Luna, Luna

Here are a couple of great shots of the moon from tonight. Jessie said something during bible study that I should go take a look at it. I took a few shots with our smaller lens and then when we got home, Rod took another couple pictures with the larger lens. It was just cool this evening.

Tomorrow we are supposed to have History club - I still have to come up with something for Josiah to do. Here soon, maybe next month, I'm going to give it over to him as a project. Especially with me being pregnant, I just don't see myself putting in the kind of time that we have in months past. Although, I love the results!


Yesterday, I went to my very first doctors apt! With each of the boys, after birth, I had to share a hospital room and I had decided when I was pregnant with Julia that I didn't want to do that. So I went to St. Joseph's hospital in Bellingham. I loved my doctor. This time though, since SVC has changed their rooms so that you have your own room - just like in Bellingham - I decided that we'll have the baby here. That's nice & all, but I hate changing doctors.

I didn't mean to, but I got an appointment with one of the Midwives in the clinic at the Medical center - instead of one of the doctors. They said that if I want to, I can stay with them, unless there are issues with the pregnancy, in which case they would turn me over to a doctor. Midwife Mary seems nice & knowledgeable enough.

She kept asking me about pregnancy complications... I just kept telling her - I don't really have problems during pregnancy. It's postpardum that I have problems with. My next apt. is in april. It's early in the morning. I will have an ultrasound - so Rod should be able to go with me, yet still be able to go to work afterwards.


This photo was taken by my budding photographer - Jedediah. He asked today if he could use my camera (he's 7). I said "sure." Tonight I looked on my camera, and there must be 50 bird shots! Wow, that boy can take pictures! Apparently, Josiah, Rod & Jedediah have plans to use bird shots and do a bird identification poster board for Display night in May. Very thoughtful and a great idea boys!

I think that Rod & I have decided on a boys name. We didn't name Jaden until right before we left the hospital. I don't want to do that again - it was stressful. Now I just need to figure out a little girls name!

Fantastic Weekend with Friends

(photo: my current pregnancy addiction. Okay, well, it was when we first found out last week! Rod first figured out that I was pregnant last week when I ate 6, yes 6, snack sized almond joy's. For some reason, I just couldn't get enough of them. Rod teased me so much that he said that if it's a girl, we should call her "Joy" after the Almond Joy craving. Rod bought me one for "just in case" for our trip this weekend - and today Jay borrowed the car & ate it!)

Friday was a fun & crazy day! We did friday school & then we zipped out of there as quick as we could. Rod needed to do three hours of work - then we could hang out with some friends and then even later drive down to stay the night at the St. Johns so that we could go to the FCHM leaders retreat on Saturday.

Rod took me down to where he works. A big shiny building :D with lots of windows. I thought I would sit in the car and work on my bible study material for Tuesday night, while he worked. I tried to see if there was a wireless network I could log onto nearby & that didn't work. I realized though, once the network thing didn't work - that I was tired.

So, I took a three hour nap. Which was quite refreshing! Pregnancy makes me tired the first few months - and I know I should just expect it.

We went to dinner with the TenBrinks & the Powells at Azteca. Hadn't eaten there before & they had such huge platters of food. I guess we should have asked before ordering - maybe we would have shared a dish like we normally do! Instead we had leftovers!

Afterwards, we went on a long & windy drive down to "Kent." I'm not sure we really were in Kent when we arrived. The TenBrinks had some friends who play in a band. The band wants video & stills for promo materials & Jay asked Rod to go with to see scope it all out. Somehow it turned into us three couples going - Rod ended up doing stills. I didn't realize that quite a bit of their music would be country, but it was. I haven't listened to country really since I lived a home or rode in the car with Shannon. That's been awhile!

When we usually do stuff with our Teens group, we sometimes go to Lynnwood or somewhere a little out of the way. Partly on purpose. Time in the car usually equates into building relationships - and that benefits us all.

The band was good - but just like with the teens, we spent more time in the car than we did listening to the band. We had so much fun riding "an hour" both ways! Whenever we spend time with the TenBrinks & the Powells, it makes me wonder why we don't do it more often! We have such good clean fun!

We got down to the St. Johns about 1 in the morning. The door was supposed to be unlocked. It wasn't. It must have looked like we were trying to break into the house! Finally, Rod went around the house and opened the sliding glass door. I was really glad that we figured out how to get in. We stayed in "our" room (we always end up in Savannah's room - which we've now adopted). The last thing I would want was to wake up the St. John's in the wee hours of the morn - considering they were speaking the next day! We all had a good laugh about it in the morning. In the morning, the Laws had made the most fabulous omelet breakfast!

(photo: a few of us in a breakout session.) Soon thereafter, we headed over to US Digital. US Digital has office space for christian non profits that they donate for use. Literally, FCHM does not pay a penny for the space or the electricity. Computers and desks were donated to fill their "offices". I think they have four! Apparently they filled out an application for the space months ago, and it's turned out terrifically.

There was real conference room space for FCHM's use, an actual meeting room, a storage room, and a fancy cafeteria! There are 14 other ministries in the building. A receptionist. We were all simply in shock at how fantastic it all is. And I'm not talking dumpy office space - I'm talking brand new - fancy - immaculate space. What a shot in the arm, confidence wise for the entire ministry! Way to go God!

(photo: Leadership retreat, Steve Lambert speaking) Steve Lambert spoke - he has such a gift of cutting straight to the heart. An amazing speaker who is a vassel for the Lord. Heidi, Jay & the Kvalviks did break out sessions - on things relevant to the ministry. We had lunch in our lovely cafeteria. If I were working there, I think I'd pinch myself upon entry every time!

One thing that I love to do, while at the St. Johns is hang out with their teen daughters. One of them in particular, tried really hard to talk us into coming down to Portland for a concert later in the month - it looks like we may go too! The other one, I chatted with for so long, in the bathroom, that I forgot & almost missed a breakout session! Love you girls!

On a side note, when I think about having teens, I just know that I have a greater peace about it than I ever have - the St. John teens, a couple of the different teens at friday school - instead of being afraid of having teens, I'm thinking that i'm actually looking forward to it!!

After the retreat, we went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner. Rod & I met with co-op leaders from the 2nd & the 3rd First class co-ops. We encouraged, gave ideas, explained how we work with the teens - apparently we were supposed to be at that table!

On the way home it snowed. I so badly wish it were spring already. At one point I had wondered if we were going to be able to go pick up our kids. It all turned out fine.

What I loved about our little "trip" was that the friday/saturday combined - really felt like Rod & I got some good quality time together. I love quality time. So, riding in the car chatting or singing to music for a couple of hours, can actually fill my love tank :D

Today, Rod finished the two assignments that he HAD to finish. We took the kids over to the YMCA to go swimming. I was in the water for about an hour, but I couldn't stay warm (they said the pool wasn't the right temp) so I got out and watched for the second hour. If I had known I was sitting on the side line, I would have taken my camera - the kids are so much fun to watch in the pool!

Today I realized that Jaden can swim. He needs to take lessons again to really get going, but I guess Julia's the only one left - that can't swim! Wierd! We quit doing swimming lessons when Rod went on unemployment & gas was so pricey... I will have to look into it again. For some reason, whenever we do swim lessons, I feel like we are "on a real schedule."

Josiah could swim the length of a pool when he was four. Jedediah really caught it the summer after he turned six, while we were in Minnesota. Jaden has got it and he's six. I don't know when Rod learned to swim. I learned during a summer at Clear Lake Beach when I was much older 9 or 10.

Rod & I got to do something "normal" tonight - after he was done with his work - we sat & watched 24 & Lie to Me. That felt good. Just sitting on the couch together. Haven't done that in awhile. He's got quite a bit more to do in the next week. One more week of school & then he has a couple weeks off. We are all looking forward to his Spring Break.

Tomorrow, I have my first doctors apt. I should find out my due date. Hopefully, they won't argue with me about when I got pregnant (they have before!). The time change is messing with me - I'm off to bed & I definitely need to set my alarm!

Two Little Pink Lines

(Photo: my favorite pair of Julia's shoes) We are going to be adding another pair of shoes to the family! We found out Monday night that - drumroll please - I am pregnant!

We're not entirely a surprised :D We're calling this one our Valentine's Day baby. Maybe that's TMI? Yes, this is something that I want - and I'm excited about it. No, I don't have a problem with the fact that it will be baby number 5.

This is actually my 6th pregnancy. Can't believe that I've been pregnant 6 times!!! Well, I mean I can, it just seems like MANY times. In between Josiah & Jedediah, I miscarried about 12 weeks. That was a tough time for me.

Rod asked when I wanted to announce it. I told him, right away. Get everyone over the shock and on with it! The reason I didn't tell everyone right away, is that we had to tell a few people first - family and my people - you know the people who you depend on who if they heard something through the grapevine - that they would be offended that you didn't take the time to call them specifically. What I didn't realize is that this time around, that I have many "people." Love you guys.

With family, many are on facebook. Uh - not going to announce it without letting them know first, they might get *mad* at us! Trying to wait to tell the world, until we've notified the fam. Love you too!

Today, I had a bad day. Or it begun that way and I planned to live in the mire of it. Apparently God had different plans. After I showered, I was so literally upset. Janet called. Not the type of mood where I answer the phone. I knew I was bad enough that I needed to talk to her.

One reason I was upset, was that even though I was upset, I needed to go over to EBC to make copies. Today. Friday school is tomorrow, and I need to have it printed for tomorrow. And I knew I didn't feel like schlepping the kids over there to copy in the mood I was in.

Janet & I talked for quite some time. She told me that she would come over & watch the kids while I went & made copies. So, after copies she stayed at my house & we chatted. Then Christina stopped by to say that dinner for tonight was off, Joy has a fever. Julia and Joy are good playmates then we'd get sick for sure. Reschedule for next week. Christina, Janet & I had the chance to talk about Running Start & teens - in general. Christina & Bobby left.

I talked Janet into a run for an espresso - where we got the chance to talk without our kids listening. God's at work and it's a good thing. Janet stayed til 4:30 when she had to go pick up Daniel from work.

Dad called, Garden Club was tonight & he was calling to make arrangements to pick up the boys. They are card carrying members. Proud to be in with their Granddad. So adorable. Anyway, since dinner is canceled, I made arrangements for them to go. While on the phone, I was telling him about the Souths and the fact we were supposed to go over there for dinner. Then I explained that they have 6 kids - 5 are theirs (2 bio, 3 adopted) and one foster who they are planning on adopting later this year. He said, "Are you planning on catching up with them??!!" Oh my gosh, we both laughed.

My parents seem to be genuninely glad - okay with the whole baby thing. I'm glad. They are one set of people who that I genuninely care about what they think. Even if they didn't, in time, they would get over it!

Dad then showed up about 5pm to trim my apple tree & we sat & talked for a half hour or so. So - I started the day off badly & had three guests in my house (plus three kids!). God has a sense of humor! Why is it that you cannot stay in a bad mood when you have company? True for me anyway.

I was reminded of a friend today who's husband is self employed & they are having a tough time. Something in my spirit told me that we needed to do something nice for them. The dust hasn't settled really since Rod's started his temp job - but we've been there - lived it. Friends were there for us - I really feel the need to be there for others. Instead of doing what "we were supposed" to do, we did what "was right to do." Taking my eyes off of our issues and putting them on others. It was very good.

Doctor's apt. on Monday - when I'll get a due date. As far as I can tell, it should be early November - late October. Will have em at the Skagit Valley Medical Center.

Know of ANOTHER good "J" name? And No - we probably won't find out what it is... it will either be a boy or a girl.

2009 March FCSC Newsletter

Click HERE to view the March 2009 First Class Skagit County newsletter. This is the newsletter that I am the editor of - for our local homeschool co-op.

♪Crickets Are Cricketing♪

(Ice Skating, FC Teens, Feb 2009)








My digital scrapbooking classes that I've signed up for have finally started! Yay! Not that I've had time in the last couple of days since they've been posted to work on them. First, I had to finish the FCHM ezine (which I just finished) and now I need to finish up our homeschool co-ops paper newsletter.

This month, I added two pages, because that's how many I can get away with adding without adding to the postage. One page is on homeschool testing - and our many options. The other page is on info for our First Class Skagit County Yearbook that quite a few people have diligently been working on. I helped collect pictures by email, if that counts :D

I haven't yet though, had inspiration to write the cover article. Maybe that will come tomorrow - then I can work on my two classes. My first class is an advanced Digital Scrapbooking class. The second, and probably more important at this point, is called OH SHOOT! It's a class where I will be able to learn the in's and out's of shutter speeds, aperture, what f/stop means, etc. all related to DSLRs! Good timing on that one, I think!

This weekend we are planning on going to a concert, driving to Portland to the FCHM retreat. FCHM has some exciting news! US Digital is giving them FREE space of conference rooms, copiers, etc... they have space & they wanted to give christian non profits a place to BE! What an answer to prayer! You can read all about it in the Ezine by clicking HERE.

(photo: Rod & I at the Lynnwood Ice Arena on 2/28/09. I made him retake this picture b'c he moved - but I still liked this one better....)

Saturday night, Rod, Christina and I took 17 First Class Teens Ice Skating. (Uptains - I heard you were supposed to be there... WHERE WERE YOU???!!!) We had a terrific time of course. No one made fun of the fact that I hurt myself so badly last time. Up until we actually got to the rink - I wasn't afraid of skating AT ALL. But, once I got on the rink - I was extremely insecure. After some time, I mellowed out and began to enjoy myself.

I really enjoy the time we have with others when we do things like take the teens ice skating. Rod & I often chat about how exciting it was to get one on one time, with different kids. I got to catch up with Christina too. It feels like it's been awhile since we've chatted - I guess it's been about a month! Gotta do better there!

A couple of the teens and I decided that our next *thing* is going to be a Lord of the Rings, extended version, all three movies, marathon. I talked to the Mom where we are going to do it (they have a large screen tv). We have yet to pick a date though! That's going to be a fun, long, snack-filled, whole - day!

At the moment, the crickets that we bought to feed to Oscar, are sitting in their baggie on top of the fish tank, cricketing. Or whatever it's called that crickets do to sing. Rod says it's to attract a mate. Is it? It makes me feel like I'm outside at my parents house - which is the only place I normally ever hear them sing♪.