Has it really been a month since my last blog post? I'd say I'm sorry for not updating you, but I wouldn't be completely truthful. I'm sorry, though, if you've been looking for updates and haven't found it here.

I think it's a mild case of Social Media Fatigue.



You'd think that being such a techie myself, and being in the techie field, that I'd be riding the crest of each crashing wave of the next big thing. But I think the inverse is happening... too much of it is getting to be a little too much for me.

If you really want to keep up with me, follow me on Twitter. Since I can txt my tweets, I do that most often. That also feeds my Facebook status, and you can see it here on my blog too.

For my part, I'll try to keep you updated on some of the things that are going on around here. Maybe if I keep the posts short, I'll get more in. Anyway, stay tuned.

Posted: 09:30 PM | 0 Comments

We knew, when we bought this house last year, that we wanted a vegetable garden in our yard. We're not really doing the green thing. Well, not yet. We're just playing around in this first year. If things go well, we're definitely going to kick this up a notch!



We went to Menard's this evening to check out what they had to offer. We looked at flowers first, but then stumbled upon the vegetable section.

Actually, we saw the apple trees first. Having been to the local orchard for their harvest days, we knew some of the breeds by name. So, getting excited at the prospect of having fresh apples from our own garden, we picked out a Cortland apple tree. It was tempting to get a McIntosh to satisfy the geek in me.

Then we found the vegetables, and we went a little crazy. I thought we'd start with a salsa garden, but the strawberries looked really good. So, we ended up with tomatoes, zuchinni, green peppers, strawberries, and snow peas. That should be enough to keep us busy for a while.

I also got us some hardware for the job: stakes to hold up the tree and some fencing to keep the pests out. So, this week, I'll be working on getting our garden set up and ready to go. Hopefully, I'll be able to put the plants in the ground by this weekend and then let the bounty of the harvest roll on in.

I'll post some pictures and updates. I would also appreciate your input and green tips. I don't want everything to die in there.

Posted: 10:37 PM | 0 Comments

While riding her bicycle in circles in the garage this evening, Audrey suddenly stopped and pointed at Eliza.

Audrey: Daddy, Eliza's special to me, and I'm special to her.
Me: That's right. And you're both special to mommy and daddy.
Audrey: Yeah. Daddy?
Me: Yes, honey?
Audrey: Are you going to marry mommy?
Me: Daddy's thinking about it, baby.

I didn't really say that last part because the humor would be lost on her, and it might skew her view of family values. Of course, I explained that daddy was already married to mommy. But it was funny in my head anyway.

Posted: 08:59 PM | 1 Comments

Has it really been two weeks since I last posted in my blog? You know, there was a time when I thought I'd have something to say, or I'd find something to say, worthy of my blog at least once a day.

And now look where I am. I blame Twitter.

I just wanted to post my last word on Sarah.



We attended her memorial service two weeks ago. It was a good opportunity for us to express our condolences to her family, and to get some closure for ourselves. We didn't get to see her body as the casket was closed, but we were reminded that the spirit and life that we had come to know and love in Sarah was gone. All that remained was a husk. We reveled in the knowledge that she was dancing on heavenly streets of gold.

I pondered, while looking through memorabilia from various times of her life, how many people would show up for a similar service in remembrance of me. I'm sure there were more than a few people who wondered the same thing. But an event like this is bound to make you pause and consider your own mortality.

So, goodbye Sarah. You will always be remembered and missed.

Posted: 09:45 PM | 0 Comments

You know, I'm usually not a very emotional guy. Granted, I haven't experienced a lot of deaths to anyone close in my family and I haven't really had to go through a lot of trauma, so the limit of my emotional endurance may yet be untested.

But since the news of Sarah's accident, I find myself deeper in thought than usual. It's surprised even me that I've been dwelling on it.



This photo was taken at Sonshine 2004, one of the many times that Sarah joined the Fresh Fire Youth for the weekend. I don't exactly remember when the Bullers started coming to Holy Life or when they stopped, but when you make a solid connection with kindred spirits, it doesn't really matter where they go to church. You still keep in touch and contact with them. For a lot of the teenagers that pass through the doors of our youth room, it "Once a Fresh Fire youth, always a Fresh Fire youth."

Today would've been Sarah's 19th birthday, when she should be celebrating the beginning of the rest of her life. If you're her friend on Facebook, you'll know that her wall has been inundated with innumerable well wishes, a testimony to the life that she led and the legacy she leaves.

It's not often that a student inspires a teacher, but lately I've caught myself wondering about my own life. Now, I don't think my life is insignificant in any way, but I have been questioning how well I've been living my life and how wisely I've been spending the days I've been given on this earth.

I also don't think that it would increase in value if I devoted every waking minute helping starving children in Africa. There is, of course, nothing wrong with doing that, but if we all flocked there, who would evangelize our own country? There's as much a call for businessplace evangelism as there is for global evangelism. It all boils down to balance.

The question that I've been asking myself always comes back to this: What am I doing with my life? What more can I do? What have I been doing with my life thus far? I know that's more than one question, but I have been asking myself those questions a lot.

I don't expect to have any answers right now, but maybe those questions will help direct my choices and my life. Maybe if I find myself here again, I might be able to have more positive answers. Maybe the questions alone are enough for now.

I think Seth Barnes said it best in his blog. "[S]ometimes God loves us so much, he asks for our best. And in receiving Sarah into his loving arms, he got the best we had."

Happy birthday, Sarah. You will be missed.

Posted: 11:04 PM | 0 Comments

You know how they say you shouldn't get emotionally attached to your subjects or clients? Well, that's probably sound advice for working in certain vocations. For example, if you were an IRS auditor or counselor, it's probably a good thing that a little professional distance is kept between you and your subjects.

But when you're a youth pastor ministering to teenagers, total transparency and complete honesty are required for your ministry to be effective. Otherwise, they'll see right through your facade.



We just learned that a girl, actually now a young lady, who used to attend the youth group when we were youth leaders in Brookings, was killed today in an auto accident while on a mission trip to South Africa.

Needless to say, we are both shocked by the news and deeply saddened by it. Hers was a life cut short long before her time. She was one of those students who inspires her teachers. Looking back on her life, she has accomplished and overcome a great deal.

I don't know her well enough to presume anything, so I won't say that she would've wanted it this way. I mean, who really does? But I will say this: I should be so blessed to be caught doing the work of the Lord when my number is finally called.

We love you, Sarah. You will be missed.

Posted: 10:04 PM | 0 Comments

So, it's time again for me to add to my bucket list. So far, I have annual hiking trip, visit the US Open (tennis, not golf), and write a novel.

0-3 and I'm going to add more to the list.



I'd really like to add the Tour de Kota to the list. Now, before the diatribe gets unleashed, gimme a chance. It's just one of those things... you know, like wanting to climb Mount Everest. Now, I'll admit. There's a certain amount of machismo involved here, but I also think this would be a great summer activity.

If you're not familiar or from South Dakota, the Tour de Kota is our very local version of the other tour. It's 425 miles of biking through seven stops in South Dakota. Most of those miles should be over plains, but I'm sure there will be a few slopes as well.

So, I'm not going to underestimate this undertaking. I'll probably start hitting the gym, treadmills, and bikes hard soon, so maybe that'll help me get started training for this. I know actually riding time on the roads, etc will be crucial, so I might have to get creative with my routes. Maybe I'll ride to Brookings on the weekends.

So, anyway, that's my next bullet point on the bucket list.

Posted: 01:41 PM | 0 Comments

Well, I told you I'd try to pick this up again. I just didn't think it'd be that long in between posts. So, here I am trying to help your next Malaysian adventure.



First of all, there's the food. My, my, the food. When I was growing up, I took the bounty of the land for granted. We would eat out at almost every occasion, and we wouldn't think twice about the variety that was available at any number of eating places or food courts.

When you go, be adventurous with your diet, if possible. I know if you have severe allergies, especially peanut, then you might want to be a little bit more careful. Some places are still cooking with peanut oil, and there will be plenty of peanuts to go around. But if you just ask, there are more and more places using palm oil.

Try as much as you can. The beautiful and delicious thing about Malaysia cuisine is that it's not just Malay, Chinese, or Indian. It's Malaysian, which means that each has a little bit of everything else. The Chinese food has a little bit of Malay and Indian in it as well, and vice versa. So, be adventurous.

Not just with the food. There will be a lot of things that you will get to do. Even as a Malaysian, there were a lot of things that I had never done before and things that I had taken for granted. Like visiting beaches or climbing hills, go and do all the tourist-y things. Like parasailing and shopping. Go to the museums and parks.

In short, if it looks like fun, do it :)

Posted: 11:08 PM | 0 Comments

I had the opportunity to do a "one kit call" for a digital scrap designer, "Creative Chaos" Kymm - it was SO much fun to use her kit "My Favorite Man". If you like what you see, you can pick up the kit HERE!

Posted: 11:13 AM | 1 Comments

I just have to say that I am SOOO blessed by God - providing for us! He is SO faithful!

Who'd have thought that when I started freezer cooking for my own family more than 2 years ago that I'd be where I am today - holding freezer cooking sessions in my home for others to be blessed as well... providing time for them to get out and do something for their family, but get some girl time as well!

I sent out another freezer cooking sign up today for June. I sent it at 2pm and already by 4pm (just 2 hours) I have NINE people signed up! I can't believe it....

I am truly blessed to be a blessing!
Thank you GOD!

****UPDATE: And within 9 hours both sessions were filled!****

Posted: 04:23 PM | 0 Comments

Yes, I have a little artist.... she's learned to draw on the wall and cabinet with crayon and I don't think I was clear enough.... perhaps I shouldn't have said we don't use CRAYON to draw on anything but paper.... I should have mentioned ink pens as well? LOL

SOOOOO just for those of you who were curious..... It does take an etire magic eraser and probably a weekend of paint touch up to clean a life size self portrait of a certain 3-1/2 year old in pen ink off the playroom wall that she managed to draw in 5 mins while mommy was switching laundry over!!! I think it helped to have her try and clean it off for 5 mins with rag first and see it doesn't come off.....

Posted: 10:20 AM | 0 Comments

SOOO I thought I'd try to teach Audrey a little simple math... just started this morning. Here's how it went LOL Not too bad for 3-1/2 I don't think. BY the way... the little "um... um..." thing that Eliza did in this video? Yeah... she does that ALL the time! LOL It's so hilarious!

Posted: 08:36 PM | 2 Comments

Seriously people! You do NOT want to miss this call - Carina is the BEST to work for and sooooo incredibly talented!

Posted: 09:32 AM | 0 Comments

WOW - I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted!!! WHY haven't I posted lately? I guess too many new things here going on! Thanks to those who sent the sweet emails asking how we are doing - wondering why I haven't posted updates lately :) It's so neat to see who really cares for us!

I guess I'll start with the most important thing:
ML's job situation - Many of you know that he lost his job after VeraSun became bankrupt and was bought by Valero - which is out of Texas.... we will NOT be moving there! LOL thankfully! He had many interviews and I'm so proud of him, as he was sending out so many resumes and honestly looking to provide for us. He accepted a job offer for Lawrence and Schiller just last week and will be starting with them tuesday! I'm so proud of him for providing for our family! And I'm so thankful to God for providing a job for ML to use his talents and have a witness field.

What am I up to?
LOTS!!!! Mostly keeping busy preparing for freezer cooking sessions. I have had a LOT of interest in this, and unfortunately can not make it a business and keep the costs low. So I'm going to continue doing what I have been doing - dividing up the total for groceries and have moms get together for a fun time :) I AM making a site to put up info though because I constantly have people requesting info on how to do this! :)

I'm still teaching piano too, although not as many students during the summer.

AUDREY
Audrey is going to M-W-F preschool this next fall and is SO excited for it! She's really excited about our new playset and spends a lot of time outside now :) She just finished up dance, gymnastics and swimming classes at Family Wellness - I had the opportunity to sit in on the last 10 mins of her dance classes and snap these photos during her mini recital :)



She did SO well that we've decided to sign her up for dance again... both ballet and hip hop/jazz. She LOVES these classes! :) She will also be in swimming lessons this summer and have gymnastics at her OLD gymnastics center - which she is crazy super excited for! She is a little monkey gymnast, so it's no surprise she loves that class!

ELIZA
Is learning to be a little more happy :) she's not AS high maintenance as she use to be, so that's nice! She's a superb listener and copies almost everything that Audrey does! She loves to eat! Mostly fruits (blackberries are her fave) and veggies (broccoli and cucumber are her face).... She'll down cupcakes too and LOVES those!


SO, here are some other neat things that have gone on this last month!

I held a surprise 30th birthday party here for my brother Jeremy and it went great!

My brothers and I .... older brother, Jeremy on the left and younger brother, Kevin on the right. See me... I'm the pasty white one in the middle :)


I made him his fave. cake - triple layer german chocolate. It was SO much fun making this!

Just this last thursday, my mom took the girls thursday night and kept them until we went to brookings just yesterday (saturday)... I missed the girls SO much! That's the longest I've been away from them!!!

ML and I used all day Friday to plant flowers and trees! It didn't take us long to actually PLANT everything... we started about 2 and were done by like 5? so that's pretty good! We planted TWO apple trees in the backyard, two blackberry bushes, one blueberry bush, 5 lily plants in the back and then THESE on the left of the house:
Aren't they pretty?! They should spread out more in the next few years too :)

Posted: 02:36 PM | 1 Comments

Audrey never really attached to much as a baby, but about a year ago, she started really clinging to this blanket that she received from some church friends when Eliza was born... as her big sister present :) It's her "princess blanket" and ever since she get it, she's wanted to sleep with it, or have it when she's sick, etc.

Last Christmas, my granmother and grandfather (her great grandparents) gave her this adorable bear. This last week or two, she's REALLY attached to it! It seems like it's all she's played with at our house this last week! I love that she's attached to something that my grandparents gave her, because it's special to me and I can see it's special to her.

I just had to share these photos of her with her bear and blankie... it's neat to have two special things. :)

Posted: 08:13 PM | 2 Comments

Last night I hosted book club here and we discussed "Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons" - it's actually a really great fun read! We went with the theme of the book and most everyone brought a dessert of some kind. I made Pear Custard Bars since that's what everyone always asks me to bring every where :)

After everyone had left, I came up to find ML on his computer and he pointed to some gift bags on top of our Armoir (spelling?) Anyways - I asked who those are from and he said they were may day baskets for the girls from him. How sweet is that?!

So, this morning after Audrey had gotten out of bed and I had gotten Eliza out of her crib, and then I crawled back into bed (LOL!) Audrey brought something over to me from ML's side of the bed.......
A: "Happy may day, mommy!"
Me: "OH - thank you honey! Do you know what May Day is?"
A: "yeah - it's like soy sauce..... and you mix it with ketchup. Yep, and it's really good with french fries"
ML: "MAY DAY, Not Mayonaise, Audrey" *laughs*

It was SO cute! Then, I ran to grab my camera, cause I knew that ML was going to give them their may day baskets and when I got back, I took a picture of Audrey and her response was.... "that was SO bright" pretty much in disgust. LOL!

Eliza got right into my may day basket with all the hershey hugs and kisses and started opening them saying "chocolate" She LOVES her chocolate! hee hee.

Posted: 08:54 AM | 2 Comments