Blog-iversary

This August marks the one year anniversary of our little blog. To commemorate this momentous occasion, I've decided to repost some snippets from the past year.

August 2005

From Angie:
I had a fab time with Steph this past weekend in Chicago - giving me a glimpse of the fun in store for our Sapphire weekend there. There is so much to do and everything is so much fun. By the way Steph, I love the area you live in, it is so cute, and your apartment - in spite of not being all that you invision it to be yet - is very cute and comfortable.

From Jen:
There are these tiny whitish-green bugs flying all around in the air today. They somehow sneak inside your car also so end up flying around your head, up your nose, etc. it’s very annoying and I just felt the need to share my annoyance.

From Julie:
Hey girls! Not to be rude or bitter... but it's still 100 degrees here in the scorching wasteland that is Tulsa. I don't even want to here about how you got to wear sweatshirts, or how you can feel Fall in the air, yada yada yada... It won't be like that in Tulsa for 2 more months!

From Steph:
Not to sound weird or anything, but does anyone else find that Tuesdays are just sort of a "filler" day? It like the day that kind of gets shoved in there because there's space and we need another day to get stuff done.

September 2005

From Angie:
This girl is nice... She is going to fix everything up for me. Ok... Nextel isn't so bad. Although I wouldn't recommend it cause it cuts out way more than it should.So yea... Tonight is veg in front of the TV night - although I have been doing that all week and really should be doing things that are productive - oh well... I have no plans for Saturday.

October 2005

From Liz:
I had Tuesday off, and thought I'd try this awesome new recipe for butternut squash soup. Well let me tell you, I had never cut up a butternut squash before, and although the soup was delicious, I don't know that I ever will again. It's the hardest thing to cut in the world, and so slimy after you peel it. And it smells like watermelon. Weird.

From Jen:
There was another spider in my bathroom this morning. Just as I was noticing him, he jumped right down at me! You know, how they can string down so quickly from just one little strand of web. Yeah, I screamed. stupid spiders!!

From Jamie:
Right now I'm on my fall break; two weeks of no school!! We had our first snow Sunday night/Monday. It was so pretty! Nick stayed home from work on Monday, so we just got to hang out. He even took me shopping. :)

November 2005

From Angie:
It's turkey day here, which means lots of time of relaxing and eating. My dad is away on a trip and all of my siblings are with the in-laws today, so its just me, Aaron, my mom, and Joe. It's kinda fun cause its quiet and my mom is teaching me how to make a turkey today, which is easier than expected. My turkey is coming along quite nicely.

December 2005

From Steph:
There's been drama on the romantic front as well. I've been talking to a guy named Shawn for the past few weeks. He's from Tulsa, though, so I haven't actually met him yet. He's a good friend of Danie (Erika's sister) and their family. We have really hit it off so far, and we are planning to meet the weekend of Dec. 16th. I think i am going there, just because it will be a little easier to coordinate...AND...he is trying to come to Angie's wedding as well so he can meet all of you. So, I guess that gives you an idea of how much we are interested in each other without having met, so we'll see what happens and if we're really compatible when we do meet.

January 2006

From Kim:
Happy 2006, everyone! I just want to say how great it was to see you girls over the holidays (we missed you, Jamie!). It's always so amazing to me how we can all just sort of pick up where we left off last time. I truly believe we have something special in our little group. I hope all of you know how much you mean to me. And Angie, I'm sure you won't be reading this any time soon (hope you had fun in Mexico!) but the wedding was truly gorgeous. It was so you and so classy. The whole weekend was such a huge whirlwind of fun. I'm so glad we were able to be there.

From Jen:
We even sat naked in the swim-up bar and held conversation with a group of nude people. I just felt so free!! no sunburn!

From Julie:
I just found out that I'm pregnant again. In case you're wondering, it wasn't planned at all. Quite the accident actually. But we'll just call it a surprise blessing.

From Liz:
We've also taken up snowboarding as a hobby (or I should say I have taken it up since Nathan did long ago). I am quite banged up from my first time going last weekend. I could hardly move the day after. But Nathan tells me I have a good "center of balance". Somehow I'm not feeling it as I'm continually falling on my tailbone.

March 2006

From Julie:
My doctor is very nice, but let me tell you girls, I am apparently not naming and claiming my healing from pregnancy nausea nearly enough because Dr. Ross (who is a very high strung, holy roller, Christian) told me yesterday that it is not God's will for me to be vomiting all the time...But I can tell you, by the time my quick checkup had turned into a 2 hour church service with Seth sitting in his stroller the whole time crying, I was about ready to shove the speculum down my doctor's throat. Seth handled things pretty well though by pulling an entire tray of sterilized equipment over onto the floor.

April 2006

From Jamie:
This time of year reminds me of you all so much. I was thinking about making Easter dinner, which brought back memories of the Easter dinner we had at my apartment my senior year. You guys are so special to me!

From Jen:
My tulips are in full bloom and they are gorgeous. On Easter morning I walked around the corner of the house to see the first red tulips blooming. I was so excited, Chris thought I wet myself.

From Julie:
Based on the view we got with the ultrasound (and it was a pretty wide-open angle if you know what I mean), it looks like we can pretty confidently expect the first member of the Sapphires Club, the next generation. It's a girl!

May 2006

From Liz:
And my goodness, is my little godson adorable. He's now saying a couple words at not even 9 months, and standing. I love it! It's an amazing feeling to put a little person down, and ee them cry until they make their way crawling and walking back to you.

June 2006

From Jamie:
I'm so excited. I need some good hugs from you all. I miss you so much!! I can't wait to see you in less than a day!! WAHOO!!

Hoping and praying our next blog-year is full of even more joy and happy memories. Love you all!

Scrapbookers unite

Jen, I have thought about doing the exact same thing! We could go into business together – you taking on the Midwest/Eastern sector, and I could handle the West. We could be Scappers for Hire or some other name that’s actually cute. We could have a website and everything. Oh, the possibilities.
Can you believe I haven’t actually done any scrapbooking since we moved – over a month ago? Yeah, all my supplies are buried in a box still somewhere. Even more appalling is the fact that I still have boxes. Many, many boxes. They taunt me every day with their haphazardly thrown together contents. And yet I wonder, what can possibly be in these boxes that I haven’t needed in the past month? Nothing that important, I suppose. Well, except my scrapbook supplies.

Love to you all!

Michaels

Today for lunch, I ventured over to Michael's to see what was on sale. Ok, I'm planning my next purchase at this store because if truth be told, I could spend hundreds of dollars there every week and still want more scrap book supplies! This week they just so happen to be having a really good sale... paper 4 for $1, paper packs marked down 35%, ribbon wheels for $1... it's a scrapper's dream! I am euphoric every time I think of visiting this store. My reaction got me thinking today - this can't be healthy! I really need to get out more if simply the thought of a craft store brings me to total relaxation. Someone help me!
Outside of freaking myself out about my obsession, I think my perfect job right now would be making scrap books for other people. Any thoughts on this?

My assistant, Gretchen, has left me. I have a new girl, April. I hate training. April's doing well but i still hate training...

In other news, everyone is currently healthy. We're on a nearly 2 week stretch of no one being in the hospital!

Julie, those pics of you and Seth you recently sent are so beautiful! thanks for sending them!

I miss you girls - Kimmie thanks for breaking the silence, I was about to go insane :)

update

Hey girls! I will join Kim in breaking the silence. I also don't have much new to say, but I'll try. Things have been kind of busy here the past week. I went with Josh to Philadelphia last week for his clinical board exam. We had a good time and very much enjoyed eating authentic philly cheese steaks with Angie and Aaron and Joe Caswell and his girlfriend. =) Josh is back in Columbus this week for his last week of surgery in Ohio. We'll be heading back to Tulsa this weekend with Lauren (my brother's new girlfriend) in tow. She's coming with to spend the week with Daniel because they're dying being apart. They're talking about a May wedding, so it's moving along quite quickly. I've been busy this week helping my other brother, Ben, move into his new house. Mostly I've been watching the kids so everyone else can move things. But I did spend the last couple of days helping Sarah unpack. They have a bit of a family crisis happening so they need all the help they can get. Sarah's prents came into town to help them move and her dad was having horrible headaches and vomiting. He finally went to the ER with my dad for a work up. My dad found a small tumor in his brain that was causing some minor hemoraging (spelling?). They think that the tumor is non-cancerous. But they are doing surgery next week to remove it and stop the brain bleeding. Sarah's parents will be staying with them now for at least a month because he has to be near this hospital for his treatment. He's kind of stranded here. In the meantime, Ben and Sarah's house is an absolute disaster because they just moved in on Saturday and nothing's unpacked. Now Sarah's sibling are all coming in to stay for a couple weeks too to be with her dad. Ben and Sarah are pretty overwhelmed. They could all use your prayers for sanity and her dad's health. It's a pretty scary situation. Unfortunately, I am not able to help out quite as effectively as I normally would. I'm slower and and can't lift anything heavy and I have to rest like every 20 minutes. I feel useless! I'm getting quite large and am ready to have the baby. I hope I have her a little early because I don't think I can make it 4 more weeks. But I just realized something quite exciting. The baby is due in September, which means her birthstone will be a sapphire! Anyways, love you all and miss you and can't wait to see most of you in November for Steph's wedding. Later!

Breaking the silence

You'd think that after not having written for such a long time, I'd have lots of insightful, important things to say. But I don't. So here's what we've been up to.
We bought a new bed over the weekend – we’d been sleeping on a king sized mattress on the floor for a couple weeks and decided it was time to upgrade. It’s a really pretty wrought iron frame that we bought at Ikea. I was so excited to find it, since my given budget for buying a bed didn’t really give me any alternative besides Ikea. The only problem is it didn’t exactly fit into the back of our Jeep once we got it out of the store. We unpacked it from the box, and tried fitting only the frame inside. But it still didn’t work. We tried a few different angles, thought about tying it on top of the Jeep…still no dice. By now, everyone had left Ikea, including the employees, and it was almost midnight and pitch black. So I stood around the empty parking lot and watched while my husband, the MacGyver genius he is, rigged up some kind of closure system so we could drive home twenty-five miles without the metal frame crashing out onto the highway. It worked, and now I don’t have to sleep on the floor any more.
I also got my hair done over the weekend. It’s a little redder than I had first wanted. But I’ve gotten a few compliments about it, so I guess it can’t be too bad. But it is fun being a redhead.
Work’s going well – just more shoes. And bags. And shoes. And bags. And occasionally some apparel here and there. I’m thinking about enrolling part time in a master’s course at the UW next spring. My company does a small tuition reimbursement. But thinking about it is about as far as I’ve gotten so far.
Well, I should get back to my shoes…Love you all and miss you bunches!

Condolences

Jen, I am so sorry about Nipper - as you know, I can identify! Also, I am keeping your grandparents in my prayers always. Thanks for keeping us posted! And, I had a feeling you guys would make it down for the wedding, but thanks for confirming! :) Give me a call sometime and we'll chat.
As for the rest of you girls - I miss you all dearly and I hope all is well with you!

Nipper

Nipper is the name of our dog... my brother's dog actually. the summer before the 7th grade, my mom and I went on a mission to find my brother a miniature schnauzer. We found one, took her home, and named her Nipper. Tonight, I said goodbye to Nipper. She will be put at rest monday morning. I hurt for my brother. I am sad, and surprised that I cared that much for this dog. She was a good dog.
Thanks for listening!
More news... Grandma went in yesterday for an angiogram. They put two stints in one bloodvessel. though the surgeon was happy with the outcome of the proceedure, once again as she recovered, something else went bad. This morning, she had a slight stroke. The left side of her body has been effected. Everyone seems optimistic at this point, but there's also not much they know yet. there was no bleeding in the brain and for that we are so thankful. more to come as i get updates. I went to visit as soon as i heard today. Grandpa is taking this really hard. I've never seen my grandpa cry before today, it was heart-wrenching.
other than than, things are going well. The tomato plants are going wild right now and we've gotten to taste sweet cherry and grape tomatoes. Some large yellow ones should be just about ready too, yum!!
much love to you all.
Yes, Steph, Chris and I are coming to your wedding... but you knew that :)

My Girls

I just wanted to let you girls know that I have been thinking about you and praying for you! Juls - I hope you're doing better with your back! You're in my prayers with everything that you're going through and feeling right now - emotional and physical.
Jen, it's been a while! I hope the granparents are doing better! Kimmie - I missed your call last night, too! I'll try to call you tonight or this weekend sometime.
My life is pretty much the same. It's pretty full with wedding stuff and work. We have our site booked and I have my dress in my possession and the flower girl dress is purchased. We are ordering our cake today, I think. There are just the details to work out. We have our website up, sort of, but it's still a work in progress. We just got internet at Shawn's house, so hopefully I can work on things a little more there. Our RSVP page isn't popping up the way it should, so I have to figure that out.
Other than that, there are a few health issues that I am trying to figure out. I have to go in for a colonoscopy (sp?) sometime soon, but I am hoping that it can wait until after the wedding. They're expensive! Mom only has one treatment left (next Wednesday), so that's really cool. The bad part is that the chemicals are really getting to her now. She is pretty much sick all the time now. On top of that, she had to put our dog to sleep yesterday. It was SO sad. I cried and I wasn't even there. My dad was super upset about it - it's the only pet that he had ever been attached to. So rough times at the MN Rohde household this week.
Anyway, I hope to get the info up and correct on the website soon, then I'll give you the address so you can check it out. Also - if you guys could let me know if you're really planning on being here for the wedding, it will help me see how many rooms I am gonna have to get blocked. I have to sign the contract next week, so I better get on the ball with that.
Love you girls and I think about you all often!

update

Jenn, I'm glad to hear things are improving healthwise for the grandparents. I hope the rest of you are doing well. Things are fine here. I'm still in Ohio and it's been nice being with family. Josh is working all the time, so I really appreciate havig other people to hang out with while he's working. I feel like I never see him. He'll be in Columbus in August and I will only get to see him on weekends. I'm dreading that rotation. But, then we'll be back in Tulsa and his ER rotation in September should be quite a bit lighter. He just has to work like 15 12 hour shifts throughout the month and he'll have the other days off. Which will be nice because I will be needing him quite a bit that month as I will be ready to pop and we've still got a few things to do before baby #2 comes. The pregnancy is going well for the most part. All seems to be quite healthy. I'm still having a kind of rough time with nausea. It's lasting a lot longer with this baby than it did with Seth. But the worst thing recently has been back pain. I seem to have damaged the muscles in my lower back and it just won't get better. Dad and Josh gave me a cortizone injection last week and it helped, but then the muscles got inflamed again a few days later. There's nothing else I can do medically. So, dad has me on complete bedrest until it heals because it's been so bad that I can't walk or stand up. This happened when I was pregnant with Seth a couple times too but it healed in about 4 days and I'm going on 2 weeks this time. According to dad, my bones are splitting apart in my hips and lower back to make room for baby and this is causing my muscles and tendons to stretch beyond their capacity and get inflamed which causes crippling pain. Ah... the joys of motherhood! Anyways, I don't mean to bore you guys with my complaining. I only mention it because I would actually really appreciate your prayers that the back pain heals and goes away. It's not such a big deal right now, but I'll be in trouble if I'm still struggling with this when I have to go home because I can't lift Seth at all. My mom is basically taking care of Seth 100% right now, but I'll be more on my own in September. Daniel's girlfriend has offered to come stay with us and help with Seth if I'm still on bedrest in September, but I hate to ask her to do that. Plus, I just miss being able to hold my baby and cuddle with him and take care of him. Seth's been acting wierd the last few days and I think it's because he doesn't understand why mommy isn't taking care of him anymore. It hurts my heart. I was hoping to really be able to give him some special attention this summer since the baby's coming and he'll have to start sharing me soon. But now I can't even give him a hug. Anyways, your parayers are appreciated. I miss you guys and hope to hear some updates from all of you soon. Love you!

another update

thanks for all your prayers ladies, they are making a difference! Grandma is home and doing very well. She is able to drive once again. The angiogram is scheduled for thursday afternoon. Grandpa is still in the hospital and will remain there until thursday. He will see an infectious disease specialist friday in Iowa City. The antibiotics are making a slight difference still. Hopefully my next blog will be a report that everyone is home and doing well!

update on grandparents

Grandma went home yesterday! Grandpa though, is still in the hospital. They have ruled out a blood clot in his leg at the site of the infection and his white blood cell count is lowering little by little. On the flip side, they are doing an ultrasound today to see if the infection has spread to his stomach. He is still bed-ridden and had another fever last night. Keep praying!

praying

Hey girls! I just wanted to let Angie and jen know I'm praying for you guys. Angie, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to get to spend timed time with family. I'm sure that meant a lot to them too. Let us know if you need anything at all. Jen, I'll be praying for both of your grandparents' quick recovery as well as for your family as they deal with the situation. It can be awfully tiring to be there to meet all the needs when loved ones are in the hospital. I'll pray for you all to have extra energy and peace. Keep us posted on how the grandparents are doing. Love you guys!

grandpa's turn

Now both grandma and grandpa are in the hospital. At least they placed them just across the hall from each other. Grandpa was admitted Saturday when he started shaking violently due to a fever spike to 103. They are unsure where the infection is, but are keeping him on 24 hour antibiotics. Meanwhile, Grandma has a nuclear stress test this afternoon. If all goes well with that, she could go home tonight. My mother is there this week taking care of both of them.
Oh, and my parents were named citizens of the year in Waterman, IL this weekend :)
Angie, so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to make it to visit with the family after all. Those times can be quite precious.
much love,
Jen

Weekend Whirlwind

Hey girls... I wanted to update you on the latest in my life.
Unfortunately my grandmother passed away this past Thursday, which put our whole family into a whirlwind for the weekend. Because of Amish things I don't entirely understand, we were under the impression that the grandchildren were not invited to the funeral. We were allowed to go to the viewing, but with it being in Indiana a lot of us did not think it would be worth the trip for only a couple of hours with the family, etc... I had planned to go anyway and spend the day out there on Sunday, and drive home on Monday when the funeral was. Well... Last minute they decided to bump the funeral till Saturday. Unfortunately I had plans Friday night that I felt I couldn't get out of and thus had decided to not go at all. Well, my whole family went out Friday morning and I felt bad that I couldn't be there. Friday night at 7pm they called me and told me to fly out Saturday morning so I could at least spend time with the family after the funeral on Saturday. So after getting home at 3:30am on Saturday morning I packed, slept for an hour, and left for the airport at 5am. I am so glad I went. The time with my family and especially with my grandfather was priceless. He is doing well, coping well, and already looking for things to keep him busy. Please keep my family in your prayers as we all adjust to the change. It was not a sudden death, she had been dealing with tumors in her body for a couple of months and there was not much the doctors could do for her. We are all sad for the loss, but are rejoicing that she is in heaven and no longer in pain.
I returned home Sunday and now I am back to work.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. I miss you all.
Jen - I will be praying for your grandmother.

gramms

Hey girls, keep my grandma in your prayers. She went in the hospital Sunday with pain in her abdomen which they determined to be gall stones. Wednesday evening she had surgery to remove the gall bladder. In recovery, she had a minor heart attack. Hopefully today she will be moved out of the CCU and into her own room, providing her condition improves. I'm hopeful that she will recover and then we can continue finding out where the blockage is in her heart. It's really hard on grandpa, so also pray for him please... the man doesn't know how to make coffee, use the microwave, etc, etc. He just wants to take her home and asks for that every 5 minutes. Their names are Gerald and Marian (nicknamed 'Red' and 'Pat'). Thanks girls, love you all!

missing you!

Hey girls! I'm missing you all a whole bunch. Nothing is as much fun after being with all my girls for the weekend. I hope you've all been having a good week. Steph, I can't wait to see your dress! I'm sorry your location didn't work out. I'm sure you'll find something else that will be great. =) Congrats Jen on your new nephew. Very exciting! I'm glad you're having fun in San Diego Jamie. All is fine here. I've been in Ohio and it's been nice. Josh has been working 15 hour days and every weekend, so I'm thankful that I have some family to keep me company and help out with Seth. It's been pretty relaxing for me because there are so many people wanting to play with Seth and mom has been getting up with him in the mornings a lot so I get to sleep in. Very nice! =) It's kind of hard not having our own place and I have to admit that I struggle a bit with living in a house that I can't keep as organized and clean as I like. (Two of my brothers are still living at home and nobody in the family seems to enjoy order and cleanliness quite as much as I do, so keeping things clean enough for my taste is pretty much a lost cause and I don't have the energy for it). But at least I'm not really lonely like I would be in Tulsa. =) Seth is doing well and loving all of his family in Ohio. He seems to prefer his grandmas over me and I'm not sure how I feel about that. He never just wants to cuddle with me anymore and he cries for my mom. I'm afraid he's going to go through withdrawal when we have to leave and he'll be upset that he's stuck with me. Oh well, at least I'm getting a break for now. Well, I'd better get some sleep. Love you girls!

A dress

Hi everyone!
I hope this finds you all doing well! I haven't had a chance to post any of the pictures that I had wanted to from the weekend, but I have a goal to get that done this week!
Just some updates on the wedding...we didn't get our deposit in on time for our place, so we are starting from square one. I can't tell you how frustrated I am that people charge so much for these places. We really need your prayers to find another one in our price range soon.
Better news, though, is that I bought my dress yesterday! I spent a total of two hours at David's Bridal yesterday and found "it" as well as bridesmaids dresses. SO that's a big checkmark of my list. Again, I have pics of that, too, but haven't downloaded them yet.
I'd love to know how life is for you all, so email or post a blog!
Love you all!

Yippee!

Yeah! Congrats Aunt Jen. Sounds like a beautiful baby boy. I can't wait to see pictures.

I so enjoyed seeing you all this past weekend! I don't know if I can even express how much your friendship means to me. :) Thank you thank you thank you! I will try and keep this up a bit more this year.

Nick and I are in San Diego right now, and we must have a reunion here someday! This city is absolutly amazing. :) The conference that I am attending is a lot of fun for me. Nick calls it "Geek Fest 2006". There are a lot of techies here, but they are all teachers. It is so great to be among people to aren't afraid to use techonolgy. :)

Well...I hope you are all adjusting after this weekend. I love you lots!

PS. Could you all email or post your current address and your and your hubby's birthday and anniversery? I will put together a sheet for you all and send it to you! :)

Aunt Jen

I'm an official Auntie! Bailey Christopher Duncan was born at 12:30 this afternoon. He's 8 lbs, 4 oz, has dark hair, and likes to scream. I'll get to meet him tonight! The labor went very well for my sister-in-law, Carol. She went from 5cm to 10cm in about 45 minutes and didn't have to push very long. Julie, I'm praying your second one happens like that! I'll sent pictures out soon!
Thanks for the great weekend, girls. I had a blast!

Going crazy

Aargh! I still have to work for three more hours! ...And I'll I want to do is pack my bags and get on the plane!

WAHOO!

I'm so excited. I need some good hugs from you all. I miss you so much!! I can't wait to see you in less than a day!! WAHOO!!

jumping out of my skin excited!!

I can't stop thinking about this weekend! It's consuming my mind!

Can't wait...

Is anyone else excited about this weekend!
Can't wait to see you all!

The Itinerary!

Ok Ladies...here's our potential itinerary...Just to give you an idea of what you need to bring as far as money, clothes, shoes, etc. Let me know your thoughts...

Friday evening: Dinner in, hot tub/pool, movie in or out...

Saturday: Breakfast in (bagels, etc) Taste of Chicago (no admission - food cost only...), shopping, etc. for the afternoon - or to a beach...

Saturday evening: a) Free dance lesson and dancing in Grant Park at 6pm - it's something Afro Puerto Rican
b) Grant Park Orchestra (free) at 9pm - outside as well...
c) Navy Pier Fireworks (15 minutes long) at 10:15pm
d) Chicago at Sunset Cruise (2 hours) at 7:45pm (Cost $22)
e) Clubs around the area...
(I figure this leaves us a lot of options depending on the weather and what we "feel" like doing...dinner would be somewhere in there too. This also leaves us options as far as costs if we don't want to spend as much)

Sunday: Breakfast out (or in...depending on what we feel like doing)
Shedd Aquarium - anytime - closes at 6pm... cost $23
Dinner out (maybe with Joachim?) then back to the hotel or whatever our fancy...

The only other costs added in there are transportation...the train into the city will be about $5-8 total, but then we have cab fare if we need it, buses or the "L". Each bus and "L" ride will be $2...cab fares vary of course.

Again, going to and from airports will be taken care of by me or Jen.

Let me know any thoughts or ideas on this, but I wanted to give you an idea of what we were thinking of doing. By no means do we have to do any or all of this. Just ideas.

Love you girls! Can't wait to hear from you!

I know, I know...it's about time...

Hello friends! Can you believe in just about two weeks we will be able to see each other face to face? AHH! I am so thrilled! Jamie - i am really looking forward to hearing about the great things that happened in China! I've been thinking of you a lot.
Obviously, you guys all know that my world has been a little crazy lately. I am really very happy here, and very happy that I am engaged to the love of my life. I am truly looking forward to my life with Shawn and all the adventure that it will bring. Anyway...I hope everyone is planning on bringing pictures of the last year of their lives so we can all really catch up.
Work is good too! I just started at a different place last friday and it's working out wonderfully. I feel like I just jumped into the middle of a lake, and it's sink or swim, but it seems to be a great thing so far. I do a lot of organizing - of people and of things - and keeping everything moving right along. It's an architectural firm, so keeping things moving smoothly is very important.

Just FYI - if any of you are in town (hehehe), we are having an engagement party on June 24th...I am looking forward to it, but it also makes me a little sad. None of my family can come at all, so it's just mutual friends and Shawn's friends and family. I talked to my mom today, and she was a little blunt, but it's true - it was my choice to move farther away from my family, so it makes it more difficult for times like this.

Jules - I will try to call you soon - I was thinking about getting together early next week to hang out. Then I'll give you the info on the party, if you can come.

I love you girls and I CANNOT wait to see all of you!!!
Hugs and kisses!

Nothing New

Hello Friends -
I don't have anything new to blog... just the same old stuff going on. Although i am excited to see you all in 17 days!
Kimmie - i loved the pics from San Fran - sounds like you guys had fun.
Juls - I'm so excited you are having a girl... can't wait to meet the future Sapphire :)
Steph - Congratulations on the engagement... can't wait to see the ring and hear about all the wedding plans!
Jen - Sounds like your house is really comming together nicely... hopefully we can make a trip out sometime, i would love to see it!
Jamie - You are somewhere in China as i am writing this... know that we are praying for you and can't wait to hear all about the trip.
Liz - Miss you and hope to hear from you soon.
Ummm... not sure what else to write... i'm kinda computered out, it's the end of the day and i'm ready to go home.
In spite of the fact that i don't write often or have anything interesting to write, i do check often and love to hear about what is going on in your world. I miss you very much and think of you everyday!
Love and prayers:)

The San Francisco treat...ding ding

It's getting late and I should be getting to bed, but I stayed home sick from work today, so I've got a little cabin fever. And, since I slept in till noon, I'm not too tired yet. But I am feeling better, so that's a good thing.
Adam and I went to San Francisco last weekend -- for Memorial Day and to celebrate our anniversary. I can't believe it's been three years! Sometimes it seems like just yesterday...and other times, it feels like thirty years. :p He also gave me a pair of sapphire earrings! I love them and wish I could wear them every day. But they're pretty dressy and don't go with everything. I was very surprised -- he even picked them out all by himself.
We had a great time in San Fran, though. I found the Full House houses! :p We spent a day in the Sonoma Valley, tasting wine and walking and driving through all the vineyards. Basically all we did really was eat and drink. We also spent a lot of time at the beach where I didn't get sunburned...or even suntanned. And, we managed to climb all the way from Fisherman's Wharf up to Lombard Street - because the line for the streetcar was two hours long. Yeah, I thought we had hills in Seattle -- geesh. My calves still hurt from that. But we were very proud of our chubby little selves after we managed that feat.
So now we're busy getting things done we weren't here to do over the weekend. Adam's little sister is coming to stay with us this weekend. She's going to visit a few of the colleges out here, so we're trying to entice her with all the wonderful Seattle perks. Unfortunately, my apartment is a mess -- I haven't even unpacked -- so we have all that to do tomorrow night to get ready for her arrival.
We're also deciding on where and when to move. Our lease is up, and we're trying to decide if now's the time to buy or if we should just rent for a bit longer. We do have some more debt to pay off -- so we'll definitely wait for that to be gone before we do buy...but I'm ready to find something a little bigger for sure.
Hope all is well with you girls! Love ya!

Busy Memorial Day Weekend

Hi girls, did everyone enjoy the long weekend?
It was so nice for us to have an extra day. But we didn't relax, we worked hard! We have decided to tear down the present shed in our back yard, and rebuild the side storage room on the garage - therefore making it our new shed. We started Saturday morning tearing the side room apart. Sunday we bought supplies (and partook in the Sunday - day of rest). And today we built the frame to the new shed. As I just got in the shower I thought to myself, I have never been so dirty! I smelled, oh boy did I smell! Anyway, it's rewarding to look out and see some really good progress. Another week and the walls will be up. and yet another... the old shed will be torn down. Chris also bought another little gift for us, so that when our back yard is complete, we can sit and enjoy it... Patio furniture! I was thrilled! It's like our anniversary gift to ourselves :)
So I couldn't help but wonder what the Sapphire girls did on this extra day! Steph, I know I said I'd call you this weekend. Sorry, I failed... now I am reporting to the basement to SIT ON MY ARSE all night long. I barely had energy to wash my hair!
Anyway, all this to say, I hope you all had a wonderful long weekend. Very excited for the end of next month when we get to see each other!!
Bye girls, love you!

Late night and bread

Hey all!

Just thought I would drop you a note as I sit at 1am waiting for banana bread to bake. Things here are busy and time seems to be running out on me. Which is why I am baking when I should be sleeping. School is almost done. One more week and I'm finished. Some cool things have gone on in the last few weeks. At school my team won a grant from HP for $35,000 of technology. So at the moment I'm actually writing to you from my new laptop! It has some amazing features. I'll have to bring it with me to Chicago. Speaking of... My plane ticket is bought and yet I'm not sure where I fly into. I'll email you girls when I figure it out.
Another amazing God thing is that our one trip to China is just about paid. Thank you so much for your prayers and gifts. You are such a blessing to us! We leave for China June 4 at 2:30am from our church. I think I've figured that it is a 20 hour flight. we are going to be working with kindergarten during their "Reading" month. Please pray for us. We Won't be told exactly where we are going until we reach Hong Kong.
So that is a quick update. Nick and I are doing well. I hope I don't make it sound like we are always struggling. We are definitely learning a lot, and loving every minute. I can't for you all to really hangout with him. Maybe in November?
Well-I better get ready for bed. The bread is almost done. I love you all and can't wait to see you very, very soon!

A happy digression

Hey girls! I just have to tell you that Seth digressed this week developmentally, but that it has been the most blissful digression I could have imagined. Seth would never have anything to do with a pacifier from the day he was born. He would always just spit it out. I didn't mind too much because I didn't really want him getting attached to a pacifier anyways. However, he has always been a bit dificult when it comes time to sleep or relax. most babies would suck on a pacifier and calm down. Seth always took more creative calming methods. Fortunately, he was a really good baby so it wasn't too bad. His naptimes have become a rather serious problem the past few months because he simply refuses to sleep during the day. He fights it and will often times sit in his crib laughing and talking to himself for hours before I finally give up and get him out of bed. Consequently, he gets cranky the rest of the day because he's always exhausted. So, 2 days ago, Seth was playing in his toybox and he came across an infant pacifier that had gotten stuck in with the rest of his toys. He promptly stuck it in his mouth and wouldn't spit it out the rest of the day! I take it away during his awake times and at night, but I've been letting him have it for his naps during the day... and he's been sleeping for hours! So far, everyday that I let him nap with his pacifier, he goes to sleep immediately without even a wimper and he sleeps for 2-3 hours. It's been the most wonderful thing ever! I know... he can't get attached to a pacifier now. He's just a few months away from giving it up completely. But I don't care! I won't let him have it unless it's nap time, and I won't let him use it to fall asleep at night... but if he will sleep during the day and be a much more pleasant child and let me get stuff done every once in a while... then he can suck on that thing to his little heart's content (at naptime). Seth is doing well these days. He's walking all over the place on his own now. It's pretty cute because he hasn't quite caught onto needing to bend his knees yet, so he kind of looks like E.T. when he's waddling around. He's into everything, but he's a pretty happy kid all the time. He says "hi" and will diligently say "thank you" whenever he is handed something... or takes something from you. He has also learned to "moo" like a cow. He will shake and nod his head in response to questions and in conversations consistently like he really is involved and understands everything you're saying. His favorite thing is hair. It's wierd, I know, but he loves to bury his little hands in your hair whenever he can reach you. He'll sit on my lap for an hour at a time just resting his little head on my chest, with his arms wrapped around my neck so he can hold my hair with both of his hands. It's kind of quirky, but I love the cuddle time, even if he just wants my hair. He is starting to find my bulging abdomen irritating though. He gets annoyed that my belly is getting in the way of hugs and wrestling. He tries to crawl in my lap and doesn't have as much room so he tries to push my tummy out of the way. It's only gonna get worse! =) I'm starting to feel a bit better these days. The nausea is not gone, but much better. I'm still waiting for my real pregnancy appetite to kick in. I haven't been able to really put down a good quantity of food yet. I actually get full quicker than I did before I was pregnant. I find that irritating. Now that my nausea is more under control, my most common craving is buffalo chicken wings and Coke. I could eat them almost all the time. That really has been my only major, intense craving with this pregnancy. I also eat a lot of fruit and some other things usually sound good. But buffalo chicken wings and Coke is my "have to have it" craving. Healthy, I know. That's about it for us lately. We've been staying busy doing landscaping and other house projects this week. I'm working on getting Seth's big boy room put together. He's going to have a Hawaiin, surfer style room. I found a cheap comforter and some accessories and I just have a little more to get so that I can get his new room set up. We're keeping a double bed in his room though so we'll always have a place for guests to stay in case anyone happens to be passing through. hint, hint... =) Well, I'd better go. Seth needs a bath and we need to go outside and enjoy our beautiful weather today. Love you girls!

I'd been wanting to post for a few days too but i feel like i'm begging for attention when I have 2 posts in a row. So thanks Julie, for breaking down and posting! Oh my gosh, 45 days until we all see each other again! Which reminds me... I've got pictures from the following events and if you have any other events you'd l ike included in the sapphire scrapbook, send them my way soon!
Jamie wedding, Liz wedding, Angie wedding & New Years Eve festivities, Pictures of Seth, Steph and Jen visits in Chicago, Kim and Julie's cruise
Also, if you've got your plane ticket for the reunion weekend, please email me the info so Steph or I can arrange to pick you up from the airport. Be sure to let me know if you're flying into O'Hare or Midway!
So an update on the Akers... we're good! We sold our mini-van about 2 weeks ago to the dealership just under my office. We've planted all our herbs and most of the garden now... it keeps raining so it's been a little rough. Oh, and I learned the other day that I have rhubarb growing in the back. It looks like our raspberry and blackberry twigs (not yet bushes) survived the winter and could possibly produce fruit this summer. that's probably boring to all of you, but it's quite exciting to me :) I can't believe we're coming up on our one yesr anniversary soon. Sometimes it feels like 10 years and sometimes it feels like just yesterday (when I remember that I still haven't started my wedding scrapbook!)
I must be going now... work has gotten busy. Miss you all!

Ok, ok, ok...

Yeah, I guess I'll give in, too...Honestly, I've been thinking about posting something for about a week now, but I just haven't made myself sit down and do it yet.
So, I just finished up my third week working at Onlineshoes, copywriting. At first, I was a little lost, then I was just kind of bored, but now I'm getting to know my coworkers and it's going great. The job itself isn't the most stimulating -- I mean, how much can you really say about shoes...really? But I am learning a lot -- I mean, a lot -- about the shoe industry, as well as fashion...oh yeah, we have handbags on the site, also. I may not really need any more purses, exactly, but they are fun to look at and try out.
So since we're all sharing websites right now, here's mine: www.onlineshoes.com. (By the way, tell Nathan good job on that website, Liz -- it's stellar.) I just wrote some copy for Uggs that might be up, and I've been doing a lot of outdoors and athletic shoes -- Columbia, Timberland, Reebok, etc. My job is mainly to write the product descriptions, as well as the features, for each shoe.
My mom was out visiting last weekend -- sort of as an early mother's day present. I had to work a couple of the days she was here, so she kept herself busy cleaning my apartment and taking Duray for walks. We did get down to the waterfront and got to do some other touristy things -- I think she just really needed a break from Ohio. She and my dad are officially divorced now and she received the settlement. So now it's up to her to start the long process of getting past all of that. It's still very weird for all of us. She did go buy a new car, though. :p
I'm going to be purchasing my ticket to Chicago this weekend -- yay :) Had to wait until I got a little money in the bank first...
Well, Adam's in ground school today, so I'm off to go meet him for lunch...

Love you all!

I Give In

Ok, I give in...I'll post. I actually had to post something on a blog for the church we're planting, so I checked this one as well, and thought I'd post. Juls, I think you're asking the wrong people for parenting advice, as oh, none of us have kids. If I were you, I'd trying light spanking and/or time out in his crib when you say no. That might help him associate "no" with negative consequences. "redirecting" works sometimes, but being in the education field I think it can be full of crap sometimes. So there is my expertise with my wealth of knowledge. I just get to enjoy the benefits of godparenting my little godson right now, which means I get all the perks with none of the hard work. And my goodness, is my little godson adorable. He's now saying a couple words at not even 9 months, and standing. I love it! It's an amazing feeling to put a little person down, and see them cry until they make their way crawling and walking back to you.
Anway, on another note...we're quite busy here. Things are stepping it up a bit with the church launch, which is in Sept. We have a lot of outreaches and work to do this summer. Between that, classes, visiting fam, and fam visiting us, our summer will be completely insane. Check out the splash page Nathan created for the website... lifesongonline.org
Other than that things are normal. Work, classes, time with my hubby, family. 26 more days of school and counting. Ok, gotta get going. There's a food drive this weekend, so my parent's food pantry will be inundated with food that needs to be sorted. Good luck with your new challenges Julie, and I hope everyone else is doing well!

somebody write something!

Hey girls!!! The blog is getting a little dry these days... We need to hear from you all. I miss your updates. There's nothing new here. Josh is working crazy hours and I'm going a little crazy staying home with Seth all day. He's going through kind of a trying phase. He's been whiney lately because he constantly has a cold and is teething. He has also recently discovered negative attention which he thinks is hysterical. Rather than being ashamed by mommy and daddy's disappointed looks and firm "No"s... he thinks it's funny and will continue his negative behavior while mocking us by furrowing his brow, shaking his head, and saying "no, no..." over and over again. It's difficult to know what to do when he's throwing his food on the floor, drinking out of the dog bowl, and pounding on electronics within his reach when any negative response from me and Josh only prompts his immediate laughter and mockery. Girls, I'm needing some parenting advice. I don't know whether to start baby timeout, light spankings, or to simply ignore his bad behavior and "redirect" as many popular parenting magazines suggest. Because we've tried it all and nothing seems to be working. Anyways, post something to break up my boredom. Love you girls! =)

thank heaven for little girls!

Julie, I'm thrilled for you! And I agree with Kimmie, I've been needing an excuse to look at and purchase little girl things :) I go shopping for little boy stuff for my expected nephew and feel like I've been neglecting the little girl departments!
Not much new here. I'm fully enjoying this spring with all the flowers in bloom and my lilac bush filling the back yard with glorious smells! the garden has been tilled and we are getting ready to plant the vegetables in a few weeks. Chris and I just got back from a long weekend in Washington DC. We had a wedding and spent a few days sight seeing. The place is just beautiful I tell ya. We saw lots of sights and... one really funny one. We visited the George Washington Island to see the Teddy Roosevelt memorial and as we were leaving (walking) we saw a woman jump out of her previously parked car as the car drove straight in to the Potomac River! It was so strange! No one was injured. I wonder if she didn't mean to do it because heck, if i just drove my car into the river and nearly went in with it, I would be a LITTLE freaked out. she was giggling. giggling! chris just had to take a picture of the car in the river, so I'll make sure it gets online sometime soon.
Bed time!

Yay!

Finally! Now I have a reason to buy those adorable pink froofy baby things.
Congrats, Juls! Keep us posted.
I didn't realize Tulsa was getting pounded with storms so badly. Hope you're all okay!
Love ya...

baby update

Hey girls! I hope you're all doing well. Kim, I'm so happy about your new job and I hope that you're getting all settled in and enjoying your work. (sorry I missed your call the other day, I don't even know how I didn't hear my phone ring) All is fine here. Josh is working nights this week. It's not too bad except that tonight is his first 12 hour night and we happen to be under tornado attack all night. I have already spent part of my evening at Panera Bread in the freezer with Seth because it was a safe place to hide from the first round of tornados that swept Tulsa while I was eating dinner with a friend. I just crawled out of the hallway where I sat in the dark for an hour with Seth asleep in my arms while we hid from the second round of storms and tornados. We have a brief reprieve, but I will probably be heading back to the hallway or bathroom with a sleeping baby to take cover from the third round of tornados in about an hour. It's a crappy night for Josh to be gone all night. You girls know how I'm afraid of thunder and lightening, let alone tornados! Before I got married, I spent most thunderstorms in bed with Kim because they freak me out so much! Anyways, there's nothing new happening here. I just wanted to post to tell you all that I had my ultrasound today to see if we could identify the baby's sex. I'm only 18 weeks, so I'm a little early to get a completely clear view as the genital area has just recently developed completely. However, you can get a pretty solid picture at this point that is rarely misleading. Based on the view we got with the ultrasound (and it was a pretty wide-open angle if you know what I mean), it looks like we can pretty confidently expect the first member of the Sapphires Club, the next generation. It's a girl! =) The doctor looked at her from every angle to make sure there was nothing "poking out" and he and Josh both decided that it is most definately looked like a girl. Hopefully, we'll get another good picture at another ultrasound when I'm further along to just verify her sex. But we feel pretty comfortable with it right now. I'm pretty excited. I had psyched myself up so much for a boy so that I wouldn't be disappointed that I can't quite believe that it's a girl. It will be fun. Well, I'd better get going and watch the weather again. Love you all!

New job

So I'm officially a full-time working girl now. I just started yesterday as a copywriter at Onlineshoes.com. I'm mainly writing product copy and things like that for the website. It's going to be challenging, but definitely interesting (I mean, I had to read fashion magazines yesterday to do 'research' on brand images...). The pay is exactly what I needed and the office is about a mile and a half from home (I know this because I missed my bus yesterday and walked most of the way!).
Other than that, things are pretty much the same. Adam and I were in Colorado for Easter -- our nephew Dylan really got into the Easter egg stuff this year, so that was pretty fun. I'll post some pictures whenever I finally get them off the camera -- Adam and I went kind of overboard on our egg-coloring this year. It's always quite an event at his family's house -- everyone all sort of has a contest to see who can be the most original, funny, or whatever.
Adam's birthday was on Tuesday -- I got him flying lessons that will start this Saturday. He's very excited about it -- hopefully the weather is good so we can go up.
We're getting more involved in church -- we found one that seems to be perfect for us. Very young and trendy, but also traditional in some aspects. We've been making some friends there and are really starting to feel connected.
I guess that's about it from me -- love you all!!

saying good-bye

Hi girls,
I just got off the phone with Stephanie and felt the need to post. Tonight I said goodbye to Jaren. She leaves on saturday morning to move back to Arkansas. these last 2 weeks have been really rough on both of us, saying goodbye again. But I'm really thankful that God gave us this time together.
Friday morning we leave for Washington DC. We're going to a formal military wedding, and also will see some sites while we're there. We get to share a hotel room with my mother-in-law :) won't that be fun!!!
I don't think I told you that my brother and his wife heard they will be having a boy. They've chosen the name Bailey Christopher. I'm super-excited and can't wait to start buying little boy clothes.
My tulips are in full bloom and they are gorgeous. On Easter morning I walked around the corner of the house to see the first red tulips blooming. I was so excited, Chris thought I wet myself.
Our company has moved in to the new office building and it's fabulous. It's professional looking, which is quite a change for our company.
And I think that's all I have to catch you up on. Love you ladies!

Happy Easter!

Hey all! I thought I would just give you a hello. This time of year reminds me of you all so much. I was thinking about making Easter dinner, which brought back memories of the Easter dinner we had at my apartment my senior year. You guys are so special to me!

Not much is going on with us. Missions is really starting to kick in. We are suppose to have over 50% of our money in, and Nick and I are running short. We have found a few extra jobs to do in the evening, so hopefully that will help. :) We are working a gardeners for a lady next week. I hope my green thumb can grow in between now and then! ;)

Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family and your mom. I hope you all have a great time in Longmont! :)
Jennifer how was the move? Are you enjoying your walls and door? It is amazing how much you appreciate simple things when you've gone with out them for so long. :) How is Chris doing? We are praying for him.
Steph...how was the move? I'm figuring you are on your way or close to being in Tulsa.
Julie - I hope you are feeling better and that you can let your "faith doctor" know that all is well. ;) Your story made me laugh and cringe at the same time. I think I would have told the man off.
Angie, thank you so much for the birthday card! I had a such a wonderful day and hearing your voice made it that much sweeter! Thank you!! The picture is great too, I can just imagine us when were are old and wrinkled sitting in the inner tubes on some lake during a summer. :) I can't wait for that too happen!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!! I love ya tons! I'm counting down until I see you in July. I have my plane ticket bought!!

Remembering

Well Adam's watching the Discovery Channel and I'm waiting for laundry to be done, so I thought I'd post something while I was thinking of you all.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers for my family in the past week. My mom's still having a hard time with the fact that one of her siblings is gone -- that's a feeling I can't even imagine. We've all been going through our memories, finding all kinds of obscure events and family gatherings, trying to remember the special little moments. It's funny the little things that your mind brings back to your attention when you immerse yourself in remembering.
My mom gave me an old picture not long ago of her on her wedding day. It's a beautiful old black and white photo of my grandmother helping my mom with her veil and my Aunt Joan (the one that just passed away) is standing next to my mom, admiring her. It's such a lovely picture -- I think I might frame it for the wall. They all just look so young and happy -- and skinny! Those girls must have had waists smaller than Scarlett O'Hara! Good grief. Where did I get all my curves from??
Anyway, I wasn't able to make it to Ohio for the funeral -- the tickets were just outrageous in price because of spring break. But I'd like to get back sometime in the next couple of months, hopefully. Times like these I sort of forget why I wanted to live so far away from everyone. It's very frustrating when all I want to do is see my family -- and I can't. Normally, it's not an issue -- we can fork over the money and just splurge on a ticket. But when the cheapest one you can find is $900, that's not really an option.
Is anyone else having to pay taxes this year? This is the first time we've had to and ... ouch. Guess we need to pop out a kid or something before next year. Too bad we can't claim the pets. I mean, Clover could be a child's name, right?
Write soon, girls, and keep us all updated on your lives! Steph, we need to catch up soon! Have you finished packing yet? Julie, how was Seth's birthday party? I was thinking of you all weekend -- you'll have to post some pictures! Jamie, Adam and I will be in Longmont this weekend -- we'll wave as we fly over! Hope all is well with everyone. Love you, girls!

just stopping by

Hey ladies,
I've been missing you all so much lately, and thinking of you constantly as I watch the count-down to sapphire reunion tick away! Life is finally settling down after getting the floor completed. I love the look of it all, and the new trim, and the smooth finish. I will say that it is a bit slippery sometimes, so if you ever come and visit, keep that in mind. Last night I came close to falling on my face. Chris visited the doctor a week ago and was put on a very low dose blood-pressure medication. Please pray that the medication, along with the weight loss that's occuring will help lower the blood pressure.
Our office is relocating to Davenport next friday. I'm imagining that will be an interesting experience for all. I get an office with 4 walls (this is a first!), a big window, and only one door (also a first). It'll be nice when everyone's settled in.
Julie, I loved reading your story about the super-spiritual doctor. I probably would have just snapped at the guy! I couldn't imagine just sitting there and listening to all the blabber. How did you stand it!? Kimmie, I'm praying for you and your family as you mourn this passing. Jamie, I'm praying for you and your hubbie, that God would direct your communication to be effective. Stephanie, I miss you too much and we really need to talk! Hope things are coming together for the upcoming move. i'll try and call you this weekend.
lots of love!

Sympathy

Hey Kim, I just wanted to post a quick note to say that I'm so sorry about your aunt passing away. I did not know your aunt had cancer. Which one is it? Anyways, your family is in our prayers. Please let us know if you need anything at all. Where will the funeral be? Let us know if you're going to be going and when so we can be praying. Again, I'm really sorry. Love you!

Quick note

Hi, girls. I just have time for a quick post right now. Just wanted to let everyone know that my mom's sister just passed away last night. She had breast cancer and had been struggling for over a year now. So it wasn't a total surprise, but still a bit of a shock as everyone assumed she'd be discharged from the hospital in a couple days. But she slipped away pretty quickly and peacefully - my uncle didn't quite make it in time to be there with her when she went. I'd really appreciate prayers for my mom right now. I think she's still in shock - she hasn't really broken down yet. I'm trying to decide whether I should and can go to Ohio this weekend for the funeral. So I'd appreciate your prayers as well.
Anyway, hope all is well with you girls. I love you!

Is anyone normal?

Hey...what a crazy last few days. I just needed to write and not feel like I'm a drama queen. I probably am, but oh well. :) Nick and I have been trying to discuss an issue that just hurts me. I can't figure out how to explain it to him though. Everytime I bring it up, it confuses him more and more. The problem may come from me not really knowing how to verbalize what is going on. Am I normal? I sure hope so. Anyhoo...I think I'm learning to let it go a little, but then again, maybe not. The small issue that sets me off is that he doesn't respond to me when I ask, holler or sometime talk to him. I know that's a 'usual' thing for guys, but I guess I didn't realize how much they don't listen. :) I must have done this to my mom when I was a kid. I realize how much it must have driven her crazy. When he has to repeat something to me, he assumes that I don't trust him. That is what hurts the most. I can't seem to figure out how to make him see that I do trust him. The latest incident was when were cleaning the house and had the radios up loud and doors were shut. The thing that gets me the most too, is that I know he was working on a surprise for me...and I always seem to blow them.

Anyways...thanks for reading and hearing my heart. I needed to vent to a safe place. I sure do miss you guys! I wish often that I could just transport you all into my world for a moment. A quick hug and an assurance that I'm normal, then you could go back to your lives. :)

I love you all and I'm praying for you all that time!

name it and claim it!

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

just say 'no' to laminate!

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

and it gets even crazier...

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

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

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

Quick story...

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

Is it spring yet?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How cute!

Hey girls!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Nothing big happening here...

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

Big Day!

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

I'm really moving

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

Spring is coming!

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

just an update

Hey girls! There's not much new happening here. We just got back to Tulsa yesterday and are getting settled back in. Seth is getting big anf starting to do new things. He has decided he wants nothing to do with baby food anymore and insists on only eating finger foods. He has also started playing patty-cake on his own, he is pulling up on everything and has stood alone a few times. His favorite new game is to drop everything on the floor and sing "Uh - Oh". He's a very active little boy. We had a great time on vacation with Kim and Adam. It was a little cold and that was kind of a bummer, But it was still relaxing. I'm doing fine these days. I'm about 10-11 weeks pregnant now and everything is going smoothly. The only nasty part of pregnancy so far has been rather violent nausea. There's this one medicine that helps me feel better, but it's like $20 a pill and my insurance doesn't cover it more than a few pills each month. So, whenever I'm out of medicine, I just throw up all day. I'm working on trying to find something else that works for me that is covered by my insurance, but haven't been lucky so far. I'm really scared because Josh starts his new rotation tomorrow and won't be able to help me with Seth at all for the next few months. I don't know if I'm going to be able to take care of him very well if I'm so sick every day. I hate being pregnant. I love my children, but I hate being pregnant. Anyways, I could use you girls' prayers that I feel better and that this nausea doesn't last very long this time. Well, I'd better get moving. I need to take a shower and go run some errands while I have Josh to help me. Love you all!

Wow...

Seriously, girls! I was gone for 9 days! I expected someone to have something interesting to say by the time i got back! :)
Well, what can I say, except that i miss you all dearly. Luckily, I have gotten to talk to a few of you over my vacation.
The week in Tulsa was great. Fabulous. It was really hard to leave. (Juls, I assumed you were still in Ohio, since that was the last I heard.) I got back and this morning one of the recruiters asked me if I was engaged and when i was moving back. I couldn't lie, so I said, not engaged, but moving back. I told her not to say anything to the rest of them yet. She said, "You know you're the best person we've ever had in this position so you have to find a replacement that's just as good..." That felt good. She also said that she understood completely why I was leaving and that she knew everyone else would be supportive, too. Also, good. So I wasn't going to give my notice for a few weeks, but I may let them know sooner than later.
Things with my mom are good. They are on vacation now, and she should start chemo after they get back. She had a lump removed from her breast last week, but that was completely non-cancerous, so she's good to go there. She's feeling a lot better and i think she has a pretty positive outlook.
Things with Shawn are wonderful, too. Can't wait to be around him on a regular basis again. It was so good to spend time with him. He's coming up to meet my parents in a few weeks. That will be good as well.
Anyway, better get to work...catching up to do! Love you all! I hope everything is well!

Celebrate your love

Oh and by the way... Happy valentines day! Have fun celebrating with your boys!

I'm still alive

So yea... I'm still here in PA
Julie - Congratulations, I'm so excited for you! So far, so good in that department for me... No oops pregnancies here and I hope to keep it that way for another 3-5 years.
So here's an update on me... I know I haven't written in forever... So sorry.
It was so great to see you all (those who could make it... We missed you Jamie & Sarah) at the wedding. I miss you all already.
The honeymoon to Mexico was fabulous... It's so nice to be waited on hand and foot and not have to lift a finger for anything. We didn't do much of anything beside sleep for the first couple of day, but even that was so great. We had a lot of catching up to do in that area after the festivities. Towards the end of the week we ventured out and visited the Mayan Ruins, the closest Mexican town - Playa Del Carmen, and spent one day snorkeling. We were ready to set up our house and home there and not come back to reality. But we thought it better to work then get further in to debt.
Ok... So married life is great, now that I'm feeling a lot better. As some of you may already know, 3 days after we got back from Mexico I got the flu. It was awful - I ran fevers over 102 and sometimes over 103 for 6 days straight. After that I had minor fevers (99-101) for about 3-4 days and then I got a really bad sinus congestion for about 3 days... I was out of work for a week and basically layed around, sweated out fevers and changed my clothes about 5-8 times per day... Not so fun. But... I'm feeling a lot better now and loving married life. Now I just have to find the motivation to go through all the boxes in the office. There's just so much organizing to do I don't know where to start.
Other than that... Aaron and I are having fun getting used to living together. We started going to a young marrieds small group and have thus far had a good time getting to know our group as well as other young marrieds in the church. It's been way too long since we've branched out and met knew people and its so nice to finally have couples that Aaron and I can connect with and hang out with. I'd forgotten how much fun it is.
Well... I'm at work and should get back to that since I've already spent half the day being distracted. But I'll definitely try to do better with the writing thing. I miss you guys and I'm glad to see all things working out in everyone's lives. Can't wait to see you in July!

Thrilled!

yea Julie! I'm so excited for you! and ok, maybe a bit jealous :)
Kimmie, that's a really neat website. Must better than 'Rock Island, IL' website. Fun!
My most recent news is that I have hired a new assistant, again. Gretchen started on monday and I can tell already that she is going to work out better than expected. This takes much stress off me in the job. I'm hoping this will mean I will have some more fun while at work and have more relaxing nights as I won't have to rely on a beer or nice vodka drink to come down from the hectic day. not that it's a bad thing or anything ;)
I'm working on quite a few projects now and just last weekend painted my kitchen ceiling. Once this is completed (this weekend) we will order our new kitchen floor, for which my excitement can't even be expressed! I will give one little piece of advice... when painting ceilings, I don't recommend the paint that starts out pink and dries white. It's great to know that you haven't missed a spot BUT the chemical reaction that takes place while it's drying smells like poo! Yes, my home smelled like poo for a few days. it was awful! So, my thoughts are, so long as you can be methodical about your painting, you should be able to know where you've missed paining, so just go for the standard white ceiling paint. I have half of the kitchen yet to do on saturday so I'm in for another couple fun filled - poo smelling days. wish me luck.
So I'm just really happy that everything seems to be looking good for everyone! I'm off to work now... have to figure out what to train on today. TaTa!

So good!

I love that everyone has decided to post! Julie - Congratulations, again! It was great to catch up with you last night! Liz, I hope we're still on for tonight! It's our date! :)
Kimmie and Angie, it was great to connect with you guys again, too. With so much going on with everyone, I have felt so out of touch.
Thanks for all your prayers with my mom! She's doing really well, and recovering from surgery very quickly. She went in this morning for her cat scan, but apparently we won't know anything until next week when the doctor will go over her results with her. She's been researching a lot and is looking into alternatives to the standard chemo treatment. She's also really focusing on cutting preservatives and hormones out of her diet, and going with all natural, organic products instead of the standard processed stuff that we're all used to eating. I am trying to adopt that lifestyle as well.
Other than that, things are alright here in Chi-town. Shawn and I are doing well. I will be in Tulsa again Feb. 18-26. Plans and arrangements continue to be made for the future, and as soon as I know anything for sure concerning a move, job, etc. I will let you girls know! I better get going, and I hope this finds you all well! Have a lovely day, my girls!

New site

Since it seems to be the time for announcements, I'll add mine to the mix. After months of hard work, we finally launched our new City of Everett Web site last Friday. Though it's not quite as exciting as a new baby, I still feel a little like a mom. We've still got a few little tweaks to do and I'm sure there will be even more on my to-do list after I actually check my e-mail today, but it's come a long way from when I first started. For anyone who wants to check it out, here's the address: www.everettwa.org. A few of my personal favorite pages are the Animals and Neighborhoods. As far as my part of the project, I was responsible for editing the content, as well as some photo editing, and I did write a couple of the pages from scratch. Just in case you were wondering. :)
So life is good out here on the west coast. Other than the whole city being depressed today, that is. It's actually sunny and dry for the second day in a row -- it feels like a crime to be inside right now.
I did some major shopping over the weekend to get ready for the cruise w/ Josh & Julie (five days and counting!) ... had to buy a new swimsuit. Not so much fun. But I did find some great sales.
I guess that's it for me. Love you all!

Happy

You can all faint now, since I'm posting. Julie, I'm so excited for you! Maybe this one will be a girl. How fun. And I'm so glad you and your family are doing well. God can do amazing things in families even at such difficult times. And with Steph's mom recovering well, it seems as though things are righting themselves a bit after a difficult time.
Life here is good. Busy as usual, but good. Work is going well for both Nathan and I, although it is extremely busy right now. Special ed gets super busy in the spring, and I guess I started my spring early. For those of you who don't know yet, Nathan and I are also involved in planting a church in the Worcester area of MA. We're pretty excited about it, and it's another thing keeping us pretty busy. The church is schedule to launch in Sept. We've also taken up snowboarding as a hobby (or I should say I have taken it up since Nathan did long ago). I am quite banged up from my first time going last weekend. I could hardly move the day after. But Nathan tells me I have a good "center of balance". Somehow I'm not feeling it as I'm continually falling on my tailbone. I'm hoping to get decent by the time we have our minivacation in New Hampshire. Ok well, we've got company tonight, so I need to get going on dinner. I'm so glad to hear everyone is doing so well.

Thank you!

Hey girls! I want to say thank you so much for the beautiful flowers that you all sent this week for the funeral. I didn't know anything about them and they were there when I got to the viewing last night. I had just walked in and was seeing grandma for the first time. I was up at the casket and having a really hard time when my mom came up behind me and said "did you see what the Sapphires sent?" I turned around and saw the flowers (red sweetheart carnations in a stone angel base) and just burst into tears. I told Josh "this is what a club like this is for." You girls were such a support for me this week and I really appreciate it. The service was really special and we've had some very nice family time this week. We're all doing well. So, enough of that stuff. I also wanted to pass on some more news. This news is significantly happier... I just found out that I'm pregnant again. In case you're wondering, it wasn't planned at all. Quite the accident actually. But we'll just call it a surprise blessing. I'm due September 23rd and this will make my kids 16 months apart. YIKES! I'll be needing some grace from God for the next few years to keep my sanity I think. But I'm feeling pretty good so far and am adjusting to the idea of doing it all over again already. Maybe this one will be a girl. =) Plus, I'll already have my life back with older kids when you guys are all still pulling all nighters with crying babies. Haha! I'm just kidding. =) Well, I'd better go. I love you girls and hope to see some happy blogging from you all shortly. Note: Steph, I need an update on your mom. Later!

sad

Hey girls, I'm sorry to write a sad post today. But I wanted to let you all know that my grandma passed away this morning. I really appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts over the past few months. Your support has been a blessing. I'm going to be heading back to Ohio in a couple days for the funeral and stuff. We'll be there for the whole month of February then because we're going on the cruise with Kim and Adam (yay!). Anyways, grandma slipped into a coma last night and just stopped breathing this morning. It was very peaceful and painless (which is what we were praying for). Obviously, I'm having a rough time, but I'm also relieved because she's been so uncomfortable the past few weeks. I'm just picturing her completely restored and whole in heaven with Christ. Thanks again for your prayers. We could use a few more to get us through these next several days. Love you girls!

Julie

Thanks!

Hey Ladies!
It has been a long time since I have posted on here, but there has been a lot going on. Not that business is an excuse not to communicate with my favorite girls, but you know what I mean. :)
The biggest thing going on right now is that my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer last week and had a major surgery to get the cancer out. It was a tumor the size of a medium apple. They also removed her ovaries ( her uterus was gone from cervical cancer before) and the lymph nodes around the area. The only bad thing that happened is that they found some spots on her liver so they are getting the results from that back today - i'm actually waiting for my mom to call as i write this. The prognosis is good, though, even though she may have to do chemo for a while. SO! Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, for those of you who knew about this. It all happened very quickly, but Mom is doing well and recovering from the surgery very well.
Since that makes it a total of two weekends in eight that I've been in Chicago, I am really looking forward to this weekend and being home for a change! Shawn is up visiting this weekend, too, so that should be pretty cool. It will be nice to just spend some time with him when there's nothing major going on.
I can't think of too much else right at the moment, although, I know there's much more to tell. I will hopefully talk to each of you again sometime soon! I love you girls! And again, thanks for all the prayers!

Nude swimming!!!????

Jenn! I have to tell you that I have a newfound respect for you that you went to a nude beach and actually participated! I don't think I could do that. I just would be too nervous. I'm impressed. I'm so glad you guys had a great time. Angie, I haven't really heard about your honeymoon yet, but I hope it was fabulous. Your wedding was so much fun and it was great to see you all again. My stomach hurt for a couple days from laughing so hard. It was a good time. Steph, I've been praying for you and your family. You're always in my thoughts. Never hesitate to call if you need anything at all. Nothing much new happening here. We've been back in Tulsa for a couple of weeks now. My brother, Daniel, started ORU this semester. He likes most of it but has the same complaints we all did. However... he doesn't have much to complain about since they completely dropped dress code!!!! Yeah, they can wear jeans and sweats now. Can you believe it? How many times did we all slip and slide across the prayer tower on ice in our dresses? Or bite it down the GC steps in a skirt and high heels? Even when we could wear dress slacks, it still sucked a little bit. Oh well, it was a change that needed to happen. Who knows... maybe curfew will be the next to go. (Yeah right). Anyways, it's been nice having Dan around. I've just been getting stuff done around the house this month and hanging with Seth. We'll be heading back to Ohio in February to go on our cruise with Kim and Adam! Yay! Although I'm still kind of on edge because my grandmother could pass awy at any time. I have to be ready to go back to Ohio earlier if needed. I really cannot believe that she is still holding on. I feel like I'm trapped in a warp zone where my whole life and all of my family is just caught on hold while we deal with grandma. Nobody can make any plans or go anywhere or even really deal with things emotionally yet. We're just waiting. It's crazy. Enough of that. Seth is all over the place. He got like $300 worth of awesome toys at Christmas from everyone and all he wants to play with is my cupboards and the carbon monoxide detector. He always continues to try to crawl under the couch (there's only a 5 inch gap between the floor and the couch) so he gets stuck all day long underneath furniture. My whole day is spent chasing him around or rescuing him from something. The only toy he plays with is his $5 peek a block set. I should have just got him a cardboard box. He also enjoys eating dog food. He has learned the word "no" as well as mommy's "mean" voice. He stops in his tracks on the way to Wyatt's dish when he hears me say "no" and looks at me with big tears in his eyes as if to say "you're not the loving mother I know." It's all very heartbreaking. But not as heartbreaking as having to dig a chunk of dog food out of his throat because he's choking. He started to make a new face last night. I have attached it to this post. We learned that he does not enjoy lasagna. This was his response. We laughed at it so hard though that now he does this face all the time. Even when he likes things. So I think he's just discovering what he can do with his face. Anyways, I love you girls and miss you.

Yah mon

Hey ladies,
Missing you all and wishing we could all get together next weekend again! We returned from our lovely honeymoon this weekend. We had a fabulous time laying on the beach, drinking lots of rum, reading books, more rum, and doing all sorts of water sports... scuba diving (chris only), snorkling, kayaking, glass bottom boat, catamaran cruises, climbing the Dunns River Falls (my personal favorite), drinking rum, and we even visited the nude island just off the coast of our resort. My mother gasped when I told her that yes, her reserved daughter went au natural in Jamaica. We even sat naked in the swim-up bar and held conversation with a group of nude people. I just felt so free!! no sunburn! Anyway, we both had a great time. I can't remember a time in my life when I've been so relaxed.
Hope you are all doing well. Steph, I'm praying for your family. wish i could see you now and be with you. keep me posted k? angie, so glad you had fun on your honeymoon. It looks like a really nice place! I'm in the process of uploading all the pictures from the wedding and our trip to kodakgallery so everyone look for an email soon to see the pics. love you girls!
Jen

Get your kicks in 2006

Since I've checked this about a hundred times so far today thinking "someone needs to write something!" ... I figured I'd go ahead.
Happy 2006, everyone! I just want to say how great it was to see you girls over the holidays (we missed you, Jamie!). It's always so amazing to me how we can all just sort of pick up where we left off last time. I truly believe we have something special in our little group. I hope all of you know how much you mean to me.
And Angie, I'm sure you won't be reading this any time soon (hope you had fun in Mexico!) but the wedding was truly gorgeous. It was so you and so classy. The whole weekend was such a huge whirlwind of fun. I'm so glad we were able to be there.
Our trip back home wasn't quite as much fun - because of huge delays in Chicago and all of United's computers being down, we ended up not being able to make connections with Adam's mom in Denver ... so our little dog is still at the in-laws. We're kind of sad without her. But we are flying Adam's mom in next weekend to get her back (and to visit with my mother-in-law, of course).
So it's back to the real world then, I guess, for most of us. I'm still working on the Web project, and probably will be until the end of time. There are just so many little things we have to pull together before we can launch! But we are planning on launching the end of the month. They did mention the possibility of hiring me on full-time, as the woman I'm working for no longer has an assistant. But there may be a few speedbumps in the road on that one, so it's still pretty up in the air.
Hope you all are well and happy. Love you girls!