I see it's been a while since my latest post, and although I don't really have a lot to share, I was tired of seeing the "Manipulation ..." title at the top of my blog :)
According to Tuesday's dr. visit, baby Rahija is doing fine, on schedule to arrive in 5 1/2 weeks. Dr. Peck asked us to not have the baby the week of Feb 27th or March 13, as he will be gone, the first week on a surgical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, and the second week on his family vacation. I told him we were going to start a lottery, and he was welcome to join :) I know Aunt Krista wants a Friday baby, so she can come up to visit, Daddy wants a Monday/Tuesday baby so he can have some days home from work plus a weekend, one "adopted grandma" wants a Thursday because she'll be at the hospital volunteering, ... any other requests? I try to put in a few good words for these requests, but this child seems to have a mind all her own, and will be coming in her own time, I think :) I just hope she waits for Dr. Peck, because we love him as a doctor, and don't want anyone else!
I have finally gotten excited about this room-move we've been planning for the last few months, and as of yesterday, two of the three rooms that it is necessary to have clean/picked up, meet that requirement! The last room, our current bedroom, is the one lacking. It is a disaster area, but with only one room to work on, while simply maintaining the others, it doesn't seem so daunting. I am also starting to feel the urgency of getting baby stuff out, getting Erin settled without her feeling "displaced" by the baby, and the general energy from cleaning -- hark, is it nesting?! Whatever it is, I think it's good, and I aim to keep it going! We are going to need some help moving furniture around, as I'm not to be lifting heavy things, so items like our piano, cabinet stereo, entertainment center, dresser, ... will need some assistance :) Boy am I sad about that :) Actually, I kind of like moving furniture/rearranging rooms, and it's hard for me to visualize. I hate to ask people to move and move and move things around that are heavy. Oh well, I guess that's just part of the process!
Well, as you can see, I'm not full of much news. Hope everyone is staying/getting well from illness, and staying warm in the latest little blast of winter. Have a great day!
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Manipulations of a 3 year-old mind
Tonight Erin had a funny "solution" to a problem we were having in the car. Staff/leadership from University Church loaded up and drove to Bonner Springs tonight to share the vision of Nazarene Secular Campus Ministries and University Church with the congregation there. I drove separately, and missed a few minutes of the service. David and Erin rode home with me, though, and our problem was having too many talkers at the same time. David was trying to share a voice mail he'd received, I was asking about the part of the service I missed, and Erin was concerned about where/what we were going to be eating for dinner. Now, Erin, of course, feels she takes first place whenever there is a dispute as to who should be talking to mommy -- in her mind, it is a hands-down, no-brainer decision. We are trying to teach her that sometimes she needs to wait her turn, and allow others to speak or at least finish their conversations. Tonight, she had a great idea ...
"Erin, we're going to take turns talking, and right now, it's Daddy's turn to talk to mommy. You had your turn and shared about restraunts with mommy, and now it's Daddy's turn."
"No, it's my turn! I am always allowed to talk to mommy! Dad, it's not your turn! We are NOT taking turns, I am just going to talk to mommy! You are not allowed to talk to her. It is MY turn!"
"Erin, how can it be your turn, I thought you said we weren't taking turns?"
"Well, we aren't, see we can all talk."
"Oh? How is that going to work?"
"Well, (most resolutions begin with 'well')you can talk to yourself, and I'll just talk to mommy. See how easy that is?"
After much laughter, and several pleas from the backseat to divulge the source of the humor in the situation, we decided, that yes, it was a "valid" solution, and although it wasn't the choice we took, it was a creative, (yet manipulative) solution to a tricky problem. Here comes the diva!
"Erin, we're going to take turns talking, and right now, it's Daddy's turn to talk to mommy. You had your turn and shared about restraunts with mommy, and now it's Daddy's turn."
"No, it's my turn! I am always allowed to talk to mommy! Dad, it's not your turn! We are NOT taking turns, I am just going to talk to mommy! You are not allowed to talk to her. It is MY turn!"
"Erin, how can it be your turn, I thought you said we weren't taking turns?"
"Well, we aren't, see we can all talk."
"Oh? How is that going to work?"
"Well, (most resolutions begin with 'well')you can talk to yourself, and I'll just talk to mommy. See how easy that is?"
After much laughter, and several pleas from the backseat to divulge the source of the humor in the situation, we decided, that yes, it was a "valid" solution, and although it wasn't the choice we took, it was a creative, (yet manipulative) solution to a tricky problem. Here comes the diva!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Song Lyrics, Erin-style
As many of you know, our daughter is a singer, with quite an extensive repetoire. She finds great joy in music, and even though her tone and pitch sometimes aren't up to par, she sings with her whole heart, soul, and body. Tonight, I was amused as Erin serenaded one of the men at Phat Thursday with her rendition of "Father Abraham". She was plugging right along through the song and tweaked right at the end ...
Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just bless the Lord. Right arm!
I smiled, because I thought, God probably was blessed through her moment of praise, even though the "real" words are let's just praise the Lord!
Other recent lyrical stylizations have been:
Johnjacobjingleheimerschmidt ... John Jacob Jingleheimerschmidt, his name is my name too. Whenever I go out the people always shout, "There goes not Johnjacobjingleheimerschmidt! -- cause my name's Erin!"
The B-I-B-L-E ... The B-I-D-Aweave, yes that's the book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-D-Aweave!
There are lots of others, and of course, I can't think of them right now, but I'll try to add them as we hear them. It's funny, because she has lots of CDs that have lots of songs, and her interpretation of them makes me realize that we don't always hear what we think we hear, and it's probably always good to stop and check before repeating!
Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had Father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So let's just bless the Lord. Right arm!
I smiled, because I thought, God probably was blessed through her moment of praise, even though the "real" words are let's just praise the Lord!
Other recent lyrical stylizations have been:
Johnjacobjingleheimerschmidt ... John Jacob Jingleheimerschmidt, his name is my name too. Whenever I go out the people always shout, "There goes not Johnjacobjingleheimerschmidt! -- cause my name's Erin!"
The B-I-B-L-E ... The B-I-D-Aweave, yes that's the book for me! I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-D-Aweave!
There are lots of others, and of course, I can't think of them right now, but I'll try to add them as we hear them. It's funny, because she has lots of CDs that have lots of songs, and her interpretation of them makes me realize that we don't always hear what we think we hear, and it's probably always good to stop and check before repeating!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
New Erin quotes
Erin has been a queen of the "one liners" recently. A few that stick out are:
"Look, it's chicken on the cob!" (referring to a drumstick)
"Have a nice day there, Big Fella!" (greeting an old man at the grocery store)
"You are in deep trouble, Big Man!" (angrily addressing daddy fronm the second step at a church leadership meeting ... hands on hips, head bent down, eyebrows deeply furrowed)
We are in the process of trading Erin's room and our room (which will be the girls' room in a few weeks!). It's amazing what one finds when pilfering the contents of a 3 year old's room, as well as educational. Today I found bits of chewed up crayon, lots of torn coloring book pages (that I was quickly corrected in that they were "maps" or "messages"), medicine dispensers with sticky tylenol residue, various doll clothing (that explains why so many of the babies are naked!), and many many items that were "lost" previous to moving a few things off the floor. A perhaps even more mysterious adventure is combing through one's own room and "excavating" the nether regions of the "under-bed world" and finding what a 3 year old thinks is imprtant to bring to share with her parents. I found blocks, dishes, game pieces, gift bags stuffed with small "happy mealish" toys, dirty socks and undies, more medicine dispensers -- don't know exactly where these originate or that we had so many! --, and lots of other pieces of clothing that I thought were missing due to the "laundry monster" that is our dryer. In my closet, home of the bedroom unicorns (according to Princess Erin) I found a stash of beads, two milk cups (thankfully the milk was gone!), a "magnadoodle-type" contraption, and other various toys. I think she tried to move in months ago, and we just didn't notice! Oh the joys!
"Look, it's chicken on the cob!" (referring to a drumstick)
"Have a nice day there, Big Fella!" (greeting an old man at the grocery store)
"You are in deep trouble, Big Man!" (angrily addressing daddy fronm the second step at a church leadership meeting ... hands on hips, head bent down, eyebrows deeply furrowed)
We are in the process of trading Erin's room and our room (which will be the girls' room in a few weeks!). It's amazing what one finds when pilfering the contents of a 3 year old's room, as well as educational. Today I found bits of chewed up crayon, lots of torn coloring book pages (that I was quickly corrected in that they were "maps" or "messages"), medicine dispensers with sticky tylenol residue, various doll clothing (that explains why so many of the babies are naked!), and many many items that were "lost" previous to moving a few things off the floor. A perhaps even more mysterious adventure is combing through one's own room and "excavating" the nether regions of the "under-bed world" and finding what a 3 year old thinks is imprtant to bring to share with her parents. I found blocks, dishes, game pieces, gift bags stuffed with small "happy mealish" toys, dirty socks and undies, more medicine dispensers -- don't know exactly where these originate or that we had so many! --, and lots of other pieces of clothing that I thought were missing due to the "laundry monster" that is our dryer. In my closet, home of the bedroom unicorns (according to Princess Erin) I found a stash of beads, two milk cups (thankfully the milk was gone!), a "magnadoodle-type" contraption, and other various toys. I think she tried to move in months ago, and we just didn't notice! Oh the joys!
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Back to square 1
Well, I hate to write this blog, but I'm also looking forward to it. My team missed our target production for our Vibe last month, and now I fear we have to start over again. The good news is that we don't have to wait and as DIQ target production is the same, I also will be starting over again. However, more good news is that I didn't lose any consultants/team members, and we can resubmit in two days. I am a little disappointed, but excited as well, because if we want that car and the director suit before the baby arrives, we have a definite deadline to work with! My team members are excited to get their businesses rolling this year, and we are going to rock! I don't usually understand God's timing on the front end, so I'm looking forward to enjoying the understanding part later! He is good, All the time! Talk to you again soon!
Monday, January 02, 2006
New Year
Well, we are at the beginning of a new year -- it seems like I just got used to writing 05 on things, and now will need to change again! Oh well. It is always a time to reflect and set new goals, and I have several.
One, I need to wrap up my car production this month -- I didn't meet my goal last month, so I'm hoping that doesn't put me back at ground zero again, in the $18,000 production, because I think I have just about $2000 or less to go as of orders placed in December. If so, we'll just start from scratch, though!
Another goal is to wrap up my unit by the end of January, so again, I need to get a move on, and motivate my team to start recruiting as well! As we are officially in DIQ, team members they recruit count toward our unit, and we need to have 30 active consultants in our unit to become official. I think our name is going to be Rahija's Radical Reachers -- at least until someone else comes up with a better name!
Personally, I also need to become a better homemaker -- I'm not the best Martha Stewart, thus am always behind on housework, dishes, laundry, cooking, ... the list goes on :) They say that practice makes perfect ... here's hoping!
Well, it is getting to be bedtime, and my body's telling me it needs more sleep :) Seems to be the case all the time now. Happy New Year!
One, I need to wrap up my car production this month -- I didn't meet my goal last month, so I'm hoping that doesn't put me back at ground zero again, in the $18,000 production, because I think I have just about $2000 or less to go as of orders placed in December. If so, we'll just start from scratch, though!
Another goal is to wrap up my unit by the end of January, so again, I need to get a move on, and motivate my team to start recruiting as well! As we are officially in DIQ, team members they recruit count toward our unit, and we need to have 30 active consultants in our unit to become official. I think our name is going to be Rahija's Radical Reachers -- at least until someone else comes up with a better name!
Personally, I also need to become a better homemaker -- I'm not the best Martha Stewart, thus am always behind on housework, dishes, laundry, cooking, ... the list goes on :) They say that practice makes perfect ... here's hoping!
Well, it is getting to be bedtime, and my body's telling me it needs more sleep :) Seems to be the case all the time now. Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Yikes!
Sorry for the lack of posts this last month+! Life has been so busy with Christmas preparations and celebrations, I have not thought much about my blog!
Now that most of the celebrating is over, we are settling back into a routine of sorts. We visited my parents/extended family the weekend prior to Christmas, and spent Christmas weekend with David's family. We came home with a "bit" of a stomach virus on Sunday night, and we now are feeling much better.
Well, I do not have much to share at this moment. Baby Rahija is doing well, as Dr. Peck found today, and she is as active as ever. We are going to watch a bit more of Pride and Prejudice (the A&E version, compliments of my husband!), and going to head to bed. Good night, and hopefully I will write again soon!
Now that most of the celebrating is over, we are settling back into a routine of sorts. We visited my parents/extended family the weekend prior to Christmas, and spent Christmas weekend with David's family. We came home with a "bit" of a stomach virus on Sunday night, and we now are feeling much better.
Well, I do not have much to share at this moment. Baby Rahija is doing well, as Dr. Peck found today, and she is as active as ever. We are going to watch a bit more of Pride and Prejudice (the A&E version, compliments of my husband!), and going to head to bed. Good night, and hopefully I will write again soon!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Day-After-Thanksgiving Sale!
Hello! I am just posting this to let everyone know about the great 12-hour holiday sale I'm having on Friday, November 25th. Starting at 7am, all orders placed online will receive a 24% discount, orders placed after 8am will get a 22% discount, after 9 a 20% discount, and so on ... I am also doing a "lottery" at the end of the 12 hours, and drawing one name to receive 50% off their entire order, and two people to receive an additional 10% off their order!
I have great gift sets that are wrapped and ready to go under the tree, into stockings, or in the mail to those not near you. I also put together custome gifts according to your needs, and have gift certificates available. Let me help you de-stress the holiday shopping experience, by helping you choose the perfect gifts for your family and friends (and other miscellaneous people on your gift list!).
I also have great things for YOU this season, with new trendy color collections, glamourous glimmer, and luxurious skin-care to make your dull, winter skin melt away into silky soft skin. Don't forget to keep yourself looking cute, and feeling great!
Please visit my personal website to see what's new, and place your orders early on Friday to get your best savings! Happy Thanksgiving!
I have great gift sets that are wrapped and ready to go under the tree, into stockings, or in the mail to those not near you. I also put together custome gifts according to your needs, and have gift certificates available. Let me help you de-stress the holiday shopping experience, by helping you choose the perfect gifts for your family and friends (and other miscellaneous people on your gift list!).
I also have great things for YOU this season, with new trendy color collections, glamourous glimmer, and luxurious skin-care to make your dull, winter skin melt away into silky soft skin. Don't forget to keep yourself looking cute, and feeling great!
Please visit my personal website to see what's new, and place your orders early on Friday to get your best savings! Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Closer to the Goal
We have added yet another new consultant to our team this week, welcome Angela! Angela has been a great customer and is ready to stop paying full price for her products! She is a wonderful educator, mother, wife, and friend, and I am so excited for her in this new venture, wherever it takes her!
We also have two other lovely ladies who are in the decision-making process this week, and I would be honored to work with them!
The trip to Emporia was great with a power class of over 20 women in attendance between 4 consultants. What a fun time!
Our team production is just over half of what our goal is for the month, and we are just starting the second half of the month, so we are excited! God is moving in ways we haven't expected (I guess that's appropriate, huh?!) and is working in amazing ways in the women on our team! I am so blessed to know these ladies!
Have a great week, and keep us in prayer as we stretch to wrap our Vibe up this month -- two months ahead of schedule!!!!
We also have two other lovely ladies who are in the decision-making process this week, and I would be honored to work with them!
The trip to Emporia was great with a power class of over 20 women in attendance between 4 consultants. What a fun time!
Our team production is just over half of what our goal is for the month, and we are just starting the second half of the month, so we are excited! God is moving in ways we haven't expected (I guess that's appropriate, huh?!) and is working in amazing ways in the women on our team! I am so blessed to know these ladies!
Have a great week, and keep us in prayer as we stretch to wrap our Vibe up this month -- two months ahead of schedule!!!!
Monday, November 14, 2005
Great Ideas ...
Can I just comment on something that has been bothering me since Saturday morning? I would like to offer props to the individual who thought up the idea of a catheter -- use a tube to drain unwanted or needed fluid from one area of the body into a receptacle, I can definitely appreciate the ingenuity of this idea. HOWEVER, I don't know that the person who invented this miraculous device ever had one to remove fluid from an infected bladder. If so, I think they would have scrapped their idea, thrown away the prototype, and kicked themselves for thinking they could make things better :)
I found myself with a UTI late Friday night/Saturday morning, and because of the baby, I had to take a trip to the ER (UTI can cause preterm labor). Thinking I would simply to in and collect a sample in a cup, I was okay with this. Such was not the case. As I am over 20 weeks of my pregnancy, it is procedure to be admitted onto the OB floor to monitor the baby and make sure labor hasn't started. The nurse was great, and was sure we could to a "clean catch" (pee in a cup), but the doctor had another solution ... the catheter! For those of you who don't know, this is a fairly simple procedure. The nurse crams a bit of plastic tubing up to drain the bladder and collect a urine sample directly from the bladder instead of allowing it to pass through the body. I have not felt anything like this pain before ... at least with childbirth, there was a relief ... not so with the cath. If at all possible, I would avoid this at most costs!
Probably more info than you cared to know, but it was my current thought :) Have a great week!
I found myself with a UTI late Friday night/Saturday morning, and because of the baby, I had to take a trip to the ER (UTI can cause preterm labor). Thinking I would simply to in and collect a sample in a cup, I was okay with this. Such was not the case. As I am over 20 weeks of my pregnancy, it is procedure to be admitted onto the OB floor to monitor the baby and make sure labor hasn't started. The nurse was great, and was sure we could to a "clean catch" (pee in a cup), but the doctor had another solution ... the catheter! For those of you who don't know, this is a fairly simple procedure. The nurse crams a bit of plastic tubing up to drain the bladder and collect a urine sample directly from the bladder instead of allowing it to pass through the body. I have not felt anything like this pain before ... at least with childbirth, there was a relief ... not so with the cath. If at all possible, I would avoid this at most costs!
Probably more info than you cared to know, but it was my current thought :) Have a great week!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Blessing keep Rollin' In!
More good news ... Wednesday, we welcomed Judy, a new friend from the Overland Park area to our team! I am so excited to get to know her more, but already feel connected to her -- a God-thing! We are going to reach our goal this month of 6 new consultants and team production of $10,000, I just know it! Can't wait to meet the other ladies who will join us! We are 1/2 of the way there, and nearly 1/2 (Monday we will have another one, I am sure!)! God is good, all the time!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Vibin'
Hello, just another note to celebrate my growing team (future unit!). We have another beautiful, talented, wonderful woman on our team! Rachel signed her agreement on Monday! I am so blessed to know this woman! She is so easy to love and I have enjoyed our friendship so much! This brings us to 10 team members, 4 active, and several who will be active soon! We will welcome 5 more new women to our team this month too, (that is my goal and positive affirmation statement!), and wrap up most, if not all of our car production, so we will be a Vibe-driving team! I'm tired of sharing the car with David, and now I won't have to anymore! I've never owned a new car before ... makes me excited to have a new one for free! Have a great day!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Oops!
Well, I see it's been a month since my last post -- I hate it when I fall behind like this! There is so much that happens, but is seems the time to write about it is short, or in my case, the pregnancy-forgetfulness makes me, well, forget! So, I will hopefully get caught up on life in Rahija-land here soonly :)
A quick over-view:
The blue ghetto beast (aka David's work car) finally died.
Erin started story hour.
University church is going to one service on Sundays, not two ... yea!
I recruited two new team members, and am on-target again for my 2006 red Pontiac Vibe from Mary Kay (especially exciting in light of the first announcement!).
We took David to the emergency room via ambulance, suspecting a heart attack, and found a sinus infection.
Halloween was a disaster ... FYI, Halloween is a spooky time, not for being pretty :)
Baby Rahija (now half-way through the womb-time!) is not a baby Joshua, but a sister ... Big sister is not pleased.
I'll try to update the situations more closely and with a bit more detail in the coming days ... but who knows what will happen between now and then?! Hope to talk to many of you soon!
A quick over-view:
The blue ghetto beast (aka David's work car) finally died.
Erin started story hour.
University church is going to one service on Sundays, not two ... yea!
I recruited two new team members, and am on-target again for my 2006 red Pontiac Vibe from Mary Kay (especially exciting in light of the first announcement!).
We took David to the emergency room via ambulance, suspecting a heart attack, and found a sinus infection.
Halloween was a disaster ... FYI, Halloween is a spooky time, not for being pretty :)
Baby Rahija (now half-way through the womb-time!) is not a baby Joshua, but a sister ... Big sister is not pleased.
I'll try to update the situations more closely and with a bit more detail in the coming days ... but who knows what will happen between now and then?! Hope to talk to many of you soon!
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
New Team Member!
I am proud and excited to announce a new team member to my Mary Kay family! Bianca, of Lawrence, joins us and brings such a joy to our group! She is funny, sweet, adorable, and makes people feel comfortable instantly! So excited to have a new face on our team! She attended her first meeting as my guest this week, and enjoyed Dale's singing so much, I guess she wanted to come back!
Okay, we need a name soon here, because we're going to have to start stating it out loud soon, as we have 7 ladies on the team, and will be able to enter DIQ with 8 actives! Woo hoo! Any suggestions are welcome ... remember, I like words like service/servant, reaching, grace, ... Maybe Rahija's grace givers? I don't know ... like I said, I'm up for suggestions! Have a wonderful end of the week!
Okay, we need a name soon here, because we're going to have to start stating it out loud soon, as we have 7 ladies on the team, and will be able to enter DIQ with 8 actives! Woo hoo! Any suggestions are welcome ... remember, I like words like service/servant, reaching, grace, ... Maybe Rahija's grace givers? I don't know ... like I said, I'm up for suggestions! Have a wonderful end of the week!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Diva in the Making
Tonight David and I had a worship practice with Glenn and Rachel and it was really fun to just play, sing, and woship together. What we didn't bank on was the extra back-up vocalist joining our group. Erin, after getting all "gussied up" in "play clothes" attire thanks to Glenn's daughters, came out of her dressing room looking the part of a Wilma Flintstone meets sequin/feather beauty. Her animal print top was adorned with green, red, and lavendar beads, wrists bedazzled with hot pink, green, and orange, and the skirt, perhaps the most intriguing part of the outfit, was silver sequins with hot pink feather trim. Oh, she also had a purple headband on, and almost looked like she stepped out of an 80's dance flick (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun comes to mind!).
Well, we all oohed and ahhed over her makeover, but she was just getting started. She informed us that she wanted to sing too, so grabbed some of our music, made a spot for herself on the floor, and did her best to sing along. Her heart was completely in it, as she mainly provided an echo for Rachel and I (who were not in her league as far as fashion goes!), but belted it out as loudly as she could, lips pressed to the mic that was plugged in, but thankfully not hot. She watched our mouths intently, trying to mimic every movement, and did a pretty good job with the choruses of a few of the songs. The Word says make a joyful noise ... and that she did! I know that His heart was smiling as widely as ours were!
Perhaps the most "diva-ish" moment was when she got up as David and Glenn were playing the intro to the next song, stopped David cold with her hand, and said, "Daddy, don't start the next song ... I need a drink." She casually sauntered across the room to retrieve her Capri Sun, sipped leisurely, then returned to her spot, with an "Okay, you can start now." I kept waiting for flourishing hand movements, but I guess that will come at the next practice. Whew, I feel sorry for her future band-mates! What a drama queen!
Well, we all oohed and ahhed over her makeover, but she was just getting started. She informed us that she wanted to sing too, so grabbed some of our music, made a spot for herself on the floor, and did her best to sing along. Her heart was completely in it, as she mainly provided an echo for Rachel and I (who were not in her league as far as fashion goes!), but belted it out as loudly as she could, lips pressed to the mic that was plugged in, but thankfully not hot. She watched our mouths intently, trying to mimic every movement, and did a pretty good job with the choruses of a few of the songs. The Word says make a joyful noise ... and that she did! I know that His heart was smiling as widely as ours were!
Perhaps the most "diva-ish" moment was when she got up as David and Glenn were playing the intro to the next song, stopped David cold with her hand, and said, "Daddy, don't start the next song ... I need a drink." She casually sauntered across the room to retrieve her Capri Sun, sipped leisurely, then returned to her spot, with an "Okay, you can start now." I kept waiting for flourishing hand movements, but I guess that will come at the next practice. Whew, I feel sorry for her future band-mates! What a drama queen!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Whew!
Wow, I see I'm LONG past overdue for a new blog entry ... yikes, over a month since the last post, and it seems like so much, yet so little has happened in that time frame.
We are still on course for a new baby late March-early April. We were so excited last visit to Dr. Peck when his doplar device for hearing the heartbeat was low on battery and we had to do a quick sonogram instead to check in on Baby Rahija. He/she is so much bigger than last time, and we got to see the heart beating, arms, legs, and a precious face! The day is nearing when I will HAVE to go shopping -- I tried on a shirt this morning that showed two inches of belly ... not-so-nice for those around me, so I quickly changed before horrifying too many innocent bystanders. Whew, lucky for them! The little stinker is giving me a run for my money, though! I have been SOOOOOOO sick-feeling, and as I have just crossed into the second trimester, I am feeling a little better, with more energy, but still the lovely feeling of nausea quite a bit of the time. This too, is getting a bit better, though, so there are things to celebrate ... like getting a load of laundry done, unloading and reloading the dishwasher without having to sit down in the middle, cooking a meal, and going through a day without a nap (or two)!
Erin doesn't seem to be experiencing sympathy pains with me, so I remain her personal jungle gym, trampoline, and punching bag. She has done pretty well, though, as the middle and end of summer has passed by without much outside play. The nice days last week were wonderful, and she had time to scream and play outside in nice weather. Today, she went to the Topeka zoo with Grandma Rahija, Aunt Michelle, Baby Natalie, Ann H and Kailee. This was a huge hit, and we made our own Lego zoo upon her return. The animals are a mix of Noah's ark and a garage sale misc. bag. They seem to be getting along, although I think it's kinda funny that the lions are next to the giraffes and gorilla. Hopefully they survive the night :)
We went to Tulsa over Labor Day weekend, and spent some great time with Krista and the Rahija family. David, Dad, and Krista did lots of hard work in the yard, while Mom, Michelle, and I stayed inside with the girls. Erin enjoyed playing in the dirt (buried up to her stomach, literally!) I'll save the story of "flying pizza crust" for another day.
We continue to build wonderful relationships with new and old friends at University Church. It's so wonderful to be a part of a loving family of believers, and adding to it all the time! We have had several students visit us for worship and Phat Tuesday (which is now held on Thursdays, so you can call it Phat Thursday or Phat Tuesday on Thursday, whichever you prefer!). The food and fun are still great, so if you don't have plans for dinner on Thursdays, swing over to 1921 Hillview, off 19th and Naismith and join us!
Okay, that's enough rambling for one night. I will try to blog again soon, as the thought of sitting at the computer doesn't make me nauseated these days (the heat from our office and the computers made me sick ... I know, it sounds stupid, but ... what can I say?) Talk to you soon!
We are still on course for a new baby late March-early April. We were so excited last visit to Dr. Peck when his doplar device for hearing the heartbeat was low on battery and we had to do a quick sonogram instead to check in on Baby Rahija. He/she is so much bigger than last time, and we got to see the heart beating, arms, legs, and a precious face! The day is nearing when I will HAVE to go shopping -- I tried on a shirt this morning that showed two inches of belly ... not-so-nice for those around me, so I quickly changed before horrifying too many innocent bystanders. Whew, lucky for them! The little stinker is giving me a run for my money, though! I have been SOOOOOOO sick-feeling, and as I have just crossed into the second trimester, I am feeling a little better, with more energy, but still the lovely feeling of nausea quite a bit of the time. This too, is getting a bit better, though, so there are things to celebrate ... like getting a load of laundry done, unloading and reloading the dishwasher without having to sit down in the middle, cooking a meal, and going through a day without a nap (or two)!
Erin doesn't seem to be experiencing sympathy pains with me, so I remain her personal jungle gym, trampoline, and punching bag. She has done pretty well, though, as the middle and end of summer has passed by without much outside play. The nice days last week were wonderful, and she had time to scream and play outside in nice weather. Today, she went to the Topeka zoo with Grandma Rahija, Aunt Michelle, Baby Natalie, Ann H and Kailee. This was a huge hit, and we made our own Lego zoo upon her return. The animals are a mix of Noah's ark and a garage sale misc. bag. They seem to be getting along, although I think it's kinda funny that the lions are next to the giraffes and gorilla. Hopefully they survive the night :)
We went to Tulsa over Labor Day weekend, and spent some great time with Krista and the Rahija family. David, Dad, and Krista did lots of hard work in the yard, while Mom, Michelle, and I stayed inside with the girls. Erin enjoyed playing in the dirt (buried up to her stomach, literally!) I'll save the story of "flying pizza crust" for another day.
We continue to build wonderful relationships with new and old friends at University Church. It's so wonderful to be a part of a loving family of believers, and adding to it all the time! We have had several students visit us for worship and Phat Tuesday (which is now held on Thursdays, so you can call it Phat Thursday or Phat Tuesday on Thursday, whichever you prefer!). The food and fun are still great, so if you don't have plans for dinner on Thursdays, swing over to 1921 Hillview, off 19th and Naismith and join us!
Okay, that's enough rambling for one night. I will try to blog again soon, as the thought of sitting at the computer doesn't make me nauseated these days (the heat from our office and the computers made me sick ... I know, it sounds stupid, but ... what can I say?) Talk to you soon!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Much Ado ...
Yes, yes, it's been weeks since I've last posted! Sorry ... life seems to have taken a swing toward crazy, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down any! Since my last entry, I've been to Dallas for the Mary Kay seminar ... which was AMAZING and I am very excited to lead my team to become a unit this year, and return as a director next year, with David attending as well. I had a wonderful time, and enjoyed the "girl time" with the gals from our unit. I have a new niece, Natalie Renee, born August 1st, to John and Michelle Riggs. Erin is a proud new cousin, and although we have only seen Natalie in person once, we talk about her frequently and enjoy looking at her pictures!
We also have another piece of exciting news. Last Thursday, we went to see Dr. Peck and the fabulous staff at Olathe OB/GYN and saw our baby's heartbeat for the first time. The new Rahija will make an appearance in late March, due the 27th. We are very excited, although mommy is very tired of the "morning" (more like any time of day) sickness and feeling zapped all the time. Erin was sick last Wednesday with fever/vomitting ... thankfully I didn't catch that, although I felt like doing it right along with her! We covet your prayers during this time, as we know things are uncertain for the first trimester (we're about 9 weeks along now), and at any point in the pregnancy. I feel God's peace, and am not worrying everyday, just thankful for the life inside me. I am already changing shape, and will probably be in maternity clothes before too long ... whoever "they" are that say you don't hold the second one in like the first was right, I guess, ... bye bye "girlish figure"! I'm happy to lose shape, or at least distinctively change shapes! I hope you are all having a wonderful day!
We also have another piece of exciting news. Last Thursday, we went to see Dr. Peck and the fabulous staff at Olathe OB/GYN and saw our baby's heartbeat for the first time. The new Rahija will make an appearance in late March, due the 27th. We are very excited, although mommy is very tired of the "morning" (more like any time of day) sickness and feeling zapped all the time. Erin was sick last Wednesday with fever/vomitting ... thankfully I didn't catch that, although I felt like doing it right along with her! We covet your prayers during this time, as we know things are uncertain for the first trimester (we're about 9 weeks along now), and at any point in the pregnancy. I feel God's peace, and am not worrying everyday, just thankful for the life inside me. I am already changing shape, and will probably be in maternity clothes before too long ... whoever "they" are that say you don't hold the second one in like the first was right, I guess, ... bye bye "girlish figure"! I'm happy to lose shape, or at least distinctively change shapes! I hope you are all having a wonderful day!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
New Bed
Erin is excited to be getting a new bed tomorrow! The reason for needing a new bed, is her deconstruction of her custome-made "big girl bed". Strangely enough, a wooden toddler bed does not support two "big girls" swinging, Tarzan style, from the support board between the posters. As crushed as I was, Erin seemed to think Grandpa Rahija would forgive her, and she is anxiously awaiting her new bigger, big girl bed (a twin bed). Grandma even found some Blues Clues sheets on a garage sale, and we've been using the pillowcase this week.
Hopefully we can have her room cleaned by tomorrow evening, as grandma and grandpa are coming over to deliver the bed and eat dinner with us! I hope I have my kitchen cleaned too! Thank goodness for dishwashers!
Hopefully we can have her room cleaned by tomorrow evening, as grandma and grandpa are coming over to deliver the bed and eat dinner with us! I hope I have my kitchen cleaned too! Thank goodness for dishwashers!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Another New Consultant!
I have great news to report! On Friday afternoon, my team gained a wonderful new addition! We welcome Michele R to our team and are excited to help her get started! She has two very specific goals in mind for the beginning of her business, 1. to teach women how to and why it's important to take care of their skin and 2. to raise money for a move to a new city. The great thing is that she will definitely be able to do both things, and do them simultaneously. Also, she will be able to take her business with her when she moves, as Mary Kay has no territories or regions, and we are in over 20 countries world-wide! What a great opportunity for her! I am so pleased, because Michele is such a sweet girl, with some great life experience under her belt. She is going to do great things in Mary Kay, and I am pleased to be on the journey with her!
This brings me to a little problem. I have been trying to figure out a name for our team, and have come up with some ideas, but nothing that really grabs me. I want the idea of "seeking" to be involved in some way, as we are each seeking something, whether it be to reach women for Christ, make a few extra bucks, become a director or NSD, win the cars, ... we are seeking something. However, I don't like "Sarah's seekers" because it seems like they are seeking me, and that is not what I want to portray! It's nice to use alliteration, like our unit is "Derrell's Driving Divas". I've also heard Wanda's Wonders, Shaw's Shining Stars, ... Then again, there are some without, and that's fine too, SOOOOO, I'm asking for your help. I like words like seek, serve/servant/service, reaching, streatching, ... I also would like to try to use Sarah or Rahija as the beginning, but it's not necessary. I know some of you who read my blog are VERY word-creative, so unleash the creative juices and let me know what results! Please!
That brings our team to 6 this month! I am hoping to get back on target for the Vibe this month too, and as Michele is wanting to order a great inventory package, I think the rest of us can pull together to get us there! The company has some great incentives this month/quarter for us, too, and I can't wait to help my gals reach their goals and dream bigger than they've ever dreamed before!
Well, I need to get ready for our trip to Lawrence this afternoon. Have a great week!
This brings me to a little problem. I have been trying to figure out a name for our team, and have come up with some ideas, but nothing that really grabs me. I want the idea of "seeking" to be involved in some way, as we are each seeking something, whether it be to reach women for Christ, make a few extra bucks, become a director or NSD, win the cars, ... we are seeking something. However, I don't like "Sarah's seekers" because it seems like they are seeking me, and that is not what I want to portray! It's nice to use alliteration, like our unit is "Derrell's Driving Divas". I've also heard Wanda's Wonders, Shaw's Shining Stars, ... Then again, there are some without, and that's fine too, SOOOOO, I'm asking for your help. I like words like seek, serve/servant/service, reaching, streatching, ... I also would like to try to use Sarah or Rahija as the beginning, but it's not necessary. I know some of you who read my blog are VERY word-creative, so unleash the creative juices and let me know what results! Please!
That brings our team to 6 this month! I am hoping to get back on target for the Vibe this month too, and as Michele is wanting to order a great inventory package, I think the rest of us can pull together to get us there! The company has some great incentives this month/quarter for us, too, and I can't wait to help my gals reach their goals and dream bigger than they've ever dreamed before!
Well, I need to get ready for our trip to Lawrence this afternoon. Have a great week!
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Erin has Returned to the building
I picked Erin up in Salina today. She's been visiting Athol since Saturday, with Grandpa and Grandma Gerstenkorn. She was taller, browner, and full of stories from the farm (cows, mudpies, climing the guidewires from telephone poles, digging in Great Grandpa B's garden ...). She was also very tired, and needing some snuggling from mommy and daddy -- this made us happy! Upon arriving home, she began helping Daddy and Grandpa Rahija work on the Bronco. It was sure cute to see her two little legs sticking out from under the Bronco next to Grandpa's long legs. She soon tired of lying on the driveway, however, and resorted to tossing water in the general direction of the Bronco from the bench next to the house. It's good to have her home again, even if she didn't want to stay inside for a bath or stop coloring with markers at bedtime. Love her ... missed her ... glad to have had a little break from her! Thank goodness for Grandparents (on BOTH sides!)!!!
Oh, sidenote, congrats to our friends Jamin and Leah Will on the birth of their son, Levi Davis! What a precious little bundle of joy!
Oh, sidenote, congrats to our friends Jamin and Leah Will on the birth of their son, Levi Davis! What a precious little bundle of joy!
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