Know and Believe

Blog Break

2010-09-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

I have yet to determine if I'm going to be done blogging all together. I started the blog because James and Alyssa moved to Georgia and my family all moved to Texas. But now J and A moved home and my mom and dad both joined facebook. Seems pretty easy to keep my family updated on life now and I think the blog might be overkill. Maybe I feel like it might be overkill because I'm busy with a new baby though?? Perhaps I'll want to write in a few months? So for now I'm calling it a break. Cute pics of Josiah are easy to find on facebook. I'm guessing that's what most people who would check my blog would be looking for. :)

40 weeks. The last one:-)

2010-08-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully it's the last picture... Josiah's due date is tomorrow. He doesn't have to come tomorrow, but before 41 weeks would be nice :) I'm feeling excited and at peace about when he is supposed to come. I think I might feel some anxiety if he doesn't come by Saturday, but I'm trying to take one day at a time. Tomorrow is my 40 wk appt and I'll get "checked" for the first time. I'm looking forward to finding out what progress has been made :) Can't wait to meet the person who has been living inside of me for the last 9 months. :)

A Much Deserved Date

2010-07-22T23:54:00.000-07:00

This is my Helen. I brag about her frequently lately and here is why: She set a goal to lose 60 pounds and began working hard last August. No tricks. No short cuts. Just hard work and dedication. And guess what? She did it!!! When she started working on this goal, I told her that when she reached her goal weight I would take her on a fancy dinner date wherever she wanted to go. So we went to the Melting Pot last Thursday and it was great. The truth is all her hard work deserves much more than a melting pot date, but I'm pretty sure she's satisfied with the fact that she is feeling and looking great alone. :) Funniest thing about the night- I went to pick her up and she answered the door and we were wearing the exact same dress. We laughed so hard and it was just one of those moments we'll never forget. We both were like, "I've never seen you wear that before!! I didn't even know you owned this dress!!" Great minds think alike I guess. :)

37 weeks

2010-07-22T23:43:00.001-07:00

It's funny how you just get used to your body as it grows. I looked back at my 10 week picture today and thought to myself, "I really used to look like that?? I don't remember." I'm quite bigger these days :) Had our 37 week appt on Wednesday. We had our ultrasound and saw that Josiah is head down, but face up. It's ideal for babies to be born face down. Mom's who give birth to face up babies tend to have more painful "back" labor and labor (especially the pushing stage) tends to last longer. So needless to say, I am hoping he turns. We'll see. I think about meeting him everyday and can't really even imagine how amazing it will feel to hold him in my arms.

Baby Shower

2010-07-21T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to everyone that came to Josiah's baby shower and celebrated baby Josiah. Eddie made me this video today of some of the pictures from the shower. It was a great day. I love quality time with friends. Everything was beautiful and well thought out and the food was awesome. I am grateful for good friends. Thanks to Alyssa, Helen, and Vanessa for pulling the whole thing off. Thanks to my small group girls for bringing additional food and thanks to Holly for amazing cupcakes. :)

36 weeks

2010-07-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

I am slacking on blogging! My sister came out from Texas and surprised me two weeks ago, My mom came out for my shower and surprised me. I went on a fun friend date with Helen. Had my baby shower. Decorated the baby's room for the most part this week. All these fun things I have pictures for, but haven't blogged about. Guess I've been busy :) I'm not very tech savvy and we got a new fancy camera (that I don't know how to use). It takes so many pictures so quickly and I'm not sure about uploading pictures now b/c I usually do a few at a time, but the camera has like hundreds of shots on it. Maybe once I figure that out, I'll be able to posts more pictures. 36 weeks! Josiah can come anytime! :) Yay!

34 Weeks

2010-07-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hey. This is Eddie. I hijacked my wife's blog for a week to tell you how amazing she is. And how cute she looks at 34 weeks. It's almost evident to most people she is with child. We're hoping by the end, everyone will know. But I guess they can figure it out after when we have a quarter asian kid bundled with his little beanie spilling off his huge head. Anyhoo, back to the belly (sounds like a disney sequel featuring macaully culkin) baby is healthy, active, and loves to dance...on his mom's bladder. Should be an interesting child. Keep praying, we appreciate all you guys have done, and thanks.

eddie~

Sentimental

2010-06-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

My grandma called a week ago and asked if I wanted a bassinet that has been in our family for years. My mom slept in this baby :) She informed me that my sisters didn't ever want to use it because it was "ugly". She made it clear her feelings would be hurt in no way if I too decided I didn't like it. So out she drove from Pasadena today. As we stood assessing this item in the driveway today I could see Eddie's face. It said, "Please do not say you like it. Please do not say you want it." But out came those words: "I like it. I want it." Okay, so I like it because it's been in our family for years. It's sort of funny to look at, and I'm not sure it's even practical. But knowing the history behind it, I just couldn't resist. I promised Eddie we could return it to Grandma the second we find that I'm really not using it (Which Eddie is not convinced I will :) ) He thinks it's funny that I couldn't resist a bassinet just because of "history and sentimental value". I think it's funny that sentiment and history wouldn't win him over. Guess we're different :)

It's a competition

2010-06-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, not really- but we'll see who delivers first. This is my friend Valerie. We have tons of fond memories from High School, and have recently reconnected through Facebook. This is just a picture of us at her shower. We discovered we were due at the same time. She's having a baby girl. We'll see who's done baking first- Alexis or Josiah???!!! :)

33 weeks

2010-06-24T23:20:00.000-07:00

He's growing, my book says "packing on 8 oz a week! I started having some contractions this week. Ended up going to the hospital because they said I had to in case it was pre-term labor. I thought it was just "cramps", but turns out those "cramps" were contractions, so they checked me and I wasn't dilating at all. Just contracting every 20-30 minutes. But they put me off work, which I'm really glad for. I was envisioning my patients calling me and me being like, "Hang on a sec. I'm having a contraction. Can you wait to use the bedpan for like a minute?" Something seemed slightly wrong about that to me. I kept having to stop the other day at work because they would come and go, but I didn't know they were contractions. I don't mind Josiah coming early, but I did give him a pep-talk about waiting until 36 weeks at least. It is comforting to know that a baby born even at 32 or 33 weeks will be fine. They just have a little catching up to do. We're starting to work on his room tomorrow. Yay! I'm excited!! :)

32 Weeks

2010-06-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

Nothing new to report. Decided I'm taking a picture every week now because I feel noticeably bigger each week :)

Baby Projects

2010-06-10T22:49:00.001-07:00

Each of us have a project. This is Eddie's beanie that he made all by himself (Well, he had great training, but he really did all the work) And I am making a blanket. I made it really long, so it is taking me forever to complete because I am slow!! It's sort of an extra special blanket because the first time I was pregnant I had a dream that I was pregnant and that I gave birth to a son. And what do you know, I ended up being pregnant. So at about 8 weeks I started making a blue blanket fully confident the baby would be a boy because why would only half of my dream be true? After losing the baby I put the blanket away and decided it would be for the son that I believed God would give us someday. I really felt like the dream had meaning and that we would have a son someday because of us picking the same boy name before we ever knew eachother. Anyway, the blanket is special and so is the baby who will be wrapped like a burrito in it :)

31 weeks

2010-06-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

Had my 31 week appt today. All is well. I love hearing the baby's heartbeat. I wish I could fall asleep listening to that sound. I'm still feeling decent. I have some new aches and pains, but it is much better than being sick all the time, which makes the third trimester win for "best trimester of pregnancy" :) Lately, I keep thinking about meeting him. Maybe it's more of a reality because August isn't too far away. I can't wait to see his little face and kiss him. Eddie reminded me that he will be covered in "goo" when he comes out, so we should wait to kiss him until he is clean. I however, have no intentions of waiting. :)

All I want for my Birthday...

2010-06-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

I'm a pretty simple girl. Last year for my birthday all I wanted was for Eddie to give me money to take a friend to the Melting Pot. This year I asked if I could take a friend to get a pedicure with me.(Is it obvious what my love language is??)Helen is sort of my birthday buddy. I'm only eighteen days older than her (However I did receive a text from her on my b-day that said somthing like "Wow. I can't believe how old you are getting. You are in your late twenties now." I texted her back letting her know I was grateful I would only be alone in my oldness for 18 days :) ) Today we went to get a pedicure together and went to lunch. So fun! And we even had no children with us. How amazing is that! Quality time with friends- I love it!

Awesome Weekend

2010-06-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I love this weekend!! Saturday I went to Pam's shower (She's due a month ahead of me). It was really fun and well put together and I won the "guess how big the pregnant girl's tummy is" game. (Which, by the way, I am beginning to feel like is "my" game. I've won at three different showers now! :) ) Then off I went to my friend Stephanie's wedding. It was beautiful and she was beautiful. I love weddings where you know people chose to honor God in their dating relationship. It makes the day that much more exciting and it means their marriage if already off to a great and right start. Woo Hoo! :) Then today (Sunday) I picked up Abby (one of my best buds- maid of honor in my wedding!) and got to hang with her for four hours before dropping her off at the airport to head home to Colorado. She was in Cali just for a couple of days because she was in a wedding. Our time together is always so good- and therapeutic. :) I come away refreshed. Really, could my weekend have gotten any better?

Frontside Baby Shower

2010-06-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

So a couple friends of mine (Brooke and Sarah) put together a sweet shower for just Frontside youth leaders and high school girls. It was lots of fun. The girls had to write words on Tee shirts for Josiah that they wanted to represent him. He'll sport them proudly someday I'm sure. :) They bought me (him) lots of cute clothes. Someone made a Sandals onesie. It's awesome :) And someone bought me a diaper bag that I love, love, love. I was showered (and of course, so was Josiah) in love and gifts! Fun day :)

28 weeks and some Bling

2010-05-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Just another belly shot- my goal is to take a picture every two weeks. So I went to have my wedding ring cleaned a few weeks ago only to discover it wouldn't come off (well not easily anyway). The jeweler said " You better not put that back on. You're only going to get bigger" (He knew I was due in August. Had already asked about me being pregnant) So, I've been going without a ring for a few weeks. Eddie told me last night that we needed to buy me "some bling", so that people would know I was more than his "baby mama". He cracks me up. So I am wearing this very fancy ring (sarcasm- it cost 20$) because he bought it for me. :)

"Well, maybe I want to make the baby something too..."

2010-05-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

That's what Eddie said Friday night. We went away for the weekend together. I was crocheting a blanket for Josiah, when he asked me if I brought "extra yarn and an extra hook". "What? No. What for?"... "Well, maybe I want to make something for the baby too". My dad and Susan have been living with us for a few weeks, and Susan is quite crafty. She's the one who taught me to crochet. Well, turns out Eddie wants to make the baby a beanie. Who better to teach him than the pro. So this is what is going on in the Culin house tonight: Crochet class for daddy to be. :)

Pop goes my belly button

2010-05-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Never thought I'd have an "outie", but it looks like I might be headed in that direction. I lost my belly button at 20 weeks, which was surprising. Thought that wasn't supposed to happen until the end! In the last week it's started popping out. I don't mind people touching my stomach, but the belly button is a "no-no". It sends this shooting pain downward and does not feel nice!!

Belly Picture: week 26

2010-05-06T20:21:00.001-07:00

Numerous people said, "You popped" this week- meaning I "Popped out" I think. I think I agree. Strangers are beginning to feel confident enough to ask about my baby, rather than questioning if I'm bloated. :) It's kind of sweet, and fun. Not a lot of new baby news. Took my glucose test. They want you to be between 70-140. I was 141, so back I go for the 3 hour test. I was a little bummed. Off by one point! (and the lab tech drew my blood 5 min early- I should have said something!!) Oh well, I'll read a book :) Registered last week at Babies R Us. Glad to have friends w/ babies. I pretty much scanned everything Vanessa said I should scan. Would have been pretty lost without her assistance. :)

24 weeks and counting

2010-04-24T19:54:00.001-07:00

24 weeks, 2 days. Doctors say 6 months, but really it's not. It's much more like 5 months. But-whatever, they call it six. People's perceptions crack me up. Within an hour the other day someone said, "Wow, 24 weeks-that's 6 months. You're big for 6 months." I laughed and smiled. I'm not big for six months. Next person: "You're pregnant? Oh my gosh! I didn't even know. You don't even look pregnant!!" Hmm... really? I'd like to think I'm somewhere in between the two extremes. :) He's definitely growing. Packing on 6 oz a week from here on out. He kicks me all the time and almost on demand. It's funny. Most babies stop moving just when you call people over to feel. Not Josiah though. He'll be still for hours. I'll sit down, place me hands on my tummy, and start talking, and he goes crazy. I called Eddie at work the other day just to say,.."Umm... I think our baby loves me." :) That's what I like to think anyway- that he already knows and loves me. Finished school yesterday, and I'm really excited to start being able to shift my focus more to this very special little guy that's on the way. Yay! :)

Oak Glen with the Girls

2010-04-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Emma, Amanda, Danielle. These are awesome young women. I love these girls and I love working in youth ministry. Sometimes I wonder if I'll do something else someday, but this is what keeps me coming back!!! I love spending time with them, laughing with them, sharing life with them- seeing them grow to understand and love God in new ways. Teenage years are so important. Teenagers make decisions that shape the rest of their life. I learned God wanted all of me, not half, or part when I was 16-maybe that's why I'm still in love with youth ministry.
Found out a few weeks ago I'd have a Saturday off in April, so we planned a trip to good ol' apple town. It was fun. We pet random animals. Eddie pretended to be a peacock and challenged another male peacock because he wanted to see him spread his feathers- and it worked. Wish I had a picture of that moment...or a video. Ate at Apple Annie's- yummy. Talked a whole lot the last two weeks about eating apple pie, but none of us ate pie. Just Hot Chocolate. mmmmm :) My highlight, besides the obvious (Quality Time)- Petting the baby goats :)

21 weeks

2010-03-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

Really 20 weeks, 5 days, but might as well call it 21 right? It's sad being far from my family while I'm pregnant. My mom called today and said she was sad she sort of felt like she was missing out being far away. Same with my big sis. So, here's another belly picture- my blog seems to be the best way to let you see the progress.
At our ultrasound a few weeks ago the tech questioned if I really knew my due date because our baby measured a week ahead of Aug 16th. I didn't think that was out of the norm, but he said for people Eddie and my size (I guess not really big people???) that I wouldn't usually measure a week ahead. Since then I pretty much have been saying I'm due the 12th instead of the 16th because it's the more accurate date anyway. It's only four days sooner, but it's sort of fun to think he may come sooner than later. We''ll see.
The baby is moving a lot these days, which is definitely the best part of pregnancy. It's such an amazing feeling. I'm feeling better overall lately, which I'm really thankful for.

Josiah it is... :)

2010-03-11T20:36:00.001-08:00

This was an amazing day. Started off at 8:55 with Dr. Hart. Got to hear baby's heartbeat again. Ultrasound wasn't until 1245, so Eddie and I had time to kill. He went to Best Buy and dropped me off to get a pedicure. It was great. Then lunch, and back to Loma Linda. We had the most amazing ultrasound tech ever. So smart, been doing ultrasound work since 1984, and it showed. He was funny, and sweet and it was just an awesome experience. I told him, "Now when you look to see if it's a boy or girl, don't tell me. I want to say what I think it is." He laughed and put the ultrasound probe (Is that what it's called???) to my stomach. The very first thing to pop up was baby's you know what, and I shouted, "It's a boy!!!" We're excited. Eddie and I had a lot of the same thoughts as we left: Just thankful that everything looked perfect. Boy or girl didn't matter, but we did hope for healthy. I have tons to learn, Grew up in a house with 4 women and a dad.! I'm excited and look forward to having the opportunity to raise a boy... a man. Crazy. I came home to take a nap today and couldn't. My mind has been racing, but in a good way. Guess all the boy voters were right after all, including mommy. :)

17 weeks

2010-03-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Just another belly picture. Went from zero weight gain to packing on 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks. I started getting really hungry really fast. I feel like I need to eat a full meal like every 3 hours. I read yesterday that our baby has doubled in weight over the last 2 weeks of his/her life. I thought to myself, "No wonder, I have been starving! Baby is starting to try to pack on the pounds!! :)
We find out Thursday if baby Culin is a boy or girl. I was going to post a poll on my blog but I feel like I already know everyone's votes. My friends at work did a poll for me. Between work and family, friends, and Frontside girls- boy votes far out number girl votes. I'm not sure why so many people think it's a boy. So, a whole lot of people are going to be right, or just a few will. Excited to find out!!! :)

The next most common question...

2010-02-28T00:48:00.000-08:00

What are you going to name him or her??? Some people keep it a secret. I've never felt like our names need to be kept top secret. I'm not really afraid of people "stealing" our name. So here it goes. There's somewhat of a story behind the boy name, but not for our girl name...

Boy: Josiah (Edward as a middle name. It's sort of up for debate still). Here's the story: We were dating. Knew we were headed towards marriage. One date night at my apartment we were talking about baby names. Eddie said, "Ive had my boy named picked out since I was 16." I said, "Funny. I've had my boy name picked out since I was 20." Long, story made short is it was the same name, and we basically had the same method for coming up with it. He was 16, and I was 20- but we had both been reading through I and II Kings, and fell in love with Josiah and His heart for God. Each of us decided, "If or when I have a son someday, that will be his name." Weird. I wondered, "does that mean we're destined to have a son someday??" It sort of seems like it. We'll see I guess.

Girl: Rebecca Love. I chose Rebecca years ago. I think when I was in High-School. Eddie likes it. It just so happens to be that everyone I meet named Rebecca is fabulous too. :) I picked Rebecca Faith. Eddie said no- if we have a girl someday her name will be Rebecca Love. I liked it. End of story :)

Basic Baby Info

2010-02-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

I keep getting asked these questions, so I figured I'd post the answers here. I feel like there's sort of a lot to catch up on as far as posts. I've just posted basic appt info. and a few belly pics, but I haven't even done a blog just sharing my heart about the last 6 months. For now, I'm just trying to provide the basics :)

When are you due?? August 16 based on LMP. August 12th based on date of conception. Conception date is actually more accurate (obviously, right?), but I tend to just say Aug 16th for two reasons. #1) If the 12th passes and I'm still pregnant, I won't feel like the baby's late if I tell myself my due date is the 16th #2) My sweet Danielle Crowley's birthday is August 16th, so I like to think of the baby being due on her birthday. Yay!!

When do you find out the sex? Anytime after week 17 (Anytime after March 8th). My Dr. already gave me the order for the ultrasound and wrote that I can schedule our appt. anytime after week 17. So, I don't know yet. My 18 week appt is March 11th. I'm thinking I'll schedule my ultrasound for the same day, just to do it all in one day. We'll see.

What do you think the baby is? Eddie thinks girl. I have no idea. If I had to guess I'd cast my vote for boy, but there's no great reasons behind my guessing.

Let the belly pictures begin

2010-02-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

14 weeks: The first week I started thinking "Hmm... my pants feel a little uncomfortable. Still no weight gain though: just a bump. Dear nausea and vomiting, please go away. I've put in my time :)

10 weeks- I'm basically considering this a before picture, considering I lost weight, rather than gaining...

Belly pictures are fun no matter what. I know it's early on and there's just barely a bump. The type of bump that has people wondering if there's the beginning of a baby or an extra large lunch on board. So for those people who see me everyday- I don't expect this to be exciting. These pictures are primarily being posted for my blog stalking family in Texas and my sweet friends who are already asking for belly pictures. Enjoy.. Hope you feel like you aren't missing out on the changes :)

Appointment # 2: Week 13, Feb 1st

2010-02-12T22:25:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I always thought when I was pregnant again, I'd be afraid of this appointment. I wasn't nervous at my 7 week appointment. My baby had a beating heart last time at 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks. It wasn't until our baby was almost 10 complete weeks his little heart stopped beating. It's hard to explain. Even though I was excited I couldn't picture anything except looking at a screen and seeing a perfect little image light up that wasn't moving. One thing I prayed numerous times is that God would help me to be me at this appointment. Normal Cheryl would cry at the sound of her baby's heartbeat, but I was afraid I'd feel numb. I was afraid I wouldn't let myself be vulnerable again. So my prayer has been, "Help me to be Normal Cheryl. Help me to feel again without fear." The appointment was sweet. I felt relaxed. I tried to eat before I went so baby would by hyped up on carbs or sugar or something and dance around. Baby decided to be him or herself and make mommy throw up everything she had eaten on the way to the appointment though. We did get a good wave from baby, but missed it on the video. Here's a couple of fun videos :)

Our first appointment

2010-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve. Could I have asked for a better present? Nope. We met our baby for the first time- well, sort of. We saw his or her little heart beating. It was really cool. I was 7 weeks and Dr Hart called me on the 23rd and asked if I wanted a sneak peak at my baby early for Christmas. So in we went...

Love my Job

2009-12-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

It can be stressful, draining, emotional, and challenging. We all have days like that at work though, right? But overall, I truly believe I have the best job in the world. It's the best job for me- maybe not the best job for everyone. I get to impact people on every level, everyday:physically, emotionally, spiritually. I was driving home the other night and I couldn't help but think, "What other job could I have done all of that at?" None. Saturday and many other days I get to:

-Educate: Here are the risks involved. This is what is happening inside of your body. It makes me feel good to provide people with factual information so they can make educated decisions regarding their care and life.
-Listen/Ask : How do you feel? Are you scared? Nervous? Depressed? I'm here. I'm sure you have a lot going on inside your head. I want to allow you to share and process your feelings if you want to.
- Touch: I get to put my hand on a shoulder or foot when I'm talking to my patients and they're in bed. Sometimes they need hugs and it's been a long time since they've had one!
- Pray: Prayer is powerful- I think every patient that has come back to see me or told me I impacted their day or stay in the hospital has been someone I have prayed with. Crazy, but that's just God. Sometimes I realize the most important thing I did in my day at work was pray with someone.
- Nursing duties: I can't tell you how many people say, "I can't believe you do this or that!!!" I guess poop, blood, and sputum aren't meant for everyone to work with. But, I can't help but think that that's not why I am a nurse- it's just part of what you deal with as a nurse. Sort of a means to an end. Like- I get to love on this person that God gave me to care for for the next 12 hours (and that may involve some poop, blood, or sputum- But who cares??)-Not me. Guess that's why I'm a nurse :)
- Rejoice: I get to cheer for people when they wheel down the hallway to go home. I have stood by my patients side on a few occasions when the doctors come in and tell them their pathology results-they DON'T have cancer. Oh my gosh, I ball like a baby right with them.

So many reasons to love being a nurse!!! :)

Quality Time with Vanessa

2009-12-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

My love tank is so full!!! I've had great quality time with people I love this week. Helen Monday. Helped a friend get a little more settled into her new house this morning, and hung out with Vanessa all afternoon. I drove away smiling thinking, "I am blessed". Vanessa had the sweet idea of baking our neighbors cookies for Christmas. It was really fun and yummy. Really, all I did was the chocolate chip ones-she did the rest. Another great day for heart to heart connecting. Yay! :) And of course it was fun to get to snuggle baby Ella. Girl day. :)

Random Facts about My Friendship with Vanessa:
- We met Sept 2002 in Anatomy 2A at RCC. Either her or I said "Hi, do you want to be my lab partner?" We sort of knew who the other was through mutual friends prior to running in to each other in class.
- We both were trying to figure out if nursing was what we wanted to do or should do. In the end we did both become nurses. Now we can talk nurse jargon together :)
- I love her laugh. It's distinct, but not annoyingly distinct. Cute distinct. I also love her hugs (Not everyone knows how to hug well!)
- I've known her husband Matt since Junior High
- I think she has a really discerning spirit when it comes to many spiritual matters. One personal example is the fact that she will call me after not connecting for awhile and say, " I've been praying for you. What's going on?" Sounds pretty basic. But every time I'm like, "what the heck?? How did you know?? Or really- how do you always know??" It's a God gift and I'm really thankful for it.
- She's another friend that has walked through some of my greatest joys and greatest sorrows. I'm sure life will bring us many more. It's comforting to know you have friends that will celebrate and mourn with you. It helps me know I can get through whatever comes my way!! :)
- These are words I think describe her: reliable, honest, generous, humble, trustworthy, good listener
- I stood by her side on her wedding day and she stood by mine.

Helen, Beth Moore, and Pumpkin Spice

2009-12-07T23:07:00.000-08:00

Really, could this be a better routine? This is my Helen. I look forward to Monday nights for many reasons. I love to share my heart with this friend. This summer we had the same thing on our mind- studying the fruit of the spirit. So we got the workbooks, and the videos. We've processed through a lot over the last 4 months. Just knowing a have a guaranteed place to go each week where I can be fully known is amazing.

Random Facts about my Friendship with Helen:
-We met July 2002. We had just turned 19.
- I soon discovered, "Wow, there is another person in the world who cries as easily as I do."
- Since we met we have argued over who will be the first to hug and kiss Jesus when we get to heaven, which means we argue about who will get to die first and who will have to admit defeat at the others funeral.
- I have numerous nicknames for her. Top 2: Pookie Pie (Don't remember how I gave her this one) and Milky (because of her perfect skin which I wish I had!)
- I've been friends with her husband Chris since we were 9th graders (met at youth group)
- We lived over seas together for 4 months (Republic of Georgia 2003- very fun)
- Her and I starred in a rap video together put together by Justin Kowalski
- I got to watch her give birth to sweet Jordyn
- She has probably walked through more sad or hard times in my life with me than any other friend. (and on the flipside, been by my side through some of my greatest joys)
- She is the first person I called to tell when I found out I was pregnant (In April, and besides Eddie of course)
- She's great and I'm thankful to have a handful of friends I've known for years like her :)

Pray for Kate

2009-12-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

I don't remember how I found their blog originally. I found it in July, when the McRae's journey with Kate and cancer was just beginning. I watched their video asking for prayer. Couldn't stop crying. There are so many things to pray for and to fight for in life. Sometimes it's overwhelming. But there are those things that prick your heart and you can't let go. You can't help but remember to pray. Kate and her family are one of those things for me. I can't help but ache inside when I think of all that her sweet little 5 year old self is having to endure. Her family is awesome. They love Jesus. They trust Jesus. They know He will see them through. But still, it is the most painful and difficult journey a parent could ever face. They need all the support they can get. Check out Kate's site or blog for updates and to know how to pray. http://prayforkate.com/#/home-page/
Warning: She will melt your heart. :)

Jude and the Terrible Tickle Monster Auntie

2009-11-29T23:17:00.000-08:00

Just a short, cute video showing off Judah and his cuteness :)

New York: Highlights

2009-11-29T22:24:00.000-08:00

Going to ground zero was at the top of my list of things I felt like we had to do while we were in New York. It just felt wrong to me not to go. It is basically a construction zone right now. The other picture is what it will look like when it is done. Two pools where the towers used to be and Oak trees surrounding. It will open/be dedicated Sept 11th, 2011. It was sad of course, but I'm glad we went.

Went to see Wicked on Broadway. It was amazing. Almost as amazing as Central Park. Eddie looking very cute for our date day/night. We ended up changing out of our nice clothes and going to a Southern BBQ place. It was really good. I have never tasted such good Mac and Cheese in my life. That's Eddie and my idea of fine dining I guess...Mac and Cheese :)

Rockefeller Center

I guess going to Serendipity and getting frozen hot chocolate is just something you're supposed to do when you go to New York. It was a fun experience. I never thought to look at the price. We just ordered. 10$ for one. That's a lot of money for a beverage! If I knew how big they were we would have shared. Yummy, but slightly over-rated in my opinion.

Central Park turned out to be my favorite thing I saw in New York. It was more beautiful than anything I expected and way more gigantic than I ever knew.

The American Museum of Natural History. Dinosaurs here we come!!! We also discovered our weight on the moon. Feeling fat? Just weight yourself in moon pounds.

The beginning: Eddie and I missed our flight to New York. We were supposed to have a lay over in South Carolina. Took the next available flight, so our layover was in Philadelphia. Couldn't go to Philadelphia and not have a Phillie Cheese Steak sandwich. That would just be wrong...

Thanksgiving Highlights

2009-11-29T22:06:00.000-08:00

I have so much to post so I'm starting with the most recent things and working my way backwards. Here are a few shots from Thanksgiving. We has Thanksgiving twice. First with my mom's family in Torrance (I forgot my camera that day), and then with Alyssa's family. The boys played Settler's of Catan. Jude is just enjoying his first Thanksgiving meal. Kirstyn is being a good girl and eating her pie on the tile (thankfully- the carpet would have had pumpkin pie in it :)) and Eddie and my mom bowled against each other on the Wii. It was fun seeing my mom. She lives in Texas, so we only get together a couple of times a year.

Sick of being sick

2009-11-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

Why not blog about being sick? I mean, what else is there to do when you are really down and out? (And it's Sunday-there's nothing good on TV). My sick routine always includes watching The Price is Right at 10:00. But not today. It's Sunday. So, Eddie and I had a great time in Georgia with our family and in New York. Went to Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Time Square, Serendipity, The American Museum of Natural History, Ground Zero, lots of good food places. Thursday the flu hit me hard. Canceled our plans to head to The Statue of Liberty. Flew standby on Friday to get me home earlier. Could hardly move yesterday. I have never had such a bad cough that it literally brings me to my knees. My whole body hurts. I don't even remember the last time I was sick and really had a fever. Yesterday, 101.6 baby. Seriously, I feel helpless and again am thankful I married the most amazing man in the world. This morning I started to faint in the shower. Dove to the tile floor of our bathroom just before I blacked out. I know, it's a wonderful time we're having here in the Culin house. :) It was a pretty pitiful, but loving picture. Eddie dried me off, helped dress me, and put me back to bed. Yesterday he bought me jello, juice, drugs, and made me my mom's Chicken Soup. Hoping to feel better soon and get to posting pictures from our trip.

Bible Character Night at Frontside

2009-10-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

The whole group :)

Justin: Would you believe that he dumped tuna on himself to get into character? Can you guess???
He was Jonah...and he really did smell like he's been swallowed by a whale

Princess Esther and Princess Jezebel

Lazarus and Jacob

J's costume is a little more obvious than mine. I was the burning bush. I tried :) That's a lighter I'm holding in my hand :)

80's Night at Frontside

2009-10-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

I was in love with Sarah's hair. She looked like something straight out of a yearbook from the 80's. :)

Justin looking very 80's with Sarah and Alana

The whole 80's bunch together :)

The night was really fun. I have to admit 26 is starting to feel old. So many of our students were like, "What did people dress like in the 80's?" They really had no clue. Maybe because they were born in like 1994....

Victory over grout

2009-10-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

So when we bought our house I thought the grout was meant to be this nice dark gray/black color. Yeah, not so much. It was meant to be white. I have spent hours upon hours scrubbing. I'm almost done and I'm quite proud. :)

Victory over grease :)

2009-10-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Tammy. When she found out we bought a house she called me up to ask how she could help. I'm so glad she did, because I really needed it. Being a home-owner herself, she knew I'd have lots to do. Our kitchen was in desperate need of cleaning. I should have taken "before" and "after" pictures. Our stove had what I called "grease icicles" . I am not kidding- she spent 5 hours cleaning the stove alone. She kept pressing on declaring that she would have victory over the grease! She did. She showed that stove who was boss. I felt so loved. Acts of service :)

Fear

2009-09-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

Why not share something about my heart? I have no idea where my cord thing is for the camera so I can post pictures on here about the move and all the people who helped us. So why not share about my heart?
Fear. Not a great word. Not a great feeling. But it came upon my fast about 2 weeks ago. After losing our baby at 10 weeks it was painful. We chose to follow the advice of our doctor and prevent pregnancy for at least 3 months. I think it was the right decision for us. Suddenly (about 2 weeks ago) I realized 3 months had passed. Now what? All of these emotions started overwhelming me. I was afraid. Preventing sort of made me not have to deal with certain fears. Fears about being pregnant again. Fears about "trying" but not being pregnant and the possibility that making me sad. A little anxiety about what "trying" even means for the hubby and I. Like, what is good for us? Just be relaxed about it, or look at a calendar? We've never done this whole trying thing. What is this time in our lives supposed to look like for us? What is best for my heart? Do you see the flood of questions that came upon me??... :)
It may seem strange, but the last two weeks have been the most painful time in this journey besides the time right after it all happened. It hit me all of a sudden that waiting has been really hard. Most women after a miscarriage want to get pregnant again right away to hope again. Waiting sort of has made the sadness linger in some ways. I don't think it's been a bad thing. Just hard.
I have amazing friends though. I thought, "This fear sure isn't right. Don't think I'm supposed to dwell here." So I picked up the phone and called three of my best friends and shared what I was feeling: FEAR. They prayed for me (and are praying for me). It's amazing how you feel lighter after sharing the things that are weighing your heart down. I felt renewed.
I've had numerous people tell me they read my blog. I would never know because they don't comment. That's okay. I'm a blog stalker too. You don't have to comment. But when you think about us would you pray however you feel led? I can't say that I have answers for some of my questions. Just less fear. I don't really have a plan. Maybe it's supposed to be that way...

Home sweet home

2009-09-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is our house. Weird. "Our house". I'm pretty excited. I feel like I'm supposed to be like bouncing off the walls, "Ahhh! I'm so excited!!!", kind of excited. But I'm just excited. It's a house. It's not the most important thing in the world. Not even close. But we did pray about it- a lot. We prayed specifically : 1.) For a house we could use to be a blessing to others 2.) for a mortgage we could afford w/ me working only part-time (in case that's what I want to do when we have babies) 3.) that we would be WISE!! 4.) That we would bless God with the decision we make.
Crazy. I know it's just a house, but it's everything and more that we prayed for or about. I'm excited to see how God uses a house for his glory. By that I mean, this "just a house"is where our family will grow, our church family and friends will meet, and memories will be made- for His glory. I kind of just look at it and think "Cool, God. What now?"

Back to School Blues....sort of

2009-08-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love having days where I can do whatever I want with my day. No work. No school. No plans. I usually rest, spend unhurried time with God, and maybe catch up with a friend or two. It's wonderful. But I started school again. It's not too bad. I take the winter and summers off so I'm really only in school 6-7 months of the year. I'm doing my RN to BSN online through Cal State Dominguez Hills. Much of it is interesting. Some of it is incredibly repetitive. This semester I'm taking:

1.) Health Promotion and Teaching
2.)Professional Collaboration in Nursing Practice
3.) Health Assessment

Yay for back to school... sort of :)

Kirstyn, where is your......?

2009-08-23T22:40:00.000-07:00

I have lots of nieces and nephews. 3 Nieces and 3 nephews. Technically 4 nieces soon, since number 4 is due next month. This is Kirstyn, my little sister's baby girl. She is a crack up and she is really sharp. She loves when we ask the "where is...." question. Check out her bilingual skills. Pretty good for being two :)

Marriage Retreat Pics

2009-08-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

These are just a few fun pictures from Sandals marriage retreat this past weekend. I seriously look forward to it all year. Eddie and I had so much fun together. I wanted to stay for a week!!

Oh, Long Awaited Titus Bear... :)

2009-08-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

This is Titus Bear Pardee. Isn't he perfect? This baby is special. He is a gift to two of the neatest people I know. I am so excited to watch him grow. His mommy (Lindy) and I became friends while working together in youth ministry at Sandals years ago. Her, and her hubby Justin have really been a blessing to Eddie and I was excited beyond what I can even express to meet him. Welcome Titus Bear! Muah! :)

Summer slumber party

2009-07-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

The plan wasn't to sleep outside. After 3 hours of the air-conditioner running, I realized that it
had to be broken. Even on the hottest days, our whole apartment cools down in 15 minutes. It felt like a sauna. We had three fans running, but we were all still sweating. So when the girls asked if they could take the air mattress to the deck to sleep and sleep on the grass down stairs, I felt like I couldn't argue. It was a decent idea. As miserable as the heat was, it makes for a funny story to look back on and laugh at. We still had a good time. :)

Girl Time

2009-07-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

So I've been wanting to go to The Melting Pot for awhile. I've never gone for the whole 4 course meal thing. But for my birthday Eddie gave me money to go there and said I could take a friend with me. This was actually better than him taking me because he knew I could find a friend that would appreciate fondue much more than he does. The friend was an easy choice- Vanessa. We love cheese and chocolate and think the whole fondue thing is pretty cool. I really enjoyed everything about it. It took close to three hours to finish all the courses. So if there is a friend you need to catch up with and you can talk for hours this is a great place to go to spend some quality time. Yay for The Melting Pot and quality time with good friends! :)

A very important ring...

2009-07-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

After losing our baby I was trying to think of what I needed when it came to healing. My friends Helen and Vanessa gave me a beautiful scrap book and I filled it up fast with journal entries, cards and pictures. I'm really happy with it. More than anything it tells the story of a spiritual journey in my life and God's goodness in the midst of pain. So anyway I was looking up ideas on-line about healing. Came across one than appealed to me: Buy a ring with what would have been your baby's birth stone. Perfect.
So I'm laying in bed that night talking to God and a sweet thought occurred to me: My baby will never experience pain or evil. So I thanked God for that. The thought amazed me- that my baby was made purely for His glory and would only know the goodness of God. Next day I had a great and healing chat with Justin Pardee and later that day he had Lindy (his wife) text me a verse that he had been trying to remember while we were talking. It's Ecc 4:3. It says, "And most fortunate of all are those who were never born. For they have never seen all the evil that is done in our world." (NLT) See how crazy good God is? He even had a verse that went along with what I had talked with Him about the night before. So, the ring: My baby's birthstone and the reference for the verse engraved on the inside. I love it. It's special to me and makes me smile. Random facts: I had it custom made and I wear a size 4. :)

My nursing mentor

2009-06-30T23:19:00.001-07:00

Most of us have mentors: Marriage mentors. Spiritual mentors. Mentors on the job. We have people we look up to and think, "I'd like to be like that someday." This is Hargant. She is my nursing mentor. Here's why: She is smart. She has 20+ years of experience as a nurse and it shows. Each day that I get to work and find out she is working with me I say a silent "Yes!" in my head because I know if I ever have a question or am in need of help she's ready with an answer or a helping hand. She is incredibly kind. She loves people. She prays. She speaks words that encourage her co-workers and patients. I can't help it. I think, "This is the kind of nurse I aspire to be." I was so happy when she agreed to take a picture with me for my blog. Yay for nursing mentors who take new nurses under their wings! :)

American Idol tryouts....9 hours in the sun

2009-06-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Eddie didn't bring home a golden ticket in the tryouts, but he did bring home something else...A really nice sunburn. Tryouts were at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I'm so sad that they didn't have any shade set up! Out of 11,000 people trying out Eddie was part of the last 100 or so people to sing. When he got home I kept fluctuating between saying, "Oh my poor baby!" and cracking up. The pictures don't even do it justice. Who knew he'd need sunscreen at tryouts for American Idol? :)

A Healing Heart :)

2009-06-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

Just an update: We are doing so good. Last week I chose to spend time with someone who would refuel me everyday. My heart feels really good and so does Eddie's. I don't even really feel sad anymore. I smile when I look at my ultrasound picture, instead of feel sad. Went back to work Tuesday and had a great day. I'm such a sharer- whether things in life are good or bad, so being able to talk/share/show my picture to people has been so healing. It's funny/strange to me when people are awkward or avoid bringing it up because it feels so normal to talk about. I guess I'm just not an avoider. I don't know how to be.
Anyway, praise God for all the healing that has occurred in the last week. I am so thankful to each person who offered their time, heart, and prayers, and often times shared their own very sad and similar journey. Isn't it amazing to know that God always has our best in mind? My soul is so refreshed because I know that He really does work all things together for good for those who love Him, and I love Him! Work it Jesus, work it. :) His goal isn't to save us from painful circumstances or brokenness. His goal is to shape us into the image of His son. He is good, so good. Shape away... :)

If She Can Worship, I Can Worship

2009-06-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Went to a Hillsong United concert a couple months ago. Brooke Fraser sang this song. I loved it. It has ministered to my heart more than anything else during the last week. I basically sing it all day, play it in the car, and as of yesterday, play it on my guitar. :) So, Eddie comes up to me a few days ago and says with computer in hand, "Can I show you something?" He just looked really sweet and thoughtful, so I asked, "Is it going to make me cry?" "Yup", he replied,"but you need to see it." It's amazing. I'm like, "Really God?"(tears streaming) I already loved the song. It's really impossible not to be inspired.

A week later...

2009-06-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

This has been one of the most painful weeks of my life. In part, simply because my baby died. The moment replays in my mind over and over again. I knew before the Dr. said a word- because he wasn't moving. She measured him- 9 weeks, 5 days. My heart broke even more deeply as I realized my baby had died that week. How could he be fine last week, but not this week? It was heart-wrenching.
I knew losing a baby would be hard, but I didn't realize how heart-wrenching the actual process would be. I'd been by friends sides as they miscarried at 6 or 7 weeks, so I thought my process would be the same. It wasn't at all. As I cried the next day and told my doctor all that I endured she gently explained to me that just as a miscarriage at 20 weeks is completely different than a miscarriage at 10 weeks, so a miscarriage at 10 weeks cannot be compared to a miscarriage at 6 weeks. End of week 8, the placenta is complete, you have a large amount of amniotic fluid (bag of water), etc. I didn't know I would see him, hold him. See the beginning of his perfect little eyes. I couldn't have imagined the pain I would feel. The memories flash through my mind at any given moment and I feel sick again.
I have never felt far from God in the process. Nor do I question Him. I don't mean this to sound super spiritual. It's just the reality of where my heart is at. There is something so miraculous about a baby being knit together in your womb. I would always tell Eddie that I felt like I had a deep understanding that the baby was God's miracle. That I really had nothing to do with what was going on inside of me. We entered into this pregnancy with such pure, child-like faith. We would pray and always tell God, "we know this is your work, your baby. We trust you." I desperately want to have this pure, simple trust with our next baby. I know God will bring my heart to this place again. But for now, it's hard to imagine being pregnant again without fearing loss and pain.
I don't feel like God has made a mistake. He chose for me to experience this pain. He knew the baby He was creating would only live 10 weeks. I don't need to look at other pregnant women and think, "That should be me, or that would have been me if..." The reality is I'm exactly where God wants me to be. There is no such thing as "that should have been or would have been me" in God's eyes. He meant for this baby to live exactly as long as He did. I would never chose pain on my own, but God knows that pain shapes us into better people (if we let it). I know that God is working this for good and has so much to teach me, but honestly, I want to skip the pain and be on the other side of things. I know it will take time.

Tears

2009-06-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough 24 hours.

Yesterday was Cheryl's birthday and we were slated to go see our baby for the very first time. It was the first appointment of the pregnancy and the question of twins was looming overhead. So off we went, Cheryl, her mom, myself and a camera to capture this momentous occasion. After a long wait and a few rough girl tests (sorry baby :-( ) it was time for the ultrasound. Film rolling and eyes dancing we watched the monitor light up a tiny figure. Then came this awkward silence. i thought I was supposed to hear something. I remember my body tingle when the doctor said," I'm not seeing a heartbeat." She looked more and from other angles but the result was the same. No heartbeat. As tears streamed down my wife's face she simply said, " I know this sounds weird but I feel like God already spoke to me today about this." My wife had seen a mental picture of a baby without a heartbeat and already talked with God and processed with him about it. It definitely was a strange thing to think about the morning of an ultrasound, going beyond being paranoid to being a God-thing. We went through two more ultrasounds to confirm what we had already known from the first, our baby had made it to just over nine weeks and died.
In the whole span of events, what has brought us the most tears isn't the sadness of losing a baby, but the goodness of God. Our doctor couldn't have been more perfect. She was basically Cheryl in 30 years. She prayed over my wife and cried with her. My wife has had to delete texts three times because her inbox was too full. Her mom (who was a labor and delivery nurse for two decades) is in town and has walked her through much. We have so many good people to call family that really mean it when they say, "call if you need anything."
The whole thing hasn't been easy, nor is it finished, but we have definitely seen God so much already. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, called, texted, and thought of us. Your prayers have moved God's heart to bring us peace and to sustain us in this time. He is good and we trust Him. Thank you God for blessing us with the gift of a child, even if only for a few moments.
Here is little baby Culin. We think he's pretty cute. We love you guys, thanks again

E&C

When God says wait...

2009-06-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

My sister e-mailed me this poem. I loved it because I think it is true that many of our most intimate experiences with God occur in times of waiting. I remember asking "why?" so many times when my heart had been broken to pieces. I wanted answers. I wanted healing. I wanted desperately to fast forward the pain. But it really was in the depth of my pain that I began to be transformed and that God became, as I like to say "my very real God". The poem reminded me of my friends too. Some are waiting to know why they are where they are right now. Others desire babies. Others have marriages that are hurting or hearts that needs healing. What in your life is God asking you to wait on? How are you responding? Or, how have you experienced God through times of waiting?

Wait…

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:

Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.

I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,

And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait".

"Wait? You say, wait! " my indignant reply.

"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!

Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?

By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I can relate

Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to WAIT?

I'm needing a 'yes', a go-ahead sign,

Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

And Lord, You promised that if we believe

We need but to ask, and we shall receive.

And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:

I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate

As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."

So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut

And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting.... for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine,

And he tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.

You would have what you want - But you wouldn't know Me.

You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;

You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;

You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;

You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;

You'd not know the joy of resting in Me

When darkness and silence were all you could see.

You'd never experience that fullness of love

As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;

You'd know that I give and I save.... (for a start),

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,

The faith that I give when you walk without sight,

The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked

Of an infinite God, who makes what you have LAST.

You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,

What it means that "My grace is sufficient for Thee."

Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true,

But, Oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

So, be silent, My child, and in time you will see

That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.

And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,

My most precious answer of all is still, "WAIT."

Author Unknown

Boy or Girl? One Baby or Two? What's up with all the Dreams?

2009-05-30T15:54:00.000-07:00

So two weeks before I found out I was pregnant, I had a dream that I was pregnant. Had the dream around conception time. Pretty cool, right? All I remembered when I woke up was that in the dream I was holding my baby saying, "I can't believe it's a boy." It was funny because ever since we were engaged I have told Eddie that all I can see us with is girls. I've teased him lots about this and told him that I think when we have kids we'll kick things off with twin girls. I just can't figure out why only half of my dream would be true. If the pregnant part was true, why wouldn't the boy part be true too? Never thought I'd cast a boy vote for myself, but I sort of feel like I have to. My mother in law had a dream around the same time. In her dream, I was pregnant also, but with twins. Crazy. It's kind of fun. We'll see about one baby or two on June 9th. As for boy vs girl, we'll be in suspense for awhile. :)

Telling Daddy

2009-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

I thought I was so crafty. My plan had always been: Find out you're pregnant, make dinner: baby back ribs, baby peas, baby this, baby that, throw baby in front of everything on the menu and see how long it takes Eddie to catch on. Well, seeing that my hubby would be home from worship practice in an hour and I wasn't about to keep it a secret, I needed a new (and quick) game plan.
New plan: Get back in the car and drive back over to Tyler Mall area. Barnes and Noble. Brilliant. So I bought Eddie the book on the right , and what the heck, I grabbed one for myself too :). I had his book wrapped. He got home from practice and I told him that I had bought him a present, a book that made me think of him. This wasn't strange at all b/c we buy each other little random things often. Wish I had the moment on video. Before he opened the present he told me how much he loves me, how happy he is I'm his wife, how wonderful I am for thinking of him and out of the blue just buying him a present (his love language- can you guess it?) I'm thinking, "Amazing. This moment is so perfect." The unwrapping begins. And it didn't take my smart husband very long. He looked up at me and said, " Oh my gosh, are you serious??!!!" Yup. I smiled w/ my little confirmation object (See previous post) :) Then he pretty much tackled me with kissess and happiness. And of course had to throw something in like, "Wow, I'm pretty potent aren't I?" Yes honey-very potent.

Two Pink Lines... Backdated Blog # 2

2009-05-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

April 27th 2009- Something was supposed to come that..well, didn't. So at 8:30 at night, while my hubby was at worship practice, to Target I went to buy something that could either confirm or deny my suspicions. And so begins a new, amazing, and miraculous journey ( and nauseating... did I mention it's a nauseating journey? :) ). I am pregnant. We're excited. I love learning about all that is going on inside my body. God is seriously amazing.
I'll start by answering a few common questions:

1.) When are you due? Around the 4th of January. My first Dr. appt is June 9th (my 26th B-day). How sweet is that! Who could ask for a better present than hearing/seeing your baby's heart beat for the first time?
2.) Were you trying to get pregnant? Hmmm. Well, I don't believe you can say you are absolutely trying to NOT get pregnant unless you're on the pill, because many other methods are "risky". Our method: the : "calendar" method- particularly "risky". We said Summer 2010 would be when we would "try". So our attitude was basically, "Let's see how long this calendar method thing works". 4 months. Neither of us really thought we'd make it until summer 2010, and we knew we'd be totally excited if we had a baby sooner.

More baby blogging to come...Next: How I told Eddie

Backdated Blog #1- Judah

2009-01-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

So I'm trying to get into the habit of blogging more and need to play a bit of catch up. First one up is my brand new baby nephew Judah Jeffrey Culin. He's such a good baby. Here are some pics from our visit with him in Georgia.

Judah with his very first home made baby blanket.

Reason #5,689,002 I married Eddie. He's such a good daddy.

My best friend (who is also my sister in law) that I miss and love so much.

Hopefully this is a start to a new year in the blogging world. If you look at it statistically, I've blogged 200% more than last year already!

Oh, the Irony

2009-01-06T18:24:00.000-08:00

I called into Cheryl's work at around 2 am today letting them know my darling wife was paying homage to her porcelain throne. Some wicked food poisoning wiped my dearest out. The fun part was that she still wound up at Loma Linda anyways. Thanks to the wonders of dehydration, we found ourselves in the ER at 9am this morning. 2 liters of fluid and 8 hours later I bring home a very tired and "pooped" wife. As much as this has been a trying and weary day, God definitely still shines in truth throughout. We received good care and great drugs and drove away remembering how fortunate we are to have so much. Like bomb IV's.

Making Granny Proud

2008-12-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

Granny taught me to knit when I was 13. I was always fascinated by her craftiness. She could make just about anything. So once upon a time, thanks to Granny, I made a scarf or two. It had been so many years since I had knitted that I forgot how to "cast on"-or begin the whole process. So Perry Ann and I went to breakfast last week and she helped to re-ignite my desire for craftiness. She reminded me how to cast on. And here are the results friends.....

Meet Perry Ann(They don't get cuter than this)

Project # 1: A scarf for an undecided person (still a work in progress)

Project #2: I decided half way through Project # 1 that I now need to learn to crochet. Here's my first crochet project. It's a scarf (go figure :)) for my 4 year old niece, Kaylee. :)

Project # 3: No, no no, this is not a third scarf!!! This is my first ever baby blanket. Baby Culin is due any day and I'm going to be ready to wrap him up when he gets here!! I may just be slow b/c I'm new at the crocheting business...this has taken me about 10 hours to make :) ...Nothin' but love for the new baby. :)

Signs that it's time to create your own blog

2008-04-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

The truth about this blog is that I haven't actually written anything on it yet. I'm not too technologically savy, but I decided I needed a blog since Alyssa had one. (it's the whole little sister wanting to be like big sister thing) So I created one the other night and then went to sleep. Woke up in the morning to find my husband had posted a picture of himself on my blog page and had written a few sweet things about himself. He did the wedding "not enough ways to say thanks" post too. I think it's sign number one that he needs his own blog site. He insists that he doesn't. Wouldn't you say that staying up until midnight and 1:00 am(check out the times of the previous posts) pretending to be your wife and posting blogs on her page is a sign you need you own blog? Sign number two: I came home from work Friday night and Eddie had told me he'd done some "research" on blogging and "successful bloggers". He proceeded to inform me on the importance of having a visually stimulating page(e.g. pictures, videos), blogging often so that blog viewers do not lose interest, and not being too long-winded in your blogs (a obvious problem for me as you can see....). Sign number three: We come home this afternoon after church and Eddie asks/says, "Have you even blogged on your own blog yet? What's the point of having a blog if you don't blog? You should go blog something now." He seems very concerned about the success or failure of this new endeavor. I however, am just very impressed that there is a web page in existence with my name as the address. How cool is that? Anybody else out there think my husband needs a blog?? :) I'm hoping he'll be impressed with my first entry....

Not enough ways to say thanks

2008-04-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

Married life is definitely awesome. But I think of of the most amazing things was to sit back and see how loved we are. So many people poured hours, dollars, and incredible prayers into our wedding and into us. Thank you so much for being a part of the process, the day, and our lives. And thanks Daniel for capturing the awesome day through the eye of a lens... or 10.

My Husband

2008-04-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

He has to be the greatest one ever. Not only is he incredibly handsome but he stays up late to make my blog look pretty. I love him sooo much!