Sunday, June 14, 2009
Kindergarten Graduation
(Click on collage to see bigger image)
Joshua Michael graduated from kindergarten at Archer Glen Elementary this past Wednesday. Expectantly, I did indeed shed an embarrassing amount of tears. Fortunately so did Mrs. Patterson (his teacher) who was thankful she wasn't the only one :)
I am SO proud of what Josh accomplished his first year of school! Besides the foundation of reading, writing and arithmetic, watching Josh's confidence grow along with his sweet and caring heart has been his greatest accomplishment.
I went into the school year with so many doubts about the decision to send him to public school. We researched and prayed over all of our schooling options before Brett and I felt led to try AG Elementary. We knew we could always change our minds and course if necessary. It was SO incredibly awesome to watch the Lord's perfect covering unfold. Most importantly He blessed Josh with a Christian kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Patterson was a gift to him and to us in many ways. It was a great reminder that the Lord really does go before us in all things and works out ALL of the details.
Brett and I both loved helping out in the classroom and attending every field trip and special event this year. You know things are going well when your child has a big smile when you walk him to his classroom and pick him up each day. Josh made great friendships along the way and was always the first to take new students under his wing :) It is truly bittersweet as a mom to watch your kiddos grow up faster than you could have ever thought possible. All the cliches about time going so quickly are very true. So with a tear or two I'm saying goodbye to my sweet little kindergartner, but excitedly looking ahead at my new first grader.
I am SO proud of what Josh accomplished his first year of school! Besides the foundation of reading, writing and arithmetic, watching Josh's confidence grow along with his sweet and caring heart has been his greatest accomplishment.
I went into the school year with so many doubts about the decision to send him to public school. We researched and prayed over all of our schooling options before Brett and I felt led to try AG Elementary. We knew we could always change our minds and course if necessary. It was SO incredibly awesome to watch the Lord's perfect covering unfold. Most importantly He blessed Josh with a Christian kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Patterson was a gift to him and to us in many ways. It was a great reminder that the Lord really does go before us in all things and works out ALL of the details.
Brett and I both loved helping out in the classroom and attending every field trip and special event this year. You know things are going well when your child has a big smile when you walk him to his classroom and pick him up each day. Josh made great friendships along the way and was always the first to take new students under his wing :) It is truly bittersweet as a mom to watch your kiddos grow up faster than you could have ever thought possible. All the cliches about time going so quickly are very true. So with a tear or two I'm saying goodbye to my sweet little kindergartner, but excitedly looking ahead at my new first grader.
Thank you Lord for blessing us with Joshua. Father, he is indeed such a gift with a beautiful, sweet and tender heart for You and for others. For this next coming school year I pray above all that he would grow in his knowledge of You. I pray he would continue to bless others with the gifts that you have uniquely given him. I pray that he would be bold in his faith no matter his surroundings. Lord, use him for your perfect purpose and plan for his life and no matter what that plan looks like, may it bring You all the glory. In Jesus' name... Amen.
Just for fun, click here to take a look back at Josh's graduation from preschool. Fun to compare and see how much he's grown!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Updates
Just a couple of quick updates....
First of all, thanks so much for the votes and input on our name decision! It's amazing how much thought people really put into reasons for/against names (ourselves included).
We have decided that we're not going with Jacob. We've always struggled with the meaning. Some people don't care a bit about meanings... we do :) We love the meanings of Joshua (Jehovah saves) Michael (one who is like Jehovah) and Matthew (gift from God) Bryan (noble).
Luke means bearer of light and we are both really liking the name. We agreed that Luke Caleb didn't flow well with the k/c sounds going on. So... all of that to say we both think Ryan is a great name and flows well with Luke so we are *pretty* certain this little boy will be Luke Ryan. I must say that this is the first of our kiddos that we've struggled a bit with naming. Give us 12 girls however and we could happily name them all in perfect harmony :)
Second update... I had my ultrasound to get an estimated size because of the measuring big factor. I am very happy to report that this little guy measured totally average at this point (4lbs. 15ozs - 55th percentile). Ultrasounds of course can be off but thankfully even in the last couple of years the technology has improved and their margin of error is now about 10-15%.
So the measuring big is for two reasons. First of all I have excess amniotic fluid. Not enough to cause major concern. The second factor is that at 33 weeks this baby is still in his favorite position... transverse. That means that he's laying cross ways... head on my right side, bum on my left to be exact. It's not at all too late for him to assume the proper head down position so I'm not too worried. Transverse is the least common position by time of delivery... 1 in 2500 babies. Of course if he stayed that way it makes a cesarean a certainty. We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it. In the meantime I am reading all kinds of fun ways to turn a baby :) Some are quite funny!
Thanks so much for all your prayers, input and comments!
First of all, thanks so much for the votes and input on our name decision! It's amazing how much thought people really put into reasons for/against names (ourselves included).
We have decided that we're not going with Jacob. We've always struggled with the meaning. Some people don't care a bit about meanings... we do :) We love the meanings of Joshua (Jehovah saves) Michael (one who is like Jehovah) and Matthew (gift from God) Bryan (noble).
Luke means bearer of light and we are both really liking the name. We agreed that Luke Caleb didn't flow well with the k/c sounds going on. So... all of that to say we both think Ryan is a great name and flows well with Luke so we are *pretty* certain this little boy will be Luke Ryan. I must say that this is the first of our kiddos that we've struggled a bit with naming. Give us 12 girls however and we could happily name them all in perfect harmony :)
Second update... I had my ultrasound to get an estimated size because of the measuring big factor. I am very happy to report that this little guy measured totally average at this point (4lbs. 15ozs - 55th percentile). Ultrasounds of course can be off but thankfully even in the last couple of years the technology has improved and their margin of error is now about 10-15%.
So the measuring big is for two reasons. First of all I have excess amniotic fluid. Not enough to cause major concern. The second factor is that at 33 weeks this baby is still in his favorite position... transverse. That means that he's laying cross ways... head on my right side, bum on my left to be exact. It's not at all too late for him to assume the proper head down position so I'm not too worried. Transverse is the least common position by time of delivery... 1 in 2500 babies. Of course if he stayed that way it makes a cesarean a certainty. We'll cross that bridge if and when we come to it. In the meantime I am reading all kinds of fun ways to turn a baby :) Some are quite funny!
Thanks so much for all your prayers, input and comments!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Is another BIG boy on the way?
I had my 31 week dr's appointment today. So Dr. Girolomi measures me and then re-measures me and says "wow, bit of a growth spurt?" Uh, oh! I measured at 35 weeks today!!! Every single week up until now I have measured exactly how many weeks I am. Anyway, he said not to worry. It could be excess fluid, it could be how the baby is positioned.... Or it could be that he's a big boy. So at my next appointment we'll do an ultrasound to check things out.
Josh was 10lbs. 5ozs, Matthew was 8lbs. 6ozs. I am really praying for this "little" guy to be closer to Matthew's size than Josh's!
Josh was 10lbs. 5ozs, Matthew was 8lbs. 6ozs. I am really praying for this "little" guy to be closer to Matthew's size than Josh's!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The name game
Brett and I have gone back and forth on naming our third little guy. I think boys are so much harder to name in the first place and by the time you're on your third... HARD!
Anyway, we're pretty set on either Jacob or Luke for first names. We're open for middle names but Jacob Ryan and Luke Caleb we both like. So, if you're so inclined, feel free to vote for your favorite. If you have some other middle name suggestions to add, please chime in.
FYI, his older brothers' names are Joshua Michael and Matthew Bryan.
Anyway, we're pretty set on either Jacob or Luke for first names. We're open for middle names but Jacob Ryan and Luke Caleb we both like. So, if you're so inclined, feel free to vote for your favorite. If you have some other middle name suggestions to add, please chime in.
FYI, his older brothers' names are Joshua Michael and Matthew Bryan.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fun in the sun!!!
I am a total blog slacker lately, I know!!! I find Facebook so much quicker these days. Anyway, just in case anyone still checks this, I thought I'd give you something new to look at :)
We have been LOVING this gorgeous Spring weather in Portland! Nothing like some sunshine to boost your mood! We went to Lincoln City yesterday with the boys to soak up some sun. The actual beach was cold and windy so we quickly ended our beach venture and headed inland. We went to Regatta Grounds at Devil's Lake instead. It was MUCH warmer and no wind. They have a great little beach area and an awesome playground. The boys had a blast in the water, building sandcastles, and exploring Sandcastle park!
Here are some pretty cute pics we captured...
We have been LOVING this gorgeous Spring weather in Portland! Nothing like some sunshine to boost your mood! We went to Lincoln City yesterday with the boys to soak up some sun. The actual beach was cold and windy so we quickly ended our beach venture and headed inland. We went to Regatta Grounds at Devil's Lake instead. It was MUCH warmer and no wind. They have a great little beach area and an awesome playground. The boys had a blast in the water, building sandcastles, and exploring Sandcastle park!
Here are some pretty cute pics we captured...
Thursday, February 5, 2009
In Loving Memory....
On January 26, 2009 my Uncle lost his battle with stage four lung cancer. Saturday will be his memorial service and I have been asked to speak. Through much prayer, this is what the Lord gave me....
As I was thinking and praying about what to say today in honor of my Uncle so many thoughts, so many treasured memories came to mind.
When Brett and I moved to the Northwest over eight years ago now, we came without knowing anyone except Kent and Sue. Right from the start it was clear that we were going to share a very special relationship. We have hundreds of treasured memories…. Special holidays spent together, birthdays celebrated, games played, trips made and more laughs than can be counted.
I can certainly say there was never a dull moment in the presence of my very vivacious Uncle Kent! I so very much appreciated his sense of wit and humor. No doubt about it, Kent could always bring about a smile and hysterical laughter.
Another of Kent’s most admirable qualities was his immeasurable generosity. He was such a talented builder, wood worker and craftsman. Our house showcases much of his work. Our home and the home of so many others. Kent gave freely of his time and his talent, never accepting more than a thank you in return. Two bible verses I love and see very fitting for Kent come from Proverbs and Ephesians. Proverbs 11:25 says “A liberal man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Truly Kent’s talent was God-given and used mightily.
Another thing I loved so much about Kent was what he became and meant to my two little boys. He really took on much more than the role of an uncle, rather he was very much a grandfather to them. He lit up when he spent time with them. His love for them was very evident and very cherished. I could never adequately explain my gratitude for the relationship they shared.
I could certainly go on and on about all the things I loved so much about this great man I called my Uncle. But what I really want to share is what I know will always have the greatest impact on me.
To anyone that knows Brett or myself, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is what comes first and foremost in our lives. My family has quite a long history sharing this faith.
When we first moved to Oregon, I was fairly new in my faith and couldn’t wait to share it with anyone who would listen. Kent and Sue were no exception.
And so the eight year long conversation began. As all of us do when we’re trying to figure out the bigger picture, Kent had lots of questions. Tough questions… questions I certainly was ill-equipped to answer. I did my best through our many talks and one day decided that two feisty red heads butting heads over how all those animals ended up on the Ark, probably wasn’t the best way to share my faith. So we left the topic off the table and I resorted to prayer. Lots and lots of prayer.
In September when I got the call from Sue telling me that Kent was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, my heart was broken. Of course from the diagnosis itself but also from the fear that whatever faith my Uncle had was certainly in danger. He must be thinking “why God?” “why is this happening to me?”
Shortly thereafter we made our first trip to Seattle since Kent’s diagnosis. Within minutes of being in his presence both Brett and I immediately noticed an almost completely changed person before us. Never had I seen such peace in my Uncle before. In John 14:27, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In the conversation we had with Uncle Kent that day he told us that he couldn’t explain it but things looked much different to him. He said he wasn’t afraid. He told us he was spending a great deal of time in prayer. Philipians 4:6-7 says:
Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Truly my many prayers were answered. Kent did not return to the Lord of his childhood through anything I said, rather Kent experienced God in the midst of his most difficult of circumstances.
Psalm 34:18 tells us: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I can say today that my heart rejoices knowing that my precious Uncle is healed and full of immeasurable joy in the presence of our Lord. And I look forward to the day when we will see him again.
As I was thinking and praying about what to say today in honor of my Uncle so many thoughts, so many treasured memories came to mind.
When Brett and I moved to the Northwest over eight years ago now, we came without knowing anyone except Kent and Sue. Right from the start it was clear that we were going to share a very special relationship. We have hundreds of treasured memories…. Special holidays spent together, birthdays celebrated, games played, trips made and more laughs than can be counted.
I can certainly say there was never a dull moment in the presence of my very vivacious Uncle Kent! I so very much appreciated his sense of wit and humor. No doubt about it, Kent could always bring about a smile and hysterical laughter.
Another of Kent’s most admirable qualities was his immeasurable generosity. He was such a talented builder, wood worker and craftsman. Our house showcases much of his work. Our home and the home of so many others. Kent gave freely of his time and his talent, never accepting more than a thank you in return. Two bible verses I love and see very fitting for Kent come from Proverbs and Ephesians. Proverbs 11:25 says “A liberal man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Truly Kent’s talent was God-given and used mightily.
Another thing I loved so much about Kent was what he became and meant to my two little boys. He really took on much more than the role of an uncle, rather he was very much a grandfather to them. He lit up when he spent time with them. His love for them was very evident and very cherished. I could never adequately explain my gratitude for the relationship they shared.
I could certainly go on and on about all the things I loved so much about this great man I called my Uncle. But what I really want to share is what I know will always have the greatest impact on me.
To anyone that knows Brett or myself, our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is what comes first and foremost in our lives. My family has quite a long history sharing this faith.
When we first moved to Oregon, I was fairly new in my faith and couldn’t wait to share it with anyone who would listen. Kent and Sue were no exception.
And so the eight year long conversation began. As all of us do when we’re trying to figure out the bigger picture, Kent had lots of questions. Tough questions… questions I certainly was ill-equipped to answer. I did my best through our many talks and one day decided that two feisty red heads butting heads over how all those animals ended up on the Ark, probably wasn’t the best way to share my faith. So we left the topic off the table and I resorted to prayer. Lots and lots of prayer.
In September when I got the call from Sue telling me that Kent was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, my heart was broken. Of course from the diagnosis itself but also from the fear that whatever faith my Uncle had was certainly in danger. He must be thinking “why God?” “why is this happening to me?”
Shortly thereafter we made our first trip to Seattle since Kent’s diagnosis. Within minutes of being in his presence both Brett and I immediately noticed an almost completely changed person before us. Never had I seen such peace in my Uncle before. In John 14:27, Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
In the conversation we had with Uncle Kent that day he told us that he couldn’t explain it but things looked much different to him. He said he wasn’t afraid. He told us he was spending a great deal of time in prayer. Philipians 4:6-7 says:
Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Truly my many prayers were answered. Kent did not return to the Lord of his childhood through anything I said, rather Kent experienced God in the midst of his most difficult of circumstances.
Psalm 34:18 tells us: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
I can say today that my heart rejoices knowing that my precious Uncle is healed and full of immeasurable joy in the presence of our Lord. And I look forward to the day when we will see him again.
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