This past week Paul was going non-stop on projects at work and meeting with professors (for HOURS) about the article he has been preparing for publishing. In the meantime, I was swamped with assignments for grad school, including a 10 pg. paper that I knocked out like a champ! I must say that learning and researching the existence, causes, and solutions of homelessness really opened my eyes while humbling me at the same time. I have such a soft spot in my heart for the homeless, and I would just love it if God leads me in a direction to work more closely with such a vulnerable population of peoples. (I figured that most probably would not want to, so I did not post it; however, if you would like to see my research on the topic, let me know and I will post it or send it to you.)
I also spent time this week reading to upcoming fifth graders during Mayfair's LIFT program at church. This is more of a VBS for the Inner City, but they also incorporate the children's summer reading into the program. We had fun reading James and the Giant Peach, and they enjoyed receiving little prizes each day for their participation: a paper bag with "magic" growing beads (to represent the ones given to James by an old man in the book), glowsticks (to represent Mr. Glowworm), bouncy balls (to represent the hailstones that damaged the big peach), and pencils and candy (to represent the peach landing on the lightning rod of the Empire State Building). The crazy part is that I picked up the little prizes before ever realizing what the book was about - how neat that it all just worked like a charm! I will say, though, that I am going to NOT recommend that book for next year, even if it is on their summer reading list, because it had some dirty words in it that I had to read carefully to make sure to avoid any inappropriateness. Of course, the children never knew, and I'm pretty sure the leaders of the program did not either or they wouldn't have allowed that book. Such a shame - who knew children's books had such content?
Click to see pictures from the 2013 LIFT program!
With all the Friday Furlough going on around the arsenal, we are very thankful that Paul's hours did not get cut; however, these ten hour days make for a tired husband (although you would never know it because he goes non-stop working on stuff). I have to admit, though, that I am enjoying having him temporarily home a little more on Fridays. After a very busy week, we still managed to make time for each other and friends over the weekend. We were able to enjoy an early morning swim (we got up early to beat the little kiddos to the pool) and grilling out with a few friends (including me teaching my friend Lindley how to shuck corn). We even got to throw in a date night to our favorite place (ROLO'S - seriously the best southern food around for a really good price!) and enjoy a movie at a theatre without hearing "Hey, Mrs. Lanza!" Considering the movie watching, I just have to throw in that we recently talked about our witness to others and decided that we needed to be more careful about what we watch. Although others may think it's a little crazy, we have found that cutting out shows and movies with any questionable content, even if it seems small, has just really blessed us so much! With all the media around, it isn't easy, but I strongly encourage it!!
Also, after a doctor's appointment a few weeks back and looking at charts, I realized that I am needing to lose about ten pounds to be at a "healthy" weight for my height and bone size. I have to say that I gave Advocare (a program that most people love to aid in exercise, nutrition, and minimal weight loss), but I just couldn't do it. After realizing that I apparently have issues working a blender and wasting half the meal-replacement shake, as well as gagging while trying to take 12, yes TWELVE, horse-pill vitamins on a daily basis, I decided that this was definitely not for me. Kudos to those of you who can make it work! As for me, I will just continue my regular exercise at the gym and eating healthy, and my weight will just have to reside where it may. In speaking of food, I also have to admit that I had way too much fun on our week to take breakfast to Sunday School. While some said that it looked like a gourmet bakery in class, I can only respond with, "When cooking is not your strong suite, you make up for it with cuteness!" haha
Lastly, I have to give a shout out to my wonderful husband for working diligently our DREAM CLOSET!! He has finished all of it except for the shoe wall (yes, you heard that right - SHOE WALL!!!). We had debated for awhile on whether to keep the white wire shelving, and we decided to put in wood shelving instead. I am so glad we did, and it looks absolutely AMAZING! Once we get it finished and organized, I will post more pictures. In the meantime, I have finally gotten enough decorations up around the house to make it feel more like a home. It only took me a year, haha, but hey decorations are not cheap. Here are a few pictures of the house...
We hope this letter/update finds you well, and I hope you enjoyed reading and viewing the pictures! Please keep in touch, and remember that we LOVE to hear from you! Until next time...
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