Jennifer's update

Hey everybody,

Thanks for your patience. I know there have been many of you to connect with me wondering when the next installment was coming. Here it is...and fraught with miracles and waiting...sometimes not-so-patiently.

Well, God made a way for me to stay in San Diego. I was very open to leaving, in fact my room had been packed for a month (out of a conviction that I was transitioning) and the car had been packed for days as of last Thursday. A few weeks ago, there was a woman I met through a mutual gathering place that mentioned she had a studio for rent. I asked if I could come see it. She said, "Absolutely." I loved it at first sight! The home is located in downtown San Diego...old three story Victorian with generations of history saturating the walls and furniture. Gloria, the 81 year old's name, is pure magic--a violinist, a lover of God, a vivacious and intelligent woman...who is currently kicking my butt in Scrabble. I love it. I love her. The garden on the grounds is San Fran style with potted tress and flowers everywhere. It's totally me for any of you who know how much I love old places and especially old Victorian homes and colorful gardens. I rent the studio in back of the house...and there is an old garage full of tools and old, good things in which I have my art studio.

This past Thursday, I almost didn't get the place... I was packed and ready to go. I still had not heard from the Holy Spirit about where to go or what to do, but had heard through many praying for me to "wait." I had no idea if that was a physiological waiting or a spiritual waiting. So, I prayed on Thursday morning around 3 am...and not without some serious tears... "Lord, if you want me to stay in SD, then I am asking that the studio with Gloria will be available. If you want me to leave, then please have the impossible happen and have someone within the past 48 hours rent it." Well, I called, and Gloria was beside herself. "Jennifer, I tried to call you over and over, but it was always busy. (She didn't dial my area code.) I didn't think it was possible, and I told you I'd wait for your decision until Friday, but 12 hours ago a woman came and looked at the studio and wanted it. So, I gave it to her. I'm so sorry." I told her it was ok...and trusted that I was supposed to leave. Then, at 10 pm that same night, she calls again and said, "Jennifer, you'll never believe this...but that woman called back just now and said she DIDN'T want the studio. Do you still want it?" I told her I would be there at 10 am the next morning.

The studio is the most beautiful home I've had in 3 years...in fact it is the only home I've had to myself in that amount of time. I have slept better here than I have in 3 years. Gloria prays, and I can feel that on the property. Jesus knew what I needed. She loves me, and amazingly she calls me her blessing from Jehovah... I've become her muscle, a property manager and her technical wizard (I just set up a home network for her property and tenants, got her internet, and bidding on laptops for her...she still is actively playing violin in the area...she's been self employed for 22 years.) We both are happy, creative and energetic. We have the BEST conversations. She's teaching me Spanish and Italian... She's Italian...married Spanish. Lovely teacher. Delightful person. Sometimes I think I was born in the wrong era... :)

The amazing thing in all of this is that I contacted over 30 different rental opportunities in the past two months...and NO one, NOT ONE called or emailed me back. Gloria was an open door...strangely, she has a million doors in her house... The house has three storeys and is about 5000 sq ft. She hates to have to walk everywhere to get to another room, so almost every room has 3 or 4 doors. There are even more spare doors in her garage...antique doors, shutters, saloon doors, anything you can imagine. It's crazy. She likes collecting them. Hahha! For all of you who had heard from the Holy Spirit about the coming of an open door. She is the lady of doors.

I've been self employed for the past few months. The contracts keep coming in from strange places, but I'm still looking for full time work. I will be designing a web site, writing, designing marketing collateral and managing some of Gloria's properties... We should be able to work out a barter for a while...but a stable income would be nice...so keep praying all of you, my beloved peoples...

Thanks so much for reading. I genuinely appreciate your love, your interest and care.

Come see me. There's a spare bedroom...and the beach is only a ten minute drive over the Coronado bridge...

Tons of love to all.

j

I need to see a new post (even if it is my own stuff!)

Aunt Renee here and after clicking on the blog a zillion times these past couple days and there were no new posts, I decided that I should just do my own since maybe you are thinking the same thing! I just returned from Spanish II where I need a grande Panera coffee before I go just to be able to keep up! Between I like, she likes, they like and he has, she has, they have, my brain is swimming by the time I'm done (I don't want to even hear about how easy it all is my young spanish nieces . . . . )

Here is a picture that I took of my very cool Junior Achievement bag that I received about 4 weeks ago. I've been teaching JA to 3rd graders at East Elementary in Grandville and THEY ARE BRILLIANT. The 5 weeks is about city planning. . . zones, business, consumers, producers and entrepreneurs! This week is spring break but next week is the last class and it will be about banking and keeping a checkbook ledger (obviously, they did not check out my qualifications for teaching that subject!) but I have loved it! They crack me up because they ask me things like 'do you wear the same clothes every day like a uniform?' (not a ton of variety in the ol' funeral home dress code :))

I don't know about you but I don't think I could even say entrepreneur (I still can't spell it without copying it from the book) in 3rd grade let alone learn about city planning and what goes in what zone. A couple of weeks ago was about starting a restaurant and all that is involved so I brought Rainbow Grill bran muffins because what says Grandville more than those bran muffins. Uncle David thought that was a bad idea since what 3rd graders wants/likes/needs bran but they liked their little quarter of a muffin. One little girl kept asking what the 'flavor' was. . . she didn't get that 'bran' was a flavor! Her teacher told her to just eat it, she would appreciate it when she was older!

Anyway, I so hope I get to keep my bag because it is so fun, just like the past 5 weeks.

The latest news

Well Hi there so everyone knows we are BACK !!!, Gramps

here. we went to Florida for the month of Feb. stayed in

Venice, Had a fine time, got home about hte 3rd of March

Took two weeks to read all our mail and the B B. (thats

blessed blog) . Started packing for a trip to Tenn. went

to the Grand ole Opry, stayed two nights in the VERY PLUSH

Ryman Hotel, with our Driver and his wife Barbara Grace,

then went to Dr. Vander Veens residence for two nights and

enjoyed our Family, Kids, Grandkids, & Great grandkids.

Then returned to our Wonderful Home to see the Flowers in

bloom Daffidills, crocus (sp) and green grass.

What a WORLD !!! We leave again in May for a trip to

lancaster Penn. with Dick & Dolores Moore to see the

Stage productions , by Bus a real old folks vacation.

Love and Prayers Gramps & Gramma T.B. O.G.I.G.

hello again,
So last week was awesome out. so Jason and I decided to take the Harley out for a drive. It so nice. We start on our house this weekend, Andy is coming over to dig the hole for us. Praise God we're starting. Last week i woke up to Eli holding a waffle in my face saying he was hungery at 6:30 in the morn'n. I told him he was not aloud to go in the fridge without asking when i was sleeping. anywho i got made him breakfast, he said he was sorry. Then he says " I was brave though" crack me up. He comes up with some funny sayings some times. So he's turning 4 in May Lily is 7 months now saying daaa daaa to which Jason loves. But i do have one question to the moms: we have been going through some rough times with eli. Everytime we say something he does not like or want to do he start crying and throwing a fit. Or when it's time to go to bed it's always I"m not tired i don't want to and the crying agian.? Any suggestions that would be wonderful. I don't know if there's something were not giving him that he's needing maybe i don't know. But i am at the end of my rope with how to handle it. love to all and happy trails.
audrey

A New Goal Accomplished... Almost

Today I am busy but craving adult conversation. So I thought I would post a blog about my latest endeavor in the athletic realm. I love setting new workout goals and pushing myself past my limits. Last summer I trained for a minitriathlon. It was a mini, mini but was challenging me. I had a fear of water and had a tough time swimming out to the diving dock at the cottage. (I know... pathetic!) So I swam 300 yds, biked 6 miles, and ran 3 miles. It was really fun. This winter I was looking for another challenge. Thanks to a convincing sister, I decided to train for the 5th, 3rd Run in May. They have a 25K run which is around 15 miles. I ran track in high school and even in college a bit but I WAS A SPRINTER. That means that anything over a mile is LONG distance to us. The 3 mile run for my minitri was tough enough. So this was a huge goal. I committed to training for it but have waited to actually make the commitment to run it. This is mostly due to the time commitment it takes to actually train for the long runs. Well, yesterday I ran 10 miles. I was so proud of myself. I actually teared up a bit! It is funny when you accomplish something that you realize you didn't actually believe you could do. I had hoped I could push myself enough to do it but I guess deep down I had some serious doubts. I am really sore today but it was SO worth it. So now I am announcing to the world that I am going to run the entire race... the whole 15 miles. I am pretty excited and really enjoyed my run yesterday. I am at the point now where I can run 3-5 miles and it is fun. That is pretty sweet. Just thought I would add another interesting realm to the blogging world. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Adios!

~Jen

Springtails

Here's the lastest bug we've discovered up here in Traverse City....after talking to a very nice gentleman at Colliers Pest Control we're a little more at ease. He said they're called springtails or snow fleas but I prefer springtails! We found these little black 'specks' in our basement around the door leading outside and then on Monday when the weather was fabulous we were horrified to find them COVERING the foundation of our house. Kinda like a pile of ants that once you crouch down and really start looking they're EVERYWHERE.....EEWWW!!! I did some research online just now and found out that they're probably found in your backyard too! (see we don't get all the nasty critters!) Here's a short blerp on what I found...ya never know folks, this could be one of those 'useless facts' that might just come in handy some day! Luke you might actually enjoy this one!

Here goes:

Most of us have never noticed snow fleas, unique little creatures that are really very common, and right under our noses. Here's how to find them.
On a warm, sunny winter day, take a look at the base of a tree where the snow may have melted down to expose some leaves, or where the snow is shallow or hollowed out just a bit. There you'll find a sprinkling of what looks like "pepper" or "ashes" on the surface of the snow. Snow fleas are actually tiny insects which come out on warm, sunny days to eat decayed plant material or sap oozing from the tree. They hop around acting like fleas and that's where they get their name, snow "fleas." They're not fleas though, but actually an arthropod called Collembola (kol-LEM-bo-la) or commonly called springtails which measure about 1/8 inch (2mm) long.

Blah Blah Blah...

SOOO Kim here again! I'm downstairs on the computer doing my daily check for any new posts! I felt like writing a little something, about nothing in particular really....just felt like writing! We had the Thelen family up for a visit last weekend - the weather could've cooperated a little better but it didn't rain so at least we got to get outside for the fresh 'hair' as Makayla calls it! =) We went to the Platte River Hatchery to check out the fish for all the guys (although us girls liked it too!). We discovered a whole section of the hatchery that we've never seen before and I've been there 3 times before! Hello...I know my blode roots are showing but are they really THAT bad?!? The guys got a chance to putz around with the GPS looking for lakes while the 2 little ones slept which gave Bren and I some peace & quiet too! Ahh...always love a little R & R! Then we ordered out at Chili's and went to Moomers for ice cream! Moomers is a local place....it's right on a dairy farm and they make all their own ice cream. It really is probably the best ice cream I've ever tasted!! Makayla ate her 'Supermoo' down in about 3 bites and kept saying all night 'that was very very very good ice cream!' =)
I just got done baking a batch of choc chip cookies for my sweetie to take with him as he heads up to Newberry in the U.P. tomorrow for work. He'll be gone for 3 days so again Makayla and I will have to conjure up new adventures and make special memories of our own. It gets lonely, yes, but it's funny how when it's just the two of us we always end up having that special mommy/daughter time. I try so hard not to take that for granted even though some days I feel like pulling my hair out!! =) Time invested in your kids is ALWAYS worth the return!! =) On that note I'll bid you farewell! Have a blessed week and don't forget to be thankful for everything you have, no matter how small. Life is to be treasured.... Love you all!

Is Anyone Else In Heaven?

I just had to post a very quick note to see if anyone else is in heaven with this weather!!! Of course, this won't be long because I have to get back in the sunshine. But I am so blessed by the sunshine and warmth I had to say, "Thank You Jesus!" I keep telling myself that it is only March and it probably won't last but while it is here we are loving it!! Enjoy!

~Jen

more love from aunt katie

These are professional pictures that Robin and Ben had done of Avary and I don't know if they got a chance to share them with you. So I thought I would. These are only a few, but sweet precious Avary looks so cute.

Love her auntie Katie

Aunts who love their nephews and nieces

I was getting bored of just looking at our old entries....so I posted a picture of hunter and kendall. Nothing likes little kids smiles. I wish more then anything that they lived right next to me.

Love their aunt katie

We need some excitement for this monday!!

This is Hunter and Kendall, bath time!!!Kendall has such a precious smile.

Miss my little honeys, good thing I will be home in MI in a few days for a little vacation!!!

changes

WOW! I am so impressed with this family of mine. Not one day has gone by where there wasn't something new to read about. Thank you to everyone for contributing, and for you new "bloggers" out there, welcome!

I personally have news of my own. Today I changed my major. It's not that I don't want to be a nurse anymore or that I don't think that I can do it, I've just been realizing that I need to pursue the passions of my heart and that for me is photography. I have written about the nitty gritty details on my blog. Thanks for all of your prayers as Jason and I are up here figuring things out!


~love you Stacey

Aaron & Barbara and the boys

Hello Everyone,
I do believe this is the first post from us, I tried once a while ago and hit a wrong key and lost it all. I'm back though to do this again, I've got so much to say so I'll just give you a little at a time.
Things are going wonderful here in Hudsonville, we've been staying so busy with church and work and wrestling. The boys have had a little wrestling clinic 2 nights a week for the last month (they have been really liking it. They will be done on Monday wrestling and then will start little league T-Ball in about 2 wks.
God is doing such wonderful things at church, He is on the move growing and stretching us. Barb has stepped up and is heading up a new ministry at our church called the Care Cupboard. She will be keeping it organized and keep up on the inventory, the goal is to expand on our food drives so we will have items in hand to help meet needs on a constant basis. So I am so proud of her for stepping out of her shell to do this, I know God will bless what she is doing.
We are also starting a small group at our house on Sundays for married couples, us and one other couple will be leading it so pray that God will touch lives. I also have a mens group that meets over here on Monday nights so we have been keeping busy.
We finally are just about done with our basement, the drop ceiling is in and we just got our new carpet in on Saturday( it's so soft) and I moved our main entry door to come into our fireplace room now so we can have more room to get in and actully have an entry. So things are looking a little different around here but we are almost done, just a little painting.
Well that will be it for now, till next time love ya all.

ANSWER TO JENS ?

Hello Jen I didn't know how to respond to your question so i thought i would do a post Yes i am still doing massages so to you OR ANY ONE WANTS ONE :) let me know i have myspace ( under audrey eisen )if you wanna contact me or email is milesofsunshine@yahoo.com or my number is 262.4428. please don't feel you need to call just so u have the info if you ever want one. love to all if any one can tel me how to respond to a question without posting something let me know pleaseeeeee. well im off to go play with eli outside it 's so nice out can;t wait for summer. man i could go onand on typing. I love it but i won't bore you all who reads :) I LOVE THIS FAMILY WE R SO GREAT. so ........... different might i say ok really i'll go now lol

Don't You Love How God Made Children?

I thought I would share a cute kid story. I love to see into the minds of my children. They are truly amazing when I take the time to learn how they think. I am continually shocked to discover how much they can actually comprehend, at all ages!

The other day the girls and I were discussing my grandpa dying. I told Tori and Elli that God had given me a picture of my grandpa and grandma in heaven. They were living with Jesus, worshipping and dancing and having so much fun. Tori just sat there quietly thinking. Then she asked me, "Mommy, does that mean that they live in my heart?" What an amazing connection to make! I had told them that my grandparents live with Jesus and she knew Jesus was in her heart. I never thought about that connection.

As we continued the discussion, Elli's wheels were turning also. Of course, in typical Elli fashion she was in a completely different area of thought. She says to me, "Mommy when I go to heaven, I think there is going to be a big blankie for me." I had to laugh. The one thing that both my girls hold very dear is their blankies. So of course, Jesus would have to have a big blankie for them. Or it just wouldn't be paradise! :) Gotta love kids!

~ Jen

Our Valentines picture taken at Crazy Horse Restaraunt

Well, I figured out how to scan this in for you all. I know, it's a little crooked; just tilt your head.
I planted broccoli & pepper seeds to start in the house today; I did my tomato seeds a few days ago. It's a little late but I was waiting for new seeds that I'd ordered. Every spring I just can't wait to start planning my garden and being able to finally get outside. Uncle Doug trimmed all the raspberry canes from last year last week; we have to do the old asparagus yet too and uncover the strawbery plants soon. YUM, fresh picked strawberries,raspberries, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, broc, cucumbers, peppers, squashes; I can't wait! The chickens got let outside today for the first time this spring. They are very excited because it's very nasty in the chicken coop after all winter. . . and cleaning the chicken coop is another upcoming fun job. Any volunteers to help? I could share alittle of that lovely ckicken poop with you (if there's any fellow gardeners out there). It sure makes the garden grow better (if you let it age for a year first, it's very hot).
On that note I'll get going. :-)
Love you all, A. Rachel

THE TINY HANDS

THE HANDS BELONG TO MY DAUGHTER LILY AND I (AUDREY) SORRY I DIDN'T SAY WHO

St. Patty's Day

Eric and I at St. Patty's Day. Don't you love the hats????

Gathering Point: the eisens

Gathering Point: the eisens




Hello all again wow everybody has commented on my blog. yee haaa yes to your comment Aunt Renee I thought people would not know who we were
so that's why i decided to download pic. I love seeing everybodies messages. Ya know one thing that I read about in the blogs is how alot of the ladies
are building there men up complimenting them, telling them how thankful they are for them. I think that is awesome. What a great family we have
and what great teachers we've had to teach us. much love