Wild Parties: New Definition?!?
Well, it is official, we've graduated, we're getting old. Life has changed. Our "We're here in Austin, come for a party" Party last Sunday was nice. It was fun, but a very different kind of fun than 15 years ago. Then we might have had store-bought mozzarella cheese sticks, chips and salsa, cheap pizza, cheetos, beer, dr. pepper, chips ahoy in the bag. Now it was a feast of (all homemade) enchiladas, chimichangas, beef casserole, rice, beans, several gourmet dips, 3 delectable dessert choices, 4 different wine choices, 10 varieties of beer, etc, etc. In the past, we had meaningful conversations, maybe danced a little, flirted with our significant other, told stories, enjoyed the music selection. Now we, try really hard to continue a conversation while teamworking with our spouse to watch each of our three kids out of the corner of our eyes. "So how is your new company you started going? Hold that thought, ""Brett, Josh just feel in the mud, Lily has to go potty, Ava is about to hit that boy with a huge stick."" Sorry so how is your new company???" There were 10 adults at the party and 9 kids (7 of which were 3 and under). : ) The entertainment for the evening consisted of watching the kids take turns acting like a monster and chasing the other kids around the yard. My parents were able to come, and were extremely entertained at how life has changed for my good friends and bridesmaids. They said something like "footloose and fancy free and now you're all chasing kids." Joking aside, this is something Shannon and I used to talk about back in 1994 at UT, we'd talk about how we hope and pray that we would be able to see our children know each other and play together. It is special to see that come to fruition and it is a true blessing from God! We'll keep having these parties, we promise, we love to have people over. The next one, most likely, will be an Easter gathering (for those who won't be travelling to see family or just want to stop by). Also, in the future, they may involve a theme and a costume of some kind. Hmmm....
My Parent's Blessing
I've been thinking about something since my parents were just here last week. They left yesterday to travel to other parts of Texas. Isn't it funny how, even as adults, we desire or even crave at times, our parent's approval. It feels so good to have your parents provide that encouragment. It can be about almost anything: your children, your child raising skills, your cooking, your home, your spouse, your life, your appearance, your character, whatever. Even as adults, it just feels good to be praised by your parents. I imagine that even the most successful people in the world (world leaders, CEOS, billionaires) feel this way. A common thing to all humans, I think. Our week with my parents was so nice. We had some great meals out and in, watched movies (some good Australia, some bad The Band's Visit), hung out all together, worked together to get ready for the party. Some truly special moments were seeing my mom covered in grandkids and my time gardening with my dad (raking leaves and planting onions. Yeah, the garden is started!). I've been writing this book (a journal really) for a few years called "When I'm Old, I"ll..." , it is full of things I want to remember to do when I am old. I have several great things to add after my parent's last visit such as "When I'm old, I will visit my children when they move to a new house. I'll help them get settled. When I'm old, I'll garden with my kids. I'll enjoy just sitting and playing with grandkids. I'll try to always encourage my kids about something each time I see them." I'm so thankful that we had a wonderful visit with my parents. My Dad starts his radiation seeds soon (though they say it is not painful, is fast, and is not a "big deal", only side effect should be fatigue.). It was wonderful to be with family and enjoy them, especially since we never know how much time with have with our loved ones.
What happened???
Since we moved to Austin, I've been sending these mega-emails to my friends & family. Some are school friends, work friends, church friends, family. I know some people are wondering "What happened to Tiffany?" (Some have asked me that.) It has become clear to me that I have changed, and that I definitely (sadly) compartmentalized my faith more in the past. This change has been over time though, it didn't occur when I crossed the Texas border a month ago. : ) After moving to Colorado and especially after moving to Glenwood, God did some BIG things in me, personally, which I'd love to share with you one-on-one. I know I am supposed to provide these updates to our friends, supporters, family. So here I am.... I often tell a story of a guy I worked with in Denver. After we moved to Glenwood in 2004, I sent out our normal Christmas letter to him to which had lots about how Brett was going to work for a church, etc. He wrote back and said something like "I didn't even know you were a Christian." We had worked together for probably 3 years, but for one year closely on the same team. Ouch! That was a hard lesson. I had been so concerned with not offending him and was also somewhat ashamed of my faith, too. Needless to say, it seems like the more Christ changes me, the less I care about what others think. This is who I am, but I am not happy to stay like this. I want God to change me more daily to be like Christ. I read something cool today from my Mary/Martha book, which I'll paraphrase. This was me...totally...I really felt this way (and still do at times.)
"We were created for the fullness of God, not an ounce or liter less. But are we ready for that? God will most likely require our being stretched. At the very least, it is sure to disturb our comfort. Are we willing to let God explode our comfort zone and expand our capacity for Him? Or do we want a God we can manage? Unfortunately, a lot of the time this is precisely what we want--enough of God to make us happy, but not enough to make us change. We'd never say it but our attitude is often like this:
I would like $20 worth of God, please not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal the good feelings of a spa massage or a snooze in a hammock in the sunshine. I don't want enough of Him to make me love radically because that would be too uncomfortable. Because I would never want to serve alongside a gay person at an AIDS hospice, babysit a single parent's unruly kids, or talk about Jesus to a stranger. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack (or reuseable ecobag). I would like to buy $20 worth of God, please."
I cannot tell you how uncomfortable I felt at the idea of what really following Christ meant, at what He would ask me to do, or not do. I was especially afraid of what He'd ask me to give up (cute clothes, money!) or where He'd ask me to go (Africa!). But He never forces us to follow Him, He's a gentleman. We can say "No" to him. We can choose to keep Him in a compartment in our lives. We are as close to God as we want to be. Wow! I've been there. I can also proclaim with absolute certainty that I have never more at peace or content than when He is the center or source of my entire life.
Spring Break Wanderings
It is Ava's Spring Break which means....sleeping late (later...7 instead of 6) and time to enjoy some what Central Texas offers during the week. So far we've been playing outside during the day, going for little errands (to get the kids out of the house so Brett can get more work done), eating meals outside. (It rained and was cloudy all last week until a few hours before our party Sunday (thanks God). This week it has been GORGEOUS. Perfect Spring weather.) Today we went to the Austin Fair and Rodeo. We had an excellent time! The girls enjoyed a pony ride, the petting zoo, and riding a dragon mini roller coaster. We ate good food, danced to a Texas-y band. Jesse McCartney played at the Rodeo tonight (Brett and I are loving his music lately, we'll admit it. Check out the songs Leavin' and How Do You Sleep?) but we figured that was too late to keep out our little munchkins. Friday we are going to Sea World in San Antonio with another family. There's a free kid-friendly concert at the South by Southwest Music Festival on Saturday afternoon which we will try to hit. There is tons going in Austin this month. Fun, fun! They probably plan all these events now because it is so HOT in the summer.
Brett's Been Busy
Several of you are asking and wondering what is Brett doing? (I keep hearing "Now what is Brett doing again?") Brett is working on 4 things: AdvanceHim stuff (AdvanceHim is a non-profit formed to support house church training, recruiting, funding), Professional Coaching, writing training materials, and our personal house church group. This week, Brett set up (with the IRS) his professional coaching company called Advantage Coaching Solutions(ACS). He is being sent (i.e. paid for by the powers-that-be) to attend 2 more coaching training events next month, which is awesome! He's begun coaching, and next month starts receiving income for coaching. He is also writing curriculum about House Church which will be used to educate people on the House Church movement, how to start one, etc. We continue to receive financial support from individuals (thank you!) and are receiving the monies from the organizations that committed to fund our ministry as well. We are blessed to be able to be "sent" and spend our time dedicated to the ministry God has called us to here in Austin!
Parting thoughts
Happy St Patrick's Day! Hope you have a great week. We were given 2 different people's names in one day that might like to be a part of our house church. Emmett is good, no news there. Ava and Lily received early birthday gifts from the grandparents (High School Musical 3 DVD, a Barbie razor scooter for Ava, Slip-N-Slide which we'll probably try out tomorrow). Josh is now quite comfortable climbing the stairs as well as the small slide in the backyard. Last week, He discovered the water hose. We let all the kids play in the garden with the hose (i.e. mud pit). Fun, fun! Brett is still perfecting his "tail whip" on his BMX bike. Things are great! Thanks for your prayers and friendship.
Love, Tiff
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
March 7 Austin Update
God's DeeDee
For any of you that don't know "her", DeeDee is Lily's blankie. She named her that when she was between age 1 and 2; we don't know why. : ) I've been thinking this week and reading in Joana Weaver's (amazing) book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World about something. The book talks about how this man's sister left her rag doll (Pandy) at a motel. Once they realized it, the family turned around (after driving for hours, I think) to go back to the motel and find Pandy. The doll was that important to the family because she was that important to the little girl. The book goes on to talk about how like Pandy or DeeDee, we are often broken, dirty, smelly...whatever, but that we are truly loved by God. We are God's DeeDee. He goes out of His way to have us with Him, protect us, keep us close. He treasures us. If you have spent any time around us at all, I'm sure you have been a part of a DeeDee search party around bedtime or naptime. "Where's DeeDee? Have you seen DeeDee? Mama, I LOVE her. Please find her." It is so cool to reflect on how much God loves us....even more than precious DeeDee. A side note about DeeDee, she was packed in the bowels of one of our moving trucks and Lily didn't have her for 3 days during the big move. One of the men in the army of helpers, used her to wrap something in, thinking she was just another old blanket. THANK GOD she was found (in good shape) a few days after being here. Kudos to Lily for being a champ and dealing well with not having her for a few days. Thankfully, God ALWAYS knows our value and where we are. He never loses us.
Progress
Ahhh...we're starting to feel good about how the house looks. Only a few boxes here and there in the downstairs, and more in the upstairs. We've been working hard all week, and we're feeling better about the state of the house. The guest room is ready for guests. Come on over! My parent's are coming next Tues for a few days. We look forward to showing them our new place. We love it. Brett has been BMXing in our cul-de-sac and has met almost all of the neighbors from the 7 homes in our street. They have been nice and talkative. Most are embarrassed to admit they don't know the other neighbors. Brett and Andy (man in his 60s a few houses down) are now planning a cul-de-sac block party together. Also, we are having a big Potluck next Sunday, March 15 at 5:30. We've invited pretty much everyone we know here (about 30 people, I'd say). It'll be a time to catch up with old friends and some family. We'll keep you posted on that. We're starting house church this week too. Please pray that God will be all in these times, conversations, meetings so we can further His kingdom.
Sacrifice
Mother Teresa said "True love hurts. It always has to hurt. If you really love one another, you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices." I read that this week and have really been thinking about it. I've thought about how so many of you have loved us, truly loved us, which is evident in the sacrifices you make such as: babysitting our children, packing our junk into boxes and trucks, financially giving to our ministry, bringing us food, loaning us vehicles, driving us places, giving us washers and dryers, etc. I've been a part of many religious groups in the past in which I was so involved with religious activities that I neglected to reach out to those around me. I mistakenly thought "my" relationship with God was just about gainly knowledge, another Bible Study or class, etc. That is not what you have shown to us, you have been Christ to us with how you've truly loved us. Thank you so much. We will never forget your sacrificial love. Moving forward, we (our family) seek to do this. To love like the quote speaks of...in a way that costs us something, that hurts, to love truly in a way that is sacrificial. This is so rarely seen, I think it totally sets a person or group apart. It points to nothing else but Christ since I feel living--and loving--like this is impossible without Christ doing it through us.
On a Lighter (and Grosser) Note
Wow....deep thoughts, I know. We've had some fun adventures to the mall (kids loving the indoor play place, Josh's first time on one), Chuy's restaurant (an Austin establishment, Mexican food, so good), Brett's BMXing journeys. He found an outdoor, dirt BMX track (park?) that he is dying to have Corey and Charlie (and anyone else willing to) come to with him. We found Lily's new preschool (Covenant Methodist) which is in walking distance from our home. It will be next Sept M, T, W from 9:30 to 1:30 for Pre-Kindergarten. It is great and cheaper than what were paying in Glenwood. (yeah!) She visited with us and is excited to go. Ava has a little girl "clique" that she is a part of now. They've been planning their outfits. "Let's all wear red tomorrow." She is doing great at school, not all all sad. The teacher said she is doing well. All day kindergarten makes a huge difference. We can tell already that she is reading better, talks about science concepts, etc. She is now lecturing us for wasting water by letting it run or drip, and talking about pollution, littering, etc. We're working on her all-around general sassy-ness...not fun, pray for us. Josh is great, still happy as a clam, eating tons and tons. Taking good naps. Good boy. He and Brett have been going out for lots of "man errands" such as getting chainsaw parts, looking for vehicles, buying bean sprouts and gourmet green garlic at Whole Foods (ok, so that isn't too "manly"). They're loving it. Gross dog story: Last week, Emmett had a rough day. I was outside when I saw Emmett rubbing his back on the grass. A few minutes later, Lily and I are eating lunch on a blanket. Lily says "Ewww. I smell poop." Emmett was rolling in poop and it is all over his back and neck. So I begrudgingly bathe him. That night after we were in bed, Emmett pooped in the house twice in the middle of the night (on tile, thank God). After Brett cleaned it up, a few hours later he heard Emmett heaving. Brett carries Emmett down stairs to get him out to throw up. As they were running down the stairs, Emmett launches all over the stairs and the walls. Horrible. For a few days, Emmett doesn't eat much and his tummy keeps gurgling. We keep wondering what he got into. Finally, Brett and I realize that he has been "snacking" in the compost pile. He's been munching on old, rotten veggie and fruit scraps. Since we blocked it off, he is much better.
Parting thoughts
To blog or not to blog? I was talking to Brett about how I was thinking of doing a blog, because I feel like I am bombarding people with my mega e-mails. His opinion is that I should keep with the emails, because people don't read blogs as much. So for the time being, I'm keeping it up. : ) You can of course, unsubscribe at any time by sending this back with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. : ) I wish I could call or text each of you, but can't right now due to my lack of free time due to my 3 little sweeties. So for the time being, I'm sending these long mass email updates. I just miss you and think of you often! I want to share what is happening.
Please pray for:
*divine appointments as we are out and about going about our lives.
*us to listen when God says "talk to him/her" as we're out and about.
*God to use our relationships, connections, conversations with friends and family to bring people to Him.
*our funding to be secure (it has been a bit stressful with the money promised from various religious organizations)
*my Dad begins radiation soon. For it to kill the cancer fully.
*my parent's trip and visit to be great.*I'm sure I'm forgetting something.... oh well. Love in Him, Tiff
For any of you that don't know "her", DeeDee is Lily's blankie. She named her that when she was between age 1 and 2; we don't know why. : ) I've been thinking this week and reading in Joana Weaver's (amazing) book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World about something. The book talks about how this man's sister left her rag doll (Pandy) at a motel. Once they realized it, the family turned around (after driving for hours, I think) to go back to the motel and find Pandy. The doll was that important to the family because she was that important to the little girl. The book goes on to talk about how like Pandy or DeeDee, we are often broken, dirty, smelly...whatever, but that we are truly loved by God. We are God's DeeDee. He goes out of His way to have us with Him, protect us, keep us close. He treasures us. If you have spent any time around us at all, I'm sure you have been a part of a DeeDee search party around bedtime or naptime. "Where's DeeDee? Have you seen DeeDee? Mama, I LOVE her. Please find her." It is so cool to reflect on how much God loves us....even more than precious DeeDee. A side note about DeeDee, she was packed in the bowels of one of our moving trucks and Lily didn't have her for 3 days during the big move. One of the men in the army of helpers, used her to wrap something in, thinking she was just another old blanket. THANK GOD she was found (in good shape) a few days after being here. Kudos to Lily for being a champ and dealing well with not having her for a few days. Thankfully, God ALWAYS knows our value and where we are. He never loses us.
Progress
Ahhh...we're starting to feel good about how the house looks. Only a few boxes here and there in the downstairs, and more in the upstairs. We've been working hard all week, and we're feeling better about the state of the house. The guest room is ready for guests. Come on over! My parent's are coming next Tues for a few days. We look forward to showing them our new place. We love it. Brett has been BMXing in our cul-de-sac and has met almost all of the neighbors from the 7 homes in our street. They have been nice and talkative. Most are embarrassed to admit they don't know the other neighbors. Brett and Andy (man in his 60s a few houses down) are now planning a cul-de-sac block party together. Also, we are having a big Potluck next Sunday, March 15 at 5:30. We've invited pretty much everyone we know here (about 30 people, I'd say). It'll be a time to catch up with old friends and some family. We'll keep you posted on that. We're starting house church this week too. Please pray that God will be all in these times, conversations, meetings so we can further His kingdom.
Sacrifice
Mother Teresa said "True love hurts. It always has to hurt. If you really love one another, you will not be able to avoid making sacrifices." I read that this week and have really been thinking about it. I've thought about how so many of you have loved us, truly loved us, which is evident in the sacrifices you make such as: babysitting our children, packing our junk into boxes and trucks, financially giving to our ministry, bringing us food, loaning us vehicles, driving us places, giving us washers and dryers, etc. I've been a part of many religious groups in the past in which I was so involved with religious activities that I neglected to reach out to those around me. I mistakenly thought "my" relationship with God was just about gainly knowledge, another Bible Study or class, etc. That is not what you have shown to us, you have been Christ to us with how you've truly loved us. Thank you so much. We will never forget your sacrificial love. Moving forward, we (our family) seek to do this. To love like the quote speaks of...in a way that costs us something, that hurts, to love truly in a way that is sacrificial. This is so rarely seen, I think it totally sets a person or group apart. It points to nothing else but Christ since I feel living--and loving--like this is impossible without Christ doing it through us.
On a Lighter (and Grosser) Note
Wow....deep thoughts, I know. We've had some fun adventures to the mall (kids loving the indoor play place, Josh's first time on one), Chuy's restaurant (an Austin establishment, Mexican food, so good), Brett's BMXing journeys. He found an outdoor, dirt BMX track (park?) that he is dying to have Corey and Charlie (and anyone else willing to) come to with him. We found Lily's new preschool (Covenant Methodist) which is in walking distance from our home. It will be next Sept M, T, W from 9:30 to 1:30 for Pre-Kindergarten. It is great and cheaper than what were paying in Glenwood. (yeah!) She visited with us and is excited to go. Ava has a little girl "clique" that she is a part of now. They've been planning their outfits. "Let's all wear red tomorrow." She is doing great at school, not all all sad. The teacher said she is doing well. All day kindergarten makes a huge difference. We can tell already that she is reading better, talks about science concepts, etc. She is now lecturing us for wasting water by letting it run or drip, and talking about pollution, littering, etc. We're working on her all-around general sassy-ness...not fun, pray for us. Josh is great, still happy as a clam, eating tons and tons. Taking good naps. Good boy. He and Brett have been going out for lots of "man errands" such as getting chainsaw parts, looking for vehicles, buying bean sprouts and gourmet green garlic at Whole Foods (ok, so that isn't too "manly"). They're loving it. Gross dog story: Last week, Emmett had a rough day. I was outside when I saw Emmett rubbing his back on the grass. A few minutes later, Lily and I are eating lunch on a blanket. Lily says "Ewww. I smell poop." Emmett was rolling in poop and it is all over his back and neck. So I begrudgingly bathe him. That night after we were in bed, Emmett pooped in the house twice in the middle of the night (on tile, thank God). After Brett cleaned it up, a few hours later he heard Emmett heaving. Brett carries Emmett down stairs to get him out to throw up. As they were running down the stairs, Emmett launches all over the stairs and the walls. Horrible. For a few days, Emmett doesn't eat much and his tummy keeps gurgling. We keep wondering what he got into. Finally, Brett and I realize that he has been "snacking" in the compost pile. He's been munching on old, rotten veggie and fruit scraps. Since we blocked it off, he is much better.
Parting thoughts
To blog or not to blog? I was talking to Brett about how I was thinking of doing a blog, because I feel like I am bombarding people with my mega e-mails. His opinion is that I should keep with the emails, because people don't read blogs as much. So for the time being, I'm keeping it up. : ) You can of course, unsubscribe at any time by sending this back with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. : ) I wish I could call or text each of you, but can't right now due to my lack of free time due to my 3 little sweeties. So for the time being, I'm sending these long mass email updates. I just miss you and think of you often! I want to share what is happening.
Please pray for:
*divine appointments as we are out and about going about our lives.
*us to listen when God says "talk to him/her" as we're out and about.
*God to use our relationships, connections, conversations with friends and family to bring people to Him.
*our funding to be secure (it has been a bit stressful with the money promised from various religious organizations)
*my Dad begins radiation soon. For it to kill the cancer fully.
*my parent's trip and visit to be great.*I'm sure I'm forgetting something.... oh well. Love in Him, Tiff
Feb 26 Austin Update
Changes
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who wondered why everything we were eating was funky, natural, and organic. Brett said I had "gone to the dark side." My friend said something like "I remember you in college. You ate the WORST FOOD ever..." the conversation went on for awhile. I mentioned I remember eating Garlic Cheesebread (Pizza dough covered with cheese and spices with ranch and marinara dips) at 2 a.m. in the dorm. Wow! Got me thinking about changing. I love the changes we've made here so far such as composting kitchen scraps for the garden. Also, recycling...here it is part of your regular trash service. They give you a HUGE can to put your recycle stuff like plastics, cans, paper, etc (there are rules on the can) and a tiny can for the rest of your trash. So we have 2 trash bins inside, one for all the recycle stuff, one not. Very cool, It has me thinking all the time about what is recycle-able. Brett says I follow him around to gather his recycle-able trash...not true, like I'd have time to do that????!!! These environmental/lifestyle changes are positive, but I want God to change my heart too. Moving and being faced with a visible reminder (i.e. boxes) of how much STUFF I have is humbling. Since I have been here, I have been thinking about habits I have had for years such as shopping for the wrong reasons (boredom, to escape, pick me up, entertainment). Not having much money and God working in me has caused me to think about what I really need before I go out (novel idea...ha!). I'm sure I'll have a lifelong struggle with shopping for entertaiment, I just wanted to share that. I now know that only Christ truly satisfies me....not hunting for a new pair of earrings, strappy black shoes, etc. (Though earrings and shopping are not inherrently wrong.....they just can be if put before Christ.) My prayer is that I will continually remember He alone satisfies me..nothing else (not even Whole Foods market.)
Kid news
Ava is doing GREAT at school. She says she LOVES it! Going all day is a bit of an adjustment....she is tired and cranky by dinner. Needless to say, all the kids go to bed very easily at 7 pm. (or earlier!). Having all day school and a big yard make for tired young uns. Thanks for your prayers for all our kids. Lily is loving having time with us while Ava is at school, she is very happy. Since my last message, Josh is basically back to his old, uberhappy self. Yesterday after school, we all enjoyed Amy's Ice Cream (the best) at a beautiful park. It was very warm (low 80s) and we had on our summer attire (still weird.... 2 weeks ago we were in snow). Note about last email: Emmett wasn't shaved because of fleas but because Brett wanted to (to keep him cool, see how he'd look, extreme makeover?). He's doing great...still has his confidence.
Thoughts about Community
This week, now that we are more settled, I have been missing something. There is an emptiness, a feeling that something is missing. After praying and thinking and reading in John 15 (bearing fruit part), I realize that I am not satisfied with my life being just about our routine: get up, kid to school, unpack, clean up, eat, kid from school, family time, dinner, sleep, weekends with family and friends. I want more. There is more and it involves taking Christ to others, bearing fruit how He wants...living in Community. After experiencing that in Glenwood with our House Church, I can tell you, I truly miss it. I miss needing and relying on each other, seeing your community (family) during the week, keeping up with each other's lives, sharing how Christ is working in each other It has been less than 2 weeks...shows what an impact in me that true communitity has had. It is not just about Church or going to church, but about living our entire lives for Christ (not just parts of it). I'm not depressed, I have Christ, He is speaking to me and giving me peace; however, I truly desire to have a community of believers here too. I'm excited for it!
Parting thoughts
I'm car-less today. Brett took the van to San Antonio for meetings. Thankfully, Ava's school is only a 20 min walk. We'll be walking to get her this afternoon. It is a nice day. A friend is coming for a play date this afternoon and letting us borrow an extra Suburban that they have. (Thank you God and Shannon!) This weekend we get to see more of my friends and their families (yeah, Andrea, Wally & Logan). Come March, let the houseguests begin! Having both sets of parents and possibly Heidi and Charlie. Bring em on! We're excited and the house is (almost) ready. Love you all, Tiff See pics below. Most are taken in back yard (other than the ones at Joe's Crab Shack.)
The big move <http://albums.phanfare.com/6134579/3507394>
<http://albums.phanfare.com/6134579/3507394>
I had lunch with a friend yesterday who wondered why everything we were eating was funky, natural, and organic. Brett said I had "gone to the dark side." My friend said something like "I remember you in college. You ate the WORST FOOD ever..." the conversation went on for awhile. I mentioned I remember eating Garlic Cheesebread (Pizza dough covered with cheese and spices with ranch and marinara dips) at 2 a.m. in the dorm. Wow! Got me thinking about changing. I love the changes we've made here so far such as composting kitchen scraps for the garden. Also, recycling...here it is part of your regular trash service. They give you a HUGE can to put your recycle stuff like plastics, cans, paper, etc (there are rules on the can) and a tiny can for the rest of your trash. So we have 2 trash bins inside, one for all the recycle stuff, one not. Very cool, It has me thinking all the time about what is recycle-able. Brett says I follow him around to gather his recycle-able trash...not true, like I'd have time to do that????!!! These environmental/lifestyle changes are positive, but I want God to change my heart too. Moving and being faced with a visible reminder (i.e. boxes) of how much STUFF I have is humbling. Since I have been here, I have been thinking about habits I have had for years such as shopping for the wrong reasons (boredom, to escape, pick me up, entertainment). Not having much money and God working in me has caused me to think about what I really need before I go out (novel idea...ha!). I'm sure I'll have a lifelong struggle with shopping for entertaiment, I just wanted to share that. I now know that only Christ truly satisfies me....not hunting for a new pair of earrings, strappy black shoes, etc. (Though earrings and shopping are not inherrently wrong.....they just can be if put before Christ.) My prayer is that I will continually remember He alone satisfies me..nothing else (not even Whole Foods market.)
Kid news
Ava is doing GREAT at school. She says she LOVES it! Going all day is a bit of an adjustment....she is tired and cranky by dinner. Needless to say, all the kids go to bed very easily at 7 pm. (or earlier!). Having all day school and a big yard make for tired young uns. Thanks for your prayers for all our kids. Lily is loving having time with us while Ava is at school, she is very happy. Since my last message, Josh is basically back to his old, uberhappy self. Yesterday after school, we all enjoyed Amy's Ice Cream (the best) at a beautiful park. It was very warm (low 80s) and we had on our summer attire (still weird.... 2 weeks ago we were in snow). Note about last email: Emmett wasn't shaved because of fleas but because Brett wanted to (to keep him cool, see how he'd look, extreme makeover?). He's doing great...still has his confidence.
Thoughts about Community
This week, now that we are more settled, I have been missing something. There is an emptiness, a feeling that something is missing. After praying and thinking and reading in John 15 (bearing fruit part), I realize that I am not satisfied with my life being just about our routine: get up, kid to school, unpack, clean up, eat, kid from school, family time, dinner, sleep, weekends with family and friends. I want more. There is more and it involves taking Christ to others, bearing fruit how He wants...living in Community. After experiencing that in Glenwood with our House Church, I can tell you, I truly miss it. I miss needing and relying on each other, seeing your community (family) during the week, keeping up with each other's lives, sharing how Christ is working in each other It has been less than 2 weeks...shows what an impact in me that true communitity has had. It is not just about Church or going to church, but about living our entire lives for Christ (not just parts of it). I'm not depressed, I have Christ, He is speaking to me and giving me peace; however, I truly desire to have a community of believers here too. I'm excited for it!
Parting thoughts
I'm car-less today. Brett took the van to San Antonio for meetings. Thankfully, Ava's school is only a 20 min walk. We'll be walking to get her this afternoon. It is a nice day. A friend is coming for a play date this afternoon and letting us borrow an extra Suburban that they have. (Thank you God and Shannon!) This weekend we get to see more of my friends and their families (yeah, Andrea, Wally & Logan). Come March, let the houseguests begin! Having both sets of parents and possibly Heidi and Charlie. Bring em on! We're excited and the house is (almost) ready. Love you all, Tiff See pics below. Most are taken in back yard (other than the ones at Joe's Crab Shack.)
The big move <http://albums.phanfare.com/6134579/3507394>
<http://albums.phanfare.com/6134579/3507394>
Feb 23: First Austin update
Hi friends, Good morning.
First Day of School for Ava
It's Monday, just took Ava to her first day of Texas Kindergarten (a.k.a Colorado First Grade. ha!) It was hard because she was a little sad. But I left with overall good feelings. They are VERY much ahead of her school in Glenwood but I know she'll catch up. The kids in her class are very bright and seem very, very sweet. The teacher, Ms.Goulet (Brett's choice when he visited the school in Jan.) sat her by a really sweet girl named Ellie, who Ms. Goulet said was very helpful and kind. She is now in all day Kindergarten, so she brought her new Hello Kitty lunch bag with a lovingly made kid-lunch. : ) The whole way home from taking her, I prayed God would help her catch up, give her teacher the grace and patience she'll need, for new friends, protection, etc. It will be hard for her at first, but better later as she'll learn more from such a great school. I'll keep you posted on her progress.
Choices!
We have enjoyed our vast array of choices for everything....groceries, eating out, computer parts. I could go on. We've had some great food out as we re-stock the kitchen and unpack millions of boxes. Greek food, BBQ, Pei Wei (my favorite), Schlotzsky's, Chick-Fil-A, Joe's Crab Shack....all these are (no joke) within minutes of our home. Brett found a computer parts store (Discount Electronics) for his web cam, etc that is almost 50% off reg prices. I've been to 6 different grocery stores (half of them natural type stores). Last night I went to Whole Foods (which started in Austin) alone....walked up and down the aisles for 1 1/2 hours. It was sheer bliss....so much so I'm considering having my ashes scattered there when I die. : ) They had Organic choices for almost all produce! Can you tell I'm excited??? Until my garden gets going, it'll be my home away from home.
House
Amazing backyard...kids are in heaven. Brett put together their little tykes play gym (a big plastic type...thanks to Tina!). They are either digging or running around all day long. The house has enough storage for our tons and tons of stuff (though we still have many boxes to unpack). It is very comfy and nice. We really love it. The neighborhood is GREAT. Nice brick houses, lots of mature trees. Living on a cul-de-sac is also great. The location is nice....lots of shopping close but not too close (Target, Costco, mall within 10 minutes). The backyard and home have lots of room for house church for sure. Also, a big garden which I am itching to get going. (Unpacking unfortunately takes precedence)
Kids
Ava and Lily are flourishing....loving the yard, their room. No complaints from them. Josh is having a bit of a hard time though I think it is his age. I remember visiting relatives when the girls were his age and dealing with the same issues. He is not his usual super-happy self but more clingy and whiney at times. Still somewhat happy but has to have mama in a 2 foot radius at all times (which makes unpacking very difficult). : ) I know he'll bounce back, we're praying for our little man to be happy and secure in his new home. Emmett, poor Emmett, we discovered last night that he has FLEAS! Brett, the avid internet researcher he is, already found the proper treatment....we're on that today! Other than fleas, he's happy too...loving the yard and looking slim and trim already. : )
Grown-ups
Tiff ventured out to dinner with some girls last week (one friend from College and some of her friends). Wow! Great food with some VERY fashionable Christian moms. Ava and Lily would have been impressed...like grown up Fancy Nancies....dangly stone earrings, hats, long patterned coats, high boots, high heels. It's exciting to be back in Texas where gals dress up...I need to re-think my wardrobe for sure. : ) Brett has been on some solo BMX rides (he misses his BMX buddies for sure). He's also been like our own Geek Squad getting the computer ramped up. We've been watching movies at night. Basic cable here in lame....we are about to add more channels this week. We've also been praying...kind of like "OK...we're here God. What now?" We're praying for Him to order our days with how He'd have us use our time, set up divine appointments with those we need to meet. We're tired of unpacking and ready to get to it! Pray we can finish our home and get our House Church going.
Parting thoughts
It is good to be here, but we really miss our Glenwood community. Starting over is tough but exciting. It is sooooo good to see the kids flourishing in this environment. We love you and miss you. I still am resisting the lure of Facebook, so these emails updates will keep coming. : )
In Christ, Tiff
First Day of School for Ava
It's Monday, just took Ava to her first day of Texas Kindergarten (a.k.a Colorado First Grade. ha!) It was hard because she was a little sad. But I left with overall good feelings. They are VERY much ahead of her school in Glenwood but I know she'll catch up. The kids in her class are very bright and seem very, very sweet. The teacher, Ms.Goulet (Brett's choice when he visited the school in Jan.) sat her by a really sweet girl named Ellie, who Ms. Goulet said was very helpful and kind. She is now in all day Kindergarten, so she brought her new Hello Kitty lunch bag with a lovingly made kid-lunch. : ) The whole way home from taking her, I prayed God would help her catch up, give her teacher the grace and patience she'll need, for new friends, protection, etc. It will be hard for her at first, but better later as she'll learn more from such a great school. I'll keep you posted on her progress.
Choices!
We have enjoyed our vast array of choices for everything....groceries, eating out, computer parts. I could go on. We've had some great food out as we re-stock the kitchen and unpack millions of boxes. Greek food, BBQ, Pei Wei (my favorite), Schlotzsky's, Chick-Fil-A, Joe's Crab Shack....all these are (no joke) within minutes of our home. Brett found a computer parts store (Discount Electronics) for his web cam, etc that is almost 50% off reg prices. I've been to 6 different grocery stores (half of them natural type stores). Last night I went to Whole Foods (which started in Austin) alone....walked up and down the aisles for 1 1/2 hours. It was sheer bliss....so much so I'm considering having my ashes scattered there when I die. : ) They had Organic choices for almost all produce! Can you tell I'm excited??? Until my garden gets going, it'll be my home away from home.
House
Amazing backyard...kids are in heaven. Brett put together their little tykes play gym (a big plastic type...thanks to Tina!). They are either digging or running around all day long. The house has enough storage for our tons and tons of stuff (though we still have many boxes to unpack). It is very comfy and nice. We really love it. The neighborhood is GREAT. Nice brick houses, lots of mature trees. Living on a cul-de-sac is also great. The location is nice....lots of shopping close but not too close (Target, Costco, mall within 10 minutes). The backyard and home have lots of room for house church for sure. Also, a big garden which I am itching to get going. (Unpacking unfortunately takes precedence)
Kids
Ava and Lily are flourishing....loving the yard, their room. No complaints from them. Josh is having a bit of a hard time though I think it is his age. I remember visiting relatives when the girls were his age and dealing with the same issues. He is not his usual super-happy self but more clingy and whiney at times. Still somewhat happy but has to have mama in a 2 foot radius at all times (which makes unpacking very difficult). : ) I know he'll bounce back, we're praying for our little man to be happy and secure in his new home. Emmett, poor Emmett, we discovered last night that he has FLEAS! Brett, the avid internet researcher he is, already found the proper treatment....we're on that today! Other than fleas, he's happy too...loving the yard and looking slim and trim already. : )
Grown-ups
Tiff ventured out to dinner with some girls last week (one friend from College and some of her friends). Wow! Great food with some VERY fashionable Christian moms. Ava and Lily would have been impressed...like grown up Fancy Nancies....dangly stone earrings, hats, long patterned coats, high boots, high heels. It's exciting to be back in Texas where gals dress up...I need to re-think my wardrobe for sure. : ) Brett has been on some solo BMX rides (he misses his BMX buddies for sure). He's also been like our own Geek Squad getting the computer ramped up. We've been watching movies at night. Basic cable here in lame....we are about to add more channels this week. We've also been praying...kind of like "OK...we're here God. What now?" We're praying for Him to order our days with how He'd have us use our time, set up divine appointments with those we need to meet. We're tired of unpacking and ready to get to it! Pray we can finish our home and get our House Church going.
Parting thoughts
It is good to be here, but we really miss our Glenwood community. Starting over is tough but exciting. It is sooooo good to see the kids flourishing in this environment. We love you and miss you. I still am resisting the lure of Facebook, so these emails updates will keep coming. : )
In Christ, Tiff
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