I'm sick. I can't remember having a sore throat this bad since I was a kid. Forrest has been good to me and gives me vitamins and zinc lozenges and cups of tea and water at regular intervals. And he read that I should try gargling salt-vinegar-water. It is so nasty. I thought I was going to throw up--and I'm not even pregnant anymore! But, I have to say it did soothe my throat a bit.
My poor little kids have colds too--even Noelle. Please pray, especially for her, that it doesn't get seriously bad.

On Saturday, some ladies from my church threw me a baby shower. It was great. And we got so many things (mostly outfits, and most of those pink). We're really blessed. It was a potluck-lunch party, so everyone brought a dish--there were some yummy fruit salads, good, soft bread, a good oriental salad, sandwiches, veggie trays, etc. Helen Bryson came up with some games that we ended up not playing, basically because opening the gifts took so long. I think Connie organized the whole thing, and JoAnn Stewart hosted it. I just feel so loved in this church--I mean, everyone is so kind to us and generous, and willing to go out of their way for things like this. It was also cool because I got to know several more ladies by their names. It strikes me as funny that I don't know half out congregation's names, but a large majority know me by name.
My aunt Marilyn also got to meet Noelle for the first time at the shower. She held her, and Noelle was awake and good for quite a while with her. My aunt is talkative, and my mom commented, of Noelle, "She just wants someone to talk to her!" It was sweet.

I just found out last week that my brother Matthew has a blog. One more link for me to add.

Stir-fry vegetables & beef sounds really good. Actually, we're having chicken soup for dinner, and that sounds good because of the salt in it. And the warmth. I should go, I want something salty or garlicky.

Church

I am now semi-officially a Lutheran. Monday, Salem had a staff meeting and yesterday Pastor Tom let us know they received us into membership. We should be received officially before the congregation a Sunday early in the Easter season. Praise God for giving us such a good church, and for how He works in us. Not many years ago, I would not have thought of becoming a member of such a church; now I'm happy to be.
During Lent we've had our Wednesday services joint with several other area ELCA's, with a soup supper beforehand. It's been great to fellowship, worship and receive the Eucharist twice a week. And to be able to really observe Lent for the first time.
Speaking of being holy, gotta go watch a movie!

Okay, this survey is for you to fill out about me! Aren't I full of myself. :-) Yes, I know, a few of thte questions are retarded; I didn't feel like thinking up (and typing in one-handed) new ones.

My name:

Who is the love of my life:

Where did we meet:

Take a stab at my middle name:

How long have you known me:

When is the last time that we saw each other:

Do I smoke:

Do I drink:

What was your first impression of upon meeting me/seeing me/messaging with me:

Do I have any siblings:

What's one of my favorite things to do:

Am I funny:

What's my favorite type of music:

What is the best feature about me:

Am I shy or outgoing:

Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules:

Do I have any special talents:

Would you consider me a friend/good friend:

Would you call me preppy, average, sporty, punk, hippie, glam, nerdy, snobby, or something else (what):

What is a memory we have once had:

Have you ever hugged me:

Do you miss me...do you think i miss you:

What is my favorite food:

Have you ever had a crush on me:

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be:

What's your favorite memory of me:

Who do I like right now:

What is my worst habit:

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing I would bring?

Are we friends:

Will you repost this so I can do it for you?:

R-a-m-b-l-i-n.....apostrophe

Noelle met her Uncle Isaiah yesterday. He came up to take a friend to the airport and went to church at Salem with us. He ended up having car trouble, so instead of going right back home, came out to our parents' with Forrest & me. It was Noelle's first trip to Grandpa Eyre & Grandma Lisa's. We had a nice, relaxing afternoon (as always out there) and the guys--i.e., all my brothers and my husband, played MOHAA all afternoon (3 at a time). They had a blast, and I'm told Matthew is ridiculously good at it.
I found out I've lost at least 26 pounds since before Noelle was born, which is encouraging. I plan to get back in shape through exercise mainly.
Noelle is now up to 10 lbs. 14 oz. as of last Friday. She continues to grow in size and beauty. She's begun to smile a little more too.
She also got to meet her Uncle Tim and Awntie Heidi on Friday; we had a good visit with them and the Teilborgs (Isaac & Heather & kids).
Well, I should go and eat, and decide what to make for dinner! So long.

My friend's Johari window

Most of you, I think, know Lynne'...here's her Johari window. Fill it out if you know her!

My little Noelle

My midwife recommends not climbing stairs for the first few days after having a baby, so I haven't been up here more than once since Noelle was born until today. Now it's catch-up time for me--I get to see the new Kyrie pictures & read what's up with everyone.
I have to tell you, I have a beautiful little girlie! She's got long blonde eyelashes and sweet wisps of blonde hair, beautiful sober blue eyes, a cute buttony nose and pretty pink lips, delicate feminine hands with long fingers, and everything else about her just as perfect. She's done a lot of smiling in her sleep, and a little bit when awake. This morning when Tamy (my midwife) had her on the scales, Noelle smiled at her. :-) Our little girl is 10 lbs 8 oz now, at 8 days old. At the rate she's nursing (about every 1 to 2 1/2 hours), I'm not surprised! I'm really enjoying being a mom of three, and so glad to give Forrest his little girl. We're loving getting to put her in dresses and in pink and purple.