Swier lust...

So who wants more pictures of Matt Swier in tight biking outfits? These pictures of Mike Morrish have got me hankering for some shots of our West Coast stud.

bright eyes

I'm sorry, I just can't help it... Look at those big baby eyes! I LOVE being a mom. So here's another picture of my precious Abby. Sorry, Lara, but I'm a little biased myself.

Scott had a bit of a rough morning with our little darling though. Fridays are his "day off" since Sundays are a "day on" work, so he stays home with Abby. Well, apparently she didn't want to take a bottle from him so I had to rush home from work over my lunch break to give both of them a break. Poor Scott. I'm sure it will get easier for him. This was only his 2nd whole day home with Abby. But I just left them and they're playing happily on the floor with baby toys for now.

As for my name... Flot, Woz, Rachel... call me whatever.
Oh, and Jared, I liked that song you posted a while ago. Keep any new suggestions coming. I think we're getting in a bit of a rutt at church.

Just a Lil' Pumpkin!

Eli acquired the pet name "Pumpkin" when he was wearing an orange onesie and sitting on a big pumpkin in October 2004. We immediately saw the similarities in roundness, plumpness, and orangeness and thus our lil' Pumpkin gained a new, and appropriately used, name. His most often heard words are: "da-do" (dog or any other small animal), "da-ee" (daddy), "ma-ee" (momy), "doo" (juice), "dough!" (go!), and "baa" (bath). He is usually found... getting into something he shouldn't (nails, bullets, tools, Cadence's precious toys), under Cadence, or accidently locked in the bathroom. Don't be fooled by his cuteness. He can scream louder than anyone or anything I have ever encountered in my life.

Classic

Here is a picture of Cadence, my nephew Jacob and Eli last summer in Ludington. It is not current, but it sure is cute! And the radio flyer is totally vintage. My mom, used to ride around in it. Eli has only gotten bigger. Cadence now is known to say, "Eli's so squishy!"

I'm wearing my new underwear...

right now from some unnamed Texans, and I love it!
Ran in new running socks and hot pink Chicago Marathon
sweatshirt on Saturday. Loved it!
Came home and put on new Lululemon pants. Loved it!

Hey Flot (should I call you Waz?), Lara and Tenny's- MORE PICTURES OF THE
KIDDIES PLEASE!!!!

Disappointment sets in...

Today, I am not enjoying my job. I am just disappointed. That is my feeling. I am disappointed in the kids for being dumb and not taking advantage of learning opportunities, I am disappointed in myself for not being able to cram stuff into them and letting them destroy their lives by never paying attention to anything. Sometimes, I find myself wishing that God would introduce some huge tragedy in their lives so at least they would pay attention to something. But then they would probably just get cold hearts and shut down. My experience here makes me more and more interested in the discipleship process, and more and more interested in not teaching. Where has it gone wrong for so many here? How can it be fixed? What should their discipleship include? What do young boys and girls need? What role can I play as a teacher, parent, pastor?

I am sick of pandering to losers and whiners. I am tired of smiling in the face of scathing slander and unbelievable disrespect. I am tired of cowards. Who will teach them to be men and women - real ones? Not me, at least not here. They need a kick in the ass that I can't give. Why do I even teach Spanish II? It is not like kids know anything more the second year. Doesn't that bother the kids? Doesn't that bother anyone else? I cannot fathom how the education students get is worth the money shelled out for it. I am convinced I could teach Nigerian kids on a dirt floor in a week what I teach here in a month. But then, they would be interested in going to school, and not just a Sports and Social club. I mean, who has time for school when there are notes to write, games to play, practices to go to, and concerts to perform? Who has time to learn anything, really? I mean, isn't there a big game on tonight? Isn't there money to make and things to buy?

I go to church. I go to school. Isn't that enough? NO! I pay my tithe. I read the Bible. Isn't that enough? NO! There is always more, always some way to improve, always another path to walk down, another process to ponder or suffering to mourn. Oh God, don't let me whittle my life away thinking I am doing it right while I am just idly letting time go by! Please let me live up to more than standards, or minimums. I want to shine like a star!

Right now it is 10:54 and I am at my high school. We have been host to over 500 hurricane Rita refugees. The picture I thought was funny. The Red Cross declared us an evacuation site and gave us a few forms. Then we were responsible for staffing it, getting food, donations and everything else. This necesitated an "incident command post."

Secret Agents (or wannabes)

Another wild night on 6th street in downtown Austin. It began with a brawl in a local nightclub over the location of an ancient Rambaldi artifact. Agents Tennant and Hawthorne, after being identified with a secret sect of the CIA, knocked out a dozen 225 lb men, raced down crowed 6th street to a less congested 15th street in 2 inch heels, and barely escaped a newly labeled division of the Covenant. At this corner Austin's Keye News grabbed a photo of the agents awaiting their departure team's arrival. Tennant seems to be looking in the direction of the oncoming CIA helicopter and Hawthorne caught us snapping the shot. The photographer is in critical condition at a local hospital. The two were quickly lifted into Austin's lightened skyline just before Covenant reinforcements arrived with arms. Another sleek and sexy job done by agents Tennant and Hawthorne.

Eat your heart out, Sydney Bristow. We'll take you on!

Why is my job easy? This is how I discipline.

More Baby News -- No Not My Own

One of the Schrier Babes, Avonlea and her husband John Krueger in Scottland are expecting in March. Her address is AvonleaKrueger@hotmail.com. This is her baby's first picture.

Do my friends know me well or what?

The following comprises a list of edible gifts I have recieved in the past 3 days as part of my birthday celebration. Do you see a theme (having to do with divine combinations)?

*mint chocolate chip cheasecake (ala Kool)
*king size box of inside-out Junior Mints (ala D & gang)
*box of Dove mint chocolate supreme cookies (ala Rachel)
*After Eight dark chocolate mint candy bar (from Canada- ala Lara)
*Aero mint chocolate candy bar (isbn)
*some other super amazing Vancouver-purchased mint candy bar (isbn)
*white fudge chocolate covered pretzels (ala Heather)
*homemade white chocolate covered pretzel sticks (ala D)
*homemade white chocolate covered pretzel twists (from Christian Fellowship)

Erin Galloway says that if you put your passions out there, you get what you want.
Nuff said.

Chicago Cows, Holland Pigs & Grosse Pointe Frogs

I was ahead of a trend. Grosse Pointe businesses comissioned artists to make these sculptures to raise funds for the Children's Home of Detroit. The Frog Prince won first place. The Bull Frog was the Meryl Lynch mascot where Michael's dad works and earned second prize. I just threw in the U of M and State frogs going head to head for kicks. Pun intended.

My Amphibian Friend

This is Ribitz D. Frohgy. As many of you know, he's been a friend for over a year now. I believe he's happy with the arrangement, as I know I am. It's amazing the tender place I can have in my heart for this little slimy guy who eats crickets. Isn't he pretty though?

You asked for it!

Karen requested a picture of Rachel's pregnancy, so here goes. This is from a bike trip we took this weekend to the state park. As you can see, she's put on a few pounds. She is a little beyond the expected weight gain, but we're not worried. Actually, Rachel still looks great as usual, is still very thin and gorgeous. It's hard to even see her belly bulge unless she is wearing something tight or in running clothes, so it would be hard to get a good shot. As soon as its more noticable, I will snap a photo. Boy, Rachel's going to kill me for this one. Um, Kool, can I sleep on your couch tonight?

Speaking of Baby Pictures

I'd like to put in a request for pictures of Rachel H's growing tummy. I'm ready for a 'no', but don't want to miss a minute of baby Henderson :)

Que sorpresa tan inesperada! (What an unexpected suprise!)

Rachel! It is so good to read about you! I am so pleased, so happy, so tickled right now. And your precious baby is so cute (of course). Is anyone else as pumped as I am to see a post from Rachel? I think more pictures are definately in order.

Loving Life

I don't know why, but somehow I'm still surprised at the amazing new things God is doing in my life everyday. This summer God gave me a beautiful baby girl and the freedom to take the summer off to take care of her. And then, when I finally felt like I could go back to work, I got a wonderful opportunity to go back to work at Regent Unversity in the Distance Education program for the School of Divinity. My husband continues to work as the associate pastor at our church where they are now planning to plant their 3rd campus-- one that is especially designed to draw and reach the postmodern unchurched. I've been busy serving as the keyboardist (and trying to blend in with the band as much as possible-- this is still new to me). We are thrilled at the oppotunity and challenge before us and can't wait to see what corner God is going to take us around next! I still want to pursue my PhD, but I think a few years off of school to just work and be with my family will bring a nice season of refreshing that I've been needing for a while. I miss you, Holland Michiganders! I hope to see you all again, but for now
I'm just
loving life,
Rachel (otherwise known as "baby Flot" to you Dutchmen out there)

Gap for babies

Don't ya just want to squeeze me?

This is what marathons do to you!!!

Check this photo out! This is one of Mikes friends who just ran the crim. (coolest race in michigan) for all you non runners. It looks like lots of fun!

Last of the Summer Dayz

So, I've figured out how to add a picture... yeah!! This is from our whirlwind weekend to lake huron to visit my dad's mom. Evan was the mastermind of the bury and sculpt, though my dad and I couldn't help but make suggestions. Thankfully I talked him out of a full body mummie suit. Speaking of my dad, you may notice his bright speedo. There are no words... As you can see, he is attempting to drag me away from my husband.

Tennant Pictures

The 18athoners

Just a picture to share of the Holland-Grand Haven run.

It's blo-og, blo-og, it's big...

Here I am with my first blog. I guess I've actually been here a while already, thanks to Jared. It's a very flattering photo and a great pun to go with it. Anyhow, I did run 18 miles today from Holland to my parent's house in Grand Haven with a group of my best friends, so that was good. If I can figure out how, I'll include a picture of the John Hancock building in Chicago to help motivate us for the up and comming 26.2 mile run.

Ah, yes. Here it is now. Isn't that great. You can't even see the top because it is so tall (or so foggy).

In other news, my brother Joel got married a few weeks ago in Colorado. His wife's name is Mary and she's just great. They are really happy and are going back to Japan to work at an outreach to U.S. navy guys in Yokosuka Japan. I will post a picture or two from the wedding when they become available.

Good Song

I've sort of been feeling like there's been a dearth of good worship songs released lately, so I thought I'd share this one with y'all. Recommended to me by your friend and mine, Dan DuPuis, its called 'Til I See You.' I'm gonna try it out this Sunday and see how it goes. By clicking on this link you can listen to it but you won't be able to download it (unless you're very tricky). What do you guys think? If you want to buy the song it's available thru iTunes for 99 cents.

One Month Until M-Day

Hello, all, this is my first post. I just noticed that a certain 26.2 mile experience is coming up in exactly one month, and I thought that was noteworthy. Missy, Jared, Rachel, Jason, I and about 8 others are planning to run the Chicago Marathon. Are there any requests or ideas of messages or emblems for me/us to wear during this race? I feel like my shirt should say something. Tomorrow we are actually running from Holland to Jason's parents house in Grand Haven. CRAZY!

Unbelievable

Man, that mullet is unbelievable!

Well, tomorrow is another Friday Night football game. We shooting for 3-0.

Bring Back the Mullett!

I couldn't resist posting this picture of Tom DeVries from the late 80's sporting a killer mullet. I for one, will begin growing out my hair this very day. Who else is in?

Discipleship

This is Cadence early in the summer. I am including chair drumming in my new discipleship model. He can often be found sneaking my drums or turning over plastic bowls and banging on them with anything he can find. Lately we have been letting him use old chop sticks. I don't know how safe it is for him and Eli to be running around holding chopsticks, but I guess Simone and I have never been the freakazoid safety parent types.

In other news, here is the quote of the day.
Student: I can't see that!
Benjamin: Well, do you have any glasses or contacts?
Student: No (very incredulously), I'm black!

Nebraska two-stepping and Dodge Chargers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENJAMIN!!!!!!!!
Wow- 27 glorious years! (the picture is Missy super-geek saying Happy B-day to ya) I have just returned from my cousin Pam's wedding in Omaha, Nebraska and it was a trip (I learned how to country two-step!! Karen is sighing right now) My cousins and I flew into Omaha and rented a car. They gave us a brand new Dodge Charger with 17 miles on it. That was cool- but what was REALLY COOL was when we pulled into the parking lot of our hotel and discovered that there was a Charger Convention going on. Yup- tons of old guys with their old, Dukes-of-Hazard-like Chargers. When the brand new Charger pulled in the parking lot- they started pointing, thumb-raising, cheering-- basically, my cousins and I were getting (in the words of Gladys Knight) R-E-S-P-E-C-T! We rolled down the windows, honked, and lived the life of heroes. Then we went to Pam's wedding and reception and danced, danced, danced! I could've showed Benjamin up I was dancing like a mad fool. Oh life.

I am wearing my new underwear...

I am really enjoying the soft new boxers I received today from some unnamed female friends of mine today. What a wonderful birthday surprise! I feel quite loved, and looking forward to advertising Zoomer Wit with my new Holland Brewery T-shirt. Thank you very much ladies. I appreciate ya'll. Maybe later I'll get a picture up.

Waxing on control..

Control is a very big issue for all of us.  In fact, I believe it is quite central to our spiritual development.  We must give up control.  And because he is in control we must trust him.  We really don't have another choice.  We try to squeeze out all kinds of theological treatises and theories, but all they provide is a semblance of control.  All of us end up crashing.  Karen I give you permission (if no one else has) to allow God into your current state.  Don't try to move to another, more positive state to be with him.  Your current state of heart is the best place to meet God.  Ponder this passage from John 4:
"It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. 24God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

So be yourself in your worship of God.  Ask yourself often, “How am I feeling?”  and, “Why am I feeling that way.”  Then process with God.  For if he is in control, that is his aim (like he says in this passage) – for you to simply and honestly be yourself before him.

Does anyone else feel like the world is falling apart?

The subject line is first inspired by our computer not working, which is why I haven't been able to participate sooner. Apparently, we bought it from someone who had hacked it together and now that windows is catching people - we're caught. (I hope to eventually post pictures of myself as a mermaid -- that should get you curious)

More than this though is Catrina and tsunamis of course. All kinds of other things that I was blissfully unaware of before too. Like all the worries of money, the commonness of cheating and lying, slandering and manipulation. I don't like being "grown up" and knowing sometimes. I think of Jared's teaching that we ate of the tree of the "knowledge of good and evil". It's made us sick because we were never supposed to know the difference.

All I can say sometimes is "Come quickly Lord Jesus".

However, it's not all bad. I've been invited to participate in leadership of a group called Cross Current for sexual healing. This is another step in the Lord revealing his longtime hints about my specific calling and giftedness. Jesus was wonderful last night with a broken woman, as my co-leader and I stumbled informally through theophostic principles. What a joy to know that He does it ALL and that my dreams of being involved are not dead.