1) Finish getting ready for the day and have a kick start cup of coffee
2) Maybe run Marco's lunch into Red Deer because it was left on the counter this morning :)
3) Make a stop at a teacher's store and also Superstore to drop off rolls of film
3) Go to Blackfalds and continue working on getting my classroom ready for the fall
4) Come home and make a veggie tray and chicken wings for our small group tonight
5) Enjoy getting together with new friends at our small group
5) Later tonight I hope to do some more planning
A short list but a busy day!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
On Saturday, we had a surprise visit from some very good family friends. I am so glad they stopped by because they are heading up north this week and I don't know when the next time will be when we'll be able to see them again. While enjoying a cup of coffee, the conversation turned towards blogs. My sister Erika blogs every week and when I read her posts it is just like having a
a face-to-face conversation with her. I know my blogging has been lacking over the few months so I got a few nudges, pokes, and prodes. Thanks Mrs. Guthrie for not only encouraging me with your visit but also encouraging me to blog.
a face-to-face conversation with her. I know my blogging has been lacking over the few months so I got a few nudges, pokes, and prodes. Thanks Mrs. Guthrie for not only encouraging me with your visit but also encouraging me to blog.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
In kindergarten, one of the things that we do everyday is calendar and weather. We talk about the seasons and some of the signs of spring. The kids are getting really good at telling me why it is spring. "Mrs. D. it is spring out because it is raining a lot...I can hear the baby birds sing...the sun shines right through my window early in the morning...there are flowers popping up in our garden...I can run on the green grass."
Talking about spring everyday has my mind thinking a lot about new life. Tonight as I work around the house, my thoughts have gone to two precious people that were born recently. Both are small, new, and fragile. They have lots of machines hooked up to their tiny bodies, running tests and such to see what the next day may hold.
I've been reminded that even though life, for young or old, may seem uncertain and at times confusing, God is Sovereign and in control of all things. God not only thinks good things about us, His plans for us our good too!
From Psalm 139:13-15
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Talking about spring everyday has my mind thinking a lot about new life. Tonight as I work around the house, my thoughts have gone to two precious people that were born recently. Both are small, new, and fragile. They have lots of machines hooked up to their tiny bodies, running tests and such to see what the next day may hold.
I've been reminded that even though life, for young or old, may seem uncertain and at times confusing, God is Sovereign and in control of all things. God not only thinks good things about us, His plans for us our good too!
From Psalm 139:13-15
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother's womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Winds of Change
Sooooo, this is the first time I (Marco) am adding thoughts to the blog. I have to do this before working on the aquarium. Talk about incentive.
As the title states, things are changing in my sphere of influence. Up to now, I have been static with life. Getting married and having a beautiful woman moving into the house has been a big change for me. I am thoroughly enjoying the time with Kristin and watching her add her influence to life. Being single past thirty has allowed me to settle a bit and enjoy one place for more than 6 months. That is until recently.
Since 1999 I have worked for Hertz Rent a Car, starting in Banff, and moving to Red Deer to assume a branch manager role. The Red Deer office was new when I started and so the first years have seen many experiences and lessons on how to run a car rental office. It has been a struggle over the last couple years as I come to know more about the pressures of corporate life and the reality that at the end of the day I am a number and therefore at the mercy of executives that make decisions that affect lives. I became one of those statitics of a company trying to go lean in the search of greater profits and efficiencies. Red Deer was deemed to not be profitable enough to justify its existance at this point in time and I was given to the end of April to find a new job.
Well, to say the least, it took me by surprise, something like getting sucker punched, except that I have known that I would get sucker punched for sometime, I just did not know when. That's the irony of a sucker punch. One of the first things I did was take this concern to Jesus. I knew that I could take this in two different ways, negatively or positively. I decided to take this as an opportunity to see what God would like to do in my life. We also asked our small group to pray for us, which ironically was studying James and discussing reactions to major disruptions in life. I also talked with a few other people, mostly to let my feelings and emotions out, but also to try and get a sense of what God is trying to tell me.
So on the first Wednesday of April I found out about the closure. On the Friday I received a message to contact a business person out of Rocky Mountain House. I talked to him late on Friday and we setup a meeting on Monday at the end of the day. Also on Friday I was informed by my boss Helen that there was a position at the Calgary Airport service center to manage the distribution office, which cooridinates a fleet of up to 4000 cars. It would mean we would have to move or I would commute about an hour and half each way daily. This position was actually filled tentatively and the candidates had not been told yet. So Helen was sticking out her neck to try and reopen the position to give me an opportunity. Helen asked me to think about it. Sunday was our small group. Monday came and the meeting occurred at the end of the day. Brent from Rocky Mountain House offered me the job of continuing to manage Red Deer and he would supply the fleet and other resources needed to make the office run. He invited Kristin and I for supper where we continued to talk about the opportunity. He asked me to let him know soon. Helen also wanted to know soon. So Monday night I faced a delimma. Both opportunities were good, both had risks and I wasn't sure what to do.
I was reading through the book of Proverbs and in chapter three vs six it states that I should acknowledge him(God) and he will make your paths straight. I realized then that I needed God to make my path straight and to trust Him in the decisions.
On Tuesday I talked to Helen, I told her that I did not want to burn any bridges and appreciated all that she had done for me. She informed that she was going to close the door on the Calgary position, leaving me the one choice to make.
Since the decision was made I have been working towards a change over. It is now at the end of May and starting to get hectic. It will be a challenge to keep things smooth and provide seamless service. I am looking forward to what comes up over the next several months. Brent has been telling me some of the opportunities he would like to see happen and I have longed to do them and more.
Well, off to the aquarium.
Marco
As the title states, things are changing in my sphere of influence. Up to now, I have been static with life. Getting married and having a beautiful woman moving into the house has been a big change for me. I am thoroughly enjoying the time with Kristin and watching her add her influence to life. Being single past thirty has allowed me to settle a bit and enjoy one place for more than 6 months. That is until recently.
Since 1999 I have worked for Hertz Rent a Car, starting in Banff, and moving to Red Deer to assume a branch manager role. The Red Deer office was new when I started and so the first years have seen many experiences and lessons on how to run a car rental office. It has been a struggle over the last couple years as I come to know more about the pressures of corporate life and the reality that at the end of the day I am a number and therefore at the mercy of executives that make decisions that affect lives. I became one of those statitics of a company trying to go lean in the search of greater profits and efficiencies. Red Deer was deemed to not be profitable enough to justify its existance at this point in time and I was given to the end of April to find a new job.
Well, to say the least, it took me by surprise, something like getting sucker punched, except that I have known that I would get sucker punched for sometime, I just did not know when. That's the irony of a sucker punch. One of the first things I did was take this concern to Jesus. I knew that I could take this in two different ways, negatively or positively. I decided to take this as an opportunity to see what God would like to do in my life. We also asked our small group to pray for us, which ironically was studying James and discussing reactions to major disruptions in life. I also talked with a few other people, mostly to let my feelings and emotions out, but also to try and get a sense of what God is trying to tell me.
So on the first Wednesday of April I found out about the closure. On the Friday I received a message to contact a business person out of Rocky Mountain House. I talked to him late on Friday and we setup a meeting on Monday at the end of the day. Also on Friday I was informed by my boss Helen that there was a position at the Calgary Airport service center to manage the distribution office, which cooridinates a fleet of up to 4000 cars. It would mean we would have to move or I would commute about an hour and half each way daily. This position was actually filled tentatively and the candidates had not been told yet. So Helen was sticking out her neck to try and reopen the position to give me an opportunity. Helen asked me to think about it. Sunday was our small group. Monday came and the meeting occurred at the end of the day. Brent from Rocky Mountain House offered me the job of continuing to manage Red Deer and he would supply the fleet and other resources needed to make the office run. He invited Kristin and I for supper where we continued to talk about the opportunity. He asked me to let him know soon. Helen also wanted to know soon. So Monday night I faced a delimma. Both opportunities were good, both had risks and I wasn't sure what to do.
I was reading through the book of Proverbs and in chapter three vs six it states that I should acknowledge him(God) and he will make your paths straight. I realized then that I needed God to make my path straight and to trust Him in the decisions.
On Tuesday I talked to Helen, I told her that I did not want to burn any bridges and appreciated all that she had done for me. She informed that she was going to close the door on the Calgary position, leaving me the one choice to make.
Since the decision was made I have been working towards a change over. It is now at the end of May and starting to get hectic. It will be a challenge to keep things smooth and provide seamless service. I am looking forward to what comes up over the next several months. Brent has been telling me some of the opportunities he would like to see happen and I have longed to do them and more.
Well, off to the aquarium.
Marco
Friday, April 07, 2006
ABCs About Me
A is for Age ~ 23
B is for Beverage ~ Cinnamon Dolce Lattes from Starbucks.
C is for Career ~ Kindergarten Teacher
D is for Dad's Name ~ Haakon Christian (Chris)
E is for Extracurricular Activity ~ Volleyball, golf lessons with Marco, taking pictures, scrapbooking, walking
F is for Favourite Song(s) of the Moment ~ I've been trying to focus my days by listening to worship music while I'm in the car.
G is for a Good Time ~ Getting together with friends
H is for Hometown ~ Born in Hay River, NWT
I is for Instrument you play ~ Flute
J is for Juice You Like ~ Orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry Juices
K is for Kids ~ While on a missions trip, I was called a "kid magnet". Teaching kids is my passion and I hope one day we can have kids of our own.
Living Arrangement ~ The top-floor of the Flatiron Building in Lacombe
M is for Mom's Name ~ Judith Marie (Judy)
N is for Name of Best Friend ~ Lately I have been really encouraged by my friend Carolyn. I have many wonderful friends.
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays ~ Just once when I was young. I have been very blessed with good health.
P is for Pets ~ Salt-water Aquarium Fish
Q is for Quote You Like ~ My bulletin board has a few quotes on teaching and this is one I come back to: "There is no job easier than teaching if you don't care--and no job harder if you do."
R is for Relationship that Lasted the Longest ~ Marco and I have been married for nine months this weekend :)
S is for Siblings ~ Erika & Nathan
T is for Trip you were last on ~ Fairmont, BC for our Honeymoon
U is for U2 song you love ~ I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
V is for Vegetable you Love ~ Too hard to choose only one
W is for Wine you like ~ Zinfindel
X is for X-Rays you've had ~ My teeth
Y for Yummy Food you make ~ Chinese Stir-fry
Z is for Zodiac Sign ~ Like someone blogged "I believe in the Creator of the stars…not the stars themselves "
B is for Beverage ~ Cinnamon Dolce Lattes from Starbucks.
C is for Career ~ Kindergarten Teacher
D is for Dad's Name ~ Haakon Christian (Chris)
E is for Extracurricular Activity ~ Volleyball, golf lessons with Marco, taking pictures, scrapbooking, walking
F is for Favourite Song(s) of the Moment ~ I've been trying to focus my days by listening to worship music while I'm in the car.
G is for a Good Time ~ Getting together with friends
H is for Hometown ~ Born in Hay River, NWT
I is for Instrument you play ~ Flute
J is for Juice You Like ~ Orange, Grapefruit, Cranberry Juices
K is for Kids ~ While on a missions trip, I was called a "kid magnet". Teaching kids is my passion and I hope one day we can have kids of our own.
Living Arrangement ~ The top-floor of the Flatiron Building in Lacombe
M is for Mom's Name ~ Judith Marie (Judy)
N is for Name of Best Friend ~ Lately I have been really encouraged by my friend Carolyn. I have many wonderful friends.
O is for Overnight Hospital Stays ~ Just once when I was young. I have been very blessed with good health.
P is for Pets ~ Salt-water Aquarium Fish
Q is for Quote You Like ~ My bulletin board has a few quotes on teaching and this is one I come back to: "There is no job easier than teaching if you don't care--and no job harder if you do."
R is for Relationship that Lasted the Longest ~ Marco and I have been married for nine months this weekend :)
S is for Siblings ~ Erika & Nathan
T is for Trip you were last on ~ Fairmont, BC for our Honeymoon
U is for U2 song you love ~ I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
V is for Vegetable you Love ~ Too hard to choose only one
W is for Wine you like ~ Zinfindel
X is for X-Rays you've had ~ My teeth
Y for Yummy Food you make ~ Chinese Stir-fry
Z is for Zodiac Sign ~ Like someone blogged "I believe in the Creator of the stars…not the stars themselves "
It 's been awhile...
...but we are doing well! Sorry for the lack of blogging for all you faithful bloggers. I decided that tonight I would dust off the keys and do a little blogging before another day of not blogging turns into a week which turns into a month or two :).
Life has been steady and busy ever since I accepted the teaching postion at Iron Ridge Elementary School. I ended up starting at the beginning of March, one week earlier then expected, and the last month has blown by. Even though I teach part-time, my days are filled preparing lessons and units, coming up with new ideas to make the classroom more my own, getting to know the staff and the 21 kids I teach, and doing assessments for report cards :).
On Wednesday, Marco and I started taking golf lessons at one of the high schools in Red Deer. Marco is looking forward to when the courses open this spring and he can take me out for our first round of golf together. I have never golfed before so I was very nervous walking into the gym. I was thankful when I saw the curtains hanging to divide the gym into little driving ranges. I could swing and miss and not worry about how blotchy I went. This week I learned some of the basics: how to hold a club, stand, and swing.
What does our weekend hold? I'll probably put in a few hours at the school on Saturday while Marco does a few things at Hertz. Saturday night, we are getting together with the young couples from church for a games night and potluck. It will be good to get to know people a bit better and have FUN! I hear the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. I hope you are able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and time you spend with family and friends!
Life has been steady and busy ever since I accepted the teaching postion at Iron Ridge Elementary School. I ended up starting at the beginning of March, one week earlier then expected, and the last month has blown by. Even though I teach part-time, my days are filled preparing lessons and units, coming up with new ideas to make the classroom more my own, getting to know the staff and the 21 kids I teach, and doing assessments for report cards :).
On Wednesday, Marco and I started taking golf lessons at one of the high schools in Red Deer. Marco is looking forward to when the courses open this spring and he can take me out for our first round of golf together. I have never golfed before so I was very nervous walking into the gym. I was thankful when I saw the curtains hanging to divide the gym into little driving ranges. I could swing and miss and not worry about how blotchy I went. This week I learned some of the basics: how to hold a club, stand, and swing.
What does our weekend hold? I'll probably put in a few hours at the school on Saturday while Marco does a few things at Hertz. Saturday night, we are getting together with the young couples from church for a games night and potluck. It will be good to get to know people a bit better and have FUN! I hear the weather is supposed to be gorgeous. I hope you are able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and time you spend with family and friends!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)
The Way of Love
1If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing.
3If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
4Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
5Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
6Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
7Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
8Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit.
9We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete.
10But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
11When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
How I celebrated my birthday...
* On Friday the 10th, my parents and brother called from Kunming, China and wished me a happy birthday on the speaker phone :).
* On Saturday morning I got to sleep in. Then, I checked my email and got a few more birthday wishes. I did a few things around the house but mostly enjoyed the sunshine and the day to relax.
* My Farmor and Farfar Stokland came down to Lacombe for birthday lunch. Marco made soup and sandwhich fixings. For dessert we had homemade coconut cake that Farmor brought with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and coffee. It was wonderful! After lunch, we drove around Lacombe to show my grandparents a bit more of where we live. At about 3pm they headed back to Edmonton.
* Then Marco and I went into Red Deer to meet my Aunt Laurie, Uncle Gary, JD, and Amy. One of their gifts to me was tickets to the Red Deer Rebels WHL hockey game. It was a great game...the Rebels won 2-1 in the last minute.
* After the game we went to Moxies for drinks and birthday dessert. I had a Hawaiian Hunny margarita and the Banana Carmal Xango: "Creamy. Light banana cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla. Dusted with cinnamon-sugar and served with warm caramel, ribbons of chocolate and French vanilla ice cream." So yummy!
* My sister Erika and boyfriend Arden were waiting for us at Moxies. They had driven down from Edmonton after work to help me celebrate. It was supposed to be a surprise, but even though they were very stealthy, their cover was blown half way through the day. It didn't bother me at all because I was glad I could spend the day with part of my family. I couldn't stop smiling.
* Erika and Arden spent the night at our house. It was a good visit but too short. They left Sunday morning after breakfast.
And that is how I spent my 24th birthday!
* On Saturday morning I got to sleep in. Then, I checked my email and got a few more birthday wishes. I did a few things around the house but mostly enjoyed the sunshine and the day to relax.
* My Farmor and Farfar Stokland came down to Lacombe for birthday lunch. Marco made soup and sandwhich fixings. For dessert we had homemade coconut cake that Farmor brought with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and coffee. It was wonderful! After lunch, we drove around Lacombe to show my grandparents a bit more of where we live. At about 3pm they headed back to Edmonton.
* For my birthday, Marco gave me a card and a Starbucks Coffee gift card that said "to help you unwind in the days and weeks ahead in kindergarten." This was my first birthday since we've been married so it was special to spend all day with him.
* Then Marco and I went into Red Deer to meet my Aunt Laurie, Uncle Gary, JD, and Amy. One of their gifts to me was tickets to the Red Deer Rebels WHL hockey game. It was a great game...the Rebels won 2-1 in the last minute.* After the game we went to Moxies for drinks and birthday dessert. I had a Hawaiian Hunny margarita and the Banana Carmal Xango: "Creamy. Light banana cheesecake wrapped in a pastry tortilla. Dusted with cinnamon-sugar and served with warm caramel, ribbons of chocolate and French vanilla ice cream." So yummy!
* My sister Erika and boyfriend Arden were waiting for us at Moxies. They had driven down from Edmonton after work to help me celebrate. It was supposed to be a surprise, but even though they were very stealthy, their cover was blown half way through the day. It didn't bother me at all because I was glad I could spend the day with part of my family. I couldn't stop smiling.
* Erika and Arden spent the night at our house. It was a good visit but too short. They left Sunday morning after breakfast.
And that is how I spent my 24th birthday!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Here is an email I sent to family and friends this week that I thought I would share here too :)!
Well, the last few days have felt like a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation. Last Friday (February 3rd) I had an interview at Iron Ridge Elementary School in Blackfalds, AB for a part-time position teaching kindergarten. The interview went very well! I understood all the questions and felt I was able to answer them confidently. The principals were impressed that I supported my answers with lots of examples from my practicum and substitute teaching. At the end of the interview, they explained that they had narrowed it down to myself and one other candidate. Before they could make the final decision they need to see me teach.
I was back at the school on Monday afternoon (February 6th) subbing in the kindergarten room and so I prepared to teach a Math lesson. That day I could see God working in so many ways--their were only 17 kids instead of 23, some of the kids had colds and so instead of "acting out" listened very well, the kids weren't distracted by the principal being there, and instead of scrambling my words when I know I someone is watching me teach, I was able to speak clearly. My hands and voice didn't even shake!
Wednesday (February 8th) I got a phone call at 8 am. I recognized the number from the school and knew it was the principal. She offered me the position and wanted to know if I would accept it. My hands and voice were shaking at this point. I asked if I could have one more day to think about it (a.k.a. phone Marco and let him know about the offer). After talking with Marco that morning we knew it was God directing our steps. I phoned the principal back at 10:30 am and accepted the position. It isn't official yet but I like saying that I am a soon-to-be-part-time-kindergarten-teacher :)!
Right now, I am so thankful for God's blessings! He is faithful!
Love,
Kristin
Well, the last few days have felt like a whirlwind of excitement and nervous anticipation. Last Friday (February 3rd) I had an interview at Iron Ridge Elementary School in Blackfalds, AB for a part-time position teaching kindergarten. The interview went very well! I understood all the questions and felt I was able to answer them confidently. The principals were impressed that I supported my answers with lots of examples from my practicum and substitute teaching. At the end of the interview, they explained that they had narrowed it down to myself and one other candidate. Before they could make the final decision they need to see me teach.
I was back at the school on Monday afternoon (February 6th) subbing in the kindergarten room and so I prepared to teach a Math lesson. That day I could see God working in so many ways--their were only 17 kids instead of 23, some of the kids had colds and so instead of "acting out" listened very well, the kids weren't distracted by the principal being there, and instead of scrambling my words when I know I someone is watching me teach, I was able to speak clearly. My hands and voice didn't even shake!
Wednesday (February 8th) I got a phone call at 8 am. I recognized the number from the school and knew it was the principal. She offered me the position and wanted to know if I would accept it. My hands and voice were shaking at this point. I asked if I could have one more day to think about it (a.k.a. phone Marco and let him know about the offer). After talking with Marco that morning we knew it was God directing our steps. I phoned the principal back at 10:30 am and accepted the position. It isn't official yet but I like saying that I am a soon-to-be-part-time-kindergarten-teacher :)!
Right now, I am so thankful for God's blessings! He is faithful!
Love,
Kristin
Friday, January 13, 2006
I'm it...
...and it is my first time being tagged too :). Lots of fun!
Four jobs you have had in your life?
1. working retail at Northern Reflections
2. cleaning the church for a summer
3. daycare worker
4. substitute teacher
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. Sabrina
3. Bourne Identity
4. Bourne Supremacy
Four places you've lived:
1. Hay River, NWT, Canada
2. Waxhaw, NC, USA
3. Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea
4. Kunming, China
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. LOST
2. CSI
3. House
4. The Amazing Race
Four places you have vacationed:
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. Thailand
4. Norway
Four websites I visit daily:
1. the blogs of friends
2. school district websites to look for jobs
3. Creative Xpress to get ideas for scrapbooking
4. Real Simple
Four of my favorite foods:
1. My mom's brocolli and rice casserole
2. Cari's mandarin orange and almond salad
3. real Chinese food either in China or at the OPM restaurant in Edmonton
4. Marco's receipes
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. out for a Starbucks coffee with a friend
2. at home relaxing with my husband
3. on a warm, sunny beach
4. teaching in a classroom of my own
Four bloggers I am tagging:
1. Erika
2. Kirstin
3. Amanda
4. I don't know 4 bloggers that haven't already been tagged so I guess 3 will have to do :)
Four jobs you have had in your life?
1. working retail at Northern Reflections
2. cleaning the church for a summer
3. daycare worker
4. substitute teacher
Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. While You Were Sleeping
2. Sabrina
3. Bourne Identity
4. Bourne Supremacy
Four places you've lived:
1. Hay River, NWT, Canada
2. Waxhaw, NC, USA
3. Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea
4. Kunming, China
Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. LOST
2. CSI
3. House
4. The Amazing Race
Four places you have vacationed:
1. Australia
2. New Zealand
3. Thailand
4. Norway
Four websites I visit daily:
1. the blogs of friends
2. school district websites to look for jobs
3. Creative Xpress to get ideas for scrapbooking
4. Real Simple
Four of my favorite foods:
1. My mom's brocolli and rice casserole
2. Cari's mandarin orange and almond salad
3. real Chinese food either in China or at the OPM restaurant in Edmonton
4. Marco's receipes
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. out for a Starbucks coffee with a friend
2. at home relaxing with my husband
3. on a warm, sunny beach
4. teaching in a classroom of my own
Four bloggers I am tagging:
1. Erika
2. Kirstin
3. Amanda
4. I don't know 4 bloggers that haven't already been tagged so I guess 3 will have to do :)
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
As I walk around the apartment this morning I can't help but look out the window. It is snowing! We haven't had a "snow day" in a long time so to see the big, white, fluffy flakes come down is absolutely beautiful. I love how the snow coats everything like a fresh coat of white paint. When I was little and living up in Hay River, NWT, I always enjoyed going outside to play in the snow. I would get bundled up in my parka, skipants, snowboots, knitted mittens, and toque. There were so many things to build and do in the snow. The hours would go by quickly and soon it would be dark. When I would go back inside, my nose and cheeks would be so red. I have lots of good memories playing in the snow. However, today, I think I'm going to stay warm and cozy inside :).Saturday, January 07, 2006
Roads by Jean Little
Some people walk on straight roads
And see to both ends
--But my road dips and loops and swoops
And crooks and bends.
I've heard some people tell the world
That they know where they're going
But that's a thing I couldn't stand:
Always knowing!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
One year ago today...
After graduating from high school I remember being very focused. I had goals I wanted to achieve like going to Capernwray Bible School for a year, getting my Elementary Education degree, serving God in my church and in short-term missions, and getting more stamps in my passport by traveling to different places in the world.
However, at times there was a tug-of-war going on in my heart and mind. There were things I wanted to accomplish as a single person. I had high standards for myself and I wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with someone for the sake of dating. But at the same time my heart's desire was to be a wife and mother. I remember writing lots of emails to my Mom and having long car-talks with close friends! They would always remind me, "Kristin, don't ever doubt pursuing the best. Trust God and His faithfulness. Give this to Him. He knows your heart."
I met Marco at the beginning of my third year at the University of Alberta. We would see each other occasionally when I would visit my aunt and uncle in Rocky Mtn. House. We would talk over coffee, while spending time with family, or on the way to the bus station. Our conversations never felt forced or superficial. It wasn't until the summer of 2004 that we decided to pursue a relationship together. Because he lived in Lacombe and I lived in Edmonton we would spend our nights talking on the phone. Then he would come up to the city on the weekends so we could spend time together.
On January 4th, 2005, in a gazebo in Kunming, Yunnan, China, Marco asked if I would be his wife. I said, "Yes!" Some of you may be asking, "Why did he propose in China?" Well, my parents live and work in China. It was a gift from our Heavenly Father to all be together for that Christmas. It was important to me to show Marco China, a significant part of my life and where I grew up. To have Marco ask my Dad for his blessing on our relationship was also special.
I was once asked what quality attracted me the most to Marco. I would have to say that he is a lot like my Dad. I am amazed by Marco's commitment to God--to love and serve Him with his life. He is honest and trustworthy. He is a "big-picture thinker" and shares with me the thoughts/ideas that are going through his mind. He makes me laugh everyday! He is patient and gentle, yet a strong leader. I love him, respect him, and thank God for him!
However, at times there was a tug-of-war going on in my heart and mind. There were things I wanted to accomplish as a single person. I had high standards for myself and I wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with someone for the sake of dating. But at the same time my heart's desire was to be a wife and mother. I remember writing lots of emails to my Mom and having long car-talks with close friends! They would always remind me, "Kristin, don't ever doubt pursuing the best. Trust God and His faithfulness. Give this to Him. He knows your heart."
I met Marco at the beginning of my third year at the University of Alberta. We would see each other occasionally when I would visit my aunt and uncle in Rocky Mtn. House. We would talk over coffee, while spending time with family, or on the way to the bus station. Our conversations never felt forced or superficial. It wasn't until the summer of 2004 that we decided to pursue a relationship together. Because he lived in Lacombe and I lived in Edmonton we would spend our nights talking on the phone. Then he would come up to the city on the weekends so we could spend time together.
On January 4th, 2005, in a gazebo in Kunming, Yunnan, China, Marco asked if I would be his wife. I said, "Yes!" Some of you may be asking, "Why did he propose in China?" Well, my parents live and work in China. It was a gift from our Heavenly Father to all be together for that Christmas. It was important to me to show Marco China, a significant part of my life and where I grew up. To have Marco ask my Dad for his blessing on our relationship was also special.
I was once asked what quality attracted me the most to Marco. I would have to say that he is a lot like my Dad. I am amazed by Marco's commitment to God--to love and serve Him with his life. He is honest and trustworthy. He is a "big-picture thinker" and shares with me the thoughts/ideas that are going through his mind. He makes me laugh everyday! He is patient and gentle, yet a strong leader. I love him, respect him, and thank God for him!
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
The first post of January
2005 in Pictures
Well, the last 6 months of 2005 that Marco and I have spent together :). May you know God's presence and guidance in your life this new year!
JUNE
My Mom, Dad, and brother Nathan came home from China on June 8th.
I graduated from the UofA with my degree in Elementary Education on June 9th.
JULY/AUGUST
Marco and I were married in Edmonton on July 9th. It was a beautiful day!
We went to Fairmont, BC for our honeymoon.
We went to Fairmont, BC for our honeymoon.
SEPTEMBER
For Labour Day weekend, Marco and I drove out to Logan Lake, BC to visit Marco's Mom, Dad, and Aunt Maria from South Africa.
On September 17th, I did the 5 km Parkinson's Walk in Red Deer with my Aunt Laurie and cousin Amy.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
These were busy months! I wasn't able to take many pictures but I remember taking this one of a beautiful fall sunset during a day at home. The colours were amazing!
DECEMBER
Marco and I celebrated our first Christmas together. Many good memories!
For Labour Day weekend, Marco and I drove out to Logan Lake, BC to visit Marco's Mom, Dad, and Aunt Maria from South Africa.
On September 17th, I did the 5 km Parkinson's Walk in Red Deer with my Aunt Laurie and cousin Amy.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
These were busy months! I wasn't able to take many pictures but I remember taking this one of a beautiful fall sunset during a day at home. The colours were amazing!
DECEMBER
Marco and I celebrated our first Christmas together. Many good memories!
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Can you believe that it is almost January? This month has gone by so fast. I know I haven't posted about what we did for Christmas, so I thought this would be a good time to do a month-in-review because we started celebrating at the beginning of December :)!
Dec. 4th--Went and got our first Christmas tree.
Dec. 10th--Met my Dad in Lacombe and then drove to Rocky Mtn. House to have a German/Ukrainian Christmas with my Grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins on my Mom's side.
Dec. 11th--We drove to Calgary to get together with friends Marco knew when he cooked in Banff. Even though it was a short visit, I enjoyed meeting people that Marco has talked a lot about!
Dec. 17th--Marco and I drove to Edmonton to have a Norwegian Christmas with my Dad, Farmor and Farfar (my Dad's parents), Erika and boyfriend Arden.
Dec. 18th--Marco and I drove back to Edmonton to say goodbye to my Dad who left early Monday morning to fly back to China.
Dec. 20th--I had a wonderful girls night with Carolyn x2 and Treena at Moxies in Edmonton.
Dec. 21st--We made the hard decision not drive out to BC to spend Christmas with Marco's family because of new, challenging things happening for Marco at Hertz.
Dec. 24th--Erika and Arden drove to Lacombe to spend Christmas Eve with us. Marco and I made a roast beef dinner with pumpkin and cherry pies for dessert. After supper we opened a few gifts and then went for a walk around Lacombe. We also phoned our family all around the world to wish them a Merry Christmas!
Dec. 25th--We drove to Withrow to spend Christmas Day with my Uncle Gary, Auntie Laurie, and cousins Jonathan and Amy. We had turkey and all the fixings!
Dec. 26th--For the first time, I went Boxing Day shopping with my husband. We bought a few more things for our reef aquarium: 3 trubo snails, a coral, and 1 crab. We also stopped in at Farmor and Farfar's for coffee.
Dec. 27th--We had friends over for dessert and coffee. Marco and I enjoy having friends come to our home. We always seem to have good talks around our table!
Over the month we've done a lot of driving! It's been good though to be able to spend time with family and friends. So, tonight Marco and I have decided on a "home night". After the dishes are done we are going to go for a walk and coffee at Kavaccino's.
Dec. 4th--Went and got our first Christmas tree.
Dec. 10th--Met my Dad in Lacombe and then drove to Rocky Mtn. House to have a German/Ukrainian Christmas with my Grandma, aunts, uncles, and cousins on my Mom's side.
Dec. 11th--We drove to Calgary to get together with friends Marco knew when he cooked in Banff. Even though it was a short visit, I enjoyed meeting people that Marco has talked a lot about!
Dec. 17th--Marco and I drove to Edmonton to have a Norwegian Christmas with my Dad, Farmor and Farfar (my Dad's parents), Erika and boyfriend Arden.
Dec. 18th--Marco and I drove back to Edmonton to say goodbye to my Dad who left early Monday morning to fly back to China.
Dec. 20th--I had a wonderful girls night with Carolyn x2 and Treena at Moxies in Edmonton.
Dec. 21st--We made the hard decision not drive out to BC to spend Christmas with Marco's family because of new, challenging things happening for Marco at Hertz.
Dec. 24th--Erika and Arden drove to Lacombe to spend Christmas Eve with us. Marco and I made a roast beef dinner with pumpkin and cherry pies for dessert. After supper we opened a few gifts and then went for a walk around Lacombe. We also phoned our family all around the world to wish them a Merry Christmas!
Dec. 25th--We drove to Withrow to spend Christmas Day with my Uncle Gary, Auntie Laurie, and cousins Jonathan and Amy. We had turkey and all the fixings!
Dec. 26th--For the first time, I went Boxing Day shopping with my husband. We bought a few more things for our reef aquarium: 3 trubo snails, a coral, and 1 crab. We also stopped in at Farmor and Farfar's for coffee.
Dec. 27th--We had friends over for dessert and coffee. Marco and I enjoy having friends come to our home. We always seem to have good talks around our table!
Over the month we've done a lot of driving! It's been good though to be able to spend time with family and friends. So, tonight Marco and I have decided on a "home night". After the dishes are done we are going to go for a walk and coffee at Kavaccino's.
Our First Christmas Tree
On Sunday, December 4th, we got bundled up and drove about 45 minutes west of Lacombe. We asked a friend who lives on a farm and has a quarter section of land if we could go out with their family when they went to find their Christmas tree. They told us we were more than welcome and so we met up with them later that afternoon.It was the perfect day to find a Christmas tree. It started to snow as we drove out but it wasn't too COLD. When we walked through the trees everything crunched beneath our feet. The trees looked beautiful with a layer of snow on their branches. Marco was the one who found our tree. He knew the tall, full tree would look beautiful in our apartment. We didn't have to look any farther.
We loaded it into the truck and we were so excited to get it home to start decorating for Christmas. The hard part was waiting for it to thaw out. A while later Marco brought it up four flights of stairs :) and set it in the stand. While I got the decorations out, he started putting on the lights. I'm not a big fan of garland so I found some silver ribbon to weave through the branches.
I guess you could say we were double blessed this year because we got to decorate our tree twice. Thursday morning that week, I woke up to a huge crash. I jumped out of bed and ran into the livingroom where our tree lay on the floor. It was a really hard morning! I cried because there were special decorations that my Mom and friends had given to us that were shattered. There was a nativity scene that I had bought specifically for our first Christmas and it was also on the floor in a million pieces.
Over the next few days, with the tree propped in the corner waiting to be re-decorated, I had a lot of time to think. My thoughts were all over the place. At times I was disappointed and hurt that it happened on our first Christmas. Other times I was disappointed in myself; it was trivial to care so much about a tree, decorations, and memories. Overall, I learned in a new way what Christmas is all about. It isn't about decorations, lights, ribbons, trees, and little gifts. It is about the wonder of God's gift to us in Jesus. He is our Saviour, Redeemer, and King!
After doing the dishes at night, I enjoy sitting in a chair next to the tree and watching the lights twinkle in the dark. Because it is a real tree, the fresh outside smell fills the whole apartment. It is decorated mostly in blue, silver, and white with lots of snowflakes. How lovely and beautiful are it's branches!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesusby: Charles Wesley/Rowland H. Prichard
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel's strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation
Joy of ev'ry longing heart
Born Thy people to deliver
Born a child, and yet a King
Born to reign in us forever
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne
Israel's strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation
Joy of ev'ry longing heart
Come Jesus Come
Girls Night
Last Tuesday night the four of us met at Moxies on the west end of Edmonton for a girls night. We really wanted to get together before we all left in different directions for Christmas. Girl's Nights are not new for us. When we were all at the UofA, we would get together a lot to celebrate the end of exams, graduation, before a long trip, birthdays, or holidays. A girl's night usually includes margaritas, diet pop, or coffee, appetizers and/or dessert :).These girls are really an answer to prayer. When I came to Edmonton to start university from my year at Capernwray I really had no close friends in the city. The last two years had been hard years of "saying goodbye": first to my friends and classmates I had grown up with in Papua New Guinea and then to my friends I had spent a whole year with at Bible School. My mom and I started praying together for a close friend. I met Carolyn my second year at Grant MacEwan. After a few short months of getting to know her it felt like I had known her all my life. There are so many things that we have in common and yet we are different so that we can encourage and challenge each other in our walk. Carolyn introduced me to her two other close friends, Carolyn and Treena, and I have enjoyed getting to know them as we spent time together at university, survivor nights, and girls nights.
THANK-YOU...for making me laugh, being there when I am discouraged, and supporting me through "big" life decisions. I really appreciate your servant hearts for God, your honesty, and your integrity. Your friendship is such a blessing to me!
(The picture is of the four of us at Carolyn's wedding June 26, 2004)
Sunday, December 04, 2005
The Parade of Lights
It has been awhile since I last wrote so I thought before I crawl into bed I'd post a few pictures. Tonight Marco and I went to the Parade of Lights in Rocky Mountain House. It was -17C so we bundled up in our toques and mittens and watched the parade with a latte in hand :). Thanks for peeking!
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