My Baby, I mean, Little Girl

It's easy to see that she's not a baby anymore. This is a classic NGK smile face. And she does look like she's up to something, so she probably is.



















She loves to hug and kiss everything right now, Mom, Dad, toys, little boys at the park, and even trees.















She is a girly, girl, carrying purses and picking up shoes, but she also loves to explore and get dirty playing in the dirt.















She now loves to smell flowers and blow her nose in a tissue.





















What I'm glad that she still likes to do is cuddle with her mommy. Right now she likes to suck her thumb and play with my hair all at the same time.

A Bad Car Wreck

That's the only way I can think to describe the ending to the latest season of The Bachelor. You hate to watch, and you know it's hurting someone else, but you just can't pull yourself away from it. I will readily admit I watch it, though I wouldn't say I'm addicted. And last night was so sad and bizarre, CDK said (oh yes, he was watching it with me and I know of at least 3 other hubbies doing the same - you know who you are) "I didn't know this was a comedy". I'll admit I was laughing at parts. I don't think it's funny that anyone was hurt, but here are my questions for those on the show:

1. Do you really think you can fall in "love" when you see someone so little?
2. Why do you all seem to be falling from the guy for the moment you meet him - I'm mean he has bad qualities too (the obvious being that he is dating 15+ women at once), why are you so blinded to them?
3. I think this resembles a modern-day harem, did you realize you were part of a harem (especially if you get down to the date with the fantasy suite)?
4. Are you that surprised that he wasn't the one after all?
5. And why, oh why, do you chose to subject yourself to that sort of public humiliation? Because face it, you all end-up humiliated in one way or the other in the end.

Harsh, I know, but not as harsh as Jason last night!

Switching Sides

So how did you chose your side of the bed when you started sharing it? I'm not really sure how I chose mine, but I picked the left, if you're lying down, on your back. And for almost 8 years now that's what it has been. CDK has always begged me to switch just for one night. I told him someday in our marriage I would, for one night, but don't know that I planned on following through.
With the arrival of our new bedroom furniture there weren't many options in arranging it and my dresser had to be put on Chris' side of the bed. His side is also closer to the bathroom. So with that we decided to switch, and he said it will also be better for whenever I'm pregnant again to use the bathroom a million times a night.
Last night was the first night and I didn't sleep well. I kept waking up disoriented and wondering why Chris was on the other side of me. How long will it take to break an eight-year-old habit? I don't know, but hopefully I'll sleep better tonight.

Hmmm...

I guess it says something about your current blogging activity when you forget your password. Sorry for those that actually care about what's going on around here. Here's a short list:
1. My washer is broken, this stinks. I would like to get it fix and not spend the money on a new one, but secretly both CDK and I would like to have to get a new one. The front-loading ones seem so nice and are much more efficient, plus some come in really fun colors. And if I'm going to do a lot of laundry, and at least I could have a pretty color to look at.
2. NGK has the flu, poor pitiful thing. It's not stomach related, thank goodness since the washer is broken, but a cough, runny nose, and fever. I hope she gets better soon and we don't get it.
3. Some of our dearest friends are moving to our town. There are some unfortunate reasons why they are moving here, but we are thankful that we'll get to spend some time with us. They'll also be staying with us for a week and a half before their place is ready. So with 1500 sq ft in the house, 4 adults and 4 children, what do you think that's going to be like ?!
4. We're continually excited about the people we are meeting in our neighborhood and the relationships we're developing. It's so much fun to know our neighbors and be able to walk to the park with our kids together. God has really provided a great place for us.
5. I think Facebook is taking over my blogging time. For some reason I more readily "play" on Facebook than update or read blogs.

A Great Week

There is a good week in the making at the K household. Here's why:
1. The weather has been beautiful today and will be tomorrow. That means walks and playing at the park. Which is always nice in the "dead of winter".
2. Some friends from our old town are moving here tomorrow. We haven't seen them in at least 4 years and they now have a little girl near NGK's age. They'll only be living a few minutes down the road.
3. We're having a New Year's Day party with our neighbors. I'm really excited about this as it's another attempt at getting to know our neighbors better. I think it will be fun, if anyone comes, so far only 1 RSVP.
4. CDK has two days off of work. Yipeee!
5. My oldest (as in time I've known her, not her age) friend and her husband are coming in town and we're going to hang out. I can't wait to see them.
6. We might, just might, order new furniture for our bedroom. This would be extremely exciting (I guess I'm getting old when furniture goes in the exciting category).
7. I'm having lunch with three friends on Wednesday, just the girls!
8. And I'm sensing the "I can do anything" attitude this week as the New Year approaches. So we'll see what happens.

Why Didn't I do this Sooner?

I know that sending out the Christmas card photo combination isn't a new idea. I've just never done it. This year I realized how easy, and cheap it is. I can get 50 for about $15 at Sam's. Plus they have tons of layouts to choose from. Very cool!

Here's where you come in. Which card should we use? We always said we wanted to send out a family pic with our card, not just one of the kid (or someday kids). But these are cute and we aren't sure how much we like ourselves (me and CDK) in the family pic. So please vote. There are three options. The only difference in the last option is the coloring of the photograph. And of course this is highly important - it could end-up on your refrigerator and you wouldn't want someone saying "Why did your friends pick that card?"

A Christmas Gift

At this point in NGK's life there isn't much she actually "needs" for Christmas. I don't know that she will ever actually "need" anything, since we really are more than provided for and if we can't get it, we have family that is usually willing to pitch in and help.

So, as parents, we weren't sure what to get her for Christmas. We figure the grandparents will give her all the fun stuff they want to spoil her with, and that's great (just as long as we can fit it in our car!). So we are trying to very deliberate and careful about what we get her.

Then we got the idea from some friends. We are going to get NGK a season pass to the local zoo. The pass will actually be for me, since she's free till three, but this way her and I can go as much as we want for the whole year. Plus you get free parking, and discounts on many other things in the zoo. Also your guests receive a small discount. The pass will pay for itself in 3.5 visits, so I figure it's a good deal. And we have other friends that have the pass, so we can all go together.

I think this is something we will try and do for several years and as she gets older we can see if museums and other local places offer season passes. I'm really excited about taking her to the zoo and watching her discover all the animals. And I love it even more because it's a great deal!

A Plague

As if it wasn't enough to have braces in the 6th grade (this was before they were "cool" and had all the different colors), and have them for almost three years, they give you this permanent bottom retainer. It really isn't noticeable, after 15 years of having it, except for trying to clean behind it or food getting stuck in it. I don't really like it, never have, but I figure it's better than getting braces as an adult, if my front bottom teeth don't stay where they are supposed to.

So this morning my bottom retainer broke. The good news is that it broke while I was flossing, so this is a good story for the dentist. But I'm sure after closer examination he will know this isn't a regular habit. And it didn't break off completely, it only broke off on one side. It's still in my mouth, and one side is poking up above my teeth and in the way of talking and eating. Nice! I'm an adult, having issues with a retainer sounds so juvenile. Oh well, I have an appointment for tomorrow to get it fixed, I hope. The dentist wasn't sure if he could fix it or if he would have to send me to an orthodontist. Hopefully he can at least fix the pokey part. And not to mention, it's the holidays, and I don't want to be spending money on my teeth!

Home for Christmas

Before this post officially begins, I'd like to offer a small apology for my lack of posting. It's been partly because I'm busy, partly because I'm not sure what's interesting about my life, and partly because the computer's broken. I'm going to try and do better. Thanks for still checking.

After four years of Christmas being somewhat random (two years in a country where Christmas isn't celebrated, two years in a small house and we had to drive 1 1/2 hours to pick-up our decorations and couldn't use them all), I'm finally at "my" home for Christmas. I really enjoyed putting-up our tree, and fishing through all the decorations I hadn't seen in four year. And also reconfirming the fact that I have too many Christmas decorations. I think I might make a charitable Christmas decoration contribution to my brother-in-law who just bought a house, and probably doesn't have many decorations.

I added a few new decorations that we haven't used before. There are three baby's first Christmas ornaments. We had them last year, but I couldn't find them all. There is also a new ornament that we bought in Hawaii before we moved. I'm glad to have that one up because that was a great vacation, and the ornament a great reminder. A new nativity set, it is pure olive wood handmade in our previous country, and was given to us by some donors that we hosted when they visited. I also used some fresh garland on our porch. I have always liked the idea of having fresh garland, but it's a little pricey. I found a good deal at Sam's and bought some. Oh, yes, and I musn't forget NGK's own pink Christmas tree. This purchase came from her great-grandmother who wanted NGK to have her own.

We don't have anything on the outside of the house, except the garland and wreath, but maybe we'll get to that next year. I have decided that next year we will buy, hopefully, and new tree that is pre-lit. Enough of stringing lights, the only fun part is actually putting the ornaments on.

A Coincidence?

I know that my day always starts better if I actually get up on time and get the day going. I have been trying, for awhile now, to get up a little before NGK to at least eat my breakfast and do some reading. That way I will have a little peace and quiet and not have my breakfast interrupted by the predictable after breakfast (NGK's that is) dirty diaper. So this is the first morning I did this and enjoyed my breakfast. I was helped by some encouragement from CDK and the fact that he had to leave for work early.

So I'm more determined now to actually get up early and use that 1/2 hour to do something semi-productive. But today my alarm clock died - completely. No warning, just dead. What's worse is that I love this alarm clock. The last time I bought one I tried out 3 or 4 before I found the right one. I think they still have them a Target, so if all else fails, I'll go get another one.

Whoops!

I really can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. I know I haven't been posting and I've thought about posting, it just hasn't happened. Sorry to all, I know your life hasn't been complete without knowing what's going on in mine (ha). Here's recap of the last month or so...

• At the end of September we went to a Swell Season concert. If you've seen Once it's the guy and girl from that. They are so great and the concert was awesome. CDK suprised me after we decided not to go. I'm so glad we did. Check out their website (http://www.theswellseason.com/ ) and definetly see the movie if you haven't.
• We had a garage sale in October because we needed to get rid of a bunch of stuff. We advertised on the street and asked our neighbors to join it. It was great because we were able to meet a lot of people. We have now met at least 10 of the 35 families on our street. One is a rock star, one an artist, one a biker, and one a former drive-in movie theater owner. It's pretty interesting to get to know your neighbors. And if you are looking for any furniture, we're still trying to sell some (couch, chairs, bedroom suite, headboard).
• NGK started walking about three weeks ago. And, as predicted, as soon as she got her balance, she was off, there has been no turning back. We have discovered she's fearless, and therefore we have had quiet a few bumps on the forehead. Maybe she needs a helmet. An unexpected side of effect of the walking is that I think shes more tired. She's been taking 2 - 2 1/2 morning naps, 1 1/2 - 2 hour afternoon naps, and sleeping 30 minutes to an hour later in the morning. She's going to be 1 year in 13 days, I can't believe it. And she's going to be Daisy Duck for Halloween. A great sale at the Disney Store made this decision for us.
• We went to a wedding a couple of weeks ago in our previous town and had fun visiting old friends and our old church. It's always amazing how much things have changed, and stayed the same.
• Last weekend we threw a baby shower for our best friends who are expecting twins at the beginning of December. We can't wait to meet this new little boy and girl and for NGK to have some new playmates.
• Have you seen the movie La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon)? It's great! It's about illegal immigrants in the US and it really opens your eyes to what they deal with. I highly recommend it. I also read the book Three Cups of Tea it's a true story about an American who builds schools for children in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is so inspiring and makes you want to change the world.
• And lastly - church. We are doing church in our home with three other families right now. There is a lot to this and the decision making process that lead us to this option, so I'll write more about it later. But to sum it up, we really feel like we are where God wants us for now. It's amazing how He has brought us down this road and provided.

So that's us in a nutshell for the past while. I'll try to do better.

What Shall She Be?

We're going to dress NGK up for Halloween for the fun of it. I don't know where we'll go or what we'll do, but it's a great excuse to dress her in a cute, funny outfit and take some pics. Here are two choices, which would you chose? The lamb or the chickie? I ask because CDK and I don't agree :) It's an election year - so let your voice be heard!!!

Here's My Cutie

I can't believe she's 10 months old! It's gone by so fast, but been so fun in the process. She's been pulling-up on everything, climbed into the entertainment center, is working on teeth numbers 3 and 4, and has taken her first steps.

A Little Bit of Irreverence... or Maybe Not

The first time I saw the Jesus videos produced by a church called Vintage 21 I didn't really respond. Was it okay to laugh? Were these videos heresy? Well yes, it's ok to laugh, and no, they weren't heresy. The church took a good look at how the world sees Christians, and made it funny to ease the pain of the often negative view the world has of Christians. So I've watched them multiple times and laughed, and I've tried to consider how I participate in the "Christian culture" we've created and how my participation in that points others to Christ.

Another brilliant look at some silly things we do as Christians is the blog Stuff Christians Like. I just found it yesterday and was laughing out loud as I read it. Sometimes out of embarrassment because I've done a lot of the things that obviously look silly to the outside world.

What these videos and this blog cause us to do is look at what the perception of Christians is in the world. While there are often gross misinterpretations of what Christians are, and sometimes accurate interpretations, we must realize that perception is reality. If people think Christians are cheesy, then we're cheesy. If they think we're judgmental, then we are. If they think we are exclusive, then we are. This may be based on no first-hand experience with any Christians, but if that's what they think, then it is their reality.

So what do we portray that Christianity is? Is it wearing that cool t-shirt that copied some secular logo and put a "Jesus" phrase on it? Is it identifying with one political party and being convinced that Jesus would vote for "my" candidate? Or is it loving our neighbors as ourselves (well, we have to start with actually knowing them)? Is it taking care of the orphan* and the widow? Is it not judging and viewing everyone as a child of God, regardless of religion, race, sexual preference, or gender?

Take a look at the videos and blog. It's okay to laugh, and be embarrassed. But make sure to examine how you are perceived by those around you.

*Random fact of the day - If every church (i.e. a family in a church, with support from the church) in Texas would adopt one child from the Texas State Foster System, then there would be no children left to be adopted. Now, how would that change the perception of Christians?

In One Word

I was tagged by MAB.
The Rules: Answer the questions using only one word. Then tag three others.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Your significant other? handsome
3. Your hair? short
4. Your mother? helpful
5. Your father? giving
6. Your favorite thing? Chocolate!
7. Your dream last night? didn't
8 Your favorite drink? water
9. Your dream/goal?
10. The room you’re in? laundry
11. Your hobby? reading
12. Your fear? othersdying
13. What do you want to be in 6 years? me
14. What you’re not? perfect
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. One of your wish list items? furniture
17. Where you grew up? texas
18. The last thing you did? shop
19. What are you wearing? clothes
20. Favorite gadget? phone
21. Your pets? none
22. Your computer? on
23. Your mood? lazy
24. Missing someone? no
25. Your car? great
26. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
27. Favorite store? traget
28. Like someone? yeah
29. Your favorite color? purple
30. When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? olympics

I tag Callie, Nicole S, and Amy W

Do You Know Anything about Water Polo?

I know I certainly don't. But after I watched the last few minutes of the US Women's team playing the Chinese team in the Olympics, I had learned just a little about the sport. And that is one of the many reasons I love the Olympics. You get to see random sports that you would never watch, but you do, and you root for the teams, because it's your country.

Watching the opening ceremonies was incredible. It was so fun to watch the countries come in and hear some of the stories behind the athletes. Even though he doesn't have a chance, I want Hamza Abdo, the Palestinian swimmer who doesn't even have an Olympic size swimming pool in his home country, to win gold. Of course, as long as he isn't competing against Michael Phelps. I want the young Chinese gymnasts to do well, because their whole lives have been built around this sport and their is MAJOR pressure from their country to win. I flinch at the thoughts of what might happen to them if they don't win.

I loved listening to some of the USA "Redeem Team" Basketball players talk about playing their first game against China. As I listened I sensed some humility in their voice and could sense that it really meant something to them to play for their country, and not just their team or to gain more fame. And I think the US gymnast Shawn Johnson, is so cute! Not to mention, ripped. Man, I'd take 1/10 of her muscle tone and be extremely happy. And another thing I just noticed about the Olympics, I walk around my house all day humming the song.

I've decided that the next two weeks I probably won't go to bed before 11, when the Olympic prime time coverage ends, even though that is too late for me. Because last night, as Jason Lezak, the anchor for the men's swimming 4x100 m relay, raced to the finish CDK and I were standing up, jumping up and down, and yelling in our living room. Now that is fun, and we know we weren't the only ones around the country doing it. And, the best part, watching the faces of the French relay team. Oh yeah! And water polo, it seems pretty similar to basketball.

A Long Time Coming

I wrote the post below awhile back, but never posted it. I've been wanting to post about our church for some time, but haven't. This post seems to sum up what I wanted to say. There will be more on this journey. Here's the "post-dated" post.

April Showers Bring May Flowers, May 13, 2008

Here in our household we are certainly hoping that the title is true. The end of April was a big "Whamo" for us. Things went crazy in the span of a week. It's taken me a while to write about it because it's emotional and some things are still painful, and probably will be for a long time. Don't worry, there is nothing going wrong in our marriage or in our family, we've just been dealing with some difficult situations.

The hardest by far is that the church we've been a part of for almost two years now has dissolved. The details aren't necessary, or might not even make sense, but our group of believers that we call church is no more. Not that everyone is gone, we just aren't united in the same body. It was not a vicious or nasty church split, it was just God's timing for the name of our body to dissolve.

This is hard on several fronts. The church had been struggling and going through various issues for a while now, but we know we love the people and the relationships. It seemed like we all had similar ideas as to what church is and many shared a great vision for the nations. It is because of this church that we looked for jobs in our current town and even turned one down that was out of town. It is because of this body of people that we are looking for a house in the locations we are looking. Since the church is dissolved, I feel like I'm floating.

I am also grieving the loss of relationship that will inevitably come. Friendships will change because of this, not because we're mad at each other, but simply because of circumstances. Some are moving, and we will end up as parts of different bodies. I grieve because there are friends that I won't get to be a part of their lives. I won't be near enough to celebrate with them when they have children or grieve with them when they lose a job. Of course, I will still celebrate and grieve with these friends, but it will be different. In building relationships in this body, I took on others' trials and successes as my own. As our relationships change, I feel like I'm losing a part of myself and I won't ever see the outcome of the trials and successes I felt like I was a part of. I also grieve the loss of relationships I didn't have yet. I didn't know everyone extremely well, but I did desire to be a part of their lives and know them as a brother and sister in Christ. That won't happen.

And I will certainly miss all these people being a part of my life. I grieve when I think about the women our daughter won't grow-up around to see as examples of Godly women. It's hard to think about living without the encouragement that so many in that body offered us at times when we needed it. We were a body that spoke truth, even when it hurt. And it was good to have people that cared enough about you to speak truth into your life.

The end of this chapter has left me feeling lonely. We have always had a church home, and from that church came our most crucial friends and the friends that are lifelong friends. Being in America and without a church family makes me feel lost and not sure where to go. Overseas I didn't have a "church" in the sense of the word that is present in America, but I didn't expect that either, it was a nation with a different majority religion. But somehow it feels so much different to not have one now.

I'm also grieving a loss of purpose. Not that I feel like I've lost a purpose for my life, but a purpose as part of a body. The church is the kingdom on earth, we as Christians are the kingdom on earth. Trying to discover what it meant to be the kingdom, and actually being the kingdom with a group of believers has always been a major part of my life. Obviously that won't cease to exist and I'll still seek that, but it will change. The question for us is "Now what?". And I hear the answer "Find a new church." It's just not that simple, it feels like there has been a death. If your spouse dies you can't just go out and find a new one the next Sunday, it doesn't work that way.

Even though the ending of this body is difficult, I look back over the time with this body and realize that God has taught me more about church and Himself than ever before in my life. And that is enough. God works through many avenues and different time spans, and I'm thankful He worked on me, in me, and hopefully through me during my time in our church.

I guess you could call that the beginning of the flood of April showers. There have been a few other circumstances with friends and family that have left us grieving, in shock, and wondering what is going on. But we do know what is going on, God is in control. And He always tells us that He knows best, and He does, even if we don't believe it. So, we are confident that God will heal hurt, restore relationships, and provide what is needed. He is good!

Ok, I know this has gotten long, but I want to leave you with the words to a song that have spoken to me for years. It's "You Are Still Holy" by Rita Springer.

Holy, You are still holy
Even when the darkness surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when confusion has blinded my eyes

Lord, I don't deserve Your kind affection
When my unbelief has kept me from Your touch
I want my life to be a pure reflection
Of Your love

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I'm at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up 'til now
It belongs to You
You are still holy

Holy, You are still holy
Even though I don't understand Your ways
Sovereign, You will be sovereign
Even when my circumstances don't change

Lord, I don't deserve your tender patience
When my unbelief has kept me from Your truth
I want my life to be a sweet devotion
To You

A New Blog

I have a new blog now about cooking. It's not intended to replace this one, just a different subject. Hopefully you'll find it interesting and get to try to some new recipes that you like. So SaHatayn!

A Really Cute Picture

Sorry I've been mute lately on the blog scene. I really haven't had a lot to say. Hopefully there will be something soon. So, here's a great picture of NGK from when she was about three months old. I just pulled it off my cell phone before I got a new one. Don't you just love that grin!?!

Pent-Up Consumerism

Now that we are in our new house, it's so hard to resist buying everything we want, right now! And since we really haven't bought anything for a home in four years, it's even harder.

Here's the list of what we want:
- Master bedroom furniture
- Rugs (with hardwoods you need something soft around)
- Patio furniture
- Grill
- Landscaping
- Window coverings
- Coffee table
- Flat Screen TV
- New house phone, and I'm sure the list goes on.

Here's what we've bought so far:
- Breakfast table and chairs
- Bedspread for our bedroom
- Vacuum cleaner for the hardwood floors
- Paint for NGK's room
- Wicker bench for front porch

So, we're trying to resist, but it's hard. Patience, it's all about patience, and being debt free (which we are and intend to stay).