Peg's Blog
Where to Begin
January 13 - 2008
It is hard when you haven't blogged for 5 months to know where to start or what to write on. I could write on how much I love being a mommy and this wild adventure of parenthood. Or I could write on the joy of staying home and being a homemaker. Or I could write on the challenges and excitement of preparing for our African journey. I feel so blessed in the season we are in. Truly the last 5 months have flown by and I look at Kenya grace and think how did she get so big and beautiful and funny. She is such a joy and I am constantly am reminded of our amazing creator as I watch her talk, move her eyebrows in expression, roll over, do her Pilates move, try to crawl, cry out to say I don't like this or I want this, look at her daddy and I with this look of love. God is amazing and I continue to stand in awe of Him. Like my sister in law said about their daughter, "I can't believe God gave her to us to take care of," we too feel like it's such an honor to take care of His little creation. ;) We are currently experiencing the first real sickness so after tons of work to get her nights good we are up once again, but God is showing us His beautiful faithfulness and strength. I have ached and hurt as I watch my daughter not feeling well, wanting desperately to take it away. I realized last night that I feel that way because I love her so much and I had this little revelation about God's love for us. I realized that our Father's love is so amazing. He doesn't want us to hurt, that's why He tells us to bring all our cares and worries and pain to Him. He wants to bear our burdens. And when I think about His love in regards to the pain of consequences to sin......well He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to take that punishment and pain so we wouldn't ever have to. . I totally understand that in a whole new way now as a parent and am so blown away by our Father's heart and love. It's incredible!
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New Life
August 11 - 2007
Bouncy seats, cuddly blankets, a swing, toys, lots of burp rags, binkis, diapers, little clothes, a car seat, gas relief drops, playmats........our house has officially been taken over by baby things. If you know our house you know it is small, so it's not hard for anything to it take it over, but this morning I realized that everywhere you turn there are baby things. My feeling is, it is only going to get worse. The great part about this is that I LOVE it!
I love our new life!!! We have a baby! Sometimes it still seems so surreal. I look at Kenya Grace and think,"Are you for real?" It is still wild to think I have a daughter and yet at the same time I am overcome with so much love for this little being. Our life is fairly predictable. We eat, play, and sleep. Sometimes we do this at home, sometimes out and about. When our little one isn't dealing with gas, she naps pretty well in her swing, bouncy, car seat/stroller (if on the move)and of course in the infamous sling. The first weeks of her life she didn't want to be put down and would only sleep during the day held. Totally understandable. She has gradually grown to sleep in these other places and even took a 40 min. nap in her crib. We feel blessed that since about 4 weeks she took to a great bedtime routine and goes down around 10 without crying and sleeps anywhere from 4-6 hours straight. We currently only get up once in the night and feed for about 10 min. and then she goes back down till anywhere from 6-7am. She often stirs around 5 or 5:30 but we are trying creative things to get her to go longer. Though we look forward to longer sleep hours in the night we feel blessed and I am using the up times to pray.
The most amazing times lately are watching her discover her world around her and smile and laugh and do tricks. :) This week she rolled over from her tummy to her back. That was exciting! I think it only happened because she doesn't like being on her tummy more than 10 seconds. She loves her curtains in her room and smiles and talks to them and I am convinced she sees angles. :)
Matt is the most amazing daddy and lets me have Peg time which is so needed!!! We love where we live and enjoy walking around our little town or on the beach. We are getting time together and that is a blessing and we are discovering how to do some of the things we enjoyed pre baby.
I could go and on but I'll end with this....I am awwwwwed by our Creator and praise our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for this opportunity and honor. He is my strength and Rock and I am forever leaning on Him in this new life.
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God's Goodness
May 23 - 2007
What a wonderful and amazing experience we’ve been through!
We’ve truly been a part of a miracle, and it’s been such an honor. We went in to the Hospital on Monday evening
to start the induction process and although it didn’t put me into hard labor it
got the contractions going. At
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Showered
April 14 - 2007
When you think of this word, you might think..a refreshed person, just out of the shower. Well, in a way that is me! I have been soaked and drenched and covered not in water, but in blessings after blessings. And I feel refreshed, and ready to go on this new journey God has us on. Matt, Kenya Grace and I have been so showered with love and gifts, it has been amazing! We feel so loved and cared for and I have to say will have one of the best dressed babies in town! :) For those of you who have been apart of these blessings, we thank you so much! We are looking forward to organizing and setting up shop in our new little house very soon!
Just one more week of work for me and a move next Sat. and then I will be at home preparing for the arrival of this sweet little wiggle worm. Please keep all of us Pottenger's in prayer as it is a busy season for everyone in the family. We love you and will keep you updated!
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Surprises and Relief
January 24 - 2007
If you read our news, you now know we are no longer having a boy, we are having a girl! The night before the ultrasound, my mom asked me,"What do you think your having?" I said, "Oh, mom it's a boy, for sure." Well, needless to say, we were pretty surprised to see cleary that it is not a boy, but a beautiful little 1lb 7oz girl. It is so amazing how they can calculate and come up with weight and how far along I am. (24 weeks) It was also amazing to see her little hands, and fingers and toes and feet, and nose and lips. WOW! We got a look at her brain, heart and the chambers, kidneys, stomache, bones (lots of bones) and it all seems healthy. That is the relief part, that she seems to be very healthy. Her heart beat is strong and she is very active! I could feel and see her moving at the same time and she even kicked the ultrsound lady back as she pressed her device into my belly. We almost got a great shot of her little feet but just as the ultrasound person clicked, our little one pulled her feet away. The woman told us our girl was too quick for her. Matt has been able to feel her move too. Just this morning she was very active and gave him a couple good thumps in the back. :) It's fun to think we might already have a dancer. There is a great shot of her bending over towards her leg that appears to be very long. We will try to post the pics ASAP. She wasn't in the best place for good pictures, but we got several profile shots. She kept bringing her arms up to her face, blocking our view. One shot is a classic one; she has her hand in a fist and up over one eye, just like her daddy posed for pictures when he was a little boy. :) We are feeling so blessed and praising God for so many answered prayers. As things look good, we are now off to Africa Feb. 8th and will return Feb. 21st. Please pray for us as we will be in a malaria infected ared the 12th through the 18th. We will try to stay posted on our news if you would like to follow the trip. God bless you and thank you for all your prayers, espeically for our little girl!
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Life
November 15 - 2006
Well, talk about a new perspective on life! After not hearing the heart beat of our little one two times, we headed for an ultra sound today. And what an experience it was! After being jellied up and having a device placed on my tummy, a VERY lively little figure appeared on the screen with a healthy heartbeat! It truly was amazing and the lady told us she thought we couldn't hear the heartbeat because this little one was so lively and moving around a lot! (Dancing already?) We were so blessed with lots of images and angles and unbelievable sights! In fact we were asked if were are going to find out the gender and we both rapidly replied,"Yes." She told us, "this is unofficial and could be wrong," but she showed us the genital area and said this is too big for a girl. And then later, she said, "Do you see this pointy thing, it keeps sticking out." That may sound funny to some of you, but it certainly lines up with some of the dreams we have been having about a boy. We may know officially in Jan. So all in all Matt and I both have an incredibly new view on life tonight. Our God is amazing and mighty and blessed our socks off today!
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REAL GOOD!
July 04 - 2006
When I think of famous quotes from our Hawaii trip, this is one of them. "Real Good!" This quote helps to describe our amazing trip to Hawaii! I didn't cry when we left Hawaii, although I thought I would, but I did have to fight back tears saying goodbye to Jen and Kyle....OK I cried, and then once back in California, saying goodbye to John and Amy was so difficult. It's hard to see the end of good things.......but I can't wait for more times to come. :)
Here are my highlights and best memories!
* Family dinners and meals......talking, laughing, just being together.
* The beautiful weather and breeze that never ended
* The warm ocean, I never wanted to get out of
* The beach time....reading, sleeping, and swimming
* Time with John and Amy......so fun to be on the same page for vacation
* Fufu, virgin drinks on the beach with Amy
* Dolphins, snorkeling, the turtle.....it made my day!
* Kayaking and having marital lessons on the river and in the harbor of Kauai
* Lost keys and a smoothie at the fancy Princeville Hotel ( amazing view)
* Sweet time with my husband :)
* A beautiful, root filled, ocean view hike!
* The infamous boat ride and Napali Coast.....Speechless....
* Getting deals!!!!!!! OH, yeah promotionals and all!
* Palm trees
* Pearl Harbor and our brother in Christ/shuttle driver Leo!
* Girls night out with Jen, Amy and friends...fancy desserts, funny music and great talks
* Watching people swim with Dolphins and getting to know poolside bar tenders....( Free smoothies and great information)
* Swimming in the ocean on the morning of Jen's wedding
* Having to surrendor to unkown hair do:)
* Devotional time with Jen, Mom P. and Amy
* A tropical wedding where everything was dream like ( See Kris' blog)
I just couldn't do it in 5 or 10.....to sum it up...I felt like I had stepped into one of Jen's tropical pictures and was exploring with so many people I love. It doesn't get too much better than that. :) God blessed us immensley and we will forever praise Him for these everlasting memories!
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Wow!
June 03 - 2006
Wow! It is amazing to think that it is June. We were just in March..........time flys! This is is the month! Jenny is married and we are off to Hawaii. Well, not in that order. For the non-family members who check this site and are looking to see if we finally have blogged, here is a quick update of the last few months.
April was an amazing month with our very own women's conference in which the Lord reminded deeply of His grace and love and the beauty of His cross. We had an incredible week before Easter full of ministry and outreach to the community and then an incredible Easter day at the rock complete with a baptisim in which it poured rain on us. :)
May began the month of showers for Jenny and another special friend who is getting married this month. Showers are fun and take some time. See Jen's blog about the Italian shower. Fun! Fun! Work was busy with testing and breakfast each morning and then getting ready for a Gold Rush musical.:) More fun! To end May, my amazing sister Kris graduated from the University of Redlands and we had an awesome celebration for her, complete with a surprise visit from my older sister and people I haven't seen in years. (Including my cousin Trey and his beautiful family!) It was a great time and Matt's parents were there celebrating with us too. (We are so blessed!)
Now it is June and it is full. One week of work left, packing up the classroom finishing up end of the year things and then headed for Hawaii and then Africa. We are praising God for his faithfulness and love and look forward to an amazing summer. :)
God bless you readers. For more information about Africa. Please stay tuned. :)
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Latest News
March 12 - 2006
Well, I'm stepping out and doing something I have never really done before. After prayer and discussing this with several people, I have decided to become a............... are you ready for this one..................... a Pampered Chef consultant. I know, I know....a little crazy but let me explain. I won't be the kind that has people host parties and I cook for them, (because we all know that would be...well.....anyway if someone did want to do a party to earn free stuff, I would do it and make brownies in a stone or they could do a catalog party which I will do,) but what my focus will be on is their new online Wedding registry. It is brand new and very cool. It is easy registering for the bride and groom and easy shopping for the customer. The customer can have it shipped directly to the couple or to themselves. I have two Brides who are interested (Jen being one :) and what I love about this is that I can do it with Brides from lets say San Jose, Michegon, Southern California, New York....anywhere. :) I love the stone ware and pots and pans as well as some of their side things like their garlic press, etc. Of course they don't have everything, but they have things I wish I could have registered for my wedding. Anyway, if you 1. Know anyone who is getting married and would be interested in this. Please feel free to give them my e-mail or phone number. 2. If you are a fan of Pampered Chef, please let me know what you like best. :) And pray for this little adventure. I am hoping it can earn a little money to help for Africa, and be something I can do at home if by chance I am home a little more next year or the years to come. ;)
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Aloha!
February 11 - 2006
Wow, I'm so excited my husband intiated a blog topic and what a great one too! Well, I have been going through this great book which we are going to try to get to everyone. It wouldn't be a bad one to have, it's called The Ulitimate Kauai Guidebook 5th Edition Kauai Revealed by Andrew Doughty and Harriett Friedman. It tells things like where to grocery shop for reasonable prices, where the amazing swimming holes are and hikes and good beaches for swimming and what to bring, like an old pair of tennies for one area because the soil is red and stains everything. Good stuff to know.
I am looking forward to relaxing with family and having talk time and laugh time. I am excited to visit some of the beaches and I'm really excited to swim.! I'd love to check out some of the swimming spots and I'm excited to go on some of the hikes because of their amazing beauty. I am excited to eat some great food (This book and our friends have great recommendations) and just sit and take in the view of the ocean. This is for Kauai....for Oaui sp? I am excited for the wedding because I know these two are ready to be married and I know this fairy tale dream of a wedding in Hawaii will actually take place. Wow! So exciting. Can't wait! :)
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Things You Never Outgrow
January 24 - 2006
Speaking of things that have to do with growing up, a special place for me growing up was Disneyland. I can't recall my first visit because I was really young, but I do remember my blue and red stroller and being in it. Pictures help me remember some things, like the time I went with my grandma and grandpa and other family. Every stage of my life I have memories at Disneyland including Senior year of high school ( which was not the best trip)...and just recently with my brother and sister in law (which was an AWESOME trip).........Well here I am 31 and still I have not outgrown the desire to be there nor the anticipation of going or the excitement when arriving at Main street. Matt and I truly had a spectacular time last weekend. We kicked off our adventure with the Indiana Jones ride followed by a wonderful pancake, egg and bacon breakfast, which preceded our ride on Pirates of the Caribbean! Everything looks so amazing because they are celebrating their 50th anniversary, so things have been spruced up. We made our way to space mountain where it is new and improved. To hear my husband laugh and roar was the BEST! We then explored the new CA Adventure which was surprisingly fun and wonderful (especially for a 4th grade teacher) We went on all the big rides, including the tower of terror, the roller coaster screamer and the INCREDIBLE Soaring! The Soaring was by far one of our favorites. Truly amazing what technology can do. We rested by watching a CA movie in a nice little theater and then made our way back to Disneyland for lunch at that Pirates of the Caribbean restaurant with my sister and her family. It was so much fun and then the 5 of us played for hours. It was a blast spending time with them and doing rides like my personal favorite, Splash Mountain! Clay was in front and well, he was certainly the one SPLASHED! What a great sport he is! We ended the day watching the amazing special 50th anniversary firework spectacular and it was definitely spectacular. Tinker bell ( a real one) flew through the sky several times, flames of fire shot from the castle and the light show in addition to the fireworks was amazing! Well I could go on and on! From rides, to churros, to family and fireworks, we had an amazing time! After all it is Disneyland and this is something I will never outgrow!
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When I grow up!
January 15 - 2006
Well, when people asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would tell people all sorts of things. I think I always did want to be a dancer so I probably told them a ballerina. I don't think I ever wanted to be a doctor or lawyer though I always ended up getting those on that paper game with the triangles. Does anyone know that game? I may have been interested in animal things when I was younger like working at Sea World or places with animals but I think they were always places with shows. Which makes much more sense, since I'm not really an animal person. When I was 12, I said I wanted to be a dancer on a cruise ship. Funny thing is, I actually got to do it. Pretty cool! I think I might have said a wife, and here I am 3 years into it, but I remember saying in high school, " I won't have kids till I'm 45." Wow, now that I am 31 that isn't too far off. Hmmmmm. Hey mom, what did I want to be when I was little? I think I need help here.
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New Year & New Surprises
January 02 - 2006
One of my favorites moments over this Holiday season was driving home with Matt from S. Cal. We had little traffic, never once turned on the radio, had great conversations, enjoyed silence and the views, hydroplaned in the eye of a yucky storm ( Matt handled this so well! I felt so safe!), stopped to shop at Old Navy and avoided the worst of the storm, ate at CPK, and arrived home in time to unload our stuff, change into our new clothes and head to Church! It was so much fun and it was so nice to have that time with my husband. Upon arriving at home, we could tell the storm hit hard!
The canyon was covered in tree branches and leaves, one chair on our porch was sticking half on and half off on the opposite side of where it sits, the creek sounded like a river and our electricity was no where to be found. It was sort of exciting as we lit as many candles as we could find. After doing the first thing you do after sitting a long time in a car, we quickly found out that no electricity meant, no water power, no phone , no message machine and certainly no heat. Praise God for 1 flush. :) After a wonderful New Years eve service and bringing in the New year with Worship at New York's time and then Chicago's time, we headed home and saw those precious PG&E trucks and men working in the wind and cold night air. Well, after getting all our candles lit and looking forward to a romantic evening, the electricity kicked on!
Though it was exciting to be in a storm with only candles for light and heat, we were extremely grateful for our little heater and oven. ;) It took a day or so, to get the water working because the motor for the water pump broke. And the electricity has stayed on at our house but as we went out to shop today many stores had lost theirs. After going to three stops, we decided to head home and make soup and cookies. A fun way to bring in the New Year!
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Costco or Home Depot?
December 18 - 2005
Just returned from a great time and meal with two guys who are so cool! These guys fascinate me, make me smile and laugh and get me to think about things, I would never think about unless I was with them. Like how much it would cost to ship a package to Singapore if the package weighed 2 lbs and which would be better.....postal or UPS. And if you were locked in a store, which store would it be....Costco or Home Depot? And what would you do? These are two guys, I am stoked to know and I feel privileged to have had dinner with them tonight. :) One of these guys is going to be family soon and I can't tell you how excited I am for my sister. He is truly an awesome guy! (So is his friend!) Merry Christmas you two and try to remember your gifts this year!
I love you Matthew and am counting the days!
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He is faithful!
December 17 - 2005
Well, 5 more days to go and Matt is home! I have to say, Tues. night - Thursday were pretty tough days. I physically felt the missing Matt and felt his absence. However in the midst of this minor trial, I felt the Lord's presence in a precious way. Being in the Word and in worship Thurs night, Friday and then tonight helped immensly and I felt the Lord wrapping His everlasting arms around me and kissing my forehead. How awesome is He! I had been hoping to hear from Matt and was keeping the cell close at hand Fri evening. I had just finished praying for Matt and surrendoring this time to the Lord telling the Lord He is all I need and started to snuggle in bed feeling content in Jesus and all of a sudden, the cell rang and it was Matt. Soooooo cool! It felt really good to talk to him and hear his voice and communicate! We even got to talk this morning! He is doing well, but getting a little weary. Please pray for strength and grace and health. If you could also pray for our friends. Donald and Krissy....Donald went in last night for an emergency colonospacy sp? and really needs prayer. He is bleeding in places he shouldn't be. Please pray for he and his family and wisdom for the doctors. Thank you fam! Matthew I love you and hearing your voice and talking was such an amazing blessing! Bought you something fun today. :) Can't wait for Thursday! :)
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Should be in Bed
December 12 - 2005
Well, it's Monday night and I should be bed, but I can't break my pattern now. :) People ask me how I am doing and I say great, but I am drinking way too much coffee, spending way too much money and staying up way too late. :) I just got so excited in recieving 2 e-mails and a blog response from my husband, that I now have a second wind and a desire to write a novel in every area he may check. :) I guess that is evidence of missing him. :) It really hit last night. I thought I could hold out more than 4 days but it began to sink in. :) I'm not crying yet. :) ( are you smiling Matt?) Had a really fun weekend though and saw two dance shows, one was for free. And I have to say they both had their pluses, but it was a blessing to see the shows in the order I did. Tis the season for Nutcracker and the Cracked Nut! Watched Christmas in Conneticut , enjoyed a great sermon about keeping my walk in check and nurished, saw Chronicles !!!!! so good, and tonight danced and taught Bible study and then stayed late talking with friends. And now of course blogging, which I shouldn't be doing....so I will say, I love you Matthew and Love you family and excited about spending time together. Especially with you babycakes! ( you know who that is. :)) P.s What about that list thing everyone?
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What's a Wife to Do?
December 09 - 2005
Well, when her beloved husband is gone for a couple of weeks, non other than play with friends, eat soup out of a box (Trader Joe's Creamy Corn & Roasted Pepper mmmm!), have slumber parties and of course blog. :) As Matt headed out on Wed, evening I wasn't sure how I would make it up in the morning. He literally wakes me, serves me food and makes sure I am up and add ems. ( I am so spoiled and love it!) Literally there are some mornings, I know he would love to drag me out of bed. Well, believe it or not a little after 6:30 I made it up and was doing the first thing you do in the morning when he called from LA. (I think he was a little surprised!) Praise God for miracles! :) Have already had some fun time with friends from work, including a great walk around a beautiful lake, a delicious meal at my favorite bed and breakfast (my good friend from work), lots of laughter, cookies and coffee, chats by a fireplace, slumber in my favorite bed and breakfast, eggs and wonderful muffins in the morning, and tonight Christmas movies with some friends from church. :) Oh, and more importantly, I had a wonderful date at this Italian restaurant with my Jesus. He spoke to my heart, encouraged me and wooed me over onion soup and Gorgonzola salad. :) If you are checking Matt, I love you!
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Thanksgiving Memories!
November 26 - 2005
What an awesome blessing to have time! Time to be with family....time to get to know new family (Kyle's parents) time to rest, (especially when not feeling top notch), time to talk and know you;ll have more time tomorrow, time to sleep and not get up before 7, time to read with a wonderful husband at Barnes and Noble (The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe), time to eat fantastic food, time to talk walks and enjoy the fall air (finally here), time to spend with an amazing mother in law, time to fellowship with people you love, time to see a beautiful model try on wedding dresses, time to eat a waffle at one of my favorite coffee shops, time to sit with parents and talk deep and then laugh, time to look out windows of amazing views, time to eat food made by fantastic cooks, time to learn a horrible video game...well Ok you guys, maybe it's not horrible, I can see the entertainment value for you :), time to tell the technology and art you are thanksful for and time to just LIVE...........Aren't you so grateful for the time God gives us to live this life He's given us. This thanksgiving I was most grateful for time. :) Thank you to all of you who made it so special. Even you John and Amy, as Kate and I read your blogs and looked at house pictures on Thanksgiving Day. :)
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Mighty Mouse
November 13 - 2005
You may think I am referring to the cartoon as Matt just sang, "Here I come to save the day," but Mighty Mouse actually refers to what I was called when I swam on the swim team at age 5. Or were we called Mighty Mights. Hmm well, it was something close to that. :) John asked us to blog on the theme of swimming lessons and so that name was the first thing that came to mind when I thought about swimming. I remember being in the pool at a very young age and I always loved it. (I still love the water! ) As I grew up, I got to join the Arrow Head Country Club Swim team . We did many practices and had meets. Though I don't remember lessons really, (I know I had to learn somewhere. Where did I learn mom and dad?) I remember at practices, swimming laps and learning better techniques. The swim meets were the best. I was always so nervous and couldn't just dive in and swim, so I would ask permission from the judges to get wet before the gun went off. It was always such a shock to hit the water if I didn't get in before. :) The other great thing about the meets was we ate raw jello to get an energy boost before we were up to swim. I remember strawberry was my favorite and I always would have a red finger from licking it then, dipping it, and licking it again. Hee Hee Memories. The next swim memory I have was around the age of 9. My mom signed me up for Synchronized swimming ( water dancing) and I liked it ,but shortly after classes started I broke my arm and had to stop. At that point dance became the focus and swimming was just for fun. Thanks for the lessons mom and dad and for all those fun opportunities.
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Ahhh!
August 30 - 2005
It's funny how a regular schedule and routine can actually give you a sense of rest and that feeling of saying Ahhhhhhh! (Especially when you have a part time job) I am thrilled with the opportunity to work once again Praise you Jesus, at the same school, in the same grade but only until 12:15 with the kids. Tuesday through Friday, I get to leave at 12:30 and my kids are split and go to two other teachers. On Mondays I stay till 3:30 (Normal hours) and actually get paid to plan and prepare for the week. (My kids still go the other teachers) God is amazing and I couldn't have planned this better. It seems that less work and less pay is a common theme in the family lately, but we are praising God for the things He is going to do. I look forward to discipleship during the week, being available for Matt more and to do wifely things. :) I messed the posting a comment up (please don't ask me how) and my husband is not here to fix it, so I thought I would just post comments here. :) Amy: Wow, I can't believe your moving and it sounds like it is exactly what you were dreaming of. That is the size anyway and in no time, the decor will match that dream. :) Wish we were there to help with stuff. We will be praying for your house to sell. :) John: Just for the record, you do know a girl who does not own 10 pairs of flip flops. I only own 2. :) I love them though and truly can't get enough of them. If I could where them to work, I would.:) But I think the queen of flip flops ( not in quantity, but in time in them) is our sister Jen. I have seen her in the snow in them and even on a sturdy bike ride. She may love them more than me. Mom P: I just want you to know that the things the Lord has been showing you lately, is blessing others immensely. I see you clinging to Him and focusing on Him in such a passionate way that it stirs my walk on. I love you!
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Africa
August 03 - 2005
Jambo to everyone! Greetings as they say in Kenya! We are home safe and sound and readjusting to life in SLO. It is so good to see family and friends and be back to the ministries God has for us here, but we were incredibly touched and blown away by the experience in Kenya. For our partners and supporters who have logged on here, thank you for your prayers and financial support to help further God's kingdom.
It truly was a trip of a variety of things. Our team of 22 united so well and our times of devotion, prayer and worship were bonding and fueling. Most of our time was spent with the children of Imani children's home. We were able to see more of the workings of the home and lend a helping hand. Though it didn't seem like much help (they are so strong and diligent) the aunties and uncles seemed blessed to have us there, telling us they would miss us so much. There are so many more babies, the amount has at least doubled in a year. There are 11 newborn/week/few months old, 13 crawlers and about 15 new walkers who are being podie trained. At the other site there were about 15 3-4 year olds. Because of the amount of babies, there was certainly a lot of loving to do.
Matt and I worked the first few days at site A where the young babies lived. My first day was with the crawlers.......wow.....I was working with a young man from New York, who seemed a little nervous about working with the children....he was first asking what do you do with the kids?.........the girls were giving him advice...then he tried to get on the already full, laundry team...but ended up with me in the baby house. Wow, God used him in such a tender way to love on these kids, and Jeff you did an incredible job! We started by carrying a walker and a baby down 3 sets of stairs......once all 13 were down, we played with them outside in a courtyard like area. It was so much fun loving on them and playing with bubbles with them, and balloons and making them laugh and smile. After awhile outside, it was time to take them back up stairs and several needed changing. Wow, their diaper system is a little different than here in the states. They were cloth, doubled and tied.......it sounds easy but with messy bottoms... it wasn't. :) Next we carried them to the feeding room where they all sat down on a couple of blankets and we fed them. They eat very healthy foods and for some of the younger ones it is blended. These guys eat!!!! The aroma of urine and food became quite strong after awhile and for a few seconds I wondered if I would be able to stand it much longer. Thanks be to our Lord and Saviour, He had me look around at the faces of the children and their sweetness and at one particular little girl.
Her name is Emma and she was dying LAST YEAR of AIDS. Her body was so thin and decaying ,we didn't think she would make it many more weeks. But Praise to our Mighty God, here she was this year, a strong, meaty toddler, with big, curly hair, eating her heart out. :) Only our God can do such things. Not only is she strong and healthy, but she is the most joyous baby there. You call out her name........"EEEE..MMM...AAAA!" and she throws her head back and just smiles! So incredible. Needless to say, it was all I needed to endure whatever smell would come my way. We did some more changing and cleaning and then put them down for a nap. So sweet!
Our next day at this site Matt and I worked in the kitchen with the Aunties who cooked for us (they always serve us because Mummy Faith teaches them the importance of giving back) (always such a blessing) and for the babies and children who would come home for lunch. I definitely didn't feel at home in the kitchen and the Aunties got a kick out of me, not knowing how to do things....I was a little embarrassed, but the Lord allowed great connections with the Aunties and lots of laughter and encouragement.....on everyone's part. :) This day, I got to serve the kids coming home for lunch.....this day I got to see many of the children from last year. What a joy to make eye contact again and connect. There smiles were brighter than ever.
The next day, 10 of us went for an adventure with about 100 of the children from IMani. We woke up super early and drove out of the city to the wilderness of Africa. We met the children at the bottom of what is called dgung hills. As we pulled up to the spot, I immediately recognized Regina, who I had connected with last year and who the Lord had put on my heart to pray for all year long. She lit up as I flew off the bus and hugged her and spun her around......it was so incredible to see more of the kids and we greeted as many as we could. They were having tea and bread and bundled up because it was a cold morning. Well, started off for the most amazing hike I have ever done. 10 miles of up and up and down and up......By the Lord's grace our team made the hike with children hanging on to anything they could (hands....arms....jackets around the waist).. I spend the first part of the hike with Regina and some other girls.....Regina said to me in her beautiful accent....Auntie Peggy I missed you so much......my heart melted...but then she said ..Auntie Peggy I pray for you! Wow, I think my heart exploded because here the Lord had put her on my heart throughout the year to pray for and her she is praying for me... A 31 year old women from California and an 8 year old from Kenya being united by the Spirit because of prayer. It was if we had never been apart. It was a blessing to hug and kiss and talk about Bible verses and sing praise songs as we hiked in such beauty. 1/2 to 3/4 thought the hike...Regina jetted ahead and two new little ones linked up......Elizabeth and Adijo....wow, these guys were troopers. :) They held tight and even rode at a few points on Auntie Peggy's back. They made it through and it was such a blessing to have that time with the kids. See Matt's blog for his experience on this hike. ( We even saw an African buffalo and doodoos) :) (The doodoos bite)
Our next visit to Imani was at the other site where had spent so much time last year. We did many of the same working things but this time I got to do laundry.......wow, Jennifer Jennison and I were praising God for technology and the blessing of it in the states....laundry is hard work and I have a whole new appreciation for their amazing hard work... Again the Aunties were just blessed to have us helping and it did make the work go a little faster. One day, I got to fellowship with two of our team members as we made duck food by knifing out a row of corn and then picking the kernels out. It was a sweet time with a few of the kids around and sweet fellowship with these young women. Each day at this site, Regina would come home from school, change, eat and then do chores before she was free to play. Each day we spent time together doing the chores together and helping her sisters so we could all play together....It was precious time spent.....The times at the meal table, make me laugh, because the children weren't used to a muzungu (white person) sitting at the table with them watching them eat. I would smile and chat and talk with them and they would laugh and laugh and stare a little. Most of them knew who I was, but I think it was strange for them to have an adult sit them while they ate. :)
Our last moments with the children was on our last Sunday.....we went to their church and we were in charge of Sunday school for all the children and then went into the big service where Matt was preaching. :) (pentecostal style):) My team was put in charge of the 5 and under which was supposed to be about 40....instead we had about 75 with some 8 and over praise God. We sang songs once we got into a circle which was a little crazy and then did the story of Jesus' birth.... we did an impromptu drama where one of our big kids was Jesus and the children loved this then, we had children be the sheep and Shepard's and angles. After the drama we had the kids color a sheet and then it was time for big service.....It was sweet to just have time with the kids and be in the Word with them...The women of the church somehow by the grace of God appeared so blessed to have us there....Wow, praise Jesus.
This was day, that I got to see the other special friend I connected with last year Chip. He jumped in my arms and hugged me and it was so sweet to spend time with he and Regina throughout the service (though Regina slept and Chip off and on) :) I love it! To worship and be fed with the family of Imani was such a sweet way to end our time with them. However we went back to Imani after church and had an amazing lunch that mummy Faith made (Duck) and it was just like a Sunday dinner! We played with the kids and they played with us (hair) and we danced with them and laughed....then we saw the infamous performances that they do and it was so sweet to again sit with them, laugh with them , applaud for them......We were able to say a few words to them, and I tried to encourage them to stay in God's Word, to show one other Jesus and to know that we love them so much! We let them know how much they touch are lives and show us Jesus! Mummy Faith spoke to all of us and told her kids how much she loved them and how proud she is of them. Then she thanked us for coming and loving the family of Imani reminded us that even if she had all to day to hold children and spend time with them, she couldn't get to them all, and having us there were able to love so many of them.
Then came the time to say goodbye......we gathered in a circle and took hands......... An answer to prayers the Lord has put on my heart.....Chip stood in the middle and gave us encouraging words and then prayed his little heart out for us! I couldn't help weeping.... and prayed the Lord would give me strength to say goodbye....well we changed that to see ya later. :) Be it another year or heaven. :) He did give me the strength to hug and kiss (without weeping) our family that we had grown closer to and had fallen more in love with. He is so good! We praise for this time!
More to come
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Mermaids, Pirates, Mansions, & Fireworks
July 05 - 2005
Well, our weekend was fantastic and needless to say there was no time for blogging. Friday after a shot in the morning for Hep B and a bike ride to Pismo Beach, I spent time creating a mermaid costume for our pastor's daughter birthday party. :) So fun. I went as a mermaid, and Matt was a pirate. It was such a neat birthday party........Our Pastor was of course Captain Hook and our Pastor's wife was the mother all dressed up in a Victorian dress. They set the party up at a park where there is a pirate ship. In one place on the park area, there was a rocking chair, with with a bed, and rug and it looked like a little bedroom,,,this was the story place.....in the sand was a blown up pool full of duckies and this was the meramid lagoon.......there were games adn water fun here.......then there tables set up and food and big bucket races. ......even a treasure hunt where the children had to find clues that had been hidden all over the park.......... People were stopping just to watch and some thought it was a play. Now here is the cool part, Chante singed a contract that said she would not recieve presents this year...instead she raised money for the Peter Pan Fund for sick children. It is an organization that has been in existence for quite a while. She raised quite a bit of moeny just through donations from people instead of gifts and gets to deliver the money to a hospital in London, where there are sick children. There is some connection with the Peter Pan organization that the author of Peter Pan long ago wanted any proceeds from products, books, etc. to go to this hospital. It is such a neat idea and it was an awesome party! Sometimes your in places...where you wish........you were a kid again........
Manisions and Fireworks to come............
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Greetings!
July 01 - 2005
Well, I just sort of jumped back into the bolg site without really saying hi or giving updates. Since this is mostly geared to family and if anyone else checks.......they probably gave up since we never blogged...:)...........I thought I would just say that we miss you famiky very much. Especially you John and Amy! I'm so sorry we haven't called or even connected with e-mail. We've been thinking about you guys a lot and it is so funt to read about the things happening. Hey, can you put a picture of your new workout machine online. I would love to know what a Gazelle is since we don't see those commericals. It sounds facinating. :)We've been trying to the ourtdoor thing. Biking mostly. It feels good to be out and moving! It's been great weather! We sure ove you guys and miss you tons! Looking forward to connecting soon! :)
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TIME
June 30 - 2005
Well, what is time really? I mean March to June............really in perspective that is not that much time................:) Any one out there agree? If your a family member of mine, probably not. :)
Well, time to me is a beautiful thing. It allows for sleep, extra long quiet times, reading a book that takes you far away from reality...it allows sweet fellowship, journeys to New York, a chance to teach dance at church and minister during the week not just on Sundays to sisters in the fellowship,........it allows great talks with your husband and fantastic bike rides, it allows a wife to rediscover what it is like to cook, clean, wash, shop and be available to her husband.........it allows for lunches with new friends, completion of a CPR and First Aid health class, time in the sun and most important COMPUTER TIME....that is, time to blog.
Praise God for summer and vacation which = TIME!
I vow to blog at least three times a week until we leave for Africa. :)
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Breakfast for Dinner
March 16 - 2005
I am home tonight.......I should be grading and going through paper that is stacked high.........however I am enjoying the quietness of our home and a wonderful egg and toast dinner. Though there are many wonderful things I could do for dinner, including cookies :), there is just something so nice about breakfast for dinner. I think it reminds me of being child and having waffles, or panckaes or eggs for dinner. Sometimes it just tastes soooo good! Sunday night we did eggs and cinnamon rolls. :0 That just works anytime.
Just want to praise all those Pottengers out there exercising! I am inspired to do more! Go Pottengers! Go Pottengers!
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The Best Medicine - Cookies
February 23 - 2005
After having a little bought with the cold virus going round, I recieved an exciting package in the mail the other day. The card with it said to feel better and that we were being prayied for. Inside the package was a tupperware full of paper towels and mixed in with those paper towels, were...........COOKIES! Great big, frosted sugar cookies, from none other than my mom and my dad. Do they know the best medicine or what? I have enjoyed them immensly and have tried to share the medicine with Matt, because I KNOW it will help his back. :) Well, if that wasn't enough, yesterday as we grocery shopped, I was craving oatmel cookies. Yes, yes, I know, I could live on cookies. Well, anyway, we bought oats, but had too much going on last night to make cookies. Well, because I have the best husband in world, and because he MUST Know that cookies are the best medicine, when I returned home, from my root canal part 2 this evening, there on top of the stove were fresh, baked, oatmel/raisin cookies. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, it doesn't get better than that. Thank you Lord, for good medicine! :)
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Standing Still
February 15 - 2005
Well to have a yucky cold almost three weeks now, is not so fun. It's been a bit of a trial and the first week for our marriage too. However, as I was driving to work this morning and praying, I found myself grateful for the trial and wouldn't wish it different. One down night resting, I was reading in 2Chronicles and the Lord showed me where he called Jehoshaphat to prepare for battle. It was as if, Jehoshaphat was putting on the armor and ready to go, when the Lord then told him, OK, now stand still. He reminded Jehoshaphat that the battle belonged to him and he would bring victory. And as Jehoshaphat stood still, the Lord went out and conquered the enemy. I felt the Lord saying to me, in my small trial of illness, stand still Peg, the battle belongs to me and I am victorious! Whew! Now, I am praying for exactly what that standing still looks like. :) Recently, I feel the love the Lord even more and am falling in love with him deeper and therefore falling more in love with my husband. It's crazy how it all works together, but it does. So praise God for the trials and if your in one, stand still. The battle belongs to the Lord!
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Pooped!
January 26 - 2005
Well, that probably isn't the best title for a Pastor's wife to write, but it's TRUE. Wow, just in case that sounds a little funny to some of you, let me explain. After a great, but very busy weekend, of moving some of our best friends, fellowship meetings, lots of people, ministry and cleaning house, I've entered a great, but very full week. The Lord's strength has been so good, but here I sit Wed. pooped (tired and a little weary). You know when you push yourself too much and wish you had slowed down before you got to the pushed point, well, I'm slowing down for the night. Should be at mid-week study tonight, but instead, I'm enjoying a night at home and time to e-mail and do Pottenger website stuff! Yeah! Since there were no entries for December and only 2 for November, I'm going for 4 in January, John. :)I am so enjoying reading everyone's blogs and love the pictures. So fun to have beautiful snow pictures and beautiful flower pictures in the same month. The beauty of Mich and CA. I pray the rest of your week is refreshed by the beauty God puts infront of you.
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Family Dinner
January 20 - 2005
We are all here getting ready to eat fajitas. (Matt, me and Jen)Yeah for the Pottengers who are great cooks!!!!! We are wishing all the family could be here. At least the kids. :) No offense to mom and dad. I think we are all grateful that tomorrow is Friday. Yeah for the weekend!!!! We are missing you John and Amy. Can't wait for Easter.
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Feeling Better
January 09 - 2005
Wow, it really stinks to be sick! After a fabulous Christmas with all our family and really fun times, and lots of travel, we returned home to our little cottage and our own bed. :) Unfortunately I was unable to enjoy the beauty of being back home, because I was up all night with terrible food poisoning or the flu. Whatever it was, it was nastey and wiped me out. I praise God for feeling good and being able to eat again and being back to the land of living. :) Whew! Getting back into the swing of things (work, church, studies, people) and pondering on a wonderful Christmas break! Happy New Year everyone!
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Perspective
November 20 - 2004
Hey all! Oh, I loved Amy's story of restoration. Maybe I'm the only one, but I so easily get caught up in life around me and work, the kids and their families, schedules, business. Friday I felt burdens and heaviness after a long week and seeing such darkness at my job. After talking to a brother who has been dealing with some challenges and he shared how another brother had encouraged him to remember his blessings, Matt and I continued to encourage him by saying to always remember he had his salvation. (He is recent believer PTL) I had no idea how the Lord would use that statement later during a time of worship. The Lord lifted my burdens and heaviness and I felt like was able to lay it all at his feet and then as we sang, He reminded me of what my salvation is. I don't know if you any of you get glimpses of what the pit of hell looks like, but at my job with some of my kids, I do. He reminded me, that I have been resecued from that. His death to pay for my sins rescued me from the pit of hell and His victory over death is my Hope. How sweet it is to be reminded of what Jesus has done for us and what great perspective it is to remember that in the midst of our days however they go and whatever we see, He is our hope and salvation. :)
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Restoration
November 14 - 2004
Getting in another blog before the work week starts. I promise to try hard John to blog this week, but I won't be able to use the computer much. :)
Restoration was the focus today. The message this morning from the pulpit was from 1John 5:16 on. I was encouraged to be a sister that helps restore family that has fallen and not be the sister to point a finger at one who has fallen. Wasn't so long ago, I was the one who had fallen and needed a sister to pray and take me to the Word. Praise God for the saints he used to restore me. :) Any cool restoration stories out there?
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OK, One More
November 14 - 2004
I couldn't resist to write that the Christmas season is here. Starbucks has there eggnog latte and oh the gingerbread one too, lights are up in stores, candy is out, music is playing and I confess we are bringing it out in our home too. Have been playing Christmas guitar music for the last few weeks. Ready for the wreath and all..........on the other hand I'm reading Fracine Rivers' Mary and the second chapter of The Jesus I Never Knew. Paints such a real picture of Christmas and encourages me to remember the realness of Christ's birth. OH, I love this season. .............and I haven't forgotten about Thanksgiving. :)
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Being Bossy
November 11 - 2004
Isn't the fall picture at the top so incredibly beautiful? Wow! Just returned from a women's retreat where we were all exhorted to 1. Know Him 2. Be like Him 3. Use our gifts and do what He is calling us to and 4. Trust in His promises. One thing that has really stuck with me was our speaker asked if we wanted to know what God is doing in our community, in our families, and work place? She asked if we wanted to know how God wanted to use us in what He is doing in those places. She asked if were asking the Lord and waiting for His answer. We'll once again for me it comes back to Being still and knowing He is God. It's those times I do hear him. We were exhorted to stop bossing God around in our prayer times, telling Him what to do, but instead ask Him and wait on Him. Am I the only one being bossy?
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So COOL!
October 02 - 2004
Wow, do I have the coolest brother in law or what? This is amazing and I praise God for a new way to connect with family. Of course this means I have to become more technology oriented. ('It is good') Thank you John!
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