Thursday, December 24, 2009
Snowball Fight
Merry Christmas everyone! Click on the link below to see this year's Christmas card.
Our Christmas Card
Our Christmas Card
The View From Up Here: Christmas in Colorado 2009
Let's all say it together....O my goodness, where has the time gone?!” 2009 in particular has seemed to rush by. It was definitely a busy one for the Mendicki household (when is it not?). PJ stayed most occupied with his usual business trips to California and Washington DC. Working with the government never ceases to provide challenges, but God continues to bless him in his work and in relationships we've built with families from work. I know that is a rare blessing within large corporate companies, so we are especially thankful for the relationships God has placed us in.
By May we all needed to get out and stretch our legs, so we took the last half of May and first part of June to go exploring. The Acura was made ready, tents packed, meals organized, destinations planned, and schoolwork finished as we ventured out to experience God's beautiful wilderness. We traveled through Wyoming, and Utah to make our first lengthy stop in Idaho. We parked there for a week or so to visit our dear friends who were stationed there for the summer from Oregon (they had also just arrived, so we all explored together). We were surprised to see just how much Boise has to offer! There are some fantastic museums, beautiful country, and a most delightful community of Dutch people. Perhaps the most memorable event of our trip was walking into a Dutch Reformed church one Sunday, not knowing a soul. At the end of the service we (our family of 5, plus our friend's family of 6 and another family of 4 from their squadron) were quickly invited to join an older Dutch couple at their home for lunch. I believe the conversation went something like this:
Bep (Dutch woman): “Please, would you come to our house for lunch?”
Us: “That would be wonderful, but you do realize there are 15 of us. Is that okay?”
Bep: “Ya, Ya, that is okay. We want to host you.”
Us: “Are you ready for this? Can we help out and bring something?”
Bep: “No, we're not ready at all, but we'll figure it out. Come, come!"
What followed was nothing short of a providential appointment. Bep and her husband shared from deep in their hearts their wrenching personal memories of the Nazi occupation of their Dutch town. Bep's father was a store owner who was responsible for handing out rationing coupons, and Case recalled being a very young teenager, watching the trains being loaded, and being told by German officers that it was okay to shoot a Jew, and, in fact, it was his duty. Everything inside this young child screamed at the tragedies taking place before him, and to this very day he carries a heavy burden of feeling guilty about not knowing what to do. He took aside our three husbands, all leaders of young families, and passed on his wisdom, encouragement, and challenge of being steadfast in leading those families, a challenge to BE men. He and Bep enveloped our children, sat and talked with them, played with them, and loved them as if they were their own grandchildren. Those few hours with that Dutch couple touched each of us. For PJ and I, it renewed our vision and excitement to be intentional about opening our home for fellowship, not just to friends we know and feel comfortable with, but to whomever God lays on our hearts to serve at any given moment. What a unforgettable day!
Our trip continued back down through Idaho, and Utah, to stop in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (it tormented PJ that he couldn't bring his bike!), ending with a celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary in Vail. That was wonderful (especially the hour-long massage after sleeping in a tent for 3 weeks)!
The girls continue to find their niche and passions in life. As Carrie is about to turn thirteen (OUCH!), we're very grateful that God is answering our prayers and revealing ministry opportunities she can pour her talents and passion into. For her, it has been art, dance and theater. She was part of our church's Broadway production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” this past month. To be able to work with seasoned adults and talented senior high while reaching out to the community was a delight, and as I repeatedly picked her up from late night rehearsals, her smile and enthusiasm exploded out of her tired body. She is looking forward to future productions, getting to work with the varied generations in the church body, and sharing the good news of Christ's redemption creatively.
Mia (9) and Meg (5) are also developing a passion for service. They naturally love to be around people, so they are the first ones I can count on to welcome visitors to the door, and the ones I have to wait for anywhere else because they want to help clean up and put things away (books, dance mats, shopping carts - all of them). I'm very glad they like to help, but would like to know what it's like being the recipient of some of that unsolicited help at home more often! Their smiles and antics brighten my days and keep this house filled with laughter!
We are enjoying a quiet Christmas at home this year in order to prepare to shoot out of the starting blocks of 2010. My (Steph) sister's family in Alaska,as well as my parents and ourselves will be descending on Florida for a two week vacation in January to celebrate my nephew's high school graduation in May, as well as watch a close family friend pilot his first space shuttle mission! We can't wait to see what appointments God has for our little family in this next year. We hope that some of them involve you, and pray that He will also show you the many ways He is involved in your everyday and not so everyday moments! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
By May we all needed to get out and stretch our legs, so we took the last half of May and first part of June to go exploring. The Acura was made ready, tents packed, meals organized, destinations planned, and schoolwork finished as we ventured out to experience God's beautiful wilderness. We traveled through Wyoming, and Utah to make our first lengthy stop in Idaho. We parked there for a week or so to visit our dear friends who were stationed there for the summer from Oregon (they had also just arrived, so we all explored together). We were surprised to see just how much Boise has to offer! There are some fantastic museums, beautiful country, and a most delightful community of Dutch people. Perhaps the most memorable event of our trip was walking into a Dutch Reformed church one Sunday, not knowing a soul. At the end of the service we (our family of 5, plus our friend's family of 6 and another family of 4 from their squadron) were quickly invited to join an older Dutch couple at their home for lunch. I believe the conversation went something like this:
Bep (Dutch woman): “Please, would you come to our house for lunch?”
Us: “That would be wonderful, but you do realize there are 15 of us. Is that okay?”
Bep: “Ya, Ya, that is okay. We want to host you.”
Us: “Are you ready for this? Can we help out and bring something?”
Bep: “No, we're not ready at all, but we'll figure it out. Come, come!"
What followed was nothing short of a providential appointment. Bep and her husband shared from deep in their hearts their wrenching personal memories of the Nazi occupation of their Dutch town. Bep's father was a store owner who was responsible for handing out rationing coupons, and Case recalled being a very young teenager, watching the trains being loaded, and being told by German officers that it was okay to shoot a Jew, and, in fact, it was his duty. Everything inside this young child screamed at the tragedies taking place before him, and to this very day he carries a heavy burden of feeling guilty about not knowing what to do. He took aside our three husbands, all leaders of young families, and passed on his wisdom, encouragement, and challenge of being steadfast in leading those families, a challenge to BE men. He and Bep enveloped our children, sat and talked with them, played with them, and loved them as if they were their own grandchildren. Those few hours with that Dutch couple touched each of us. For PJ and I, it renewed our vision and excitement to be intentional about opening our home for fellowship, not just to friends we know and feel comfortable with, but to whomever God lays on our hearts to serve at any given moment. What a unforgettable day!
Our trip continued back down through Idaho, and Utah, to stop in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks (it tormented PJ that he couldn't bring his bike!), ending with a celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary in Vail. That was wonderful (especially the hour-long massage after sleeping in a tent for 3 weeks)!
The girls continue to find their niche and passions in life. As Carrie is about to turn thirteen (OUCH!), we're very grateful that God is answering our prayers and revealing ministry opportunities she can pour her talents and passion into. For her, it has been art, dance and theater. She was part of our church's Broadway production of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” this past month. To be able to work with seasoned adults and talented senior high while reaching out to the community was a delight, and as I repeatedly picked her up from late night rehearsals, her smile and enthusiasm exploded out of her tired body. She is looking forward to future productions, getting to work with the varied generations in the church body, and sharing the good news of Christ's redemption creatively.
Mia (9) and Meg (5) are also developing a passion for service. They naturally love to be around people, so they are the first ones I can count on to welcome visitors to the door, and the ones I have to wait for anywhere else because they want to help clean up and put things away (books, dance mats, shopping carts - all of them). I'm very glad they like to help, but would like to know what it's like being the recipient of some of that unsolicited help at home more often! Their smiles and antics brighten my days and keep this house filled with laughter!
We are enjoying a quiet Christmas at home this year in order to prepare to shoot out of the starting blocks of 2010. My (Steph) sister's family in Alaska,as well as my parents and ourselves will be descending on Florida for a two week vacation in January to celebrate my nephew's high school graduation in May, as well as watch a close family friend pilot his first space shuttle mission! We can't wait to see what appointments God has for our little family in this next year. We hope that some of them involve you, and pray that He will also show you the many ways He is involved in your everyday and not so everyday moments! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Christmas Carol: The Musical
It seems every spare minute around here lately has been dedicated to our church's production of "A Christmas Carol: The Musical". Carrie is a dancer, and is having the time of her life, despite the long hours and late night rehearsals. I'm having just as much fun roaming the halls and stage, capturing it all on camera. My prayer is that this production will reach out beyond being "just another Christmas play", to touch those who truly feel there is no reason to celebrate. If you are a local and would like to see the show, visit www.v7pc.org for ticket and show information.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Chaos and Providence
"Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD." Psalm 36:5-6I love how creation bursts with truths of God. I shot this a few years back as we descended into Alaska to visit my sister's family. It is a fitting picture of how we function "below the clouds", smothered in what seems to be chaos and the whims of our short-sighted living; yet if we step outside the box and review history and God's word, we can be assured that HE has been there all the while - steadfast, strong, still working out, above our field of vision, HIS perfect plan and will. Thank you Heavenly Father, for being so much greater than I!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Trick or Treat?!
The story: PJ got called away to CA and couldn't go with us to our friends' Halloween party, so I (his trailer park wife) proudly displayed his "glamour shots" photo in my wallet as well as some mug shots we made up to justify his absence. Carrie was a Beverly Hills chihuahua-toting teenager. Mia was a 50's diner waitress, and Meg was a 50's cutie. Great fun! Thanks Woodfords for such a great evening!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Winter Welcome Mat
They say it's going to be a cold and heavy winter this year. I should have known they were serious when we had 3 inches of snow on the last day of summer! But it's so beautiful, it's hard to hate it. Today we're going to hunker down, bake some fresh 14 grain bread, work on our mural art project, play Monopoly or maybe Trivial Pursuit, and take some time to step out of the rush of everyday life and just enjoy being stuck together. You're early, winter, but welcome!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
A Series of Megisms
1. (At the urgent care) Not so long ago, we were on our hurried way out the door to a play Carrie was in. Everyone was filing into the car, just as they were asked, when I hear little Meg yell, "Wait a minute Mom! Watch this!" We were running tight on time, and just as my mouth opened to release the sigh and "Meg, come on. We're late", I see her little body perform some oddity of a motion and land face down on the hardwood floor. I think it was a twirl. My thought? "Great... thanks Meg."At the urgent care, Meg was great; quite a trooper actually. The Army doc that sewed her up had stitches himself. He told the story of how he jumped out of a plane and hit his chin on his knee during a hard landing. Meg's face spoke volumes! Not wanting to diminish the hardship he endured, but knowing her story was much better, she let out a nonchalant breath and calmly replied with braggadocio, "Yeah, I did a one-foot jump spin."
2. (At the eye doctor). During her annual eye exam, the doctor asked Meg to look into the cool thingamajig that helps detect colorblindness, I think.
Dr: "What do you see Meg?"
Meg: "I see molecules!"
Dr: "Then what are you here to see me for?!"
3. (At home) Meg's pink snowman bathrobe was laying right in the middle of the hallway. This is not uncommon, unfortunately. Exasperated with coming across yet another article of Meg's clothing, I holler upstairs, "Meg, why is your robe in the middle of the floor?"
Meg: (Very involved in what she is currently doing) " I dunno"
Me: "Meg. That's not an answer. You do know. Why is it down here?"
Meg: "I was using it as a boat."
Me: (Ahh, of course.)
4. (To a police officer) We had just left Carrie at summer camp in Woodland Park and were on our way back home, about a 45 minute drive. Before we even got out of town, we were broadsided by a woman running a red light. Everyone was fine. We were all standing in the street, giving information to one of the officers, when another officer, seeing Meg, thought he would be helpful and engage Meg in conversation. I'm keeping a careful ear out to hear what's being talked about when I overhear Meg ask him, "Were you a little boy?"
Officer: "Why, yes. I was."
Meg: (winking and smiling) " I bet you were cute!"
(She did NOT learn that from me)
Meg: (referring to the standard officer uniform of blue shirt, blue pants). "Does someone make you wear that?"
Officer: Yes. It's our uniform.
Meg: " That's good. You'd look pretty silly if you wore a pink shirt and plaid pants!"
The officer stepped away to gain his composure from laughing.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Math as a Bible lesson?!
PJ and I attended a seminar hosted by CHEC at the beginning of the month to help us navigate and discern God's direction for school as we get closer to the high school years. Of all the great information shared and choices laid out before us, one little precious piece of wisdom continues to smack me in the face every day. Math, above all else beneficial, is GREAT character training! You need not but step through my front door around 9am Monday through Friday to know this is true. I married a math-whiz physics major who dreams in spreadsheet format. I never really struggled with math (that I can remember -which really isn't saying much -that WAS a long time ago). In that, God has blessed me (I mean that sincerely!) with one very artistic daughter who tends to not think like a mathmetician, and one who is very detail oriented, but lacks some perseverance for the meantime (the third is a little young yet to know). Both are perfectionists! Add these together, and you have a very interesting, and sometimes trying hour of math that invites lessons in self-control in the midst of frustration, perseverance to seek solutions amidst failure, and patience and love in teaching.Math has made me want to be a student of my children in order to better understand how God made their minds. It also shows me my own depravity when I let my own frustration get out of control. Above all though, it is a wonderful reminder to bring to memory God's direction in life and learning.
"The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom". We have learned to lay math (and ALL of our learning through the day) at the feet of the Giver of our wisdom and live expecting Him to give us the understanding we need.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Who says girls can't sumo wrestle?
To share some of our wackiness with you: A couple of weeks ago we studied Japan. Of the activities to incorporate into the lesson, we had the choices of holding a traditional Japanese tea or sumo wrestling. Guess which one the Mendicki girls picked.
Family Ties
My birthday present
For my birthday, PJ suprised me with the Canon 5D Mark II digital camera with all the bells and whistles. I'm still trying to wrap my head around how to work it all, but having a blast! The next morning I grabbed the girls and headed to Fox Run Park for a playful shoot (the kids of photographers are always the ones to suffer!).
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Budding Photographer?
I found these pictures on one of my cameras. Apparently Meg got a hold of it and tried her hand at self portraits.
Smell the forest
I know. Strange name for a blog. At least I think so. PJ put it there when he set this up for me, and I almost had him change it. But...
For those of us who escape the city once in awhile and get into nature for a weekend or so of camping, what is the first comment we usually make (or at least think) when we step out of the tent onto the earthy carpet glistening with the morning dew? We take a deep breath and think "Ahhh, I love the smell of the forest!" There's just something about it.
Our family escaped the city in 2007 when we took the adventure of building a house in Black Forest, just outside Colorado Springs. We wake up to acres of towering Ponderosa Pine trees gently blowing in the breeze, the misty fog looming just above the branches, and the morning sun igniting the peaks of the Front Range. Every time I step out the front door, I'm stepping out of the tent and taking that deep breath. It's quiet, simple, and beautiful. It's the number one thing PJ and I would mention as we anticipated and dreamed about the house we would some day build together, and it's still one of the most frequent comments any of our family of five will make on any given day when we step outside. "Guys! Come smell the forest!"
For those of us who escape the city once in awhile and get into nature for a weekend or so of camping, what is the first comment we usually make (or at least think) when we step out of the tent onto the earthy carpet glistening with the morning dew? We take a deep breath and think "Ahhh, I love the smell of the forest!" There's just something about it.
Our family escaped the city in 2007 when we took the adventure of building a house in Black Forest, just outside Colorado Springs. We wake up to acres of towering Ponderosa Pine trees gently blowing in the breeze, the misty fog looming just above the branches, and the morning sun igniting the peaks of the Front Range. Every time I step out the front door, I'm stepping out of the tent and taking that deep breath. It's quiet, simple, and beautiful. It's the number one thing PJ and I would mention as we anticipated and dreamed about the house we would some day build together, and it's still one of the most frequent comments any of our family of five will make on any given day when we step outside. "Guys! Come smell the forest!"
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