articulation lessons...

It's been awhile since I've blogged so I've got a little catching up to do. A few weeks ago a friend from church called and asked me if I ever did any "language or pronunciation training" or knew of someone who did. She was looking for someone who'd be willing to teach her and 2 of her friends from Columbia to speak better English.

The last time I worked on ESL pronunciation specifically was at St. Cloud State with one of the engineering profs from China. He wanted to speak better English so his students could readily understand him. I recall him bringing fantastically difficult engineering terms to practice that I would have to look up to figure out how to pronounce myself...humbling for both of us I think. We had a great time though!

I kind of felt like God was placing this in front of me as another opportunity to practice what may be coming in my future...even if I don't end up overseas to at least be able to use my training to help people FROM other countries. This past Wednesday was our first "lesson" and we had a blast! Two of the three know English pretty well, one is very new to the U.S. I wasn't exactly sure how far we'd get or how much to prep but after working on consonant sounds we decided to call it a night. I think they were feeling a little overwhelmed by that point. Oh friends, just wait for vowels! Our language is nuts! We have rules for our rules and exceptions to our exceptions. I am excited for our study time together and hope they get something helpful from it! :)

twins!!

Many of you know this exciting news but for those in far away places, Willy and Adrian Shelton had their twin boys this past Monday!! They scheduled a c-section so it was pretty quick and easy as far as labor goes. I had a chance to swing by the hospital later that afternoon to see them and they are INCREDIBLE! Babies truly are miraculous, all their little body parts in tact, 10 fingers, 10 toes, lungs breathing, brains already soaking in the world around them. They are a gift to be treasured!

As I walked in the room Adrian had both boys on a pillow in her lap...all four family members taking a little snooze. As a good friend would do I woke them up and they graciously showed off their new little men. Bitty tiny Joel was born at 4 lbs. and a few ounces and Nathan was born almost twice that size at 7 lb. 12 oz. They are both amazing! When I asked Adrian how she felt her first response was, "I can breath again! It's WONDERFUL!" They got to take them home on Thursday. Blessings on you guys as you raise them to be godly men!

P.S. Will post a picture later!

Toastmasters

A little update on my nerdiness...about a month ago a co-worker of mine asked me if I'd be interested in going to a "Toastmasters" meeting where people work on public speaking, giving speeches, etc. She's looking at going back to school at some point to get her Ph.D and wants the practice for university teaching and I'm looking at going into full time ministry where the opportunities to speak will likely multiply from here. SOOOOO, I said yes and have now given two speeches.

My first speech was an "icebreaker" where I got to sum up who I am in a 3 minute speech. Woohoo! It took me all of 30 minutes to think of my "topic" and write out the speech. Hmmmmmm, any ideas what I talked about?? I gave a nutshell version of my testimony and passion in life, knowing God and making Him known to people of all nations. I don't know if we're supposed to quote scripture being that it's a public/national organization but I had free reign to talk about me so I took advantage of the opportunity!

It's a pretty neat organization, what I know of it thus far. We meet at Windbreak every Tuesday for an hour before work...yes, I get up earlier than sane people do to WILLINGLY learn and practice public speaking, I am a NERD!! Anyway, they accomplish a lot in a short time and give great feedback and advice on how to improve your skills. I critique kid's speech and language all day every day so this has given me a new perspective...it's a little nerve racking being the one critiqued!

Beauty and the Beast

Friday night my parents and I went to the VPA performance of "Beauty and the Beast." I've been to several VPA plays in the past, but this one was all the more exciting b/c I got to see my brother and sister-in-law perform together. Dave's done musical performance in the past...my favorite was his senior year in "Camelot" where he wore tights and ballet shoes!! Yeehaw! He always razed me growing up doing all my ballet performances...tutu's, tights, tiaras, ringlets, but that was HIS time to shine! Anywhoo, I enjoy REMINDING him occassionally of those moments as he is now a police officer. I don't know that Aimy's done a musical performance before, but she sang all through high school and has an incredible voice!

So Dave and Aimy had two roles in the show, towns people and my personal favorite...dancing knives. How, you ask do knives dance?? Excellent question, very CAREFULLY!! During the enchanted object dance, if you've seen the Disney production, the entire kitchen comes alive, they tango together (not to be confused with tengo :)). I was VERY impressed! I'm attaching pictures to capture the moment as best I can seeing as there was no flash photography during the show. If you're in the valley and can get tickets GO!! It is definitely worth it! They have 18 shows left to perform! Awesome job you guys!! We LOVED it!

Grease!

Thursday night was our monthly BUNCO night again. The theme you ask..."Grease," not to be confused with GREECE. I was initially planning on dressing up like a Greek god, but changed my plan when another member the week prior reminded me it was the 50s flavor, John Travolta, sandals and olive leaves were out! We had a blast as usual. More socializing than game playing and the best part...it was out at VanWingerdens. Marie always does a fantastic job decorating b/c she does a photo shoot after. Marie and Carrie are my pre-professional photographer friends. The shot you are admiring however is from my little digital. If I get some pics from Marie later I'll update to better shots. :) Next month is my turn to host and I'm a little at a loss for a good theme...one's that have crossed my mind, March maddness but basketball doesn't really fly with a huge group of girls, GREEN b/c of St. Patricks or ??? Any great ideas, post them as a comment, I am wide open to suggestions!

P.S. If you can't make it out, that is Marie applying gobs of hot pink lipstick! She's a die hard girly girl deep down!

Psalm 51

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin...Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me...The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51

This was written by a guy named David shortly after he was confronted by a friend for committing adultery with another man's wife, a man he later murdered to cover up the mess he got himself into. David's name means "a man after God's own heart." A man after God's own heart?? How did he earn THAT name??? He didn't earn it and it wasn't by mistake that he got the name. God had chosen to use David to do mighty things, and he DID, even amidst his failings. He was a king, a father, an heir to Jesus. One of the things that set David apart from other men of his time that participated in the same sins was his repentant and teachable heart. He WAS a man after God's heart and he sought hard after God. He sought forgiveness.

My old college roommate (graphic art minor) painted this picture to portray the meaning of this chapter and the healing that takes place when, after messing up, we PRAY to be made new, steadfast, washed, cleansed from our sin. More than anything else the God who created us longs to have a right relationship with us, to extend his grace, mercy and forgiveness.

Going through life by far it has been the times when I've messed up, been broken and embarrassed by the sin in my life that God has been most glorified. It's been in those times and moments when He used my human-ness to be an encouragement to someone else or a testimony of His provision and healing. What a beautiful portrayal of this passage. A man being made new with a steadfast spirit, given a new heart that is even bigger than before not inspite of having sin but through the healing and forgiveness from sin that comes when we ask. God doesn't need "perfect" people to do good works for him. He IS perfect and has that piece under control. He needs people who are broken, made humble and teachable. As a dear friend said recently to me, "I don't need a God who will protect me, love me, do good things for me (although those are nice and God DOES do those things). I need a SAVIOR. Someone who loves me enough to save me from the sin in my life." It is by GRACE we have been saved, not by works lest any man boast. Where would we be without grace? Praise you Lord for your abundant GRACE!

Hummer Time!

Last night we had a senior youth girl sleepover at my place. It was a smaller group b/c of holiday plans, activities, sports but we had a blast. Food was plentiful and constant, socks were exchanged (new ones) in a Chinese auction, games were played and chick flicks ran into the wee morning hours. I introduced them to "Bohnanza" an addictive card game my old college roommate sent me a couple Christmases ago, thanks Kari! Ella, we played it this summer when I was down. It's comparative in some ways to slow motion version of "Pit." By 2 a.m. it was getting hysterical! Inhibitions are significantly decreasing by that time and manifest themselves very differently in different girls. Mayerly for instance reminded me of Dori from "Finding Nemo," not a clue what was going on when her turn came around, Elizabeth Golter on the other hand was in prime lawyer negotiation mode and a bit on the aggressive side, myself...totally calm and rational! HA, right!!

A funny ending, May and Natalie left to go home (just a mile down the road) and ended up high centered in the ditch and stuck for a good while waiting for assistance. Natalie's dad came to the rescue but to no avail, May's blazer was STUCK! But lo, just as all seemed lost, a neighbor drove by in his hummer. The true test of a hummer's stellar ability was put to the test and yes he succeeded in getting her out...after a couple tries. Impressive to see a Hummer actually put to the test. As they worked at getting the vehicle unstuck, I stood by ready with my camera to get some good shots for our senior slide show coming up this spring. Thanks for being a good sport Mayerly!

I'll add more pics later when my computer can process faster!

St. Louis

Imagine yourself in a football stadium with 22,000 other people from all 50 states and over 120 foreign countries singing songs in unison, dancing, and cheering in the new year...that was how I celebrated New Years this year, an unforgettable experience! In my last post I mentioned going to a missions conference in St. Louis, MO. In a nut shell, it is a FULL 4.5 days of speakers, seminars, bible study, worship, and prayer.

It's tough to summarize in a short blog post so I'll share a couple personal highlights. During the seminars (I chose most of mine from the "missions 101" track focusing on going overseas) something God confirmed or affirmed to me was to move forward with pursuing seminary. I don't know that God will take me overseas full time to work with a specific people group at this point but I am going to press forward in the direction until/unless he clearly closes that door. A few years ago I went on a trip overseas and God impressed the need I have personally to get solid Bible training before moving forward long term. One of the speakers at a seminar iterated the importance (criticalness) of this as well.

Long story short, Lord willing I will be going to seminary this coming fall either in Illinios or South Carolina to get a Masters in Biblical Studies. My first choice/desire for school would be at Moody Bible in Chicago, but we'll see how everything shakes out here in the next couple months as I apply. I don't have all the long term details worked out...finances being a biggie to me, but that also is something I need to lay before God and have faith that He will provide. Having just paid off all my loans this summer from grad school I don't want to jump back in to a debt situation. There are a lot of options I'm checking into to keep from having that again...working part time as an SLP being one. Wouldn't that be a change of pace, small school in Wasilla to an inner city school in Chicago?? The country mouse goes metro.

Another awesome blessing that week was my roommates. I shared a hotel room with 3 phenomenal women all in their late 20s early 30s, career stage life. We bonded immediately and had a BLAST together!! That is, when we saw each other...at night for our prayer and debriefing times and for a short morning session. Once our days started we'd all split and go to various sessions and not usually see each other again until we got back (via bus shuttle) to our hotel. Karen is a psychiatrist in New York City, Mari lives in Toronto doing administrative work for a medical clinic and Misty is a mechanic in South Dakota! I loved sharing and praying with you all! Blessings on your future decisions!

Urbana

Some of you have probably heard of or even been to Urbana in years past. Urbana is a huge triannual missions conference put on my InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It used to be held in Urbana, IL but is moving this year to St. Louis, MO to allow for more space. I got a flyer in the mail this past spring and was really impressed to go, personally not by any particular group or person. I registered in May and have been eagerly awaiting getting to go since then. It goes from Dec 27th-Jan 1st. There are hundreds of mission agencies, missionaries, and seminaries there. It is geared for college and career age people interested in missions.

I'm excited to go and am praying for some good connections/info while I'm there b/c I know it will be overwhelming with SO much there. I'll be rooming in a nearby hotel with 3 other girls from across the country. One is a psychiatrist from NY! Crazy the people you meet! I'll fill you in more when I get back. Please pray for safe travel/connections and health over the next week. I woke up yesterday feeling sick so I'm trying to soak in as much sleep as possible before I fly out Tuesday night!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!!

traditions...

Christmas is usually filled with traditions for most of us. One of our long standing family traditions is to make and decorate sugar cookies and watch It's a Wonderful Life together on Christmas Eve. There is the blending of traditions this year with Dave and Aimy getting married...sharing family time. Soooo, we did our Christmas Eve Friday night. Mom, dad and I went over to Dave and Aimy's to eat dinner, Papa Murphey's pizza, make our cookies and watch the classic story of It's a Wonderful Life. Aimy, I've found out, is equally as stoked about Christmas as my family, loves decorating, etc. and we had a GREAT time making cookies! It was surprisingly a lot more mellow than in years past. Usually flower ends up all over me and not to be outdone, flower ends up all over Dave. Maybe having a wife will change things up? Dave did comment that he LOVES not having to Christmas shop anymore! He only has to shop for Aimy and she does the rest and ENJOYS it! All you guys out there reading this probably agree. :)

Progressive Dinner

Tonight was our last youth group of the year...2006 that is. Instead of having a regular worship and lesson time we had a "bondfire" night...our choice to do something fun together. Our group of seniors had a progressive dinner and it was a blast! We started at the Greenstreets for appetizers, salsa/cheese dip with chips then moved to my parent's house for the main course, mexican chili mountains the out to Bacons to wrap it all up with desert, root beer floats and other baked yummies. It's been a loooooong time since I've done a dinner like that, I forgot how much fun it is! This week is finals and the end of 2nd quarter, half the year is over, unbelievable!!

keepin' it light

This year I thought it'd be fun to do a little somethin' different for school pictures so I talked to our specialist group (librarian, music and PE teachers) about dressing up for the occassion. They were a little hesitant at first but went with it each dressing up to represent their profession. As you can see the music teacher is Cher (sp?), the PE teacher is a hockey player, the librarian is Dr. Seuss and I am a communication specialist of course! The head phones are for good listening, lips accentuate good speaking, however they pose a challenge to speak with, the picture strip for you speech paths out there is my augmentative communication "time for speech," and the ASL sign for "I love you!"

The afro has no correlation it's merely to spice it all up. It DOES however do wonders for spontaneous communication with low language kids. I wore it last year for a crazy hair day. One of my students with autism came to speech that day and stopped in the doorway carefully assessing the situation. His comment as he stood bewildered was, "Miss Eller...you're just...you're just...freakin' me out!" Very socially appropriate, spontaneous AND he made eye contact (three in one, a home run)!! Something to try in the therapy room for those of with nonverbal kiddos! Maybe afros should be part of the Super Duper therapy materials under social language. :)

pj bunko night

Thursday was our monthly bunko night again. The theme you ask?? Pajama night! I am all about being comfy! We met up at Bacons for the extravaganza...fellowship, dice rolling (mindless game), eating (of course), and gabbing. December we do a sock exchange. Can you guess which socks I happened to get?? But of course, John Deere! I won most bunkos too and got a purple knit hat and gloves to match! If you've been following the bunko posts last month two players were 9 mos. pregnant so we had two additions playing this time, Noah Kroon and Olivia Peppard. Total cutie pies!

army garb...

My cousin Beth is currently in Houston, TX for military training. She is a II Lt. RN among several other abbreviations now...I can't keep up! Anywhoo, part of her PT attire is the fancy reflective "ARMY" T and construction worker reflective belt. She posted a picture, similar to this one on her blog a few months ago and I had a little fun commenting on the great attire. Not wanting to leave me out, as a fellow runner in training (definitely not for the military though!)she thoughtfully sent me my OWN PT uniform. For how riduculous this may look to some I am excited to have it! There's also a giant reflective triangle on the back of the shirt. The U.S. Army doesn't want any PT casualties. This AK runner will now be less likely to become a road casualty as well...in the summer when it warms up 40-60 degrees! Thanks for the gear Beth, you're the best!

Maxwell wedding

Over Thanksgiving weekend Rachel Parker and Ben Maxwell tied the knot! They were married in our new building, a gymnasium currently. It was a beautiful ceremony...I can't imagine a Parker wedding not being beautiful, they do it right! Rachel was very ill leading up to the ceremony, but the Lord gave her strength and stamina to get through it and we all had a great time celebrating. God is good! They are VERY happy. :)

reunion...

Tosha with her neice Winter, Tammy's little girl. She is a cutie pie!

Tosha with Morgan Bacon. She turned 2 this past September and is starting to chatter away! A GREAT way to spend a Monday!

youth leader reunion

This past Monday I took off work to recoup from the youth retreat...I don't bounce back like I used to in HS. The blessing about that day was I was able to reconnect with Tosha, a former youth leader of the senior girls.

Tosha was back in AK visiting family for a week. Her sister Tammy had a baby girl a couple months ago and her dad recently had a bad fall at work (broken back, ribs, shoulder, etc.) so she came to spend time with them and help out.

We ended up going out to Amanda's house to surprise her and see the Bacon bits (Drew, Gavin and Morgan). We had a great time catching up a little on life before she headed to Anchorage to fly back to CO. The fun news is she may be moving back to AK this summer!

I'll add the pic later...the DSL at my new "house" is as slow as molasses! :)

wacky youth leaders

Part of our "routine" included a little competition between 2 Puddleton High dance groups. Ya like the name? Rolls off the tongue nice when you're playing a cowgirl. Anywhoo, one team was the "prep" team the other was the "hick" team...hence the hats and buck teeth. Amanda and I split ourselves between the two. For those parents out there that read this, aren't you glad we're mentoring your teens???

fall retreat...

This past Friday, Saturday and Sunday was our annual fall youth retreat down in Soldotna at Solid Rock Bible Camp. A grand finale retreat for my senior girls! A bitter sweet time to say the least. Every Saturday night at these retreats we have a big "American Idol Rock Star" talent/no talent show. It is one of the highlights of the weekend and this year we were hard pressed to not be outdone. There are prizes for best serious talent and best silly talent.

Amanda, former WHS and UAA cheerleader, coached our team on to victory! She choreographed a fun routine to "Cotton Eye Joe." We ended up being able to borrow the "fantastic in pink" dance costumes from a local high school (a free-bee off Ebay) somehow. Anywhoo, the costumes got us on the path to a cowgirl dance team with those gross fake hill billy teeth. It was FABULOUS!! We spent the better part of Friday night fine tuning our moves and routines...THANKS AMANDA!! Who knew cheerleading would still be paying off?? At the end of the dance we had a large part of the crowd up front square dancing with us. It was a riot!

GAP

GAP is a college/career age ministry at my church that was started...11 years ago (my freshman year of college) by Ella Embree. Ella had just come back to AK after college and the Lord impressed on her heart to start such a group at WBC. She talked to Larry and got the ball rolling and it's been rolling ever since.

Last night I had the opportunity to go and share with them about my trip to Africa. I shared a little background history on South Africa and then went into the ministry that the Embrees are involved in, ways we can support them and future ministry opportunities for a short-term group trip. I am so thankful for that time. It was a blessing to be able to share my trip with others, but also get a prime group excited about ministry...WHEREVER!! Young single people are often in my mind left by the wayside as far as looking for ways to plug in at church, in missions, etc. It's not to point any fingers, I've seen it ALL over the country. I'm just excited to be able to encourage a group that is so AVAILABLE and open to GO!!!

We had some great conversation and even a little Zulu quiz, much to Keeton Kroon's dismay. :) John Doak, our new adult ministry pastor is leading this group right now as they dig into the book of Job. I was excited and encouraged to see how they have grown. Someone mentioned they average 15-20 people a night...I think we started with about 5-7 back in the day Ella. God is blessing and growing this ministry!

For unknown reasons the site, connection, something is glitching right now and not letting me download pics. I'll post them when I can. :)