state of flux

Hey friends. I would really appreciate your prayers right now.

I have so many decisions to make in the near future & so little time to make them. I am considering going back to school to pursue a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology. I've been accepted into a program to pursue the prerequisites for the Master's program. Those of you that have spoken with me much, know that I've been trying to pinpoint a direction for furthering my education for a while. I think that will be a good fit for me for many reasons, but mainly because it will allow me to have technical expertise in a field that requires a specific degree, while utilizing my creativity and passion for making a difference in people's lives. I also recently coordinated a wedding with a friend whom I was planning on entering into business with. We are scheduled to do a bridal show this Sunday & she just told me that because she doesn't need me financially to run the business, we will not be partnering, but that I will instead be a contractor to her & I'm not sure if that's worth the time & effort to me. It also is not very motivating in terms of seeking out additional business. This has really upset me, mainly because I feel like I've wasted a lot of my time and effort already. I am trying not to be upset, and don't want to jeopardize our friendship, but I have a lot of praying and thinking to do as far as how to proceed. I need to do something at least part time to help my family financially. With gas prices sky rocketing and me staying home - it leaves very little for us. I could also get a full-time job if I found one that was a good fit for my passion and qualifications. Also, Clint is preparing to go back to school and has a few different paths he is considering. His decision will very much determine the course of my decisions on all of these things. With him going to school, this will put a little more strain on my evenings, as I will be alone with Jonas most days & evenings.

I feel torn in many different directions, but am needing some clarification and guidance. I enjoyed helping coordinate the wedding very much, but do not see myself doing that on my own in the future. It's too much for one person without support staff. I do not think I could do that full-time and be a full-time student as well.

Also, I have to consider child care for Jonas. It is sad for me to think about not spending my day with him, but I think now is a good time for me to pursue higher education, especially because I feel that the outcome will allow me to work and have a schedule similar to his when he begins school.

Anyway...there are so may considerations and I'm a little overwhelmed. I'd really appreciate your prayers and wisdom.

Thanks friends!
Mandy

Garden Adventures - Phase 2 - 15May08 The Outdoor "box"

Many of the transplants didn't make it. The tomatoes all withered away into nothing about 2 weeks after putting them into the bed. The pictures on this page are from around May 15, 2008.
I also sewed some seeds directly into the ground (based on the package planting instructions).

The three large potted containers hold several different things. The outer two containers hold 2 varieties of regular potatos (started from seed potatos & regular potatos grown from sprouting eyes). To do this, you just take the potato as the eyes start to sprout & cut carefully so that the sprout has a cube of potato below it (for food). A book I read said that potted potatoes produce well in pots - so we'll see! As the leaves started to sprout, we gradually kept adding more organic soil, so that only the tops were exposed, until they were so big we no longer were able to keep up!

The center container hold 2 varieties of sweet potatoe (started from sprouting eyes), as well as spearmint from my neighbor Randy's yard & possibly some Basil (not sure if that made it).

Our garden contains:
Regular potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Spearmint, Basil, Summer Squash, Zucchini, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Tomatoes (we attempted 3 varieties 1 cherry, 1 grape, 1 slicing), Green Beans, Sugar Snap Peas, Sweet Peas, Carrots, Cucumbers, Green Onions, Iceberg Lettuce, Red Onions, Yellow Onions, Spinach.

We chose the spot in our yard that sees the most direct sunlight, paying attention to the growing & sun needs of each plant.

In other areas, we attempted several herbs, as well as a grape vine & a blueberry vine, but none of those ever even sprouted. So sad.

More to come....

Green Thumb - 1 - Planting seeds - 12MAR08

This year I'm attempting a garden. Clint made me a great raised bed & I'm attempting to grow a variety of veggies organically. So far, so good. I'll include pictures & keep you updated on my progress & any learning experiences I might have.

I started a few vegetables from seed (Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Cliantro, Basil) around March 12, 2008, before the last frost in mid April. I was told that April 15th was a pretty safe date to begin planting in OK, so I decided to wait until the weekend following Jonas' birthday to begin. (Tomatoes, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers, Cliantro, Basil)
I put the seeds in these containers & left the lids on until they started sprouting. After sprouts formed I opened the lids, but I kept the plants inside & moved them to a sunny location. This process took about 2 weeks. These pictures were taken around March 24th, 2008.

A few weeks later, I took the plants outside to our shed. We put a timed light on them. Some of the plants got too spindly and didn't make it. I regularly watered the plants in the shed & checked on them.

About 2 weeks before transplanting the plants to the ground, I took them outside for varying amounts of time to get them accustomed to the weather & sun. The books I checked out from the library recommended doing this to prevent "hardening off" - where plants die when introduced to the outdoors.

Around mid-April I began transplanting these plants to my garden.

Stay tuned for more!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Jonas!!!!

Happy Birthday Little Jonas!

Your 1st Birthday was a success. Daddy & I can't believe how quickly you are growing up. You are our shining star. You have brought such joy to our lives. Every day we thank God for you and the blessing you are to our lives!


We love you so much!!!

-Mommy & Daddy

Thanks to everyone that came & celebrated with us!

Special thanks to Christie who stayed up with me until the wee wee hours of the morning making our cute little bird's nest cupcakes & 1st birthday cake!

Yummy!

Play pumps & Sustainable giving!

Last night at our house church (Injera) we watched an interesting movie

Here is the video we watched:


The premise of the video was that there is a real problem in Africa's drinking water. There are very few uncontaminated sources and many people have to walk for hours carrying the water just to get it back to their homes. The video above demonstrates a new round-about (merry-go-round) play pump. It is designed so that children playing on the merry-go-round are actually pumping water from below the ground - which is then pumped out and collected. This takes the "work" out of a task that has to be done, and provides the community with safe drinking water.

After watching the video, I did some more searching online and found out that WE CAN SPONSOR OUR OWN PLAYPUMP!

Sponsor a PlayPump Water System
Start your own group to join together and sponsor a PlayPump Water System.

Setting up your own group is a great way to get your entire classroom, family, youth group, university or community involved! It’s easy to set up and it allows everyone to contribute to the goal of sponsoring a pump. Everyone can contribute, recruit more help and track your progress towards the goal! Get started! By signing up you get:

* Your own customizable "Sponsor a PlayPump" page
* See all donations to your group
* Download resources to help you spread your word

The cost of one play pump is $14,000. I believe that we really could do this. What would you all think about me signing Bridgeway up for one sponsorship & pooling our creative genius to figure out ways that we can raise money?

Would you be in?

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The article we read and discussed by Robert D. Lupron really spoke to me as well. I really felt as though it was almost an answer to my previous post - how to make giving and going more personal and authentic. The article's purpose is to guide "would-be helpers" toward effective and sustainable giving. If you're up for a new challenge - check out the article Here.

sunny reminder

Hey everyone! I went to the dermatologist yesterday to have some moles checked out. I just wanted to remind everyone to keep an eye on your skin and use sunscreen and remember to check for moles that look irregular in size, shape or color. The PA told me that skin cancer can also present itself as something that looks like a small rash, irritated skin or a small pimple that just won't heal.

I don't have my results back yet, but the doctor didn't seem overly concerned, so neither will I!

tastes like chicken

For lent - I've given up meat.

This is going to be difficult for me. I didn't realize how much meat I actually eat, but almost everything has some meat in it.

Christie - thanks for the information - that's part of the reason I made the decision to do this -

"Producing 2.2lb of beef generates as much greenhouse gas as driving a car non-stop for three hours, it was claimed yesterday. Japanese scientists used a range of data to calculate the environmental impact of a single purchase of beef. Taking into account all the processes involved, they said, four average sized steaks generated greenhouse gases with a warming potential equivalent to 80.25lb of carbon dioxide. gas pump
This also consumed 169 megajoules of energy. That means that 2.2lb of beef is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions which have the same effect as the carbon dioxide released by an ordinary car travelling at 50 miles per hour for 155 miles, a journey lasting three hours."

Here's a link to the place I got the above info. They have several articles substantiating the details about meat & how not eating it will help save our ozone. Crazy stuff!

When I do this - I'll also be thinking of and praying for various countries around the world where lack of food is a problem. How can people starve while the West gets fat? It's so sad. This will be challenging and humbling for me for sure!

Africa on my mind...

So, house church tonight got me thinking. I've talked with Clint about this a little bit, and he told me that I should blog it out. My concern is that it would make me look like a horrible person - but he said that it is honest and real, which is what I expect from others - and that many other people are probably struggling with these same feelings/thoughts.

I've prayed to be given a heart for Africa. I definitely see a need - there is no way to deny the NEEDS there. My problem is that I feel like if I were to serve there I would be going for the wrong reasons. I realize that perceptions change dramatically based on experience, and I have never experienced Africa first-hand. That being said...I have this warped image of Africa as being somewhere between the Sally Struthers "Feed the Children" sobumentaries where people are so destitute that they lack all hope and the homeless of the U.S. - who many although they don't have much are choosy about what they will accept.

Part of me wants to package up EVERYTHING and ship it to Africa to help several people. Part of me thinks...why would they want our stuff - it's not new and that is selfish. Clint argued that it was a bit selfish of me to think that they do not want/need my "stuff". He asked me if I would send my used tire? I said - no, I don't think I would. He asked "Why - that one used tire could provide shoes for 50+ people." I said...because that is demeaning - why wouldn't I just send shoes? He challenged me by saying - are you saying that their needs are not big enough to warrant your items that you are not even using? Believe me- I would not withold a tire if I knew it would help that many people - I guess part of me just doesn't want to be insulting to them - or demeaning. I guess Clint's point was that we as American's don't fully realize how great the need there is. This is definitely true of me. Why withhold something that will make a difference to someone else. Clint took it to the other extreme and said "What if you had a brand new pair of Prada pumps and you were faced with the choice - would you send those? I said - I guess so but What? They don't need $600.00 shoes - or pumps for that matter - that could feed 60 people or more! His point was that sending designer shoes to a village is nice, but doesn't really meet the people where there need is. If they need water and I send designer shoes - do they really appreciate that any more? no! You can't really rationalize giving....you just have to open your heart up to be willing to give....willing to serve....and get over your own inhibitions- not worrying that what you have to offer isn't good enough and not letting your perception of your socio-economic differences get in the way.

The other problem I'm encountering is the exact opposite of the other problem I just mentioned. I'm think at times that I do tend toward feelings of benevolence regarding Africa. I somehow separate myself from Africa's problem. I'm not sure if this is a result of being an American with little real experience with Africa, but I'm afraid that if I were there I would feel that way...and I hate that feeling. I know Africa deserves more than my pity. They deserve my heart.

I am a compassionate person - as I mentioned earlier I do think it would be impossible to ignore the needs in Africa - and I have heard compelling stories that really draw me to Africa - that lead me to pray for Africa's people, but so much of Africa is still a dream or a myth to me....lions, giraffes, wilderness, tribal life....these are images that come to mind....how do I move beyond this - beyond feeling so separate - to truly feeling connected?

I am praying for Africa - and I am praying for God to continue working on my heart. I am also praying for an opportunity for experience. To take me close enough to realize that Africa is more than a story....that it's not far from me...that it's people are real and in need and I can help.

Homestead....

So, last night I got out my sewing project while Clint and I watched The Godfather. We've been making our way through the top 100 movies on the IMDB. I had just told Clint how cool the cutting tools were that are round and look a little like a pizza cutter - and Clint said - "Yeah & dangerous. Make sure you don't cut through the carpet" and I said..."I'm being careful" - famous last words. I proceeded to cut around my fabric and batting. When I pulled the fabric up...I discovered that as I was moving the cutting board along, I had accidentally scooted it under Jonas' blanket and sliced through it along with my fabric. We had to throw it away. I felt awful. Needless to say...I'm saving the rest to work on later. This project just got a little more expensive! ;)

On to more pleasant things...

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For those that own a house & live in the house they own in Oklahoma. I just wanted to make sure you all know about Homestead Exemption - which can save you up to $1000 on your home's assessed valuation & reduce the taxes you pay. Homestead exemption will also provide you some protection from creditors- in the state of Oklahoma. You can file only if you have owned your home and resided in it from Jan.1 on...and you have to file by March 15th.

Here is the definition of Homestead exemption on Wikipedia:


You can get the form from the Oklahoma County Assessor's office Here

The deadline is coming up. I just wanted to let everyone know in case this is something that might be useful for them.

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so-sew

wah-wah....no pics of my creation just yet...I only got about 1/4 of the way through my project. Oh well, hopefully I'll finish it by this time next week....then pictures. ;)

News Flash Jan 2008!!!

So much has happened since I last posted. I know...it's terrible.

First, and most importantly - Clint and I invited the most precious gift from God into our lives on April 20, 2007. Jonas Rush Wichert was born at Baptist Integris Hospital at 4:04 p.m., weighing in at 7lbs 6oz and 21 inches long.


My pregnancy and birth experience were AWESOME and I would love to encourage you if you are scared about either process. Just let me know if I can be of encouragement to you!



I'm no longer with Vox. I've started my own business- Dovinci Dove Releases (Dove Releases for weddings and special events. Thanks to our amazing friends Danny & Alisha Adams (for being awesome friends) and for the beautiful pictures for the website!


Jonas is 9 months old now, and he is the most pleasant, playful little guy. He has more love than he knows what to do with and he is worthy of all of it! God has really blessed our lives with this little bundle of joy. We couldn't be more happy and humbled to be his parents. Thanks God!!! =)

I revisited this site after ignoring it for so long, because I got re-inspired last night at a house church meeting! We've been visiting Bridgeway for a couple of months, and last night we spent an evening with a bunch of great people in the Injera house church who have hearts for Africa (Ethiopia in particular), and orphans. Here's a link to for the Injera House Church blog and to the leaders'site Ethopia or Bust as well! We had a great time getting to know some of the adults and we're thankful that they welcomed us into their home. Jonas had an awesome time playing with Silas and Connor. It was great for him to get out and play with other little guys. They gave me an idea of what to look forward to as Jonas gets a little older. We've got brilliant beautiful baby boys!

Yesterday I had my first Yoga class ever. I'm a lot more sore than I expected to be. =) Which is a good thing. Getting out the door was not easy, but it made me feel great. I definitely plan to go back!

Today I'm off to learn how to sew! My wonderful friend Crystal and I signed up for a class at Hancock's Fabrics. I can't wait to put my sewing machine to use. Thank you to Kari (Colby & Addison) for watching Jonas! I know he's going to have a blast with you! Hopefully I'll have some great pictures to post of the nap mat I am going to be attempting to make today!

More to come later - gotta run to class!