name it and claim it!

Hey girls! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I really just had nothing interesting to say. Jennifer, laminate flooring is a pain. My parents did it themselves in their house and it took weeks. It does look beautiful, but not so easy. Isn't it wierd taking pregnancy tests? Most of the time they're negative. But it's always wierd to take one. I've taken a lot because I am always a bit neurotic about worrying that I might be pregnant when I'm not on birth control. And you can't take BC pills when you're nursing, so I took a few tests after Seth was born just to make sure. Of course, it's not really supposed to be all that easy to get pregnant when you're nursing either when you haven't had a period yet. But just in case you girls are ever in that position, take it from me that it can be easier than you think to get pregnant again when you are still nursing and have not had a period for over a year and a half. If you happen to be anything like me, you can get pregnant that very first time you ovulate before you ever have a period. It's highly unlikely, but not at all impossible. Just a heads up! =) Speaking of pregnancy, I went to my doctor yesterday for a checkup. All is well and the baby looks good. He did an ultrasound and decided that my due date is September 27, 2006. Which is pretty much when I thought it was. Still don't know what it is but will hopefully be able to find out in a month. I'm still only 14 weeks along, so it's a bit early to tell. My doctor is very nice, but let me tell you girls, I am apparently not naming and claiming my healing from pregnancy nausea nearly enough because Dr. Ross (who is a very high strung, holy roller, Christian) told me yesterday that it is not God's will for me to be vomiting all the time. He literally spent at least 30 minutes just preaching at me about divine healing and confessing it and how when we're not healed it's because of a lack of faith on our part and not because God doesn't want to heal us. And so on, and so on, and so on. Now, don't get me wrong girls, I absolutely believe in God's healing power and in claiming healing by faith and professing His word through prayer. However, I've been praying for the nausea to stop for months now and so has my family and He's just not doing it. Maybe we're not doing it all the way we should, but I've also seen God choose not to heal a lot of people who had people praying for them who were doing it right they were doing it right themselves. I don't understand everything about healing, and I'm not cynical about it. But I can tell you, by the time my quick checkup had turned into a 2 hour church service with Seth sitting in his stroller the whole time crying, I was about ready to shove the speculum down my doctor's throat. Seth handled things pretty well though by pulling an entire tray of sterilized equipment over onto the floor. I still cannot tell you what the baby's heart rate was or how big it is or even if it was moving because my whole ultrasound was spent talking about my obvious lack of faith in divine healing instead of about my baby, which I will admit I was significantly more interested in. Oh well,... I like having a Christian doctor, he just pushed it a little too far yesterday. But I will stick with him because he gives me all the drugs I want and does whatever I ask. So, that's about it for me. Life is pretty dull lately. Josh works 12 hours a day and most weekends, so I spend a lot of time alone. I'm still getting sick and have recently developed a problem with migranes. Pretty common during pregnancy. It will pass soon hopefully. I have also developed a really annoying side effect of acne. YUK! I really hope that passes soon. Seth is doing well. He's a good baby and is getting very talkative. Not with real words yet, but he still talks a lot. He has learned to say "Hi". He likes to pick up the phone and talk on it. Not walking quite yet. He turns one next week. We are having a zoo themed birthday party because he loves animals. Most of our family is coming into town for the party. So, that will be fun. (It's April 8th at 1pm just in case anyone happens to be in Tulsa that weekend). Other than that I've just been working on some marketing and promotions preojects at church and for a client that hired me to market a childrens film. That's about it. Love you girls!!

just say 'no' to laminate!

Hey gals,
Life has been crazy full lately. Chris' cousin passed away on thursday and we had the funeral today. he was just 29 years old and died of a massive heart attack. So that's made us think about our own wishes and insurance policies, should we pass... very sad.
I just felt that I would get the warning out to any other do-it-yourself-ers out there, about our recent experience with laminate flooring. Saturday and Sunday we spent putting in laminate floor in the kitchen and dining areas. It took 2 full days and we still have 3 more boards to do. We worked until it was dark both days and it was just plain horrid, frustrating, back breaking work. It's not as easy as the packages make it sound. So, if any of you ever get to the point when you have to replace a floor, my recommendation would be to either save a bit more money and hire it done, or do ceramic tile. The end result is beautiful (and a bit slippery to start), but I've not yet decided whether it was worth the work and frustrations.
Today I brought home a bassinette. :) No, I'm not pregnant. My sister-in-law is certain they will not have any more children, so I've inherited some books and a couple of other items. Exciting! Oh yes, I did take my first pregnancy test about a month ago. That was an all-toghther strange feeling!
Must get back to my work now. love and miss you all!

and it gets even crazier...

Hey girls. I know I'm not the best with posting. But here I am again, and life is crazier than ever. I've just enrolled in a new grad school program (the other one I was in wasn't working out). This is an online program, which is good because I won't have a problem if I ever were to move before I finish. It does allow also for the flexibility I need, but boy is it kicking my butt. On my first quiz I got a 75%, and then I thought I got a 20%, but that turned out to be a misunderstanding. I need a B in every class to stay in the program, so you all can imagine my state of hyperventilation. But rest easy, I got a solid A on my most recent paper, so I'm back in my groove. I know, I'm insane about my grades, but this time i have to be with the required average. I don't really have the money to be re-taking classes. Work has also been super hectic, so I've been putting in extra hours there. So basically, I have very little life. I try to get as much done as possible during the week so I can enjoy the weekends.

Nathan and I are still involved in the church plant. Lifesong Church launches Sept 10, so something to be praying about if you think of it. It's amazing to see God being faithful in all aspects. We've already had a great deal of money come in, and there are already people who want to attend when it launches. Yet another things that keeps us very busy. Nathan is, of course, designing the webpage. He's working on the splash page right now (a one page kind if intro think until the whole thing it up and running). I'll have to email the link when it's done because it's pretty awesome.

On the fun side, Nathan and I seem to pretty much have closed the book on the snowboarding season (although there might be one more good day if we're lucky). My brother Matt and his girlfriend have also joined the fun with us. I've gotten pretty good, for only having about 1/2 a season under my belt. It's actually more fun than I thought it would be. I now officially have all my own gear. It's nice to have a hobby for the long winter months that drag by otherwise. But now it's over, which means it's time to get back into dancing. Never a dull moment. Ok, I've got to get going. I've enjoyed reading all of your blogs, and look forward to all the updates on your exciting lives.

Quick story...

Ok, so Ang told me that I should post this...
The other night, I was getting home from the gym and I hopped in the bathtub just to relax. I never shut my door, so Henry is around all the time. He's always sniffing the bubbles and watching my toes in the water and such. Well this time, he decided that he wanted to snuggle, and jumped right in. I have never seen a cat's eyes bug out soooo much! He was so shocked at whatever he landed himself in that he freaked out and jumped right back out. I had an apartment full of water and a shivering, scrawny cat that would not leave my bedroom radiator. But I also had a huge laugh. I felt so bad for him, but it was the most hilarious thing that I have seen in a long time. Just thought I would share...:)

Is it spring yet?

Hi, girls!
Did everyone have a good weekend? Mine was relaxing, but not very productive. I guess that's okay every once in a while. Although, Adam and I did make it to Ikea and bought some fun decor for our apartment, which we have decided to stay living in for a while longer. We were thinking of moving, but once we sat down and figured out the money we'd save to stay where we are, we decided that would be the wiser choice for right now. So, to add a little color to our very white walls, we got some fun prints, shelves and other decorative items. I'm thinking about maybe doing an area rug as well. I know -- don't go too crazy, right?

So my mom, sister and two nieces were here visiting last week. They all stayed with me in my apartment. All of them. With me. Yeah, it was tight, but we had a good time. Got to show them around some and spend some time catching up. Anna and Jess -- my two nieces -- are just a blast to hang out with. I'm hoping they'll be able to come back and stay with me again for a little bit longer.

I'm sort of in between jobs right now. I interviewed for three different positions last week. They're all writing/editing sort of jobs and they all seem pretty interesting. In the meantime, I'm still doing a little freelancing and trying to fund my increasing Starbucks habit. (Did you know once Tom Hanks cut Starbucks out of his diet, he lost 30 pounds?)

The past few days here have been brilliantly sunny and warm, which is really giving me spring fever. I don't have any flowers of my own to watch pop up, but the whole city seems to have come alive with buds and blooms in the past few weeks. Adam and I spent a lot of time outside over the weekend, hiking and playing on the beach.

Has everyone sent back their Sapphires Reunion RSVP? I just sent mine out...so exciting!

And now, I suppose, I should get back to work. I love you girls!

How cute!

Hey girls!

It's been a LONG while since I contributed, so I thought it was time. I've been meaning to during testing at school, but I always seem to fill my time grading and getting caught up. We are in the middle of our state tests, end of the quarter and conferences this week. Next week we start a spring break, I can't wait!! I've been involved in two weddings the past two weekends. I can't even begin to tell you how exhausted I am. And how much I miss you guys. Angie and Liz, I so wished I could have been at your weddings. This weekend made me miss you guys lots! Thanks for all of the beautiful pictures though. :)

Nothing super exciting in our lives. We have grown our little family by two this winter. No, I'm not pregnant, we adopted two kittens in January. It was a late Christmas present from Nick. Their names are Sugar and Spice. I've attached a picture of them. :)

We did have a pregnancy scare last month. I realized how not ready I am. I was really worried that I was pregnant. Part of me wishes I was, but the other part was screaming loud. I really want to go to China without being pregnant this time around. We did an at home test and it came out negative. However, it still took two more weeks before I started. I didn't know my cycle could go 41 days. It was crazy!! Oh...I don't know if I told you all, but I stop taking birth control in October because it was making me sick. My lips were constantly chapped and peeling and I was extremely mood. Once I stopped, the symptoms, especially the moodiness went away. :) Nick was happy!! But all that to say, it lead to a pregnancy scare. :)

We found out where we are going in China...We are headed to Hong Kong to teach English to kindergarten. It should be fun. We will be doing a lot of prayer walking and other stuff to, I think. :) Keep us in your prayers.

Now for the reason I sat down to write you all. STEPH and JENNIFER!! Those invitations you sent for our Sapphire Weekend, are AMAZING!! Thank you for putting together everything and for the cute invite. We've put it on our fridge. :)

I can't wait to see you all and just hang out!! I miss you LOTS. Know that I'm praying for you and all of your families. Julie, I hope you are starting to feel better with your little one. Steph, I'm praying your mom's treatment is smooth and that a job will find you! ;) Kim, I hope you are enjoying your family. Jennifer, you sound a busy as I am. I wish I was as creative to make curtains as you are! Angie and Liz, I know how crazy things get, I'm praying for you all. :)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Nothing big happening here...

Since it's been like a bazillion years since I wrote something, I figured I should make a contribution. I've been waiting for something news-worthy to happen, but since nothing has, I guess you'll all just have to deal with reading about my cats...just kidding.
I finished up my job in Everett working on the web site last week. I've got a couple things lined up for the next couple of weeks - editing some very scientific and technical papers that I pretend to understand for the University of Washington and am also filling in in the IT department for the City of Everett until they get the position filled. So I'm doing my best not to be a 'freeloader' as Adam so sweetly puts it. But I am liking having a little more flexibility in my schedule again.
My mom, sister and two nieces are coming to visit this weekend. Hopefully this nasty weather will clear up so we can actually be outside for more than two minutes.
We've been looking at new apartments lately -- trying to find something a little bigger and more downtown. So that's been fun, but a little shocking price-wise. But I'm all about the amenities.
The cruise with Josh and Julie was fabulous. Even though the weather kind of sucked some of the time, it was great to get away from the mundane stuff and just hang out with friends. And...I got to go snorkeling for the very first time! It was pretty fun, though the water was arctic-blast cold. I definitely want to go again though and for a longer period of time. Adam was very cute -- was kind of scared to get in, but once he did, he had a good time. Even though Josh kept teasing him about sharks, which practically made him hyperventilate. But it all worked out fine.
Well, I've got a lot to get done this afternoon, so I'd better hop to it. Love you all!

Big Day!

Today was a good day - My best friend Erika had baby #4 - Ezekiel Josiah (I am not 100% on the middle name)! He was 7lbs 13oz. Born at 1:17PM March 8, 2006. He has just a little peach fuzz for hair, and apparently looks a lot like Justyce when she was born. It was an early birthday present for big brother Makias, who turns 5 on March 11th. Danie is supposed to send me a picture on my phone...can't wait to see him! :)
Also, today was the first day of my mom's chemo. I just talked to her and she said that everything is good so far. She has something hooked up to her that she gets taken off in 48 hours...a follow-up treatment or something. Anyway, so now we'll just have to wait and see what, if anything, happens. Also, got a few job leads for Tulsa today, so things are moving along in that direction! :)
Ok, that's just the update from me...hope you all are well! Love you!

I'm really moving

Well, I gave my notice officially about 20 minutes ago. That was tough, but they have all been very supportive and very happy for me. April 20, 2006 will be my last day here at Tesar-Reynes. Whew...it feels a lot better to have that off my shoulders.
Let me just tell you girls that Jen and I had a fantabulous weekend! She came to my house and we just had some much needed girl time. SO GREAT! I can't wait to see you all in a few short months!
Julie, I've been thinking of you a lot - I hope you're making it ok with the pregnancy, and I pray that this time the sickness doesn't last as long. Kim and Ang, it was great to chat with you briefly this weekend...we'll have to spend more time catching up again soon. Ang, I haven't emailed in a while - so sorry! It's been pretty busy around here lately. Jamie, I hope things are good...keep us posted on the details of the trip to China. I am still praying for that, too! Liz, tomorrow - me - you - and lots of catching up. A week seems to go by so fast, yet there is always so much to say...:)
Ok, well I better go...I wish this could be a little longer! Love you girls!

Spring is coming!

Girls! This morning I walked out by my flower bed and... my tulips are starting to come up!!! I'm just excited beyond what I can contain! I'll send pictures when they bloom :) I hope someone is out there who will appreciate this! I've never planted bulbs before. It takes much patience to wait all winter long.
Just a little update on the Akers household...
Chris had his follow up CT scan a few days ago. The nodules that gave us a scare a few months back haven't grown. They've stayed the same and the doctor says there's nothing to worry about. We're retesting in a year. Probably caused by the pneumonia.
Chris' dad (Joe) had his prostate removed a few weeks back (cancer) and they say everything is healing nicely. We also just heard about the biopsy of the lymph nodes and they found no cancer in them - all good news!
I've finally finished painting the ceiling in the kitchen (not a good time) and we're now in the process of choosing flooring. Chris has been working on after hours projects these last few weeks to make some extra $$ so I can choose a floor that I really like. I've also decided to make curtains for the upstairs bedroom. I have the fabric cut but just have to do the actual sewing. Oh, and I'm going to start working on the sapphire scrapbook! Very excited about this as well.
And an update on the growth of the Akers family... it doesn't look like we'll be "trying" for a baby as soon as I had hoped :( We've still got some headway to make financially before Chris is comfortable making that step. He wants me to be a stay-at-home mom, and I whole-heartedly agree. So I'll just wait patiently for God's timing. And in the mean time... I dream about children non-stop!
love you and miss you all!