Living on 203 Victory Highway...

We have been in our new house now for almost a week. I was finally able to cook a real meal last night. Even though I have to scramble around boxes it is beginning to feel like home. We have been busy remodeling and painting and the new carpet was laid yesterday so I can finally begin to unpack boxes. Anthony and I have joked several times that we are NEVER moving again... I know that is probably not going to happen but I do pray the girls will have a chance to grow up in this house. Tank, our puppy, has been doing much better now that he is not in his crate at night. It has been fun watching him, he loves being apart of this family. It is hilarious to watch him though. When Anthony is home Tank follows him everywhere!!! When Anthony leaves Tank circles the house, goes up and down the stairs, and goes to every door looking for him.

HOME... That is something I have missed in my life for a long time now!

Sleepless Night...

So, we are officially moved in! If you didn't already know... We have a 1 1/2 year old golden retriever. We are having to train him all over again! He is surprisingly doing really well...EXCEPT...for last night. He is in his crate at night and until last night we have had no problems other than him refusing to go in it. But once he is in, he is fine. Last night he began barking as soon as Anthony put him to bed. So we let it go for awhile and then Anthony took hime out again thinking he had to go to the bathroom. Then he continued to bark on and off ALL NIGHT LONG! He is in the garage which is directly under our bedroom. It was so annoying. I didn't even want to look at him this morning. I have never seen such a strong willed dog. If he continues... he is going to find himself freezing OUTSIDE!!!

The Structure of a Family...

Cora's favorite pose...

Sledding at grandma's...

Abby all bundled up...

Abby's 3 year old picture...

The past nine months have really tested the strength of my family. Our four person family has been turned upside down. It is interesting because my girls attitudes and moods have totally changed. In the past week we have been putting lots of hours into our new home which still isn't actually ours (CLOSING TOMORROW AT 11:00). I have seen my children become stressed and struggling because they don't really know how to show how they are feeling. So many changes and no routine. I know that this too shall pass but in the meantime my heart breaks for my kids. I have given this whole thing over to God. After tomorrow we will be home owners again!!!!!

STILL WAITING...

The past month has been one of many frustrations. I am not quite sure why bankers, lawyers and loan officers can't just work together. We have been trying to close on our house for over two weeks now. It has been the most stressful thing we have had to do. We had a closing date but now because of water issues, surveying issues, and flood insurance we are back at the waiting game! I am not quite sure why God has allowed all this crazy stuff but I am learning to be patient. I can't wait for they day when I lay my head down in my very own BED!!!!!!!

Blog Language...

I have learned a lot about the world of blogging. The more I began to look into it the more I became confused. I have had two snow days this week and have tried to take the time and change our blog template. Well... I changed it and still do not know anymore than what I did. I put in the effort, I guess. The technical stuff is just not my thing. To all of you that can do that type of thing...I applaud you! Maybe you could give me some tips.

(joy)

So close to home...

Well, we are so close to our closing date. Things are going surprisingly well. I can't wait to finally wake up in my own bed, make my family dinner, fall asleep on my own couch, and regain my privacy! I can't wait to post pictures when we finally move in. It is crazy the things we take for granted every day. I have learned so much!

Have you heard of it?

I teach Technology at a Christian school here in Corning. I have discovered a new or at least new to me craze for the junior high students. It is called wetpaint. It is a free site where you can create a website for yourself. I have been trying to do some research and have found that it is just one more thing to distract... Check it out http://www.wetpaint.com/

It Seems Like A World Away...

I just got done reading a post by a nurse over in Kenya, Africa. She works with an organization called ELI (Empowering Live's Internationally). Our church supports them and the missionaries Don and Amy Rogers. I don't even know what to think about what people are going through in that country. I try to read their blog everyday to remind myself there is so much more out there. The nurse included this prayer in her post and I wanted to share it:

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejections, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
And to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
To bring justice and kindness to all.

You can check out their blog and continue to pray that peace can be restored to those people.
http://empoweringlives.blogspot.com/

I had to have an ultrasound on Thursday because of some complications but as soon as the nurse started the ultrasound we immediately saw the little peanut and could see a strong beating heart! Anthony and I both breathed a sigh of relief. So here he or she is... Amelia June or Micah John. Soon to be born on August 22, 2008!

Cora's new love...

Cora received a special present from her grandparents this year. They gave her the whole ballet outfit with lessons. I took her for the first time on Monday. Up until now Anthony and I have not involved our children in anything. It was kind of fun just sitting and waiting with all of the other moms. She loved it! I was able to watch at the end of the class. I couldn't believe how big she looked dancing across the floor. We will give it a year and see of it is still a love of hers.

The days after...

Well it is January 1st, 2008! Back to reality tomorrow and the regular routine. Christmas was wonderful! We finally made the announcement that Anthony and I are expecting our third child!!! The whole family was surprised and very excited! Cora and Abby can't wait and don't understand why my belly isn't big. So, this Christmas will always be remembered!

Christmas is coming...

This Christmas is going to be different.. There have been so many things happening in our lives the past months and for some reason the meaning of Christmas changes when life throws out difficult circumstances. The one thing that continues to stay consistent is my faith in Jesus Christ. Even though my earthly flesh cries out to God for answers, my heart calms my mind with His truth. The truth is that no matter what it is you are going through...He is always there. His word promises that. "Emanuel"... God with us. That is what Christmas means to my family this year. We don't need a our own home to celebrate...we don't need money for presents...we don't need everything to be just right...I am so thankful that God is with me in every step of my day. I know that this Christmas and all the ones to come will mean so much more.

Merry Christmas!

Joy

Schiavone House Fire

Well...Life never seems to get any easier. Things never seem to get back to normal. We have been living with Anthony's parents since June. Last Tuesday, October the 13Th, a fire was started by a humidifier in the Schiavone' sun room. It shorted out and caught the couch on fire and then proceeded to set the room on fire. Anthony's dad and brother, Joey heard the fire alarm go off and then realized the house was on fire and got everyone out of the house. Anthony and I were at church attending a Financial Peace class that we have been going to for the past six weeks. On our way home at about 9p.m. we followed one of the fire trucks up the road. Hoping it wasn't going to our house. Then we came around the corner and there were five fire trucks parked in front of the house. Smoke was coming out everywhere and I couldn't see where the girls were. Anthony's family was standing in the yard and I began screaming trying to find Cora and Abby. The girls were put in our mini van to stay warm. I immediately embraced Abby and she looked at me and said "Mommy, will you stay with me forever?" For some reason those words have not left my mind. Not being there at the moment they needed me has been really hard for me to deal with. The fire did not damage the structure of the house but the smoke did a lot of damage. It is going to take weeks to clean and recover all the STUFF. But everyone...Cora, Abby, Jeanne, John, Joey, Grandma, Grandpa and our dog Tank were all safe and got out of the house safely.
So now we are all living in the Staybridge Suites in Corning. It is beautiful! The girls, Anthony and I have our own suite!!!! There is a courtyard and pool and hot tub and a laundry room. We also get breakfast in the morning! So God has truly provided for us and protected us. In the meantime...We are trusting in Him...relying on Him for strength and peace to get through every day. Stay posted for more updates...

Life at Victory...

It has been awhile since our last blog....We are now in our fourth month at VHWC. We are still living with Anthony's family and that has been interesting. The girls have been amazing! They have done so well through this transition. Better than Anthony and I. Life has been nothing but a whirlwind since we moved back to NY. At times I ask God what He was thinking by calling us back home...but I have been just trusting in His promises. It is so amazing to be back where we grew up and see how God has been working in everyone's lives!

We are moving!

We accepted a youth ministry position at Victory Highway Wesleyan church in Painted Post, New York. Its about fifteen minutes from where I grew up. Pretty crazy. Joy and I are really excited about this new opportunity. We immediately fell in love with the people when we interviewed. Its a great church with an incredible staff. You can check it out if you want at www.victoryhighway.com We will be closing on our house on Wednesday and moving on June 5th or 6th. Thanks for all those who were praying for us!

Update

Just wanted to give everyone an update. We are in the preocess of selling our home right now. We have accepted an offer and are planning to close in May. We are planning to move in June and have no clue where we are going! Here are some pics of our family to check out. We will send updates as things progress. We appreciate your prayers.

A Night To Remember

The day before valentines day, I took Joy up to a nice restaurant and surprised her with tickets to a Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Louie Giglio concert. When we got there, it was postponed because of the weather. They rescheduled it for March 25th. After many days of anticipation we went and were blown away. I had not seen Chris Tomlin lead worship since the C3 in Charlotte (WY convention). This time he was even better. Plus Matt Redman was there. They did many songs together. It was incredible. I could also listen to Louie speak all day. We left very encouraged and very blessed to experience a "worship event" like this. It was also cool to see Chris dancing around the stage while Matt Redman sang. He is a wee little man.

The Shaft... I think So

I now have a beef with the NCAA selection committee. I am sure their job is not easy because there are so many great teams out there, but what the heck? Syracuse University (22-10) did not get in to the tournament. Even though they beat Georgetown (72-58), Marquette (70-58), and Villanova (75-64), I guess it just wasn't good enough. This year I will be filling my brackets out with a little less joy in my heart.

Crap...

Someone stole my Sony Mini-DV Handy cam and my Sony 5.1 Mp Cybershot from my office. It had some great footage and pics of my kids on it too. Not a good day. Stupid theives...

More Changes...

After being at Good Shepherd Wesleyan Church for a little over a year as their students ministries pastor we made the tough decision to resign. God had been speaking to Joy and I for some time about this decision. I am a pastor who truly beleives in longevity, especially in youth ministry. So why leave you ask? That part gets pretty comlicated. We both have come to the conclusion that it was no accident we came here. We have built some great relationships here and its going to be very hard to leave.
As I have heard thousands of times before, ministry is never easy. I am not calling for my own pity party but as youth ministers we are underpaid, overwokred, unappreciated, and expendable. With that said, our job is still worth it. I must give a shout out to all my freinds who are in youth ministry. Keep on keepin on!
So whats next? I have considered leaving youth ministry, but I probably won't. I simply love teenagers and the privledge to make a difference in their lives. I am in no rush this time around for our next ministry location. We will be leaving Jackson in June. We have just put our house up for sale that we bought last July. I try not to worry about it. God's will take care of it all...
Tony