Reading

The goal of my reading over break is not to read every word, but to begin to gain an understanding of my students' culture. 

Revealed

You have set our iniquities before you,

our secret sins in the light of your presence. 

Psalm 90.8 NIV

1 hour 14 minutes

Julie's internet has been down the past few days, so when it came on yesterday we had a lot to talk about. We talked for over an hour before her internet blinked us off. Technology is wonderful.

Kindy clan

I was commissioned to photograph the thirty members of the David Kindy family on Christmas Eve. 

Adorable

Our wisewoman and shepherdess. 

Cupboards

It cost me a pan of lasagna, but it was worth it to get some more cupboards hung.

Mary

Stomach ache

Charlie went on an unsanctioned scavenger hunt the other day and came back with a giant stomach ache. He spent the next couple of days recovering. 

Call

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

 Isaiah 6:8 NIV

Christmas flowers

Julie sent some money for Christmas at the Cookie house. I bought red carnations and baby's breath and arranged them in vases with cranberries and evergreens from the trees and bushes in the yard.

Illumination

I'm not usually home when the sun shines through the windows. Now that I'm on Christmas break, I was horrified to discover dust and cobwebs hidden in shadowy corners. I've dusted and swept, but as soon as I put away the broom or the dust cloth I spot more dust and cobwebs. So, I've decided to only entertain guests in the evening.

Dishwatcher

Charlie keeps an eye on me as I wash dishes. 

Framed

The neighbor's grain bins are reflected in the window as the sun sets.

Cookies

 The Cookie house lived up to its name last week, when my Mom, my sister-in-law and two of my sisters came over to bake Christmas cookies. When Logan heard where the ladies were going he told them to take the van to make sure they had plenty of room to haul all those cookies home.

Reorganization

I decides the clothespin couple fit nicely in the laundry area. 

Last week I organized the sunroom. Since Julie left in October, the sunroom, which was her domain, had accumulated odds and ends from various household projects. I had two objectives, besides straightening the room. I wanted a place for the table, which I convinced my family to help me salvage from the side of the road, and I wanted a place to store extra bags of pellets for the stove. Along with those changes, I made a few smaller, decorating changes.

I covered Julie's bulletin board with pictures from the calendar Lauren Mae gave us last year.

I positioned the extra table in the sunroom so that I see it, rather than the ironing board. My plan is to use the extra table when I have guests.

Renew

renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10 NIV

Coworks

Photo credit: Jewel.

When I talked to Koreans over the phone, they often told me about their "coworks."

So, here's a picture of me with some of my coworks from the Office of International Programs at Saginaw Valley State University. And, despite popular belief, Santa doesn't live in the North Pole; he actually works in the OIP advising international students.

Gala

We celebrated the end of the semester Wednesday night with a party in honor of our matriculating students and the upcoming American holidays.

Engrossed

Charlie discovered a deer carcass in the ditch. I allowed him to bring a bone home and he was engrossed for hours.

Grades

Grading essays.

It's the time of year when 74.17% is oh-so-close and yet, oh-so-far from a passing grade of 75%.

View

The view through my window as a I sit at my desk, except I trimmed the apple tree, all but the tallest suckers that I can't reach without a ladder. 

Cookie carolers

After singing at the Dow Garden's Christmas Walk on Friday night, some of the carolers stopped at the Cookie house for caramel corn, hot chocolate, and, of course, cookies.

White

Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow 

Isaiah 1:18 NIV

Color

Cookie exchange

I was commissioned by my sister in Africa to photograph the Christmas cookie exchange my mom and sisters hosted last Saturday.  As you can see, Julie, the house was full of yummy cookies and cute kids. 

Postcard addition

The latest addition to my postcard collection is of "Big Ben" in London. Julie picked it up while on a layover in London and sent it from Zambia. 

Lath and plaster

Building