can feel the head

just waiting for the Dr. to do the lady next door who is at the same place

we're at 10cm

update you soon. Here we go! Dr. Is delivering someone next door too, we'll see what happens. they say they are going to try to hold it in there.

3 cm and 3-5 min contractions

3cm right now and catheter in. She's going to try to sleep a little bit.

splish splash we're at the hospital!

We're up and running and Susan is on Petocin. Contractions about every 5 mins. Susan just got an epidural. She's pretty exhausted as she hasn't slept well the last 4 nights. We'll keep you posted! Praying Psalm 20.

'nother one in the oven!

Well, there is a reason why Susan hasn't posted to this blog since September. She's expecting again! We were not planning for another baby just yet, and are a bit overwhelmed by the idea, but are excited nonetheless. We had fun last night kicking around some baby names and promising each other that we would come up with a name before the baby is born. (Both Sims and Lydie were named several days after they were born) Sims is enjoying pre-scheool 3 mornings per week and Lydie is enjoying the personal time with Mom and Dad that this affords her. I, (Bryce) participated in my second mountain bike race this fall. 41 miles and I was definitely feeling it! It was a blast though and fun to do with some students. http://www.epicrides.com/towm/towm.htm

A crazy beginning

We've never experienced a fall semester quite like this one. And we're only two weeks into classes! There have been two tragedies (last week a suicide, and this week a roommate stabbing) on campus that have resulted in two separate deaths, and this last weekend one of our students' cars headed to a campsite for Labor Day was struck by a F250, causing two Nav members to be helicoptered to a hospital in Phoenix. They are home recovering now, but we're all reeling from the pain of the campus, and wondering what God's doing in it all.

I was reading today in 2 Kings 6 about when the king of Aram decided to do away with the prophet Elisha. He sent a huge army to capture him, but when Elisha saw it, he was unafraid. His servant wasn't quite so unaffected. But then Elisha asked God to open his eyes and the servant suddenly saw that they were surrounded by an even more mighty army of God--actual chariots and horses of fire.

So in the midst of the violence and tragedy that we've already seen this semester, I've been praying that we would see God's mightier hand at work. That he would open our eyes to what's really happening in the spiritual realm, and help us to live in strengthened faith.

As for the kids, they're doing well. Just a week ago, I was telling Lydie something and she looked up at me with serious blue eyes and in a little plaintive voice, said "Why?"

I was shocked. She's not old enough for that word, is she? But apparently she is, because that has become one of her favorite things to say. The other day Simmy shot me a knowing grin. "Lydie's in a 'Why' stage," he informed me.

Lydia's "Why's" are only rivaled in frequency by her declaration, "I do it!" and "Self!" Apparently she realized she's almost two and should start acting like it. Little Miss Independence! But it's not unusual for her to demand, "I do it," then immediately follow with, "Help me!" Oh good. She's not completely grown up yet!

As for Simmy, he's full of energy and ideas. He loves playing with his racetrack, changing the shape of it and testing the various cars. He sleeps with pieces of the set in his bed, takes them on car rides, and even wants them along on shopping excursions. The boy is all or nothing! He also enjoys riding his bike or tricycle around the block whenever Bryce will take him.

We're looking forward to when the weather will cool down, but we've still got a while to go. In the meantime, Bryce took Simmy camping in the cooler mountains tonight, and we're hoping for an accident-free trip!

Susan

Our new team

Well, we're officially into the busy fall season.

Thursday our staff team headed to a home in the foothills where we did some planning, eating, praying, swimming, card games and scorpion slaying until we left yesterday morning. This year we have an incredible team of 10 adults and four kids. How things have grown since five years ago when we came here with three adults and a kitty!

Tomorrow our student leaders will convene at our house for a welcome back dinner, then Wednesday will be the start of long days on campus and in the dorms.

Ah, I'm tired just thinking about it!