Monday, December 31, 2012

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. 

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Revealed

You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence. 
Psalm 90.8 NIV

Saturday, December 29, 2012

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.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Kindy clan

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

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Adorable

Our wisewoman and shepherdess. 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Cupboards

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

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Monday, December 24, 2012

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. 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

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

Saturday, December 22, 2012

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.

Friday, December 21, 2012

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.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Dishwatcher

Charlie keeps an eye on me as I wash dishes. 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Framed

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

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

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.



Monday, December 17, 2012

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.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Renew

renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 NIV

Saturday, December 15, 2012

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.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Gala

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

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Engrossed

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

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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%.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

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. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

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.


Sunday, December 9, 2012

White

Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow 
Isaiah 1:18 NIV

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Friday, December 7, 2012

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. 



















Thursday, December 6, 2012

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. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Tuesday, December 4, 2012