Sipping on a glass of water, surrounded by boxes and bags, feeling baby kick and wiggle, I realize life is about to change for us again.
This morning I woke up tired, as usual, but also thinking about what life is going to be like starting April 2, 2012. Luke and I are moving back to Gresham,OR.
This may come as a surprise for a lot of people, but we've been processing this for a few months, especially since we're expecting baby soon. We're looking forward to being closer to family and settling in to a new apartment, that will hopefully be a good place for us and baby.
Speaking of baby. Our little one is doing great. We had our 20 week appointment on Monday and the doctor says baby is growing perfectly. That was also the appointment we would've found out if baby was a boy or girl, but we told them we'd like to wait, so we still have no idea.
See you soon in Gresham.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Our little car story
We get our car back today! It's been in the shop for almost two weeks getting a new engine put in.
Why you ask? Well, here's the story:
A couple weeks ago we took our car in for routine maintenance. There were a few things that needed to be taken care of, but all pretty minor. Since this is our one and only vehicle, we got the repairs done.
In the mean time, we went to my 12 week checkup for baby. Which was wonderful! We got to see baby move and wiggle, hear it's heart beat and see his/her little hands and feet. So cool! After the appointment we went around and told a few friends about baby and just had a spectacular day, feeling incredibly blessed.
After picking up the car, we started home from Portland... and the car died on I-5 south just before the Terwilliger curves, it was around 8:30pm. You know that spot where all the construction is? We were able to pull our car off to the shoulder right before that, another 50 feet and we wouldn't have had anywhere to pull off the road.
I am thankful for the ODOT guy who stopped and checked on us, my dad who came and picked us up, the tow truck that took our car to the shop, and our mechanic for staying up late to make sure our car got back to the shop. Also, for the use of the vehicles we were able to use the last two weeks, my dad's car, Luke's dad's pickup, and Luke's grandma's car.
For all you mechanics people out there, here's what happened that made the car die, it had nothing to do with the repairs earlier in the day. The water pump seized up, with out any warning, which caused the timing belt to snap and bend parts of the engine, killing the engine.
I'm SO thankful I wasn't the one driving and that Luke took care of everything.
Why you ask? Well, here's the story:
A couple weeks ago we took our car in for routine maintenance. There were a few things that needed to be taken care of, but all pretty minor. Since this is our one and only vehicle, we got the repairs done.
In the mean time, we went to my 12 week checkup for baby. Which was wonderful! We got to see baby move and wiggle, hear it's heart beat and see his/her little hands and feet. So cool! After the appointment we went around and told a few friends about baby and just had a spectacular day, feeling incredibly blessed.
After picking up the car, we started home from Portland... and the car died on I-5 south just before the Terwilliger curves, it was around 8:30pm. You know that spot where all the construction is? We were able to pull our car off to the shoulder right before that, another 50 feet and we wouldn't have had anywhere to pull off the road.
I am thankful for the ODOT guy who stopped and checked on us, my dad who came and picked us up, the tow truck that took our car to the shop, and our mechanic for staying up late to make sure our car got back to the shop. Also, for the use of the vehicles we were able to use the last two weeks, my dad's car, Luke's dad's pickup, and Luke's grandma's car.
For all you mechanics people out there, here's what happened that made the car die, it had nothing to do with the repairs earlier in the day. The water pump seized up, with out any warning, which caused the timing belt to snap and bend parts of the engine, killing the engine.
I'm SO thankful I wasn't the one driving and that Luke took care of everything.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
For this child, we prayed...
Yes, this is what you think it is! :)
Luke and I have been holding our little one a secret for a few months and now we're sharing our joy with all of you.
A few of you may have been curious from my last post why Luke went on California Screamin' all by himself, well, now you know. Pregnancy has it's price, but I am totally willing to give up a few things now and then for the joy of knowing I am carrying one of God's most precious gifts!
Baby is due August 15th, 2012. So, If you're doing the math, that means I am about 13 weeks along just about done with my first trimester. It's so crazy how much baby has grown in the last month, from a little blob with barely distinguishable arm and leg buds to a baby with a little nose and fingers and toes.
Common questions we've been getting:
Are you finding out if it's a boy or girl before?
-We aren't planning to, we'd really like to be surprised.
Do you have names picked out?
-No, we're working on it though and we'll announce the name when baby arrives.
Do you have morning sickness?
-YES, gross! Looking forward to it going away!
Please keep Luke, me, and baby in your prayers as you think of us.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
California
Luke and I were able to take a trip to Disneyland this last week. We were celebrating Luke's birthday and our 3rd anniversary. It was so good to get away and enjoy some warmer weather while it was snowing at home in Oregon.
Day 1 of our trip was spent packing and getting last minute errands done (oil change, bank run, dinner, and some time with Rachel's sister, Heather, as she searched, tried on, and found, her wedding dress) before finally heading south around five in the evening. We arrived at our first hotel in Yreka, CA around 11pm
Day 2, Luke's birthday, was spent entirely in the car driving to Anaheim, CA to check in to our hotel for the next few days. Pretty uneventful day, just slightly stressful as we got into LA and experienced California driving in full force.
Day 3 We enjoyed a very full day at Disneyland. Riding as many rides as we could and walking around to different attractions. I think our favorite ride together was Pirates of the Caribbean, Luke's favorite of the day was Space Mountain, and mine...well, I couldn't really pick a favorite. I really was just thankful for time with Luke doing fun things and having sun on my face. :) We took a short break from Disneyland at lunch to visit a friend of mine, Angela (along with her son and niece), at Rainforest Cafe. Good times.
Day 4: It was time for California Adventure. After the full day at Disneyland, we took our time wandering around. With it being Tuesday, a lot of the extra attractions were closed, but we were still able to enjoy California Screamin', Mickey's Fun Wheel, and a few others. Luke went on California Screamin' a couple times, did you know that if you're a single rider you can go in through the exit and skip the entire line (you get a special ticket from the employee that stands at the exit)? That was nice to find out, we were able to bypass a lot of the 40min waits that way. :)
Day 5 We left Disneyland behind and drive north to San Francisco. Arriving around the time of rush hour traffic, we decided to stop and walk along Fisherman's Wharf. I got a wonderful clam chowder bowl for dinner at Boudin Bakery, while Luke tried out their grilled cheese. It was a nice unexpected stop along the way, with some interesting, and also strange, sites to see.
Day 6 Our last day on the road. We drove Hwy 101 north through the Red Wood National Forest, and saw quite a few elk along the way. It was a very wet and rainy drive home, but we made it safe and sound back to the little apartment in Yamhill.
We're so happy we were able to spend the time away. It's always a little bitter-sweat coming home from vacation though and back to reality. It's so much fun making memories and exploring new places. Thank you to all of you who prayed for us as we drove. We are very blessed to have you in our lives.
Day 1 of our trip was spent packing and getting last minute errands done (oil change, bank run, dinner, and some time with Rachel's sister, Heather, as she searched, tried on, and found, her wedding dress) before finally heading south around five in the evening. We arrived at our first hotel in Yreka, CA around 11pm
Day 2, Luke's birthday, was spent entirely in the car driving to Anaheim, CA to check in to our hotel for the next few days. Pretty uneventful day, just slightly stressful as we got into LA and experienced California driving in full force.
Day 3 We enjoyed a very full day at Disneyland. Riding as many rides as we could and walking around to different attractions. I think our favorite ride together was Pirates of the Caribbean, Luke's favorite of the day was Space Mountain, and mine...well, I couldn't really pick a favorite. I really was just thankful for time with Luke doing fun things and having sun on my face. :) We took a short break from Disneyland at lunch to visit a friend of mine, Angela (along with her son and niece), at Rainforest Cafe. Good times.
Day 4: It was time for California Adventure. After the full day at Disneyland, we took our time wandering around. With it being Tuesday, a lot of the extra attractions were closed, but we were still able to enjoy California Screamin', Mickey's Fun Wheel, and a few others. Luke went on California Screamin' a couple times, did you know that if you're a single rider you can go in through the exit and skip the entire line (you get a special ticket from the employee that stands at the exit)? That was nice to find out, we were able to bypass a lot of the 40min waits that way. :)
Day 5 We left Disneyland behind and drive north to San Francisco. Arriving around the time of rush hour traffic, we decided to stop and walk along Fisherman's Wharf. I got a wonderful clam chowder bowl for dinner at Boudin Bakery, while Luke tried out their grilled cheese. It was a nice unexpected stop along the way, with some interesting, and also strange, sites to see.
Day 6 Our last day on the road. We drove Hwy 101 north through the Red Wood National Forest, and saw quite a few elk along the way. It was a very wet and rainy drive home, but we made it safe and sound back to the little apartment in Yamhill.
We're so happy we were able to spend the time away. It's always a little bitter-sweat coming home from vacation though and back to reality. It's so much fun making memories and exploring new places. Thank you to all of you who prayed for us as we drove. We are very blessed to have you in our lives.
Friday, October 28, 2011
"So, Are You Settled In?"
Grab a cup of tea...this is a long one! :)
"So, are you settled in?" This seems to be the second most asked question lately, squished closely behind,' How are you?'
We're as settled as we can be, we generally know how to get around, and our apartment is a nice space. I still feel strange living in an apartment that isn't our own, But it has been a blessing living as close as we do to the Emry's and the church.
We're well into our second month here and it's been a journey. From being sick with one thing or another, a small flood in our apartment, and just the general adjustment of life in Yamhill, you'd think we've been here for years. :) I don't handle a lot of change gracefully and I've been sick with something nearly the entire two months. I'm hoping that since our schedule is becoming more predictable that I will continue to get healthy.
As for that small flood I mentioned...The apartment we're living in is a newly built space on the back of the Emry's (Duane is the main preaching pastor at Yamhill Christian Church) garage. It was originally built for Duane's dad, but he decided he wasn't ready to move yet. So, we get the blessing of breaking it in and finding anything that may need to be repaired. There really hasn't been that many problems, but last week the washer had it's moment.
I was sitting at the computer waiting for the laundry to be done, when I hear water running. I didn't think much of it at first, cause I had put in a load not long before. But I thought I should get up and check it out after about a minute, it just sounded a little different. Then *slosh* my feet were pretty well soaked. I couldn't reach the water valves behind the washer/dryer unit, so I called Luke, "You need to be home, like NOW."
He was able to shut it off and brought out our wonderful Rainbow vacuum cleaner to suck up the water. Turns out the hose on the back of the washer was cracked. Got a new hose and no problem. Only some clothes got wet and had to air dry our living room rug, but for the most part, things were pretty safe.
Beyond home life, youth group is going well. We meet Wednesday and Sunday evenings. If you could keep us in your prayers those days, we would be so grateful. They can be some of the most difficult days. (Did I mention the flood from the washer was on a Wednesday? An that I usually get sick just before Sundays?)
I'd go into more detail about youth group and our ministry here, but I'll save that for my next blog. I've kept you long enough. :)
"So, are you settled in?" This seems to be the second most asked question lately, squished closely behind,' How are you?'
We're as settled as we can be, we generally know how to get around, and our apartment is a nice space. I still feel strange living in an apartment that isn't our own, But it has been a blessing living as close as we do to the Emry's and the church.
We're well into our second month here and it's been a journey. From being sick with one thing or another, a small flood in our apartment, and just the general adjustment of life in Yamhill, you'd think we've been here for years. :) I don't handle a lot of change gracefully and I've been sick with something nearly the entire two months. I'm hoping that since our schedule is becoming more predictable that I will continue to get healthy.
As for that small flood I mentioned...The apartment we're living in is a newly built space on the back of the Emry's (Duane is the main preaching pastor at Yamhill Christian Church) garage. It was originally built for Duane's dad, but he decided he wasn't ready to move yet. So, we get the blessing of breaking it in and finding anything that may need to be repaired. There really hasn't been that many problems, but last week the washer had it's moment.
I was sitting at the computer waiting for the laundry to be done, when I hear water running. I didn't think much of it at first, cause I had put in a load not long before. But I thought I should get up and check it out after about a minute, it just sounded a little different. Then *slosh* my feet were pretty well soaked. I couldn't reach the water valves behind the washer/dryer unit, so I called Luke, "You need to be home, like NOW."
He was able to shut it off and brought out our wonderful Rainbow vacuum cleaner to suck up the water. Turns out the hose on the back of the washer was cracked. Got a new hose and no problem. Only some clothes got wet and had to air dry our living room rug, but for the most part, things were pretty safe.
Beyond home life, youth group is going well. We meet Wednesday and Sunday evenings. If you could keep us in your prayers those days, we would be so grateful. They can be some of the most difficult days. (Did I mention the flood from the washer was on a Wednesday? An that I usually get sick just before Sundays?)
I'd go into more detail about youth group and our ministry here, but I'll save that for my next blog. I've kept you long enough. :)
Friday, August 12, 2011
We're Moving!
Well, it's decided. Luke and I will be moving to Yamhill, OR
We've been praying over a position Luke was offered at Yamhill Christian Church for about a month now, and last week we decided that God is leading us in that direction. We're in the beginning process of moving, and it's a bit sad to leave everything that we started with nearly three years ago: our apartment, neighborhood, jobs, friends, family, etc. But we feel confident that this is the right choice for us.
About two months ago Luke stepped down from Cornerstone's youth ministry team. He wanted to be able to grow in his ministry abilities as well as provide for his family, and Cornerstone was not in God's plan. It has been a very difficult transition, leaving Cornerstone and searching for not only a church, but a place that we can call home, for us as a family. We continue to pray that that will happen in Yamhill and have hope that it will.
In about three weeks we will be out of our apartment and on to the next chapter in our lives. Please pray for smooth transitions, we go through a lot of ups and downs emotionally, but we are excited for what God has in store.
We've been praying over a position Luke was offered at Yamhill Christian Church for about a month now, and last week we decided that God is leading us in that direction. We're in the beginning process of moving, and it's a bit sad to leave everything that we started with nearly three years ago: our apartment, neighborhood, jobs, friends, family, etc. But we feel confident that this is the right choice for us.
About two months ago Luke stepped down from Cornerstone's youth ministry team. He wanted to be able to grow in his ministry abilities as well as provide for his family, and Cornerstone was not in God's plan. It has been a very difficult transition, leaving Cornerstone and searching for not only a church, but a place that we can call home, for us as a family. We continue to pray that that will happen in Yamhill and have hope that it will.
In about three weeks we will be out of our apartment and on to the next chapter in our lives. Please pray for smooth transitions, we go through a lot of ups and downs emotionally, but we are excited for what God has in store.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What it's like to turn 27...
Yesterday was my birthday. How did I spend it? well, the first half of my day was spent at the doctor's office. Not my ideal way to enjoy the day of my birth, but I guess it's a bit ironic...right? :) (You know...cause that's the first thing I ever saw, the hospital and doctors...)
I had a 10:00am appointment, got there about 9:30, was brought into the exam room about 9:45, but didn't get to see the doctor until about 10:30. I really enjoy squandering my hours lounging in a that lovely hospital gown for 45min without seeing anyone. But, it was sort of worth it. See, I've been having numbness/tingling in my right leg for a while now, and it just seemed to get worse, so I got a referral to a physical therapist. (Oh, and I finally got an inhaler for my asthma, always forgot to bring that up on doctor's visits)
The rest of my birthday went far better. I spent the afternoon with my friend Katelyn and her son Holden (16 months). Such a blast being able to hang out with friends and feeling somewhat useful. :) I even got a new pair of shoes!
Luke got home close to 7pm and we were able to enjoy a lovely steak dinner out at 4th Street Brewing Company in downtown Gresham, OR. Super yummy! We had a nice leisurely dinner, talking, and sharing stories.
We arrived at home around 9:30 (yeah, that's right 2.5 hours at 4th Street) I got to blow out the candles on my cupcakes and open a few gifts from Luke.
It turned out to be a really special birthday.
One final note: What does it feel like to turn 27? Like I'm really getting old. I got to go to the physical therapists today and found that it wasn't just my sciatic nerve, no, no, I have a bulging disc. If you think of me/us please pray that my back will heal quickly, and that both Luke and I will find work. Luke is currently working two part time jobs, but would really enjoy a full time youth ministry job. For me, I'd really like to have a part time job that I enjoy, possibly in baking or helping clean houses/babysit for moms when they need a break.
I had a 10:00am appointment, got there about 9:30, was brought into the exam room about 9:45, but didn't get to see the doctor until about 10:30. I really enjoy squandering my hours lounging in a that lovely hospital gown for 45min without seeing anyone. But, it was sort of worth it. See, I've been having numbness/tingling in my right leg for a while now, and it just seemed to get worse, so I got a referral to a physical therapist. (Oh, and I finally got an inhaler for my asthma, always forgot to bring that up on doctor's visits)
The rest of my birthday went far better. I spent the afternoon with my friend Katelyn and her son Holden (16 months). Such a blast being able to hang out with friends and feeling somewhat useful. :) I even got a new pair of shoes!
Luke got home close to 7pm and we were able to enjoy a lovely steak dinner out at 4th Street Brewing Company in downtown Gresham, OR. Super yummy! We had a nice leisurely dinner, talking, and sharing stories.
We arrived at home around 9:30 (yeah, that's right 2.5 hours at 4th Street) I got to blow out the candles on my cupcakes and open a few gifts from Luke.
It turned out to be a really special birthday.
One final note: What does it feel like to turn 27? Like I'm really getting old. I got to go to the physical therapists today and found that it wasn't just my sciatic nerve, no, no, I have a bulging disc. If you think of me/us please pray that my back will heal quickly, and that both Luke and I will find work. Luke is currently working two part time jobs, but would really enjoy a full time youth ministry job. For me, I'd really like to have a part time job that I enjoy, possibly in baking or helping clean houses/babysit for moms when they need a break.
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