11 Years Ago Today......

This morning. 

We are sitting on the back deck watching the contractor start the process of putting our yard back together.  He is filling in the massive trench that was dug out a few days back.  A least 1/3rd of our back yard was torn up to fix our plumbing problem.  And, the trench that stretches the length of our back yard is a good 5 feet deep.  It's been an incredible process to watch.  

Our landlord (right) with our friends the Aveys.  

Goodbye Trees

Before the new piping was put in

We were with out plumbing for 7 days.  Not bad as we were thinking it was going to be 10 days.
As much as we could easily complain about it, we choose to find the fun and adventure in it.  And, in return it was fun and adventurous!  Through this process we ended up growing more empathetic to all those around the world who are completely with out plumbing;  who have no way to wash clothes or dishes and no way to shower or go to the bathroom-at least not in a sanitary way. I am grateful for this experience.  I am glad my daughter got a lesson in having to do things the hard way while making a choice to not complain.  It was good for all of us!

We are grateful for our landlords. They have made this process easy.  They have been wonderful and compassionate.  We are thankful for them and how well they have taken care of us.

As much as there are things I am going to miss, like the sound of the backhoe and the daily free and unique entertainment, I will be very grateful to have our fence back up so that cats and dog can chill out back again.   I am pretty sure the cats have been plotting their revenge for days now.

On a different note:

11 years ago today I met Loren Craig Statema.

11 years ago today I gained a best friend. 

We met at Sight and Sound Theatres during orientation for our new jobs.

Loren was from New York (who had originally planned to move back home to Puyallup, WA before auditioning for S&S) and I was a 19 year old, first time away from home girly girl from Florida living out my theatrical dream.  Who knew the two of us who are from opposite sides of the country would eventually meet up in the small Amish town of Lancaster.  

I can not imagine my life with out Loren in it.  

Thank you Loren for pursuing me with respect and passion.  Thank you for all the creative friend dates you took me on.  For taking care of me and for never giving up on me even when I turned you down originally.  I love you so much.  And, I love our life together.  

To the next 11 years and beyond!

Random Photos from this weekend:

We went to Yakima yesterday and shared a
Mint Chocolate Chip Milk Shake at the Soda Fountain

Gracie's 1st time getting her hair cut at a real
salon. 

Excitement for the week to come:


Work, work, work for Loren and I.
Gracie's 1st Dance Class of the new year (Tues. the 13th)
1st Day of Kindergarten (Wed. the 14th)
Gracie's 1st day of Kids Club (Thurs. the 14th)

It's going to be a busy lovely week and we can't wait!

A Much Needed Day

Today has been a good day.

Loren only had to work from 5am-9am which was a huge blessing as he's literally been working non-stop for over two weeks now with out a break or time to be home with us.

I jazzercised it up at 9am.
Boy is it good to be back into it! 
I feel so much better this week.

At 11am we met with Gracie's Kindergarten teacher.  Mrs. Folley tested Grace and did some crafts with her while Loren and I filled out a ton of paper work.  It was super fun.  We got all our questions answered and Mrs. Folley got to see who Grace was and told us she was so thrilled to have her in her class.  Then we came home, packed a lunch, got our swim suites on and headed to Irene Rinehart park.  We ate, read, relaxed, searched for shells and rocks and just had a wonderful time relaxing together.

Then we came home to...........a toilet that works (of course it started leaking and flooded the bathroom, but my awesome hubby was able to fix it right away!)!!  Hooray. Laundry-GO.  Dishes-GO.  Before we can use the shower, we have to scrub scrub scrub away....but, it's coming along.  Our entire back yard is dug up just about and will remain open (it's a good 6 feet deep) until the inspector comes on Monday. After we are approved the yard will be put back together.  What a wild ride this last week has been for us!

Nap time followed our excitement after returning home to plumbing that works!
I laid in bed for almost 2 hours.  It was utter perfection.

Then we made breakfast for dinner: chocolate chip pancakes, eggs with mozzarella, sausage and vanilla yogurt.  Such comfort food.

To end our day Loren and Grace are in the hospital parking lot working on some bike riding.
I'm cleaning and getting things back in order.

It's been a GREAT day!

Now, GO and ENJOY your weekend!


***If you have noticed I have not posted photos in quite awhile, it's because I can not find my charger. I brought it to Puyallup with me a few weeks ago and haven't seen it since :(  
So bummed.  I need to figure out something ASAP as Grace starts Kindergarten in T-Minus 5 days and I need to capture this once in a life time moment.  Please pray we find it or find a good deal on one on line (none of the camera shops here sell what we need-sigh).  Thanks.

Rounding Out Summer

This is how I would love to spend all of my days.
Thinking I might move on over to Hawaii some day.

Labor day weekend came and gone which means fall is just around the corner.
As much as I love fall, summer had such a late start that I am not ready to let it go just yet especially since it was only two months ago that we put away our winter attire.  

Thankfully, "my" efforts to keep summer around longer are working.
Temps have been in the 90's this week!
And, thus my plan is working ; )

Here's to taking advantage of ever day of sun and warmth that we have left.

7 days until Grace Starts Kindergarten.  Grace can not wait.  The rest of the school district started today and she wanted to start with them.  It's been so hard for her to wait.  This Friday we get to have a special meeting with her teacher, just the three of us.  It'll give her a chance to get to know us and us a chance to get to know her and ask any questions we might have.  We will celebrate the fun occasion by picnicking at Carey Lake.

Day 5 of having no toilet, shower, washing machine or dish washing access and at least 5 more days to go.  Bring It On, Camping From Home Adventure!  Our landlord just swung by and I think things will finally get moving on the plumbing next Monday.  The trees (yes, plural.  We found out a 2nd tree needs to be removed as well, as does part of our fence.  The cats, who can't get enough of the outside, are less than thrilled to be me moving in doors) will be removed either tomorrow or Friday.  Part of our fence needs to be taken down today so the cats need to be moved in doors for the time being.  It's all one big wonderful adventure. 

Thank goodness for the Sallee's who have let us shower at their home.  Today they were gracious enough to let us come do two loads of laundry.  We have been washing dishes out back in wash tubs and today I will bathe Grace in a baby pool.  All = a good story to add to the many pages of our Statema adventures.

Grace and I have used the last two weeks to hang out-just the two of us.  It's something we have both needed.  It's been life giving.  It's been refreshing and I see a change in Grace & myself. She seems happier. She is definitely a girl after my own heart- a homebody who enjoys doing things with family most!  She's happy just being at home or exploring outside with mom and dad.   It's been nice to do what we want and like most.  Simple things.   To not feel the need to be surrounded by a ton of people.  It's been freeing this week.

We are making some changes in our life/routine as of late.  Good changes.  Getting rid of things in our week that aren't life giving.  Adding things to our week that bring us joy.  

This weeks has been a good one.  Dinner with friends.  A friend date.  Kiddie pool time.  Quiet time.  Moon sand.  Baking.  Sunshine.  Go Fish.  Dinner out.  Walks. And, lots fun at home.

Have you reevaluated how you spend your time lately and who you are spending your time with?
It's not spring but doing some "life" spring cleaning is always a good idea.
Figure out the pros and cons.  See what is there that shouldn't be & get rid of it.  Add in stuff that will bring more richness to your life.  Happy Spring Cleaning!

Enjoy these last days of summer!  All too soon snow will be on the ground, the scent of pumpkin pie will be in the air, hot chocolate will be poured in to pretty mugs and the leaves will be changing and falling all around us.  Until then--outside we go, with sunblock of course.

Parade Day

It's Parade Day!

We'll snag a parking spot at Starbucks (we kind of know the manager-wink, wink) and walk down to Domino's where some great friends have set out earlier this morning to drop off our chairs so we have a place to sit when the parade arrives.   You could actually put your chairs out on the side of the road the night before the parade (what we did last year) and no one will think twice about taking them. A plus to living in a small town.  Nice job, Eburg!  You rock in that kind of way.


So, last night we had an "adventure."
Our toilet and tub got backed up and our toilet was leaking badly.
Called in plumber #1.  He said it doesn't look good.
Called in plumber #2. He stayed until 11pm and told us that our huge massive pain in the butt tree in the back needs to be fully removed and then the yard needs to be dug up in order to fix the old piping that the roots of that tree most likely are crushing.
And, our landlords are on vacation at Disneyland until the end of next week.
-Awesome-

So, we have no shower or toilet use until it's all fixed.
Double Awesome.

Sure, we could be bummed and upset about all this.
But, no thanks!
We laughed for awhile about it.
Laughed at the timing of it: a holiday weekend and our landlords are on a Disneyland vacation until the end of next week.  It's going to be a grand adventure.

Thankfully, our sweet friends, the Sallees, offered us the use of their shower anytime we want!
I am going to teach Grace the fine art of peeing outside or in a cup and we'll make some frequent trips to Starbucks for other bathroom needs, if ya know what I mean.

On that note, I hear a monkey waking up.
Off to get ready for the parade!
Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

Faith

I was awakened this morning at 4am and could not go back to sleep.
My mind was flooded with the thoughts that keep trying to pull me down.  To clog my mind.  To try and confuse me and make me doubt.  These thoughts also try and make me feel anger with a dash of anxiety-the kind that makes it hard to breathe.

I don't like my mind to be filled with junk.  I don't like to feel heat rising when I think of something someone did or said that was unkind.  I want peace in my heart and mind so I can go about my day actually living & giving.

So, I pray.  But this morning I rolled back and forth in bed exhausted with thoughts that wouldn't just up and go away so instead I up and went away and read.

I opened my bible and landed in Hebrews.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

It spoke of all the amazing people who showed true faith, who were promised great things and never gave up no matter what persecution came their way (mind you, some of the things were torturous). And, "these were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." (Hebrews 11:39)

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by a such a great clouds of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Hebrews 12 1-5


I want to have that kind of faith.
The kind of faith where no matter what comes against me I will not back down or let it effect who I am.
I want to endure and end strong.

Thank you God for the sensitive heart you created in me.
I pray that through tough experiences that rock us to our core, make us question everything and have the potential to send us into a tail spin we find a way to rise above.  That we find courage.  The courage to step forward instead of back even if stepping forward is scary & unknown.

"With out faith we can do nothing. With faith we can do great things through God's Power."

Hebrews Aside from the Family Reading Bible.

My daughters favorite song at the moment is Christy Nockles, Waiting Here for You.
It's a perfect song for today.  It's a perfect song for every day.

Please watch THIS video.
It might just change your day.

Summer, where did you go?

Brrrrrrrr......massive wind + cooler temps = a false start of fall?

I only hope since summer started very late that it ends up sticking around for at least another month.

Dear God,

We would love another Indian Summer, pretty please!

Love, girl from Florida who likes the warmth and sun very much!

The cool breeze has brought with it the Ellensburg Fair.

The Fair and Rodeo are a big deal around these parts.

People come from far away to see the famous Rodeo.  From what I hear it's pretty spectacular.

We won't be hitting up the Rodeo this year but we will be heading over yonder to the fair.

Tomorrow night to be exact.

It was the first "big" thing we did when we moved here last year.

It was one of those moments where I thought to myself, "I could really live here."

We are excited and can not wait to go.  We'll head out right after Loren gets off work and as soon as L-Man gets picked up for the day. We'll pack some sandwiches for dinner and walk over to the fair grounds.  I love that it's about a mile away.  No car needed. And, no crazy parking fees either.  

On a totally different note, I started my new job this week.

I started watching a just turned one year old.  He will be joining us two times a week for 5.5-8.5 hours a day (usually 8.5).  And, one week out of the month we won't have him.  God has been so good and provided me with a job that would pay our student loans that kick back in come September and a job where I could still be home with Grace.  Now, I asked for work and God provided in abundance.  I have 4 other job offers as well....3 cleaning gigs and a job at a Pharmacy, which equal just a few jobs too many.  A good problem to have, I must say.  Now I just need to move the people pleaser in me to the side and say no to a few of those jobs.  

Tomorrow is day number two of babysitting.  I need to rise & shine quite early as he gets dropped off at 6:20am.   So, I must bid farewell and hit the hay so I have the energy I'll need for a 12 month old, a 5 year old and a long day of work followed by lots of walking and fun at the fair.

But, I don't leave you empty handed.

Here are a few phone photos from weeks past.

Gracie's 1st letter to Santa.

Mailing the letter.

The girl loves birthday parties.  

Especially when there are fairy tattoos.  

Oh yes, and pinatas

When it's too nice outside to be inside.....

....and a mama has to mow.....

.....we pull out books and chalk....

....and, the girl goes to town.

That's right! We love to laugh. 

A 2011 summer favorite.  Back yard reading time on a blanket while eating a snack.

Getting ready for Kindergarten.

An evening stroll with friends

And, a game of good old fashion Red Light Green Light!

Good Night!

Happy Anniversary Ellensburg

12 months have come and gone.  What a year this has been.

We have had some amazing experiences that have brought about incredible growth and change.  And, we have also felt extreme heartache and sadness.

This year has been uniquely wonderful and crazy all at the same time and this 12 month mark comes at a pinnacle time in our lives.  God is stirring up some good stuff, allowing us to experience some hard times along side the glorious times so we can be refined.  We are remaining faithful (and vague, sorry).


For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. Psalm 66:10

Some memorable moments from Aug. 29th 2010-Aug. 29 2011:
In no particular order

-Loren became a 1st Time Manager at a Starbucks and was able to move back to a town he had always felt lead to come back to.

-I taught Dance for the first time to 3&4 year olds (Get Your Sillies Out).

-We spent Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter with the wonderful Sallee and Stahly family.

-I joined a Women's Bible Study for the first time.  

-I turned 30 and had the best birthday celebration week of my life.

-We got to experience Leavenworth during Christmas time. So magical! 

-Loren and I celebrated 8 years of wedded bliss.

-Grace watched fire works for the first time and loved them.

-We went sledding on Christmas Day; just the three of us.

-Grace turned 5 and we had a wildly fun birthday party at Jazzercise.

-Grace went to her first summer camp: Jazzycamp. 

-We said goodbye to our kitty, Squeakers.  

-Grace and I traveled alone for the first time. We went to TN to visit my mom.

-I fell in love with photography-like really fell in love with it.

-I had lots of lovely mama friends get pregnant; some with their 1st and some with their 3rd and 4th.  

-Grace and her BFF Grace stayed best friends even with the distance between them.

-We joined a Small Group for the first time.

-We hiked & explored like mad.

-Grace over came many fears and life issues that we didn't think would happen for many years to come.

-We volunteered for the University and were Tetta's community friend while he was here from Japan.  A major highlight and life changing experiences for our family.  

-I taught Grace preschool from home and actually loved every second of it.

-And, we all agree that one of the top moments of this last year was our FL and WDW trip. 
-And, the saddest moments of the year was losing Loren's brother, Kevin Statema. We miss you, Kev.   

It has been a roller coaster of a year.  Lots of highs, some lows, a few surprise twists and turns and a whole lot of laughter and fun.

Thoughts on Eburg...

Ellensburg, as a city, ROCKS.  So many fun and unique things to do. All the roads are 25-30 miles an hour.  No one honks.  Everyone let's you go first or in from of them.  I love selfless drivers.  Every one's always smiling and saying Hi.  If you need a hand there is always someone near by that is willing to help out.  People are so nice. It's the safest town we have ever lived in.  Very little crime.  Very little noise.  There is farm land and gorgeous mountains that surround us on every side.  The skies are pristine.  The weather is nearly perfect in the summer.   We have learned that we don't need a mall, target, Costoco or Walmart (not that I wouldn't be utterly thrilled if a Target moved on in to town-just sayin).  We just learned to adjust.  It was a lot easier to adjust than I had originally thought.  It's a treat to have all our stores within a mile or two from our house.  Great landlords.  And, we live across the street from the hospital which has proven to be a blessing.  Ellensburg is a great town. And, with in a few days of moving here I was making friends and being invited places.  It was all so dreamy.  

And, those parts of it are still ever so dreamy.  However, as much as I was in love with living in a small town the first few months and still love a great number of things about it, I have taken my rose colored glasses off and now see how difficult it can be for someone like me to live in such a small town. Especially when you are a girl from one of the largest and most touristy cities in the U.S.  You could say it's not exactly what I am use to. 

Since living here I have experienced more anxiety than ever before. It seems like a common issues throughout the town. And, I am starting to put together the puzzles pieces as to why.  Everyone here is so friendly that it can be deceiving if you aren't gifted strongly in discernment.  I started believing that people might be different here and that it was a safer place for my soul to rest, forgetting that people are people and everyone makes mistakes. Yes, the people here are different.  And, I love that about Eburg. But, hearts still need protection and for awhile I let mine hang loose and during that time found out two things I do not like about small towns.   

Cliques and Gossip (Judgmental Attitudes):


I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind ... 1st Cor. 1:10 

A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy many keeps a secret Proverbs 11:13 

Now, in the midst of  the drama a small town can bring about, I have been blessed deeply with a handful of meaningful relationships that have left a deep impression on my heart.  I am grateful for the few friendships I have that are true and honest. Friends that are patient, kind, not self seeking, boastful or rude. Ones that rejoice in truth, never envy, are never quick to anger or judge.  These kinds of friendships are truly rare.  And, truly cherished by me.  To those of you that have been that to me and are that to me, thank you!

This summer has been very quiet.  Everyone has been busy with travels and summer fun.  And, it's been during this time that has been the loneliest for me since moving here.  Within this peaceful time I have been able to think a lot more, seeking God's truth and wisdom. He has brought me to a place where I feel ready for change.  To move forward.  To transition.  I feel a sense of urgency and at the same time a sense of needing to slow down and continue to reflect and appreciate the precious gems he has brought into my life.  It's been good.  Being refined is trying on one's endurance but I want to finish the race and I want to finish it strong.

For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. Hebrews 10:36 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2nd Tim 4:7

Now back to CELEBRATING 12 months of living in The Burg.


After 4 days of living in Ellensburg I wrote a list of pros and cons.  

Below is the list I wrote.  

September 2nd, 2010

Cons:

Having to leave our friends

Very windy

Extreme cold in the winter

No dishwasher 

Very small, very old house (the bathroom is the worst)

 No carpet

No mall

No Target

Not a lot of rain so we have to water a lot

Pros:

Small Town

Great community

Not as much rain and gloom

More sun

Small House (pro and con---less to clean--really makes you priorities what you actually need)

Big yard

We have a beautiful rose garden

Everything is near by

Lovely little library

Loren gets to ride his bicycle to work

Playground/park with in walking distance

Our house is on a quiet street across from the hospital (teeny hospital)

Friendly people (already making friends)

I get to be a stay at home mom

Lots of snow in the winter

Ellensburg Young Life

The fair is this weekend

The rodeo is this weekend

Great dance studio

And, here is my new list.

August 29th, 2011

Cons:

Cliques

Gossip/Judgmental attitudes

No rain in the summer.  Our water bill is high this summer.

Anxiety caused by what comes with living in a small town.

Lots of snow in the winter that doesn't melt for months.

After 12 months we still miss our friends in Puyallup.
Everyone knows everyone (and everything about everyone).

Pros:

Incredible hiking

Carey Lake/Yakima River

Sun, Sun, Sun

I like that we can walk to the places we need to go
Rodeo/Fair time
Community

Farmers Market

Wind. Everyone talks about how horrible it is but it's really not that bad.  I'll take wind over gloom & rain any day.

Kids Club
Mercer Creek Church

Jazzercise

True long lasting friendships

Utopia

Japanese Garden
AUAP

Living across the street from the hospital. 

Many wonderful parks to visit

Thank you Ellensburg for making this last year thrilling and life changing.
"Happy Birthday" as Grace would say.
We look forward to your fair this weekend!  Tiny, charming and full of town pride!