Musings from a very pregnant woman...

First of all, it is against my nature to blog with no picture and seeminly no purpose. Although, perhaps there is someone out there interested in what I have to say this afternoon. So I will do what is not natural for me and blog away some of my thoughts of the past few days and nights.

I am "due" with baby #10 in 18 days, November 17, that is 2 weeks and 4 days. I normally run a little over my "due" date, so I don't anticipate delivering around then, but rather sometime around Thanksgiving. With the due date so close, the normal things are occuring. I am having difficulty in sleeping, as I am up several times a night. Even when I am tired, I am not able to sleep. Last night I watched the last half of Gods and Generals until 5:15 am and then I was able to catch a few hours of sleep. I try to nap during the day, but after 1 hour of laying in bed, I give up. I do believe that even laying down is doing me some good so I continue to do so, even if I don't sleep.

Not only do I have the pregnant waddle, I have the pregnant SLOOOOOOOW waddle. There are a few days here and there where my walking speed is almost normal, but mostly I walk very slowly and I waddle at that. I am sure you ladies out there can relate to not being able to get out of your chair during the last few weeks? I have taken to knitting in my chair and crocheting in my chair, both of which are fine activities for keeping your hands busy and your mind preoccupied.

I have been finishing up a few projects here and there. Two beautiful quilts were sent to two adorable twin girls for their second birthday, link to my friend Aimee's blog and you will see pictures. I have also finished a wall hanging for our entry that just needs the binding hand stitched down, another great chair project that will take me about 4 hours. Just today I sewed up a duvet cover for Sabrina's toddler bed. I made it out of a beautiful white king sized sheet with crocheting on the end. The sewing was easy, except for the button holes. Apparently I wasn't following the instructions! After 45 minutes and much frustration, I figured out the problem and finished that project. It is beautiful. For someone who doesn't sew, I guess I sew quite a bit. The last sewing project I have is a set of curtains for the girls' room. I sewed one pair a few years ago, and another pair is needed for their new room, which has two windows. Luckily I have enough fabric to make another pair. So, once that project is finished, my sewing area will be dismantled to make room for the baby cradle. That puts a time constraint on my sewing, but I work much better with a deadline, especially one that is so ever present and on my mind.

Yes, back to my mind. It is always surprising to me just how absurd my thoughts get when I am 8 1/2 months pregnant. What I would normally laugh off as odd thoughts or unreasonable fears, seem to be given credence in these last few weeks. Many nights I sing Psalms to the Lord and to myself to try to get my mind back to "normal". I often sit awake reading Scriptures full of promises of peace and of being cared for by the Lord. It is often just a few minutes after such readings, that the fears and doubts begin to creep back into my thoughts. What a vulnerable time it is for a pregnant woman. I am thankful that it only lasts a short while and that afterwards, there is such a beautiful reward to kiss and hold. I do look forward to that day.

I began to journal with my last pregnancy, and have started up again within the last week. It is refreshing to read what I wrote with my last pregnancy. It is also comforting to see how the Lord worked out all of the details with the last delivery and the days leading up to. It is such a trial of faith for me to be patient, and reading my thoughts has helped me to rest and be still and wait on the Lord.

We will keep you all posted as to the arrival of this little bundle. What a glorious day that will be!

House progress as of October 24, 2007.

These are pictures as of October 18, with more work having been completed in these rooms since then. First of all, all of the tile is done, including the tub surrounds, which this picture shows as incomplete. Second of all, every door, every window and all of the base trim is finished upstairs, which this picture shows as incomplete. Oh, if only I could keep up with the progress! It seems to be moving along so quickly now.
This picture (above) is of the girls' bathroom.
One of the upstairs doors installed, not yet trimmed. (But as of now they ARE trimmed.)
The tile guy having finished the tile surround in the boys' bathroom (same color scheme as the girls' bathroom).
The master bath tub surround, a bit different color scheme than the other two bathrooms. There is that cute carpenter again. So thankful I married him.
Here is a picture of the boys' room (left) and girls' room (right) with all of the trim finished. It is absolutely gorgeous trim. Again, so thankful I married a man with such good taste. He picked out all of the trim and colors. *side note*--none of the wood is yet stained. That will be done when the painter extraordinaire comes back and finishes all of the walls and the trim. Perhaps another week or so until then.

Happy Birthday Anna and Emma!

I know that your 2nd birthday is tomorrow, October 26, but I wanted to make sure and post before rather than after. So, here is a birthday greeting from all of us, to you! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Anna & Emma, Happy Birthday to you!!!
Here Ruthie sits atop one of the much alluded to quilts. What joy it brought to make something here, that you will be using there. It makes me feel like we don't live quite so far apart. May the Lord bless you both and bless your parents as they train you in the Lord. May the Lord also bless your brothers and sisters as they grow up with you and teach you the truths that they know. Blessings little girls on this, your second birthday!
~Auntie Amy

I have been tagged.

Jobs I have had:

1. McDonalds (don't knock it until you've tried it)
2. Grocery store clerk in Medora, ND
3. Campground attendant/cashier/office manager in Medora, ND
4. Spotlight technician at a professional outdoor musical in Medora, ND
5. Back stage techy at the same musical in Medora, ND
6. Short stint as a telemarketer
7. Mary Kay consultant

Places I have lived:

1. Jamestown, ND
2. up in the boondocks of Canada, near Grande Prairie, Alberta
3. Bismarck, ND
4. Medora, ND (for 2 summers)
5. Fargo, ND
6. Steamboat Springs, CO
7. Hayden, CO

My favorite TV shows:
As we do not have cable, it is hard to say, other than a few favorites from childhood and a few favorites we have gotten hooked on via full season sets available on DVD.

1. Smallville
2. 24
3. TLC programming involving room redecorating
4. Wheel of Fortune
5. The Amazing Race (is it even on anymore?)
6. All time favorite would be the winter and summer olympics

Places I have been to:

1. San Francisco, CA and Alcatraz
2. Disneyland in CA when I was 11
3. Most of the continental United States, with the exception of the NE states and Arizona --missed that one somehow
4. I am sure there are several places that would seem interesting to you all that I am just forgetting to write down

Favorite foods:
(in no particular order)
1. Pot roast and veggies
2. Wild rice
3. Sesame tarragon chicken
4. lefse
5. really flavorful salads
6. Johnny B's Gyro (absolutely scrumptious!)
7. Double Z burger with fries and ranch dressing
8. Homemade taco pizza --patterned after Happy Joe's taco pizza

Books I have enjoyed recently:

1. Upgrade by Kevin Swanson
2. Mothering from the Heart by Marilyn Boyer
3. A Mother Just Like You by Vickie Farris
4. Children's Story Bible by Catherine Vos

Things I enjoy:

1. My littlest one, still in the womb, kicking and rolling around
2. finding a really good parking spot on a very busy day
3. pink lip gloss
4. Breyer's cookies and cream ice cream
5. Fingerprints on my windows
6. bouquets of flowers from my little munchkins
7. notes left on my bed for me by my little munchkins
8. pictures drawn by my little munchkins on my refrigerator
9. new pictures of family and friends sent at Christmas--or anytime of the year, really
10. talking with a good friend on the phone for hours

I tag my pastor, Rogers Meredith.

October 16, 2007 House update.

First off, the sheetrock was done a long time ago. It seemed pointless to take a picture of just the sheetrock put up, because the tapers and mudders would be there and would be finished shortly. So, I put off taking pictures. When they finished a few days later, I went to take pictures and realized it was pointless again because the texturers would be done in a few days and THEN I would have something interesting to take a picture of. After they finished, it was hard to see anything because it was all white, so I decided to wait until after the painter came in to do the initial priming and painting. Well, needless to say that all happened in the past several weeks and now I have a few pictures to show you. They are not glorious, but should feed your curiosity. Now that things are moving at lightening speed, I will take pictures more regularly to keep you updated. As of today, 1/3 of the tile is down, the hardwood flooring is being put in, window trim is going up and upper cabinets in the kitchen are in. By the end of the week, the rest of the tile will be done, hardwood floors all in and all of the window trim done, as well as some of the base trim. So keep checking back. Progress is glorious!
Here we have kitchen cabinets.

I managed to snap a picture with the cutest cabinet installer in the picture. Of course, he is my husband.

The kittens, as promised, just a little late.

We were the proud new witnesses to 4 little boy kittens. It has been enjoyable watching them frolic and play and wrestle around with one another. Here are the cute pictures.
Above we have Garfield on the left and Burt on the right. Both of these kittens are still with us, so if any of you need a kitty, please call!!
Hard to see with the cats entwined, but the all black kitten's name is Sammy and he is the kitten in the front. I am not able to distinguish the other kitten. The kitten on the far right is Burt, again.
On the left is Sammy (all black), then we have Garfield (striped), then on top of the heap is Speedy Gonzalez (black with white markings) and on the right is Burt (striped with white paws). Speedy Gonzalez was the first kitten to go, with Sammy following a close second. Again, if any of you desires a kitten, let us know! The other two are still available.
Here is a close up of "Speedy" as the kids called him. He was one of their favorites.

Sabrina turns four! September 21, 2007

Here we have the delightful birthday girl helping with her pink cupcakes. They will later be frosted with scrumptious pink frosting and pink sprinkles. Of course you have to lick off the batter when you are done!
See the pink balloon in the foreground? Here is Sabrina opening a gift from one of her brothers.
Ruthie is just making sure that she has a good view and that Sabrina is doing it right.
Pom poms!! Ruthie has played with them more today than Sabrina has. What little girl doesn't like pom poms?
A noisy tamborine. That toy lasted about 5 minutes before we had them put it away. It is one of those toys that gets played with sparingly. It would be much better for them to play with it outside, far far outside.

more birthday pics...

Pink haired doll with a pink dress. Are you sensing a theme here?
Sabrina with her new "dress jammies" as she calls them. My second complete sewing project.
She had to wear them to bed last night. They are so cozy! She told me this morning that she wants to wear them again tonight.
We were halfway through the song when she decided she had to blow out her candles. And yes, the cupcakes were pink, with pink frosting and pink sprinkles.
And pink candles. We served the cupcakes with pink bubble gum ice cream. Thank you to Nicholas, our budding pyro for generously offering to light the candles.

Ruthie.

Ruthie kept handing me the camera, so I tried taking a picture of her so she could see herself on the screen. Each time the flash went off, she would giggle and turn her head. This was our first try.
Second try. (my personal favorite)
Third try. She loves seeing herself in the camera. And for the record, her eyes are still blue!!

A glorious Lord's Day celebration.

We had a house full of people yesterday afternoon for a combined birthday party. There was a near monsoon happening outside, so although we were mostly confined to the interior of the house, a blessed time was had by all. I can't remember the last time there were so many little people in our house. What a treasure to see the faithfulness of God in the next generation. We ate, sang psalms, laughed, drank wine and celebrated birthdays. Thank you Lord, for the fellowship of the saints.
Here are the two birthday boys. On the left is Daskin Dade, recently turned 11 year old. On the right is our very own Brian, new teenager. The carrot cake was scrumptious!
Some of the men deep in discussion I am sure.
If you look closely you can spot a rainbow. The children were so excited to see it that they rushed outside to take a picture. By the time they got outside it was almost faded out completely. Thank you, Lord, for giving us this visible reminder of Your faithfulness to us.

Another teenager added to our household. September 12, 2007

Brian David Pederson, the third of the children entrusted to us, turned 13 on Wednesday. It was a low key affair, as last year was his "golden" birthday with many glorious festivities. Also, we are having a combined birthday party this Lord's Day (I am sure there will be many pictures of that day, as well). So here are a few pictures taken on the actual birth-day.
Brian, now 13 with younger sister Sabrina, almost 4.
Nicholas, the could-be pyromaniac, having lit the birthday candles and presenting the cake to the birthday boy.
And of course, the blowing out the candles picture.

The house is now ready for drywall. September 12, 2007

These are some rough photos of the interior of the house after insulation, before drywall. As you may notice, the drywall has been stocked inside the house. As of today (Saturday), half the drywall is completed. I will try my best to describe to you which room(s) you are looking at. I think I am far more excited by these pictures than any of you will be.
This is the view from the front door looking kitty-corner. The bright window on your right is actually the kitchen window that is over the sink. The railing in the foreground is for the stairway. The framed in room with no insulation is the walk in pantry right off the kitchen.
This is a view of the master bedroom/bathroom. The arched doorway leads to the master bath.
This archway leads from the west bedrooms to the east bedrooms. The doorway directly ahead of you is the boys' room. To the right of that doorway, would be the girls' room and bathroom (both are out of view). The railing is open to the staircase below.
This is a view of the school room/guest room (left doorway) and one of our many bathrooms (right doorway).
This is a view down the stairs looking at the front door. The previous two pictures and this picture were taken from the same place. One was looking east, one was looking west and this one is looking down. Perhaps that helps you get an idea of the layout of the house.

Hiking with Dad. August 11, 2007

On a glorious Sunday afternoon, Dad took many of the children hiking up on Rabbit Ears Pass. The following pictures tell part of the story.
Here is the trusty lead dog, Liebe (pronounced LEE' buh--German for "love").
From left to right, Ellie, Joseph, Maria, Dad, Matthew, Brian and Nicholas. Thomas is taking the picture.
From left to right, Ellie, Brian, Maria, Dad, Joseph, Matthew and Nicholas.
This time Brian is the photographer and left to right this time, Ellie, Thomas, Maria, Dad, Joseph, Matthew and Nicholas.

Some of the glorious views from the rear of the pack.

Stucco is on!

The stucco was actually done a very long time ago, it just took me over a month to get a picture of it. The bottom of the house (the non-stucco part) will have a rock face.

July 31, 2007 The house is ready for stucco.

Here is a view from the front of the house. The black "tar" paper (I don't know the real name) is stapled up in preparation for the chicken wire and the stucco. In a few short days, the stucco will go up. Yeah!
Here in an east view of the garage. It is also a better picture of the corbels and starbursts on this side. The two small wood pieces on the outside of the garage opening are the backing for the exterior lights. Larry doesn't miss a detail.
Don't you love this entry? It looks so grand. I love the soffit that was chosen and also put on the underside of this entry. The door will receive a coat of stain before it is all finished.
This is the west side of the house. There is a bay window in the dining room and the window on the right is for the living room.
I took this interior picture because I am excited to have some electrical going in. Currently, the electrician has the outlets, switches and light boxes all installed, with most of the wire running to and from the different boxes. That just means we can't walk through the walls anymore.