Craziness. READY. SET. GO!

It has been an interesting, almost two months, since my last post.   INTERESTING-is the common theme.

After I moved home from college I never expected to be living away from my parents. Well, so soon.  I thought I could live with my parents until I could find my own place. Now my parents have lived in Rhinelander for two months, and life is adjusting(again) to traveling for holidays and phone calls into the daily schedule.   I never expected to stay my home town, I just didn't think my parents would be the ones to move away.

Day shift is going well, and I am enjoying the time free in the evening instead of the mornings.  Although, with being short staffed-I haven't had a normal week in what seems like ages! I have been training at other houses, which has been enjoyable, and picking up second shift instead of first shift. I don't think I will know what to do when "normal" comes back.  What would I do if my life wasn't crazy.

FISH is gong well. We took off two weeks for the holidays, but made it to Rotary Lights. We had an GREAT time, and even have some pictures to show it.  We met Journey Lutheran on Monday nights for social time, and a bible study. 

Mom and Dad
Stephanie Maranda and Kayla

Traveling became interesting for Thanksgiving. I worked from 8-4 on that day, and then was planning on going to my parents house for the rest of the weekend. I left work 5 minutes early fueled up and was on my way. I got about 25 miles away from home-and my car died. I was able to limp it to the side of the road.  After talking with a rude state patrol man, and wonderful tow truck man. Family friends came and got me and returned me to my apartment. Dad came the following day, and we returned to Rhinelander for the family gatherings.  I am grateful for my family, my parents for running with one car for a month, family friends for dealing with my emotions, and for my car mechanic for working with my lack of money.  THANK YOU!

Derek, Grace(picture), Kayla, Mike, Jess(picture)Steph, Rae, Maranda

Christmas has now also came and gone, and we gathered as a family.  It was great to see everyone, and to have a family Christmas like we haven't since the death of our grandparents. My dads family gathered with a few more people, and enjoyed the company, laughs and of course pictures.   Here are the pictures from Christmas weekend. 





Happy New year!

Month ONE done.

I hope this finds you well.

Month one is complete.  My sister and I have lived in our apartment for now 45 days, and  our things are settled.   Bills have found our mailbox. Money has left our accounts. The important thing is we are still living, and we have a roof over our head.

Here is our cats new hiding place. Sure makes it interesting when trying to get a soda.

Two weeks ago on Monday I helped my dad move up to Rhinelander,WI. I got to drive the U-Haul, which was super exciting for me. I LOVE large vehicles ( 15 passenger vans, trucks, etc). We started Saturday October 29, and put things in his Dodge Dakota.  Shortly after filling his truck we knew it wouldn't all fit in my small car. We called my mom, and she confirmed we could get a U-Haul.  So after FILLING the 10ft U-Haul we were on our way north.  My sister Maranda rode with me in the truck, and we talked and rocked to music. A last minute bonding time.  My parents are officially moved north.  Mom and Dad seem to be adjusting to the new environment, and Maranda is loving her school.   I will be visiting them for Thanksgiving. A wonderful four day weekend. :)

Work is going wonderful. I applied for, and got a day shift position.  I will start on November 19th, and will be working 8-4.  I am excited to have a social life back, and get into the new swing of things.  As always I like to update you on the fun crafts I enjoy doing at work. This month we have colored, and we decorated our door with a Turkey... (pictures to the left and right)

         My newest ministry outlet, FISH, is going well. We have four people who are dedicated to making things work! We meet every Sunday(soon to be Monday) to go over a bible study and have a social outing.  It is great to have fellowship with fellow Christians, and rebuild friendships here in the Coulee Region. I was getting a little worried, I wouldn't be able to find a social group. Thank goodness I did!  


Peace.

September...October... OH MY!

Well, October has brought allot of different changes into my life.  Moving, health scares, and joys too!

As of October 1st(September 30th we did the I got the key dance) I moved into an apartment with my younger(middle) sister. Although many of you who know us are concerned, we are doing quite well.  We each have our own space which was much needed after living apart for 3 years.  We have our fights. Overall things are doing well.  As you can see below we live in an apartment complex across from the community park, and Onalaska Middle School. So far, life has been pretty well.  We have many stories already, such as the spot where no "can park" due to his handicap and needing extra room to get out due to the cane, in all actuality he doesn't need the extra room. His partner just thinks so( My sister has class with the man who drives that car and is currently in a group project with him), or the night we broke our in apartment in with our family, friends, great food and alcohol.

 
 
It works for us. Cute, small and even the pets are enjoying themselves. :)


Work has been going very well too. I have been to more doctors appointments, and activities, which helps my weeks go quickly!  I know you are all waiting for updates on the crafts, the first one we did was a wind sock pumpkin. Very similar to the one below, it seemed to be a hit!    Second we decorated our door to welcome our neighborhood into fall. So much fun to cut, and glue with the housemates I work with!  We hope to update them for many of the upcoming seasons ahead.

Wind sock pumpkin

If many of you know me, you would know that in the last month my grandma and father have had exciting( and scary) doctor visits.  Grandma ended up with a bad infection that spread through her body, and made her very sick.( Alot more happen than this sentence).  After a month hospital/nursing home stay I am proud to say that my grandma is now living independently agian.  She glad to be able to do things one her own, cook and clean.   Dad had a health scare at the start of the month, (which led to a small freak out upon who was going to help my sister and I move in)which lead to emergency surgery for his heart. Dad is now doing well, and according to him he feels like a 20 year old.  Dad doesn't let anything stop him. Can you tell my Grandma and Dad are related?

My mom and sister are enjoying the north-woods, and sometimes I think they forget they have family in the south.  My youngest sister is doing well has made many friends, and is joining every club you can think of!  She is the vice-president of the Key Club, and involved in several others too! I hope to visit them in late December, better known as X-mas. :)  My mom is enjoying her job as manager and is the top-sales person, which is great because that is why we are moving this move "back" to Rhinelander. She is enjoying being close to family, and see people she hasn't spoken to in a long time. 

Oh and I forgot another exciting part of my life.  My friends are getting married. Just as I enjoyed, and was honored to stand as a part of the Billing's wedding. (Which was beautiful, and might have made me cry). Another friend is getting married an has asked for me to be part of her day. The dress is here, the shoes are here... Is it April yet?

Last but not least was my visit home to Wartburg. It was refreashing, and wonderful all at the same time. I couldn't believe the comfort that was brought by just walking the the grass of my Alma-Moder(sp?). Seeing the people places and exictment was just what the doctor ordered.  Great weekend, thanks to all involved. 

I hope this finds you well. :)  What's going on in your life?

.

...Adulthood.

Hello all.

Today was a big step in the right direction to being an adult. ( Not that the last three months of paying bills, and working full time has not been.)  Steph (my middle sister) and I signed our lease to move into our two bedroom apartment, in Onalaska, WI.  It was an exciting time, full with  comments including "That doesn't look like your name", or "Where is the P in your last name". Of course we can't forget our good family friend Mary who came along for moral support and to ask the questions we forgot/didn't think to ask. Thank you Mary!

After signing my life away we then went shopping for a table that would fit in our apartment, but wouldn't be to big. After a few stops, we found one at the Caledonia Street Antique Mall.  Our new table had a stamp on the back from 1931!  It has real character!  We also picked up curtains, and few other odds and ends needed for the apartment. 12 days!Crazy!

The past month has been crazy! So much has happen! School has started which means changes in schedules at work, and moving is less than 50 days away for my Dad. The house is starting to get packed up, and boxes are becoming more common than our stuff. I am pretty sure the garbage man will be happy when we have finally moved. Almost every week the garbage on our curb is larger than I am. WE have been bags, fish tank, and extra guinea pig cage, and lots of other things to get rid of.  I am sure the garbage man will be happy with them.  I have taken to sorting/tossing during this crazy move. Tis moving... RIGHT?

In the last month Grandma has become ill, and is slowly on the road to recovery!  Crazy how family you don't normally see-you see in the hospital. Or how times where a loved one is in the hospital can bring out true colors of people. I am sure my family is not the only one where this happens. We pray that she gains strength, and can return home soon!

Where has SUMMER gone?

It saddens me to think that I will not be packing my bags, boxes, and school supplies to return to the great state of Iowa. As read posts of my fellow Wartburger's I can't help but remember my wonderful years at Wartburg. Good Luck on your school year ahead. Instead, I will be pack up my things and moving into my first apartment. This has been a crazy roller coaster ride, with my parents moving, getting a job and an apartment. It sure will provide allot to talk about!


This past weekend (August 19-22) I spent some quality time with my sisters. We enjoy the Kornfest parade, lunch at Fizolis and traveling to help my youngest sister move north. She will be starting at Rhinealnder High School in a week. Good Luck Sister!  The time I spent with my sisters was rare, which made it so much more enjoyable. We shared laughs, smiles, and created memories. I know we don't always get along, or see eye to eye.. but I love you. 


Work has been crazy good. I have completed my second month, and almost have the third under my belt.  I have completed my first self assessment, and turned it in. I have also been recognized as the most dedicated staff member. This was done at a staff picnic which I didn't attend. Oh well, Can't win them all right?  I also did a craft again this last week, so I thought I would share the idea with you. Clothes Pin Butterflys.  You take a Coffee Filter and color your heart away. Then take the coffee filter over to the sink and spray with a spray bottle. We clipped two of these colored coffee filters to make it looks more full.  The picture below is very similar. 

Happy End of Summer all. I hope this next year brings many happy memories for all of you. 

Life Update

Hello World,

So I fail at this keeping the world updated. So I figured, I would update you on a few things that are going on in my life. If you talk to me regularly.. you can stop reading here.  Otherwise look below for your updates. : D

First off, I am a college graduate! Waayy back in May I graduated with a BA in Social Work. I can officially write BSW behind my name... Sweet huh? I think so.

Second, four days after graduation I was able to obtain a full time position with REM Wisconsin/Mentor Network supporting individuals in my community in a group home setting. I have officially worked there for two months, and can say I pretty much love my job, the people I work with, and the lack of routine my job holds.  You will be glad to know that I have been crowned the Arts and Crafts person-I don't have a creative bone in my body! So, at last just like my years of being an RA, I will rely on the internet for help to guide me through. Last week, we made spiders. They turned out AWESOME!

Third, Change is in the air. My family, my parents and youngest sister at least will be moving to Northern WI.  Rhinelander, WI-Land of the Hodag. Yes, that's right farther into the tundra.  Mom moved at the start of August, M will move at the end of August, and Dad will move at the end of October. YAY for change.  Mom got a job promotion, and is now a store Manager for ATT. Congrats Mom!


As if all this change isn't enough for one family, we have had some car issues as well. On my way home from graduation my car decided to blow its transmission... Smart Car? I don't think so. So, this summer my dad and I have taken to putting in a transmission in my once perfect car. I am proud to say we are so close to having the car back together!

Thus, is my crazy life, I will attempt to keep you more updated on the crazy happenings of life. TRY is the key word there.

Until next time may the Lord Bless and Keep You,

K

Winter Weather..

I have had the opportunity to drive in every storm mother nature has thrown at North East Iowa. Although, I am from WI and most of the time don't mind driving in the snow I have come up with a few ideas about winter driving.  I thought I would share these ideas with you.

1. ALWAYS HAVE A EXTRA ICE SCRAPER IN YOUR CAR!
• I learned this the hard way when my only ice scraper broke half way through scrapping off my window. I bought the heavy duty one so this situation wouldn't happen.
•  
2. PROGRAM A LOCKSMITH INTO YOUR PHONE.
•  I am very very forgetful. Sometimes I would forget my own head if it wasn't attached to my body. After a frantic call to security, and waiting outside like an dummy- I finally got into my car.  *BONUS- Unload your bad week on the man who is "breaking into" your car and he may give you a free ice scraper. *
3.  SLOW DOWN
• I have seen many people go into the ditch all because the got the rush bug in their pants. Snow makes many road ways slick so slow and steady wins the race. Like my Grandpa Arlo always used to say when your car begins to slide-" Ride it like a sled". Best advice one could give about driving in winter weather. 
4. YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO CALL HOME CRYING. 
•  I should win an award for calling home in distress because my car is making a funny noise, I am struggling to make ends meet and I hate my life. God gave me my dad to pick up the pieces and make my life 110% better.  My dad rocks. ;D
5.  NO ONE EVER DIED BECAUSE TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE WAS CONSUMED.
• Weather female or not chocolate makes everything ok. I have turned to chocolate because of a bad day, PMS, or cravings. Chocolate never makes you feel excluded, not good enough, or bad. In fact it makes you feel the exact opposite!
6. GOD SENDS SUNSETS TO PROMISE A BETTER TOMORROW. 
• I believe, and  recently confirmed, that although today is bad tomorrow is a new day that will be a better day. Just give God the chance to show you.  God shows you through the simple things, a hug from your kid, a sunset, or a early bed time. God does amazing things-just look for them!

Life is to short. I have lost another loved one this month, and I am not looking for sympathy or bad feelings. I am reminded about how importance it is to say I LOVE YOU. Make sure they know- that YOU love them. 

Redefining Normal.

How do we redefine normal?

1. Keep Plugged into the power source.

       

In order to receive the power from our father- you must be plugged in through faith, prayer, and fellowship.

Just as in John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."

Just as we continue to grow through the love of the father- so the vines continue to grow through the branches.  We must continue to be connected and in order to grow and expand.  I never realized until listening to this sermon the realness of this idea. When I am turned away from God, or forget to give Him Thanksgiving- is when my faith begins to struggle and wilt. Yet, in times when I continue to give my faith, life, and hope to God is when I feel renewed daily and am less agitated.


In his sermon on 1-9-11 Dave Barlett instructed the congregation to try three tasks in his daily life. I challenge you to do the same.

Step ONE of creating a new normal is- remember to plug into God. The power source for change, is in God.

       - Give positive affirmations.

       - Practice loving when it is the hardest.

       - Choose your battles. 

Practice for our daily lives- This is how I am going to try and live my life. I want to begin to be plugged into God, and let other people know it through, affirmations, loving, and choosing my battles.  

Taken from a Sermon at Orchard Hill Church given by Dave Bartlett. 

2. Live not for yourself-but for the life of others. Carry each other burdens. 

We agree that our homes need to be a place to be ourself. We must live our daily lives as though Jesus is living along side of us--instead of us. Second, our Families must be like Jesus. Third, we must  look not only at ourself but also others life-we must begin to ask ourself the question of " How would Jesus live my life today?"

All to often we give into the ideas and ways of society-letting out faith and beliefs fall by the wayside.  WE struggle, I struggle, to uphold a Christian faith in a society that is always putting my faith down and out. It is in this time we( as Christians) must stand up and strong to help the rest of society see what the good works can do in their life. 

As I begin to look to the future I struggle to understand exactly where God wants me to go-or do. I pray that he leads me to be fully used by him for his good works. We must live by the Jesus Creed "Love the Lord you God with all your heart and soul and mind-and love your neighborer as yourself."

Part of living that Jesus Creed is to continually give of yourself for others.  Physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Of course this task is not easy. But who said believe is easy?  This is a spiritually battle. One must overcome their sinful hearts to live like Jesus.  Live your life the Jesus Christ.  Through our faith we must show respect and honor to Jesus Christ. 

STEP TWO of f creating a new normal is- remember to live the Jesus Creed. 

    - Daily ask yourself- How would Jesus live my life if he were living it today?

    -  Continue to seek God as you move through your day-don't leave him as the book ends. 

    - Stand strong in your faith-and remember Jesus is the example. 

Ideas for number 2 were taken from Ed Baker from Orchard Hill Church on January 16, 2011. Thank you for speaking to my heart. 

A friend from my major, Jess, invited me to Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Fall, IA. Although, I wasn't sure upon going off campus to worship I thought I would give it a try. I am so glad I have I have grow more in the last few months of attending OHC than I have in a long time. I thank OHC for nurturing my faith, and talking to my heart, mind, and spirit- to help me want to learn and grow in my faith. This post was taken from two of the messages that were given as part of a Redefining Normal.

4-3= 1... I hate subtraction

Oh Clinton Hall. I have resided in your halls for three years- and you have served me well. Although, each year I worry about the students you bring in- you help shape each student in a life of lifelong learning for leadership, faith, service and diversity.  Thanks for all you do for the students. Be orange Clinton Hall!



I have lived in this building for three years and have many fond memories in this building. It is only now as I prepare for the "real world" that I find my self attached to the building that I have called home for many years. I have seen three batch of freshman through this dorm, been a mentor two those batches, and seen the different lifestyles each has choose to lead. I have seen raves, and "elfing the hallway", I have seen sorrow, and true happiness. I respect every person who has lived in these halls, and the memories we have created together.  I believe I was put here to learn respect for my peers, and leadership through my many roles over the years. I have overcome the stereo of living in the "party dorm", and taught at least my residents to be proud of where they reside. This is home-if only for 10 months.

Thank you for all have lived with me, around me, or even had contact with me in the building. You have a memory.

I love you Grandma ;D

Today, two years ago, my grandmother Mary Lou Lundberg joined her savior in heaven.  I love(d) her dearly and will always remember her for her willingness to be an individual, love for life, and pride in her family. Gma Lundberg was always there to rejoice in my successes and comfort in my sorrows.  She is dancing and rejoicing with my Grandpa Arlo.

Grandma-give a hug to all who are currently enjoy heaven. ;D

Blessings to all who have lost someone in the last year. 

Is God alive today?

While talking with my friend Jess last night we discussed how to answer the hard questions of-Why do difficult things happen? Although we both pondered different options- and put our thoughts into words.

God is all knowing and powerful. God has a plan for each of his children and through the gifts of grace in each of his children's life-he plays an active role. Although, we do not understand why different events happen in our life- through our faith we are able to over come the hard times. We turn to our faith, grace, and prayer to help us through the hard times.  God is active in our lives-one just has to look at the people, events, and creation around you.   Below is a great quote that allows us to see how God plays an active role in our life:

Jess as we continued to talk made a very valid point as well- "And maybe this is a stretch, but think of it this way. . .John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. As Jesus was dying on that cross, he begged God "Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they have done". The ones that have hurt Jesus the most--the ones that were KILLING Jesus, he still loved. Still wanted to believe there was good in them."

You see God plays an active role and lifts a person up. Jess and I discussed the way that through our friendship we are able to see GOD active and His love in our life.  Thank GOD for blessings of friendship life Jess. 

Praise GOD!