WHOA NELLY!

Sorry- it has been FOREVER since I wrote on here- but if you don't already know, Jamos and I have been accepted into a program called, The World Race and we will be serving on the mission field starting in July for 11 months.

Yes, this means selling our stuff, leaving our jobs, and the comforts of home to travel to 11 different countries in those 11 months - loving people and sharing Jesus!

You can visit our blog here:
http://www.jamosandemilymitchell.theworldrace.org/

If you would like me to mail you a support letter- please, give me your address and I will surely send you a letter and prayer card.

We NEED support!!!! We have to raise $32,000 to go on this trip- we are trusting that it will come- but, it is an act of faith for SURE!!!!

Fun Christmas Photo Shoots

My BFF since 7th grade, Bethany with her baby sleeping in the background! What fun new adventures we shall have as she enters parenthood.

This is Will, my cousin's baby! He is quite the ham.

Wi

This is Danielle, my friend since HS. These are her two crazy kids-they are precious and she is a great mommy!

What have we been up to?

Well, a LOT- it includes flying north to walk in our graduation ceremony- lots of driving- to kentucky and tennessee and back- great times with family- shopping- and more!

Pray for this lady...

Hey, Just asking for your prayers for my Granny. She has been falling lately, and fell again tonight. This time, in the bathroom... She is in the ER waiting...

She hurt her shoulder. Just need prayers for her- that she will be OK. Thanks Prayer Warriors.

No good very bad day



This was Jamos and my day yesterday...

Well, as you can tell, yesterday was a no good very bad day. Today, was a new day. I woke up with a phone call from my ultrasound results that says I have a GOITER. A what? An enlarged thyroid.... great.

So, I get to now go see an endocrinologist who shall tweak my thyroid with the right amout of this and the right amount of that so my thyroid does not get SO big that it becomes noticable...yah.. let's do that before I have to have it removed. Thanks.

This is a picture of the Thyroid. Get to know yours...

Another thing I was thinking about- was- how satan really does want to destroy the Lord's work. It seems like the week before marriageprep, something goes wrong. In the past the week of MP: I was sick (this happened 2 times- both times I have been sick bad since living here), our transmissions went out in our car, computer crashes,  our bank account got hacked into, etc., I am in firm belief that this happens because MarriagePrep is something that the Lord uses to create strong marriages. Obviously, I have a part in that- even if I am only doing the registrations, food, nametags, etc., He also attacks my own marriage by trying to drive us apart (he uses no good very bad days...). So, take that satan. I love my husband.

Tonight, Jamos and I went to feed the cats and my sweet little one bit my finger while I was feeding it turkey...so, if I get a disease or something, Jamos knows which cat bit me so you can test it...

I am a little anxious about this weekend- because we have so much to do- and a lot of homework! eeck! So little time to do all that we need to do for our classes! AH!



A little reminder of Black Bean. The cat who bit me looks like this- just smaller- since it is a kitten-ish.

not sure.

As you know, Jamos and I have been praying and praying about what our next steps will be in life. And, it seems like we have been getting nothing but disappointment in the answers. It is hard to remember that God really is directing our steps, but it is also REALLY frustrating to be so excited about something- only to have it not come to fruition.

Right now I feel angry, sad, at 'wits' end, more anger..., confused, let down, the list really could go on and on- and yet, I don't have anything I can do about it. I pray. I ask/tell God to help my heart.
That doesn't seem to take away the mean feelings about life's situations I am experiencing.

I am sure in the scheme of things - this is nothing but a little bump. I am sure when we do find our footing for our next steps I will say,"Wow, I sure am glad all those other things didn't work out". But in the midst of feeling STUCK right now, I am just plain frustrated. Mad. Ticked.

Life makes no sense. I need prayers.I need to fully believe in what God is doing in our lives. I need to stand firm in my marriage thru this difficult time. I need to not RUN away from the things I cannot control. I need to not try to control everything.

Sleepy

Has this time changed affected anyone else? I keep falling asleep quite early...for instance, just fell asleep on the couch around 6:30pm. Lucky for me- I got to wake up and do homework...We have 10 days. TEN DAYS!!!!! Until we are done! AHH. I can't hold my excitment.

Still praying for our next steps..oh..praying. always praying. God guiding our steps...the people we speak to, etc., and praying that something happens!

In health news- I had a physical last week...you know, the yearly visit where you get blood work taken...pee in a cup, etc., I thought all was well- but, turns out my blood work showed some abnormal thyroid function. It was only a matter of time til this happened. My granny, my mother, my husband are all on thyroid medicine...so that rubbed off on me- and now we are researching my thyroid. I had an ultrasound today (my 3rd ultrasound EVER- 1) gallbladder, 2) cyst behind ear, and 3) Thyroid) and my second in the last month. Anyways, we shall see how it looks to the doc.

Is this TMI or what? Sorry. My blog, my venting right?

So, I have to share how fabulous my husband is... do you remember black bean from this time last year? My sweet black stray cat that showed up on my porch every night at 5pm? Well, I am fairly sure her great grandkitties are now living at the dumpster... 3 little black kittens and the one that looks most like black bean lets me pet her and pick her up! But, only when I have food! :) There are a total of 8 cats out there by the dumpster- 2 are related and then, 3 kittens andtheir mom and dad. Plus, a white one that I am not sure where she belongs.. anyways- Jamos is allergic to cats- and he pretty much is a dog person, which stinks because I love cats...
Well, I have been walking around the "block" of our complex to see the kitties at night and bring them some food (canned food of course) and well, I am just so thankful when he comes with me- and plays with the cat who hates pretty much everyone- but likes Jamos. It is so interesting. This cat has followed Jamos all the way to our apartment one time- and it lets him get closer than any person. Anyways, next time you see J- you can call him the cat whisperer! :) ha ha.
Basically, that story was just to show you how those little moments in a marriage mean the most- to me anyways!

Let's see...what other ramblings can I talk about? I have not gone to Target in like a week- and I have saved quite a bit of money...:) GO ME!

OH, MarriagePrep is this Friday/Saturday. Pray for us. It should be VERY interesting to see how our new schedule works out- we are cutting back on breaks- adding some new things- and my friend, who teaches it, is actually the one who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. We only have about 110 people signed up, but still, it is a lot of work that goes into weekends like this- and I just PRAY that it goes well!

Sometimes, when I realize how much I do- full time work at SAU- MP, grad school, I wonder what am I thinking? It is a really good thing we don't have kids- because I would have a nervous breakdown already!!

Welp, better go think of something to feed us for dinner. I hate this time of night. Boo.

WOTY

Yes, this stands for Wife of The YEAR!!! :) That is me. Since I was up and at the car shop with our car at 7am- walked home- they fixed the car- walked back to get it- and had it all fixed and ready for my husband before he was ready to leave the house. AWESOME?! Yes, sometimes, I wish I was married to myself.
Is that strange?

Now that we are almost done with school there are a few things I want to try/do:
- learn how to crochet
- start cake decorating (already got my 52 piece kit!)
- make J and I a "health folder" where we can keep anything regarding our health.
- vacuum our cars out
- Continue my "felt" projects.

hmmmmmmm.

Monkey Knots, Stuck in Park, Rain

I just have to say- that this day has been interesting! I was feeling cozy- so I made my delcious butternut squash/apple soup. It is SO good. Trust me. I am not a yam/orange family fan. Not even pumpkins THAT much. So, to eat a squash is a big deal. And this is delicious. Serve with croutons. YUM. So, I was feeling cozy, warm, lovely since the temps got cooler around these parts....
Jamos and I were on target with our homework for tonight- which means free time...he chose to spent that looking up monkey knots or something....

I stopped drinking diet pop (soda) around Feb.- and so my favorite drink is sparkling water. Not the flavored fake kinds, just sparkling water. Most people find it discusting, but I really like the bubbles...OK- so I decided I wanted to go to the store to get some more sparkling water since we were out. Jamos decided he wanted to come with me since he needed some type of parachut cord to make his new craft: monkey knots or whatever.

It is raining...
I asked to drive his car. Our little "whitey" which is a white, 99 honda accord. It has quite a few miles on it- and yes, we plan on replacing it soon- since we basically have replaced the entire car in the 10 years that I have owned it! Anyways, the last time I drove- we had a huge brake line leak...

After going to REI to grab the parachut cord- we came out- in the rain- to realize that I can't get the car out of park.
My sweet husband is uttering words of kindness to me...in the mean time, I I try to push the car in the rain to get it to move (why? I have no idea).
Lucky for us, we still have our owner guide- which indicated how to release the car from the "stuck" park position- which WORKED! And allowed us not to have to tow our car twice in 2 months! Though we have AAA, I didn't feel like waiting in the rain for them to arrive.

When we got home- I called my mom (my dad was already sleeping!) and Jamos went to work researching online. He discovered that it could be as simple as a FUSE. He said we needed to go see if the brake lights worked- because if they weren't working- it would really be a fuse. So, my mom (on the phone) and I and Jamos went outside in the dark and the rain- and our brake lights didn't come on!!! So, I am REALLLLLY hoping it is just a fuse, not another $700 car problem. We will take it to SAL up the road in the morning. I will make cookies for them. (if you go anywhere like a local place, take cookies! I get fast service now!! and nothing beats when Sal takes the cookies to the shop and goes "WE HAVE COOKIES!") :)

So, my night was not a total relaxation night...but rather another lesson in mechanics. Hey, maybe when I am done with this masters, I can go to tech school...that would be AWESOME! I would LOVE to learn how to fix my own cars....

Keep on Keeping on

The weather has finally turned cooler- but it is raining, which means I can't really go outside and play in the fun, cool weather.
I can however try to enjoy the fact that in 17 days I will be DONE WITH SCHOOL. I seriously cannot tell you how great this is.
Of course, it has not really sunk in yet.
But, I am trying to realize that in 17 days I don't have to do homework for a while! (hopefully forever- but never say never right?!).

I am debating about getting a DYSON. I have a review thing going on facebook. But, I really love a good vacuum, so I am hoping that if we take the plunge it will be worth it! :)

In other news, jamos and I were able to vote last night. It never hits me until we have voted- how amazing our nation is- that we have the opportunity to VOTE. Do you know how many people do not have this freedom?
No matter what the results, we all have a chance to make our vote count. If you have never voted, I encourage you to research, talk, and understand the decisions being made in our political world.

Did I tell anyone that my bank here got robbed? It did! I can't believe it. Never banked at a location that had been robbed before...especially with a semi-automatic. Whew! Glad everyone was safe.

Jamos and I are still praying for open doors and asking that you pray too. I am really trying to understand that God knows the desires of both of our hearts for our future and as we trust in him to guide our steps in this life, I have to also trust that he knows what is best and exactly what we need! So far, so good! :)

Be a blessing to somoene today!

Howdy! 22 days until GRADUATION!!! This may be the longest 22 days EVER- but the end is in sight. I like 22 days much more than a few months ago when we had to talk in "6 classes left..." type deal. I realize now how depressing that sounds.

Things have been going OK. I realize we have a lot to be thankful for - even in our current state of "confusion" about life. We have had our dear friend diagnosed with breast cancer. Darn that cancer. Be GONE!

A few weeks ago Jamos and I got a George Foreman Grill. It was a good price, and we wanted to try it- so, we got it! And, let me tell you- I LOVE IT! Well, Jamos loves it because he can actually eat more than salad for dinner...

Riikka and I carved pumpkins this past weekend. We made little houses on it- and cut out the windows. That was fun- until I set them outside in a cute fall decor way- and 2 days later the pumpkin was filled with mold and flies. That is GROSS. The reason? The 90 degree weather we have been having! COME ON! Is it nearly November or is it still SUMMER? I would love to turn off my a/c for a bit. PLEASE!

Has anyone seen a good movie lately?

I am itching to get crafty again! Since I have less than a month until I have FREE TIME again, I am getting really excited about different new craft ideas.
1st- felt. I have never spent much time with felt before- but, it is AWESOME. I am pretty addicted to felt flowers- and I got a new felt holiday craft book from the library. There are some pretty GREAT felt ideas in there that I can't wait to try!

My second craft goal is to work on CAKE making! I got an entire cake making set-- in the hopes I can make cute cakes. I need to practice on my icing capabilities. But, I am READY! I owe this to the cake shows on TV and my love of frosting! :)

Keep praying for open doors!

say what?

This week was a week of firsts! First, I went and got a pedicure with my friend Riikka. She always finds these interesting places...I picked her up from work and we drove (well, we were stuck in traffic for EVER) to the place she gets her nails filled.... This small building with metal guarded windows also offered, tanning AND dry cleaning....
I was like, uh.

The threat of foot infection always crosses my mind....

But, I sat down and stuck my foot in the portable bucket of water and got my toes painted BLUE.

:)

Never have I had blue toes before...
it is refreshing.

Now, part 2 of NEW things I am still experiencing at the age of 30 is this: the FLU SHOT!

Long story short, I found a bump behind my ear about 2 weeks ago (maybe longer). I went to my doctor, who ordered an ultra sound, which I had last week. After the results came back my doctor told me to go to an ear nose throat doctor downtown to get it looked at. The result: my first cyst. I have a cyst behind my EAR. It is really small. But, scared me b/c I didn't want to die of a brain tumor...

The threat of realizing my own mortality was interesting. My mind of course went to those dark places...am I dying?

Anyways, after a very indepth appointment with the ENT, I got the "go" that we didn't need to do anything about it- just watch it- and if it grows or becomes painful, call him back.

As I was walking IN the door, I noticed a sign that said, "FLU VACCINE WITH ANY ENT APPOINTMENT" Which made me feel like a sale was happening, so I inquired. What does that mean? I can get a flu shot? I have never gotten a flu shot before, but why do you normally have to pay like, $25 at Walgreens for one if you can get it from your doctor?

I have never gotten a flu shot because when I was younger, I heard that my grandfather got really sick each time he got a flu shot. That scared me.

But, I decided to get my "freebie" (which will likely show up on my insurance as something I have to pay for out of pocket...) and get my shot!!!

The lady was so nice I got to pick from the TREASURE CHEST of toys!!! I chose a fish that squirts water. :)

So far so good. I took advil like she said and I am fine. So, go get your flu shot. It includes H1N1 (swine flu). :)


We are abot to end week 3 of our final class. I believe we have something like 36 days left until we graduate! We need to get a plane ticket.... we were hoping we woudl somehow be moved back to Michigan in this time frame...apparently God has other plans for us that include us being right here. stuck. Right here.

Pray for us. Pray for Jamos. Pray for open doors.

great blog!

http://www.lisaleonardonline.com

Check out this blog. I love her story, I love her Jewelry! :)

Clean Carpets

Just got our carpets cleaned. There is something about CLEAN FLOORS that makes the entire house feel better! Seriously, this is what I am getting excited about.

Fall is in the air

Well folks, fall has been in the air for the last week here in the southern U.S. I am enjoying the windows open, the sunshine, the low humidity, the birds chirping, the pumpkin/fall decor, a reminder of the change in seasons.

A change in season is really a refreshing thing isn't it?

How many times in our life do we remember that we have seasons...
Ecc 3:1 "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven"

Last night I attended a women's night of praise at our church. It was fun and filled with ladies! The purpose was to remind us to find JOY in all seasons.

How hard is that? We have seasons...sadness, loneliness, happiness, hurt, disappointments... seasons.

But the goal is the find JOY in each and to continue to SOW. Don't give up.

Psalm 126
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."

3 The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.

4 Restore our fortunes, [c] O LORD,
like streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.

6 He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.


All this to say that it is OK to cry in the seaons that make us sad. BUT remember, to continue to sow our seeds that the Lord called us to sow. Because we will reep what we sow, and in everything there is a SEASON!

WHATEVER

If you follow me on facebook, you know that is the word of the day. WHATEVER. It is basically my response to all the stupid stuff that I hear about, the stupid things that are happening to me and happening to the one's I love. WHATEVER!

It is really hard sometimes to understand what God is doing. I know he is bigger than us, created us, loves us, wants good things for us, but often lately I am left wondering what he is going to do in our lives.

I like to know what is coming my way, what to expect, what to look forward to. To just hear the "NO's" of today it is really easy to realize that a "YES" will come soon enough and we will know what our next steps should be.

This also reminds me of how interesting the older you get, the more decisions are harder to make because so many decisions impact situations in the future. Sure, we could sell all that we own and move to some remote area of the planet, BUT, is that using what God has given us wisely?

OR we could do what we do for this is what we know, and miss out on some incredible opportunities. I would say this, both Jamos and I know that change is coming. We don't know what type of change, or what these means, but we LONG for something different. You hear me rant about how we are STUCK in HOUSTON. And, if you give me long enough, I will say that is how I feel today more than anything-- STUCK. WHATEVER.
I love my job. I love my husband. But, I also our families, our friends who we live far from. We just finished a very great class called, "sprituality in the workplace" and although I went into this thinking it was talking about Christianity in the workplace, I learned the difference between religion and spirituality. Each person NEEDS to find a fulfilment in their work, something that touches their core and gets them out of bed each morning. Another interesting aspect is that of leadership. People really need to understand if they manage a group of people, the impact THEY have on the group. I sure wish I knew what I know now about management when I was in charge of the admissions reps at SAU. I thought I was a good leader, but I am learning how much impact a leader can have- when using both servant and spiritual leadership. It can change lives. And make a job more fulfilling.

WHATEVER.

I don't think that this post actually makes sense. In fact, I am more confused now than I was when I started writing it. But, I do beg you- reader to PRAY for Jamos and I. Hopefully you have been, and we appreciate that. It is easy to become discouraged when the face of God seems hidden in the tough moments of life. We have MUCH to give thanks for- we HAVE jobs, a home, food, clean water, an education, TWO cars, etc., But, we also feel a bit lost, confused and stuck in the place we are at right now.
A positive in this is marriage. Two people- going thru the SAME THING. TOGETHER. Maybe all of this is to soley teach us a lesson in partnership and the true meaning of marriage. Life isn't roses and beaches, but rather, windy days with some lightening and hail....big hail that HURTS when it hits you on the head.
WHATEVER.

Puppy Love

Well, let's see... Sunday was a crazy day. I went to work out with my friend Riikka at a great yoga store called Lululemon. They offer free classes, so we tend to go. Anyways, she came over and I was going to drive Jamos' car. I got in- and the brake light was on- I thought maybe the parking brake was on for some reason? And, so, I was like, well, I guess I can try to drive it. Well, I didn't get out of our parking lot before I realized we would NOT be taking Jamos' car to the workout. The brakes were NOT working right- and the peddle was going all the way to the floor.

I HATE CAR ISSUES!

So, Monday comes around- and I have to drive Jamos to the airport in the morning- and then get our car TOWED from our parking lot- to the auto shop to get looked at. Oh, and there is obviously a leak in the brake line because brake fluid is leaking out like mad.

So, now Jamos is in New Orleans, the car is at the shop waiting for new brake lines since ours rusted out(thanks michigan winters and salty roads). It isn't an easy fix or a cheap fix, but I am still grateful for how it worked out and that Jamos wasn't driving and left stranded anywhere.

Anyways. We finish up our class on Sunday and start our LAST TWO GRADUATE classes on MONDAY!!! We are VERY excited to graduate on November 20, 2010 with our MASTERS DEGREE! :)

Office Chair

Many of you may or may not know that our 2nd bedroom is both a guest room and an office. We use it mostly for an office room- for Jamos and then it is also where we do our homework. Well, for some reason when we bought Jamos a desk for back here- we never got an office chair. So, he has been using a folding chair from our set of folding chairs and table... well, he had been putting an old pillow on the seat of the folding chair the the past....5 months or so.... yes, sad day if you knew how much time was spent back here on homework.

I was shopping at the container store yesterday and saw a bungee chair. I sat in it and it was really comfortable- it rolled and moved back and forth (swivled) and then I remembered seeing these bungee chairs at Target this week on sale. SO- off I went to get one of these chairs for my husband.
It is GREAT! :) And, we ask ourselves how we lived here with no desk chair for nearly 3 years....I am not sure really.
So, all this to say- if you need a desk chair- I suggest getting one! :)

* I am sitting in it right now at his desk. :)

I am also excited because tonight and tomorrow Jamos and I will be attending a Love and Respect Conference at church. We bought tickets a while ago- but I am really excited to go! We haven't been to a marriage conference since we were dating and I really appreciate the wisdom from the Love and Respect books.
You can check out their website here: http://www.loveandrespect.com/

The Emmerson's live in Michigan of all places, so it is funny that we come to texas to hear them speak! Either way, I am excited.

This week has also been nice because we have had only one class. Having just ONE class makes all the difference in our stress level! Of course, in another week we will start our FINAL 2 classes!!

Also pray for my brother in law- Javin- who will be starting his time with YWAM- Youth With a Mission. He will be in Orlando for a few months and then spend 1 month in another country applying what he has learned. We are proud of him for taking this step of growth and discovery as he waits to hear from the Lord as to what his next steps will be.

Jamos and I continue to ask for your prayers for us as we seek our next steps. Not that we are tired of Houston... But, we would LOVE to get back to our friends and family. When we were back in Michigan, we really enjoyed it and it filled up our cups again to come and fight this texas world together. For anyone who has lived away from family understands how much a family is also a support system. When I was in college- I was across the country from my mom- who is also my best friend. We handled it well because we used the phone, e-mail, packages, etc.,
The same goes for us now. We need that support from family and friends and at times, in this busy world, it is harder to give and to get. ALL of this to say, we would love to be closer to family.

And... I think that is all I can think to write. Enjoy your day. Be blessed!

Updates from us

I am sure most of you have given up on checking for updates from our blog! Sorry about that. I have no excuse other than: mom came for a visit, move-in day at SAU, MarriagePrep August, 2 grad school classes, and a trip to Michigan! We have been a bit busy.

Let's see... Jamos and I just got back from a great trip to Michigan. Even with the purchase of a plane tickets, a rental car, parking at the airport, and vacation time taken, the trip to see family is always worth the cost. We had a great time in Michigan even if the weather wasn't ideal. I just love the lake, the pier, the farms, the fresh peaches, the smell of the breeze. There is something about Michigan that I LOVE. Being back at SAU was fabulous too. It always feels like coming home for me. Like I never have left- even if there are new people around, there are the same familiar faces and many hugs to be had! All my kids showed up- which is good.

Yesterday was Jamos and my third wedding anniversary. Too bad he left in the wee hours of the morning for Corpus, where a tropical storm had just flown thru. BUT, on the subject of marriage, I just have to say how I am continuing to get to know my husband. It is amazing each day what I learn about him and how we can both work together to bring out our best. I love that I have someone who knows what I am thinking before I say it out loud- that we say the same "things" and make the same hand motions...the list can go on and on.... I just love him! We sure have experienced a lot in our three years of marriage- we have been strengthened with the trials- there has been a lot of laughter, love, and joyous moments for us.

Pray For Granny!

My granny has been sick for a while and was just admitted to the hospital. They are running tests and hoping to make her feel better! So, I am asking everyone to pray for her! :)