On Wednesday we enjoyed lunch with my dear friend, Verda. She remembers taking care of me when I was Madeline's age!
 

Enjoying Summer in the Northwest

The last time we visited Oregon was during the holidays in December '05 and Jan. '06. That was when this area had something like 30 straight days of rain. Yuck! Well, all that time stuck indoors has been redeemed because we have had picture perfect weather so far out here! However, we won't escape the heatwave as the temp will rise to 104 for the next 2 or 3 days. I (Jayna) have been able to relax and unwind, while Madeline has thoroughly enjoyed special attention from her Papa and Grammy. Maddie has also enjoyed the endless space, soft grass, swing, and pool to the fullest! It is quite nice to not worry about having to put on shoes to go outside! Our only regret is that Kurt couldn't be with us. We miss him so much!

On Thursday we had a special lunch for a group from Dad's office. We had a delicious curry chicken salad (find the recipe at prestonanderica.com), and these flowers graced the table. Aren't they pretty? 

Shawna with Mark (or Matthew?) and Michael. Getting ready to ride! 

Maddie and Grammy 

Madeline enjoys her first 'solo' popsicle 

Yum! 

Maddie likes hanging out with her cousins, Michael, Matthew and Mark. Isn't she such a big girl? 

Having fun on the porch! What a nice duck! 

The pool is fun! 

Dad and Jayna with a little attention for Jackson. (Dad is pointing to my big belly) 

Jayna and Mom 

Grammy, Papa, Michael and Wes enjoying the sand dunes on the Oregon Coast. What a beautiful day! (minus the wind) 

Papa and Grammy living on the wild side... 

Pride Goeth Before a Fall

Early last week as we were pretty much settled in to our home, I thought, "You know, they say that pregnancy can make a woman more absent-minded and forgetful, but I think I've held it together pretty well with all the changes that have recently taken place."

My direct flight to Oregon was scheduled to leave Wed., July 12 at 5:45 pm, and after meticulous planning and packing, Madeline and I arrived at 4:00 pm with plenty of time to check in and get settled. Our ride dropped us off at the curb to check in our bags and we were on our way. However, my worst nightmare suddenly became real when the bagging clerk said, "Ma'am, you're at the wrong airport". I went to Washington Regan National Airport instead of Dulles!!!!! I completely lost it in public with a panic attack and plenty of tears. It was ugly, to say the least, and I had no shame. The luggage-checking man tried to keep me calm, I think he was afraid I would go into labor. And though Madeline was unsure of what was going on, she held it together much better than I. However, God is good and was in complete control, that much I knew. Here is how everything worked out:

1. Kudos to United for their kind and competent service! They didn't charge me a dime to change my flight, and I flew out the next morning arriving around noon to Oregon.

2. Madeline and I had the bulkhead seats from DC to San Francisco! The hassle was worth those seats with a toddler! (except for the fact we had a front seat view to First Class and all their perks. My mouth watered when they brought out cookies and milk)

3. My original flight out of Dulles was delayed several hours, anyway, which would have made that trip much more miserable.

This debacle isn't the only humbling event I've had in recent days. Yesterday morning I reached for my cell phone on the nightstand to call Kurt and say, "Good morning". Instead of grabbing my phone, I accidentally knocked it into my glass of water I had placed on the floor by my bed. The water glass was on the floor because I wanted to protect the wood of the nightstand. So much for trying to be responsible, and thank goodness for the accidental insurance we purchased for our cell phones after another incident back in February! Lesson: Always purchase insurance, you'll be glad you have it.

Quick Update

As of July 1, we have been sleeping at our new (to us) home. We had an incredible team of help through the process and were so blessed by their service to us. We made a great amount of progress in just a few days due to two incentives: 1. I was leaving with Madeline for Oregon in a few weeks, and 2. Toddlers and moving don't mix. The house had to be made immediately 'Toddler-safe' for Madeline. For instance, we certainly had to find a home for cutlery and medicine cabinet items before Madeline could get to them. She seems to gravitate towards all things dangerous. However, we have enjoyed setting up house, and Madeline loves her room! There is still much to do, though, and we're learning to prioritize, budget, and just be content with the great blessing of this home.