This is Sad...

I realize it is a sad moment when I walk into my dentist office (notice the posessive phrasing) and the recieptionist and I give a big smile to each other and start chatting it up. Why is this so sad? Because I only started going there in Jan. Yep, I said it.. STARTED going in Jan. Meaning I have had multiple visits with my now good friends at the dentist. Before I was even seen by the main dentist today I had learned that the recieptionist had a child, plays softball, where she lives and some things about her family. You might be thinking this is a very outgoing lady (the recieptionist that is). Nope. Before, she was so shy she barely made eye contact. Too funny! Just takes about 6 cavities and soon you too can know your dentist office! There was a brief moment when closing out the file today where there was a pause. We realized that this was my last visit until my 6 month cleaning. Oh, well. I did leave w/ a half numb smile off to my car thinking yeah! I may enjoy my alone time from time to time but going to the dentist to get some is a bit much for me. Until August.. tata for now office!

ID: its important

Okay... there are those events that happen in life that can make it hard to like people. This week I got a phone call from Greg saying that he was on his way home and ... "oh, by the way, we got a Best Buy credit card bill and it was $3,000!". Which I responded ... " We don't have a best buy credit card and what do you mean $3,000????". Yep, our Identity had been hacked into. Someone from Minnisota opened an account and decided to treat themselves to some goodies... and they were gracious enough to let us pick up the bill. Greg is sorting it all out. All is going to be okay. But talk about giving us a heart attack!!!! I think I would have had to sell some blood to pay off that bill... and maybe donate something too.

Trampoline Class

We have offically been intorduced to the "indoor" life up here in Portland. The kids are in their second week out of the four week trampoline class. There is one giant trampoline at the local community center. It has been a great way to get some of the energy out while dealing with the cold and rain. I take my two tumbling maniacs and the 18 month old that I nanny for on Tuesday mornings. Aden, the little boy I watch, desires to be part of the jumping fun. Makayla is doing great with the star jumping, the helicopter, and the spin (she has great form on the spin I see snow boarding in her future). And for Zeke its a success if He can get himself to the middle and Jump. He is much shyer than his sister so classes are much more about being social and learning how to have fun in a crowd. I am very proud of him every time he makes the effort. He enjoys it once he gets used to it (which is usually by the end of the class). I'm proud of both my kids for being who they are and at least being willing to try new things. Stay tuned for a video to come! Kids crack me up!!!!

Aaron Christopher Grummons!

Aaron Christopher Grummons birthday is now and forever Feb. 13, 2009! Welcome little guy. Actually, big guy! He was 9 lbs and 15 ounces, at 22 " long!!!! Crazy. Pray for Carrie as she recovers from the C-Section. And Pray also for Sam as he was away during the birth. But congrats to the family of four!!!!

two wheeln' Mak

On Sundays, that is our day to celebrate the Sabbath. That involves a wonderful day of going to church together, then heading home and making lunch for the four of us, then having a glorious nap. Yep, that's right we all four take a nap. It is GLORIOUS! Then we get up and spend the rest of the day hanging with the family. It might be going for a hike, or to the park, or playing board games... just as long as it is just the four of us. Well today we decided to hang out around the house and Greg taught his daughter how to ride a bike w/out training wheels. ANd the verdict? She is simply amazing! So here is a little video of Daddy teaching his ever growing daughter how to conquer the talents of riding a two wheeler!

Tea on Tuesdays

After taking some down time this past Christmas break, I came to the realization that I wasn't being intential with the women that are around me. So we kicked off this morning Tea on Tuesdays. Which will be held from 9-11am at my house. Women and their kids (if they have them) can come and hang out. It is an informal time for women to connect and encourage each other. Most of the women have husbands that are in school, are taking a course or two themselves, and doing some form of organized ministry. That means that it is sometimes hard to have the time to connect with each other. And with it being super cold... as in 27 degrees this morning... it makes it even harder to come out of our caves. I am really glad to that there will be a standing invitation for those that can to come and "just be" together. Three of my friends braved the cold and came and it was a nice time to catch up and drink some tea... or eat grapefruit (even two were brave enough to eat apple flaxseed muffins... they were really gross! Sorry ladies). So until next tea time.. they, their families, and their ministries will be in my prayers.

Ready, Set , Study

Well.. on Monday Greg sets out to start his second semester here at Multnomah Seminary. He enjoyed last semester and is hoping he will this time around too. I, personally, am excited because I get to audit one of his classes w/ him on Tuesday nights (please be praying for a sitter to work out doing that time). Greg is also working on a portfolio photo book. Its his little baby at the moment (that's a good thing, its good to have things we enjoy). I also get the joy of joining a group called the Fuzzy slippers group (Thanks to Dawn Carter!!) via the Internet. I get to have fellowship w/ other women and intercessory prayer via tokbox, facebook, and reading the word on YouVersion. Yep, Jen is going to attempt the scary world of technology. And I get to join in on Cypress's class on missions w/ Bruce Camp (Thanks Justin for letting me crash that). And with the paints that Greg bought for me for Christmas I am planning once a week to sit down and doodle and splash some paint around. This is going to be a FUN semester.

The family went to a different church tonight. I was good. Ezekiel really enjoyed (that says a lot). He is so timid. He actually asked to go back to Church during the (long) drive home. Yep, I said it, it's a long drive. The reason we went to check it out is that one of the organizations Greg is looking to find a intern connection with is that they recommended this church because the head missions gal has been known as great resource to them. The teaching was on being a Risk Taker for God. Not the impulsive kind but a risk taker in the sense of willing to be challenged and stretched. Don't live a small life.

We are very excited about this new upcoming year. Who knows where we could be in the summer (maybe Rwanda, maybe Kenya, maybe both for Greg????). But we are ready to go.