We've been holding out on everyone

Well, many of you already know this, but as of this morning I (Frank) no longer work at California Natural Products. I had a wonderful time working there, and loved working with pretty much all the people there.

Currently I am enjoying a little bit of time with my family before I head into my next chapter in life.

And so... to let all those who don't know (there's probably not too many) what's going on, know what's going on... starting September 4th, I will be going back to school. I can hear it already, "To do what?" Nursing. When we went to Lamaze classes before Hadassah was born, during our breaks we would roam the halls of the hospital admin building, where the classes were held. This was the same building where the HR office was(natch). So we perused the job postings and of course said "WOW, nurses earn a LOT of money".
So that got me to thinking, "I really don't care for sitting on my growing-fatter-every-day butt at the computer, all the time. Why didn't I ever think about nursing?" The answer was that male nurses have a certain "stigma" that I wasn't comfortable with, and I just always assumed I would do a business oriented job, rather than a science oriented job.
Well, with the the reality of having a child now setting in, and knowing that Amelia and I had decided that she would stay home with our children, and with the realization that my job at CNP would not, probably ever, pay for that, I now bravely put away all preconceived ideas, and thought, "Could I do this?" Could I quit my job, go back to school, get good grades, graduate, pass the state boards, etc.?
Fortunately, I didn't have to do that all at once, and God has given me a lot of strength so far. So much so, that I can say without a doubt that He will see me through this!
In the mean time, I have been looking and applying for part-time jobs, in order to not have to live completely off of student loans, yet allow for a school schedule.

So, it's definitely not about the money! It's about the best for our baby and future children, too. I want Amelia to be able to stay at home, and the only way we can afford that is for me to do something drastically different.

Not too much has been going on on the home front. Amelia is loving having her thesis done, and Hadassah is changing every day and constantly becoming more mobile. She is flipping over, scooting around, and becoming much more vocal. Her vocabulary is constantly changing and it seems like she is trying to say actual words. (I know, not possible yet, she's not even 5 months old, but that's what it sounds like.) We entertain ourselves most evenings either swimming with her at Oma and Opa's or trying to make her giggle (it's oh, so adorable).

CNP Baby shower

Thanks to all of the people at Frank's work who "showered" us with gifts! It was VERY appreciated!

shower pics

Our Christmas Card

Dear family and friends,

This year the miraculous birth of Christ takes on a whole new meaning as Frank and I are expecting our own little miracle in February. As we wait in expectation I have to admit that we have many questions and fears about becoming parents. But when we look to the Christ child, and read His comforting words in the Bible we have found great peace. Just like Jesus, our baby will teach us many things. God, in his compassion and humility, thankfully starts these lessons with a cute and cuddly baby that has developed love, anticipation and wonder for 9 months while in the mothers womb. We are very excited to start this journey. Unlike Mary and Joseph, we have wonderfully supportive family, friends and church family who are excited and hopeful with us! Thank you!

Our bundle of joy is expected February 27th. We have been busy getting ready for his/her arrival (we want to be surprised on the gender). In September Amelia quit her job at Stanislaus County Agriculture Dept. to devote more time to her schooling (my goal is to have my masters thesis finished before the baby comes, and now it looks like a reality!). This month I will finish up my last 15 units of classes and will graduate in May. I plan to stay at home with the baby. In October we moved to a beautiful home in Patterson owned by Frank’s parents and located next door to them on the cucumber farm. Now we are enjoying country life again with a great view of the foothills. Frank is still enjoying his job at CNP (California Natural Products) in Lathrop. Now that we are in Patterson he has a better commute for which we are both very thankful. But now our commute to church is 20 minutes long! We are still involved in community life at Westside Ministries even though we live in Patterson. For Christmas we will be traveling to Holland to spend the holidays with Frank’s extended family. All of Frank’s siblings (and their families) will also be going! We will be enjoying the holidays with family, sight seeing and attending family reunions / parties. Well, it looks like I’m out of room. Merry Christmas, and we wish you all of God’s best in the coming year! Love…. Frank and Amelia

Last night

After writing on the computer for 9 hours and Frank getting off work late (because some idiot shot a CHP this morning on the 99 so it took him an hour and a half to drive to work which meant he had to stay late) we got invited out to dinner by Ruth and Derrick (Frank's sister and her husband). I was so happy.

We went to Hungry Hunter, (yeah) and I ordered some great mahi mahi with a fabulous ceasar salad. And for dessert we had an amazing ice cream cake with oreo crust and 2 inches of whipped cream, drizzeled with fudge and roasted almonds. My stomach wanted to explode on the way home but it was totally worth it. And the best part is, Derrick treated!

I take that back, the best part was going to their new home and playing Apples to Apples. What a fun game. It was a very relaxing evening and we had a fantastic time.... thank you Ruth and Derrick!

So,... back from Kansas, back to work. Amelia went back to work for the month of December. And me, back at the daily grind... Here are a couple pics.



This is a view from on top of a hill outside Pagosa Springs, CO. It pales in comparison to the actual thing.










My lens was smudged, thus the blue halo effect, but this was our first evening there, eating at "Margarita's", a mexican food place. (Wonderful service!)


That's about all I have time for. Sorry...

This morning I went for a walk with my friend Jessica Banana (yes thats her real name) and Jordan (we call him Jor Jor)... the cutest baby ever. I think we walked three miles. Its a good thing I didn't wear my new five dollar Hi tech boots because after grocery shopping my feet were really feeling it, and not just because i spilled hot grease on my foot this morning while frying eggs.
Today is my second day of official unemployment. Yipeeeeeeeeee. We have the winter season free to do fun stuff like travel for the holidays, make crafts and take naps. Isn't that sweet of the county? Ive already been to Michaels craft store. I'm making things to sell at my friends Christmas boutique on November 18 and 19.... finger crocheted scarves, votive candle holders, headpieces like the ones my flower girls wore and grandmas special cinnamon rolls. I'm supposed to be writing a book for my masters project but these things are much more fun!

thats all for now......