A Biblical View on Voting

Not much else to say here except that this is a truly good article written by Lynn Barton, a woman from our church, on how a believer should look at political issues, all supported by Scripture.

"Vote and Vote Like a Christian"

Too Important To Ignore

The Momentous First Tooth...and the second...

At just a few weeks shy of her 7th Birthday, Saiah has FINALLY lost her first tooth!! It was truly a huge deal in our house. Her two bottom teeth have been loose for a very long time. In fact, behind both of her two bottom teeth were the adult teeth popping up, a case I found to be called "Shark Teeth"!

Neither Jason nor I had ever heard or seen this phenomenon. I did learn from a few friends, that they too had children that had teeth come in before they lost their baby teeth. Made us a feel a bit better, but still...the idea of the teeth not falling out and the adult ones not coming forward as should made us think...oh no...we see Orthodontia bills in the future!!

Now, we are not strong believers in bribing our children. But, with a daughter who refuses to wiggle teeth and the thought of dentist bills, Jason thought it wise to tell Saiah that if she were to get her tooth out that day, he'd pay her $5!! This caught Saiah's attention. As she was mulling it over in her mind, Jason asked to see her tooth. As Saiah opened her mouth, Jason went to feel the lose tooth and instead, quickly pulled at it!!! Was she ever shocked!! With that tug, a few roots came loose and Saiah was able to successfully work the tooth out on her own. She was very excited to have lost her first tooth, and quite the money maker at that!

As we put her to bed that night, I looked at Jason and said..we don't have any cash!! Not going the traditional tooth fairy route, we decided to write up a note of congratulations along with a check made out to Saiah Merrihew for $5.00. She awoke in the morning seeing the note and smiling her semi-toothless smile.

The First Tooth

That was last Saturday. Today....

Jason and started out with $2 for this tooth. It went to $5 and then the next thing we know, Jason promises her this NFL Football she wanted from Toys R U. Oh yeah...she was all over that!! With a little thought, she decides to let Daddy again yank it loose again. We got the reaction on tape this time and it's quite hilarious.

Glad to have the two teeth gone so the adult ones have room to grow forward. Oh, and yes.....it has already been well announced to Saiah that the future teeth will not be as golden!!

The Second Tooth

Boy oh Boy!!!

We are so very excited to say....we are having a BOY!!! Saiah so badly wanted a baby sister, but is now very excited to be have a baby brother. The ultrasound went very well. He was quite the mover, so we saw a LOT of poses. He is looking wonderfully perfect and healthy so far...praise God!

First Grade

Saiah with Ms. McDonald on the first day of First Grade

Hard to believe the summer is over and Saiah is now in the First Grade!! She was unsure about first grade. Many of her friends from last year were no longer going to be at her school, and she just didn't think she could make it until 2:30. Her class this year is a K-1 combo with Ms. McDonald again. Having Ms. McDonald again is a huge blessing, as Saiah adores her.

Turns out, even though most all of Saiah's friends are no longer there, she is enjoying the Kindergartners that are in her class, as well as the other lone first grader, her only friend from last year. I also have noticed many of the kids kind of "looking up to" her as she is indeed the tallest and oldest.

The end of the day is just the first graders.....the two first graders!! Yep..only two of them. It's actually a wonderful thing as a parent, knowing your child gets such specialized attention from a teacher. The two of them really like it as well. They get to go on special walks and do their Math and Reading outside on a picnic table for a special treat every so often.

I have the pleasure of being able to work in Saiah's class this year, all five days. I am thrilled to be in her class and helping one of my close friends during this school year.

Yes, Saiah didn't quite want summer to end, but I do believe she would tell you now that she is enjoying school and definitely looks forward to going. In fact, today, she didn't want to leave Ms. McDonald. Only thing that helped was my telling her that she would see her this evening as Lacey, aka Ms. McDonald, was coming to our house for dinner. Indeed a rare treat for a child to have their teacher also be an adopted aunt of our family!!

Saiah and Chloe, helping prepare special treats for the class

Saiah's classroom

Like Father, Like Daughter

This last weekend, we headed to Etna so Jason and Jed could take Saiah and Kylie hiking and fishing up at Taylor Lake. It was a trip talked about for most of the summer, so it was really nice to see it happen. The girls popped right out of bed at 6:00 a.m. with eager anticipation of the day. Dressed in clothes to hike and fish in, they were on their way. The guys reported the girls were quite the troopers, hiking all the way around the lake, going through spider webs and bushes, having a grand old time with no complaining. In fact...they said, with glee, that the girls, when posed with the question of "what would you rather do...fishing, or shopping?" quickly responded that they would rather fish! They are such Daddy's girls!!

Both girls came home excited to share their fish stories. Kylie was able to reel one in and Saiah actually cast, and reeled in her own fish all by herself, even though neither her Daddy nor uncle believed she had a fish on! Luckily, we have a bit of it on video Jason was able to catch.

Oh, and at the home front..Casandra and I kept things low with coffee and PJ's till noon!!! What more could a girl ask for?? ;)

Saiah's First Fish all by herself!!!

Ten Years 8.8.98-8.8.08

8.8.08

For many...that date reminds them of the 2008 Olympics. But, for me and Jason, it marks 10 years of being married. I cannot believe it's already been 10 years. How is it even possible?

For those of you who don't know...this is our story.

Fall 1995...God has led me away from missions and returned me back to finish college to the first school of my choice, Simpson College (now known as Simpson University), in Redding, California. I was very excited to return back to school. I loved that it was smaller than my first college at Western Oregon, and primarily that it focused on God and biblical teachings. I quickly learned that God placed me with a quirky, but great roommie, and wonderful suitemates to boot. Anyways...many fun times were had in the first few weeks at school. Meeting new friends, going to events, attending classes, and an alumni volleyball game that would change my world forever.

My suitemate, Rebecca and I went to the Alumni volleyball game. As we were sitting there, watching it...she, out of the blue asked me..."what kind of guy do you like?" I know...very mature, we were. I glanced around and a few rows up saw a group of guys. In that group was one that really got my attention. I told her "that guy...right up there..". And there, was Jason. What drew me to him? I seriously think the Lord had a hand in it, but to be honest, it was the joy he showed through his laughter and his eyes. He seemed to have a sense of kindness, fun, enjoyment and, oh yes...he was terribly good looking. Seriously.

So..that was the first time I'd spotted Jason. Then, come to find out, I had three classes with his brother, Jed, who was a freshman that year. My keen observation also realized that Jed and Jason were roommates, right around the corner from our dorm room and I saw them walking above on the outdoor walkway above my room very frequently. I don't remember exact events, but since Jed and I did have so many classes together, along with many of my new friends, we studied in groups a lot. After a couple times, I told Jed he could invite his brother along if he wanted to. Tricky, I know. But, soon, Jason was joining us in studying. Well..,most of us studied...Jason just went to hang out since he had already taken the classes. I remember praying a lot during this time, asking God to lead the way. I believe without a doubt, that the Lord lead us then, and leads us know.

That's how our story started. We enjoyed many nights of talking and getting to know one another. Many fun times, studying together, doing Bible studies just the two of us, trips to his family, trips to my family. That was in 1995. Married for 10 years, together for13. No..it has not always been easy..but, I don't think it's supposed to be a piece of cake. Marriage without the Lord seems impossible. But with the Lord, marriage is truly a wonderful gift. The fun and joys outweigh the difficulties.

I love Jason, more so even than in the beginning. He is an amazing husband and I am truly blessed. I'm often amazed that God has blessed me with such a wonderful man. He loves the Lord, desires to know more about God, loves me and cherishes me, adores our daughter, enjoys spending his time with his family, laughs, lives, and loves.

I thank God for Jason and the ten years he has blessed us with, our daughter Saiah, and our new one to come. I look forward to the years to come that the Lord blesses us with.

Jason and I during our college years

August 8, 1998