The Awnings are Off!

Here are some more pictures of our house, sans awnings!

Hard at Play and Hard at Work!

I just took these pictures this morning. Sophia was hard at play, climbing the Magnolia tree (at least we think it's a Magnolia) in our front yard, while Daddy was working hard removing the last of the awnings off of our house!

Recent Pictures

Hello everyone! Here are some pictures of our family recently. And as a bonus, a funny "Soph-ism" from tonight. As Sophia was getting in the tub she saw I was speaking to Jamie on the phone. She shouted out to her Daddy, "What you up to, Mister?" We have know idea where she learned such a phrase, but it sure made us laugh!

Sophia and Jamie "getting married." :)

What a lovely couple! :)

A group of students at our home last Sunday for a Potluck before Bible Study!

The front/side view of our house.

A New Focus

Hello faithful readers of old and new readers! I used to post quite regularly and got out of the habit this spring as our life took us in all sorts of directions. I have also gotten out of the habit of sending regular email updates on our family, so I've decided to combine the two and do it all here on my blog. Visit often to read updates on our family and see recent photos! My old blog was less news, more prose, focused on me and my life as a wife and mom, mostly. From now on I will include more news and the tone will be more family focused overall. Love to you all. Oh, please leave comments to stay connected even more!

Sun and Snow

Working for a University has its perks for sure! We get to enjoy a whole week off while the students are on Spring Break! The campus is quiet, and we get to eat our meals at home. I've had fun trying some new recipes.

The past few days have been beautiful, sun-filled, and warm! Leaving the house minus coats is the best feeling in the world after a long, cold, snowy winter! Unfortunetly... that only lasted two days and overnight it dropped 20 or so degrees and snowed... But, since we are on break we went out this morning and built ourselves a snowman! Sophia loved adding a carrot nose and stick arms, and even nibbling a bit of snow off our newly built man! :)

Whether you are enjoying sun or snow today, simply enjoy!

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see...

These lines were penned by John Newton and are the inspiration for the title of a movie worth seeing! "Amazing Grace," is the story of William Wilberforce. He was a Member of Parliment in Great Britain and worked to not only reform the "manners of society," but led the way for the abolishment of slavery in 1833. Jamie and I saw this movie on opening night this past weekend. The truth of Christ is played out unashamed and it is truly moving. Please, take the time to go and see this account of a very important time in our World's history. You will not forget it.

Interested in learning more? Here are some interesting links:
William Wilberforce http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Wilberforce
Official website for the movie, "Amazing Grace" http://amazinggracemovie.com/
Movie review for "Amazing Grace" http://pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003096.cfm

Be inspired. Act on that inspiration.

Heritage International

Steve (left, from S. Korea) and Bing (right, from Tawain) have recently left to return to their homes

After a few months of silence, then a few weeks of serious searching, God has finally begun to reveal bits and pieces of his plan for our future. We are very happy this plan includes us continuing on here in Ashland with our ministry to the International Students. Please pray with us as we seek to serve and minister to these special students! Here are a couple recent photographs from our Sunday evening gathering.

I've got a wocket in my pocket

This picture is back from November, but everytime I see it come up on my screen saver I think to myself, "Self, this picture is way too cute to keep to yourself. You really must find a reason to share it!" And so, here it is. It reminds me of a little girl you might find in a Dr. Suess book. Enjoy a giggle! :)

Christmas and New Year's Pictures

Christmas Eve 2006

Chef Sophia! (thank you A. Jeni & U. David)

Cookies Anyone? (thank you Grammie & Grampy)

Happy New Year 2007

Sophia loves helping sweep up!

Sophisms

"Thank you Baby Jack." - let me explain... over Christmas Jamie and I kept explaining that it was Baby Jesus' birthday, and since Sophia is in love with all babies, this really stuck in her head. Well, over break we visited dear friends, Matt and Amy, and their youngest is, to Sophia, known as, "Baby Jack!" Since the holidays we've also been really working with Sophia on participating in prayer before meals. Somewhere along the way the signals got crossed in her head and when she prays, if it's not to "Dear Baby Jesus," then it's to, "Dear Baby Jack! Thank you for this food." :)

"Run, speen Mama-Dada!" - Sophia is a very active two-year old, and one of her favorite activities throughout the day is to run and spin. We usually tire of this game long before she ever does!

"Dant Mama!" - Along with running and spinning, no day is complete without some dancing!

"You." - Over the last couple of months Jamie and I have solved a most hilarious puzzle. Sophia thinks her name is "You," and often refers to herself as such. Over the holidays this detail was definitely a joy spreader! "Sophia, YOU need to come here." "YOU need to stop that." "YOU are so cute." etc... :) Made sense once we thought about it. :) When pointing to a picture of Sophia and asking her, "Who is this?" She replies, "You!" :)

The Man of Our Dreams

There he is, dancing with her. He shows her how to hold his hand and to put her other hand around his shoulder. He sways, spins, and dips her, as her little two year-old heart erupts into giggles. "Will I really do this some day at her wedding?" he asks. Tears well up as I whisper, "Yes." Soon, I am invited to join them, "'Dant,' Mama!" We hold each other close as we sway and turn; three souls untied as one, chosen from the beginnings of time to do this dance of life together.

He takes my breath away... still. He will be her first love too. He will form her image of God our Father and will teach her the unconditional love of a man. Could she be so blessed to marry a man just like him? Why was I? Truly, he is the man of our dreams...

Hello Kitty Cake

I was logged into the computer this evening under Jamie's log-in, and I realized he had a picture of the cake I made for Sophia's birthday! I had wanted to put this on my blog awhile ago, so better late than never. This was my first attempt at a themed, shaped cake, and I think it turned out cute. I was up till 1am making it, and I kept thinking of all the stories my mom has told me about times she stayed up late creating masterpeices for Jeni and me! :) So, this picture, which really represents motherly love more than a birthday cake, is dedicated to all of the mommies out there who have ever toiled, cried, stayed up late, or wanted to pull out their hair (all while the sweet babe was soundly sleeping!) to sew, bake, or make that perfect "something" to say to their child, "I love you, - this - much!" :)

It's a party

A couple of weeks ago the International Department here on campus, hosted a Christmas party for all of the International students and some of the Americans who are involved in their lives. It was really fun and above are a few photos that our friend Rachel took of our family.

A Mommy's tears

Friday was a big day for Sophia! She said bye bye to her pacifiers with a helium balloon launch. As she gave one final suck on each paci, before letting go of the balloon strings and waving to her beloved friends, a part of her Mommy wept. "Why?" you may ask. These past few weeks have ushered in more changes than I could imagine in the life our little girl. She is quickly adapting to the potty (undies all day are just around the corner), she is able to use a normal cup quite well, she can open every doorknob, gets to brush her teeth with toddler toothpaste, not just water, and now her pacis are gone and in the same day so went her crib. And so I weep. I weep for the sweet baby who is now a little girl. I weep for the ability to comfort her tears with the offerance of a simple paci, where now I must teach her to be comforted with far less simple and visible things. I weep for the days of dependence, days where Mommy knew best and did best. I weep for the knowledge of what is to come. More and more growth will bring more and more changes, and with that I must relinquish more and more control over to the Lord. As I've recently discovered through a novel I was reading, we always note our children's firsts - but how often do we note their lasts? Last diaper, last suck of the paci, last night in a crib, etc... Those balloons did not just take away Sophia's pacifiers, they took away her babyhood. And so I weep...

But as with all tears and sorrow, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Ps. 30:5b And life rolls on and my heart's tears have indeed dried and I rejoice for the beauty of a lively, healthy child who embraces life the way our Lord intended!

Fi-Fi

Our sweet little friend, Josh, has recently figured out his version of Sophia for our little lady. Fi-Fi it is! How hilarious is that? His mom, Loree, told me about this Tuesday night, and on Wednesday during a play date I got to hear it for myself. I about fell over laughing. "Out of the mouths of babes..."

Hello, Kitty! I'm Two!

Saturday, November 25, 2006 was a day of celebration for Sophia! She turned two and enjoyed a pink, "Hello Kitty" party, complete with a Kitty cake (mommy's first attempt at a themed birthday cake), and even pink lemonade! Family from both sides were there to help celebrate and blessed us immeasurably with more gifts than we know what to do with.

After viewing the video from Sophia's 1st birthday, it was astounding to see the changes from just one year ago. In just one year, she has gone from practically bald, to a full head of hair; walking all stumbly, tumbly to running with grace (more or less! :)) and speed; getting more cake on her than in her to barely getting messy; from just learning to sign to being able to not only sign well, but even speak; and from needing a lot of help opening gifts to not only being able to open well, but realize there are more left and saying so! "More! More!" :)

We love you Sophia Ruth! (FYI if you ask her how old she is you are more likely to get "nine" than "two!" :) Working on it... )

Bible Study Friends

Bing and Sophia

Shadow and Sophia

Meet Shadow and Bing. Shadow is a seminary student and hosts a Chinese Bible study in her apartment. She comes faithfully to our Study as well, and has become a valued friend. Bing has come a few times to our Study and we have enjoyed getting to know him more each time. On November 19 Bing had his camera and captured some great shots after we met.

She's helping...

Yesterday, Jamie, Sophia and I went up to Akron to celebrate my 26th bday with family. After Sophia helped me blow out my candles, she disapeared into the kitchen with her two Grandmas. A few minutes passed and Jamie asked, "Where's Sophia?" In unision, her Grandmas both replied, "She's in here helping us!" Jamie walked into the kitchen to find Sophia helping alright! Helping herself to all the frosting she could get to!

International Fashion Wonder

The Show Stopper Herself!

November 16, 2006 is a date to put down in history. For the first time, Sophia Ruth was introduced to the International World of Fashion! :) Okay, so here's the real story... Every year the International Club sponsors a Fashion Show as a fundraiser. International and American students alike, participate in modeling different fashions for the audience. Along with three other children, Sophia was invited to be a model this year! She was in each of the four categories, casual wear, formal wear, bridal wear, and traditional wear. Students were more than happy to be paired up with her as they walked the runway. She was the hit of the show and really ate up the drama of it all! The last event was the traditional wear. Sophia was lent a Han-bok (traditional Korean dress). After all the students went on, they all returned to the stage for a final show and for announcements. Sophia was pretty antsie by this point, so I was just off stage motioning her to come to me. The student holding her hand saw me and gently pushed Sophia in my direction. Sophia started walking towards me, and at the last second changed her mind and went dashing down the runway again, all by herself! She stopped at the end and stood there posing as flashes went off like crazy from the audience! It was the show stopper for sure! :)

Sophia, Ga hyun, Ga eun, & Emily

Sophia and Dolly

My Buddy and Me

In October, Sophia, myself and my mom all spent a weekend up in Michigan with my sister, Jeni. We enjoyed our girl time, as even the dog was female! Sophia and Molly, Jeni's puppy, are always instant buddies when together, and this trip was no different! Molly's bed was especially inviting to Sophia, and Molly wasn't sure what to make of that. :)

In sickness and in health

Our family is finally recovering from a long 11 or so days of sickness! Thankfully I have a husband who takes his wedding vows seriously, and literally, and was my champion as Sophia and I battled fevers, aches and infections. One of my most treasured gifts from Jamie is this frame that has three seperate panes of glass in it, one behind the next. He created a 3-D looking shadow box, of sorts, with his vows to me, a couple pictures and a calla lily. He treasures his promises to me so much as to make a special place for them to be displayed. Upon receiving this gift, I was again reminded, what a treasure of a husband I have been blessed with. One of my favorite verses is from the Song of Solomon. What a magnificiant book to read with your spouse! It says, "His mouth is sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!" (5:16) You are my "daughters of Jerusalem," and I'm declaring to you that Jamie is my beloved, and he is my friend. If you are married, make sure your friend of friends knows of your love for him!

Hey Everyone! I finally figured out how to add a list of links for you all to check out. Look on the sidebar to the right and you will see links to some of my favorite sites and links to my favorite authors! Check them out if you're in the need of some "surfing!" :)

Jamie, Sophia and I have been doing some traveling lately, and I've been waiting for pictures, thus have not posted about our trips yet... I'll continue to wait for the pictures, but today our friend, Maggie (she and her daughter are Taiwanese), sent us some pictures that had been taken a few weeks back. In Taiwan and China they have a harvest festival called the Full Moon Festival. We attended this party and had a great time trying new foods and hanging out with all of our Asain friends. Below are a few pictures that were taken. Enjoy! :)

Jamie, Sophia and Chelsea

The Family :)

My Princess

I love this picture of Sophia. I really do long for the day that she truly becomes a princess in the Kingdom of God. God has placed something inside of me that causes me to yearn and ache for women, especially hurt and /or healing women. I think of my daugher and pray evermore earnestly for God's protection over her little life. There is so much lying, cheating, abandonment, abuse, self-hurt that all people go through in one way or another. For some reason my heart especially breaks when it is a young girl or woman. I believe that the only true healing comes from belief in the One, True God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through that experience and relationshiop a woman can claim her rights as not only a child of God, but as a princess in The Royal Family. In the Word of God, a man named Jairus came to Jesus looking for healing for his daughter. Jesus said to Jairus, "Don't be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed. (Luke 8:50)" Ladies, sisters, friends, believe and you too will be healed!

Pictures Galore!

Hi. I haven't posted in a long time. Life has a way of getting chaotic at times. I got my hair cut today and though it's not drastically different from what it was, it's a bit different and I really like it. Since none of you live close by - I thought I could put a picture of it on my blog so you could see it. Half the fun of getting your hair cut is showing it to all your girlfriends! Jamie and I were playing around with the camera trying to get Sophia to smile - hence the other pictures. The one exception is the picture of Sophia playing with the flower petals. That was back in August at my Grandpa's wedding reception. Anywhoooo.... love to you all.

Yellow Balloons

Danny Struble is my cousin. He is home with the Lord now after passing away this past Thursday. Here's to yellow balloons, traffic lights, the Cleveland Indians and calculators. Dan was a great cousin who's endearing personality, and often wacky antics, left me always feeling good. I'm so glad God placed him in our family. I'll look forward to meeting him again in Heaven someday. Miss you Dan!

All the Basics

It really is amazing how much a toddler learns each and every day. God created our brains to observe, learn and remember so much during the first few years. "All the basics" can be learned by about four years of age. It's really quite spectacular. Sophia astounds Jamie and me with her ability to pick up on things we haven't even focused on teaching her. She can recognize and say "blue," she recognizes and says A, D, and T. With a little coaxing she can recognize a few others also. At the seminary there is a lovely and tastefully done statue of Jesus. During a walk the other day she saw it for the first time, and without any coaching called out "Jesus!" Today, while at the Chinese Bible study we attend, she looked out of the 3rd story window to the backside view of the Jesus statue - at least 200 yards away - and again pointed and cried out, "Jesus!" It warms my heart.

Sophia knows sign language, so now that she is learning to speak, we often have to remind her to "say it with her mouth," and not to sign. Every now and again when she is really wanting a treat she will sign please over and over like crazy. Jamie or I will tell her to "say it with your mouth Sophia," and instead of her response being a verbal "please," she will look up at us and open her mouth as wide as possible, just like a little bird. It is so cute and always makes us laugh!

She is very into babies right now. A few weeks ago it seemed to click in her head that she was no longer the smallest or the youngest, and in fact there were these delightful little creatures that go by the name of baby. Josh, her buddy, has a little baby brother, Sam, and Sophia never forgets him when asking for Josh. It is always, "Jah and bebe." She loves to kiss and hug Sam and for the most part exibits a great amount of gentleness. I can't wait for her to be a big sister. The same time she really noticed Sam and the other baby, Nevaeh, at our church, her dolls switched from being called "Dolly" to being called "Baby."

Well, my mommy hood is being slipped off for a few hours as Sophia settles into bed and I get to cleaning up the house. I shall keep it close at hand though, because I never know when it might need to be donned again in a hurry! :)

Procrastination

Most of us have struggled with procrastination. Some of us may even be pros at the art of procrastinating. I blame my dear Daddy! I think I inherited it from him. :) It is such a part of our culture and everyone knows about the concept of it - right?? Much to my shame, no! Tonight at our Bible Study we asked the Chinese students if they knew this word. They didn't! They did not even really get the concept of it and questioned why anyone would put off till tomorrow what can be done today. I found this new tidbit of information quite intriguing. So, if you are a repeat offender of procrastination... repeat after me, "Why put off till tomorrow what can be done today?!" Ack, maybe I'll get around to it tomorrow. ;)

Cashing In

I was thinking tonight as I was writing an email to one of my Amy-friends (I happen to have three great friends all named Amy) how wealthy we'd be if we got paid for all the roles we fill. For myself it's mommy, wife, church-planter's wife (same husband as the plain wife category :) ), friend, daughter, sister, mentor, etc... and all the tasks and duties those roles require. I'm sure you're currently thinking of all the roles you fill as a woman. I say we'd be just about bazillionaires! :) So, then I thought, well, actually we are. It's just our bank account happens to be in heaven and we won't be "cashing in" till we've "cashed out!" hehe Forgive me, I'm tired and giddy and that silly joke just couldn't be stopped.

p.s. I had to share that with all my blog readers Amy M. :)

Musings

Hmmm... usually I have a clear idea of what I want to write about when I begin a post. Tonight I don't really know where my words will lead, so let us begin this adventure together! Authentice Chinese Food - now there is something! Effie and Gloria, two of our Taiwanese friends, had us over for dinner last night. They prepared a feast for us, and it was yummy! There were a few items that I couldn't quite get down, mainly due to the spice content! Praying our friendships with them will help bring them to the Lord. (some fun factoids - in the Chinese culture, soup is served last, not first. ovens practically don't exist due to energy supplies - therefore pretty much all the food is steamed, fried or boiled. due to over population and lack of farm animals - due to space contraints - human manure is often used to fertilize, therefore raw veggies are rarely consumed.)

The trick of the Outlet Mall. Another thing to ponder... Why is 75% or even more, of the merchandise at these so-called "outlets" not even sale price??? I go envisioning amazing finds, deals and sales. I usually leave with merchandise - but not much left in my pocket. It's a sham I tell you, a sham!

Discipleship/mentoring/accountability... words that should mean a lot to you if you are saved. Do we put them into practice? Are they a part of our lives? I have never been formally mentored, though I wish for it. There are a few women who have definitely been a huge influence on me though and have been informal mentors. The Lord has impressed upon me the importance of mentoring young women and has blessed me with Val. She is a gem and such an encouragement. I've also been given the chance to meet with two other mommies once a week to go through a book about being mentors to our children. God is good. He so often provides for our needs before we've even realized we have the need! Thank you Jesus.

If you are saved and are not mentoring another women and have no accountability group or someone mentoring you - pray that the Lord would provide opportunities for you to be involved in such things. The time spent will be so fruitful and the growth potential is amazing! I know you will be blessed!

Well, I think I could write on and on and on, but housework calls me, yes, it calls even at 10:13pm! ~

For one I cherish

"May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; May the name of the God of Jacob defend you; May He send you help from the sanctuary, And strengthen you out of Zion; May He remember all your offerings, And accept your burnt sacrifice. May He grant you according to your heart's desire, And fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, And in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God." Psalm 20:1-7

Burdens are meant to be shared.

All my love ~

Tiny Dancer

Here is my sweetie with the son of a family friend, Jayden. This was at a wedding back in June, and I just recently got it scanned into my computer. Isn't it a sweet image? I pray that Sophia can have innocent moments like this as she grows, and when she's a young women, I pray some special man will sweep her off her feet for a life-time of dances, like Jamie has done for me. Some of my most precious memories of my hubby are of times like this; silly little dances with no music or fanfare, somewhere plain, like the laundry room. This image speaks of Sophia's current innocence and of the hope for true love some day. At least, that is what I see.

Water Baby

Much to my delight my sweet girl loves the water. It doesn't matter if it's a cup of water, the sink, a puddle, the bathtub, or, as you'll see depicted in the pictures here, a pool or a whole waterpark! These pictures were taken on our family vacation up at Lake Erie back in July. The pool was where we were staying, and the other two were taken at a waterpark, Soak City, by Cedar Point. I thought you might like to see them, enjoy! :)