Thursday, December 31, 2009
drum roll please.....
The dates for the next Sapphires Reunion 2010 is......... August 20-22, 2010. I chose the 3rd weekend of the month to just give a little extra time for babies to be born and mommies to heal and recoup. Jen mentioned a wedding the weekend of the 14th and that you probably won't make it regardless... But, I did it later in August just on a hope that you might be up for it. =) And for Jamie and Kim as well, that gives you a little more time to get your new routines figured out. So, unless anyone has a specific objection, we'll choose the 3rd weekend of August. Hope this works. And if not, we still have a little time to change it if someone has date conflict or major preference. Also, please remember that the dates are loose in that you can come in whenever you want and stay as long as you want and use my parents' house as an overflow home base hangout. I will come in as early as people want to hang and will stay as late as people want to hang out. Also if you're flying, the Dayton Airport is closest for pickup anytime before Friday afternoon and Cincinnati would be closest during the actual weekend. Columbus would be ok too if before Friday. And if anyone is flying in especially early and can leave a little later, feel free to fly into Detroit and ride down with me or Liz. =) Love you girls!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Survey
Hey girls! Sorry to bombard you all with tons of reunion stuff. But, I have had a little extra time today to start working on things and thought I'd get started. Please just take a minute to fill out the attached survey when you get a second so I can kind of start making some plans for the summer. Also, if you have already talked to me about not being able to attend this year, then don't worry about it. Maybe just fill it out if there's a chance you'll make it just in case or just answer the first Q that tells me you won't be able to make it for sure. I emailed it to you all too just to make sure nobody misses it.
Sapphires Reunion 2010, Survey #1
Sapphires Reunion 2010, Survey #1
Reunion
Hey girls! Hope you all had a great Christmas! It's time to start making some plans for the reunion this summer. We do have a few babies being born in the Spring and early summer. So, I was thinking we should focus our date options on the August month to make it more feasible for some of the new mommies to make it with their babies if they want. I know we have some teachers in the group and Steph is in school and I'm not sure about school start dates. My school aged kids will be starting in September this year. So, basically... I need some feedback. Any strong opinions one way or the other about some specific weekends in August or maybe the last weekend of July? Let me know girls and I'll get on it! Love ya'll!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Hey girls!
Happy Thanksgiving!
I thought I would start the sharing about what I am thankful for this year. First of all the thing I am most thankful for is the heartbeat of our baby! We are 13 weeks pregnant. :) After 3 long years of trying and a few mis-haps we have heard the heartbeat of our baby 3 times now.
I began to suspect something was up in mid-September. When I missed my cycle it took me another 5 days before I could even get enough courage to take a prego test. I told Nick by waking him up and giving him a Father's Day card that I had forgotten to give him. It took him a minute or two to put it all together.
I have had such a deep peace about this pregnancy that I didn't feel like I need to tell anyone for a long time. Nick had to convince me to tell my mom. We didn't start telling other family until we heard the first heart beat at 6 weeks.
As we went in for our first ultra-sound we were very guarded. That is where we found out there was no baby last time. I laid there with my eyes closed for most of the ultra-sound. When the tech said she could see a heart beat I could barely look. She turned the sound on and the sound was incredible!
We got to see the baby again about 10 days later at our second appointment. Our doctor is great about reassuring me at ever step. We heard the heart beat again last week at our 12 week appointment. :)
I'm beginning to get more and more excited that it is really going to happen this time. My stomach is beginning to show, only to me, but its growing. :)
So... we are extremely thankful this Thanksgiving! I pray that you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving. We are praying for you all and look forward to an update from you all soon.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I thought I would start the sharing about what I am thankful for this year. First of all the thing I am most thankful for is the heartbeat of our baby! We are 13 weeks pregnant. :) After 3 long years of trying and a few mis-haps we have heard the heartbeat of our baby 3 times now.
I began to suspect something was up in mid-September. When I missed my cycle it took me another 5 days before I could even get enough courage to take a prego test. I told Nick by waking him up and giving him a Father's Day card that I had forgotten to give him. It took him a minute or two to put it all together.
I have had such a deep peace about this pregnancy that I didn't feel like I need to tell anyone for a long time. Nick had to convince me to tell my mom. We didn't start telling other family until we heard the first heart beat at 6 weeks.
As we went in for our first ultra-sound we were very guarded. That is where we found out there was no baby last time. I laid there with my eyes closed for most of the ultra-sound. When the tech said she could see a heart beat I could barely look. She turned the sound on and the sound was incredible!
We got to see the baby again about 10 days later at our second appointment. Our doctor is great about reassuring me at ever step. We heard the heart beat again last week at our 12 week appointment. :)
I'm beginning to get more and more excited that it is really going to happen this time. My stomach is beginning to show, only to me, but its growing. :)
So... we are extremely thankful this Thanksgiving! I pray that you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving. We are praying for you all and look forward to an update from you all soon.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Monday, November 02, 2009
news
Hay ladies, I'm pregnant! 7 weeks along. we had a scare last week and thought i had miscarried again. But we were able to get blood work, which was normal, and an ultasound where we got to see the heartbeat. So I'm due in June, which unfortunately means i won't be able to attend the Sapphire reunion next summer.
We had Megumi's first birthday party yesterday and had so much fun! She loved opening presents, and loved all her new clothes and toys. So you know, we definately have a girly girl on our hands. She loves clothes and shoes, purses, and baby dolls. Gramma Ekle got her a little purse and put some fake money in it. Her favorite thing now is to take all the money out and put it back in again.
And with the first birthday party came cake! We had cupcakes and she devoured the whole cupcake. First she poked the cupcake, and held up her finger to Chris for him to try it first (hilarious!). Then when he survived, she dug in and ate the rest without thinking twice. Precious memories!
love and miss you all!
Jen
We had Megumi's first birthday party yesterday and had so much fun! She loved opening presents, and loved all her new clothes and toys. So you know, we definately have a girly girl on our hands. She loves clothes and shoes, purses, and baby dolls. Gramma Ekle got her a little purse and put some fake money in it. Her favorite thing now is to take all the money out and put it back in again.
And with the first birthday party came cake! We had cupcakes and she devoured the whole cupcake. First she poked the cupcake, and held up her finger to Chris for him to try it first (hilarious!). Then when he survived, she dug in and ate the rest without thinking twice. Precious memories!
love and miss you all!
Jen
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Next reunion
Hey girls! Since Jen mentioned it... I might as well get started on gathering some info about the next reunion. The plan right now is that it's my turn and I'm thinking we'll probably do Cincinnati, OH because there is quite a lot to do there and all in a very tight vicinty so we wouldn't need to travel much once we're there. It's also fairly economical and kid-friendly if need be. Also, my family lives 1.5 hours north. So we can kind of use my parents' house as a home base for anyone who wants to come in a little early or stay a little later. We can do some cookouts and hottubbing there and just relax. It would be VERY kid friendly is people have kids and just want some extra chill time with each other. I am planning to dump my kiddos with my mom, but like Kim said, we might have some childcare options for those who need to bring children. If there are children coming I was thinking we could look at getting a couple adjoining hotel rooms and putting babies/mommies in one or two rooms and then the non-baby ladies in another adjoining room so that kids can go to sleep and mom's can join the group with baby monitors easily. Also most of the daytime activities that I was thinking about would be fairly kid friendly. I was thinking King's Island, the Newport Aquarium/shopping area, maybe a Red's game, a riverboat cruise, etc.... So those are some of the things we'll need to vote on. Also, we need to get some dates kind of figured out. So maybe if everyone wants to email me the time frames that would work best for them and then I will gather some more specific dates that we can all vote one. I was thinking anytime from June through August... Miss you guys!
Friday, October 09, 2009
scoop
what's the scoop with the next reunion? i don't remember anything we talked about at the last reunion regarding the next reunion... i remember that we talked about it, but that's it! I'm missing you all!
Jen
Jen
Monday, September 21, 2009
It's about time...
I thought I would post an update to my last post... so here it goes...
First of all, we decided not to get the dog, but not for the reasons that Julie posted. I really do want to get a dog, but I don't think that it's the right time. AND I don't think that a golden retriever is the right breed for Aaron and I. We are looking for a more relaxed/chill dog like an english bulldog. GR are really nice, but are also very social and with us both working full time we would not be home enough to make it happy. Also, financially it is best that we don't add expenses right now. Hopefully sometime in the near future we will be in a better position to have a dog and treat it right.
On the job front, I decided not to go for the manager's position. It felt a bit overwhelming to me and I'm really not trying to add stress to my life right now. The money would have been great, but when it came down to it, that would have been the only reason I would have taken the job. As it turns out, it looks like I will be doing more baking for Stoltzfus Meats and will hopefully be able to stay full time there, which I'm really excited about. I'm also going to start working on putting a business plan together for my own bakery, just in case an opportunity would arise for me to jump on that. I do still feel a bit unsettled in where things will all land, so please pray that the pieces would fall into line with what God has in store for me.
Now for the somewhat disappointing news... The ultrasound I got at the end of August showed an ovarian cyst, which sounds really bad, but is ultimately (hopefully) not that big of a deal. It should clear up in one or two cycles, so I'm believing that is the case. The good new is that I did end up getting my period that following week, which made a huge difference in how I felt. What a relief... let me tell you! So yea, I go back for another ultrasound in a month or two and I'm looking forward to a good report. Please pray if you think about it.
So yea... I guess that about sums it up. Keep the posts coming. I miss you girls, especially those I did not get to see in Michigan.
Love to all.
Ang.
First of all, we decided not to get the dog, but not for the reasons that Julie posted. I really do want to get a dog, but I don't think that it's the right time. AND I don't think that a golden retriever is the right breed for Aaron and I. We are looking for a more relaxed/chill dog like an english bulldog. GR are really nice, but are also very social and with us both working full time we would not be home enough to make it happy. Also, financially it is best that we don't add expenses right now. Hopefully sometime in the near future we will be in a better position to have a dog and treat it right.
On the job front, I decided not to go for the manager's position. It felt a bit overwhelming to me and I'm really not trying to add stress to my life right now. The money would have been great, but when it came down to it, that would have been the only reason I would have taken the job. As it turns out, it looks like I will be doing more baking for Stoltzfus Meats and will hopefully be able to stay full time there, which I'm really excited about. I'm also going to start working on putting a business plan together for my own bakery, just in case an opportunity would arise for me to jump on that. I do still feel a bit unsettled in where things will all land, so please pray that the pieces would fall into line with what God has in store for me.
Now for the somewhat disappointing news... The ultrasound I got at the end of August showed an ovarian cyst, which sounds really bad, but is ultimately (hopefully) not that big of a deal. It should clear up in one or two cycles, so I'm believing that is the case. The good new is that I did end up getting my period that following week, which made a huge difference in how I felt. What a relief... let me tell you! So yea, I go back for another ultrasound in a month or two and I'm looking forward to a good report. Please pray if you think about it.
So yea... I guess that about sums it up. Keep the posts coming. I miss you girls, especially those I did not get to see in Michigan.
Love to all.
Ang.
Friday, September 18, 2009
enjoyment
hey ladies,
first to update you on Carrie... she is doing good. She is in a regular room, started physical therapy, sits up and talks to everyone, and gets out of bed to go to the bathroom. All a miracle!! Praise the LORD!
I am fully, entirely, and wholly enjoying the phase Megumi is in right now. It's the crawling phase... which means exploring! I've baby proofed the house so that the things she can get into are totally safe, and i just sit back and watch her learn new things... like how to remove all of the diapers from their bins, playing with ALL the tupperware and climbing into the cupboard, taking all the books off her shelves, same with DVD's, and playing in the dog's water bowl. She likes to "help" me fold laundry too... which just means she takes the freshly folded clothes out of the bin i just put them in :) And all the while she does any of this, she talks... as if she's sorting the items into piles and telling them where they belong. I love this little peanut!
miss you all!
first to update you on Carrie... she is doing good. She is in a regular room, started physical therapy, sits up and talks to everyone, and gets out of bed to go to the bathroom. All a miracle!! Praise the LORD!
I am fully, entirely, and wholly enjoying the phase Megumi is in right now. It's the crawling phase... which means exploring! I've baby proofed the house so that the things she can get into are totally safe, and i just sit back and watch her learn new things... like how to remove all of the diapers from their bins, playing with ALL the tupperware and climbing into the cupboard, taking all the books off her shelves, same with DVD's, and playing in the dog's water bowl. She likes to "help" me fold laundry too... which just means she takes the freshly folded clothes out of the bin i just put them in :) And all the while she does any of this, she talks... as if she's sorting the items into piles and telling them where they belong. I love this little peanut!
miss you all!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Carrie
ok, ok, so Jamie, Steph, and I are jealous that the 4 of you got to get together... but we are glad you were able to have a mini reunion. Hope you had fun ladies!
So i just got a call from my parents, who arrived in Michigan last night. As of 3 AM, Carrie is breathing on her own. She can move all 4 limbs when they lower sedation and talk to her. The CAT scan this morning of her head is completely normal!!!! Please keep praying ladies, God is answering our prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We also learned more about the accident. Carrie was merging onto the interstate and hit the guard rail. The car jumped the rail and tumbled down a 25 foot enbankment. They had to cut her out of the vehicle. Their car just about tore in two, separating the front and back seats.
Megumi is doing great, crawling and getting into everything. This morning she tore apart a newspaper and was covered in black ink. But she loved every minute of it, so it was worth the clean up. We are driving home from Minneapolis tonight after being here for the weekend, and for Chris' board meetings yesterday and today. I'm hoping to stay home for a few months now and not do any more traveling for a while. Miss you all! Jen
So i just got a call from my parents, who arrived in Michigan last night. As of 3 AM, Carrie is breathing on her own. She can move all 4 limbs when they lower sedation and talk to her. The CAT scan this morning of her head is completely normal!!!! Please keep praying ladies, God is answering our prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We also learned more about the accident. Carrie was merging onto the interstate and hit the guard rail. The car jumped the rail and tumbled down a 25 foot enbankment. They had to cut her out of the vehicle. Their car just about tore in two, separating the front and back seats.
Megumi is doing great, crawling and getting into everything. This morning she tore apart a newspaper and was covered in black ink. But she loved every minute of it, so it was worth the clean up. We are driving home from Minneapolis tonight after being here for the weekend, and for Chris' board meetings yesterday and today. I'm hoping to stay home for a few months now and not do any more traveling for a while. Miss you all! Jen
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
The latest from Cali
Hi girls! So I thought I'd go ahead and add our little update to the mix as well. And by little, I mean around the size of a large grape. Yep, we're going to have another baby. I'm about nine weeks along and having morning sickness like you wouldn't believe. But thankfully, there are drugs for that. :)
We had the first ultrasound last week and everything looked great. They're putting my due date at March 25, which you may remember, is exactly three months after Violet's due date (for those of you who like that six-months-to-the-day stuff).
Can't believe we're going to do this all over again! But here we go...
Love you girls!
We had the first ultrasound last week and everything looked great. They're putting my due date at March 25, which you may remember, is exactly three months after Violet's due date (for those of you who like that six-months-to-the-day stuff).
Can't believe we're going to do this all over again! But here we go...
Love you girls!
Sunday, August 09, 2009
the bandwagon
So, I thought I'd jump on the updating bandwagon and post a long-overdue update on us. First, I will make sure to establish my bragging rights that I now live very close to a fellow Sapphire, Julie. Having not lived close to any of you since college, I will not feel bad about this either:) We've had some good times hanging out, and I've definitely enjoyed getting to know her kiddos. Isaac is just adorable, and Seth and Lilah are an absolute riot. They're both so articulate, have amusing imaginations, and are just so fun. Katie is really warming up to them, and learning how to play with the big kids. And Julie is a good time as well;) Ok, I feel better after bragging a bit.
Everything else is also going well. Katie is such a big girl now, and I can't quite figure out when that happened and she stopped being a baby. She's got a ton of Nathan in her and is fairly reserved, a bit shy, slow to warm up, and examines things meticulously. But she's a girl through and through, and just LOVES purses and jewelry and shoes. Nathan's job is going well, plugging away on Volkswagon's site, and he's been doing a bit of writing in his spare time. I'm still working from home to bring in some extra money, which we need. I've also taken to making Katie's baby bows, and in the process have found I kinda enjoy it and have made quite a few. I'm going to do a craft fair next month and see if any of them sell. So that's been a fun new thing for me. I'll try to post some pics of them sometime, esp for those of you with little girls. Lilah is already testing out a few of them for me to see how they hold up:) Other big new includes a cruise we booked for this winter. This is really our first big vacation since our honeymoon, so we're super excited about it. My parents are going as well, and maybe my brother and sister-in-law. Nathan's parents are going to come in to stay with Katie. So we're super excited to have one last adult vacation.
I also have one tiny prayer request real quick. I have a rather unpleasant test to be done tomorrow. When pregnant with Katie, one ultrasound suggested I might have a heart-shaped uterus, which could restrict growth and result in premature birth. We don't think I really have one, and are pretty sure Katie's early birth was a result of her TEF, but I still need to have this ruled out. The test is extremely unpleasant, so I'd appreciate prayers that it goes smoothly, that I recover from it without much discomfort, and of course that my uterus is perfectly normal. I of course don't want anymore premature babies. And no, there won't be any more babies just yet. I'm not interested in sharing my ticket on the cruise with any miniature travelers in my belly:)Keep the updates coming. Steph, we're all looking forward to pics of the house after you're settled. Jamie, I didn't know you were going back to the classroom and I'm so happy you love it (I miss it a lot sometimes). Ang, can't wait to see you soon and keep us all posted and we pray about your big decisions. Jen, make sure you send us all your new blog password, and Kim, I'll see you soon too:)
Everything else is also going well. Katie is such a big girl now, and I can't quite figure out when that happened and she stopped being a baby. She's got a ton of Nathan in her and is fairly reserved, a bit shy, slow to warm up, and examines things meticulously. But she's a girl through and through, and just LOVES purses and jewelry and shoes. Nathan's job is going well, plugging away on Volkswagon's site, and he's been doing a bit of writing in his spare time. I'm still working from home to bring in some extra money, which we need. I've also taken to making Katie's baby bows, and in the process have found I kinda enjoy it and have made quite a few. I'm going to do a craft fair next month and see if any of them sell. So that's been a fun new thing for me. I'll try to post some pics of them sometime, esp for those of you with little girls. Lilah is already testing out a few of them for me to see how they hold up:) Other big new includes a cruise we booked for this winter. This is really our first big vacation since our honeymoon, so we're super excited about it. My parents are going as well, and maybe my brother and sister-in-law. Nathan's parents are going to come in to stay with Katie. So we're super excited to have one last adult vacation.
I also have one tiny prayer request real quick. I have a rather unpleasant test to be done tomorrow. When pregnant with Katie, one ultrasound suggested I might have a heart-shaped uterus, which could restrict growth and result in premature birth. We don't think I really have one, and are pretty sure Katie's early birth was a result of her TEF, but I still need to have this ruled out. The test is extremely unpleasant, so I'd appreciate prayers that it goes smoothly, that I recover from it without much discomfort, and of course that my uterus is perfectly normal. I of course don't want anymore premature babies. And no, there won't be any more babies just yet. I'm not interested in sharing my ticket on the cruise with any miniature travelers in my belly:)Keep the updates coming. Steph, we're all looking forward to pics of the house after you're settled. Jamie, I didn't know you were going back to the classroom and I'm so happy you love it (I miss it a lot sometimes). Ang, can't wait to see you soon and keep us all posted and we pray about your big decisions. Jen, make sure you send us all your new blog password, and Kim, I'll see you soon too:)
Friday, August 07, 2009
Loving my job again....
Thought I would chime in a let you know what's going on with us too... School started for me this week. I'm teaching 4th grade this year, and love it so far. :) I am definitely a teacher - I love being in front of kids all day and helping them discover new things!! Yeah for liking for my job again. :)
Nick began working from home this week, full time. He seems to be enjoying it, and I have to say I love that he is here because he loves a clean environment. Our kitchen looks great! ;)
Angie - I've been thinking about what you are facing and know what is it is like to face unknown changes. As we have gone through the past 3 years of trying for kiddos, I have learned one thing... don't put my life on hold waiting for kids. If you want to get the experience of management go for the new job... if you love your job and life... then stick with it and tighten that finiancial belt. We have longed for kids, but have also embraced what our life is offering to us now. Sounds like a puppy would be a great addition for your family too! It will be a good trial run for having a baby, or so I'm told. :)
We are praying for you lots! I can't wait to hear about the miracle of life happening in your life too!
Nick began working from home this week, full time. He seems to be enjoying it, and I have to say I love that he is here because he loves a clean environment. Our kitchen looks great! ;)
Angie - I've been thinking about what you are facing and know what is it is like to face unknown changes. As we have gone through the past 3 years of trying for kiddos, I have learned one thing... don't put my life on hold waiting for kids. If you want to get the experience of management go for the new job... if you love your job and life... then stick with it and tighten that finiancial belt. We have longed for kids, but have also embraced what our life is offering to us now. Sounds like a puppy would be a great addition for your family too! It will be a good trial run for having a baby, or so I'm told. :)
We are praying for you lots! I can't wait to hear about the miracle of life happening in your life too!
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Akers update
Hey all,
figured it was time to update you all on what's going on with us...
First of all... Angie - get a dog! yes! great idea!! Just also get a Furminator brush because it will eliminate HALF of the shedding!
Megumi is finally starting to understand how to move! She can now pull herself up on some things, and can get almost to her hands and knees from sitting position. So, I need to stop procrastinating and put locks on my kitchen cabinets! Meg still loves to babble and has started to say 'hi' and 'bye', as well as 'mama' when she bonks her head or is really tired. I've been trying to get her pictures taken but she keeps scratching her face on one thing or another... trying to wait for the scrapes to disappear before we get pictures.
Chris is working hard at work and just recenty hired a new developer who is working out really well. The first two he hired weren't so great... he had to let one go, and the other quit before she even started.
Chris and I went to Jr High camp with our youth group students last week. We had a blast, except that i got a head cold and Chris pulled a hamtring trying to race a 12 year old boy. Now that everyone is home, almost half of the students are sick with flu-like symptoms. They got confirmation today on one case of H1N1 with one of the students. Praying this doesn't spread!!!
The most exciting thing we did this summer was purchase a new car. We traded in our Jeep for a Mercury Mariner and we love it! Plenty of room for everyone, and the two dogs. It's dark gray, and has Microsoft Sync which just rocks.
Looking to go on vacation soon to Wisconsin. Same place we went last year, and Meg will get to play at the lake. Should be fun!!
Missing you all,
Jen
figured it was time to update you all on what's going on with us...
First of all... Angie - get a dog! yes! great idea!! Just also get a Furminator brush because it will eliminate HALF of the shedding!
Megumi is finally starting to understand how to move! She can now pull herself up on some things, and can get almost to her hands and knees from sitting position. So, I need to stop procrastinating and put locks on my kitchen cabinets! Meg still loves to babble and has started to say 'hi' and 'bye', as well as 'mama' when she bonks her head or is really tired. I've been trying to get her pictures taken but she keeps scratching her face on one thing or another... trying to wait for the scrapes to disappear before we get pictures.
Chris is working hard at work and just recenty hired a new developer who is working out really well. The first two he hired weren't so great... he had to let one go, and the other quit before she even started.
Chris and I went to Jr High camp with our youth group students last week. We had a blast, except that i got a head cold and Chris pulled a hamtring trying to race a 12 year old boy. Now that everyone is home, almost half of the students are sick with flu-like symptoms. They got confirmation today on one case of H1N1 with one of the students. Praying this doesn't spread!!!
The most exciting thing we did this summer was purchase a new car. We traded in our Jeep for a Mercury Mariner and we love it! Plenty of room for everyone, and the two dogs. It's dark gray, and has Microsoft Sync which just rocks.
Looking to go on vacation soon to Wisconsin. Same place we went last year, and Meg will get to play at the lake. Should be fun!!
Missing you all,
Jen
IMHO
Don't listen to Julie--she's crazy. Just kidding.
Ang, I think the important thing is to remember that the decision you make will be the right one for you. And that either way, it's better to have decisions to make than to be stuck doing the same thing day after day, right?
I can say that from my experience in the working world, having a job that I enjoyed was way better for my mental and physical health than having a job that made more money. And Julie does make a good point that having kids will restrict your budget in big ways, so it is a good idea to get used to it ahead of time (we didn't do that so much and it was a big transition.)
But...one or two years is still some time if that's how long you're wanting to wait for the kids thing. You can get a lot accomplished in that time that you most likely won't be able to after you have the kids. So this might be the opportunity to take chances and go for it while you can. I mean, I absolutely love being a stay at home mom (most days) but sometimes I do wish I had done more before I had Violet, because now it's a good five to six years until she's in school before I can really pursue anything academically or career-wise again. But again, that's just me.
You could always try that game from Friends too, where someone asks you a bunch of questions really quickly and you say the first thing that comes to mind to help make your decision. Hot or cold? Up or down? Red or blue? Manager or bakery?
See, I'm helpful on so many levels.
Let us know what you decide either way! We'll be praying for you!
Ang, I think the important thing is to remember that the decision you make will be the right one for you. And that either way, it's better to have decisions to make than to be stuck doing the same thing day after day, right?
I can say that from my experience in the working world, having a job that I enjoyed was way better for my mental and physical health than having a job that made more money. And Julie does make a good point that having kids will restrict your budget in big ways, so it is a good idea to get used to it ahead of time (we didn't do that so much and it was a big transition.)
But...one or two years is still some time if that's how long you're wanting to wait for the kids thing. You can get a lot accomplished in that time that you most likely won't be able to after you have the kids. So this might be the opportunity to take chances and go for it while you can. I mean, I absolutely love being a stay at home mom (most days) but sometimes I do wish I had done more before I had Violet, because now it's a good five to six years until she's in school before I can really pursue anything academically or career-wise again. But again, that's just me.
You could always try that game from Friends too, where someone asks you a bunch of questions really quickly and you say the first thing that comes to mind to help make your decision. Hot or cold? Up or down? Red or blue? Manager or bakery?
See, I'm helpful on so many levels.
Let us know what you decide either way! We'll be praying for you!
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
My Two Cents
Hey girls, I am posting my advise to Angie on here so that everyone can see it and add opnions or tell Angie that Julie is stupid and don't follow Julie's advice. =) Angie, those are big decisions. I'm not sure there is a right one necessarily. So I will simply tell you my thoughts. You mentioned that you are considering starting a family sometime in the not-too-far away future and that you really LOVE what you are doing now and think it will be valuable for experience to prepare you for a future doing what you love. The money with the managerial job would be awesome and might give you a chance to boost some savings. But here is my thinking... Are you planning to stay at home after you have children? If yes, you will have to have mastered living on a lower, one-income budget by that time anyways. Does your current job that you LOVE have the potential for allowing you to still work, maybe part-time, or more flexible hours for after you have children? If yes, then that might be extremely valuable to be able to still bring in a little bit of income because I'm assuming the managerial job will be full-time and will not really work for staying home with kids as much as possible. If you plan to wait quite a while before having children and just want to build up some savings and managerial experience, then the new job opportunity might be a good move. But my thoughts are that if it is your plan to have your own bakery or your own business and to stay home, etc. you will have to go through slimmer financial times anyways during the start-up phases, etc. and it might not be a bad idea to to just get really good at living a low-budget lifestyle in the meantime if you really enjoy your work and feel like it could lead to your ultimate business aspirations in the long-run. There's my two cents. Although I don't think you really have a BAD choice here because they both sound like good options. I'll be praying God guides and directs you as you make this decision. =)
Also, I'm sorry to hear you've been having some health problems with your thyroid. We'll be praying for health for you too and that the doctors can figure out exactly what is happening with your cycle, etc. Love ya!
PS. About the dog... if you DO plan to have children before your dog might die, I personally would recommend choosing a breed that does not shed as extensively as golden retrievers. Speaking from experience because Wyatt sheds, you will get very tired of vacuuming twice a day and picking hair balls out of your kids mouths during the crawling and toddling stages... Also, their clothes get disgusting because they're always crawling in dog hair. Again, that's just my "non-animal lover" opinion. =)
Also, I'm sorry to hear you've been having some health problems with your thyroid. We'll be praying for health for you too and that the doctors can figure out exactly what is happening with your cycle, etc. Love ya!
PS. About the dog... if you DO plan to have children before your dog might die, I personally would recommend choosing a breed that does not shed as extensively as golden retrievers. Speaking from experience because Wyatt sheds, you will get very tired of vacuuming twice a day and picking hair balls out of your kids mouths during the crawling and toddling stages... Also, their clothes get disgusting because they're always crawling in dog hair. Again, that's just my "non-animal lover" opinion. =)
Preparing for change...
I don't know if I told most of you at the time, but about a year and half ago (January 2008) I felt like I was to spend the year preparing for change. Little did I know what that change would be... before I get you all excited, it is definitely not pregnancy. And although I'm in the beginning stages of wanting that to happen, at this point I'm not sure it's possible.
Back to the changes... This year (2009) has proved to be a year of change and continues to be. It's been a challenging year to say the least - so far, but mostly challenging in a good way. I'm feeling pretty introspective at the moment and seem to be rambling a bit cause I'm not really sure where to start.
It started off with a job change for me last November and I have finally made the complete transition from my high-paying, boring job, to the low-paying job that I LOVE. I'm baking and going to market for Stoltzfus Meats - a local company that is really just a joy to work for. The unfortunate part is that it's low-paying and between Aaron and I, we will be taking more than a $20,000 pay cut this year. Car sales haven't exactly been the best, but they have picked up quite a bit in the last couple of weeks thanks to our lovely government and the cash for clunkers program. On a side note... I don't really agree with this program at all, but I am thrilled that it's helping out our bank by allowing Aaron to sell more cars. And although this new found joy that I have with work is fantastic, we have had to REALLY adjust our lifestyle, which is definitely not a good time for any of us. It's been REALLY hard.
Next... I found out in March that I have a under-active thyroid and have been on meds ever since. I've never been one to take meds and I hate the fact that I have to be on them, but for several months I was not myself (unmotivated, depressed, unfocused, etc...) and I must say, the meds are definitely helping with that. I've been feeling much better lately, but the other part of it is that I haven't had a cycle since December. I've been corresponding with my doctor and she seems to think its due to the thyroid issue, but I'm going in for blood test this week to see if the meds are working correctly... if they are, we will have to do an ultrasound to see if there is something else causing problems... I haven't had any other pain or symptoms, so I'm not too worried, but a little concerned.
And now... I'm faced with an opportunity to possibly take a management position with Stoltzfus Meats at their deli/cafe they are opening in Sept/Oct. My dilemma is this - do I take the job, the stress, and the money (which would also come with some really beneficial managerial experience for when I want to have my own place) or do I stay in the low-paying job that i LOVE (which comes with training in baking for the future bakery that I would love to one day own). I'm at a crossroads... The other factor is the fact that I would like to start a family in the next year or two... where does that fit in? Any thoughts/suggestions on what to do - I'm accepting all advise.
So that's where I'm at... just here, sorting through my thoughts.
On a side note... There is also a good possibility we will be getting a dog in October - a golden retriever - but that is also still up for debate.
Love you girls and thanks for letting me vent a bit. Your prayers, which I feel daily, are very much appreciated.
Back to the changes... This year (2009) has proved to be a year of change and continues to be. It's been a challenging year to say the least - so far, but mostly challenging in a good way. I'm feeling pretty introspective at the moment and seem to be rambling a bit cause I'm not really sure where to start.
It started off with a job change for me last November and I have finally made the complete transition from my high-paying, boring job, to the low-paying job that I LOVE. I'm baking and going to market for Stoltzfus Meats - a local company that is really just a joy to work for. The unfortunate part is that it's low-paying and between Aaron and I, we will be taking more than a $20,000 pay cut this year. Car sales haven't exactly been the best, but they have picked up quite a bit in the last couple of weeks thanks to our lovely government and the cash for clunkers program. On a side note... I don't really agree with this program at all, but I am thrilled that it's helping out our bank by allowing Aaron to sell more cars. And although this new found joy that I have with work is fantastic, we have had to REALLY adjust our lifestyle, which is definitely not a good time for any of us. It's been REALLY hard.
Next... I found out in March that I have a under-active thyroid and have been on meds ever since. I've never been one to take meds and I hate the fact that I have to be on them, but for several months I was not myself (unmotivated, depressed, unfocused, etc...) and I must say, the meds are definitely helping with that. I've been feeling much better lately, but the other part of it is that I haven't had a cycle since December. I've been corresponding with my doctor and she seems to think its due to the thyroid issue, but I'm going in for blood test this week to see if the meds are working correctly... if they are, we will have to do an ultrasound to see if there is something else causing problems... I haven't had any other pain or symptoms, so I'm not too worried, but a little concerned.
And now... I'm faced with an opportunity to possibly take a management position with Stoltzfus Meats at their deli/cafe they are opening in Sept/Oct. My dilemma is this - do I take the job, the stress, and the money (which would also come with some really beneficial managerial experience for when I want to have my own place) or do I stay in the low-paying job that i LOVE (which comes with training in baking for the future bakery that I would love to one day own). I'm at a crossroads... The other factor is the fact that I would like to start a family in the next year or two... where does that fit in? Any thoughts/suggestions on what to do - I'm accepting all advise.
So that's where I'm at... just here, sorting through my thoughts.
On a side note... There is also a good possibility we will be getting a dog in October - a golden retriever - but that is also still up for debate.
Love you girls and thanks for letting me vent a bit. Your prayers, which I feel daily, are very much appreciated.
Monday, July 27, 2009
More Updates
Well, ladies, I hope you all are doing well. I know we’ve all had pretty eventful summers so far, so keep these posts coming. I miss hearing from everyone!
Just wanted to give you guys a quick update on us. We’ve found another house to buy since the other one fell through. This one is technically in Broken Arrow, but it’s right on the edge – 81st and Olive, for those of you who remember. God is so good! We actually like this house a lot better than the other one and it was priced a lot lower. Everything has been going really smoothly with this one, so it’s just a testament to God’s timing and provision. We’re closing on the house on Friday, so we’re praying that everything continues to go smoothly. We get to put in new carpet right away, so we’re not moving our furniture over until the following weekend.
In other news, I also get more info this week on my internship that I need to do. I don’t know quite how I am going to balance working and the internship with classes, but I’m sure it will work out. I know some of you already know this, but we’ve officially gone off “the pill”, too. So we’re just seeing what happens with that. In my mind, though, it would be perfect timing to have a baby next summer since I have a BIG break from school then. But who knows – my timing isn’t always what’s best, I guess. J
Ok well that hit the high notes on the Cobb household…I’m sure there’s more to say, but the rest is just details. J I love you girls and miss you so much! Hope you all have a great week!
Just wanted to give you guys a quick update on us. We’ve found another house to buy since the other one fell through. This one is technically in Broken Arrow, but it’s right on the edge – 81st and Olive, for those of you who remember. God is so good! We actually like this house a lot better than the other one and it was priced a lot lower. Everything has been going really smoothly with this one, so it’s just a testament to God’s timing and provision. We’re closing on the house on Friday, so we’re praying that everything continues to go smoothly. We get to put in new carpet right away, so we’re not moving our furniture over until the following weekend.
In other news, I also get more info this week on my internship that I need to do. I don’t know quite how I am going to balance working and the internship with classes, but I’m sure it will work out. I know some of you already know this, but we’ve officially gone off “the pill”, too. So we’re just seeing what happens with that. In my mind, though, it would be perfect timing to have a baby next summer since I have a BIG break from school then. But who knows – my timing isn’t always what’s best, I guess. J
Ok well that hit the high notes on the Cobb household…I’m sure there’s more to say, but the rest is just details. J I love you girls and miss you so much! Hope you all have a great week!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Books and such
Hi girls,
I wanted to pass along a really good book I just finished in case anyone is looking for some summer reading. It's called Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a pretty easy, light read but it will get you hooked once you start it.
If anyone has any other book suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I'm hosting a book club now and I'm always looking for ideas!
I'll try to post some pics of the new place soon -- it's still a work in progress. :P
I wanted to pass along a really good book I just finished in case anyone is looking for some summer reading. It's called Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a pretty easy, light read but it will get you hooked once you start it.
If anyone has any other book suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I'm hosting a book club now and I'm always looking for ideas!
I'll try to post some pics of the new place soon -- it's still a work in progress. :P
Thursday, June 25, 2009
faith processes
Jamie, thank you for that post. I am so glad you are enjoying that study. Looks like it will be a faith challenging study for you as it was for me too!
Well girls, we have been busy little bees around here! Megumi is doing very well, still loves to eat (except green beans... she actually gags!), and loves to play. She's not yet crawling but I'm VERY ok with this and don't really encourage her to move. I know she will figure it all out on her own, and then i will be chasing her around constantly. I'm just not ready for that yet :)
I'm still working part time for the same company, and have taken on an additional project for Chris' company too. So, when I'm not playing with Meg, doing laundry, or sweeping dog hair from the floors, i'm busy working. My mother in law is a teacher and therefore done with school for the summer. She is helping watch Megumi some days so i can work and we can get caught up on some financial planning. Only one more year until she retires, and i'm as excited as she is i think!
Meg nd I just got back from a week in Texas, where we visited my sister. We had a lot of fun and Meg got to be in a swimming pool for the first time. She liked it, especially when one of the other kids splashed her.
The next bit of information i'm going to share is difficult to share... because there's no easy way to say it, and no way to say it without it being a shock. 3 weeks ago, I had a mis-carriage. I was 5 weeks along. We were "trying" at this point and got pregnant right away again. it just so happened that i was on the worship team that weekend, so was surrounded in prayer. Despite all the sadness we have experienced through this, we have had so much peace... the peace that comes from knowing God is sovereign and His plan is bigger and better for us than we could ever plan or imagine. I actually learned that lesson while i was going through Beth Moore's "Believing God" study, for a purpose that God had already planned out!
We are praising God, because of who He is, and because we are being held in His hands.
Miss you all so much. Megumi sends her love! I'll be posting on our blog soon with some pictures so you will have to check it out! Some people tell me now that she is starting to look a little like me for a change.
Jen
Well girls, we have been busy little bees around here! Megumi is doing very well, still loves to eat (except green beans... she actually gags!), and loves to play. She's not yet crawling but I'm VERY ok with this and don't really encourage her to move. I know she will figure it all out on her own, and then i will be chasing her around constantly. I'm just not ready for that yet :)
I'm still working part time for the same company, and have taken on an additional project for Chris' company too. So, when I'm not playing with Meg, doing laundry, or sweeping dog hair from the floors, i'm busy working. My mother in law is a teacher and therefore done with school for the summer. She is helping watch Megumi some days so i can work and we can get caught up on some financial planning. Only one more year until she retires, and i'm as excited as she is i think!
Meg nd I just got back from a week in Texas, where we visited my sister. We had a lot of fun and Meg got to be in a swimming pool for the first time. She liked it, especially when one of the other kids splashed her.
The next bit of information i'm going to share is difficult to share... because there's no easy way to say it, and no way to say it without it being a shock. 3 weeks ago, I had a mis-carriage. I was 5 weeks along. We were "trying" at this point and got pregnant right away again. it just so happened that i was on the worship team that weekend, so was surrounded in prayer. Despite all the sadness we have experienced through this, we have had so much peace... the peace that comes from knowing God is sovereign and His plan is bigger and better for us than we could ever plan or imagine. I actually learned that lesson while i was going through Beth Moore's "Believing God" study, for a purpose that God had already planned out!
We are praising God, because of who He is, and because we are being held in His hands.
Miss you all so much. Megumi sends her love! I'll be posting on our blog soon with some pictures so you will have to check it out! Some people tell me now that she is starting to look a little like me for a change.
Jen
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thanks Jamie
Hey Jamie, thanks for that post. I have not done the Believing God study by Beth Moore yet. I needed to hear that perspective on faith. We've been a bit ( or massively) stressed about something over here lately and needed a reminder that faith without challenges does not grow. I can't really get into exactly what we're dealing with right now as it is pretty confidential for several reasons. But it is a scary time for us and we would love some prayers for peace. I assure you all, my dearest of friends, that we will spill the beans about the situation once it is a bit more resolved. But right now we're kind of keeping it quiet for professional and financial reasons. Please just pray for peace for us and for health for Josh. But again, I needed a reminder that God is God and that we need to excercise our "believing" muscles. =)
On a less somber note... this will make you all laugh hysterically. The other day our group of friends from the residents' wives support group was contacted to choose 4-5 ladies to participate in a new reality tv show called the "The Secret Lives of Doctors Wives." The want 4-5 of us to follow around individually and then as a group from the Columbus area. I won't be able to do it, obviously, since we'll be moving. But it is still pretty hilarious. I hope they choose several of my girlfriends here because I would love to watch that reality show. =) Love you all!
On a less somber note... this will make you all laugh hysterically. The other day our group of friends from the residents' wives support group was contacted to choose 4-5 ladies to participate in a new reality tv show called the "The Secret Lives of Doctors Wives." The want 4-5 of us to follow around individually and then as a group from the Columbus area. I won't be able to do it, obviously, since we'll be moving. But it is still pretty hilarious. I hope they choose several of my girlfriends here because I would love to watch that reality show. =) Love you all!
Challenges and Results
Wow...things have been a little rough lately. I started a Bible study last week called Believing God by Beth Moore. It seems very timely with what is going on in our lives. There is a quote from today's lesson that I wanted to share with you. When I read it, I thought of you all and hope it encourages you.
"Faith unchallenged is faith stifled. Believers who know what they want to believe and refuse to be challenged may have a stand of faith but they may not have a walk of faith."
My first response to this was wow and ouch. I want to have a walk of faith but does it have to be so hard? I've really been thinking a lot lately about why I've had to go through miscarriages, and one outcome has been a growth of my faith. Not really the outcome I had expected.
I pray that as you are experiencing your own trials of loss, moving, family life and financial stuff, that your faith will be strengthened. I wish it wasn't so hard.
Over the past few weeks, I have had a picture of what I am experiencing. I seem to be walking through a deep forest valley that is covered in a thunderstorm. It's dark and wet and not fun. But when I realized that my faith was being challenged I noticed that there was a shaft of light and that I wasn't alone. I found that this light, while not huge, was lighting just enough of my path to see the next step. I wish I could see what the entire path looks like. I also realized that I wasn't alone, I had your friendships and the Lord walking with me.
I know I want my faith to be a walk not just a stand and I guess that means I will experience circumstances that appear to be impassable. One of my verses in today's lesson was 2 Cor. 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight." Beth made me paraphrase this verse with the Greek definitions of live and sight. This is what I came up with: "We make due use of opportunities by faith not by the external or outward appearances." I hope that encourages you to not look at the circumstance but at the opportunity.
Again, I wish it wasn't always so hard and I will be praying for each of you as you are experiencing your own trials. I look forward to the next few months and hope that it produces some break-thoroughs and joys. Love you all so much!!
"Faith unchallenged is faith stifled. Believers who know what they want to believe and refuse to be challenged may have a stand of faith but they may not have a walk of faith."
My first response to this was wow and ouch. I want to have a walk of faith but does it have to be so hard? I've really been thinking a lot lately about why I've had to go through miscarriages, and one outcome has been a growth of my faith. Not really the outcome I had expected.
I pray that as you are experiencing your own trials of loss, moving, family life and financial stuff, that your faith will be strengthened. I wish it wasn't so hard.
Over the past few weeks, I have had a picture of what I am experiencing. I seem to be walking through a deep forest valley that is covered in a thunderstorm. It's dark and wet and not fun. But when I realized that my faith was being challenged I noticed that there was a shaft of light and that I wasn't alone. I found that this light, while not huge, was lighting just enough of my path to see the next step. I wish I could see what the entire path looks like. I also realized that I wasn't alone, I had your friendships and the Lord walking with me.
I know I want my faith to be a walk not just a stand and I guess that means I will experience circumstances that appear to be impassable. One of my verses in today's lesson was 2 Cor. 5:7 "We live by faith, not by sight." Beth made me paraphrase this verse with the Greek definitions of live and sight. This is what I came up with: "We make due use of opportunities by faith not by the external or outward appearances." I hope that encourages you to not look at the circumstance but at the opportunity.
Again, I wish it wasn't always so hard and I will be praying for each of you as you are experiencing your own trials. I look forward to the next few months and hope that it produces some break-thoroughs and joys. Love you all so much!!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Arrangements
Ok well, Katelyn passed away Sat morning. It was a long and frustrating week, as the doctors were not willing to let her go, despite her heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver all failing (not to mention having no reflexes and very minimal brain function). We believe the doctor had motives for keeping her alive other than believing she had a chance for a recovery, as his area of interest is in the machines.We don't know yet what exactly happened, but will soon as there will be an autopsy. She definitely had severe breathing issues leading up to this, and we found out the only reason she ended up at the hospital last Fri was because she went to a clinic for an ultrasound for the baby, and the technician noticed her difficult breathing and that her nail beds were blue. It is a bit frustrating that the boyfriend and his family did not take care to get her medical attention sooner (she could not walk around a store without stopping to breathe every couple minutes). But it is all over now, and she made choices as well, so passing blame does no good. It's time to move on now.
There will be a memorial service in Ohio this Wed or Thurs, and a bigger one here on Satuday. I will only go to the Sat one since traveling 5 hours each way in one day isn't easy with Katie. It also frees me up a bit to work on her picture boards and programs this week in prep for Sat. Please just keep the family in prayer. It is just so sad for all of us, my Aunt Marianne especially. We need prayer that the family will be able to move on without passing blame or blaming themselves, and just that they will grieve in a healthy way. Also prayer my for mom and I to help my aunt through this. She truly was Katelyn's mother (Katelyn's bio mom abandoned her at the age of 2 or so when she divorced Katelyn's dad), and I can't even begin to understand how one deals with losing a child. I've been giving my own baby lots of hugs and kisses lately. So we appreciate your prayers right now. Thanks so much!
Sorry for so much sad news. Julie, continuing to pray for baby Eva. Steph, we've been there with the never-ending house issues and just wanting to close, so we understand the frustration. I'll say a prayer for a positive resolution. Just know it'll all be worth it in the end. Post pics when it's over. And Kim, post some pics of your new house as well, and that yard for Violet.
There will be a memorial service in Ohio this Wed or Thurs, and a bigger one here on Satuday. I will only go to the Sat one since traveling 5 hours each way in one day isn't easy with Katie. It also frees me up a bit to work on her picture boards and programs this week in prep for Sat. Please just keep the family in prayer. It is just so sad for all of us, my Aunt Marianne especially. We need prayer that the family will be able to move on without passing blame or blaming themselves, and just that they will grieve in a healthy way. Also prayer my for mom and I to help my aunt through this. She truly was Katelyn's mother (Katelyn's bio mom abandoned her at the age of 2 or so when she divorced Katelyn's dad), and I can't even begin to understand how one deals with losing a child. I've been giving my own baby lots of hugs and kisses lately. So we appreciate your prayers right now. Thanks so much!
Sorry for so much sad news. Julie, continuing to pray for baby Eva. Steph, we've been there with the never-ending house issues and just wanting to close, so we understand the frustration. I'll say a prayer for a positive resolution. Just know it'll all be worth it in the end. Post pics when it's over. And Kim, post some pics of your new house as well, and that yard for Violet.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Frustrations
Hi all...seems like there's no really good news to post on here lately! Although, our situation is not life and death, it's not good either. We were supposed to close on our house a couple of days ago, but the underwriter for the loan found a stipulation the day before we were going to close. It says that the sellers must have had the home in their name for at least 90 days before our loan would be approved for it. For some stupid reason, the sellers transferred the deed from their personal name to their company's at some point in April. What this means for us is that the soonest we can close is now the end of July. It also means that we can't lock in our 5% interest rate (now we can get a 5.75 or pay and extra $3100 to buy the point), we have to redo some of our inspections and they have to rerun our credit and all of that again. It's really just a stupid situation, so we're hoping for the best, but we are really frustrated and, quite frankly, a little depressed about the whole biz. We've already been waiting this house for 7 weeks. It really does us no good to look for a different house either.
Anyway, we have a plan to mentally escape this weekend. We may just spend the whole of Saturday in the movie theater watching movies that we've wanted to see but never had the time. :-)
Hope everyone else's situations are getting better. Liz, I have been keeping your cousin in prayer. Send us another update soon, if you can. Julie, I've been thinking about that family with the new baby all of the time! I just went to a funeral today for a man that was my dad's age. He just died while he was mowing the lawn on Monday - completely out of the blue. Needless to say, I may be complaining about our situation, but I am very aware that things could be a whole lot worse thanks to all of these reminders.
Love you girls - talk to you soon.
Anyway, we have a plan to mentally escape this weekend. We may just spend the whole of Saturday in the movie theater watching movies that we've wanted to see but never had the time. :-)
Hope everyone else's situations are getting better. Liz, I have been keeping your cousin in prayer. Send us another update soon, if you can. Julie, I've been thinking about that family with the new baby all of the time! I just went to a funeral today for a man that was my dad's age. He just died while he was mowing the lawn on Monday - completely out of the blue. Needless to say, I may be complaining about our situation, but I am very aware that things could be a whole lot worse thanks to all of these reminders.
Love you girls - talk to you soon.
Monday, June 08, 2009
still more
After a long weekend, the end is still not in sight with Katelyn. Things have gone from bad to worse. It turns out that when she needed CPR, they worked on her for 90 minutes, which is a very long time to be deprived of oxygen. Most likely there has been severe brain damage, and we're not really sure there's any more brain function than just being in a vegetative state. Her kidneys have failed and she's on dialysis, she's bleeding a lot due to the blood thinners, her body is unbelievably swollen (I guess she looks like she could be 300 pounds and she's just a tiny, itty-bitty girl). The baby died and she delivered it. After a very bad day yesterday, the family was prepared to let her go. An EEG was done, and it sounds like there's only minimal brain functions (probably only enough to keep her alive), and there's only a 5% chance of recovery (and we don't really know what "recovery" means...could be any range of things). They were ready to let her go when the medical staff said they want to wait and do more tests. So it's just been a very long road for the family. They are ready for some closure so they can begin grieving. So if you could continue to keep them in your prayers that would be great. We continue to pray that if she is still present (not just a shell of her body, but her spirit and what makes her Katelyn), that God will heal her body. Also praying for a quick resolution to all of this, as it's been so hard on all of the family.
As to what really happened, we still don't really know. It appears to definitely be something induced by the pregnancy. We're hearing terms like Pulmonary Hypertension, and Pulmonary Embolism. Josh, Julie, and her family of doctors have been so awesome about providing us with a wealth of info to navigate all of this. We appreciate all of your prayers right now.
As to what really happened, we still don't really know. It appears to definitely be something induced by the pregnancy. We're hearing terms like Pulmonary Hypertension, and Pulmonary Embolism. Josh, Julie, and her family of doctors have been so awesome about providing us with a wealth of info to navigate all of this. We appreciate all of your prayers right now.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
More Details
So we've learned that Katelyn has Cardio Pulmonary Disease, which I think was probably a congenital defect that she had and didn't know about. Most likely the pregnancy exacerbated it and caused this all to be catastrophic. They had her stable last night, but then she went into cardiac arrest, which is why she had to be resuscitated. She had a catheter inserted, which I believe went into her groin area. She is also an Echmo (sp?) Machine, which is a heart-lung bi-pass...so it's doing the work of her heart and breathing for her. She's in a medically induced coma. She's also bleeding from the groin where the catheter is, probably because she's on blood thinners so her blood doesn't clot in the machine. They were trying to get that under control, and she also began to have vaginal bleeding, which likely indicates a miscarriage. Over the past few hours things have gone from bad to worse. It took them a long time to resuscitate her this morning, so they're not concerned about organ and brain damage. Her kidneys are beginning to shut down and they expect her to be on dialysis by tonight. They're also concerned about brain function. So it's just not looking like she'll make it unless there's a miracle.
We've canceled plans for my parents, and are waiting to see if we need to go to Ohio (for support, or a funeral). Please continue to keep the family in prayer. The passing of a grandparent is one thing, but an 18 yr-old with her entire life ahead of her is something else entirely. Thank you everyone for the prayers, support, and thanks Julie for the medical help. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers, especially my Aunt Marianne, who raised her like a daughter. We're still praying for a miracle, but taking things as they come as well. Will post an update when things change.
We've canceled plans for my parents, and are waiting to see if we need to go to Ohio (for support, or a funeral). Please continue to keep the family in prayer. The passing of a grandparent is one thing, but an 18 yr-old with her entire life ahead of her is something else entirely. Thank you everyone for the prayers, support, and thanks Julie for the medical help. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers, especially my Aunt Marianne, who raised her like a daughter. We're still praying for a miracle, but taking things as they come as well. Will post an update when things change.
When it rains, it pours....
So my family apparently can't catch a break these days. My cousin, Katelyn, who is only about 17, is in critical condition right now and needs all the prayers she can get. She has been not feeling well for a few weeks, and my Aunt Marianne (who cared for her as her own daughter...very long story), was worried she had pneumonia, but Katelyn was having difficulty getting her boyfriend's family to take her to urgent care (she lives with them in Ohio). Anyway, somehow she ended up in the hospital yesterday, and we found out last night that there are problems with her heart (don't know specifically what), and she was being helicoptered to another hospital and might need open heart surgery, and was 3 months pregnant and they might need to take the baby to save her life. My Aunt Marianne was leaving this morning to go down there, but at 5am got a call that something happened and they were doing CPR on her, and she might be on or might need to go on life-support (details are very fuzzy due to crazy family and no one knowing what's going on over there). So my aunt left in a rush this morning and is just about there. Currently we know she is more stable, although not nearly out of the woods. They've done something to her heart to help stabilize her (maybe a catheter?), but she is bleeding (don't know where or where from....possible vaginally and miscarrying the baby?), and being moved to another building. So please, please pray for her. She obviously has kind of a screwed up life right now. She's been abandoned by multiple family members in the past, and obviously hasn't been cared for recently. We're just really praying she pulls through this, and that somehow God can take this situation and use it to His glory and maybe bring Katelyn back to Him.
On top of all this, we had a family weekend planned for my parents due to their missing their trip to Europe. My brother and our spouses had arranged for a limo tonight and a night out, as well as a fun day tomorrow. My mom may or may not be needed in Ohio now (long story, but Katelyn's family is not part of our family...Katelyn's not technically my cousin, but has been raised as such). So it's not really appropriate to my mom to be there, but my aunt may need her. So everything is just crazy right now. So we're all pretty upset right now, and would appreciate all prayers for Katelyn, my aunt, and this unborn baby.
On top of all this, we had a family weekend planned for my parents due to their missing their trip to Europe. My brother and our spouses had arranged for a limo tonight and a night out, as well as a fun day tomorrow. My mom may or may not be needed in Ohio now (long story, but Katelyn's family is not part of our family...Katelyn's not technically my cousin, but has been raised as such). So it's not really appropriate to my mom to be there, but my aunt may need her. So everything is just crazy right now. So we're all pretty upset right now, and would appreciate all prayers for Katelyn, my aunt, and this unborn baby.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
"It's like the worst of all the Chesters."
Hey girls,
Just wanted to procrastinate a little bit and say a quick hello. We're moving this weekend -- to Westchester, which is about a mile and a half from where we live now. But we will finally have a little (big emphasis on little) house, complete with a yard and an extra bedroom. We'll still only be about a mile from the beach, so any time anyone wants to pop over, just let me know. :)
We have some friends helping with the move and some other friends watching Violet for us, and I am just so thankful that we don't have to do it alone this time.
The past couple months have really turned my cold little heart into a happy place again. I feel like I finally have a great network of mom friends, as well as some couple friends with husbands that Adam can actually talk to. We have camping trips planned this summer, as well as barbeques and birthday parties. It finally feels like we belong here.
I still despise the costs of everything, as well as every single day being sunny (it's a little creepy), but overall, this is turning into a nice place to live.
We just got back from a quick visit to Ohio for Anna's bridal shower. That was a tear-jerker, let me tell you. I cannot believe she is getting married. But we had such a great trip. Neither of us were ready to leave this time. And ... we got to see Josh and Julie and their adorable kids.
We also went to Cincinnati for a little anniversary getaway. I sort of didn't think when I booked the hotel that there might be a Reds game going on, which there was. As well as about five weddings and a convention for those guys with the funny hats. So it was a little hectic. But we still managed to have a good time, despite my migraine and no water in our room. But the free babysitting made it worth it! :)
Ok, time to get back to the packing ... which I do strangely enjoy, if only I had a little more time to do it.
Love you girls and miss you!
Just wanted to procrastinate a little bit and say a quick hello. We're moving this weekend -- to Westchester, which is about a mile and a half from where we live now. But we will finally have a little (big emphasis on little) house, complete with a yard and an extra bedroom. We'll still only be about a mile from the beach, so any time anyone wants to pop over, just let me know. :)
We have some friends helping with the move and some other friends watching Violet for us, and I am just so thankful that we don't have to do it alone this time.
The past couple months have really turned my cold little heart into a happy place again. I feel like I finally have a great network of mom friends, as well as some couple friends with husbands that Adam can actually talk to. We have camping trips planned this summer, as well as barbeques and birthday parties. It finally feels like we belong here.
I still despise the costs of everything, as well as every single day being sunny (it's a little creepy), but overall, this is turning into a nice place to live.
We just got back from a quick visit to Ohio for Anna's bridal shower. That was a tear-jerker, let me tell you. I cannot believe she is getting married. But we had such a great trip. Neither of us were ready to leave this time. And ... we got to see Josh and Julie and their adorable kids.
We also went to Cincinnati for a little anniversary getaway. I sort of didn't think when I booked the hotel that there might be a Reds game going on, which there was. As well as about five weddings and a convention for those guys with the funny hats. So it was a little hectic. But we still managed to have a good time, despite my migraine and no water in our room. But the free babysitting made it worth it! :)
Ok, time to get back to the packing ... which I do strangely enjoy, if only I had a little more time to do it.
Love you girls and miss you!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Prayer Request
Hey girls, I'd love to post a real update since I haven't in a while, but this one is more of a prayer request for now. Last week my grandma passed away in the middle of Thurs night. She's had Parkinson's for quite a long time, and this makes it easy for her to aspirate. She ended up with pneumonia last week, but seemed ok and was ready to be released when things quickly got very bad. Anyway, it was time for her to go, as her Parkinson's has been getting worse and worse for years now. So we're peaceful with her death. The wake is today, and the funeral tomorrow.
However, my parents were scheduled to tour Europe last week and were supposed to leave on Thurs. It was a once in a lifetime trip, as they were going with people who have lived overseas and knew how to do such a trip. So this other couple was kinda their guide, and knew how to save them all a lot of money. Plus my parents have never done something like this. Their bags were packed at the front door, I had picked up their dog, and instead of getting in the limo to go to the airport (my uncle had arranged for a limo for them), they drove to the hospital. So they are really struggling with not just the loss of my mother's mom, but also the really bad timing and trying to deal with the logistics of trying to get their money back, and being depressed about missing out on the trip. It also doesn't help that it was kind of a vacation from my crazy family for my mom, and now she is dealing with them all week.
So if you could just keep my family in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. It's been a stressful time, and I just feel so awful for my parents. Please keep them especially in your prayers. Thanks girls, I really appreciate it. I'll post sometime soon with a happier update, as things are going well other than this.
However, my parents were scheduled to tour Europe last week and were supposed to leave on Thurs. It was a once in a lifetime trip, as they were going with people who have lived overseas and knew how to do such a trip. So this other couple was kinda their guide, and knew how to save them all a lot of money. Plus my parents have never done something like this. Their bags were packed at the front door, I had picked up their dog, and instead of getting in the limo to go to the airport (my uncle had arranged for a limo for them), they drove to the hospital. So they are really struggling with not just the loss of my mother's mom, but also the really bad timing and trying to deal with the logistics of trying to get their money back, and being depressed about missing out on the trip. It also doesn't help that it was kind of a vacation from my crazy family for my mom, and now she is dealing with them all week.
So if you could just keep my family in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. It's been a stressful time, and I just feel so awful for my parents. Please keep them especially in your prayers. Thanks girls, I really appreciate it. I'll post sometime soon with a happier update, as things are going well other than this.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
Just wanted to send a shout out to all the mothers - especially to Jen who is experiencing her first mother's day as a mom.
Your children are blessed to have such loving and caring mothers.
Love you girls.
Ang.
Your children are blessed to have such loving and caring mothers.
Love you girls.
Ang.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Suck it losers!
I just spent a week with Kim! hahahahahahah..... in sunny California!.. hahahahaha....I'm just kidding. Thank you girls for voting me to get to go visit Kim for her birthday. It was a lot of fun and we really missed you guys. We had a nice time and I enjoyed the break from normal life. I posted more deatil about the trip in my blog. Congrats on the new house Steph! And I hope school is going well for you. Hope you girls are all doing alright and I miss you all. Love ya!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Just a quick update
Hey chicas! Hope all is well with all of you! Things here are as busy as ever and about to get busier. We're finally buying a house! We just need to get through inspections, which are on Friday and Monday. We don't close until June 19, for various reasons, but that give us more time to prepare. I will try to post some pictures of it as soon as we know for sure. I would love it if you guys would just be praying for everything to go smoothly...so far so good. There have been a few bumps in the road, but all in all it's been a good process.
School is really hard right now, and I'm hoping I can finish the paper I'm working on soon so I can concentrate on the move. Shawn's been working a ton, so that makes things a little harder too...but at least there's been a little extra money around!
That's really all that's going on here...Just wanted to share our good news with you guys. I miss you all! Love ya!
School is really hard right now, and I'm hoping I can finish the paper I'm working on soon so I can concentrate on the move. Shawn's been working a ton, so that makes things a little harder too...but at least there's been a little extra money around!
That's really all that's going on here...Just wanted to share our good news with you guys. I miss you all! Love ya!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Just a hello
Ok, I thought I'd post something just because no one has in a while and hopefully we can get the momentum built up again. Not that I really have anything much to report. We're still apartment hunting. Prices have really dropped around here (thank you, Jesus) so we'd like to find something a bit more affordable ... and maybe closer to the beach?? :)
We went down to San Diego this past weekend to stay at a house that Neal and his girlfriend are renting for the week. Neal's family was in town as well, so we had a lot of fun catching up with them. And Violet really enjoyed all of the attention. She did pretty well with the Easter egg hunting. Although I think she was more excited about the eggs themselves than about what was inside of them. Probably because I stayed away from the candy this year. We had a few different egg hunts and by the end of it, she had it pretty much down.
Adam's birthday is this coming weekend so his mom is flying in and we're going to Disneyland. I'm getting pretty excited about that.
Um ... what else ... Oh, I'm starting to send out queries for a novel I wrote. Not sure if anything will actually happen, but it's still fun to dream.
I guess other than that, we're just busy with the usual day to day stuff. I seriously don't know how the days disappear so quickly.
Hope all is well with you girls. Love you and miss you!
We went down to San Diego this past weekend to stay at a house that Neal and his girlfriend are renting for the week. Neal's family was in town as well, so we had a lot of fun catching up with them. And Violet really enjoyed all of the attention. She did pretty well with the Easter egg hunting. Although I think she was more excited about the eggs themselves than about what was inside of them. Probably because I stayed away from the candy this year. We had a few different egg hunts and by the end of it, she had it pretty much down.
Adam's birthday is this coming weekend so his mom is flying in and we're going to Disneyland. I'm getting pretty excited about that.
Um ... what else ... Oh, I'm starting to send out queries for a novel I wrote. Not sure if anything will actually happen, but it's still fun to dream.
I guess other than that, we're just busy with the usual day to day stuff. I seriously don't know how the days disappear so quickly.
Hope all is well with you girls. Love you and miss you!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
surgery update
Hay ladies! I had my tumor removed today and everything went really well. I was able to hear first biopsy results while i was still in the operating room, which were that there was no reason to be concerned. they are going to tear apart the tumor and give complete biopsy results when i revisit the surgeon end of this month. But truely, the doctor and we are not anticipating anything to come back serious. I have some pain but have been able to take the edge off with Motrin. Only negative side is that i really can't play with Megumi, so that just breaks my heart!
Little update on Meg... she is still in the 95th perentile for weight at 17 pounds, 8 ounces. she's 24 inches long now. She found her feet and plays with them constantly - precious. she even holds her feet while i change her diaper so i can get a good look and don't miss anything :). My brother Brian brought over their exer-saucer last weekend for us. Meg loves it and she looks like a big girl when she plays in it. I think I'm about to put the swing away as she isn't interested in it anymore. We started rice cereal on tuesday. She's not exactly sure what to do with it once it's in her mouth but she does open up for the spoon very well. And all of this growing up just makes me so sad that she's not my little newborn baby anymore! Yes, i have cried a few times watching her play. I just can't believe how time has gone by so quickly!
Love you all, miss you already!
Little update on Meg... she is still in the 95th perentile for weight at 17 pounds, 8 ounces. she's 24 inches long now. She found her feet and plays with them constantly - precious. she even holds her feet while i change her diaper so i can get a good look and don't miss anything :). My brother Brian brought over their exer-saucer last weekend for us. Meg loves it and she looks like a big girl when she plays in it. I think I'm about to put the swing away as she isn't interested in it anymore. We started rice cereal on tuesday. She's not exactly sure what to do with it once it's in her mouth but she does open up for the spoon very well. And all of this growing up just makes me so sad that she's not my little newborn baby anymore! Yes, i have cried a few times watching her play. I just can't believe how time has gone by so quickly!
Love you all, miss you already!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
prayer for a friend
Hey girls, I have a prayer request for a close friend of mine here in Columbus. I would really appreciate it if you guys would remember to keep Jessica in your prayers as she and her husband are really needing it right now. Jessica is about 20 weeks pregnant and went to her routine ultrasound appointment yesterday to find out the sex of the baby. She called us (all the moms at playgroup) to say that the tech saw something concerning but couldn't say what. So she was dropping Hannah (her 2 yr. old daughter) off with one of us so they could go to the doctor alone in case it was bad news. The ultrasound showed a cystic hygroma (fluid-filled sac), heart defect, and a cleft palate. They met with a specialist ysterday afternoon and had some tests done to determine exactly what the chromosomal abnormality is, we're still waiting. But it looks like it might be Trisomy 13. Long story short... Jessica's options are to induce delivery which will cause the baby to pass away early, wait for the baby to pass away in utero, or wait for delivery in which case the baby will most likely pass away within 24 hours. Needless to say, Jessica is struggling. I have posted a portion of the email she sent us last night so you can see a little more what she is dealing with. I kow this is a downer kind of post and I apologize for that. But I'm needing my girls who know and love Jesus and who believe in miracles the way I do to bring Jessica and her baby and family to the throne room of God and ask for a miracle, for peace, for strength, comfort, and ultimately, for God's will in this situation. Thank you girls.
"We found out we are having a little girl! Unfortunately, the Dr found the same abnormalities the tech found this morning. He thinks it's probably Trisomy 13, although she doesn't show text book results from any of the common problems. We did an amnio and a rapid test. We will know the rapid results on Friday. If it is one of the common conditions, we will know then. If it's not, we will wait for the amnio in 7-10 days. If it's nothing in that test, then it's genetic and there will be more testing. At this point, we are just waiting for the results. Our options seem to be inducing early (baby will definitely pass away), carrying until the baby passes in-utero then delivering, or she could go to term and would probably pass away anyway. My instinct is to just wait and let God take her when he's ready, but the thought of carrying her knowing she will die is so hard. I even hesitated taking a pain pill for my head today until I realized I can't really harm her at this point. That's a horrible feeling to have.She was very stubborn during the Ultrasound. Her head was jammed down far into my pelvis, her legs were closed, her feet and hands were by her face. At one point she grabbed her foot with her hand and tried to put both in her mouth. It was so cute, but so hard to watch at the same time. It was especially difficult to see her cleft lip. And when they were talking about her heart, I couldn't watch anymore. All I could see was a beating heart and hearing them talk about what's wrong with it was too much. I just want to hold her and tell her I'm so sorry. I can't believe this is happening. Thank you all for supporting me through this. I may not want to talk much, but writing is easier for me. Dan's mom is trying to come here to help for a little while. If she makes it in, we won't need as much support in the way of babysitting and meals, but I will let you all know when she arrives. Until then, I really appreciate everything. "
"We found out we are having a little girl! Unfortunately, the Dr found the same abnormalities the tech found this morning. He thinks it's probably Trisomy 13, although she doesn't show text book results from any of the common problems. We did an amnio and a rapid test. We will know the rapid results on Friday. If it is one of the common conditions, we will know then. If it's not, we will wait for the amnio in 7-10 days. If it's nothing in that test, then it's genetic and there will be more testing. At this point, we are just waiting for the results. Our options seem to be inducing early (baby will definitely pass away), carrying until the baby passes in-utero then delivering, or she could go to term and would probably pass away anyway. My instinct is to just wait and let God take her when he's ready, but the thought of carrying her knowing she will die is so hard. I even hesitated taking a pain pill for my head today until I realized I can't really harm her at this point. That's a horrible feeling to have.She was very stubborn during the Ultrasound. Her head was jammed down far into my pelvis, her legs were closed, her feet and hands were by her face. At one point she grabbed her foot with her hand and tried to put both in her mouth. It was so cute, but so hard to watch at the same time. It was especially difficult to see her cleft lip. And when they were talking about her heart, I couldn't watch anymore. All I could see was a beating heart and hearing them talk about what's wrong with it was too much. I just want to hold her and tell her I'm so sorry. I can't believe this is happening. Thank you all for supporting me through this. I may not want to talk much, but writing is easier for me. Dan's mom is trying to come here to help for a little while. If she makes it in, we won't need as much support in the way of babysitting and meals, but I will let you all know when she arrives. Until then, I really appreciate everything. "
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Frisco, CO - Here we come!
Here is where we are staying. I just wanted to get you more excited. :)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,490926,00.html
See you soon!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,490926,00.html
See you soon!
big boy
Isaac is 3 months now and is starting to get a little more of his personality. He's finally interacting more and was in an especially good mood this day. It's just so good to see my baby smiling because he's been so uncomfortable with his reflux problems that we were starting to to wonder if he could smile. Isaac still needs prevacid, but seems to be doing much better these days. yay!
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
3 weeks...
... till the big trip.
Just thought I would throw that in there.
Can't wait to see you all!
Just thought I would throw that in there.
Can't wait to see you all!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
na, na na, na na, na.... (add mocking tone in your head)
So, I had mentioned that Josh was rotating in Michigan the past two weeks for a urology spot up there. We were officially offered the position this week and will be moving to start his new program by July 1. My mocking blog title is meant to make you all feel jealous that I get to live within 15 minutes of Nathan and Liz for the next 3 years (unless they move for some reason). =) We are very excited that Josh is getting to do the specialty he really enjoys and will have tons more time with us from July on. He'll still be working 9-12 hour days and taking call. But that is a HUGE improvement from the 16 hour days, plus 3 out of 4 weekends a month and constant call that he's doing now. We'll actually get to eat dinner together as a family most nights (and won't have to wait until 9 pm to do it.) We are obviously dreading trying to sell our house in this market and know we'll be taking a big loss financially. And moving SUCKS with 3 kids, but our quality of life will impriove dramatically. And we are very excited about being near a fellow sapphire and her beautiful family. =) So that's the update for us. We would sincerely appreciate prayers that God would provide a buyer for our house quickly and would provide for us financially during this whole moving process. Also, please pray that the kids would adjust to the changes well. Seth especially does not handle change very easily and he's old enough to have his little group of friends in Columbus that he will have to say goodbye to and that will be hard for him. (I'm not gonna lie... it'll be hard for us too). So thanks for the prayers girls. And Liz and I think you should find reasons to hit the Michigan area for a visit now that there's two of us in one spot. =)
Friday, January 23, 2009
tumor... be gone!
Hey girls!
So remember several months ago, right around when baby Meg was due, I told you all about this tumor i found in my breast? The biopsy ended up showing A-typical cells but no cancer. Well, today we made the decision to take that little tumor out! So, after the reunion i will have it removed. The surgeon really left it up to me... either we could continue to check it every 3 months or we could just take it out. And since i have no fear of removing things that don't belong in my body, i said "let's get it out of there and be done with it."
Remember to do those monthly self breast exams girls! Hopefully you don't find it annoying that i mention that... but it's really very important and i care about you all so much that i would want you to know immediately if you had a lump. I just love you all that much!
So remember several months ago, right around when baby Meg was due, I told you all about this tumor i found in my breast? The biopsy ended up showing A-typical cells but no cancer. Well, today we made the decision to take that little tumor out! So, after the reunion i will have it removed. The surgeon really left it up to me... either we could continue to check it every 3 months or we could just take it out. And since i have no fear of removing things that don't belong in my body, i said "let's get it out of there and be done with it."
Remember to do those monthly self breast exams girls! Hopefully you don't find it annoying that i mention that... but it's really very important and i care about you all so much that i would want you to know immediately if you had a lump. I just love you all that much!
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