It's Voting Season!

'Tis the season for politics and casting votes! Who's it gonna be? We've got a nice little poll for you on the right. What's nice about this vote is you can talk about it at dinner, with whomever, and not ruffle any feathers. The forecast is good for whichever you choose. And you don't have to feel bad if your candidate gets fewer votes - because your candidate may prevail anyway! We find out officially - please, baby, no modesty - on October 15th. Polls close on the 14th. I welcome any and all comments regarding why you support your candidate.

Let's Back Up . . .

So, our 5 year old (75 in computer years) laptop was working really slowly a while ago, so we decided to once again reformat it and start anew. We have to do this about twice a year. We backed up all of our new stuff onto our trusty external hard drive which holds all things digitally dear to us. Then reformatted the laptop - and - forgot to unplug the external drive - and - it got reformatted (read: erased), too. It's been a few weeks now, our wonderful computer geek friend is working on it. (We did the same thing, at the same time, to our mother-in-law's computer, and he was able to restore everything.) Ours has proved to be a little more stubborn, but there is a glimmer of hope. I am clinging to that glimmer, as that drive has - shall I repeat - ALL digital things that are dear to us. All of our pictures, music, letters, journal entries, notes, spreadsheets, and so on. Waahhh!

Here's hoping. So remember to back up - and unplug. And always have a good geek on hand.

More posts with pics later, when all is healed.

In other, more exciting news - We're going to China! Tomorrow!! So excited, so excited. We'll fill you in when we get back!

Blocks, Bunnies and Mermaid Burns

A FEW MUNCHKIN GOINGS-ON:

Ellie likes things in nice even rows.

Big and little bunnies ("No - I'n BIG!" - Ellie)

Chloe thought it would be fun to slide around on her belly in the tub after the water ran out - you know - like mermaids do. She got some pretty good tub burns, but is so proud of the bandages Dad created for her.

“Baby Cracker Bethelda, is that you?”

So here’s the real reason for the slump in posting. You can expect big, big things from me in the upcoming months. And I do mean my size, not the size (or number) of babies. Nope, just one medium-sized baby, we assume. And one elephantine mommy. The comments are already pouring in, and I’ve only got one trimester down. I haven’t actually gained any weight yet, just changed shape. Ah, well. Such is the lot of a short-torso-ed gal. My 5 foot 9 sister-in-law just had a baby, and I look more pregnant than she did right before her delivery. Okay, the whining stops here.

We are thrilled! Ellie will be almost 3 years old, and hasn’t really gotten the whole baby coming thing yet, but I think she will be excited and a fun sister. Chloe’s eyes really widened and she stared at my stomach for a full minute after we told her there was a baby inside. She remembers to pray for the baby and suggested, “Baby Cracker . . . Baby Cracker? Does that seem like a good name for the baby?” I told her I would consult with dad. In the meantime, she’s told everyone that’s the name of our new baby. Mike added Bethelda. Of course, we don’t know if it’s a boy or girl yet, we’re just used to girls. (Chloe says it's a boy.)

I’m amazed at the office ultrasound machines they have now. At 12 weeks, I saw the baby open its mouth wide and move its arms around. They’re as good as, or better than, the high-tech, 20-week ultrasound we got for Chloe, four years ago. It’s so cool – and reassuring – to be able to see that, and hear the little swoosh-a-swoosh of the heartbeat. We really feel blessed and are excited to welcome the newest member of the family.

Love For Nie-Nie

My cousin's brother-in-law and sister-in-law were involved in a terrible plane crash and are recovering in a burn unit in Arizona, with up to 80% burns. They have four young children at home. I'd heard about them, and then, crazy enough, I began stumbling across their story again in various blogs - from people who don't know them at all, but are trying to help. They've set up silent auctions of their crafts, are donating proceeds of their products, and are otherwise getting the word out to help this young family. I am so touched at these people's generosity.

Take a moment to see these links that share the story.

Nie Nie Recovery

Canlas Photography Nielsen Family Benefit

Design Mom Nie Nie Day

Grosgrain Silent Auction for Nie Nie

There are such wonderful people out there, it makes me want to try a little harder. Remember this family in your prayers.

I've put a Nie Recovery Button on the sidebar if you want to help.