Home Sweet Beautiful Home

Our U- Haul Man
The Kids Loved Playing in the Truck
Fall at Bethany

We are MOVED ! The last few days have been a blur! So much all at once... where do I begin?



First I would like to Thank- Drum roll please: Sarah, Rubens, Hannah, Chris ( their kids for skipping much needed nap times and entertaining my monkeys- your Tia loves you) Heather, Akami, Fernando, Michelle, Chris, ( and sweet Pea Penelope for sharing Mama) Bekah, ( Isaiah Grace for sharing your toys) , and my fabulous kids for hanging in there, THANK YOU for all your help, and elbow grease, food, and company. We seriously couldn't have made it without you. I love you guys.



We ended up renting a U-Haul . It saved us a ton of time-and we ended up getting a bigger one for a lesser price so it only took one trip. My girls came over a few times during the week to help pack and clean, and paint! Their hard work gave us a thumbs up at the Apartment turnover. Thank you! I will say though I don't want to touch another paint brush in a long time!



Our new home is... hmm ... how can I describe it...? Vast? Huge? Wonderful? Once we get the boxes all unpacked we will send a few pictures... right now it looks like our house threw up!



The kids have adjusted nicely. I am very surprised that they are so happy here. They are in high spirits with so much space to run and play. Living a Bethany is such a unique circumstance. It is so beautiful and it's wonderful to have so many kids and young parents around. It is so peaceful living here. I LOVE it!



Candidacy is going really well too. Sunday night my parents shared the news that they are going to give a $1000.00! We are very thankful and shocked. That and with Michael's parent's gift we are almost at our goal! Phew... we feel so blessed and taken care of. Thank you God. You are always faithful.



I love being in the sessions. Life is Brazil is becoming more real. It is exciting, scary, and fun.

Harold and Cathy Brokke shared today. They are great examples of God's faithful servants. I could have listened to their stories all night long. I am looking forward to the rest of the week!

My lovey dovey Boy

Caleb has been so funny these past few days. Today and yesterday I left my hair down and he wouldn't stop coming over to caress it. He was pretty gentle. I would look at him and he would tilt his head to look back at me to give me the sweetest of smiles. What a honey... I can't get enough of Caleb in my life. I know that this phase of Superstar Mommy won't last forever, so I am trying to soak in every bit of little boy lovin I can get! Michael pointed out yesterday that he is such a Boy. He will put his arm around your shoulder and squeeze. Or he will pat your back two or three times to comfort you, and of course his kisses are very much the same as headbutts!

I'm getting a little bit nervous to have someone watch him next week while we are doing candiacy. He doesn't take to strangers very well, and I think he will be so sad. Such a Mama's boy. He even has a bad rep in Sunday School! Please pray for him if you think of it. He is facing so much change all at once.

I had to laugh today at Bella and Caleb. The pair of them were little con artists unpacking boxes that I had just packed. They looked so sneaky and coy and so confident of their accomplishments. I even found the drawer of kitchen towels that I packed this morning 'neatly' put back in their old drawer. What stinkers. I learnt my lesson and put packing tape on the boxes but of you look carefully you can see the spots where little hands tried to peal off!

Crying...

Ever have a really good cry? I have. Actually I have had two really good, gut wrenching sob cries in the past 24hours. It was the kind of cry where boogers are running down your face, puddles of tears are forming on the floor, and speech makes you look like a blubbering fool.

It usually takes a lot for me to cry. But there is two crying triggers in my life. One is stress, and the other lack of sleep. I am stressed. Why? I think that I partly stress because it's a bad habit and it is evidence that I am not totally trusting God. Doubting is my new name the past few days... arrghh! My prayers have gone something like this..." Jesus you know whats going on ...right? Why aren't you answering?"

The good thing about crying is that after you are done, your body is in sort of a relaxed state, and your thinking is clearer, more reasonable. Has God answered our prayers. Yes! Most definitely. I need to trust God for the unseen and even the unanswered.

Michael wrote me an email this morning encouraging me "...you don't need to worry about anything, let God do that, just do the best you can and leave the rest up to Him. Right now focus on playing with your kids. "

Now that is great advice. Thanks honey. I will do just that. Thank you Jesus for my smart husband.

Oh one more thing... I think that I will sleep great tonight!

Don't cry over spilled paint...

Hmm... what do you get when you try to paint with a baby within hundred feet? P.S. That is paint in his hair!

Painting with Friends

This is officially the last week in our apartment! I am itching to start packing and hopefully clear some of this clutter surrounding us! The problem is that I don't quite know where to start!



We had some wonderful friends swing by this weekend to help us transform our cozy home to boring steril white. Thank you to Sarah, Rubens, Akami, Heather, Bekah and John Mark ( for the boxes and your amazing company!). We got the hardest work out of the way, plus it was fun to laugh, tease, and joke our way through the painting! Michael and I are going to paint the kitchen and do touch up tonight, you are all welcome back for round two!



Michelle and Chris took our peanuts all day for us. They seemed to have a great day too. I haven't touched base with them yet, but I heard that Penelope and Caleb actually took a nap together in Penelope's crib. My blogging heart hopes that Michelle took a picture so I can share. But seriously how cute is that?



Some of you have been asking how you can help. I am very touched with your willingness. Thanks. We will need help moving and cleaning later, but for now your prayers will be great. Pray that I won't drown in stress, that Michael won't drown from MY stress, and that Caleb and Bella will begin to adjust nicely.

I love you guys !

Hello!

This is a Post that most missionaries, future missionaries or pre missionary candidates dread writing. It's a letter about a need...
As most of you already know we are planning on going to Brazil with BIM in Spring 2008. There we will be involved with a church plant, helping in various ways, along with language learning (for me of course), and discovering where we will be best used long term in Brazil.

We are in the begining stages of preparation. The first step is a two week candiacy with BIM. Candiacy begins only one week from today. We are excited to begin our journey, learn more about BIM, and establish more of a solid vision and direction.

The cost for Candiacy is $1250.00US. Hopeful funds from a prospective support fell through, and we are left to trust God for the funds in just one week. A stretch for us, but not for Him. As nervous as this situation makes me, I love being in the place where I need to trust completely and watch God move. Just today we had a prayer answered! Michael's work offered him a paid leave for him to be able to concentrate soley on candiacy for the two weeks. We are very thankful and encouraged.

Please if you are able to contribute in any way let us know and we can give you more information. We apologize for the short notice!
Thank you so much for your love, prayers, and involvement in our lives and ministry.

Also our computer is our only form of communication, we have had issues with our phones lately, but please write! michaelcaridugan@gmail.com

Love,
Michael, Cari, Gabriella, and Caleb

Catch Up

Hello... Time to play catch up...I prefer to write long detailed stories... but in attempt not to lose the last few faithful readers I have left... I'll refrain just this time. Here is a little look of how and what we are doing! I love you guys :)

Caleb is becoming quite the Mama's boy. His favorite place to sit? Mama's lap! His favorite person? Mama of course! I am eating up the fame and attention.
We were able to pick out paint colors for our new home at Bethany. We were so overwhelmed with our choices that we called Michelle over to talk us through it all. It took a while but in the end we narrowed it down to one color for the kitchen and one for the living room. Phew... hopefully it will look good on the walls. The best part is that we don't have to lift a finger... well we do have to repaint ALL of the walls in our current home. Thanks to our friends who generously offered to come help paint and look after our babies this weekend. We appreciate it! Goodness I can't believe that we are moving next week! Gabriella is growing up before our eyes. I want to be sad that I am losing my baby girl. But she is just so darn cute all Big Girl. This is her today taking her baby for a walk at the mall! No stroller for her. Wow!
"Bella, Do you like Starbucks or Caribou better?" Her reply: "Starbucks... and Caribou!"
This is her last week at the Minnesota Zoo. She had a blast looking at all the animals. I think that we will be returning more often since it is cooler now and the kids are all back at school. I just love this weather. Don't you?
Caleb's first plane ride. He did great! The white noise put him to sleep every time we lifted in the air. What a man. It was sad circumstances going back to Canada, but I was thankful to have my fun little buddy with me. I love you Punker Brain.
Little Isaiah Grace came for a surprise visit Monday afternoon. Isn't she just a cutie? We will be neighbours soon. I can't wait.. especially since...
.... her Mama is wonderful, and her Daddy crazy fun. John Mark and Becca lived with us at North Student when Bella was born. They are great friends and I am so thankful that we get to hang out more often.

Well well... I'll try to be better at day to day posting... really am I the only blogger dork who writes everyday?

One or the other? I choose the ONE.

Ever get the feeling that life is racing by you? And you are unable to stop time? Unable to catch your breath? I am so overwhelmed with how much stuff we have to do, I am beginning to feel buried under commitments, responsibilities, and time lines... When this happens all I want to do is hide under my bed! Crazy how life continues, when you think it should pause or at least slow down so you can process, plan, and recuperate. Even in the midst of it all I hear God's voice encouraging me to seek Him. I find it odd that when I obey, His words are clearer. My heart less burdened, and my spirit light regardless of the pressure I am feeling elsewhere.


Today Michael and I were talking in the car about how life is taken lightly. We go day by day in motions. Brush your teeth, eat food, go to work, pay bills, sleep, and repeat. How empty, how sad. Not only does God want more for us, He demands more of us. He doesn't want luke warm servants. He delights in His children who live for Him ALL of the time. In EVERY circumstance. Sometimes I need to be reminded that it isn't about me. I wasn't created by my maker so i could live life for myself or others, But Him. In Revelations 3:15-16, God says that he wants to vomit out those who are neither hot or cold. Am I burning to know God ALL the time? Or only in church? Or when I am having a difficult day? Or when I am in need? Is God repulsed by my deeds? My daily life? During judgement what will God say of me? What will the account of my life be? I feel an urgency to take a personal account of my life today.

Forgive me if I sound pompous, but it is so simple. Either I obey God or I don't. I either live for Him or I don't. I either love Him or I hate him. God is clear on what He expects of me. It is written. More and more I hunger to know God. I desire to spend day by day walking with Him. Glorifying Him. Choosing Him.

What is life without Him? How can I live for anything else since knowing Him? How can I desire anything more than knowing Him?

Heavy heart

Caleb and I returned to Mpls yesterday afternoon. I was never happier to be home with my family and hold them a little closer, and a little tighter. Caleb was thrilled to see his Daddy. He repeatedly shouted his name and had a smile on his face all day. With Bella he would tackle her to the ground and hug her until she had enough and we would have to pull him off her. I guess he was in line with what his Mama was feeling. I was amazed with Gabriella's maturity. She asked me if I had fun in Canada. And then she told Caleb ( referring to her surprise ), " Thank you for picking out my airplane, that was nice of you."



It was an incredibly hard weekend. Thank you all for praying. Nathan was dearly loved and is missed. We went to the accident location and there were stuffed animals, letters, and flower piled high on both corners. It wasn't just his family who loved him but the neighbourhood as well.



Nathan was on his way home with Hunter and while crossing the street he was hit by a truck that was turning right. The driver made a statement saying that he saw the boys but didn't know what they were doing. An investigation is in progress. However Nathan and Hunter had the right of way. I feel for the driver. He is obviously shaken. Like all of us, I know the impact one negligent mistake can affect and hurt so many people. He will feel this tragedy for a long time. Please pray for him and his family.



The wake and funeral were heartbreaking, and so sad. I am very thankful that my family is supporting each other. The pain David, Shannon, Niki, Hunter, Conner, and the rest of the family is feeling, is raw and strong. I pray that the support and prayer continues. And that love continues to be poured out. Please especially pray for Shannon and Hunter. They need God's comfort and peace. It is such a hard time.



I don't understand why we had to say good bye to such a young little boy. I have so many questions. Why Nathan? Why now? Why didn't God prevent it? Even with them unanswered I take comfort in knowing that God is with us.



I remember Nathan mostly as a little boy, still a baby. I was his babysitter and loved it. I would even wake him just so I could hold him. He was such a sweet little boy. His happy smile drew you in. I am very thankful that I was able to see him 2 weeks ago, and say goodbye. I can't help replaying our encounter over and over and thinking What if?

I am glad that I was able to fly to be with everyone. Thanks to yous who helped babysit Bella, and helped out Michael. We really appreciate it. I love you guys.

Please Pray

This morning my dad called me with the news that my cousin, Nathan, 9 years old was hit by a truck last night and died shortly afterwards. I am not sure of all the details yet but I do know that his little brother watched it all unfold.
Please pray for him, and his parents, and the rest of my family. I am going to try to fly out for the funeral to be with everyone during this sad time. Please also pray for Nathan's father David, he recently gave his life to the Lord. May his faith be strengthened and may he feel God's comfort and peace amidst this tragedy. Thank you.

In the USA again...

We made it back Sunday night around 10pm. The kids did GREAT! I was so surprised that there was minimal tantrums and tears. The DVD player did it's thing, and so did the snacks! Our car is trashed! There is food, clothes, toys, dirt, EVERYWHERE! Michael is going to take it in to get it detailed. Usually I would be hesitant to spend extra money on cleaning the car, but this time, our Jetta Baby really needs some tender loving!

Our time in Canada was so short, but packed. On Friday night we met extended family at my old favorite restaurant Stokes by the Bay. I was touched that so many aunts, uncles, and cousins showed up. It was fun and loud! Caleb clung to Daddy most of the time, but Bella was running around meeting her Canadian Fam, giving hugs and kisses, and playing with her little friends. She definitely is the most social one of the Dugan Family. After dinner we headed to my brother Corey's house, and talked and laughed late into the night. Bella fell asleep on my lap, she never does that! She must have been wiped out!

Saturday morning was easy and laid back, we ate breakfast , looked through old pictures, and went to my brother Chris's house. He has this huge trampoline that the kids loved! The afternoon was spent napping, talking to my parents, and shopping for Canadian goodies. In my kitchen I have Ketchup and All dressed chips! How tasty! I am also telling myself that it is too early to devour my coffee crisp chocolate bars. I bet within an hour my resolve will be defeated!

And yes... I did sneak in more homemade fries by the lake... shhh ... it's our little secret!

Saturday evening my brothers and their wives and kids came to have a BBQ. My nieces and nephews are adorable. Lexie looks and acts so much like me. I could be mistaken for her mom! Corey is just like his Dad. And Ashton is so sweet. I wish I had more time with them. Sniff... I am sad that I haven't been able to watch them grow up...

My sister works at Tim Hortons so we went late to visit. It was fun to go, but seriously I am a Starbucks girl at heart! Nothing beats my mocha!

Grace was upon my children. They slept wonderfully for naps and bedtime. They were in good moods, and seemed to have fun. We discovered that Caleb is our little homeboy though. When we finally arrived home, he was all smiles and giggles. He raced from corner to corner on his tippy toes jumping up and down. He did the same thing after waking the next morning. Mama's homeboy...

Next time we will have to plan to stay longer... or maybe my family can come see me instead... now that's an idea!!!!

We have arrived!

The kids are sleeping. Michael is sleeping. And I am showing my mom the wonders of a computer. She has this amazing Dell, but doesn't know how to navigate it ;)

It is great to be home. For Lunch we gorged ourselves on Poutine by the Bay- it was delish- I am already scheming ...How can I get more before we leave...?

By far the kids did well. I think the fact that we had a DVD player helped. Thanks Noemi!

I on the other hand was tempted to throw a few tantrums! Fifteen hours in a car with kids is tiring. I spent most of the time turned around picking up sippy cups, reading books, and handing out snacks. I am going to need to see a chiropractor...

Around 10 we decided that it was time to ignore our pride and get some sleep. We checked into a Best Western, and slept in the most amazing beds. Gabriella didn't even wake up when we brought her into the room, she was so beat! Caleb had a few hyper wild moments before he too fell deeply into a peaceful rest. It was the best $50 I have spent in a long time!

We didn't have any trouble at the border. Customs really didn't even care who we were and why we were going into their country. Truth be told suddenly I felt less important... like it didn't matter that our family was tri-cultural! Just kidding it was nice for once not to be badgered. Canada likes us.

Gabriella decided that she loves her Nana and Grandpa. She gave them hugs right away. As we all know Caleb takes more time, he is beginning with sweet smiles. Maybe tonight we will graduate to hugs and kisses.

That's all for now!

One more sleep

Jenny is home
Caleb unsure...
Hannah Reading Jenny's scrapbook

I don't know who is more excited? Bella or Mommy?

Sigh... Michael is busy packing up our car. Why in the world do we need so much stuff for a day and a half is beyond me. Michael is The Wonder Packer though and I am sure he will find room and space to breath.



I did get a BIG dosage of Chill Pill this afternoon. Michael took the kids to the play place at the mall, and I was able to get everything done on my list, including a shower. I felt more at ease and relaxed when he came back. I love the way my pumpkins run to me when they come home. Such a nice feeling- Daddy gets to experience that kind of wonderful lovin everyday. Maybe I should send them out on Papa dates more often..hmmm...



Tonight I went to visit my good friend Jenny who is back from midwifery training in the Phillipians for 3 weeks. In between comforting, scolding, and running after my exhausted children, it was so nice to catch up. I am really proud of this girl - she is following obediently a call God placed on her life. The stories she has to share are amazing! You should check out her blog- she is under my links.



Her twins sisters were amazing with Bella. They are eight and very mature for their age. They took her under their wing and I didn't see her for the first part of the night. Bella was especially pleased with her pretty new nails. Daddy just approved nail polish for my girly girl, and she was quick to try it out! She was also happy to play with make-up!Lil' Bella Bella is growing up so so fast!



Phew... now I am ready to sleep. Do you remember what it was like to stay up ALL night counting the hours before a big event? Gone are those days. I will sleep like a tired parent ALL night!



I'll try to keep you posted on our trip!

Chill Pill

Just when she thought it was at it's messiest, her very own destroyers showed her the apartment's full potential. She is tempted to take a picture, but her pride prohibites her from revealing her secrets.

Truly she does not know who is in a worse state.

The house; with it's smooshed food carpet, dirty dishes, heaps of laundry?

Her kids? One who has been bouncing off the walls ALL morning, so excited. Her emotions are extreme, ranging from pure joy to the ultimate low. She asked to go to bed at 11am for her nap. "No problem sweetie, let me tuck you in!"
The other- is very aware that we are going somewhere. Maybe he sences Mommy's take charge and CLEAN everything mode, and that unsettles him. He asked to be picked up so much this morning that Mommy's back is SCREAMING no more buddy. He too was plopped in bed at 11am but unlike his sister, he still isn't sleeping.

The Mommy; Her stress level is increasing at each passing moment. How wonderful that her husband comes home at 2pm. And he comes with a promise to take the short ones to a park so the Mommy can reconstruct her home and pack bags in peace.

The Mommy also needs to take a shower, and take a nap. The Mommy also needs to let go of her OCD and take a chill pill. Do they offer those over the counter?

Can we go yet?

Only two more sleeps till Nana's house! Gabriella was very excited to watch me pack her bag, and her take-along-28- total-hour-car-ride-back-pack-filled-with -tons-of-bribes-to -keep-mommy-and-daddy-sane! She was so excited that she misunderstood and thought we were leaving today instead of Thursday. Poor thing, there were many tears to wipe away before bedtime. The girl likes to be prepared many many days in advance, but can have a hard time waiting for the big day.

Have you ever tried to buy snacks for toddlers? We hardly ever buy those fancy snacks you see on t.v. commercials. The most we stock is the occasional graham crackers, or fishes. If they are 'so hungry' which Caleb ALWAYS is, they get cheese, cereal, or fruit ( if it isn't rotten- it is dangerous to buy fruit since it ALWAYS gets ignored and it dies a slow, painful, death-it really is so sad- I wish I liked fruit more) On a side note, I am not one of those Moms who buys everything organic, no sugar or additives food. A part of me admires these Mommies. I want to be like them, but I dislike cooking from scratch, and the pre made organic goods, makes my head spin when I see the cost. I am just a mommy who likes to TRY to put good things in my kid's tummies- and not get mad when they spit it out. Just so you know my daughter is a chocolate addict because we foolishly introduced her to the stuff. What can you do?

So today at the snack aisle in Target, I was a mite overwhelmed. Who knows why there needs to be such a LARGE variety of sugar filled junk for our babies? Also Gabriella was wide eyed and very happy that Mommy was about to purchase these unknown treats in shiny colorful packages. She was so ecstatic that she was singing, quite loudly about yummy food that mamas buy for Bella's. I think she could produce the song, it was very well sung. In the end I think I made a balanced choice. A friend of mine gave me some suggestions, and good advice.. "Don't pack anything that will cause them to get really hyper then crash later on." Good advice...

I am very excited to see what this trip to Canada is going to be like. Basically we will be driving a total of 28 hours for a day and a half trip. We are borrowing a car DVD player in hopes that will kill the boredom a little bit. It IS crazy that we are going to all these lengths for such a short time, but we have learned that sometimes you need to take advantage of opportunities when they come, who knows when next time will be?

I'll try to keep you posted about our upcoming adventure!