The end of a trimester and other tidbits from the week...

So yesterday was the last day of our first trimester. We began week 14 today. I have heard the second trimester means more energy -- and that couldn't come at a better time. I am at the end of two very long weeks of stuff.

Last Sunday, we had a social justice expo that involved the showing of 3 videos at church that I was responsible for putting together. They came out great, but I spent all of my free time last week finishing them off. I hope to have them uploaded on the web soon so others can see.

This Sunday, we close out our social justice series and I'm doing the speaking. That's right, another week of prep for Sunday. I am actually sitting in the library right now on campus putting some final touches on my talk so I can start the run-throughs.

Tonight is nlcf's annual "Dancing with the Staff" fundraiser for our worship dance team. I got roped into dancing this year, so that should be a laugher! I'll post pics/video later on after the event. :)

I've been busy with paperwork for my job, and in addition to my usual every 2-week paperwork that is due by Monday at 8am, I also have four 90-day review reports due at the same time. And our supervisor said if we get everything in on time, we get a paid vacation day of our choice. I really could use that day, so there's no way I'm not getting them done...

And finally, I've been in the thick of the application process for the job I've wanted for over a year. The school counselor job in the school where I currently work (I work for an outside agency in the school right now) has come open. It is going to be a competitive process for sure. I have been trying to spend a good bit of time preparing for this because I really, really, really want this job. I just found out I am interviewing next Friday (3/6) at 10:30am, so all prayers are welcome!

I keep hearing that I need to slow down since I'm pregnant, and I understand the sentiment. I'm not trying to overload myself -- it's just the way it's all managed to fall. I had no idea back in January all these things would hit at once.

Overall, I am trying to learn to make adjustments to my life and say no to things. I am trying to rest more and build more family time into my schedule. And in general, I think I'm doing a good job. These past two weeks have just been the exception... but the end is in sight!

One more baby note -- our second doctor's appointment is later this week. I'll post more about that in a few days.

Announcing...

David and I are happy to announce that houseofchinn will be getting a new member in August! We are expecting our first little one on August 29!

We are so excited we are beside ourselves. This is truly a blessing from the Lord and we cannot wait for the time to come. We've let as many folks as we can know in person and are now basically allowing the mouths of others and the internet to help spread our news!

After trying unsuccessfully for a number of months, we took a home test on Christmas Eve and got an early present -- two lines! We were very happy and wanted to share immediately with my family who was in town for Christmas, but we decided to hold the news. We then traveled to France and went through that whole trip (living with 6 others) without sharing the news as well. (Since I'm not a drinker anyway, it made it easy for me to visit wineries without raising any eyebrows from our travel companions.)

We had our first appointment at the end of January when we were just about 10 weeks. We had our first ultrasound, and they decided to estimate my due date at August 29 -- an easy date for us to remember since it's my birthday!

We then took a blitz driving trip to Richmond and Va Beach to tell as many family and friends as we could before coming and telling folks in Blacksburg. And this past week, I finally felt the timing was right to share with my co-workers in Giles.

So, there's the news! We are NOT planning to find out the gender -- we want to be surprised! So you'll all find out in August when we do what we're having.

Oh, and so far, I've felt pretty good during pregnancy. Not too many mornings of sickness and we're in the last week of the first trimester, so I feel very blessed!

FINALLY

I finally have my computer up and running. Long story, but I haven't had my personal computer since Christmas, which is one reason I haven't been blogging and a reason I haven't posted more pics from France and our weekend trip to Chicago in January. Without my picture I couldn't even download all my pics... so they are still sitting on my camera.

The great news is that I am back up with full functioning, and hope to be blogging a lot more soon! AND THIS WEEK I AM DOWNLOADING PICS FROM FRANCE! YAY! So be on the lookout!

Of course since today is the Superbowl, and since we have a bunch of folks coming over later, I have plenty to do. (Especially since I also have to turn in my payroll paperwork by 8am.)

But we are alive and well in Blacksburg and I am excited to be back in the blog world! AND I PROMISE, PARIS PICS SOON!