just some pics of the little lady

Lately Sophi has gotten into lounging on the couch. Who doesn't love to curl up with a good picture book?


We all have our temptations... the clock is Sophi's. I think it's those little numbers.


Finally, a prayer that the Lions would turn things around.

Bebo... we haven't given up on you.

We were introduced to Bebo Norman very early on in his career. Ten Thousand Days was/is a fantastic album... since then they have been not so great.

Bebo just released a Christmas cd "Christmas...from the Realms of Glory". It is worth checking out. Mostly because it is pretty hard to slip in a cheesy love song when it's a holiday disc. Looking for something to balance out your melancholy Sarah McLaughlin "Wintersong"? This ones for you.

Bebo, are you finally coming home?

November so far . . .

Here are some photos from the past few weeks . . .



We traveled to Port Huron, MI (where Jason grew up) earlier this month to celebrate his Grandma Ev's 80th birthday.

While we were there, Jason insisted on taking a detour to drive by the church he grew up attending - Marysville A/G.



The two maple trees in front of our house were just gorgeous.

Jason and I took Sophi to the holiday parade here in Oshkosh. She loved it. Also, we ended up standing right behind the announcer's booth for the local cable access. Seeing yourself on TV cheering for floats and marching bands never gets old - as we're discovering at least three times a week when they re-air the parade here locally.

Sophi has taken a new interest in hair styling. You can imagine the look of disappointment on her face every time she approaches Jason with a brush.

now arriving...

How you know you've arrived...


http://calendar.oxfamamerica.org/events/black-gold-screening

Black Gold Screening Tonight

"Trade is more important than aid." States one African leader at the World Trade Organization meeting a few years back. Tonight we are going to be exploring how, as Western consumers, we fit into this equation and what difference we can actually make. Black Gold is a fantastic film that brings much needed attention to some issues surrounding Ethiopian coffee growers, Fair Trade and justice.

The public is invited to join in, this is something we each can play a part in.

Important information...

When: 7:00pm (10/25/07)
Where: 210 Commerce St. Suite 300 (enter behind Great Estates downtown Oshkosh)
Cost: Free
Discussion to follow.

We should be done before 9:00pm.

My Ladies

Just some pics of my two favorite ladies - that's all.

Water City Film Screening (Black Gold)

Why would a church be screening a documentary about Fair Trade? What does this have to do with faith?

Water City has said that we believe in a God of movement. We understand the story of the Gospel to mean that God is very much interested in issues of justice, compassion and faithfulness (not simple sin and judgment). That God is at work restoring his creation... a work he invites his followers to join him in.

Is being paid a livable wage for growing coffee a spiritual issue? It is.

And so we've picked up the rights to publicly screen the documentary Black Gold. The community event will take place Thursday, October 25 at 7:00 pm in downtown Oshkosh. Previously featured on PBS’s Independent Lens, Black Gold is a 2006 documentary film that explores the international coffee trade and its ramifications for the farmers who grow coffee. The screening will be followed by a short group discussion. Open to the public. No cost.

Is this some Billy Graham switcheroo movie? No. Just a compelling documentary that we hope will inspire all of us to be agents of change.

EVENT DETAILS:
Location: Loft space - 300 Commerce St., suite 300 (behind Great Estates downtown) Oshkosh, WI 54901
Time: 7:00 PM (run time approx. 77 minutes)
Cost: Free
Presented by: Water City Church
Purpose: to raise public awareness of issues surrounding Fair Trade

Here we go again . . .

It's getting harder and harder to keep this a secret and since the news seems to be leaking out anyway, we decided to just tell everyone that . . .

WE'RE HAVING ANOTHER BABY!!!

If all goes well, we'll be welcoming another little one into our family sometime around the 19th of May. So far, I've been feeling great and we couldn't be more excited!

The Porch Re-Do

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to give our front porch a makeover. It took about a day to paint the floor, make a trip to Hobby Lobby, and pull together a few odds and ends. Since finishing it, we've all been spending a lot of time sitting out and enjoying the mild weather. Sophi especially enjoys the new porch swing (thank you, Carig's List - $10!).





before . . .






after . . .













cheap wall art idea . . .

Go the the scrapbooking store and buy some artistic paper (I paid $.50/ sheet) and pop it into a cheap frame. Voila!

End of August . . .

Jason turned 33 on the 20th. We celebrated with a trip to the go kart track . . .







. . . and a minor league baseball game (Wisconsin Timber Rattlers). We had a BLAST, even though the weather was a little rainy. I'm so thankful to be married to someone I enjoy being with so much.





The ice cream man has been frequenting our neighborhood a little more regularly, much to Jason (and Sophi's) delight. (This may be because we actually put in a request for more "drive-bys".








With the gardening season coming to an end, I thought I'd post a picture of one of my recent harvests from the Fiedler Back 40. Is it weird to take pictures of vegetables???







With all the fresh produce around this summer, we've discovered that Sophi absolutely LOVES tomatoes. I'm thrilled, not only because they contain lycopene, but because this proves, once and for all, that she is also MY daughter (despite resembling only her father).









Some of our dearest family friends, the Rajalas, had us over for a cookout the other night . . .








. . . and they put a wig on Sophi. Good times. Good times.












Two of my friends from my teaching days at Nasonville School in Marshfield came over for a visit. We had a wonderful time catching up.

what i'm listening to

In no particular order...











Collective Soul - Afterwords








Robbie Seay Band - Give Yourself Away












Project 86 - Rival Factions









The Bravery - The Sun & The Moon








now run... don't walk to your nearest iTunes and get these discs. i can't promise you won't be disappointed. you may or may not be... that is really out of my hands.

Fiedler/ Ullmer Camping Trip 2007

Every summer, Jason and I go on a camping trip with my family for a few days. Hartman Creek State Park in Waupaca, WI is our campground of choice. Here are a few highlights from our trip this year . . .
Finally ready to leave from our home base (my parents' home). Leaving late, as usual . . .

Three of my younger brothers helping out with dishes (a definite FIRST!)






Sophi and her two cousins Liam and Jack, my oldest brother's kids, were the youngest of the campers. As you can see, childcare took many forms, from stroller hikes to PSP Baby Einstein viewings.








We rented a pontoon one day and took it out on the Chain of Lakes. Sophi loved the water - hated the life jacket.













Sophi vs. the Baked Beans












A group shot on the last day.

our need to confess

fantastic. tragic. honest. sincere. performance.

somewhere along the way, we've forgotten how important confession really is. not only because it forces us to come to terms with those parts we would rather weren't there, but because it reminds us that we're not the only one. as a matter of fact, when it's all said and done the one who "has it all together" is a great/horrible myth. one that often divides us from authentic relationship.

you and i are bent. maybe in different places or to different degrees, but we are each not yet whole.

faith. reconciliation. hope. healing. forgiveness. i wonder what God would post to PostSecret?

thanks frank warren, for reminding us.

Random Pix: Part 2

For all of our faithful blog-checking fans, here are more highlights from July, as promised.


Every summer, we spend a week or so in Port Huron, Michigan, visiting Jason's family. As always, the time flew by, but we had a great time reconnecting with family.



Jason's parents, Kathy and Bob, couldn't get enough of Sophi. She loved being with Grandma and Grandpa Fiedler.










Port Huron is right on Lake Huron and so there are beautiful beaches all around Jason's parents' home. Sophi took her first dip in Lake Huron (against her will, as you can see).








Jason's brother Mark is an avid competitive biker and his love for the sport has rubbed off on his brothers and his dad. Jason was able to do some riding with his dad and brothers while we were there. (Yes, Jason is wearing spandex in this picture. Look away if you must.)









Jason's Wii made the trip over with us. Everyone joined in the chaotic fun (even his parents). Jason had a certain "Miagi-ness" about him all week.

Random Pix - Part I

Yes, the Fiedlers are still here. We've had a busy July and are actually heading out for a camping trip with my family tomorrow (I should be packing). Just wanted to post a few pictures of highlights from July. More to follow . . .





My roommate from college (Olivia), her husband Nick, and their son, Oliver came to visit us for a couple days. They are missionaries with the Assemblies of God in Armenia and are in the States for one year raising support. While they were here, I took a few family pictures for them.












We hosted a 4th of July picnic at our house. Our new friends Kenny and LaWight and their six children were among our guests.


As you can see from the photo, we kept Sophi up a bit too long waiting for the fireworks. Sorry, Soph . . .








Sophi had her first dip in the kiddie pool. She hated it with a passion.











I got in a bit of a fender bender with our new van "Charlie". Sophi and I weren't hurt, but Charlie was. He goes in for massive reconstructive surgery tomorrow. Oops.