Check Your Lint Trap

While my mom was here after NGK was born she was helping with the laundry, and many other things. She mentioned that it seemed like our dryer was taking a long time to dry. I said I hadn't noticed, and I probably hadn't since I lived the past 2 years without a dryer and it usually took me a minimum of 24 hours to do my laundry (the shortest washer cycle was about 2 hours and then it had to hang to dry).
After she left I started paying closer attention and also began to do a lot more laundry. One day I asked CDK to check on it and he quickly did. He started checking the venting and took the front of the dryer off to make sure there wasn't some lint stuck somewhere. He was about to delve further into the dryer to find the culprit when he decided to check the lint trap outside. There he found the culprit, a bird's nest. Since the washer and dryer hook-ups were added long after this house was built, the lint trap is long and a bird had stopped up the end of it.
CDK called maintenance and they came out quickly (it helps when you use the sob story of "We have a newborn and we can't get our laundry done"). The helpful maintenance man removed the birds nest and proceeded to pull out a 5 foot solid tube of lint! Hmm, wonder why my dryer isn't working very well. Now I feel like I've moved into dryer heaven because my clothes dry in about 1/4 the time as before. Hopefully the extra work on our dryer's part won't cause it to break anytime soon.
Moral of the story - if your dryer is taking a long time, check the lint trap, outside.

Yes, Jesus Loves Me

As I've entered the world of motherhood I've obviously started to learn quiet a bit. I'm learning how to take care of someone else 24/7, what it's like to be needed all the time, what it's like to be a mom and a wife at the same time, and loads of other things. But the things that are most prevalent to me and that I'm gaining a new understanding of are the references to children that Jesus makes in scripture, and other fundamental truths of my faith.

1. Childlike faith - She's a newborn, there is nothing else in this world to have faith in but me and her father. If only I lived each day as if there were nothing else in this world to have faith in but my heavenly father.
2. Being a daughter of Christ - It's amazing to imagine that Christ loves her more than I do. Though I can't comprehend that, it is such an amazing assurance that he loves her and me so much.
3. Unconditional love - I told CDK that this has to be the closest to unconditional love I will ever come. I feel it now because she hasn't really done anything to hurt me or upset me, and probably won't for a long time. But Christ loves me on those days when I do hurt him or upset him. Unconditionally.
4. Just because you're you - I've thoroughly enjoyed watching so many people love our child. I had to stop and think "What makes them automatically love her?" The answer is nothing. She hasn't done anything to earn or gain their love. They love her just because she is herself. The same way Christ loves us. We can't and won't ever do anything to earn his love or refuse his love. He loves us, just because we're his children. It truly is an overwhelming thought.

These truths are those that I've started to whisper in my daughters ear or sing to her through songs. I've also begun a journal that I plan to keep through her first year and give to her one day. NGK, a child of God, has been entrusted to us for a short time on this earth to raise as a child of God. Thankfully the father will lead us in this endeavor and I'm so excited to have this privilege.

She's Here

I'd like to introduce our daughter, NGK, born November 13, at 11:20 am weighing 8 lbs. 12 oz, and 21 1/2 inches long.
The induction on Monday didn't produce much progress, so we tried a different angle with another medicine overnight Tuesday and it did the trick.
We're headed home from the hospital within the hour and are excited to start this new adventure.
Baby, mommy, and daddy are doing well. If you would like the link to her blog site with tons of pictures, send me an email.

An End Date

Well, we know she'll be here no later than Monday, Nov. 12. We set-up the induction for then, and unless something happens beforehand, which we're hoping it does, that's the big day. It's nice to finally have a definite end, though I must say I was hoping it would be a little sooner.

Here are some pictures of her nursery, though I use the term loosely. It's still half an office and CDK is selflessly sharing his closet with her (it also doubles as our photography studio). Since we're in a rental, no painting the walls, and we obviously didn't pick the carpet. We'll be out of this house in a few months, so then we'll put to work our real decorating skills and make the nursery just like one we saw in the Pottery Barn catalog! We must thank the generous grandparents to-be and great grandparents to-be for help furnishing the room. Her place is ready, now if she would just hurry up!

Patiently Waiting, for now *Update*

*UPDATE* We will go to the doctor today at 4pm and see what's going on with little Miss K. I think we will make some definite plans for induction, based on what the doctor has said previously. While I know induction is perfectly safe and normal, please pray that this happens naturally.

So the day came and went as expected. We had a doctor's appointment this morning, and I'm progressing, but as he said it's unpredictable. So far, I'm still fine with that.
Four good things about missing the due date: 1. Her birthday won't be on Halloween. 2. CDK made it to his job interview last night and didn't have to cancel. 3. The furniture finally came in and we're picking it up today. So, we'll get to set-up the nursery tonight, yeah! 4. Now that I have been to work during November I get my full months worth of sick and vacation accrual that I'll get paid for during my leave.
Random, but I just noticed that the counter is stuck at 1. Well, we know that pregnancy isn't eternal.

I'll keep you posted!

Trick or Treat?

Well, today is the official due date. As my doctor said, there's a 50% chance either way. I'm shooting for this weekend, so I'm not really expecting anything to happen today, but she may surprise us. She'll either show-up today and be a Halloween treat, or not show-up and be a Halloween trick. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime enjoy this photo of a lovely autumn scene.

Leave Nothing

Have you seen this commercial? Not only is it just a cool commercial, I love the tag line "Leave Nothing". This tag line sums up my latest thoughts on faith.

I had a minor knee injury during my soccer days as a Freshman in high school. After I had recovered and had been playing again for a few weeks my coach approached me and put his hands on my shoulder. He said "Does this hurt?" and he kicked my knee. I said "No". He said "Then stop playing like it does." I remember, vividly, the next game I played and how great I played. No, didn't score a goal or even save any goals, but, man, I made some great plays. Those few words my coach said empowered me to do what we both knew I was capable of. That next game I left nothing in myself, I gave it all to playing that game.

I've witnessed several situations lately where people within the church have had to make difficult decisions about life and faith and how they work together. I've also watched how the "community" of the church has played a role in assisting people in making those decisions or carrying those decisions out. At one point I told CDK that as the church we have to do everything in our power to help people and be a part of community with them. I don't believe God called us to walk this road of Christianity alone and that if we sit back and passively watch others believers in our lives go on their merry way and never invest in them, then we are not doing what we're called to do. We can't leave any stone unturned when we are trying to work together as the body of Christ, we must put forth all our effort and explore every option of how to work through situations, good and bad ones. I think it's sometimes easier to let our excuses of "it's a personal issue" or "I don't want to intrude" cover our apathy. Shouldn't we care enough about each other to intrude? Especially when the stakes are high. Though my theory is that if we "intrude" (and I use this word to simply mean, being part of each others lives in an intentional way) in the everyday, small things, we will naturally be a part of the big things.

Christianity isn't an individualistic pursuit. Even Christ wasn't alone, he had his community of the 12 disciples. So why do we think we can do it ourselves? And how far do we actually take that? We've seen the results of taking it too far, cults like the Branch Davidians. And it's easy to see the results of our faith pursuits being too individualistic, just look at the number of denominations out there and new churches starting everyday.

I think that at the end of each day we should crawl in bed exhausted and think "Man, I played a great game today." And that game being the one of faith, one where we leave nothing lacking in relationships with believers and non-believers, one where we know that we did everything God asked us to do that day and he's smiling, because he knew all along we were capable of that, with his help. The only difference is that sometimes, unlike my knee, it will hurt. There will be hard days, there will be defeats, and there will be people who don't want us, or God rather, in their lives, but the end result is much more exciting than a great day on the soccer field.

A Muslim in Space

I'm assuming that some days it's hard enough to fulfill the tenants of Islam, without being in space. Praying five times a day, the washing rituals before prayer, eating halal food (depending on where you live), and others. This article had a bit of comic relief for me when they talked about how many times the guy would have to pray because of the speed of the shuttle's orbit and how a new version of the tenants were written for astronauts. I bolded the parts I found particularly funny.

Doctor to honor Ramadan rituals in space
By VIJAY JOSHI, Associated Press WriterWed Oct 10, 4:56 PM ET

A Malaysian doctor who will spend the last days of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in space has vowed to follow the rituals of his faith even as he hurtles around Earth at 17,000 mph.

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor lifted off Wednesday in a Soyuz spacecraft from Kazakhstan, en route to the international space station where he will spend about 10 days.

The spacecraft — which also carried an American and a Russian — will take two days to reach the station, a period coinciding with the last days of Ramadan, the month when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Sheikh Muszaphar has said he will fast and pray in space, even though clerics said he could delay the fast.

"I am not sure how it would be done but I will share my experiences (with) all the Muslims all over the world when I get back," the 35-year-old Sheikh Muszaphar wrote in his Web journal. "After all, Islam is a way of life and I am quite sure I would not face much difficulties."

Sheikh Muszaphar is taking vacuum-packed Malaysian food, including skewered chicken, banana rolls, fermented soybean cakes and ginger jelly to mark the end of Ramadan.
A bachelor who has become a national heartthrob, the orthopedic surgeon will not be the first Muslim in space — Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman joined the crew of the shuttle Discovery in 1985 and there have been several others since.

Still, the mission initially presented a dilemma about fulfilling religious duties such as fasting, kneeling for prayers in zero gravity or facing Mecca to pray.

After all, praying five times daily on a craft that goes around Earth 16 times a day would have meant praying 80 times in 24 hours. Also, it is virtually impossible to face Mecca continuously in a craft traveling at such high speed.

Muslims are required to wash their hands, feet, face and hair before prayers — a luxury on the Soyuz where water is so precious that even sweat and urine are recycled.
To get around these problems, 150 Malaysian scholars, scientists, and astronauts brainstormed and published an 18-page booklet of guidelines for Muslim astronauts.
If he follows the guidelines, Sheikh Muszaphar can forgo fasting in space and make up for it when he returns to Earth. He can pray three times a day instead of five, facing any direction, and he can do without the ritual washing.

On Tuesday, Sheikh Muszaphar told reporters his trip will be an inspiration for his Southeast Asian homeland as well as to other Muslims worldwide.

"It's a small step for me, but a great leap for the Malaysian people," he said, rephrasing Neil Armstrong's words after the 1969

Long Awaited

Ok, sorry about the plethora of baby posts. I'm trying not to get to obsessed with this, but it's kind of hard, especially with only 29 days left. But, you've been asking, so finally, here they are, belly pics! I about 32 weeks in these pictures.

And finally, while I'm not particularly fond of showing my exposed skin in a picture (much less of exposing my skin anywhere!) here is a pic for posterity's sake. Plus I think CDK did a really good job with this one, so I wanted to show him off too!

FYI - don't forget to post your vote on the Baby Pool!

Please, no!

This article and picture was on Yahoo! News today.

BARNAUL, Russia (Reuters) - A Siberian woman who gave birth to her 12th child -- doing more than her fair share to stem Russia's population decline -- was stunned to find that little Nadia weighed in at a massive 7.75 kg (17.1 lb).
Nadia was delivered by Cesarean section in the local maternity hospital in the Altai region on September 17, joining eight sisters and three brothers, a local reporter said.
"We were all simply in shock," said Nadia's mother, Tatyana Barabanova, 43. "What did the father say? He couldn't say a thing -- he just stood there blinking."
"I ate everything, we don't have the money for special foods so I just ate potatoes, noodles and tomatoes," she told the reporter, adding that all her previous babies had weighed more than 5 kg.
The Guinness World Records lists a 10.2 kg baby boy born in Italy in 1955, and a 10.8 kg baby boy who was born in the United States in 1879 but died 11 hours later.
The average weight for most healthy newborn babies is around 3.2 kg (7.06 lb), according to World Health Organisation figures.

There's a few lessons to be learned here:
1. Don't have 12 children.
2. Your pregnancy diet shouldn't consist of only potatoes, noodles and tomatoes.
3. Don't buy too many 0-3 month size clothes, your "little one" might not fit in them.

A Little Fun *Update*

Ok, so still no belly pics (sorry KarenD), but in the meantime, how about a Baby Pool? My co-workers have started one, so I thought it would be fun to track one online and see what everyone thought.

Enter your guess here.

4andcounting made a good point, so here's a little history and some pregnancy facts. I was 3 weeks late and over 8 1/2 lbs, CDK was 6 weeks late (that story is for another post) and over 10 1/2 lbs, and 23". So far I've gained 18 lbs. Maybe that will help a little.

Random Facts/Habits - Tag

I was tagged by mab for this one. I think I've been tagged before, but haven't participated as of yet. I'll answer, but I don't think I'll tag anyone, this seems to have made it around my blogging circle already.

Here are (drum roll please....) my 8 random facts/habits/quirks, whatever you want to call it.

1. I really like to open packages, cd's, dvd's, anything that's new and with a wrapper. Even if I already know what's in the package. My husband knows this and lets me open his packages. Though the other day CDK inadvertently opened a package I had received in the mail. I wasn't very happy. I guess this stems from the fact that one of my love languages is gifts, so a package always seems like a gift.
2. I like to eat certain foods with certain sized utensils. For example, I eat my ice cream with a small spoon, so I can savor it. I also eat my yogurt with a small spoon, but that's because too big of a bite of yogurt will make me gag (that's not just because of pregnancy, maybe this should be it's own quirk). I like to eat soups with large spoons. As for cakes and pies it depends. If it's a layer cake I like a big fork so I can get a little bit of each layer in each bite. But if it's that really good Cheesecake Factory Godiva chocolate cheesecake that CDK and I usually split, it's a small fork. Unless I'm threatened by his much faster eating pace than mine and I want to get my fair share. Enough on this one!
3. I like to keep my food in the same place on the plate during the entire meal. What?, you may be asking. If I get up and go get seconds and sit back down and my meat isn't in the same place as it was before, I don't like that. I will often turn my plate around till it feels right again.
4. Before I put the car in gear, I get everything in order. I adjust the mirrors, buckle-up, turn on the music and air, and put my cell phone in an easy to reach place. CDK says this is a quirk, I just think it's what I was taught in driver's ed and it's safer this way. If I'm trying to put in a cd, adjust my mirrors, and find my cell phone in my purse while driving, it's not good for the rest of you out there.
5. OCD Grocery Shopping. You can read the post for a full explanation. Though I must admit, I got tired of my menu plan sooner than I had expected and am due for another. I've been out of this habit, and have missed it. It's on my to do list before baby arrives.
6. I prefer reading non-fiction or story books over what I call "smart" books. I love books that are a story and I can't wait to pick up again. I would like to read more non-fiction and learn more, but it takes me forever. I think it took me a year to get through From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas Friedman, even though I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I do highly recommend it. My compromise has been biographies and historical fiction. This way I get a story and I'm getting a little smarter.
7. I'm not extremely good at any one thing. Most people have one thing they're known for being really good at, but I don't. And I'm ok with that. I can do a lot of things average and a lot of things a above average, but I have no speciality. I was an average to above average player in most sports I attempted, I was an above average student, an average singer. I guess that makes me sort of a Renaissance woman, since I can do a lot of things pretty well. I wonder if I just don't have the attention span or diligence to get really good at one thing.
8. When I return to my hometown or get feisty I fall into the accent from my hometown. I realized this as soon as I went off to college, that I did have an accent different than most others in my state, and especially other states. Since then I have been told multiple times that I don't have any accent and people can't even tell what state I'm from. I like that, not because I'm not proud of my state, but simply because I hope that makes me more adaptable to wherever I am and more approachable.

So there you have, KLK's random habits/facts/quirks. If you can identify, I'll be glad to hear it.

A Reality Check

I don't want to be a downer today, but this article I found on CNN is disturbing. Take a few mintues to read about Iraqi women turning to prostitution to provide for their families. It's an extremely sad thought and turns me in two directions.

The first is to prayer, prayer for this country and its people that are literally dying and wasting away, and most without the eternal hope of Christ. It also turns me to praise, praise for all the blessings (though I don't always count them as that) I have been given. Praise for the small home, for the one car, for the job that provides. I live in a world where my biggest problem right now is that my house is too small. At least I have one. I've been convicted of my discontentment lately, and this article reminds me to give thanks, in all things.

Take time to pray for the situation in Iraq and for its people, and take time to thank the Lord for whatever He's given you.

The First Ever "hayk" Blog Awards

4andcounting gave me a blog award the other day. I was plesantly surprised, so to continue in the tradition, I will bestow the Blogger Reflection award on some blogs that make me think.

1. mab - she always has something to say and it's always funny or insightful.

2. cnn.com - in the field - I feel like a nerd putting this one on here but, oh well! Though I obviously don't know these reporters personally, it's interesting to see where they are and what they are blogging about.

3. Saxon Update - This family has just lost one of their three sons to cancer. Their raw honesty and reflections on faith always challenge me in my faith with Christ. Kudos to them for being so open and honest to so many strangers. They know that their son's too-short life was not in vain and they are making sure others know too.

4. The FancyPants Factory - Tough I've only been reading her blog for a short time she makes me laugh and think about a lot of deep subjects at the same time. Plus she posts frequently, which is always a plus.

Two New Books (and a Soap Box)

My husband gave me two books I'd been wanting for my birthday. They were both excellent, so I read them pretty fast. Here's a little review.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - After reading Khaled Hosseini's first book, The Kite Runner, I knew I would read this one. This story of two girls in Afghanistan spans the war-torn years of their country and their lives as they grow into women. It was a great story and he's an excellent writer. Though I didn't enjoy this as much as Kite Runner. It seemed that there was not a redemptive quality in this book till the very end and I felt the story of the Kite Runner was laced with redemption and remember making some very specific biblical parallels. I love stories of redemption, because that is what we're all seeking.

My other concern is bigger, perhaps because I lived in a similar culture. I read a book in the Middle East as part of a book club. The book was called Pillars of Salt and chronicled the lives of two women growing-up in a Middle Eastern country (obvious parallels to A Thousand Splendid Suns) and the hardships that existed for them. A comment from one of the Muslim-Arab women in the book club, who was born and raised in America, was that she thought the author simply wrote all the horrible things about her culture because that's what Western readers wanted to hear and that Western readers couldn't discern between that and everyday life in the Middle East. I didn't agree with her at that time, but I kept that comment in the back of my head.

But that is just what I saw in A Thousand Splendid Suns that disturbed me. If you made a list before you read the book about all the bad things you think happen to women in predominantly Muslim cultures, you would find those things in this book. I could predict, very accurately, what was about to happen to each woman in this book and how the men were going to act towards them. I feel like it's sad that Hosseini portrayed his own culture in such a negative way by highlighting all the things that are wrong with it. I felt like the Kite Runner told a story that could happen in any culture and any country. The culture simply enhanced the story.

Yes, horrible things do happen to women, in many cultures, and they are not acceptable, and I don't think they should be belittled or ignored, but when do we start trying to see the good in other cultures? When do we try to find common ground and learn about how we are similar? When do we try to understand the beautiful cultural differences that might drive us crazy? What are we teaching our children by constantly pointing out the bad things in a culture and never highlighting the good? Because there is good, and plenty of it. It is good that a total stranger would invite us into his home for coffee and insist that we stay to share in his meager poor man's dinner. It is good that a poor couple invited us into their one room apartment (and I don't mean one bedroom, plus a bath, kitchen and living room, I mean one room) where they lived with their three children and honored us by serving us coffee and weren't embarrassed by their surroundings but simply shared everything. It is good that the cashier at the grocery store would never put my change directly in my hand. Why? Because he knew I had a father, husband, and/or a brother, and didn't want to dishonor my family name by touching me.

Ok, if you've made it this far, here's one more review with less of a soap box.

Perpetua - As you may recall I actually recommended this book before I read it. After reading it I can still say I recommend it. The author puts a great human side to the story of this young martyr and I could see myself in her life in so many ways (not the martyr part, but learning about my relationship with Christ, being newly married, etc.). This book also spoke to me about my spiritual life, which surprised me, I don't expect that out of a book that's basically historical fiction (the story is based on the true diaries Perpetua kept). I do have a few critical thoughts about it. I felt like the author had an underlying agenda about what she thought church should be. I can't say I completely disagreed with what seems to be her idea of church, but I thought the agenda was a little too obvious at times. Another criticism is that I felt like she had the Christians in the book use Christian terminology that we use today, and I highly doubt some of those terms existed in the third century. One character even uses the word "saved" to describe someone. My understanding is that that is a more modern Christian term. But, all-in-all a thumbs-up on this book. And if you really want to enjoy the book, go visit the site of her martyrdom. It makes the whole story come alive.

What are your thoughts on any of these books or subjects?

Not so LAZY Hazy Days of Summer

Busy-ness is something I enjoy, sometimes even thrive on. But as we lived in a different culture, one that took life at a slower pace, I learned to appreciate not filling every minute of my day with some activity and taking time to sit and enjoy the people and places around me. When we returned to America that was something we wanted to keep as a part of our family, taking time to enjoy life and refusing to get caught-up in the crazy busy-ness of our own culture.

Well, I think we've gotten caught-up. It seems like every time I turn around there is something new to do. I'm not sure where this flurry of activity sprang from that sent me from Jan 1. to now the middle of July in the blink of an eye, but something got me here. And the hard part about it is that we aren't just creating random things to do for ourselves (we aren't in sports leagues, book clubs, dinner clubs, or anything else), we're doing things we enjoy, spending time with people we love, and investing in those people and in ministry. But why does it have to equal a crazy schedule?

What have we been doing? Once a week we each have meetings with friends from church, so we scheduled them on the same night so we could be together the other nights. It seems at least once a month I have to work late for an event. And because of where we live and the people we know about once a month a friend comes in to town that we haven't seen in years, or won't likely see in years, so we have to hang out with them. We've had a few speaking engagements, I had a work conference in the spring, we picked-up a little extra money by working proms a few weekends. My brother got married and I got pregnant so new events are necessary for each of these. And none of this includes, me working 40 hours a week, CDK working part-time and going to school full-time, or any necessary activity required to live (i.e. eat, sleep, etc.).

I'm just thinking there has to be more in life than following my calendar around. We want to teach our child that activity doesn't equal success and definitely not Godliness or more spirituality. But how do we do that when it seems like we can't stop doing things ourselves? How do you keep a check on your busy-ness? Or, do you?

Prayers for Friends

If you have a moment today, visit The Saxon Report at http://www.paulsaxon.com/. Here you will read about a family who has just made an extremely difficult decision regarding their 4 1/2 year battle with their 5 1/2 year old son's cancer. Please pray for this family. If you have more than a moment, peruse their blog (especially the thoughts on the right) and you will witness a journey of a family who is grounded in faith and puts their hope in nothing less than Jesus Christ.

Witnessing History

I was there. I watched Sammy Sosa join the likes of Hank Aaron, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth and Willie Mays, as he hit his 600th career home run last night. It was pretty cool and now I can say I was there at this moment in history. Though this would have to be under the category of Sports History, not the category of history that truly effects or changes the world we live in.

This made me think, have I witnessed any true historical events first hand. Our parents can easily recall where they were when Kennedy was assassinated and our generation will always be able to tell what we were doing, in detail, when we heard the news about Sept. 11. But have I truly witnessed history. I've seen Presidents Clinton and Bush (the elder) and had a picture taken with First Lady Laura Bush (and 10 other people). But these aren't actual historical events, I guess historical people.

Getting closer to witnessing history I realized we were in Israel the day that Yasser Arafat was buried. Though we weren't anywhere close to the funeral. Later we talked to some people in a restaurant that had gone to the funeral to film a documentary. Their experiences made me glad I wasn't there.

The closest I could come to actually witnessing a historical event was the terrorist attack on Amman, Jordan in November 2005. I was in the town and heard one of the explosions. Two of the three explosions were within a 2-mile radius of where I was. The next day I saw the ruins of the hotels. A few days later, I was in one of them and the baggage handler pointed out the blood on the sidewalk and holes in the wall from the shrapnel in the bomb.

So, I witnessed history, but it wasn't a major world-changing event. Obviously it changed the lives of all involved and the country, but because of the frequency of these news items in the past several years, was probably just a blip on the radar.

I'd love to hear how you've witnessed history.

The Results

The results are in and only one of you were right. Congrats Jennifer! It's a GIRL! We're extremely excited and thankful that everything is perfectly fine with her growth and development. She was very active when we watched her on the screen. We have a name picked-out, but we'll keep that a surprise. Isn't it amazing what God can do?!

Poll: Pink or Blue?

So tomorrow is the big day for us. We'll find out if it's a boy or a girl, if our baby isn't too modest. I thought I would take a poll to see what your guess was. Leave your guess in the comments.

If you want the facts that may (or may not) help you guess, here they are:

1. I have always thought my first child would be a boy. But I have no specific strong feeling as to what it is.
2. The heart rate has been high. It was 170 something at the first sonogram and 150 something at the 12 week visit.
3. I have one brother, CDK also has one brother.
4. The Chinese Lunar calendar says it's a boy. I haven't done any of the other tests with the wedding ring or whatever.

If you want to know any other facts, ask, but don't ask any questions that are to personal, please! Our appointment is the afternoon, so I'll likely post the results on Wednesday morning.

A Book Recommendation - Though I've Never Read It

Strange right? Recommending a book I haven't read. Well, I've looked for a book about Perpetua, a saint martyred in the third century, ever since we visited her place of martyrdom in Tunisia. We stood and looked-out over the few remains of a Roman Coliseum as our friend told us her story. After that I walked around the area silently and was incredibly moved by what had happened in that place and how God had worked in that woman's life.

My friend Alison recommended the book on her blog. So I wanted to pass this along. Though it's a fictional account, the sacrifice Perpetua made is true. I can't wait to read this.

It's Been Awhile

Well, I haven't blogged in awhile, but I've thought about it. I have several posts rolling around in my head, but none that I have the time to hash out right now.

So for something interesting, or maybe not, here's a pregnancy update. I'll be 17 weeks tomorrow and all the doctor's visits have been good. Good heart rate (on the high side if you believe the predictions about heart rates) and I haven't gained any weight yet. Which is fine, but the dr. says I'll probably have 8-10 lbs next time. Ewww! But that will be offset by the fact that we'll find out if we're having a boy or girl!!! We can't wait.

I had a relatively symptom-free 1st trimester, just a few headaches, and some other things I won't mention. I feel much more tired this trimester and it makes me feel like such a weenie. Oh well! Am I showing - well, it depends on what I wear and what time of the day it is. But I'm still in my normal clothes with a few minor adjustments to them. So, that's all folks!

OCD Grocery Shopping

Each Saturday is the same, my main goal is to plan my meals for the week and get to the grocery store. I enjoy cooking and I enjoy providing healthy home-cooked meals for my family. I just don't enjoy the minimum of the 2 hours it takes on a Saturday to do this. Especially since I work 40 hours a week and don't have much discretionary time. So I devised a plan.

About three months ago I sat down and made a meal schedule for five weeks. I figured that I cooked 4 dinners a week at home (not that we ate out the other meals, but with leftovers and unexpected events, this was the number), so I picked 20 meals to last for five weeks. I arranged the meals in each week and tried to have a variety in each week. Each week includes a fish, poultry, soup or salad, and beef or some other variation. Then I tried to group the meals together that had similar ingredients so I don't waste money on something small that I won't use again.

I have the menus on the fridge with the cookbook and page number listed. I laminated each week's grocery list, so all I have to do is check my cabinet to see what I'm out of. The list includes three sections 1. Basics (bread, milk, etc.) 2. Basics for the recipes (spices, chicken broth, etc.) 3. Necessary Items for the Recipe. I always know I need everything in category #1 or #3, unless it's been a really strange week, and then I double-check my cabinet for category #2. And each category is in the order I shop through the store.

Let me just say, this has been the BEST thing I have ever done related to grocery shopping and meal planning. Why?

1. I am spending less time in the grocery store. I can actually be in the check-out line within 30 minutes of entering the store (how long the check-out takes me varies, it's Wal-Mart).
2. I'm spending less money because I know exactly what I need. I'm spending at least $10-15 week less than my grocery budget.
3. I know what is on the menu for each evening and I'm looking forward to that meal. I'm less likely to give into a craving for a restaurant on the way home.
4. On busy weeks I can prepare a few things ahead of time so that the week will run smoother.
5. CDK is always willing to cook, so all he has to do is go to the menu list and pull out the ingredients to make it.
6. Our 5-week plan usually stretches into 6, so we can repeat the plan and it doesn't feel like we're eating the same thing again. We're about to start our third cycle of this and we're not tired of it at all. If we do get tired of it, I'll make a new one.

So, I think I could sell this. I really think busy women would pay to have a meal plan made like this and to have grocery shopping simplified. What do you think? Maybe I'll post some of my menus.

Coming Attraction

Coming this Fall to a hospital near you...

A BABY

Starring

Baby #1

Co-Starring

CDK & KLK

Arriving Oct. 31 (give or take a few days)

There will most likely be a sequel, but please don't start asking when!

A Blue Bell Dilemma

If you live in my state, you know about Blue Bell Ice Cream. It's great, and you can't get it many other places. I love Blue Bell, and always have. In high school I would eat a bowl every night. If we were out, my mom would give me money and I would drive to the store at 9 or 10 at night to buy some. I know it's sad, but it's really good ice cream.

Still not convinced how much I love it? Living in the Middle East for two years without Blue Bell, or much good ice cream at all, was a sacrifice for me. So much so that when we went on a business trip to Dubai and I mentioned that I heard you could buy Blue Bell there, our boss guaranteed me that we would track some down. No complaints here. So after a three hour cab ride, two grocery stores (one called "Safest Way"), and having to buy spoons in the grocery store, we had our Blue Bell. The funny part is that when we returned to our hotel our cab driver said "The grocery store you found the ice cream at is right by your hotel." Oh well, he got a good fare out of it. Here's the pic that documents our Blue Bell excursion.

So maybe now you're getting an idea of how much I like this stuff. So, on occasion, I buy a half gallon of Dutch Chocolate Blue Bell at the grocery store. In order to make my investment last I only have it once a day and I put it in a small coffee cup. That helps it last longer and decreases my caloric and fat intake. Not that that I care that much when it comes to Blue Bell.

This weekend I bought a half gallon and with any luck can enjoy it for about a week and a half. So here's my dilemma (sorry, long build-up), my husband has been wanting to eat some too. He's not the ice cream lover that I am and chocolate usually isn't his first choice. So I'm confused. Of course I've been sharing with him because I love him and it's just ice cream (right?). But it's not easy. It's my own special treat that I like to enjoy myself. When I want to share an ice cream experience with him, we go to Marble Slab (one of the first places we went while dating). I want my Blue Bell to myself. How selfish is that? I guess I can justify buying it more often if he's eating it too. That's the bright side. What's a Blue Bell addict to do?

Are we more connected?

When we returned to the US I was anxious to start new relationships and get to know people. Though I quickly noticed that people weren't as willing to talk and engage in relationships as they seemed to be in the Middle East. I don't say this as a criticism, simply a cultural observation.

I noticed that more and more people participated in everyday activities with ipod headphones on or a blue tooth thingy on their ear. People were not only disconnected, but were purposely showing on the outside that they wanted to disconnected and didn't have time to interact with those around them. They only had time to interact with what was in their ears.

I was excited to grab a copy of my favorite magazine when I got back. As I was reading there was an article about awkward situations. One situation was how to let the talkative person working-out next to you know that you really didn't want to talk, just work out. I was pretty upset at that, as I see the gym as a great place to try and get to know people.

I've also entered the blogging world and am a lurker on about 15 friends and acquaintances blogs. I realized I know more about some of my friends than I have in years. Which at first blush seems great, and it is, but I realized I use that as a substitute for a relationship where I show care and concern and genuine interest (I'm not dogging blogging, just making observations about my blogging habits).

So with all these ways to stay more connected (email, cell phone, portable music, songs, TV, sermons, and blogs) are we really more connected to each other or more connected to technology and ourselves? And how on earth are we supposed to meet new people and get to know them, if our world only pushes us to be more disconnected?

CDK and I are on a quest to develop relationships, real relationships; ones where honesty, accountability, and real-life are shared. It's not easy, but we think it's worth it. These relationships may be contrary to our culture, but they are the very essence of the culture Christ lived in and created.

Work on a Saturday?

Yes, that's where I am. And though I should be working to catch-up (after all that's why I'm here), I'm blogging about it instead. Why? Because it stinks and I want some sympathy. And I want my boss to know how dedicated I am! Not that he reads this (but I made sure to send him an email, so if he looks at the date, he'll know I was here:).

I've had several projects the past couple of weeks that have eaten every last bit of my time and I haven't been able to get my "real" work done. Couple that with some serious distraction and lack of motivation (because I dislike the all-consuming projects), it's been hard to push through. I came to work today to clear some things off my desk and literally clean up my office. Almost every space has a stack (or 2, or 3, or 4) of paper on it. Including the two chairs for others to sit in. It's not pretty.

Oh, well, my theory, Saturday kind of stinks because I came work, but at least Monday will be a little better, since I'll feel somewhat caught-up. Oh, and it's nice to play music loud in my office and sing, since no one else is here!

We Need Some Help

So, we're looking at spring break, CDK has a whole week off, I have two days, so we figure we should go somewhere. I could easily take off three extra days and that would give us a whole 10 days (including weekends) to have a vacation. I don't know that we necessarily need it, but we're itching to travel. After all, we travelled quiet a lot the past two years, now it seems that we don't at all.

So, where to go? We don't know, so I'm asking for your help. I don't know how many of you are actually reading this, but now is the time to chime in. We don't have long to make plans and we need some good solid ideas. I'll list our criteria and other factors affecting the vacation destination.

1. Finances - We don't have a lot to spend on a vacation, but we're willing to make some other sacrifices to make it work.
2. We don't feel like it's a vacation or an adventure unless we actually get on a plane.
3. We don't want to go to any of the surrounding states. We're willing to vacation in our state, but the drive can't be too long.
4. We would love to go to South America! It's the only continent we haven't been to, minus Antarctica. We checked out tickets to Argentina, but way too expensive.
5. We are perfectly willing to vacation in the states, and that's probably what we'll do, but where?
6. Though a beach or a ski vacation sound nice, it will be spring break, so you know what that means. Overcrowded beaches/slopes, too many drunk people, not for us.
7. On vacation we like to be in a place where there are interesting things to explore (nature, cool cities, fun activities) but also where we don't feel like we're missing out if we just "hang out" a couple of days and relax.
8. We are not all-inclusive resort or cruise people.
9. We like to go places we've never been. Though there are places we'd like to return to (Hawaii, Australia, Switzerland, Israel), the list of new places is long and usually takes precedent.

Ok, so hopefully that helps. Let the suggestions begin, we're counting on you!

Chimin' in on the Cheap Dates

I realized yesterday that I hadn't posted in awhile. Then I realized, I had had nothing to post. Then today, four new ideas came to my mind. I'll spread them out, so you don't have to much to read in one week, but I thought the idea of collecting cheap date ideas was timely. Though in no way does this mean I support cheap Valentine's dates!

Through a blog "chain" I found someone collecting other bloggers ideas for cheap dates. Here's the blog http://shalees.blogspot.com/2007/02/let-cheap-dating-begin.html. And here's my list.

1. Start your own Book Club with your sweetie. Read the same book and set aside time to talk about it each week. Only cost, the price of the book.
2. Take a class together. Check out offerings at the university near by, they always offer continuing education classes, or the community center to see what's available. It might be a little expensive up front, but if you average it out over the number of weeks, it will probably be reasonable. Plus, you'll learn something new and meet new people.
3. Go to the planetarium. There is one near where I live and it's about $5.00 a show, and the show lasts from 45 minutes to an hour.
4. Go to the local rose garden, arboretum, or botanical gardens. Most are free, or cheap at least. Take a picnic and a stroll to enjoy the beauty of nature and each other.
5. Check out the plays at the community theater or at a university nearby. You can see live entertainment for less than the cost of a movie.
6. Concerts - again check out the nearby university and see what's available. Also, many community groups put on free concerts in the spring and summer.
7. Go out to eat for breakfast. The food is usually cheaper and you get to start your day with your sweetie.
8. Local community and recreation centers have all kinds of free or cheap programs. Check out the city website of the town you live in and look under the recreation department.
9. Go to the zoo. An often over-looked form of fun for adults.

OK, so check out the site and add your date ideas to the list. We should never run out! Also, for my overseas friends, I'd like to hear your versions of cheap dates and what you do.

A Six-Month Anniversary

A friend reminded us the other day that we have now been back in America for six months. He had returned to the states the same day we did. I realized a lot had happened in six months. We're settled into our house, CDK has completed his first semester, I've settled in my job, we've found a church, made new friends, and seen a lot of friends and family.

As I sat in my office this morning a realization came to me. I realized I still have so much of my "overseas life" in me. Here's a small example: I heard several cars honking outside and I thought "There must be a wedding party" (after a wedding in the Middle East everyone that attended the wedding would drive around town and honk wildly). Of course I quickly snapped out of that thought and remembered it was just the busy street outside my window.

At the same time I also realized how thankful I was to have that "overseas life" as a part of me. It forever changed me, just like any major life event can change a person. It changed me in many unforgettable ways and it's now part of who I am. It wasn't always easy, and there were days I wanted to be anywhere but there, but to have the experiences, life lessons, friends, and opportunities those two years provided is immeasurable and invaluable.

Thank you Father for all the opportunities you have given me in life, in many countries. You are my rock and sustainer. You used those two years to point directly to who you are. I pray that the rest of my life I will be constantly pointed to who you are and point others in the same direction.











This picture was taken about a month after we arrived in the ME. We're still very "green" at this point, and who knows what color we are now!

Below are some things that briefly transport me back to that country, a few thousand miles away.

• Sometimes I cut people off while driving, they honk and get mad, and I think "What's wrong with them?"
• Sometimes while making my grocery list I think "Will they have [insert American food item here] at Plaza today, or will I have to go to Cozmo?"
• Sometimes I leave my house and think "Oh no, I'm not dressed conservatively enough today."
• Sometimes when I think about where I want to go eat for dinner, I quickly realize I can only get there by plane (Today feels like a good day for Kalha!)
• Sometimes I wish I knew when the next time was that I would be able to get on a plane and go to a new country to see how God is working there.
• Many times the only words that enter my mind in response to someones statement are "Inshallah" (If God wills) and "Mumkin" (Maybe).
• At least once a week I stop and watch my screen saver at work and smile at all the pictures of our life in another land.
• During busy weeks I wish for the simplicity and slow place of the life we had there.
• Almost every morning I wake up and thank God for the central heat I now sincerely appreciate!
• Every time I hear news about the Middle East, I watch intently and listen hard to see if I can translate the Arabic before the announcer starts to translate it.

Snow Day!

What a surprise when I woke up at 5:30 this morning to find the ground covered in snow. I know you won't believe it if you know where we live, but it's true. Though my initial reaction wasn't excitement. I had stayed at worked till 9 last night preparing for a very important meeting this morning at 8. I had planned to leave the house and be at work by 6:30 to make sure everything was ready to go. Since my employer so easily seems to dismiss work I figured any minute I would see the name scroll across the bottom of the television, but nothing.

So I proceeded as planned. I got ready and at 6:10 very subtly asked CDK to clean off the car for me (he's so sweet). I got in the car, bundled up and ready to go. The roads weren't slippery, just white. It was hard to see the lanes, and for the most part people were driving sensibly. About 15 minutes into the drive CDK calls and says work is cancelled. I was relieved because I didn't want to get all the way there and then have to turn around.

When I returned home I ate breakfast, called the parents, and got dressed in warm clothes. We went and walked around campus for awhile and CDK took pics with his new camera. Then we came home, took a nap, ate lunch, and plan on goofing off the rest of the day. Oh, and I want to make chocolate chip cookies, but don't know if I have the ingredients. It's a good day! And, the snow day leads to my first ever picture post.

Consider This a Commercial

I thought about a lot of resolutions this year, but I didn't see much point in making them, or at least making them public. So I've kept them to myself and as expected, I'm not living up to them. Oh well.

One we are working on as a couple, not as a resolution, but a goal, is to better manage our finances. We have always been good at saving and living within our means, but just never knew exactly where our money went. So, we set a budget and I found a spending management website called www.mvelopes.com. I've only been using it for two weeks now, but it seems to be working well. It's basically the envelope system of accounting, but electronically. I like it, it's easy, and only takes a few minutes a day. And I already feel better about how we're spending our money. So that's my commercial, check it out.

A Great Week

There are some weeks that are spectacular, others that are bad. Then others that are great, but not for any particular reason. That was this week for me.

I was to return to work on Tuesday, after my week long Christmas break (which is a great perk of my job), but my boss called on Tuesday night. Since it was a national day of mourning for Gerald Ford all non-essential government offices were closed. Seeing as I work for a non-essential government office, it was closed. It's so much fun to have an extra day off. This is the second time I've gotten an unexpected day off since starting this job 3 1/2 months ago. I love it!

On Tuesday afternoon we drove visit some really good friends that we worked with a couple of years ago. We had a great dinner catching up and talking about ministry. We also got to see their precious little boy.

This week at work I felt like I was able to make some progress in my position that the VP of my department was happy with. And I'm working on several projects that I really like. I got started on a great creative streak on Friday afternoon and before I knew it it was 4:52. I almost didn't want to go home (that never happens).

Friday it was our life groups turn to clean the church. While this doesn't sound like fun, it only takes about 30 minutes, and it's time to hang out with good friends. We went and ate Mexican food and hung out at Starbucks afterwards. Saturday CDK and I just hung out and watched a movie. Though I did watch the Cowboys lose and that wasn't so fun.

Lastly, today, we had a friend we hadn't seen in two years come into town. We had lunch with him and sat for about two hours talking. So a great week with friends, family, and work, can't beat that!