Cake Face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Espresso

I think I need to make the intuitive decision not to drink coffee in the evening. Well, I'm up so I thought I'd post instead of lay in bed. Just a thought and then a couple of good pictures.

I am really looking forward to my classes this trimester: Marriage & Family (which Trish will be attending with me), Counseling Practicum II (anxious but excited about this one, I have to actually do peer reviewed counseling), Theological Mosaic II (the topics strike my interest more than last semester), Essential Community (basically engaging a diversity of people and forming authentic community), and Mission in Global Context (my heart's desire).



This black and white one was taken by our good friend Meredith Dancause.

My Mom

My mom visited me this past week. I tried to give her a taste of Seattle and I think she enjoyed my efforts. In the process, I became a lot more familiar with Seattle. This picture is at a park by my house for a sample of the beautiful outdoors.

Here we are at the Freemont Troll under a bridge. That is a VW Bug under his left hand.

In our explorations, we found a fabulous beach park. I can't wait to go in the summer.

Steven's Pass

Today Trish and went snowboarding at Steven's Pass. As per my previous post (we're on 26 days), there was lots of snow at the resort 3000 feet up and an hour and a half drive away. The visibility was bad most of the day, but overall a fun experience. I am just glad we had the opportunity to go, but we probably won't go too much as it is a bit expensive.

Talking Rain

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- After 22 consecutive days of measurable rain, Seattle is closing in on a record so dismal even forecasters in this city famous for its gray skies are complaining.
With more wet weather predicted over the next several days, Seattle may soon break a record set in 1953. The city saw 33 consecutive days of measurable precipitation then -- the most since the National Weather Service office there started tracking rainfall in 1931.
Though Seattle is famous for its rain, the city's average annual rainfall from 1970 to 2000 was 37.07 inches, compared to 49.71 inches for New York City.

10 Month Update

Wow, Roxy is active. She has become quite the handful. When she is awake, she is constantly moving. On the plus side, I think she wears herself out and sleeps eleven hours a night and takes about three naps. I can't think of any big firsts this month. She only stands for a split second. I don't think she will be walking anytime soon. Have I ever mentioned she is loud... piercing.

Reflections on First Trimester

I've been wanting to post this for a while. The following are a few thoughts concerning my first trimester at MHGS:

• I had high expectations for my time here and they have been met.
• I thought my views, theological understanding, doctrinal beliefs, etc. had been pretty much deconstructed before I came to the school. Man, was I wrong! I had and have a lot more deconstruction to go. I echo Meister Eckhart; "I pray God to rid me of God." That is take away my blinders, destroy the box I've put You in, and continually transform Your image.
• God is mysterious and I love that. It makes me want to seek God and not reason out the mystery.
• How I hold (metaphorically) the Bible has changed so much that I dare not start to write how because it would take too much explanation for this post.
• My conviction of the importance of community has been strengthened. Relationships are what the world is all about.
• I feel like my vision has broadened much as I've realized that God can be seen in everything; all of creation and even in evil and suffering.
• I've realized that I want to live my life in solidarity with all of humanity as Christ lives in solidarity with us. He is part of our rejoicing and He is part of our suffering.
• I just realized that this post could take more time than I have and not do justice to what I sense stirring and changing in my heart. However, here are some buzz words that you can bring up in conversation with me sometime if you want to hear more: postmodernity, tradition, narrative, feminist theology, liberation theology, I-Thou, dialogue, story, encounter, contextualization, contradiction, mutual surrender, authenticity, presence, and incarnational. There is more, but I'll stop there.

Currt Dawg

We had the supreme privilege of having the one and only Curtis W. Sutton visit us the last few days. We met Currt Dawg when we arrived in Japan and he has become a great and true friend. He met us at the airport on the first and spent the last four nights with us.Together we visited Canada for the first time ever and spent Monday in Vancouver, BC. It is about two hour drive from here. Trish had to work the last three days so we ate lunch with her downtown and Curtis, Roxy, and I spent two afternoons downtown shopping, drinking coffee, walking around, and visited the Experience Music Project. Last night we met up with Steve and Meredith who we are quite fond of and had some good ole fashion fellowship.

St. Louis and Beyond

Trish's hometown is actually St. Charles, a suburb of St. Louis.

Anyway, besides the aforementioned funeral and all that goes along with that, we had an enjoyable holiday time.
All we did was eat and during the breaks: we visited friends (including the Weber family), traveled to Springfield with Jen (Trish's eldest sister) and stayed two nights with Sheila (Trish's middle sister) and her family and visited Silver Dollar City in Branson where the Christmas lights were amazing, watched Narnia and King Kong, visited the St Louis Art Museum which had an exhibit from the "Tombs of Ur", did some shopping, and spent New Year's at "First Night" in downtown.

Roxy's First Christmas Presents

The opening of presents happened on Christmas Eve night at the Bundy household with Trish's siblings and their family. Roxy and Michael played the part ripping open presents (with a little help). Roxy got some bath toys, books, shoes, lambchop puppet, more toys, and clothes.

Christmas Time

We're in St. Louis for Roxy's first Christmas. It has been a busy time hence the non-posting. I will post pictures upon our return to WA. Today was Trish's grandfather's funeral and so sadly buried was her last living grandparent (father's father). He passed on Dec. 22 at 7:07 pm. Yesterday was the visitation. Besides that we have just been doing the usuual hanging out and eating lots. I've enjoyed meeting a lot of people I haven't before. One of the highlights of this trip is having Roxy and her 4-day-younger cousin together.

Still awake

Wednesday was last day of school for my first trimester of school. It ended with an all-nighter (literally no sleep) to finish my last paper. I recovered well though. This picture is the sunrise from our balcony that my studious, slight-procrastination-but-more-closely-busyness gifted me.

Lankertime

Mark Lanker is in town. His friend flew him out here to be the photographer at his wedding and I had the benefit of spending a couple of days with Mark before the big day. What a privilege to spend some quality time with a life-long friend. I've known Mark for about thirteen years and the last several have rendered too few contacts. However, it is great to realize that we have both grown in similar areas, ways, values. Our conversations were so exciting in seeing what God is doing in our lives and hearts. Good times! Good friends!

Restoration

Last night we were treated to dinner and a play by Trish's boss, Bev. Now that Trish is in the corporate world, life may be a little different. Bennies! (that's benefits) So Prudential sponsors the Seattle Repertory Theatre and we watched a production called Restoration Comedy as part of a business function where they had prospective clients come to a cocktail party before the show. The show was amusing and something enjoyably different to do. Before hand we were treated to a scrumptious meal at a fancy Thai restaurant downtown called Racha. I had a dished called Fruity Fruity Yum. Yummy! And, the whole night was free for us.

9 Month Update

If you've been keeping up with the life of Roxy via the blog, you will notice it's not the usual formal pose. We'll get that tomorrow. I think this picture is much more enjoyable anyway. Any ideas for a caption?
Not much new to report. Only thing I can think of is that she is imitating. She will clap and shake her head side-to-side. It is soooo cute. Lot of growth and development. She is in the 95 percentile for size at 29.5 inches and 22 lbs. She pulls herself up on anything she can, including our legs. She is of course in to everything. If there is ever anything new to her that ends up on the floor, she bolts for it. She likes: getting her teeth brushed, when the bath tub drains, cords, paper, door stoppers (the mounted spring-type), our sliding glass door, peek-a-boo, photos, balls, being outside, mouths, tosses in the air, and Gerber veggie puffs. She does not like: getting her hair rinsed or finger nails clipped, dressing, her face wiped off, being left alone, cuddled unless she is tired, and taking away something she was playing with.
Sorry if that was boring for you, but we like to record it for history sake.

What a Face

Don't you wish you could look rub food all over your face and still look this cute.She smelled like maple cookie even after a bath.
New hairdo!

I'm not sure what she is looking for???

Flick

Michael Flickinger, now departing! Flick is getting out of the Navy, and so we had the another opportunity to spend some time with a friend passing through. He is out-processing here as we did. He spent two nights with us last weekend and then we spent today with him today in downtown Seattle. He is going back home to Minnesota to finish school. I hope to see him again soon and in the future.

Our Cars

These are our vehicles. We bought a new Mazda 3 a couple weeks ago. Since Trish is starting work Monday (her start date has been held up because it took a while to get a back ground check done), we needed a second car. I still like the benefits of a minivan, but it sure is nice to drive a small, excellent-performance-driven car.

Snow Day

As I remember, most people told us that it doesn't snow in the city of Seattle but in the surrounding mountains. And, I've told any of you who've asked the same. Well I was wrong. I don't know if this is unusual, but as you can see it does snow. I think we had at least two inches yesterday. I like it! The pic is from our balcony.

13.1

I ran the second farthest and second longest I have ever run today. That would be 13.1 miles in 1:52:15 for an 8:34 per mile pace in the Seattle Half-Marathon. The course began at the Seattle Center and then through scenic downtown and Lake Washington. It was a battle finding parking with probably 12,000 participants (for all events). It was 39 degrees during the crowded run. It was beautiful to see the river of people flowing down the street and to be part of the running party, but it was also frustrating at times having to weave in and out of people. I probably ran an extra quarter mile just weaving. It also literally took me five minutes to get to the starting line.

Story time: Because of traffic and parking, I didn't get to pee before the run. I waited in-line, for about five minutes, but then the race started so I had to ignore my bladder. However, my bladder didn't wanted to be ignored so finally after two-miles or eighteen minutes of bladder-jostling, I came to the first water station with four porta-potties and discovered I wasn't the only one with a talking bladder. I was oblivious that there was a line, until someone kindly pointed it out. After waiting a couple minutes, I heard the a brilliant idea from a woman behind me, "you men should go pee in the plants." It didn't cross my mind since we were in downtown Seattle. Low and behold, as I look up, I see some glorious grass-like plants in large concrete planters just waiting to be peed on. So they kindly concealed me and I repaid with a whole lot of watering. By the way, I stopped my watch for this event so my official time was more like 1:55.

I started off training well for this the first six weeks, but the last seven have been lacking. I kept up doing a long run once a week and ran 1:48 at the end, but besides that I only ran one other time per week. Sometimes after being up till 2:00 am working on a paper, it is difficult to find the time. Training is too time-consuming. All that to say that I didn't make my goal of 1:45 so I am a little disappointed. I don't think I will be doing another one for a few years. It wasn't all I expected. Plus, I had to get up at 5:30 am. Oh, there was snow on my car when I left this morning.

I went by myself so that is why the picture is from our balcony. That's the Finisher's Medal around my neck. The bib was on my back.

Our

We spent Thanksgiving at the "Muncie House." An older house in Seattle, full of character that four intriguing couples occupy. One of the guys goes to my school, but we ended up there because Steve and Meredith let us accompany them. Lots of interesting people to talk to and very well cooked food. They even had our names stuck in miniature pears.

Smile

I hope your happy! I think this was the first thing I ever bought Roxy. It makes me smile to see her in it.

Social Advocate

Today I attended The Power of One: Faith and Global Justice Conference. It was a separate thing from school that I just wanted to attend. It was an event to continue to build the movement to bring about justice for hungry and poor people. I want to be more aware of my world, and by my world, I mean our world, and by our world, I mean that of all humanity and creation. Why don't I do more? Why don't we do more? I want to go on, but I will stop for now...

Glimpse

Although I keep meaning to, I haven't posted any reflections on school life. That seems kind of weird because it is such a big part of my life. And, a question I get frequently. Well I'm not going to catch you up now, but here is a glimpse.

In my Counseling Practicum class, I meet with the facilitator once a week for an hour and once a week for two hours with seven other students plus the practicum facilitator and the leader, who is a psychologist. Each week one of us shares a story from our lives and then as a group we interact with that story through reflection, honesty, observations, burden-sharing, silence, encouragement, weeping, questions, tension, insights, and whatever else might come out. It is a difficult and beautiful time. So much more could be said about the class, but it has to be experienced in order to be understood. It is perhaps the most impacting time in school.

Yesterday in practicum, I heard probably the saddest story, as far as a face-to-face story by the one affected, I have ever been told. For confidentiality sake, I can not share it. However, it raised some questions for me today.

What does it look like or how do we bear someone else's burden of sorrow? Paul instructs us to in Galatians and I've seen the benefit of sharing (as in telling others) your burden. But, what does it mean for me, or how do I carry someone else's burden well. Praying for them is a good answer, but there has to be more...

When we hear of someone dying unexpectedly, it makes us realize the frailty of life and that it could be us or someone we love that dies tomorrow. Hopefully it makes us want to live life to the fullest day-to-day and love others well. There is urgency there, but how do we live that way and still act responsibly?

Today I felt so alive. It feels so good to feel, sometimes even if it is sadness. Why?

8 Month Update

In celebration of her eighth month of life Roxy showed us that she can pull herself up to a standing position in her crib. In rereading that sentence, I think "wow, I get excited over the smallest things." At least I wonder if that seems insignificant to most. I think it's the coolest.

The biggest month-in-review news is that Roxy is crawling. It's a whole new world! I was amazed today at her speed. In other news, two more teeth have come through on the top. She likes to yell (sounds like a short high-pitched grunt). It's quite cute. I like to "yell" back. What else? She loves to play with cords/strings. She usually doesn't like to be in her Pack 'N Play. I think she thinks it is prison, but probably just because it means we're not going to be giving her attention. She loves to have our attention.

She is starting to recognize "NO" or at least the tone. Sometimes she wells up with tears though, prefaced with a quiver of the lip. It's so sad, but so cute it makes us laugh. I think she may take after me in the sensitivity category. My Mom (hi, mom) always tells me she only had to raise her voice at me in order to discipline me because I would immediately cry (no spanking for me). Clear evidence our genetics play in to our personality?

Probably the best news, at least for me and Trish, is that Roxy has consistently slept through the night for the last couple of weeks. She usually sleeps 10 pm to 9 am. Its glorious.

Sugar Momma

Announcement: HUGE change in our lives - Trish got a full-time job.

After two face-to-face interviews, three phone interviews, and about a dozen calls from the recruiter, she got a job as an Administrative Assistant at Prudential Financial. She will be working for three sales people in a brand new retirement division satellite office. She starts Nov 14th and will be a commuter. The office is on the 35th floor of an office building downtown. It all kind of just happened so we're just going with the flow.

Most of my classes are at night so we'll find a sitter or a daycare for Roxy when I do have a day class. So you could call me a stay-at-home-dad.

Trish and I have spent almost every waking moment together for a while now so it will be quite a change for us. We're ready.

Google Earth

Okay, this is one of the most awesome, coolest, interesting (or whatever adjective fits) thing I have ever experienced, Google Earth. It is satellite photos of the earth. The clarity is different all over, but here are some examples. It is free to downlaod and well worth it. Explore the world! This first picture is our apt. The place marker is directly on our apt on the 3rd floor.

This is the Bundy's house in St. Charles, MO. The house Trish grew up in. Sorry Dad, Mom, Ken, your houses don't show up.

This one is rumored to be one of Kim Jong Il's palaces. If the picture was bigger you can see his birthdate on his lawn.