God has given me a way that I can help support Steve through grad school while still doing what I do best, run my home and cheer for him. I am so thankful.<br />
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So I haven't been blogging but, I have been busy. Hoping to remedy the blogging thing but, know I haven't been idle. <br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-72665108748677018972014-07-08T20:33:00.001-07:002014-07-08T20:33:07.582-07:00Long Lost Nikki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it's true. I've been lost. Lost in Albuquerque. Lost in homeschooling. Lost in starting a business. But guess what? I am finding my way again! I haven't forgotten about all of you. I've just been trying to establish a new normal and learn how to run my house with all five littles underfoot again all day, here in the crazy southwest. And since my husband's career has changed, so has my role in supporting him. I'm no longer a teacher's wife but, a Mathematician's wife. And that's quite different, I may say! One is not necessarily better than the other, they're just different. I knew everything about his job at Monte Vista. I know nothing about his work at Sandia and can never know. That has taken some getting used to. I like to know everything about him. Because I love him, you know. Anyhow, enough said.<br />
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Okay, so Albuquerque. First of all, you need to know, the Southwest is a pretty great place. I have really grown to love it here. I truly think that anyone can be happy anywhere if they put their mind to it and decide to be thankful. When I moved here, I had never visited and did not know what I'd think of it. But I was determined to learn and figure it out. It's really been a great place. Growing up in California, I was definitely spoiled with amazing, mild weather, green trees and beautiful landscapes wherever you go. The weather here isn't extreme but it's cold in the winter and hot in the summer. It's also very windy. I never knew there could be such strong wind. When I say Albuquerque, I know that you all are thinking arid, desolate, high desert. And in some sense, you're right. Either that or Breaking Bad...possibly both. Okay, I get it. But let me tell you, there is some real beauty here. The Sandia Mountains are positively MAJESTIC. That is them off in the distance.<br />
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And here is a taste of my morning run. I love that I live on an Air Force base and I can run super early without feeling unsafe. Watching the sunrise is one of my favorite things to do!</div>
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One of the most amazing things though that I've experienced is the amazing power of people. I have met some of the most genuine, loving and caring people. I've never lived out of state. I've never known a different climate or way of life. But I have to say, that living here has shown me, that no matter where I go, there will be great people to meet. There will be others to cross paths with, even for a short time, that will be an encouragement.</div>
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Just this last week the two middle kids have been in swim lessons here on base. That is Joshua and Elliana. They are having a blast. Within two days, I'd made friends with these ladies there. One of them, her husband is a Scientist at the labs and the other, is just visiting Albuquerque (it's home for her) but her husband is a Major in the US Air Force and they live in the Midwest now. The first friend has had us over to play twice in the last week and the other has gone running with me at the wee hours twice before having to leave to go home. The military community is like this. There isn't time to mess around and wait. People live in the moment and just love each other. You never know when someone will get orders and have to move away. </div>
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We've had other people take us into their home and feed us when we were new here. Dropping off food, babysitting our kids and inviting us over to dinner. We've stayed up late with these people, shared our hearts and laughed HARD! We don't have a history yet. But they've loved us deeply simply because we are a part of their community. I've had other friends I've met from the kids' baseball teams sit on my couches, trying out great skincare, chatting with neighbors and talking about life. More friends I've met through a boot camp a bunch of us moms have participated in at Hardin Field twice a week. We're all moving our jiggly bodies, chasing after kids and laughing at how hard it is to do the moves our trainer makes us do (positively evil I tell you...I am a runner...I don't do weights...at least not very often-ha!). And not only have I met some incredible people but Steve works for the best guys ever. So often I hear wives say that their husbands really dislike their superiors. But Steve loves his. They are so encouraging, patient, kind and hard-working. They push him to his best. Both Mentors Steve works with at Sandia Labs have been the BEST. We thank God so much that He put Steve with those two. We're so lucky. All of these things have been precious to me here in Albuquerque. </div>
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Our time here has been brief. But it's been substantial. And it's not over yet. We'll be coming back next year. It's been substantial for Steve's growth as a Mathematician. It's been substantial for our family's growth as a family of 7 in the middle of a PhD. It's been substantial for my growth as a wife. Believe me, learning how to live on a military base, when you're a civilian is a job in itself. But it's also been a blast. We only have 1 month left here. And even though I am positively ECSTATIC to move to Fort Collins (which is like SLO in the Rockies...my dream place to live), Albuquerque will be missed. Very missed.</div>
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Yes, I've been lost in life here. But it's been a sweet, sweet time and a time that I will treasure.</div>
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Expect more posting from me. There's too many good stories not to share. Miss talking with you all. Catch up soon. </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-49776840728117190882014-03-11T18:44:00.000-07:002014-03-11T20:24:35.782-07:00Meant to BeLife has been clipping along here. I spend my mornings homeschooling the kids. Some days I feel like I'm getting better at it, some days I don't. But over time, we are moving forward and getting better! The kids are definitely learning and advancing. I just don't want to be cranky while they do so! We've gotten into some routines too with Steve's work. Basically, he leaves early in the morning and walks to work and comes home at dinnertime. Sometimes I drive him when the weather is bad but, most days he walks. Now he's gotten onto the 9/80 schedule so he works 9 hour days and then gets every other Friday off. We're really enjoying that! <br />
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I feel like we'll get used to life here and then we'll be heading to Colorado. Surprisingly, I feel okay about it. I think that God has just given me an abundance of grace through this process. For the last year that we were at Monte Vista, we knew we were headed somewhere else. We just didn't know when, how, or where! But over time, God opened up this way and we've been in awe of everything He's done to provide for our needs. <br />
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Something that's been on my mind a lot is the idea of a husband's mission. The reason for this is that I have been asked more times than I can count, how I could just pick up and move my five kids to New Mexico, homeschool them, and still be smiling. To be honest, I don't really know. But I've thought about it a lot because, truly, I am doing well here. No regrets. No angst against Steve. This was a decision we made together and one that God had clearly paved the way for. But what I think it comes down to is, do I believe in the mission that God has given my husband. Am I sold out for it? Not to say that will give me a perfect attitude all the time but, it will surely shape it. <br />
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God has created all men with a mission to go out and conquer the world with their own God-given talents. And there are many different ways to do that. As a woman in submission to her husband, that means that I am totally sold out for his mission in life, for what God has called him to do. It may be inconvenient to me sometimes (like moving around a lot for a PhD-ha!) or it may not make sense, but as his wife, I'm called to being cheerfully sold out. Whatever it takes. <br />
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This journey of ours actually has roots back to before we were even married. When Steve was doing his undergrad at Cal Poly, he entered as an electrical engineer and didn't do super well. Not because he wasn't smart enough but because he was lacked vision for his life and didn't know how to work hard. When I met him, he was switching out determined to do something else. Yet hidden in his heart, he knew he had settled. And really, that was much worse than just not being able to hang. Anyhow though, through a variety of events, he ended up in Math when we got married, and he graduated with his BS in Mathematics. Math had always been his passion so this was a better fit for him in the end.<br />
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We got pregnant with our oldest, Isaac, we moved up to Watsonville and Steve started his career as a teacher. We came to Monte Vista with no money, a newborn and a car that had been given to us a few weeks prior due to the fact that our other two cars had been totaled the month before, one in a hit and run and the other on the way to get our rental car the next day-no joke! So we had nothing. But Steve started teaching and doing well. During his first few years he learned how to be a Dad and how to have a successful career. And we added more children to our family. They were growing years and prepared us well for the years to come. When Joshua was a baby and we had been married 7 years, Steve shared his desire to go back to school. I was pretty hesitant at first but, he took some exams, did really well, and so he applied. He was accepted. Thus began our journey with A & M. <br />
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When Steve started his Masters at Texas A & M, I had no idea what it was going to entail- or what would happen. But I knew this-I knew that he needed me to believe in him if he was going to succeed. I knew that his success would hang on my attitude, my utter belief and my respect. He had regrets of not living up to his God-given potential from his younger years. He felt like he had wasted his chance. As time wore on, this feeling only got stronger, and this lit a fire in him that fueled his amazing success in his Masters. <br />
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So Texas A & M was a glorious second chance. And one that he took very seriously. As he steadily worked away at his studies, he did well. Extremely well. For three and a half years. Every Saturday. And many nights during the week. Always studying and always looking forward. And always at his back was the idea that he was going to do this right no matter what it took. He never wavered. He just drove on, steadily, with courage and with unending fight. As I watched him working, I was inspired to do everything possible to help him succeed. He was studying hard and I was supporting hard. That was my job. I didn't start out totally sold out for him being in school. I truly didn't know how it would go and there were a lot of things going on in my life. I was a busy mom at the time. We had three kids when he started. I got pregnant with our fourth soon after. The fifth came in his last year. Both were born during finals. And he worked full-time too! Not only that but the program was expensive. We had to sacrifice big time in order to pay for it. And I started a business to help with expenses (which ended up being one of my greatest accomplishments so far and blessed me far more than it blessed us financially). But I knew he needed this. And because he needed it, I needed to do it. Because I loved him more than anyone or anything. Because I loved him!<br />
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This realization came early. And I'm thankful to God for that. It was all His strength and courage that got me through those years. But as I put my head down and believed in him, he was free to fly and rose to the challenge. I watched him transform before my very eyes. He grew much more confident. And in turn, he worked even harder, earning the best grades of his life, in much harder classes than he ever took at Cal Poly, while still excelling at his day job as a Math/Physics teacher, not to mention being an excellent husband and father. What amazed me was watching him start to believe he could do it. And over time, what started as a second chance, grew into a bridge to a career he only dreamed he could have.<br />
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I can't tell you how many times he's told me he wishes he could go back and tell himself that he would care one day. Yet we've also talked over and over about how the path he took wasn't a mistake. Because God writes our stories. And He is all about redemption. Without it, how can we have any hope? God is about redeeming our missteps and making them beautiful. So this path, this round-about way to being in a field that is <b><i>home</i></b> to him, none of it is a mistake. And really, he enjoyed his years as a teacher. We raised our kids at an amazing school, made lifelong friends and grew so much as Christians and in our marriage. Monte Vista allowed us the freedom to have this second chance by providing the stability we needed to do his Masters. Without the eight and a half years at Monte Vista, we wouldn't be here. It's still hard to think about regrets and not wish you'd made better choices. But even in our regrets, God redeems...and He not only redeems, He makes it beautiful. Utterly beautiful....providing blessings that are totally undeserved.<br />
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There's a song that has meant so much to me during Steve's Masters and since then, when this whole plan for him to get his PhD started to unfold. It's called <i>Meant to Be</i>, by Steven Curtis Chapman. It was actually written for a Veggie Tales that was a kids' take on <i>It's a Wonderful Life-</i>a story written about a man who had wished his life had taken a different turn. I listened to it over and over again during those weeks as all the correspondence about Colorado State University was flying around, when he was accepted to the PhD program, and the offers from Sandia National Labs were coming through. And every time I heard it, I would cry. Because being here is better than anything we EVER could have dreamed up. EVER! We miss our family, our church and our community but we are so thankful to be here, we keep pinching ourselves. <br />
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Steve has the amazing opportunity to work at a prestigious national lab learning from the smartest minds in the country. The mentor he has is so kind, encouraging and brilliant. Steve really respects him and is so happy working for him. And there are constant opportunities for him to be exposed to all sorts of amazing mathematical/scientific fascinating things. For example, recently, the director of NASA's Curiosity project (current mission to Mars) came and presented at the lab. It was mind-blowing and so incredibly interesting. Steve came home saying, "How am I here? Really, how am I here?" And that's just the lab. The whole reason he's even here is for his PhD. And his PhD is being funded through various facets from the lab to his advisor and we're able to live, even though he's in back in school, and this time, full-time. And lastly this opportunity that God has blessed us with carries its own sense of beautiful irony because the work Steve's doing now for Sandia Labs is ALL electrical engineering research and its mathematical applications. Beauty from ashes. <b><i>Home.</i></b> <br />
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The other night we were in the office. Steve had just finished listening to a lecture. There's a certain kind of math that is used a lot in the work he's doing and he hasn't had a class in this area in a little while so he is putting in some extra time at home to brush up. He looked up some lectures online and found a professor from Stanford who is amazing! What's even more amazing is that it's free!! So anyway, most nights after dinner he's been heading upstairs and listening to a lecture before the kids go to bed. Afterward, we were chatting and I happened to glance up and see his Texas A & M diploma that sits above our computer. I looked at him and told him quite emphatically, "You know, it says your name on that diploma and I'm fine with that. But I know that it's as much mine as it is yours." And then Steve smiled and said, "It's ours. We did that together." It's our legacy. Our story.<br />
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And that way wasn't a mistake. This is the path God put us on. And I have faith that as God continues to write our story, that we'll look back on these PhD years like we look back on A & M, with awe, utmost respect for God's plan and a trust in His provision. <br />
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It's been a round-about way, but God has accomplished His purpose, in our marriage, in our family and in our individual lives. This is how it was meant to be.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/l9ksMpwqjXQ" width="560"></iframe>)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-43724101641080300952014-02-01T14:32:00.000-08:002014-02-01T14:38:21.156-08:00Homeschooling UpdateSo we've been quite busy around these parts! But I am happy to report that all has gone back to normal on the playground. The little girl has gone back out to play with my boys and there have not been any more issues. We are a thankful bunch over here!<br />
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I'm going to post more about this on another post but, in addition to learning to homeschool, like I mentioned in my last post, I am trying to learn as much as I can about Rodan + Fields skincare. I have two goals with this business-my first one is outrageous but possible. I want to be able to earn enough to pay our rent in Albuquerque while we are in Colorado so that we can keep our house on the air force base. <br />
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There are many reasons for this. One is that it will simplify our moving so much. It is such hard work to move! Right after we got here, we started thinking about how we could keep this house. We have to be able to store our stuff somewhere. And since we'll be coming back to New Mexico within nine months, it'd be so nice to just take a few things to CO and then come back to an already unpacked house. But there are also practical reasons for it too. The reason we've been able to get on base in the first place is because occupancy dropped below 95%. But if occupancy is back up, we will not have this option anymore. We'd have to buy Steve a car, and live further away. So that is another big reason to keep this house. But we're not sure we can afford it. <br />
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Anyhow, my next big, HUGE goal is to earn enough to pay rent and also to put the kids back in school next year. Tuition is expensive and even though we'll be applying for scholarships, we'll still have to pay-we have four kids eligible for school next year. And we don't expect a free ride. We'll be living in smaller quarters in Colorado and it will be more difficult to have the kids around each other all day in such a small living area. Plus it snows all winter so they'll be stuck inside a lot! But it is doable. And if we have to, we'll do it and be thankful. So those are my goals. Keeping our house here and putting the kids in Christian school are extras but it'd still be really nice! <br />
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I am working on building up my business as much as I can before we go to Colorado! If any of you are interested in Rodan + Fields products or the business opportunity, let me know! Leave a comment or find me on facebook. I'd love to talk to you about it! The products are amazing. My skin looks-wow! I've not ever seen it look so radiant. I'll probably be doing some giveaways on my blog too. Don't worry, this blog won't turn into a Rodan + Fields blog, but I'm just putting it out there to anyone who is interested and who'd like to help support us while we are in grad school full-time! It's a fun way to do it!<br />
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Now on to homeschooling. We have just finished three weeks of homeschooling. Yes, we've survived. The first day was tough. I'm not going to lie, I cried. I cried for what my kids gave up for us to come here. I cried for what I couldn't provide for them (like all the extra crafts, fun projects, etc...) in the day to day interactions we have at home. (Yes, I can do those things but, since we are in upheaval right now having just moved, I have to keep things simple). But after a pretty frank talk with Steve that night, I turned my attitude around a bit and tried to focus on the positive things that they are gaining by being at home with me. And believe me, there are many! This homeschooling adventure is temporary for our family. We would like our kids to be in school. But for now, this is what God has provided. We are at a nomadic point in our lives and our kids need the stability of their studies coming from their parents. And there aren't the right Christian schooling options out there anyway for us at this point. So this is where we are. <br />
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There are many good things though that I have seen in the last three weeks. Here are just a few. First, my kids are becoming quite tight. When you're around each other all day, there is fighting. However, there is also a lot of playing together and they are actually doing really well with it. It's always been hard for me to integrate Josh with the older two boys. That problem is becoming much less as time goes on. Sometimes they need a break, but really, they have grown much closer in the past month since we moved and I am thankful. <br />
<br />
Secondly, I am becoming closer to them. I see them all the time. I get to tell them how much I like them and enjoy them throughout the day. I feel like my relationship with my kids has grown and that's simply because I have more time to look them in the eyes each day. I know it's not going to be like that forever. And really, I want them to go out into the world and be independent. But I am going to enjoy this time I get with them. I really love being with them!<br />
<br />
Lastly, I've been able to adjust their studies to their abilities. They came from a great school that has prepped them so well in all their subjects. However, our family is a math/science saturated family. It is in their blood and they are surrounded by it all the time. For example-the other night, at the dinner table, there was a huge debate as to who was the better scientist-Isaac Newton or Albert Einstein? I said Newton by the way. Yet, that's just our family culture. A few of my kids needed to be pushed much more in those areas. One in particular has taken off and I knew he would. He's nipping at his big brother's heels in math. So it's been fun for me to challenge them and introduce them to math that is hard for them! <br />
<br />
The actual schooling part isn't hard for me. The grammar, math, handwriting, cursive, phonics, Bible, etc...it's the juggling the four older kids with Nathan running around. I'm still trying to figure that part out. Having a positive outlook on this whole area of our transition has really helped. I definitely need a rest from them on weekends because I am around them 24-7 now and hardly get quiet. But I am learning to get better in that area too. I'm adjusting. God is being faithful to me. And I'm enjoying the ride.<br />
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Fridays are fun days and also prize days. One thing that has helped is that I've run things much like their old school so they are used to what is going on. Prize day was a huge motivator for my third son especially at St. Abe's. It's proved to keep him in line at home too. This past Friday we found the Arts and Crafts Center on base and they kids got to paint pottery and then have it fired for them. They loved that! We've been to the zoo and to our local children's math/science discovery museum called Explora. Instead of Christmas gifts this year, since we were moving, we asked for passes to these places. So fun! And we have the flexibility to go do these things on our own time. <br />
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We're going to make it. It's not been a perfect transition but I see God's hand and I'm thankful. Always thankful. <br />
<br />
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-3949948637339998012014-01-26T19:56:00.001-08:002014-01-26T20:13:27.688-08:00Erroring on the Side of GraceSo we are getting used to a new life here. There are many wonderful things, some okay things and some difficult things. Such is the stuff of uprooting and committing to a nomadic life of grad school with five children in tow! I am also learning how to homeschool which is a huge job in itself, especially because I want to do a good job! I am also starting my own business with Rodan + Fields skincare. Basically, the doctors who created ProActive also started another skincare line that has been taking off. It's been all over Hollywood, The Today Show, Oprah, etc...A lot of people are really getting into it because the products actually work. I'm just excited to get in with this company and start helping people get better skin! I've talked with numerous moms whose children have extreme eczema to other women who just want to take care of their neverending acne. Anyhow, trying to get that off the ground has definitely taken up some time too. Not to mention my children, they pretty much take 98 percent of my time. But we are adjusting and learning to thrive here in the high desert!<br />
<br />
One thing that has really stood out to me is that we are in a different place. You might say, "Duh!". No but seriously, on the outside things don't look all that different. But the longer we're here in our neighborhood, the more I understand that we are in a different place all together. We are not living among friends anymore like we were at Monte Vista. We are living among strangers who do not necessarily care about us or our kids. <br />
<br />
Here is my most recent example: There is a playground in our backyard. Our house happens to be the closest house to it. That's been nice. I've been able to send the kids out to play and lots of neighbor kids go out there as well. For the most part, our kids have gotten along swimmingly with all the other kids. There have been a few things we've had to talk through (like today Josh asked me if God was really real because a girl on the playground had told him that He wasn't). There have been things like that that come with other kids being raised differently than mine.<br />
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Today I was reminded though about how many opportunities I will have to show grace. One of the biggest lessons I learned from our old church community was the absolute importance of seeking reconciliation, getting clear and asking forgiveness. It goes a long way. And God commands it. Direct application to my life right now. When we first moved here there was a little girl who I immediately knew was trouble. Some of the stuff my boys were reporting to us after playing tipped me off that she was one I needed to watch. They weren't always angels to her either but, like we try to practice in our family, when they did something unkind, no matter how small, they had to seek reconciliation with her even though many times, she was the instigator. It didn't matter to me, they had to do what's right no matter what.<br />
<br />
On one occasion this past week I went out to tell my boys they had five minutes to play. Without knowing it, I walked into a bit of an argument between my oldest (who is seriously the sweetest so the fact that he was upset was alarming) and this girl. He was insisting she stop calling them names and she was denying it like she had never done anything of the sort and had NO clue what he was talking about. Super suspicious. However, like any mom would do, I tried to help them sort it out. And I made sure Isaac asked forgiveness for his tone and she accepted. She of course didn't care to make things right herself. I mentioned for everyone to show each other respect and then let them play.<br />
<br />
After that, things got weird. This girl started telling all the kids she couldn't play with mine because they were mean, and my boys started getting really hurt. Everytime they would come out to play, she would run away and mention loudly how she wasn't allowed around them, etc...This was a new experience for me. My kids normally get along with everyone. Finally, Steve and I felt it was time to intervene. So Steve went over to talk with the parents. And it came out that they were highly offended that I had talked to their daughter about anything. I should've received permission from them before speaking to her about being nice. Really I was just generally speaking to all the kids and really tried to lean on my kids, being much harder on them and really light with her, mostly trying to just clear the air. But it was too much for them. I had acted inappropriately and that's why they had pulled their daughter from play with our kids.<br />
<br />
When Steve came home and told me the root of the problem I wanted to be furious. I did. How incredibly insane. Who thinks like that? But he quickly reminded me that we don't know their story. We had offended them and we had to do what we could to make it right. After a few minutes of gathering my wits, we walked hand in hand over to their house and I apologized. Not because they deserved it but because God's grace had to cover this one. God's grace had to. It was too insane. Too crazy for me to understand. But I had to get clear. I had to seek forgiveness. It's what God tells us to do. Be at peace.<br />
<br />
It was so difficult to make that walk over there. I wanted to fight and tell God how unjust it was! But deep down I knew. I knew that I can never go wrong when I seek to get clear. That's a valuable lesson I've learned over time. Forgiveness diffuses things. I haven't always done it right in the past. But I know now, repentance is what God calls us to no matter how difficult and even when others are ridiculous.<br />
<br />
I could tell that they were disarmed immediately. I mean, how do you argue with that? How do you keep hating when someone just comes over and says, "Wow, I am so sorry I offended you. That wasn't my intention. If you'd like me to come talk to you instead of speaking to your daughter about anything, then I will respect that. Please forgive me!" You can't argue with it. God's grace is so powerful! I have no idea if they will come around and let their daughter play with our kids. Or if they'll be cordial with us or even like us at all. But I do know, we've done our part. And hopefully, they will see the One who is behind it all-Christ. Because repentance is so counter-cultural. God will use it.<br />
<br />
I may be out of our my safe little Monte Vista bubble now here. But I'm going to learn a lot and hopefully, those around me will experience God's grace. I know I need it. And so do they.<br />
<br />
But most of all, I'm thankful for the neighborhood we had surrounding us for so long and for our church that lived in community with others in such a way that reflected this transparency. These lessons will follow me the rest of my days. I won't always like their application, but I will think with fondness on those who really taught me about this and I will thank God for the opportunities to grow and learn.<br />
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Erroring on the side of grace is always the way to go...no matter what. No matter what. <br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-64094751551483854992014-01-20T13:53:00.004-08:002014-01-20T13:53:47.990-08:00The rest of the story...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I can't tell you how many times we've been asked since arriving here, "Why on earth would you move from California to New Mexico?" Well, my friends, this is the reason why. Here is our Christmas Card letter from this year detailing the ins and outs of why we picked up and moved to an unknown place at Christmastime. The rest of the story...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKC15UYpSKQ/UthPnRFqh-I/AAAAAAAADmU/8LC7SXPj_Io/s1600/CA_10311322544048-2875031844-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKC15UYpSKQ/UthPnRFqh-I/AAAAAAAADmU/8LC7SXPj_Io/s1600/CA_10311322544048-2875031844-O.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas! Instead of giving individual details about
each of us, we're going to give a general update due to the fact that our
general update is quite a big one! No,
we are not expecting another baby! The
main news round these parts is that we are moving and Steve is changing careers. After eight and a half years of Steve
teaching Calculus and Physics at Monte Vista Christian School, we are packing
up mid-year (right at Christmastime to be exact) to go on a new adventure. So as you can imagine, we have boxes
everywhere, our kitchen cupboards are bare and all the toys aren't under the
tree but rather packed in boxes. </div>
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Nevertheless, amidst the chaos we are living in right now, we have our
Christmas tree up and bright, and the Advent Calendar on the wall. Both are timeless reminders to us to focus on
Christ as much as we can during this season, trusting Him to provide for all
our needs.</div>
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<br />
So why are we moving and where
are we moving to? Here is the story. As you all know, Steve has been pursuing his
MS in Computational Mathematics via Texas A & M's distance program. It took 3 1/2 years of him working full-time
and going to school on the side. It was
a long trek for us but good in so many ways!
We both worked very hard; Steve at his studies and me in my support of
him. God blessed our efforts and granted
Steve success in his work. He graduated
in May, Magna Cum Laude.</div>
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During the last year and a half
of his Masters, Steve began to feel pretty heavily pulled to switch out of
teaching and into the industry. We began
preparing him to do so which consisted of him taking an extra engineering exam,
lots of networking and researching various industry jobs. Last December he even interviewed with the
Navy and we thought that might be our answer!
One Friday he got the email, and the next week they were flying him out
to Virginia. But then the Sequester hit
and he ended up not being hired. Now we
are thankful that God intervened. But at
the time, we were devastated. Trying to
switch careers with five little people to feed is not easy. Everything had to make sense and work.</div>
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So we prayed. We prayed that God would lead us and guide
us. And then we started sending out
applications. Meanwhile, Steve began his
last class for his MS and commenced working on his Final Oral Examination (Oral
Thesis Project) to be defended in May.
He chose to research James Maxwell's <i>Equations
of Electromagnetism</i> because he had always been fascinated by the
material. Throughout the semester we
were waiting for some sort of break. He
had excellent skills, a great new degree coming and awesome transcripts. However, he had no practical experience. Many of his applications were rejected. We were networking and narrowing down what we
were looking for but just needed someone to take a chance on him. </div>
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In April we got in contact with a
friend of my Dad's who is a Physicist.
Steve had a brief conversation with him and he told Steve to email his
colleague who headed up a research group right in our backyard in
Monterey. When we looked up the group,
we were shocked to see that their whole area of research is in electromagnetic
waves which was directly related to Steve's research for his Final Oral Exam. We quickly emailed this contact and he
responded that he might have room for Steve to intern if they ended up with
some funding. But due to the Sequester,
he did not think it would happen. He
promised to be in touch.</div>
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Steve graduated in May. We threw him a huge party and he started
teaching summer school. We got in touch
with the group in Monterey again but there was no change. That's when we began thinking. Steve needed experience for his resume. He was already teaching summer school and
then would have six weeks off. He could
go work for free. We didn't need the
money, Steve just needed experience. So
we put it out there to them and they accepted!
In fact, they had the perfect short project for him to work on that had
been in need of a mathematician.</div>
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After summer school ended, Steve
started going down to Monterey to work on the problem. Every day he came back pumped. Little by little he was learning the ins and
outs of this problem and by the end of his time there, he had solved it for
them. It had not previously been solved. But that's not the end! While he was working
there, they landed a huge contract and ended up paying Steve for the whole
internship! Working with this group had
also confirmed his desire to do research.
But research meant a PhD and we had just finished 3.5 arduous years of
him doing his Masters. Steve wasn't
burnt on the material just on working full-time and doing school (all of us
were). At the end of his internship
though, his boss encouraged him to finish his degree and told him he would help
him.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMveVv3nuOQ/UthPlquoMUI/AAAAAAAADmA/lMaG1cUQnWs/s1600/CA_10311322450826-2875019815-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NMveVv3nuOQ/UthPlquoMUI/AAAAAAAADmA/lMaG1cUQnWs/s1600/CA_10311322450826-2875019815-O.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And he did not disappoint! Right as Steve was starting the new school
year at Monte Vista, his summer boss started advocating for him with his
colleagues. He got in touch with a Math
Professor at Colorado State University telling her about Steve and his work
over the summer, and how she should be interested in him as a student. She immediately started working on getting
Steve admitted to the PhD program for Spring 2014 (it was past the deadline
already). Then she sent off his
resume/transcripts to Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque. Her contact there said they were just
starting to look for some Year Round PhD interns and thought Steve would be a
perfect fit. They wanted him to start in
January. </div>
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Meanwhile, the runaway train had
taken on a life of its own. It was not a
path that we had foreseen nor thought possible.
In fact, we had talked about a PhD numerous times since the Masters had
gone so well, but simply thought it impossible to support our family
financially during it! But God paved the
way for every single step, mounting every obstacle and leveling the road. Steve and I stood back and watched this
marvelous story unfold before our eyes and we were in awe. Everyone was fighting for him, connecting
him, helping him and advocating for him.
In early October, we found out Steve was formally admitted to Colorado
State for the Spring. A few weeks later,
his advisor (the Math Professor) came out to Stanford for a conference and he
met her there for the first time. The
rest is history. </div>
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Steve's PhD will take 3.5
years. The first eight months we will
live in Albuquerque on Kirtland Air Force Base.
Steve will work for Sandia Labs and get a grip on the area he will be
researching for his dissertation. Then
we will move to Colorado and we will spend a year living in residence with
Steve taking classes at Colorado State.
Since his Masters program was so comprehensive, he only needs one year
of coursework, as many courses count toward his PhD and Qualifying Exams. We are thankful! After that, we will move back to Albuquerque
for Steve to continue working for Sandia National Labs and also to finish his
dissertation. Our stay in Albuquerque
the second time will be at least two years.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPmgdsGZ84/UthPlsymNWI/AAAAAAAADmE/dquo2wKGCck/s1600/CA_10311322525677-2875029900-O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlPmgdsGZ84/UthPlsymNWI/AAAAAAAADmE/dquo2wKGCck/s1600/CA_10311322525677-2875029900-O.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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There you have it, in case you missed it! That's what we're doing and how we got here. More about our move on base to come. Base living is quite an adventure! But we are thankful for our home and know God has put us here for this time. <br />
<br />
Much love to you all! </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-89394144865705890582014-01-14T20:25:00.003-08:002014-01-14T20:25:50.837-08:00We Are Here!It's been over two months since I've posted. So sorry! And I have tons of pictures on my camera of our adventures that won't upload to the computer for some reason so I don't have any pictures for this post! So sorry again! Anyhow, for the last two months I've spent every waking extra moment packing our home and prepping for our out-of-state move. There were many unknowns all the way up until the last minute. Seriously. We thought we knew what was going to happen but truly, until two weeks prior, we weren't even for sure what state we were moving to. <br />
<br />
I know this can be confusing because I never finished the story. I got distracted with packing boxes. I think at this point it'd be difficult to drag you all through it. But for clarity's sake, I will post the story from our Christmas card this year for my next post. That will get some of you up to speed. If you care to know how we got to this point, tune in next time for an abbreviated version.<br />
<br />
But we are here now and boy has it been quite a trip! Imagine piling 5 little kids into a Honda Pilot ages 1-8 years old and driving all the way to New Mexico-with NO DVD player thank you very much. They did just fine. We looked for license plates, counted trains (36 total seen) and the kids colored and read. Nathan had a tough time sometimes but he's a baby. He's allowed.<br />
<br />
We started out by just going to LA for New Year's. That was a lot of fun. We got to stay with our some of our best college buddies and their family. They spoiled us with good food, great conversation and an easy in and out set-up. We hardly had to unpack our car they had everything set-up perfectly for us there. Leaving from there helped. They prayed for us and reminded us they believed in us. It was a great way to leave CA. <br />
<br />
After realizing two days prior on our way to LA that Nathan does NOT like the car for very long at all, we decided that our all day trip to from LA to New Mexico had to be strategic. So we planned to hit the road early. We were on the freeway after filling up at 5:30 am. That made a huge difference. We were able to get to Flagstaff, AZ by lunchtime only stopping once for gas in the Mojave Desert. Then all three littler ones fell asleep. The older two in the back played games. It was a quiet afternoon when we crossed the border into New Mexico. After that, we raced the sun to Albuquerque. We made it to the city by dinnertime. Not bad. Not bad at all.<br />
<br />
One of the themes of this last week is God's faithfulness in our weakness and our need to follow His lead. Our plan was to arrive Thursday night, stay in a hotel and then move onto Kirtland Air Force Base the next day. However, when we were only 200 miles out of Albuquerque, I happened to check my email and the housing office had emailed that morning that they had to delay our move-in due to the carpets needing to be replaced. They had known we were moving in for a month and they didn't figure this out yet?! We weren't pleased at all. Now instead of moving in we were going to be stuck in a hotel for four nights! Who was going to pay for that? We tried to regroup and then just had to let go. God had this. There were reasons for this delay. We just couldn't see them yet. <br />
<br />
Our leasing agent knew that they had totally inconvenienced us so she offered to put us up until our house was ready. So the hotel was paid for. All we had to do was wait it out...all seven of us, in a hotel room. Ha! But truly, we picked a good place that had two rooms, a kitchen and a free breakfast. It was small for sure, but it would be doable for a few days. I tried to be cheerful as I set-up camp.<br />
<br />
My cheerfulness started to wane a bit as I heard my poor husband up in the night sick. As the night went on, he was more and more sick. He had a horrible headache, was sick to his stomach and just felt terrible. We think he was altitude sick (we had just moved from sea level to 5500 feet) because none of the rest of us got the same sickness. On the one hand, I was thankful we weren't moving the next day! On the other hand, I knew it was me, myself and I, with the kids, in a very strange city that I had only just seen that night (we had never visited Albuquerque prior to moving)! I had to get the kids out the next morning to do something so Steve could rest and get better. I wanted to panic!! Where would we go in this huge city? However, God calmed my heart. I made plans in the middle of the night to get groceries and some needed supplies. No time to be intimidated. It was go-time.<br />
<br />
Armed with Siri and God's mercy, the kids and I went out exploring the next morning. We found my happy place-Trader Joe's and suddenly, things felt a bit more familiar. I began mapping out some plans in my mind about where kids would nap for the next few days, how/where we'd get our meals taken care of and basically tried to re-plan our entire upcoming weekend now that Daddy was sick and we weren't moving in. God's strength welled up in me and I felt hope that He was there. I knew it. I knew that He knew and I saw right away that our move-in delay was all a part of His plan. As I saw that, I began to relax.<br />
<br />
Steve was sick all of Friday and a lot of Saturday. Saturday morning he came out to the Aquarium with us for two hours or so. We had just gotten passes from grandparents for Christmas. After that he went back to bed. But he was slowly getting better. In the meantime, the kids played lots of cards, colored, we went out for errands and made some meals at the hotel. The kids weren't sleeping well at night but, all in all, things were going as smoothly as they could under the circumstances. God was taking care of us at every turn. <br />
<br />
By Saturday night Steve felt better. He had been researching some local churches in the area and we narrowed it down to two. We picked one over the other because they encouraged families to bring their kids into service with them. Any church that values children sitting with their parents really stands out to us so we decided to go there. We were so glad we did!<br />
<br />
This church immediately welcomed us. Of course we were noticed right away. Wherever we go with our five kids we're noticed. This time being a spectacle came in handy! Everyone asked us what we needed and within a short time, we had identified a few people that worked at Sandia (where Steve will be interning) and a family that lived on Kirtland Air Force base (where we are living). One of them offered to help us with whatever we needed when we arrived on base the next day! We were so thankful! The delay in our move-in had allowed us to meet some people and connect with a church. That ended up being key to our move on base.<br />
<br />
But I'll get to that next time. That's a story in itself. What we had seen at this point is that despite our own plans, God would determine our steps and care for us in the best way. We just had to trust Him. We made it to New Mexico and we were in His hands. He'd provide for everything else.<br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-65934707637310572872013-11-05T14:06:00.001-08:002013-11-05T14:06:21.560-08:00James Maxwell<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, Steve was still in grad school finishing his last class-computational linear algebra. And in fact, he was working on his thesis
project which was a graduation requirement. He didn't know it at the time but, his project proved to be very
strategic in this whole journey. He chose the topic because he loved the material.
Michael Faraday and James Maxwell had always been scientific heroes of
his and so he decided to study about Maxwell's Equations of Electromagnetism which are the bedrock
foundation of electromagnetism and electrical engineering.</div>
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As an aside, this project was truly a beauty from ashes thing
for him. When Steve started at Cal Poly,
he was talented and expected to do well; he entered as an electrical
engineering student. He spent nearly
three years in the major but he was young and lacked discipline. All of the sudden he had to study. And he didn't have the skills or the
confidence to fight through the difficulties.
The more difficulties he faced the more he retreated. As a result, he didn't do well. </div>
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He switched out of electrical engineering and
when we got married, finished in math.
But his difficulties as an undergrad always haunted him. He felt deep regret for how he had handled
his studies and also felt that his potential had been wasted. That is why, after five years, he went back
to school for his Masters in Math and he rocked it, showing his abilities. With maturity and much more on the line, he
really soared. </div>
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So it was fitting that his final project for his Masters in
Math was an electrical engineering project (that was very math heavy). When he told his graduate committee chair
what he wanted to do, his chair was a bit reticent saying he thought the
content might be too difficult. But
Steve was determined. So his chair
relented and told him to make sure and update him regularly on his progress so
that he could be sure he was headed in the right direction. So Steve researched and slowly worked his way
through Maxwell's Equations, teaching himself the ins and outs of the problems. He also read Maxwell's biography and that
really touched him bringing out the humanity in Maxwell and not just the genius
in the math. </div>
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In fact, awhile back, <a href="http://dauphinfamily.blogspot.com/2013/02/james-maxwell-and-some-personal.html" target="_blank">I posted about a poem</a> Steve read
to me one particular Saturday toward the end of Texas A & M. That Saturday he had been out all day working on Maxwell and had come across the poem in Maxwell's
biography. The poem has had a huge
presence in our lives since. We recite
it to each other often. It's posted on
our bedroom wall. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Trust me Spring
is very near, All the buds are swelling, All the glory of the year, In those
buds is dwelling. What the open buds
reveal, Tell us life is flowing, What the buds still shut, conceal, we shall
end in knowing....". </i> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It became a
continual reminder of what we were working toward. And that God would reveal to us where we were
headed in His time. <i>Spring was coming.</i></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Steve presented his thesis project to his
committee, passed his final oral exit exam, finished his last class and
graduated with honors in May. We thought we'd know where we were going by then. But we didn't. It was a bit disappointing but we tried really hard to just keep going forward, keep working as hard as we could to open up connections for him, and let God do the rest. And did God have a HUGE blessing in the works. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We had no idea what was coming right around the corner...but God was about ready to move on our behalf in a big way.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It looked like nothing was in sight and then God just moved.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground." Isaiah 44:3</span></span>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-77312082291758639022013-10-29T14:27:00.004-07:002013-10-29T22:56:54.360-07:00Three Paths and Valentine's Day 2013<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the biggest hurdles in this whole process was Steve getting a vision of what he was looking for in a career. We knew he liked math. We knew he could solve big problems. We just didn't know how that translated to the industry. So we started researching again. I looked at all sorts of options and narrowed down three paths he could take-engineering, computer science and finance. Now these areas were pretty broad but at least we could start to think about each one and then pick a direction. </div>
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We knew that Steve had the ability to program. His masters is in Computational Mathematics. However, programming is not his favorite and he doesn't care to do it all the time. He will program enough to solve big systems of equations as they relate to math problems, but not just to program itself. It's not interesting to him. So computer science was out.</div>
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Finance held a lot of promise. Many mathematicians run statistics for insurance companies (they are called actuaries) and others work on the stock market. Yet when we thought about this option, we knew it wasn't Steve. He's not a flashy businessman-type. He's more quiet and simple. </div>
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What it came down to was this-Steve wanted to creatively solve big math problems. The best bet for this type of work would lie in the engineering world working on real-world applications. And since he had passed the EIT, he was considered an engineer in training so that lent him some credibility in the engineering industry. But doing what in engineering? There are millions of types of engineers. That's when we started networking.</div>
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During this process, God led us to many people to talk to. Steve has many
relatives that are pretty academic and "mathy" so we started with
them. He talked with cousins, his uncle
who is a math guy and various others about what he likes to do with math and
how his skills would translate to the industry.
These conversations sparked a lot of thought and helped us narrow down
even more what we were looking for. Isaac's teacher at school got us in touch with her Dad who has been an
engineer at Boeing for years. Her Dad talked
at length with Steve about his skills, gave him advice and was a great first
encounter with the industry. These conversations were not easy for Steve. He had to really gear himself up to talk to all of these people, many of whom he did not know, and put himself out there. It was really, really hard for him. But he did it. The Navy had given him a taste. He wanted to know more. </div>
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Meanwhile, I was always researching for him. I discovered that Raytheon was a pretty big engineering firm and that they did presentations at various colleges throughout the year. They happened to be coming to Stanford in February...on Valentine's Day to be exact. So we made plans to go up there and see their presentation for Valentine's Day! We didn't have much information about the presentation since Steve isn't a student there so we weren't even sure where the presentation was! We literally looked all over campus for an
hour. It was like trying to find a
needle in a haystack. We had the GPS on our iPhone and the address and that was it. I kept praying the
whole time, as we circled, that we'd find it. We had
driven an hour and a half to find out more about Raytheon, but every minute that passed brought more and more
frustration to Steve. </div>
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I knew any minute he was going to give up. I kept my mouth shut, only opening it to say positive things, and let him fight it out inside. I knew everything inside of him just wanted to bail and go home. I knew it. But that was old Steve. That was Steve at Cal Poly when things got difficult. That wasn't Steve now, on the brink of graduating with honors with his Masters. Steve now was responsible, mature and accomplished. He had to keep going. I let him battle with himself and just held his hand in silence. </div>
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Going to this presentation was a huge step
for him and I knew it. We had to find it! Just when I could tell he nearly reached the end of himself, we found it.
Phew! We had to bring Nathan with us so I
sat out in the foyer and played with him while Steve watched the
presentation praying the whole time that God would meet him there and give him some direction. I had no idea what to expect when he walked out. Would he be happy? Feel like it was a waste of our effort? Be intrigued? <br />
<br />
I was pleasantly surprised. He was totally blown
away and encouraged. He left saying, "Why have I never known
there are jobs out there like that? They
are looking for people like me. I can do
that. And I am so interested in that
work. How can I get there? What do I have to do to get there?" He was pumped. He had a vision now. He wanted to work for a company like that doing creative math and engineering. He talked to a recruiter afterward, getting over more fears, and got even more information on how his skills would fit in at Raytheon. She also affirmed my belief that he should try and get an internship to get some hands-on experience for his resume. All in all, it was very encouraging. </div>
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Afterward, we were starving so we headed to In N Out at 9 pm to
finally have dinner. Both of us were
beaming. Nathan sat on the table in between us, we held hands, and declared it would be a Valentine's Day to remember. We had received some direction. We still weren't sure our future but Steve
had a little piece of the vision now. He
had seen what was potentially out there for him and he was pumped. Valentine's Day 2013 will always be a
special, momentous day for us. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the midst of winter and uncertainty, it was a bright day of hope and optimism. God would direct us. We just had to keep putting one foot in front of the other and trust Him as He wrote our story.</div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-13938526897640557622013-10-23T15:02:00.002-07:002013-10-23T15:09:52.899-07:00Next Steps-The EIT and The Navy<div class="MsoNormal">
Since we didn't know where to go next, we prayed. We also researched various opportunities and discovered the Department of Defense hires many mathematicians. All this research was a lengthy and daunting
process. Much of the feedback we
received was good. However, Steve hadn't
narrowed down exactly what he wanted to do with his math abilities. And without a clear vision, it's hard to move
forward.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Last fall we made a couple of moves in a different direction
to test the waters. One of those moves
was him taking an engineering exam called the Engineer in Training Exam (EIT). We decided he'd take the exam about six weeks prior to the exam date in October. Nathan, our fifth, had just been born in August. Steve was in his second to last grad school class and was also teaching a new class for his day job along with his three other preps (subjects). As a result, the fact that it was a last minute decision and that Steve was so overextended in all sorts of other areas meant he didn't have much time to study for the exam except for the week prior to taking it. But we knew it was a step in the right direction. If he could pass this exam, on a whim, it
would give him some confidence that his skills were valuable and transferable. It would also lend him some credibility. He had to try. So we took the leap. He passed.</div>
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<br /></div>
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During this time, we also started applying for jobs. By "we" I mean, I applied for them,
for Steve. It takes so much effort to apply for jobs! And since he was so tied up in working, finishing up well at A & M, etc...it made sense for me to research and apply for him. Most of the jobs were
mathematician jobs for the government because the government will employ math
guys at the master's level. Many other
companies require a PhD. So we started
sending out a ton of applications. Many
of them came back with "Eligible but not passed on to the hiring
manager." It's tough to get
rejection. And we pretty much knew why. He had excellent grades but no practical experience. He needed some. We just weren't sure how to get him there. However, we knew that in time, if we
kept pressing forward, something would work out.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We had our first big break in December when one of the
applications came back with an offer for an interview with the Navy. I'll never forget Steve's smile when he came
home that day. He had forwarded me the
email so I knew about it but I had no idea what he thought about it. He was beaming. The Navy wanted him out there as soon as
possible. So less than a week later, Steve
was on a plane out to Virginia, with all of his expenses covered. It was a whirlwind experience for him. And we were ecstatic that this opportunity
had presented itself to us. Virginia is
beautiful, affordable, and working for the Navy was not only financially
expedient but a worthy cause.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYUgRShP018/UmhI6ba64pI/AAAAAAAADkg/GmyopD7a2Ns/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYUgRShP018/UmhI6ba64pI/AAAAAAAADkg/GmyopD7a2Ns/s320/016.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve heading out to Virginia for his interview with the Navy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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However, right after interviewing, Steve knew that both jobs
(he had been up for two different positions) didn't quite fit. He was looking to creatively solve big math
problems. One of the mathematician jobs
had much more to do with finance. The
other one was helping to build guns on navy ships, which seemed interesting but the work environment
that he witnessed was not attractive to him.
At least that was his impression and he was reticent about that side of
things.</div>
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Everything else was amazing. We would've done it. We
would've done it anyway despite the jobs not being a good fit because it was an amazing deal. And at the time we didn't know if another
opportunity would present itself. Plus,
although Steve is a very talented mathematician, he lacked practical experience
in the work force so we felt that we had to take what we could get. But God had His way. Steve interviewed just prior to The Sequester. I am unsure if you are familiar with that but
there were some pretty big spending cuts that took place to the Department of
Defense in January and these cuts were called The Sequester. Steve interviewed right before
Christmas. So although the Navy liked
him, they got put under a hiring freeze and could not hire him.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Needless to say, we were devastated. Not only had Virginia been taken off the
table, but it seemed that the entire job market that we had targeted, the Department of Defense, had been obliterated.
Where were we to go next? It was
a hard pill to swallow. But after a bit,
we gathered our wits about us, and hit the ground running again, this time
focusing on more of the private sector.
We also really tried narrowing down the direction we were going. Was it engineering, physics, math....? We also started thinking about
internships.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's all about the networking. Networking, networking, networking. My husband hates talking on the phone and dislikes even more putting himself out there. However, after having flown across the country on his first big job interview with the US Navy, he had a taste of what might be out there. And that pushed him out of his box.</div>
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Networking and talking on the phone with all sorts of different people in the industry...what was God going to do with all of that? Only time would tell. </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-47133479932504456612013-10-17T14:16:00.001-07:002013-10-17T14:20:56.514-07:00A Little History<div class="MsoNormal">
When I first met Steve at Cal Poly he was switching out of
electrical engineering into liberal studies to be a math teacher. When I asked him why, I remember him saying
that he liked working with kids. I
always wondered why he had started in electrical engineering though. I didn't have any idea about his background
at that point. In fact, to be honest, I
always knew he was a smart guy but it wasn't until he started his Masters at
Texas A & M, where he competed against other math students like himself,
that I really began to understand his exceptional abilities in math (that was about 7 years into our marriage!).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, when we talk
about his undergrad years, he wishes he could go back and tell himself all that
he could do with an engineering degree. He
truly didn't know. He had not caught the
vision of what his future would look like working on projects that utilized his
skills and catered to the way his mind is built. He just really had no idea. He stayed in liberal studies for the year and
a half that we were dating. He hated
it. It was not the right fit for
him. So the first quarter we were
married, he switched into math and that was the degree he earned upon his
graduation.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As I am sure you can imagine, this kind of path lends itself
to a lot of baggage. Steve was young and
didn't quite understand how his choices would affect his future. However, as time went on, it became clear
that he hadn't made the best choices with regards to his education. And he regretted it-big time. He knew he had wasted a lot of his potential. He carried that regret around inside of him
all the time. Often he would talk to me
about it. I didn't know how to help him
with it. I just prayed for him.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We started having children, he began his career in teaching
and we still talked about those years.
He ached inside to learn more math, to solve big problems but felt his
opportunity to do so had flown past him.
He would tell me how it felt like he was already forgetting what he
learned in some of his classes at Cal Poly. He liked doing math and physics everyday for
his job. But he wanted to be
challenged. That's when he started
talking to me about his masters. He had found Texas A & M's Masters in Mathematics program online. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
We had two kids at the time.
I thought it was impossible. But
he kept at it-which was very surprising to me. I knew how school had
gone for him the first time around. I was afraid of what it might look like with him working full-time and with us having children. As a result, in mind, it
was risky and it was expensive. At the time, it was the only Masters in
Mathematics program online. We put it
off because I didn't think we could pay for it. </div>
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By the time Joshua was a baby though, Steve couldn't get it out of his
mind. He had to go for it. He asked to just take their entrance
exam to see if he could pass it. He had to get at least an 80% to
put in his application. Of course I was
in agreement. He got 100%. Then he said he wanted to take the GRE. I stepped out another step...he got a
perfect score in the math! Thank the
Lord for his test scores, for at the time, those test scores are what got him
into Texas A & M. Without them, he
probably would not have been accepted. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
He did not start the masters with an intention to switch
jobs. He liked teaching. He just wanted to do more math. And he really wanted to be challenged. Nevertheless, about two years before Steve
graduated from Texas A & M, he started to
change his mind. One of his friends from Cal Poly, an electrical engineer,
told him, "You know, once you're done, you can do anything you want. Many companies out there want guys like you." He was right in the middle of the Numerical Analysis series at the time, which is pretty serious stuff. I remember him telling me, "This series will determine how I do in the program. If I can do well, then I know I'm going to make it just fine." They were only the 2nd and 3rd classes he took. And after tons of hard work, he got A's. </div>
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Steve didn't ever think a career change was possible. He thought his time had passed. Yet, the longer Steve was in school and
the more success he had in his coursework, the more we both knew that he had to make
a job change. He liked to teach. But he liked solving really big math problems
much, much more. However, these types of
changes don't happen over night...especially with lots of little people to
feed. We had to be certain. And to be honest, we just didn't know the
direction we were headed.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So...we were moving toward some sort of change. Where, when and doing what? We had no idea.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But we knew this-Great is God's faithfulness. He would be with us, every single step of the way. Plus, Steve had a great job. So we weren't in a hurry. We could take our time, let him finish up the program and in the meantime figure out the direction we were going.<br />
<br />
In time we'd know. </div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-88954633338397891042013-10-14T14:33:00.000-07:002013-10-14T14:37:03.390-07:00Time to Fess Up<div class="MsoNormal">
So for the past year, there's been a lot of silence on my
blog. It's not because I don't like blogging anymore at all. In fact, there have been a lot of reasons
for my prolonged absences. One of the main reasons is
lack of time. I only have one consistent
napper now. My house is rarely quiet in
the afternoon. My older kids, who are
not at school, do have a rest time but I am often still managing them at times
and find their playtime to be some of the only "off" time my brain
gets. And then the biggest boys come
home and want to tell me about their day.
So, my main writing time has shrunk. Five kids has caught up to me!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there have been other reasons. One of them, pretty much the most important
one, is that our family's future has been uncertain. A lot of the goings-on, coupled with the many
lessons I've been learning have been tied to these issues. And I haven't had the freedom to write about
them....yet. I don't know, something
about the whole world having access to our very personal matters just didn't
seem wise so, I kept a lid on it. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
On
purpose. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But it's time to fess up. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I won't be able to address the whole journey in one blog post because
it's simply too large to document at once.
However, I hope to at least get the ball rolling.</div>
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<i></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RiDZBWapR0/UlxiQnW-jKI/AAAAAAAADkA/CqPuCQ4FwWA/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5RiDZBWapR0/UlxiQnW-jKI/AAAAAAAADkA/CqPuCQ4FwWA/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve reading his acceptance letter to the kids.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The big news is this-we are moving. We're not exactly sure when but it will be within
the year. Steve has been accepted to
Colorado State's PhD in Mathematics program in Fort Collins, Colorado. He has received funding and has also landed
an internship with a national lab. There
are many unknowns still at this time but, we know that we are going. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now how we got to this point is QUITE a
story. And when I say, "quite"
I really mean it. It's been the perfect
display of God's tender hand leading us.
There have been many disappointments along the way and lots of
triumphs! We are thankful for this opportunity
and know that the adventure will far outweigh the difficulties (which will be
many I am sure). </div>
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<i></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIRI6Mni0Ng/Ulxiae1ED1I/AAAAAAAADkI/ZcfKaCZjD8o/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIRI6Mni0Ng/Ulxiae1ED1I/AAAAAAAADkI/ZcfKaCZjD8o/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids "celebrating. Moving to the snow was big news to them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Stay tuned. I'll be
posting the story in installments over the next few weeks. It's been an amazing journey to get to this
point. I couldn't be more proud of my husband
who has worked so hard for this.
However, we both know that none of this was our doing. It is so much more than we deserve! We give all glory to God! He is the One who writes our story and we are
so grateful for His many blessings. We
are humbled by this whole situation and are continually on our knees asking God
to continue to provide in the little details, for there are many. </div>
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Two verses that have been a constant assurance and encouragement to me for months are these: </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
<i><i>Isaiah 43:19</i></i></div>
<br />
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. Isaiah 44:3</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We covet your prayers for our family during this time of unknowns and transition. Yet something I know in depths of my heart is that God will be with us as we venture out and He will be there every step of the way.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ky80vtjVis/UlxiaTRRyeI/AAAAAAAADkM/DbNfEG0aWlw/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ky80vtjVis/UlxiaTRRyeI/AAAAAAAADkM/DbNfEG0aWlw/s320/008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An attempt to get a pic with all of them and the letter...fail. But still hilarious. We're taking our five kids and going to get a PhD. Are we insane? Who would've thought?? </td></tr>
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I am totally ecstatic and broken-hearted to leave, all at the same time. Such a woman. But more than that, I am caught up in my husband's God-given mission, and am so willing and ready to launch into another season of grad school as his wife, best friend, and help-meet. I'm sure there will be many stories to tell along the way. I hope you'll be ready to hear them.</div>
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To God be the glory! Amen and amen.</div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-50647180500312739062013-10-03T15:15:00.000-07:002013-10-03T15:15:01.374-07:00Remembering September 27thLast Friday marked five years since Joshua was born. I can't believe my third child is five! Time flies faster now...it's an ephemeral reminder that I am not in fact immortal and that my days are numbered. Whenever his birthday rolls around I am brought back to that night in early autumn when he and I were both very much on the brink of death. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHIJzvvySbA/Uk3rTKzkfZI/AAAAAAAADjo/0jS59maUvtQ/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kHIJzvvySbA/Uk3rTKzkfZI/AAAAAAAADjo/0jS59maUvtQ/s320/052.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
A few days later, on Monday I had my yearly trip to my OB's office and I wouldn't say that we're best friends but, we've been through a lot together. And we like each other. He's a gentle, quiet, gruff old man, full of experience and not a lot of words. Me, well I have been in his office many times over the last several years trusting my health and the health of my children to him. So as I sat in his office, updating him on all the children and hearing about his family (children/grandchildren) as well, I was again struck by that night when God had used him to step in and save both of us.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5EXipdO7t8/Uk3rKrBcG_I/AAAAAAAADjE/-WsHgb40YLA/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E5EXipdO7t8/Uk3rKrBcG_I/AAAAAAAADjE/-WsHgb40YLA/s320/026.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I told him with tears in my eyes that Joshua had just turned five a few days earlier<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAJ4duANar8/Uk3rPmXaqwI/AAAAAAAADjY/2xI_CNYgMMY/s1600/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OAJ4duANar8/Uk3rPmXaqwI/AAAAAAAADjY/2xI_CNYgMMY/s320/040.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
He looked at me mystified and said quietly, "Has it really been that long?" <br />
<br />
I remarked, "Yes." Then ventured to say one more thing in the hopes that it wouldn't be too much conversation about a sensitive topic.<br />
<br />
"Yes. It's been five years since that very scary night when you saved him...since you saved me."<br />
<br />
He knew what I meant. I had already told him before that we knew God had used him to save Joshua and myself. He shifted his eyes downward and said, "I'm just glad all turned out well. And look you've even had more children since."<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ol0M-txx7E/Uk3rJ8WAROI/AAAAAAAADjA/wgHhjt8AYxY/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ol0M-txx7E/Uk3rJ8WAROI/AAAAAAAADjA/wgHhjt8AYxY/s320/028.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
I don't know what possessed me to bring up that night. We hadn't talked about it much except in reference to me never laboring again with my subsequent two children. Maybe since it's been five years it was just fresh on my mind. Or maybe I just wanted to make sure he knew that I knew and that I was grateful.<br />
<br />
I don't know.<br />
<br />
But for whatever reason, I had to say those words. I had to remember it. And I wanted him to know that I knew. That Steve and I knew.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYDIEJc0Jnc/Uk3rNL3eSvI/AAAAAAAADjQ/bq52ewPRM5I/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYDIEJc0Jnc/Uk3rNL3eSvI/AAAAAAAADjQ/bq52ewPRM5I/s320/034.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
After my VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-section) attempt failed with Joshua (my VBAC with Caleb prior to Josh had been successful), I was so angry about it. I could not think about the whole thing without hot, angry tears rolling down my cheeks. Outwardly I was somewhat collected but inwardly a war was waging. How could this happen? I had worked so hard doing everything I was supposed to! I was young. I already had a successful VBAC. I hate, HATE c-sections! I was so embarrassed and felt like an utter failure.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX1kHeoYtt0/Uk3rRQPoh0I/AAAAAAAADjg/G6axPzy6E10/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HX1kHeoYtt0/Uk3rRQPoh0I/AAAAAAAADjg/G6axPzy6E10/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Steve knew I was waging war and that if I didn't come to peace with it, it wouldn't be good. So because he loves me, he began battling for me. He listened to me, and ever so gently kept pointing out that even though my body had failed me, God hadn't. He let me cry but did not let me wallow in my anger. He gently told me to stop it and to remember what God had done. <br />
<br />
God had reached out in the middle of a disaster and He had chosen, in His mercy, to save us both.<br />
<br />
To rescue us.<br />
<br />
From death's door.<br />
<br />
I was hemorrhaging badly from my uterine rupture, every minute losing more and more blood-at the time, no one knew why, and Joshua was retreating further into my uterus trying to survive the barrage of blood invading the birth canal.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kUkB3avNAw/Uk3rUXkfGvI/AAAAAAAADjs/93EIANoKIHI/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kUkB3avNAw/Uk3rUXkfGvI/AAAAAAAADjs/93EIANoKIHI/s320/053.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
And God reached out...<br />
<br />
No longer do I remember just the disaster.<br />
<br />
Five years later, I remember that God had grace. And that He gave me Joshua and He gave me life. He also allowed me two more children.<br />
<br />
Remembering September 27th as a Rescue.<br />
<br />
Thanking God for His unending grace.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-29049778245024857102013-09-13T14:53:00.002-07:002013-09-13T14:53:26.134-07:00Reflections on my Childbearing YearsA sweet friend of mine just had her first baby. Watching her walk through these first weeks has thrown me back into another time when Isaac was an infant and I was a new mother. I remember all of the uncertainty, the exhaustion, the joy and the frustration. It's fresh in my mind. It seems like a lifetime ago, yet just like yesterday. But now, the babe that I hold in my arms is my fifth and probably my last.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmO8vKpdr1w/UjOIFCewuNI/AAAAAAAADho/oCqq8aiTfMI/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KmO8vKpdr1w/UjOIFCewuNI/AAAAAAAADho/oCqq8aiTfMI/s320/048.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
I say <i>probably</i> because Steve and I have not felt at a place to make things permanent. It just seems, well, permanent. There is something in both of our hearts that just really has a hard time with that. However, we do feel like our arms are full of blessings and neither of us desires any more children. At least, not at this time.<br />
<br />
My last little baby, Mr. Nate, is walking now. And he no longer wants to just snuggle me. He's on the move. He nurses for just short periods of time. He wants to explore the house (i.e. my trash can and the toilets). He wants to eat all sorts of different types of food. He is growing and maturing. And even though he's <i>my last</i>, to him, everything is a first. The world is a vast open space and he wants in!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAmmfEDaTos/UjOIJoiqEjI/AAAAAAAADh4/6c6ZXiPE768/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HAmmfEDaTos/UjOIJoiqEjI/AAAAAAAADh4/6c6ZXiPE768/s320/060.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
So the dichotomy to me has been huge. A dear friend on the cusp of motherhood and me, at the end of my childbearing. Once Nathan is weaned, I will truly be at the end. It's gotten me thinking a lot. <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBGMi_oQ_QY/UjOIH8SKLaI/AAAAAAAADhw/2TUQI1BPVPY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBGMi_oQ_QY/UjOIH8SKLaI/AAAAAAAADhw/2TUQI1BPVPY/s320/014.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
When Isaac was small, I was definitely overwhelmed with taking care of him. I was figuring things out, learning how I wanted to care for an infant, and learning to be a wife and mom at the same time. In that process, it was hard for me to see the beauty that comes in motherhood-how God uses love, sacrifice and long suffering to produce such great things in a mother's heart. Those seeds germinate in early motherhood as the sharpening starts. The sculpting is painful and often involves large areas being lopped off. But as time goes on, the etching gets less drastic and more refined, making the finished piece, more and more beautiful.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXRA3_o8LFw/UjOIenucSGI/AAAAAAAADiQ/BfWf2ilIOQk/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXRA3_o8LFw/UjOIenucSGI/AAAAAAAADiQ/BfWf2ilIOQk/s320/074.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
I certainly did not see all that God was doing in my life as I walked a baby, seemingly for miles, in the middle of the night. Or when I would answer those cries just one more time. I always thought that I was caring for my child. But what I didn't see was that my child was caring for me. In fact, every child of mine, through just being who they are, helped shape the soul that is deep inside of me. It's not perfect by any means. But I can tell you, being a mom has made that soul much more dependent on Christ rather than itself, than it ever was before. That has been through force and happenstance. And that in itself, is beautiful.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwNzz12n3QY/UjOIdtQj5DI/AAAAAAAADiI/buBPEcYc6GQ/s1600/100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YwNzz12n3QY/UjOIdtQj5DI/AAAAAAAADiI/buBPEcYc6GQ/s320/100.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
Another thing I have concluded is that the more children I've had, the happier I've become in raising them. I'm not trying to argue that those with smaller families are any less or that people who have their own convictions or reasons for having the amount of children that they do are wrong. I just know this- the more kids I've had, the happier I've become with the journey. We knew we wanted a larger family when we started. We just didn't know how large. And we didn't feel we were more holy because we wanted a large family. It was just a desire God gave us. And I couldn't be more blessed.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brOen05yBIY/UjOIii44VzI/AAAAAAAADig/FzZy9mqI4y4/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-brOen05yBIY/UjOIii44VzI/AAAAAAAADig/FzZy9mqI4y4/s320/101.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
With the addition of each child, I have fallen more and more in love with the whole process. From the first days of Isaac to these busy days with Nathan and all the in between, I have loved this time. Some days I may have been frustrated or at the end of pregnancies, more tired than I ever thought possible, but as the years have worn on, I have grown to love and cherish what I do. <i>I always thought it was meaningful. Now I know it is. </i>Not just for my children, but mostly for me. I am the one who has changed the most during these years as I have carried my children, borne them and then nurtured them into person hood. I am better for it-for all of it. And these eight years of having my five children will forever be precious to me in my memories.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2L4IhYrEF6A/UjOIjbjcWCI/AAAAAAAADio/IztaaS4VDys/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2L4IhYrEF6A/UjOIjbjcWCI/AAAAAAAADio/IztaaS4VDys/s320/105.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Are you in the thick of it? I know it's hard. But hard isn't always bad. It can be challenging yet life changing. Every day I fall into bed spent. But you know, we aren't around for long. I want to be spent. I want to be tired. That means that what I am doing counts for something...for my soul and the souls of my family.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd9YZBh5JzE/UjOJLJb3PxI/AAAAAAAADiw/wHObmnV8A_M/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zd9YZBh5JzE/UjOJLJb3PxI/AAAAAAAADiw/wHObmnV8A_M/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I wait now with great expectations. I'm not very old but older. My young, robust childbearing years are slipping away. I am happy with them. I don't have regrets. But I am also hopeful for the future. If God has changed me this much just by having these precious little people, how much more will he change me as I raise them to adulthood?! I can only imagine. Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-13849334661226137512013-08-08T15:11:00.002-07:002013-08-08T15:11:11.542-07:00On Oven Fires and SuchIt was such an innocent little activity. The kids had been playing play dough all morning. I'm not a huge fan of play dough but, we had gone all summer without pulling out the play dough and so it was time. I said "Yes!" but inside I silently protested, knowing the mess all four big kids would make as they patted their patty-cakes and cranked out "snakes". Oh well, this too shall pass. I could absorb.<br />
<br />
Nathan's birthday is tomorrow. I can't believe my baby will be 1! This past year has flown in so many ways. Being that his birthday starts a run of birthdays (Isaac and Steve are both three days later) and since he is so small and doesn't know the difference, I decided to make him a giant cupcake as a cake and call it "Done!". <br />
<br />
I had finally gotten 98% of the play dough picked up. The kids did a pretty good job putting things away and then I had gone around trying to get the sticky crumbs off of the floor. Never mind the play dough stuck on the bottom of my sandals or the renegade purple somehow smeared on one of the chairs. I was feeling smug and accomplished. I had made it through play dough without losing my mind. And a bonus-the baby was still sleeping. He had somehow slept through the chaos right outside his door and I had a few minutes to myself to start his cake. <br />
<br />
The kids begged to help me. I often let them but, this time, I had just absorbed enough play dough to make my mama patience reach its limits so, I declined their willing hands and sent them to jump on the trampoline. Every five minutes one of them came to the door asking to "help." Every time I said, "No!" I felt more guilty. However, I stuck to my guns. Better to feel guilty than to snap at someone due to low patience. I needed to do this one solo.<br />
<br />
I got everything dialed. It's a fairly easy cake to do and it turns out so delicious. Since I was making him a giant cupcake I had to use a special pan. I had actually inherited this pan. A few years back I had borrowed it from a friend for one of my kids' birthdays and when I went to check to see if the cake was done, the skewer I used went right through the bottom of the silicone. Long story short, I bought her a new one. And whenever I used the now broken one, mine, I put foil on the bottom to keep it sealed. Easy enough.<br />
<br />
Knowing that the top pan can be a bit tippy (the cupcake pan is actually two pieces-the bottom of the cupcake and the top), I made sure it was centered and upright, then shut the door to turn the rest of the batter out into some cupcake tins. When I went to put the cupcakes in, I was horrified to discover that the top had still somehow managed to tip and had spilled its very fluid contents all over the bottom of my oven. <br />
<br />
I was talking to my mom. I quickly hung up. And then I tried to troubleshoot the problem. I knew that quite quickly that nice, chocolately batter was going to be a smoldering mess. How did I clean that mess up when the oven was still so hot. And what was I supposed to do with the cake? How could I get it baked?<br />
<br />
At this point, the kids had gathered inside and were staring blankly at the open oven covered in ooey-gooey, soon to be charred, chocolate goodness. Everyone offered to help. How sweet. I declined but allowed them to stand back and watch. Everyone was shouting out ideas. I blocked them out, nodding my head at each of them and smiling broadly, but inside I was formulating a plan. A plan that I hoped would work.<br />
<br />
I got out a set of BBQ tongs, a wet rag and got to work mopping up the oven bottom. Maybe I could still somehow manage to get this cupcake baked. I started feeling better. I even mentally patted myself on the back saying, "Wow! You're handling this with such poise. And look at those engineering skills. Steve will be so proud."<br />
<br />
As soon as those thoughts went through my head, I started to see the flames. Oh, no worry. That's just a bit of the batter burning. It'll burn off quickly...kinda like when something drops on the oven floor and burns up. It smokes for a bit then goes out. Oh yeah. No worries.<br />
<br />
Then a few more flames started leaping. And I realized that the fire was actually coming from the burner underneath the oven floor. Some of the batter had somehow leaked down there. My carefree attitude started to deteriorate a little. This could be a bigger problem. <br />
<br />
I let the flames leap for awhile (okay a minute) as I was trying to figure out what to do. The fire was contained in the oven. I wanted to see if it would burn out but I didn't want to wait too long. Meanwhile, the children were all calling out helpful comments like, "Mommy!!! The fire is climbing the sides of the oven! The flames are getting bigger. Mommy, do something! DO SOMETHING! Throw water on it." You know, stuff like that. As the fire gained steam, smoke billowed through the house.<br />
<br />
I had to do something. I turned the oven off. And reached for the baking soda. A few handfuls snuffed that nasty fire out. We all took a deep breath...or at least tried to. As soon as we did, we were gagging from the smoke. But soon enough, with all the windows open, the smoke began to clear.<br />
<br />
I immediately called Steve. As soon as he answered he knew something was wrong. I never call him in the middle of a workday unless it's important. I explained what happened. I had already dealt with it. The fire was out. I just needed to hear his voice. I needed him to tell me it was all okay-to feel grounded again. He quickly assuaged my nerves and gently told me he was proud of me for handling it well. Not sure "well" is what I'd call it but, anyhow. When I got off the phone with him, I felt much better. He had confirmed my plan to clean it up and had advised me what to do when I tried to turn it back on once all the batter was mopped up.<br />
<br />
Of course, after dealing with the fire, I thought of a brilliant plan. Hindsight 20/20 I tell you. I should've just let that batter bake all over the bottom of the oven. Then I could've come back 5-10 minutes later and just scraped it all up with a metal spatula. I mean, that would've been way smarter!! Oh well, next time. Wait...let's hope there isn't a next time.<br />
<br />
Once the oven was cooled down, I cleaned it. And I had the spectators go in the other room. Being the Curious George's they are, they didn't like it one bit and kept clambering into the doorway. I shooed them multiple times and kept on at my mission. Too bad for them. I wasn't going to have any more catastrophes. Play dough and a fire were enough for me. <br />
<br />
My next door neighbor graciously let me bake the cupcake in her oven. I promised not to spill it and even put it on a cookie sheet as insurance. Phew. I was glad I was able to save it. I didn't have the gumption to make another cake. No, not today.<br />
<br />
All is quiet now. The oven is clean. I think the disaster is over. But I'm not sure. I haven't tried to turn the oven back on yet.<br />
<br />
We'll see how it goes.<br />
<br />
Never a dull moment.<br />
<br />
Just another day in paradise.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-32237052208225398302013-08-07T14:59:00.001-07:002013-08-07T15:09:27.029-07:00RefreshedLife keeps on rolling along here. Just like yours I'm sure. Having all five kids home during the day this summer has been fine. In fact, I've quite enjoyed it. It's been fun to sit around and read all together, go on walks every night, swim most afternoons and water the garden. We've been keeping up with school work too and I don't have a difficult time keeping the laundry going since I'm home a lot. During the school year, it's hard to get everything done in between school runs.<br />
<br />
So it's been great.<br />
<br />
But I am also starting to itch for that fall routine to start. I have been sending the kids outside numerous times a day to try and help them burn their energy off. It works...for a time. But really, they need to get out and conquer the world. They're ready to get back to school.<br />
<br />
We haven't done all that much this summer. We didn't have any crazy vacation. And really, we've hardly left our house here because Steve has been taking our reliable car into work every day (he's been working at an internship for the summer-more on that another time). For a few weeks we borrowed his mom's car while his parents were on vacation but, for over half the time, I've been car-less.<br />
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Truly, it's been okay. It's been simple. <br />
<br />
We've had friends come to visit. Their presence revived us big time. To be known and loved deeply for so many years by encouraging friends is such a blessing. Our cup overflows. We've gone out on numerous date nights (four in a row...I think we set a record). We've had great talk time, just Steve and me. In a lot of ways, though it hasn't been glamorous, it's been glorious and exactly what we needed post grad school. Although I hardly have a spare moment to write, since all of my little people are always around and life is full, but it's still good.<br />
<br />
It's also been empty at times. Another set of very special friends moved across the country at the beginning of the summer. Our hearts were broken again. But even though we've longed to see them and be near all of the close, special friends, God has blessed our lives with, we also know, heaven is coming. No more good-byes. We will see them again. Lord willing in this lifetime. <br />
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We are truly thankful for the eight years we had together, living down the street, raising our kids together, having pizza together and a movie most Friday nights, talking on the phone daily, snagging the drive-by carpool pick-up/drop-off conversation and just being with people who knew everything about us but loved us anyway...yeah. I don't think I've allowed myself to truly mourn their departure. I keep thinking they will walk through the door. There's a pretty big whole in our lives with them gone but, God is faithful. Life goes on but it's not the same. We are happy for them and are rooting for them in their new adventure. Just sad for ourselves.<br />
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On a happier note, this last weekend we did go camping with Steve's side of the family. It was a lot of fun. Of course, since Nathan was in tow, neither Steve nor I got much sleep (mostly due to the baby being cold at night). However, the big kids did great, slept like champs, played all day with their cousins and I can see how camping will be a really relaxing vacation in the years to come. In fact, it was pretty relaxing this time, just a little lacking on the sleep. Good thing Steve and I are so "seasoned" in the area of not sleeping now. Many hours into the second night, we both looked at each other, laughed and prayed for daylight. I'm so glad he's mine...he's my best friend.<br />
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On our way home Caleb asked me, "Mommy, how long does it take for a forest to grow? Could we plant one in our backyard?" After explaining how long it takes for trees to grow, he said, "Mommy, can I go live in the forest then?" A boy after my own heart. As we were hiking on Saturday, I grabbed Steve's hand and said, "This is the life for me. Someday, let's live in the mountains." So refreshing to go spend time there. I absolutely love it.<br />
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In other news, the kids and I have been memorizing a passage of scripture together this summer. We haven't been faithful to learn a verse everyday but, we have made some headway in Ephesians 4. This morning, I was reminding all of the kids why we put God's word in our hearts-how through hiding God's word in our hearts, we are able to avoid sin and know right from wrong. "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11 <br />
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Isaac went off on some cute little tangent about hiding it deep in our hearts so that we could find it later. Caleb piped up and said, "But not too deep because if it's too deep, then Jesus won't be able to find it." Oh how I love these kids! They are all so precious to me. From little Nathan who just took his first steps a few weeks ago to Elliana who just this morning requested her Cinderella dress and a dance with her biggest brother, to Joshua who walks around quoting the Hobbit movie, to Caleb who is always thinking deep thoughts about something, to my oldest who has such an intuitive, mature thought process about life...I am truly blessed.<br />
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Even though our summer has been simple and spent mostly at home, it's been full of life, love, definitely bickering at times, some loss, and joy.<br />
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Just another perfect summer that God has Given.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-652754072465063582013-07-25T15:39:00.000-07:002013-07-25T16:22:00.195-07:00Tolkien, Our Anniversary and SafewayWe've had an eventful day. Heck everyday is eventful. It started so mellow and sweet. This morning one of the girls from Cross Country visited. Can I just say it now, I love this girl. Such a great kid. Everytime I get to hang out with her, I love every minute of it. I'm blessed to know her. <br />
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By the way, Saturday was our 11th Anniversary so we went out to dinner at the Red House in Pacific Grove. Best place ever. Amazing. Can't believe we've completed the first year of our second decade married. <br />
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Back to today...while she was here and afterward, there was a lot of playing. <span style="text-align: center;">You know, like this with big blankets stuffed into shirts. </span><br />
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Here is Joshua dressed up as Bombur from the <i>Hobbit</i>. Isaac read the book earlier in the summer and the boys have seen the movie. All summer they've slowly been working on a <i>Hobbit</i> play. Now when I say, "working on" I mean that Isaac has been walking around with a clipboard organizing, Caleb has been quizzically devising sets and props (machines) to be used throughout the show, and Joshua has been having a blast dressing up in the costumes.<br />
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Totally typical of all their personalities.<br />
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They've also been having quite a bit of fun (mostly fun, sometimes tears) practicing sword fighting. Their sword fighting is quite comical. Swoosh, whoosh, and a few high-ya's have snuck in there while they serenely prance around the house with their swords in hand. <br />
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As an aside, my husband swears that boys are better than girls at sound effects. I know there can be the occasional exception to the rule, but I have to agree with him. Okay...don't get all huffy...get your big girl panties and big boy panties on here. Think about it. He's not trying to be a sexist, just a realist. In fact, every year, while studying some aspect of Physics-I think the Doppler Effect, he always asks his classes who they think can make better sound effects, boys or girls. And then they compete. He says, that it's hilarious because that is one area the girls just can't one-up the guys in. They are toe to toe, even better than the guys in other areas but, sound effects, boys just own them.<br />
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Having four boys and one girl has only proven this whole aspect over and over to me. My boys are good at these things. Sometimes I am amazed at the grunts, tricks and sounds that come out of their mouths. However, Elliana is amazing at talking. The way she explains herself at three, blows me away. She knows her feelings and everything. They're not always good feelings but, they're feelings nonetheless. <br />
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I love it. We're all truly different from the get-go. You'd think Elle would be really good at sound effects, considering the exposure she has to practicing them but, her little vrooms don't hold a candle. Ha ha ha.<br />
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Okay, aside aside,back to this hilariousness. The Hobbit Play is just one of many schemes the oldest child has come up with in the last year. He loves to organize (I mean boss in a nice way) events. Pretty much none of it has amounted to anything but he doesn't care. It's the process, it's the organization itself that is fascinating to him. Usually it involves a clipboard, a pencil and a relentless spirit trying to bamboozle any poor soul that comes into his path to be a part of his new idea. This current project has his whole school (many of them don't know it yet) a part of his play at the Monte Vista small gym on August 10th. In all reality, if the play gets performed, it will be for us, in our backyard with all of the brothers and maybe Elle if she's interested at the time.<br />
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One of my favorite parts of this scheme has been the random costumes. They had to try on three different shirts to finally get one that would allow that big of a blanket to be stuffed into it. They asked for one of Steve's but I steered them to some different choices at that point. This is what they came up with. This picture reminds me of some sort of twisted rendition of Charlie's Angels. Not sure what's going on here.<br />
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People it is never dull here. For instance, today we went to the store. This sort of outing is very normal for me and not stressful. But for some reason, the boys were bouncing off the walls. They weren't disobedient, just loud. "Mommy! Look, watermelons! Look!! Look!! Apples!!" You would think I didn't feed them. It was as if they were seeing fruit for the first time. I finally got them to mellow once I reminded them of the consequences of their boisterous (and overly loud/rude) overtures in the middle of the produce section. <br />
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Then we got to the check-out where Elle proudly announced she had to pee. Normally she can hold it for a few minutes upon her proclamation. However, I had a flashback to our stop at the gas station just prior to the store where she had gulped down half the contents of my huge Nalgene water bottle and I quickly realized if I didn't get her to the bathroom quick, she was going to anoint the runway there with pee. Right as I put all this together, the checker walked away from the checkstand to check on something I was purchasing. <br />
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I looked pleadingly at the bag boy, entered my bank card, told Elle 10 times to hold it and frantically looked around for the checker. Meanwhile, the boys had found a movie on Red Box and were all grabbing onto my arms wanting me to "see" it (i.e. get it for them). I ignored them for the good of Elle, coaching her to keep her legs crossed and then realized, I had no other option...I had to get her to the bathroom.<br />
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The bag boy urged me saying, "I'll tell her you'll be right back and I'll stay with the cart." I glanced back at the ten people behind me in line and realized right then that I was a spectacle. Oh well, we're always a spectacle walking around with five kids. Might as well live up to the hype this time. I sprinted to the bathroom with Elle in my arms. Once there, I discovered that all three stalls were full and there was a line. And from the smell of it, the inhabitants had been doing their business for a bit and weren't coming out anytime soon. <br />
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I didn't know what to do. I had left everything, all the boys including the baby who was strapped into the cart, in the care of the poor bag boy. Luckily I had put my card in and already paid. Once the checker came back, she could finish the transaction and just put our stuff aside. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, one person came out of the stall and the person waiting in front of me nicely let us go. <br />
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I was terrified at what I'd find when I got back yet knew I had to face the music. I had left all of them without a word to hopefully keep Elle from peeing her pants. However, I was pleasantly surprised. All of the boys were standing right next to the cart entertaining Nathan, the checker had JUST returned (what took her so long I don't know) and I only got stared down by a few older males. The lady right behind us was the sweetest older woman who just beamed at me and said, "I had five too. Such precious kids." Thank God.<br />
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I took the stare downs, smiled, grabbed my kids and exited as fast as possible...after getting a refill of Coke Zero of course.<br />
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So yeah...The Hobbit, a visit from a sweet friend this morning and then the crazy check-out at Safeway.<br />
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Just another day. Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-69675577981367736472013-07-11T15:49:00.002-07:002013-07-11T15:53:08.931-07:00Our World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We are in our own little world right now. The husband has been working out of town and taking the car with him every day so, we've been hanging out at home. And truth be told, I am loving it. I know I'm not going anywhere so, we just float through the day. No crazy commitments. No places to be at certain times. Total and complete simplicity. It's great.</div>
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The kids are doing great with it too. We've done a lot of playing outside, going to the pool, chores, baseball at the nearby field, and school work at the table. No hurrying up to get out the door. For a time, it's a nice pace. We have plenty of time for all of that once school starts again.</div>
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I'm enjoying all of these precious kids a lot. Elliana recently started drawing family pictures. They totally crack me up. On the first one she had missed someone so, this second one is a complete composite of all of us. I didn't show her how to do it. She just did those little figures with the faces all by herself. Hilarious. Daddy is smack dab in the middle. Makes sense right?</div>
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I am loving every minute with this cutie. I can't believe we've had him for almost a whole year. Everyday when I wake him up and he greets me with his whole body wriggling to get in my arms, I just melt. <br />
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He is so loved. I smother him with kisses everyday. All the rest of the kids do too. Who says kids get lost in big families? This kid has it good!!<br />
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I mean, look at that cheeky little smile...cracks me up every single time.<br />
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My oldest is going to kill me later on in life for posting this picture. But I had to. It was just too funny. Steve has been teaching Isaac a bit of guitar and so, he's been practicing-everywhere. Poor kid though; we need to get some new strings for the guitars. They're both missing strings. Kinda hard to learn much when you don't have all the strings. <br />
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Speaking of killing me later, this hilarious kid is always dirty. It's usually the result of making some sort of machine. This time was no different. He was experimenting with blowing dirt and what resulted was a Hitler-like mustache. When I saw this, I had to grab my camera. He had no idea how funny he looked. I know it's bad form to joke about something like that but, sometimes I must laugh at my kids. They're so funny without even trying. <br />
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As for funny, this kid is keeping us in stitches. The other night at dinner he was being really funny but also totally disobedient. My poor husband, instead of helping him out as he's trying to correct him, I just burst out laughing and couldn't stop. I USUALLY don't do that, but it was too much. Just too much. Love that cutie.</div>
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So that's what is going on in our world. Not that much. But really a lot. Hope you're enjoying your summer. Ours is going along quite swimmingly.</div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-85868445608189029872013-07-09T14:40:00.003-07:002013-07-09T14:45:57.520-07:00All is GraceKim...this is for you.<br />
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A sweet friend came to visit today. It had been some time. She lives a few hours away and we've both been busy having kids or something. Ha! But anyway, I love catching up with old friends and today was no exception. Of course, most of the time, the kids were running around and it was a bit difficult to keep the conversation fluid in between slips and falls, sibling fighting and little people wanting to tell their own stories, but somewhere in there, we got to catch up. I loved seeing her beautiful face and hearing how she's doing. She will always have a special place in my heart, that girl.<br />
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This friend of mine has two little ones. Oh my, I remember those times. People look at me with five children and think it must be so difficult. I'm not going to lie, it is hard. It's also easy too. In fact, I think every part of parenting is hard, joyous and crazy all rolled into one. But I remember two littles. It's not easy. In some respects is a free time with very little outside activities or school to attend. But you have to do everything for them. There aren't older ones there who can do most things for themselves and help with the others, mostly in the entertainment area. My kids all play together.<br />
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And then that got me thinking about how when I started this whole parenting thing nearly eight years ago, I stepped out in faith. Total and utter faith. I had no idea how it would all turn out. I didn't know (and still don't) if God will call me to bury one my own children, if they will grow up to be faithful, if they will love each other, or if they will succeed in the paths God will put them on. It's all so risky. And even more, it's really hard.<br />
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Just like love.<br />
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So often in our culture, if something is difficult, it must not be right. We don't want pain. We don't want difficulty. We feel it's our right to be happy.<br />
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But that's not what God says. He tells us, "Take up your cross!!"<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">take</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">up</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> his </span><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">cross</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> daily and follow me." Luke 9:23</span></span><br />
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I'm sorry but, dragging a huge cross in pursuit of the Savior doesn't sound that easy to me. It sounds heavy. Yet in a strange "oxymoronic" way, this is the path to life. For without us taking up our cross, we cannot love. We cannot give. We cannot have faith. We cannot see how God works through our circumstances. But we must be willing to bear the weight and pull. And if we love Him, we will do it, and in the doing, it will be joy. Not happiness, but joy. <br />
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That's how the last eight years have been for me. This isn't about me. I think it is sometimes. But then I'm reminded. Pull, Nikki. Work, Nikki. Put your head down and trust. Loving those I've been given can be treacherous, dangerous, tiresome and even really monotonous. Okay. Yet over time, the joy that is produced far outweighs any fast and furious high I could find out there in the world that just ends in emptiness.<br />
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Loving others is hard. Loving others is not loving yourself. That's only leads to destruction. Giving yourself away is what it's about. That's when God comes in with His supernatural power and shows that it's All Grace anyway. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dssj_Kcmx8g/UdyCzfmlFWI/AAAAAAAADeE/1ZcWeXRgwCk/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dssj_Kcmx8g/UdyCzfmlFWI/AAAAAAAADeE/1ZcWeXRgwCk/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
I want to be the best mom and do it all right. But I'm not going to. More than wanting to do it all right, I just need to be faithful. Faithful to Christ, to my marriage, to my kids and those around me. In that faithfulness, I have to embrace the hard work knowing that it's producing fruit in the short term and the long term. And then, as I go, I have to remember...all is grace. The fact that I even have my life, is grace.<br />
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All is grace. All is grace.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DP3yVUtniQ/UdyCLGk9SfI/AAAAAAAADdk/AnlwFaBdcks/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9DP3yVUtniQ/UdyCLGk9SfI/AAAAAAAADdk/AnlwFaBdcks/s320/017.JPG" width="320" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-4947145562863531032013-06-20T21:17:00.002-07:002013-06-20T21:18:16.118-07:00SummertimeWell, we've fallen into the summer routine and it feels good. Most mornings are a bit lazy. We get up, do our chores, have breakfast and then the kids play a bit. After that, we settle into some school time while Nathan naps. The older two can track their work on their own now so there isn't as much management there. I answer questions now and then and check work at the end. But they are low maintenance. Joshua needs the most attention as we prep for Kindergarten. He is getting so much better at his printing and is starting to blend sounds together to form words. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKHHdVduM6k/UcPTYYwp_OI/AAAAAAAADdI/w97Y9u-kmNI/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKHHdVduM6k/UcPTYYwp_OI/AAAAAAAADdI/w97Y9u-kmNI/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for the baby horses at Cal Poly</td></tr>
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I am not a homeschooler and truly love having my kids attend an awesome classical christian school near us. However, I have LOVED teaching my kids at home in addition to their school education and so far, I have wanted to be the one to initially teach them to read. It's selfish really. Their school does an amazing job backing me up. But there is just something about seeing my child's eyes light up when they make the correlation between the sounds on the page and the word that they form. So incredible. A whole new world opens up to them! Literacy is truly a blessing from God! Seeing their little minds work is a gift. Joshua has been no exception. I am really enjoying him and school this summer, and am super pleased with his progress.<br />
<br />
Once everyone has completed their bit of lessons for the day, they either jump on the trampoline or watch a short little movie while I get dressed and finish up any other things around the house like starting bread to rise or getting laundry loaded/switched. Nathan usually is up before long (with a full house of kids it's hard for him to get a super long nap) and then we are off on some sort of outing or errand. <br />
<br />
I love this pace. It's so wonderful. It's free. It's "scheduled" yet, feels unscheduled. It's not hurried. And it's refreshing.<br />
<br />
However, too much of this life won't work for me either. There is something to summer being a season. It's restful. But when August rolls around, I am usually ready to start the year again. Ready to put away the long, lazy days outside and exchange them for chillier weather, the holidays and the pressure of school (good kind of pressure that is).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcNLX1d6mWw/UcPTYYCov7I/AAAAAAAADdM/2PrBXyE82p0/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UcNLX1d6mWw/UcPTYYCov7I/AAAAAAAADdM/2PrBXyE82p0/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're all staring into the sun so no smiles...ha!</td></tr>
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I've always loved school. There is something magical about it to me. So the fall is a good time. A celebratory time. A time to get back to learning and our routine-for all of us.<br />
<br />
So I have been thinking about the seasons. How will my kids remember summer? Full of activity? Excess extras? Or just fun stuff like camping, playing outside all day, the pool and sometimes the beach (truth be told, I am horrible at getting my poor children to the beach and we only live 20 minutes away...I know it's pathetic...it's cleaning everyone up afterward by myself that is daunting; being there is great...when I don't have a baby someday, it'll be better). I think that's how I want them to remember it...a muddled mess of math/cursive workbooks, mud, watering the garden, reading good books out loud, running to the store and getting a cookie from the bakery, and just all being together. I love having them all home! <br />
<br />
It's full. It's active. It's bursting!<br />
<br />
It's life. <br />
<br />
Summer is the perfect amount of rest needed to get through the rigors of life coming later in the year.<br />
<br />
Summertime and the living is easy....sing it Ella!!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/u2bigf337aU" width="420"></iframe>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-30342922997800384832013-06-11T15:51:00.002-07:002013-06-11T15:51:28.651-07:00The CelebrationAaaahhhh...some quiet. Some respite. Some time to WRITE! I feel like I've been lacking in any time to write a coherent thought these days. And every time I think about sitting down, the guilt of <b>not</b> writing sets in and tells me to put it off another day.<br />
<br />
But alas, today I am determined. The big boys are at the baseball field playing, the little people are sleeping, the husband is in a meeting and my house is perfectly still. This may only last for five more minutes but, I am going to take advantage of the quiet as long as I can!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju8izhptC_o/UbedQZGNJ6I/AAAAAAAADao/7L-S7z86y18/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju8izhptC_o/UbedQZGNJ6I/AAAAAAAADao/7L-S7z86y18/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with the diploma. Since it was such an odd and huge size, we had to get it custom framed. Worth it. Turned out beautiful.</td></tr>
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This last month has been a whirlwind. A whirlwind of Steve graduating from Texas A & M, the boys finishing out the school year, Steve graduating another class of seniors, parent/child illnesses, having fun outside, getting used to the summer routine, saying good-bye to some best friends who have moved across the country and best of all...putting on the biggest, best graduation party we could to honor Steve finishing up his masters.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyqhIklvdMg/UbedQJYs_4I/AAAAAAAADaY/YQyTJm0tmIg/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyqhIklvdMg/UbedQJYs_4I/AAAAAAAADaY/YQyTJm0tmIg/s320/041.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just as the party is getting started and sun is beginning to wane...a little glimpse.</td></tr>
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Truth be told, that is what took most of time. Yup, the graduation celebration. It was seriously the perfect night. Whenever I think about it, I smile from ear to ear. There are a few days that stand out to us over the last eleven years as special days. Of course, the births of our children are up there. But this night ranks right up there with the best of them.<br />
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Let me tell you a little bit about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_6aI4IUHP8/UbedQw5AV7I/AAAAAAAADas/-c-ywKHeBEU/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_6aI4IUHP8/UbedQw5AV7I/AAAAAAAADas/-c-ywKHeBEU/s320/051.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister-in-law captured this and called it the "Pic of the Night." I quite agree! Steve told me that there haven't been many nights when he's been happier. </td></tr>
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I started planning this party months in advance. Seriously. Months. It was one of the things that kept me going during that last semester of thesis and the final push/last class. I kept thinking, "Ooooh, I will incorporate that into the party." Or, "We need to have that at the party." It was like planning Christmas in July. I kept a running list of all of my ideas. It was so much fun and kept my eyes on the prize.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdrAsPyKspM/UbedNs2MyfI/AAAAAAAADZk/zRX_fDJh3bI/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OdrAsPyKspM/UbedNs2MyfI/AAAAAAAADZk/zRX_fDJh3bI/s320/024.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My Daddy and me. His beautiful backyard was the setting of the party.<br /></td></tr>
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As graduation got closer, there were moments when we seriously considered flying out to Texas and having Steve walk. Especially when we found out he was graduating with honors and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi etc. It was so hard to keep getting emails regarding all the graduation honors dinners, ceremonies and not be going! But the price tag was too high for all of us to attend. So we kept telling ourselves, "We're going to throw a huge party instead and it will be the perfect celebration!"<br />
<br />
And it was truly perfect. Okay, I didn't have time to do my hair beforehand but other than that, it all went so incredibly well! God blessed us. We couldn't have asked for a better night.<br />
<br />
One of the things that made the night perfect was the people who attended. Of course I would've loved to invite the world! But we had limited space and even more limited parking so, we had to work with it. The guests were amazing though. We had friends who drove hours to be there. Some were very pregnant, some literally in the middle of a huge cross-country move, others in the throes of med school. Some like my little brother, came from the other end of the state. A lot of Steve's family drove from the Bay Area or took precious time off work. And many of our local friends, who have lots of little kids, had to get babysitters which is expensive and can be difficult! So our guests blessed us tremendously by just being there. And we were so grateful! It was a great group!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvaYxRiZ3gw/UbedO8fdTjI/AAAAAAAADZ4/-KKTbUUuMJc/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvaYxRiZ3gw/UbedO8fdTjI/AAAAAAAADZ4/-KKTbUUuMJc/s320/029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone mingling</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRTufC-9iNI/UbedNH5viCI/AAAAAAAADZU/ocA6YqGyxLk/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JRTufC-9iNI/UbedNH5viCI/AAAAAAAADZU/ocA6YqGyxLk/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best buddy Andy, as the party is just getting started.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGU9t6zu97Q/UbedPNxsAtI/AAAAAAAADaE/-BSdgSURFRw/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hGU9t6zu97Q/UbedPNxsAtI/AAAAAAAADaE/-BSdgSURFRw/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appetizers</td></tr>
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Here are some of the decorations. One of the things that was really important to me was incorporating Steve's work into the party. I didn't think everyone would want a replay of his thesis presentation but, I did think they might wonder what a Masters in Mathematics really might look like. So I got out his old notebooks full of problems he had worked out over the years and I used those pages to decorate. I made bulletin boards out of them, I made table runners, and his textbooks became the centerpieces. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PBRZp3ktpQ/UbedNRtnoBI/AAAAAAAADZY/7DoD4hkWdy8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2PBRZp3ktpQ/UbedNRtnoBI/AAAAAAAADZY/7DoD4hkWdy8/s320/018.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bulletin board of scratch work with family pictures</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MEujzr2qE/UbedOexOmvI/AAAAAAAADZs/obNP9H0zC2c/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8MEujzr2qE/UbedOexOmvI/AAAAAAAADZs/obNP9H0zC2c/s320/028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Family pics in the trees<br /></td></tr>
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So.much.fun. These little elements gave a personal touch to all of the decorations. I also incorporated as many family pictures as I could. I just stole the framed pictures from my own walls, tied them up with some ribbon and then hung them in the trees. The pictures and the pom poms made the whole night really festive and perfect. I am not crafty. Truly, I am NOT. And I am cheap. Most of the decorations I either had lying around my house (the mason jars, math stuff, etc...) or I got them at the Dollar Store. So I was pretty proud and <b>relieved </b>with how it all turned out. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YgW8IDCxdM/UbedOptBa5I/AAAAAAAADZw/mERVKz65EQw/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YgW8IDCxdM/UbedOptBa5I/AAAAAAAADZw/mERVKz65EQw/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table runners, luminaries and cloth napkins tied with one of Maxwell's Equations</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmpG3KOLW_I/UbedQlp-VcI/AAAAAAAADak/3hSBI7OO9kA/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hmpG3KOLW_I/UbedQlp-VcI/AAAAAAAADak/3hSBI7OO9kA/s320/049.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve's spot with good ole Maxwell at this side!</td></tr>
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I also had a ton of help prior to the party, the day of setting up and during the party as well. Both my mom and Steve's mom watched the children for me so that I could get errands done the week before. Both of my brothers helped BBQ the sausages. My sister-in-law and a friend took pictures. Steve's sister helped me set-up beforehand and finish with all of the final push stuff like getting the kids dressed. Unbelievable! My parents cleaned and prepared their house for tons of guests. Friends and family prepared appetizers and donated tables and chairs. One friend spent an afternoon helping me make pom poms. Another got me all of the linens for free from a contact she had. Other friends drove from really far away. The list goes on and on. And I'm still forgetting someone, I know it! All of the help we had was amazing. And we were so grateful! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-oXxq2b8Lg/UbedP951f2I/AAAAAAAADaQ/GV53cWyRlF4/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-oXxq2b8Lg/UbedP951f2I/AAAAAAAADaQ/GV53cWyRlF4/s320/039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete going strong on the BBQ</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJYrjUvMkrQ/UbedR6alCCI/AAAAAAAADbA/VkV7FO74D4k/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kJYrjUvMkrQ/UbedR6alCCI/AAAAAAAADbA/VkV7FO74D4k/s320/090.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lights that made the party look amazing! Those lights were a labor of love. My Dad, Steve and my brother Pete spent two hours that day hanging them up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U2nj7bL_GM/UbedR-wy6rI/AAAAAAAADbI/0cl3u3_edwI/s1600/097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--U2nj7bL_GM/UbedR-wy6rI/AAAAAAAADbI/0cl3u3_edwI/s320/097.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests listening to me give a history of the masters. How we got started and some of the highlights from the last three and a half years.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GN7B9vR16WM/UbedSm-U_FI/AAAAAAAADbU/VnBhb1xNu1A/s1600/145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GN7B9vR16WM/UbedSm-U_FI/AAAAAAAADbU/VnBhb1xNu1A/s320/145.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our oldest, taking in the diploma.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4f74tbPUCc/UbedSyHiBPI/AAAAAAAADbk/Yp6WoofzOc4/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4f74tbPUCc/UbedSyHiBPI/AAAAAAAADbk/Yp6WoofzOc4/s320/153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests enjoying dinner and each other. I was really intent on assigned seating. I felt it would really add to the night so that people would know where to go and who to sit with. Most people commented what a fun time they had at their table.</td></tr>
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Probably one of the most special parts of the night though, came in the speeches. After I gave my little History of the Masters, I let the guests eat a bit and then I gave some stats from the Masters. A little history in numbers you might say. That was something I had worked on for months. I approximated how many cups of coffee he probably bought at Starbucks (about 688) or how many hours he spent studying (about 2128 hours), etc...It was really fun to bring our guests into our world over the last three and a half years through those stats. That was one of my favorite parts. Steve had no idea I was doing it either which made it even more fun. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJHA_Lf7T-c/UbedRvgNFaI/AAAAAAAADa4/j25AC_TyXh0/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJHA_Lf7T-c/UbedRvgNFaI/AAAAAAAADa4/j25AC_TyXh0/s320/070.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan and me giving the stats.</td></tr>
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But even more special were the speeches. One of Steve's best friends and fellow MV colleague, gave him a beautiful speech honoring him for his hard work. Seriously made me cry. So beautiful.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VENC6CYyLE/UbedTcL1mOI/AAAAAAAADbo/9c20f706zuo/s1600/163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VENC6CYyLE/UbedTcL1mOI/AAAAAAAADbo/9c20f706zuo/s320/163.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Devin giving his speech.</td></tr>
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Then one of Steve's best friends from Cal Poly got up and read a poem he had written to Steve. Amazing. I pretty much lost it at that point. So, so special.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbrwjq8fGCQ/UbedTarEvYI/AAAAAAAADbw/qVcu_tWgqJA/s1600/168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nbrwjq8fGCQ/UbedTarEvYI/AAAAAAAADbw/qVcu_tWgqJA/s320/168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy's poem</td></tr>
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And then, the most special of all, is that Steve got up and gave me a thank you speech for all of the hard work, for the encouragement, and for believing in him. I'll never forget him saying, "While I was out solving these massive, difficult, extremely intricate math problems, Nikki was solving every other problem around me so that I was free to do what God has built me to do." I'll never forget those words to me-ever.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hH39VF0-6WE/UbedT-nDSyI/AAAAAAAADb4/0cM25lh_5O4/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hH39VF0-6WE/UbedT-nDSyI/AAAAAAAADb4/0cM25lh_5O4/s320/177.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve thanking me for being his biggest fan and support during it all. To me, it was a pleasure to see him fly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After all of the speeches, guests were dismissed to watch a slide show put together by one of our buddies here at Monte Vista, while the cake was being cut. I'll try and get that slide show up on the blog soon. It was so perfect and really captured the journey we had been on and all that God had helped us accomplish.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cydfO32ON9U/UbedUIJRJYI/AAAAAAAADcA/tuQMZsew5C0/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cydfO32ON9U/UbedUIJRJYI/AAAAAAAADcA/tuQMZsew5C0/s320/179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YuepacyXm4/UbedUuVWjhI/AAAAAAAADcI/-jqPLl-WXqA/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YuepacyXm4/UbedUuVWjhI/AAAAAAAADcI/-jqPLl-WXqA/s320/185.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our favorite cake in the world with Maxwell on it. A perfect ending to a perfect night.</td></tr>
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It was a beautiful, incredible, God honoring, Steve-celebrating kind of night. I wouldn't have changed one thing. From the babysitters who helped watch our children, to the shuttle drivers helping people get parked, every detail seemed to go off without a hitch. And most of all, my husband felt totally and completely blessed beyond measure. <br />
<br />
Thankful for these past three and a half years. Thankful for the Masters. Thankful to God for blessing us through the difficulties and the seemingly endless journey with love, perseverance, a sense of humor and grace that could only come from Him.<br />
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Congrats Steve! We love you. You ran the race well...looking forward to all God is going to bring through your hard work.<br />
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Thankful.<br />
<br />
<br />
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5080717172567845885.post-75575661178704168172013-05-10T15:34:00.000-07:002013-05-10T15:34:09.882-07:00The Graduate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-6cE1aQHew/UY1tOphihYI/AAAAAAAADXE/xphOE24GYxE/s1600/003+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-6cE1aQHew/UY1tOphihYI/AAAAAAAADXE/xphOE24GYxE/s320/003+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow morning at 11 am Texas time, we will have a graduate of Texas A & M University!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMfRx-B2GFs/UY1uJip4FHI/AAAAAAAADX8/PoTyFQD4370/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMfRx-B2GFs/UY1uJip4FHI/AAAAAAAADX8/PoTyFQD4370/s320/IMG_1203.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen Michael Dauphin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
MS Computational Mathematics</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Magna Cum Laude</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Phi Kappa Phi</div>
<br />
It's been 3 and a half years. Thirty-six units. 11 classes. 10 A's, 1 B. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLNy417M4tM/UY1veaDQj3I/AAAAAAAADYc/f_gbn4Kk25E/s1600/dauphin_2012_033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jLNy417M4tM/UY1veaDQj3I/AAAAAAAADYc/f_gbn4Kk25E/s320/dauphin_2012_033.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
When he started, our family looked like this-<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfAkOOrp0lc/UY1t3VtF57I/AAAAAAAADXk/AdQdyn5XZGI/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wfAkOOrp0lc/UY1t3VtF57I/AAAAAAAADXk/AdQdyn5XZGI/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlKUyz-A98/UY1t9LQGxGI/AAAAAAAADXs/AKl5Fuezdu4/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDlKUyz-A98/UY1t9LQGxGI/AAAAAAAADXs/AKl5Fuezdu4/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
As he's finishing, our family looks like this-<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G7XmJzE-2A/UY1vn5lRjzI/AAAAAAAADYk/dmjXCeLYpog/s1600/dauphin_2012_067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5G7XmJzE-2A/UY1vn5lRjzI/AAAAAAAADYk/dmjXCeLYpog/s320/dauphin_2012_067.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38WZmJKAT1w/UY1v3QWBcAI/AAAAAAAADYs/v-_sX1dagZs/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-38WZmJKAT1w/UY1v3QWBcAI/AAAAAAAADYs/v-_sX1dagZs/s320/041.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Two babies born during or right after finals.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF0_c1CGeI0/UY1tUIQagFI/AAAAAAAADXM/Hy_wYhjXgvs/s1600/014+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rF0_c1CGeI0/UY1tUIQagFI/AAAAAAAADXM/Hy_wYhjXgvs/s320/014+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Elliana Grace Dauphin, June 25, 2010 <br />
Laptop and books in the background. Elle born during Summer Session 1.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXqRC2OJ10s/UY1u2zGMNbI/AAAAAAAADYU/4GD89BzriWk/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TXqRC2OJ10s/UY1u2zGMNbI/AAAAAAAADYU/4GD89BzriWk/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
And....<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwxnM3knYhk/UY1uitpf7-I/AAAAAAAADYE/YlWLe4bD5Go/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NwxnM3knYhk/UY1uitpf7-I/AAAAAAAADYE/YlWLe4bD5Go/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Nathan Daniel Dauphin, August 9th 2012<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiWrvnKttDY/UY1upC1fDxI/AAAAAAAADYM/aX8bmPipBlo/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uiWrvnKttDY/UY1upC1fDxI/AAAAAAAADYM/aX8bmPipBlo/s320/054.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Born two days post finals for Mr. Nathy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj-xCiutboc/UY1tm-PyyzI/AAAAAAAADXU/tAyaWjAL1yc/s1600/001+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj-xCiutboc/UY1tm-PyyzI/AAAAAAAADXU/tAyaWjAL1yc/s320/001+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
It's been quite an expensive undertaking. The equivalent to a downpayment on a house. Somehow God has provided the money over the years. We've also sold lots (thousands) of cookies/brownies for spending money :)!<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3ViMliw51w/UY1twVGBjqI/AAAAAAAADXc/VEM0nL11Gs0/s1600/008+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3ViMliw51w/UY1twVGBjqI/AAAAAAAADXc/VEM0nL11Gs0/s320/008+(2).JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Over two thousand hours of studying at Starbucks and over three hundred Saturdays, not to mention the many week nights spent out studying.<br />
<br />
These are just the highlights.<br />
<br />
God has given the success. God has granted the blessings.<br />
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God has given us the will to fight and carry on.<br />
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Besides our children, this is the hardest thing we've fought for in our near eleven years of marriage.<br />
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Thankful today that it has come to a close. Excited to see what God will do with it in the years to come.<br />
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These verses have been on my heart for the last three years:<br />
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"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you....Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters...Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:2, 16, 18-19</div>
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A new thing...a path through the sea...remember not the past, strive toward the future. God is making a way in the wilderness. <br />
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Trust and carry on.<br />
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This has been a special chapter of our lives. A good chapter.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0yWmuvmUd0/UY1y19Rt-rI/AAAAAAAADZA/6hZ0-HjbWpg/s1600/dauphin_favs14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0yWmuvmUd0/UY1y19Rt-rI/AAAAAAAADZA/6hZ0-HjbWpg/s320/dauphin_favs14.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And God has been the author of it all, for He is the One who writes our story.<br />
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These words have become so dear to me. Spoken to me by my husband. Written by the scientist who inspired his thesis project. A perfect enumeration of our journey (<a href="http://dauphinfamily.blogspot.com/2013/02/baseball-maxwells-poetry-and-hope.html" target="_blank">already quoted on this blog, but I had to repost</a>)...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Trust me Spring is very near</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">All the buds are swelling</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">All the glory of the year</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">In those buds is dwelling</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">What the open buds reveal</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Tell us life is flowing</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">What the buds still shut, conceal</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">We shall end in knowing</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Long I lingered in the bud</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Doubting of the season</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Winter's cold had chilled my blood</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">I was ripe for treason</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Now no more I doubt or wait</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">All my fears are vanished</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Summer's coming dear though late,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">Fogs and frosts are banished</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #15222b; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;">-James Maxwell </span><br />
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Truly thankful and truly proud today!!<br />
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Gig'em Aggies...thanks for a great ride!<br />
<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11497824090574230048noreply@blogger.com7