"Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster peaceful progress in the human adventure."
- John McConnell, founder of International Earth Day

RIGHT NOW, and then again tomorrow and then again the next day and on it goes day after day,
1/2 OF THE WORLD lives on LESS THAN 2 DOLLARS each day.

Psalm 27:4
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
Do all you can and don't worry about the odds against you. Wield the miracle of life's energy, never worrying whether we fail, concerned only that whether we fail or succeed we do so with all our might. That's all we need to know to feel certain that all our force of diligent effort is worth our while on Earth.
Carl Safina, Voyage of the Turtle

Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015

It's a new year, last year was not great, it was not horrible, it just was..all about finishing my degree, getting ready for the next job adventure in my life. I started running on and off, still not even close to where I would like to be. Mim has been slowly growing up, not nearly as many arguments, but still some present. The end of the year found me in a tight financial situation because I purchased Mim's car and lesson learned, never again. Mim is thriving at her academics.Ve is nearly a tall as Mim, growing up but still some lying manages to work its way into her life, and she continues to be amazing at basketball. Tuki is getting bigger, smarter and more talented at whatever she tries.

I feel like I am really looking at my life this year and I don't like how I always seem isolated from many people even though my life had gone from one person to 4, so I need to really examine myself and figure what is it about me that keeps others away...what do I need to do so that others feel welcome in my life and that I am fun to be with......I am asking God for direction otherwise I will be all alone again after the girls are all grown and living their own lives...and it really is not that far away..maybe 9 years and that is as long as I have been a Mother, and it has gone quickly......

My health has been slow in returning, in the strength and energy department. I have not really lost weight but I have not gained any either. I need to examine my workouts more closely too, making sure that I do what I can to get back into shape close to my 40's.

What I hope for in 2015 are better family dynamics, more energy and a new job, not much :) and most importantly a closer walk with God.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Random

I just had my third admin interview in my district. I think I answered the questions well, way better than when I interviewed for this position 2 years ago and about par to the elementary position I interviewed for last spring.  After the interviews I get way self critical and am fearful that I was too hesitant at times ans the too arrogant...why I don't feel comfortable, I don't know....I think I want it too bad and that may come through...not sure. Today I took off since it is the wee ones Christmas concert.

We had experience Ve's 6th homecoming anniversary this past Saturday, and unfortunately she had upped her lying frequency lately. I don't know what triggers such things, but it has been triggered..

I wrapped presents this morning and finally paid off the Marian bill, and now need to register for my last practicum.

Only 8 more days until Christmas.....and all the family comes over for a big meal.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Tuki turn 9 today


As usual we celebrated her birthday with cousin Natania on Thanksgiving, then today we went to get her ears pierced, bought some really nice winter hardy boots and now tonight we are going to Pam and Bob's for her final birthday celebration..Her last year in the single digits. She is growing up so fast!!!

Friday evening in our backyrd










Friday, November 28, 2014

Mim's homecoming photos





Saturday, November 15, 2014

Mim

a future in bioengineering..... that is her goal...some sort of engineering and so far she loves her biotech class. She sure has come along way "baby" in 5 years. We hit her 5 year home anniversary last week Wednesday. Academically she is doing amazing; 50th percentile in her class of about 500, a GPA over 3.1 and she will only need 1 credit next year in her senior year, so she will be graduating with about 27 credits. We have had a few bumps over the last 5 years, but each and every day we are making it through our relatively new mother daughter relationship. When you arrive in a new country, not speaking English at 12 1/2 years old, acquire a new Mom, new sisters, and new extended family, I'd say she is doing pretty darn good!!! I am so proud of her and her determination!!!



Saturday, November 8, 2014

Long time no post

It has been busy.

We found out that Mim only has 1 credit that is required next year in her senior year. So sh will have smooth sailing next year. Thank goodness because she has had a heavy load in classes this year and doing well too. She said she wanted to still go full time next year so she will graduate with about 27 credits which will look great for her college applications.

Ve passed into freestyle skating. If she stuck with it, then it would cost a great deal of money. So she had to choose between basketball and skating. She choose basketball, which means she ill not be in the skate how this year. Tuki is 2 classes away from passing out and then she chooses.

I am in the middle of a principal practicum, but I must admit it hasn't been that rough so far....???

I have been reading murder mystery after murder mystery...and I love them because they are so engaging to me. They really make me think. I have only been able to run about once each week since I have been pretty sick since October 10th..still a little dizzy but definitely feeling better.

Financially things have been tough. I had to purchase a 500.00 keyboard, a 1500.00 car and over 900 for fresh meat. It has really been tight month to month.. I hope it gets easier soon, but I doubt it...

I need more money from somewhere but I still haven't gotten it.

Mim has been applying for jobs within walking distance but to no avail...

I started attending a struggling teen group from my church and it turns out all the families, 3 of us, are all dealing with teens that have been adopted...funny that...it turns out that adopted teens tend to be immature and have faulty cause and effect thinking without remorse...we all keep trying and hopefully our teachings will take hold.

In regards to my 7th grade team of science teacher..I love them they have been fantastic and it makes working so much better this year!!

On November 5th we hit Mim's 5 year home date. It has been quite the ride, but most days we are good, but there are still some pretty rough days that we need to muddle through.

My Travels