Remind You of Somebody?

Looking a little Clinton-esque these days, aren't we?
Oh, Lordy Lordy...

Mystery Singer Revealed!

Were you watching the Michael Jackson memorial service along with me? If so, you may have wondered who that random singer was that stepped into his place for the finale number. No one ever heard of her, and there was no mention of who she is. Turns out, she's a Biola alumna! (Thanks Deborah for finding this gem!)

Check out the story here!
Recent Alumna Gives Standout Performance at Michael Jackson Memorial.

It's A Small World After All.

In May (yes, May...that's how far behind I am), the whole Stavenger crew visited Orlando for a few days of fun in the sun at Disneyworld (thanks, Marcia and Jeff!). I was super stoked, having been to the "Land" more times than I can count, but never the "World"! The weather threw a major cramp in our style, as it POURED for the majority of our stay. There were moments of sunshine (and I was sure to utilize the camera during those breaks!) and, despite the weather, we had a great time being together as a family. Here are a few snapshots from our week!

Eric, Chris and Marcia at our beautiful Boardwalk resort.

The Magic Kingdom!

Our first day was beautiful...hot, but clear!

Hollywood Studios- I ate French Fries while the rest tested out the Tower of Terror a few times. Don't feel sad, though...I wouldn't have gone anyway :) Later in the week, we caught a fantastic showing of "Fantasmic".

Chris and I took a night off from Disney mayhem to see my good friend Kirk perform in Blue Man Group, located at Universal Studios. It was quite an entertaining show! As a bonus, we got to go backstage...and later he gave us a piece of artwork from the show.

At Animal Kingdom, Carrie, Eric and Chris try to outdo each other with creepy dinosaur smiles. Do we have a winner?

THIS was the story of my life. I spent a lot of time with Mallory and the stroller!

A highlight for me was Epcot's "World Showcase". I took some time perusing the different shops and "countries"- and Jeff and I had a nice lunch in Norway!

By the time we got to Epcot, rain ponchos were a staple part of our wardrobe!

Running from place to place to escape the rain was exhausting!

(By the way, I hope the title of this post gives you the gift of a lovely song in your head for the rest of the day!)

Happy Birthday, America.

This should make your holiday complete.

You don't have to thank me :)

The Holiday That Wasn't

What? You say it's a holiday?
I didn't notice.
Then again, every day feels like a holiday to me. I stay at home.
But Chris would typically have the weekend off.
Not this time...he's on-call through the holiday weekend.
That means we haven't been able to plan anything.
No BBQs. No fireworks. No trips to the lake.
Now, the latter blow was lessened by the fact that the lake cabin currently looks like this:


The annual Stavenger 4th of July extravaganza has been thwarted this year by construction...but next year promises to be amazing!
Anyway, tomorrow Chris will likely be working.
And I'll be at home, enjoying the freedom to sit around in my pajamas all day.
Or maybe I'll go see a movie...by myself. :)

How My Sunglasses Died.

I have bragged about my seemingly invincible sunglasses before.
They endured three moves, many vacations and much abuse.
I loved them.
And now they're gone.
They met their end yesterday at a volleyball match.
About a week ago, I was sitting on the couch after returning home from a coffee outing.
They were propped on top of my head where, once indoors, I often forget about them.
Chris got home shortly after me.
I was too lazy to get off the couch, so he came over to give me a kiss.
As I looked up, they slipped off the back of my head.
I made a mental note..."pick them up before I sit on them".
But I didn't. I started talking to Chris about his day at work, blah, blah, blah...
Crack.
I excavated them to survey the damage...
Not too bad- one of the ear things was bent at the hinge.
I carefully repositioned it and...voila! Like new!

Except it wasn't like new.
They were silently suffering, every time I opened and closed them.
That brings us to yesterday....
I was cheering on Chris at a volleyball match and, despite the cloud cover, thought it was a little bright for me.
I pulled them out of my purse.
They disintegrated in my hand.
I looked at disbelief, thinking I'd just reassemble them,
but the hinge had completely broken.
It was finished.

I guess they weren't as invincible as I thought.
But they were a darned good pair of sunglasses.

Dear Abby...

OK, I'LL BLOG! STOP YELLING AT ME!
Alright, so no one is yelling...just gently nudging. And if you're a blogger, you know there are "lulls" that help you collect some thoughts. My "lull" was more of a "Oh my gosh, I'm so behind..." I'll be diving back into May and June to catch up shortly, but first, I NEED YOUR HELP!

If anyone still reads this thing (I know a lot of you use it as a link to my brother's blog!), I'm looking for a little "Dear Abby" advice.

We have neighbor trouble.

He is a middle-aged gentleman who, we assume, is divorced and has partial custody of his kids. When the kids are around, we have no problems! BUT, when they are gone, almost like clockwork around 10 or 11 p.m., he begins to blare his music. This usually lasts until 1 or 2 in the morning. Our bedroom wall is adjacent to his living room, so SOME can be excused for close proximity. But, it seems that late at night, one should dial down the annoying techno music in favor of your neighbors' sanity (Chris usually leaves to sleep on the couch during these episodes). Last night, the neighbor had friends over for a bonfire in the backyard- the music played OUTDOORS from 10 to 12:30 p.m.

So...what to do. I would feel comfortable approaching him if we had some kind of previous acknowledgement. However, we've been bad neighbors and haven't gotten to know them. Because of that, I also feel a little awkward calling the cops on his little late night shindigs.

With a baby on the way and a husband who works long hours, we need our sleep over here! So we ask you...have you had a similar experience with nasty neighbors?
What would YOU do??

Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl, Boy, Girl..

Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether this baby will be a boy or a girl. I've never heard so many random reasons cited, either! I've started to collect them so I can analyze the results:

*You're craving salad? You're having a girl!

*No morning sickness? You're having a boy!

*Chris has a dream that we're having a girl.

*No first trimester weight gain...it's a boy!

*Fast heartbeat heard at pre-natal appointment...it's a girl!

*Chris has a dream that it's a boy. (I haven't had ANY baby dreams yet!)

*Chinese zodiac says the stars are aligned for a girl!

Looks like we will definitely be having a girl....or boy. :)
Wanna weigh in with your own bizarre formula?

If You're A Man Who Wants To Live A Long and Happy Life...

...these are the things you don't say to your wife.


Men of the world, take GOOD notes.
And, enjoy the nostalgic Green Day tune. :)

This Post is Brought To You By Apple.

BEHOLD THE UPGRADE!!

Yes, the behemoth 24" iMac has taken it's rightful place on the computer throne. And, I might add, it's nearly as big as our television set. (I put our old functioning laptop in the picture so you can grasp the enormity.) It will get much use over the next few years as we bring you pictures and videos of life in Duluth. One of our favorite features is the ability to video chat, so if you have a MAC, drop on by iChat! Otherwise, we'll catch you on Skype! :)

MAC is BACK, baby!

Happy Birrrr...th....da...Zzzzzzz.

If my birthday seemed short, that's because it was.

Chris and I caught the red-eye flight to MN a little after midnight, on which we lost two hours of our day and neither of us got much sleep. We returned to a very rainy, windy Minneapolis and hopped in the car for a 3 hour drive home. Chris did a great job, though we had to stop for a 20 minute snooze. Back in Duluth around 10 a.m., we went straight to bed. My birthday afternoon started around 2 p.m., followed by dinner out and a movie in. Both of us fell asleep, so the end of the movie was postponed in lieu of some more zzzzs.

For my last birthday without kids, I guess lots of sleep was a great gift. :)

Where's George Clooney When I Need Him?

I let the finale of E.R. tiptoe by this blog without referencing my former obsession with the show (how did that happen, Angela?!). But for YEARS, Thursday nights were consumed with following the sexual tension between Dr. Ross and Nurse Hathaway, and wiping away my drool when Noah Wyle was on screen.

Over the years, I have discovered that- much to my chagrin- real E.R.s aren't like television. But you probably already knew that.


I wasn't expecting to spend Wednesday morning in the E.R., but being that I'm pregnant, the Urgent Care clinic erred on the side of caution. For a horrible intestinal issue I've had over a week, they took all the routine vitals and I got a couple "bonus" exams to go with it (ughhhhhh). They also decided I needed a little help in the hydration area, so they set me up with an IV drip (this is pretty common, apparently). Everything came back normal, so I got the ol' "come back if it gets worse, and don't let the door hit'cha on the way out" spiel. But not before the doc wrecked my dreams of eating Chipotle anytime soon.

I swear I'm not leaving CA before I get some.

Jumping Into June

I can hardly believe the calendar now reads "June". May came and went before I could blog 5 times! Understandably, I've been preoccupied with other urgent issues. Thanks for keeping up with my slow pace- you are a faithful bunch. Somewhere in the last few days, my 50,000th reader made an uncelebrated appearance!

I'm currently in Northern California, where the sunshine is warm and so is my heart. Family time is so cherished, especially under these circumstances. Derek is doing really well in-between chemo treatments, and consuming an absorbant amount of Jamba Juice (sheesh, I thought I was bad!). I've had time with friends sparingly over the last few days, as time at home is a priority on this trip. However, when Chris gets here this weekend, the party will be unleashed!! (It's that time of year again...birthday cake, lots of candles...too many candles...)

Must. Have. Salad. Now.

I was really curious to see what kind of cravings would creep up on me as pregnancy settles in...and really couldn't be happier that the only items I CRAVE are salad and fruit! Last night I bypassed Chris' pizza dinner for a nectarine and applesauce, and took a double helping of cole-slaw at our church barbeque on Sunday (ahhhhhh cole-slaw!). At the grocery store, I think I spent more time in the produce department than all my previous trips combined. On the menu for this week's meals: salads of every kind. Caesar salad. Chicken Salad. Fruit Salad. And a couple fruit smoothies.

Searching through google images of salad, by the way, was not a good choice this early in the morning. It's a long time till lunch.... ugh.

Thank You for your Prayers.

Hi everyone.
We're back from vacation...more on that later. We return to "real life" which at this time is tragically "real". For those of you that don't know, my brother Derek was recently diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma, a non-operable cancer that has spread from the initial tumor to his bone and lungs. The doctors are hoping immediate and aggressive chemotherapy will help diffuse some of the cancerous cells. Because of the high number of inquiries our family has received regarding his status, my mom has joined the blogging world and is keeping it regularly updated on his progress.

THANK YOU for all your words of encouragement, virtual hugs, messages and, most of all, your prayers. Derek has been cloaked in prayer from literally all over the country. We believe God is a healer, and we are counting on a miracle! Please join us in the crusade to fight this cancer!

You can find updates at www.deezcentral.blogspot.com. And I'm sure my family would enjoy knowing that you are following along- leave some love :)

Baby's First Photos

For the hardcore fans....or those who like looking at fuzzy blurry baby blobs, this is for you!

On Monday we had our pre-natal appointment, and the NP performed a little ultrasound for us. Apparently, baby Stavenger already likes the spotlight, because as soon as she found him/her on the screen, he/she started dancing for us! Quite the scene stealer, even without fully formed arms and legs :) We also got the updated word on the due date...at this time, we are 9 weeks along, not 8 as we had expected. SO, D-day is estimated at December 14, a little farther away from Christmas. Yay. This was extra great news, since that shaves off a whole week of my first trimester which, aside from fatigue, hasn't been that bad!

In other pregnancy-brain news, it seems I have lost mine. While teaching yesterday, the word "definition" completely escaped my vocabulary. Oh, and I spent 5 minutes trying to unclasp my bra the other day before realizing I had worn it inside out all day long. Fortunately, my lost brain cells have quickly been replenished with such fourth grade knowledge as this:
"If you don't brush your hair for 6 weeks, you'll have dreadlocks."
"If your baby is born on Christmas, he'll have the same birthday as Santa Claus."
And, of course, "Zach Efron is soooooooo hot!"

Onward into month 3!

Like a Thief in the Night...

There's a simple explanation for my absence on the blog...zero energy. And zero is being fairly generous- if I could use a negative integer, I would. If you've been pregnant, you can certainly empathize with the first trimester blaaaaaahs. On the sunny side, I've been really thankful that my sleepy state has been the most inconvenient symptom...and then last night happened. It was like my body abruptly realized that I was in my seventh week, and it was overdue on making me feel like hell! My asian chicken salad- the one I sought out specifically during a salad craving- gloriously made it's way back up into the light.

Before "the sickness" came, I was able to 1) finish the class I've been taking for my license (hear the joy on this side of the screen??!), and 2) enjoy a weekend in the twin cities with my Stavenger gal pals, minus Carrie. My wonderful Mom-In-Law scored us tickets to a touring production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical" which was oh-so-fun and oh-so-pink! Bonus: the lead actress (Elle) has Moorhead connections, an alumna of the same high school my husband attended. It was fun meeting her and many others at the "after party". Thanks for a fun weekend, girls!

Oh the things one can find at the mall...

Alissa and I at "Legally Blonde". Yes, this is inside the theater, and yes, this picture was taken "illegally". We're such rebels ;)

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

Hi blog friends! It's been a while, but that's because there has been a LOT going on at the Stavenger household! Not only have we been acclimating to a new dog, but the same day we picked up Luna, we found out I am pregnant! Soooo, that's been interesting information to digest! Of course, we're THRILLED, though I'm not so sure about having a baby at Christmastime...I always felt bad for the kids with birthdays at Christmas. It's like, "Here's all your presents for the entire year!" Oh well. I'm not complaining. It's still a little hard to wrap my brain around the fact that we'll have a baby by the end of the year! One good year after another...

Welcome to another exciting journey!

We're a One-Dog Family!

Well, she is here! Thursday, we made the long trek to Moorhead to pick her up from her foster family. Luna did really well on the drive home and has made a quick adjustment to her new home. We've added a zip-line to the backyard so she can be outside for a while. Unfortunately, she likes to get herself tangled up in the trees, which defeats the purpose. Otherwise, she's become much calmer around the house, and has found her favorite place to lay...with her head between the couches. My favorite feature: her lack of odor! (With the exception of when she poops on the carpet) I have to say that Chris has done an amazing job stepping up to the responsibility of dog ownership- taking her on a morning walk, cleaning up her kennel after she eats (she's a MESSY eater!), and taking care of "accidents" (there's only been one).

Chris and I on our first walk with Luna.

Look at that smile!

Ready to leave for her new home!

Stopping for a potty break along the mighty (flooded) Mississippi.

Home, at last, on her pillow.

Dare I say...it's not as bad as I thought it would be?

Hello, International Friends!

I'm pretty good about keeping track of my stats on the blog...that is, I like to see how people are getting here and where they are coming from. I have a pretty loyal California/Minnesota following. But a couple weeks ago, I started seeing an unusual amount of International visits! In the last week alone, I've received visitors from Hungary, Spain, Germany, Canada, Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands and the U.K.! I tried to figure out on my own what, all of a sudden, was atrracting so many visitors from across the world...and then I found the common thread...

they all love the Eagles' "Hotel California"!

Yes, the image that I used ended up on the first page of the google search for Hotel California. I have since removed it because I don't like the random riff-raff messing up my actual blog counts. But, it just goes to show that "Hotel California" is an international music sensation. I rest my case :)

Bob Loblaw...

Well, it's time to do one of those annoying compilation posts...word vomit, because I'm tired of thinking. Needless to say, I'm HIGHLY anticipating the completion of my course in two weeks. Being a student is OVERrated! After this, I'm done...and I can move on to greater things, like being the one to give out the homework again!

1. So, of course the big news at our casa is the addition of a canine friend. We're all systems go for arrival, as all the dog accessories strewn across our house testify. Chris let me pick out the collar for Luna...and it's pink! The line was drawn there, though, because my husband feels a pink leash would be emasculating. We also purchased this dog pillow, which will be doubling as a guest bed should any of you desire to visit. :)

2. Today was the first day I went jacket-less to work...it was a beautiful thing. I assume* spring is on its way since I saw 2 people taking down Christmas lights this week. (*cue snowstorm)

3. Because of both #1 and #2, we have been busily cleaning, purging junk and assembling items for a garage sale. This is loooooong overdue!

4. It's Tuesday, and that means my afternoon will consist of homework (big projects are always due on Wed), washing my hair (it's a process, people), and watching American Idol (Go Danny!).
We also got the second disc of "Arrested Development" in the mail today- loving it so far!

Geez...I'll never get on Bobby's "Friday Flava" list with lame posts like this.
More interesting posts to follow, I promise! : )

D-Day is Coming.

I'd keep a heads up for other biblical end-time prophecies, because I'm pretty sure the ball is rolling with this jaw-dropper: We're getting a dog. I know, I know...you thought it would never happen, especially after this post (by the way, check out the comment-a-palooza on that one!). However, the time feels right and the opportunity kinds of hit us out of the blue.

We weren't looking, and I can assure you, if Chris didn't want one so darn bad we wouldn't have a dog at all. But this one tugged a little at our heartstrings. She's a 3-4 year old Siberian Husky who has been tied to a tree her entire life (just imagine that, ALL YEAR LONG here in MN). When her owners moved, they left her tied to the tree. That's when the pound picked her up and a rescue agency placed her in a foster home...one of Chris' friends from High School. We saw pics on Facebook and, well, for a girl that doesn't think a lot of dogs are "cute", I thought she was pretty cute. We've been in the adoption process for about a week, and it looks like we'll be picking her up on Thursday!
(Luna at the pound)


Now, since the "dog" thing is really Chris' baby, he understands that he'll be the one sleeping downstairs to kennel train, picking up her poop, and waking up to walk her at whatever god-awful hour she arises. For now, I'm enjoying the last few days of laying on the floor without a nose in my face, or eating on the couch without simultaneously whiffing panting dog breath.

(sigh) It was bound to happen sometime.

Let's Start At The Very Beginning...

I hope you had a splendid Easter!
Ours was fantastic- we stayed in town for two reasons: One, we were dog-sitting (you'll hear much more about this later.), and Two, our church opened it's brand-new facility and- its kickin' cool. Think Duluth-scale Saddleback. Easter services were packed and high-energy. There were lots of reasons to celebrate- as they made clear, the LEAST of which was the new building, and the GREATEST of which is the risen Savior. Even today, I feel like singing and dancing!

(dance interlude)

Whew! And if that weren't enough, Heidi tuned me in to this gem: Nothin' like the Sound of Music to put you in a good mood. Oh, and if I were there, I would have been dancing right along with them. :)


Happy Monday-
Jesus is alive, today and every day! :)

How Deep The Father's Love For Us.

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom.

Not for the Kiddies!

That's right...the Easter Bunny donated his body to science.
Now we know where all those eggs were coming from.

You may want to skip this craft with your five year old.
Hoppy Easter!