**First Snow**

 I always enjoy the first snow of the year.  This year though, I guess I have some issues - concerned about driving our van around in the snow.  Everyone says that this year is supposed to be worse than it was 2 years ago... Well, I need to give this one to God... but we had a h.o.r.r.i.b.l.e. time with chains 2 years ago.  We went through 2 sets and ended up using something called spider spikes - which were much better.

Besides that - snow at our house revolves around our turnstyle door and the dryer.  Normally, after a few days of snow it takes us, with all of our snow gear, a few days to dry out.  It's one of those things I sincerely don't look forward to.  Mainly because of all of the boots, I suppose. 

Recently, a friend of ours gave us a washer & dryer.  They got a new one, we "inherited" their old ones.  We had had our washer since the beginning of our marriage - so it's at least 13 years old.  Someone gave it to us when we were first married, so I imagine - it wasn't new then either.

Our dryer, we got off of craigslist 3 or 4 years ago.  Loved it when it was working... but it had lint troubles and the heating element went out on probably 3 times since we've had it.  It's just been time to get a new one!


So, anyhow, when these friends of ours asked if we wanted another washer & dryer, I jumped at the chance (mainly b'c of our dryer issues).  It's this cool double dryer.  Drys shirts, sweaters - has racks for stuff - and hooks for hanging things like shoes and gloves.  Didn't know if we'd like it - but we L.O.V.E. it!  Turns out that we use the top all of the time.  Since we've had this dryer - it's the first time in ages - that I've been able to keep up with the laundry!  Amazing!

 It makes days, like yesterday and today, a little more tolerable.  Knowing that we aren't going to have wet stuff hanging over chairs and drying in front of the fire.   I sure do enjoy all of the *joy* that happens just because it gets white outside.  Happy kids.  Smiles.  Red cheeks.  Hot Chocolate.  Everyone all bundled up.  Neighborhood snowball fights.  The beauty of it.  Thanks Lord, for reminding us of the beauty and enjoyment of one of your wonders!

Back to the van.  Well, we still have our spider spikes.  Rod grew up driving in the snow.  He's pretty darn confident.  The Lord took care of us before - and I know He'll do it again!!!

Jaden's Eyesight

Well, most of my friends know via Facebook that we found out yesterday that Jaden is legally blind in his left eye.  Looking back, I guess I should have understood the cues a little better.  You know - he liked to read too close, sit too close to the tv, played DS really close.  But he does other things completely normally - anything physical - baseball, soccer, at home football. 

I went to the eye doctor to have MY eyes checked a few months ago.  They said that the way my eyes are, that my kids eyes should really get checked.  So we took the boys in.  Josiah & Jedediah both have 20/20 vision.  Rod went into the room with each of them while the rest of us sat in the waiting room.  When it was Jaden's turn, I decided I wanted to see what they were testing.  Well, it was obvious that his wasn't 20/20 or even anything close!

Jaden is good at schoolwork.  But I haven't pushed him with his reading because something inside me said not to.  Looking back I really believe it was the good Lord.  Can you imagine me pushing a half blind kid to read?  We both would have been frustrated!!!  And I learned with Josiah - once a kids motivated.. they'll get it done in no time!  So I wasn't too worried.  So he knows all of his letters and many words.

Well, in the eye doctors office, he was getting the letters with his right eye right, but not his left.  When they did the follow the pen - eyetracking thing... he can track fine, but when the pen gets close to his nose, his left eye turned in.  The doctor said he hadn't seen anyone like Jaden before.  Eyes track looking at a distance perfectly, but up close the left eye crosses.

He said that he didn't want to give him a perscription.  And that he was going to refer us to a local eye surgeon.  Uh, well, what, does, that, mean, exactly??  So he said that Jaden could need glasses, might need therapy, and might need surgery.

Well we waited a few months for his appt to come.  Yesterday was the day.  We go in and they check his eyes.  I ask the lady to test with numbers or objects instead of letters, hoping that that might help him identify things with his left eye with poor vision.

They have him identifying things like a cake, a bike, a car, a chick, etc.  His right eye, he read all the way down the chart.  His left eye, the poor eye, he couldn't make out the birthday cake object at the very top of the chart.  You know the one that is normally the big E?  Yah.

So after the surgeon did some tests, he told us that Jaden is legally blind in his left eye.  Good vision in his right.  That he may eventually need things like surgery, but they want to try other things first.  So, first off, he's going to wear glasses.  They are supposed to help relax his eyes enough for them to stop crossing.  Second, buy some medical tape, you are going to be patching his eye - in hopes of strengthening the eye and making it work.  Probably for quite some time.  He must build up to wearing the patch for all but 2 hours each day.  He forwarned us, Jaden's going to hate it.  He's going to complain and probably beg us not to wear it.  The patch is so that Jaden's left eye will hopefully strengthen enough so that he will have legal vision in it.  Wow, I'm glad Rod was sittting next to me.  Did I hear him right?

He hands me a sheet of paper on how to "make" an eyepatch.  Don't you just buy a black eye patch and call it good?  I guess kids try to peek out of that kind of patch - so it must be taped on.  He said that we'll know whether or not his eye is working better because he'll be able to do more and will complain less.

After the appt. - we stopped by a medical supply store and bought 2 each of 2 kinds of medical tape.
We stopped by our original eye doctors office to order Jaden's glasses.  Which won't be in for four to six weeks... then we went to pick up the rest of the kiddos from the grandparents and spill the news.

His next appt is in November - to see how he's doing.  If his eye is taking in info or not.

Then we get home.  I'm just taking it all in.  Jaden's feeling odd because of his eyes being dialated... so he's not feeling right to begin with.  Rod runs an errand to the store with Julia.  I decided to practice making an eyepatch.  I make it - and put it on him.  At first no problem. 

About a half an hour later - the child is in tears.  Asking me to take it off.  Why can't they just do surgery mommy?  Can't we just let my eye be bad?  I can see with my good eye mommy.  He cried and cried and cried.  It was as if he was mourning the loss.  It hit me hard.  He was trying to play legos in the middle of the floor with the patch on and crying and saying things like... I can't see the legos mommy.  Deep breath.  He asks later to take it off.  I say yes, but tomorrow it has to stay on for quite awhile.  Jedediah makes fun of him unintentionally - (I make an eyepatch for Jed to wear and let him know that he needs to understand what it feels like - so that he won't have any desire to make fun of him then!  I wasn't mean... Jedediah now understands.) 

Rod and Julia return.  We get the kids to bed.  I break down and cry.  Obviously, I want this to be done so that he can see better - but it was heartbreaking to watch him figure out what is going to happen for the next few months.  At least 2 months - probably 6 months or more.

Today went well.  Jaden wore it in the morning-afternoon for about 5 hours.  He did really well until a friend came over to play and he asked to take it off.  The surgeon said that he can work into the long hours, so I said yes - he'd wore it long enough for his first day.  Great job Jaden!!!  It'll be worth it in the end!

I'm really glad we're doing this, but it doesn't feel easy emotionally.  Thanks to our friends who've been praying... much appreciated.  I guess if I can really be thankful for something, I'm glad we didn't wait any longer to take him in.  That there's still the possibility of better vision for him.  And I'm thankful for kind eye doctors and kind eye surgeons.

blog by phone

recently got an app phone. so im trying out a blog by phone app. i dont know if i like this one or not... today josiah had a doubleheader baseball game in anacortes. i really like this fall ball league. (This is where I accidentally submitted it). 

This league is in Burlington.  The coaches spend the same amount of time with the kids as they do in little league - but the instruction seems to be better.  Josiah's getting real coach help for a real time swing.  He's improving.  Josiah is at the point now though, he's had enough input - he just needs to get out there and stop thinking about everything these new coaches have been teaching him!

This was our view of the game in Anacortes today.  I do have one thing to say - those Anacortonians.. really know how put up a little league field!  I think that is, by far, the nicest little league field that I have ever seen.  Great view, great seats, nice field - although it was turf.... like I said, nice field!

Well, apparently the app - is ok.  I added the phone photo and was able to type in text fine.  Though - text entering box was small - and I published it on accident - I wasn't finished with it.  So it's okay, but i'll probably see if I can find another one that will do a better job.  We'll see!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.4

Shooting Fun

So far, this fourth of July weekend is going great!  We're having a good time...

Today we met up with some friends that I haven't really talked to for quite some time.  It was sort of impromptu - and it felt so good to see them. Last week, Josiah went to visit at our friends, and it came up that my parents have property - which would make a good place to go shooting.  We asked my parents if we could invite our friends out & they said yes.  Then, this morning, our friends gave us a call to see if we were available.

We shot their Glock, their semi automatic 22, our 22 and our bb gun.  I was so impressed with how the Dads set up the rules, the shooting range and made sure that all the safety regulations were followed.  Josiah was a hoot - since he's just finished hunters ed/gun safety... he was dutifully enforcing gun safety rules.

Let's just say, that even though hunting runs in the blood in my family, I've only shot a gun a few different times.  I've shot a 22, whatever they had us shoot in gun safety class years ago and then a shotgun of some sort for shooting clay pidgeons a couple of years ago.  Needless to say, I'm not up on gun verbage past what they use on NCIS.  I'm not afraid of shooting or uncomfortable doing so, but just so completely unexperienced.

I also have issues with my vision.  A couple of weeks ago, I went to the eye doctor and he was impressed the my vision is what it is.  I have severe astigmatism and I'm near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other.  I've felt that this is one of the reasons that I haven't enjoyed shooting before, that I haven't had the opportunity to figure out my vision while shooting.  Today, although i'm right handed, I had the most success shooting left handed. (Rod's idea - trying to trick my brain). 

With the Glock, I hit nothing.  It was really loud and fun to shoot.  With the semi automatic 22, I hit 3 pop cans. Yay, for me - the first time I've hit anything!!

Rod & Josiah & Jed had a fantastic time.  Rod & Josiah shot the 22's & the Glock.  Jed shot the semi auto 22 & the bb gun.  Yes, I just realized when I got home that I let my 11 year old shoot a Glock!! Although, I'd have to say, I was less worried about him shooting, then I was myself!!  If you have concerns about me letting my kids shoot - well, lets just say, that as a child I saw what guns could do, as well as the value of them.  I understood how important it is to be careful with them.  Letting my kids have that experience, gives them first hand knowledge that I believe will teach them to respect guns as well.  That's just my 2 cents!

Then afterwards, we had a bonfire.  We were planning on going to see the Big Lake fireworks, but chose to visit with friends around the fire instead.  A chance to catch up on the events of our lives over the last few months.  I love our dear friends & I think that was a great choice!!!  Tonight, I'm feeling incredibly blessed that we have such amazing friends in our lives to share our life with.  God has been so good to us in this area of our lives.  Thanks Lord!

New Blogger in the Family

Yesterday, I got a request from my oldest - he would like his own blog.  I guess you could say - where did he get that from, but well, I guess that's pretty obvious.

I told him that I would think about it.  And then I realized that we could use it for a semi school project.  He'll have to work on his typing skills, writing skills as well as his spelling skills.  Sure son, you've just been awarded your next project!

For those of you out there who are worried parents, I get a copy of all his emails - it's how I have things set up with facebook.  So, I'm planning on basically doing the same with this.  I've subscribed to his blog through feedblitz.com.  It will send me a copy of every blogpost he posts.  That way I'll be able to keep up on content.  I will also be having a conversation with him about what is okay to post, not okay to post.  IE: Not okay to post:  personal information on self or family or friends, his personal email address or information on situations that the whole world doesn't need to know about. 

I have though, gone through the settings, so that it won't be listed in the google blog directory & it won't be searchable through the search engines.  I am also an administrator on his blog - so I can easily get in and change settings if need be.  All this being done, if it becomes too cumbersome or inappropriate, i'll just make it a private blog.  I'm hoping that that won't be necessary!

And yes, Jos is the type of kid who will honor me in respecting my wishes concerning his blog.  I think that through my public writing experiences etc that he's seen me do - that he understands that what we write out there in cyberspace matters - whether it be facebook - email - blog.  So no forseen issues there!

So, here's his blog addy: www.54pitches.blogspot.com
Enjoy!

Paper Boat Regatta

(Photo by Zindra - can you tell how hard it's raining???)
There is one thing, ONE thing - that we will stop almost anything as a family to do... Literally, when one of us notices that it has begun to downpour (not just rain) - we pull out the coats, hats, an umbrella or two AND paper.

(Photo by Zindra - Jed & Jules watching their paper boats.)  A few years ago, Rod learned how to make paper boats. Ever since then, when we get a downpour (and you really need about that much water) it's become a tradition to sail them. We live on a paved street, so when it rains the water moves them so quickly! Next time, I'll have to see if we can time it :D

(Photo by Zindra - Paper boats)  Today is one of the few days of the year where we got enough rain to actually sail the paper boats well :D It just seemed really noisy in the living room and no one but me was in it. No tv on or anything.. I looked around and opened the door to see if it was raining. It wasn't just raining! The rain was raining SO hard that the rain was bouncing off of the cement - making it look like hail! Paper boat time! 

I called to everyone and told them to come see - and Rod & I started making boats while the kids got their gear on. I love these moments. The sporadic ones that make you feel like you did something really memorable with your kids. This is one of the things that we do with our kids that I really believe that they will remember. And that's something that I honestly can feel good about. I just love though how everyone giggles and smiles and has such a great time! 

(Photo of Josiah by Zindra - 1st boat went all the way down the street.  Completed the course!  The 2nd boat went down TWO TIMES!  That's an amazing thing in itself - if you know anything about paper boats you'll understand!  The third boat, Josiah "didn't feel like" taking it to the starting line - and it made it from 1/2 way to the finish line.)

Now, back to what we were doing in real life - updating the mattress on Josiah's bed....

It really does work to study!

It all started about 4 years ago. I had been hunting in eastern Washington with my father in law. We were up on the side of a mountain and the ignition broke in the van we were driving. We were literally stuck on the side of a mountain, but I had full reception on my cell phone. So I called Zindra and she picked up the appropriate parts and headed east. By the time we got everything switched out and the car running it was almost dark. The boys asked if we could go for a little hunt and so we did, nothing happened but we walked out in the woods trying to be quiet(which doesn't happen when they are 7 and 5). So we get home and it is late and I was tired so I decided to sleep in the next day. I got up around nine and Josiah begged me to call Granddaddy and see if he wanted to go hunting, he said whenever you get here we will go. So I got out to his house about 10 and to the hunting area around 10:30. So by 10:45 I had shoot a deer with Josiah standing next to me and the dream was born.

Fast forward 4 years Josiah had been talking about being able to hunt and carry gun. I told him he had to take the hunters safety course and pass it. So we looked at the requirements and what he had to do to take the test. We found that he could take the test on the Internet and then do a field course and pass a small quiz.
I called and scheduled the time for the field test and I told Josiah he had 6 weeks and 15 chapters to complete and a test to pass. He buckled down and got through all of the chapters without much prompting. It is amazing what an 11 year old will do with the proper motivation. Now it is time for the practice test. We home school and do not take many tests much less multiple choice tests. The first practice test he missed 17 questions out of 75 it was a fail he could only miss 15. So I had him read some of what he missed and he took it again and again he missed 17. The next day I sat with him and did the practice test and went through the questions we only missed 5 but I was helping. So he took it by himself again this time he missed 11 great he passed but to close for comfort. I went through the test and found his errors and taught him the answers. We had to go run some errands so he got a break and came home and took the real test, he took the test and I had to pay $15 for this one and Zindra was getting annoyed because I was taking to long to tell her if he passed. I finally submit it and Josiah missed 2 questions 2 he passed with a 96 Yeaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Now the field test, we had to be there at 8am(come on I am unemployed I do not do 8am) So we get halfway there and forget the paperwork to prove he had passed so we go home and get the paperwork and get the test a little late. Josiah passes and the 15 question quiz and we listen to an hour of conservation and an hour of sportsmanship. Then we do the field test which requires to carry a loaded gun(dummy rounds not live) and go through obstacles. Each obstacle they unload go through the obstacle with the action open and reload. They had a fence, a log, a boat and a ditch. Josiah did great with everything his loading and unloading, muzzle control, and handing off the gun to somebody else. The only thing he forgot was to keep the action open which was closed 7 of 8 times. Each time was worth 2 points so he lost 14 points for an 86 but passing was an 80, so he did it Josiah is now official and can carry a gun and buy a hunting license. I am so proud of him and all of the hard work he put in to be successful and pass his test.

So this year even if we do not get a deer we still have a hunting story to tell for this year, the year Josiah passed his test

Springtime is in the Air

Well we all know that there hasn't been much sunshine lately! One of those sunny days in late April or early May - we went to Bellingham to pick up a baby swing.

Days before, Rod had pulled the one we used with all of the rest of the kids, out of the attic. The circut board died - so we needed something new. Rod check craigslist and there were a ton on there for sale. If you need one - that is the place to look!

Anyway, on the way home, I needed to nurse Jevonna - so we stopped at a park to let the kids play for a bit. Rod took a few pictures...

Anyway, one of the places that I like to get my digital scrapbook supplies from is having a scrapbook challenge. I downloaded their free template and thought I would put in an entry.
If you're interested, here's the place to find out the challenge info:
http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/blog/index.php/2010/06/03/easy-as-pie-template-challenge-two/

Passing the Test!

Quite awhile ago, we realized that Josiah was going to need to get his hunting licence. For the last few years, he's been accompanying Rod & Dad on their hunting expeditions. This last year, we got Josiah a one year hunting licence deferral, because we just didn't think he was ready to take the written test. So we did the deferral and here we are a year later, hoping that his reading and test taking skills are good enough to pass. No pressure here, right?

Well, before Jevonna was born, I went online to see where the hunting classes were and the times. Classes are offered all over the state of Washington, but they are sporatic (that's putting it kindly.) Trying to find one in your area that fits your schedule.. well, let's just hope that you don't have a lot going on in the first place!

I knew that they had the online class. I didn't know if Josiah would like doing it online. He'd have to be responsible for his own learning - keeping track of chapters, websites, etc. And then he'd have to pass the written. (If they go to classes, they can have the test read to them.) Ack! That's putting a lot of responsibility in his hands! Well, we decided to give it a shot. With a new baby in the house, we need less to do - not more...

So, when we began, we told him what he'd have to do to pass. I made him a checkoff sheet with a black sharpie, so he could keep track of his work. Then I asked him every few days if he'd done a chapter or two.

Last week, he said he'd finsihed all of the chapters! Hooray! He took the practice test, and it was obvious that he was going to need a refresher on the earlier chapters. Then a day or so ago, I realized that his certification course is THIS weekend. In order for him to GO to the class, he had to have his test printout notarized. Which means that his test had to be taken before Friday (today!). So the last couple of days, Rod & Josiah have been going over and over the practice test in their spare time.

Late last night, Josiah took the real test. I know that $15 isn't a lot of money - but Rod's unemployed. So, I guess, right now, $15 is a lot of money. If Josiah fails the test, we have to pay to have him retake it. I was praying that the Lord would give him discernment through the questions, so that we would only have to go through the stress of the test and pay - ONCE.

I thought I was all calm and collected while he took it. Then at the end, when I expected to hear that he passed or not (Rod had to get on to pay with our credit card), Rod sat over at the laptop clicking and pecking away. How long does it take to put in a debit card number - is all I could think! I guess they asked a bunch of questions after the test was done - before it would give the test score. Finally, HE PASSED! With flying colors too! 96 percent! Way to go Josiah! (And here I was concerned - aparently for nothing!)

I am SO entirely proud of Josiah for passing the "written" exam for Hunters Ed last night.

www.hunter-ed.com/wa/wa_internet.htm

Afterwards, I realized that that is the first test in Josiah's life that he's ever taken that actually mattered for anything real in the real world in HIS life. We do standardized testing every year - but that set of scores go into a folder - and just sits there. He's done All Stars tryouts and passed - but in the scheme of life - whether or not you make it one the All Stars Team really doesn't matter. Yet, if he didn't pass his online hunting exam this summer, there are real life consequences.... no hunting in the fall.

Now, all he needs to do is pass the certification - and i'm hoping that that goes just as smoothly!

Digi Layout: YOU

Layout titled: YOU
by Zindra Nelson
Photo by sweetpeamemories.com

Wording: "Our Jevonna Jean
I say "our" simply because you are not just mine and your fathers -
You belong in an entire family. Jevonna, you were born into a family, with older brothers and a sister who smile deeply each time they see you, hold you or kiss your tiny face.
Each of whom appreciate you
Each of us claims you
You are loved"

Last night, I decided to do JS's Photoshop Phriday tutorial on recoloring a black & white image. Here it is... the template, pages and most elements are from jessicasprague.com.

I pulled in a couple of elements that I made in my Illustrator class to finish it up. I love making brushes (the line of hearts at the bottom of the picture.)!!!

I've also learned how to do templates, and at some point, when I have a few minutes, I'm going to make some for myself! In the mean time, I have a few saved up from classes I've taken that I'm going to use....

A Real Post...

Since my last "real" post, last few weeks of my pregnancy came and went... as well as a few other things. Friday School included.

(Julia in her friday school class with friends.)
I missed a couple of Friday Schools this time around - either from not feeling great or having Jevonna. Personally, it was really a great Friday School term. I have really enjoyed being available to talk to Moms. Sometimes we chat, sometimes we talk Friday School business, sometimes I have the opportunity to minister or be ministered to. It's a good place to be and I'm glad to be a part of it!

(the boys at display night with their chess awards.) Because Rod & I are in charge at FS, I've been trying to lighten my load here & there about FS business. One of the things that would help me out is finding someone to do the newsletter. In March, Julie S. & her daughter Sarah said that they would be willing to give it a shot. So, they did their first newsletter for the co-op in May. I'd have to say that when we printed it and I saw it all nicely done, that for a slight moment in time, I missed doing it. Just for a moment. Since then, I've just been proud at how well they've done & looking forward to their future issues! Thanks Julie & Sarah! I so really so much so appreciate it! Bless you!

(Jedediah with his Star Wars lego display.)
This year, Graduation was on the same night as Display Night. Display night is an evening where we can invite friends and family to come take a look at projects that the kids have been working on throughout the year - as well as introduce them to others who are homeschooling.


(the boys with granddad in front of Rod's chess class display, our Garden club display board and Josiah's artwork display - which you can't really see.)

The boys are wearing their chess awards - each of the won one in their round robin tournament that Rod does during his chess class. Not until I tallied up the class results the night before DN that I realized that ALL 3 were getting awards :D Proud Momma! (Jedediah got gold. Jaden Silver. Josiah Bronze. Jaden is in a different grouping that Josiah & Jedediah.)

(Class of 2010 and their parents.)
This year we had 9 teens graduate! We had a fantastic ceremony at Emmanuel. It was so great to see the kids get recognized as graduates as well as to see the parents of non graduating kids and their kids co-op catch the vision for graduation. Up until the last year or so, I had really stuggled with what I wanted to do with graduation for my kids. I realize that I still have a few years until Josiah is old enough, but still... I wanted him to have a real graduation. Now, we've had a "real" graduation for two years - and I think that it will continue to happen as long as we have graduates at First Class as well as someone who's willing to organize it!

Well, here's to catching up... one of a few posts I'm sure.

Welcome Jevonna Jean!

Welcome baby Jevonna Jean!
(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of sweetpeamemories.com)

I can tell you that I very much like having a baby in the house. Well, I suppose you might be able to tell that already if you know me :D Such a sweet little darling. She's been everything that I dreamed of and more.

What I didn't see coming was how much the kids would take to Jevonna. The way Josiah held her in his arms those first few days.. like she was worth her weight in gold. A moment, a flicker of time, that I could not have ever imagined.

Jedediah has told me quite often since she was born (him being the more practical one) that she was worth all of the inconviences that we have had the last few months. (Mom not entirely being herself, not doing the things that we normally do and me just plain not being around as much because I was napping...)

(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of sweetpeamemories.com)
Since Jevonna has been born, Jaden has found the caretaker part within himself. He has taken to holding her and taking care of her and her needs in a way... that to me wasn't as much of a noticeable part of his character before. He's blooming.

Julia has found that having a baby isn't as easy as she thought it would be. She is a very good big sister. But she often doesn't know what to do with Jevonna when she cries or is fussy or when she just plain is done with playing with her. I keep assuring Julia, that things will settle down. Little Jevonna will get bigger and easier to handle and easier to play with...

(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of sweetpeamemories.com)
Rod is his usual baby self. He has such a knack for his babies! When he holds her (which is just like the other four kids) she settles right down. He knows how to settle down a fussy baby! Jevonna curls up in his arms and settles in like she's known her daddy all along. Hmm, what a beautiful thought.

Me, well, I've come to realize that I am grateful to have another child in our home. I've been tired, sore, frustrated with life, etc. but I'd have to say, when I look into her big blue eyes, that the thing I feel the most is awe - that I was given the opportunity for a relationship with this little being that God has so graciously blessed us with... and it brings tears to my eyes!

She's an amazing little gift from God. Her name means "God's gracious gift."
Welcome little Jevonna Jean ~ We are so glad to have you in our lives!!! Here are a few of my favorite photos that were taken of Jevonna when she was 5 days old. (photos: Jevonna, courtesy of sweetpeamemories.com)

It's a Girl!

It's a Girl!
Miss Jevonna Jean was born on April 8th.

(photo: Rod & Jevonna, courtesy of Shannon, sweetpeamemories.com)
Rod & I were quite surprised to find ourselves the proud parents of another baby girl. For some reason, it just seemed that for so many years that we only made baby boys - and that the Lord blessed us with a baby girl once... could it happen twice?

We love our three boys & I would have welcomed another with open arms. Rod & I didn't find out what we were having until that much anticipated moment in the hospital room - where everyone is waiting for the all important announcement that we've waited 9 months to find out! It's a Girl!

The delivery was the best delivery that i've ever had. And I can say that honestly, since it was my 5th! When we came home from the hospital, I wrote down the different times different things happened, but at the moment, I don't remember all of the specifics.

Around 1:30 pm in the afternoon on April 8th, my water broke. The kids had spent the night at my parents. I had been in to the hospital with false labor the afternoon before - and my parents had said that they would watch them that night.

(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of Shannon, sweetpeamemories.com)
The next day around lunch, Rod & I decided that we should go get the kids & find a place to go take a walk & see if we could get things rolling. A nice stroll somewhere pretty, like Washington Park.

I was laying in bed, pouting, as Rod went to call my parents to let them know we were taking the kids.. Oh, how I just wanted it all over! To have the gem of a baby in my arms and to be on the road to recovery - it was all that was really on my mind. I decided that I would go along with Rod to pick up the kids when I heard what sounded like to me an audible "pop". Hadn't had that experience before. I thought that was odd and sat there for a bit longer. When I got up to go get ready to go ... uh... I stood up and I was dumping water. Water everywhere! I hollered at Rod down the hall - "uh, Rod, call Dad back - my water just broke! We won't be picking up the kids afterall!" YAY! All of a sudden, I was SO excited! Not long now :D

(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of Shannon, sweetpeamemories.com)
Rod & I have a tradition when I go into labor. Once in labor, we have "my last meal" at Taco Bell. My midwife said that she would have allowed me to eat in labor, but it "used to be" that they wouldn't.. So normally, and I guess I can say "normally", when I go into labor, I take a shower, take the kids to my parents (if they aren't already there), eat at Taco Bell and then it's off to the hospital.

This time around, I also had to call all the gals that we invited to the delivery room. Okay, haven't had quite so many around before, but I believe birth is such an amazing experience, that everyone that's had a baby, should be able to see one born... somehow - there's no denying that the beginning of life is such an amazing experience. Simply amazing. So a few of my girlfriends were there!

(photo: Jevonna, courtesy of Shannon, sweetpeamemories.com)
Skagit's updated Labor & Delivery since I had Julia - so everything is so nice & new. I was able to walk the floor while getting things going (opposed to the hall the old hospital had.) And then once I hit 5cm - I went into the jetted tub. Wow, I can honestly say, that if that would have been around in the old days - it would have made such a difference in my labors! Seemed that it cut the pain in half... The only thing I felt bad about, was Rod sitting on a doctors chair next to the tub holding my hand - that often was cutting off the circulation to his. It was just an odd position for him to be in for a couple of hours... but I appreciate his sacrifice :D

At 11:30 pm little Jevonna was born. 8lbs 5 oz and 20.5 inches long. Beautiful little girl! My midwife, Lynette, didn't announce that she's a girl for quite a long pause... It seemed like forever before someone said "It's a Girl!"

(photo: Rod looking at Jevonna, this is one of my favorite pictures that I took of him at the hospital...)
What an amazing experience for me, to be surrounded by family, Rod, Mom, Shannon (sister in law) and friends... Shannon took post birth pictures for me & they turned out so neat! She captured moments that I have experienced but not seen on film. I'm also thankful for Rod, who is so amazing, and somehow walked me through the experience of birth one more time. I felt truly honored that he was so there for me. Thanks Rod, you're so good to me!

Baby and Bunnies

I'm up early once again. I've been up a good portion of the night. Braxton Hicks contractions are making it uncomfortable to sleep. Blah. 7 weeks to go - still too early to deliver. Hopefully, I won't need to stand on my head in order to keep this baby in :D There's more to this story, but i'm not feeling like posting it at the moment... I had an ultrasound last week and all looks good.

Yesterday was our second day of Friday School. I'm always amazed at how nice it really is to see so many of our friends on Fridays. It's a tremendous blessing. And then with everything going on with many of my friends... miscarriage, cancer, another cancer, unemployment all around, a friend lost a parent unexpectedly... I am reminded of my place in the world.

Rod being on unemployment is stressful - but it's not one of the issues that is a matter of life or death. I've found one of the blessings in helping others, caring for others, is that is a distraction from the stuff going on in your own life. I guess that can be good and or bad. I also think that it's good for ones heart!

I'm also amazed at how busy we've been! Rod's been on unemployment about 3 weeks, so honestly, shouldn't we be sitting at home with nothing to do? Oh contrare! Seems like we've been so busy we haven't been able to sit down. Well, for Rod anyway. I've had bouts with being tired... (having this stuff in the middle of the night doesn't help with not taking daytime naps!)

Oh, and for the kids, today was an important day... Josiah wants to breed rabbits or some amimal. Bunnies or birds. Whatever. Over Christmas we got a bunny to replace the one that died in Oct or Nov. The kids are super about taking care of the new one.

Well, a friend of ours who has bunnies was getting rid of some of them today & brought a few to Friday School. Well, I told her that I would be interested in taking one... and then Jedediah set his heart on a different one. So, I caved, and we brought home the one he wanted - an adorable tan little bunny. He was so upset when our Easter bunny died - that when I saw him so excited about picking one out, I couldn't resist letting him do so. I don't know what his name is going to be, but he is a boy. It looks like in the next week or so - we'll be building a real bunny hutch for our bunnies!!

A Shock or Two...

Got a couple of shockers today that really got to my nerves. So have you ever asked yourself, what happens to an empty glass dish that is placed over a burner that's on?? I've always wondered myself...

Josiah was making us all grilled cheese for lunch & he had turned on the wrong burner.. well, there was a pyrex 9x13 clear casserole dish on that wrong burner. He didn't see it - even though it was a clear dish. While he was in the kitchen cooking - the dish exploded all over the kitchen. Boy did I get upset with him! Later, I apologized for getting so upset.

He might as well as dropped the glass dish on the tile floor - it was so loud that I was in the next room and literally jumped. Later, I was just very thankful that no one was hurt. Josiah, amazingly enough, didn't even get scratched.

What I was really upset about wasn't the $20 dish - it was flying pieces of glass - that siblings are often in the kitchen - that he wasn't paying attention - that the stove - isn't a toy - and lastly - cleanup of invisible glass is a miserable experience. No barefeet in the kitchen for a few days. He knows all of that, and yes, mom will still let him make grilled cheese. I may ask him to remove all other pots and pans from the stove first though. He makes fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches...

The other "thing" was Rod got his unemployment package today. Well, to make a long story hopefully short - only 8 of the 12 months that he just worked count. They count the last four months that he was on unemployment as no income and then the first 8 months that he was working under contract - so for his unemployment qualification year - it is lacking his last 4 months of income - so that dramatically affects how much unemployment he's going to be getting. So we sat down and looked at how much he's going to be getting vs. our finances - and I prayed then vegged for awhile. We knew that this day was coming - and really I knew that I no matter what the amount is going to be - that it wouldn't be enough. So I don't know why I feel shocked by it.

On a positive note, baby is growing fine. At 31 weeks I'm 31 cm (tummy measurement) so all looks well there. Apparently, I'm not gaining enough weight. The midwife is okay as long as I'm not loosing weight but I haven't gained a pound in the last two appts... Well, I'm eating - and I can't eat huge meals - there's no room. So, I eat smaller meals - and more of them... And I've been eating cookies (smile) and that hasn't affected my weight... No complaints though, all of my doctors have complained about me not gaining enough weight during pregnancy. And my babies are all 7# & over - so they aren't small!

This pregnancy seems to be going pretty quickly - it's hard to believe that I only have about 2 months left - maybe only 6 weeks! I'm beginning to get bigger, uncomfortably so. I feel baby so much more now. It's feeling more real - which is making me realize that really soon, we're going to have a sweet babe in our arms!!!

Happy New Decade!

(Josiah, Rod & Jaden, at Michaels, while picking out a picture frame to put the painting in - the one that he gave Grandma for Christmas. Dec 2009)

Howdy, howdy, howdy! Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. Happy New Decade. I'll have to post my Christmas card here sometime soon. We had a very nice Christmas & New Year. It's great to spend time with family & friends and catch up on all of the latest. I thought that I would be blogging a lot more often because I'm pregnant - I just have been keeping busy - and staying off of the computer...

Lots has been going on at the Nelsons. I'm 27 weeks pregnant. Can't believe I'm so far along already. It's going to be over before I know it! I guess though, that that would be a good thing. Had an apt. about a week ago - things are status quo - and I will have another apt in about 3 weeks. Boy, I'm starting finally feel big around the middle!

Rod's waiting to hear at work whether or not they are going to extend his contact or not, and if so - for how long. We hear that contract extensions, past one year, do not ever happen - but I guess there are a couple of people who'd like him to stick around. So we'll see where that goes. Either way, I'm okay - I would just like to know. I guess in theory, he should be looking for another job - right now - in case they don't extend his contract. That or he goes back on unemployment. As of right now, he will be done at Microsoft the first week of February. Uh, that's only 3 weeks away! I would like to be able to plan things one way or another... and that's the part that "gets" me.

On a sweet note - not too long ago, someone gave us a birdcage. Well, an empty birdcage screams - BUY A BIRD! So we've been "shopping" for one for a couple of weeks. New Year's Eve we finally went and bought a beautiful little blue Love Bird. Adorable little one. We don't know if it's a boy or a girl - so i've been having a terrible time giving it a name. Right now, the kids are calling him tweety. Which works for me I guess. He's only 4 months old - so we've been working with him this week on many things - but we've all been enjoying him tremendously. I had a cockatiel when I was preteen - and I'd forgotten how much I really know about keeping birds! Will post some pictures soon! I guess Love Birds can have very different temperments - and this one is sweet, doesn't bite hard and loves the kids. He likes Rod though most, I think. So, I'm glad and thankful that it looks like he's going to be a good fit for our family :D

Well, Happy New Year & hopefully, I'll post again soon!