Tornado (unofficially) in Altus!

We lost our redbud tree when the whole tree was pulled out of the ground leaving a hole! I'm really sad about losing this tree because it was the most beautiful redbud I had ever seen :(
Branches from our neighbor's tree fell all around Brian's car not on it! Thank you, God!
We lost our shed and some of the contents. The shed is folded up against the fence and contents are lying around. This was the next morning so Brian had already picked up our grill which you can see at the right of the picture. That was turned over and sitting on its lid with the legs in the air. Oh, and some pieces of the shed are lying in our neighbor's yard!
Here's a look at the front of our house the next morning. Brian had to move the branch in the driveway so he could go to work. We had no electricity but the tech center did, so off to work!
Here's our neighbor's dog (on the right) who is staying in our backyard until things get fixed in theirs. The dog was chained to a tree that got blown over. Their electrical line also fell in the tree and yard, but we had already lost power before that. We were worried at first that she had died because she did not come when we called. The neighbors got home right after the storm. Brian and Pat found the dog out of her chain but still in the fallen tree.

So in case you didn't know, we had a tornado in Altus last Thursday, June 5th. It hit hardest on my part of town, the air force base, and in Blair. I said in the title "unofficial" because the base sounded the alarm but the town of Altus didn't. So the county officials cannot say it was a tornado, if you know what I mean. But we all know it was and some people have pictures of the funnel touching ground. The damage was really bad for some. We lost power on Thursday about 20 minutes before it hit (because of the high winds) and we got power back on Saturday evening. Our neighbor on the west side lost a tree and lots of branches of others, and they also lost one vehicle when a tree fell on the carport. I saw many homes with huge trees lying on their cars and one home I saw had part of the neighbor's tree in their house! Many homes also had partially lost their roofs. I can't even begin to describe all of the damage here. So, I am thankful to God that no one lost their homes and no one had died. I'm going to post a blog next that will only have pictures of my neighbor's.

WOSC

Well, it was official yesterday that I got the full-time position for biology instructor at Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC). Yay!!! I'm really happy and excited to have this full-time job. I have been enjoying working there part-time. My full-time position takes effect in August. I am still working part-time this summer, but I will get a key to my new office soon so I can move in!

Lots of big things have happened this year for us so far. #1--we bought Mom & Dad's house here in Altus, #2--baby's coming!, and #3--now I have a full-time job!

Brian is enjoying his new work this month at the tech center. He is working with the simulator instructor on the flight simulator machine to repair it. If this works out he may be on an 11-month contract in the future.

In July Brian is putting in tile floors for my kitchen/dining room and the laundry room. We are also looking at getting new carpet in the rest of the house. I'm excited about this because I have been wanting new flooring for a long time.

Another Ultrasound

I got a call this morning that there was a computer problem last week and my ultrasound exam never made it to the doctor. So I had to go in again today. Don't worry, it wasn't done again because of the baby.
This picture is labeled. It shows the baby holding his foot. The foot is in front of the hand in the picture with his wrist and elbow bent. So just above the word "foot" are the fingers, but you can't barely make them out.
This picture shows one of the feet. The heel is at the left and the toes are to the right. The other foot was underneath this one.
This one shows the boy parts. One leg is at the top and the little rearend is at the left. There is a T just above the testicles and to the right is the penis. Just right of that you can see part of the umbilical cord. So I can really see now that the baby is a boy!

Ultrasound

Baby's face looking right at you with the forehead (looks like a large black spot) at the left side of the pic. You can see two black eyes, the nose and chin. A fist is at the top of the pic.
Baby's legs from a front view with baby lying on his side. The abdomen is at the left of the pic and feet (which are upturned) are at the far right of pic. You can see two large knees in the center of the pic.
Baby's legs at a slightly different view. The feet are at the left side of pic. The lower leg is more straight and the top leg is slightly bent.
Baby's profile looking up. You can see the forehead, one eye (black spot), a pointy nose and mouth.
Another profile pic. The head looks much bigger and you can't see the nose and mouth as well.

You can click on the pictures to see them larger. It was very exciting to see the baby moving around. I could feel it sometimes as I was seeing it. We saw the baby do a total flip and move hands and feet. We also saw the baby scratch my placenta which was actually really cute. We could see the bottom of the feet and toes really well. We saw the heart beating too. The technician pointed out the boy parts to us twice, but I couldn't really tell. She said that she was pretty sure the baby is a boy, but that it's not 100%. Right now the names we like are Alexander Charles or Brian Charles (after Brian, but we would call the baby Charles). We will probably wait until the baby gets here to make up our minds.

Interview

I had the interview today for the full-time biology instructor at WOSC. I think it went well, and I answered the questions as best as I could. I should hear either way within the next few days, so I'll let you know.

20 Weeks

I went to the doctor today. I have 3 doctors and I have been to all 3 now. The one today was Dr. Hyde, who is my usual doctor that I see every year. All 3 doctors are women and I see all three of them because it is possible that any one of them could deliver the baby. It depends on who is on-call the day I deliver. I would only get to choose which doctor if my delivery is planned ahead of time, like for surgery or induction. I gained 4 more lbs. Dr. Hyde said I was doing well. She asked if I had a good appetite, and Brian was sitting there shaking his head "yes" really big! We listened to the heartbeat again. I get an ultrasound on Wednesday, so if we find out the gender I'll let you know. Brian was really excited about the ultrasound, and the nurse and I were laughing because of it. Here's a picture I took today, and I think there's a big difference from last month.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers! I love you, Mom! Thank you Mom and Dad for the beautiful flowers you sent to me! I'm looking forward to being a Mom, and I hope that I can be as great as my Mom.

Doctor Yesterday

I went to my cardiologist yesterday because I had told my doctor about feeling cold. My cardiologist said that it was not related to my heart. He said it sounded like it could be my thyroid or possibly just part of pregnancy. My other doctor said my thyroid level is normal. My cardiologist and I talked about my medication, and I am planning to continue not taking it while I am pregnant and breastfeeding. So I will see my cardiologist in one year unless I have any problems before that.
As far as feeling cold, I have been feeling fine. And I haven't had any "morning sickness" for the last two weeks! I'm hoping that means it's done. I still feel the baby move every day, and sometimes it feels like the baby is ramming his/her head into me. Or pushing on me and trying to stretch my uterus! It doesn't hurt but I don't like it anyway.

Still Moving

So I felt the first movement on April 26th at 10:20am, and I have felt it move every day since then. Sometimes I forget for the first nanosecond that it is a baby moving, and I think "what is that?" Then, oh yes, there is a baby in there! Sometimes the baby hits me so hard that I can actually see it from the outside! But that is only sometimes. And I keep calling Brian over to see, but then nothing happens. So the other night Brian was talking to the baby and kissing my belly where I said the baby was moving. Then he laid his cheek there, and the baby kicked so hard that Brian felt it! Brian was really happy and satisfied that he felt the baby move too.
I'm in my 5th month now and I will find out in about a week and a half when I will get an ultrasound done. Hopefully then we will know if we have a girl or boy!

School is almost over for this semester/year. Brian will be working in June for the first time as a trial basis. They are changing up his program and he might be put on an 11-month contract in the future. This is really good and he is happy about that. I have applied for the full-time biology instructor position at WOSC. I have an interview on May 14th, so we will see what happens! I will be working this summer as adjunct instructor (part-time) teaching two biology classes. I'm looking forward to that.

First Movement!

Today I felt the baby moving for the first time! I felt a poke from the inside that could only be the baby. I felt it a few times today, and I keep waiting to feel it again. Yay!

16 Weeks

Well, I made into the fourth month. I've grown a little where a few people have asked me if I am pregnant. It depends on what clothes I am wearing. At my doctor appointment this week, I showed a 3 pound gain. The nurse said I was on track. Most of my regular pants don't fit me anymore, but there are still a few I can wear. I am still getting sick some mornings but it is not as bad. Sometimes I get really hungry and my stomach growls a lot when I shouldn't be hungry normally. I still have a really bad breakout on my face and I'm hoping it will get better soon. I am going to see my cardiologist for a checkup next month. I have been feeling cold. The doctor said that my heart may be compensating for the baby so I am having poor circulation to the rest of my body. I guess it's all going to the baby! The cardiologist is going to tell me if I need to start taking my medicine again or not. Brian and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again this week. It sounded a little slower than last time and the doctor said it changes through the months of development.

12 Weeks!

Well, I'm at 12 weeks now. I decided to start taking pictures so all my family can see the "progress." I went to the doctor today. I had a physical, and we listened to the baby's heartbeat. It was really easy to find and the doctor said it was really strong. My blood pressure is good and I gained 3 pounds. Most people cannot tell I'm pregnant yet because I am not really showing. But most of the family can tell, so you guys can see in the picture that I have a little "baby bump!" Most days I feel pretty good, but sometimes I feel nauseous. Sometimes I get sick too. Mostly from brushing my teeth because of the taste of toothpaste. So lately I've been using Barbie bubblegum flavored toothpaste! That helps. Smells really bother me sometimes, too. On to a better subject....I am going to decorate the baby's room with frogs. I found a comforter set already that has frogs on it. It also has a duck, dragonflies, and a "snake" that the duck is looking at (which everyone else says it is a worm, but I say snake OK!). I'm planning on painting the room light green, yellow, and white. Those will be the main colors but I also want to use orange, purple and blue too. I know that sounds weird, but it'll be pretty. I won't be decorating until this summer though.

Christmas pics

Here's the pics I promised! Henry and Emma liked Aunt Lisa's snuggly blanket! Mom, Jenny, and I had a girl's day out while Jason, Dad, and Brian helped the kids put together a gingerbread house. They really enjoyed that. I have lots of pics of them opening presents but here's one that has both in the same pic. Of course they had a great time opening presents. Brian and I had a great Christmas spending time with our family! We love you guys.

News

I am teaching classes again this spring semester at WOSC. I will be teaching Biology and Medical Terminology. I enjoyed last semester. We had a great holiday break. We went to Jason's house for Christmas. We had a good time with Jason, Jenny, Henry, Emma, and my parents. I will put up some pics of our trip soon. After this we went to Nanny and Pa's (Brian's grandparents) in Checotah. We had a good time there too. That's what's new for now and I'll try to put up some pics soon. I hope all of you had good holidays!

God is Amazing!!!

Brian's friend/student was healed yesterday of a back injury that he has had for several years! (He is about the same age as Brian.) I met Paul last Sunday. He was walking very slowly, hunched over, and using a cane. He is taking Brian's class because he cannot work for the military anymore, or is on hold, or however that works. The doctors said he was not going to get better and he was on several medications. Yesterday morning he was praying at the altar and someone took his hand and asked him if he wanted to be healed. He said yes, felt tingling, and began walking with the man leaning on him. He said he realized there was no more pain and he started walking on his own! Then he started running around the church! He goes to another church, so we did not see this happen, but we went to church with him and his wife that night. It was so amazing to see him standing tall and walking around. He wasn't sitting in a special chair or using a cane. His medications and MRI's were at the altar. I am in awe of what God did. But should I be surprised that the same God who can forgive my sins and save my soul can also heal a lame man?
Praise God!!!

Heather and Nick

I don't think I ever put up pics of Heather and Nick for their engagement. Well, even if I did here are some more. These are some of the pics I took for Heather and Nick. We went to the Quartz Mountain State Park. The wedding was on July 14th. We had a good time and most importantly, Nick and Heather had a good time. I took some pics of decorations before the wedding but none during the wedding. So when I get some wedding pics I will put some up.
Congratulations Heather and Nick!!

What's new...

I will be a part-time (adjunct) instructor for Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) for this Fall. I will be teaching 2 biology, 1 anatomy, and 1 medical terminology class. This will be on Tues. and Thurs. The med terminology class is online so I guess that is almost a daily thing with checking messages and opening/closing assignments and grading.
I got a call from the public library and they offered me a teaching job for adult education classes. It focuses on reading, writing, and arithmetic. I am supposed to meet with the supervisor and another instructor either today or tomorrow. Then I will decide if I want to do that. It is only part-time so I could teach at WOSC and for the library if I wanted to.
Well, what else is new? We have to get our A/C unit replaced. It will be done next week. The unit is rusted out on the bottom and leaking bad, which I guess it had been for a while but we didn't know. Also there are several things that are not "up to code" and will be fixed.
Brian's classes start next week and he's looking forward to it. Mine will start the day after his.
Brian's dad, Alan, was diagnosed with diabetes a few weeks ago. So he is on two types of medicines now. He has been doing well with trying to eat better and exercise more. I'm really glad he went to the doctor because Brian and I had been trying to get him to for at least a year now. We are trying to eat better as well. Actually I don't know if I'm more worried than Brian but I don't want either of us to get diabetes since it is both our families. Brian's BMI shows that he's overweight. He needs to lose about 30 pounds to be at a good BMI. I want us to join a gym together but Brian is dragging his feet. In another week I think I will just join by myself.
Well, I know I'm rambling on so I'll stop now.

I did it!

Yay!! I got through my thesis defense/oral presentation!! It went well and a big weight is off my shoulders. Thank you to all my family and friends for supporting me!

On my way to graduation!

Well, guys, I am finally on my way to graduating! I know it's about time, but it's going to happen! I turned in my thesis rough draft last week. I am working on some changes now and I turn it back in on the 20th. My thesis defense, an oral presentation, is on July 17th. Then the official graduation date is August 8th, but there is no ceremony. If I want to go, I have to attend in December. I'm not going to do that. Soon you will call me Master.....mu ha ha ha!

Finally updated!

Hey family!! Sorry it took me so long just to get the Christmas pics up! (Check out the "Montvale Hotel" post I just added along with all the Christmas stuff. It got mixed in between some previous posts, and might be easy to miss.) I've been working hard at school with my research and teaching botany labs. I also started teaching a biology class at the community college in Altus. Then to top it off, I decided to become a PartyLite consultant. What am I thinking!? I guess I thought I wasn't busy enough...Ha! I hope you all enjoy the new pics I put up. Love ya!

Fun in Lakewood

We had a great time in Lakewood with mom and dad. Mom and I went birdwatching. It was cold! We braved the weather as long as possible and saw a few good birds. I didn't get any pictures of birds but I did get a picture of the cool lichens growing on everything!
We also visited the science center. We saw the Dead Sea Scrolls, which was a great experience! We also saw lots of insects, including all kinds of butterflies. Some of the insects were giant plastic ones!! Hee hee....But most of them were real. I got some great pics of butterflies and here's a couple. It was also neat to see the Space Needle lit up at night.
Mom and I had fun at home playing Dance Dance Revolution. It was Mom's Christmas present from Rachel and James. I had so much fun that Brian bought for me when we got home!! I was practically addicted to it for the first couple of weeks. Then I got so busy, I was having withdrawals!!
Brian had a great time working with Dad at the computer store for a few days. He would have gone every day if I let him!
We had such a wonderful time in Washington for Christmas. Thank you so much Mamaw for making it possible. I miss all of you and can't wait to see you the next time!

Christmas in Spokane

Christmas at Mamaw's was so much fun! I think Isabel and Hope enjoyed passing out the presents. It was great staying with Mamaw and getting to spend time with her. (I miss you Mamaw and love you!!!)

Hope's Birthday

We were able to attend Hope's birthday party. I have the two cutest cousins ever! They are so sweet too! It was a blessing for us to be able to spend time with them. We love you and miss you girls! Oh, it was nice to see Uncle Kasey and Aunt Tanya too!!!!