Here is Dan aiding in the bagging of groceries. We bagged over 5,000 bags in an hour and 18 minutes! We broke the record in the intense heat and humidity of southern Louisiana.
More pictures of Dan hard at work...
7.19.2007
Dan in New Orleans
Every year on July 4th, a local church (with help from various other Christian groups and churches) holds a semi-fair-like event. They give out free hot food and bags of groceries. They have tents and tables up for eating and socializing. They have a prayer tent and hold live Christian music. This has been going on for about 20 years. We were privileged enough to have been there over July 4th, so we were able to help out with setting up, bagging and handing out groceries, praying and sharing the gospel with people.
Here is Dan aiding in the bagging of groceries. We bagged over 5,000 bags in an hour and 18 minutes! We broke the record in the intense heat and humidity of southern Louisiana.
More pictures of Dan hard at work...
Here is Dan aiding in the bagging of groceries. We bagged over 5,000 bags in an hour and 18 minutes! We broke the record in the intense heat and humidity of southern Louisiana.
More pictures of Dan hard at work...
Confectioners' Fight
While chilling out at one of New Orleans best, the Cafe Du Monde, Dan and I decided (quite a spur-of-the-moment idea, I assure you) to commemorate our wedding day by blowing powdered sugar all over one another. If you were at our wedding, you might remember the wedding cake incident. I must speak up for myself and say that Dan started it both times. But what was I to do? Just let it go?! I don't think so!!
And We're Back!
OK, folks. The long-awaited blog update is finally here. I realize, as many of you have oh-so-kindly reminded me, that I have not updated our blog since APRIL! Here it is mid-July, and I'm finally getting around to sitting down and posting some pictures and letting the Blogger world in on what's been going on in the lives of the Simraks these past few months.
After a very stressful move, we're finally in and mostly settled into our new home. We were here for two weeks before Dan and I left our little one-year-old and headed down South with our youth group to New Orleans for a week of cleanup and ministry to those still in need since Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful week. The Lord really exceeded all of my expectations and I walked away so blessed by the group and our time spent in The Big Easy. It truly is an eclectic and beautiful city for the most part. Our hope is that through the relief and rebuilding of the city, all the work of church groups throughout the country that have gone to witness and be a light to those who are lost will result in the city being known as "The City that Turns to God." Those that went to N.O. last year and went back this year, saw a marked difference in the amount of people that they talked to that had recently come to know Jesus personally. They spoke to many more Christians this year than they did last year. Our goal is to help build the local churches and get people involved in them as they grow in the word.
I'll post this one picture as it just tore my heart when I saw this written on the front of a house:
We have a video of our time that I really want to post, but it's 11 minutes long so we can't upload it to YouTube. (Their limit is 10 minutes.) So as soon as we shorten it, we'll post it so that you guys can view it. It captures well the time we had.
After a very stressful move, we're finally in and mostly settled into our new home. We were here for two weeks before Dan and I left our little one-year-old and headed down South with our youth group to New Orleans for a week of cleanup and ministry to those still in need since Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful week. The Lord really exceeded all of my expectations and I walked away so blessed by the group and our time spent in The Big Easy. It truly is an eclectic and beautiful city for the most part. Our hope is that through the relief and rebuilding of the city, all the work of church groups throughout the country that have gone to witness and be a light to those who are lost will result in the city being known as "The City that Turns to God." Those that went to N.O. last year and went back this year, saw a marked difference in the amount of people that they talked to that had recently come to know Jesus personally. They spoke to many more Christians this year than they did last year. Our goal is to help build the local churches and get people involved in them as they grow in the word.
I'll post this one picture as it just tore my heart when I saw this written on the front of a house:
We have a video of our time that I really want to post, but it's 11 minutes long so we can't upload it to YouTube. (Their limit is 10 minutes.) So as soon as we shorten it, we'll post it so that you guys can view it. It captures well the time we had.
4.26.2007
The Kitchen
We didn't take pictures of the kitchen yet because the owners still have much of their belongings stored there. We didn't want to post pictures of their stuff. So when we get some better pictures, I will post them.
The Upstairs Hallway
This hallway leads to the bathroom (behind the yellow door, front - which will be removed) and the third bedroom, first door to the left. The hallway, itself, will be divided by a wall and a closet about where the light fixture is located. The rest of the rooms on this floor are extra guest rooms for our landlords who live on the other side of the house. They've added on quite an impressive appartment and are dividing part of the house.
The Master Bedroom
This picture doesn't show it very well, but the far left-hand closet has a door in it that leads to the next bedroom. It will make a very nice setup for a nursery.
The small doors next to the main door to the room are little cubbies stacked along the length of the wall. Perfect for shoes or picture boxes, etc. The door next to them is a very shallow small closet, but extra space, nonetheless.
The small doors next to the main door to the room are little cubbies stacked along the length of the wall. Perfect for shoes or picture boxes, etc. The door next to them is a very shallow small closet, but extra space, nonetheless.
4.23.2007
Official Moving Day; Official Due Date
So it's definite that we're moving into that old farmhouse I mentioned two posts back. We're very excited. Our moving day is June 16th. This summer is going to be busy. As if not all summers are busy. We're trying to plan a trip down to VA in early June - trying to coordinate it with Tilissa's visit. Then we're moving in the middle of June. On the 30th of June (two weeks after we move), we're heading to New Orleans for a missions trip with our youth group. We'll be gone for a week. I don't yet know what July looks like. I'm really hoping it'll be somewhat mellow. I'd love to just enjoy our days settling into our new home and enjoy the outdoors before Baby Guido shows up.
Speaking of which, my official due date is November 10th. We're supposed to take vacation (Outer Banks, NC) the first week of September, so I'm really hoping that my pregnancy goes well and I can enjoy our vacation. I look forward to having a holiday baby, though. It'll make the holidays that much more exciting...hopefully.
This weather has been so nice, I'm afraid to get accustomed to it. I believe the forecast predicts that the temps are going to drop again before the end of the week. So I guess I'd better enjoy the days while they last.
Speaking of which, my official due date is November 10th. We're supposed to take vacation (Outer Banks, NC) the first week of September, so I'm really hoping that my pregnancy goes well and I can enjoy our vacation. I look forward to having a holiday baby, though. It'll make the holidays that much more exciting...hopefully.
This weather has been so nice, I'm afraid to get accustomed to it. I believe the forecast predicts that the temps are going to drop again before the end of the week. So I guess I'd better enjoy the days while they last.
4.21.2007
Missions and Bath Time
Today was a looooonng day. An excellent day. A spiritually refreshing and rejeuvenating day. But definitely a long one. Our church hosted a Missions Conference. Our first one since the beginning of the church eight years ago. Without a doubt, it's the beginning of an annual event. Talk about a great turnout. We had over 300 people attend it. They had flown in five well-known speakers/pastors/missionaries/authors to lead sessions. Everyone was so good, it was a difficult decision having to chose which ones we wanted to sit in on.
I was singing on the worship team, so we got there at 7:30am and we didn't leave until about 9:00pm. Eli spent the night at Nonie's since we had to be there so early. When we picked him up this evening, this picture was waiting for us on the dining room table. Apparently, he enjoyed his bath in the kitchen sink.
Gotta go to bed now. Very tired.
I was singing on the worship team, so we got there at 7:30am and we didn't leave until about 9:00pm. Eli spent the night at Nonie's since we had to be there so early. When we picked him up this evening, this picture was waiting for us on the dining room table. Apparently, he enjoyed his bath in the kitchen sink.
Gotta go to bed now. Very tired.
4.17.2007
Doylestown Farmhouse
Okay. Did I say we were excited about the place we were going to look at today? I meant ecstatic. This place is amazing. What's even better is that the owners attend our church and are sweet sweet people.
Imagine this: a country drive through back roads (or a three-minute jog off the bypass) and you pull onto a paved driveway with woods on your left and a pond on your right. You cross over a small creek as you approach the old stone farmhouse. There are two other small houses on the property that are being rented out by family and friends. Two or three barns (I heard one being referred to as a "milkhouse" although it certainly isn't being used as that today) accompany the small community of buildings on the drive. Behind, beside and in front of the buildings stretch 40 acres of land.
The house has been converted into a duplex in preparation for their son and family to move here from Texas. That never happened, so the main part of the house has been all but vacant for a year. There are still a couple of walls to be put up to make the separation complete and of course stuff collected over the years is still being stored in that part of the house, but all in due time, these things will be moved out and completed.
From the driveway is a walkway that leads to a flagstone patio which leads to a covered flagstone porch. Off the porch is a door. Enter to a huge old country kitchen with more cabinet space than I have things to put in them. One wall is covered with original built-in cabinets. Off the kitchen is a huge living room with exposed stone on the exterior walls and barn panels on the other walls. Thick, wide hardwood floors complete the country look to this living room.
On the other end of the kitchen is a sunroom/breakfast nook (a very nice size for a "nook") that will be converted into a laundry room/bathroom. The third doorway off the kitchen leads to the stairs and past that is the dining room which also wraps around to the living room.
The basement is also off the kitchen. It's not liveable space, but we would finally have a place to put our stand-up freezer and free up some storage space for Mom and Dad Simrak.
On the second floor, to the left and to the right are bedrooms that adjoin through a closet - a perfect set-up for a nursery off the Master Bedroom (which we won't have any trouble fitting our bedroom suit - it's a huge room - getting the furniture up the stairs may be a different issue). Down the hall is the full bathroom with exposed stone on the exterior wall. Further down is the third bedroom with exposed stone as well. It's the smallest room but will work quite nicely as a study/guest room.
There is a full insulated attic off the second bedroom which, I believe, they were talking about perhaps converting it into a study for Dan. It's certainly liveable room since it's fully insulated. It could even be used as a guest room except for lack of a bathroom and the fact that you have to enter and exit through another room.
We can't believe how God has worked this out. We're still in prayer about it, but we told them that we'd love to live there. I would need to make sure I can live in an old house with my allergies. We're sad that we're a little bit farther from our families, but it's not by much and we'll be in an area that we absolutely love. Some friends from church will actually be moving into one of the houses on the property this summer to live for a year before moving down south. They have two little girls for Eli to play with.
Amazingly enough, the cost to live in this place will equal what we're paying now as far as rent goes. Utilities will probably cost a little more because we're paying to heat a lot more room, but compared to anywhere else we'd be, we're paying a lot less for a lot more.
It's so amazing to watch how God works. Of course, something could all go wrong, and we could end up on square one. But far be it from me to be cynical and give a disclaimer to how God is leading in our lives. We now have time to plan for buying a home. And maybe, just maybe, we'll even be able to save some money in the interim. Praise God!
Imagine this: a country drive through back roads (or a three-minute jog off the bypass) and you pull onto a paved driveway with woods on your left and a pond on your right. You cross over a small creek as you approach the old stone farmhouse. There are two other small houses on the property that are being rented out by family and friends. Two or three barns (I heard one being referred to as a "milkhouse" although it certainly isn't being used as that today) accompany the small community of buildings on the drive. Behind, beside and in front of the buildings stretch 40 acres of land.
The house has been converted into a duplex in preparation for their son and family to move here from Texas. That never happened, so the main part of the house has been all but vacant for a year. There are still a couple of walls to be put up to make the separation complete and of course stuff collected over the years is still being stored in that part of the house, but all in due time, these things will be moved out and completed.
From the driveway is a walkway that leads to a flagstone patio which leads to a covered flagstone porch. Off the porch is a door. Enter to a huge old country kitchen with more cabinet space than I have things to put in them. One wall is covered with original built-in cabinets. Off the kitchen is a huge living room with exposed stone on the exterior walls and barn panels on the other walls. Thick, wide hardwood floors complete the country look to this living room.
On the other end of the kitchen is a sunroom/breakfast nook (a very nice size for a "nook") that will be converted into a laundry room/bathroom. The third doorway off the kitchen leads to the stairs and past that is the dining room which also wraps around to the living room.
The basement is also off the kitchen. It's not liveable space, but we would finally have a place to put our stand-up freezer and free up some storage space for Mom and Dad Simrak.
On the second floor, to the left and to the right are bedrooms that adjoin through a closet - a perfect set-up for a nursery off the Master Bedroom (which we won't have any trouble fitting our bedroom suit - it's a huge room - getting the furniture up the stairs may be a different issue). Down the hall is the full bathroom with exposed stone on the exterior wall. Further down is the third bedroom with exposed stone as well. It's the smallest room but will work quite nicely as a study/guest room.
There is a full insulated attic off the second bedroom which, I believe, they were talking about perhaps converting it into a study for Dan. It's certainly liveable room since it's fully insulated. It could even be used as a guest room except for lack of a bathroom and the fact that you have to enter and exit through another room.
We can't believe how God has worked this out. We're still in prayer about it, but we told them that we'd love to live there. I would need to make sure I can live in an old house with my allergies. We're sad that we're a little bit farther from our families, but it's not by much and we'll be in an area that we absolutely love. Some friends from church will actually be moving into one of the houses on the property this summer to live for a year before moving down south. They have two little girls for Eli to play with.
Amazingly enough, the cost to live in this place will equal what we're paying now as far as rent goes. Utilities will probably cost a little more because we're paying to heat a lot more room, but compared to anywhere else we'd be, we're paying a lot less for a lot more.
It's so amazing to watch how God works. Of course, something could all go wrong, and we could end up on square one. But far be it from me to be cynical and give a disclaimer to how God is leading in our lives. We now have time to plan for buying a home. And maybe, just maybe, we'll even be able to save some money in the interim. Praise God!
Home Searching
I'm sure most of you saw it coming. We thought for awhile that we could live here with two little ones. Many people do it all over the globe. They fit as many people as possible in a little confined space and they live quite happily that way. Some families share a bed or a bedroom. I, for one, don't understand that in the least unless it's something they can't avoid. But given a choice, I'll go with parents sleeping in one room, children sleeping in another. And being Americans, naturally, we have all the amenities that go with owning an infant and toddler. I just can't imagine setting up a swing in the living room on top of toddler toys. The smaller the individual, the bigger the amenities. We just don't have play room, barely enough living space.
So, here we are, married two and a half years and we're looking to move for the third time. As Dan pointed out, "we're not even a military family."
Although we'd talked about it, we hadn't actually started looking until Friday when Mom Simrak called about a place here in Chalfont for rent. I immediately called and went to look at it. It was a great deal: 2-story 3 BR, 1 B, laundry room (my absolute fave) complete with W/D, D/W, fridge, full attic and basement, plenty of storage space, a small fenced in back yard, $1250/mo utilities included. What a deal. We went back together to look at it on Saturday. Dan, of course, loved it too. The drawback: it was located directly on a busy road and it was owned by a storage facility. The house was shared by the office - a quiet business, but the idea of our back windows overlooking storage units and who-knows-who coming through the gates at all hours of the night wasn't our idea of safety or of a home. So we decided against that.
Then we talked to a friend who is a realtor. We decided to consider buying. There was a house right on Rt 152 that was a fixer upper, but we decided against that, as well. It seemed like a shady deal. The guy didn't know squat about the place: when the roof was put in, the well, the septic, nada. As first time home buyers, we didn't want to get in over our heads on a shady deal.
We looked at a house for rent last evening and loved it. Again, it's another great deal - a full house with fenced-in back and side yards, a stone fireplace that's, unfortunately, been blocked off for insurance purposes, a dining room complete with a table and chairs and a hutch if we want them, a kitchen with a breakfast bar and stools, a huge living room, two huge bedrooms and one decent-sized room, an office, plenty of storage space, a full kitchen, 1.5 baths, and a laundry room (we'd be responsible for finding machines). And the owner is involved in church, to beat. I don't know what church, but the guy told us that he sometimes hosts missionaries in a neighboring house, which means he's probably missional-minded.
We're going to look at a place today that's owned by some people in our church. We're very excited about this one. It sounds like a fantastic deal in a quiet secluded place. Of course, it's north of here which means farther away from our family, but it's surrounded by trees and fields. We'll be closer to several friends from church and we'll be paying a lot less than anywhere we'd find around here. It's only about 10 minutes farther from our families in Abington and about 15 minutes from church.
We're still praying for the Lord's clear leading as to whether we should continue looking for a house to purchase or if we should continue renting for a while. We know He won't let us down. We're in a lot of prayer over these things.
So, here we are, married two and a half years and we're looking to move for the third time. As Dan pointed out, "we're not even a military family."
Although we'd talked about it, we hadn't actually started looking until Friday when Mom Simrak called about a place here in Chalfont for rent. I immediately called and went to look at it. It was a great deal: 2-story 3 BR, 1 B, laundry room (my absolute fave) complete with W/D, D/W, fridge, full attic and basement, plenty of storage space, a small fenced in back yard, $1250/mo utilities included. What a deal. We went back together to look at it on Saturday. Dan, of course, loved it too. The drawback: it was located directly on a busy road and it was owned by a storage facility. The house was shared by the office - a quiet business, but the idea of our back windows overlooking storage units and who-knows-who coming through the gates at all hours of the night wasn't our idea of safety or of a home. So we decided against that.
Then we talked to a friend who is a realtor. We decided to consider buying. There was a house right on Rt 152 that was a fixer upper, but we decided against that, as well. It seemed like a shady deal. The guy didn't know squat about the place: when the roof was put in, the well, the septic, nada. As first time home buyers, we didn't want to get in over our heads on a shady deal.
We looked at a house for rent last evening and loved it. Again, it's another great deal - a full house with fenced-in back and side yards, a stone fireplace that's, unfortunately, been blocked off for insurance purposes, a dining room complete with a table and chairs and a hutch if we want them, a kitchen with a breakfast bar and stools, a huge living room, two huge bedrooms and one decent-sized room, an office, plenty of storage space, a full kitchen, 1.5 baths, and a laundry room (we'd be responsible for finding machines). And the owner is involved in church, to beat. I don't know what church, but the guy told us that he sometimes hosts missionaries in a neighboring house, which means he's probably missional-minded.
We're going to look at a place today that's owned by some people in our church. We're very excited about this one. It sounds like a fantastic deal in a quiet secluded place. Of course, it's north of here which means farther away from our family, but it's surrounded by trees and fields. We'll be closer to several friends from church and we'll be paying a lot less than anywhere we'd find around here. It's only about 10 minutes farther from our families in Abington and about 15 minutes from church.
We're still praying for the Lord's clear leading as to whether we should continue looking for a house to purchase or if we should continue renting for a while. We know He won't let us down. We're in a lot of prayer over these things.
4.14.2007
Keeping Busy
Daddy and Eli lounging while watching "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" - a favorite in our house.I'm about 10 weeks along now. "Baby Guido" (as Dan so affectionately refers to our expectant child) is due in early-to-mid November. An exact date is unknown. So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
We've been keeping ourselves busy with the youth group in preparing for our missions trip in July. We're going to New Orleans with AIM.
We've been blessed to spend time with family these past couple weeks. We spent the few days before Easter in New York with my parents and sisters. Then we returned home as we had responsibilities in church for Easter Sunday. Upon on return, I caught a bug of sorts that exhausted me to the endth degree, so much so that I couldn't even hold Eli. Thankfully, my mother in law came up to help me one day. The next day, Dan took me and Eli to her house while he worked. Then we all just stayed there that night. The next day, Tim and Melissa flew in from Chicago, Mom and Dad and Tiffany all came down and joined Maremy, Angela and us for a nice visit due to Jaron's birth. (Thank you, Jaron!)
By the way, Jaron is one month old. It's hard to believe that it was only a month ago that he came into this world. On the other hand, it's hard to believe that he's already a month old! Time is weird like that. I'll have to get some good pictures of him to post.
3.21.2007
Life and Death
These past few weeks have been pretty nuts in the Simrak schedule. Two new babies born into the family brings a not unpleasant disruption to schedules. Just busyness. Although I haven't announced it yet on my blog, we, too, are expecting our second child. We are very excited. With that comes many decisions to make and many exhausting days where I feel all I can do is stay in bed and munch on crackers even though the thought of food typically brings a sickening feeling to my stomach and mouth. I walk around with a twist in my stomach and a nasty taste in my mouth trying to divert my thoughts away from anything that would make those sensations worse, desperately trying to ignore it lest I end up with my head in the toilet. The first trimester and the end of the third is always the worst. I have no idea how far along I am so I don't even know when I will be relieved of these symptoms. My first appt is tomorrow provided I can find a sitter for Elias. Hopefully, I'll find out soon when I'm due.
Last week, two teenagers from local churches died. We just found out yesterday that another CB East student was killed in a car accident while we were attending the funeral of Laura Lauterbach, the daughter of a local pastor who attended our youth group from time to time and went to Belize with us two years ago. Laura was in my small group so I got to know her a little bit. She was such a happy joyful person. The sweetest, most beautiful girl. Her parents told us that the Belize missions trip changed her life. They read a narrative she'd written about the trip at the funeral yesterday. My heart broke for a girl who attends our church - she was Laura's best friend. Please keep her in your prayers. She's dealing with this very hard.
The funeral was awesome. The gospel was shared. About fifteen people raised their hands when asked if they wanted to get saved. Who knows how many knew what they were doing. Only God knows, as always. But it's a testimony of Laura's life and the message that went out at her funeral. Everyone knew that's what Laura would have wanted. Her parents were the epitomy of strength and worshipped the Lord inspite of their grief. They knew without a shadow of doubt that their daughter was in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. How do they have that assurance? Because Laura accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She didn't have it all together. Her own father admitted that she had her struggles. "Who doesn't?" he asked. We all do. But the assurance of Laura's eternity lies in her testimony that she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. It is the only way to living eternally in heaven with God. And now, she is pain free. She is in the glory of the Father. She is living in her mansion of gold. She has no more worries. No more heartaches. No more struggles. No more tears. She is perfect and living in perfection. Oh how I wish I could join her! But now is not my time. I look forward to it though. I look forward to my death on this earth and being in the glory of the Creator of all things.
Until then, I look forward to the birth of our unborn child. I enjoy every day with my husband and my son. Eli's growing so fast. He's like a little toddler walking around, learning new things, immitating mama and daddy. He's such a good little kid.
Last week, two teenagers from local churches died. We just found out yesterday that another CB East student was killed in a car accident while we were attending the funeral of Laura Lauterbach, the daughter of a local pastor who attended our youth group from time to time and went to Belize with us two years ago. Laura was in my small group so I got to know her a little bit. She was such a happy joyful person. The sweetest, most beautiful girl. Her parents told us that the Belize missions trip changed her life. They read a narrative she'd written about the trip at the funeral yesterday. My heart broke for a girl who attends our church - she was Laura's best friend. Please keep her in your prayers. She's dealing with this very hard.
The funeral was awesome. The gospel was shared. About fifteen people raised their hands when asked if they wanted to get saved. Who knows how many knew what they were doing. Only God knows, as always. But it's a testimony of Laura's life and the message that went out at her funeral. Everyone knew that's what Laura would have wanted. Her parents were the epitomy of strength and worshipped the Lord inspite of their grief. They knew without a shadow of doubt that their daughter was in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. How do they have that assurance? Because Laura accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She didn't have it all together. Her own father admitted that she had her struggles. "Who doesn't?" he asked. We all do. But the assurance of Laura's eternity lies in her testimony that she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. It is the only way to living eternally in heaven with God. And now, she is pain free. She is in the glory of the Father. She is living in her mansion of gold. She has no more worries. No more heartaches. No more struggles. No more tears. She is perfect and living in perfection. Oh how I wish I could join her! But now is not my time. I look forward to it though. I look forward to my death on this earth and being in the glory of the Creator of all things.
Until then, I look forward to the birth of our unborn child. I enjoy every day with my husband and my son. Eli's growing so fast. He's like a little toddler walking around, learning new things, immitating mama and daddy. He's such a good little kid.
3.19.2007
3.15.2007
A New Niece and Nephew
Tuesday, 9:30pm - Mary and Jeremy go into the hospital with concerns. Everything is fine, the doctors tell them. But they're in the early stages of labor. They go home for a fitful night of contractions....and all throughout Wednesday the contractions get progressively worse. Wednesday afternoon, Michelle's (Dan's brother's wife) water breaks while she's in her kitchen in North Wales. Chris runs to get her to bring her back to Abington where she endures a mere 3 hour labor and delivers...a healthy 8 lb 6 oz baby girl. Her name is Jessica Kerynn Simrak, younger sister to Alicia Marie, 21 months.
Meanwhile, Mary was still trudging through her long intensive labor. After 36 long hours, she finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Jaron Christian Riggall. He weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz (same weight as Elias, I might add).
Michelle, Chris and the girls are all at their home in North Wales. Mary is still in hospital. All are doing well. Will upload pictures when I get the chance.
Meanwhile, Mary was still trudging through her long intensive labor. After 36 long hours, she finally gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Jaron Christian Riggall. He weighed in at 7 lbs 11 oz (same weight as Elias, I might add).
Michelle, Chris and the girls are all at their home in North Wales. Mary is still in hospital. All are doing well. Will upload pictures when I get the chance.
3.12.2007
Eli Rolls Down a Hill
Dan was teaching Eli to climb a hill at the park the other day. When he sat down facing UP the hill, he rolled backwards throwing his feet into the air. I happened to catch it at the perfect moment.
For your peace of minds, he didn't roll far. After the initial roll, he ended up on his tummy and just lied there until Dan picked him up. He was fine and didn't fuss at all. A jogger approaching us just as this happened saw the whole thing and guaging from our response that we were okay with it, he said as he passed, "That was really funny."
For your peace of minds, he didn't roll far. After the initial roll, he ended up on his tummy and just lied there until Dan picked him up. He was fine and didn't fuss at all. A jogger approaching us just as this happened saw the whole thing and guaging from our response that we were okay with it, he said as he passed, "That was really funny."
A Walk in the Park
Saturday was such a beautiful day that we decided to go to the park. Angela went with us. We piled Eli in the wagon and took off to Peace Valley Park.
2.22.2007
StoryTime at the Cafe
It's so exciting doing these new things with Eli. Today in StoryTime at the Cafe, the kids made snowflakes. And I must say, Elias astounded us all by creating this beautiful, unique snowflake all by himself!Well, maybe he had a little help. Truthfully, he putted around the room while Mommy created this beautiful, unique snowflake. (Somehow, it doesn't look so amazing knowing that an adult made it.)
Of course, he did manage to eat a couple small pieces as people were busy gluing them onto their popcycle sticks. (Sorry, Mom. I know how you hate crafts with popcycle sticks. But isn't it so much cuter when it's for little kids?)
StoryTime at the Cafe was fun. We knew several of the moms and their kids, but we met a lot of new ones too. One girl I met was Florina. She was there with two kids. She told me that she was their nanny and that she was actually a native to Germany. She has been here for 6 months and will only be here for a year in all. We plan to get together soon.
I so enjoy getting to know people and doing new things.
Aunt Janet is coming for dinner tonight. So I must get in my quiet time while Eli is sleeping.
2.21.2007
Library Day
Elias and I ventured out to the library for the first time today. I didn't even know where it was, so I went with my friend, Linda and her daughter Emma. Doylestown is filled with fun things for kids. The Y is always doing something fun for the family; there are great parks, the museums are always doing fun things for kids, and they have walk/bike paths throughout the quaint and beautiful town. They are very community-minded. Unfortunately, I don't know my way around that well. I'm ashamed. Or at least, I guess I should be. Since we moved here in November of 2005, it's been more difficult to get out and learn it. I worked full-time until I went on bedrest in December. I birthed a baby two months later and never really knew how to get into the life of finding fun things to do with kids - especially infants. Frankly, my kid wouldn't have enjoyed a day trip to the children's library at a mere 6 months old. He's just now developing a love for books. I can recite the Seuss book Hop on Pop by heart. If he knew how to talk, I'm sure he could too. He carries it around and pretends to read it. It doesn't matter if it's upside down. He knows how it goes. Yesterday, I sat down on the floor to read to him. I had several books beside us to read. I picked up Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? (compliments of my good friend, Autumn, and her adorable son, Aiden) and started to read it.
"'...I see a red bird looking at me!' Eli, look at the red bird!"
Eli reached down and picked up Hop on Pop.
"Yes, dear. We just read Hop on Pop. Don't you want to read Brown Bear? Look at the blue horse...."
By this time, he's pulling the book out of my hands and shoving Hop on Pop in my face. I could read that book 10 times in a row and it would be just as exciting to him as the first time. I think my record was 6 times before I got sick of it and said enough's enough!
In any case, we had a marvelous time at the library. Our neighbors came in after us which was a pleasant surprise. The library is very large and it's all children's books. They have a section in the back for kids to play on a colorful area rug. They have board books for toddlers, stuffed animals all over the place to help the kids get involved in the stories, baskets filled with puppets, computers for children to learn and play on. They have children's books on tapes. (How adorable!) They have a separate room for scheduled storybook readings. They have tons of children's movies. And it's all for free.
Oddly, Eli wasn't a bit interested in sitting down to read any book. He wanted to look around and explore this new exciting territory. Look at all the books we can pull off the shelves!
Eventually, he found some Beatrix Potter books that were just his size. He pulled one off the shelf and carried it around pretending to read it. I love it!
We will be going back to the library. I'd like to say that I'm schedule oriented enough to go back at the same time every week. But I don't know that I can commit to that. I will probably go with Linda and Emma sometimes. I kinda need the company to give me that boost to do things like that. It's so good for me though.
Tomorrow is Storytime at the church cafe. We'll go to that. It'll be good for both of us. And he needs kids to hang around even if he doesn't quite know how to play with them yet - or sit still for a group activity.
2.20.2007
Calling my female friends...
This plug is for my women friends that need a break from the mundane and would like to take some time worshipping with fellow women believers and learning how to deepen our relationship with God. Every year, the women in our church go away for a one-to-two night retreat. (The men do this too, but this isn't about them, right now.) In the past, we have held our retreats at Sandy Cove Conference Center in Maryland. This year, we're doing it a little different: it's at our church. This lowers the cost considerably and makes it a little more convenient to those with families. Although it's nice to get away with other women and take a break from responsibilities to focus more intently on the things in our lives that really need focusing, hosting it here has it's advantages.
So I encourage you, ladies, to consider your lives and the need for prayer support from other women. While our husbands should be our best friends and confidantes, it's so important to surround ourselves with women believers who can encourage us and pray for us and identify with us. There are so many awesome women in our church that have amazing testimonies. Many of them have been through unimaginable trials, and yet now, God has raised them up to encourage others and pray for them more effectively. God has blessed us by establishing the Church to give us strength in this evil age where temptations are lurking in every corner of our lives.
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. (Ephesians 6:10)
Our speakers this year feature Marianne Fischer, a jewish holocaust survivor, and Julie Henning, the adopted daughter of the famous author Pearl S. Buck.
If you would like to attend, just give me a bo-jangle or sign up on your own. You can count on me being there! I'm helping to lead worship.
Here's the website:
http://www.calvarycentralbucks.org/special_events/womens_retreat.php
So I encourage you, ladies, to consider your lives and the need for prayer support from other women. While our husbands should be our best friends and confidantes, it's so important to surround ourselves with women believers who can encourage us and pray for us and identify with us. There are so many awesome women in our church that have amazing testimonies. Many of them have been through unimaginable trials, and yet now, God has raised them up to encourage others and pray for them more effectively. God has blessed us by establishing the Church to give us strength in this evil age where temptations are lurking in every corner of our lives.
BE STRONG IN THE LORD AND IN HIS MIGHTY POWER. (Ephesians 6:10)
Our speakers this year feature Marianne Fischer, a jewish holocaust survivor, and Julie Henning, the adopted daughter of the famous author Pearl S. Buck.
If you would like to attend, just give me a bo-jangle or sign up on your own. You can count on me being there! I'm helping to lead worship.
Here's the website:
http://www.calvarycentralbucks.org/special_events/womens_retreat.php
Fam Pic
Eli's birthday was on Friday (the 16th). We "celebrated" by eating lunch together at Dan's office. Afterwards, Dan got off a little early, so we stopped by Dad Simrak's office to see him. While we were there, he took a picture of us. Eli was tired and more than ready for his nap, so he was somewhat squirmy and fussy. We managed to get this picture in between struggles and frowns. You never would have known that he wasn't terribly happy.
Cantaloupe Baby
Dan has a new baby. He found a sprouting seed while cutting up a ripe cantaloupe and planted it. He mentioned this to me when he found it, but I was doing something else and barely heard him. Last week, I saw a little sprout coming up out of a pot sitting by our window. Dan told me it was his cantaloupe. I was amazed. The next day, it was taller. The next day, we found another sprout beside it. Upon our return last evening, we noticed how much it had grown. There are now several sprouts popping up out of the soil. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I'm thinking that we will probably need a bigger pot.
Getting Away
A year and a half ago, Dan and I went to Huntington Mills for a get-away before I got too "heavy with child" to do anything sexy. We had been through a lot that summer/fall and it was high time we got away. We had a wonderful weekend. A couple months later, we moved to Bucks County. A couple months after that, I was put on bedrest. A couple months after that, Elias was born. A year later and Dan's job is changing. We decided it was time for another get-away.
Dan's parents generously gave us money for Christmas to put towards a get-away. We had been saving all our change in a wine box for the past year and consequently saved over a hundred dollars. We cashed that in and booked a room at the Glasbern Inn.
Glasbern Inn is a functioning organic farm that uses it's produce, herbs, meat and flowers for the benefit of the bed and breakfast and restaurant. The food was sensational. There wasn't anything we didn't like. The room was about as big as our apartment. We enjoyed the conveniences of a gas fireplace, a whirlpool, entertainment center and king-sized bed. The view out the window was breathtaking: snow-covered hills, a frozen pond, cattle. No traffic noises. In fact, we were miles from the busy roads. It was less than an hour away, but it felt like we were hundreds of miles away. Everyone treated us like royalty. It was great.
But that's all secondary. Dan and I were able to slow down, breath slowly, relax, and talk. We were able to connect in a way we haven't been able to in a while. Not that we haven't been close or things haven't been good with us. They have. But the busyness of life hasn't allowed the slow-paced conversational relaxation that we so desperately needed. We needed to connect on a deeper level than we've had time for without distraction.
RB and Julia Pray were kind enough to stay in our home with Eli while we were gone. I came home to find him eating; apparently, a past time that he grew quite fond of while we were gone. There was no food in the house. Everything I had prepared for them had been eaten. He's going through a growth spurt. As RB said, "he'll be 4'3" by the time he's done with this growth spurt."
I encourage all my friends with busy lives and/or little ones, to make the effort to get out with your husbands frequently. If you can, stay overnight somewhere and talk about the things that hinder your relationship. Ask how you can be better wives. Pray together. Connect.
2.15.2007
Snow Day
Yesterday finally brought some winter weather.... right after a healthy dose of spring fever began. I am so ready for nice warm weather. Where every time I want to go out, I don't have to worry about bundling up a 1 year old and myself and somehow manage to carry him and at least one bag out the door with me. But yesterday, the cold weather we've been experiencing was made worth it. Dan stayed home from work, and we enjoyed a wonderful day of leisure together.
Of course the alarm went off several times before he made his decision to stay home. Sleet was coming down in sheets on top of the couple of inches of snow we'd gotten during the night. Since snow storms induce such cravings as french toast for breakfast (isn't that why the bread, milk and eggs always run out in the stores when a snowstorm is predicted?), we made french toast with what I had. Never make french toast with 12 grain bread. It was awful. The best types of bread to use for french toast are, white, potato, challah or texas toast. Just a little pointer, I thought you might all appreciate.
After Eli's morning nap, we piled up his new red flyer wagon with Eli, a guitar and his diaper bag and headed off to our friends' house in the next development. They have two kids, 6 and 2, who absolutely dote on Elias. Dan and Miguel played their guitars together while Olga and I talked and the kids played. When the men started playing, Joshua had to get out his guitar and play also. Promptly following was his little sister, Amelia, who had to do what her brother was doing. Eli then coveted Amelia's guitar, so we had five guitars out and playing!
All in all, it was a good relaxing day. It was a much-needed, slow-paced day in the middle of the week. Dan and I have only three days until we get to go away. We are counting down the days.
Of course the alarm went off several times before he made his decision to stay home. Sleet was coming down in sheets on top of the couple of inches of snow we'd gotten during the night. Since snow storms induce such cravings as french toast for breakfast (isn't that why the bread, milk and eggs always run out in the stores when a snowstorm is predicted?), we made french toast with what I had. Never make french toast with 12 grain bread. It was awful. The best types of bread to use for french toast are, white, potato, challah or texas toast. Just a little pointer, I thought you might all appreciate.
After Eli's morning nap, we piled up his new red flyer wagon with Eli, a guitar and his diaper bag and headed off to our friends' house in the next development. They have two kids, 6 and 2, who absolutely dote on Elias. Dan and Miguel played their guitars together while Olga and I talked and the kids played. When the men started playing, Joshua had to get out his guitar and play also. Promptly following was his little sister, Amelia, who had to do what her brother was doing. Eli then coveted Amelia's guitar, so we had five guitars out and playing!
All in all, it was a good relaxing day. It was a much-needed, slow-paced day in the middle of the week. Dan and I have only three days until we get to go away. We are counting down the days.
2.12.2007
Windows
A window is a beautiful thing. Over the years, companies have perfected them so that they come in a variety of styles to appease the eye or make cleaning them more convenient and less of a task. There are many types of windows. In the poetic world, a window is a means to see the soul. In the world of literature, the window is a symbol of what keeps a lonely girl hidden from the outside world. Anne Shirley's one and only friend, Katie, was her reflection who came and went as she passed by windows. To Stephen King, on the other hand, a small window kept secrets. I imagine that in heaven when we are living in mansions of gold, large walls of beautiful windows will shine through the glory of our Lord Jesus. There will never be dark corners that the Light streaming through these windows won't find.
But today, I want to share a "perk" of living in our particular condo unit. Our windows are semi-old. They are the original windows that were put on the buildings when they were first built about 16 or so years ago. Now, to me, that really doesn't sound that old. It's more the fact that they chose cheap windows...16 years ago. The storm windows are built in on the inside making for a charming effect on our Living Room decor (not to mention my bending or breaking nails everytime I want to slide them up or down). Despite the fact that the are heavy, they are quite drafty. The molding that gives the illusion that there are six window panels instead of one large window is peeling and warping. The screens don't come out, and besides that they, too, are warped to allow for many many infestations of bugs into the dwelling place during those nice summer nights when the windows ought to be left open. Due to this feature, our place often smells faint of bug spray instead of the clean outside air in our attempt to air out the apartment. Foam stuffed in the cracks only adds to the charm. During the winter months, these drafty windows ICE OVER as a natural effect from the condensation build-up behind the blinds and curtains. It makes for a cozy environment when one is doing his/her best to keep the place warm for their family.
Here, I have taken a picture of the ice I scraped off the window the other day after prying open the blinds.
I think it's time that our condominium committee take action against the infiltration of dissatisfaction in windows in our development. The fees ought to more than pay for it.I'm sorry that I didn't have a more pleasant window story. Perhaps if I was a novelist, I would write some sad story of how I like to look out my window at the birds perched on the tree branches and how I wished I could fly away with them. But alas, my fate is to be human, permanently fixed to the earth until the Day of our Lord. But that is not a sad story. I am content to be such. It has pleased my Lord to pour out blessings on His child. I have a wonderful husband who loves me and provides for his family and a beautiful happy son who is my pride and joy. What need I more?!
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord God of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel...
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
~Psalm 69:6, 13
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel...
But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD.
At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.
~Psalm 69:6, 13
New...Again
Just in case you were getting bored with the "old" template, I decided to change it again. I decided I didn't like it on my moniter. We'll see how it goes with this one. To me it seems more clean cut.
Oh ye Mondays Who Bring Quietude
Ahh. Peace and quiet. It's kinda sad when you use Monday as your day of rest to recuperate from the weekend. That's the way it's been here. We barely had a moment to breathe this past weekend. It was a good weekend, don't get me wrong. Dan and I attended a parenting seminar on Friday night. Saturday morning, Dan finished it while I threw a baby shower for my sister, Mary. Here's a picture of us four girls with Mom and Mom Mom.
Later in the afternoon, Dan went to Doylestown to spread the news that our church is throwing a major outreach concert (Kingpin Wrecking Crew - listen to the audio ad here) to all the kids that little more than hang around town. My mom and sister Tiffany were in town (as well as other family from Virginia) for the shower, so we had a small birthday dinner for Elias who was utterly exhausted from not getting much of a nap earlier in the day. All in all, it was a good day - just exhausting. Sunday brought another family gathering for the Simraks' February birthdays. After we left, Dan, Eli and I were able to walk around the mall a little before heading to church for missions meeting. Then we went home to crash for the night.
Dan and I are SO EXCITED about this coming Sunday, for we are to escape to that quiet haven of rest: the B&B. We haven't been away since September of 2005. I think it's time. And we couldn't be more ready for it. Our dear friends RB and Julia are going to be staying here with Eli. We will be gone for two days and one night. We are doing it right since we only have that long, so we will be staying at a very nice B&B north of here. Sunday can't come soon enough...
Later in the afternoon, Dan went to Doylestown to spread the news that our church is throwing a major outreach concert (Kingpin Wrecking Crew - listen to the audio ad here) to all the kids that little more than hang around town. My mom and sister Tiffany were in town (as well as other family from Virginia) for the shower, so we had a small birthday dinner for Elias who was utterly exhausted from not getting much of a nap earlier in the day. All in all, it was a good day - just exhausting. Sunday brought another family gathering for the Simraks' February birthdays. After we left, Dan, Eli and I were able to walk around the mall a little before heading to church for missions meeting. Then we went home to crash for the night.Dan and I are SO EXCITED about this coming Sunday, for we are to escape to that quiet haven of rest: the B&B. We haven't been away since September of 2005. I think it's time. And we couldn't be more ready for it. Our dear friends RB and Julia are going to be staying here with Eli. We will be gone for two days and one night. We are doing it right since we only have that long, so we will be staying at a very nice B&B north of here. Sunday can't come soon enough...
2.09.2007
First 1st Birthday Party
Last evening, we went the Steve and Christie's house for dinner. Christie's mom, "Aunt" Sharon, was there. It was so awesome to see her again and to spend that time with the three of them. They just loved us up. It was a nice "break."
They surprised us with a small little birthday party for Eli. I was disappointed that we weren't able to throw him a decent first birthday party like we wanted. We'll get together tomorrow night with a few family members nearby to celebrate and we'll have a joint Simrak February party on Sunday. But we had been planning a big party inviting all our closest friends who are crazy about Eli and just have a fun time together. But resources and time just weren't allowing. But that's okay because he's only one and won't remember it anyway. I guess it was more for Dan and me anyway.
So last night was Eli's first 1st birthday party. It was great. It was also his first cupcake. And he loved every bit of it...!
They surprised us with a small little birthday party for Eli. I was disappointed that we weren't able to throw him a decent first birthday party like we wanted. We'll get together tomorrow night with a few family members nearby to celebrate and we'll have a joint Simrak February party on Sunday. But we had been planning a big party inviting all our closest friends who are crazy about Eli and just have a fun time together. But resources and time just weren't allowing. But that's okay because he's only one and won't remember it anyway. I guess it was more for Dan and me anyway.
So last night was Eli's first 1st birthday party. It was great. It was also his first cupcake. And he loved every bit of it...!
My Fair Share of Depression
This has been a difficult week. God is showing me through a couple of good friends (perhaps without their knowing it) that I need to show more raw emotion to prove to others that I'm "human" and go through my fair share of difficult times. The last thing I want to do is come off as being better than anyone. I don't think that way in the least - quite the oposite, actually - but, I guess maybe after getting through my history of rebellion and major pain and suffering, in comparison, my life now is so much better than it was that in perspective, I don't have reason to complain. But it doesn't mean that I don't have trials and struggles.
Sunday came and brought with it the reality of the busyness of the month of February. We had a non-stop day, so by 9:00pm, I was spent. The stupid game wasn't over yet, though it felt it had been going on for days. Dan, feeling the loyalty to my brother and sister-in-law who live in IL, was sorely dissappointed in the Bears' performance. ("They don't get paid millions of dollars to drop the ball!!!") Eli was on some sort of high with all the people and other kids around that eventually I had to scrape him off the ceiling, shove a bottle in his mouth and take him up to bed. He promptly fell asleep to my great relief. I felt depression and utter exhaustion come over me like a heavy blanket. I noticed myself shutting down and the desire to retreat to a quiet dark place was overwhelming. I fought against that desire and forced myself to face my friends as most everyone else had left by that time. I bared my soul to my friend who, I found out later, was more than relieved to see me in such a state of weakness. (Sounds horrible, doesn't it? Slightly humorous in my mind.) She showed such compassion and care.
The next few days brought on the same type of feelings of depression without any apparent reason. Nothing was different about our routine. Dan taught on Wednesday and the message from God was an encouraging one. It was on Judges 7. Three points hit me in a beautiful hard way:
1) God often whittles us down to show more of His grace and victorious strength - "...lest Israel boast over Me saying, 'My own hand hath saved me.' " (vs 2)
2) God offers encouragement when we are "afraid." (vs 10-15)
3) God always brings victory in His plan. (vs 19-25)
Dan and I have both felt the weight of being a target as we make our transition into ministry. Oh yeah, I haven't made a formal announcement yet. Here it is. Imagine Joshua's horn sounding in the distance as I announce...
DAN HAS BEEN OFFERED A FULL-TIME JOB AT OUR CHURCH AS YOUTH DIRECTOR. He will also be involved in other ministries, but his main responsibility will be the senior high youth group. He has accepted and it has been announced both to his current employer and to the church staff. We are very excited about this opportunity.
As our senior pastor's wife put it, it's like we have a neon target on our backs. Every Christian is a target for the evil one, but suddenly, when we get into ministry, our target turns a neon color. We need to arm ourselves in prayer and with His word.
I've been feeling much better the past two days by the grace of God. But it isn't over. Emotions are fleeting. Reality is reality. And the reality that we are a target is real.
Sunday came and brought with it the reality of the busyness of the month of February. We had a non-stop day, so by 9:00pm, I was spent. The stupid game wasn't over yet, though it felt it had been going on for days. Dan, feeling the loyalty to my brother and sister-in-law who live in IL, was sorely dissappointed in the Bears' performance. ("They don't get paid millions of dollars to drop the ball!!!") Eli was on some sort of high with all the people and other kids around that eventually I had to scrape him off the ceiling, shove a bottle in his mouth and take him up to bed. He promptly fell asleep to my great relief. I felt depression and utter exhaustion come over me like a heavy blanket. I noticed myself shutting down and the desire to retreat to a quiet dark place was overwhelming. I fought against that desire and forced myself to face my friends as most everyone else had left by that time. I bared my soul to my friend who, I found out later, was more than relieved to see me in such a state of weakness. (Sounds horrible, doesn't it? Slightly humorous in my mind.) She showed such compassion and care.
The next few days brought on the same type of feelings of depression without any apparent reason. Nothing was different about our routine. Dan taught on Wednesday and the message from God was an encouraging one. It was on Judges 7. Three points hit me in a beautiful hard way:
1) God often whittles us down to show more of His grace and victorious strength - "...lest Israel boast over Me saying, 'My own hand hath saved me.' " (vs 2)
2) God offers encouragement when we are "afraid." (vs 10-15)
3) God always brings victory in His plan. (vs 19-25)
Dan and I have both felt the weight of being a target as we make our transition into ministry. Oh yeah, I haven't made a formal announcement yet. Here it is. Imagine Joshua's horn sounding in the distance as I announce...
DAN HAS BEEN OFFERED A FULL-TIME JOB AT OUR CHURCH AS YOUTH DIRECTOR. He will also be involved in other ministries, but his main responsibility will be the senior high youth group. He has accepted and it has been announced both to his current employer and to the church staff. We are very excited about this opportunity.
As our senior pastor's wife put it, it's like we have a neon target on our backs. Every Christian is a target for the evil one, but suddenly, when we get into ministry, our target turns a neon color. We need to arm ourselves in prayer and with His word.
I've been feeling much better the past two days by the grace of God. But it isn't over. Emotions are fleeting. Reality is reality. And the reality that we are a target is real.
2.07.2007
Eli Walks to Mama
I know he's been doing this quite well for awhile now, but it's just so cute to video him. He's a little clumsy and uncoordinated, especially when he gets excited. It's just so cute to watch him and play with him.
