Tag I'm It

Alice tagged me - so here it goes.
1. Where is your cell phone? don't have one
2. Where is your homework? don't have that either . . . PTL!
3. Your hair color? a mix of brown, grown out blonde, and gray - need to get it done
4. Your mother? in Portland
5. Your father? in Yakima
6. Your favorite thing? lately . . . granny smith apples and saltines
7. Your dream last night? wierd
8. Your dream/goal? to be a mom that the kids remember being godly
9. The room you’re in? office
10. Your hobby? scrapbooking, baking, knitting, sewing, etc. - just no time
11. Your fear? being a bad wife/mom
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? with Phillip living our dream
13. Where were you last night? on the couch recovering from morning sickness
14. What you’re not? skinny
15. One of your wish-list items? a new bathroom
16. Where you grew up? eastern washington
17. The last thing you did? taught Ethan how to connect cursive t with vowels
18. What are you wearing? my gauchos and shirt/no makeup - oh yeah and my "jane fonda don't get sick wrist seabands" - what a sight
19. Your TV? off
20. Your pet(s)? Shep - the old grump and yes I still claim Murmur - the cat
21. Your computer? about to die
22. Your mood? happy that my tummy is ok at the moment
23. Missing someone? Amanda
24. Your car? a beast
25. Something you’re not wearing? make-up
26. Favorite store? Goodwill and other thrift stores
27. Your loves? my Saviour and family
28. Love someone? good grief - is the sky blue?
29. Your favorite color? warm fall colors
30. When is the last time you laughed? today at Chloe fussing with a blanket stuck on her head
31. Last time you cried? today, over the toilet bowl
Hmmmm . . . I tag April/Tommy -

Update with JPMorgan

I just wanted to create a quick post to let you know that it seems that JPMorgan is allowing the current project that Phillip is working on to come to completion. This means that Phillip would be allowed to see his contract through. This is wonderful news - however we still know that we should "boast not for tomorrow for [we] know not what a day may bring." We truly trust our Lord and know that EVERYTHING is in His hands - and happens for a purpose. For those of you who don't know - Phillip is currently working on a software upgrade which is slated to be finished in March of 2009.

I appreciate the ongoing prayer!

Other news . . . we are officially 2 MONTHS along in our pregnancy! WOW!

Yes, it's true - no more WAMU

I find myself in a state of non-belief. Washington Mutual has been around forever! Yet last night it was announced that it had failed and seized by the government only to be sold to JPMorgan/Chase. This is the biggest bank failure in US history! Our family doesn't know much more than that. We are in a bit of limbo not knowing what to think or expect. Phillip worked for WAMU for 10 years then as most of you know came off staff for a year. He went back in April not as an employee but as a contractor working with a software upgrade. We are not sure what may happen next. JPMorgan stated that all employees were to show up for work this morning as usual - however, that was the extent of the announcement concerning employees. I am creating this post to confirm that yes - it does affect us - but we just don't know how yet. Our family would appreciate your prayer during this time. We know that God is in complete control - we trust in that.

I will keep you "posted".

You know what sounds good??? . . . .

Those tortilla chips that have lime flavoring on them. Just so ya know. Right now morning sickness (really all day long and then really bad in the evening sickness) is full force. I'm not complaining though. You see, I prayed for it. I was feeling a little anxious about not feeling sick, and how some people say that if you don't feel sick that isn't a good sign. Well, I prayed to the Lord that He would allow me to start feeling sick . . . . and He answered that prayer. I told Phillip my prayer and he looked at me and simply asked . . . "Why didn't you just ask for a healthy baby?"

Huh . . . yeah . . . that didn't occur to me.

What a doozy . . . .

Just a quick post. As some of you know I have been ill . . . hence no recent posts. It all started last week. I begun the school year with the kids on Monday, and wouldn't ya know - a cold started in. It was fine at first, just the sniffles and feeling extra tired on top of the already tired feeling that comes with being newly pregnant. Thursday hit me like a train out of control. I became glued to the couch - for the next four days! My kids and husband were wonderful helps. My birthday was on Saturday and we just stayed home and watched movies. Even though Phillip himself was sick - he was such a sweetie and tended to my needs. I love and appreciate him so much!
Anyhow - I am on the mend now. Chloe is coming down with the crud and Ethan seems to be as well. I appreciate your prayer. For those of you who go to church with us - this is a doozy of a cold - make sure your taking all the precautions needed to keep it away.

Browning INDO Tournaments

In our home we have an Indo Board. What is that? Well, it is a board that you balance on a round black thingy. Here are a couple of pictures of how you do it. One is of Gabe, and the other is Alice. (Hope she doesn't mind this picture . . . . ) Phillip says your never safe around me with my camera. Anyhow this is great exercise and core strengthening. Phillip got it to help the boys prepare for surfing. We have INDO tournaments in our living room to see who can go the longest on the board without falling. Even Ellie participates. Everyone . . . except me.

The first night we had it I patiently watched everyone take turns on the board. Then up to bed everyone went. I was left downstairs while Phillip tucked the boys and girls in. It was me . . . and that board. . . . alone. I looked to see if anyone was watching. I strained to hear if anyone was awake . . . all was silent. I assumed everyone was asleep. So on the board I went. A bit wobbly - I thought I was doing fine. Then all of a sudden the board seemed to have a mind of it's own. The board went one way and the black round thingy went the other. I went straight up in the air and landed on that black round thingy with a loud, very loud, thud! Ohhhh, did it hurt. I immediately curled up in a ball and moaned, squinting the whole time to be sure no one saw my error. Whew . . . I was safe. So I continued to lay there on the floor like a hurt puppy dog. Then I heard it. The laughter. Phillip had heard the loud thud and then the whimpering from the room farthest away from the living room. He couldn't control his laughter. Down the stairs he came asking what had happened, with his big ole' grin. Upon looking at him I started to giggle too. It was pretty funny.

Needless to say - I don't participate in the Browning INDO board tournaments.

A Thought . . .

It has been awhile since I have posted a thought. I don't do this often as I just love to upload images of my beloved family. However, with the news of us expecting a little one - I thought it might be fitting.

Some History . . .

After our 3rd boy (Ethan) we had decided that enough was enough. We were done having children. I had always wanted a girl so badly, however we thought that if we tried for one more - we would just continue to have boys. Phillip was going to make an appt. to make that decision a final one. However, for one reason or another it kept getting put off. Finally, with Ethan's first birthday coming upon us - I reminded him of the possibility of conception. That is when he looked at me and earnestly asked if I would ever look at a newborn and oohhh and aaahhh over it. I couldn't lie. Of course I would. Even though (I thought) I didn't want another one of my own - I knew that I would always have that desire to love on those sweet babies. Phillip said that tiny action of admiring a newborn would make him feel dreadful. Why? Because he would know he could never give that to me again if we went through with this decision - a narrow escape provided by the Lord. . . .

Several months had gone by and through many different circumstances we had come to a very strong conviction that children are a blessing from the Lord. We had always loved our kiddos, but now looked at them in a different light. We truly think of them as blessings. We don't think of our children as burdens or of just another thing in our lives that need to be managed. Sure I have my days, but really is my reaction Christlike?

Due to our recent announcement of expecting a new baby - I have had to reflect on some things that I have encountered. I used to tease and jest about "being with child" too soon or even portray that "not me - not yet" kind of attitude to others. I didn't really think about it. However, in light of our new addition I have had to think about it. I have felt a HUGE amount of conviction for those teasings and jests. More so for the "not me - not yet" portrayals. Why? I think it is contrary to what I feel at the core . . . . that children are a blessing - that each life is a miracle given by God. Life is NOT guaranteed - He holds it within His grasp, and if He allows, it can slip away at the blink of an eye.

Why do I bring this up? First, let me say to those of you I have jested with - I am sorry. I apologize for painting life in such a trivial manner. I am sorry for the negative slant it could have or may have placed on any news of new additions in your life.

I also wanted to address how I truly am excited. Phillip and I both are. No one's reactions or somber attitude will sway my excitement - but spur it on. Sometimes to combat those negative reactions can be trying. However, when I look towards Christ and know that the conviction I hold over such a matter is because He saw fit to speak to our hearts and allow us to see our children as blessings - I put a smile back on my face. You see after our decision to trust in the Lord with the amount of children we have - we found out we were expecting. Nine months later, it was announced that the new life that almost wasn't - was a GIRL! Wow - God was so good to give to me the desires of my heart. Since then he gave Phillip and I another beautiful little red headed girl and what next - well, we will soon find out. For you see, it is about trusting our Father who knows what we need and desire better than we do ourselves. There is security and peace in that.

I praise the Lord for His provisions and His blessings . . .

The New Look:

The New Look to the blog is the little graphics announcing that:





We are truly excited! Scripture says that children are a blessing from the Lord!

A New Look

How do you like the new look to my blog? ;)

Labor Day Weekend 2008

What a wonderful time we had. From the spectacular views from our cottage, surfing, catching crab on the marina, looking at the cranberry fields, to having coffee on our deck. We LOVED it! The Lord is so good to let us have such a treat. Enjoy the pics. (all of them are unedited.)

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Family Camp 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Family Camp 2008

Hello All! We just got back from a marvelous time at our church's 3rd annual Family Camp! (After family camp we went to the beach for Labor Day weekend - but will share that later). Family Camp was PHENOMENAL! It was located in a different location this year that offered many activities: rock climbing, a HIGH ropes course, a 1,000 ft. long zip line, horseback riding, and much more. . . . The location was beautiful. It was set against three rugged mountain tops. There was a river that ran through the property. The main lodge was where the preaching and meals (which were made for us this year) took place. The cabins were scattered about the fairly flat and lush property. It was BEAUTIFUL. Below are pictures of the rock wall. It was much harder than it looked. So hard to balance yourself on those tiny pegs and to learn to push up with your legs, rather than pull with your arms. Soooo much fun!

The next set of pictures are of the high ropes course. When I heard there was a ropes course I thought it was going to be more low to the ground. NOOOOOOO WAAAAAY! I'd say it was about 30 feet up. I may be a little off. Well, my hubby and kids and I decide to go and check it out. Upon getting to the course I find out that no other ladies had done it yet. WELLL . . . after a little chiding, auummm-- I mean encouragement from my friends I decided I was up to the challenge. Never mind that my stomach churned at the sight of the ladder . . . and I hate heights, - I HAD to be the first lady up. Phillip came up right behind me. The course ended with a mini zip line. Talk about nerve-racking! That was soooo scary, yet so great to accomplish. I kept reciting scripture verses in my mind for comfort. Everyone was cheering for one another - it was great! Hmmm blogger is hiccupping . . . will see if I can upload a different way.

Overall - the camp was wonderful. The fellowship, the time spent with family, the activities, and the preaching - all of it was just remarkable. I really enjoyed it and look forward to next year.