Content?

About six months ago I looked around our home and decided that we either "needed" to do some more remodeling or we "needed" to move. I did some internet searching and learned that there was a very big gap between the price range of our home and the next available homes that would meet our needs (4-5 bedrooms, school district, etc.). We decided we could not in good conscience pursue a new home and we would pursue some remodeling.

Well, Scott has many hobbies. Our farm, running, and hunting just to name a few. So projects sometimes take a while. Now I will admit some of these projects could have been done or at least started by me. So here it is almost September and though we have accrued some supplies we have not actually started any of the original projects. We did get distracted and clean and paint the garage floors and walls. This looks great, though I do not spend a lot of time sitting in my garage, maybe I should!

So yesterday was the parade of homes in our fine area. Most homes are in another town/school district so we just tour them for ideas. But one house was in our area and it was very nice. So I began to dream again. We could quickly finish a few projects at our house, sell, and move into a brand new home! I talked to the builder and brought home lots of information for Scott. He was at our farm, so not with Noelle, mom and I. We talked briefly about the house yesterday and this morning I said, "So what did you think? Would you like to go see it?"

He said that I needed to be content. WHAT?? I am content. I am not a big spender, I don't always seek the newest and best, for heaven sakes we are great givers and we are in the process of adopting!!

Or am I content. I was so insulted that he would imply that I am not content. But obviously if I am looking at another home with any degree of seriousness I am not content. And if I am not content with my home in what other ways am I not content. And how do I become content.

I Timothy 6: 6-10
"Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with sorrows."

I have never felt that I loved money, but do I love the things that money has allowed us to buy, like my home? I don't feel like I am any where close to wandering from my faith, but how distracted am I?

I hate it when he's right.

Off to school!

Aren't they cute? I cannot possibly be old enough to have a 5'3", 12 year old, 7th grader and a 6'1", 16 year old, pick up truck driving junior!

Every year I take their picture on the front steps before school starts. This year Noelle said, "We can't do it here, the steps are a mess." I said we needed to document it for posterity since I have been looking at this mess for about six months!

Have a fantastic year kids! I love you!

Technical Difficulties

Our computer was down for a week with a horrible virus and I am prepared to admit that I was addicted to email! Wow, I felt so disconnected especially from the adoption process. This has been a difficult time, just waiting. (Not for the email, in the adoption process!)

The kids head back to school this week. This will be the first time that Noelle has ever attended public school. She is pretty excited and a little nervous. I can't believe I have a seventh grader and an eleventh grader! I know a lot of parents are glad for school to start. I am not really. I think I will be pretty lonely. Our house feels so empty without the noises of Jake and Noelle.

My plan is to paint a vanity for the bathroom that will be remodeled and then start in on the nursery. I have been putting it off, but I think I am ready to plunge in. I will be sure and post some pictures of both.

I have been reading a great book called "Keep a Quiet Heart" by Elisabeth Elliot. It is actually a collection of articles she wrote for a newsletter. In regard to parenting, I was struck by these questions. "Wouldn't our children learn godliness if they saw the example of contentment instead of complaint? acceptance instead of rebellion? peace instead of frustration?" That is very convicting for me. I don't know that I am too much of a complainer but rebellion and frustration?!

As Scott and I were working on some projects last night he announced that he had learned a new verse. Proverbs 21:19, "It is better to live alone in the desert than with a crabby, complaining wife." I said, "It's a good thing you don't have one!" It sounded like he and the office had had a lot of fun with that verse.

Friday, Scott and I will celebrate 21 one years of mostly wedded bliss! We are headed away for one night to Lanesboro, MN for some kayaking and biking. My dad said, "That sounds like exercise!" It sounds great to me!

Happy Back to School!

Three for July

July was very odd for our family. For the first time, in a very long time, there were only three of us. Jake was in Argentina on a missions trip. He is now home. Yeah!! And he had an amazing time of drawing near to God. But that needs to be his blog. Maybe he will do a guest blog. So here is July for the three of us!

Noelle attended a Lampost Theatre (www.lampost.com/dramacamp ) drama camp. The directors have done drama instruction and leadership for Teen Missions (where Scott and I met) and some for Teen Mania (where Jake was). My grandma, age 94, was able to attend the performance, so that made it even more special.

We toured Hansen's Dairy Farm, again. This time with Diane's family.

Scott on niece Micah's bike, in Minnesota.

Rest stop in South Dakota. We took the scenic route from Colorado relatives to Minnesota relatives. Scott feels the need to workout pretty often since he is training for another marathon; Noelle volunteered to help out.

Mini-golf in Boulder.

Hitting the park, in Boulder.

Daddy and Noelle at the Omaha Zoo!

We had lots of fun, but we are so glad that Jake is home and we are the Larson 4 again.

Soon to be the Larson 5!!