So good
I finished The Hobbit yesterday...almost as addicting as The Lord of the Rings. My favorites were Beorn the bear/man and the eagles coming. And of course, Gandalf has to be my all time favorite character.
Something I noticed too in reading the Lord of the Rings--Tolkien's Aragorn is so much stronger of a character than the writers portrayed him in the recent movies. Practically from when you are first introduced to him in Bree he does not shy away from his responsibility to claim the crown of Gondor as he does in the movie. I think that was a sad change they made. I also like Faramir better in the book because he does not try to take Frodo from his mission, but helps him on it right away. He is just honorable in the book.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
The Waiting Game
My dad calls everyday..."Any rumblings yet?" is his constant question. :) It's cute. We are technically "in the red" as someone at church said this morning. My mom was 10 days post due with one of my brothers and me, so it could be that we would be quite a bit in the red. I would like it to happen sooner rather than later (mostly to avoid that painful pelvic exam I'm supposed to have on Wednesday), but I'm not worried. God's timing is perfect and the baby will come when he/she is supposed to. Meanwhile, we eagerly wait and pray and try to stay comfortable.
My dad calls everyday..."Any rumblings yet?" is his constant question. :) It's cute. We are technically "in the red" as someone at church said this morning. My mom was 10 days post due with one of my brothers and me, so it could be that we would be quite a bit in the red. I would like it to happen sooner rather than later (mostly to avoid that painful pelvic exam I'm supposed to have on Wednesday), but I'm not worried. God's timing is perfect and the baby will come when he/she is supposed to. Meanwhile, we eagerly wait and pray and try to stay comfortable.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Lease
We signed a one-year lease on a condo this past Wednesday. It was all kind of a whirlwind sort of happening: I found the condo on an online database last week; we viewed it this past Tuesday and filled out the application, were approved and signed the lease on Wednesday. It's a two bedroom, two bath, nice-sized apartment with washer/dryer hook-ups. We will be purchasing a washer and a dryer, but we figure they will be useful in the future anyway. The condo is naturally well-lit from the large windows in each room, which is a nice change for us. One odd addition for the climate we live in: a wood burning fireplace. :) The property also has the added fun benefit of a pool and a tennis court. It's a little far for Nate to walk to school, but he can bike or I can drive him. We move in after June 15.
God has been so faithful to provide just what we need and even before Baby Froyd is born.
We signed a one-year lease on a condo this past Wednesday. It was all kind of a whirlwind sort of happening: I found the condo on an online database last week; we viewed it this past Tuesday and filled out the application, were approved and signed the lease on Wednesday. It's a two bedroom, two bath, nice-sized apartment with washer/dryer hook-ups. We will be purchasing a washer and a dryer, but we figure they will be useful in the future anyway. The condo is naturally well-lit from the large windows in each room, which is a nice change for us. One odd addition for the climate we live in: a wood burning fireplace. :) The property also has the added fun benefit of a pool and a tennis court. It's a little far for Nate to walk to school, but he can bike or I can drive him. We move in after June 15.
God has been so faithful to provide just what we need and even before Baby Froyd is born.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Valuing Liturgy
Our church uses liturgy for most of the service. Our pastors use a variety of sources for our liturgy--the Bible, catechisms, creeds, prayer books, and countless other sources. Many people I know do not like liturgical services because they say that it doesn't let you have spirit-led worship or encourages people to worship without thinking. Nevertheless, I think differently. Here is why I value having the service laid out for me:
All week long I am left on my own to worship the Lord. This is good in some sense. It gives me time to confess and worship Him privately; to meditate on His Word; to thank Him for specific things I have seen Him do. On the other hand, I am often distracted or unfocused during these times. Sometimes I just don't know what to say. Other times I may forego worship time altogether, a sad, but true confession.
On Sunday when we gather for worship with God's people, it is like I am going to a worship class. I am taught how to worship by being led in worship through the liturgy by our pastors. I need this desperately because as a sinner I have a hard time knowing how to worship and think about God rightly. The liturgy and the rest of the service tells me how to think about God, how to relate to my fellow believers and the world, how to understand the history of God's people and his plan of salvation, etc. Sadly, many churches, because they stay away from the liturgy, are not teaching their flock how to worship God and think about Him rightly.
Our church uses liturgy for most of the service. Our pastors use a variety of sources for our liturgy--the Bible, catechisms, creeds, prayer books, and countless other sources. Many people I know do not like liturgical services because they say that it doesn't let you have spirit-led worship or encourages people to worship without thinking. Nevertheless, I think differently. Here is why I value having the service laid out for me:
All week long I am left on my own to worship the Lord. This is good in some sense. It gives me time to confess and worship Him privately; to meditate on His Word; to thank Him for specific things I have seen Him do. On the other hand, I am often distracted or unfocused during these times. Sometimes I just don't know what to say. Other times I may forego worship time altogether, a sad, but true confession.
On Sunday when we gather for worship with God's people, it is like I am going to a worship class. I am taught how to worship by being led in worship through the liturgy by our pastors. I need this desperately because as a sinner I have a hard time knowing how to worship and think about God rightly. The liturgy and the rest of the service tells me how to think about God, how to relate to my fellow believers and the world, how to understand the history of God's people and his plan of salvation, etc. Sadly, many churches, because they stay away from the liturgy, are not teaching their flock how to worship God and think about Him rightly.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
A little update
While I'm waiting for the pizza dough to rise (yum...homemade pizza), I thought I'd write a little post to update. I know as the time gets closer to our "due date" week, some will be wondering if a lack of posts means we are busy in labor. And it could mean that. We hope to call close friends and family first, then email pictures to those we have called and others, then post. Nathan is determined to keep a running blog post during the labor process that he will upload eventually. I can just see it..."Hold on, honey, I'll help you with relaxing through that contraction as soon as I finish typing this sentence." We'll have to see how it goes. I wouldn't mind having a running blog post done by Nate--he's a much better writer than me and it would save me from typing it up later myself.
Pregnancy update:
All continues to go well. My blood pressure is down to 120 over 74, which is what it was at the beginning of my pregnancy. Praise God for lowered blood pressure. I guess it has helped to do so much resting in the evening while I read Tolkein. I have had only one painful contraction the middle of last week. I get pretty sore after sleeping on my sides all night, so my new favorite thing is a nice, long, hot shower in the morning to ease my soreness. Oh yeah, and my husband's wonderful back massages in the evening. We're all packed for the birthing center and have another scheduled appointment this Tuesday.
School update:
I'm done! I made it through my last week. [Most] of my students were very sweet on my last day and made me feel loved and missed. I hope to go back a few times for their program and luncheon, but we'll have to see how it goes. That school was such a supportive place to work during my first year of teaching and while being pregnant my second year. I'm so thankful for everyone there.
Apartment update:
We are mostly not looking and just praying right now as we wait for Baby Froyd to arrive. I did find a condo yesterday (right behind Super Target :) ) that has a washer and dryer, two bedrooms, nice sized living space, and a good monthly rate. We may have to check that one out. It's not in a neighborhood, like I would prefer and is too far from Nate's school for him to walk, but we might have to give and take in order to find something in our budget.
I guess my little update turned into a long update, but now you are well-informed.
While I'm waiting for the pizza dough to rise (yum...homemade pizza), I thought I'd write a little post to update. I know as the time gets closer to our "due date" week, some will be wondering if a lack of posts means we are busy in labor. And it could mean that. We hope to call close friends and family first, then email pictures to those we have called and others, then post. Nathan is determined to keep a running blog post during the labor process that he will upload eventually. I can just see it..."Hold on, honey, I'll help you with relaxing through that contraction as soon as I finish typing this sentence." We'll have to see how it goes. I wouldn't mind having a running blog post done by Nate--he's a much better writer than me and it would save me from typing it up later myself.
Pregnancy update:
All continues to go well. My blood pressure is down to 120 over 74, which is what it was at the beginning of my pregnancy. Praise God for lowered blood pressure. I guess it has helped to do so much resting in the evening while I read Tolkein. I have had only one painful contraction the middle of last week. I get pretty sore after sleeping on my sides all night, so my new favorite thing is a nice, long, hot shower in the morning to ease my soreness. Oh yeah, and my husband's wonderful back massages in the evening. We're all packed for the birthing center and have another scheduled appointment this Tuesday.
School update:
I'm done! I made it through my last week. [Most] of my students were very sweet on my last day and made me feel loved and missed. I hope to go back a few times for their program and luncheon, but we'll have to see how it goes. That school was such a supportive place to work during my first year of teaching and while being pregnant my second year. I'm so thankful for everyone there.
Apartment update:
We are mostly not looking and just praying right now as we wait for Baby Froyd to arrive. I did find a condo yesterday (right behind Super Target :) ) that has a washer and dryer, two bedrooms, nice sized living space, and a good monthly rate. We may have to check that one out. It's not in a neighborhood, like I would prefer and is too far from Nate's school for him to walk, but we might have to give and take in order to find something in our budget.
I guess my little update turned into a long update, but now you are well-informed.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Wide Awake (and now frustrated)
I don't like writing a whole long post and then having Blogger not put it up. It said it was published, but when I went to look at it, there was nothing there and nothing for me to edit. Arghhh.
Anyway, I'm not rewriting that whole post even though I'm still just as awake as I was when I wrote it 15 minutes ago. Nate is sleeping nicely in the other room, which is good cause he deserves a good night's sleep. I haven't had a hard time sleeping before tonight, but for some reason I'm wide awake. I tried reading, but finished my book (Return of the King).
On a side note, I added books I've read to my list and also Jamie's blog and fixed Mikey's blog link. I have a hymn in mind that I want to add to the side. I hope to do that soon.
Let's try this again. Please publish!
I don't like writing a whole long post and then having Blogger not put it up. It said it was published, but when I went to look at it, there was nothing there and nothing for me to edit. Arghhh.
Anyway, I'm not rewriting that whole post even though I'm still just as awake as I was when I wrote it 15 minutes ago. Nate is sleeping nicely in the other room, which is good cause he deserves a good night's sleep. I haven't had a hard time sleeping before tonight, but for some reason I'm wide awake. I tried reading, but finished my book (Return of the King).
On a side note, I added books I've read to my list and also Jamie's blog and fixed Mikey's blog link. I have a hymn in mind that I want to add to the side. I hope to do that soon.
Let's try this again. Please publish!
Sunday, May 08, 2005
39 weeks and counting
I can't believe we are in the 39th week. I'm definitely feeling it, though. I remember reading about my friend Serina feeling big in her last month of pregnancy with Ellery and at the time, I thought that I would never feel that way. Well, now I do. Everyone says I look so small for being in this stage of pregnancy (except my midwives, who say I'm doing just fine :) ), but some days I just feel large.
The pregnancy really is going well, though. My blood pressure is back down to slightly above my normal reading. I am still able to work (only one more week!). I sleep pretty well at night. Many things to thank God for. One of those extra things I thank God for (and I've mentioned this before, but he deserves some more recognition) is my husband. If only all pregnant wives had such a husband, pregnancy would be so much easier for them. He cleans up after every meal, cleans the house, lets me rest in the evening, makes sure I eat well, practices relaxation with me, comes to every birthing center appointment with me, and so much more. Sorry, I'm being a bit mushy, but he really is the greatest supporter that I have.
We'll keep y'all updated on pregnancy progress. I'm praying that we make it through this week, so I can get all my school stuff done.
As for the apartment hunt, we are still praying, but will probably put looking on hold until June. I have some good leads, but they may be taken by the time moving actually rolls around. We will remain cozy in our apartment until then.
Mmmmm....the banana bread is almost done and smells yummy. It's making me hungry.
I can't believe we are in the 39th week. I'm definitely feeling it, though. I remember reading about my friend Serina feeling big in her last month of pregnancy with Ellery and at the time, I thought that I would never feel that way. Well, now I do. Everyone says I look so small for being in this stage of pregnancy (except my midwives, who say I'm doing just fine :) ), but some days I just feel large.
The pregnancy really is going well, though. My blood pressure is back down to slightly above my normal reading. I am still able to work (only one more week!). I sleep pretty well at night. Many things to thank God for. One of those extra things I thank God for (and I've mentioned this before, but he deserves some more recognition) is my husband. If only all pregnant wives had such a husband, pregnancy would be so much easier for them. He cleans up after every meal, cleans the house, lets me rest in the evening, makes sure I eat well, practices relaxation with me, comes to every birthing center appointment with me, and so much more. Sorry, I'm being a bit mushy, but he really is the greatest supporter that I have.
We'll keep y'all updated on pregnancy progress. I'm praying that we make it through this week, so I can get all my school stuff done.
As for the apartment hunt, we are still praying, but will probably put looking on hold until June. I have some good leads, but they may be taken by the time moving actually rolls around. We will remain cozy in our apartment until then.
Mmmmm....the banana bread is almost done and smells yummy. It's making me hungry.
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