Kali's Life

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-24T16:47:00.004-04:00

Spent the evening with the Vogel klan last night and here are a few pictures of what we did.

I don't think Drew had ever seen a pumpkin and he was really unsure the the yuck stuff inside.

Tiesha working hard at getting the gutts out. I think her pumpkin had the most in it.

Leah possing next to her pumpkin after I cut it out. It is Minnie Mouse in case you couldn't tell.

Tiesh and Leah were the only one to make it through the whole pumpkin carving experience. The pumkins left to right: Drew (Smile face), Tiesha (Goofy), Leah (Minnie Mouse).

Since Drew didn't make all night we took his picture next to it today.

Drew is still trying to figure out what this pumpkin is all about.

Um....

2008-09-16T22:21:00.002-04:00

not much to say. Just trying to keep up with life right now. Praying that I find a job soon. Hopefully more to update in the coming days. Until then may God bless with what ever is going on in your life.

A long time coming...

2008-09-08T11:11:00.006-04:00

It's been 10+ years in the making. Many drops of sweat, tears, and maybe even some blood have went into making yesterday possible and the future even more promising. The church that I grew up in for years has been planning to build, but it wasn't until 2004 that they broke ground. What you need to understand is that I am from a small community with about 100 in attendance on a given Sunday.

Yesterday the church held a dedication serves to dedicate the new multi-purpose room, pastors office, conference room, and classroom that they added onto the existing church. Many thanks were given to the number of people who put in time and energy to make this building possible. The really special part was that they honored my Dad's life and service to our church by giving my Mom a plague.

My Dad grew up in that church and so have I. The congregation is like family to me. Even more so after my Dad passed away in 2006. So here is to New Haven COB.

Congratulations, God Bless!!

Not going to catch U up...

2008-09-03T12:56:00.002-04:00

I know it has been awhile and I am not going to catch you up, because there has been so much that has happen.

If there is anyone who is still checking this I would like to ask for prayers as I am currently looking for a job and am starting to feel the money crunch. I know that God will provide, because He is the one to closed the other doors, but I am not always good and TRUSTING so I am asking that you would join me as I pray that God will provide and soon.

I will try to be a little more regular at updating.

What a month :)

2008-06-14T17:32:00.005-04:00

So I know it has been a month since I last posted, but it has been very busy. As my last post said I left for Florida for two weeks. Had an awsome time with my Aunt, Uncle and cousin Andrew. One of the best highlights of the trip was that I found a star fish in the ocean and brought it back to my aunt's house to dry out and while it was drying out her ancient dog EAT it yes that is what I said he eat it.

Apon returning I stayed at my moms house for a couple of days which was really nice to spend time with her. Especial because I had missed mother's day. I returned to my house on Sunday night to pack to leave for camp on Tuesday, but instead of packing I had 3 little kids over and for most of the day Monday. Having them over made a great holiday.

On Tuesday moring I left for Grace Adventures for two weeks of training before the kids came. A couple of highlights from those two weeks were, the first day had a scavenger hunt to complete and part of the hunt was using boats, lets just say a canoe pulled a paddle while two of us sat in 3 inches of water and what should have taken like 5 minutes to complete took like twenty. But remember it is the memories that we are making that counts :) A second event was just over the two weeks how our small group became very tight, as some of us had or were experiencing the same events happening in our lives and it was great to have each other to lean on.

This brings me up this last week. The first week of campers, more specifically 7-9 year olds. Throughout this week God tested my paitences and by yesturday (Friday) I was exhausted and ready for the weekend. So today I am sitting in peace and quite in my house (in GR) preparing mentally and physically for next when I get 9-11 year olds, which I am excited for.

That pretty much brings everyone up to date, and I thank everyone for following me and hopefully I will have more updates as the summer goes on. I leave you now with some pictures of the last couple of weeks.

First day of camp in cabin # 1.

r to l: Destiny, Me, Shamya

r to l: Parashya, Omaryana, Me, and Elizabeth

While at camp Shamya learned that filling a pail with sand and then dumping upside down made a sand castle. This is Shamya and her first sand castle.

No they are not 7-9 year olds, but Isaiah and Domanic were at pathfinder camp for the older kids.

Going Going Gone

2008-05-06T19:56:00.003-04:00

All week so far I have just been fighting back checking out, but I officially can. I am packing tonight and leave in the morning to go home and then flight out Thursday at 7:00 AM. Yes I know it is early, but it will be worth it. I will arrive in sunny Florida at 9:35. So.....

Florida here I come!!!!

Kids say the darndest things (Post 1)

2008-05-04T17:15:00.002-04:00

We had just arrived at church and were(me and some of the kids) hanging up our coats. As we were leaving the coat room the little four year-old (who's first time it was coming to church with us) said "Ms. Kali I just eat a booger." I turned to her and said, "D we need to keep that to ourselfs and not tell everyone, ok." She said "ok." Then you looks up at me and says, "it taste like sugar." What can you say... kids say the darndest things especially when it is not the time or the place.

Florida

2008-04-29T20:53:00.002-04:00

So my roommate is returning from Florida tonight, with a nice tan I guess, but I am not jealous because I will be leaving for Florida in....

One week 2 days

for 2 weeks

Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

2008-04-23T01:20:00.002-04:00

I AM FINISHED!!!!

It is 1:15 in the morning and I am officially

finished with the semester.

Now I can start the count down until Florida...

2 weeks and 1 day

Pics from the week (post #2)

2008-04-18T22:33:00.006-04:00

Even though you can't tell Drew is intentlly watching a Praise Baby DVD.

It often distracts him from beinging crabby.

Isn't he just the coolest dude you have ever seen.Well he found my sunglasses on top of my head and decided to try them on.

He just thought he was all that. Isn't it the best.

Drew loves taking baths, but I am not sure who gets more wet me on the outside or him inside. Listen careful to the voice at the end and look for his reaction (it is not mine).

An email from Jamacia

2008-04-18T22:22:00.004-04:00

So tonight I sat down to check my email and one of the emails was from my brother and in the subject it say, "underwear is important!" I open it unsure of what I might read and this is what it said...

Hey Kali I'm down in Jamaica right now. I thought that I would write you and tell you of all the great weather and fun that we are having . IT IS SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, also I need to know mom's email address. I thought that you would know and check your email the most. when you talk to mom tell her to check her email and that once you get this and email me back with her email that I will email her. Love you both talk, to you later.

I think that we are going para sailing!!!!!!!!!!!
NIC

I emailed him back and said this...

Well I am glad you are having a good time, but I am just wondering what you did with my brother. Did you drink that water???...lol Mom's email is cwiseman@edzone.net. She would enjoy hearing from you. Make sure you take lots of pictures.

Love,

Kali

Let me just tell you all it was awesome to hear from my brother, but I never expected to hear this from him. I will keep this email forever as blackmail when he doesn't want to clam me as his favorite sister.

A great evening

2008-04-15T22:40:00.002-04:00

So today my mom was in town for a conference for work. After she got out of her conference and I got out of class we meet. We did a little shopping and then went for dinner. We dinned at Olive Garden, it was really good. While enjoying our dinner a hostist brought out this contrapsion, that neither of us knew what it was, but when the family got seated we found out. I couldn't find a picture of it but it basically looked like a mini hammock that held a car seat for a baby. When we figured it out my mom goes I need to visit the big city more often... lol. After dinner we went to Target to get a few things for my brother who is leaving Thursday morning for Jamaica. Yeah I know unfair right. Then we parted ways and headed in opposite directions. It was a great night and I am glad my mom came to GR.

Prayers for a friend of a friend

2008-04-14T14:06:00.003-04:00

Please follow this link to see who needs your prayers...

http://hoodmama.blogspot.com/2008/04/prayers-needed-again.html

Girls Night Out

2008-04-08T22:34:00.002-04:00

On Saturday night I went out with some friends. Megan in the picture below planned a surprise for her mom. They met another friend of Megan and her mom. I was able to meet them too. We went to dinner and then to a park because it was such a great day. Here are a few pictures from the afternoon.

First of all just to clearify we had sparkling cherry juice. This is only the second picture that Megan and I have together and we have known each other for 2 1/2 years.

From Left to Right: Libby, Megan and Kali.

What a great afternoon/evening!!!!!!

A new look...

2008-04-05T09:31:00.004-04:00

Spring is here finally. If it stays around is anyones guess seems we live in Michigan. So I thought I would give my blog a new look.

I also have this weekend off so I think I am going to give my room a new look too. First I have to start with the dirty laundry.

Then I think I am going to risk it and at least bring up the spring/summer clothes. I might even attempt to rearrange my room too. So as you can see even though I have the weekend off I am going to be busy doing things that I don't usually have time for.

Sunday...

2008-03-31T12:54:00.008-04:00

Well I spent Saturday evening cooking. In fact I cooked 11 pounds of chicken and diced it up, 7 pounds of noodles, and chopped up some brocolli. I made two large pans of chicken alfredo. Why you ask... for this group of kids...

Her is the gang minus 13.

The really great thing was that all the kids were able to eat as much as they wanted and the adults (who eat last) where able to eat too. Dinner went well and the kids had a great time.

In the picture you will notice to white girls, they are not usually part of our Sunday's, but they came to stay the weekend with their Aunt Noelle and I. After lunch and dropping off most of the kids at their house we brought two of the girls back to play with Noelle's nieces. Their brother was tears because he couldn't come. Noelle at the request of the kids made snicker lattes. Needless to say we found out one of the kids come out in rare form when she has caffinee and she will NEVER have caffinee again at our house :)

Inclosing it was a great weekend and below are other pictures from this weekend, enjoy.

Destiny and her lego creation.

Taylor pulling Kerby around with a raquet.

Lucy, Jessica, Taylor and Destiny all made t-shirts last night and they were in the middle of putting beads on the sleeves. Their are some true artists in this group.

Lesson 1: Mama Ain't Playin'

2008-03-27T16:21:00.004-04:00

Mama Ain't Playin'

Looks like Mama is going to make him stand out there for a long time! Ought to be a pretty good lesson, one not easily forgotten! Don't ya think? He doesn't look very happy, like, maybe the lesson is already working, huh? We need more people like her...

If only we had more parents that weren't playin'...

Maybe we won't have so many drop outs.

Maybe we won't have so many preteens in prisons.

Maybe we won't have so many crimes.

Maybe we won't have so many premarital pregnancies.

When living in the hood....

2008-03-24T12:56:00.002-04:00

When living in the hood of GR don't mention to your mother that you and your roommate are trying to save money so you are going to turn off your alarm system because it would save you the alarm bill and the phone bill (especially because we don't use the house phone). She might just have a cow (j/k mom). Truely she does cares and doesn't want anything to happen to me, so we will probably find another way to save money.

The end is near...

2008-03-19T15:05:00.005-04:00

Well my mom will glad to know that today I found out that the END IS NEAR!! That is college. If all goes as planned I will graduate in 2010, not soon enough. I wish it was today that I was graduating. I learned much today in my advising appointment. I learned that one of my classes that I took MCC will fill the requirements of one of the courses I need to take at GVSU. Well any ways wanted to leave you with this picture that all to soon I will be doing...

Hallelujah Praise the Lord!!!!!!

Sunny and warm somewhere...

2008-03-05T18:14:00.004-05:00

Yes it is sunny in MI, but it is far from warm. I wish I was somewhere that I could do this...

The turtles have to have an UVA light to keep their shells hard and the other day they were rubbing it into my face (not really). 62 more days and I will be able to do that in Sunny Florida. I can't wait.

A taste of being a single parent...

2008-02-20T13:11:00.003-05:00

This weekend from Friday to Saturday night, 30 hours I became a single parent of 3 kids. Drew 11 months, Leah 3, and Tiesha 12. I had my work cut out for me. Tiesha was a great help this weekend, which does not allows happen, but it was diffently a blessing. Friday night she cooked dinner all by herself. She did later admitt that it was a bit to much. After dinner the kids all took baths and then we all put our pajamas on and had a pajama party. Here is a picture of the 4 of us at the pajama party.

(L to R: Me, Leah, Drew and Tiesha)

By 11:00 pm every one was in bed and so was I... thinking I might have to get up in the night with Drew I knew I need to go to bed early. Lets just say the night was very restless and it was not due to the baby. I was up 5 times with the dog. Drew woke up about 6:45am ready to begin his day. Leah followed by about 8:30am and we had to wake Tiesha up at 9:30am.

After getting dressed I had planned a few surprises for the older kids. More like time kills to get us through the day. We started out going to a clay art studio to glaze some poetry. Two hours later we were head to our next surprise. McDonalds with a play world. After eating the girls went and played for awhile. At about 2:30pm we were home and the two younger kids went straight to bed. Truthfully I was ready for bed at that time too, but I told Tiesha we would do something, just the two of us. So she decide she want acrylic nails and that is just what we did. By the time we finished the other two kids were up and it was time for supper. Once again Tiesha helped with dinner. Once dinner was over and baths were done. Mom and dad walked in the door and I was ready for my bed and as far as Sunday I did almost nothing all day just to get caught back up.

How do single parents do it??? I just don't know. It was a great weekend and if asked to do it again I would.

P.S. Does any one read this or am I just typing to type. Leave me a comment sometime if you read my blog. Thanks!

Summer Possiblities (post 2)

2008-02-17T13:34:00.002-05:00

Well I have been accepted to join Grace Adventures staff this summer. I now have to make a decision weather to do it all summer or just for the original 3 weeks. They have asked that I do it the whole summer which is what I would like to do, but I have to speak to my former employers to see if that will work for them. I just ask for prayers that this will all work out for the best.
Have a wonderful day and check back for more post at a later date.

Summer Possiblity...

2008-02-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

getting closer to working out. Tomorrow Afternoon I have a meeting with Ben from Grace Adventures We are meeting at 12:30 PM so if you would just pray that all will go well and that I won't be nervous that would be great. I will let you know more as I find out more. God bless!!!

Super Bowl Sunday...

2008-02-04T14:20:00.000-05:00

For the Super Bowl Noelle and I went over to a freinds house to watch the game and eat. We had much more food then we really needed, but it was all yummy! My conturbution to the food was this...

If you can't see it the top fruit pizza is a football helmet and the bottom fruit pizza is a football. I was proud of my artistic ability with food, but not everyone apperciated the design. I hope you all enjoyed the event saftly.
Congradulations NYG!!

Surprise...Surprise...

2008-01-18T21:50:00.000-05:00

Winter hits Michigan again... Tonight I had to babysit about 30 minutes from my house on a normal day, but tonight it took me 45 minutes to get home. I had to laugh on my way because when I entered the "S" Curve every buddy was just driving where there was an open space. In reality it is kinda a scary thought. Well don't tell the kids but we are all hoping for a Saturday off tomorrow.

Another thing I find ironic is when the news channels warn us in Michigan that it is going to be Michigan. You would think that we would all just be able to figure that from December to April give or take a month winter whether is going to happen.

Noelle and I also took the animals into Campau today so stay tune and I will have pictures for you.

Boys will be ...

2008-01-13T16:10:00.000-05:00

All I can say about boy's weekend is that... Boys will be boys!!!!

The boys thought it would be fun to wrestle each other so Terrance went to get Marshawn and Marshawn picked him up and the Kerby decide to save Terrance and Marshawn got him too. Marshawn (M) Terrance (L) Kerby (R)

Then they decided to go to the kitchen and race cars across our hard wood floors.

But I must say they are a pretty good group of boys and I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Life happens...

2007-12-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

I know it has been awhile since I updated and I will not tell you about how busy I have been or the things I have been doing. Instead I will tell you that Sarah will be joining us for Christmas this year and I can not wait to see her. (This does not usually happen with the kids down here).

I will be leaving on Friday night to go home for the Holidays. Chances are I will not get an opportunity to update again, but I will have many pictures after the Holidays of Christmas with the kids, and Christmas at home. Oh did I mention that I will be in a wedding at midnight on New Years Eve- Day. So hopefully I will have pictures from there too. Well I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember the true meaning of Christmas.

A prayer request...

2007-11-05T14:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's in church I received an answer to prayer from GOD through Jim Samra (Calvary Church's Pastor). That prayer was "Why did you have to take Dad and Why has someone I love had to suffer in the last 6 years?" I am not going to tell you the answer, but if you would like to get the jest of the message check out Noelle's blog (just click on her name).

As great as the message was I was not expecting to have to apply it to my life already again. Grandma (my mom's mom) is been ill for the last few months, but we could not figure out what was wrong. My mom has spent the last 3 days in Freemont. Today I called her to see how Grandma was doing and she started to cry. Grandma's kidneys are failing, so Mom and Aunt Pam have to decide weather or not to put her on dialyses. So I just ask for prayers that they may make the best choice for my Grandma. I will keep you up dated.

JUST PRAY PLEASE!!!

Operation Christmas Child (post 1)

2007-11-04T18:44:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday Noelle and I were sitting in church when they announced Operation Christmas Child or Shoe boxes. I turned to Noelle and said is there anyway we could do this with the children to teach them to give to others. She said, "I have always wanted to but it always been an issue of money." This year we have had an out pouring of financial support for Sunday's that we decide to take some of the extra we have right now have the children put together shoe boxes.

Step one earlier this week we sent out a letter to all the children explaining what items they could bring to church Sunday that would help fill the shoe boxes.

The one family that neither Noelle or I thought would bring something brought this...

Step two was going shopping. After lunch at church today Noelle sat the kids down an explained to them what we were going to do. Then we invaded the Dollar Tree with 16 kids and 2 adults. Each kid picked out at least one item for the shoe boxes...

and I think we made out pretty good. What do you think??

More steps to come next week...

Now member of Facebook and Myspace

2007-11-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

Wow it is hard to believe that it is already November. The one really great thing is that there is no snow on the ground yet.

Last night I had a friend invite me to be on Facebook. I always said I wouldn't get on those sites, but I am now on both Facebook and Myspace. It has allowed me to connect to some old friends that I figure I would never hear from again. It is interesting seeing where people from high school are now. I am very careful of what I put on it, because you here of potential employers checking out these site to get insight into who they are hiring.

Well other then that not much has went on this week.

TO COME...
Sunday Noelle and I are taking the kids that go to church with us shopping for items to fill shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. So hopefully I will have pictures and reactions to the project for you.

May God Bless you today!!!

The ways God has shown Himself to me...

2007-10-21T17:23:00.000-04:00

After talking with a friend and sharing the ways that God has impacted my life recently I decide that I need to journal them some where. So that I could look back at them and see how God has been there for me in the past and how He is here for me now.

The ways...

1) How going through a major event in a friends life has strengthen our friendship and has truly been an answer to prayers.

2) Losing someone has shown me that what I wanted was not the best for her and how in the end God has worked it out for the best. (I was just her life to plant the seed now it is someone elses turn to make it grow.)

3) Turning to prayer when a situation is out of my hands drives Satan right out of the picture and I grow closer to God.

4) Realizing that my glory does not need to come from earthly sources, but I will receive my glory in heaven. That it does not matter what others think, God's opinion is the only one whose matters.

5) When I trust in Him and follow His will He will provide. In this case giving what you really do not have and receiving funds to supplement and even exceed your wildest expectations.

What an awesome time it has been. Daniel 2:23 summarizes my gratitude to God, "I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: you have given me wisdom and power."

Hang out with friends

2007-09-30T22:02:00.000-04:00

Is this not the cutes dog you have ever seen??? This is Mel and Mary's dog Roy. This picture was taken by Terrance.

Terrance was the only brave one. He was the only one that would feed the goats. The goats were fighting over who would eat from his hand.

Mel and Marry had a bomb fire for us and we roasted hotdogs on the fire. The fire was a little to hot for Tia and Kerby so that is why they are so far back.

This is cool dude Kerby. He thinks he is so fly, but he is only five.

Well this is how I spent my Friday night and it was wonderful. The weather was great and the company awsome too. Later this week I will post about my Sunday back home.

Going Home...

2007-09-24T20:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry that I have not posted in a while, but last week was a little busy. I found out that the girl I have been mentoring is moving away (like out of the state), which makes me sad, but her mom said that you would send her back to Noelle and I on Holidays. We will see what happens.

This weekend I went home. My family was invited to a wedding, back here in GR, but we decide not to go. So instead my mom and I rented a couple of movies. We rented "The Prusuit of Happiness" and "The Ultimate Gift." If you have not seen the movie you need to it has a great moral and could be pretty real. Sunday Mom, Karen and I went to Mt. Pleasant and did the Parade of Homes. It was very interesting, but I am not sure that I would do it again.

Kick off Sunday...1

2007-09-11T22:48:00.000-04:00

This Sunday Noelle and I kicked off taking the children to church, afternoon lunches, and boys/girls weekends. The preparations started Friday night and went through 3:00 in the morning on Sunday. This include a good cleaning of the house, almost 7 hours of shopping and preparing food, which included 16lbs. of hamburger.

We started Sunday morning with pick up of 10 kids for church. After church we came back to our house where other volunteers meet us for a BBQ.

This was our griller "Chef Dave" when he wasn't playing football.

Sarah decided to play basketball in her rollerblades and yes she landed on all 2 feet after making the shot.

Kick off Sunday...2

2007-09-11T22:43:00.001-04:00

Noelle's Grandpa gave us this big roll of paper and we rolled it down our drive way so the kids could paint. The is Shakeena creating her master piece.

Charle, Mariah, and Jazmine also creating a work of art.

Mantie is pilling her candies to make a lolly pop with.

This was all 24 of us minus 2 because Noelle and I were taking the pictures.
Ranging in age from 91 to 5 years old.

Bringing summer to a close.

2007-09-04T21:43:00.000-04:00

Every year I look at Labor Day weekend as closer of summer. My family has went camping over Labor Day weekend for as long as I can remeber. We started out in a tent and have now worked ourselves up a trailer, which some would not call it camping (James that is for you if you ever read this), but I guess I feel like I earned this privillage. Don't get me wrong I would and could still tent it any day.

The last two Labor Day weekends have been different then year previous to them. Last year it was our first camping trip without Dad. This year mom was not up there for the full weekend. So Nic and I decide to invite a friend of ours to go with us. James is very much an outdoors men, but he said yes. Even though when I asked if we was enjoying the camping trip he said it didn't beat "bow camp," I personally can not tell if it really is or not, but I enjoyed the weekend very much.

So as the weekend drawed to a close I was sad as this meant that it is offically time for school to start and life to get even more busy. Well I hope everyone else enjoyed this weekend as much as I did.

The summer in a sea shell...

2007-09-01T23:49:00.000-04:00

Decided to take the summer off from blogging and enjoy the beach, the kids, and camping. Now that classes have started I hope to be able to blog on a more regular schedule so those of you who keep up with me through my blog will be able to so again. Below is a slide show of some of the high lights of the summer.

Challenging their listeners...

2007-06-06T14:16:00.000-04:00

WCSG 91.3 (www.913.org) has been challenging their listeners to do for others. One of their first projects was to go through the drive through and pay for the persons meal behind them. It was a great success as it witnessed to those behind them and the employees at the window. Another challenge was to write a letter to someone who could use a word of encouragement. This witness was a little more silent but still effective.

Then the week before Memorial Day once again the challenged their listeners to adopt a solider as a pen pal or whatever we can do. So I thought that being a pen pal with a solider would be a good idea for Sarah(the girl I mentor) and I to do to teacher her to care about others. So I went to WCSG'S website and did some research. They conectted me to a site called Reagan Round Up at www.ReaganRoundUp.com.

Last week Saturday I got the information about our pen pal in the mail and am very excited to have this opportunity. I would like to ask for you prayers for Debra (the pen pal) and her safety. Also that God will show me how to share with Sarah that we need to care for others too.

Have a wonderful and may God Bless always!!!

Litterally a ZOO!!

2007-05-02T17:26:00.000-04:00

That is what Noelle and I are now saying about our house after the addition of our neighboor's bunny Rex. Rex is a Mini Rex, he is pure black and has the softest fur I have every felt.

How we added: The neighboor's thought after we got Cappi (the 1st bunny) that they would enjoy a bunny themselves, but after having it for almost 3 months they have decided that it is not their cup of tea (best way to put it). When they first got Rex we told them if for any reason you need to get rid of him that we wanted first dibs (yes, you can call us crazy). So after listening to our neighboor's complain about Rex now for about 2 an half months and us telling them that they need to get him fixed, that would take care of some of the issue they were having, and not taking our advise we added him on Monday night.

Here is a picture of Rex and Cappi.

Cappi (Left back) Rex (Right front)

P.S. In case you were wondering what makes a ZOO it is: 2 Rabbits, 2 Turtles, 20 Fish (give or take), a bird, and a red claw crab.

Very Busy...

2007-04-29T22:59:00.000-04:00

I am sorry that I have not blogged in a while, but I have been busy. Plus it is summer and I am going to enjoy the weather instead of sitting on my computer. Here is a slide show of some of things I have been busy doing.

This slide show was very easy to put together and I would recommed that you all try it.

It's a Boy!!

2007-03-21T11:06:00.000-04:00

Scott and Amy the family that I babysat for had a baby boy yesterday. Drew Scott was born on March 20, 2007 at 7:00 am. Weighing in at 6 lbs, 12 oz. and 19 inches long. Drew was 4 weeks early too.

I stayed with Leah and Tiesha while Amy and Scott were at the hospital. Amy went in about 2:00 pm Monday. For most of that time the girls and I talked about all the fun stuff they would get to do with their new baby. Then about 9:30 pm Scott and Amy called to say good night to the girls. While Tiesha was on the phone with her mom her water broke. So to make a long story short Tiesha and I didn't get much sleep due to the fact that we were waiting for the phone call. It didn't come until 7:15am Tuesday.

After getting the phone call the girls and I got ready and went to the store to buy mom some flowers and it's a boy balloon. We also had to get Drew a toy. Daddy didn't get anything because we were not sure what to get him. Then I took the girls to meet Scott so they could go see Drew. Today is Wednesday and Leah keeps asking when mommy, daddy and her baby are going to come home. So to take her mind off it a little I decide that we would paint. We made a WELCOME HOME MOMMY AND DREW sign and hung it up. Here is the finished project and the artist Leah....

Leaving your comfort zone

2007-03-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

While sitting in church on Sunday I was challenged to leave my comfort zone and walk across the room. Which is not the easiest for someone who is an introvert, but I am going to try it when the Holy Spirit leads me to.

Ok, to catch every one up the Pastor from my church back home is encouraging the congregation to get involved in a small group focused around the book "Just Walking Across the Room". He is also dedicating the next several Sundays to this book. I am sorry that I will miss both the studies and the sermons, but I am going to get the book and read it for myself. I will continue to up date you on my thoughts on the reading of this book as I get a chance to read it. But for now here is an exert from the book...

From the Publisher

If taking ten steps across a room could serve to point your friends and family members toward faith, it might just change the way you walk.
Just Walk Across the Room ushers in the next era in personal evangelism with a natural, relational approach that follows Jesus' own example. When Christ "walked" clear across the cosmos 2,000 years ago, he had no formulas and no script—just an offer of redemption to people like us, many of whom were neck-deep in pain of our own making.
Astounding things happen when you follow the model set by Jesus. Emphasizing the leading of the Holy Spirit, Bill Hybels invites you to step out of your "Circle of Comfort" and into encounters with people who long for someone to take an interest in them—men and women with stories to tell and hearts that yearn to experience God's love through your smile, your encouragement, your transparency, your friendship.
Find out how you can make the difference of an eternity for someone standing in your sphere of influence.
It all starts with a walk across the room.

Source: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9780310266693&itm=1

The weekend...

2007-02-12T12:42:00.000-05:00

I went home this weekend. It was very nice. I actually went home to celebrate my brother's birthday, but I was able to relax and just enjoy life. In fact I told my mom I was not going to make any choices I was just going to enjoy my weekend. So as you can tell not much happened.

One week later and I am still feeling the effects of my purse being stolen. You will not believe all the things that you don't realize are in your purse. Each day I remember something new that I don't have any more. For example my glasses, membership cards to different places, and gift cards. Speaking of membership cards mom and went to Sam's Club to renew her membership and add me. They won't let me get the membership card because I didn't have a picture ID. Even though I had a temporary Drivers License, which I had to come up with 3 forms of ID for that. I wonder if this person even realizes what he has done.

Some day he will and all I can do now is pray that he may find God in all of this.

Well that is all for now, but look for an update tomorrow.

2007-02-07T21:12:00.000-05:00

Ten Ways of Looking at Children

I
Through the bars of a crib
Just after awakening from a nap
And awaiting your return.

II
Through the bus window
With tears running down
As you wave good bye.

III
Through a window
While the snow falls all around
And they make snow angels with smiles on their faces.

IV
Through the camera
Wearing special evening wear
As you tell them how wonderful they look.

V
Through tears of joy
As they walk down the aisle
To receive their diploma.

VI
Through the bags
As they leave home
To spread their wings and fly.

VII
Through the flowers
Making promises to last a life time,
Sharing their love with others.

VIII
Through the hospital nursery window
Holding their new bundle of joy,
Creating a family of their own.

IX
Through the window
As the visit ends
Hoping to see them again soon.

X
Through the clouds of heaven
As they venture through life
Watching their children grow up.
~ Kali Wiseman

A wake up call!

2007-02-05T23:04:00.000-05:00

WAKE UP CALL!!!

REALITY IS HERE!!!

Today I was reminded of where I live and that I shouldn't take things for granted. I went and dropped off Tiesha at the office. Sarah and I went in to say Hello to Ms. Noelle and were only there for about 20minutes when we decide it was time to go.

Sarah got outside the door and came running back in saying Ms. Kali your car, your car. I said what about my car. I walked outside to see what she was talking about and found my car window destroyed and my purse missing. Here start the roller coaster!

Noelle called the police and I started canceling my credit cards, etc. Noelle and Mr. Macoy walked the streets to see if the culprit might have taken the cash and ditched the purse, but no such luck.

To make a long story short I had to get the window in my car replaced and lost a purse with lots of important stuff.

BUT, I am counting my blessings that I was not with the purse and that I didn't have all my fortunes in the purse--- hahaha (poor college student ring a bell)!

P.S. I will be taking my purse every where with me or locking it in my trunk!!!

** The post below is new too.

Snowed in!!

2007-02-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

Just a few of the things we have been doing while the snow was falling. Snowed in for 2 days makes you think outside of the box for entertainment.

This weekend was "GIRLS " weekend. Noelle and I were up stairs cleaning the kids' room while the girls made a tent/fort with all the blankets in our house. Let tell that they were pretty proud of it too.

On Saturday it was time to ship the girls outside to run of some energy. This just gives you some idea of how much snow we got. When the girls laid down to make snow angels you could hardly see them.

Those crazy boys!! Damonic (left) and his cousin Dytona (right) walked over in the blizzard to hang out, because they were board. They ended up crashing in on the girls weekend, because we could not get out of the driveway to take them home.

Sunday afternoon the kids wanted to go outside and play again so we said go for it. When there is 5 kids the walls start to close in on you. They were making tunnels in the snow mounds (they were big enough for the kids to put their heads in and look at each other).

Today with school canceled and running out of ideas for entertaining the kids and myself, I decide to do a spa day for the girls. They got facials, pedicures, and manicures. Let me just tell you, Sarah (left) and Ty (right) thought they were living the high life.

A daughter for a month

2007-01-24T13:05:00.000-05:00

Well as most of you know I am mentoring Sarah on Monday's, but what you didn't know is that, that mentoring turned into her living with us for a month plus.

Sarah's mom is in Africa visiting family and friends. Sarah is a true African, but she has been living in the U.S. for 8 years now. When mom left to go back to Africa she left Sarah with her Sisters who are only in high school themselves. Like most siblings Sarah and her sister have not been getting along. So to take some pressure of Sarah's sisters we decided to let her move in for a while. Noelle and I are adjusting to becoming "mom like".

We have come to realize that we do not have enough clothes that fit her. So last night I dropped her off at her house to get some of her clothes. Well then this morning we were looking at the sizes and there is no way what she brought was going to work. Most of clothes were 10-12 and she fits nicely into a 16. So I guess we will have to make a trip to Good Will.

Well that is what has been happening around our house lately. I just have to add I have a better appreciation for my cousin who while going to college, and being married to a unworthy guy raised a child. I just have to do it for a month and I have Noelle to help. More power to you. (I am not recommending that anyone try it though.)

2007-01-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

Once again I appologize for not keeping you all updated more. You will have to cut me some slack this semester as I am taking a full load at school, babysitting, working at the office, and trying to keep up with kids. Do not get me wrong I am enjoying it or at least most of it. Still do not enjoy school, but I am almost done so that is nice.

On Monday nights I have started to mentor a girl named Sarah. So hopefully my time with her will give me some post for you all to read. (If there is anyone who actually reads me??)

Well here is a picture that is so cute. It is of my brother and my mom's dog lily at Christmas.

That is all for today, but maybe there will be more for tomorrow.

1st Weekend in January

2007-01-12T13:27:00.000-05:00

I know this is a little late, but I had to get back to the real world this week and it has kept me really busy. Last weekend Mom, Nic, Our pastors twins from my home church, and went to the Great Wolf Lodge in Travers City Michigan.

For those of you who do not know about the Great Wolf Lodge it is an indoor water park and hotel. We left on Friday about 1:30 and arrived in Travers City at about 4:00. With 4 woman we had a lot to unpack and trust me Nic let us know. Once settled we decide to take a walk around and see what this place had to offer. We found one of the two "kids casino" the arcade. When we were finished winning our big prizes we went out for supper (much cheaper). That night we just vegged out and watched a move on TV.

Saturday night we had bought stuff for breakfast so that we could get up and go right to the water park before it got to busy. Then about 10:30 AM we packed up all of our stuff. Once we had everything packed up the girls, Nic and I went and got air brushed tattoo's. Then we left for home.

What a great time!!!! Here are some pictures from the trip.

The gang at the Great Wolf Lodge with a bear??? Right to Left: Nic, Me, Katilyn, Nicole, and Cheri (AKA: Mom).

As the sign reads, when this bucket dumped kids and adults ran to have the water dump on them.

Just one the the slide that we enjoyed. Front to back: Katilyn, Nicole, and Nic.

Katilyn and I at the kids casino doing the Dance Dance Revolution.

The lazy river is where you could find mom hanging out. She is not much of a slide rider.

Post 1 of 1 Being a part of history!

2007-01-03T22:45:00.000-05:00

Over the last few days GR has been the center of national and local news. As most of you know President Gerald R. Ford was laid to rest in his home town which is Grand Rapids, Michigan. Last night the Ford family invited the public to come down town to the Presidents Museum and pay our respects and view the casket. So Noelle, Erin and Barb a long with 5 of the kids planned on watch the eleven o'clock news and see what kind of wait there was to get into the Museum. We did and it was about 8 hours. With 5 kids ranging in age from 4 to 13 we figured there was no way we could do it then. Our second plan was to go to bed and wake up at 4 am. Noelle woke up at 4 am and checked out the news to see what the current wait was. It still was 4 hours, so she decided not to get us up. Needless to say we were unable to make it down to view the casket.

Then today was the burial and still wanting to be apart of history Noelle, Erin, Robert, and I went down to see the procession from the church to the museum. We were able to do so. We were also able to hear the 21 gun salute. After the 21 gun salute there was jets that flew over and performed the missing man formation. Here are a few pictures that I was able to take.

This is a picture of all the new media trucks reporting.

The car caring President Ford.

Grand Rapids Police saluting the President as he passed by.

One set of jets that flew over.

This is the start of the missing man formation.

Post 2 of 2 A Helper

2007-01-03T22:27:00.000-05:00

This morning I had a helper for babysitting. It was Robert and what a sport he was. Leah asked him to dress up with her and considering that there are only two girls living in house this is what Robert had to choose from.
Leah in her Princes dress up clothes waiting for Robert.

Leah and Robert posing in there dress up clothes. Aren't they too cute.

Robert or should I say Roberta showing off his/her new dress and hair style.

A butty shot and look at the dip! Wow wee!!

It is kinda scary how good he looks as a girl.

Christmas with the Kids

2006-12-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

What a crazy and wild weekend. It was a lot of fun though. Noelle and I had a Christmas party for some of the kids that are over to our house on a regular bases. I had bought each of the kids gifts and Noelle. We went to church and then came home and had lunch. After lunch the party began. We started with decorating cookies. Next the kids took a plate of cookies over the neighboors to thank them for letting them use the basketball hoop and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Once the cookies where delivered the kids all ran into the house, because it was time to open presents. Lamont, Tia, Terrance, and Tonajarae got Bible to cary to church, my mom donated them. Then each of them got one other gift. Once the Bible were opened each child had a few verses to read about the birth of Christ. I think all the kids really enjoyed their gifts.

I had also gotten Noelle a gift from the kids. Each of the kids thanked her for what she does for them. Then Key also drew a picture to put in the front of the bag. Needless to say Noelle was touched or I think that is what you call teary eyes.

We had a wonderful time. Here are a few pictures from the party.

The tree before the kids got gifts.Little Kerby decorating his cookies and don't any one touch them!!!The rest of the gang decorating and Ms. Noelle helping them to understand hand licking and extra sprinkles are not good.Lamont looking up his Bible verse.Key- He recieved watercolor paper and watercolor penciles. We told him we expected a picture for our house.

2006-12-18T15:00:00.000-05:00

Tia with her handcrafted mirror and make-up that she got. She ran to the bathroom and started putting it on right away.
Tonajarae with her handcrafted pillow. Damonic is sitting next to her with his remote control car.
Noelle being touched with the words from the kids.
Noelle opening her gift along with the kids peaking in.

Check this out!

2006-11-29T19:04:00.000-05:00

Noelle just gave me this website that she got from her brother. www.slickdeals.net It is awsome. I just got a 2GB flashdrive for $5.00. I am telling you, you need to go check it out. Happy Shopping!!!

Sorry :(

2006-11-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

I realize that is has been a long time since I last posted. Life has been a little busy with not much to say about it. So here is a quick summary...

I went home for Thanksgiving. It really was not as hard as I thought it was going to be. We just kinda avoided the subject of Dad not being there. Mom and I talked about it afterwards and I said I just keep picturing last year when he was there. We also went shopping. Over all I enjoyed being home.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving Cappi got altered or fixed. It was funny to watch him jump around the house and never put his bottom down. He is really very spoiled. Noelle and I both felt bad for him so we had both gotten him a few new toys to play with.

And that is all fokes. HAHA

Hopefully I will be able to post more this week. Have a wonderful week.

It's A Boy

2006-11-09T12:46:00.000-05:00

It is offical, last night about 7:15ish we adopted Cappucino, Cappi for short. No we did not adopt a child it is a rabbit. He is 3months 4days to the day. He is a harlequin breed. Here are some pictures of him and I am sure there will be more to come.

He is black with a coffee with creamer color in different areas. Just in case you can't see him well.

Pets to complete the house

2006-11-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Well in the last post I told you all about our fish. They are doing very well. In the mean time we have been hot on the trail of a bunny for the house. We have been researching and have found one or two. We are going to go check them out tonight, so I will let you know if we get one tomorrow. That is all I have for now, but I will let you know what happens tonight.

Babies (not what you all are thinking)

2006-11-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

Over the last couple of weeks Noelle and I (Noelle more then I) have been working on getting a fish tank. We finally got the tank and all the supplies last Thursday. On Friday we took little Kurby to the pet store to see what they had for fish and plants. After answering 101 questions about anything and everything we walked out of the store with 3 plastic plants for our tank. In the mean time Noelle and I have stared at the tank as if there were fish it. You would think we were crazy if you saw it.

Saturday night after Super Saturday we took Tia and Terrance to Meijer and picked out some fish. We got two Black Mollies and Two Gupies. The kids were so excite that they could hardly wait to see how to put the fish in the tank. Later that night we discovered (only an hour or so later) that we had Molly babies. Only two, but then Sunday Night we found 3 more. We only currently have 3. Yes that means that some of them didn't make it.

In watching the fish Sunday night we think that maybe one of the Gupies is also going to have babies. Then when I got home this afternoon I think I found one and you can see others in mom's tummy. So for only wanting to start out with a couple we are going to end up with a few more then planned (is this how surprise pregentcy goes??? hahaha).

Who knows we may have more to tell you later!?!?!?

Have You Ever

2006-10-30T13:53:00.000-05:00

I saw this on someone else blog and thought I'd give it a try. The things I've done are in bold. Copy and paste it onto your blog. Leave me a comment if you do!

Have You Ever...

01. Seen the Grand Canyon
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper (more than I care to count!)
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon – But it’s a dream of mine!
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Eaten alligator
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Been to Austria
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Taken a midnight walk on the beach-not with the man of my dreams yet!
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sang karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Been in a marching band
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently – not fluently but almost!
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children- pretty much, but none of my own
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Driven on the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Ridden on a boat down the Danube River
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone – collar bone & should have broken ankle
114. Dyed your hair
115. Shaved your head
116. Caused a car accident
117. Been elected to public office
118. Skipped all your school reunions
119. Built your own PC from parts
120. Gone back to school
121. Read the Iliad and the Odyssey
122. Ridden a horse
123. Eaten Kangaroo meat
124. Had stitches
125. Toured castles in Europe
126. Had your picture in the newspaper
127. Eaten sushi
128. Sold your own artwork to someone you didn’t know
129. Published a book
130. Written poetry
131. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
132. Fired a rifle, shot gun or pistol
133. Had major surgery
134. Had a snake as a pet
135. Gone on an African safari
136. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
137. Visited more foreign countries than US states
138. Visited all 7 continents
139. Lived in a foreign country for more than a year
140. Been swimming in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
141. Been to Niagara Falls
142. Lived on both sides of the Mississippi river
143. Sang in a foreign language in front of an audience
144. Been to the Berlin Wall
145. Taught a child to read
146. Been a DJ

Technology Difficulties

2006-10-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

So I had this great post. Last Friday I went with the kindegardners to the pumking patch. I took my camera so that I could come back and blog about it, but here is what happen. I was running late so I just grabed my camera and did not think about grabing extra batteries, so my camera died. I might have gotten about 2 pictures before it did. Then I have not been able to find what I did with my camera, but I found it this morning. So I brought it with me for when Leah went down for her nap I could blog. Before nap Leah and I went outside to take a picture of her with her pumkin, but the lens would not even open so I don't know what is up with that. Yes, I put new batteries in it. All in all I still have not been able to get the pictures of my camera so hopeful I can and then I will post them. For now I think I am going to do some camera shopping.

If any one has suggestions on the type of camera I should look for or how to fix my other one let me know Please!!

My weekend/week in a nutshell...

2006-10-19T13:17:00.000-04:00

Friday Oct. 13th
Thursday night my mom's half brother, his wife, and his five children along with spouses flied in from Idaho. So Friday morning I meet mom at her half sisters house in Grandville to meet my first cousins for the first and proably the only time. Once they all got around we went shopping at the mall. Then about 5:30 everyone including aunts and uncles meet for dinner. The picture on you right is of all the Idaho family minus mom's half brother and his wife.

After dinner we all went back to half sisters where they told stories about growing up and about themselves and their families. Then we all had dessert and visited. About 10:30 mom, Nic and I went back to the hotel and stayed the night.

Saturday Oct. 14th
I woke up about 7:00 am and drove back to GR. I wanted to be home to go to Domanic's second to last game. I am video taping them so the I can put a video together for him for Christmas. It was freezing cold, there was even ice on the bleechers, but well worth it. Domanic had an excellent game. His team is 5-1 and most of the games have been shut-outs.

Then later that night I meet more and we went shopping for a new winter coat for me. I hated to give up my Columbia coat, but it was too small. Once we had finished our shopping we went our seperate ways.

Sunday Oct. 15th
Domanic, Lamont, and I got up and cooked breakfast for the other two. Then we got ready for church. On are way to church we had to pick up more kids. So all in all we had 6 kids for church and then for lunch we added a dog. After lunch the kids went home so that we could clean the house for Monday.

Monday Oct. 16th
Had to babysit in the morning. Made a trip to Meijer to get the cake and ice cream for my Mom's birthday party that night. Then about 6:00 I meet mom and a few ladies from our church back home along with brother Nic for dinner at O'Charlies. Dinner was great service was a little slow (not sure why). After dinner all the ladies and Nic came back to my house to see the place, have cake and ice cream, and open gifts. From all of us mom got the Gilmore Girls Season 1-6 and from Nic and I she got a shirt. It was a wonderful night and I was excited for them all to see our house. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

The rest of the week Oct. 17-19th
Tuesday was another busy day. I skipped my first class due to the messes the dog left. So then I ended up playing mother and took kids to school. Then I went to my next class. Got home from their with just enough time to shove food in my mouth and leave again. I had to take the dog home and then go to a doctors appointment. Arrived home with an hour to try to get something done before I had to leave again for LJ driving. Finally got home for the night at about 9:00pm. I was exhausted.

Wednesday I had to babysit and then after the Noelle and I went to Coscos to become members and spend money. We did just that too.

Today is Thursday and so far I went to one class (the other one was cancelled). Picked up mom's DVDs from the post office (I never seemed to be home when they tried dropping them off, imagen that). I also went into the office for about 20 minutes and then came home. Tonight is the last football practice yahoo!

So there I have caught everyone up and this is why I have not posted before now.

Breaking News from GR

2006-10-12T11:40:00.000-04:00

The weather has taken a major drop and there is white stuff covering the ground. Yes I said covering. Here in GR we have are first snow fall of the year and man is it cold.

The walk to class today seemed to take a lot longer then it usually does. Maybe the cold weather had something to do with it. I know for sure that the cold weather made me walk faster.

All I have to say is snow go away and fall come back.

Friday Night

2006-10-09T18:59:00.000-04:00

What an awsome Friday night we had. Noelle had got tickets for I and 3 of the kids we work with to see Big Daddy Weave and Mark Schultz in concert. Before the concert she had a dinner to attend so I picked up pizza and the kids and got them dressed and ready to go. We left about 7:00, because we had reserved seating so we didn't have to be there to early. We went in to pick our seats and we were the first ones there so we could pick anywhere in the reserved seating. We choose center stage 4 rows from the stage. Awsome seats.

Big Daddy Weave and Mark Schultz were great because they kept it REAL. That and the concert lasted from 7:45 to 10:30. The longest concert they have ever done. Well here are a few pictures from the concert. The pictures were taken mostly by the kids.

...Continuing

2006-10-09T18:55:00.000-04:00

For some of us it was to long of a concert. Tia and Domanic feel asleep before the concert was over.How they ever sleep through all the noise I have no idea. They must have been exhausted.
Besides Noelle and I Robert also stayed awake. He took a picture of himself, but it turned out very good.

The finish product of this weeks project...

2006-10-09T18:33:00.000-04:00

This is the view from the door.

This is the view from the other corner.
Here is the closet. I wanted to show you how the hampers came in handy. We don't have dressers for the kids' stuff so I labled the hampers and put jeans in one and pajamas in another.

It was suck a good job done!!!! The before pictures are the next post down.

My project of the week

2006-10-05T10:16:00.000-04:00

Last night I found out that my brother and Lily are coming down to spend the night at my house. This was coming from my mom and not my brother. My brother is the typical baby of the family and he would not plan to much ahead. Plus we will have the boys over this weekend. So I decide I should proably make some room.

There is only one room in our house that is not unpacked and that would be what we are calling our guess room. So I am going to work on that room and see if I can't get it into some kind of order. Below are a few pictures of how bad it realy is. I hope to show you all on Monday the before and after pictures of the room.

Anyone have any suggestion for organizing this room???????? HELP!!!!!!!!!!

The weekend

2006-10-02T19:45:00.000-04:00

Friday I went home for a dentist appointment and went to see my mom. We ended up going to Fulton's homecoming parade. Here are a few pictures from my trip home.

This is sparky the dog. It is really Jeremy the fire chief and friend from back home.

On the left is Jessica who is a friend of mine and Noelle's niece. Her 2 sisters where also marching in the parade but I missed them. They are part of student counsil at Fulton Elementary.

This is Lily. Yes it is the same dog. She has grown so much and her color has changed too. For those of you who don't remember what she looked like before there is a picture right below this of what Lily looked like only a month ago.

Once again it has started....

2006-09-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

Tonight was the first LJ group. Yes that is right it is Tuesday. This year I will be driving kids out to Cornerstone to meet with their Leadership Journy groups on Tuesday nights. The worst part about the first night of LJ for me is learning the new routes. It is not the easiest when the streets in GR don't all run north and south or east and west or like back home or have construction. I do have to say that the night went very well for me. The other driver was not so lucky. He backed into a pole and shattered the back window and dented the door of the van. After being reassured that it was ok and that that is why UFM has insurance he is doing much better.

I do have to say it was a little weird being back on campus after leaving Cornerstone. It brought back a lot of memories (good and bad). BUT I don't miss it at all. I am very pleased with Grand Valley. Well I will try to do better at keeping you all updated on my life, but for now that is a rap.

Setting in the rain

2006-09-11T20:03:00.000-04:00

A pretty dury day as we remember September 11, 2001. Even thought for most it is a day of morning it is also a day of celebration for my pastor and his wife. 16 or 17 years ago they had two little blessings come into their lives. Kaitlyn and Nicole. So I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you.

Now for the picture to right. This was me tonight. I sat out in the rain with one other parent at Domanic's football practice. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed watching the coach...lol, I mean Domanic practice. Ok you got me again that is not me in the picture, but isn't she cute? Well that is about all for today.

2006-09-07T12:13:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Things about Living in my new house
1. Having a whole house verses one room.

2. My roommie

3. Having cable

4. Having high speed internet

5. Being able to decorate any way I want

6. The freedom

7. Living closer to the kids

8. My neighbors (on the one side)

9. I am close to school without living on campus

10. Having two bathrooms

11. Having a place to lay my scrapbooking out and leave it (have not got it out yet, but will be soon)

12. All the storage (I have lots of junk)

13. There are no pesky brothers to bother me (Just Kidden Nic)

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Our first

2006-09-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

Over the holiday weekend my family went on its first camping trip since Dad passed away. It was a little on the rocky side but was not to bad. It was also Lilly's first camping trip too. You will get to meet Lilly later.

This weekend is also the weekend that 5 families from our church that go camping at the same place. Only 4 of the families were able to make it this year. This group might be known to some as Wienerville. Long story, but a great story.

Our family was also able to get together with our ex-neighbors and catch up on old times. It is amazing were life has taken us.

Here are just a few pictures from this weekend.

This is Miranda. She came over and asked if I would do her hair for her. Let just say by the time I was done her parents proably thought that I have spent to much time in the hood.

This is my mom chilling out and relaxing. A lot of this took place this weekend. You can shoot me later mom!

This is Lyndsey her parents are part of the Wienerville group. The little one is Lilly. Lilly is my mom's dog, but Lyndsey had a lot of fun with her this weekend.

Nic and Alyssa came up on Saturday for the day. Who is ever heard of watching a movie while you are camping. Well these two thought it would be a good idea. (and NO it was not rainning outside.)

This weekend was about making new memories and that is exactly what Nic decide to do. As you can see pink is Nic's new favorite color. LOL

What you might not know about me...

2006-08-13T17:13:00.000-04:00

This was an email that I recieved and decided to make it a blog entry.

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Babysitter
2. Paraprofessional3. MAC (Elevator during harvest)
4. MDOT (Data collections)

B) 4 MOVIES I WOULD WATCH AGAIN AND AGAIN
1. Coyote Ugly
2. Save the Last Dance
3. Princess Dairies 1 & 2
4. Legally Blond

C) PLACES YOU HAVE LIVED
1. Middelton, MI
2. Perrinton, MI
3. Grand Rapids, MI

D) Four TV shows you love to watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. TLC What not to Wear
3. 7th Heaven
4. Gilmore Girls

E) Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Disney World/ Ocala Florida
2. Colorado
3. Michigan
4. Tennessee

Homemade Food:
1. Pizza Casserole
2. Peanut Butter Pie
3. Cheese Cake
4. Scalloped Potatoes & ham

G) Four places I would rather be right now: 1. Home
2. Laying on a beach
3. In GR with a baby for the weekend
4. Heaven

What a month!!!!!

2006-08-11T20:32:00.000-04:00

On July 19, 2006 my father was in a deadly accident. He was driving a terri-gator when a feed truck hit the huge front tire sending my dad flying out of the cab of the terri-gator. At about 9:15ish I got a phone call from my uncle telling me to call my mom RIGHT AWAY. So I did and my mom told me that had been in a really bad accident and I need to get home RIGHT NOW. It was so bad that they were going to Medvac him directly from the accident site to St. Marys in Saginaw, but they couldn't get him stablized so the transported him by ambulance to Carson City Hospitial. They revived him and got him stablized enough to transport him to St. Marys viva medvac.

During all this I am traveling from Ionia (where I was working) to Lansing to pick up my car. Instead my uncle picked me up and we headed to St. Marys. On the way there I was just trying to think positive, because nothing could happen to my Dad. We finally arrived at St. Marys Emergancy room. I walked up to the front desk and asked where I could find my Dad. The nurses directed my uncle, aunt and I to a waiting room. I walk into the waiting room and my heart sank, because everyone in the room was crying. I asked what is going on and my mom said Dad DID NOT MAKE IT......... I can't even begin to tell you what happen from there other then all I could think was that it was not possible!!!!!! He didn't even make it to St. Marys. We went in and said are final goodbyes, prayed, and cried. Then we set off from home. With it all NOT being reality.

The accident happened on Wednesday. Friday was visitation from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Dad was a well respected person who went above and beyond the call of duty. If you don't believe me ask the grown men who cried and the 350 people who showed up on Friday.

Saturday was the funeral. Our family want the service to be a celebration of his life and a witness to all unbelievers. Let me just say my Dad was a great witness while he was alive and in his death. There where over 400 people who attended the service and dinner.

My life has been greatly change forever along with my mom's and brothers. BUT if there is two thing I could stress more then anything in all this is that life is to short and that the little things (like phone your kids when you are waiting on a co-worker) matter more then life it's self.

Alan Lee Wiseman
Age 53
Meet Jesus Face to Face July 19,2006

Rollercoasters

2006-07-12T22:18:00.000-04:00

Here goes a work rollercoaster. Starting today I work on week on one week off. So as far as the blogging goes it might be sparerack.

This last weekend due to the holiday I had to work until Saturday. Then had Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday off. Don't get me wrong it is time off, but what can you do in 3 days. Well on Sunday we went and took my grandma on a picknick. Monday came and went and all I did was laundry. With laundry done that left not a whole lot of Tuesday so I defrosted the freezer for my mom and cleaned it. Oh, I went shopping with my mom too. And today is Wednesday which starts my work week (I know crazy). Once again I am in the UP. Fun Fun I am already board thought.

Well not a whole lot going on here so I will let you go read something more intresting.

2006-07-06T16:43:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Things I Love about The Beach
1. Waves hitting the beach.
2. The water
3. The sun shining brightly
4. Feeling like I am in paridise
5. The tan that I get from going to the beach
6. Watching people
7. Not having a care in the world
8. The sand between my toes
9. Hanging out with friends
10. The beach itself
11. Vasking in the sun rays
12. The sound of children playing
13. Getting ice cream after a hot day on the beach

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The crazy things you see

2006-07-05T20:46:00.000-04:00

This was the picture that my co-worker and saw as we were driving down the road today. We were trying to decide if the car in front of us meant to have their hatch up or even if they realized it. Then each of the doors came open and then shut. We were guessing that the "door agar" light was on and they were trying to figure out what door it was. So I honked my honor at them and we singled that the rear hatch was open. They finally pulled over. We pulled over behind them to let them know that they didn't losing anything. After we pulled back out on the road we couldn't help but laugh so hard. You would have figured that they would have noticed something different. Then to top it off they were very ungreatful that we even cared. People these days. That is what you get I guess for helping someone from Illinois.

Let this be a lesson to you that there are still nice people out there.

Single and Saved

2006-06-28T22:15:00.000-04:00

Today while sitting in the car with a co-worker waiting for a train to go by (I know it is crazy) we talked about relationship and guys. As I was checking my email just now I came across an email from a friend that conveys the conclusion we came to. So I decide to share it with you.

What makes you think that just because I aman attractive woman of Godly intelligence
That I'm incomplete without a mate?
Who told you that without a mansomething's missing from my life?
And if so, what would that be?Love?
I love myself and more importantly I love the Lord. He told me that when I delight in Him,He will give me the desires of my heartSecurity? I have everything I need according to His riches in glory. Intimacy? Now, how's a man going to get to know me when he doesn't even know who he is in the Lord. See my Father told me I'm above a ruby's worthAnd a gem does not seek, it is sought. I'm single and that's all right with me. See, it's not that I oppose relationships, it's that I detest co-dependency. As a woman I know it is not my role to chase after any man.Esther 2:14 reads that I am to wait on my king and when he's delighted in me. He willcall me by my name. My Lord does not intend for me to be needy or desperate. I am to be Cherished, Relished, Valued, and Honored. It's not my job to convince him or convict him of that,my mate will already know it and consistently show it. And he will stay on his knees daily,not just to adore me, but to praise the Lord For the virtuous woman he has found. So, when you see me by myself, I'm not alone.I know what I have coming to me. I'm single and saved, and right now that's all I need to be!
-Anonymous

Whats next???????

2006-06-27T09:43:00.000-04:00

When your have just come from a hotel and your waiting for a train to pass so that you can work what do you do? Well this morning I took the newspaper with me. While waiting and waiting for the train to come I started reading the paper. An article titled "Tag! More schools ban games at recess." Which brings me to the title of my blog "WHATS NEXT????"

First parent, teachers, and staff at schools complain that children need more recess or time to get rid of the energy they bottle up from sitting in the classrooms. Not only does physcial activity increase students consentration but it helps them perform better when they do have to sit down. Physical activity also helps with that obesity problem that our nation is so concerned with.

So what do we do?... take away their opportunities to interact with peers and run around and excrise. All because accidents happen. When will our children learn that you have to be tough. Bazar (author of article) consults an expert about children interacting in activities such as soccer, tag, touch football, etc. shes says that it is a safty concern, because tag turns in to hitting, pushing, and people running into each other. But then another expert says that children need to have the physcial activities to stimulate their minds. So what do you do?

Well one of the suggests is to play tag, soccer, and touch football in gym classes. Like accidents aren't going to happen there. If anything you will have an increase in injuries due to the confined areas.

Wow, I am not even a parent and I know that physical activities are what children need to develop physically, mentally, and socially. Children can learn so much for sports (teamwork, problem solving, spatial awarness, and how to stay healthier are just a few of the lessons that can be learned).

Below you will find a link to the article so you can read it for yourselves. I also encourage any comments about what you think. Maybe I am off in left field by myself.

USA Today
By Emily Bazar
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-06-26-recess-bans_x.htm

(2nd post) Pics from Florida finally here..

2006-06-19T22:28:00.000-04:00

Not even in Florida for 24hours and we had hit the stores. We all tried on outfits. This is one of them and it fit as all. You will be happy to hear I am the only one who kept it.

Aunt Pam, Mom and I went to Sea World for the day. They made me stand in line with all the little kids and get my picture taken with Shamu.

We are at the Shamu show. Just one of the many shows we saw.

This is my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin (The Grad) and his Girlfriend.

I thought this flower is very pretty and I just had to have picture of it. Besides it works good for a computer scene background.

In the middle of no where this week...

2006-06-19T22:05:00.000-04:00

Well after what should have been a 12 hour drive, but only took us 11 hours we finally arrived at our work cite for this week. We are working in Ironwood, which is in the middle of no where. I will let you know later weather or not I will recommand visiting Ironwood any time soon.

This weekend was pretty uneventful. I packed up stuff and got it organized for this coming weekend. On Saturday I went shopping to get my dad his fathers day gift. Yeah, I know nothing like waiting til last minute. I do have to say the I got the best card ever for my dad. It went something like this Dad you deserve only the very best for father's day (then you opened it up) and that is why you got me. Then on Sunday we celebrated Father's day and my Birthday, which is not until Tuesday, but because I am going to be gone we had it on Sunday.

That is all for now. Hopefully more to come.

2006-06-15T16:19:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Clues toTo Help You Figure Out Where I Was This Week
1. It is in Michigan.
2. It is next to Lake Michigan.
3. It has a lighthouse.
4. You can play miniture golf at Pirates Cove.
5. Some call it the "Land of sun, sand, & water.
6. It has an air port (which I worked in).
7. This place has an Opera House.
8. In August you can attend the 2nd annual film festival.
9. It is home to the Beach Bum Baseball team.
10. You can go scuba diving to shipwrecks.
11. This place has more Tall Ships then any other port in Michigan.
12. It is 20 miles from the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
13. It is also known for the Nation Cherry Festival in July.

Where was I??????????

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN

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Here goes my summer

2006-06-05T20:53:00.000-04:00

After spending the last few weeks on vacation, it was time to start working. At 8am I started my MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) job. This week I am driving back and forth to Lansing to complete training of a job I have done for what is going to be my 3rd summer. Yeah I know it sounds crazy, but that is usually how the state works.

I am sure that you are wondering what I actually do. Well the last to summers I have done O&D studies (Orgin & Destination) and turning movements (you set at an intersection and push buttons for the direction that the vechicle moves in). Yeah it is as easy as it sounds. But this year because of it being an election year we are not doing O&DS so instead we are interviewing travlers at rest stops and airports (WARNING: If you are traveling any of these this summer it is painless). Along with doing rest stops and airports we will be having to work weekends, boooooo!

I have to keep in mind that the job pays very well with many hours. That means I will be rolling in the dough this summer...... Yeah baby!!!!!!! I hopefully I will be able to bring you on some of my trips this summer.

A sad :( day in the Wiseman house

2006-06-01T09:23:00.000-04:00

You never know how attached you are until they are gone. She became a large part of our family and now after 10 years she is gone. At 6:30 this morning mom came in to my room and said Kali can you get up for a minute. After asking why I did. Once she got my brother up she told us that Pebbles (our dog) had passed away in her sleep. Very fastly I had ran into a wall of emotions. I am not completely sure what to say so I am going to leave you with that for now.

Back to reality

2006-05-29T23:30:00.000-04:00

Some of you might be wondering if I am still alive. Well I am. I just have been in Florida for the last 10 days. My cousin graduated from High School, so my mom and I went down to celebrate with him. There were only 40 graduates, he also recieve a scholarship in the memory of a past student at his school that passed away suddenly. This award was not expected. The staff, junior, and senior classes all voted on the recipient of the award. So as you can see it was a hugh honor.

We also spent a few days shopping. If you ever get to Florida to go shopping I would recommand going to Beals which is a large department store with great sale prices. In fact we found it so great that we visited Beals at least 3 times while in Florida. Below is a picture of my Aunt, my mom, and I all in the same outfit (yeah I never thought I would say that). The freaky part is that it looked nice on all of us. The good news is that I am the only one who still owns it.

While in Florida we also went to Sea World. I have never been before and if you don't like all the rides I would recommand it to all. Some shows were funnier than others, but over all it was a wonderful trip. We had hot weather but it could have been a lot hotter. Below there will also be pictures of Sea World.

The weather was very, very nice while we were down there. So between shopping, graduation, and Sea World we enjoyed the pool at my Aunts house. Even though I didn't get a dark tan I was very proud of the fact that I did not get burnt.

So that is were I have been.

****** Sorry dial up and it is taking to long so I will try to post pics. at a later date:(

Birthday's

2006-05-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

If any of you know my friend Noelle at "Noelle's Life" today is her birthday, and I wanted to send her a birthday wish from sunny Florida (were I am for 10 days), but she said not to tell her how nice it is. So I am not going to (the weather is extremely nice) opps that was a slip Noelle. Anyways have a VERY VERY Happy Birthday!!!!! See ya when I get back.

Happy Mother's Day...

2006-05-13T22:38:00.000-04:00

To all who are mothers, are going to be mothers, or just wish they were a mother!!!

This is a book that my mom loves so much. It is one of those books that is written more for the mother then for the child... the reason I say that is because when I was younger I never understood why she liked it so much, but now that I have grown up I can understand why she likes this book.

So this goes out to her:

"I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My mother you'll be."

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!!!!

2006-05-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Things about going home for the summer
1. Get to spend time with my family
2. Go to my home church
3. See my dog (Pebbles)
4. See my cat (Chloe)
5. Relax
6. No homework
7. Catch up with old friends
8. Nature (woods, lake, and a backyard)
9. Work begins soon
10.Camping trips
11. Means I am one year closer to Graduation
12. Time to scrapbook and make cards
13. Time to exercise :(

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Uneventful week so far...

2006-05-09T23:42:00.000-04:00

This week has been pretty uneventful. Do you ever get that feeling like you should be doing something, but there is nothing to do? Well since I finished this school year I have had that feeling a lot. I don't like that feeling. I am one who needs to stay busy. So on Monday I started to unpack most of my stuff. I am finding that I have to much stuff. In fact unpacking became spring cleaning. The worst part of it all is that I have more to go. Which is what tomorrow is going to be all about.

Today I went grocery shopping for my mom. She is really busy this week with staff appreciation party, and getting things done before we leave for Florida. I found that the stores are empty on Tuesday afternoons making it the best time to go shopping (just a word to the wise).

I guess that the highlight of this week might be that I have to go Thursday for my physical and drug screen so that MDOT will hire me. I will let you know later how that goes.

Well I think that is about all. Not much happening in the small town.

Long Time No Hear...

2006-05-04T14:26:00.000-04:00

Sorry everyone that I have not gotten around to post anything in awhile, but this is what my week has been like. Monday I had one exam, Bible Club, had to study, and pack; Tuesday I had two exams, Bible Club, had to study, pack, and rearrange the room; Wednesday I had one exam, had to finish packing, clean, put up with my picky RA (I am being nice), and move out of my dorm. Yes! It is final over! The semester has ended.

What to do with myself now...
In two weeks I am going to Florida to celebrate my cousin's graduation and get a SUNTAN!!
Then hopefully it is off to work shortly after that.

Well I have to go for now, but I will be back soon.

Friday Night ...

2006-05-01T22:36:00.000-04:00

Friday night Kassy stayed the night at my place. We watched movies and eat pizza. Oh, ok I tried to watch a movie and she just tried to get into everything. Kassy and I took a walk down the hall and a few of the girls saw her. One of them thought she need a Care Bear that was the same size as her. Over all it was a great night and I would do it again any time :)

*** I know this is a long time in coming but was having problems getting my pics to upload.

The K-House Banquet

2006-04-26T15:09:00.000-04:00

We are closer to the end of my first year at Cornerstone. Tonight my roommate and I attended the K-House Banquet. It was a fun way to draw the year to an end. Ami and I had lots of fun dressing up to look like princess. This first picture is of Ami my roommate in her dress that she bought just to go to this and then is returning it. Isn't she the bomb-diggity:)

******************************************************
This is my roomate and I.

********************************************

Even though our sweetmate did not go she is the best sweetmate ever so we wanted our picture with her.

********************************************

This is me. I am wear the dress that I was suppose to wear in a friends wedding that never happened.

Monday Nights Since January

2006-04-24T22:30:00.000-04:00

Every Monday night from 4:00 to 9:00 I drove a 16 passenger van. I went down into the "hood" and picked up kids to bring them out to Cornerstone to meet with their LJ group. Some nights were better then others, but I will still miss spending my Monday nights with 60 cool kids. This Monday was our last night and here are some pictures of the kids' last night on campus.

2006-04-24T22:18:00.001-04:00

This is all 60 (give or take a few) plus the LJ leaders.

Big Bob painting the "stone".

Look at the monkeys I work with :)

Imagine that you can travel through time into the future!

2006-04-20T14:28:00.000-04:00

It is 2026, twenty years from today. My, how you’ve grown! Take a few minutes to imagine and answer some questions about “your future you."

1. How old are you in 2026? 42 in June
2. What year did you graduate from high school? 2003
3. Where do you live? In the country outside of Grand Rapids
4. Describe your work. Where do you work and what do you do during the day? Why did you choose this profession? I wake up Mon. thru Fri. at 6:00 am. Leave my house at 7:15 with my 2 biological children and my 2 adopted children. Arrive to my classroom at 7:40 after dropping of the children at school and day care. The children arrive at 8:00 and I begin to mold the minds of my first graders. At 3:00 I leave the classroom with all my homework and pick up all my kids. Then at home I go into mom and wife mode and cook dinner, do my children’s homework with them, get them ready for tomorrow and then for bed. Now it is time to work on my homework and socialize with my wonderful husband. Yes I did choose this job, it is elementary teacher.
5. What’s your favorite part of your job, and why? The favorite part of my job is the idea that from 8:00am to 3:00 pm I can provide a safe, fun, and educational environment for children.
6. What are 2 important or interesting things you do outside of work? I raise my 4 children, scrapbook and make cards, and do home interior (when I have time). I including my family volunteer at UFM.
7. Describe your family: I am married to a wonderful man who is a Christian lawyer. We have 2 biological children and 2 adopted children who are joys themselves.
8. If you’re a parent, what are you most proud of as a parent, and why? I am most proud of all my children’s accomplishment and their faith in God.
9. What is something you really like to do with your family, and why? Go camping because it is a place that we can remember that life is relaxing, fun and we can see God’s creation.
10. Is there anything else important that you’d like us to know about your "future you"? I love my God, my family, and my job.

Who is responsible...

2006-04-18T13:28:00.000-04:00

Lately in the news the Government has been questioning the education of the Educators based on students performance on test. I strongly disgree with the Government putting the blame on the Educators. As a future educator I want to say, "it is not techers that raise children, parents do!!!!"

The government needs to realize that there is more to student learning then just what they are taught in the classroom. Students learn by living and students live mostly at home, therefore, implying that students learn more at home then they will ever learn in a school. The values, morals, persistence, and willness to go above and beyond is taught at home and then practiced in the schools, but if you do not have a FIRM FOUNDATION then how do you expect the teachers to build on what is not there?

Second, I think the Government is putting students on a learning pedstal that the only thing they can do is fall off that pedestal making them failures in the Governments eyes. Government has standards for the education of students, but do not realize that learning beings at home. Open your eyes and look at the homes that our students are coming from, the foundation that is not there or is very weakly built.

I am not saying that I could do there job any better, because we all know I am not perfect, but what I am saying is... that we need to implement parent education programs, focusing on how to prepare our children to be the best that they can be instead of increasing learning standards forcing our children to fail. Parents need to step up and take the blame from the teachers!

The BIG weekend has come and gone...

2006-04-17T23:48:00.000-04:00

Not only was this weekend Easter and the celebration of our risen savior, but it was also the weekend that I sat down with my parents and talked to them about transfering to GVSU. Well the good news (I think) we are all on the same page. I need to start lining up all the ducks (so to speak) so that come next fall I do not have to be screwed. I would have to say this weekend was one of the best back home. I was able to talk with my parents about a lot of things that are going on in my life and see what they think.

I know this is sort and sweet, but I hope to post again tomorrow.

Why am I where I am???

2006-04-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

Where you are God has placed you
What you have God has given you
What you are to do God will show you
All you need God will Provide!!!!

Do you ever have a day where you wonder why God has placed you were you are or how He will provided for you? Well I am having one of those days. I know that God is with me and will take care of me, I just do not always understand what He is thinking. Why does he choose to make life complicated for me (my eyes not God's). I guess I will have to wait and see where God is going to lead me this time. This is why I call it a rollercoaster.

24 years of bliss...

2006-04-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

24 years ago today God fulfilled his purpose for two very special individuals. These two united their lives before God and family on this day 24 years ago. Though they have had to make changes over the years their love for each other has only growen stronger. I have had the pleasure to watch them go through the valleys of life and come out with a deeper love and appreciation for each other and God.

I thank God each day for fulfilling his purpose for my Mom and Dad so that I could see what a wonderful marriage is. To see how a friendship can develop into a lasting relationship.

So todays posting goes out to Alan and Cheri. HAPPY ANIVERSERY!!!!!!!

Love

Kali

The Big Tour

2006-04-07T23:51:00.000-04:00

Well tomorrow is the big tour to GVSU. I am hoping to find out weather or not transfering to GVSU is a good choice or not. I would like to ask all for prays that I would make the right choice.

I am also going to my friends house so she can color my hair and highlight it. I am completely trusting her to make it look good. Nothing darstic I told her.

Well I will let you know how it all turns out later. Have a wonderful weekend.

10 Things I like to hear...

2006-04-06T23:41:00.000-04:00

10. The birds singing in the morning

9. Kids enjoying the wonderful weather

8.The ocean waves crashing against the shore

7. Someone playing the piano (especially if the song was written for me and is being played by the man of my dreams)

6. The sound of joy in someone’s voice

5. People encouraging other people

4. My favorite songs on the radio

3. The wind blowing SOFTLY through the trees

2. Friends talking

1. Children asking intelligent questions

Thank you Noelle!