Dinkins - Made in Japan

Blog Neglect

2008-12-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is a 9 month picture with cousin Bronwyn. I was just reading over some old posts from when Roxy was a baby and I started regretting not posting more updates on Everett because I really enjoyed reading Roxy's old ones. So I will give one now. Not a day goes by that I am not amazed by how different Roxy and Everett are. Everett has been such an "easy" baby. As I write this, he is sitting on floor playing with toys all by himself and has been doing so for a while (I am still giving him attention so don't condemn me), but that is something Roxy never did because she always needed our attention.

Everett will be 10 months tomorrow. He has six teeth and weighs almost 20 lbs. He has been army crawling for a few weeks, but doesn't crawl on all fours. He is quite fast. He's been pulling himself up to stand for a couple of weeks. He still can't eat non-blended-up foods. That's all I can think of developmentally. He is on his third round of antibiotics for ear infections right now.

Everett loves Roxy. If the four of us are together his eyes are usually on her. Of course, that could be because she is the one usually moving around and making loud noises, but I think it's because he likes her so much. Roxy is great with him, mostly gentle, and eager to help.

fun in the neighborhood

2008-10-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Rock

2008-09-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is at one of the playgrounds in our community. It's a giant fabricated cclimbing rock. She can climb it herself now too. I was impressed.

Wacky Day @ Pre-School

2008-09-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Big E

2008-09-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

butterfly house

2008-09-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

my little rock climber

2008-09-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

I can now send posts from my phone so maybe I will update this thing more...

She did actually climb up this herself and she will jump off too. Don't tell Mom. Hers or mine. Of course, I catch her.

She's 3

2008-03-09T19:01:00.000-07:00

Our baby girl is three. I'm way overdue on a Roxy update, so here we go...
She weighs in at 35lb 4oz and is 38.75 inches tall - 80 percentile for both. She amazes me everyday with her brilliance, words, energy, and, yes, attitude. She runs the full spectrum for us from utter joy to grave frustration.

Her favorite things: playing with baby dolls; riding her trike; fruit snacks; buckling-in anything that fits in Everett's car seat; Wonder Pets (TV show); talking (she never stops); running around in circles in open-spaces; shredded tires (ground cover at the playground - aka french fries); blanket; rocks; and pretend driving.

Least favorite things (she is kind of a scaredy cat): bugs, any unfamiliar noises, the dark, bedtime, and when we try to make her poop on the potty. She has been peeing on the potty for well over six months, but she still won't poop on the porcelain throne. She asks for a diaper. At least she can put a pull-up on herself, go in the bathroom, and turn on the fan.

She: can say (not just sing) the alphabet; has a vast vocabulary - turbulence, uncomfortable, etc.; says how she is feeling - angry, sad, happy, frustrated;

Roxy is a great big sister. She hasn't showed any signs of jealousy, only a little acting out to try to get attention. She always wants to help and is very gentle with him. Today she said, "Everett is my favorite little guy!"

I adore her.

We spent the day with family at our house and made it an all day celebration. Nanny (my mom) was in town and I am so glad she was able to be here for that and to meet Everett. Somehow we lost a bunch of pictures through some technological glitch, but here is one.

Everett Lewis Dinkins

2008-02-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

THE STATS:
8-Feb-2008 3:32pm
9lb 11oz
21.25 inches

THE TIME LINE:
3:00a contractions start - consistent but never came at regular intervals
6:37a grandma's called to come over and watch roxy
7:50a breakfast at cracker barrell
8:45a shopping at target
9:20a call to dr office and instructed to go to the hospital
10:30a leave for hospital after going home to say bye to roxy
11:20a admitted to labor and delivery room
11:36a trish 5-6cm dilated, 80% effaced, -2 station
2:40p 8cm, dr breaks water, pain intensifies exponentially, and screaming commences
3:10p pushing begins
3:27p everett's head is out but shoulders stuck
3:32p everett born (more labor and delivery details to be posted)

THE PICTURES
Laboring on the big, yellow ball
Cutting the cord
And then there were four
Standard
Going home: take one

Take home: take two

Due Date

2008-02-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Due
As you can see, Trish is still pregnant... we are guessing February 8th...

Snow play

2008-02-02T19:07:00.000-08:00

We got about 8-10 inches of snow the day before and we spent a good portion of the day sledding, building an igloo, throwing snowballs, and building snowmen.

Filling the Gap

2008-01-18T18:53:00.000-08:00

I still love the idea of blogging, but I have been lazy in the endeavor to keep it up to date... we'll see what happens from here, but to highlight the last 5 months:

After getting pregnant and graduating from school the idea of moving near family started to appeal to us. We ultimately decided to move to St Louis where Trish's parents and eldest sister, Jen, live. Jen is married to Jason and they are expecting twins due June 3rd. Sheila, Trish's other sister lives about 3.5 hrs away with husband Joe and Michael, Roxy's four-day-younger cousin. Sheila is, I mean was, due yesterday so we'll have another niece here any day now.

We weren't sure of timing, but I was able to transfer with Graybar so we moved sooner instead of later. We couldn't sell our condo in time so we are renting it out (that was a stressful, time-consuming process). So Trish and Roxy flew Dec 4th and I drove with my friend Don Weber (who married us and lives in St Louis) and arrived Dec 9th.

We stayed with Jen and Jason for a couple weeks and now we are renting a 2Br/2Ba apt in the same neighborhood . Tomorrow Trish is working her last of seven shifts as a barista at Starbucks. She is due Feb 3rd.

We loved Seattle and miss our friends, but we are hopeful for this next season.

So those are the highlights. Give me a call or email me if you want the details.
Emerging

First Haircut

2008-01-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

She is almost three and this is her first haircut, seriously...

She did so good. We were amazed.
So long
In process
Reward
Finished product

Seattle Condo

2007-09-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

In case you ever wanted to know what our condo looks like...
RENTED.

roxy play

2007-08-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

by Meredith Dancause

Graybar new hire

2007-08-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard of Graybar Electric Co.? I hadn't either till May of this year when I applied for a job there. Well I got it and started on June 11, 2007. Graybar is a Fortune 500 company with branches all over North America. We are an employee-owned company that is a "provider of electrical and telecommunications service solutions and products." Seattle is the NW District headquarters.

I work in the Financial Department. My job is quite diverse, which I like, so it is hard to explain what I do. My main duty is that of financial manager for about 300 commercial accounts. I establish creidt lines, ensure payments are made, and do a lot of problem solving to resolve payment issues. I also create financial reports, set up new accounts, and work with other departments as it relates to finances, especially accounting.

I realize this may sound boring to a lot of people, but I enjoy working with numbers and analyzing things so I have been enjoying my job. As well, I am getting the experience I desire which I believe will help prepare me for my long term goal of doing Business as Mission.

All Done

2007-08-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

This not so interesting photo is the final moment of my Mars Hill Graduate School - Masters Of Arts in Christian Studies degree. With the click of the mouse at 3:32am on August 7, 2007 I turned in my final paper via email to Dr. Carl Raschke.
This is all my assigned reading for my degree. It represents so much...

Oops

2007-07-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Trish fell asleep and this is how I was greeted when I came home from school. It's diaper ointment!

Jocie is 2

2007-06-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

Koen, Samuel, Jocie, Roxy, Matia

Guess what???

2007-06-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

2-9er

2007-06-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

That's our hotel behind my left hand
For my birthday present we took an overnight trip to Victoria, British Columbia. It was a three-hour ride on the Victoria Clipper. It was a relaxing time in a beautiful city.
Tanning by the pool

Class of 2007

2007-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

I graduated today! I earned a Master of Arts in Christian Studies from Mars Hill Graduate School. I do love my school. It is unique and it is a gift from God.
I had the privilege of being one of the three student speakers. Click here to read my speech. I actually have three more classes this summer, but they only have one ceremony a year. I think my last assignment is due August 3rd. I enjoyed the ceremony much more than I thought I would. The chapel was beautiful, but it is hard to tell from the lighting in this picture. I was extremely nervous giving my speech, but I think it came out okay. I am glad it is over and thankful to be a part of the story of Mars Hill.

Me with one of my favorite professors, Dr. Dwight Friesen

Our Easter

2007-04-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

We went to Vineyard Community Church which is the church we have started attending somewhat regularly. For dinner we went to the Dancause house for a tasty potluck and fun time with about a dozen friends.

Easter Progression

2007-04-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

One minute in the life of Roxy

2007-03-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

By popular demand, a Roxy video clip. It is nothing extraordinary - actually pretty standard.

Mom time

2007-03-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

My mom came to visit us Thursday through today. We had a good time, nothing really out of the ordinary, just enjoyed food, shopping, nature, and time together. Mom, thanks for making the trip - we appreciate it.

26

2007-03-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

Again, not too many birthday pictures. These are the only two - the coffee shop two blocks from our house where we ate breakfast and cherry blossoms on the walk back. For Trish's birthday present we went to the Melting Pot. YUMMY!

2

2007-03-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Yep, Roxy is TWO. We had two parties to celebrate our 29 lb, 36 inch daughter who has never had a haircut, talks non-stop, and loves putting anything or anyone to sleep.

Sadly, we didn't get too many good pictures, but we still have the best toddler ever.

Just one of those days...

2007-03-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

This was one of those days when you are compelled by the weather to spend some time outside. This park is about three miles from our house. We are blessed to live in such a wonderful place.
Happy Swinging
She already has skills
Almost there

Katie

2007-03-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

My niece was born today. Let's celebrate!

Kathryn Grace Dinkins
7 lb 12 oz - 21 inches
March 5th @ 1:02 p.m.

Ring around the Rosies

2007-02-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

Click to watch video:Ring around the Rosies.

Stories

2007-02-15T21:26:00.000-08:00

I really should record more stories about Roxy here to help me remember. With that thought here are two...

Today Roxy was flipping through My First Bible and coming across a cartoon image of Moses holding a staff says, "UNCLE JASON!" Where that came from I don't know.

I was going through a list of "What does a _____ say?" When I asked her for the first time, "What does daddy say?" she pondered a bit and I braced for what could be a telling moment. She answered, "I love you!" and my proud heart melted.

ABC 123 Videos

2007-02-12T20:51:00.000-08:00

Click here to see Roxy sing her ABCs.

And here to see her count.

ABC 123

2007-02-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Roxy is 23 months today and still amazing us. She sang her ABCs and counted to ten this past month all on her own. I think that makes her a genius, but I don't know.

From a recent assignment

2007-02-08T23:26:00.000-08:00

Personal Mission Statement:
My mission is to employ business as a tool to facilitate economic, social, and spiritual well-being for individuals and entire communities. I will use my talents, experiences, and passions to do my part in bringing the kingdom of God to the here in now; specifically, God’s will that no person live in poverty. I will connect with communities stricken by poverty so that together we can harness the potential of business to reduce poverty and to advance of God's kingdom globally.

Reflection:
As a white male from the USA, I have a lot of power in the world. I do not say that arrogantly because in actuality I shy away from that power because of the responsibility that accompanies it. In addition, I do not like being identified with my “demographic” that is responsible for much violence and oppression in the world past and present. Regardless, I am what I am and with the born privilege comes power. I can choose to use that power to perpetuate or to change the systems that oppress. I want to change those systems. In particularly, I sense a calling to reduce the oppressive systems of poverty.
Poverty is the source or at least major contributor of many of the world’s problems such as preventable diseases, human trafficking, war, HIV, illiteracy, starvation, and the oppressive list goes on. If the problem of poverty is solved, many of these other problems would be solved or at least lessened as a result. Poverty is a complicated systemic issue that requires many different solutions. The most obvious solution to me and the one I feel equipped to apply is to help grow the economies of poverty stricken communities and nations. Carrying out this solution requires careful handling. Social, environmental, psychological, and spiritual development must accompany the economic growth. I want to work with others, rich and poor, to help figure out how to best grow together in all these aspects.

All Done

2007-01-22T09:54:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was my last day at PDIC (my part-time employer). It was a mutual termination after our pre-established three-month probationary period because he was looking for someone long term to grow with the company. That person is not me. I hope that I gained helpful experience for my life to come. I feel relief from the job. So now what...

I have applied for a couple of paid internship/volunteer positions in mircofinance (a field I am highly interested in). Although I have been successful in making some good contacts/relationships with people in the field, it doesn't look like those opportunities will come to pass anytime soon. I also applied for an Admin Assist position at Starbucks in the International Dept and I have an interview on Thursday. I started off applying because it sounds like a good idea/opportunity, but as time goes on I am getting excited about it. We'll see...

Snow Day II

2007-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

As seen in this picture, Roxy doesn't quite appreciate snow days like she should.

Urbana 06

2007-01-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

Post-trip Report:
December 27-31 I attended Urbana 06 in St. Louis. It was attended by 22,500 people. Seeing and being around that many people passionate about missions was thrilling. Visiting or walking through the exhibits from missions organizations brought great joy. I talked with some amazing people and potential contacts. The relationships and networking that happens at Urbana is perhaps its greatest benefit.

I did the Business as Mission (BAM) track "for those who have a passion or growing interest in business and global missions. It will build, mobilize, and equip a multi-generational network of business practitioners who seek to harness the potential of business to contribute to the global advance of God's kingdom around the world." Mission accomplished. It was the first such track for Urbana and the largest gathering ever for BAM (1200 people).

I don't want to go on and on about the details, but finish with a few words: theater, ethnic diversity (I was a minority in BAM), sleeping on the floor, Bono (U2), poverty, calling, AIDS, exposure, and knowledge.

Christmas in St. Louis

2006-12-25T23:51:00.000-08:00

Quick Trip

2006-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

After Dave's wedding (see below), I drove to Florida to see my family. It was a really good trip. We basically had two "get-togethers" and so since I didn't have to drive all over the place to see people, it made for a more relaxing time. I had some good conversations with my family and enjoyed seeing them. Unfortunately, Trish and Roxy did not go on the trip and everyone missed them severely; especially me.
Leah, Ken, Jonathan
This is my brother Ken, his wife Leah, and nephew Jonathan. Also, Leah is pregnant and is due March 4th, the same day Roxy was due.

Presenting the McLaughlins

2006-12-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

My friend Dave that I grew quite fond of while we were both in the Navy in Japan got married on December 16, 2006 in Savannah, Georgia to Erin Pozorski. I was honored to be a groomsmen. I was edged out as best man, by another dear friend from the Navy, Kyle Swanson. I am so happy for Dave. I believe he is going to live a much happier and fulfilled life with Erin. The wedding went well and I think fun was had by all. I also got the chance to get to know Dave's immediate family who I stayed two nights with in Dave's newly purchased home. By the way, Savannah has an awesome downtown that is full of character.
Paul, Dave, and Kyle

Jingle

2006-12-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

This morning we did the Jingle Bell 5K with some friends. The run (not really a race) is downtown. Lots of people dressed up (as in costumes). Thanks to Karen for bringing the antlers. Roxy actually fell asleep during the race. We ran took the bus down together and then walked back and had some coffee. Good times.

Sarino's Trip

2006-12-03T00:03:00.000-08:00

Trish's oldest sister Jen and her husband Jason visited us over the Thanksgiving weekend. We were very thankful they came to spend the holiday with us. We really enjoyed their company and the chance to show them around Seattle. They seemed to love it. We tried talking them into moving here. They were tempted.

Of note, we saw the Bodies Exhibit which is a fascinating look at the anatomy of preserved human bodies. We also saw the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. No pictures allowed at either place though. We ate our Thanksgiving meal at the Clark's home. Besides that, we mainly did the free sightseeing stuff.

Proud Hubby

2006-11-26T22:41:00.000-08:00

Trish ran the Seattle half marathon (13.1 miles). Obviously, that is quite a physical feat. One that she doesn't plan on doing again any time soon. I don't blame her. She ran most of it with her friend Jenn Clark. After hitting up Krispy Kreme (the race started at 7:30 am), Mr. Clark and I drove around to three spots on the course to cheer them on.

Proof

2006-11-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

In case you were doubting the legitimacy of my last post, check out this video clip.

Brag

2006-11-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a second and brag about how smart Roxy is. By the way, she is 20 months now.
Today, the waitress asked Roxy her name and she answered (correctly).
Roxy has a toy that counts to ten upon each hitting of the buttons and this morning after hitting the seven button she said 8, 9, 10 on her own.
She does summersaults on command (except in front of company).
Today Roxy had her friend Jocie over and about an hour after she left, Roxy said, "Jocie back," out of the blue.
She likes to say, "mama, (or dada) where are you?"
I was carrying her outside today and she started shrieking. I told her to stop and she said, "outside." As to say I can shriek outside. See, she gets told to use her inside voice a lot.

My pumpkin

2006-10-29T12:25:00.000-08:00

We went to the pumpkin patch with some friends. Pictures tell the story...

Working Man

2006-10-29T11:56:00.000-08:00

In my recently infrequent posts, I have failed to mention that I got a job. Well I did! I guess the best generic title would be Administrative Assistant, part-time. I started October 17th. The business, PDIC, exports carpet and wallcoverings to SE Asia. We have some exclusive distribution rights for US companies in that area of the world. We're mostly a middle-person.

Right now, I am processing sample and order requests and other various office duties. It is a small office with usually only one or two other people at a time. We also have six offices overseas. I was attracted to the job because of the international business experience (especially Asia), flexible schedule, likeable and successful boss/owner, and the potential growth with the job. With that said, stay tune for a post on what I am beginning to believe is my future vocation.

Quick cute story

2006-10-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

I picked Roxy up from her crib this morning, and as I walked away with her in my arms, she waved at the crib and said, "bye-bye sleepy!"

Missionfest

2006-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went to the first ever Seattle Missionfest. It was my first mission conference. I didn't attend all of it, but went to a few seminars on business as mission. I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibitors tent. It was an emotional high being around all of these people, ideas, and organizations dedicated to missions. I talked at length with a women who runs the YWAM North Korea Study School here in Washington. It is thrilling to see what God is doing through all these people.

Another highlight was talking with Steve Saint. He was one of the plenary speakers. He is quite famous in the missionary world. His father was a martyr in Ecuador. It is probably the most "famous" martyr story of modern times because of the eventual evangelical success with the targeted tribe. A movie, End of the Spear, was recently out about it. Anyway, I went to church and school with the family so I know them from back in Florida. So it was interesting seeing him after probably thirteen years on the other side of the country.

Wee busy

2006-10-15T14:27:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. So last week I was in class about 35 hours and I read about 700 pages that week as well. I had Spirituality of Leadership II, a two-credit intensive format class. It was an incredible time, but very exhausting. I hope I can implement what I've learned. Hopefully it is embedded in my unconscious.

Check us out

2006-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Click to see us. Find our face and click it!

The Dark Side

2006-09-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Waxy

2006-09-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering, hot wax spilt on the back of your hand doesn't hurt as bad as you'd think - shocking though!

Cute

2006-09-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

We think Roxy sounds quite cute sometimes... click

Two Years

2006-09-18T22:50:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging for two years today. That's 245 posts. Thanks for any interest you've shown: it keeps me doing it.

Year-and-a-half

2006-09-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday Roxy turned 18 months. We didn't celebrate, but we did celebrate our friend Brian's birthday while we were at the MHGS Fall retreat. We shared a cabin for two nights with the Pendergast and Clark families. So back to Roxy... she is such a big, smart girl. She is learning new words everyday, drinking out of a cup, eating with a fork, throwing away garbage, and for the big news (drum roll...) she pooped in the toilet on Monday and peed on Tuesday. Shout out to Trish for her patience during these major events. I missed both of the events, but I did take pictures of the remains (available upon request).

Catching Up

2006-09-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

We went to Quest church the past two Sundays. After church one time we went to Greenlake, a popular urban lake, with the Pendergast family. They have this fun, huge wading pool next to the lake.

Sam and I took Roxy and Jocie for a stroll to Kinnear park near our home. There are quite a few small parks around our neighborhood. Hopefully we'll make trips there on a regular basis.

We stayed overnight in downtown Portland last weekend. We explored downtown, ate at some local restaurants, and visited a park.

The is the Int'l Rose Test Garden in Portland. As you can see, it is beautiful.

We ended up going to Multnomah Falls because Roxy fell asleep in the car on the way to the zoo and we didn't want to wake her so we drove here. It is 620 feet tall and the second tallest year-round waterfall in the States.

Back-to-School

2006-09-05T23:21:00.000-07:00

I'm behind on what I would like to be posting, but soon enough. Anyway, I started back to school today after a five week break. It didn't seem like much of a break since moving took up so much time and energy. This semester I am taking New Testament Genre, Prayer, Spirituality of Leadership II, and Human Growth and Development. I wish I had more time to blog about school. I am so tired... good night!

Blackberry

2006-08-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

A wonderful bonus to our new home is that right across the street there are tons of wild blackberries. We've made blackberry cobbler, blackberry crisp, blackberry pancakes, blackberry syrup... oh yea! Sometimes I take Roxy out there for a fresh snack.

I have fond memories of picking blackberries on my dad's property back in the days so it is quite nostalgic for me now. My best friend Nathan and I used to make a pouch with the front of our shirt and put them in there. On this side of the country, the blackberries seem more like vines than the bushes we had in FL.

Rzechula

2006-08-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

I've known Matt for a decade now. We met in Fort Worth when I attended JSMI Bible School. Him and his ex-wife were my best friends there. Matt's family lives an hour north of here so we had a chance to hang out during his visit. His brother took us to Ruth's Chris, a famous steakhouse. My meal was probably $75. Free food... good times. Matt and I explored downtown for a while and he spent one night with us. It is always great to catch up with old friends.

Mt. Pilchuck

2006-08-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jenn Clark for putting together a fun-filled camping trip. We spent one night at Gold Basin, a beautiful campground only an hour away, with the Clark, Sinclair, and Penergast families. The highlight of the trip for me was a hike the guys took to the top of Mt. Pilchuck (thanks to the ladies for watching the kiddos). We hiked 3 miles and 2000 ft to a shack at the top where there was a 360 degree view of the surrounding sea, lakes, snow-capped peaks, rivers, and snow patches.

Inhome & Online

2006-08-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

We've been in our new home a week now, and today we got internet service. So I haven't spent much time on the net and, as you can see, blogging. Actually, I haven't done much of anything not related to moving or taking care of Roxy the last 18 days. Oh wait, we did go hiking and camping one night with some friends (that will be the next post). And I promise some pics of the condo once it is in order. We still have a little painting and organizing to do. Despite, we had some friends over last night for an enjoyable evening.

Trip in Review

2006-08-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

Riding with cousin Jonathan
I am back from Florida. Mission accomplished! When I say mission, I am insinuating there was a lot of work involved, it was no vacation. Besides a few times, any time I was away from Roxy, I was working on a school paper. So a lot of driving around in my bright blue PT Cruiser rental car to visit with people. I still didn't get to see everybody I wanted, sorry. I do always put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure I see everyone and that no one gets there feelings hurt because I didn't see them or spend enough time with them. I'm trying to get over that, but it does make me feel a little guilt, a little sadness. So all I did was visit with people which I am glad to do and especially glad for my family and friends to be around Roxy. It was well worth the trip just to be in the presence of my family and friends.

Overall Roxy did well on the flights, but it was a tiresome experience for me to keep her happy. I drove with my mom and Roxy to Atlanta to see Drew and then to North Carolina to see my mom's parents for a couple days. They have a home in the mountains on a golf course. It is so peaceful and beautiful. I wish all my family lived there instead. I had forgotten just how hot it is in Florida. I would be outside in the shade and still sweat.

Upon arrival home in Seattle at 11 p.m., I had to do a 10 page paper due the next day. So after constant work on it with four hours sleep one night and two the next, I turned it in... late. Now though, I have a five week break from school.
Hangin' with Great Great Grandmother

Peterka

2006-07-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my trip home was being able to see an old friend, Andrew Peterka. We met in Japan where we had the exact same job in the Navy, and more importantly, where we were part of the same Christian community, the Hospitality House. Drew had a small wedding on June 8th and then on July 21st in Atlanta they had a celebration time with a larger group at his new in-laws. It was great catching up and reminiscing and meeting his bride. She seems wonderful and I am so happy for Drew. Also, he scored in the in-law department. Good people.

1110 W Howe

2006-07-22T14:24:00.000-07:00

So we did get the condo. YEAH! We're what you call first-time-home-buyers. It was a time consuming, learning process. I can't wait till we're settled in. Anyway, it is 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath, 1007 s/f, 1st floor of a 13 unit building, and in West Queen Anne. I'll tell you more if you ask, but describing it any more seems like it would be a bore. I'll post pictures once we're moved in...

Offerings

2006-07-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

So we decided to buy a condo. We can get our payment to be as much as rent would probably be so why not invest! So our first attempt: condo on market two days - we offer asking price with seller paying closing cost - we don't get accepted because someone else offered $10,000 over asking, paid cash, and did not require an inspection. The second one we wanted didn't work out either, but I'll spare the details. And, as of this moment we are waiting to hear back on an offer for a condo in Queen Anne (a neighborhood directly north of downtown Seattle). I'll tell you all about it if we get it. It's been on the market a whole week so hopefully we have a better chance.

In a related story...

This morning I took Roxy to daycare at 9 a.m. At about 10:30 I searched the whole house for a folder that had a bunch of house buying paperwork. Well, I finally realized I probably left it on top of the minivan last night. Sure enough, I get to the five-lane road in front of our complex and see a few pages. Forty-five minutes later after walking about a three block radius, an intersecting street, and both sides of the busy streets, I recovered individually 30 of 32 pages. Not exactly an enjoyable experience!

So I am leaving tomorrow for Florida with Roxy for twelve days. Trish can't go since she has a new job. I'll post all about it when I can. Of note, I am going to Andrew Peterka's "marriage celebration" in Atlanta. He got married June 8th and since it was a small wedding they are having this celebration for others to "celebrate."

Translator please?

2006-07-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Roxy is quite the talker. Click video. Do you think she is trying to communicate something, enjoys hearing her own voice, imitating, or what?

Just relaxing

2006-07-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

We had an enjoyable 4th of July. We had some friends over for swimming and lunch and then went to some other friends for some good potluck eatin'. After putting Roxy to bed, we watched fireworks from our balcony. It was a different firework experience, but interesting. Our apartment is on a hill so we have a good view of the surrounding suburbs. We didn't get the close up effect, but we watched three big shows and dozens of individual's firework pretty much simultaneously. They last well over an hour so we actually got bored.

Laughable

2006-07-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a video clip for your viewing pleasure. And another one.

Ketchup

2006-07-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

I think this is the longest I've gone without a blog. I am feeling withdraws. I am going to give a quick update. We have big news so read on...
Canada Day
We just got back from Vancouver, Canada where we celebrated Canada Day with some friends. We visited the big festivities at the convention center and stayed over night. Honestly, it wasn't a worthwhile trip. Although, we had an excellent authentic Chinese lunch. Crossing the border took about an hour each way. Trish lost her purse. Roxy had a lot of crabby spells and didn't sleep well. We wished we would have stayed home and relaxed because we are just finishing up a busy spell.
Alki Beach
Friday night needs a mention. We celebrated a friend's, Mark Closson, birthday with surprise at Alki Beach. A beautiful spot across the water from downtown. Mark and his wife Mary have become a good friends. For those who know the magnitude, Mark was my Practicum II partner.

Last week I finished up with classes for the summer. Three more papers to do this month though.

Roxy is still developing so quickly (in my eyes). She seems so smart sometimes. She does about 25 signs now (including poop). She is fun to just watch sometimes. Like last night she was spinning around in her pac-n-play while flailing her arms and babbling loudly. She likes talking on the phone, loves bath time, and LOVES shoes.

Okay, for the big news... Trish got a job at Starbucks Corporate! She is going to be an Admin Assistant for the VP in charge of the benefits. Starbucks is a great company to work for and has lots of perks: lb of coffee a week, 30% store discount, 15% discount on stock, and free drinks while at work.
O' Canada

Happy

2006-06-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

When I picked Roxy up after class today at our friends house, she saw me and ran about 15 feet into my arms with a big smile on her face. Melted my heart! She can make us so happy. We have been quite proud of her and showing her sign language ability off to our friends. I think she is up to 17 signs.

Gap

2006-06-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering what Roxy's teeth look like...
Taken by Jenn Clark
Doesn't she look old here? Well, today she is 15 months!

Paul Log

2006-06-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

June 2: school, Thai lunch with Trish, all-you-can-eat sushi dinner with Clark/Sinclair families, evening at Closson's house with friends, turn 28

June 3: school, fly to St. Louis

June 4: Cardinals vs. Cubs with Trish (free tickets), meet-up with JM and Jim

June 5: dinner with Don and Jessi

June 6: zoo

June 7: accompany Trish to Lasik surgery, watch Poiseden with Jason

June 8: breakfast with Mark Lanker, lunch with Kim, back to Seattle

Spent lots of time with Trish's family the rest of the time. The Long family was there from Springfield so it was great for everybody seeing Michael and Roxy together.

June

2006-06-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

I did not get the job. I am a little disappointed. I am not used to rejection so maybe a little humbling is in order.

Trish is going to St. Louis tomorrow for her cousin's wedding and getting a touch-up on her Lasik surgery. They didn't get it right the first time, but they're (her eyes) are still under warranty. She is taking Roxy and then I am going to fly there Saturday night after class. I am taking Old Testament Genre all day today thru Saturday. We're flying back together on Thursday.

Ghost

2006-05-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

I had a load of clean laundry on the floor. In the mix Roxy found what she must have thought was a magic sheet. She put the crib sheet over her head and proceeded to walk fifteen feet straight toward the door. Bonk, her head discovered the sheet wasn't magic after all.

This is the very same sheet Roxy barfed on last night (I washed it first). She threw-up four times Friday night. In case you want a play-by-play, once in a friend's (Jocie) pac-n-play, once in the foyer (thanks for cleaning it up Sam and Tucker), and then twice at home on the bathroom counter. She has been acting okay since except for a lack of appetite. Then last night (Monday) she threw-up at 3 am. As you can tell from the above story she is acting okay though.

In other Roxy news, she is signing more. She does flower, thank you, please, water, bath, and ball. She is also combining sometimes, "more please." I think "uh-oh" is the only word she has added to her vocab (my first word). She babbles a lot though like she is saying multiple sentences and expects a response. It is too cute, especially when she sticks her little tongue in and out while she is "talking." I haven't really been around too many babies so all this is very interesting to me. It feels like she is developing so fast and does the smartest baby things. Like she points to her nose when asked and signs milk when I say it in Korean.

Videos

2006-05-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Check out this video clip for hopefully a good chuckle.

And this viedo clip to be amazed.

Job posting

2006-05-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

I applied for a job today. Click on "job" to see the posting. Sounds exciting to me and seems to fit well with my life right now. I was taking a break from school writing and browsed through part-time, non-profit jobs on craigslist. Kind of random, but I came across this posting. So I'll let you know what happens.

Monday Tradition

2006-05-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

I have a new tradition. Roxy still goes to day care on Mondays and we are both enjoying this time apart. I found an awesome place to run after I drop Roxy off. After the half-marathon in Nov I have hardly exercised at all and put on about seven pounds. Of course, I am not worried about putting on weight, in fact, I welcome it, but I don't like what it is a symptom of. Anyway, I've started running regularly again and found a beach to make the experience a lot more enjoyable. Let me describe...

Three miles from our home is Picnic Point, my starting point. There are few access points to the shoreline in this area so there are few other people around. It is 60 degrees and the sky is clear. I run on the hard packed sand enmeshed with river rock that absorbs my pounding. On one side I see the Puget Sound. From here it looks like a bay. The water and one-foot waves are comparable to a lake. In the background is a snow capped mountain range. I see a crane at the waters edge and seagulls swooping in the shallow water. On the other side, large rocks ramp up to a railroad track, and beyond that a few million-dollar homes and a reserve lush with tall firs and inhabited by chirping birds. To keep it interesting, I high step over the occasional driftwood and rocks scattered on the shore. I pass by a series of ancient posts in the water that must have held up a dock decades ago. Around a bend a train zooms by and I come to a no trespassing sign protecting a grounded barge that looks as old as the posts I passed and a home that is accessible only by crossing the tracks. I run on the nuetral tracks to skirt by the private property and get a closer look at the mysterious old 150 foot ship. It has vegetation on the top and looks like a monstrous plant pot. I want to press on, but I've been running 25 minutes already. Just to the next bend. I turn around then get to a point where the tide has come up to the railroad rocks. I had to scale the rocks to run on the tracks. Inevitably, a train comes and whistles at me from behind. I rush to the side and in 15 seconds watch the engine fly by up close and personal. Another hundred yards and back to the beach I finish off a beautiful Pacific Northwest run.

Opposites do Attract!

2006-05-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

This past Thu-Sat I had my first class this summer, all of which are "intensive" format, Spirituality of Leadership in Org I. It's hard to summarize a course, but I will say I feel it was impacting as well as enjoyable (if you're okay with entering the pain of leadership). Our professor, Ron Carucci, started us off with an interesting definition for leadership, "the ability to disappoint people at a rate they can absorb."

As for the title of this entry, we took the DiSC Classic, a behavioral personality profile test that has been around 41 years. I have an Objective Thinker Pattern. Anyway, Trish took the test at home and without seeing my answers didn't choose a single one the same as me out of 56 possibilities. Needless to say, we were opposites in every category. Her pattern is called Inspirational.

So what does all this mean? I don't know, do you?

I like this story...

2006-05-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Roxy says mama a lot now, and it sounds a lot cuter than dada for some reason. This morning after her daily breakfast of a whole banana and three strawberries, I got her out of her high-chair and she starts pointing and walking towards the bedroom and passionately repeating "mama." After reaching the side of the bed where yesterday morning she found mama sleeping, I told her mama was at work. Apparently she didn't believe me because she kept saying "mama" and looking up at the bed. So I put her up on the bed to quell her disbelief. She still didn't believe me so she lifted up the covers and finally realized mama wasn't there.

Our Mother's Day

2006-05-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

We ate lunch with the families of Trish's Mars Hill spouse's group. Also my friends. Eleven adults, four infants (mothers ate free). Then we went to the park on Greenlake for a beautiful, sunny time.

Sam and Carol and Jocelyn: Hooligans

2006-05-09T20:50:00.000-07:00

See Roxy at Sam and Carol and Jocelyn: Hooligans.

Moody

2006-05-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Caught on tape: Roxy demonstrates her moodiness. From happy to whiney in no time... Here is the video clip.

Dreaming

2006-05-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

Lately my thoughts have been saturated with plans for the near and distant future. I have come across or formulated some ideas that have excited me.

I think I will start with us first coming to Seattle for me to go to MHGS. I felt drawn to the school, it felt so right. I loved and love the vision and emphasis. The school has met my expectations. I applied to the Master of Arts in Christian Studies program, but by the time I registered for classes, I switched over to the Master of Divinity program track because I was attracted to the Global Engagement concentration. I still desire to do foreign missions and this seemed to fit. The MACS is 48-hours and the MDiv is 90-hours.

Now I am considering if that extra 42-hours will best prepare me for my calling. Or, if I could spend that time and money on another degree that would better prepare me for my calling and open up opportunities overseas. I believe missionary work has to be more and more innovative in our postmodern, globalized world. I want to be effective. I want to make a real, significant difference for people’s life, especially the poor and marginalized, not only for eternity, but for the here and now. I want to create communities that foster faith, hope, and love where there is little to be found.

I want to make sure my education is not an excuse for inactivity. However, I do not think it is, but is a means of better preparing me to be an effective change agent. So I have been looking at other options, namely in the Seattle area, and have three on the top of my list:

1) A MBA in Sustainable Business from Bainbridge Graduate Institute, http://www.bgiedu.org/. This is what I am most excited about. Sustainable business as I understand it focuses on social, ecological, and economical wellness as opposed to just profits. I could write about this for a while, but I will write what I believe this degree would prepare and facilitate for me, a hope, a dream. A factory or business in China that trades internationally and would provide its workers with excellent working conditions and treatment, vacation time, and fair wages (this is the opposite of most factories in China). I believe this would open up many evangelistic and humanitarian opportunities. Profits would be used to go back in to the communities where the businesses are located. Part of the dream would be for such a place to serve as a model for others. Also, if and when North Korea opens up, I would love to do such an endeavor there, a place where such a community undertaking would be much needed.
2) A Master of Arts in Organization Design and Renewal from Seattle U., www.seattleu.edu. This is a one-of-a-kind degree program. It is geared more for people to become consultants. It has classes on social responsibility, but that is not the emphasis. I could still do the above, or I thought I could be a “Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant” and help other companies accomplish the above. A problem I see is not being able to let the beneficiaries know it is for the sake of the gospel these things are being done.
3) A MBA in with a concentration in International Business from Argosy U., http://www.argosyu.edu/. This could perhaps open up the same opportunities as BGI. The attraction here is that I could complete it in one year versus two for Seattle U. and BGI, and still have enough Montgomery G.I. Bill to pay for it. Also, it is located one block from MHGS, allowing me to stay close to that community.

There are still so many factors involved in deciding: timing, money, working, family priorities, MHGS is revamping there MACS next year towards something more suited for my desires, etc. I am not one to make rash decisions so my plan right now is to give these thoughts the test of time.

I have come across two businesses that I believe are doing great work around what I am writing about. Pura Vida Coffee, http://www.puravidacoffee.com/, and Ten Thousand Villages, http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/. Both have volunteer opportunities here in Seattle, and I am thinking about doing an internship with Pura Vida if I go this route. Also, I highly recommend buying coffee and international goods from these two companies.

I am still thinking, researching, and praying about how to best serve the North Korean situation. I am willing to help the refugees in China “on the ground” full-time, but I am thinking I could better serve their cause in other ways: advocacy, working to change policies, or perhaps through business. Since they are underground in China, as white people, we might bring unwanted attention to them.

Please dream with and on behalf of me. Please share your counsel or feedback and if you know me well enough, please share with me what you think my gifts, talents, or calling may be. I believe a community can help its members realize their gifts.

Deep Breath

2006-05-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I stayed up till 4 a.m. finishing my last paper for my second semester. Deep breath. Trish gave me a gift certificate to celebrate finishing my first semester, but I just got around to using it today. So I celebrated finishing both. Deep breath. I hope to get some more relaxation this summer, but the twelve books sitting on my desk say "no way."

Roxy Log

2006-04-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Stood up unassisted first time April 26th - now officially a walker
Sign language performed with accuracy to date (also understands verbally): more (Roxy's definitions include feed me and give me something else to eat I don't want this), milk, diaper, and done
Commands audibly recognized: kiss (gives opened-mouth), hug (prefers hugging stuffed animals over us), peek-a-boo (elicits slapping her own face), and unfortunately she does not understand "no" YET
Words spoken (in which she knows what she is saying): dada (debatable), what's that, cat, dog, duck, sock, and she combines many syllables which sound like sentences but are just baby talk

Boating Break

2006-04-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Classes are over for the semester, and one more paper to turn in. I start back May 18th, but I have a lot of pre-course assignments so no real break. Last night we had a Spring Banquet with the school, and we had a co-worker of Trish watch Roxy. They invited us out on their boat the next day, today. And so it was a lovely, relaxing time for us on Lake Washington with not a cloud in the sky and Mt. Ranier towering in the background. We road to a park, docked, and ate (restaurant) burgers for lunch. We haven't done much outdoor stuff since we've been here so it was a refreshing time.

Discovered

2006-04-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

Roxy found her belly-button!

See, there it is!

In other noteworthy news, Roxy can now do sign language! We tried teaching her for a while, but weren't too consistent. She finally does "more" but for her it means give me food or drink. I think she may know diaper change. We'll confirm later. Anyway, this should cut down on her and our frustration. Hopefully too she has caught on to the concept and we can teach her more and then show her off to the world as the smartest baby in the world! Oh wait, we have to learn sign language first...

Updating

2006-04-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to stop with monthly updates on Roxy and just post as things happen or come to me. With that, as of today the most steps Roxy has taken is 17. She has about 13 teeth which is a lot for her age. She adorably babbles a lot and her latest phenomenon is pointing usually accompanied by "wuzat" which sounds like "what's that." Her eating habits are changing for the worst. She has been picky. Oh what a frustrating thing - trying to feed a hungry baby that gives a tight-lipped whine and turn of the head to something you try to feed her that she has enjoyed many times before. She is very passionate and I like that about her - except when she is passionate about doing things she shouldn't. Anyway, here are some good pictures from the past month.

Stroll in the park. Roxy and I both need to get our more. We enjoyed our outing.

She got herself in this predicament. So you don't think I am cruel, she was laughing when I starting taking the picture.

We do take good care of her, I promise.

Fire!

2006-04-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

I almost burned the apartment down. I had a candle on my desk and was printing something. The paper flew off the printer onto the candle which caught fire and inflamed a folder on my desk. I was in the bedroom when our loud, trusty fire alarm went off. I ran to the scene and carried the flaming folder to the sink. After ventilating the alarm went off and we surveyed the damage: burnt head phones, charred spots on desk, melted printer cable, some paper, travel wallet melted, and lots of ash to vacuum. Pretty fortunate! My computer inches away is unscathed.

Where have we been?

2006-04-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

The main reason that I haven’t posted in a while, besides being generally busy, is that we do not have internet at home anymore. We cancelled it in conjunction with our landline - saving money and cutting down on the distraction. I have internet access at school and Trish has it at work. Plus, there are wifi connections here and there. Right now I am at the library working on a research paper.

In regards to my last post, Roxy has recovered well and is back to being as active as ever. This week we started Roxy in daycare, http://www.eldc.org/, for one day a week to give her some interaction with more kids and structured “development” and give me some time to get school work done so that I don’t have to stay up so late and can have more time to spend with Trish when she is home instead of doing catching up on what I couldn’t get done during the day watching Roxy. Wow, that was an impressively long, grammatically correct sentence. Or is it not correct? I figured out that I was spending at least forty hours a week giving Roxy undivided attention or taking care of her in some way (laundry, making baby food, etc.). Although fulfilling, it still means I am “working” a full-time job and going to graduate school full-time (I actually take 2 more credit hours than full-time). Needless to say I have some stress in my life. Stress can be good and bad and so it is with me.

Poor Baby

2006-03-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

Thursday night Roxy threw-up (Meredith, how is your bag smelling?). Friday it didn't stop so I took her to the clinic. She has an ear infection that was probably brought on by a cold. In combination or as a byproduct, she has a fever, diarrhea, soar throat, coughing, cold sores, runny nose, was still throwing-up, and popped a blood vessel in her eye. To top that off she has a couple of teeth coming in. We took her to the clinic yesterday and they prescribed suppositories. She hasn't thrown up since and seems to be doing better today. It was so sad this weekend holding our pathetically weak baby. She has been cuddly though for the first time. We like that but it sure isn't not worth it.

Cake Face

2006-03-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures I promised. Why do we ever stop doing this? Given everyone's fascination with watching the "baby's first cake eating extravaganza," I think (whether you'll admit it or not) that we all wish we could smear our birthday cakes all over us and people not think we're crazy or immature. I'll be the first to confess.
Thanks and a shout out to Meredith for the pictures.

Happy Video

2006-03-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to figuring out how to get video on my blog. So if you want to see a 26 second clip of our genius baby click here:Video.

Partytime

2006-03-11T23:44:00.000-08:00

For Roxy's First Birthday Party we had people over to our apartment clubhouse to celebrate. We had 23 adults and five babies join us. It was a lot of work to put on but was well worth it. I cooked all the food in an hour and half but only a third of the food was eaten. I couldn't believe how much was left over! Today was actually Trish's birthday so I got a Cold Stone Creamery cookie dough ice cream cake for her. It was a hit!
So Roxy's cake eating extravaganza didn't go over quite as expected. She didn't know what to do and then started crying when Trish put her hand into the cake. After a few minutes she caught on though and had it everywhere. Sorry the webcam did not work out for those who tried to tune in. A friend took pictures so I'll post some once I get them.
Trish's parents are in town and watched Roxy for us after her party while I had a surprise party for Trish at a local pub. She was surprised and very appreciative. What a day!

ONE Year Old

2006-03-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

Can anyone else not believe it? I want to give a quick update and I plan on posting some reflections when I have more time.
Roxy still prefers crawling so she hasn't made any progress since her three steps a couple of weeks ago. She is TOOTHY! Other parents we talk to can't believe how many teeth she has her 10th tooth just came through and second molar. Hopefully that is why she has been crabby. We've had some stressful days lately. She has a few more syllables in her vocab and has recently starting doing a "g" sound which is cute but also resembles a clearing of the throat. One of the cutest things she has been doing is coming up to us and laying her head on us. We love it! She is afraid (cries) of the vacuum cleaner but she faces her fear and follows it around. Strange! She still doesn't realize the danger of falling from things (like bed), or maybe she is just that fearless? She picks things off the ground with her mouth. Separation anxiety has set in. When she sees us when we're with other people she cries until we pick her up. It makes us feel special, but it makes things more difficult.
That is all I can remember right now. Oh, the picture is of Roxy's toy chest we got her for her birthday. It's actually a pine blanket-chest but it works perfect. Thanks for tuning in!

Day in the Park

2006-03-05T22:44:00.000-08:00

A front passed by, as you can see from our balcony, and left some lovely weather for us. On Saturday we took advantage of this and took a family trip to the park. Not that exciting but some good pictures.

So Roxy does not like the swing!

She hasn't walked on her own again since the first time nine days ago.

This is classic Roxy as of late. Always reaching out and make a "ahhhooouuu" sound like she is amazed.

Kiva

2006-03-04T09:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Josh Sandoz I ran across an awesome idea at Kiva. For those socially responsible types, check it out. I realize some may be sceptical, but there isn't much risk. Kiva is the first microlending Web site designed to provide individuals with the ability to connect with and make personal loans ($25-175) to small businesses in developing countries.

Microlending is a great strategy for helping the poor.

The ONE Campaign

2006-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

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.