The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, June 28th, 2011

Outside my window...it's overcast, low 60’s, not pretty for a summer day.

I am thinking... about Mike being in Germany without me.

I am thankful for... catching up with my sweet friend who hi-lights my hair-I haven’t seen her in a year!
(I’ve been getting my hair done in Wheaton whenever I’m home.)

From the learning rooms... I’ve started the Beth Moore bible study of Daniel. I’m doing it on my own.

From the kitchen...I made a yummy salad last night. Tonight Sarah is off to a concert so I’ll probably pick up some Thai food- I’m having a craving for Spring Rolls!

I am wearing...my cropped jeans, orange striped long-sleeve tee from the Loft and flip flops.

I am creating... piles in our bedroom; one for the California trip and a big one of clothes I’m taking back to Glen Ellyn for the summer.

I am going…to prayer group in the morning.

I am reading... I stayed up late and finished The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz. It was really good! I think I’ll start a paperback romance novel by Susan Wiggs called Marrying Daisy Bellamy.

I am hoping... our housing solution for the fall gets resolved this week!

I am hearing... my daughter rummaging around in the refrigerator trying to find a healthy snack.

Around the house…I have two new dresses hanging up in the closet; one for the 4th weekend (casual red, white & blue floral) and a black & white for the upcoming wedding.

One of my favorite things…having someone else shampoo my hair.

A few plans for the rest of the week: last minute errands and packing, getting Sarah off to her week of hiking up in Malibu Canada, picking up Mike from the airport and staying up in Seattle one night, heading to Vancouver to see friends, then on down to Napa,California.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

(I'll miss this view of the bay I get to see everyday when I cross the little bridge. This is my last week of the summer to spend in Gig Harbor on Raft Island.)

Since I’ll be in Napa next week I probably won’t be blogging. I want to wish a Happy Birthday to our wonderful country and a Happy 4th of July to all my family and friends. Enjoy the celebration and stay safe!

To join the fun, visit Peggy at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

No Umbrellas Needed

I love showers! No, I am not talking about rain showers. (I get a little tired of rain since I live in the Northwest.) I love bridal showers and baby showers!

I have been invited to two bridal showers in the last couple weeks for two amazing young women. I love the excitement and joy as a group of women get together to celebrate the upcoming wedding and young family that is embarking on their journey together. The food, devotions, prayers over the bride, sharing traditions and advice, and watching all the gifts being opened is such fun.

I learned a lot listening to other women give advice on marriage to the young bride. I thought I’d list some of my favorite things I heard:

Hold hands, a lot
Kiss in the morning, before bed, when leaving or coming home from work
Study your man; learn his likes, dislikes, what makes him tick, what ticks him off
Never stop learning about marriage; read books, go to conferences, do classes at church
Love God even more than your husband and He’ll help you love him better
Every day say to yourself, “I choose him”
Do first things together; try new things with your man, not just your girlfriends
Learn to do a sport or hobby together
Wear sexy underwear
Date each other once a week

These are just some of the things my friends mentioned as advice. Even after 28 years with Mike, I still have a lot to learn about how to be a better wife.

“Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.” Deuteronomy 32:2

I’m so glad my youngest daughter was with me at the shower today. She’s tucking away all the Godly wisdom she heard in her heart for the time when she herself will be a bride. She’s even thinking about what couple she’d like to mentor her someday.

I can’t think of a greater honor than to be asked to mentor a young couple. We’ll get a bit of practice this summer when our oldest son & his wife move in with us in Illinois for a year! (Actually, I'll need to remember not to give advice unless it's asked for...)

Shhh, don’t tell Mike, but I really intend to learn to play golf!

In His Grip, Jane

The Lyrics Have a Whole New Meaning

(Credit-The Speakaboos on You Tube)

Remember the Preschool song that teaches body parts and coordination entitled, “Head Shoulders, Knees and Toes”?

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes
Children's Song

Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes,
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes,
And eyes and ears and mouth and nose,
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes.

So I was out attempting to run this morning. I have no idea how far I went. My goal was the Island View Market and back. I almost made it, but my head started to really hurt so I turned around and headed back.

I kept giving myself a pep-talk to keep running and before I knew it the lyrics of the preschool song started “running” through my brain. I entertained myself by coming up with some new “mid-life” lyric definitions…

HEAD: it was killing me! I kept thinking about getting home and taking my Excedrin Migraine medicine.

SHOULDERS: even after surgery a year ago my stupid shoulder gets achy and feels stuck/impinged.

KNEES: my right knee makes a lot crackly sound just like the ugly stepsister's knee in Cinderella.


TOES: I need to get a pedicure before my trip to California…I haven't had a professional one in a while.

EYES: I have to wear contacts or glasses and right now my head hurts so bad I'm seeing spots…

EARS: do I have an infection or what? My right ear is throbbing!

MOUTH: I’ve only had full lips like Angelina Jolie once; when I had an allergic reaction to a snack at book club and they swelled up for 24 hours. It wasn’t pretty.

NOSE: yep, it’s still big- I got that "gift" from my Daddy.

SO...next time you sing that song with a little person you love, perhaps you’ll smile thinking of the mid-life Jane version!

How is your summer fitness program going? Am I the only crazy person who makes up new lyrics to songs?

In His Grip, Jane

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, June 21st, 2011

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

Outside my window...it's so foggy I can barely see the homes on the other side of the bay! The forecast calls for sunny and 70's-I'll believe it when I see it!

I am thinking...it’s only two weeks until Mike and I will be driving down the 101 in California!

I am thankful for... T.J.’s wisdom teeth surgery went well and he didn’t swell up. It was nice to pamper him for a few days.
(See his picture down below.)

From the learning rooms... it’s Sarah’s last day of her junior year of high school!!!

From the kitchen...last night I made pasta with tiny shrimp, tomatoes and zucchini. Tonight Sarah will be out with friends so it’s probably a salad or take-out for me.

I am wearing...khaki cropped pants, a white tank, and my Gap khaki & white striped pullover hoody with flip flops.

I am creating...just some lists; errands to run, places to visit next week, and what to pack for my summer back in Chicago.

I am going…to get a massage in a couple hours. Yay! I’ve had such bad headaches the past week that I thought this might be a better solution than over-dosing on Advil.

I am reading...The Inheritance of Beauty by Nicole Seitz on my I-pad. I heard about it on a blog. (BTW, I had read Between Sisters before but I read it again and cried like crazy.)

I am hoping...my headaches go away.

I am hearing... my very loud computer motor.

Around the house…It looks a bit more like summer even though it doesn’t feel like it; the owners planted pretty flowers in pots on the deck and life jackets are drying on the fence from their kayak fun Sunday.

One of my favorite things…popcorn at the movies. I saw the Green Lantern in 3-D Friday night with T.J.

A few plans for the rest of the week: celebrate Sarah’s last day of school, take walks,hit the Cabi clearance sale, head to the dollar store and T.J. Maxx, wrap a gift, attend a bridal shower, get a “female” check-up (I’m overdue).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

(T.J. with his ice packs. I wonder if his text made any sense since he was on pain meds.)

To join the fun, visit Peggy at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

My Five Favorite 5-Letter Words

Trust
Faith
Grace
Bless
JESUS

We were in Disney World waiting in some long line when I heard the plane. We looked up and saw the “sky writer” creating a message for all to see. I felt like God had sent it just for me. TRUST. We hadn’t decided what to do about Sarah and high school. We weren’t sure if we should make her stay at Glenbard West in misery and stick it out, or move her back here to Gig Harbor.

TRUST.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5

He made it clear the next month and we feel secure in the path we took. Now it’s time to trust again. We are trying to figure out where Sarah and I will live beginning in the fall. We have a couple options so far. Money IS an issue and we’re also trying to incorporate a bit of “her space” and “my space” so mother and daughter remain friends… The stress of the unknown is giving me major headaches.

But even so…God has blessed me beyond measure, shown me grace, tested my faith, and shown me I can trust Jesus.

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying”, “This is the way, walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

I’m trying to hear!

How about you? Do you have a decision to make and are having a difficult time discerning God’s will?

In His Grip, Jane

(I also happen to like Mikey, Mitch, Allie, Timmy, and Sarah!)

Daddies and Daughters

Mike found this message on our kitchen island during Spring Break.

My four children have the best father anyone could hope for. He’s been nurturing, teaching, encouraging and providing for them since the first baby was born 25 years ago. I had NO idea that the man I married would be such an amazing father, but I am blessed to share the role of parent with him.

All our kids have a special relationship with Mike, but there’s something about daddies and daughters. Moms and daughters sometimes “butt heads” (at least at my house) yet Mike can calmly talk to his girls about anything.

“Impress them (commands and laws) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:7

A couple months ago he sent each of the girls a loving letter giving them advice for the future and what to look for in a future husband. He had finished a class at our Illinois church and was passing on wisdom that he had learned. I love that he is able to verbalize to them not to “settle”. He knows how hard marriage can be and how wonderful it can be and he desires for them to be equally yoked.

Michael and Allie-graduation weekend.

Vaughn Dube’ Story was my daddy. He had three daughters and I'm the "baby". He was an amazing man of integrity and was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. His mother was a Christian but he never talked about faith or attended church. (I think she was all about the rules of religion rather than a relationship so he got "turned off"...)

During my childhood my daddy would get my big sisters and I off to school before he would drive to his office in downtown Indianapolis.I remember the little things he always did; he ironed for us, picked me up from cheerleading practice and let me work as his secretary sometimes during the summer. He always took me to the Indianapolis Press Club for lunch and showed me off to all his friends. He passed away in January of 1993...too soon.He had been on the town council and the mayor even had all the flags in our town flown at half-mast in his honor. I choose to believe that he asked Jesus into his heart at some point and is waiting for me in Heaven. I miss him very much.

Last week I attended my youngest daughter’s Young Life Campaigner small group. The discussion was on their personal relationship with God. I listened to my daughter as she described God as her Daddy in Heaven. Oh, she is a lucky girl to have an earthly father who has raised her up in a way that she trusts and loves her creator like a Dad.

Michael and Sarah-being their usual goofy selves.

Do you know your heavenly father like a Daddy? “Abba Father” is there for you.

Wishing Michael, my father-in-law Richard, and all your husbands and Dads a Happy Father’s Day!!

In His Grip, Jane

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, June 14th, 2011

Outside my window... the sun is glistening on the water. It's in the mid-50's.

I am thinking...I wish I could have been in Denver last night with Mike. His boss hosted a dinner at his home for everyone in town for a pharmacy conference. Their home is gorgeous. It’s been featured in Luxe magazine, a publication his wife started.

I am thankful for…my marriage. Even though we weren’t together, our 28th anniversary was on Saturday.

From the learning rooms... only one more week of school for Sarah! She gives her “Junior Exhibition” on Lucille Ball today. She’s using a clip of the eating chocolate episode from You Tube-so funny!

From the kitchen... I will be whipping up lots of milk shakes and smoothies.

I am wearing...my Old Navy boyfriend cropped jeans, an embellished t-shirt from Target, Gap navy blue sweater and my pink converse.

I am creating... a driving plan for Mike and I when we head down to Napa, California the first week of July.

I am going...to be T.J.’s nurse for a couple days. He just got his four wisdom teeth out this morning. I pray his recovery will be quick and not too painful.

I am reading...I finished “She Makes it Look Easy” yesterday. I am starting Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah. (I hope I haven’t read it before…You know that feeling?)

I am hoping...the “Thundershirt” I ordered for my dog Sadie fits and helps. She suffers from major anxiety during storms (lots of them in Illinois) and she’s just anxious all the time. It’s kind of like a straight jacket for dogs; it applies constant pressure.

I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator and T.J. calling me.

Around the house… I mopped last night. I really need to scour the shower.

One of my favorite things…Philosophy fragrances. I wear Amazing Grace all the time and I wish I had Baby Grace and Summer Grace. While I was looking around the counter at Nordstrom a nice sales woman set me up with samples of all the skin care line. I’m hoping Eye Hope works!!

A few plans for the rest of the week: take care of my son after oral surgery, work Wednesday morning?, meet girlfriends for lunch, attend a wedding shower being held here at the house, participate in a walk to raise money for Epilepsy research on Saturday morning, maybe hit our Farmer’s market, wish my husband and father-in-law a Happy Father’s Day from afar.If Mike flies to Spokane to try and trade the Subaru for a different car, then I'll probably be driving over to Spokane this weekend.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I was sitting outside before church Sunday morning and suddenly I saw a Crane “fishing”. My camera doesn't zoom well. Do you see him walking in the water by the white boat?

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

Celebrations to Suds

Saturday Michael and I celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary. Well, sort of. He was in Denver and I was here. (But I keep reminding myself, we had Rome…) All our wedding pictures are back in Ilinois so I thought I’d share a photo from our oldest son’s wedding celebration last July. I love you Mike!

The Father of one of my dear small group friends passed away this week and his memorial service was Saturday afternoon. I admired how his whole family honored him and celebrated his life by sharing memories, reading scripture and singing. The message was very uplifting. The pastor spoke of how his wife cared for him and I thought of the vows “in sickness and in health”.

Psalm 121 was read . ”I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Verses 1,7,8)

I stopped by a send-off celebration on my way home. My friend’s son is heading down to San Antonio for the Air National Guard Boot Camp. Christian was a classmate of my son T.J. He’s a wonderful young man and I wish him all the best!

I didn’t have any plans for Saturday night and I knew our laundry was getting out of control, so I decided to head to a Laundromat and just get it done. Normally I use the appliances here in the wonderful home I’m living in, but the girls returned from Europe and they had lots of loads to do.

Our town doesn’t have any Laundromats-guess we’re too swanky. Anyway, I headed to Tacoma and learned that just like in my kid’s dorms, they now use “laundry cards”. A super nice attendant helped me learn how to work all the machines.

I sipped my iced Latte, read my book, watched people come and go and reminisced. When I was a newlywed I would walk to a Laundromat that was near our tiny apartment and do Mike’s restaurant clothes. Now he wears dress shirts that I drop off at the cleaners.

I watched the clothes swishing through the washer window and thought of the book I used to read to my classes called Theodore. It’s the story of a little bear that accidently gets thrown in the machine. The bear comes out so clean that its owner hardly recognizes it.

If Jesus washes me white as snow am I changing so my character is getting more like His and less like mine?

The bubbles I had envisioned for my anniversary were the pink Mumm kind, not the suds in the washing machine kind. I still don't like my machines in the basement in Illinois, and I could have pouted to all my friends about spending my anniversary alone doing loads, but then I looked around and was reminded that I don’t have to come to the Laundromat week after week.

Whether I’m celebrating life or life-everlasting, with or without Mike, using my own appliances or ones I have to pay to use, I know the Lord is keeping me and watching over me.

I wonder how we'll be celebrating our 29th anniversary?

How about you? Have you been to some celebrations lately? Have you spent many wedding anniversaries apart from your spouse?

In His Grip, Jane

Bumps and Blessings

Bumps are annoying, but inevitable.
I really don’t like bumps. They’re usually not attractive and typically slow us down. Physical bumps hurt or itch, bumps in the road hurt our cars or our schedules.

At the moment my older sister is fighting some serious bumps. She was doing some lawn work in her son’s yard and came down with a major case of…you guessed it; poison ivy. I feel so bad for her. It spread everywhere and it’s really hot right now in Indiana. She has to stay inside where there is air conditioning and wear long sleeves. Even after three prescription medications from the doctor, she’s still miserable. Perhaps she needed the rest after a busy year of teaching high school P.E. and being the department head. She has been forced to slow down and rest.

The small island I’m living on has a speed limit of 15 and a bazillion speed bumps so residents and visitors are more likely to follow the speed limit.
One morning I was heading to meet girlfriends for a walk and on the way to the bridge was a detour sign. I had to turn around and go ALL the way around the island. Maybe I should have counted the speed bumps, rather than counting the minutes I felt I was wasting. Perhaps the speed bumps should have reminded me about the speeding ticket I was issued in Tacoma a few weeks ago. I get to zipping along in my little red Kia and don’t always pay attention to the posted speed limit. The speed bumps forced me to slow down.


One of the doggies I’m watching developed a huge lump under her eye. The family was out of town and I was in charge. Due to her discomfort she scratched it until it ruptured and was dripping blood. I took her to the Vet where she was given meds and within a week she was back to normal. Her bump didn’t really slow her down…

We're going along at our normal pace when life (or God) gives us “bumps”. Whether we want to be or not, we are forced to slow down. When I’m with my kids or Mike I’m living life at a normal or fast pace, but when I’m alone here in Washington I feel as if I must brace myself for the jerky, uncomfortable feeling that will probably come. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t mind being by myself, but too much time alone, just like too many speed bumps in a row, is painful.

When my four kids were little time flew by and every day was crazy and I treasured the moments I could take a break and just thumb through a magazine. Perhaps God wants me to focus on Him right now and all the blessings He’s given our family. Maybe something's coming that will take lots of energy so I need to rest up and be ready.

I feel the stop and go movement of my life and wonder if it will seem like a smooth country highway a year from now. My youngest is officially a senior in high school as of today and will be graduating in June of 2012. I don’t want to rush her experience just because I’m anxious to get back to Mike. I hope her senior year will be full of fun memories, many blessings and no major bumps.

One of my favorite new Christian songs is called Blessings and it’s by Laura Story. Go on You Tube and check it out.

How about you? Are you on a journey right now that is filled with speed bumps or smooth roads?

In His Grip, Jane

Who Am I and Where Am I?

Who am I today? Where am I today? It’s a bit confusing living in two towns...

Sometimes I’ll be at the Target in Gig Harbor, WA and get confused at the layout because it’s different from the one in Illinois. Just when I’ve mastered round-abouts and bridges, I head back to Glen Ellyn, IL where there are billions of 4-way stop signs and train tracks.

When I taught Kindergarten, I always read my class the Sesame Street book, I Want a Hat Like That during our Community Helpers unit. The book illustrations showed all the cute, furry creatures wearing the hats of firemen, cooks, painters, etc.

I loved how my students usually knew exactly what they wanted to be when they are adults. Me? I still don’t know for sure what I want to be “when I grow up”-- and I'm over 50 years old!

So far on my life journey I’ve worn the "hats" of: a daughter, sister, student, aunt, friend, retail worker, waitress, sorority girl, wife, teacher, daycare provider, mentor, volunteer, beginner blogger, and mom (both working and stay-at-home.)

Currently I’m: a long-distance/part-time wife, hands-on mom to a high schooler, across the state mom to 3 older kids, new mother-in-law, part-time childcare provider, housemate, beginner blogger and constant packer. (I also am still a daughter, sister, friend, auntie, etc...)

When I’m in Illinois I am the newbie who is a full-time housewife trying to make her new nest feel like home. I clean, cook, garden and decorate, walk my dog, meet Mike for lunch and try to make new friends.

Here in Washington I’m the Mom who is back temporarily so my child can complete high school with her best friends. I am the part-time childcare provider so I get my kid-fix and a free gym membership. I am the friend who is without a date for events, the person without a home of my own-but totally blessed by a family’s generosity. I am the semi-desperate woman looking for a place to reside during my daughter's senior year in high school.

I swing back and forth between the two identities, sort of like my son used to “swing” back and forth between the Jr. Varsity and Varsity basketball teams. We still remember the season he played on both teams; there were different expectations, frustrations, extra responsibilities, (his parents had to sit through two games), more confidence on one court than another, aspirations for the future and two coaches with different styles… At the time I didn't know I would relate to his experience.

I have treasured friends here in Washington that know me, but I agree with the bracelet I wear that says "home is where my husband is." And so... I think about what I might be when Sarah graduates and I will live full-time in Illinois. Will I teach? Will I work in retail? Will I wear a volunteer “hat”? I'm counting on him to... “show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow…” Psalm 25:4

For now I'm thankful I only have ONE coach and I know he’s my creator and redeemer who keeps his promises.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11

God's word reminds me that no matter who I am or where I am, that I'm his beloved child. 

I actually don’t look great in hats--they mess with my bangs. So, I guess while I swing back and forth between states and homes I should stick to wearing a crown. After all, I'm the daughter of a King!

What "hats" are you wearing right now? You probably know where you are, but do you know whose you are?

In His Grip, Jane

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, June 7th, 2011

Outside my window... windy, gray, 50’s. (Quite different from the hot sunny days I had in Illinois & Indiana over the weekend!)

I am thinking... about our former pastor, Glenn McDonald, back at Zionsville Presbyterian Church. We were visiting there on Sunday and he announced he’s leaving for a new position as a spiritual leader with Ascension. Cool how God allowed us to be there to say goodbye.We attended The Great Banquet at ZPC back in the early 90's and found out they will have their 100th banquet this fall!

I am thankful for…the opportunity to see my Mom, sister and great friends back in Indiana on Saturday.

From the learning rooms... only two more weeks of school!

From the kitchen...we’ll need to have a big salad for dinner before our lettuce goes bad.

I am wearing...blue robe now, later I’ll be wearing my white jeans, patterned tank and tan sweater.

I am creating...a pile of graduation cards I need to address and get in the mail.

I am going...to meet two of my best girlfriends for lunch at the Garden Room in Uptown.

I am reading...I just finished Life After Yes and am hoping She Makes it Look Easy, by Marybeth Whalen arrives in my mailbox today. If not, I’ll start Jane Eyre.

I am hoping...Mike can find a good price on plane tickets for our older daughter to get to Costa Rica in August for her student teaching.

I am hearing...the dog’s collars jingle as they head upstairs.

Around the house…back at our Illinois house I puttered and put my bowls of seashells out, hung the fun striped star on the front door, put little flags in a pitcher for the 4th, got a new pendant light for Mike to hang over our kitchen island/table. Here in Washington Sarah left her clothes ALL over the bedroom; she must change her outfit four times before deciding what to wear.

One of my favorite things…riding in the convertible on a sunny day with Mike, singing to Kenny Loggins at the top of my lungs.

A few plans for the rest of the week: lunch out today, work in the morning, working out, and that’s all I’ve got planned until I pick up T.J. from the airport Sunday afternoon.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

We passed this fun garden while driving around Zionsville, Indiana. So cute! I bet she's going to be in the garden tour. When I get home to Illinois in July, I've got some work to do in my yard...

To join the fun, visit Peggy at:
http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In His Grip, Jane

One Year Ago

It’s my blog’s one year anniversary. On June 1st, 2010, I blogged for the first time. 24 Count-down was about all the drama my family was going through since my husband got promoted and we were about to leave Washington State and head to Illinois. (I've noticed a lot of soap operas have gone off the networks. Perhaps it's because the Carver family always has so much going on that we could almost have our own show?...)

A lot has happened in a year…

We did leave our yellow house and move to Glen Ellyn, but here I am living most of the time back in Gig Harbor.

We did find a home for our little black cat named Zoe (although she ran away and lived in the woods last summer until “Grandma Joan” rescued her.)

T.J. did graduate from high school, worked all summer at a job he didn’t like and started Whitworth University (which he loves!)

Our daughter Allie did make it back from England and completed her degree-almost in four years. (She still has to student teach in the fall.)

Mitch & Amy did get married and they are going to be celebrating their first anniversary by moving to Glen Ellyn to live in our house and save money and pay off school loans. (Hopefully they’ll both get jobs!)

Sarah did move to Illinois with us and despite this transition being covered in prayer she was miserable. (That’s why I’m back in Gig Harbor- so she can finish high school here…)

Our pets Sadie & Tigger did adjust to their new surroundings-finally. Sadie has a new puppy friend next door named Allie, and a pet care-provider named Jim. Tigger stays inside and continues to “give us the paw” and leave cat hair on Mike’s dining room chair.



I did learn how to attach photos and highlight scripture. I am still a baby blogger. I took care of one year olds in our church nursery this spring so I know that one year olds have a lot to learn, just like this blogger.

Thank you friends and family for taking the time to read my stories…I really appreciate you and hope that as I process and share the lessons that God is teaching me that I bring Him glory. As I grow, I want to keep passing on what I’m learning.

“Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others”
2Timothy 2:1-2

In His Grip, Jane