Becca

Friends: Becca and Shawrene

     Becca and I were introduced to each other back in 1997 through our mutual friend, Amy.  It didn't take long to see that we were kindred spirits and sisters in Christ.  Becca and Amy (and Jess and Carey) were roommates after college and I visited them often.  The five of us still continue to get together.  Our friend, Shawrene has joined the group too.  There's nothing like spending time with Christian friends to encourage one's soul and lift one's spirits.  I'm so thankful for these ladies!  Becca is a good listener and has a caring heart.  She is wise and strong.  God has gifted her with a big, compassionate heart that is accepting and giving.  She inspires me daily to remember who I am in Christ and to love others with His love.  She and her husband have a beautiful story of how God blessed them with children.  Becca was willing to write down their story for this blog.  I know you will be blessed by it.  So, please, scroll through a few photos and then sit back and be inspired by how God was and is at work!
       

The happy couple: Becca and Keith

Visiting Good Earth: Carey, Jess, Becca, Amy, Jen

Time for Tea: Jess, Becca, Amy, Jen, Shawrene

"I have seen God at work in my life in multiple ways, the most dramatic in my husband's and my journey to becoming parents.  For so long, we tried to get pregnant, and couldn't.  Then, we had two miscarriages in nine months.  We were contemplating whether we would continue to try to get pregnant, or revisit the idea of adopting from foster care.  These children are often older than six years old, sometimes in sibling groups, and always the victims of some combination of child abuse, abandonment, and/or neglect.  We agreed to try one more month, and if we weren't pregnant, I would call the adoption agency and move forward with adopting."

"I woke up early one Sunday morning, wanting, needing to know if we were expecting or not.  I would find out Wednesday, naturally, but I could not wait. 'God, please forgive my impatience.  I need to know which wayYou are leading.'  I took a pregnancy test, and it was negative.  I'd been down this path before, many times.  However, this time, the door towards parenthood felt wide open, rather than closed.  I told my husband before church that I was to call the adoption agency in the morning."

"At church that morning, we had our monthly 'Missions Moment,' which highlighted a missionary or ministry supported by our church.  My jaw dropped to the floor as they talked about 'Adopt a Teen.'  The ministry itself is more of a sponsorship, rather than 'adoption' in our sense.  But, I knew that God was speaking to us, guiding us, letting us know that this was the path we were to travel."

"Our kids moved in with us in April, 2012.  Angel was nine and half years old and Anthony was twelve.  In some ways, it seems like we have been a family forever, and in other ways, we feel so new to this parenting gig!  Our kids, just as any others, grow up way too quickly.  My son is now the tallest member of the family.  'Little moments,' such as swim team and gymnastics meets, 'Student of the Month' awards, and Boy Scout award ceremonies take on such a bigger meaning when we know that there are fewer of them to share and cherish."

"I don't want to lie and give the image that our life as an adopted family is all a sweet Disney movie.  It is not.  Think new parent jitters, blended family arguments, and teenage hormones, literally overnight, and all in one package!  But, we know that God is in this.  He guided our paths to each other at just the right time, and confirmed it in so many beautiful ways."

"My son loves to read, just as I do.  He has a teach-savvy way of thinking, just like his information technology dad (my husband), and if he sees an opportunity to help someone, he will serve.  Have  I mentioned my husband's spiritual gift of service?  My daughter isn't so into books, just like her dad, but loves learning through videos, and is social to the core, just like me.  She has a gracefulness about her that rivals none...well, thankfully some things come through 'nature' rather than 'nurture.'  The most important thing about us is that, individually, and as a family, we all serve the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are far from perfect, but know that the Lord is good.  His timing is good, and we give Him the glory."

"I have several favorite verses that have followed me throughout my life.  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.") and Jeremiah 29:11("For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."), which happen to be the verses that my kids shared with us the first time we spoke to them!  Other verses that are special to me are 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ("Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.") and James 1:27 ("Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.")."

"As for words of wisdom that are helpful, I like this one, heard on a Christian radio talk show:  'Always do your best as a parent, but be sure to save some content for your kid's therapy sessions.'  I love it!  We don't have to be perfect in our parenting, in our relationship with our spouse, as an employee, and certainly not as a Christian."

"If you are interested in learning more about adoption from foster care, www.mnadopt.org is a good place to start.  Feel free to ask me any questions.  Jen can give you my email address.  We had a great experience through Children's Home Society's Waiting Children Program.  http://www.chsfs.org/"

The happy family:  Dad Angel, Anthony, Mom

Becca's kids:  Angel and Anthony

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:
http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Missionary #3 (Europe)

Missionary #3 and I were housemates in "The Moose Lodge" for three years

       Missionary #3 inspires me every single day to live my life for God and to see Him at work all around me.  She inspires me to share His love with others and to look for opportunities to be a blessing.  She inspires me to look for humor in situations and find reasons to laugh.     
       Missionary #3 really is a missionary in the literal sense of the word.  She lives in Europe and shares the love of Jesus with the people around her.  She is a hard worker.  She had to raise support before she could go into full-time missions.  My favorite thing to tell people who were considering supporting her?  "You'll get the most bang for your buck with this missionary!"  She makes the most of every opportunity the Lord provides for her.  She is impacting lives and expanding the Kingdom.  I'm so proud of her!  She inspires me to be a missionary right here in Minnesota, where God has placed me.  When she left, it was our prayer that she would "Go Well" and her prayer that we would "Stay Well."  I'm not the only one that Missionary #3 inspires.  She is loved everywhere she goes.  
       Missionary #3 hasn't always lived in Europe.  She grew up in Minnesota.  We have been friends ever since I moved to Becker in 2003.  We were even housemates for about three years.  We called our home "The Moose Lodge" because it had a moose antler light fixture (that she used to tell people I would swing on at night!) and other moose decor.  We had so much fun in that house!  We did a lot of laughing.  Missionary #3 has a way of remembering comments or situations and bringing them back up again at the perfect moment.  A friend of ours describes her as having a "sticky" mind.  
     This missionary also has a "sticky" mind for languages.  She can say, "I've had a meatball stuck in my throat for three weeks" in something like six different languages!  Each country she moves to has been an adjustment for her, but she catches on to the language quickly.  God has gifted her in that area.  She also has an extremely expansive vocabulary in the English language.  She uses words that I don't even know the meaning of!  She inspires me to expand my vocabulary.  Missionary #3 is also the friend who taught me how to say "God Loves You" in Ukrainian.  What a special memory I have of leaning down next to the girl walking beside me, saying those beautiful words, and then watching her eyes light up in understanding.  Missionary #3 made that possible.
     Missionary #3 is a beautiful, educated young lady who reads her Bible regularly, memorizes scripture, prays diligently, wears stylish scarves, leads others in worship, gives of herself, learns from those around her, and trusts in the Lord with a grateful heart.  When something needs to be done, she does it!  She has always been that way.  Serving, giving, loving, caring.  She is an inspiration and a blessing to everyone she meets.  I'm proud to be able to call her my friend.  

Becky

Teaching Sunday School in 2007

Becky and Steve in 2013

Becky is a beautiful woman of God whom I have known for about ten years.  Becky and I attend the same church and work at the same school.  Becky is a prayer warrior, so I know I can count on her to lift me and my loved ones up in prayer when needed.  We have attended Bible Studies together and taught Sunday School together.  Actually, Becky taught and I was her helper, but it was fun to work together!  Becky is an interventionist at the primary school.  She works with kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders on their reading skills.  Before becoming an interventionist, Becky stayed at home with her kids and did some daycare.  She and Steve (who has a second grade classroom right next door to mine) have two great kids, Jonah and Kylie.  
     I had the privilege of having Kylie in my second grade class years ago.  She was a delightful student.  She also had the sweetest singing voice!  Sometimes I would help her and other girls prepare songs for special music at church.  When it was time for Todd and I to pick the music for our wedding, one of the songs we chose was "Put On Love."  I sang "Put On Love" at my aunt's wedding when I was about 8 years old.  We asked Kylie and another one of my former students (Emily) to sing it for the wedding.  They did an absolutely wonderful job!  I am posting this blog about Becky the day after Kylie's birthday.  Happy Birthday, Kylie!    

Kylie in 2008 at my wedding

     Kylie is now in high school, so it is fun to see how she has grown and matured.  Her brother, Jonah is also in high school.  Steve and Becky adopted Jonah when he was a baby.  I love the story of how God gave them Jonah in His perfect timing.  From the time Steve and Becky handed in their adoption papers to when they were holding baby Jonah in their arms, it was exactly nine months!  Perfect!  That is so beautiful!  What an awesome God we have!
    Besides being a great mom, an excellent teacher, a strong woman of faith, and a good friend, Becky is also a cancer survivor.  Becky has now been cancer free for five years.  When she talks about her cancer, she talks of the peace that God gave her in the midst of it all.  She experienced "The peace that surpasses understanding" like it says in Philippians 4:7.  Her words give me hope for others who have cancer and even for myself when I'm going through hard times.  God is the supplier of peace.  He takes care of His children.
    Becky and I actually grew up in the same area of Minnesota.  Our parents were both teachers.  She had a sister and a brother and I had two sisters and a brother.  Family is important to both of us.  Now our parents are getting older and needing more support from their children.  Becky and I have had some great conversations about what that looks like.  I'm glad we can be here for each other. God gave us brothers and sisters in Christ "for such a time as this," like it says in Esther 4:14.   

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here: 

http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Sheryl

Celebrating my birthday in 2001 or 2002

Today is Sheryl's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Sheryl!!!

Spending the Day at Lake Carlos State Park

 Katelyn, Anthony, and Jeremiah

My wedding day in 2008



The happy couple:  Sheryl and Rod

Going for a hike together

     I graduated from college in May of 2000 and then was hired to teach second grade at Mountain Lake Christian School.  I lived and worked in Mountain Lake, MN for three years.  The best thing about Mountain Lake?  Definitely my friend, Sheryl!  I knew right off the bat (at the interview) that if I got the job,  Sheryl would be my friend.  I just knew we'd be Kindred Spirit friends!  And, I was right.  Friendship was part of God's plan!  

     Sheryl is the Kindergarten teacher at Mt. Lake Christian School.  She loves her job and loves her students.  She was a mentor to me as I began my teaching career.  Sheryl is enthusiastic, dedicated and a complete natural with kids.  Her students are blessed to have her.  She loves the Lord and teaches her students what that looks like.  They sing songs and memorize scripture and learn Bible stories.  They pray together and learn that God is everywhere and cares about everything.  Sheryl's classroom is refreshing and joyful.  I will forever be grateful for my years of teaching just down the hallway from this excellent teacher.  Sheryl inspires me daily to be the best teacher I can be and to love my kids with God's unfailing love!

     When not at school, I was often at Sheryl's house.  I enjoyed playing with her daughter, Katelyn (who was only about three years old at the time).  Katelyn has two older brothers (Mitch was a third grader and Jay was a fifth grader when I moved to Mt. Lake). In addition, Rod and Sheryl did foster care for two sweet toddlers (Anthony and Jeremiah).  It was a busy house but I enjoyed helping with all the kids.  Monday nights were usually my night to come over after school and keep the kids busy while Sheryl made supper.  Good memories.  

     Whenever Sheryl and I get together there is a lot of giggling!  We just have fun together.  We think alike.  We like to buy matching things like hats or socks and then think of each other when we wear them.  Last year, for our birthdays, we both bought each other the same thing (Penny and Her Song with the doll, Penny) without either of us knowing it.  Present opening time was hilarious!  We just think alike.  We understand each other and have a similar sense of humor.

     Sheryl and I both love to sing.  We led "Singspiration" together at school each week from 2000 to 2003.  We led worship songs at Sheryl's church on many Sundays.  We sang songs together just for fun too.  Sheryl inspires me to always have a song in my heart and a word of praise ready for my God.       

Sheryl and Katelyn (2012)

The convertible ride with Rod and Todd (ha ha)

     When we get together we talk and talk and talk...or we look at photo albums, watch movies, play games, or go for walks.  Sometimes we even get Rod to take us out in the convertible.  One time, Todd wasn't able to be there, so we made a paper sign with a drawing of his head on it so he could go for a ride too.  I still smile when I think of that memory.  Fun!

     Sheryl is my sister in Christ and I will forever be grateful to God for bringing us together.  Nothing is so sweet as praying together with a sister in Christ.  Nothing is so comforting as being there for each other in the hard times (like when Sheryl got cancer) and the good times (like when I got married).  It's good to do life together, even if we are three and a half hours apart.  Sheryl inspires me to be the best me I can be.  She encourages me to shine for Jesus and love the life He has given me.           

Penny and Her Song

To learn more about "The 31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project click here:
http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html

Tasha

Orchestra buddies around 1994

High School Buddies around 1994

Laurel, Bennet, Eleanor, Avery

     Happy Birthday, Tasha!!!!  Natasha and I have been friends for a long time.  We were stand partners in orchestra in high school in the 92-93 and 93-94 school years.  One spring we played Largo from Bach's Concerto in D minor for two violins and piano.  What a good, beautiful memory.  Tasha had been homeschooled until her junior year of high school.  She was actually one week younger than me, but a whole year ahead of me in school.  That impressed me.  Since that time I have learned many impressive things about homeschooling.  Natasha and her husband, Jason have chosen to homeschool their own four children.  They are doing a wonderful job!  Later in this blog you can read in Tasha's own words what she likes about homeschooling.  

     When we were in high school together, Tasha once invited me to come pick sweet corn with her on her family's organic farm.  We picked corn in our bare feet because it was so muddy.  What made the biggest impression on me was how joyful everyone was for so early in the morning!  Now that Tasha has a home and land of her own, she  continues to enjoy farming and has instilled that love into her kids.  She has even written a wonderful whole foods cookbook.  Later in this blog you can read in Tasha's own words what it is about farming that she enjoys.  

     Tasha loves music, homeschooling, farming, her family, and the Lord.  She amazes me with her many talents, her beautiful personality, and her wisdom.  She and I can always have good discussions about how God is at work in our lives.  Tasha inspires me to focus on who I am in the Lord, to find contentment in Him, and to trust Him at all times.  Tasha writes so beautifully, and has such wisdom, that I asked her to write down some of her thoughts on what God has been teaching her lately.  May you be blessed as you read her words...

"Each human being is unique – we were each born into a time and place specific to us. We each have a unique role in God’s Kingdom."

"Comparisons, jealousies and insecurities can rob us of the strength and courage to live from our hearts. We need to accept who God made us to be, accept his unconditional and amazing love and know that no one else can live our life for us. We are the only ones able to be US and to share our perspective with the family of God and the world."

"Pain and hardship is okay. We can even be thankful for them. When we truly believe that God is in control, that he has a plan and that we are his beloved, we don’t have to freak out or even be unsettled by hard things. God can use trouble and does use it to draw us to himself and develop our character into Christ likeness. God is in control – nothing happens to us that has not already been through his filter. All things really DO work out for good to those that love God. The trick is to trust that this is so even in the midst of trials." 

"Our goal as Christians is to be disciples of Christ. To learn who he is and how he lived life. To put on his yoke and through the Holy Spirit, allow Him to teach and train us to become more like himself."

"One thing about this Christian walk though is that it is a process and a journey and we are being led by a wonderful Savior!"

Bennet (11), Eleanor (13), Avery (15), Laurel (9)

What I Like About Homeschooling (By Natasha)

1. I have the majority of influence on my kids during their formative years. I can teach them the value system that Jason & I think is important. I can choose the curriculum that works best for me to teach them the values we hold dear.
2. I can spend time addressing character, attitude and worldview topics (from our perspective) along with reading, writing, and arithmetic.
3. We can read the Bible and faith inspiring stories as well as pray together as part of our school day. I am building a foundation of faith in God that will hopefully stay with them the rest of their lives.
4. They do not have to face significant bullying or other rejection from peers.
5. They are free from the worry of peer pressure and can focus instead on learning and growing.
6. I’ve gotten to witness each of them learn to read and see the excitement and love of learning grow in them. It gives me great joy to know that I had a hand in that.
7. The kids can each focus on their strengths and get specialized help with their weak areas.
8. They are rewarded for diligence. If they work hard and finish their work early, they have more free time to pursue interests. They don’t have to wait for classmates to finish, for “school” to let out, or for a long bus ride home.
9. It is very practical, fits our lifestyle and provides opportunities that would be missed otherwise. We can integrate life and chores along with learning. We can keep animals and teach out kids responsibilities with chores as well as where food comes from – without the stress of getting everyone out the door for school early each morning. Everyone is learning what it takes to live and care for oneself: laundry, trash disposal, dishes, animal care, grocery shopping, cooking, earning money and cleaning up after ourselves. This is all part of their education along with the books and study.
10. The kids are able to work in their grandpa’s business. They miss about a month of book study each year, but are learning other skills. They learn how to get themselves up early (6:00 am) when others are still sleeping and get themselves to a job on time. They learn how to work hard in exchange for good wages. They are learning how to interact with customers and make sales. They have to deal with problems and solve conflicts. They are learning how to do quick math in their head all day long. They are learning how to have a relationship with a boss and with customers and where to have boundaries and when to say no.

On a side note: These are all reasons we choose to homeschool and they may or may not be shared with others who homeschool. I don’t think everyone needs to homeschool and if they do, it certainly doesn’t need to be like we do it. Everyone has different gifts and talents. May they use them in their own way to bring glory to God!

Things I Like About Farming (By Natasha)

1. I like that it is something I can do to “work from home”.
2. I have always loved being outdoors. Managing a farm gives me many opportunities to be outside. I enjoy all these things: tilling the ground, planting and weeding, harvesting, caring for the animals, mowing, fencing, pruning, harvesting firewood, and driving tractor.
3. I like the physical activity and exercise I get while farming. I feel healthy.
4. I like knowing where a lot of our food comes from.
5. I like being involved in the whole process of growing food – from planting the seeds to serving it on the supper table. I like my kids understanding the process as well.
6. It is very satisfying to see my kids eat and grow strong on food we grow.
7. I like the abundance we have with our cow and garden. Milk is one thing we would use much less of if we had to buy it, but we can afford to drink as much as we want when we have a cow.
8. I like the money we save by growing and raising our own things. It helps lighten Jason’s burden, allows me to “stay at home”, and allows the kids and I to contribute to our “income” (tax-free income at that).
9. I truly believe it is a God given love I have of living on the land. I want to use my abilities in the best way possible and be the woman He created me to be.

My Mister Wonderful

On vacation together in July

Todd is a Maintenace Technician at RTI Remmele Medical

   I met the man of my dreams in June of 2007.  We got engaged on January 20th, 2008.  Happy Engagement Anniversary, Todd!  We were married in May of 2008.  I could not imagine being more in love with someone. I wish all couples could be as happy together as we are.  In this blog post I want to write about ways that my husband inspires me (after all, this is the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project).
    My husband has worked for Remmele RTI Medical for over 25 years.  I am amazed at what he does.  He does maintenance on  big machines that make medical parts.  He sometimes works with the engineers to create more efficient ways for the machines to operate.  He is a very valuable employee because of his knowledge, experience, and organization.  In the time it would take a new employee to look up one piece of information using the computerized manual, Todd could already have found the information in one of the manuals on his desk and be finished fixing the problem.  I also appreciate how professional Todd is.  He has only been late one day in his life (because I accidentally turned off his alarm when dusting it!!!).  He takes pride in his appearance (cotton, button-up shirts are his favorite) and he is pleasant to the people he works with.  I enjoy going into Remmele during Todd's lunch break when I am free.  It's nice getting to know some of the people Todd works with.  He loves the coffee treats I bring him too! 

Christmas 2013 back row:  James, Todd, Daniel
front row:  Jaimee, Jennifer

Todd loves dark roast Caribou Coffee!  

   When I was first getting to know Todd, I was impressed immediately by what a great dad he was and is to his two boys.  He spends quality time with each one and has given them an excellent foundation to build their lives upon.  He has taught them valuable skills that have helped them in their jobs and hobbies. He encourages them and believes in them and prays for them.  They are so blessed to have him for a dad!
   And, Todd is blessed to have a great dad too!  When Todd and I got married, Todd chose his dad to be the 

Todd is a hard worker and loves his tools!

Best Man, which was so very appropriate.  Todd lost his mom to cancer when she was only 52 years old.  I look forward to meeting her in Heaven some day and thanking her for having such a positive influence on her son.  Doug and his wife, Mary Lou, live near Staples on a beautiful piece of land with lovely trails that remind me of a state park.  There is a winding creek through the property and a glacial ridge that gives such nice contour to the land.  Todd grew up there and it holds a special place in his heart.  We love to visit "up north" and go on three-wheeler rides and snow shoe hikes.  But, I think Todd's favorite part is spending time with his Dad.  The two of them enjoy doing a variety of projects together.  In the past, they have done some beautiful woodworking and they have fixed up old John Deere tractors together.  We often go to Antique Tractor Shows and sometimes we bring our own antique tractors, snowmobiles, lawn tractors, and engines to put on display. 

Todd is proud to be a graduate of Bertha-Hewitt High School
We're dressed up for a "Back to the '80s Night"

A typical load when we go to antique tractor shows

   When not spending time with his dad or his boys or me, Todd loves to work on projects.  He never ceases to amaze me with all the things he can create, figure out, fix, build, and accomplish!  He has always been a very ambitious person and I admire that in him.  I appreciate all that he does to keep our home and yard and vehicles looking nice.  And, he's not afraid to pop in a load of laundry or chop up a heap of vegetables to help me out either.
    Being a musician myself, I always hoped I would marry a 

Todd with his dad, Doug

Ready for anything!

musician.  And, I did!  Todd plays trumpet and he sings.  We sang together on worship team at our church for many years.  I enjoyed that.  Whenever I play piano for the hymns at church, Todd plays along with his trumpet.  It adds so much to the service.  I am so glad we can do that together.
    Todd and I love to travel together.  We have a pickup camper and have put plenty of happy miles on it.  We love to see the sights, hike the trails, and experience new things.  In Canada we've explored Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Winnipeg, Banff, Jasper and Victoria.  On the west coast of the states we've traveled across Washington, Oregon, and California.  We've spent time in the mountains of Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.  And, we love to do short trips throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.  It is our dream to make it to Alaska some day.  I appreciate Todd's passion for travel.  We always have a great time together.
    My husband inspires me every day to be the best me I can be.  He encourages me and helps me in so many ways that a simple blog post cannot express.  He is my best friend and I appreciate every day the Lord gives me to spend with him.        

We love to travel in style!

Kia

Jennifer and Kia

     Kia is my cousin, my sister in Christ, and she's also my friend... and when we were kids she was my playmate!  Oh the fun we had playing dolls, going to the park, reenacting musicals, telling silly stories late into the night, playing dress-up, and just being typical girls.  Family gatherings were always loads of fun because Kia was there!  

     As young adults we were both very involved in music.  Kia even studied musical theater in college.  We both loved to sing.  Kia has a beautiful alto voice and I've always been a soprano, so singing together in harmony is always fun!  One favorite memory of mine took place at our grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary celebration.  We sang, "Let There Be Peace On Earth" as a duet.  We even had matching dresses (together with my sisters).  But, the photo below is our claim to fame!  Wearing our matching dresses, we're posing for the cover of a magazine!  Yup, that's right!  My dad was editor of "Gopher Music Notes" and this was the cover for one edition.  It went to all the music teachers in the state.         

Gopher Music Notes magazine cover

      The day Kia got married is another beautiful memory of mine.  Everything was colorful and festive.  She and her husband were crazy about each other.  I got to go with Kia to the park where she and Zach saw each other for the first time that day.  The ground wasn't the cleanest, so I got to hold Kia's skirt as she walked toward him.  It was beautiful and so special to be part of that exciting day.    

Kia and Zach

Kia's beautiful wedding

     Kia is now a teacher in a Montessori school.  I think it's so fun that we both became teachers!  Below is a photo of Kia on the day she came to visit my students back in 2004.  Her visit was twofold.  She brought her impressive penguin collection and read Tacky The Penguin books aloud to my class.  And, she talked about drama, did some acting for the kids, and then gave them tips on the poems they were memorizing to recite for class.  It was a red letter day!  

Kia's penguin collection

     Kia and Zach live in California where Zach has a career in film making.  They actually attend church in Hollywood!  Exciting!  But, the most exciting thing of all is that they now have a sweet baby girl named Maya to love.  She is adorable!  And, with a Mom and Dad like Kia and Zach, she is bound to have a fun, full, happy life!  

   

To learn more about the "31 Days of Friends and Family Who Inspire Me" project, click here:  http://journalingjennifer.blogspot.com/2014/12/intro-to-31-days-of-friends-and-family.html