Catch'up Time

well... highlights. I got to babysit again on Nov 9th. Cutest kids ever and so sweet.



Keara and Connor.

Nothin too much in school. I enjoy it. I love babysitting and tutoring. I can't wait to come home. I get to head back to central Illinois on Tuesday afternoon. I get to drive home. One of my friends let me take their car while they are in Mexico. I miss driving. I picked it up yesterday and loved just driving and listening to my music.


Last weekend was so fun. Amy Klotzle came in on Friday morning. We babysat and walked around a few streets (more north). Saturday morning got ready to host people. I had to borrow pancake syrup and lots of bedding from Joe and Mike "down under" (the apt. under us). Fun times.

We also saw a Parade outside our window. We first thought it was Obama then a communist march... then we finally went to investigate and found it was an awareness of a genocide that had happened in Ukraine in 1932. Never know what you will see on these streets.



Natalie, Tommy, Neal, Scott, Troy, Traci, and David came around 1:00. Johnny flew in around 4:00. We chilled and went to Emilio's Tapas Bar. A wonderful Spanish restaurant.

Had a big sleep over here. Sunday after church Traci and I went out to Michigan Ave. and the Magnificent Mile.

This week at the apt. Always fun times. Monday night was documentary night. Watched a film about Chinese 3rd graders voting. It was interesting. Thursday borrowed a car and bought a vacuum and bathroom de'cor. We are cool.

Amy Hohulin came to visit Wed. night. It has been great to have her around. She is here for a meeting but I get to see her in the evenings.

Today I am looking forward to Megan Kieser, Claire, and David Wuth coming to the city and then going to a musical at Timothy Christian School "Pirates of Pansan".

A weekend Post

Yesterday was good. I had an emergency Sign language assignment at an ER, it went well. Went to my next sign language assignment and found that they had actually meant to ask for a Spanish Interpreter. Oops. Not much help there.

Came home and visited "the neighbors" (well mainly Joe). Saw someone I knew in the Red Line El station. (that was very exciting, I know people in Chicago!)

Babysat Brain in the evening and then today...

Headed out to Woodfield. I started my journey at 9:00 A.m. after the 66 Chicago bus, Blue line to Jefferson Park, Shuttled to Harlem (because they are working on the El), finish the Blue line to Rosemont (one stop before O'hare) and Pace bus 606 to the mall I met Marcy and Katie at 10:45. I actually saw them pull into the Parking lot.



On the way to the mall I met a lady from China. She told me about her experiences with the Olympics and other things in life. On the way back I met a couple here on business from New Zealand and another lady who moved here from India in 1984. I love people, especially when they have accents.

It was good to see Marcy and Katie. I love my friends. And seeing them. When I was waiting for the Pace bus to go back to the City I saw a lady with 2 children and they were from Roanoke. Crazy small world. I know.

I started waiting for the bus at 3:15 and didn't get home til 6:15 (Not always a fan of public transportation). I guess I get what I pay for!

I am still Alive.

Well everything went smoothly Tuesday. Obama is actually still at his home here in Chicago. The people I babysit for, the dad, was guarding Obama's house on Tuesday night.

Lots I haven't blogged, but nothing really big. Last weekend I enjoyed the weekend in Chicago. Enjoyed the beautiful weather. We had a cook out on Sunday night. Us girls played 2-hand touch football. Fun times. 3 on 3. Derek would have been proud of the knowledge I displayed :). Julie Herold had the punting down with her boots! Met some good friends from Eureka that were up for the weekend. Malea Cautro, a lovely 11 year old friend of mine.

went to Mark Miller's concert last Thursday night! That was good stuff. Joe and Rachel came with me. What can I say, I have some good friends. Also last Thursday a group came up to the City Kali, Gabi, Kayla, Amy, Zach, Nate. So good to spend the day with them



This week... test, babysat, did some interpreting appointments, went to a Fondue party, helped make the colors for Andrea to paint Vango's stary night on a pumpkin, played powder puff football, wrote a paper, got our Carpets shampooed (by land lord) and cleaned our fans (4 blades, not 5), Gave Blood. And decided life would be way more fun if I didn't have a memory. So my friend, Joe challenged me to write a book about that. (I wasn't really serious)

So that is a good little start.

Here is a picture of the little boy, Brian, I babysit for.

So much. So little time

I had a GREAT weekend. We raised the roof at my house in Roanoke. Beautiful weather.



Before we got started

Enjoyed Bible study Thursday night and friends. Friday got the house a little cleaner. Then in the evening I was able to have supper with some friends (Bob and Charlene Schumacher and Heather). After supper I went with some of my family to Derek's last football game.



(Check out number 73!)

It was a lot of fun. Totally missed the rain but it was still cold. Saturday lots of good food and lots of good work accomplished. Thank you everyone who came to help! And no one got hurt, Good times.



After the day was finished we had all the plywood sheets on.



Us girls also cut the chicken's feathers so they can't fly over the fence along with making lots of good food.

Sunday, went to Roanoke church. Enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. Ryan gave me a ride back into Chicago and fortunately dropped me off at my apt. (I would not have made it on the el). Got caught up with the room mate. Had a tea party and that's it.

Today was awfully windy. Babysat Brain and went to Class.

My dream come true.

So today my aunt called. She had to leave a message and told me to call her back she had exciting news.

SHE HAS 2 FREE TICKETS TO SEE WICKED THE MUSICAL. I am so excited. It was interesting because no more than an hour earlier I had told myself that I just couldn't afford it and I would just have to come to grips that I wouldn't ever get to see it here in Chicago. BUT... NO. I get to January 10th. I am super excited! I have wanted to see this musical for years and it is leaving Chicago in January (a few weeks later I guess).

I sliced my finger open today while cleaning the mirror. Yes. Random. but it keeps breaking open. Stupid cuts.

Today I set my alarm for 8:30 instead of 7:30 so I missed the first 45 minutes of class but I didn't miss much and the other hour and 45 was well worth it.

Rachel made me an amazing pizza thing for supper tonight! It was so good. That is the end of my day.

I GET TO GO HOME TOMORROW. Leaving on the train around 1:45. I know it seems like I always go home but I never get tired of it. And this weekend we have a "barn raising" on Saturday. Please pray for nice weather and all are welcome, if you are around.

I love the Clow Family!!!

What a day. Started with Philosophy of Law. It was an interesting day. Full of theories and laws. A lot of thought provoking information but my mind was on the rest of my day.

Kathy called this morning to let me know they would be meeting me at the Planetarium at 12:00. The kids didn't know I was going to be there. When they got off the bus I was already there and was right outside the museum. John and Kathy pointed me out and it was attack of the Clow children. OH... I have missed those 4. They all gave me big hugs and Evan showed me his proud possession. He had the Metra schedule. Rebekah helped me to hold on to my ticket. Let me tell you, you can not out-love the Clow kids.



We enjoyed the museum.



Some quotables:

Evan (a little over 5) and I were walking and I asked him what that was (it was a tiny earth). He said a planet. I asked him which one. He said, "This one!" emphatically.

After we were finished at the Planetarium we headed outside. It was raining with not a cloud insight. We found the Rainbow and Abigail asked how a rainbow is formed. I told her to ask her mom. (Kathy is teaching the children on the road and I thought this would be a good chance to teach her about the sun and rain colliding.) So Kathy asked her, "Why do you think it is there". She replied, "Because we obeyed". She may not know her science; but what a better way of showing God's beauty. Thanks Abi.



Along the way to the "bean" and the city, Evan, Josiah, Bekah, and Abigail picked me my first bouquet of wild flowers (dandelions).



It was such an encouraging day to get out and really enjoy the city. I need to cut this short though. Babysitting this evening from 7-10. See ya.

Just Chilling.

Well. I am ready for Rachel to get back. She went home this weekend from Thursday til tomorrow. Although I am going home Thursday til Sunday this coming week. This week should be a little more relaxing. Today I babysat with Brian. He was very good. Nothin' too special. Although, this kids has the most love able laugh!!

Yesterday was a very encouraging day. Spent the day at church. Ron Messner was there and had the morning service. very convicting and encouraging. Talked about being honest with God and people and also giving our worries and concerns to God emphasis on Luke 12:34. There were a few people from Roanoke, which is always nice.

After church I went with Boyd and Lois to Potluck at Randy and Heather Knapp's. I enjoyed that opportunity to get to know more people from Chicago better. And of course a wonderful supper!

Tomorrow I am hoping to get together with the Clow's. Last July I was blessed to spend the month with them! I miss them a lot and can't wait to see them. then I will finish up the day with babysitting Brian from 7-10 p.m. and catching up with Rachel!

Still enjoying this weather.