I'm so mad, I'm screaming!!!!!

For those of you who know me well, you know that I like to make lists and complete them. Well, I've had a project on my list to do before Jake comes that I've been trying to do all summer. I just wanted to touch up some paint in the office and our bedroom. We originally purchased the paint from Sears, so in May, I went to Sears to pick up the paint. --- No such luck, they were out of the quarts. I went back in June, they had one of three colors that I needed in stock --- OK, we are getting somewhere. I go back in July, still out of the other two quarts. (I'm getting pretty frustrated by this point, especially since it takes about 15 minutes to track down someone at Sears who works in the paint department.) Finally, last week I was able to get the last two quarts that I needed. My project will finally be able to be crossed of the list.

So tonight I spent half an hour touching up spots in the office and the bedroom. I walked back into both rooms about an hour after I was done just to find that both colors were WRONG!!! Now I don't just need touch-ups, whole walls need to be repainted! Will this project ever end?????

Now I have the dilemma --- Have I completely forgotten what colors we chose? or Has Sears changed their bases and the paints no longer match?

Plus, touching up paint was a small task that I could accomplish, now I've created a big tasks that Joel will have to fix. I'm just so frustrated that I could scream each time I think about it!!

6 Weeks and counting

Wow! I just can't believe that in about 6 weeks Jake will be here. He's moving so much.... kicking and stretching. I'm getting very eager to see what color hair and eyes he has and just who he resembles.

Our house is pretty much taken over with baby stuff.... high chair, two car seats, a stroller, a pack-n-play, bouncy seat, swing, rocker, exersaucer, not to mention tons of way too cute clothes and little teeny tiny socks.

I've spend a lot of time this week starting to make sure that I have everything that I need for myself when Jake comes. Moms -- if you have any suggestions of little things that you needed/wanted in those first few weeks, let me know.

I visited the doctor today. My belly is measuring exactly where it should be for 34 weeks and Jake's heart rate is about 150 --- which it has been throughout the whole pregnancy. Anyone have any bets on when if I'll go early, late or right on time? I should start a poll of when people think I'll give birth!

Amazing Kindness

Thursday night we had small group and discussed Donald Miller's book Searching for God Knows What. The chapter we talked about most dealt with Jesus and some of his attributes --- one of which was kindness. Then I went to work on Friday. I went in and checked my mailbox where I found an envelope labeled "For the Baby." I went ahead and opened it. I was totally shocked by its contents! It contained a check for $50! Now that would be a generous gift no matter who it was from, but it was from a woman from Africa who has been taking classes in the math lab for about two years. She's someone that I do not see on a regular basis, have never had in an actual class and who doesn't even know my last name! I was totally blown away! What an example of the type of kindness that Jesus portrayed.

Thanks Elizabeth!

A couple more pictures

Here are a few more pictures.


Betsy, who actually likes us now!

Joel and me (I'm about 27 weeks pregnant here.)


Olivia and Betsy saying goodbye after playing together all day.

Pictures as promised (long ago...)

As I promised....


Yummy cakes --- I think I had about four pieces of each!


Some of the family enjoying the food.


Molly, Karen and John enjoying the backyard swing.


Olivia scanning the room to see who she could steal some cake from next.

I wanted to post more pictures, but my computer is not cooperating with me!

Only 8 more weeks until Jake comes!

It's July already......

Wow! The summer is about half way gone and I feel like it has just begun. Here's a summary of the past month and a half:

1. May 20-21st --- spent some time in Indiana with my parents, Tony, Jennifer and Olivia for Olivia's second birthday. (I'll post some pictures later --- my CD isn't working right now.)

2. Memorial Day Weekend --- had a cookout at our house with Joel's parents, Molly, Myron and Betsy and our friends Ryan, Rachael and Andrew. And began painting our new spare bedroom downstairs.

3. June 2-3 --- traveled back down to Indiana for my first baby shower (again I'll post pictures later). Jake got some great things --- stroller, car seat, highchair, bedding, exersaucer, clothes and much much more!

Oops --- I forgot to mention in here that I started back to work for the summer session at LCC. I'm teaching one class and working 6 hours in the lab.

4. June 8 --- My parents came up and brought the rest of my shower gifts along with a glider to go in Jake's room.

5. June 17-22 : Kids Kamp week ---- This year I didn't help out as much with Kids Kamp. Instead of running the evening kamp like I've done the past two years, I was in charge of registration and the guides --- a much lighter task. However, I still needed to be at both morning and evening kamps most days. In the midst of this week, Joel was able to finish painting the spare bedroom and move all the furniture downstairs. I'm actually kind of jealous of our guests --- the room is really cool!

6. June 23-24: Joel and I headed down to Indiana for a second shower for Jake with all of Joel's family. Again we were showered with many wonderful gifts --- blankets, clothes, books and more!

7. June 25: A friend from church, Eric Craft, installed my new dishwasher and pantry cabinets! Woohoooo!!! No more wasting time doing dishes!
PS: Eric did a great job and cleaned up everything --- he even moved and cleaned under my fridge (which he totally didn't have to do). I'd recommend him for any construction needs at your home!

8. June 28-29: My mom came to visit. She cleaned my house for me on Thursday then we went shopping at Birch Run Outlet mall on Friday. Jake got so many new clothes since both Osh Kosh and Carters were having major sales --- almost everything was $5.

9. June 30: Joel, I and the puppies headed down to Winchester, IN for the day to see Joel's gramma who is in her last struggles with a brain tumor. We were thankful that we decided to go down for the day since Joel's dad went to the ER with chest pains. (see Karen's blog for more details.)

Whew ---- maybe that's why the summer seems to have gone so fast! Now it's July and only 9 more weeks until Jakes comes! I'm getting really anxious to be able to hold the little guy. I can't wait see what color eyes and hair he has, to hold his little hands and rub his little feet. At night I like to go in his room and rearrange his clothes or unpackage something new.

I think that gives a pretty comprehensive update on the past month of my life and the reasons for my lack of posts. I'll try and be better --- and post some pictures soon!