tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72941270449690134422024-03-14T01:52:09.747-07:00It's a Beautiful LifeDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-1803681068259236082018-02-01T13:57:00.001-08:002018-02-01T14:14:04.783-08:00Nolan's Birth Story<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Nolan James Cowen was due Nov. 22, 2017, but he had other</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> ideas of when he wanted to enter this </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">world. On the evening</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> of Monday, Nov 6th, I was at a work function and began </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">experiencing regular </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">contractions. When I got home I told</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> Joel and we monitored them for awhile. They were regular,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> but not very strong. After an hour or two we called the doctor.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Based on my history of precipitous</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> labors she suggested we </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">go into the hospital. It would be better to be there in case things</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> sped up</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> quickly. We pulled into the north side of hospital where </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">my doctor had told us to go only to find out </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">that after 9 pm you </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">can’t enter that way. We jumped back in the car and drove to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> the other side. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">We checked in at the ER triage counter where </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">they slowly took their time taking my blood pressure </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and asking</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">me questions. I was instructed to sit in the waiting area until a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">doctor came down to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">give approval for me to go to L&D. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Once we got to the Labor and Delivery floor, we had another </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">check point where we sat down and spent 20 minutes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">answering questions and getting checked in. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">All of this was </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">such a slow process! Finally they escorted us to a “holding” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">room where women are </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">monitored before being given a room </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of their own. Well, after 7 hours of monitoring they decided </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">my </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">labor was not progressing and sent me home at 5 cm! WHAT?!?! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Three days later, on Thursday morning at 4:13 am I was woke </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">up to an intense contraction. At that </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">moment I knew I was in</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">labor so I rushed upstairs to tell Joel. We called his mom to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">come over and </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">stay with the boys. While we waited for her to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> show up I called the doctor and she immediately said </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">to come </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">in, even though I had only had about 3 contractions by this </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">point. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Once Judy arrived, we </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">headed for the hospital. We </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">hit every </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">green light...praise the LORD! Joel dropped me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">off at the </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">correct </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">entrance at 5:00 am(thanks to our false </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">call on Monday we knew </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">where to go). I walked in </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">knew that the ER triage would take </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">time so through a </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">contraction I moaned, “I have fast labors.” </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I’m not </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">sure it </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">was the way I said it or if they could tell by looking at me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">but </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">they moved a lot quicker </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">than they had 3 days before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">We quickly </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">got up to L&D where they did not have </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">us stop at</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> the check-in </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">desk. I felt pressure very low and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">was trying to hum through each </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">contraction that </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">were now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">right on top of each other. At one point, </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I recall snapping </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">at Joel and another nurse to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">“stop talking!” Joel </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">knew at </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">that point that I was pretty far along in this labor. The nurses </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">were </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">trying to find a room for me, but every room they </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">suggested had </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">something wrong with it. This </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">one hasn’t </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">been cleaned. That one </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">has no supplies. They finally </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">found a room that was ready. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I got to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">the end of the bed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">when the nurse told me we needed to get my robe </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">on. “I </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">can’t,” I said. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">She said, “Ok, just take your pants off.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Somehow</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I managed to slip my shoes and pants off and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">climb in the bed. I rolled </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">over and Joel said he saw Nolan’s </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">head. The nurses started to scramble </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">as they were not </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">prepared for that. I began instinctively pushing as they </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">tried to page the doctor. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">My water </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">broke all over the nurse </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and I don’t </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">think she even had time to get gloves on before </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Nolan was born. They </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">placed him on my chest as we all </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">laughed and tried to wrap our heads </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">around what had </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">happened. The nurses told me that we had walked in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">the room at 5:17 am and </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Nolan was born at 5:19 am! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">TWO MINUTES!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">If any part of our journey had been delayed by </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">two minutes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">(or more!) I </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">would have had this baby in the hallway, the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">elevator or car. We barely </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">made it. So first contraction </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">4:13 am. A breathing baby at 5:19 am. One </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">hour and 6 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">minutes!! </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">This was by far my fastest labor. Let’s just hope if </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">we have another it doesn’t get any faster. </span></div>
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Moments after labor (still kind of in shock)</div>
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Nolan James Cowen<br />
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8 lbs 0 oz 19.75 in<br />
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Meeting his big brothers<br />
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Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-32378690090167539182015-04-16T11:21:00.000-07:002015-04-16T11:21:24.298-07:00Miles' Birth StoryI love looking back on the birth stories of my kids. Each is a unique and miraculous moment that can never be recreated. I know time seems to blur our memories so I like to write it down to remember in the future. So here is Miles' special story.<br />
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At 3:00 am on April 10, 2015 (exactly one week before my due date) I woke up to period-like cramps. They weren't bad, but they were noticeable. I laid there for awhile trying to go back to sleep while also trying to see if there was any pattern to these pains. I woke Joel a few minutes later to tell him what was going on. We laid there together as I the pains continued. After about 5-10 minutes, Joel suggested we get things ready "just in case." So we got up and started assembling our bags and throwing together our last minute toiletries. The moving around must have helped because right away the pains went from constant cramps to contractions every 4 minutes. We called the on-call doctor and told her what I was experiencing and that I had a history of fast labors. She decided we should head to the hospital. Laura Gail came over to stay with Liam (we are so thankful for our friends and family who helped out with him while we were in the hospital) and we headed to the hospital. <br />
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My contractions were not too bad this time in the car. Thankfully, they actually slowed down to about 7 minutes apart and I was still casually talking and laughing between them. We arrived at the hospital around 4:20 am. I walked to my room as a woman followed with a wheelchair just in case and I got dressed in my robe all by myself (very different from my last labor). The nurse got me hooked up and checked me to discover I was already 7 cm dilated. Woo-hoo!<br />
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The contractions were starting to get more intense. I needed Joel to apply counter-pressure on my back to ease some pain. This time around I was a lot more quiet during my contractions. I tried to internalize what was going on and make myself relax so the contractions could do their job. Around 5:00 I had a strong urge to go to the bathroom. The nurse allowed me to go, although I'm not sure it was such a good idea. While in there my contractions got really intense. I started doubting my ability to finish labor. I started telling myself I never wanted to do this again and I didn't think I'd ever be able to get off the toilet. Apparently, the nurse could tell things were progressing quickly, she popped her head in after about 10 minutes and said, "You better not have this baby on the toilet." That was all the motivation I needed to get up and back out to my room.<br />
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The nurse knew I had been standing through most of my contractions and was willing to accommodate my desire to continue to stand as she put in my IV. I placed my arm on the table when a huge contraction hit and I felt the baby's head begin to come out. They abandoned the IV and got me quickly in the bed. The nurse stuck her hand on the baby's head and told me not to push, as she frantically paged the doctor to come in. For about 5-10 minutes (the longest 5-10 minutes of my life!) the nurse and Joel stood by telling me not to push! My body had taken over at this point and was doing all it could to push this baby out, while my brain was trying to get my body to do the opposite as I was being instructed. If you thinking pushing a baby out is painful, you should try NOT pushing when every ounce of your body is doing everything it can to get the baby out.<br />
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Finally, the doctor walked in the room and sat down. The nurse removed her hand from the baby's head and said, "ok." That's all I needed to hear. I stopped "not pushing" and out popped our little bundle of joy at 5:21 am. Miles Bennett Cowen entered this world weighing 6 lb 14 oz and 19.5 in long. They plopped him on my chest as I tried to catch my breath. He seemed so tiny and I couldn't believe that he had arrived. My labor with Miles was 4 minutes shorter than with Liam, but there were many similarities between them. I'm thankful to now be at home with our two sweet boys. It is definitely an adjustment going from one to two kids, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br />
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Thank you, Lord, for the safe arrival of Miles!<br />
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<br />Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-26363293155905981302014-06-08T20:35:00.001-07:002014-06-08T20:35:21.349-07:006 Months Already?!?!?Having Liam in our life has been the biggest blessing ever! I had always hoped of being a mom, but it's even better than I had imagined. It's definitely not easy, but it is so rewarding. Joel is a fantastic daddy. I love this new side of him that I am getting to experience. Liam is now 6 months old and has been growing so much! Here are some pictures to show how quickly he is growing:<br />
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Currently, at 6 months Liam is sitting up on his own. He is rolling around all over the place. For about a month he has been sleeping through the night. Sweet peas are his favorite food so far (he's only had peas, green beans and carrots so far). He weighs about 16 lbs and has the cutest chubby legs ever. Jumping in his jumper is one of his favorite past times. Along with smiling and laughing. Liam is one of the happiest and easy going babies I have ever encountered. We're loving every second and can't believe how fast the time is going by.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-62439234228708490902013-12-31T21:02:00.000-08:002014-06-08T20:21:08.357-07:00Liam's Birth Story<br />
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--</style>I know I don't blog regularly, but I wanted to have this documented somewhere so I can go back to it and not forget this awesome experience. So here goes Liam's birth story...</div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For a week,
I had been having severe back pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not
just an annoying kind of pain, but a constant, unmanageable pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually ended up going to the ER on
November 24<sup>th</sup> because it was unbearable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t sit or sleep and I was constantly
having Joel massage my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While at
the ER they gave me a shot for the pain and tested to make sure it was not a
kidney issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This back pain continued
through my due date(Nov. 29th), which came and went with no signs of Liam making his
debut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night of my due date I
actually got a full night’s sleep and woke up the next day back pain free!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mixed emotions filled my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was happy the back pain was gone, but I was
sad that I hadn’t gone into labor and I was now past my due date, that magic
number that is stuck in your head for 9 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Since my back pain was gone, I decided to attempt several of the old
wives’ tales that we had heard could cause labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel and I started the day by taking a long
walk and then eating lunch at Torchy’s Tacos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I drenched my tacos in the Diablo sauce (this is hot stuff for those of
you who have not tried it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went home
and relaxed for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually got
a nap in (I was trying to catch up on the lack of sleep I had gotten from the
week prior due to that pesky back pain).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We went and did some shopping and then came home for what we thought was
going to be a quiet night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pumping was
another thing I had heard would start labor so I popped on the breast pump for
about 20 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been pumping
occasionally for about 3 weeks, but this was the first time that I actually got
some milk in the bottle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a whole
ounce, which is a lot when your milk hasn’t come in yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I was pumping, I was texting some
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember telling someone,
“Well, I guess I’m going to have a December baby.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another friend was encouraging me to be
positive and reminding me that God would allow it to happen at the right
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also told me to do some deep
squats to help get baby in position so he’s ready to go when labor starts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 7:45, while Joel and I were watching a
new show on Netflix called “Alaska: The Last Frontier,” I decided to do a deep
squat for a short while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minutes later,
I went to the bathroom and I will spare the details, but at that moment I knew
labor would be starting within the coming days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was excited and in denial at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told Joel that we might be meeting our son
soon; little did I know how soon that would really be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At 8:00, I
had a sharp pain in my back and abdomen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was not too painful, but enough to get my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked at Joel and said, “Hey, I think I
just had a contraction,” and then went on about my business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Moments later, I felt it again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel said that if these really are
contractions then maybe we should start timing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled up the app on my phone and at 8:10
pm began timing my contractions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
one got a little more powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
about 20 minutes, we noticed that my contractions were approximately 5 minutes
apart, lasting about a minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
contractions were now at a point where I had to stop talking and breath deeply
reminding myself to relax every muscle in my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I decided to take a shower, but before I got
in I remember looking at Joel and saying, “I don’t know if I can do this…” At
that moment, Joel knew that I was in active labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had learned in our Bradley class that when
the woman gets serious and/or starts doubting her abilities, active labor has
begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel immediately started loading
our bags in the car while I was in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I got out of the shower, it had been an hour of steady contractions
so we decided to call the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr.
Schneider (not my doctor, but one from the practice) was on call and said to go
in to Labor and Delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we hopped
in the car and headed to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once in the car, my contractions had progressed to every 4 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called my parents in between contractions
and said, “It’s time!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The car
ride was torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt every bump and
turn with every fiber of my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
tried moaning and mentally telling myself to relax through each contraction,
but they were getting super intense and relaxing was not possible anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We pulled into the hospital parking lot
around 9:45 pm right as I was having a major contraction, which were now happening
every 3 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited until it past
and then walked in to the ER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got to
the front window right as I was having another contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They began asking me questions like, “Is this
your first pregnancy?” and “What’s your social security number?” as I’m doubled
over moaning in pain. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joel was getting
pretty frustrated with the people because they were just letting me stand there
in pain while asking the same questions multiple times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents walked into the ER right before I
was plopped into a wheelchair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
off to the L&D floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing
I could tell you about the ride to my room was that my mom said, “Look at her
toes, they’re so tense.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other than
that, I think I kind of blacked out until we got to the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once in my
room, the nurse said to put on a robe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At
that moment I had a sharp contraction and Joel says I got really loud, the
nurse knew I was incapable of doing it on my own so she began undressing me in
the wheelchair and putting the robe on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At this point, the contractions were happening one on top of the other,
with only seconds between each one. I was now at the point of asking, I mean breathlessly
panting for an epidural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse,
whose name was Michelle, reassured me that she was getting the stuff ready for
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know that it was too
late for an epidural and the nurse was looking at Joel and my mom shaking her
head and mouthing that there wasn’t enough time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurse checked me and said I was ready to
go and that we were just waiting on the doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Michelle was quickly getting everything ready, moving at beyond human
speed while still calmly reminding me to breath and focus through each contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other nurses were quickly moving about my
room as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I, on the other hand, felt
like time had stopped and a million knives were being shoved into my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember hearing Joel talking in my ear. I
couldn’t tell you exactly what he said, but it helped get me through the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My moaning was getting higher and my
breathing was getting quicker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Bradley class, we had learned to breathe slow and deep while keeping our
moaning very low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I could
not control the sounds coming out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also could not control my urge to push, so as the contractions came I
began pushing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me remind you that
the doctor still had not arrived to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this time, I was dry heaving and pushing
with each contraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somewhere around
this point, I yelled that I was not going to have anymore kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain was indescribable and I would not
wish it on my worst enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman then walks
in my room and the nurses announce that since my OBGYN hadn’t arrived yet, that
this doctor from the ER would be present to assist in the delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t care who it was, I was just ready to
have this baby. </div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Moments
later, Dr. Schneider rushed in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
didn’t take off her jacket or beanie, but simply slipped into an apron and
gloves and got to work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I continued
to push, she tried to massage me so I would not tear, but the baby was coming
too fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pushed for about 10 more
minutes (although to me it only felt like 2 minutes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the pressure of the head and then the
rest of his body shoot out like a rocket on a water slide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A sense of relief came over me as the pain
was over and my baby was placed on my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think I was in a state of shock at that moment and all I could do was
pat Liam’s bottom and say, “it’s ok, it’s ok.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was beautiful and I could not believe that this moment had finally
arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They let Joel cut the cord and
gave me some time with the baby as they worked on sewing me up (I ended up with
a 3<sup>rd</sup> degree tear and some internal lacerations as well due to the
quick delivery).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took him to
measure him and as they did, I asked the nurse what time he was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Liam Wallace Cowen entered the world at 10:30
pm on November 30<sup>th</sup>, 2013 weighing 7 pounds 9 ounces and 20 inches
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once things settled down a bit, I
began calculating in my head how quickly my labor occurred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt my first contraction at 8:00 pm and he
had made his debut by 10:30 pm, so I was in labor for only 2.5 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the moment we got to the hospital to the
moment he was born was only 45 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully,
we left when we did and did not get stopped by traffic and did not have far to
drive to get to the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise,
we may have had a baby in the car. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The pain was very
intense, but I would do it all over again now that I know how wonderful it is
to hold your own child in your arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
are so grateful to God for the gift of Liam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-55583302170338195092013-08-03T18:21:00.002-07:002013-08-03T18:21:42.666-07:0022 Weeks and Counting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm now past the halfway mark. It's amazing how fast and slow this pregnancy is going. Thinking back to when I found out we were pregnant seems like just yesterday, but thinking out towards November when we get to hold our little bundle of joy seems like forever away. <br /><br />
Since I last updated a lot has happened. I will try to recap.<br />
<br />
Summer began!! And is sadly now almost over. :(<br />
<br />
Week 16ish - We found a new home for Zoey, which drastically helped with my asthma. I have since stopped taking all medications for it. Hooray. It was a sad day for us to see her go, but we were happy to give her a new home where she would continue to be loved.<br />
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Week 17- I felt the first kick, although I doubted whether it was real or not. Now I know without a doubt that that's what I felt because I'm pretty familiar with those kicks these days. Baby Cowen is full of energy; always on the move. Joel still has yet to feel it, but my mom has. I think Joel just gets bored and moves his hand too soon. I know he'll get to feel it sometime in the near future though.<br />
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At week 18, Joel and I went to our anatomical screening and got to see our baby on the big TV projector at the doctor's office. Our baby no longer had a tail, but actually looked like a REAL human. All parts were growing steadily and healthy, including the little part telling us that we are having a BOY!! Liam Wallace Cowen is still scheduled to arrive Nov 29th, 2013. Joel and I were both sure we were having a girl so hearing it was a boy was a little shocking. But now I can't imagine it any other way. I can't wait until the day I get to hold my little baby boy in my arms.<br />
<br />
Around week 19 my back started to bother me. Only the right lower side, but it was painful enough to keep me up at night and cause me to have a very large meltdown in front of Joel(although that could have been the hormones). After the huge meltdown, Joel allowed me to make an appointment with the chiropractor. I went several times over two weeks. During that time Judy (my mother-in-law) gave me some orthopedic sandals and I began sleeping with a pillow or two between my legs. I'm not sure what actually caused it (maybe Liam just found a new position), but I feel 99% better. I still have some pains now and again, but nothing like it was.<br />
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Last weekend (week 22), Joel and I got in a minor wreck. A car slammed in the back of ours as we were waiting to pull into a gas station. After getting out of the car my neck was a little sore, but nothing that I was concerned about. A police officer showed up and began filling out paperwork to report the incident. While we were waiting I begin to freak out about our sweet Liam. Although I may have felt fine, there was no way to no for sure if our baby was ok on our own. The officer asked if I wanted to be checked out and with tears in my eyes I said yes. He called the EMS who ended up not really being of much help since they had no way of checking Liam's heartbeat. After calling the doctor to get her recommendation, we were on our way to the hospital. We ended up going to the one where we are planning to deliver. They sent us up to L & D where baby's heart rate was monitored for 30 minutes (music to my ears). They discharged us very quickly which was nice, no need to keep us there longer if everything is ok. It was kind of fun getting to see where we will be in 4 months. I saw my old high school friend, DeeDee, who works on that floor. And then we got a tour of the L & D since they were having a pretty slow night. We can now check that off our list of to-dos.<br />
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Week 23 - Tonight we put the crib together. Maggie tested it out for Liam. She approves. ;)<br />
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So that's what has happened lately. Coming up:<br />
August 7th: Begin Bradley classes<br />
August 9th: Teacher in-service begins/Back to school party <br />
August 19th: School starts<br />
Sept 7th: BBC Baby Shower
Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-20165838598434536422013-05-23T08:52:00.001-07:002013-05-23T08:52:57.810-07:0013 Weeks Tomorrow marks week 13 in this exciting pregnancy journey. Tomorrow is also the last day of school! Woo-hoo! What a great way to begin my last week in the 1st trimester. Time seems to be flying and creeping at the same time…weird how that happens. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant and other times I feel like I’ve already been preggers for 6 months or more.
For the most part, I am enjoying the pregnancy. I did have some nausea, but never to the point of actually being sick. The first few weeks were also VERY tiring! I was beginning to wish for my preschool days again when the students would take a nap and I would occasionally lay my head on my desk. Sleep is my best friend. Never ending hunger has been the biggest change I have noticed. Most days I eat, eat and eat and still want more. It’s not like I just want more, it’s as if I feel I’m going to pass out if I don’t get more. But all of these symptoms started fading around week 11 so now I’m starting to feel more normal again. Except for the asthma, my asthma has been an annoying problem that has gotten worse since being pregnant. I’ve tried two different preventative inhalers and have not noticed a difference. Therefore I am still taking my rescue inhaler frequently. Normally I wouldn’t care about taking medicine, but now I am always more aware and cautious because of the baby. Hopefully, this asthma thing will start to disappear once my allergies go away.
Last week at my doctor’s appointment, my mom and I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time. It was beautiful! I’ve told people that I have never been so moved by a sound. It’s amazing how much reassurance there is in simply hearing a steady beat. Baby Cowen had a nice regular heartbeat of 160 bpm. As soon as we left the doctor, I began looking to see if that meant it was a girl or a boy. I’ve heard a higher beat means it’s a girl and lower means it’s a boy, but then I also hear it’s just a myth. Oh well, I guess we will find out soon enough.
Besides hearing the heartbeat, my favorite part so far has been watching my belly grow. Below are two pictures. The first is when we found out I was pregnant around 4 weeks and the second was taken at 12 weeks 5 days. Joel keeps joking by saying, “You’re just pushing out.” LOL
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C7NEEg8XICf1WvNZJMWVtujZAX_TP8NNEkw2qdwXjtB0YGJKSdPvnnHAefeQ6B45F5E-6D3-K4feEioduSNekp3UQ0AUnaGEm0nNjbMNLcFfyE1C6tEUeSy2j7F8q2nBMYOmnjgTGZM/s1600/12+weeks+5+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8C7NEEg8XICf1WvNZJMWVtujZAX_TP8NNEkw2qdwXjtB0YGJKSdPvnnHAefeQ6B45F5E-6D3-K4feEioduSNekp3UQ0AUnaGEm0nNjbMNLcFfyE1C6tEUeSy2j7F8q2nBMYOmnjgTGZM/s320/12+weeks+5+days.jpg" /></a> Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-62896001518672422562013-04-19T06:36:00.002-07:002013-04-19T06:36:29.274-07:00Dreams Do Come TrueI’ve always dreamt about the day I would have a baby, but the first time I really thought about actually trying was when my friend Meagan got pregnant. Her son is now turning 3 years old. I feel like that was an eternity ago. Although, I was ready, my husband was not. I tried to push and beg and cry to get my way, but it didn’t work. Around 8 months ago, I finally prayed that God would change either my heart or my husband’s because it was beginning to cause problems in our relationship. I knew for a fact that God would change Joel’s heart, not mine. Funny how we think we know how God is going to work. Turns out, my heart was the one that got changed. I went from begging and crying to being content where we were in life overnight. I began enjoying the things that one day we wouldn’t get to do anymore (i.e. two vacations in one year, going out with friends at the last minute). I realized that God had a reason for us not getting pregnant at that time and I had to trust my husband to be the head of the house and allow him to lead me (not always an easy thing to do, but when does God call us to do things that are easy). Now this doesn’t mean that all thoughts of having a baby left my mind, but I definitely didn’t push for it as much. Then January rolled around, it was time to re-examine our plan. After some back and forth we decided it was time to start trying to expand our family.
I really thought that it would take us about 6 months to get pregnant. The first month was February and I tried to convince myself that it was not going to happen and not to get my hopes up, but needless to say, the day my period came, I was devastated. I tried to hide it, but others around me knew I was not ok, even though they didn’t know why. But, I didn’t stay sad for long. I think God purposely made it so that after you find out you’re not pregnant; you get another shot at it a few days later. That was very encouraging. So there we were in March, time to try again. Deep down I once again tried not to get my hopes up, but thoughts of telling others we were pregnant, feeling the baby kick, and holding my sweet bundle of joy in my arms filled my head. Joel was very insistent that we not buy a pregnancy test before my missed period. He kept saying, “Tests are a secondary form of finding out, God created a natural way of knowing.” I knew what he meant, but I just wanted to know! I tried my best to honor my husband’s wishes and waited until the day my period was expected to come and when it didn’t come bright and early the morning it was due, I decided I had waited long enough.
I woke up on Saturday, March 23, 2013 and went straight to the bathroom. I locked the doors and whipped out the pregnancy test. This was the kind of test that was supposed to form a cross if you were pregnant and a single line if you were not. I watched the tiny white screen change colors from left to right, all while only seeing a single line. My heart sunk! I decided I needed to wait the prescribed 2-5 minutes and then check again. Longest 2 minutes of my life! I looked and could faintly see a cross. The instructions had said ANY sign of the cross meant you were pregnant, but I still couldn’t decide if my eyes were playing tricks on me or if I really was pregnant. Since Joel was still in bed I sent a text to my friend Laura Gail with a picture asking if she saw a cross too! Her response “Shut your face! I see a cross!!!!!!!!!” Ok, so now it was time to wake Joel and get his opinion (at this point I no longer cared that he was sleeping).
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“Do you see a cross?” I asked, “Here put on your glasses.” Groggily, he put on his glasses and squinted very intently. His response was not what I was looking for. He said, “It’s kind of hard to tell. Maybe you should wait a few days and take another test.”
A FEW DAYS?!?!? Are you kidding me? There was no way that was going to happen.
I convinced Joel I could not wait a few days and that we must get a new one right away, but we had to be at the church to work on the new building in just a few short minutes. So it would have to wait.
We got to the church, my mind spinning. I was able to semi-focus and get everything set up on the stage, but the moment I had finished and sat down I realized I couldn’t take it anymore. I grabbed the keys and told Joel I was going to HEB to get another pregnancy test. This time I would not get that stupid one with the cross. I would get the test for dummies, the one that says “Pregnant” or “Not pregnant.”
I ran into the restroom once I returned to the church, the pregnancy test discretely hidden in my purse. Once again, two minutes felt like an eternity. The blinking hour glass seemed like it would never go away. Finally, I looked down and there on the screen was the word “pregnant.” I sat there staring waiting for the word “not” to pop up in front of it, but it never came. Tears began to stream down my face as it sank it. I had my friend Caysi go get Joel, who was still working on setting up the stage. As he came over, tears streaming down my face, he opened his arms and began saying “I’m sorry, Babe.” I could not find the words, so through blurry eyes I rampaged through my purse to find the pregnancy test. I handed it to Joel, he took one look and turned to me and said, “Why are you crying?” Boys just don’t understand crying because you’re happy!
It’s still taking time to set in and I am daily fighting off the devil as he places thoughts in my head of miscarriages and problems along the way. I once heard a fellow teacher say: “We should not let Satan steal the joy we have today.” Although, I may have a miscarriage or difficulties during this pregnancy, I’m not going to let Satan rob me of my joy today! I’m rejoicing and praising God for the miracle He has begun!
WE’RE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ37GxLU7IFksUMsTIEQs6X8eXO9UznQ7Plqg20cojFI6lt8h1xMcUa8uuazW6G_Gtr6VADBmaA9Ni-n1xL9f_dYr3p5O45ZrHTTpeBexM2DDieUnsRDg1pLpvY-3XuQpczt-GPKFYZ4/s1600/preg+test.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHQ37GxLU7IFksUMsTIEQs6X8eXO9UznQ7Plqg20cojFI6lt8h1xMcUa8uuazW6G_Gtr6VADBmaA9Ni-n1xL9f_dYr3p5O45ZrHTTpeBexM2DDieUnsRDg1pLpvY-3XuQpczt-GPKFYZ4/s320/preg+test.jpeg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRrKn7Dvby2HleKg2EAubLsnQEorMOqWuNV_GEfyXG-arUMmLy6HEMYw2HewiDNvks63-SwcmZz0h9Y4IjFZfvp9BmiTE1DP9MFfyuMlNhFTwP4cqRrk36bxa-MxFlc9do3FJcdU8otk/s1600/preg+test+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRrKn7Dvby2HleKg2EAubLsnQEorMOqWuNV_GEfyXG-arUMmLy6HEMYw2HewiDNvks63-SwcmZz0h9Y4IjFZfvp9BmiTE1DP9MFfyuMlNhFTwP4cqRrk36bxa-MxFlc9do3FJcdU8otk/s320/preg+test+2.jpeg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1hmLMaCq-01Kzr1OtHniCiX0pOUeWvLBG6G6psvvqLl6nMP8pN5VaQlmgkhLerM0Js_-r-9Lzd7UC_4lGNnZl9ovxvLC8BQWD2ecm2JN12X3qArtLzbHIjaZ7qtx9ayH7rvZFrCQZgM/s1600/preg+bed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1hmLMaCq-01Kzr1OtHniCiX0pOUeWvLBG6G6psvvqLl6nMP8pN5VaQlmgkhLerM0Js_-r-9Lzd7UC_4lGNnZl9ovxvLC8BQWD2ecm2JN12X3qArtLzbHIjaZ7qtx9ayH7rvZFrCQZgM/s320/preg+bed.jpeg" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOFFbsw6i9-88ZdEwTWyyvqR-lxU7qLnkexhrXrYInkU1XEx6xKp1QS8QKKK-NjrTfAfGyrfC3qbHnmfid9XpYn2hx9NcGk5MJf773ZMOGIqWRVvk_7U-J67lZfp35gRyzRNY2EHXY_c/s1600/chameleon.jpeg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtOFFbsw6i9-88ZdEwTWyyvqR-lxU7qLnkexhrXrYInkU1XEx6xKp1QS8QKKK-NjrTfAfGyrfC3qbHnmfid9XpYn2hx9NcGk5MJf773ZMOGIqWRVvk_7U-J67lZfp35gRyzRNY2EHXY_c/s320/chameleon.jpeg" /></a>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-60369461914031629752011-07-17T18:54:00.000-07:002011-07-17T19:28:18.459-07:00End of an EraThe end of an era has arrived. I have not been into Harry Potter as long as some others, but it has been a good 7 years that I have invested into HP. Ok ok, it hasn't consumed all those 7 years, but I did start reading the books about that many years ago. I've laughed and cried and spent many hours with these characters. But I am happy to say that I am content in saying "Farewell" to this era. Here are a few pictures to recap the last HP movie experience.<br /><br />We went with Joel's friend from work, Danny, and his fiance Leslie. We started the afternoon with some delicious Butterbeer (it's not actually beer, more like cream soda):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLZhHiQE5nmSehBT-SoZ2b4XZHHq7VLf5Q1JARN86UxpmiZj8SJO8ztAcdwNGGiraGW35fsU5n-p6MPC8zAQ_mMi0WttsbiVV8Gc7MG53xAg516XUa17YC5FxkDbEaCTkTN4VuVw7AqU/s1600/Picture+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLZhHiQE5nmSehBT-SoZ2b4XZHHq7VLf5Q1JARN86UxpmiZj8SJO8ztAcdwNGGiraGW35fsU5n-p6MPC8zAQ_mMi0WttsbiVV8Gc7MG53xAg516XUa17YC5FxkDbEaCTkTN4VuVw7AqU/s400/Picture+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630507626054939266" /></a><br /><br />Leslie had her own "Butterbeer" mug:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRgb_r7LhesbJ-jgOTlGh989vWRPbBaUS_3xtprqRfOYOC5TyANp2qOGOBZeaD8tJv3hM-US-GeZ9ZjomrpEoRlMqJtx9rzTeNguKXW0AjENfquW4kHUzprYq6RILsaZ1NuxqU2IGxSk/s1600/Picture+002+%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRgb_r7LhesbJ-jgOTlGh989vWRPbBaUS_3xtprqRfOYOC5TyANp2qOGOBZeaD8tJv3hM-US-GeZ9ZjomrpEoRlMqJtx9rzTeNguKXW0AjENfquW4kHUzprYq6RILsaZ1NuxqU2IGxSk/s400/Picture+002+%25282%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630509502092342642" /></a><br /><br />We had to arrive two hours early to wait in line. The boys played games and made funny faces:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hI1ahjK7jC9epBp-p9Tm8HYCOy-eVG6fh8VgIE-QDLXtigWAM5GpbIgAxjyKmepIaJfadyEV9NkY1e6VYV4p6IpRWudxJxc2ZtghM1pDm-guCOaGHaZvsKbIdTcaRdGg7VEpPXK8Vu8/s1600/Picture+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hI1ahjK7jC9epBp-p9Tm8HYCOy-eVG6fh8VgIE-QDLXtigWAM5GpbIgAxjyKmepIaJfadyEV9NkY1e6VYV4p6IpRWudxJxc2ZtghM1pDm-guCOaGHaZvsKbIdTcaRdGg7VEpPXK8Vu8/s400/Picture+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510364420115826" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAevgLozC8QTwIiixlgqGj-MdY8CPyQ_WuwzkplCPbGsBK_mzx97ENm4RkK_LluMQZoJ0NmtmnmvTxsYclFAJ48sujirve_8C5d5syLIHLCVBiIqDKbHKB6u__iRlsWZnkoqyq99TSbw/s1600/Picture+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAevgLozC8QTwIiixlgqGj-MdY8CPyQ_WuwzkplCPbGsBK_mzx97ENm4RkK_LluMQZoJ0NmtmnmvTxsYclFAJ48sujirve_8C5d5syLIHLCVBiIqDKbHKB6u__iRlsWZnkoqyq99TSbw/s400/Picture+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630510681984651186" /></a><br /><br />Leslie was still trying to figure out which house she would be put in by wearing the sorting hat (although I think she forgot to read her shirt--Muggles don't go to Hogwarts):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC-ppPiQtZS3WXp6ASyiHVsWB-3tx3YW7K-NbHiO9dngF378UYtKAUj1f43wAo6GnHJXqSLCFIXZpH53ToFl-VL4ZFku4bHA8c_aHxl5sRzBWXWZ4xqnTKhGOChQFnm7gyjdzs2-girA/s1600/Picture+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC-ppPiQtZS3WXp6ASyiHVsWB-3tx3YW7K-NbHiO9dngF378UYtKAUj1f43wAo6GnHJXqSLCFIXZpH53ToFl-VL4ZFku4bHA8c_aHxl5sRzBWXWZ4xqnTKhGOChQFnm7gyjdzs2-girA/s400/Picture+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630511772297848130" /></a><br /><br />After two hours of waiting, we were able to get in and get our seats(and glasses):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki6Coe0CNraywtBcUeNlhW1628cxpN97M6dqvybIUQSuFxvVQONLUJQWnUjwpE3gbD65UprosJgzoxZFonw-h3itOT3syDcqWg26XESzMNqiQdNAZg8LmBiVofOq1IV-_u50ylNk6hRo/s1600/Picture+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiki6Coe0CNraywtBcUeNlhW1628cxpN97M6dqvybIUQSuFxvVQONLUJQWnUjwpE3gbD65UprosJgzoxZFonw-h3itOT3syDcqWg26XESzMNqiQdNAZg8LmBiVofOq1IV-_u50ylNk6hRo/s400/Picture+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630512337786657042" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGO3ybEFbPRb5BS8L_nSiZh86njk-Ck6_SB_NyEG9Ra_j43ahpo9olEgYxN-AT5X03LQt-DkbpzGq7H0VgWzj0CQaoFrLGVYbDWxKYk4hDtpUB-TLLzY220uiIEg1T0rCQaiT1q0TbFU/s1600/Picture+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGO3ybEFbPRb5BS8L_nSiZh86njk-Ck6_SB_NyEG9Ra_j43ahpo9olEgYxN-AT5X03LQt-DkbpzGq7H0VgWzj0CQaoFrLGVYbDWxKYk4hDtpUB-TLLzY220uiIEg1T0rCQaiT1q0TbFU/s400/Picture+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630512587973569938" /></a><br /><br />The movie was great! The books are always better, but I was happy with how they portrayed the book. I was also thrilled that they included the epilogue, probably the best part of the whole series! <br /><br />Well I guess it's time to say it: "Goodbye Harry Potter!"Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-17885445927027303652011-07-15T16:56:00.000-07:002011-07-15T17:20:41.343-07:00DIY ProjectOk so if you have been watching my facebook the last two days, you probably noticed that I was working on a little project for the house. I finished today and now it is time for the big reveal! Before I show you the end result, i want to show you how I got there.<br /><br />This was my inspiration:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x86WN6Yr5QQI1x6VhgG9qHTijPdtO2CCj61ofFzN2-mJb7qY2QXHxsuC3OHFgCrccmJygq2VTF500jAfUwNTnXjc5e4tUYfZ6NRzUWYPSTpds8kqp9ZQm4c4-azm2bIQY8vf2gLCjfA/s1600/diy-headboard-2.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7x86WN6Yr5QQI1x6VhgG9qHTijPdtO2CCj61ofFzN2-mJb7qY2QXHxsuC3OHFgCrccmJygq2VTF500jAfUwNTnXjc5e4tUYfZ6NRzUWYPSTpds8kqp9ZQm4c4-azm2bIQY8vf2gLCjfA/s320/diy-headboard-2.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629734473421326626" /></a><br /><br />I found some frames around my house and my parents house that were not being used:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcPmh9kxdB2-zZWm1AcV6rfejYTOxfNVhUk8oI4NE9BAnOc2N8V_gCPT6FPN70LAD6OUWo2RGnFz85tgy1xfhkPhFj7Wb4pe7YiEwL5H43xccsUEeyWHsy-g5o8rpLPPwwhlsDClNID4/s1600/DIY+Project+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcPmh9kxdB2-zZWm1AcV6rfejYTOxfNVhUk8oI4NE9BAnOc2N8V_gCPT6FPN70LAD6OUWo2RGnFz85tgy1xfhkPhFj7Wb4pe7YiEwL5H43xccsUEeyWHsy-g5o8rpLPPwwhlsDClNID4/s320/DIY+Project+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629734044342786994" /></a><br /><br />Then I had to figure how I wanted them to be layed out:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJnNMkrkVo5_UzCGzqNuBTspZiPvrEzMrj-aKgesuJiHYo7kUaNiO853iak81bVuqok4GDI2dr-wBUgIf1wQafQgCsyem-go0Fwcn64opkUKU_Oh6pXl3sOF8wWDZsQwY5mbBQ-X94sc/s1600/DIY+Project+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJnNMkrkVo5_UzCGzqNuBTspZiPvrEzMrj-aKgesuJiHYo7kUaNiO853iak81bVuqok4GDI2dr-wBUgIf1wQafQgCsyem-go0Fwcn64opkUKU_Oh6pXl3sOF8wWDZsQwY5mbBQ-X94sc/s320/DIY+Project+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629734985966695586" /></a><br /><br />Next was the hard part--deciding on the colors:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8UIpVzpB1lvmWrKqlu885O_YkEXevDNk6mXsqVMEP1hA9RPJCmIwg4Ya-X1grE2b2BeIpTbGMx3K_0NMgQ9TskVP_t5NP6Bo0fbJ640vWKTlCjKlUw3RCQJg4WR_TVL70a6AKSBpRaU/s1600/DIY+Project+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8UIpVzpB1lvmWrKqlu885O_YkEXevDNk6mXsqVMEP1hA9RPJCmIwg4Ya-X1grE2b2BeIpTbGMx3K_0NMgQ9TskVP_t5NP6Bo0fbJ640vWKTlCjKlUw3RCQJg4WR_TVL70a6AKSBpRaU/s320/DIY+Project+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629735619177549890" /></a><br /><br /><br />Painting and pulling staples out of the frames:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLgx9NA6k2Bjh16R_h3XUY2JTRfc6XUL24CVtnmZMgHbxkFpFvaOWeyRuasTXutINgev4zObMXukfytK48QhDIWcUuzzj1Cq7p8nPcOP5ZigVY0C3D-kTqlTLfL9bUY8vMqzaywKy-KE/s1600/DIY+Project+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLgx9NA6k2Bjh16R_h3XUY2JTRfc6XUL24CVtnmZMgHbxkFpFvaOWeyRuasTXutINgev4zObMXukfytK48QhDIWcUuzzj1Cq7p8nPcOP5ZigVY0C3D-kTqlTLfL9bUY8vMqzaywKy-KE/s320/DIY+Project+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629736543135728722" /></a><br /><br />My dad helped out a lot (I would have had no idea where to start or go without his help):<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Utp0DNHiHr4yMpHK2_iJr3844NY464fbdRh1NZSVH7xt2tPjRKpNfXOJD91oLrT2ZNb9yDVzW7NgmhE9MizVSUtEOj5q0SZQxVsWqg0CE8ba6MHb2S7MXCqQt0x-POz7mWxv1-2UMfw/s1600/DIY+Project+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Utp0DNHiHr4yMpHK2_iJr3844NY464fbdRh1NZSVH7xt2tPjRKpNfXOJD91oLrT2ZNb9yDVzW7NgmhE9MizVSUtEOj5q0SZQxVsWqg0CE8ba6MHb2S7MXCqQt0x-POz7mWxv1-2UMfw/s320/DIY+Project+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629736838120780930" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />After about 30 minutes of nailing the frames into the wall, we got the finished product.<br /><br />Drum roll please....<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K2uNGVAvWZBG0fCzEBwPZy7gRyuIDZ6idhgjpKO4w9tu0K9OIWd-POF1rcaCMaAi-45K2kIshoKO8VCZi38tPID0-nO-jcZVFFtfjs7Wi9NNWsKsc_XOUCM-tKCNrJD5vB1yZuNkTp4/s1600/DIY+Project+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K2uNGVAvWZBG0fCzEBwPZy7gRyuIDZ6idhgjpKO4w9tu0K9OIWd-POF1rcaCMaAi-45K2kIshoKO8VCZi38tPID0-nO-jcZVFFtfjs7Wi9NNWsKsc_XOUCM-tKCNrJD5vB1yZuNkTp4/s320/DIY+Project+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629737287044056866" /></a><br />TA DA!!!<br /><br />I think it turned out so good! The best part was it cost me nothing. All the frames were from around the house. All the paint was either left over from painting our house or found laying around in my dad's garage. And finally my dad already had a drill and nails to put all of it up! Now that's how I like to decorate! <br /><br />Tell me what you think.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-39531933068745419792011-07-07T18:35:00.001-07:002011-07-07T18:51:05.522-07:00Fun LatelyJoel and I have been away from home for the last 3 weeks. It's rare that we are away from home on the weekends, but it just so happened that three of them landed in a row. <br /><br />The first weekend, we decided to have a staycation to celebrate our anniversary. June 12 marked two years of marriage!! I'm not going to say they have been perfect, but I will say that I wouldn't trade them for anything. We have learned so much about each other and what marriage means. We often have to remind ourselves that we are to serve one another without expectations. Marriage is really a picture of God's love for us and his love is not circumstantial. Anyway--back to the topic at hand, we stayed at a hotel in Austin and went to local Austin places to eat and have fun. We got massages, had crepes for breakfast and had dinner at Vivo's where I received a rose when leaving. We also saw a movie...it's been awhile so I'm having trouble remembering what I was but I think it was Kung Pao Panda 2. We spend a lot of time just relaxing too! <br /><br />The next weekend we went camping in Spicewood with a friend from Joel's work and his fiance, Leslie. We ended up not being able to get a camping spot because they were full, so we ended up camping at Leslie's dad's house which ended up saving us money anyway. We spent Saturday at Krausse Springs where I ended up slipping on a rock and fell. I hurt my hand pretty bad, it was all bruised and my wrist was hurting, but it's all better now. <br /><br />Finally this past weekend we went with some of our Sunday school class to Travis' grandparents lake house. It was perfect!!! We were kind of in the middle of nowhere so we had no time frames or places to be. The weekend was filled with eating, reading, swimming, and relaxing. I realize I do not have pictures on this post, I'm kinda bad at remembering to take pictures when I'm having fun. But if you want to see pictures from our weekend at the lake house you can visit Jenni's blog at jifferdoodle.blogspot.com . You can even check out my awesome photography skills there. <a href="http://jifferdoodle.blogspot.com/2011/07/r.html"></a>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-42410185004027893032011-06-28T19:29:00.000-07:002011-06-28T20:08:09.138-07:00Guatemala 2011Guatemala was incredible!!<br /><br />I doubt I will be able to put into words how amazing, but maybe pictures might work. Check out my facebook page for the pictures. <br /><br />God is there and working. I'm so thankful that God allowed me, along with 30 other believers, to be His hands and feet in this weary country. When we first got there I realized that this place was HOT!! I think that's all I remember from the first day. We didn't have AC in our rooms which is a luxury that I definitely take for granted in the states, needless to say the first night was a rude awakening. But thanks to Terre, who allowed me to borrow her portable fan, the rest of the time I was able to get some much needed rest.<br /><br />The first day we headed out to Pueblo Modelo to do some prayer walking and work on building a house for a family in need. I took the first shift of working on the house. Since I'm not much help with heavy lifting, I mainly sifted the cement and let the big guys do the hard work. I did carry a few buckets of dirt to help level out the flooring of the house. Then we switched and I got to do some prayer walking. Now prayer walking is where you simply go to people's houses, ask them how we can pray for them and then pray for them right then and there. I was actually pretty nervous to do this, but God did amazing things in me through this experience. Think about it for a moment...in the U.S.--what would someone most likely do if you knocked on the door, asked to come in and then said "how can we pray for you?" You might get some weird looks and doors slammed in your face, but not here. Although these people didn't have doors to slam in our faces, they did not shy away, but welcomed us into their "house" with open and loving arms. Now when I say house please know it is not a house that you would think of here. If the big bad wolf came into this little village, he could blow down all the houses in one puff. That gives you a little taste to what the condition of their homes are in. <br /><br />Although we were going around trying to bless those of Pueblo Modelo, I think we got more blessings in return. There was a lady in one of the homes who began praying for us while we were praying for her. US!?!? She doesn't know where her next meal will come from and she is praying for us? It's uncomprehendable!!<br /><br />The next 3 days I spent in the dental clinic. Let me tell you, this was a great experience!! Dr. McClain and Dr. Garza were incredible! Since they didn't have electricity to use, there was no way to really fill cavities or do much dental work. Therefore when anyone came in complaining of a tooth ache, the doctors simply pulled it out. What was weird was that we saw 5 year old kids coming in complaining of tooth problems and we(when I say "we" I mean the doctors, I just held the flashlights and hands) would pull their teeth, even though their parent was not there. In the states, we would have been sued and the dentist would have had their license taken away, but in this little village we were doing a service. Can you imagine being a 5 year old, walking into a weird clinic with people you have never met, and them pulling your tooth out--all of this without your mom or dad there to hold your hand and reassure you?? WOW!! I can't. It's hard enough to get a kid to go to the dentist for just a cleaning, but these kids were coming in practically begging us to take out their teeth.<br /><br />Somewhere in the middle of all this, we found time to visit the Baby Rescue Center aka the Nutrition Center. I absolutely fell in love with a 5 month old baby named Ruby. I hear people joking about taking the kids from Guatemala home in their suitcases...after meeting Ruby, I know exactly what they are talking about. If I wouldn't have been sent to jail, I would have taken baby Ruby home with me. I guess I will just have to love her from afar. <br /><br />On Friday we went to the island of Livingston where apparently to only black people in Guatemala live. All I can say about this place is it was hotter than ANY place I have ever been!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I honestly could not enjoy this little town because of the heat. I don't know how the people handle their day to day activities in that heat. I will say that the 2-3 hour boat ride to this island was beautiful and relaxing after a long week of working. <br /><br />The week went by way too fast!! I'm already planning my next trip back. If I had the money I would go <strong>ALL</strong> the time. I know I have probably left a lot out, but like I said, it's beyond words. I think you must go to really understand this life changing event.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-20254260618680336332011-06-04T12:37:00.000-07:002011-06-04T12:53:51.466-07:00I'm BackI know you have all been desperately waiting to hear my review on those 5 dishes I made so long ago. At work, blogger has been blocked and at home Joel is using the computer so those are my excuses for not writing sooner. I'm sure I could have found away around them but oh well and here I am now.<br /><br />First on the list was Bangers and Mash---DELICIOUS!!!! I loved it and so did Joel. The only thing that I didn't like was that my pan got too hot and burnt the sausage as well as smoked up the house.<br /><br />Up next was the Baked Fish and Chips. This was another home run, very easy. Instead of cornflakes for the crust, I used crushed cheerios. I like how healthy this option was over regular fried fish.<br /><br />Then we hit a dud--Coconut Curry Beef. Joel said it was ok, but I did not like it at all. Maybe it was the curry or maybe it was the blandness but I would not recommend this dish. Blah!<br /><br />Mini Meatball Sandwiches were good, but the meatballs kept sliding out of the bun. We ended up eating it like an open-faced sandwich. I will say it was a good meal to make when in a hurry.<br /><br />Finally, the Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper was a success as well. It was a lot more prep than I expected, but was much easier the next day when I went for the leftovers since everything was already made. Very tasty, but be ready for a big mess in the kitchen with all the prep work.<br /><br /><br />Ok now that my food stuff is done, I'm ready to talk about more exciting things!! GUATEMALA!! I leave at 5:00 am tomorrow and I'm stoked!! We will be working in a village called Pueblo Modelo, which our church kind of adopted. We will be working at the baby rescue center, the orphanage, and the senior home as well as building a home for a family. I can not tell you how excited I am and how I look forward to seeing what God is doing in this sweet little town. I know many people who have gone on this trip in the past--they go expecting to bless the people of Pueblo Modelo but come back feeling as though they were the ones who received the blessing. I won't be blogging while I am there (I'm not taking any technology, except my camera) but I will tell you all about it while I am there. Please be praying for our group's safety, the people of Pueblo Modelo, and that we would all see God's hand at work!Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-23090114116536613212011-03-22T11:24:00.000-07:002011-03-22T11:43:56.900-07:00This Week's MenuDo you ever wonder what other people are cooking for dinner?<br /><br />I do, so I ask or I just wait until they post it on their blog and then no has to even know that I have this weird obsession. So in case you are like me, I will share what is on our menu this week. I stole these recipes from either All You magazine (best magazine ever because it comes with tons of coupons) or Lana Rush's blog. ;)<br /><br />First on the menu is Bangers and Mash. This one has a weird name but I already have most of the ingredients at home so that's why I am going to attempt it. Here is a run down of what it is...sausage sauteed with onions placed on top of mustardy mashed potatoes. I'm guessing it's a German meal, but correct me if I am wrong. I would put a picture up except all the pictures I found did not look very appetizing. Cost for this meal is $1.50 per serving<br /><br />Next up is Baked Fish and Chips. This is a healthy way of doing fish and chips. The fish is coated with crushed cornflakes. The fries and fish are baked rather than fried to bump it to the healthy side of the spectrum. The cost comes out to $2.76 per serving...thank you ALL YOU.<br /><br />Coconut Curry Beef is on the menu you as well. This crock pot meal which usually turn out being some of my favorites. Brown the beef chuck roast in a skillet then place it in the slow cooker, pour a mixture of coconut milk, brown sugar, curry powder and cayenne on top. Cook for 4-5 hours, stir in some cherry tomatoes and serve on a bed of rice. Sounds delish. Cost: $3.07<br /><br />These next two come from Lana Rush's blog and she got them from a blog called The Pioneer Woman.<br /><br />Mini Meatball Sandwiches. Just saying the name makes my mouth water. This seems to be one of the easiest ones I have found. Make some meatballs using ground turkey, bread crumbs, seasoning and milk. Brown them in a pan. Add marinara sauce. Place on a halfed dinner roll along with a slice of provolone and top with other half of the roll. MMMMmmmmm.....<br /><br />Finally is the Grilled Chicke and Roasted Red Pepper Panini. I think the hardest part about this recipe is writing out the title. In a blender puree sundried tomatoes, pesto, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Use half of this as a marinade for your chicken. Combine mayo and 3 Tbl of the remaining mixture to use as a spread. Roast the bell peppers and cut them up. Lay on the bread along with the grilled chicken, the spread, and a slice of provolone. <br /><br />Let me warn you, I have never made any of these recipes before so I can not guarentee their delishness, but I will come back and update to tell you how it went. If you end up trying them before I do, leave a comment and let me know how it was. Also, if you want a more detailed version of these recipes just e-mail me at got2servehim@yahoo.comDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-56202127997944144662011-03-08T11:34:00.000-08:002011-03-08T11:42:17.507-08:00InspirationAS many of you know, Joel and I bought a duplex. it was a long process but we finally reached the finish line. We have been working tirelessly on it to get it to my satisfaction. I wanted to share a few of my inspirations for our place. Once we finish with it I will show some before and after pictures. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik49mnJZ9l60CgMQ6Tfzrg-aLXvPwn5yweH5iARLVEujr2ox1_Rxg8R1SvFSua2ZMWahSPSgGJ8PcT5Ivi6lpBZRx37PYqyQ3sZCE4PVklG25LDkHHwhEulnTyu3qVJEkuHOOYq2DX6cU/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik49mnJZ9l60CgMQ6Tfzrg-aLXvPwn5yweH5iARLVEujr2ox1_Rxg8R1SvFSua2ZMWahSPSgGJ8PcT5Ivi6lpBZRx37PYqyQ3sZCE4PVklG25LDkHHwhEulnTyu3qVJEkuHOOYq2DX6cU/s320/images.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581795315625032866" /></a><br />Bedroom<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7xgscdZP52fk7SF8KBfILtA83aPdiQOSo3ufzZwYwgJ7W35RkgNQG_qrHZfeLBdTDFf6_99lVC54t9tTSR-9HUY-foZp0USoAPFL1bq5Z3TrfAMVGP12r_6TyVptVVQ9Q1LvXP4Eohk/s1600/light+green+kitchen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7xgscdZP52fk7SF8KBfILtA83aPdiQOSo3ufzZwYwgJ7W35RkgNQG_qrHZfeLBdTDFf6_99lVC54t9tTSR-9HUY-foZp0USoAPFL1bq5Z3TrfAMVGP12r_6TyVptVVQ9Q1LvXP4Eohk/s320/light+green+kitchen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581796182292954658" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8rNUfKReWW348CfccN-G1lifXG9EEPSsakYT8EAFuFap15WQ2W0sCsvk1LVDW_u-8Esv5l4BDLULJh-H8-z_hOJSU9Pg13PHSz1Mw4ZiLfx-q0VomshFWEYnKqmkKaCaz74XvjTOmFE/s1600/light+green+kitchen+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8rNUfKReWW348CfccN-G1lifXG9EEPSsakYT8EAFuFap15WQ2W0sCsvk1LVDW_u-8Esv5l4BDLULJh-H8-z_hOJSU9Pg13PHSz1Mw4ZiLfx-q0VomshFWEYnKqmkKaCaz74XvjTOmFE/s320/light+green+kitchen+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581796109518539810" /></a><br />Kitchen<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUASMF34-WDGVcz5pdCwRT6iPDkQ23ficnC1ychkS9-SjwezIDy7gMN95-jf46t6nUQuZY5qsDzs7BgqoZ0vKsmR7KjziRHq3kU8cxh96zqUZo_bL5bgWDIsS90wkl4o912X5Zdi2iys/s1600/imagesCA8D0AGV.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUASMF34-WDGVcz5pdCwRT6iPDkQ23ficnC1ychkS9-SjwezIDy7gMN95-jf46t6nUQuZY5qsDzs7BgqoZ0vKsmR7KjziRHq3kU8cxh96zqUZo_bL5bgWDIsS90wkl4o912X5Zdi2iys/s320/imagesCA8D0AGV.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581796570921254194" /></a><br />Living Room<br /><br />So far we have completed painting the kitchen, office and bedroom. I will post pictures soon.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-51785063405078652342011-03-08T05:41:00.000-08:002011-03-08T05:44:33.689-08:00YAY for Blogging!I just discovered I can get on blogspot while at work. Be expecting more posts from me as I post suring nap time. ;)Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-65185609903855721652011-01-13T17:15:00.000-08:002011-01-13T17:25:27.221-08:00New Year, New HouseSchool is back in session. I was a little concerned before coming back because I had been told to get ready to reteach the kids everything (as in routines, rules, etc.). I started the first day by reviewing the rules and what we do daily. Since then I have not had to reteach it!! I was so impressed with my kiddos. It's so much fun watching these kids grow. I think back to August and am so amazed to see how much they have learned and how quickly they are growing. I can only imagine how quickly time is going to pass when I have my own kids. Don't worry we still have a little while before that is going to happen (unless God has a different plan).<br /><br />In other news, we are buying a duplex!! We are going through the fun part (insert sarcasm) right now...getting all our important documents together. Our closing date is February 3. For those of you who do not know, Joel and I will be living in one side of the duplex while renting out the other side. Here's the good news, the other side already has a tennant in it and their lease is for 2 years! I sure hope they are good ones. I've heard some horrow stories about renters. Is anyone good at decorating? I will need help. We are actually going to go out and buy furniture when we move in (rather than getting hand-me-downs). Don't get me wrong I love hand-me-downs, but it's going to be great picking out our own stuff.<br /><br />I guess that's it for now! I betting the next time I actually get on here to blog, we will probably have already moved into the duplex!Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-39526670572486284292011-01-03T04:25:00.000-08:002011-01-03T04:57:17.674-08:00Christmas 2010We had a very busy schedule this Christmass so we had to do the opening of presents with my family on Christmas Eve day. I didn't get any pictures of us actually opening the presents, but here we are just relaxing afterwards.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIl9DPp761TOMs5a398MZUcmnTMZZbDm8ei0_HXuHKGT75DT6m1Q5lLan-hXguXhMz7OkoLR0L58vLtB-XGjcimgDpJyO4E_9gGGuhtaEgORJKDtOQxWqsiimsH9-rVls9cVtd6IsT0c/s1600/Fall+2010+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIl9DPp761TOMs5a398MZUcmnTMZZbDm8ei0_HXuHKGT75DT6m1Q5lLan-hXguXhMz7OkoLR0L58vLtB-XGjcimgDpJyO4E_9gGGuhtaEgORJKDtOQxWqsiimsH9-rVls9cVtd6IsT0c/s320/Fall+2010+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557935609876693202" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEOPIZZFNHVX8w4ekC2O8LqlWsu_8I8cSIO_4XtRzhMqk0R1wBr51u0u-aGbcszzZ4zVUQAhbwe_43K_vw6LbozT9JuYa0I9cIRPZ_Pxcb65VuAEG-uW4CeDV-ZMA-_HoPbopj_9UIKs/s1600/Fall+2010+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEOPIZZFNHVX8w4ekC2O8LqlWsu_8I8cSIO_4XtRzhMqk0R1wBr51u0u-aGbcszzZ4zVUQAhbwe_43K_vw6LbozT9JuYa0I9cIRPZ_Pxcb65VuAEG-uW4CeDV-ZMA-_HoPbopj_9UIKs/s320/Fall+2010+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557935255277763010" /></a><br /><br />That evening we headed out to my brother's house in Elgin. I love spending time with them because there is always something to laugh about. For instance, we had a little fun with a fake mustache as well as the shake weight Madison received as her Christmas Eve present.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-oKHoCtFDGdwk4aC5OkDGOdG4GPoZnkUaBPQ-Kk3MtoON3BdxwTv9wnS0aWdOcXyq7VdFM1aczKh8oDf6rVJz90SqwEnteN8foNDfIvSxizuf6nkmdl09sd3kA4_touz1vf2CX88q9g/s1600/Fall+2010+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-oKHoCtFDGdwk4aC5OkDGOdG4GPoZnkUaBPQ-Kk3MtoON3BdxwTv9wnS0aWdOcXyq7VdFM1aczKh8oDf6rVJz90SqwEnteN8foNDfIvSxizuf6nkmdl09sd3kA4_touz1vf2CX88q9g/s320/Fall+2010+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557937580064649954" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RLQAmgyB9Wsuza95YoeW64BuVJP5Y7zYrx_aO4ojBEkfDzRCj4pilDtXJpcnjIJnx0InJX744g7IqiBqO98irNDqxirnuksdQGFAVepD_vj-2TM0tFfz9K_9ywj3cIeeZTNO3JIKpCI/s1600/Fall+2010+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3RLQAmgyB9Wsuza95YoeW64BuVJP5Y7zYrx_aO4ojBEkfDzRCj4pilDtXJpcnjIJnx0InJX744g7IqiBqO98irNDqxirnuksdQGFAVepD_vj-2TM0tFfz9K_9ywj3cIeeZTNO3JIKpCI/s320/Fall+2010+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557937172793861442" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lzeXiHrYjizSa6Zzhj7NOVchhLCaVXVQfDhv8yBStgYuCnEaA0h018I_s37Q7N1NHop3GFZQGuccEnuUMXVpXTGGe4ycVNKRW627uvv0lcFebufF9ZR5YF2hEuay1Im87FXpWmPUOkE/s1600/Fall+2010+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lzeXiHrYjizSa6Zzhj7NOVchhLCaVXVQfDhv8yBStgYuCnEaA0h018I_s37Q7N1NHop3GFZQGuccEnuUMXVpXTGGe4ycVNKRW627uvv0lcFebufF9ZR5YF2hEuay1Im87FXpWmPUOkE/s320/Fall+2010+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557936819443581330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqToPxRutzgpJfaKsMMmC8Lma6Nwdlq7bN42-UTwOUSmHy6MdeEOZl9csJ7q5_lr5lL8_48BLVZsY8-ezriXHnNvU7utJyMhZXmyL4vQDyhQ3lb6SgddGd24lFB930ZaoUaDpjWZ8_Gg/s1600/Fall+2010+018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqToPxRutzgpJfaKsMMmC8Lma6Nwdlq7bN42-UTwOUSmHy6MdeEOZl9csJ7q5_lr5lL8_48BLVZsY8-ezriXHnNvU7utJyMhZXmyL4vQDyhQ3lb6SgddGd24lFB930ZaoUaDpjWZ8_Gg/s320/Fall+2010+018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557936468784254450" /></a><br />After the fun, we laid out cookies for Santa and went to bed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1HckI5fGI5y6acSU3HMN7Pqwss0ZNUdCZAZrr9rX6es61JlstIHNRgDG5vG8Ys98ouRakBdtpD3vVaSUyaSc8zx_lmPOflEppX6kmAKcdyyqf_eMTAdqcgJC3tXKnOnQ56wKS127F0o/s1600/Fall+2010+025.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1HckI5fGI5y6acSU3HMN7Pqwss0ZNUdCZAZrr9rX6es61JlstIHNRgDG5vG8Ys98ouRakBdtpD3vVaSUyaSc8zx_lmPOflEppX6kmAKcdyyqf_eMTAdqcgJC3tXKnOnQ56wKS127F0o/s320/Fall+2010+025.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557938120742496818" /></a><br />The morning came with much excitement...<br />Maddy got a rifle!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aVUQB1ou4q06ue4aHUh6N6wQ6soe69B-L2RsHIAbnQxaauCu-XKyYOO1x1m1i2RRzM0uw7-oFdbHMw4I23ATIeToeKttfyk-0kTHcQTei1JlZDIubLpaLDWuAc39_qwjjTx_1KXiroQ/s1600/Fall+2010+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9aVUQB1ou4q06ue4aHUh6N6wQ6soe69B-L2RsHIAbnQxaauCu-XKyYOO1x1m1i2RRzM0uw7-oFdbHMw4I23ATIeToeKttfyk-0kTHcQTei1JlZDIubLpaLDWuAc39_qwjjTx_1KXiroQ/s320/Fall+2010+026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557938799056659954" /></a><br />Ryker got a train set!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT6SkKDeq53GVuEY2-C9yWL0YsD4A7MFs0pyBnMbXBB8pZu3LD98pJDXcc5hyphenhyphentKl1q43CmwvzcylXaBsm09hdozC3wfEmDs_fmxZK2x47q8O_Wuug3ThXBBK-gMoZenu3pJMA0IU6oSU/s1600/Fall+2010+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYT6SkKDeq53GVuEY2-C9yWL0YsD4A7MFs0pyBnMbXBB8pZu3LD98pJDXcc5hyphenhyphentKl1q43CmwvzcylXaBsm09hdozC3wfEmDs_fmxZK2x47q8O_Wuug3ThXBBK-gMoZenu3pJMA0IU6oSU/s320/Fall+2010+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557939296169503506" /></a><br />We ate great food!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_9jt0bujHIZiXti6lQ5a_pwzJJhBPs3WmHzW_Ovf5YNzP4Br3GBoPUfM2IIGpT2H6ywa94aq-id20nwMM5qasKS9jh4kCx9F5YQS2TTOHmJ0KvhHBJoXPkUVwq8npJYQ3Xb1uMgN35c/s1600/Fall+2010+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_9jt0bujHIZiXti6lQ5a_pwzJJhBPs3WmHzW_Ovf5YNzP4Br3GBoPUfM2IIGpT2H6ywa94aq-id20nwMM5qasKS9jh4kCx9F5YQS2TTOHmJ0KvhHBJoXPkUVwq8npJYQ3Xb1uMgN35c/s320/Fall+2010+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557939714389307634" /></a><br />We shared some laughs!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-JLJzg_6PU1EAl9oFobXm2UWAr4Kjw1TQH_5fz6nBmC2XVMPahIh14RapSSNttWMy0fkp2GDNeP_cA_LfSlIpsnnRGokF0y6Sp3RdOsV_S42xxc4lC0cGGcfNP0WcYxM7-z9xeHQ0Ls/s1600/Fall+2010+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-JLJzg_6PU1EAl9oFobXm2UWAr4Kjw1TQH_5fz6nBmC2XVMPahIh14RapSSNttWMy0fkp2GDNeP_cA_LfSlIpsnnRGokF0y6Sp3RdOsV_S42xxc4lC0cGGcfNP0WcYxM7-z9xeHQ0Ls/s320/Fall+2010+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557940112098877186" /></a><br /><br />Then it was time to go to Joel's parents house. Rocky, their new kitten, kept us entertained most of the day.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDhx5LSLDFC3eYg25jg4DJBWzT5w88ek7IeZ_cLhI2kgi9buf4vsRrAHeAxWQb3pMGFsgOzYxjP0bzEHdfi9pdHVwdSxJ6qlY0rqc1G8YrZShg3lkBvXuHtTenl_lO_bFpafUK-B2oiE/s1600/Fall+2010+038.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNDhx5LSLDFC3eYg25jg4DJBWzT5w88ek7IeZ_cLhI2kgi9buf4vsRrAHeAxWQb3pMGFsgOzYxjP0bzEHdfi9pdHVwdSxJ6qlY0rqc1G8YrZShg3lkBvXuHtTenl_lO_bFpafUK-B2oiE/s320/Fall+2010+038.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557940672732422594" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUMK-GhT4c7CpbhHf740c3hQMYiYm0p-UJskAIxpCiXScRN0BC1rXh1Ahao2P-URx2fYFv1N7RE2ZYyOl8oBhPyMFBPMghv4WHQPleScT2Zlxepf7qny5armalUjPN2PN0zg_C6j_5fU/s1600/Fall+2010+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYUMK-GhT4c7CpbhHf740c3hQMYiYm0p-UJskAIxpCiXScRN0BC1rXh1Ahao2P-URx2fYFv1N7RE2ZYyOl8oBhPyMFBPMghv4WHQPleScT2Zlxepf7qny5armalUjPN2PN0zg_C6j_5fU/s320/Fall+2010+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557941535177115250" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHKkxyuNyVh7-6TueeKUo5SD42oTXSReJ0YNRn2kxAUR4VK_KiaLbXvO0k8UGyOiAq6wSC5thTa-DzuVDI546Hd9JTOtuzNQJeyPcSVk_EIHbNxFShhEjEL15BcUIxIYWtSapYqHYKUI/s1600/Fall+2010+040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUHKkxyuNyVh7-6TueeKUo5SD42oTXSReJ0YNRn2kxAUR4VK_KiaLbXvO0k8UGyOiAq6wSC5thTa-DzuVDI546Hd9JTOtuzNQJeyPcSVk_EIHbNxFShhEjEL15BcUIxIYWtSapYqHYKUI/s320/Fall+2010+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557941190844056178" /></a><br /><br />We ended the evening with some games at the Bellview house.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimlmlkFyHI0SvwkJZkdw7LtNcsvywbzh6LvjbIcXMTqsqafoYjszS0tqRqyWh0eTVLQm5n0drXteNXla0w1yUYdG5zrUObVR09yn6lOsVhyphenhyphenCY1_jFK1m-ltNRXqpkJ8ahxNnGsSEW8zA/s1600/Fall+2010+046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimlmlkFyHI0SvwkJZkdw7LtNcsvywbzh6LvjbIcXMTqsqafoYjszS0tqRqyWh0eTVLQm5n0drXteNXla0w1yUYdG5zrUObVR09yn6lOsVhyphenhyphenCY1_jFK1m-ltNRXqpkJ8ahxNnGsSEW8zA/s320/Fall+2010+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557942094881979042" /></a><br /><br />Overall, it was a fantastic Christmas!Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-60972607106786567562011-01-03T04:09:00.001-08:002011-01-03T04:59:22.565-08:00Pre-ChristmasWe started our Christmas season by having dinner with the Hogg's about a week before Christmas. They're usually out of town for the holidays so we had to get with them early. Here are some pictures from our dinner at Chili's.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eJpmtaUFNjgpeg6mGDBWHwMTzqJZwfSiP4u5UuqsKUey2vXyX7MAHrf8dqygyT7Gy0x5PHx-rcv1wUdDDxw3SoVHlQ8lpqHLQ1gjwQUchY2YHc3IgRKXLzmQz3LlTRkXfmhkg1NABB8/s1600/Fall+2010+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eJpmtaUFNjgpeg6mGDBWHwMTzqJZwfSiP4u5UuqsKUey2vXyX7MAHrf8dqygyT7Gy0x5PHx-rcv1wUdDDxw3SoVHlQ8lpqHLQ1gjwQUchY2YHc3IgRKXLzmQz3LlTRkXfmhkg1NABB8/s320/Fall+2010+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557933589685849618" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXeIQyKn-DwXuy5Hflkp6WWi2TOKvYcgAi_TK5o6ifQRa9ZA9yVwVs8XcaB6uorB1sFHAKuLD2JdSHuH5k5vbAWXsbLhkeryD3WSPwiWWyv56PFacWENh5rDHUi1AOwTJUZs_1O1CIcI/s1600/Hudson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXeIQyKn-DwXuy5Hflkp6WWi2TOKvYcgAi_TK5o6ifQRa9ZA9yVwVs8XcaB6uorB1sFHAKuLD2JdSHuH5k5vbAWXsbLhkeryD3WSPwiWWyv56PFacWENh5rDHUi1AOwTJUZs_1O1CIcI/s320/Hudson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557933327545500690" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiNX3kj5wKyHQwlGU9z67ISrwE4WQPy3gG6OcKU-29kfFGBtX6tPD6F6l_qk8qo9WBvXT4rYct-tw7eyNoSVrRqr8vMqjGJlX9vCJ1mQu3w_fznmU9oAP9AYJGJOzfVXpNHctzHvJD_4/s1600/Fall+2010+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiNX3kj5wKyHQwlGU9z67ISrwE4WQPy3gG6OcKU-29kfFGBtX6tPD6F6l_qk8qo9WBvXT4rYct-tw7eyNoSVrRqr8vMqjGJlX9vCJ1mQu3w_fznmU9oAP9AYJGJOzfVXpNHctzHvJD_4/s320/Fall+2010+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557932957713928050" /></a><br /><br /><br />Also before Christmas, my mom went in for foot surgery. She had some ligaments that wore torn and her heel bone was all out of sorts. The doctor said that he would possibly have to rebuild her heel using bone from her hip. When doing something like that, the spot where you took the bone from could hurt for up to a year. Therrefore while my mom was in surgery, my dad and I were praying that 1) she would get through the surgery safely and 2) that they would not have to take bone from her hip(her hips hurt her enough as it is). After many hours of waiting, we were able to go see my mom and guess what? THey didn't have to rebuild her heel! Praise the Lord!! Here is a picture of her when she came home from surgery.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDUYMYRf7Cos70Renll0-o9oSBG9Whq1EWH72K4nevn1scPb9xFImXX36Am7OcqjTvcUpte-d6kk1FkHTOtIjh5CGQ8wrcEBL0FIdmMlDjBd6QO90eIAlf9Q3s7SxORAfP1XC2zMWjYc/s1600/Fall+2010+008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDUYMYRf7Cos70Renll0-o9oSBG9Whq1EWH72K4nevn1scPb9xFImXX36Am7OcqjTvcUpte-d6kk1FkHTOtIjh5CGQ8wrcEBL0FIdmMlDjBd6QO90eIAlf9Q3s7SxORAfP1XC2zMWjYc/s320/Fall+2010+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557934486458653874" /></a><br /><br />Here was our Christmas card picture for this year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQyyutuE27af7o093q6TIctHxuWuOpMqsR4FHHsaImxoUyA4i7PqBDrBGvDWf0tvrAQvdRqW5i3Mbg2YhdAiL9as9KEOcJJd7ZUInfcR5rroWRccYxYwWtZgYfRS2rrMqEF5d-vFJkU0/s1600/Christmas.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQyyutuE27af7o093q6TIctHxuWuOpMqsR4FHHsaImxoUyA4i7PqBDrBGvDWf0tvrAQvdRqW5i3Mbg2YhdAiL9as9KEOcJJd7ZUInfcR5rroWRccYxYwWtZgYfRS2rrMqEF5d-vFJkU0/s320/Christmas.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557943373274090914" /></a>Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-68145884983251493482010-12-02T15:37:00.001-08:002010-12-02T15:45:39.040-08:00Day 14 & 15-Picture and Bible VerseI'm combining days 14 and 15 on this one post. Day 14 is a picture you love...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K4R9iUCJGsul7z4tMCd85uVl7hw5bm8aYhlmZcr99nhRaoMhe9QCHMY9I8QaoBGOD6qV1KLOcxRH83GyKMM8hfp9BEP-28ZYJFmMUgEqLXUki2pDlpsLgk6BHVpPOgyXPDNOLxryvIw/s1600/Fall+2010+116.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8K4R9iUCJGsul7z4tMCd85uVl7hw5bm8aYhlmZcr99nhRaoMhe9QCHMY9I8QaoBGOD6qV1KLOcxRH83GyKMM8hfp9BEP-28ZYJFmMUgEqLXUki2pDlpsLgk6BHVpPOgyXPDNOLxryvIw/s320/Fall+2010+116.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546233768014406914" /></a> This picture was taken just a few days after we got Maggie. Isn't she adorable?<br /><br />Day 15 is a Bible verse.<br />Here's my favorite one...I love to quote it to other people but have trouble when I am actually living it.<br /><br />1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. <br />Romans 5:1-5Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-63122803833005496602010-11-28T19:25:00.000-08:002010-11-28T19:39:19.178-08:00Day 13-GoalsGoals...I don't really think about my long term goals a whole lot but I guess I have to for this post. <br /><br />I would love to learn another language. I think Italian would be awesome, but Spanish is much more practical. <br /><br />I want to run a 10k. I don't reallt enjoy running, but I did enjoy finishing the 5k I did a few years back so now maybe I will set my sites toward a 10k. We'll see where I go from there.<br /><br />I want to have kids. I would love 3, but will take whatever God wants to give us.<br /><br />I want to finish the Karen Kingsbury series I have started. She has the Redemption series which I have already read all 5 books of, but then she has two series that branch off from that one-the Firstborn series(5 books) and the Sunrise series(4 books). I'm on book #1 of the Firstborn series.<br /><br />One day I'm going to take voice lessons and learn how to sing well. Joel and I were just talking about doing this together someday in the future.<br /><br />Eventually, I want to move into a house.<br /><br />I really want to be debt free--we're so close I can taste it!!<br /><br />That's all I got right now. If I think of something else I will edit the post.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-72688251844483146512010-11-27T09:07:00.001-08:002010-11-27T09:20:27.296-08:00Cat in the HatJoel's parents got a kitten while they were at the coast this past week. They weren't planning on getting a kitty, but it kind of fell into their laps. Since they got him in Rockport where their beach house is, they named him Rocky, although Richard wanted to name him Diablo(which I think is a much cooler name). So we decided to go meet the kitten and bring Maggie to see if they would be friends. Here are some pics.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ50aUwTMnQt28tI9DTbHEMkNHwIZ_tLEuQnDorEBD2REgKjoG9m63QmuY46i7ShBVp6pwq7QXE3KIH8jjElorYAYpKUlXjl19jU7hnfDM7cWRzRBfLzDJLqqivJThzAt-LYW-bGHtxw/s1600/Fall+2010+156.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJ50aUwTMnQt28tI9DTbHEMkNHwIZ_tLEuQnDorEBD2REgKjoG9m63QmuY46i7ShBVp6pwq7QXE3KIH8jjElorYAYpKUlXjl19jU7hnfDM7cWRzRBfLzDJLqqivJThzAt-LYW-bGHtxw/s320/Fall+2010+156.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544278944865674386" /></a><br />Just hanging out in a hat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xYFyfCBYVc4eQYOfwh9zXeVMGzloVQyJYS2o2urYgXAzRiGYbIHgyPNpb6HQy7PYnpDdjiCkSmM_jmlED8UCdJMpoHAesTINB6D2jT9glKy-ssgKkyHQtlVsbBsJ0-UrXyNu-mRP4uI/s1600/Fall+2010+160.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5xYFyfCBYVc4eQYOfwh9zXeVMGzloVQyJYS2o2urYgXAzRiGYbIHgyPNpb6HQy7PYnpDdjiCkSmM_jmlED8UCdJMpoHAesTINB6D2jT9glKy-ssgKkyHQtlVsbBsJ0-UrXyNu-mRP4uI/s320/Fall+2010+160.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544279363950400162" /></a><br />Peek-a-boo.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F2Y4WxKj_DoStkCIZjxuNpQJPURjDR1hpjethT3T8qDgkguEWpF4NDzUqqFdFhBYW6VM80qY5Q8cvhyphenhyphen9rbCNQAk83ucrHmXP-qxXBXpC8vQnNBRjKbJygbvyCNVQ64zBEztazPnt4Eo/s1600/Fall+2010+162.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6F2Y4WxKj_DoStkCIZjxuNpQJPURjDR1hpjethT3T8qDgkguEWpF4NDzUqqFdFhBYW6VM80qY5Q8cvhyphenhyphen9rbCNQAk83ucrHmXP-qxXBXpC8vQnNBRjKbJygbvyCNVQ64zBEztazPnt4Eo/s320/Fall+2010+162.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544279846392731826" /></a><br />Maggie was very interested in Rocky, but he wasn't so sure. Maggie actually got a few swats in the face. I think it may just take some time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGlSPB18l2xImzYGrzO46AgpLq_syptGXNaB9PuNBtILe0HmIUwniGGHhMZ0DHmwKcjo2M0UU0kOxB6mwHF1MqI9iUKvHAM71dOy60puKptfTInXb1s9_liGy6nJXLh9K4YrWvbBztfc/s1600/Fall+2010+165.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGlSPB18l2xImzYGrzO46AgpLq_syptGXNaB9PuNBtILe0HmIUwniGGHhMZ0DHmwKcjo2M0UU0kOxB6mwHF1MqI9iUKvHAM71dOy60puKptfTInXb1s9_liGy6nJXLh9K4YrWvbBztfc/s320/Fall+2010+165.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544280397967323554" /></a><br />Why can't kitties stay this cute?Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-77485647087633047852010-11-26T19:02:00.000-08:002010-11-26T19:10:27.595-08:00Day 12-What I BelieveI believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for my sins and that because of that I will get to spend eternity with my Savior.<br /><br />I believe I am blessed with the best friends and family ever!<br /><br />I believe that Christmas brings out the happy in people.<br /><br />I believe that one day God will bless Joel and me with several wonderful kids.<br /><br />I believe that all sin is equal.<br /><br />I believe that 4 year olds know alot more than we give them credit for.<br /><br />I believe that when making a pie, you should not waste your time making the crust. But instead, buy the prepackaged crust and spend the time and effort on making the inards(is that a word?) good.<br /><br />I believe that one day Maggie and Rocky(Joel's parents new kitten) will get along.<br /><br />I believe that America is the best place on Earth to live.<br /><br />And I believe I will eventually finish this 30 day blogging challengeDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-32072066336939117782010-11-23T11:51:00.000-08:002010-11-23T11:57:56.253-08:00Day 11-Favorite TV ShowsIn no particular order...<br /><br />1. The Big Bang Theory (although we are having trouble keeing up to date on this one since we don't have TV and they don't put their new episodes online)<br />2. GLEE!!<br />3. Rules of Engagement<br />4. The Office<br />5. 30 Rock (I just discovered how great this show is thanks to Whitney and Casey. I think I was boycotting it for awhile because I was mad at Alec Baldwin)<br />6. George Lopez(not his talk show but his old comedy sitcom)<br />7. Friends<br />8. King of Queens<br />9. Medium (I think I am fading away from this one though)<br /><br />I was determined to get 10 but I could only think of 9.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-32635831621527295032010-11-21T10:47:00.001-08:002010-11-21T10:51:28.979-08:00Day 10-Something You're Afraid OfWell this is going to sound really weird, but I'm scared of the rapture. I know in my heart that I'm a Christian and I love Jesus Christ, but what if there is one tiny thing I forgot and I get left behind. I know it's just satan trying to get in my brain, but when ever I think about the end of the world, my tummy gets all twisty and yucky feeling. <br /><br />Also, I'm scared of scary movies. They're fun while you're watching them, but the scary part is later when you're at home by yourself and little sounds and movements start reminding you of the movie. Then you play out a hole scene in your mind of what could happen to you if one of those scenerios came true. I try to steer away from scary movies altogether.Danihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7294127044969013442.post-58712623577552310922010-11-18T16:01:00.000-08:002010-11-18T16:11:54.026-08:00Day 9-A Picture of My FriendsAs I began this post today, I felt a sense of deja vu while searching for pictures of friends and what I might say about them. All of sudden it hit me, I've already done this post. Therefore I am going to let you look back at the post I did a few months ago. For some reason I am having trouble adding this as a link so if you would like to read it just copy and paste the URL below.<br /><br />http://danibreehl.blogspot.com/2009/12/shout-to-girls.htmlDanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13435713765025829163noreply@blogger.com1