Chris and Jennie Hall

Grateful for my family!!

2011-07-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

I know I have not updated this blog in like.. Months. But in light of all of the death, and pain my family has expierianced this last spring, I thought it would be appropriate to give thanks for my beautiful family. :)

My Husband Chris:
*He loves our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ
*Is a man of true valor.
*He is my ally.
*He has helped me heal from many wounds, and stood beside me during my darkest hours.
*He is a leader, but not a dictator. He respects that marriage is a mutual parternship.
*He is gentle
*He is a wonderful father to our boys.

My Son, Judah
*Is a sensative, curious, joyful little boy.
*Gives super sweet hugs, and kisses.
*Is sensative to the needs, and emotions of others, as much as is developmentally appropriate for a 2 year old anyways
*Is an awesome big brother.
*Is very forgiving of my bad moments.
*Has taught me soo much about love, grace, sacrifice, joy, and the personality of God.

My Son, Justice
*Nurses so sweetly. Nothing is more beautiful or natural than a babe at breast.
*Is ever watchful of his enviornment.
*Interacts with us, and brings so much joy.
*Is a good reminder of what it is like to pursue learning, without giving up. For a month now he spends all his waking moments trying so hard to sit, crawl, and explore. Though he has not mastered any of those things, he is still driven to learn.

My family means so much to me.. And God truely is in the heart of a family. Being a mother has taught me soooo much about the passages in scripture that talk about the nurturing aspects of God.. About his grace, mercy and love. Even about his dicipline.

Life is soo fleeting. We have known several people in the last few months who have lost loved ones very suddenly, with no warning. Please take a moment and let your family know you love them, and thank God for his special gift of family. <3

Newest Pictures of Judah, and Justice

2011-03-23T17:55:00.002-05:00

Here are some updated pics of the boys. These were taken when Justice was 6 days old, so the 16th of March, 2011. I take pics of the boys once a month until they are one, and then every 3 months until they are 2, so March was also the month for Judah's 21 month pictures. We did not get any of the boys together, which is okay. At this age, its just stress on both the photographer, and the boys, at least in a studio setting. Still waiting for that 'moment' here at home when we have a camera ready to get the brothers together. :)

Justice, safe in Mamma's arms. He is so alert, and calm, and did a splendid job for a newborn in a photo studio. In my expieriance, shots like the ones we got with him are not an every day thing for a newborn, so I was very pleased with the way they turned out. Kudos to Jan Beauclair our photographer for doing such an awesome job!

This is one of my favorite pics of Justice. Jan had purchased this lamb when I told her I would be bringing Justice to Bismarck for his newborn pictures, and the way he is lying there with his eyes wide open just melts my heart. <3

And my Judah.. My beautiful, sensative, thrill seeking 21 month old joy. I love him so much, and have been so blessed by having the last 21 months to get to know him and love on him. Judah actually means "Praised" and we really feel like he is something we praise God for every day. His very life is a real praise for God's goodness to us. :)

You can see what a joyful spirit that he has in this picture. He is always very open with his smiles, and will spill his happyness on those around him. He has always been a natural in front of the camera as well. I am really enjoying the toddler years with him thus far. It is so beautiful to me to see how God has designed humans to find their own boundaries at such a young age, and its a bit scary to know that how I train him is going to determine in a large sense his ability to respect himself, other people, and the boundaries God has set for us in scripture. Right now we are really working on his "No". Teaching him that his no has power, and it is important. He needs a strong "No" to be able to say no to evil, and people who would use and manipulate him, causing him to walk away from God's path. The other side is teaching him that he also must learn to take a no. That other people have boundaries as well that cannot be crossed. It is such a special time to be a mamma!

Zachary Justice Hall!

2011-03-23T16:51:00.004-05:00

We have a baby! Actually, we had him on the 10th, and I am just getting around to updating! He was born March 10, 2011, into the comfort of him mamma's arms in our home. He weighed 8lb 4oz, and was 21 inches long. Here are some pics! They are kindof backwards so, you see baby before labor. :)

Here he is, weighed in at 8lb 4oz. The midwife brings a scale, and everything that you need to get all the information for the baby when he is born. :)

Meeting Big Brother Judah for the first time. Judah just loves Justice, and gives him lots of kisses. Sometimes he needs a friendly reminder that little brothers are not for hitting though. :)

Right after birth, snuggled up in mamma's arms in her own bed. I would never, ever, ever do another hospital birth, unless it was totally necesary. The homebirth was everything I wanted, and I actually got to bond with Justice without having him taken away like they did Judah. Those hours they stole from us caused a wound in our relationship, that though healed now, was damaging Judah's first few months of life. With Justice I feel in tuned to his needs, and I am completly attached and in love with this little man. :)

Laboring with the best labor coach in the world. Labor was a lot of hard work, but he was there every step of the way to hold my hand, push back my hair, massage my hips, or just whisper sweet words on encouragement to me. Chris definatly was everything I needed in a hubby during those long hours of pushing. I love him so much.. <3

Laboring in the birth pool. Due to my blood pressure dropping because of the temp of the water, I was not actually able to have a 'real' waterbirth, but I did labor in the water for quite a while.

We are very thankful for the newest blessing God has given us.. :)

Why I chose Attachment Parenting

2010-04-05T22:04:00.003-05:00

I talk alot about Attachment Parenting, or AP. I thought I should take a moment to explain both on my blog, and on facebook what I mean.. :) While I was still pregnant, I had a bit of exposure to a style called Attachment Parenting. I found it on an online message board called "Mothering". I agreed and loved many of the ideas that the website promoted, but ultimatly wrote it off, because the overall feeling of the board was very New Age. Many of the mom's on this site were athiests, or agnostics, and I could not find anything about good Christian people practicing this style of parenting. I did not realize that many people who do practice AP do so for biblical reasons.. In fact, Dr William Sears, the one who originally coined the term Attachment Parenting, is a believer himself!

Attachment Parenting promotes certain practices, but more so, a concept that is different than many peoples. AP has certain things that are sort of like character traits. These parents generally:

Bonding right at birth~This is very very critical for AP parents. They will generally pursue a birth that has little or no medical intervention, and birth in an enviornment that is condusive to the family spending a lot of time together. This would be time without Drs, nurses, or anyone else taking baby away. This "Babymoon" is a very special and important time.

Breastfeed~Mostly practicing Child Led Weaning, or, nursing until the child decides he/she is done.

Bedding close to baby~Usually in the form of co-sleeping, or sharing a bed with the baby. Some though, simply place the basinet or crib in mom and dad's room.

Practice Night Time parenting~This basically means that they do not actively pursue rigid "sleep training" They do not allow their children to scream themselves to sleep, and reject the idea of teaching a child so young to "self soothe" Babes are also allowed to nurse at night.

Babywear~ The basic tenant of AP, is that the mamma/baby bond is divinely given by God. In order to protect this bond, baby stays with mamma. This is easily facilated by the mamma wearing the baby in a safe sling or wrap. There have been studies that suggest that children that are carried and worn, generally feel more secure*

Belief in the language value of a baby's cry~ Basically this means, babies cry when the need something. If they are hungry or wet. A 3 month old is not playing insane mindgames trying to control your mind.

Ballance~Do not spend so much time completly focased on baby to the point where you neglect you own well being, or the well being of you marriage.

Over the last several months, I have become very passionately AP. Though, as a couple, Chris and I do not practice 100% of the above, (Namely, we do not co-sleep with Judah) we do embrace the ideas that AP promotes. The ideas that are so important and real to me are:

1) God created the bond between a mamma and baby. It has become so real to me that being with me is not just a want of Judah's, it is an emotional need. Since I have started this new job, he has had a lot of trouble emotionally. :( It breaks my heart.

2) Teaching a new baby to somehow "learn independance" is silly. Children develop over time, and independance is a developmental step. Leaving a baby to cry alone to teach them how to sort things out is not productive, because a baby is not at a place mentally, or emotionally to be able to do that. They cannot understand that when you leave them you will in fact, return. This is something that is learned in time.

3) The fathers role in creating a safe enviornment is crucial. There is a reason why fathers are adressed so sternly in scripture in regards to the type of home they build for their children to grow up in. AP does focas on the mothers bond with baby, but it also understands that both mamma, and baby need a Daddy.. <3

4) Birth is a natural process. My birth with Judah was a medical success.. I had a healthy baby.. All good, right? Yes, sortof. I praise God that my baby was healthy. And I am not trying to say that is not important. But, I believe that those first few hours that were stolen by the medical professionals, who had no bond with my baby are lost forever.. And that grieves me very deeply. Should we have more children, I look forward to bringing them into this world in the most gentle, safe way possible. God created my body to give birth. And I believe in his wonderful creation! Provided that something out of the ordinary does not happen, I will be perfectly safe giving birth at home, to allow our family time to bond in a quite, un hassled enviounment..

5) One of the biggest reasons I love this thought process, is because it really focases on doing what is best for your family. Even if that means not co-sleeping, or breastfeeding ect.. Right now, co-sleeping is not in the best interest of our entire family unit. We do sleep with Judah if he is sick or needy, and we are not closed always to the idea.. But attachment parenting is really about building relationships, and doing your best to have them bud and develop in the safest, gentlest way possible..

So those are my thoughts! Thanks for reading!

*Obviously, this depends on the parents, and many other factors as well. Babywearing, or any of the practices listed will ensure an happy healthy baby.. Emotionally or otherwise. I do believe that they create a place where it is easier to be happy and healthy though..

Ways we have and are saving money!

2010-03-16T19:40:00.002-05:00

Its is crazy how creative you get when you are trying to save money! I have really been enjoying learning how to stretch the money we have. I have to say that Attachment Parenting, and being just old fashioned crunchy really helps.. :)
So, here is a list of all the crazy things we do.. :)
1.) We use cloth diapers. They say that using disposable diapers, from newborn to potty trained costs you an average of 1800 dollars per child! That number is crazy, but when I look at diapers in the store, I am surprised it is not more..
I love the cloth diapers that I use. We use a combination of an old fasioned prefold, with a diaper cover. There are very cute covers available these days, and very econimical too. We get by with about 15 prefolds, which cost around between 15 and 25 dollars a dozen. (The ones we got were 17) Since we use them with a diaper cover, we are good with the infant size, and do not have to worry about buying new diapers as Judah grows. For covers, we have a few different styles. We mainly use gDiaper covers. These diapers are WONDERFULL! The outside of the diaper is made of a cotton/polyester blend that is very soft. They come with waterproof liners that snap in. You simply put your prefold into the liner, and velcro the whole thing on baby. These are nice trim diapers as well.. We also use the Bumkins Vented Diaper Cover. This is another one of my favorites! Very lightweight, and breathable, these keep baby dry and rash free! I will have to take pictures of my diapers and do a follow up post. :)
2) We also use cloth diaper wipes. This makes sense really, seeing as how we already are washing diapers. After using these the past several months, I can not imagine how we ever used the flimsy disposable version. Right now, I just use all those baby washclothes that we never used when he was little. They work like a charm. I make my own diaper wipe solution by mixing water, baby shampoo, and a generous amount of baby lotion. They smell so good!
3.) We use family cloth. This replaces toilet paper. This also seemed like a logical thing to do, since we are already washing diapers, and wipes. You can buy cloth online made specifically for this purpose, but Chris and I have found that you generic cheap baby washclothes work very well. This is another thing we love! We were kind of surprised, but its nice not having to worry about you TP tearing.
4.) Reusable sandwhich bags. Right now we just use the heavy duty ziploc bags, and wash them. I am looking into investing in sandwich bags and wraps that are made of a more durable material.
5.)We breastfeed. When Judah was a couple of months old, and was having some tummy trouble, we looked at buying a formula for him. That stuff is crazy expensive! Cans ranged from 8-30 dollars if my memory does me well. And those only make 15 bottles. On top of the price benefit, breastfeeding promotes the God given mamma instinct, and seals the connection of baby and mamma. I can not imagine weaning Judah right now. (Actually, I can imagine it right after he bites me.. but that is another story)
6.) I do not use disposable feminine products. I was surprised to learn that there are other things to use that are way cheaper, and more comfortable in the long run. I prefer what is known as the diva cup, which is washable, and reusable. Some mammas will use Mamma Cloth, which is a cloth version of a disposable pad. Mamma cloth is easy to make, and saves a few more pennies in the budget.
7.) I wear Judah. While we do have strollers that were given to us, this is not something we would have spent a lot of money on, though they do come in handy.. :) (Especially with a new baby when you can snap the sleeping baby carseat and all, onto the stroller) If we had not been given one though, we would have saved that money. I wear Judah in different types of wraps or slings depending on the activity I am doing. If I am doing housework, the best option for me is for him to be on my back, so my hands are free. This is easiest with a Moby type wrap. Which is basically a long strechy fabric that you tie the baby on with. Very fun too! If I am shopping, or hanging out, will use a ring sling. This is a sling that goes over one shoulder, with a pouch for the baby or toddler to rest in.
8) We waited a long time to introduce Judah to solids, and when we did, he eats things that we eat, so no baby food expense.

That is about all I can think of now. That was fun to type out.. :) I am enjoying becoming much more natural, and less wastefull.. It really is a fun journey!

I write this with a heavy heart

2010-02-24T18:00:00.003-06:00

I have been trembling for over a week and a half now. There is something that is weighing heavily on my mind, and I have avoided blogging about it, because I know that I will get flack from it. In fact, many of you who read what I have to say with very strongly disagree with me. But I have gotten to the point where I am okay with that. I can not keep this to myself anymore. Please understand I am not writing to throw stones, or defame the character of anyone.

Earlier this month, a little girl named Lydia was working on a reading lesson when she mispronounced a word. She refused to say it correctly, so her parents diciplined her. She was homeschooled, and the daughter of parents who loved her, according to people who know the family. They were, in many ways a typical christian family. They were conservative, and homeschooled their children. Very much like the family I grew up in, and many of my friends. But on this day, they became a news story. Very little about what happened during the next 4-6 hours is known. What we do know is that the mother made a frantic call to 911 to say her daugter was not breathing. 7 year old Lydia died that day, from organ failure caused from major tissue damage. By the time the EMT's arrived, she was in cardiac arrest. Its a sad story.

But, there is more to the story. And this is what has been troubling me. Kevin and Elizabeth, the girls parents, were very vocal followers of a TN preacher named Michael Pearl. He has a magazine, as well as several books that he and his wife have written. The name of his ministry is "No Greater Joy." They are the authors of the popular book, To Train Up A Child. I have read 2 books by the Pearls. The one mentioned before, and Created To Be His Helpmeet. I have also read maybe 20 or so of the articles on his website, which I will not link to, because I do not support them. While I in no means, intend this blog post to be a mudslinging at Michael and Debi Pearl as people, I do think that there are errors in their philosophy of parenting, as well as their underlying theology, that should be adressed.

I am stunned that some conservative Christians support the Pearls ministry. The research that I have done, has shown that his theology is way off from what I believe the scripture teaches about the nature of Salvation, and a parents role in it. He also advocates parenting practices that are abusive in some cases, and this goes way beyond an "old fashioned spanking"

He teaches that submission is the only thing that is acceptable from a child. Cheerful submission. This sounds great! Who would not love to have children that happily complied every time a command was given? Michael Pearl tells you just how to get that submission. The following section is a quote from his article entitled In Defense of Biblical Chastisment:

"If you ever have a child who stands his ground of defiance and you let him win, you have lost his heart forever—unless you are able to go back and win a confrontation and keep on winning. If you ever let his rebellion triumph just one time, it makes it much harder to conquer in the future. After he gains the upper hand, one victory on your part will not be sufficient. You will have to persevere in several contests of wills until he is convinced that he can never stand against your authority."

The section right before this quote, explains how you should spank 10 times, slowly and counting, forgeting what number you are at, ect. until the child fully submits to you. No matter how many licks that takes. Following that, Pearl says that if you give into your child, or stop spanking before the child is humble and submissive, "you have lost his heart forever"

As Christian parents, we all want our kid's hearts to be softened toward God. What a strong thing to say! While I totally agree that we should be as consistant as possible with out kids, what happens when the child refuses to submit? How far is to far? When does loving dicipline become abuse? Why is this line never explained in the various articles on how to apply the rod? Is this truely how scripture teaches us to dicipline our children? Believe it or not, the above quoted passage is one of the milder warnings about letting your child win. I believe, that for well meaning parents who follow the Pearls teaching, letting your child win somehow becomes the worst thing you can do. Somehow it is more abusive to give in, than to beat your child to the point of serious injury or death. And I do not believe that this is what a Jesus who said "Let the little children come to me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven" would do.

According to the police report, Lydia was beaten with a 1/4 inch plumbers line, which is exacty what Michael Peal says makes an ideal "rod". From the same article, under the section called "What instument should I use?" Michael Pearl says:

"As a rule, do not use your hand. Hands are for loving and helping. If an adult swings his or her hand fast enough to cause pain to the surface of the skin, there is a danger of damaging bones and joints. The most painful nerves are just under the surface of the skin. A swift swat with a light, flexible instrument will sting without bruising or causing internal damage. Many people are using a section of ¼ inch plumber’s supply line as a spanking instrument. It will fit in your purse or hang around you neck. You can buy them for under $1.00 at Home Depot or any hardware store. They come cheaper by the dozen and can be widely distributed in every room and vehicle. Just the high profile of their accessibility keeps the kids in line"

As far as Pearl's theology is concerned, I was surprised to learn that he believes that the rod has the power to absolve a child's sin. It can completly take away the guilt of sin, and put the child's world to right. I have never seen such a thing taught in scripture, but rather than the Blood of Christ can absolve us from guilt. The Blood removes our sin and shame! In a teaching tape on the book of Romans, Michael Pearl states he believes he has reached a state of sinless perfection here on this earth. If his premis for his ministry, is based on such a faulty theology, how can we take what he says, and apply it for our own lives?

This is really the harm that I see in the Pearl's ministry. The blood Jesus shed for us was so precious. So valuable, and the only way that sin could be forgiven, or guilt be absolved. While consequences are needed for the order of life, they can not, and do not have the kind of spiritual power that Pearl teaches it has. If a simple spanking could absolve us from sin and guilt, why was it necesarry for Christ to die? I do not have a direct quote for this line of thought from Pearl, but it is in the book To Train Up A Child. If you have heard of the Pearls, or perhaps if you follow their teachings, I would really encourage you to read through the more theological things the Pearl has to say about the rod. This is not about spanking, but more what a spanking does for a child. Does a spanking truely absolve the child from guilt? Does it remove sin? If the answers to those questions is no, can we really trust the advice from a man who bases his teaching on such flawed doctrine?

I do think the the Pearls teach lots of things that sound good. They teach how to have well behaved trained children. They teach that learning starts young. They teach that you need to approach your children in love. They talk of tieing your childs heartstrings. All of those things are correct. However, if they are teaching those things on the premise that you can remove your childs sin, is it wise for us to be following such a teacher who makes the Blood of Christ of no effect?

In conclusion my friend, I ask you today to consider the following:

When does doctrine matter?

When does insisting on complete submission become abusive or deadly?

Is Michael Pearl a good leader to follow based on a flawed premise of the atonement of sin?

Ultimately, Michael Pearl did not beat Lydia to death. Her parents did. But he did teach the parents that Lydia's salvation was on the line if they dared to back down. Unfortunatly, the parents understanding of that cost this little girl her life. Here are links to the news story, No Greater Joy, which is the Pearls website, and a few blogs about the insident that I found interesting. I do not agree with all this, but I thought I would give you the same information I have worked with.

http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/ -Pearls website

News Story

Blog

Blog-I found this blog linked on another blog. This is truely what I was trying to communicate..

I know that this post has gotten long.. And I know that many people think I have stepped way out of line in even writing this.. But that is okay. For my facebook readers, I would like to request that all comments be sent to me via a private message, because I really do not want this to turn into a debate. I have spent a several days drafting this, and I have done my best to say what is on my heart in love. Thanks!

Thy Rod and Thy Staff...

2010-02-03T18:57:00.002-06:00

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth the rod hateth his own son; but he that loveth him, chaseneth him besides.

Proverbs 23: 13-14 Withhold not correction from a child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

Psalm 23:4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shaddow of death, I shall fear no evil, for Thou art with me. Thy rod, and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Genesis 49:10 The septre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from until Shilo come, and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

The original hebrew word is Shebet. The hebrew lexicon defines this word as:

A large walking stick, held by the head of the family
A shepherds crook
A king's septer
A clan, or tribe
A club, or sharp spear

In the OT the "rod" was a sign of authority. The head of the family held the rod, and that was a status that allowed them to instruct and teach their family.

I am not really trying to get into the "spank or not to spank" arguement here, but I do feel from the reading I have done from the original language, that the verses in Proverbs perhaps have more to offer than simply a beating with a stick. (Since the word used litterally means walking stick, or shepherds staff, we must then understand that this was a larger instrument than is generally used in our culture)

From what I know about hebrew, (which granted is not much, but I am learning :) ) It is a beautiful language full of poetry and word pictures, and many many metaphors. The hebrew people tended to use symbols and word pictures to communicate. There are beautiful examples of these all through the Psalms and Proverbs esp, since those books are very poetry focased. Psalms 23 is considered a clasic example of this type of language.

I find it interesting that the same word is used in Gen 49:10, to refer to the authority in the tribe of Judah. Since there was not (at least, not recorded biblically) an actual septre that passed from generation to generation in Judah, we are left to conclude that this is also a metaphore to mean an authority. One comentator I read, said that this verse is considered to be highly messianic in nature. The word "shebet" meaning the litteral authority of Christ himself.

All of this to say, that while there may be a case to say that the verses in Proverbs instruct a parent to use the rod, or walking stick as a method to hit their child (another verse in proverbs seems to imply on the back.. See Proverbs 29:19) Or, perhaps, the way spanking is done today can even be supported by these verses..

I wonder though if there is more here than what we give the text credit for. Perhaps we are missing the real point, because the ideas and culture simply to not translate well into english.

Perhaps what is really being stated (again, perhaps not exclusivly) is that we need to be the spiritual authority in our childrens life. Perhaps the rod, is more of a God given sign of that authority, and it should be used to dicipline, which means to diciple, train, teach, and nurture.

I know that this thought and concept goes against the way that most americans read those verses. I am not claiming to be right, but it definatly is food for thought for me as I consider what things I need to be doin to train and instruct Judah.. To use the rod of spiritual authority, under my husband.. To train him up in the way he should go.

SURPRISE!

2009-12-07T22:54:00.004-06:00

I am posting a blog entry!

I have not posted in a long time, and thought I should update you all on what I have been up too. I have pictures of Judah from the last several months, but I have to admit, there are not nearly as many as I thought I would have.. I will have to go through them and find them.. Maybe a project for tomorrow.. Or, maybe if he is in a good mood, we will do a mini photo shoot!

All of his professional pictures are AWESOME! But they don't give us a CD like Jason does, (How I wish Jason was closer) So, I will have to check the copyright thing and see if I am even allowed to scan them all and put them up here..

So, I have not posted since August huh.. Wow..
Well, here it goes.

August- Judah was 2 months old. Almost the entire month, I had some scary medical issues, which turned out to only be a vitamin B defincency. But in the month of August, I had 12 Dr appointments, 4 MRI's and blood drawn way to many times. I also nearly gave up nursing my darling little boy, since I was out of it so much of the time, and it was way easier just to give him a bottle. Especially for Chris when I had some panic attacks. I am so grateful that God did not let me quit, and that I had several people encouraging me to keep nursing.
September- Put in my 2 weeks at Aenta, and then got fired due to my medical issues. This was a little frustrating for me, because Chris and I were doing really well paying off all the debt, and thought I would only have to work for about a year.. But it was also a blessing in disguise. They fired me the same week I started getting my injections, and made a full recovery, so Chris didnt miss any more work babysitting both Judah and I, and I have been a stay at home mommy ever since. It truely is a blessing to get to be such a major part of his life. Plus, he seems to learn something new every hour! I can not imagine the world from his eyes where everything is new, and exciting. I love watching the wonder in his eyes at every thing he sees and touches. This is the month he got really grabby too! Especially when we wanted to eat! He also starting the teething process, which has yet to produce a tooth, but he has the drool, and sparatic tooth pain. Maybe by January. The first weekend in Sep was Labor Day. Chris's family always goes to Family Camp in Cooperstown. This year my Uncle Kevin from Texas made it up, and he brought my Grandma and Grandpa up. My pastor from Pembina was the speaker, and it was good to see him again.

Judah also got to know my family a little better, when I stayed with them for a week, just to finish recovering from my medical issues.

October- Judah is 4 months old now. And this was a busy busy month! We had his dedication on Oct 11, and a lot of my family was able to make it as well as Chris's mom and dad. The thing I remember most about this month, was trying to get Judah's SS card. I put it in a very safe place, and have not seen it since, so I went down to get another one. I brought his birth certificate, as well as the discharge papers from the hospital, where we indicated we wanted to apply for one. I was wearing Judah in a ring sling when I went into the office, and they told me I needed to prove he was alive! So frustrating! So I asked what kind of proof they needed, and they said the only thing they could accept was immunization records. I felt like banging my head on the wall!.. The lady looked completly shocked when I explained that we did not immunize our child, and told me he would not get into school without it.. So, I explained that we were planning to homeschool, and her jaw dropped even more.. So, she went searching around for almost 10 minutes to see if there was anything else I could present.. Other than the live baby of course! Long story short, I made 3 more trips, before I found out I could present a dedication certificate.
Fun month!

Also in October, I found out all my crazy ideas have a name! And I am not the only one! I practice attachment parenting, which consists of things like wearing the baby, breastfeeding for a min of 1 year, and maybe longer depending on the relationship of mother and baby, cosleeping, tending to baby's cries right away, ect. And my other crazy ideas, about natural living, vaccines, cloth diapers, elimination communication and such is referred to as "crunchy!" Its nice not to feel alone. I discovered an amazing online community called "Gentle Christian Mothers." It has been such a blessing!
Wow, this is getting long! I will try to talk faster!
November- Judah is 5 months old, and the beginning of the month, he got pnemonia, and was hospitalized for 3 days.. Talk about stress! That completly threw off his sleep schedule, and made him way more clingy.. Which is why we were kindof forced into co-sleeping. Now that we are, I love it.. Most of the time. We celebrated Thanksgiving twice with Chris's family.. The weekend before with Stacy, Rich and Bethany, Chris's sister and family, and the second time with Kelly and Brian, his other sister, and her fiance.. Both times at his parents house. It was nice for me to have people to hang out with, and Chris didnt complain about the time off of work..
I also went shopping on Black Friday, and LOVED it.. I found it exhilerating, though my mom disagrees. :)
Somewhere in here, Judah started getting up on hands and knees, and tries really hard to crawl.

December started off with Chris's birthday on the first. Judah got a little sick again this weekend, but more to freak me out than anything.

I went to the Toby Mac concert on Sunday night and it was AMAZING! It was cool to see a preformer so on fire for the Gospel of Christ. I totally support his ministry.

Wow.. What a long post.. I am going to have to go find pictures now.. :)

This is me and Judah when we did his 1 month pictures in July. I know they are a little late, but still precious. These were done by the same guy who did our wedding, Jason Siebolds of Renegade Photography. We have been thrilled with his work.. He does a wonderful job, and we only wish he lived closer so he could do every months shots of Judah. He is for sure worth the cost difference between him and Wal-Mart..

This is another one by Jason at 1 month, with Chris.

Okay Grandma, he doesnt need to grow up that fast! Judah's first driving lesson, at camp, Sep, 2009.

And last one I could find real quick was a family pic also Sep 2009. Like Chris's hair? I did it myself! It doesnt look like that now though.. His hair grows fast.. It isnt fair.

Well, with that I will publish my little book.. Ahem, I mean post! I hope I will get better at this.. It might stimulate me to actually take more pics!

More Judah, again

2009-09-21T23:48:00.004-05:00

Here are more pictures of the little one! This one, (below) is a pic of him in his new Jumperoo.. We got it for him on Sat, and already he has spent hours in this thing. He laughs and giggles, because he can swing himself all over. He really want to be independent, so I think this helps him feel more like his own baby..

Again, another picture of the amazing new toy!

It got pretty cold here recently.. Chris and I realized we didnt (and still dont) have a lot of clothes that are going to be warm enough for winter. Here he is with his new winter hat on. He doesnt seem to mind it, unless it falls down and covers his eyes. We learned the hard way that this is a very very bad idea. Makes babies very unhappy.

He is also working hard at learning how to crawl.. Most of the time, tummy time makes him mad, because he isnt crawling yet. But he is mobile! I put him on the bed friday afternoon, and put pillows all around him.. After he woke up from his nap, he somehow managed to roll onto his tummy, and scoot right off the bed. He is doing alright. I think he scared mommy even more than himself!

This is Gwen, Chris's mom and Judah. It is the best grandparrent picture that we have so far. It was taken tonight out at Rob and Gwens place. Grandma and Grandpa just love having him around!

So, there you go. I finally got around to putting more pics of Judah on the computer.. I am not nearly as punctual with this as Rachel is.. Dont know how she does it..

If you have access to facebook, all the pictures I have on the computer of him at all are on my page. If you are on facebook, this is probably just repeats, but for those who are not, here is some Judah to whet you appatite! IMO, he is a major cutie!

Judah at almost 8 weeks.. Even some Smiles!!

2009-08-02T15:05:00.003-05:00

Look at my super cute smile! Mommy has been trying to get a smile on camera for almost a month. And I finally cooperated.

Here is another one. I was in a happy mood. I finally fit into my church outfit. It is a size 6 month, and I am not even 2 yet. But then, I am a big boy!

Mommy really likes this picture. She thinks this looks the most like me in real life.

I sneezed, right as mommy took the picture.!!!

And one last washed out smile! Sorry the color is bad, mommy did a lot of playing with the lights.

I finally got more pics of Judah to share. I actually have more, but I lost the camera that they are on. Someday I will find it.

Hope you enjoy them!

Judah is 3 weeks old!

2009-06-29T23:47:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures of Judah at 3 weeks old! Today, the 29th, is his 3 week birthday. He has very wide eyes, that take everything in around him. He loves to study your face, and lights facinate him.

I just love the way his mouth looks. He looks so curious about his world. He likes to watch things, and watching his expressions as he takes in his world is so fun!

Here he is in hid boppy. They are simply one of the best inventions in the world! The boppy pillow has only hundrends of uses, and Judah likes sitting in it and watching whatever mommy and daddy are doing.

Here he is in the carseat that Aunt Kelly gave him. He has a love hate relationship with it. Sometiems he will scream when he is put in it, and sometimes it puts him to sleep.

I think this one was taken a few days ago, so he isnt quite 3 weeks yet. He loves his pacifier.

Judah is 3 weeks old today! Here are some pics that I took throughout the day. The first couple are him in just his new cloth diapers. Robin, my pastors wife, gave me her old stash, and I am thrilled! Probably 700 dollars worth of diapers at least. We love this little guy very much! God has given us a blessing that is so huge..

I never really understood what people would always say about the love a parent has for their child until he was born. We would not trade him for anything in the whole world! We are already praying for and anticipating the day that he accepts the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. We know that God has a plan for him, and cant wait to see how God works in his life.

God has been teaching me a lot about trust over the last several months. Life has been so unpredictable, and right now Chris and I are trying to figure out what the future holds now that Judah is here. Our small group bible study has been so challenging. We have been talking about Jonathan and his armour bearer. There is a story about a time when Israel was being attacked by the Phillistines, and Saul, who was King at that time, was spending his time under a pomagranate tree drunk. Jonathan took his armour bearer, and decided to attack a Phillistine outpost alone, just the two of them. The interesting thing is that he didnt know if God was going to bless his efforts or not. What he did know is that God had the power to give them victory, and that ultimatly, God's will would be accomplished. So he stepped out on faith and put his life on the line.

It has been a great study, and is based on the book Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus. If you ever get the chance to read this book it is VERY good, but VERY convicting and challenging.

I guess the gist of that whole thought is that God has been very good to us, and even though we have no idea where he is leading us, we are doing our best to walk with baby steps in the direction we think he is, and allowing him to guide us. Its scary, but looking back on the last year, God so knew where we needed to be, and He got us here. What a mighty God we serve!

Second Night at Home

2009-06-12T11:01:00.002-05:00

Last night was Judah's second night at home. The first night, (Wednesday) was really rough. He was wide awake and fussy till 3:30, and then was up again at 6. Last night went much much better. He slept for 3 hours, and was only up 3 or 4 times.. It was wonderful! I am really enjoying having him here. He is a little joy. Will keep you all updated!

More Judah!

2009-06-11T21:30:00.004-05:00

This is mommy and my very first picture together! Other than one that Great Aunt Darla took, but this is the first one to go online. This is me with my rings. I love my rings! They were a gift that Mommy got for me at her baby shower.

Mommy thinks this looks like I am picking my nose, but I really and only stretching my very long fingers using my face!

Sorry this picture is crooked, Mommy is still trying to figure out how exactly to put pictures on blogspot. She has tried several times, but just can't seem to get it.

And, this one is turned the other way, but if you crank your neck just a bit, you will see this is Uncle Tyler. He just finished giving me a small bottle of Mommy's yummy milk.

This is my "I am very content and happy with life face." Mommy says she wishes she could see it more at 3 in the morning.

Here are the long awaited pictures of baby Judah! He is such a joy. He has his cranky moments, and God gave him a strong will, and he picked up a bit of a temper from somewhere. (Definatly not from Mommy) and we are looking forward to teaching him to bring it all into submission to Christ. Most of the time he is pretty content.. Especially during the day. Nightime can be another story!

Hope you all enjoy the pictures! Daddy wasnt here for pictures, he is trying to get some sleep, so that he can go back to work in the morning.

Love,

Jennie and Judah

Christopher Judah Hall!!

2009-06-09T15:27:00.005-05:00

Well, After several weeks and months of waiting, Judah decided to make his enterance last night, June 8th at 9:21 pm! He is so cute! I am so tired though, I have not even gotten to the camera, so I will post a few of the pictures that Chris took of him. I know its funny that we are not in any of these, but trust me, there will be more!

Christopher Judah Hall

06-08-09, 9:21 PM

9lbs 3oz

22 Inches Long

14 1/4 head diameter

Big Feet, Big Toes, Long Fingers!

I have Daddys lips, Chin and Toes,

I have mommys nose, fingernails and ears!

We are so happy to finally meet him!

(Ps: Sorry the pics all ended up on the top.. I have yet to figure out how you get the pictures to show up where you want them on here.. :)

Another Update

2009-06-04T08:57:00.002-05:00

Hello All,
I dont know if you are waiting as anxiously as I am for this baby to come, but so far, he has taken his precious time. On Monday, I had another dr's appointment, and everything looks good. God has been very good to us. Everytime they look at him, or moniter him, they tell us, wow.. He looks perfect! I know that God is taking care of him, but I am getting to the point that I really want to help!
I have yet another induction scheduled for the 8th (monday), But I really really want a natural birth. Chris and I have been talking it over, and he thinks that maybe we can have baby #2 at home. I really wanted to have this one at home, but Chris was a little nervous just in case something went wrong. But since things seem to look so good, depending on delivery, we may just have the next baby at home.

Someday I will post a birth announcement and pictures! I have been having contractions on and off all last night and now this morning, so we will see if that brings anything about.

I went to the Chiropractor yesterday, and decided that they are way worth the money! My back feels better than what it has in years. She said my pelvis was out of joint, and that could be why all my other labor has stopped. (I have been in active labor like 5 times. Contractions get to be about a minute apart, intense and about a minute long, and then it stops.) She said the baby might not have been able to decend properly, so now that I have been adjusted I am hoping he will come soon!

Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Love, Chris, Jennie, and baby Judah.

Update

2009-05-18T19:36:00.002-05:00

Hello All!
Just a quick note to let you know the day is coming!! I was in labor last night for about 5 hours before it stopped. I had a regularly scheduled doctors appointment this morning, and the baby is engaged, and my cervix is soft, and I have made progress as far as dialation goes!! Today not much has been going on, but I am hoping my body is storing up energy for either tomorrow or Wednesday! I am not sure how soon I will be able to put pictures up, but I will try to post a little blurb when Judah or Rylie makes their appearance!
Love,
Jennie

Baby Shower

2009-05-09T17:35:00.006-05:00

Last Sunday, the ladies at my church threw me a baby shower. I thought I would share a couple of the pictures. Soon, there will be pictures of the actual baby!! The picture below is of my mom, Gwen, Jeanie and Robin from church, working on one of the games. The one to the right, is me opening gifts. We had a lot of fun, and we recieved many

Usefull things that we will definatly put to use. I got lots of breastfeeding supplies, such as bags and ointment. Then there were the really cute baby things like clothes, and bibs, blankets and so much more. Today we finally got everything all put away, and the diaper bag packed! Its getting closer. My due date is 2 weeks from today!

Politically Correct Little Red Riding Hood

2009-04-06T19:47:00.002-05:00

I got this in a email a while back from a friend, and thought I would share it with all of you:
While it is humorous, it always makes me think of where all these seemingly "small" legislations are heading. I sure hope that my kids dont find them living in this kind of a "normal" world.

"There once was a young person named Little Red Riding Hood who lived onthe edge of a large forest full of endangered owls and rare plants that would probably provide a cure for cancer if only someone took the time to study them. Red Riding Hood lived with a nurture giver whom she sometimes referred to as "mother", although she didn't mean to imply by this term that she would have thought less of the person if a close biological link did not in fact exist. Nor did she intend to denigrate the equal value of nontraditional households, although she was sorry if this was the impression conveyed. One day her mother asked her to take a basket of organically grown fruit and mineral water to her grandmother's house.
"But mother, won't this be stealing work from the unionized people who have struggled for years to earn the right to carry all packages between various people in the woods?" Red Riding Hood's mother assured her that she had called the union boss and gotten a special compassionate mission exemption form.
"But mother, aren't you oppressing me by ordering me to do this?" Red Riding Hood's mother pointed out that it was impossible for womyn to oppress each other, since all womyn were equally oppressed until all womyn were free.
"But mother, then shouldn't you have my brother carry the basket, since he's an oppressor, and should learn what it's like to be oppressed?"And Red Riding Hood's mother explained that her brother was attending a special rally for animal rights, and besides, this wasn't stereotypical womyn's work, but an empowering deed that would help engender a feeling of community.
"But won't I be oppressing Grandma, by implying that she's sick and hence unable to independently further her own selfhood?" But Red Riding Hood's mother explained that her grandmother wasn't actually sick or incapacitated or mentally handicapped in any way, although that was not to imply that any of these conditions were inferior to what some people called "health".
Thus Red Riding Hood felt that she could get behind the idea of delivering the basket to her grandmother, and so she set off. Many people believed that the forest was a foreboding and dangerous place, but Red Riding Hood knew that this was an irrational fear based on cultural paradigms instilled by a patriarchal society that regarded the natural world as an exploitable resource, and hence believed that natural predators were in fact intolerable competitors. Other people avoided the woods for fear of thieves and deviants, but Red Riding Hood felt that in a truly classless society all marginalized peoples would be able to "come out" of the woods and be accepted as valid lifestyle role models.
On her way to Grandma's house, Red Riding Hood passed a woodchopper, and wandered off the path, in order to examine some flowers. She was startled to find herself standing before a Wolf, who asked her what was in her basket. Red Riding Hood's teacher had warned her never to talk to strangers, but she was confident in taking control of her own budding sexuality, and chose to dialogue with the Wolf. She replied,
"I am taking my Grandmother some healthful snacks in agesture of solidarity."
The Wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone." Red Riding Hood said,
"I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop an alternative and yet entirely valid worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me,I would prefer to be on my way." Red Riding Hood returned to the main path, and proceeded towards her Grandmother's house.
But because his status outside society had freed him from slavish adherence to linear, Western-style thought, the Wolf knew of a quicker route to Grandma's house. He burst into the house and ate Grandma, a course of action affirmative of his nature as a predator. Then, unhampered by rigid, traditionalist gender role notions, he put on Grandma's nightclothes, crawled under the bedclothes, and awaited developments. Red Riding Hood entered the cottage and said,
"Grandma, I have brought you some cruelty free snacks to salute you in your role of wise and nurturing matriarch." The Wolf said softly
"Come closer, child, so that I might see you."Red Riding Hood said,
"Goddess! Grandma, what big eyes you have!"
"You forget that I am optically challenged."
"And Grandma, what an enormous, what a fine nose you have."
"Naturally, I could have had it fixed to help my acting career, but Ididn't give in to such societal pressures, my child."
"And Grandma, what very big, sharp teeth you have!"The Wolf could not take any more of these specist slurs, and, in areaction appropriate for his accustomed milieu, he leaped out of bed, grabbed Little Red Riding Hood, and opened his jaws so wide that shec ould see her poor Grandmother cowering in his belly.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Red Riding Hood bravely shouted.
"You must request my permission before proceeding to a new level of intimacy!" The Wolf was so startled by this statement that he loosened his grasp on her. At the same time, the woodchopper burst into the cottage, brandishing an ax.
"Hands off!" cried the woodchopper.
"And what do you think you're doing?" cried Little Red Riding Hood. "If I let you help me now, I would be expressing a lack of confidence in my own abilities, which would lead to poor self esteem and lower achievement scores on college entrance exams."
" Last chance, sister! Get your hands off that endangered species! Thisis an FBI sting!" screamed the woodchopper, and when Little Red RidingHood nonetheless made a sudden motion, he sliced off her head.
"Thank goodness you got here in time," said the Wolf. "The brat and her grandmother lured me in here. I thought I was a goner."
"No, I think I'm the real victim, here," said the woodchopper. "I've been dealing with my anger ever since I saw her picking those protected flowers earlier. And now I'm going to have such a trauma. Do you haveany aspirin?"
"Sure," said the Wolf."Thanks.""I feel your pain," said the Wolf, and he patted the woodchopper on his firm, well padded back, gave a little belch, and said "Do you have any Maalox?"

The big kid world

2009-03-25T15:16:00.002-05:00

I think there is a time in ones early adult life, when it feels like you are play-acting at something that really isnt real. That is where I am at right now.

Lots of things have happened over the last few days that have really scared me. Yesterday we got a nasty blizzard, and against our gut instincts, Chris and I went to work anyway. Even though we came home early, at 1, we got the car stuck 5 times just trying to put it in the garage.
In the process of getting it stuck and unstuck we managed to almost completly remove the bumper, which finished coming off on our way to work today. Needless to say, instead of going to work, I lost another 4 hours of PTO, which I am desperatly trying to save for maternity, at the car body shop. It is going to be almost 700 dollars to replace the bumper, which we need to do, because we now have all the wireing exposed to the snow. And there is lots of that. Then we found out that our anifreeze leak may very well be the water pump, which I replaced last year. That will cost 600$. Then there is some sort of issue with something that is causing the car to stall while it is idleing. We dont even know what that problem is, or how to fix it. They are going to run more tests on it next Wednesday, when we take it in to get a final quote on how to fix the antifreeze leak. So as of now, with 2 of the 3 known problems with the car, we are at 1300$, and the car itself worth maybe 700.

So we are starting to think about a new car. This is kind of tricky. Because we would like to spend cash on a car... and that means we will only have about 2500$ to work with. That would mean buying something at least 15 years old, and probably having the same type of trouble next year. Or, we could put the 2500$ down on a newer car, and be tied to a car loan. In which case, we would want to get something we could drive for several years after the car is paid off. Also, depending on the number of kids we have in the next 10 years, which we expect to be more than 2 or 3, we will need something with trade-in value when we buy a mini-van, or larger vehicle. Or should we just get the van now? It would be more price efficient to buy a smaller car with really good gas milage now.. So we found something this afternoon, that looks nice, but is at the top of our 10,000 dollar limit. (9,990 to be exact) It is an '07 Dodge Caliber. Low miles, about 22,000, and room for 3 car seats in the back, as well as some storage space. The salesman says it will get about 24 mpg in town, and over 30 on the highway.

So what do we do? We could get a car that would run well, and pay on it for a few years, or we could pay cash, and be in this same position in a couple years. Then we would have the same issue then. With the economy the way it is, do we want another loan. No. However, is it going to be feesable to just expect that we will be able to get another one when this one does die? Would we be better off trying to pay for one now, when we have two steady jobs, or hoping we will be able to afford it later?

Then the next question is, if we get the newer car, how much is our insurrance going to jump?

I keep waiting for someone to come knocking on my door and say, "Thats enough big kid play for you Jennie.. You need to come home and be a kid again"

One thing is for certain. I will never be able to understand how those who do not have the promises of God to lean on cope. One verse that has been in my head for the last 2 days is Romans 8:28. "And we know that all things work together for good, to them are in Christ Jesus, that are called according to his purpose." I am not sure if that is word for word or not. But it has helped me not to really freak out.

I hope you all are staying dry! Pray for those families who are losing their homes to the flooding. The worst is still to come this spring I think.
Have a great day!
Jennie

How do you raise Godly Kids?

2009-03-16T09:33:00.003-05:00

Hello All,
I am sure this question has been asked several times, but I think it bears repeating. How do you raise Godly kids?

At my church right now, I am working with Awana, and teaching Sunday School with Chris on Sunday mornings. We are learning about Joshua in Awana, and about Daniel in Sunday School. Before we started each of these lessons series, we asked the kids what they knew about the charachters. (Daniel and Joshua) We were shocked to find out that not even the kids who have been in church their whole lives knew anything about these people, accept the pastors kids. My awana girls do not know their books of the bible, and really, they do not memorize any of their verses. It is very, very sad.

So, I am doing some brainstorming. Mainly, how do I teach my child all these things.. and secondly, where do I start with my Sunday School and Awana kids?

I am very tempted to do a little Bible trivia game, and cover several of the main Bible stories, and see where the kids really are. I am kind of scared of what I would discover.

I have already made up my mind, that when Judah is old enough to talk, he will start memorizing the book of Romans. This will give him a nice foundation on which to build his worldview. Then I figured we would move on to Pauls other letters, some Psalms, and mainly the idea is to have him leave home with a considereable amount of Scripture memorized. In addition to this, teach him the Good News and the Old Testement. This is very scary. How in the world am I going to have enough time to teach all these things to my child? What if instead of giving him a firm grasp of the faith, I make him so sick of it, he will reject it as soon as he can? It is no small task. But by the grace of God, we will be able to instill these essential truths.

I have noticed over the last several years, that in the American church, kids are very biblically illiterate. They dont know the stories, or the basic truths about who God is. I want to teach these things to the kids that I have. I only have about 2 hours a week with them total. Where do I start? How do I go about this? The other thing that makes in complicated, is that kids are at the point where if it is not fun, and entertaining, they do not want to sit through it.

Here are some ideas I have had.
1.) Write my own curriculum. My youth pastor from Wy. did this, and it was great. He started in Genisis 1, and covered the entire Bible, and wrote worksheets that kids could understand. He even referanced other scriptures for the kids to cross-referance. And also included a memory verse.
2) Start a quizzing. Make a list of questions and answers from a certain book of the Bible, and then teach the book to the kids, have them study it on their own, and then have a quizzing contest.
3) Assign the kids a lesson project. Give them a story and a text, and have them prepare a short lesson about their story, and give it to the class. This would encourage them to learn it for themselves.
4) Teach them how to be taught without always having to have games or rewards.

If any of you have more ideas, let me know.

I really want these kids to learn the Scripture.. Kids seem to get one message these days. "Jesus loves you and died to save you." This is a GREAT lesson kids need to learn. But if we dont teach them the context, and give them the whole picture, we are cheating them.

Thankfully, there are lots of awesome programs at the church I attend for these kids, and the other lady that teaches with me at Awana does an AMAZING job. A lot of the kids are from unchurched homes. I really want to make the most of the opportunity that I have to reach these kids.
Chris is an amazing partner as well. I love how hard he works preparing for Sunday School, and the interesting ways that he presents the lessons. And we also have the support of the Pastor, and other parents. Our church seems to handle it in a better way than many churches do.
Please keep Chris and I in prayer as we prepare our hearts and our lessons to teach the kids.

Shopping!!

2009-03-07T14:39:00.003-06:00

Hello All...

Today Chris and I went shopping.. For maternity jeans, and for a MINI VAN!!! Well, we are not acutually looking at buying till we have enough money saved up. But we did test drive one that I loved!!! Its really nice looking, (the part I like) has lots of room, (again I like), runs great, (Chris likes), and will have room for 4 or 5 kids. So, I love it!! God has been really good to us.. I cant wait to fill up the van with kids..!! (of course, we need to save up the money for it now:))

I got myself all excited about the van, and now I dont want to wait a couple of years to save money for it. Chris tried to tell me.. but I didnt listen. :)

Well, Thats all that I have to talk about..

I guess my life has gotten kind of boring.. :)

Have a great day!!

Jennie

Great Day!!

2009-02-28T20:11:00.002-06:00

Well, I know I said this morning I was going to take pictures, and I did have my memory card, but this time, we dont have any batteries... So, I have to apologize for lying.

But I did have a really good day!

My aunt and cousins got here around noon, and we went to Sears so they could get their family pictures done. They got some really nice pictures, and we all had fun teasing my uncle about his lack of enthusiasm for them! (He is even less fond of taking pictures than Chris is, and I didnt think that was possible.)

Then we came back to our place, and played a few games of keep away with a volleyball, until that got to wild. Then we played Pay Day, and all had a great time.

On Thursday, we had a potluck at work, and I made an angel food cake, a devils food cake, and a big bowel of pistachio pudding salad, and brough a lot of it home with me.. I have been doing so well recently at only eating things that are good for me, and now I have having Chocolate craving temptations.

Today I got to explain to my cousins how my body is taking care of the baby, and how he is growing. It was a lot of fun. As I thought about how everything works just perfectly, so that the baby is protected, and nourished.. He thought of everything! How people can say that all of this is by chance just amazes me.

Chris says I am "nesting" because I have had the uncontrollable urge to clean like everything in the last few days. Because of that, I am getting really tired. I wish that we could afford for me to just stay home, but at this time, God has not made that an option.

Well, I guess thats really all there is right now..
Talk to you all later,
Jennie

Catching Up....

2009-02-28T07:47:00.002-06:00

Hello All!!
Happy Saturday!! At least, it is for us here..

Sorry it has been so long since I have updated this. I get on and read everyone elses updates every night, but I usually am to tired to actually post myself. So my apologies.

Things have been very busy for us recently. Last weekend we went to Fargo, for Chris's sister Stacy's birthday. We had a lot of fun. Bethany, Chris's niece is almost 2, and we had a lot of fun playing with her. I had all these great intentions of taking pictures to put on my poor pictureless blog, but I left my memory card home, so I didnt get any.

Better luck next time I suppose.

I am now at the 28th week of pregnancy, into my 3rd trimester. Its kind of scary to already be over 2/3rds of the way there! Little Judah has been very active, day and night. I love feeling him move around.. Maybe because I am so paranoid of something going wrong, though up to this point it has not been a concern.

I found out that Aetna is very friendly as far as moms breastfeeding when they get back to work. We are still trying to find a way to work it so I can stay home with Judah, but so far, it isnt looking promising. The good news is, that Aetna has a program where they will pay for 200$ of a breastpump, so that I can still breastfeed the baby. God has also opened other doors. Pastor Todd, and his wife Robin, told us that they can watch the baby after I need to go back to work. That way we dont have to deal with daycare. That is such a relief... Though I still really want to stay home with him myself, I am much more comfortable leaving him with people that I trust, and who will take oprotunities to teach him about Christ. I know he will only be a newborn, but I am already reading scripture to him.. I am really looking forward to the day he will accept Christ as his Savior, and doing all I can to get him ready for that.

Today is very exciting, my Aunt and Cousins are coming down.. I am going to carry my camera, and get some pictures and hopefully post tonight.

Chris applied for law school again this year. Out of 3 schools, God has closed the door to 2 of them. The third, University of South Dakota, sent Chris an offer for a probationary type of program, where he can take a couple classes early in the summer, and if he scores really well, they will accept him. He got this same offer last year, and could not pursue it because we got married in June. This year, the program starts on May 26th, and I am due on the 23rd. So if it comes to your mind, pray for us as we try to figure out where God is leading us.

On a bright note, I now have Romans chapters 1 and 2 memorized. I have been working on it for a while, but got real serious about doing it the beginning of Feb. Now my goal is to get one chapter done a month.. I have really been learning a lot. Amazing what you notice when you take the time to slow up and think about how the words are put together!

Thats all I can think of to write about right now.
Hope you all have a wonderful Saturday in the Grace of Our Lord.
Love,
Chris and Jennie

The blessing of the Lord

2009-01-31T19:09:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
Recently I have become aware of a very disturbing trend in American society. The attitude towards large families. I guess the way I was raised, I thought large families were normal, I thought they were just a choice the parents had made. I didn't realize the hate that exists towards those of us who have/come from large families.

I started asking myself, what is wrong with this picture? Why are large families not appreciated? Why the hatred and blame? Then the Lord brought a verse to mind...
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb are his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies at the gate." (Psalm 127: 3-5)

As I contemplated this verse, I noticed some things, first of all, Children are the heritage of the Lord. When I looked up the word heritage means: 'something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion: a heritage of poverty and suffering; a national heritage of honor, pride, and courage.' Children are litterally the inheritance of the Lord, and he rewards us with them. What a great blessing! We are given children to teach them up in the ways of the Lord, and then they will be the light to the next generation! Why would you not want several? The next part of the verse says that children are like arrows in the hand of a warrior. I wondered why God compared children to a wepon. Then I was thinking about an article I read. It was written by a very hateful man who used profanity and slurs to try to get his point across. He was quite upset about Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar's seventeenth child. He asked the question, where are the liberal atheists to having 17 children to balance out the "hyper-christians" and all their kids. I think he is onto something. The world is not having more than 1 or 2 children, due many times I think to selfishness. Those children are raised in the liberal views, and generally will follow in their footsteps. Think of the inpact then, if Christian families averaged 6 children, every 1 Christian family would equal 3 families of 2 children. How God could work in our nation if our Children followed his way! They are a lethal wepon against the devils advances in our evil world. The Lord goes on to tell us that "they shall not be ashamed" The world is trying to pour shame on large families. Most parents of more than 4 children have heard sneers and jeers in public, and people generally giving them a hard time.. ("Dont you know how to use birth control? There is no way you can love that many kids.. Your kids will grow up unscocialized.. Dont you know you are being selfish having so many? You are irresponsible!) But the Bible tells us that those with children will not be ashamed. In my mind this is yet again another place where the world sees God, and does the opposite.
Please don't take these observations to mean that it is a sin not to have a large family, just that large families are a blessing from God. Each child is. I can not wait to bring our little blessing into this world!
Well, I need to go to bed.. After I finish studying for Sunday School tomorrow.
Jennie

Vaccinations, and other random child issues I am researching

2009-01-28T13:30:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
I am again stuck in bed sick, so I thought I would go ahead and put my thoughts on some very controversial topics on here. (Funny, it seems everything I am passionate about, has some sort of controversy attached)
As I mentioned in my post yesterday I have been doing a lot of research on Vaccines. A lot of people vaccinate their kids when the doctor says that they should, and do not think about what they are putting in their kids bodies. I have done some research, and have been rather scared by what I have found. Their are many studies out there that show that the vaccines that we give out kids, may in fact be the reason why SIDS, and Autism, as well as a number of learning disabilities have become so commen in the last 50 or 60 years. On website that I went to, called "ThinkTwice" even has a place for parents to write in with stories about how the vaccines affected their kids! I found the stories to be very frightening. In some cases, the baby is fine, but screams bloody murder for hours. In most of the cases that they have posted on the website, the children either died, or had physical or mental problems that they had never seen before in their child. To be fair to both sides however, I also spent quite a bit of time on the FDA's website dedicated to vaccines, and immunizations, as well as CDC's website.
I found some key points from both sides, and tried to weigh the risk of both vaccinating, and not vaccinating.
Pros to vaccinations:
*They have cut way down on the number of people who die from the diseases that they are used for.
*They work more effectively if most or all of the population is vaccinated to produce what is known as the community immunity idea.
*They make it much easier to put you child in school, as vaccine records are requested, and there is some paperwork to go through if you opt out.
*It fosters a "safe" feeling in the community as a whole.
*By preventing the diseases through the vaccines, we save more lives than we lose in the process.

Cons to Vaccines:
*Parents are not really told what the risk is when they take their child in for the shots.
*Many children to experience adverse reactions, even if they are not long term or severe.
*There are many apparent links to vaccines and illnesses and abnormalities, such as autism, physical disabilities, mental problems, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
*While vaccines have done a good job cutting down on the illnesses they are here to prevent, they have also opened up many new illnesses, such as Autism.
*Several vaccines given at one time ultimately end up weakening, instead of strengthening an infant or young child's immune system.
*These problems seem to be happening more and more, instead of levelling off.

I have read both sides, and have personally decided against vaccinating Judah. But I am willing to admit it may be an emotional decision that I use the facts to support. A couple of years ago, my friend Heather had a baby, and a few days after his 3 month vaccine, she found him in his crib, dead. The doctors ruled it SIDS, but refused to even acknowledge that the vaccines might be responsible. They told Heather that adverse reactions are"extremely rare" but that isn't much comfort on your way home from your 3 month old son's funeral.
The other thing that caught my attention is that the government insists that the vaccinations are safe, and yet they have set up a fund for parents who lose their children to the vaccine. The name of the system is VAERS. (Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System) And if you go to the actual site, you can search by age, type of vaccine, if the child actually died, and all that. There are thousands of entries. Some died, some had serious illness, and hospitalization. If they are so safe, like the doctors tell us, why the system? Why is their a fund to reimburse these families? (as is money can really fill the hole) Also, why are parents who receive money from the fund told not to talk about their story?
So this is where I have fallen on this issue.
One other thing I am still looking into is circumcision, so if any of you have any information on that, I would LOVE to look into it.
And one more thing I have been looking into is something they call "Orgasmic Birth" It is a home birth, where the mom is completely relaxed, and actually, instead of a painful labor has what some have described as a "blissful" labor and delivery. I would love to know if it is legitimate.. because I like "bliss" way better than "agony" I never even knew this stuff would matter to me so much before I found out I was pregnant. Chris told me he wants me to have the first baby in the hospital, and after that he is open to home birth. I am very excited about that. I think it will be much more relaxed. I have heard horror stories about hospital stays and labor, and everyone that I know who gave birth at home said it was much easier to just do what their body told them to do, instead of having doctors peering at you every 10 minutes.
Anyways, I guess this is enough of all that, I am tired, and still feeling sick, so I am going to get some sleep! *yawn*
Signing off-
Jennie

More from the Hall's

2009-01-27T09:52:00.003-06:00

Hello all,
I have to apologize for the long time it has been since I have written on here. Things have been so busy!!
We did get an ultrasound done on Jan 9, but still have not been able to scan the pics into the computer. So we have not been able to get them on-line. As most of you already know, it appears that we are having a baby BOY!! So far we have been able to agree on the name Christopher Judah. We are so excited about Judah coming to live with us, but I am starting to get really scared. Mostly about the whole labour and delivery thing.
Chris tells me that I am already an overprotective mommy. I make such a fuss over what I eat, and how much I drink. Its hard to believe I am going to be 24 weeks on Friday. Its wonderful. Thats 6 months! I am almost in my last trimester! The excitement sure is building.
One of the things that has had me preoccupied is the issue of Vaccines. I have been doing a lot of research on them, and I found a lot of interesting things. I talked with my doctor some time back about my consideration of not vaccinating Judah. I was rather surprised at the strong reaction that I got from her. That made me do some more research. I am sure however, you are not nearly as interested as I am, so I will leave it at that. I have learned quite a bit.
My grandpa sent me season 1 of Perry Mason, an old mystery TV show. I have been really enjoying them. Today I am stayed home from work, because I am sick, and I am finishing them up now.
I am not sure what else to say about the last couple of months. One of these days I am going to take pictures of things here in Bismarck and post them, but ever since I got married I have not carried my camera as faithfully as I did before.
God has been really good to us, It is amazing to watch Him work through our lives. I am still working on memorizing Romans, but I was pretty lazy about it for the last month, so I am redoing a lot now. I want to teach it to Judah when he is young, and in order to do that, I need to become more faithful. Its funny all the things that seem more inportant now that the baby is almost here.
I hope you all have a great week.
-Jennie

First Belly Picture!!

2009-01-01T21:12:00.003-06:00

Well, my aunt insisted on taking a side shot of me at Christmas, and so I thought I would put the picture up. My little baby must be growing, because I have gained 13 pounds!! I have not done that since I was 13 or 14.. So its a little weird for me.
Chris and I spent from 9 o'clock this morning till almost 5 cleaning house. We did our spring cleaning early, and got everything dusted and washed, and actually caught up on laundry for the first time since.. Well, we got married I think.
Last night we went to Valerie and Chandler's, (friends from Church) and rang in the New Year. We were the only couple to last till midnight, and we had a lot of fun. Their first baby was born in November, and is a big cutie, and I got to hold her last night. She is very content, so I told her to rub that off on my baby!
God had been so good to us in 2008, and looking forward, it can only get better in 2009. I hope you all have a very blessed New Year, and remember to put God first in your lives!!
Jennie

Catching up...

2008-12-29T06:46:00.002-06:00

Hello all,
It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. Sorry about that. Things have been so busy around here for the holidays!! Chris and I felt the baby kick for the first time on Christmas Eve. It was almost like it was her Christmas present to us!! I had felt the flutters for maybe a week before that, but it was the first time she kicked, and Chris just happened to be there and felt it. I am showing a lot more now, though I am trying to hide it. Chris says that being pregnant makes you look pretty, but to me it feels more like fat.
Chris is applying to law schools this week, so he is a little nervous about what the outcome will be. We are praying that either UND or the University of South Dakota will work out. There is another school in Denver, and I would not mind moving back to Colorado either. So, this next year looks uncertain.
I cannot believe that it is almost New Years!! It is exciting to be moving into 2009, but it is really scary too. Lots of new things are going to be happening for us.. A baby, a move, and possibly law school. I told Chris yesterday, I am really glad we serve a God who isnt taken by surprise, and already has it planned out.
I hope you all had a blessed Christmas this year!
Signing off,
Jennie

News....

2008-12-09T20:58:00.002-06:00

Well, we have been really busy the last few weeks. I have not gotten a lot of chance to post on here. I started working for Aetna on Dec. 1. Aetna is a health insurance company, and from now till about mid April I will be in training to become a customer service representative that deals with medical providers questions about how peoples benefits work, and how their claims are coming along. So I am excited about that. God has been good to be and brought a relief of the morning sickness, and that has been really good.
I am currently 15 and a half weeks pregnant, and getting more and more excited everyday. The baby is growing, and my belly is starting to do the same. I feel like I am getting rather huge, but people still say they can't tell. I had another appointment on Friday, and the heartbeat was 156 bpm. It sounded nice and strong, and the doctor said it sounded good. All my blood work came back from my last appointment with no problems, so that is a praise. I found out that I am O+, and I was a little surprised. I thought I was A+. We find out what the baby is on Jan 9, if the baby cooperates. They say sometimes they cross their legs and you can't see. I sure hope he/she will be nice and let us get a good look. We opted out of the downs syndrome testing, as we are not going to get an abortion, and do not really want to be pushed if the test comes back positive. It our baby has Downs Syndrome, then we will love him or her just the same.
I put my very first Christmas decoration up, a pretty wreath with snowmen in it, on our front door today. I am still looking around for an ornament that has a bride and groom on it with the year, but do not know if I am going to find it.
This is one of my favorite times of year, with all the glisten and pretty music, and the hustle and the bustle, and there are some very beautiful quiet moments where I just sit back and think about the Greatest Gift, as well as all His continued gifts. Health, the baby, a happy marriage, good jobs, great family, and the thought struck me this year, that Christmas isn't just about the one time gift of Jesus being born, but the gifts that He gives us every day that were made possible through the whole salvation plan. Just when I thought I would not learn any more about the meaning if Christmas. It is hard to believe that there are just 14 days left, but we are content with where God has us, and feeling very blessed thinking about the Greatest Gift Giver, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!!
Jennie

Happy Birthday Chris

2008-12-01T19:52:00.000-06:00

Today is a very special day. Today is Chris's birthday. He is now in his later mid twenties. (26) I have been teasing him a lot about that. Here is a list of things you may not know about him.

Full Name?
Christopher Robert Hall

Nickname?
Rhys, Trouble, Hubby, Trouble.. Tease..

Place of Birth?
Rugby Nd.

School?
Homeschooled.

First best friend?
Jonathan Holman

First Award?
Pals Award

First sport you joined?
T-Ball

First pet?
Ruffles (Parakeet)

First love?
Jennie Needham, Who turned into Jennie Hall

Favourite Movie?
Braveheart

Favourite Music Group?
Rascal Flats

Favourite Book of the Bible?
Romans

Well, thats all I could think of to tell you. I love my husband very much, and I am so glad that we are together. God has been really good to us. I guess I cant really put into words how grateful I am for him..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS!!!!!

Anniversary

2008-11-25T19:55:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a big day for Chris and I.. (well, in reality, for me, the ever so emotional one) One year ago yesterday, Chris proposed to me, and I accepted. It was an awesome day. Its been a long year, but its amazing how fast it has gone.

God has been so good to us. We could have never imagined at this time last year where we would be now.. or how happy we could be. God has blessed us in every way I can think of. We have a good relationship, and now we are going to be parents. I find myself falling for him over and over again every day!!

Last night we went out, and despite my slightly upset stomach at the start of the meal, the broccoli settled it down, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Ruby Tuesdays has the best mashed potatoes, broccoli, and Strawberry Lemonade around!! (it was really quite good!)

Above is the very first engagement picture Chris I did.. Not professional, but it was around this time last year. I am feeling very blessed.. Especially when I wake up in the morning next to a man I know will love and take care of our growing family to the best of his ability to the day he dies. *Big Smiles*

Signing off,
Jennie

Jasper...

2008-11-21T03:29:00.002-06:00

Thanks for the comments I got on the last post. Jasper died last night.. I can not find anything online about that white cloudy stuff. The lady at the pet store told me it was probably a fungus, and gave me some medication, but between the time I noticed the first signs of it around his gills, and wrote the blog from last night, went to the pet store, and treated him, the cloudy stuff was all over his body. I have decided I get way to emotionally attached after only a few days. I even bleached the tank out like they told me to after Sir Render died. (And then rinsed everything like 100 xs) So, I still have no idea what went wrong. I don't know if I am going to get another one or not. I do like having a pet to talk to and take care of, which was the reason for the first one anyways, but I hate killing them. I am actually up right now because I couldn't sleep.. I have been sitting here over analizing every little thing I did trying to figure out what went wrong..

Anyways, I started rambling there.. Just thought I would let you know that Jasper is the second casualty in the "Jennie learning to keep fish" saga.
Signing off,
Jennie

Jasper.....

2008-11-20T16:41:00.002-06:00

Okay, I am starting to wonder if I am a fish killer. When I got Jasper, his skin was clean and clear. Now he has that cloudy stuff on him.. around his gills.. And I think he has some white spots on him. I treated the water, and I have disinfected the tank since Sir. Render died.. If anyone knows anything about keeping fish alive, can you comment on this.. I would really like to keep this one around. I don't want him to die!!

In other news.. I get spaghetti tonight!!

Signing off,
Jennie

My new, new fish

2008-11-18T16:11:00.002-06:00

Hello all..
Yesterday I mentioned my new fish, Sir Render.. Unfortunately, last night, Sir. Render surrendered to death... and I lost him. So I decided to give bettas one last shot, and if I kill this one, I am not getting another one. When I went to PetSmart, they said that a lot of wal-marts fish are like that, and I would have better luck with a PetSmart fish... And they also gave me a 14 day guarantee. So, I brought home a very pretty blue betta fish. I have not named him yet, though in light of what I named the last one the name Sir. Mised has been suggested. *grin* I don't think it fits this one the way Sir. Render's name fit him, so we will see.

Here are some pics of the new one. I didn't get pics of poor Render before he died. Sorry they are a little blurry.. Fish are not photogenic.

Signing off,
Jennie

Feeling good, new babies, and conviction.. It was a Sunday!

2008-11-17T10:22:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a great day!! I was able to get up and go to church, and we got to meet Valerie and Chandler's new little one born on Nov. 7 and 9:24. (Valerie and Chandler are friends from church) She is sooo adorable.. I held her and she didn't cry!! I am hoping my own child is the same way. Looking at her in my arms I was shocked by how small she was. (I guess I have not held a lot of newborns) I thought about how much work it is going to be to take care of a baby that small, who can not even hold her own head up. I guess I am starting to understand that there is no such thing as a "part time parent" and it is getting more and more important to me to find a way to be a stay at home mom. Our little baby is 12 weeks old right now, and I have about 6 more months to figure this out. Right now, it does not look possible financially, but I am trusting that God will provide a way for us to be able to live on only one income. Anyways, all those thoughts came to be while holding little Leanna Rose. I wish I had a picture.. :(

Pastor Todd had an amazing sermon yesterday. It was quite convicting. Apparently, it was the second part of last week's sermon, but I was sick and ended up leaving before the sermon. Now I am even more bummed I didn't hear it. It was about the Great Commission, and what our responsibility is to the command. For a while now, Chris and I have been talking about getting together with Pastor Todd and Robin and talking about where we can plug into the church. Its been kinda hard with me being sick and all, but now that I am feeling better, I really want to make it work. So tonight we are going to meet with them to talk about it. One thing that has frustrated me lately is that I dont know anyone in Bismarck outside of the church, and don't really have a way to get to know people. It is soo hard in a city. Chris suggested yesterday, that maybe I should be doing more for the members of the church, and encouraging them, so they can share their faith more abundantly. So, I think I am going to act on that. I have learned that conviction is not a bad thing... In fact, it can help you to find where your place is, help you correct sin issues, and become closer to Christ. So instead of getting upset over conviction.. I get excited!! I am really looking forward to what God is going to do with us.

One more random thing.. I got a fish!! Something I have wanted for a while. He is an orange Betta. And very pretty. His name is Sir. Render. Compliments of my sister Valarie. I love him! Chris bought him for me so I would not feel as lonely during the day. He is not very photogenic though.. something about the water I think.. I will keep trying to get a good one.. and put it on here.. But no promises!
Signing off,
Jennie

He will Carry Me...

2008-11-11T10:56:00.002-06:00

Recently, I have actually been listening to one of Chris's CDs, well one song anyways. Its called "He will Carry Me" by Mark Shultz. I am going to post a video that someone made of this song, but since I don't know how some of you would feel about the actual music (Soft, and gentle, but contemporary) I am also going to post the lyrics. Just reading through them has been so encouraging. It reminded me that I will never be alone. Recently I have been kindof overcome with loneliness, being at home in bed all day. I have lost track of the fact that my truest friend and Saviour has been here the whole entire time. It is such a wonderful promise... And I thought I would share it on here.

He will Carry Me, by Mark Shultz

I call, You hear me
I’ve lost it all
And it’s more than I can bear
I feel so empty

You’re strong
I’m weary
I’m holdin’ on
But I feel like givin’ in
But still You’re with me

chorus:
And even though I’m walkin’ through
The valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I’ve been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will
Ever need
And He will carry me

I know I’m broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You’re always with me

chorus

And even though I feel so lonely
Like I’ve never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said you’d see me through
The storm

chorus

Well, I tried to upload it from youtube, and it didnt work for me.. So, here is the link.

Anyways,

On other news, I felt flutters the other night!! I dont know if it was the baby, or just my tummy, but it was lower than tummy flutters usually are.. So I am going to the it was Baby Hall, letting me know s/he is still alive!!

God Bless!

Jennie

Update on Baby Hall

2008-11-07T16:24:00.002-06:00

Hello all!! I had my first doctor visit today, and all went well.. We listened to the babies heartbeat, and the doctor said it sounded really good. She confirmed my due date.. Kinda, she said maybe the 29th or around the 1st of June, but its all really close to what the internet calculators say.. She said that my uterus felt like it was about 11 weeks old.. But the most exciting thing was hearing Baby's heartbeat!!!!!! It made it a whole lot more real. I got blood drawn for the first time.. And my next appointment is on Dec 5 at 1 pm.. Ahh.. I am really happy now..

Signing off,
Mommy Hall

SNOW!!!

2008-11-07T09:47:00.008-06:00

We had a blizzard here yesterday and last night.. It was quite scary.. I was going to go out in it to run some errands, and to get out of the house, but after driving a hundred yards decided to head back as there was no visibility, and the road was ice. Good thing I did too, about 20 min later, Chris called me from work to tell me it was going to get worse and to stay home! Anyways, I got a few pics of it and thought I would put them on here.

These two I took out of our bedroom window.. The pictures don't do them justice. Really, the one off the roof had at least 6 foot of overhang that was just snow!! It was really pretty, and the drifts on the parking lot below are pretty deep too! The real fun was getting Chris out of the house for work this morning.. The picture on the top is of our porch, right out of the door.. Again, the pic doesnt look it, but the drift was up past Chris's waist! So we are going to have fun with the snow this year. Winter has stopped in to say hello! Some people say we are in for another year like '96-'97. I hope not... I don't know how much sledding I can do with Baby on board!

On a good note, I am feeling much better these days, and my first doctors appointment is this afternoon.. I am so excited.. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat, and I sure hope they do an ultrasound so I can see him/her!! I am kinda nervous too. I have an irrational fear that there isnt really a baby, and that I am just sick for no reason.. That would not explain my incredible eating habbits the last few weeks, I know, but I still worry..

Please pray everything looks good and goes well!! I will post again tonight with news of how it went!!

Signing off,
Jennie

PS, one last thing,

I finally got my honeymoon pics on facebook. Here is the public link so you can look at them.

A little comic relief...

2008-11-05T15:34:00.002-06:00

I got this from Lexi on Facebook, and I found it funny, I thought I would share..

"Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida.

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.

+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.

+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.

+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.

Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ? Yes!

Think about this one:

1. Cows
2. The Constitution
3. The Ten Commandments

C O W S

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that during the mad
cow epidemic our government could track a single cow, born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she slept in the state of Washington? And, they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give each of them a cow.

T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N

They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq .... Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it has worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore.

T H E 1 0 C O M M A N D M E N T S

The real reason that we can't have the Ten Commandments posted in a courthouse is this:
You cannot post ' Thou Shalt Not Steal,' 'Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery,' and 'Thou Shall Not Lie' in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians.. It creates a hostile work environment."

The votes are in.....

2008-11-05T08:52:00.002-06:00

Well, I guess even after all the politics, and all the liberals speeches, and all of the "America Needs A Black President" stuff, I didn't actually think he would win. But now he has, and us Christians are now bracing ourselves for the promised "Change". I was really disappointed last night as Chris and I watched the states make up their minds, but after sleeping on it, I think that this could be a blessing in disguise. I don't know if Obama is going to make a mess out of the country, and it isn't really going to help to speculate. Now, my job is to pray for wisdom for him, as well as his salvation. God is in the miracle business, and I think He does quite well at it. Chris thinks that if Obama does what everyone thinks he will do, then it will wake the country up, for a better turn out in 4 years.

But ultimately, my job is to pray, and that is what I intend to do.

Wow, a short post for once!!
Jennie

Doctrine, or People?

2008-11-03T13:08:00.003-06:00

(This post is not about any particular church denomination, rather an observation about things that have been happening in the American church, regardless it seems, of denomonation.)

1 Cor. 9:19-23
"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the week: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the Gospels sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you."

Romans 12: 1-5
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present yourselves a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us....."

1 Peter 3: 8-9, 15
"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.....But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

John 13: 34-35
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this all men shall know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Romans 14: 1-5,7-8,10-19
"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day before another: another esteemth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind........For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's........ But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ. FOr it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess God. So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brothers way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is NOTHING unclean of itself: but to him that esteemth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Let not then you good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, ad things wherewith one may edify another."

1 Cor. 13:1-3
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not Charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feel the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

Recently, there has been a trend in the church, that sickens me, and I think it does God as well. The above verses all deal with how we should be treating each other, and what we should do when we have theological differences.

This topic is very real to me, as my family has been treated very badly by the church at many different times.. But we have also been blessed, to be loved by the church. The first time, was when my dad's church in Emmerado shut down. He was struggling, and so he ended up going to Pastor Custer in Grand Forks to talk it out. Pastor Custer was the pastor of a very conservative independent baptist church. My family did not fit there theologically at all, at least, not in lifestyle. But that church welcomed us into their midst, and didn't judge us when we needed a place to worship for a few months. They were awesome. We do have some family in that church, but it was the entire church family, who was very gracious to us. They showed the love of Christ.

While we were still living in Emmerado ND, my dad started communicating with Pine Creek Immanuel Independent Baptist Church in Watrous Pennsylvania. This church was incredibly doctrine driven. My dad wrote endless statements on what he believed about different subjects, and after several months of interviews, and endless theological emails, he was called to be the pastor there. All good.. Till several months later, when different things that my dad believed started becoming issues in the church. My dad has never taken a theological stand on eschatology, or end times because he feels there is no way to tell for sure what will happen from Scripture. The church interpreted this statement to mean he held the Aumillenial position. (Someone who believes the end times already happened.) Then there was the King James issue. My dad has never claimed to be KJV only, though he believes it to be a very accurate translation along with the NAS, and the Geneva. The church there had said they "Prefer and used the King James" We found out that meant that not even the original greek mattered if it was even as much as one letter different than their King James. To make a long painful story short, they ran us out of the church, as well as any one who supported them.

We didn't know what to do, so we ended up calling a ministry in Glasgow Mt called Elijah's Brook, where they took in Pastor's families who had been through hurtful situations, and need some time to get back on their feet. This was an Assemblies of God church, who we had so many theological differences with. In fact, my dad felt compelled to tell the pastor why he didn't agree with many things their church did. While he was in the middle of his story, Pastor Dave interrupted him and asked him if he believed the fundamentals of the faith. That Jesus came to earth as the perfect Son of God and died on a cross to save sinners, and that our job as believers is to share that Gospel. Well, obviously he did. Dave then told him the rest didn't matter, and if he would be more comfortable in a Baptist church, there was one in town that he was more than welcome to attend. To make a very long story short, for the entire time we were part of Elijah's Brook, those people loved us. They cooked us meals, they prayed for us, they accepted us like family, despite our theological differences. That Christmas we got presents from complete strangers, who decided God was telling them to give to us. After receiving all that love, we asked ourselves, what is truly more important to God? Doctrine, or Loving His people?

Doctrine is surely important, but does it matter more than our brothers and sisters in Christ, who may differ in opinion? I can think of no reason why all the churches in a town who believe in Jesus, shouldn't get together and have one big outreach. Get to know the other Christians in your town. Even from different churches. Even from Pentecostal or Baptist churches. I have wonderful friends from both sides, and I can assure you, there is a genuine love of God, Jesus, and the Bible on both sides. It saddens me that we as Christians make judgement calls on other Christians because of their theology. I am tired of hearing Christians saying about one another "I don't see how such and such denomonation can even be considered Christian, they practice speaking in tongues, singing hymns, have a drum set" and the list goes on and on and on.

Remember that every believer out there regardless of denomination is part of the bride of Christ. I think we as Christians need to think of how Jesus feels seeing his bride treated the way we treat each other.. And we also need to remember we are all on the same side!!

I wish I could say its only one group that does this, but from what I have seen it happens in just many churches. There are some exceptions.. I am working real hard to be the exception. It is so easy for me to judge.. Especially when there are Christians who celebrate Halloween, and read Harry Potter, and participate in other things that I can not in good conscience participate in myself. But I remind myself that not so long ago, I didn't mind watching TV shows that did not honour God, and God convicted me of that. If God can convict me, he can surely do the same for the rest of his Church.

The greatest commandment that God ever gave was to Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. The next was Love your neighbour as yourself. I think that it is just as important, if not more so, to love our brothers in Christ.

I guess this has gotten quite long enough.. Leave some feedback, so I know if I am getting at something or if all this is off the wall.
-Jennie

Halloween..

2008-10-31T12:43:00.002-05:00

Why is death supposed to be cute and cuddly on this one day a year? Why is it that on this day, what should be reserved for horror movies is allowed, yes even encouraged to be on the street corners? Its almost like Satan himself out there shouting, "See, the people want me.. They celebrate me.!" Its a day that children enjoy.. And its scary that Satan targets children. Many people have told me that going trick or treating isn't going to make them a Satanist, or involved in the occult, and the answer is no, not necessarily, but what kinds of images do we expose our kids to? Witches and goblins, potions, magic powers, ghosts, worshipping the dead, and now days many of the decorations are disgusting. (being pregnant, some of them have made me literally sick.) But the kids think all this is just harmless fun and games. On a good note, Chris needed a relaxed day at the office, and with all the halloween stuff going on, he is feeling much more relaxed today.

Here is a link to an article I found on history.com.

It talks about the real origin of Halloween.. I thought that it would be appropriate for today. I am getting really tired of seeing jack-o-lanterns and ghosts every where, so I am really looking forward to tomorrow!!

From the study I have done, this is about as basic as the story can get without having a ridiculously long post.. I have had a few of them recently.

As Christians, we need to make sure that what we do, celebrate, and think about all reflect the glory of God. I cannot in good conscience take part in the "Halloween" activities.. But the good news, Chris and I get to go on a date tonight!!
Signing off-
Jennie

My thoughts on "Dumbo"

2008-10-30T15:24:00.002-05:00

My grandparents sent us 2 new Disney movies, some of the older ones. Dumbo, and Robin Hood. I am going to go ahead and blog about what I think of them, since I kinda did that with Aladdin, and I still can't find a site online that critiques them. I checked pluggedinonline.com, that is where I usually go, but its hard to find older movies on there.. However, if you are looking for good critiques and reviews of more modern media, pluggedinonline.com has many good reviews on DVD's and new releases, as well as music.

One thing that I liked about the movie is that Jumbo, the mother elephant is very motherly, and quiet. She is a motherly figure.. Funny how the feminists have not jumped on her. She is also very protective which gets her in trouble. She reminds me of my mom, the things that she did right. She was very motherly, didn't feel the need to be the type of woman society dictated, was content to look motherly, she didn't dress fashionably, but practically. (in the movie there is a dramatic difference between Jumbo and the other female elephants in appearance as well as demeanour.) Mom was also very protective that we were only told things she approved of. She would get upset when we were treated in a way she saw unfit. Which is exactly what Jumbo does.
The other elephants are gossips, and it is portrayed to be a waste of time, and they are seen as the "bad guys" (though there isn't really a scary bad guy in this movie)
The first bad element that I saw is when Dumbo and Timothy get drunk and have a really weird drunken dream about pink elephants. Aside from the dream/vision being weird and odd, I thought it was silly and boring, so I fast forwarded.. The scene is unnecessary and long... And it is irritating that there is always a drunk scene in Disney movies, even when they don't fit.. Like in Dumbo. Along with that, one of the crows that they meet smokes a big cigar. The character would not lose anything without it.. so why put it in? The movie would be better without the drunk scene.. So why? Am I the only one who thinks its odd that this family friendly company, would have these things in their movie for kids? Talk about conflicting messages.
There are some redeeming things about this movie. The crows originally make fun of Dumbo, as does everyone else, and when confronted by Timothy, they show genuine remorse for their former attitude, and change.
At first when Dumbo learns to fly, they tell him its because of a magic feather, (we find out later in the movie that it was just a crutch to get him to try it) But its a magic reference either way.
In conclusion, I didn't see near the problems with this movie that I did Aladdin. Dumbo never forgets his mother, and at the end, she is back in Dumbo's trailer. Free.
As far as allowing my kids to watch it.. The drug and alcohol is something my kids don't need to see, especially when they are young, but I may consider this when they are older, and use it is a teaching tool. I want my kids to be sheltered, but I also want them to learn to discern what they are watching for biblical accuracy.
So, all things considered, I give Dumbo a 87%.. on a scale of 100.

Signing off-
Jennie

Special Verses...

2008-10-29T21:34:00.002-05:00

I was working with a girl from Awana tonight on John 1:1. A simple verse, I thought, but she was having a hard time learning it. I finally asked her if she even understood what it meant. After I explained it to her she got it word perfect after just a little bit more work!! It made me realize that it isn't just saying the words that matter, but the meaning behind them.. When I got home I read that chapter to myself slowly, and thought I would share the first part. The verses are so special, as John tells about how Jesus came into this world, and his reception, and his purpose, all in just a few verses.

"In the beginning, was the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. And the Light shined in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended It not.
There was a man, sent from God, whose name was John. The same came as a witness to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might be saved. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the True Light that Lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto his own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Which were born, not of blood, nor by the will of the flesh, nor by the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Disney Link

2008-10-29T14:17:00.002-05:00

Just a question, does anyone know where I could go to find information on disney movies, from a biblical perspective? As a result of the impression I got from Aladdin, I have been scouring the internet trying to find a website that breaks down other Disney movies, (or popular kids movies in general) without going out and watching them all to see what I think of them. I can not find anything online by a google search that says anything negative about Disney, but I know from the movie I watched, and the way I was raised, that there has to be someone out there who cares enough to have a website with this kind of information on it.

If you know of anything that would help me out, I would really appreciate it!!

-Jennie

Contemplation...

2008-10-28T11:47:00.007-05:00

(Sorry in advance for the huge lettering at the end of this blog, I tried to change it and it didn't work.. I don't know what I did wrong.)

Well, I have been doing a lot of thinking.. In the last month, I have found it so easy to complain. Complain about being sick, about not seeing anyone, about being in bed all day long. Just complaining. This morning it struck me. Why am I am so discontent, when God is giving us this huge blessing? When Chris and I got married, we knew we wanted to have a large family. To have lots of kids running around. True, we thought it would happen when we were felt old enough, but God saw the desire of our hearts, and is fulfilling it. So, why complain?

It makes me wonder though, how many times do I act this same way, God blesses my life, and all I can think of is how it has inconvenienced me. The Bible teaches me to be content in all things. So, today I have decided to spend the rest of this time that I am sick, thanking God for the miracle that He is creating inside of me, and to be content with the upset stomach, and the change of plans. Sometimes the things that God teaches me are so elementary, and I feel like I should have mastered this long ago, but He is patient.

On a different note, I have been doing a lot of thinking about what media is going to be appropriate for our child to be exposed to. Most people have the idea that kids movies are just that, for kids. I have been watching lots of kids movies lately, and I don't know that I consider them good for our baby to watch... (first of all, the baby wont be watching TV.. I mean, why does a baby need to watch TV?) But when they get older.

I watched the classic Disney movie Aladdin the other day. And I can't say that I was real impressed. We meet Aladdin as he is running away from the authorities, because he has stolen from the marketplace. The whole time he is running away, he sings about how the world is his.. (find that one in the Bible) And the authorities are big and mean, and the idea is that they are the bad guys. So right off, in the first scene of this "wholesome" movie, we are taught that the thief is the good guy, and the authority is bad, or evil. Speaking of authority, Jasmine, the Sultan's daughter is disobedient to her father. He wants her to choose a prince and settle down. She has a very heated, "you are not going to decide my life for me" conversation with him, and sneaks out of the palace, which is how she meets our "hero" Complete disrespect for parental authority. It seems to tell kids, if you think your parents are wrong, do it your way and soon they will see you are right and come apologize to you. Jasmine also lies to Aladdin about being a princess. Not exactly what I want my kids to see. Throughout the movie we are confronted with Aladdin lying, and stealing more and more, and he does not get reprimanded for his behaviour. So that is what I don't like about the "good" guys.. The bad guys on the other hand are just that.. Bad. It is very important to teach a child the difference between good and bad. In this particular movie, the line is so blurry. The main bad guy, name Japhar, is a sorcerer. He uses magic potions, and a very obvious evil will do get what he wants. There was to much magic used for my liking, but at least it was all portrayed as bad.. Or was it? Because Aladdin also has magic, and its good. Aladdin meets a genie in a lamp that grants him 3 wishes. The genie is funny, and so is portrayed as good. Aladdin wishes that he is a prince, so the genie turns him into Prince Alli, and he heads back to go see Jasmine, where he again lies to her about who he really is. Also, the genie tells Aladdin that his biggest wish is to be free so he answers to no one. Let me ask you, does this kind of freedom exist? No, so there is this misconception that if only you didn't have authority, life would be wonderful. So, in this movie for kids we have stealing and lying is okay, if you feel like you really need to, authority is bad, there is good magic and bad magic, and, your parents probably don't know what is good for you, so you should show them. And that is just the major things. Jasmine wears a dress that if my daughter came home in, I would have her hide, and the evil parrot utters a few almost swear words. (What the hel- I mean heck) is the one that I remember Is this really what I want to teach my kids? So, if we can not even trust good ol' disney, what can we trust to teach our children godly morals? Its really frustrating.

When I was little, I was put in a lot of really hard situations, because my dad didn't allow Disney movies, for a lot of the same reasons my children won't be watching Aladdin. When I went over to friends houses, their parents always suggested a Disney movie, because they knew how sensitive my dad was to movies, and they always assumed you can't go wrong with Disney. When I would tell them I wasn't allowed to watch Disney, I always got stupid looks, and sometimes the parents even telling me that that was crazy and that I really was.. Or that I was wrong. I hated feeling like I had to defend my dad, and if I did that I would look like an idiot. I swore I would not put my kids in those uncomfortable situations. Now, I still have some of that feeling.. But on the other hand, if you can learn to stand up for what is right at that age, over something like that, its just training for when you have to do it when you are older. I don't know where we are going to draw the line. Both Chris and I decided as far as Aladdin goes, he is going to have to stay permanently banned from the Hall household.

Anyways, this got way to long,
Signing off,
Jennie

Chinese Food....

2008-10-23T21:14:00.002-05:00

Pregnancy is a tricky thing.. Tonight.. I was really craving Chinese food.. So, Chris took me out for Chinese. I ate a small plate, and that was all I could manage.. Now.. I am super hungry for Chinese.. I am kinda frustrated.. because I am hungry.. for Chinese, and when I was there to eat Chinese.. I could not eat hardly any of my 10 dollars worth. And now I think I could eat 20 dollars. So, I have a solution, next time that I want Chinese, we are going to buy it from the Restaurant by the pound.. Then I can eat it when I get home.. And not feel like I wasted all my money...

I should have thought about that earlier..

Oh well.. Live and learn..

Prayer Request

2008-10-17T22:07:00.002-05:00

Today was kinda scary.. I thought I might have miscarried the baby. It was scary.. But I realized that my eating right.. or sleeping enough.. or even taking folic acid, isnt what is keeping this baby alive and growing.. Its God. And I need to rely on God.. Really when it comes down to it, I have to realize that there is nothing I can do to make sure this baby is born healthy. And that scares me.. I dont have the control..

So I guess when the end of the day hits.. which is right now.. I feel very insufficient.. Very fradgile.. Very.. helpless. And I know that its a good thing for me spiritually. I know that this is when God is going to teach me.. But I'm scared.. So just pray for me.. All I want is to take care of this baby, and help it get to its birthday alive.. But I can't really do that.. And its really hard to trust with the things that matter so much to you.. But those are the things God demands that we turn over to him..

So, now that I have totally shattered the "Jennie has it all together picture.. " I guess I will sign off now..

Jennie

Update on baby hall

2008-10-10T18:14:00.002-05:00

Well, Mommy was wrong.. Baby Hall is about 5 weeks old now. And that means that s/he has been alive since between the 18th and 24th of September. So right now that would make Baby Hall about 18-22 days old. So, my before calculations were off. The reason that they say I am 5 weeks along, is because my last menstrual cycle was about 5 weeks ago.

Right now Baby Hall is in the middle of transforming from a fertilized egg, into a more human looking baby. s/he has already made the long trip from my fallopian tube to my uterus and implanted itself there. Now she is starting to be surrounded by the amniotic fluid that will be his/her home for about 8 more months, until s/he arrives to mommy and daddy around May 30.

So, In case it isnt apparent, I have spent the last week reading up on being pregnant. When I am not puking that is.

Well, I will continue to keep you updated.. My first OB/GYN apointment is on Oct. 29.. So pray for me..

Bye for now,
Baby's Mommy

A great blessing....

2008-10-07T10:53:00.003-05:00

Hello all,

I am really excited to write on here today.. I have an anouncement.. There is going to be another Baby Hall in the family. Baby Hall is about 14 days old now. His/Her mommy and daddy are really excited to meet them as well as Grandma and Grandpa Hall, and Grandma and Grandpa Needham. All the aunts and uncles are excited too. As soon as I get my first ultrasound, I am going to post Baby Hall's first baby picture on here. We are super oober excited to welcome this life into our family.

Please pray for Baby Hall, as s/he is growing very fast. Pray for mommy and daddy as they are slightly stunned and have no clue where to learn how to be a parent. We will be sitting at the feet of our Saviour for quite some time now I thinks.

YAY!!

Signing off,
Baby Hall's Mommy

Weekend at mom and dad's

2008-10-05T14:46:00.002-05:00

Hello all..

You may be wondering why I have not posted in a few days.. Right now we are in Pembina with my mom and dad and grandparents. It has been a really refreshing weekend. I have been sick since about Wednesday... And that has continued this weekend. It sucks. I have still been able to have fun though. Last night Chris Johnson, Sara, Beau and Cheri, Chris and I all went to Grand Forks for a triple date. We went to Paradiso and a worthless movie. Anyways.. I wont go into that part. I got some leftovers that I will eat when I am no longer full. (that may be awhile!!) It was great. Chris Johnson, Sara, Chris and I all really like spending time together. Today, Grandma K. and Grandpa Williams came up here. It was great. I got to show off all the wedding pictures. I did not bring the camera, so I have no pictures. :( But we have still had a lot of fun. Jennie Johnson and I got to hang out for a while yesterday and the day before too.

Chris took the LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) on Saturday. He is a little nervous about the outcome. It is much easier for me, because I think is he the smartest person taking the test, but he doesnt share my confidence.

So, we have had a busy weekend. If I could share a prayer request, with Chris taking this test, and me trying for the Aetna job, we are looking at some changes. Please pray that God will help us sort through it all and make wise, godly decisions.

Thats all for now..
Chris and Jennie

Idea to help mothers facing the thought of abortion...

2008-10-01T23:06:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

I don't know what it has been recently but the sickness of abortion has been thrown in my face the last couple months.. Starting with Lexi's note on facebook about the things she was watching/reading online.

Anyway, today Chris took a call about someone wanting medical coverage for a voluntary abortion.. There it was again, the sickness of the whole thing in my face again.. So the evening ended the same way it has several times so far, me bawling my eyes out, wishing I could save that baby. I prayed for it too.

So, here is the hair brained idea that is very very very huge, but if blessed by God, may be used to make a difference..

What if there was a place, where mothers could go, for help, support, and love.. and encouraged to give the baby up... now here is the kicker.. what if that same place also was able to help families who didn't make a million dollars adopt the babies that the birth mothers gave up for adoption. What if, there were sponsors to cover the cost.. Adoption agencies I looked at on-line quoted up to 50,000 dollars to adopt. No wonder it isn't popular. But maybe, a Christian foundation can find God pleasing family, who wants to give that baby a home, and help place them in those parents arms, with the bare minimum costs. Say 2000? I don't know where the rest of the money would come from.. I don't know where we would get doctors, a clinic, legal workers, the authority to do background checks on perspective families.. but say we were able to save 20 babies a year. Over 5 years, that is 100 children that would be placed in loving godly homes, who were at risk for abortion.. Not only would they live, but they would have families who would raise them to love Christ.

Obviously this is a HUGE undertaking. I am not even asking for help at this point, as I am not in a place to start the actual foundation, more laying the groundwork for it.. I just want feedback, ideas, and thoughts. This whole issue has become a huge burden to me.. It moves me to tears whenever I think of it, which has been often recently. Maybe this is God's plan for me.

Please tell me what you think.. I think it would be worthwhile. We serve an awesome God.. who can make something like this work... Please pray with me as I consider what steps to take to make this dream a reality with the help of Christ.

Thanks for taking the time to read this...

With love,
Jennie

Reflections.....

2008-09-28T22:19:00.003-05:00

Today I was at work for the "church rush" (When people come into eat after Church) It is sad, because the people, most of whom have just come from church are inpatient, and rude. Today though there was a family, who was very very gracious. They were dressed up so it was apparent that they had come from Church. I was so impressed by the way these people expressed the life of a Christian, the joy, the gratitude, the peace... It was awesome.. I wanted to go to their Church for the Sunday evening service tonight, but wasnt able to..

Anyways.. It is refreshing to see good representations of the faith...

Thank you folks from Open Door Baptist Church..

Chinese food, and wedding pics

2008-09-27T13:18:00.004-05:00

Chris and I are going out for Chinese today.. I am really excited.. Why I am blogging about that.. I am not sure.

I am going to start posting pictures of the wedding little by little on here.. That way friends and family can see them.
The 2 that are here are me and my dad walking down the isle, and then Chris and I as we were presented Man and Wife. They are nice pictures I think. All the wedding pictures posted on this site were taken by Jason at Renegade Photography.. (www.renegadephotography.org)
He was awesome to work with. If you are looking for a photographer for any occasion and you live in or around Fargo, call Jason.
That is all I have for now..
Signing off,
Jennie

Finally figuring it out

2008-09-26T15:09:00.001-05:00

Congrats me!!

I finally figured out to put a picture up of Chris and I as the header of this page!! Go Me!! Woo Hoo!!

Okay I am a little excited..

I just got back from K-Mart, and I spent about 50 dollars and came home with 3 bags... I bought apple juice, and milk... as well as some things I needed for my kitchen.. I do like wal mart so much better....

Anyways, I dont have anything really inportant to say...

So I am going to sign off for now..

Aetna Hopefull

2008-09-23T11:22:00.002-05:00

Okay, so today I am very very psyched. I am going to get a face to face interview with someone at Aetna which is a life insurrance company. I am excited about this because Chris works there as well, and we may be able to carpool and other things like that.. Not to mention the pay of over 13 dollars an hour. Last time I applied, I did not even get a call back.. but this time, I got the email, callback, phone interview and now the face to face interview.

There are only a few bad things happening today.. I burned my finger with boiling how water, and now it stings like crazy.. and I have to go to work in an hour. Don't get me wrong, I do really like my job, but right now, I kinda feel like I am wasting my time making only 7.50 an hour. By the time I fill up the car every week, most of my check is gone. I really hope I get on with Aetna. Chris thinks I will really like it, and he sees it as a chance to get more financially stable... And a good way to prepare for him going to law school next year. That will be really nice.. Not to mention all the discounts you get on things.

I am still working on memorizing the book of romans.. I am almost done with the first chapter.. I know I am a little late, and that I should have had it done already, but I am really really close. I invited a co-worker to come see the movie "fireproof" with Chris and I this weekend, and I really hope she can make it..

I dont really know what else I can talk about so I am going to sign off for now,

Jennie

Palin's Daughter...

2008-09-22T15:48:00.000-05:00

Hello all,

Allow me to vent for a few moments on how absurd the media is being about the whole Bristol Palin thing. The girl got pregnant.. yeah.. she did.. Her boyfriend is from all apearances a very typical high school senior.. The comments he made on myspace are the same type of comments you will hear from 80% of high school jocks. Get over it. They are just kids. Statistics show that most people have sex before they are married. Is it right? No. It is sin, but is it something that makes her so much worse than any other person? No. Get over it already!! Is Sarah Palin a perfect parent? No. Are you? Are any of the people who are belittleing her? No. How many parents teach their kids to wait. How many of those kids don't. Is that the parents fault? The fact that Bristol is pregnant has nothing to do with this election so quit putting up a smokescreen and trying to make a devil where one does not exist. There are enough real ones out there that I think the last thing we need to do is start making fake ones..

Good Grief.

Signing off,
Jennie

Welcoming myself to blogspot

2008-09-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

I have resisted blogging for a long time now.. but the last few days, I have actually been caught up on my work, and now I don't know what to do with my free time.. And, I do know that there are probably better things to do... other than this, but I thought it would be fun to try it..

All that being said, I look forward to sharing my thoughts, with whoever looks at this blog. I actually became inspired to do this my the Krahn's blog. Its nice to be able to see what is up with them, and maybe people will really like to.

I suppose I should say a little about us, that being me and my husband. We are Chris and Jennie Hall. We were married in Pembina, ND on June 7, 2008. It was the happiest day of my life. I married my best friend! God is amazing. He has taken care of us over the last several years, slowly setting things in motion for us to begin our lives together. Though we did not know it at the time, looking back there is no other way to explain how we got together. It all started the fall of 2003. Chris had just started college at UND, and I was 14. We were in a bible study together. We did not really talk a lot that year. The next summer, we both worked with CEF together, and did the same for four more years. We became really good friends. God helped us build a friendship before anything romantic. On July 21st 2007, Chris asked me out, and we planned our first date for the day after Camp Good News, August 4th. Since then, God has helped us develop our relationship in a way that honors him. Chris asked me to marry on November 24, 2007. It was awesome.. Right now we live in Bismarck 'Living our Love Song' *Big Smile* Chris is working at Aetna, a health insurance company, And I am working at Cracker Barrel, a resturant / gift shop. I work in the gift shop. Its nice..