Update on Jeff's new Job

Click on this link to read a cool article about Jeff and the new international students at Corban College.
http://www.corban.edu/news/2009-10/1007papua.html

Time to Blog

Sorry that things have been quiet on this end. As you can imagine, we have been busy adjusting to our new lives in America. The kids have started school. Jeff began a new job and we are happy that our container arrived safely from Germany. It arrived almost exactly 3 months to the day that it was picked up. Everything was in great shape. The kids have enjoyed rediscovering their toys again. Once I am able to find the program to download my pictures I will start posting them again.

We continue to be amazed at how the Lord provides for our needs. We continue to have joy in our circumstances and are excited about this new chapter in our lives.

Reality does matter

Just wanted to spread the word that my creative brother has recently written and filmed a pilot episode of a great reality tv show idea. We are excited to see how fast this idea has been picked up by others. It will be pitched to some networks in New York. See it for yourself and let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTzq2c21IJk.

Not how I wanted to spend The Day

Today I ended up spending the afternoon at my new dentist office. Yesterday after returning from a cleaning, part of my tooth had broken off. I endured 24 hours of discomfort only to face an hour more in getting it repaired. It turns out, that this was the same tooth that chipped only a week before Joshua was born. And now almost two years later, more of my tooth came broke off. My two options this time, place a crown on it, or repair it with another stronger filling. Considering our money situation at this time, I opted for the later and am now nursing a throbing right side of my mouth. I hope this doesn't mean that I will need dentures before I hit 50!

Fifteen years ago

Can't believe that I am saying this but, fifteen years ago, Jeff and I were married. Wow! Why does that seem like a long time ago? It has just flown by for us especially when we stop and recall all that has happened during that time. Tonight, we enjoyed a nice meal out together to reflect and get a small perspective on what lies ahead of us ( allot of unknowns at this moment). But spending most of the time recounting the blessings that God has given us as well.

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband!

Overdue Update-with pictures!

We have been back in Oregon for two weeks now. Some how it seems longer than that. We have packed alot into these two weeks which includes a trip to California for my brother-in-law's wedding. The kids all enjoyed being a part of Uncle Jimmy's wedding and now they have a new Aunt, Aunt Crys to enjoy as well! We have our own van as well. For the first time in over nine years, we don't have to borrow a car when we are in the states. We are now owners of a Toyota Sienna and are enjoying it very much. Another praise is that Jeff was also hired at a local Christian school to teach High School History. The children will also be attending this school and are looking forward to once again attending school where dad works at. Keep praying for other employment opportunities for us as the position salary is very low and we will be with out insurance after September. We continue to be very grateful to my parents in allowing us to house sit for them this year to make things more affordable as we are transitioning back to life in America. Here are some pictures of our past weeks in America starting with the wedding. The girls LOVED to dress up in their clothes and pose for pictures.

Three generations of Benjamin men posing for the camera.

Uncle Jim with his nephew and two nieces before the wedding.

The family- A good looking bunch don't know when we will all be so dressed up again!

Almost done and Jeff's First Published Article!

Wow what an intensive week we have had. Our stress level is maxed out right now. We do see a light at the end of the tunnel though. We have nine more days here in Germany and they will be very busy up until we get on the airplane. We have finished our painting- Praise the Lord! Now we must itemized each box before everything is picked up on Monday. After that, we can focus on cleaning our home. We move in with some friends on Thursday for two days until we fly out next Saturday. God has given us strength when we have felt so exhusted. This is something we would not want to go through every year. Thanks for your continued prayers for our family. We have said many goodbyes already but I can tell you that we will start grieving on the other side once our stress is gone and we get some sleep!
In other news, an article that Jeff wrote in an European educator's magazine has been published. If you have time and are interested in reading it just click on the link below. We are all proud of Jeff and this accomplishment.
http://www.christian-teachers.org.uk/data/act/downloads/actnow/ACT_Now_Summer_09.pdf

Jeff Caught on Tape

I think this speaks for itself. The stress of his job finally got to Jeff. Hang in there only one more week!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5EIKgek3Fk

Things That Go On Behind My Back

I feel that I am pretty on top of things in knowing what my children are doing when they are home. I don't have eyes behind my head, but I have a good sense of what the little ones are into at a certain time of the day. I guess this morning, I got lazy. First of all, I forgot that it was the last late start fot Jacob and Anna. I got them up at their normal time then realized they go in an hour later, oops, back to bed kids. After breakfast, I decided to dry my wet hair. I thought, I have time today since there is no made rush to get the kids out the door. So I was enjoying the quiet in the house. There was no little one holding on to my leg while I dried my hair such joy for me! As I came out of the bathroom I called for Joshua whom I assumed had been in the living room with Jacob. Instead I was greeted by a happy boy covered all over with chocolate Nutella spread.

It seems that he pulled the jar off the table and just dug in with his hands to enjoy a sweet chocolate moment.

So, I gathered him up and had him sit in the bathtub to finish his brotchen in peace.

Nothing like hosing your child off in the morning after they spread chocolate all over!