Wish List

The holiday wish list is something I probably have not made since I was about 9, going through the American Girl catalog, choosing an item (or two) from every page, that I could imagine the joy of seeing wrapped up under the tree. Not that I ever received what I picked out, but there is something exciting about circling "things I like".

Every year when someone asks me if there's anything I want, I usually end up saying, "I had thought of something a couple days ago, but now I don't remember." That is no help for anyone!

Besides, if I make a list of things I want to pick up while shopping for others, or after Christmas while things are on sale, it will save money to only go for the things I have been hankering for, instead of the impulse buys!

So, this year, I am making a list. I will probably jump back in periodically and add to it as I think of things. While I don't expect to get any or all of these, it never hurts to put it out there....

- Maternity clothes (S or M; tall); classic colors and styling (think Lauren or Stephanie or Amy)

- Cast iron Dutch oven (at least 5 qt)

- 1 (or more, I wouldn't complain) full detail clean of the whole house before the baby comes

- Waffle iron

- book: Celebration of Discipline, Foster

- Christmas decorations or tree ornaments; new Christmas music

- Jewelry (not earrings - unless for sensitive ears)

- Whitman's Chocolate sampler

... to be continued.

TGIF!

[insert coffee logo here]

Fridays seem kind of like most of the other days of the week lately since being at home every day, but that doesn't mean that I'm not happy when Friday rolls around every week.

It means Saturday is next, when Sam gets to sleep in, too. And tomorrow I'm going to Blessings Cottage with Lesley. Hopefully also heading to the McPhersons' for a chili cook-off that evening. That will be fun and I hope the weather is pleasant.

Today has so far been pretty good - I have not felt very queasy, and should be OK now that I've made it through the morning most of the way. I will have to start figuring out what I want to eat for lunch in a few minutes though, to ward off the yucky feelings that could start creeping up any moment. Yesterday was my best day in what seems like weeks - I actually cleaned the bathroom for what I think was the first time this trimester. I didn't accomplish anything else productive except opening the mail, but it makes me happy every time I go in there and turn on the light, because I can't see the toothpaste on the faucets and dust around the corners.

If I can make my list of phone calls before 3 today and make a grocery list, I will call it a successful day today, too!

Here's the news...

Well, the biggest news with us that we're expecting!

I am (according to my best estimate) about 8 weeks along.
We found out about 3 weeks ago, about Oct 8.

For about a week before I tested I pretty much "knew" in my heart that I was pregnant, even though I hardly had any evidence to tell me anything for sure, and couldn't test to confirm it yet.

The pregnancy has been an adventure so far. I've been dealing with morning-, afternoon- and night-sickness. Some days are better than others, so I can't say it's all miserable. I'm figuring out what I can and can't eat, and trying to keep appetizing snacks on hand. Appetizing being a changing thing - what was great one day might sound terrible the next.

The hidden blessing in this season is that I have been laid off as of 10/17. This means I don't have to get up early in the morning and keep myself out of the bathroom at work all day, only to come home too exhausted to do anything productive.

The catch is that now I have to go through the unemployment process, looking for and applying to jobs, and trying to figure out what to do for insurance. I've been declared uninsurible, because pregnancy is not covered for new insurance plans, so we either have to cough up nearly $400/month just to keep the same or similar coverage I've had free from my employer, or go through the Medicaid route, which I can't really figure out until my unemployment filing is processed and I can see or show how much I am receiving. It's interessting, that's certain.

Through all of this, while it has been stressful because of all the unknowns, and the change of suddenly being at home and feeling sick, it has been very clear that God knows what He has for us, and we really can't be worried. Also, Sam could hardly be any more kind, flexible, and willing to help me feel more comfortable or keep me fed or help clean up or grill steaks (one of the few things I can still eat with gusto)!

We did manage to adopt out the big dogs, Jacob and Sarah. We are so happy about the family who picked them up last weekend, and they are in love with these dogs. It was also a relief to find out that Jacob's leg pain was not due to hip dysplasia but bad arthritis in one of his knees, which can be controlled by pain meds and less exercise, instead of expensive surgery. Susie, the lady who has taken them in along with her husband, called us on Sunday to tell us how they are doing, that they are happy, and they have each lost at least 20 lbs from the time that we had gotten them in July (they went from 120 and 116 to 105 and 95)!

Sam has only one last semester of school left after this fall semester. That means, Lord willing, he will graduate in May 2009! This semester is a pretty tough one, with 4 classes, and he is barely keeping his head above water, it seems. But the end is in sight!

coffee ... take 1

I am experimenting with trying to figure out how to post this picture...

Ta da!

I am ready for "Company Girl Coffee"! See Home Sanctuary for the source of these company girls. This is the first time I've participated, because it's the first time I have been home on a Friday to add to my blog. I don't know what the day's topic will be, but that's fine. I hope it's something like, curl up with a cup of tea and a good book. I would be all over that.

Ironically, I have not been able to enjoy the taste of coffee for about a month; tea is not that much better, but it is easier to drink. Yay for the taste changes I've been experiencing lately, making any meat except for steak (go figure) send me gagging, and harmless smells like rice cooking keep me hiding in the bedroom with a candle lit.

Okay, now that I feel like I've accomplished something, I will now see if I can think of something to say here. Not like there hasn't been anything going on!

To be continued....

Did you have fun today?

I haven't put anything up here in a long time, so I figured I would add something.

Since last time I wrote, we have gone on vacation, so I should post something from our trip:

Hush, my beloved, and rest

I wrote a song this morning. This is a first - I don't write songs, but today I did. Oddly enough, it's in the key of Eb. Another thing that never happens. ;-)

~~~~~~~~

I'm weary of exhaustion from meaninglessness,
Of trying so hard and seeing the same mess

(refrain)
Just hush, my beloved, and rest;
Just hush, my beloved, and rest.

I can't go on seeking my way in these things,
it never gives joy like Your purpose brings.

(refrain)
Just look, my beloved, and trust;
Just look, my beloved, and trust.

(bridge)
How happy is the one who fears the Lord,
Who lines up with his very own word.
Your work will bear fruit and your home will be blessed.

(refrain)
Just hope, my beloved, and trust;
Just hope, my beloved, and trust.



(c) 2008 Cindy Chen

Back again

I'm back again!







Camp of Champions Texas was wonderful, and it was such a privilege to be involved there last week. I am grateful that I flew instead of being part of the road trip gang, though the road trip has its place.