The bride and groom to be!

In just over a week, Joe and I will be flying to Oklahoma to celebrate not only Christmas, but also my brother Craig's wedding on December 27! Caroline and Craig have been dating for two and a half years- they met on a five week trip to China through the University of Oklahoma.

I'm very happy to get to share in the wedding fun and welcome Caroline to our family. I'm excited to have her as a sister-in-law! And, I found a great maternity dress that does not look like a moo-moo!

Our Two Year Anniversary

On Tuesday Joe and I celebrated our two year anniversary! I was grateful that we could be together... last year on our one year anniversary Joe was out on deployment during a period of radio silence, so we didn't even have email! Thankfully this year we were able to go out to eat.

We had a nice dinner at Red Lobster thanks to Joe's mom! We debated dressing up and going somewhere nicer, but I didn't feel all that great that day so we opted for someplace more casual. And we had a good time thinking back on the nearly three and a half years we've known each other.

The thing I remember most about my wedding day was the total sense of peace that the Lord granted to me. 2006 was a difficult year for me, there were many times I struggled with anxiety. And so, after a stressful year, I expected that some of that would carry over into my wedding day.

But instead, all day I felt an amazing sense of peace in my heart that marrying Joe was right. I really believe that that was God's gift to me that day, and I was so grateful to Him that I could truly enjoy the day without any worry or anxiety at all.

My Hawaiian garden

Joe had the chance to spend about a week and a half in Hawaii in October while his submarine was in port there. I thought it would be great if he could take some pictures of the flowers and bring them back so we could frame them and hang them up in our kitchen, which has very bare, white walls!

I am so excited and proud to show you some of the ones he took- they turned out great! This is my kind of Hawaiian garden- something beautiful that I don't need to water. Does anyone have any ideas of how I can add to the Hawaiian garden effect in the kitchen?

Pregnancy update- 18.5 weeks

This week I had my monthly checkup, and I am thankful that everything continues to go well with the pregnancy so far. The baby's heart rate was in the 160's, my blood pressure was normal, and I have gained about 2 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy. My belly has begun to round out in the past few weeks and is now slightly noticeable. Overall, I feel pretty good with the exception of some leg cramps, a little shortness of breath when I go up and down stairs, and a feeling of sickness if I have an empty stomach.

We scheduled the ultrasound for December 15. Baby Henderson is waiting for the opportunity to reveal "boy or girl" and Joe is looking forward to seeing baby live for the first time!

Thanksgiving for 2!

This week Joe and I had a very quiet Thanksgiving together... just the two of us plus our little .1 in utero. I was blessed that Joe came home on Tuesday and we got three full days together! It was wonderful to see Joe after he had been out to sea for just over two months.

We cooked Thanksgiving dinner together, and it all came together pretty quickly (about 2 hours). On our menu was a 4.5 pound ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli rice casserole, crescent rolls, and candied yams- Joe's favorite.

Our day was very quiet and relaxing, and though we missed being with a larger group of family and friends, we were thankful to be together.

After 15 weeks, a baby avocado!

This week I finished my fifteenth week of pregnancy! This week, baby is about 4 and a half inches long and weighs about 3 ounces... approximately the size of an avocado. Since I crossed into my second trimester a few weeks ago I have been feeling a lot better. I am thankful for less nausea and more energy.

However, I have noticed that pretty soon I will be outgrowing my clothes. Though I don't think I have a really noticeable baby bump, several people have commented on it. I always thought I'd enjoy wearing jeans with an elastic band anyway! I'll do my best to get a picture up in the next few weeks.

My next doctor's appointment is Nov. 24, and we will probably schedule the ultrasound for the week of Dec. 15. I'm hoping we'll get a good idea during the ultrasound if we have a boy or girl. Especially since Joe and I have had an easier time agreeing on girl names than boy names.

I would appreciate your prayers for Joe being able to be home for the birth of the baby. At this point there is no way to know what his schedule will be in late April/early May. It will probably be at the discretion of his command, so I am praying now that it will work out.

Check out this link for more info if you're curious!

http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-16-weeks_1105.bc

Navy Life: He Signed Me Up, Too

September 2004 was an important month for me, though I was completely unaware of what was going on at the time. A young and handsome twenty year old was signing five years of his life over to the Navy. Though he didn't know it, he signed me up too.

Before I say anything else, I don't want anyone to think that I see my role, being at home, as being the same or more difficult than Joe's. I've seen bumper stickers around base that say "Navy Wife- Toughest Job in the Navy" and while I respect that thought, I personally don't agree with it. Joe leaves practically everything behind- save what he can pack in a large duffel bag, and leaves to go out on the sub- for as long as they tell him he's going to be gone. He's stuck in a closed environment with the same people all the time-some people who he is very close to, some people who probably drive him crazy. No personal space, very few comforts, long work hours, intense pressure, and leaving "real life" behind to honor his commitment. Country before family is a reality to him. Not because he wants it to be, because it has to be.

Anyway, the past three plus years I've learned that my life is the Navy life too. Sometimes I feel like I'm better cut out for it than other wives and girlfriends. I've always had an independent streak that likes to do my own thing and have time to myself.

Other times I feel the sting, the loneliness, the frustration at having no control over Joe's schedule (including whether he'll be home for the birth of our baby), and all of a sudden realizing that it's been a really long time since someone gave me a hug.

God has taught me a lot through this season of Navy life... I've learned what a sacrifice it really is for those who serve in the military. I appreciate Joe more and get a true sense of joy when I am reunited with him after a long separation. God has helped me to not stress over when I don't have control of my circumstances, I never really do anyway!

Even though he signed me up for the Navy too, I wouldn't give him up for anything.

My first "Centering" class

Today I started my pregnancy centering class! I had never heard of this type of care before moving here, but am planning to try it out for a few months. If I don't end up liking this approach, I can choose shorter, individual appointments. Since I'll be a first time mom, I'll take in all the info and hopefully meet some other expecting moms.

Basically, I met with a group of about 10 other women who have a due date within a month or so of mine for two hours. Most of these women are either in the Navy or spouses of Navy guys. There is more of a focus on education regarding pregnancy and labor & delivery. Today we had a dietician come and speak about nutrition and we just had a general orientation and "meet and greet." During each centering class I will also have one-on-one time with the midwife. Joe will also be able to attend the class, though he was working today and couldn't come.

During my one on one time with the nurse midwife (who is great, I really like her!), everything continues to be normal. I am almost 14 weeks today. I got a little nervous when she was trying to find the baby's heartbeat (what if she doesn't find it?) but my fear subsided when I could hear the quick beating of the little heart, about 150 beats per minute. I haven't gained any weight in the last four weeks, but she reassured me that was still normal. I am also not really showing yet.

One thing I really carry away from pregnancy so far is a completely new perspective on human life. Hearing a heart beat from inside you, when you know this baby is so fragile, weighing around an an ounce or less and only 3-4 inches long, is simply amazing!

Baby on board!

Yup, you read right. Joe and I are expecting!

We are excited to share this happy news with you. Again, I realize that I haven't posted much lately, but that's because things have been quiet on the homefront with the exception of this new development.

As far as a few details go, we found out in late August that we will have a little one joining us, God willing, around April 29 of next year. I had my first ultrasound on my birthday (Sept. 30) and got to see the baby, watch it moving around, and hear his or her heartbeat. So, as of my last doctor's appointment at almost 10 weeks, everything looked good.

I've been feeling pretty good. Although I haven't tossed too many cookies, I can't say it's never happened. :) In general I've had a small appetite and avoided the smell of food and cooking whenever possible. I crossed over into my 13th week of pregnancy this week and am hoping my nausea will soon be fading away.

We do hope to find out if baby Henderson is a boy or girl, and will let you know when we do, around late December.

I'll do my best to keep you posted as things progress. Thanks for sharing our journey toward parenthood!

Update on Children of the Nations

For those of you wondering, I am continuing to volunteer at Children of the Nations about 20 hours per week. It has been a great experience and I really enjoy the people that I serve with.

Most of my time is devoted to writing stories and writing and laying out our monthly newsletter, called the Praise and Prayer Guide. It's a two-page newsletter which provides a brief update from each of the countries where Children of the Nations ministers (Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic).

I also do other miscellaneous things to help my supervisor such as checking out displays for presentations, organize photos, and keep track of our inventory of brochures.

What I love most about being in the Communications Department is being able to see and hear firsthand about all the ways God is at work through COTN. Hundreds of people just returned from mission trips to the countries this summer and they have shared amazing and inspiring stories.

September so far...

I smile when people tell me, "I check your blog every day or every few days- always looking for a new post." (Or in one person's case, who shall remain nameless, every several hours!) But please, continue to bug me so that I'll remember to write about the simple things when life is somewhat slow.

September has been quiet compared to July and August around here.

This month I have started up two new activities which I'm enjoying: Swimming and a Bible study class. I decided to take some adult swimming lessons to improve on my skills. I wouldn't drown if you threw me in the water, but each time I go to lessons I am reminded of why I am there! And hey, I even met a new friend. The pool is right on base, 5 minutes away so it is really convenient.

Also, I am doing an in-depth Bible study class that started Thursday and will continue to meet once per week through May. It is called Bible Study Fellowship International and my class is a group of about 100 women of different ages who come together once per week for discussion groups and a lecture on a passage of Scripture. I say it is "in-depth" because each week there are six days worth of 30 minute homework assignments to complete before coming to the next class. The study focuses on the life of Moses as written in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I am looking forward to learning a lot and hopefully meeting some new people.

Our not-so-sunny vacation

Joe decided to take some leave (vacation) this week and we headed to the coast of Washington and Oregon for a few days.

Unfortunately, the weather made the coast very gray, windy, and cold. Not exactly the beach weather I'd hoped for! But I'm beginning to know better in Washington now- you can NEVER count on good weather. I think it was the first time I've ever worn my winter coat on the beach.

Still, it was a great opportunity to get away for a little bit, enjoy a nice hotel room, eat some great food, and explore a new place.

One day we went to Long Beach, Washington (pictured) hoping to go to a kite festival, but it was too windy- 60 mph winds. The poor little kites just couldn't deal with so much wind. So instead, we drove around, rode go-carts, played pinball, and got Hawaiian shave ice. The next day we toured a historic home, the Captain Flavel House.

These photos are of the bridge leading from Astoria, Oregon to Washington, wooden posts sticking out of the water, and Long Beach.

Where animals come too close for comfort

Last Sunday Joe and I drove an hour north to Sequim, Washington (pronounced skwim). Some of our friends had told us about the Olympic Game Farm there where you could drive through and see the wild animals on their 90-acre plot of land.

We knew before we got there that the animals roam pretty freely, but when they actually start coming up to the car it made me a little nervous. I drove so Joe could take pictures of the elk, bears (thankfully behind electric fences), zebras, bison, llamas and more.

You are allowed to feed most of the animals with bread you can buy on the way in. We didn't take the bread, but we didn't need to! The animals know to approach the cars for a treat.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Hurricane Ridge

Last Saturday Joe & I took a day trip to see Hurricane Ridge, which has great views of the Olympic Mountains and is part of Olympic National Park. I had been there when my parents came to visit, but Joe had not. I was especially excited to go since Joe had his new camera in hand. He got great shots of both the sun setting and the moon!

Unlike last time I went with my parents (when the wind was 30mph and it was chilly), this day was great weather. 70 degrees and no wind!

As we drove up to the main lookout (this is about a two hour drive from our house), at the same time a guy who works with Joe on his boat and his wife had just pulled up too! So we all went hiking together. Fun!

The sunset was beautiful.
The mosquitoes were all over us.
But it was a great hike!

Hello Mr. Mountain!

I jokingly gave Mount Rainier the nickname "Mr. Mountain" when I started catching a glimpse of it on clear days. I think this mountain is deserving of my term of respect since he stands over 14,000 feet tall! (In case you are wondering where I got this silly tendency from, I had two roommates in Connecticut who named EVERYTHING including many inanimate objects- pillows, plants, slippers, etc.)

Anyways, Joe had just gotten his camera on August 8 and we headed out, hoping for good weather, to Mount Rainier National Park. This is about a two and a half hour drive from where we live. We got in a nice solid hike (getting us to less than 6,000 feet) before it started to get cloudy and rain.

Joe had a great time experimenting with his new camera, we saw a great waterfall and enjoyed beautiful views of the mountains, and we walked across snow on our hike (thankfully I brought my winter coat!) The wildflowers are beautiful and we saw a few creatures too, including a marmot (pictured).

A long awaited flight and a day at the lake

In late July we were invited by some nice new friends to go out on their boat.

I was looking forward to it because I had wanted to go out on a boat all summer!

Joe went waterskiing and we enjoyed the sunshine and some good company. The lake was pretty (surrounded by evergreen trees) and not too cold.

Then, Joe got to go flying with our friend Jeremy. He hasn't been flying in years, and being that he has his pilot's license he had really missed the chance to go flying since being in the Navy. He got to fly and see all the beautiful landscape- the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, Mount Baker, and the San Juan Islands.

Three years ago

Three years ago we were going out to celebrate Elena’s birthday.
College friends were tying the knot in Texas.
My roommate Stephanie was newly engaged.
I was single and feeling the sting.

Self-pity took over and I wanted nothing to do with a summer Shakespeare in the Park picnic outing. Even for Elena, who I love like a sister. But in the end, I decided anything would be better than sulking alone.

Two sailors had tagged along with Elena’s boyfriend. Energetic Scott had been tasked with cheering me up, though I didn’t know it at the time. He boisterously chatted with me as we walked along to the park. I barely noticed Silent Joe as he followed behind. We sat down and began our picnic dinner before “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” began.

Somewhere along the way, Scott fulfilled his mission. My bad mood had subsided. I even stepped outside myself to think of Joe, who was barely talking to anyone.

My simple memory prevents me from remembering the specifics of the conversation. When he left for a moment during intermission, I couldn’t help but recognize the slight tension in the air. The kind that’s tough to put words to but is all about sensing a connection to someone with a pretty good hunch that they’re interested in you too.

Of course, it didn’t matter. I would never date a Navy man. Elena and I joked about it often.

But I was about to learn how God didn't mind shaking up my world a little to help me find someone I wanted to overlook.

As the evening wrapped up, we walked to a friend’s house nearby to hang out. Joe and I continued to talk. And to my surprise, the man who barely had two words at the beginning of the night had the guts to ask for my phone number and what I was doing the next day.

Looking back, that day changed the course of my life. It was the day I met my wonderful husband.

And I almost didn’t show up.

The New GI Bill!

I wanted to share with you all our excitement over the new GI Bill, which was recently signed by the president on June 30. This updates the original GI bill, which was created for the troops coming home from World War 2.

Joe is eligible to receive full benefits under this bill, since he entered the Navy after 2001.

Specifically, here are most of the things it will pay for:

- Tuition & fees for any public school (or up to the amount it would be for the most expensive public school in a given state)

- Monthly housing allowance (FYI- in Oklahoma, just for example, this is about $850.00/month)

- Yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000

Wow! Isn't that GREAT news? I am so happy that Joe will have the opportunity to use this. All his hard work and time away from family are being recognized and rewarded by our government. For all the other servicemen & women, too, they deserve it!

If you are interested in reading more about it, go to www.gibill2008.org or www.gibill.va.gov