A Newly Discovered Plant In Our Yard

My arms hurt today like they have never hurt before. Yesterday while Jesse was sanding the floor, I mowed the backyard and then weed-eated. I think our weedeater weighs about 200 lbs. Seriously that thing is so heavy. I don't see how people use them all the time. Jesse told me that ours is heavier than most, but I think that may have just been a ploy to make me feel better about my pansy arm muscles. I bet I looked like the fool out there. Not only am I struggling with this thing and doing the world's worst trim job, but I am allergic to grass and trees. I had snot running out of my nose the entire time. Hopefully none of the neighbors were looking that close. In any case, in this yard maintenance process, I also discovered a new type of plant, for which I should win the Nobel prize. It is of the demon phylum, satanic species, evil gene. It's called the satanonic plant. This friggin' weed poked me with its evil thorns (those tiny little hairy looking ones that you can't really see at first glance) through my gloves, then it was too strong to pull up by hand, so I tried to dig up its roots. I kept digging and digging and I couldn't find the root, and still couldn't pull it up. So I got the pruning shears. I chopped it and chopped it and chopped it some more. I kept following its root, but never found the end. I finally got so frustrated and tired of it that I just took the Round Up and poured a ton all over the part of the root that I could see. Knowing this plant though, it will revive itself uglier and eviler than ever before. The battle is on. Pray for me.

On a happier note, Jesse the handy-man pretty much got the office floors redone and all varnished. Just the bedroom left and then we can finally move in (hopefully this weekend). Oh, and we found a great deal on a washer and dryer that I am really excited about. I think I could live off the high from a good bargain for a week or more.

Anyway, over in the "things that really matter" life section, tomorrow Jesse and I are meeting with a case manager to learn about becoming a "Big Couple". It's through the Big Brother/Big Sister program, but we are both kind of intimidated to go out on our own at first, so we looked into it and found that they also offer a "Big Couple" program. We would be paired up with one kid together. We are pretty excited about it, but kind of nervous since we're not really big extrovert type of people. I think we should be matched with a kid in about a month or so, assuming that there is a kid out there who has the same interests as us and stuff. They match based on location, similar interests, etc, so who knows. We'll see how it goes!

The other "things that really matter" highlight of the week is another one of those "happy face slaps" from God. Jesse and I got an unexpected check in the mail yesterday. It was a nice tangible reassurance that we really did hear right about me not working, and a big warm comforting reminder that He is going to take care of us in all ways. It boosts my faith every time. I think it's funny how this new season of faith testing is just conveniently lining up with other areas of my faith that I am doubting (the whole apologetics thing...is Jesus really enough...that line of things). God is there bigger and better than ever in the midst of my doubts. How ironic.

Passing Time

I am waiting for Jesse to get home from work. Blogging always seems to be a good way to pass some time. (Which, side note, I cringe when I say I am "passing time".) I got all registered for classes this semester. I was adding it up last night as I was going to sleep....(because I am so patient). If I keep going at this pace of class load, I will have my degree in just a hair over 2 years. That's really not too bad at all. (We will just see if life gets in the way or not!) Jesse and I decided that it is best if I don't take a job and just focus on school and taking care of things around the house right now. I'm really excited about that, but it's been incredibly difficult to say no to job interviews (because I was applying for jobs like crazy, and then we decided that I wouldn't take one...not the best timing!). It's really become yet another test of faith for both of us. Me not working leaves a hole in the checkbook. But, we both believe that God said that I should not take a job, so we find ourselves (yet again) in a place of waiting and watching for God's provision. It's funny. Living in Colorado made me forget that desperate dependence on Him for finances. Jesse worked full time and often got raises, and I worked full time and also got some pretty killer raises. Not that we were rolling in it, but we definitely had enough to pay bills most of the time, (which has been rare in our time together). After experiencing that, I forgot that money doesn't come from us, but from God. I forgot what it's like to see unexpected money come in just in time for a major bill. I forgot what it's like to see Him throw us 20 bucks from somewhere after I've been complaining to Him that I just want a night out with my husband. I forgot what it's like to want something in my heart that's trivial, small, and completely material, then to have someone who had no idea that I had wanted this thing give it to me as a gift for no reason at all. It's actually a really, really good place to be. It just takes so much faith. And reminds me of how much I lack that. In all the times though, I can say with complete confidence and joy that I have never, never gone without even my smallest desire. God has literally given me my every dream, down to the smallest one. He pays attention to the details of my life. It feels like a warm and joyful slap in the face every time I see money appear from seemingly nowhere. It reminds me how special I am to Him, but makes me feel so ashamed for ever having doubted. Anyway, so here we are, getting ready to enter into this new season of faith trials. It's exciting. It's scary too though.

Moving Day...(Or Not)

Well, seems like it should be time for an update. I wanted to post some pictures, but keep forgetting the camera when we go down to the house. Today was going to be our moving day, but we ran into a few little unplanned mishaps that have set us back a bit. We pulled up the carpet in the bedrooms. They have beautiful hardwood floors....totally covered in white paint and plaster. Oh, and one corner in the bedroom is plain plywood subfloor. They really should be totally refinished, but we just aren't up for that right now. So, a lot of scrubbing and a strategically placed area rug will do the trick for now. As soon as we are done scrubbing and getting all the staples pulled up, we hope to move in. We are thinking Wednesday-ish. Everything is painted. The dishwasher is installed (almost). The garden is planted. The water company came and did their business digging up our front lawn and then reseeding it. The Poang chairs are assembled. The dogs are going nuts over the change. We are ready.

Plants and God

Yesterday I planted my raspberry bushes. Abe sort of trampled one in the car on the way to the house, so let's hope that little guy makes it. I plan to get the rest of my plants into the garden by Wednesday. I decided I will most likely never again try to grow plants from seed. I now understand why people buy the plants that are already started. Which, by the way, I now have. My onions met an unfortunate fate and mold grew all over them. My garlic dried up, and then grew mold. My peppers were doing amazing, until the onion mold spread onto them. And my tomatoes just shriveled up and died. I was praying for just 4 tomato plants to last, but God must have said no because those babies are all dried up. I was ticked at him. Why not just let 4 of my plants survive? I still don't know, but we have made our peace at least. I think I left them in their little pots too long and the roots died. Apparently, after they have leaves, you need to transplant them into a bigger pot. I didn't know that, and consequently suffered the fate. Anyway, my mom renewed my garden and got me plants that are already big and healthy, ready for the ground. They are in bigger cups, so I want to get them into the ground before anything happens to them. I am still really excited to have a garden and optimistic that I can make this thing work yet. Strangely enough, my dead little plants and my now blooming beautiful new plants seem to be echoing my spiritual life. I started reading an apologetics book, which has actually been quite fascinating and a quick read. I realized in reading it though, that it still will not answer any of my questions. I'm not concerned with whether or not Christ existed, or even if the Bible that I read is accurate (which those things have crossed my mind before at other times and been issues---oddly enough, the New Testament is quite possibly one of the absolute most accurate historical texts that we have, even in all it's translations - I won't bore you with the facts though), but I guess my question right now is "Who is Christ?" I mean, obviously there is quite an obvious answer. The Messiah. But, really, who do I say he is? Is he enough for me? Apolegetics can't answer that. Only my own heart can. But apologetics sure do stir my brain, and I like it when my brain is stirred. That's why I like Jesse. Speaking of, I had planned to make him some cookies for when he gets home, and that's only 30 minutes away, so I should get to baking. Which brings up another point that maybe I'll blog about later...domestication, genes, how women were created, and fullfillment.....I've come to some surprising conclusions for myself recently. But like I said, right now it's baking time.

Darfur Peace Talks

I have been really happy about the recent media attention that has been given to Darfur. Thank God people are finally paying some attention. There's been an increase in international pressure for the rebel groups and the government to come to a peace agreement. They are in negotiations right now, but things are still shaky. The main issue from what I have read at this point, is who will be in the second vice presidency seat. This seems to be one of the main reasons rebels are not yet signing the agreement. In any case, the UN has reminded both world leaders and those in Darfur, that at the last UN summit, world leaders agreed that if country won't protect it's citizens or is using violence against them, then there will be international action, by force if needed. While I don't want it to get that far, I feel like the "violence" that would be caused by international action would be a lot more humane than the violence that's happening there now. Either way, whether an agreement is reached between the rebels and government there, or whether other countries have to get involved, I see this as the beginning of change and redemption for Darfur. It will be a long road to recovery, but to even see that road is a major step at this point. I think God's heart is moving there and it's time for the unimaginable evil that reigns there to be taken out. I'm excited for Africa as a nation as well. They've suffered long enough.

Updates...

I've been studying all day for my finals (tomorrow) and need a break so I thought I would blog. Always seems to be a good way to wind down.

House update: The water company will be digging up our front yard shortly. Apparently, a pipe needs to be replaced, which they discovered upon reading the meter when they changed over the billing to our name. I am quite sad about this news. I was so proud to finally have a nice looking lawn. Well, it was good while it lasted, and hopefully the hole will be small and grass will grow again soon. It's funny almost. Jesse and I drove by the house this morning just to see if our trash got picked up because we were unsure of when trash day is. We drive by and see this big square spray painted on the front grass with the word "DIG" in the middle. Not the best way to find out that you have a problem with your water pipe, but effective in letting us know none the less! Jesse called them and they said the whole thing would only take 20 minutes and shouldn't be a big deal, and apparently, they replace the lawn. (We'll see.)

Dog update: Abe know something is up. He breathes really heavy and paces now everytime he sees Jesse pick up a big box. Horton has become attached to my hip. He follows me everywhere now. I think both of them might be afraid that we are going to leave them behind in the move or something!

Jesse update: He has informed me that he starts new training this week at work. I can't remember the exact name of it, but he seemed pretty excited about it. He gets to sit in the pilot seat and steer the plane when they push out (or something along those lines). I am sure he could explain it much better than me. I just know he seemed very happy to "sit in the pilot seat". Hopefully it lives up to his expectations!

Highlight of the day: Jesse and I took a nap. I have this weird anal complex about sleeping on our sheets when I am "dirty" (wearing my normal clothes, have any hair product or make up on, etc). I only like to lay on the sheets when I am "clean" (showered). So, Jesse was under the covers and I was on top of the bedspread, and we had a huge pile of folded laundry on the bed. So I was sleeping in a weird position between the laundry pile and Jesse. Anyway, I started dreaming that I was being attacked by this huge snake and Jesse wouldn't move to let me get away. In the dream, Jesse told me to be really still so the snake will just slither over us, but not bite us. So I was trying to be very still, but the snake was crawling all over me and then started to bite my shoulder. At this point, I sort of woke up from my dream, but wasn't fully conscious of what was happening....all I know is that I leaped out of bed faster than I ever have before and sprinted up the stairs. Once I got upstairs, it took me a minute or so to realize what had happened because I was still in that "half awake/half asleep" state. Anyway, after fully waking up, I started cracking up. I think Jesse had tried to put his arm around me, and in my dream, his arm was "the snake", so I freaked out and leaped out of bed running. Poor Jesse woke up and just said the he thought I "got out of bed rather abruptly". So much for nap time.

Anyway, that's the day for the Nikkels......

Decorating

Here's what I decided to go with...I'm a little nervous because I've never really decorated with blue. I really like warm colors, so this will be a definite change. Jesse and I were both leaning toward blue when we were in the house though. I'm hoping I can still keep it warm and cozy with some accents.

These are the paint colors. The left one is "Macadamia", which we used in our kitchen in Colorado and really liked. This time, we're putting it in the bedroom and office/guest room. Next is "harmonic tan", which will be the top color in our kitchen. Then we have "mossy green" which will be the bottom color. (There is a white chair rail). "Refuge" will be the living room walls.


This is the couch material color...very close to the wall color. It's a suede-like material. I'm hoping I don't regret that. I figure Horton and Abe are golden, so their hairs sticking to it will just bring out the gold in the curtains. =) I also got this gold and
brown material to make pillows out of. Hopefully it will tie in the curtains and I want to get a chocolate brown area rug. We'll probably have lots of sepia photos on the wall, and I'd like to get a little bit of red in there somewhere. I may find some reddish pillows or vases or sculpture or something to bring that in. Not too sure yet. The deal is that the living room opens up to the kitchen and we have kind of rusty red kitchen chairs, so I want to tie those into the living room somehow. I may end up doing a painting that has all these colors in it to help the two rooms
flow together. I haven't painted in a while anyway and it would be good for me. I am actually kind of missing it. And just one or two drops of a rusty red in there may help set everything off. I don't know. I'll have to think about it for a while. Thankfully, Jesse is pretty easy going when it comes to decorating! Anyway, thank you all very much for humoring me with your thoughts on my blobs of color. I really appreciate it!! (Jesse probably did too, because the more other people that will listen to me rant on about colors and decorating, the less he has to!!)

Yesterday

I was going to post these yesterday but had some troubles. Anyway, we took "the boys" down to see their new house for the first time yesterday. Horton was pretty happy just prancing around the backyard (although he is already scared of the sound of the garage door and the mail slot in the living room). Abe checked out every square inch of the property. (Jesse got some cute pictures of him while he was sniffing in between some bushes.) We had the appliances delivered as well. Last time we bought a fridge, they let us choose which side we wanted to door to open on and just installed it at the house. This time they didn't give us that option, and it was on the side that we didn't want, so Jesse took off the doors and switched them out. We played a rousing game of "find the missing hole that the extra screw goes in" toward the end of this task, but all in all, he managed pretty well. I bought our paint and picked out fabric for our couch today, which I'll try and post later. Although, as Cheremi made me realize in one of her comments, the colors may seem a lot different monitor to monitor, so hopefully they don't show up totally disgusting and gross on your screen. I will blame Jesse. He has calibrated our monitor to match one of the printing labs he uses or something like that. Anyway, hopefully you all didn't barf when you saw the original choices I posted....I promise they don't look that bad on my end!!!

More Input Please...

Thank you all for your input...the blue was the clear winner obviously. Can I ask your help one more time? Which one of these do you like better? I'm not saying yet which colors I am thinking about putting where.....but I am getting paint tomorrow, so I will for sure let you know what I have decided and what is going where. Your input will help me decide, although Jesse and I both lean toward a certain scheme right now...(but I have changed my mind about nine times in the last 24 hours so I can be swayed...)

Help!

Alright, so last night I was having problems getting to sleep because I am concerned the my original color scheme isn't going to work in the living room. I need some help. Which blobs do you like better?

Darfur Update

The saddest news I've heard in a while....

Darfur Aid Cut

Finally!

Alright, nearly 2 hours later and I have emerged triumphant! We now officially have lights, water, gas, and someone to haul away our trash.

It's Still Important.

48 minutes and 51 seconds.....my hopes are dashed as a lady picks up, I tell her I need to set up the water in my name....and she puts me back on hold.

1 hour 1 minute and 06 seconds.....I think she dumped me. She has still not returned to the line...but hey, no problem because "they appreciate my patience".

My call is important to them.

32 minutes and 36 seconds - the amount of time I have been sitting on hold. I am trying to get all of the utilities set up at our house, so I started with the water company........33 minutes and 32 seconds ago. How long do you think I will spend on hold today? If the rest of the utilities take as long as this one, then I will spend at least 2-3 hours today listening to repetitive music and being reassured that "My call is important to them. They appreciate my patience. My call will get the time and attention that it deserves."

Heaven's Shoo-Ins

Here's the interesting fact of the day brought to you by my psychology class. When asked who is at least "somewhat likely" to make it into Heaven, the second highest person was Mother Teresa, with 79% of Americans answering "yes". I'll bet you'd never guess the only person that beat her out.

Drum roll please.....

The most heavenly shoo in, with 87%, is "me". (People answering the survey and believing that they themselves will make it to Heaven.)

Ironic and a bit sad, no?

The Funky Junk Virus

Glad you all enjoyed the pics of Jesse!! Here's a quick update - we closed on the house today with no major issues. Now I feel like a kid in timeout at recess. Jesse is down at the house and I would like to be, but I caught his funky junk and woke up feeling awful. Since closing, I have spent the day napping and eating chicken noodle soup. Hopefully by the weekend I will be up and at 'em and ready to paint. Until then, it's psychology reading time.

Poll

If you had a choice, would you pull this man's finger?



Welcome to my life. Tonight, Jesse and I were sitting on the couch. Now, put yourself in my place. You look over at your handsome, charming husband, and he's pointing at you. I just look lovingly at him, to which he replies "Are you going to pull my finger or not??" I laughed so hard and then quickly grabbed the camera for your viewing pleasure.

Week in Review

Alright, in true MSN style, I decided to put together a "week in review". (Sorry, but my week in review doesn't have little buttons for you to vote on your favorite.)

3 out of 4 of my raspberry bushing are up and growing. (Note the water level meter in the pot. Jesse bought it for me.)
	My onions are a little out of control.
Last night, my peppers got pruned. Now only one per pot!
	Jesse has been feeling sick this week. Apparently, he is not as excited about the week in review as I am.
He did show a wee bit of enthusiasm when we found curtains for our living room on a killer sale. (Still in the plastic bag. They need to be steamed before we hang them.)
	Here's Abe doing a daily check of the backyard. It's spring here, which means thunderstorms. He has been pretty worked up over them the last few nights. Last night, I slept with him upstairs so Jesse could get some sleep. Otherwise, if Abe stays downstairs, he will go by Jesse's side of the bed and breath really loudly into his ear.
Horton has recently developed a fear of the backyard. Not too sure what happened. He won't go outside now unless Jesse or I go outside too.
	Riley likes it when I throw this nasty Frisbee thing to him in the yard.
This is him staring at the frisbee by my foot. Maybe I'll stop blogging now and go give the dogs some love.

Suggestions

I was hoping to get some photos on here because the site is really lacking visually lately. But, blogger seems to go into a crazy mode when I try to upload pics right now. It just keeps refreshing itself, but never publishing. I'll try again later. In the meantime, anyone know of some good books that debate whether or not Christianity is true? I'm having a lot of questions lately, and I realize that I want to know it's true more than what I know now. Does that make sense? I mean, I think it's true....but what if it's not?? I want to have answers for myself, so many that I can no longer even ask myself the "what if". All of my answers and reasons now are debatable, and I want something that's not debatable, but rather, just plain unexplainable. Anyway, so I'm looking for some apologetics type books. Suggestions are officially solicited.

Overzealous

My garden is growing really well....maybe too well. See, when I was sewing the seeds, I maybe went a little overboard and placed a lot of seeds into one little cup. (I thought my odds of getting at least one plant would be better that way!!) But now, I have this 1"x1" space that has up to four or five tomato or pepper plants in it. That's not good. My mom tells me I need to thin them, and she is probably right, but I'm afraid I'm going to kill them if I do that. I don't know how to thin plants. Do you just cut off the vine near the soil? I am getting nervous, because it's nearly T minus 4 to transplant time. Something has to be done. I don't want a crazy out of control garden, or a dead one, or one that is all vines and no fruit. Sigh.