Operation Christmas Card....

We were sitting at home one night. No special plans, just a typical scene at the Edgel Household. Jeff on the computer, me scooting around, cats wrestling. Maybe it was the warm glow of the tree that inspired us; contrasted with the sound of a brisk winter breeze passing by outside. Or the Christmas music playing in the background, "....so Let's give thanks to the Lord above, because Santa Claus is coming tonight...." ( sidenote, check out those words! is that what we are thanking God for this Christmas?? how about his Son, who saves us from sin?? ok anyways)

Jeff said, "What if we dress up like Santa and Mrs. Claus and deliver our Christmas cards to our friends here in town?"

I said, " YES. how about right now?"

"ok, sure" he said.

So we did. And it was a ton of fun, for us anyway. I hope we didn't startle any one too much as we knocked on doors and windows, dropped the card at their doorstep and then drove away in our sled (the Intrigue). It may sound silly, but we are. I am thankful that Jeff likes to do goofy, weird things with me.

Thanksgiving '09

This year, we had a combined Thanksgiving. Keri's parents, Jim and Bonnie. Jeff's parents, Mike and Pat. My parents, Dan and Maizie. Me and Jeff, Luke and Keri. oh, AND Luke and Keri's 3, yes THREE, cats and Keri's family dog, Benji. We met at the cottage and shared in a nice time of thanks-giving and food-eating. We also went to Grand Ledge for a few days and Franklin for a few. It was a great time to see family. Because Jeff and I are busy a lot of the year, we try to take advantage of times when the band slows down to see our families.

These are some pictures, in no particular order, of the holiday.

This is Jeff eating while everyone else is done, he is the slowest eater!!! and he LOVEs thanksgiving food!

Luke and Keri showing off the cat's Halloween costumes, a cow and a bumblebee

Let the feast begin!

I may have been a bit too generous with the butter on the sweet potata casserole...oops! here is my mom trying to control the grease smoke =/

With cousin Dayna and Emily. And new 2nd cousin Claire! She's a sweetie =)

Everywhere we went that weekend, we helped decorate! Here we are in front of my parents Christmas tree. You can't tell here, but my baby ornament is in the prominent and coveted highest spot on the tree. boyah.

i look sort of pregnant here, but don't worry, that is just my turkey belly ;)

These cute little sweeties are Paeton and Harper Vandlen. We got to see the Vandlens while up in Grand Ledge. I like to have my picture taken with cute babies!

Dad carving the bird.

Newly weds =)

Me with Jeff's Mom and Grandma Schlappi

Showing off the apron that Jeff's mom, Pat made me!! It is a retro (!) table cloth that we found at an antique store that she made into an apron for me. It's my fav! Thanks!

The Road, November

We played at an Episcopal retreat this weekend in New Hampshire. This is one of the most "spiritually comfortable" camps for me. The programming is very simple, no big show. As part of the Sunday morning worship we partake in the Eucharist, something that we often miss while traveling. The liturgical style is reminescent of my upbringing. I am moved by the interactive service, it is powerful to speak in unison, raise our hands in blessing. I like being part of the service as opposed to being an audience observer.



Jeff and I enjoy the sunny day in NH


We usually don't have time to sight see on the road so it was nice to find a few hours to head to DC last week. I really wanted to go to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, made popular by the movie Night at the Museum!! Duh!

We saw many wonderful creatures, including this funny fellow. We think he might make a nice adopted Wellington.





Aaaahhh! Shark jaw! Grandma Smart would have liked this one;)


I really want to go back when we have more time, it was cool! I am of the opinion that DC = boring!!, but I must admit that the museum was fun. Maybe the thought of seeing something from the Night at the Museum movie kept me enthralled? Or maybe it was the fact that I am no longer a hormonal teenager more concerned with my hair, boys and um, boys like I was on the 8th grade DC trip?


Yes, We are both wearing the same outfit as the last post. Sue us! Photos were a month apart.

Kelly and Matt's Ohio reception

We all piled in the Meyer family van and made the trek to Medina, OH to see our newly married friends Kelly and Matt Rowell. The Meyers, the Gerbers, and the Edgels were happy to arrive and see the happy couple, get some good eats, and meet up with the Millers. Good times, good friends:)


The guys. Jeff, Brandon, Matt the newlywed, Brant and Josh


The girls:) Kristi, Kelly the newlywed, April, me and Brittany

Subbing Saga, cont.

I was subbing in Kindergarten again this past week and got another fun story from my few hours with the youngens.

I had just finished reading aloud to the group of 21 eager "kinders". We read "T is for Turkey". One boy in the front raised his hand, and I called on him thinking that he might have something to add on the subject at hand. I should have known.

"Excuse me," he said so politely, addressing me and the rest of the class "....my pants unzip to become shorts."

OK. Thank you for that info, Wyatt. Indeed, he was wearing those awesome pants invented within our lifetime that conveniently unzip into shorts.

Things to occupy my time lately

We sold our old couch and love seat. The davenport is from craigslist and my parents generously gave us the two super cute red chairs. I really like my living room now, and have made some more little additions to add to the new feel. The benefit of the leather and vinyl furniture is how easy it is to clean up the cat hair! It will also be nice when we have guests who are allergic, they should be able to get more comfortable without experiencing their allergy side effects.

And it's so much cuter!!

As a gift, my mom got me the 'wall flowers' on the left. I think they are so cool! She got them at this neat store in Angola by the lake. The flowers just snap on and off of a special kind of nail head, so i can move them if i want.

Thanks, AGAIN, mom, for the pillows from pier one (we love that place!)

Our house was lacking a family picture place, so now we have one. I've included wedding pictures from our wedding, and all of our siblings weddings. Each of my adorable nieces get a frame. Our parents each get a frame. Engagement and 'Day after the wedding' pics are also up there. I think it adds to the homey-ness of the room. it shows, yes! there are people that live here!

You may not recognize the nice looking family on the top right!? I still need one more 8x10 =)

Late this summer, my Mom showed me how to make these fabric flowers and i've been hooked ever since! This was my first bouquet. It's purpose is to help blend the colors of the bright blue davenport and the bright red chairs.

In the center of the flowers is buttons!

Second bouquet, tiny flowers! in a tiny tin!

While at one of my weekly goodwill stops, i came across an old scarf and thought that this would be great material for my new favorite craft, Flowers! My love of retro and my love of fabric flowers birthed this little creation.

I sifted through some old buttons that my mom has, and gave the retro flowers their retro buttons. Got little green vase at a sweet thrift store while on the road.

At the same sweet thrift shop, I found this sweet old photo album!

Miss Scarlet Wellington wanted her picture with it, so I agreed.

I didn't really know what I was going to put in it at first,

but then i figured it out--

Last month, my Dad lent me his old camera that Sheeshaw got for him and my uncle Johnny when she was in Japan. (in the 70's sometime, i think) So now I plan to fill the album with picture taken with this special old camera.

sounds fun to me =)

Stories of a Sub, Thoughts on Family

I have been subbing quite a bit lately. Elementary music, HS math, Middle School language arts, Kindergarten =)

I got called a "Stupid B!%$#" last week, so that was awesome. I called the high school student out right away. I could have sent him to the office, but I choose to not involve the office in the worries of a sub, they've got enough to worry about. I was not making any outrageous request to warrant such treatment, but nonetheless, he thought that descriptor was applicable. Thanks man. It went something like this. "Excuse me!? Just because I am a sub doesn't mean that I don't have feelings. That is rude and it hurt my feelings." It seemed to work and embarrassed him enough to shut him up for the rest of the period. I can't really pull of the "mom-intimidation" that some teachers use. So, as a sub, who sees students a handful of times at most, I just try to be real.

I feel bad for all the times that I goofed off when I had a sub growing up. Oh course, it never went as far as calling names. But now I am on the other side of the exasperation that a sub feels. The constant "please get to work" "please stop talking", it gets old!

I think it is inappropriate and sad when other teachers tell me how bad a student or class is. I like to naively go into a day and assume the best of them, until they show me otherwise. Most of the "problem" kids and classes have enough negative energy and attention thrown towards them that I don't want to contribute to that.

On the other end of the spectrum, was Kindergarten. ha! There was constant tattling. If you think you know anything about anything, you are wrong in a kindergarten classroom!! They can tell you how to do everything, what is fair, what is NOT fair. They have strict routines (that are necessary, I'm sure)-- do not alter their routine! "Mrs. E, um, Megan was supposed to count to five and she counted to four instead." "Mrs. E, um, Aroura farted during the movie and she keeps smelling." "Mrs. E, um, Grayson pushed Cam." But they were adorable anyway.

There was one sweetheart in particular that pulled at my heart. James. Wavy blonde hair, dressed in a little flannel and khakis. He was very quiet most of the day and it took me awhile to figure out why. James had a serious speech impediment. At one point he came up to me and said something like, "I go to da tweasertwesh." And I am like, oh Lord please help me understand this little sweetie. I had no idea, "The what?" I asked. He repeated and I could see the disappointment and insecurity in his eyes. Finally a classmate translated- treasure chest- then, I was able to celebrate with him, "That's great, James!"

How frustrating would it be to not be understood? It sparked in my mind, that this could be my child. Every child has their challenges and I will count it a blessing to help my future kids through whatever it is that is before them.

Speaking of children. I think it is annoying when young marrieds (I mainly hear guys) joking that they "never" want kids! "Kids are a hiccup in my plan" "I'm in no hurry", "I'm having fun just practicing", haha! hilarious, NOT. Is it not one of the greatest blessings of life? I came across an old photo album when I was home last. in it, I found a bunch of birthday cards from my 1st birthday. I was struck by all those who thought of me, this little bald baby who couldn't really offer much but a funny noise, giggle and a dirty diaper. I was and am so blessed to be loved by a wonderful family. I am biased, but I think that my kids will be surrounded by the love of WONderful aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, great-grandparents. Why withhold this blessing? i love my family. i love family.
It often seems to go like this: Ok God, I'm ready to have kids now, Bless Me! Is that how it works? I've had my token five years with my hubby, we've done our European vaca, we've had some adventures, now it's BABY time! What if I am not so blessed? What if 5 years turns to 7 w/out kids, turns to 10? I think that the 'adventure' never stops. my family is PART of my adventure, not a hindrance to it. Encountering different families on the road, i am inspired by those who engage their children in their ministry. I hope to be like that.

yes, i am a fan of babies, but more a fan of family and the special love that you can only share within that bond. A love that disciplines has high value. The refining ability of a family is a godly thing in my eyes. am i in a hurry? to some, it may seem that i am. I like to think of it as i am excitedly awaiting the blessing.

Jeff and Molly Spain Pics, by Molly Edgel

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.

Andy and Irina's Wedding in Spain

We were in Spain from September 28th to October 11th. Jeff's brother Andy got married on October 3rd and we were so blessed to witness and be a part of the celebration! All of Jeff's immediate family made the 12 or so hour trip to Spain; it was quite the family get-together =)

The wedding itself was one of my favorites to ever attend. First off, Jeff and I were still in our pajamas about 15 min before the ceremony was supposed to start, but don't worry, no one else was! This would NEVER happen in the US. But Irina had warned us that it is very difficult to get Spanish people organized, in one place and quiet, so good luck! The wedding began an hour or so late, and no one was really stressing about it. It was the best feeling ever!! In the US, you best get to the church 30 min. ahead, get your seat, sit very still and quiet. If you dare be late, the crazy wedding planner lady might tell you 'too bad' you don't get to see the bride walk down!! And don't you make a peep during the ceremony until the appropriate time to clap. That's right, nice and orderly.

Not so this wedding, there were people walking around, saying a few words to their neighbor, and getting right up front to get a better picture! There was a group of Spanish men off to the side just drinking and chatting. It was hilarious, and so fun! A favorite part that was chronicled by Chris (the groom Andy's twin and best man): At one point during the ceremony an empty beer cup rolled across the scene, like a lone tumbleweed! haha! The ceremony was given in Spanish (by an officiant) and English, spoken by Jeff's brother Chris. Jeff and I did the music for the ceremony; we tried to start one of the songs 3 different times because we were confused, but no one really cared.

Some might consider it disorder, but it was joy. We were there to celebrate the birth of a family, and that's just what we did! We didn't travel over the ocean to make sure that the schedule was followed and the wedding day flow chart was executed. We came to see our brother get married, and it was great! Might I add, Irina was absolutely gorgeous and Andy was very handsome. It was a very memorable and wonderful day and wedding.

Two year anniversary

We celebrated our 2-year anniversary on the 22^nd! Yay! It has been an exciting, busy, fun-filled two years.

Highlights from our 2nd year of marriage:

Buying our first house

Working together to whip that first house into shape, making it our home

Seeing our little brother Luke get married and gaining a sister in Keri

Going over to Keri’s house and sharing many yummy meals that she made

Becoming an Aunt and Uncle to Miss Olive Mae, meeting her for the first time at Christmas

Sitting out by our fire pit with friends or just the two of us

Florida in February with the Edgels

Going to Disney and playing Wii with Mom and Dad Edgel

Spending time at Lake George, Jeff wakeboarding behind the pontoon- ha!

My nine-week sub job in 7^th grade math

Helping coach middle school girls track

Spending the holidays with both of our families

Traveling thousands of miles around the country, California to Massachusetts and lots in between

Never unpacking the holiday decorations because we were too busy working on the house

Moving in January, brrrrr!

‘Work Day’ on little house on the Cherry, so many friends and family came to help

Appreciating all the helping hands throughout the house-fixing process

Van breaks go out on the way down the mountain in California and all the adventures that followed

Going to Vegas for the first and last time

Driving through hurricane Ike on the way to Texas, worried about the gas shortage

Going on a fall and spring tour with band friends

Things learned, realized, and reminded of:

Jeff is my best friend and it is a blessing to do life together.

A recent lesson that I have learned is that God and His Spirit are my constant, my contentment. I’ve been saying, “If I could just….If I could just….. have close friends…..have a house……..have a career…….have a purpose……have more stuff…….have a family……” “If you could just…….If you would just……help me around the house……understand what I’m saying……give me more attention……make me happy…….read my mind……” Well, we have a house, so am I satisfied? Now I need things to fill my house. I’ve acquired more stuff over the last year, is it enough? Sometimes you make me happy, sometimes you don’t. We will always love each other, but you are not my everything. You’re not enough; none of it is enough.

Luckily, I have a Savior who is more than enough

Holiday with the Hollidays =)

WWeeeeeeEEEEEEEeeeeeee

Labor Day '09

On Saturday, we had a show at the Blueberry Festival in Plymouth, IN. I got a blueberry milkshake, so i was happy =) Everywhere we go, it's really all about the food for me.

Jeff and I headed to Columbus to visit our good friends Ryan and Emily Holliday. We went canoeing and ate some good food. Em and Ryan are the coaches of the high school girls Cross Country team, so I went to their practice on Monday morning. They kicked my butt with a "circuit" that they had the girls do. I was sore for the rest of the week!!!! wow. They introduced me to cinnamon cold stone ice cream and i've been craving it ever since......mmmmmmm.

It was great to enjoy each other's company and talk about real stuff. Friends!!!! it was SO good to be reminded of how precious these ones are to us =)

Home for a bit

Sissy is helping Jeff work. Jeff is in her favorite chair.

We've been home now for a few weeks. Jeff has stayed busy with band stuff (as always), leaving me to find creative ways to entertain myself. I 'finished' our bathroom!! After 6 months of living in our new house, I finally got around to it. I textured the walls with texture paint, painted the walls and vanity, spray painted some things and now it looks done instead of like a construction zone =) Thanks to Mom and Dad Andrews for donating the wall cabinet to us!

Before-- ew. we've been living without a mirror for 8 months.

Mirror painted black. Got it off Craig's

We had an unexpected addition to our household with a new FAVorite piece of furniture. This is what happens with late-night Craigslist-ing and a retro-crazed person like myself!! =) =) We are now proud owners of a vintage 1950's Aqua davenport! We chose to call it a 'davenport' instead of a 'couch' in honor of all the grandmothers out there who call their couch a davenport (whatever that is?!).

We've also had the chance to spend some time up at Lake George with Luke and Keri and my parents. Jeff has been sailing with my dad the last two weekends!

They got 5th place. It was really windy, 3 other boats tipped =/