It's official

Russell is taking on a new career challenge. We're so thankful for God's provision for our family.

Here's how the news broke on Flash Report:

Chief of Staff for Senate Republicans Off To PG&E

by Jon Fleischman

We hear at the FlashReport would like to offer our hearty congratulations to longtime FR friend Russell Lowery. Yesterday Lowery informed the Senate Republican Caucus that he would be leaving his position as Chief of Staff to except a position with Pacific Gas & Electric's Sacramento office. Lowery has had a long tenure working for conservatives in the state legislature, and is well regarded for both his commitment to his core values, and an ability to be smart about how to best achieve definable victories for Republicans - a challenge in an institution where Republicans are the minority party.

We caught up with Russell's boss, Senate Republican Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, who shared with us a few thoughts, "Russell has been a leader for our caucus staff, and has been good Chief of Staff and counselor to me. He will be missed here, but I know I speak for all Senate Republicans when I extend my congratulations to him in his new career."
Russell's last day with the Senate will be in early February, but there's not a whole lot he can really do now anyways. There are all kinds of laws that prohibit someone who has accepted an external job from continuing to influence the legislative process internally.

We wish Russell as he leaves public service and we know that he will bring a lot of value to his new employer, PG&E. Who knows, before long, he'll have them lowering their rates!

Popcorn Night - On Again

It appears the church calendar has mysteriously cleared up again for this Sunday night. So, Popcorn Night is back on -- Jan. 31, 6:00pm (or whenever) 'til Russell starts yawning dramatically.

(Here's the full Popcorn Night explanation, in case you missed it)

Mohler's study

Russell, Steve, covetousness is a sin.

Al Mohler - Study Video from Together for the Gospel (T4G) on Vimeo.

Starting to think about....

Talking with a friend from church who's getting ready to deliver a baby has started me thinking about having a baby myself. I've still got 10 weeks or so to go, but it's definitely getting closer every day! I've been feeling great and it's been an easy pregnancy, other than gaining too much weight again :-(

I just contacted our doula to see if she's available to help again. We first researched hiring a doula for Paul's birth when reading up on VBAC's. (I'm going to leave out the explanations of some of these things for the sake of the innocent.) The gist is that our doula was great, Paul's delivery was easy, and Russell won't let me have a baby any other way.

If you're interested in a professional, experienced, low-pressure doula in the Sacramento area, I highly recommend Cyndi Whitwell. She's now attended over 650 births! It's so comforting to have all that experience at my (and Russell's) disposal when the big day comes.

My little reader

Me: "Sarah, I think we should do some more school work."


Sarah: "May I please read some books for a little while first?"






Me: "I suppose."







And here's a little clip of Paul. He's been practicing his knock knock jokes:

Interesting piece in Sacbee today...

Some Sacramento-area students decline to state their race - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Quote from an Elk Grove principal:

"I'd love to look at individual kids and leave it at that, but we wouldn't even know there was an achievement gap if we didn't measure our kids," he said. "There must be a systemic reason and we need to figure out what causes it and how to fix it."

Does anyone else think part of the "systemic reason" might be making kids check a box in the first place?

God has chosen preaching...

"Although private reading of the Bible is of enormous value in strengthening our faith by deepening our understanding, God has chosen preaching as a social event of hearing that makes strangers into a family."

Michael Horton, Modern Reformation Jan/Feb 2010

Looking forward to hearing again tomorrow. If you're not joining somewhere to hear the preached Word, you should.

Popcorn and conversation

Short version: you're invited to eat popcorn and enjoy seasonal beverages while engaging in stimulating and pleasant conversation. Sunday Jan. 10 and 31 @ 6pm.


Long version: Russell and I have attempted to copy this idea from some friends of ours. They are a lovely, older couple with a cozy home that they open up every Sunday evening after church for popcorn and conversation. It's a standing invitation and RSVP's are never asked for or given.


Children are encouraged to participate in discussions of current events, culture and philosophy or play in other areas. In the summer we sip lemonade on the big wrap-around porch. Single people of the opposite sex who happen to share the porch swing are expected to begin courting.




It's an opportunity to relax, really get to know people, and discuss the ideas that pop into my head during the week that I don't get to talk to other adults about! I especially like being able to talk face-to-face about things that may have come up on facebook, twitter, blogs, etc. Before and after church times are just not conducive to meaningful conversation when you've got to keep your eyes on oodles of kids and make sure they're not stocking up for winter at the snack table.


Plus, Russell makes some mean popcorn: real oil, butter and salt. Lots of salt. But if you're on a low sodium diet or something he does take requests :-)


We don't meet on Sundays when there are evening services or events scheduled at our church. It can get a little complicated. So that's why I decided to try to explain. No, there's too much to explain, I'll sum up. At the beginning of each month I'll post something on my blog or facebook to let folks know when we plan to have popcorn. Or you can always just ask me if it's on.


You don't have to tell us if you're coming. It's all the same to us if we have one friend or 30 show up. But we'd love to get to know more friends and grow deeper in our affections with the ones we have. You're invited!

Cozy dog

Woody is very pleased with his new bed.

He has almost forgiven us for leaving him at the pet resort for 10 days.