The ONE Campaign

Do you ever feel like you want to do more for the suffering poor, I do. Something simple, quick, and easy we can do is sign petitions for things we believe in. Elected officials seem to care what people want. At least they should. Anyway, here (The ONE Campaign) is a sign-on letter at the ONE site asking the leaders of the House and Senate Budget Committees to fund President's Bush's full budget request for International Affairs. If you've never heard of the ONE campaign, check out there site. They are doing good things.

A Million Voices for Darfur

Here is another one. If you do not know what is going on in Darfur Region of Sudan, please check it out at savedarfur.com. Also, please sign this petition, A Million Voices for Darfur.

Firsts

So we have some firsts to report: two induced, one contrived. Firstly, we couldn't wait for one year to give her cow's milk (that is when you are supposed to make the switch from formula). So two weeks early (oh, how rebellious) we decided to start introducing organic whole milk. She likes it.

We also have held off on giving her meat, UNTIL NOW! So our little vegetarian tried some chicken. She didn't like it. Also of note, the spoon was a gift from my grandparents that they used to feed my mom. How cool!

So now the big news. Roxy WALKED! For the whole story, when Nathan was here she took a step, but didn't land it. So I will leave it up to you if you think that counts. Also, Nathan was the first to hold only one of Roxy's hand as she walked. So tonight at the Dancause's home, where Roxy took her first crawl, she took her first step (and remained standing). Thanks Meredith for all of your motivation. Of course, we couldn't stop there. So after several more attempts (probably too many), she made it to three steps. Roxy walks.

Nanny ain't movin'

Click on this article: to read about my great-grandmother in the Orlando newspaper. I'm so proud of her.

Na Na

Na Na was in town! I have known Nathan Powell since birth. Our fathers were and are friends and so we grew up together. Through the years we have spent varied amounts of time together in different seasons of our lives. We can relate well with each other since we come from very similar upbringing. That is one of the joys of our friendship. I am so appreciative that Na Na made the effort to come see me, Trish for only the second time, and meet Roxy.

As for keeping ourselves entertained, we went to a Jet City Improv show on Friday night which was different than what I expected, but there were a few laughs. The main event was snowboarding on a beautiful, sunny day. It was a little icy, but the mountain not being crowded and the view made it worth it.
On Sunday, we went to the 270 foot Snoqualmie Falls and then to China Town in downtown Seattle. Good times, but now back to the books. I have lots of reading...

Artistic?

11 Month Update

In another month of life Roxy proves to be quite the handful. She is active as ever, but still not walking. She can stand just fine, but she chooses not to. We have to trick her into standing. She Two days ago she got her first molar. It looks so painful, just think about a molar pushing its way through your gums. Ouch! That's her ninth tooth and first one to come through in a couple months. In other firsts, she projectile vomited. Trish was the recipient of that fine present. Pretty gross, and they didn't manufacture the car seat very well for cleaning. We are still in awe of how she is developing. I predict she will be passionate, talkative, inquisitive, rowdy, pouty [she already throws tantrums (thrashing on the floor, quite funny right now)oh, and I wasn't trying to rhyme], and demanding. She's is going to be fun (I don't mean that sarcastically - in case you got that impression from my prediction).

No Rain

Seattle had twice as much rainfall as usual in January. I really didn't mind it, but today is the second day of lovely weather and I do prefer that. I took Roxy in the jogging stroller yesterday. It puts her in this zone: no movement, no sound. It's a nice change. Besides that, I've been staying more busy than I'd like with school and taking care of Roxy. I'm getting a lot out of it, but I wish I had more time to hang out with friends, communicate with my geographically distant friends and family, exercise, experience the NW, brush my teeth, etc.

Haiti

I received the following email from a missionary friend in Haiti. Ask me sometime to tell you about this amazing women.
"Well my friend fasten your seatbelts!
Today at hospital General a person was brought in who woke up! after laying in the morturary for 3 days pronounced dead! The family is so poor they were trying to borrow money for the internment so the body laid untouched on ice.
A man from this area 15 days ago died , also woke up in the funeral home.This man wrote and sang "The Risen Christ. sadly he was killed by the guard who thought he was a ghost or worse .The people were so outraged they burnt the funeral place down.
Hundreds of people flocked to the hospital today declaring this to be signs from God ,that He has not abandoned this country and He is Faithful!
I will tell you I am right with them, hands raised and declaring also that my God is a God of Miracles!
Our election is Feb.7 and here in the south the candidate is a Baptist pastor well known Chavanne Jeunne( not Joel Juenne seen on TBN) for his many years of service.
Today it does not matter if democracy comes because people are so excited and thankful that God is with us! God is not a stranger and He is in control of our lives!
I am so excited to be here in this country and as you know I aint!!!! gonna miss God.I truly wish you were here with me .Shalom Judy"

Lounging

Yes, Roxy is watching TV (Baby Einstein). As for me, not much lounging going on. I have half an intensive class this Friday and Saturday and only had eight days to read about 350 pages and write 12 for just this class. I'm loving the material though.

Right now I am baby sitting Jocie Lee (Friend). It is going to be a regular thing Weds 9:45 - 12:15 while her dad is at class. We like having a playmate for Roxy. Luckily, Jocie is a lot easier to handle.