Gas well

Like my mom said, "they're always digging something around here." Oil wells, water wells, and apparently gas wells. They started drilling on the church property a few weeks ago. I guess they struck gas (which they weren't really doubting) because every once and a while I get a whiff of it. Soon after we moved here a family in the church gave $20,000 toward the well. The money the congregation would save on heating bills made the donation a worthwhile investment. Assuming there is enough in the well (i really don't understand how this all works) it would give us free gas for the church building, fellowship hall and the parsonage. Sounds pretty good huh? Anyway, here are some photos of the process. I was told that that smoky stuff is either dust or water mist. Oh, and yes, that's a picture of the drilling stuff taken on the same day that the helicopter man came. We never know what sort of equipment is going to show up in our yard :)

Daisy 2

These were taken the weekend before Easter when Chris came to visit.

Daisy Jo Reinders

Here she is. Daisy Jo Reinders born 2.28.08 at 6:56 PM. It's been a week now. We're still getting adjusted to things, but overall doing pretty well. So far Elinor has been pretty accepting of her sister, but grandma has been here for some extra attention. Grandma went home today, so I hope her good attitude continues. I've been missing my friends and wishing they could come for a visit and meet little Daisy. But, as most of you live kind of far away, these photos will have to do for now.

In the nick of time

Took these pictures on the 28th...couldn't have cut it any closer.

My Belly

I suppose there aren't very many pictures of me big and pregnant. There are probably several reasons for that. 1. I'm big and pregnant 2. I'm usually the one behind the camera. I am going to try to take a few of myself today and post them for your amusement. I have to do it soon or my belly will disappear. To update you all, I'm due next Monday (March 3). We've begun the countdown. My mom arrived yesterday. She is a great help at home (and with the girl) and also she's my doula :)

The Featherstone Ball

A couple of weekends ago we went to a ball. An English country dance if you will. It was extra fun. My photos didn't turn out that great (as it was kind of dark) but here is a sampling of a few. We actually learned some dances featured in Jane Austen movies. We saw one in Pride and Prejudice (with keira knightly) that we knew. I borrowed my dress from Lacy (gloves too). She is pictured here as well, some of you know her I suppose some of you don't. Anyway, she made her dress, I wish I could've gotten a photo of the back of it...it was awesome. Lacy was actually the hostess of the event which is how we knew about it. Josh's grandma actually made his costume...in like one day or something crazy. If I hear of scheduled in the future I'll let you all know so you can come. It'd be worth the drive! Can you imagine all the buddies dancing together old school? Could there be anything funner?!

The New Millennium

That's right, the Reinders have entered the new millennium. We finally traded in the old Pontiac for a 2003 Grand Caravan. Yep, we've gone minivan. Here is how it started: In PA your car has to pass an inspection, and I mean a full vehicle inspection not just an emissions test. Needless to say the '91 Pontiac came up a bit short...ok a lot short. It was to the point where we were going to have to put a pretty big chunk of change into it to fix it or find a different car. We decided on the latter. Through a generous offering from our church (those deavers :) and good help from a car salesman that attends our church we were able to get this really nice van. I still can't believe it's ours. I've never in my life had a car this new and this nice. Granted I would always rather go Nissan (he he) but we did what we could. Oh and it even has one of those new-fangled CD players...time to turn in the cassettes!