Baby VanDyke...

Yes, the rumors are true. Sam and I are looking forward to welcoming a Baby Van Dyke into this world in June of 2010.
On Monday, Sam and I went to the hospital so I could have a check-up and ultrasound. I have known for about a month that I was pregnant, but it really didn't feel real until I saw the heart beating on the monitor. What a wonderful sight that was! We got to see the little peanut (for that is what it looked liked), and it even wiggled for us. Oh, and I am only having one. At least we only saw one baby, and one sac.
We are very excited about this and so thankful to the Lord for such a precious gift.




As to my condition, for those of you who have been wondering...
I have so far been blessed with an easy pregnancy. I have felt a little nauseous at times, but have found that if I keep eating, I can control the nausea. So to say the least, I have been eating a lot.
I have also been very tired. I didn’t realize that I would be so sleepy, so have taken to falling asleep in the afternoons, AND going to bed early.
Thank you for all your prayers! We appreciate them, and are also praying for the safe arrival of this little one, and that it would come to know and love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as we do.

Cassia's Visit

During spring break, Cassia came and stayed with us. It was so much fun to have her here with us. On one of the afternoons, we went for a walk and the pictures below tell the story of what happened. The saddest part of it all is that it went by too fast.

Dad's Birthday

On Thursday, we went to Mum and Dad's place to celebrate my Dad's birthday. I made the cake, which was supposed to be a replica of the church, but later I realized that I messed it up a little. but it was still delicious anyway.

Dad's Cake

The Saga of the Remote...

For two months, my family couldn't find the TV remote. It seemed to have fallen into a black hole. Dad had been the last one to use it, but many other people got blamed for its disappearance. They looked everywhere; in the couches, under the couches, even in the most obscure places like the laundry. Well, at Dad's birthday dinner, it came up once again that they still couldn't find it. So we started thinking through the place it had been seen, and the places it might have gone. Once again, they pulled the couches out to look under them, and they searched in all the hollow places as you will see in the following pictures

Searching for the remote..

Eventually, they did find it. It had fallen into a crevice that was only noticed when the back of the chair was extended and the foot was raised.

Christmas 2008

Over Christmas, Sam and I went to San Fransisco. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, exploring the downtown areas of San Fransisco. We had lovely weather for it, though it was a little nippy with the wind. On Christmas Morning, we stopped on Nob Hill and listened to Christmas Carols being played on the bells of the Catholic Church. Here are some photos of our time, and even one of the bell carols ...

Christmas Caroling in Hickman

One cold, clear night in December, Hickman Church went caroling in the neighbourhood. About 30 of us, bundled up warm, loaded up onto the back of a truck and sang our hearts out. Here are a few pictures that I snapped, and even some video of our serenading. We had a lot of fun that night, and this might even become an annual event. Enjoy!

Muffie, Sadie, and Bella

Jacob and Esau

Jacob and Esau, two brothers who though they were twins, were very different in nature... That is a very
true description of our kitties. Esau is bigger and darker in color than Jacob. He is the more adventurous, and independent kitty. Jacob on the other hand, is the runt. He is lighter in color than Esau and is much more a mama's boy. He loves to snuggle and purr and is more than willing to play and entertain you.

Wisconsin in the Fall

In the beginning of October, Sam, Cassia and I flew out to Wisconsin. I have never seen such a beautiful display of God's creation. The fall colors were vibrant and everywhere you looked was colorful. On one of the afternoons, we went for a walk around a place called Hoffman Hills. It is one big hill that has a tower at the top. From the top of the tower, the 360 view was amazing. Below are some of the picture that I took while on that hike.