goodbye 2005
How is that even possible? Where did the year go? I remember in 2002 Rob figured out that he would be graduating in 2005 and I think I cried, thinking that was such a long way off, I hadn't even thought of 2005 at that point. And now it's here and gone. A lifetime achievement accomplished for Rob. What did I do in 2005? I found some fun questions to help me answer just that question. (shocking, Anna has some questions!) If any of you blog, I'd love to hear you answer the same questions, since I probably already stalk your blog anyway. Post your link in the comments!
50 Year End Questions:
What are your resolutions for the next year?
I answered this a couple days ago, see 'new years resolutions'.
What happened in your life that you never expected to happen?
Finding myself really happy before the end of the year.
What is one thing you did that you have never done before?
Shopping at IKEA!
What were your biggest achievements?
Kind of random, but finishing my HOF entry and successfully moving us to another state. We only lost one thing in the move, the battery recharger, not sure what that's about! Nothing broken, no lost boxes. Very proud of that accomplishment. :)
What were your biggest challenges?
Staying home with a pre-schooler, living as a family of four in 500 sq. feet, surviving the last two months in MO without any income, staying with Sarah in the hospital back in March, dealing with the Camp Sonrise renovation.
What is your biggest regret?
Not investing myself into our life in Ozark.
When were you happiest?
Not sure, had a really good time with Char in Chicago. Spent a lot of great time with Kim. Really enjoyed the couple of times I scrapped with Lori. Generally, I'm a pretty happy person, even in the midst of that rough situation.
Who was your best friend?
Obviously, Lori. We've been best friends for 9 years now and I doubt much in life could change that at this point. We talk every day and share nearly every detail of our lives. I value her friendship so much. But I've had a lot of really close second places. Kim has greatly impacted me this year and I miss her tons. I also had a lot of really great people who continually pour into my life; Thank you Karen, Tricia, Lisa, LeAnn, and Becky. There are a lot of 'famous' scrapbookers who feel like friends - only because I read their blogs daily and they greatly inspire me. And Rob, always, is my best boyfriend. I can tell him anything and he still loves me. I feel like we aren't super-close this second, he's dealing with a ton of change, but I know we will come back together tighter than ever as soon as he's adjusted to our new life, he's just a tiny bit consumed right now and that's ok.
Who surprised you this year? In what way?
Char took my breath away, with a promise of Paris in the Spring.
Who did you admire most this year?
Wow, tough question. I've spent a lot of time thinking about my mom lately, how she did what I do and more with flair. Being a mom is super-hard work.
Also, done a lot of Heidi Swapp stalking this year, I love her line (no secret) and I really enjoy learning from her work. Ali Edwards continually impresses me as well.
Who were you in love with?
My Rob. Still am. He's my all, even when he's distracted. I love the person he's become. I love that I've walked with him from the time he was 19. I love that we have the same humor and the same passion. I love that he adores our children. I love our life together. I love that he's finally doing what he's called to do, and I love that I helped him accomplish that. I just love him!
What was the most important lesson you learned?
God can change your life in a moment, if you trust Him with your life.
What was your favorite TV show?
By far, ER. We rarely miss it. Love that Nela got married this year!
What was your favorite film?
Stupid, but I really liked Monster-In-Law. I worked for a crazy rich white lady back in Sioux City and Jane Fonda did a marvelous job portraying her! I saw a lot of movies this year, but only maybe two in the theatre, so it's hard to remember what was from 2005. But I did just finally see the village and it's an amazing movie, loved it, I think we might buy it. Not scary, just very deep and awesome and intriguing.
What was your favorite book?
So sad, I barely read this year. But I do enjoy the book of questions. Also got a kick out of Love Your Handwriting.
What was your favorite food?
Right now? Casey's pizza. (childhood thing, and we have one here) And I'm really missing my mudpuddle from Mudhouse in Springfield. Can't find a coffee joint to save my life here!
What was your favorite song?
easy. 100 years by Five for Fighting. Also way into Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls. And Home by Michael Buble.
What were your favorite phrases?
I'm sure you can tell me better than I can tell you. 'Stinking' has got to be up there.
What did you do for your Birthday?
Dinner at Cheddar's with my family + Kim. It was great.
Which was your favorite holiday?
Probably the kid's birthday pool party. It was way fun and Christmas and Thanksgiving were both pretty much wash-outs.
What was the best gift you gave?
Didn't give a lot of gifts this year, because we spent 50 weeks of the year broke. But I did make some pretty cool clipboards for Lori and Char.
What was the best gift you received?
Designing w/ 2006 calendar.
What did someone say to you that surprised you?
Lori said something about how I have a real chance with HOF. I lived off that comment for weeks. Just knowing that she thought I had a chance, gave me hope I guess. Probably because she's the most realistic person I know, so if she thinks I have a shot, it's probable. Thanks, Lori. :)
What was your hobby?
Gee, I don't know, scrapbooking? But in the new year, I'm looking forward to home decor taking a close second. I also enjoy blogging, surfing, shopping, coking and baking and any kind of creating.
What new discoveries did you make?
The $ video rental at PriceCutter. That made the tiny house a lot more liveable!
What was your guilty pleasure for the year?
My small group. I really treasured Monday nights!
What did you do on an average day?
dishes, vacuuming, laundry, scrapbooking, surfing, blogging. Lots of diaper changes.
What was your fashion like?
I like fitted jeans, just starting to layer with tanks. I love jackets. My favorite purchase was my grass green cordorouy jacket from the Gap. Yummy.
What was your career/job like?
My job. ha ha. I miss working for real, for the first time in almost five years. Looking forward to going back to work in a few years. I stay home with two kids, I love it most days. I was greatly insulted the other day, when I was asking one of our youth if she liked to babysit and what she would charge. She said $15 or $20 an hour. I wanted to say "you know I do this for free, right? Every day, day in and day out, all hours of the night some times. And YOU want me to pay you $15 or $20 an hour to do what I do for free?" Put my life in perspective a bit, I guess.
Did you make more/less/same amount than the previous year?
Can you make less than nothing? I guess with inflation.... It's conceivable that nothing this year is significantly less than nothing was last year. hmm. I'll have to think on that.
What new skills did you learn this year?
How to dress a little girl! And a lot of new techniques with scrapbooking!
What do you think was your most valuable contribution?
Well, I hope it's to my children. I hope that someday they realize that I stayed home for years with them and considered it a great sacrifice.
What lesson(s) did you learn about yourself?
I truly can do anything I put my mind to. My only limitations are self-imposed.
What were the most significant events of the past year?
Rob almost getting fired and then quitting. Getting the cousins together @ Sonrise in March. Eli starting pre-school. Sarah learning to walk and now talk. Moving to Illinois. Charlotte getting married. Lori having Hannah.
What were you afraid of?
Not having enough money to fill the gas tank to get Rob to school. It was a very real possiblity many times.
What was your most memorable journey?
Probably the Chicago trip with Char, mixed in the Champaign trip with Kim. Just a really great trip. :) And next year, I'll say Paris!
Which did you do more of? Smile or cry?
Hard question. I did a lot of both. The last year was really hard, filled with lots of trials. But I think I smiled a lot too. My children bring me a lot of joy and my friends make me laugh.
Did you make any new friends?
Yes. I always make new friends. It's just part of who I am.
Did you lose any old friends?
I'm afraid so. But I guess that's part of life. Sometimes other people make decisions to let friendships die, despite your best efforts.
Did you have any births/deaths in your family?
Not really. I did just find out my cousin is preggo, so that's exciting.
Did you fall in love/out of love?
Nope. Still loving the same people. They are pretty great, can't see that changing any time soon!
BUT, now that I think about it, I did fall in love with the Heidi Swapp line!
What is your newest tech item?
My cable internet service. I love it!
What was your most extravagant purchase?
Sadly, enough, our car. We needed it, but it felt wrong since we didn't have a job at the time. But it's been such a blessing!
And secondly, that grass green cordorouy coat, but I love it!!!
What should you have done more of?
Ouch. Reading my bible. I pray a lot, but don't study the Word enough. Also, trusting God for our every need. He's proved us over and over, I just need to trust.
What should you have done less of?
worrying.
What made the biggest difference in your life?
1500 square feet. I love love LOVE my house!
What gave you joy?
My children. And scrapbooking.
What made you sad?
Our old church. honestly. I think they've missed the big picture and I am sad for them. We've moved on, but there are so many people still there. I pray that God changes the very heart of that church.
What is your motto for the year?
You don't remember? Choose contentment.
Dec 31, 2005
Dec 30, 2005
becoming a middle-of-the-night blogger?
I guess. Strange day yesterday. Rob took the day off, which is good, since he's supposed to be off all week. I was planning a St. Louis excursion by myself, but he decided he wanted to go with. At first I was a tiny bit disappointed (not for his company, but the kids) but as the day progressed I was really thankful he drove. We went to O'Fallon, IL first, found a game store he was looking for and a scrapbook store I was looking for. It was a good store, but I guess I just felt that crummy because I wasn't too excited. Then we drove down to the south side of St. Louis and hit For Keeps Sake, which I also really liked, but no major excitement (like usual scrapbook shopping for me!). We got back in the car to go home and all of the sudden I felt really crummy. We had to run to the Shop And Spend for supplies for our New Year's Eve Party and Walmart for Chapstick (ha!) and my prescription - yes, I finally got some drugs for this sinus infection.
We came home and I called Lori, but didn't talk long, feeling worse by the minute. I scrapbooked one page while Sarah slept but my heart wasn't in it. By the time I finished that page it was supper time and it was all I could do to slide a frozen pizza in the oven. I just wanted to lay down and rest. We watched "Cat in the Hat" as a family (very cute, unfortunately way too much in the way of inuendos and cleavage for a children's movie!) Much to Eli's frustration we put the kids to bed at 7:30, but they were both wiped out from a long week and a long day. I tried to keep my eyes open on the couch for an hour, but finally lost the battle and went to bed about 8:30. Isn't that crazy? I'm trying to get a lot of rest though, so my antibiotics will do their thing this time and I'll actually get better and enjoy my life again!
Sarah woke up about forty minutes ago, so that's why I'm up. I tried to go back to bed, but I had already gotten 7 hours of sleep, so it's going to take a little convincing I'm afraid. I could scrap, but I really don't feel that great still, so I'm blogging and eating some yogurt, also trying to drown this sinus infection with bottled water.
Hopefully, I can mostly take it easy today. I talked with Char yesterday and she's down with strep, so we are re-scheduling for next weekend. As sad as I am about that, I'm really thankful to have the time to recuperate. I desperately need it at this point. I just want to get better so I can be the old me!
I guess. Strange day yesterday. Rob took the day off, which is good, since he's supposed to be off all week. I was planning a St. Louis excursion by myself, but he decided he wanted to go with. At first I was a tiny bit disappointed (not for his company, but the kids) but as the day progressed I was really thankful he drove. We went to O'Fallon, IL first, found a game store he was looking for and a scrapbook store I was looking for. It was a good store, but I guess I just felt that crummy because I wasn't too excited. Then we drove down to the south side of St. Louis and hit For Keeps Sake, which I also really liked, but no major excitement (like usual scrapbook shopping for me!). We got back in the car to go home and all of the sudden I felt really crummy. We had to run to the Shop And Spend for supplies for our New Year's Eve Party and Walmart for Chapstick (ha!) and my prescription - yes, I finally got some drugs for this sinus infection.
We came home and I called Lori, but didn't talk long, feeling worse by the minute. I scrapbooked one page while Sarah slept but my heart wasn't in it. By the time I finished that page it was supper time and it was all I could do to slide a frozen pizza in the oven. I just wanted to lay down and rest. We watched "Cat in the Hat" as a family (very cute, unfortunately way too much in the way of inuendos and cleavage for a children's movie!) Much to Eli's frustration we put the kids to bed at 7:30, but they were both wiped out from a long week and a long day. I tried to keep my eyes open on the couch for an hour, but finally lost the battle and went to bed about 8:30. Isn't that crazy? I'm trying to get a lot of rest though, so my antibiotics will do their thing this time and I'll actually get better and enjoy my life again!
Sarah woke up about forty minutes ago, so that's why I'm up. I tried to go back to bed, but I had already gotten 7 hours of sleep, so it's going to take a little convincing I'm afraid. I could scrap, but I really don't feel that great still, so I'm blogging and eating some yogurt, also trying to drown this sinus infection with bottled water.
Hopefully, I can mostly take it easy today. I talked with Char yesterday and she's down with strep, so we are re-scheduling for next weekend. As sad as I am about that, I'm really thankful to have the time to recuperate. I desperately need it at this point. I just want to get better so I can be the old me!
Dec 29, 2005
new year's resolutions?
There has been a lot of hype this year, generated from Ali Edwards, about New Year's intentions instead of resolutions. Not sure what I think, but of course, it's time I made some. It's a lot more fun this year in my new house with my new life, un-shackled from my tiny life before. So here we go...
Be it resolved on January 1, 2006
* I will start walking (for excercise and peace of mind) twice a week. I'd really like to go more often, but this is at least a do-able commitment, I can always do more.
* I will make a more empassioned effort to be published. (trying not to think about my HOF entry hanging out there) I will send in at least one online entry per week to at least one scrapbook magazine, and no, it doesn't have to be Creating Keepsakes. If anything, I will at least create 52 awesome layouts, right?
* I will read my bible 5 out of 7 days a week. I know that sounds pathetic, but it's a substantial improvement from my 2 out of 7 days a week currently. I want the Word of God to permeate my life in a more real way. I was just reading this morning (Psalms 78:39 - how God was angered again and again by his children, but He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again - He continuously gave them grace with abundance. I got to thinking about my children, how they are so little and dependant, how they anger me and how I need to respond with grace and love. I realize how I need the Word flowing through my life in order to be a good mother. Also, Psalm 78:4 talks about how we need to tell our children the stories of God's works, and I feel the need to work on this!)
* We will start a savings account and begin saving ten percent of our income. Rob and I both feel very strongly about this. We have historically been terrible with money, but the past three years have really reigned it in, having so little. Now that we have some, we need to honor God with every penny, and saving for our unexpected needs is the place to start.
* I need to take time to play with my children. I know that is what they will remember most. I lack in this area greatly, I'm praying God can change my heart. I'm usually consumed with my to-do list. I need to be consumed with a love and appreciation for my family.
* I will invest myself in these people, in this church, in this life. I will fully commit to our new life, making friends and long-term commitments. I will not hold myself back.
Well, those are some good starters. I may come back and edit this list later, if I think of anything else. I also have a great list of year-end questions I'll be working on soon too. I love this time of year!
There has been a lot of hype this year, generated from Ali Edwards, about New Year's intentions instead of resolutions. Not sure what I think, but of course, it's time I made some. It's a lot more fun this year in my new house with my new life, un-shackled from my tiny life before. So here we go...
Be it resolved on January 1, 2006
* I will start walking (for excercise and peace of mind) twice a week. I'd really like to go more often, but this is at least a do-able commitment, I can always do more.
* I will make a more empassioned effort to be published. (trying not to think about my HOF entry hanging out there) I will send in at least one online entry per week to at least one scrapbook magazine, and no, it doesn't have to be Creating Keepsakes. If anything, I will at least create 52 awesome layouts, right?
* I will read my bible 5 out of 7 days a week. I know that sounds pathetic, but it's a substantial improvement from my 2 out of 7 days a week currently. I want the Word of God to permeate my life in a more real way. I was just reading this morning (Psalms 78:39 - how God was angered again and again by his children, but He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again - He continuously gave them grace with abundance. I got to thinking about my children, how they are so little and dependant, how they anger me and how I need to respond with grace and love. I realize how I need the Word flowing through my life in order to be a good mother. Also, Psalm 78:4 talks about how we need to tell our children the stories of God's works, and I feel the need to work on this!)
* We will start a savings account and begin saving ten percent of our income. Rob and I both feel very strongly about this. We have historically been terrible with money, but the past three years have really reigned it in, having so little. Now that we have some, we need to honor God with every penny, and saving for our unexpected needs is the place to start.
* I need to take time to play with my children. I know that is what they will remember most. I lack in this area greatly, I'm praying God can change my heart. I'm usually consumed with my to-do list. I need to be consumed with a love and appreciation for my family.
* I will invest myself in these people, in this church, in this life. I will fully commit to our new life, making friends and long-term commitments. I will not hold myself back.
Well, those are some good starters. I may come back and edit this list later, if I think of anything else. I also have a great list of year-end questions I'll be working on soon too. I love this time of year!
Dec 28, 2005
31-derful years
Just a simple card for Mom and Dad. Made from the other day's scraps. Having a lot of fun with yellow and orange lately, not sure what that's about. I love the play on words, I hope they get it. Hard to believe they have been married that long! Can't imagine all they've been through, all they are currently going through. I have a lot of respect for them, just the ability to keep on keeping on. Gives me strength for the journey, I guess. Love them both a ton.
About the card - just marigold cardstock, but edged it with a gold paint pen - just for kicks. Loving my cheapo Lowe's letter/number mailbox stickers, getting a lot of bang for my buck ($1.87 I think!). Also some random specialty paper, gold embossed, so pretty and super stinking cheap foam/rubber stamps half off at HL three or four months ago. Kim tried to talk me out of them, but I love 'em!
it's been a long time
Since I've had a cup of hot cocoa, but I was wandering through the Shop and Save today, blissfully alone and noticed the cocoa and thought, "Wow, that might really warm me up!". So into the cart I threw it and scoured around to find some mini marshmallows too, mmmm. I've been freezing all day, despite heavy sweaters and a jacked up thermostat. I can't imagine what a whiner I would be in some place genuinely cold, like Iowa or North Dakota!
Strange, strange day. Rob had the impulse to go to the office this morning and I've been trying not to strangle my children ever since! I say that in love, they are driving me crazy. Sarah is just into everything, no boundaries. Eli is house-crazy, ready for school to resume. He misses his school friends. He's still at church with dad, playing in the basement with his new friends. Rob's doing worship practice and I put Sarah to bed so I could enjoy a few sacred moments of peace. So I'm cozy here at the computer with hot chocolate and marshmallows, savoring the quiet house.
Still really struggling with this sinus infection. I'm at the point where I'd like to lay down and sleep it off for the next week or so, but that's not likely. Strange mood today, very much in the frame of mind to shop for scrapping supplies. I know that sounds wierd, but I'm just anxious to see what is nearby here, get to know my new territory. Archiver's the other day just whet my appetite. I'm dying to see the new Heidi Swapp line and I don't know where to get it, just about ready to pull a Lori and buy it all online.
I'm in the mood to play, but this massive four day old headache is making me think twice about it. I did pull together a card for Mom and Dad's anniversary today, which I actually really like, but not sure how much more creative I can be beyond that.
I miss my friends. I've met people here, but they are new people. And that's great, but I really loved the old people! :) My small group mostly. I just want to let my hair down and be myself; smart, funny, imaginative, creative Anna. I'm sure Pastor's wife Anna is a cool chick too, but she's buried under obligation and niceities right now. She'll come out when she's not all run down with the sinus infection from you-know-where! Right now I just feel the need to be with women who know me, who I can just be real with.
I *need* to find a home store. Someplace where everyone knows my name. Some owners to hook me up with the latest greatest product. I *need* some time to scrap. To get all of this out of my head and down on paper where it can become something, rather than keeping me unsettled and anxious.
I really just need to feel better.
Since I've had a cup of hot cocoa, but I was wandering through the Shop and Save today, blissfully alone and noticed the cocoa and thought, "Wow, that might really warm me up!". So into the cart I threw it and scoured around to find some mini marshmallows too, mmmm. I've been freezing all day, despite heavy sweaters and a jacked up thermostat. I can't imagine what a whiner I would be in some place genuinely cold, like Iowa or North Dakota!
Strange, strange day. Rob had the impulse to go to the office this morning and I've been trying not to strangle my children ever since! I say that in love, they are driving me crazy. Sarah is just into everything, no boundaries. Eli is house-crazy, ready for school to resume. He misses his school friends. He's still at church with dad, playing in the basement with his new friends. Rob's doing worship practice and I put Sarah to bed so I could enjoy a few sacred moments of peace. So I'm cozy here at the computer with hot chocolate and marshmallows, savoring the quiet house.
Still really struggling with this sinus infection. I'm at the point where I'd like to lay down and sleep it off for the next week or so, but that's not likely. Strange mood today, very much in the frame of mind to shop for scrapping supplies. I know that sounds wierd, but I'm just anxious to see what is nearby here, get to know my new territory. Archiver's the other day just whet my appetite. I'm dying to see the new Heidi Swapp line and I don't know where to get it, just about ready to pull a Lori and buy it all online.
I'm in the mood to play, but this massive four day old headache is making me think twice about it. I did pull together a card for Mom and Dad's anniversary today, which I actually really like, but not sure how much more creative I can be beyond that.
I miss my friends. I've met people here, but they are new people. And that's great, but I really loved the old people! :) My small group mostly. I just want to let my hair down and be myself; smart, funny, imaginative, creative Anna. I'm sure Pastor's wife Anna is a cool chick too, but she's buried under obligation and niceities right now. She'll come out when she's not all run down with the sinus infection from you-know-where! Right now I just feel the need to be with women who know me, who I can just be real with.
I *need* to find a home store. Someplace where everyone knows my name. Some owners to hook me up with the latest greatest product. I *need* some time to scrap. To get all of this out of my head and down on paper where it can become something, rather than keeping me unsettled and anxious.
I really just need to feel better.
Dec 27, 2005
Last two pictures for tonight, but they are pretty special. This is the shelving that Rob and I have been dreaming up for days now. I love it, turned out perfect. If this doesn't make an able-bodied person want to scrapbook, then there is something wrong with them! :) Can't wait till tomorrow, that's my plan for the day! Well, off to rescue a crying Brea now. Good night!
These are highlights from our fun day at the Mills. I rode the carousel with both kids, but none of the pictures of Eli turned out very well, unfortunately. But they both really enjoyed it. Burger King was a fast and filling lunch. We found the game store, Bath and Body Works and of course, Archiver's. It was a great day and I feel blessed to have spent it as a family.
have you ever woken up one day and realized your life is totally different?
That is today, my friend. It's like our life flipped upside down. It's like bizzaro world with Superman, only our old life was the crazy side and now we are suddenly back to normal, upright, contributing members of society! I just can't believe how much can change basically overnight. It's overwhelming in this happy and fantastic way. I cannot believe that this is my life, my house, my family, my studio (I just had to put it in there!). I don't deserve this. But yet, I'm almost 27 and this is normal, it just doesn't feel like it after living on the edge of poverty (and oh-so-grateful for welfare!) for three and a half years. God is so good. That is all I can say.
We enjoyed an extended family fun day today. We went back to the Mills, because we are addicted and my Archiver's gift card was burning a hole in my pocket. We used a coupon for lunch and just bummed around. It was fantastic. I love my husband. I love who he is free of finals and papers and unshackled from the burdens of a loathed job that ruled him. He is the happy and carefree man I married eight years ago. We are having a great time, a time of rest and recovery after trudging through three years of hell. Thank you, God.
I have a whole bunch of pictures to post, so I'll get to that. This first one is a very chocolate-sloshed Sarah, looking a little drunk with her tipped crown and her half-hazard wave. :) Such a cutie.
Dec 26, 2005
another happy picture
My wreath hanging on our door. And the doorknocker, engraved. We've had this door knocker since I was pregnant with Eli, and never had a place to put it up. It's just perfect here. Rob and I were both so happy that it finally has a home, and it's beautiful and right. I'm silly. Just made us smile and I had to share.
yesterday's work
Had a lot of fun with this one, it's a little out there. Very heavily inspired by HKS, but that's ok. It's not like it's for HOF or anything, just for me. Tried a lot here, went out on some limbs, but over all it makes me happy. Love, love, *LOVE* the photos, taken on the way home from Lori and Jay's last time. Too fun. Made me miss Kim though, she took all these fantastic photos, well most of them. The one of me was taken by Rob, and it's one of my all time favorites, I just look really happy. hmmm.
took a break yesterday.
I guess I just didn't have anything to say. (shocking to some of you, I'm sure) Just a wierd day. I didn't really like that we did our christmas a day early, and in retrospect Rob didn't either. I'm hoping next year Christmas is on a Monday and we will be a little less... insane? Just the move. Wow. Still recovering. I called my dr's office this morning to try and squeak one last script out of him for this sinus thing, but of course they were closed. We were planning on returning to the Mills today - that awesome mall in St. Louis, but of course the banks were closed, so that messed us up. Plans changed and we worked on the house instead.
Rob's been an awesome help today. We literally walked around our house all afternoon, each with a drill, hanging pictures and hooks and baskets and shelves, basically anything that would stand still got hung - the kids were too fast for both of us! :) Sad to say though, there is still more to be done in that department, but I'm pooped. My dear hubby did figure out some special shelving for my rubber stamp collection, he put the brackets on this afternoon and I just finished staining them a few minutes ago. We'll pick up a level tomorrow (can't seem to find ours anywhere!) and then he will put them up in my studio, I am sooooo stinking excited about these shelves, just having all my stamps accessible, visible, it will be great!
The kids are driving me batty today. Rob too. When does school start again? And who thought they needed a week off? Just kidding. Eli is just really missing his friends, he's been off since the fourteenth! He's already asking about Ozark and his pal Landon. We are having a date night tomorrow and Rob and I are both really looking forward to it, just to get out and have some adult conversation with no five year old drivvle or one year old screaches!
I guess I just didn't have anything to say. (shocking to some of you, I'm sure) Just a wierd day. I didn't really like that we did our christmas a day early, and in retrospect Rob didn't either. I'm hoping next year Christmas is on a Monday and we will be a little less... insane? Just the move. Wow. Still recovering. I called my dr's office this morning to try and squeak one last script out of him for this sinus thing, but of course they were closed. We were planning on returning to the Mills today - that awesome mall in St. Louis, but of course the banks were closed, so that messed us up. Plans changed and we worked on the house instead.
Rob's been an awesome help today. We literally walked around our house all afternoon, each with a drill, hanging pictures and hooks and baskets and shelves, basically anything that would stand still got hung - the kids were too fast for both of us! :) Sad to say though, there is still more to be done in that department, but I'm pooped. My dear hubby did figure out some special shelving for my rubber stamp collection, he put the brackets on this afternoon and I just finished staining them a few minutes ago. We'll pick up a level tomorrow (can't seem to find ours anywhere!) and then he will put them up in my studio, I am sooooo stinking excited about these shelves, just having all my stamps accessible, visible, it will be great!
The kids are driving me batty today. Rob too. When does school start again? And who thought they needed a week off? Just kidding. Eli is just really missing his friends, he's been off since the fourteenth! He's already asking about Ozark and his pal Landon. We are having a date night tomorrow and Rob and I are both really looking forward to it, just to get out and have some adult conversation with no five year old drivvle or one year old screaches!
Dec 24, 2005
merry christmas!
It's officially our christmas this morning. Eli came bounding down the steps, it was so funny, we heard him get out of bed and run down, like a herd of elephants. He was just a little excited! Poor guy, he had to wait while we got out of bed, got Sarah up and got her fed. He was pretty patient. So we did the present thing. But first we read Luke 2 as a family and did our Jesus stocking - writing down one thing we will give Jesus in the next year and putting it in the stocking. We'll look at our cards again next year then. Then we prayed as a family, asking Jesus to help us with our commitments and thanking Him for coming to this earth to walk with us. Then we did presents. Eli was so excited, and Sarah really got into it too. We gave Sarah a shopping cart and a bunch of fake food, but she's currently raiding my pantry, pulling items out and running them into the living room to put in her cart. It's so cute, I hate to stop her! But she's very ready for a nap, so as soon as I am done here we are going up. I was excited to get the Designing With 2006 Calendar, it looks like a lot of inspiration. Rob was most excited about the eye toy for his PS2. It was fun, but I'm exhausted. Rob and I didn't sleep very well last night, tossing and turning and coughing. I just don't think we'll ever get over this creeping crud we all have. Poor Eli, now his eyes are crusting over, it's just gross! My sinus's hurt terribly, all the way into my teeth. It's really bumming us out! :) Anyhoo, I'm off to look for some pictures to share from this mornings festivities.
It's officially our christmas this morning. Eli came bounding down the steps, it was so funny, we heard him get out of bed and run down, like a herd of elephants. He was just a little excited! Poor guy, he had to wait while we got out of bed, got Sarah up and got her fed. He was pretty patient. So we did the present thing. But first we read Luke 2 as a family and did our Jesus stocking - writing down one thing we will give Jesus in the next year and putting it in the stocking. We'll look at our cards again next year then. Then we prayed as a family, asking Jesus to help us with our commitments and thanking Him for coming to this earth to walk with us. Then we did presents. Eli was so excited, and Sarah really got into it too. We gave Sarah a shopping cart and a bunch of fake food, but she's currently raiding my pantry, pulling items out and running them into the living room to put in her cart. It's so cute, I hate to stop her! But she's very ready for a nap, so as soon as I am done here we are going up. I was excited to get the Designing With 2006 Calendar, it looks like a lot of inspiration. Rob was most excited about the eye toy for his PS2. It was fun, but I'm exhausted. Rob and I didn't sleep very well last night, tossing and turning and coughing. I just don't think we'll ever get over this creeping crud we all have. Poor Eli, now his eyes are crusting over, it's just gross! My sinus's hurt terribly, all the way into my teeth. It's really bumming us out! :) Anyhoo, I'm off to look for some pictures to share from this mornings festivities.
Dec 23, 2005
st...st.. st.. studio.. studio!
Another great eighties song for all you fans out there. :) Silly mood today, scrappin just makes me happy! Here are some pictures of my studio set up, still needing things on the walls, but that's what Rob is for. We are going out to look for some shelving for my rubber stamps - trying to eliminate all those ucky rubbermaid tubs on the shelves. I'll eventually find pretty baskets and everything will be just so! Can't wait to paint!
the slowest page in recorded history
(at least in my world anyway!) I've really been working on this page since the first Monday in December. Isn't that crazy? The first night I just sat there and stared at it, too tired to mess with it. Then two mondays ago I hit a roll with it, really got the feel for it, but had to quit way too early to go out and party with my friends (wink, wink!). And last Monday I was listening to my dear hubby preach his first youth sermon. So today, when I finally got my studio together, I decided it was high time to scrapbook. We are going out tonight and then after the kids go to bed I really need to wrap their presents for tomorrow am. So no scrapping tonight, I guess. Maybe tomorrow, after our big dinner.
Anyhoo, back to the page at hand, lots of fun goodies here. Loving the plastic letters from HKS (thank you Lori!). Also, used the new orange dauber duo (love these things!) from my AR trip and the EK Success Transfer paper, so fab! Also making an appearance here, some great paper from 7 Gypsies, rub-ons, tape, jewels and chipboard from HKS, some fun Maya Road ribbon and new chipboard from Basic Grey, covered in HKS tape. So stinking fun. Now I'm all warmed up, wish I had more time to play. Here's to tomorrow!
now it feels like home
So yesterday was pretty much a loss. Big deal. I did catch up on sleep and I woke up feeling a lot better this morning. But being the crazy chick that I am, I felt the need to over-do it today. I started in my studio. And yes, I can actually call it that now because it's no longer over-run with boxes. I set it up, it's awesome. I still have a bit to do (like painting, but that's a ways off) - hanging shelves and decor, but that will wait until next week when Rob can help me. I'm so excited, when he comes home tonight he's officially on christmas break (with the exception of leading worship sunday am). Anyhoo, back to the studio, I'll post some pics here soon. It's so fun, great lighting, wonderful space. Plus, I set up a spot to stand and scrap, if the mood so strikes me. I'm sure there are some details I'll work out once I start really creating in there.
I also vacuumed out that room first, I mean floor, ceiling, walls, mini-blinds, everything. Sarah was taking this awesome three hour nap so I just took advantage of it! When I was done setting all that up and taking out trash and running things to the basement, she was still sleeping so then I vacuumed out the kitche (same type of thing) and then the basement entryway, up and down all the stairs, it was all cobwebby and gross. It feels so much cleaner in here now. Next I need to work on the living room and dining room, but I'm pooped for today, so time to take a break. Maybe I can actually play tonight! Woohoo, Merry Christmas me!
So yesterday was pretty much a loss. Big deal. I did catch up on sleep and I woke up feeling a lot better this morning. But being the crazy chick that I am, I felt the need to over-do it today. I started in my studio. And yes, I can actually call it that now because it's no longer over-run with boxes. I set it up, it's awesome. I still have a bit to do (like painting, but that's a ways off) - hanging shelves and decor, but that will wait until next week when Rob can help me. I'm so excited, when he comes home tonight he's officially on christmas break (with the exception of leading worship sunday am). Anyhoo, back to the studio, I'll post some pics here soon. It's so fun, great lighting, wonderful space. Plus, I set up a spot to stand and scrap, if the mood so strikes me. I'm sure there are some details I'll work out once I start really creating in there.
I also vacuumed out that room first, I mean floor, ceiling, walls, mini-blinds, everything. Sarah was taking this awesome three hour nap so I just took advantage of it! When I was done setting all that up and taking out trash and running things to the basement, she was still sleeping so then I vacuumed out the kitche (same type of thing) and then the basement entryway, up and down all the stairs, it was all cobwebby and gross. It feels so much cleaner in here now. Next I need to work on the living room and dining room, but I'm pooped for today, so time to take a break. Maybe I can actually play tonight! Woohoo, Merry Christmas me!
Dec 22, 2005
Last picture of the day, I promise. Had to include this one, cause it's special. This is Sarah looking at the family little people nativity for the first time. I bought this three years ago for Eli. We only get it out at christmastime, pack it up with all our stuff. That way it's super special. It's one of my favorite traditions with the kids. We are also doing a Jesus stocking this year and a birthday cake for Jesus.
This is our family christmas tree. Lori was teasing me about being Heidi Swapp with a forest in my living room, but really, they are on opposite sides. Eventually we will probably move the smaller one upstairs to the kids room, we just haven't done it yet. Back to this tree, I love the red cord bows!
This is my kitchen. It's pretty small, but very functional. I also have a little white cabinet on the wall by the doorway where I took the picture. The colors are horrid, but it will be fun when I'm done with it! I'm just impressed that I can make everything work in here. Not missing my dishwasher too terribly at this point, but Rob might be, I think he's gowing weary of paper plates! :)
studio space
Here it is, the long-awaited pictures of my studio. Not much to look at right now, but this baby has potential, by the bucketful. I love the windows, they open up for great light. Plus there is a big old office desk on that back wall, with drawers and a pencil tray. I put that lamp in there and there is my birthday present from last year, finally I can at least see it. Rob helped me put it together, now I just need to clean and unpack everything. I just didn't have the energy to tackle it today. Rob has next week off though, so for sure by then. I also asked him for an afternoon next week to go exploring St. Louis by myself, kid free. I want to find this art store I heard about, Red Lead. Can't wait to discover all the stores this area has to offer.
catching up.
Woke up this morning feeling like I had been hit with the Polar Express. Not like in a happy holiday sense either, like in the caught in the cow-push front end of the thing and dragged for a mile and half till I finally fell off and rolled to a stop in a deep dark ditch. Paints quite a picture for you, right?
I guess it all just finally caught up with me, the whirlwind of packing and moving and unpacking and having the viral cough of the century all simultaneously. Rob suggested I just take it easy today and I couldn't even disagree with him, despite my insanely long to-do list and the impending holiday. I putzed around the house this morning, doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming and giving baths. We set up the tree after lunch, and it was fun because Rob was home for an hour to help. It looks beautiful. Then Sarah went down for her afternoon nap and Rob encouraged me to do the same. I slept for almost two hours. I feel a lot better now. I'm going to post a few pictures of my house now. Please don't last at the craziness of the paint jobs - that's a later task - not until I kick this cough.
Woke up this morning feeling like I had been hit with the Polar Express. Not like in a happy holiday sense either, like in the caught in the cow-push front end of the thing and dragged for a mile and half till I finally fell off and rolled to a stop in a deep dark ditch. Paints quite a picture for you, right?
I guess it all just finally caught up with me, the whirlwind of packing and moving and unpacking and having the viral cough of the century all simultaneously. Rob suggested I just take it easy today and I couldn't even disagree with him, despite my insanely long to-do list and the impending holiday. I putzed around the house this morning, doing dishes and cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming and giving baths. We set up the tree after lunch, and it was fun because Rob was home for an hour to help. It looks beautiful. Then Sarah went down for her afternoon nap and Rob encouraged me to do the same. I slept for almost two hours. I feel a lot better now. I'm going to post a few pictures of my house now. Please don't last at the craziness of the paint jobs - that's a later task - not until I kick this cough.
Dec 21, 2005
It's 5am, I must be crazy.
There's a song, from the late 90's I think, by Matchbox 20. That's me, except it's five and not three. Sarah woke up an hour ago crying lightly. I drowsily got out of bed and found some socks and by the time I made it into the dining room she was already self settling. (lucky me!) But now I can't sleep, so I may as well blog. Besides, I'm only laying in bed thinking of my to-do list anyway. It's a mile long, I have enought to keep me busy for the next year I think.
We had a great time last night. We declared it family fun night and drove into a northern suburb of St. Louis to find this awesome mall. It was huge, had a Circuit City and an ice rink in it. Very fun. Much to my surprise it wasn't crowded at all. Rob was way into it, he wanted to walk the whole mall and never once complained about his feet hurting! We did some last minute christmas shopping, since Rob and I hadn't really done much of anything for each other yet. It's so nice to not be flat out broke anymore! We ate Burger King, but next time we go we will eat ahead of time since it was really pricey. They had a Cinnabon and Rob and I both savored the smell, but decided to be adults about it instead! I was so bummed out though, the whole reason we picked that mall was to go to Archiver's because I have a gift certificate, but I accidently left the diaper bag with my billfold at home so I didn't have it with. I didn't even go into Archiver's, I just couldn't do it. Seriously bummed me though, I had left Rob and the kids at this awesome play place in the center of the mall and was walking down to Archiver's by myself (to shop kid-free, no pressure!) and about half way there I remembered I didn't have the gift card, I was like a deflated balloon. So sad. So instead I did some Christmas shopping for Rob and Eli in the Gap outlet store there. Rob promised me we would go back soon, and we have next week off so I'm sure we will. There is a music store there going out of business and he wants to buy some bass strings, so there is something for everyone! The kids loved it, the play place and just how the mall was decorated, it's very visual, lots to look at it. I'm guessing it will become one of our spots.
I got a ton done yesterday. My house is basically unpacked. All I really have left is to go through the rubbermaid tubs from the barn (ack) that are stacked by the dozen in the basement and unpacking my studio. I'm so excited, the studio is my reward for unpacking the rest of this house. I desperately need to clean it first, can't stand the thought of my paper in the dust. The house really needs cleaned too, but I think the studio first. Priorities you know, I've put me off for weeks now it seems.
I really love the house. It's growing on me so much. I love who I am in this house, queen of the castle, I feel like Martha in the country or something. It's really not much to look at inside just yet, but once I get painting, woah Nellie. There is so much space to spread out. I love that I am so much calmer in this house, more focused, at peace. Can't wait to see what that does to my scrapbook pages! I got to thinking about it yesterday, my job is the same here as it was before, taking care of my kids and running a household, but here it's just easier. We are all more spread out, I'm just a nicer Mom to my kids. There aren't toys everywhere, you can walk around. Heck, if I got mad at someone I could leave the room if I wanted to. I could even go to another floor, I have 3 to choose from! You are probably laughing at me, but space is so important to me, I feel like I can breath better. I've always been super claustrophobic, so maybe that's it. Maybe it also helps knowing that there's a car parked out front that we can take off in any old time I want to! We haven't gone anywhere during the day yet, but it's nice just knowing I could if I wanted too.
We are considering starting painting next week. I'm thinking of starting in the dining room, simply because I really know what I want to do in there and it's very public. Plus, Char and Kavin are coming for Char's birthday on the 2nd so it would be fun to have it freshly done. I'd love to find a vintage fixture for the lighting in there. So fun. Rob suggested the living room first, but it's one of the least atrocious rooms in the house. There's kind of a tie between the dark blue and white missing the border dining room, the grey on grey master bedroom and the green ivy wallpaper with lime accents kitchen!!! Oh, and then there's Sarah's room, two clowny colors of red and yellow minus a border too. Oh this house needs help, but I'm here to rescue it. When I'm done it will be a work of art!
On the docket for today, the studio, the grocery store and walmart - the glamorous life of a stay at home mom! And Rob has worship service tonight, but I'll take Eli and Sarah to Rainbows. Should be interesting. Please be praying for us, we are all still sick and it's getting really old. Not sleeping doesn't help!
There's a song, from the late 90's I think, by Matchbox 20. That's me, except it's five and not three. Sarah woke up an hour ago crying lightly. I drowsily got out of bed and found some socks and by the time I made it into the dining room she was already self settling. (lucky me!) But now I can't sleep, so I may as well blog. Besides, I'm only laying in bed thinking of my to-do list anyway. It's a mile long, I have enought to keep me busy for the next year I think.
We had a great time last night. We declared it family fun night and drove into a northern suburb of St. Louis to find this awesome mall. It was huge, had a Circuit City and an ice rink in it. Very fun. Much to my surprise it wasn't crowded at all. Rob was way into it, he wanted to walk the whole mall and never once complained about his feet hurting! We did some last minute christmas shopping, since Rob and I hadn't really done much of anything for each other yet. It's so nice to not be flat out broke anymore! We ate Burger King, but next time we go we will eat ahead of time since it was really pricey. They had a Cinnabon and Rob and I both savored the smell, but decided to be adults about it instead! I was so bummed out though, the whole reason we picked that mall was to go to Archiver's because I have a gift certificate, but I accidently left the diaper bag with my billfold at home so I didn't have it with. I didn't even go into Archiver's, I just couldn't do it. Seriously bummed me though, I had left Rob and the kids at this awesome play place in the center of the mall and was walking down to Archiver's by myself (to shop kid-free, no pressure!) and about half way there I remembered I didn't have the gift card, I was like a deflated balloon. So sad. So instead I did some Christmas shopping for Rob and Eli in the Gap outlet store there. Rob promised me we would go back soon, and we have next week off so I'm sure we will. There is a music store there going out of business and he wants to buy some bass strings, so there is something for everyone! The kids loved it, the play place and just how the mall was decorated, it's very visual, lots to look at it. I'm guessing it will become one of our spots.
I got a ton done yesterday. My house is basically unpacked. All I really have left is to go through the rubbermaid tubs from the barn (ack) that are stacked by the dozen in the basement and unpacking my studio. I'm so excited, the studio is my reward for unpacking the rest of this house. I desperately need to clean it first, can't stand the thought of my paper in the dust. The house really needs cleaned too, but I think the studio first. Priorities you know, I've put me off for weeks now it seems.
I really love the house. It's growing on me so much. I love who I am in this house, queen of the castle, I feel like Martha in the country or something. It's really not much to look at inside just yet, but once I get painting, woah Nellie. There is so much space to spread out. I love that I am so much calmer in this house, more focused, at peace. Can't wait to see what that does to my scrapbook pages! I got to thinking about it yesterday, my job is the same here as it was before, taking care of my kids and running a household, but here it's just easier. We are all more spread out, I'm just a nicer Mom to my kids. There aren't toys everywhere, you can walk around. Heck, if I got mad at someone I could leave the room if I wanted to. I could even go to another floor, I have 3 to choose from! You are probably laughing at me, but space is so important to me, I feel like I can breath better. I've always been super claustrophobic, so maybe that's it. Maybe it also helps knowing that there's a car parked out front that we can take off in any old time I want to! We haven't gone anywhere during the day yet, but it's nice just knowing I could if I wanted too.
We are considering starting painting next week. I'm thinking of starting in the dining room, simply because I really know what I want to do in there and it's very public. Plus, Char and Kavin are coming for Char's birthday on the 2nd so it would be fun to have it freshly done. I'd love to find a vintage fixture for the lighting in there. So fun. Rob suggested the living room first, but it's one of the least atrocious rooms in the house. There's kind of a tie between the dark blue and white missing the border dining room, the grey on grey master bedroom and the green ivy wallpaper with lime accents kitchen!!! Oh, and then there's Sarah's room, two clowny colors of red and yellow minus a border too. Oh this house needs help, but I'm here to rescue it. When I'm done it will be a work of art!
On the docket for today, the studio, the grocery store and walmart - the glamorous life of a stay at home mom! And Rob has worship service tonight, but I'll take Eli and Sarah to Rainbows. Should be interesting. Please be praying for us, we are all still sick and it's getting really old. Not sleeping doesn't help!
Dec 20, 2005
Getting Settled.
I do wonder how long this is going to take. My list is a mile long. It's genuinely overwhelming, that with the fact that I am doing it myself while Rob's in his own world. We are hoping to steal some time tonight, making it family fun night. Poor Rob, he feels like he hasn't spent any time with the kids. I'm so glad we get some time off next week, we need it. We really hit the ground running here.
Service went really well last night. We have a great group of core kids. I'm excited to see where this is going. Rob's struggling some with the reality of the job, but I think he's very exhausted, beyond just tired. We are at the point of just putting one foot in front of the other and plodding forward. We had two services and two socials on Sunday, service last night and another one tomorrow night. He's just realizing what four services a week looks like. Plus, I think he has been fantacising about being in full-time ministry for so long that maybe his expectations where a tiny bit unrealistic? I really think this is going to be so good for us, and in the long run we will be really happy, and more importantly, very effective as youth pastors. We are having our first event on New Year's Eve, a Napolean Dynamite party. I drew up the sign yesterday, I'm going to post it on here just because it's just too darn funny. Karen, be sure to show Jessica, I think she'll get a kick out of it!
Well, the boxes are calling my name again. Plus I need to give these kids baths, it's been since Sat. night. I know, I'm a bad mom, but there is just such a lack of hours in the day. I'm going to have to talk to God about that one! :) Ooh, and on a happy note, Eli got in to the preschool here in town. I am so thankful! I've been praying about that for 2 months now and it just came through yesterday, we found out when we went to visit the preschool in the next town over. So we have to go visit his class this morning - in case I was planning on sitting home and twiddling my thumbs! So off to get the kids going.
I do wonder how long this is going to take. My list is a mile long. It's genuinely overwhelming, that with the fact that I am doing it myself while Rob's in his own world. We are hoping to steal some time tonight, making it family fun night. Poor Rob, he feels like he hasn't spent any time with the kids. I'm so glad we get some time off next week, we need it. We really hit the ground running here.
Service went really well last night. We have a great group of core kids. I'm excited to see where this is going. Rob's struggling some with the reality of the job, but I think he's very exhausted, beyond just tired. We are at the point of just putting one foot in front of the other and plodding forward. We had two services and two socials on Sunday, service last night and another one tomorrow night. He's just realizing what four services a week looks like. Plus, I think he has been fantacising about being in full-time ministry for so long that maybe his expectations where a tiny bit unrealistic? I really think this is going to be so good for us, and in the long run we will be really happy, and more importantly, very effective as youth pastors. We are having our first event on New Year's Eve, a Napolean Dynamite party. I drew up the sign yesterday, I'm going to post it on here just because it's just too darn funny. Karen, be sure to show Jessica, I think she'll get a kick out of it!
Well, the boxes are calling my name again. Plus I need to give these kids baths, it's been since Sat. night. I know, I'm a bad mom, but there is just such a lack of hours in the day. I'm going to have to talk to God about that one! :) Ooh, and on a happy note, Eli got in to the preschool here in town. I am so thankful! I've been praying about that for 2 months now and it just came through yesterday, we found out when we went to visit the preschool in the next town over. So we have to go visit his class this morning - in case I was planning on sitting home and twiddling my thumbs! So off to get the kids going.
Dec 19, 2005
Don't be fooled by this pretty little girl. She's a pistol. We have been wrestling with her since we left Missouri. She has been very annoyed by our move. She's finally doing a little better, but still not a lot of fun to be around. I love her dress in this picture, it's her christmas dress (thanks grammy dee!), red courdoroy with little gingerbread people appliques. So cute.
Welcome to the neighborhood.
This was our initiation with the youth group. They came caroling at 11pm our first night. It was so cute. We were up super late, unpacking boxes and getting settled. Apparently not late enough, cause the kids came back after we went to bed and stuck all these birds in our lawn.
Rob and I thought we were all cool, sneaking out late the next night to put them in the board member/youth leader's lawn. We didn't get caught, he woke up to a lawn full of flamingos, but quickly we found them in our yard again that morning - during the Sunday school hour, just in time for our first church service. (our house is next to the church) The congregation had a good chuckle at our expense. We feel like part of the group already.
Oh my new house!!!!
Wow. What a whirlwind. Man, I have missed blogging. I just, like literally five minutes ago got my internet up. Cable service, woohoo! (I'm cool) I have missed my blog so much these past five days!!! Seriously, I have been thinking about posts, in fact wanted to write them up in word and cut and paste them in here, but every time I've thought about it I've thought of fourteen other things that were more pressing to do instead. Truly, at least fourteen. It's been crazy here. This move has been so weird. Hard, but good. First of all, moving with two kids. Yeah, no fun. Sarah has just completely freaked out on us, she's finally normalizing. She didn't nap at all the first two days and screamed herself to sleep the first couple nights. No fun. Secondly, we are all still sick with this creeping crud. I just give up on getting better at this point, and plow through anyway. We had one friend help us pack up the truck for two hours on Thursday, other than that Rob and I did it ourselves. And by Rob and I, I mean he stayed in the truck rearranging while I schlepped half of everything we own from the barn to the truck in 25 degree weather. Needless to say I had no voice by the time we got here. Meeting everyone was a little intimidating, eight parishoners came to unload our truck, which was awesome, I was just so sick I was kind of a mess. I wonder what their first impressions were. Ours? These people are incredible. I love it here already.
The house.
Let me tell you about the house. I love it. It's huge!! My kids sleep on a whole other floor! I finally have some breathing room! Once I dig out from under all the boxes that is. :) It's a turn of the century bungalow, very spacious. We've already eaten our first meal at the dining room table, just like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. My studio!!! Did I mention my studio? It's not set up at all, other than the fact that Rob helped me arrange the furniture in there, it's awesome. I'm dying to open up boxes and start setting up shop, but there are more pressing boxes to unpack, like dishes and clothing. I'm doing really well so far, have the kitchen almost completely unpacked - a major challenge since it has about half the cabinet space of our old kitchen. The only downside to the house, but it's really quite charming and I think we'll be able to work around it.
The people. Oh, my goodness, the people here. Ok, you picture all the issues we had in Ozark, and this is the core opposite. I'm not kidding. These people are loving and generous and sweet and kind. They welcomed us and our sick kids and our ten tons of stuff. One gal brought us 6 or 8 bags of groceries, so we could eat right away before I got our kitchen set up. Then yesterday, they had a big welcome dinner for us, soup and sandwiches and dessert. Delicious! These women can cook!! And a food shower, a table filled with dry goods, I seriously can't find room for all the wonderful food. We could eat for months off of what they gave us! Our foodstamps will last a long time at this rate. They also gave us cards with checks or cash or gift certificates to the local grocery store. And here's the kicker - Rob got paid yesterday!! He had barely even started! They paid him for a full week too! I didn't know how we were going to make ten days on the $20 we had left to our name when we got here. I meant to say too, they had a christmas tree up in our house for us, decorated with gifts for the kids under it. And a beautiful floral arrangement too, on the table. I was so impressed. Church was wonderful. I can't wait to spend more time there. This is going to be so wonderful for us. I am so thankful.
So back to today.
We are taking Eli to visit his new pre-school. I'm really praying about it, it's not here in town, but five minutes away. I'm sad because I wanted him to go here. He's excited though. Sarah is going to play at one of the board members houses, his wife (soon to be my good friend, I'm sure) runs a day care and she has two openings, so she's happy to watch Brea for a couple hours while we visit and set up our bank account. Tonight is our first youth service, I'm so excited. Poor Rob, he's way nervous and of course concerned that his sermon won't be good enough, but I'm confident that he will be brilliant, as usual. I was so proud of him yesterday, he did a great job leading worship. Such a wonderful man, I cannot even tell you how my heart swells when I think of what he's done these past three and half years. I need to find a sitter so we can go out and celebrate our new life and his graduation. There is a fondue place in St. Louis that we are dying to try! Well, that's it for now. I have 26 messages in my inbox and probably more than 26 boxes to unpack still. More later!
Wow. What a whirlwind. Man, I have missed blogging. I just, like literally five minutes ago got my internet up. Cable service, woohoo! (I'm cool) I have missed my blog so much these past five days!!! Seriously, I have been thinking about posts, in fact wanted to write them up in word and cut and paste them in here, but every time I've thought about it I've thought of fourteen other things that were more pressing to do instead. Truly, at least fourteen. It's been crazy here. This move has been so weird. Hard, but good. First of all, moving with two kids. Yeah, no fun. Sarah has just completely freaked out on us, she's finally normalizing. She didn't nap at all the first two days and screamed herself to sleep the first couple nights. No fun. Secondly, we are all still sick with this creeping crud. I just give up on getting better at this point, and plow through anyway. We had one friend help us pack up the truck for two hours on Thursday, other than that Rob and I did it ourselves. And by Rob and I, I mean he stayed in the truck rearranging while I schlepped half of everything we own from the barn to the truck in 25 degree weather. Needless to say I had no voice by the time we got here. Meeting everyone was a little intimidating, eight parishoners came to unload our truck, which was awesome, I was just so sick I was kind of a mess. I wonder what their first impressions were. Ours? These people are incredible. I love it here already.
The house.
Let me tell you about the house. I love it. It's huge!! My kids sleep on a whole other floor! I finally have some breathing room! Once I dig out from under all the boxes that is. :) It's a turn of the century bungalow, very spacious. We've already eaten our first meal at the dining room table, just like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. My studio!!! Did I mention my studio? It's not set up at all, other than the fact that Rob helped me arrange the furniture in there, it's awesome. I'm dying to open up boxes and start setting up shop, but there are more pressing boxes to unpack, like dishes and clothing. I'm doing really well so far, have the kitchen almost completely unpacked - a major challenge since it has about half the cabinet space of our old kitchen. The only downside to the house, but it's really quite charming and I think we'll be able to work around it.
The people. Oh, my goodness, the people here. Ok, you picture all the issues we had in Ozark, and this is the core opposite. I'm not kidding. These people are loving and generous and sweet and kind. They welcomed us and our sick kids and our ten tons of stuff. One gal brought us 6 or 8 bags of groceries, so we could eat right away before I got our kitchen set up. Then yesterday, they had a big welcome dinner for us, soup and sandwiches and dessert. Delicious! These women can cook!! And a food shower, a table filled with dry goods, I seriously can't find room for all the wonderful food. We could eat for months off of what they gave us! Our foodstamps will last a long time at this rate. They also gave us cards with checks or cash or gift certificates to the local grocery store. And here's the kicker - Rob got paid yesterday!! He had barely even started! They paid him for a full week too! I didn't know how we were going to make ten days on the $20 we had left to our name when we got here. I meant to say too, they had a christmas tree up in our house for us, decorated with gifts for the kids under it. And a beautiful floral arrangement too, on the table. I was so impressed. Church was wonderful. I can't wait to spend more time there. This is going to be so wonderful for us. I am so thankful.
So back to today.
We are taking Eli to visit his new pre-school. I'm really praying about it, it's not here in town, but five minutes away. I'm sad because I wanted him to go here. He's excited though. Sarah is going to play at one of the board members houses, his wife (soon to be my good friend, I'm sure) runs a day care and she has two openings, so she's happy to watch Brea for a couple hours while we visit and set up our bank account. Tonight is our first youth service, I'm so excited. Poor Rob, he's way nervous and of course concerned that his sermon won't be good enough, but I'm confident that he will be brilliant, as usual. I was so proud of him yesterday, he did a great job leading worship. Such a wonderful man, I cannot even tell you how my heart swells when I think of what he's done these past three and half years. I need to find a sitter so we can go out and celebrate our new life and his graduation. There is a fondue place in St. Louis that we are dying to try! Well, that's it for now. I have 26 messages in my inbox and probably more than 26 boxes to unpack still. More later!
Dec 14, 2005
winding things up
Crazy to think that two days from now we'll be be unpacking in our new house. Do you ever wish that life haad a fast forward button? I wish I could just skip the next two days and magically land in our new house, post packing, post three-and-a-half-hour-driving-with-two-previously-cranky-children, all our stuff magically in the truck and ready to go. Honestly, I don't mind the packing. I hate the loading of the truck. It's such a grunt job. My wrist is already *way* giving out on me - I have carpal tunnel and it's acting up. I can't imagine how it will feel after tomorrow afternoon. I'm praying the loading goes fast, and that we have a lot of help.
As much as I wish I could fast forward, I am having lunch with my dear friend LeAnn this afternoon, and that will be fun. Hopefully I'll get a picture of us together and can post it here later. Eli's also lineleading his last day at pre-school, so that will be interesting. I wonder how he will take it. He's armed with yesterday's gingerbread house and gifts for his teachers, so that should help momentum.
Just really covering these last two days in prayer. We are all sick again, this house's last gift to us. I can't wait to see how we all feel in IL.
Crazy to think that two days from now we'll be be unpacking in our new house. Do you ever wish that life haad a fast forward button? I wish I could just skip the next two days and magically land in our new house, post packing, post three-and-a-half-hour-driving-with-two-previously-cranky-children, all our stuff magically in the truck and ready to go. Honestly, I don't mind the packing. I hate the loading of the truck. It's such a grunt job. My wrist is already *way* giving out on me - I have carpal tunnel and it's acting up. I can't imagine how it will feel after tomorrow afternoon. I'm praying the loading goes fast, and that we have a lot of help.
As much as I wish I could fast forward, I am having lunch with my dear friend LeAnn this afternoon, and that will be fun. Hopefully I'll get a picture of us together and can post it here later. Eli's also lineleading his last day at pre-school, so that will be interesting. I wonder how he will take it. He's armed with yesterday's gingerbread house and gifts for his teachers, so that should help momentum.
Just really covering these last two days in prayer. We are all sick again, this house's last gift to us. I can't wait to see how we all feel in IL.
Dec 13, 2005
It's hitting me.
Hard too. We are leaving in two days. How is that possible? I've been counting down for so long I forgot what I was counting down too. Suddenly I realize how much I'm going to miss my friends and just the familiarity of this place. (not this house - mark my words - I will never EVER miss this house) But my friends. Ack! I miss them already. We had our final small group last night - the ladies will go on without me, but I will miss them so much. They are like my family, we share so much. We had a great time. They were very generous with me. Karen made me this *awesome* 'a' for my scrap studio - I can't wait to put it up. I think (not to be an Ali-Edwards wanna-be) that I'm going to start collecting A's, just cause it's me and it's fun and why not? Anyhoo, I could go on about my studio forever, so back to my friends. Karen had altered the A herself, I will take a picture and post it here. Becky gave me this awesome sign that says "Bless this family", it's so christmas-y and cute! And another gal who hasn't been coming very long slipped me a very generous gift. I just felt super loved. And they all gave me a card, signed by everyone, not just the 'gonna miss you' signature either, each wrote heartfelt words. I was really touched.
And then Kim topped it off, the whole night. She gave me my going away/christmas gift early, a BEAUTIFUL 5.5qt Rival crockpot, in BRIGHT RED no less! I was giddy. Do people cry over kitchen appliances? Cause I did. I nearly cried all the way home, I just felt so blessed. I must have really made a difference in these people's lives if they wanted to be so good to me. That's all I ever wanted to do. I felt so appreciated last night, one of my favorite feelings in the whole world.
Anyhoo, enough about me [even though it's my blog! :)]. Eli and I made a gingerbread house for his last day of school tomorrow. He's the line leader and he needs to bring treats. I'm going to attach a little card to it that says something to the tune of "Since we are getting a new house for christmas we thought you should too!". He had so much fun doing it, I really just let him go at it, it's his baby. It's obvious, but I love it. We had a blast doing working together on it. Now, if I had done it by myself it would have been all Martha-ish and beautiful, but this was way more fun! Posting a pic now.
Dec 12, 2005
four days and counting
Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth again. It's getting a little insane here. We were gone all weekend in AR - which was interesting. I'm exhausted. (state of being for me lately) and both kids are sick with RSV. Sarah was only diagnosed with croup, but it changed last night into the same thick gross cough that Eli has been sporting for a week now. We are supposed to keep Eli home from school, but that's so hard because he only has two school days left before we move. I'm just praying they both get better because we have so much going on these next few days.
We got our tree, it's awesome. Rob and I are both so excited to put it up! I am so grateful to Ginny for giving it to us. We had a good visit, it's just always tough because there is so much left unsaid. Rob and I have such an open relationship, we expect that from the people close to us, and that just isn't realistic. And Rob gets overwhelmed it seems, he shuts down and doesn't talk to me, which is super hard on me. I love our open relationship, and I probably depend on it too much. We are doing fine now, once we got in the car and could talk about it - we straightened it all out.
Well, it's crazy to think that on Thursday we'll get up and pack everything in a truck and leave this little house behind. I've got so much to do, but I'm excited for that moment - the one where we pile in the car and say "goodbye little house!" and then the next day - when we say hello to our new house and our new church and our new life. Very exciting stuff.
Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth again. It's getting a little insane here. We were gone all weekend in AR - which was interesting. I'm exhausted. (state of being for me lately) and both kids are sick with RSV. Sarah was only diagnosed with croup, but it changed last night into the same thick gross cough that Eli has been sporting for a week now. We are supposed to keep Eli home from school, but that's so hard because he only has two school days left before we move. I'm just praying they both get better because we have so much going on these next few days.
We got our tree, it's awesome. Rob and I are both so excited to put it up! I am so grateful to Ginny for giving it to us. We had a good visit, it's just always tough because there is so much left unsaid. Rob and I have such an open relationship, we expect that from the people close to us, and that just isn't realistic. And Rob gets overwhelmed it seems, he shuts down and doesn't talk to me, which is super hard on me. I love our open relationship, and I probably depend on it too much. We are doing fine now, once we got in the car and could talk about it - we straightened it all out.
Well, it's crazy to think that on Thursday we'll get up and pack everything in a truck and leave this little house behind. I've got so much to do, but I'm excited for that moment - the one where we pile in the car and say "goodbye little house!" and then the next day - when we say hello to our new house and our new church and our new life. Very exciting stuff.
Dec 9, 2005
Updating my blob.
Just a funny thing that Eli said this morning - how mommy keeps a blob on the computer. :) Kids!
Tough day already. (and it's not even nine am!) Woke up to Rob sick again with diarrea. (ick!) and what's worse, no water. The house has struck again! Hopefully this is it's last attempt on our sanity and once we figure it out we'll be on our way. I'm bummed though, usually Rob deals with it, but he's still in bed (lucky) so I'm on duty. Eli's crying cause he had to use a not-flushed toilet (which I agree is gross - but I'm not crying about it!). He was also thoroughly put out that I didn't have his breakfast for him on his usual schedule. Meanwhile I had to start trying to figure out the water issue. Usually our pump randomly stops working, and we have to hit the electrical spring with a metal spoon to spark it and restart it. Sounds completely unsafe, and I'm sure it is, but that's how it works. So I did that and it didn't work. Also, when it's cold like this, sometimes the heat lamp bulb burns out and that causes the well to freeze, but the bulb is still burning and nothing is frozen in there. So, the only other water issue we've had has been the pipes freezing under the house, and since it's 9 degrees this morning my guess is that is the problem. Now just take a moment to think how cold and drafty our house must be for the pipes in the very floorboards to freeze. I feel so sorry for my kids playing on the floor. Gee, I wonder why they are constantly sick? So, back to my story, I drove up to the dorms and dragged out the milkhouse heater and set it up - literally in the kitchen cupboards to start thawing the pipes. Hopefully there is no leak under the house, and hopefully it thaws before we have to leave at 11:15 for school and then Rob's moms. I'm kind of overwhelmed already. This will probably be a tough weekend anyway (especially with our move just days away) but Rob being sick just makes me want to cry. Makes an already tought situation even tougher. Well, I need to go, Sarah's screaming. I'm just remembering the 'hundred things trying to steal your attitude' - I need to be bigger today. Our life is about to change for the better, we just need to walk through this today.
Just a funny thing that Eli said this morning - how mommy keeps a blob on the computer. :) Kids!
Tough day already. (and it's not even nine am!) Woke up to Rob sick again with diarrea. (ick!) and what's worse, no water. The house has struck again! Hopefully this is it's last attempt on our sanity and once we figure it out we'll be on our way. I'm bummed though, usually Rob deals with it, but he's still in bed (lucky) so I'm on duty. Eli's crying cause he had to use a not-flushed toilet (which I agree is gross - but I'm not crying about it!). He was also thoroughly put out that I didn't have his breakfast for him on his usual schedule. Meanwhile I had to start trying to figure out the water issue. Usually our pump randomly stops working, and we have to hit the electrical spring with a metal spoon to spark it and restart it. Sounds completely unsafe, and I'm sure it is, but that's how it works. So I did that and it didn't work. Also, when it's cold like this, sometimes the heat lamp bulb burns out and that causes the well to freeze, but the bulb is still burning and nothing is frozen in there. So, the only other water issue we've had has been the pipes freezing under the house, and since it's 9 degrees this morning my guess is that is the problem. Now just take a moment to think how cold and drafty our house must be for the pipes in the very floorboards to freeze. I feel so sorry for my kids playing on the floor. Gee, I wonder why they are constantly sick? So, back to my story, I drove up to the dorms and dragged out the milkhouse heater and set it up - literally in the kitchen cupboards to start thawing the pipes. Hopefully there is no leak under the house, and hopefully it thaws before we have to leave at 11:15 for school and then Rob's moms. I'm kind of overwhelmed already. This will probably be a tough weekend anyway (especially with our move just days away) but Rob being sick just makes me want to cry. Makes an already tought situation even tougher. Well, I need to go, Sarah's screaming. I'm just remembering the 'hundred things trying to steal your attitude' - I need to be bigger today. Our life is about to change for the better, we just need to walk through this today.
Dec 8, 2005
finally beginning to make some progress
After feeling unbelievably overwhelmed yesterday - seriously to the point I was annoyed with Rob for leaving me alone with all this - I bore down and got a ton done yesterday. Just thinking about how much I accomplished I'm seriously impressed with myself. I may even be able to find some time to scrap between now and Thursday. Of course, the piles of boxes are growing and it doesn't feel like a home any more, but we can cope with that, right? A week from today we will be packing the truck. (whew!) I thought we'd never get there! It's strange to see all my personal touches taken off of this house - it feels cold and empty, like the life is leaving it and I'm finding myself weirdly sentimental. I guess we did spend three years of our marriage here, brought Sarah home here. And Rob and I (personally) have been better than ever here, so that's something. Ok, I better stop. I might actually convince myself that I didn't just loathe everything about this tiny homestead.
I found a mouse last night. In the kids closet. EWWW. I'm so not going to miss this house. :)
After feeling unbelievably overwhelmed yesterday - seriously to the point I was annoyed with Rob for leaving me alone with all this - I bore down and got a ton done yesterday. Just thinking about how much I accomplished I'm seriously impressed with myself. I may even be able to find some time to scrap between now and Thursday. Of course, the piles of boxes are growing and it doesn't feel like a home any more, but we can cope with that, right? A week from today we will be packing the truck. (whew!) I thought we'd never get there! It's strange to see all my personal touches taken off of this house - it feels cold and empty, like the life is leaving it and I'm finding myself weirdly sentimental. I guess we did spend three years of our marriage here, brought Sarah home here. And Rob and I (personally) have been better than ever here, so that's something. Ok, I better stop. I might actually convince myself that I didn't just loathe everything about this tiny homestead.
I found a mouse last night. In the kids closet. EWWW. I'm so not going to miss this house. :)
Dec 7, 2005
I'm so excited!!!
I just received a package from Lori of some things she had picked up for me at Target and surprise, she include the Heidi Swapp New Orleans foam stamp set!! I was so excited! They are super hard to find and mega-cute! I have the center of attention set, but I've thought about buying the other, to stamp phrases on my wall or something equally crazy/artsy. Such a happy surprise.
I'm also all proud of myself because I actually packed my scrap cabinet this afternoon, a major achievement for me! I've been dreading it for weeks now, but it's done and I still have stuff left out to play. (and new foam stamps! woohoo!)
Well, Eli's begging for pizza and I think I'm going to cave. We can get stinky Dominoes or something. But I packed up the phone book, so I need to look it up online! :)
I just received a package from Lori of some things she had picked up for me at Target and surprise, she include the Heidi Swapp New Orleans foam stamp set!! I was so excited! They are super hard to find and mega-cute! I have the center of attention set, but I've thought about buying the other, to stamp phrases on my wall or something equally crazy/artsy. Such a happy surprise.
I'm also all proud of myself because I actually packed my scrap cabinet this afternoon, a major achievement for me! I've been dreading it for weeks now, but it's done and I still have stuff left out to play. (and new foam stamps! woohoo!)
Well, Eli's begging for pizza and I think I'm going to cave. We can get stinky Dominoes or something. But I packed up the phone book, so I need to look it up online! :)
I'm still here, under a mountain of boxes!
Haven't really posted much lately, feeling the pressure of moving our household. Praying for energy and stamina right now. I'm finally recovering from my sinus infection - day seven of my antibiotics. I'm glad though, I didn't want to move sick. Moving is hard enough on it's own.
I'm super proud of Rob, he finished all of his reading for school. It's a huge accomplishment, considering over Thanksgiving break he was telling me he wouldn't get it done. He's taken 2 of his 6 finals, so he's almost there. We are leaving for his Mom's for the weekend on Friday, so I'm trying to accomplish a lot before then. And instead I'm sitting here blogging. :) but that's ok, it's my time for myself and that is necessary now more than ever. I feel like I get up and go until I go to bed right now, and still it may not be enough to get it all done. But we will, I'm sure.
This is kind of a touchy subject, but with the world the way it is, I feel even more compelled to tell you all about it. And since this is my blog - I will. I am reading a very interesting book. It's called "I Surrender All" by Clay and Renee Crosse. They talk about his struggle with pornography addiction and the rehabilitation of their marriage. Rob had heard an interview with Clay on talk radio and had asked for the book. Ironically, I'm reading it first, but I'm a fast reader. It's hitting close to home and I am thinking about our struggles in those first early years of marriage. I'm realize I wasn't alone in my hurt, and even more importantly I can see how God has blessed our marriage since Rob has learned to conquer his temptation. Especially in the intimate part of our marriage. We are very blessed and YES - monogamy is God's best, and God's best is considered the BEST for reason - if you know what I mean. Anyhoo, I'm sure there will be more to come on this subject since I'm only 3 chapters into the book.
Speaking of addictions - I'm missing my scrapping tremendously. :) I actually packed my 'fix' bag, so that I can get it out and play if I need to. So today's project (once Brea is down for her nap) is to start (gasp) packing (sob) my scrap cabinet. (oobah, oobah, I can do this!!!) Lots of stuff to pack, but that's the most frivolous thing still out, so I need to get started. Hopefully it won't be too atrocious. Off to pack and launder and pack some more!
PS - Here's the link to that book, if you are interested.
Haven't really posted much lately, feeling the pressure of moving our household. Praying for energy and stamina right now. I'm finally recovering from my sinus infection - day seven of my antibiotics. I'm glad though, I didn't want to move sick. Moving is hard enough on it's own.
I'm super proud of Rob, he finished all of his reading for school. It's a huge accomplishment, considering over Thanksgiving break he was telling me he wouldn't get it done. He's taken 2 of his 6 finals, so he's almost there. We are leaving for his Mom's for the weekend on Friday, so I'm trying to accomplish a lot before then. And instead I'm sitting here blogging. :) but that's ok, it's my time for myself and that is necessary now more than ever. I feel like I get up and go until I go to bed right now, and still it may not be enough to get it all done. But we will, I'm sure.
This is kind of a touchy subject, but with the world the way it is, I feel even more compelled to tell you all about it. And since this is my blog - I will. I am reading a very interesting book. It's called "I Surrender All" by Clay and Renee Crosse. They talk about his struggle with pornography addiction and the rehabilitation of their marriage. Rob had heard an interview with Clay on talk radio and had asked for the book. Ironically, I'm reading it first, but I'm a fast reader. It's hitting close to home and I am thinking about our struggles in those first early years of marriage. I'm realize I wasn't alone in my hurt, and even more importantly I can see how God has blessed our marriage since Rob has learned to conquer his temptation. Especially in the intimate part of our marriage. We are very blessed and YES - monogamy is God's best, and God's best is considered the BEST for reason - if you know what I mean. Anyhoo, I'm sure there will be more to come on this subject since I'm only 3 chapters into the book.
Speaking of addictions - I'm missing my scrapping tremendously. :) I actually packed my 'fix' bag, so that I can get it out and play if I need to. So today's project (once Brea is down for her nap) is to start (gasp) packing (sob) my scrap cabinet. (oobah, oobah, I can do this!!!) Lots of stuff to pack, but that's the most frivolous thing still out, so I need to get started. Hopefully it won't be too atrocious. Off to pack and launder and pack some more!
PS - Here's the link to that book, if you are interested.
Teachers Gifts
These are the gifts I made for Eli's pre-school teachers. Speaking of pre-school, we are getting ready for that transition. I'm covering it in a lot of prayer. He goes to an *awesome* private school now and will be moving into public and I'm scared for him. He's kind of sheltered (in case you didn't guess). Plus, he's really social, so I know he's going to miss his friends. Just a tough thing for all of us, since Rob and I are really new to the child-in-school phase of parenting. It's crazy.
Dec 5, 2005
my dad came to visit today.
It was good. We don't ever get much time to talk and it's too bad because we have great conversations when we do. It's emotionally draining though. He's changed so much in the past two years, he's like a new dad. It's awesome, but hard in the same breath, I'm still mourning the man he was while I grew up at home. His attitude is that he cannot change the past but he can be different in the future. I, of course, still have to grieve the past, but delight in his new lease on life. It's hard though, I wish he could have come to terms with all of this when I was younger, so we could have had more together.
We spent some time discussing his problems, raised without a mother and all. He had found some literature that really explained a lot about his attitudes and fears, and I understood, but it still hurts to re-hash the ways he has disappointed me in past years. I feel like he's making great strides to right the relationship, and I appreciate it and and have embraced the new him. I just have to come to terms with the past and understand that he had so many limitations, and he was doing the best he emotionally could. Still tough, I just want to lay down and cry now. Not because I hurt, more because I'm emotionally exhausted. I miss Rob too, we haven't spent much one on one time together lately and I always treasure that time. Hopefully we can find five minutes this afternoon and just hold each other. That always soothes the world's problems for me.
Dec 4, 2005
Us, with our mentors - Craig and Tricia. They helped us first make the decision to come to Springfield for college. On a Sunday afternoon 3 and 1/2 years ago we sat in their living room deciding if it was possible. Now today, realizing that Rob graduates in ten days, it was awesome to spend time with them. We are really thankful for their influence on our life.
I'm exhausted.
The past few days have completely worn me out. The back story is that I have been struggling with a sinus infection for over a month now. I had been on an anitbiotic and it was helping but Brea played with the bottle half way through lost it. I found it a few days later but it was too late to resume. Of course, I was feeling better, but then slipped back from too little sleep and too much stress. :) So then I got *really* sick and now am on a super heavy duty antibiotic that makes me ill, seriously, I have a headache for four days now and it makes my stomach upset. I can't sleep at night either - I'm tired but I keep waking up, so I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Then add on tons of packing and last minute visits with friends and I'm just ready to die. I've laid down in the afternoon for 45 minutes every day for the past three days, just to try and keep up. I just hope I can get it together before we move, I don't want to move like this. Anyway, just pray for me because I have a lot to do, it's crazy.
The past few days have completely worn me out. The back story is that I have been struggling with a sinus infection for over a month now. I had been on an anitbiotic and it was helping but Brea played with the bottle half way through lost it. I found it a few days later but it was too late to resume. Of course, I was feeling better, but then slipped back from too little sleep and too much stress. :) So then I got *really* sick and now am on a super heavy duty antibiotic that makes me ill, seriously, I have a headache for four days now and it makes my stomach upset. I can't sleep at night either - I'm tired but I keep waking up, so I feel like I'm spinning my wheels. Then add on tons of packing and last minute visits with friends and I'm just ready to die. I've laid down in the afternoon for 45 minutes every day for the past three days, just to try and keep up. I just hope I can get it together before we move, I don't want to move like this. Anyway, just pray for me because I have a lot to do, it's crazy.
CBC Christmas Carnival
wow. so much fun. The kids had a blast. Sarah got a vacuum that roars and spins. Eli got a 1000 piece Lego set - he played with all afternoon and evening last night. They also won a giant Pooh bear and some fun smaller toys. I love this party, we've been going for the past 4 winters. I'm going to miss it. It was exhausting too - the kids were so wiped out when we got home, Rob and I too. We had a blast though.
as promised
These are a few of the pictures from friday night. We had so much fun with the kids. They loved the lights. Chick-fil-A is always a big hit too. We've been spending a lot of time with Kim lately- it's hitting me hard that we will be 3+ hours away in ten days. I'm really going to miss her - she's been such a blessing to us these past 3 and 1/2 years. Like family really. We had great conversation on Friday night, while I was ornamenting and she was scrapping. I love that she's picked up the hobby, it gives us just another commonality. Anyhoo, I'm rambling (but need I remind you - it's my blog). These lights were at Cornerstone church in Springfield. I was in awe, it really put the Ozark display to shame! So glad we went.
Dec 3, 2005
"tis the season"
I'm feeling very christmas-y. We have a christmas carnival to attend this morning with the kids, they are so excited. It's a great tradition that the school puts on for married students children. We go every year and it's so much fun! I'll have lots of pictures later - shocking, I know. Yesterday we toured the lights @ Cornerstone church in Springfield. It was awesome. I will post pictures later when I have more time. Also, I did a tiny bit of christmas shopping yesterday, getting decorations for our tree- so we can put it up right away. I scored big, finding some beautiful red cordoroy ribbon w/ lime stitching. I also made these ornaments last night with Kim. I love how they turned out. Can't wait to put up the tree!
Celebrate
Finally, I can get this page up. I think I did it Monday or Tuesday. I love it though, very simple but I had fun making my own rub-ons with paint, the printer and a transparency. Love the very idea of the page. These are my closest friends - Lori (in the blue) and Kim (in the plaid). I am so thankful for them!
Dec 2, 2005
I bought milk yesterday
And I always notice the expiration date. IT WAS DECEMBER 17TH!!! MY MILK WILL EXPIRE AFTER WE MOVE!!!! Isn't that exciting??
I'm sure you are shaking your head and googling the nearest looney bin for me, but there's logic in my post, I promise. As long as I have been a grocery shopper (more than ten years now) I have noticed expiration dates, especially on milk products. When there is something big in my life coming up, say a birthday or a trip to look forward to, I know it's close when the expiration dates are that day! Does that make sense? Because usually the expiration date is only 10 days to 2 weeks out. I'm silly, but it's a big thing to me. Two weeks from today I will be unpacking in my new house, meeting my new neighbors and seeing *gasp* my new studio space! I'M SO EXCITED! (in case you couldn't tell)
And I always notice the expiration date. IT WAS DECEMBER 17TH!!! MY MILK WILL EXPIRE AFTER WE MOVE!!!! Isn't that exciting??
I'm sure you are shaking your head and googling the nearest looney bin for me, but there's logic in my post, I promise. As long as I have been a grocery shopper (more than ten years now) I have noticed expiration dates, especially on milk products. When there is something big in my life coming up, say a birthday or a trip to look forward to, I know it's close when the expiration dates are that day! Does that make sense? Because usually the expiration date is only 10 days to 2 weeks out. I'm silly, but it's a big thing to me. Two weeks from today I will be unpacking in my new house, meeting my new neighbors and seeing *gasp* my new studio space! I'M SO EXCITED! (in case you couldn't tell)
I promised more.
Not much more rested this morning, but it's a new day and I have lots to do. I just spent an hour entering/reconciling our checkbook and we are right on. I am so amazed how we've been able to make it with no income since the beginning of November. God is so good. He truly has provided for our every need, but not a stitch beyond the time frame we need it - so there is no question as to what step we need to take next.
Years ago - when I was first the tiniest bit pregnant with Eli - we visited some friends here in Springfield. They had just had their first baby, and were struggling to finish school. They spent a lot of time explaining to us how God was providing for their every need. I remember going home from that trip, in awe of them and their faith, thinking that we could never trust like that. I think it was forshadowing for these three and a half years we have just finished. God was preparing my heart. I wanted that kind of faith. At the time, Rob and I both had management positions and were making really good money, lived in a beautiful house, had two cars. I can't even imagine those things now - not in my wildest dreams, since we've been broke for so long now. But I'm thankful, in a strange way. Although financially and materially we have lost almost everything of value - what we have gained is worth so much more, and it can never be taken away from us. Rob and I - our lives are wound together like two plants with different roots that have grown together so intimately that separation is impossible. Even our roots have intertangled and we, together, ultimately make something far greater than either or us could ever achieve seperately.
When we first married I constantly worried that he would leave me, that he'd get tired of me and move on, or worse, be annoyed and disgusted and leave. After nearly eight years I've learned quite the opposite, he needs me as much as I need him. We can tackle this world together and I will always have someone in my corner. We have seen so many friends and family with broken marriages, especially recently - watching our families crumble around us, and as much as it hurts to watch, it only brings us closer together. Seems like strange logic, but it's true, we cling to each other. I'm convinced he's my penguin. :)
I know it's a lot to take in at 7:30 in the morning, but I just had to say it. I love Rob. I'm so thankful.
Not much more rested this morning, but it's a new day and I have lots to do. I just spent an hour entering/reconciling our checkbook and we are right on. I am so amazed how we've been able to make it with no income since the beginning of November. God is so good. He truly has provided for our every need, but not a stitch beyond the time frame we need it - so there is no question as to what step we need to take next.
Years ago - when I was first the tiniest bit pregnant with Eli - we visited some friends here in Springfield. They had just had their first baby, and were struggling to finish school. They spent a lot of time explaining to us how God was providing for their every need. I remember going home from that trip, in awe of them and their faith, thinking that we could never trust like that. I think it was forshadowing for these three and a half years we have just finished. God was preparing my heart. I wanted that kind of faith. At the time, Rob and I both had management positions and were making really good money, lived in a beautiful house, had two cars. I can't even imagine those things now - not in my wildest dreams, since we've been broke for so long now. But I'm thankful, in a strange way. Although financially and materially we have lost almost everything of value - what we have gained is worth so much more, and it can never be taken away from us. Rob and I - our lives are wound together like two plants with different roots that have grown together so intimately that separation is impossible. Even our roots have intertangled and we, together, ultimately make something far greater than either or us could ever achieve seperately.
When we first married I constantly worried that he would leave me, that he'd get tired of me and move on, or worse, be annoyed and disgusted and leave. After nearly eight years I've learned quite the opposite, he needs me as much as I need him. We can tackle this world together and I will always have someone in my corner. We have seen so many friends and family with broken marriages, especially recently - watching our families crumble around us, and as much as it hurts to watch, it only brings us closer together. Seems like strange logic, but it's true, we cling to each other. I'm convinced he's my penguin. :)
I know it's a lot to take in at 7:30 in the morning, but I just had to say it. I love Rob. I'm so thankful.
Dec 1, 2005
the rollercoaster of my life
Wow. What a day. Sorry I am so late in posting, it's just been insane here. We had last minute company. It was very emotional. Rob and I are so spent just from the past 24 hours, we are wiped.
Just really wanted to take a moment and say how amazing my husband is. I love him so much, he's incredible and I am so thankful for every day I have with him. He's so supportive and loving and kind and basically brilliant. I am suddenly so excited for the rest of our life together. I just don't think a love like ours comes along every day!
Anyhoo, I am really too tired to be typing, I just wanted to drop in and say hi, I'm really waiting up to see the big Oprah on Letterman event. Rob and I have been counting down for ten days now, we are so excited. Well, time to go, he's pretty funny tonight. I will update more tomorrow, I have a ton more to say.
Wow. What a day. Sorry I am so late in posting, it's just been insane here. We had last minute company. It was very emotional. Rob and I are so spent just from the past 24 hours, we are wiped.
Just really wanted to take a moment and say how amazing my husband is. I love him so much, he's incredible and I am so thankful for every day I have with him. He's so supportive and loving and kind and basically brilliant. I am suddenly so excited for the rest of our life together. I just don't think a love like ours comes along every day!
Anyhoo, I am really too tired to be typing, I just wanted to drop in and say hi, I'm really waiting up to see the big Oprah on Letterman event. Rob and I have been counting down for ten days now, we are so excited. Well, time to go, he's pretty funny tonight. I will update more tomorrow, I have a ton more to say.
Nov 30, 2005
Meme blog challenge #16
Scariest Movies I've ever seen:
eww! Scary movies. Not my thing at all! But I've watched a few - here they are in no particular order.
1) Signs. (this movie totally freaked me out because we live out in the woods and our neighbors could care less whether we live or die. Rob and I had trouble sleeping for weeks after we watched it - we still agree to never talk about it again! And we won't rent "the Village" until we move, even though we *love* M. Night Schamyln.)
2) The Fly. (a babysitter watched this when I was five or so, I didn't want to watch but she told me to close my eyes. I was supposed to be sleeping on the living room floor - in front of the tv. I still have nightmares about finding coarse hairs on Rob's back and giving birth to live maggot babies. EWWW!!!)
3) Night of the Living Dead. (seriously caught fifteen minutes of this movie and made Rob change the channel. Too stinking creepy for me!!)
4) Scream 1,2,& 3. (I love these flicks, so cheesy, and still I jump every time the music gets going!)
5) I Know What You Did Last Summer and I Still Know. (for a brief period we watched this kind of flick, very brief.)
That's about it I think. I'm way more into suspense movies, mind games rather than real horror. I get scared pretty easy. I'm a girly girl, that's all there is too it. But now, give me a movie like The Game or Double Jepeordy and I love that kind of thing.
Scariest Movies I've ever seen:
eww! Scary movies. Not my thing at all! But I've watched a few - here they are in no particular order.
1) Signs. (this movie totally freaked me out because we live out in the woods and our neighbors could care less whether we live or die. Rob and I had trouble sleeping for weeks after we watched it - we still agree to never talk about it again! And we won't rent "the Village" until we move, even though we *love* M. Night Schamyln.)
2) The Fly. (a babysitter watched this when I was five or so, I didn't want to watch but she told me to close my eyes. I was supposed to be sleeping on the living room floor - in front of the tv. I still have nightmares about finding coarse hairs on Rob's back and giving birth to live maggot babies. EWWW!!!)
3) Night of the Living Dead. (seriously caught fifteen minutes of this movie and made Rob change the channel. Too stinking creepy for me!!)
4) Scream 1,2,& 3. (I love these flicks, so cheesy, and still I jump every time the music gets going!)
5) I Know What You Did Last Summer and I Still Know. (for a brief period we watched this kind of flick, very brief.)
That's about it I think. I'm way more into suspense movies, mind games rather than real horror. I get scared pretty easy. I'm a girly girl, that's all there is too it. But now, give me a movie like The Game or Double Jepeordy and I love that kind of thing.
tea time anyone?
good morning! And it is. I'm actually going out today - for something other than boxes or groceries! It's exciting! Having lunch with friends at my favorite local restaraunt - the Tea Room! It's such a girly frou-frou place. I'm in the perfect mood for it too, and I'm having an awesome hair day! Eli is *finally* feeling better, after a week of diarrea. I am so glad - he hasn't been to school in ten days and today he is going! And when I get home from lunch I am going to scrapbook! :) happy day, let me tell you!
good morning! And it is. I'm actually going out today - for something other than boxes or groceries! It's exciting! Having lunch with friends at my favorite local restaraunt - the Tea Room! It's such a girly frou-frou place. I'm in the perfect mood for it too, and I'm having an awesome hair day! Eli is *finally* feeling better, after a week of diarrea. I am so glad - he hasn't been to school in ten days and today he is going! And when I get home from lunch I am going to scrapbook! :) happy day, let me tell you!
Nov 29, 2005
making a dent
So I'm beginning to feel like I'm making progress with the packing. Probably packed ten boxes since yesterday afternoon, but that's a lot of sorting through stuff too. Went through all my upper kitchen cabinets this morning, packing any baking stuff - things I won't have time or energy to use between now and the 15th. Also packed food items that are seasonal or putzy. Now I'm hoping to use up a lot of my refrigerated/frozen food and any cans of whatever so I don't have to move too much! I need to tackle the bottom cabinets next, but I'm almost out of boxes. I also worked on the kids clothes - packing anything they could live without the next few weeks. It's a lot harder with four people, we have a lot of stuff! (which is ironic because it doesn't seem like it until I'm packing!) Still dreading my scrap cabinet, but I need to page plan first, so that's a nice excuse to put it off! I should be planning now, since Brea's sleeping, but instead I'm blogging. Story of my life. :)
Well, I really need to get moving. Being Tuesday, I have a long day and promised myself I wouldn't waste too much time on the internet, so I'd get a lot done and Rob would be all impressed with me. Not overwhelmed with this move yet, but talk to me in ten days, right?
So I'm beginning to feel like I'm making progress with the packing. Probably packed ten boxes since yesterday afternoon, but that's a lot of sorting through stuff too. Went through all my upper kitchen cabinets this morning, packing any baking stuff - things I won't have time or energy to use between now and the 15th. Also packed food items that are seasonal or putzy. Now I'm hoping to use up a lot of my refrigerated/frozen food and any cans of whatever so I don't have to move too much! I need to tackle the bottom cabinets next, but I'm almost out of boxes. I also worked on the kids clothes - packing anything they could live without the next few weeks. It's a lot harder with four people, we have a lot of stuff! (which is ironic because it doesn't seem like it until I'm packing!) Still dreading my scrap cabinet, but I need to page plan first, so that's a nice excuse to put it off! I should be planning now, since Brea's sleeping, but instead I'm blogging. Story of my life. :)
Well, I really need to get moving. Being Tuesday, I have a long day and promised myself I wouldn't waste too much time on the internet, so I'd get a lot done and Rob would be all impressed with me. Not overwhelmed with this move yet, but talk to me in ten days, right?
Nov 28, 2005
Downloading my coolness.
It's terrible. I am so into LimeWire right now. It's a file-sharing program for MP3's. I'm reliving my youth something awful. Finding all the old music I listened to in high school. Right now I'm downloading music from "Brother, Where Art Thou?" - not from high school, but I really love the music. Rob accidently introduced me to LimeWire and I'm thinking he's regretting it because I've spent hours at it already, our music collection is up to about 1300 songs as of today. It's sick. I'm addicted. Slightly more productive than pea-ing. I'm trying to get all the music I'm really into before I get convicted about it and make myself stop.
Meanwhile it occured to me today that our move is literally two weeks away, and one of those weekends we are spending at Rob's moms, so I need to get packing. The idea of packing my scrap cabinet is making me claustrophobic (oobah, oobah) but I can do this. It will be worth it to have my studio instead of a dinky closet. I did pack three or four boxes this afternoon, but I've been really down with this sinus infection so not being too super productive. details.
It's terrible. I am so into LimeWire right now. It's a file-sharing program for MP3's. I'm reliving my youth something awful. Finding all the old music I listened to in high school. Right now I'm downloading music from "Brother, Where Art Thou?" - not from high school, but I really love the music. Rob accidently introduced me to LimeWire and I'm thinking he's regretting it because I've spent hours at it already, our music collection is up to about 1300 songs as of today. It's sick. I'm addicted. Slightly more productive than pea-ing. I'm trying to get all the music I'm really into before I get convicted about it and make myself stop.
Meanwhile it occured to me today that our move is literally two weeks away, and one of those weekends we are spending at Rob's moms, so I need to get packing. The idea of packing my scrap cabinet is making me claustrophobic (oobah, oobah) but I can do this. It will be worth it to have my studio instead of a dinky closet. I did pack three or four boxes this afternoon, but I've been really down with this sinus infection so not being too super productive. details.
Found another fun challenge. My photo a day hasn't really been working out, but it's just cause we are all sick and I'm tired of photographing my messy half-packed house. Anyhoo, here it is. *note - I won't be doing these in order.
Meme Challenge # 17
Things you enjoy and the date you last did them:
1) Scrapbooking. (yesterday)
2) Dates w/ Rob. (Nov. 19, 2005)
3) Painting (2000 - stopped when Eli was born)
4) Drawing (last week, on the magnadoodle)
5) Home Decorating (2002 - in our home on Garretson)
6) Shopping (Nov. 20, 2005 - with Kim)
7) Blogging (right now!)
8) Pea-ing (daily)
9) Sight-seeing (Chicago trip - Oct 2005)
10) Photography (nearly every day)
I'm relieved to see that I get to do a lot of the things I enjoy doing. I do miss painting, but scrapbooking has really filled that void. I also know that my new home will be filled with a lot of things I enjoy doing, lots of space to do them in. Especially being crafty, decorating. I think having a special space dedicated to scrapbooking will be very freeing for me as well! Happy thoughts.
Meme Challenge # 17
Things you enjoy and the date you last did them:
1) Scrapbooking. (yesterday)
2) Dates w/ Rob. (Nov. 19, 2005)
3) Painting (2000 - stopped when Eli was born)
4) Drawing (last week, on the magnadoodle)
5) Home Decorating (2002 - in our home on Garretson)
6) Shopping (Nov. 20, 2005 - with Kim)
7) Blogging (right now!)
8) Pea-ing (daily)
9) Sight-seeing (Chicago trip - Oct 2005)
10) Photography (nearly every day)
I'm relieved to see that I get to do a lot of the things I enjoy doing. I do miss painting, but scrapbooking has really filled that void. I also know that my new home will be filled with a lot of things I enjoy doing, lots of space to do them in. Especially being crafty, decorating. I think having a special space dedicated to scrapbooking will be very freeing for me as well! Happy thoughts.
Nov 27, 2005
An update - since I haven't fallen off the edge of the universe. (just yet)
I've been listening to a lot of good music lately. My current favorites are Michael Buble home and the soundtrack to Garden State. Pretty amazing stuff. Kind of mellow. I need mellow right now. The home song just makes me think about what home is made of. I'm longing for that safety, the comfort of home. I haven't really ever had that in this house and I'm anxious to create it in IL. Funy how I've longed for it here for three years and never achieved it, but I know it will be near instant there. Can't explain my sure-ness of it, I just know. Something about being exactly in the place God has spent your whole life calling you too.
Anyhoo, back to music. Garden State is just good deep music. Great to scrapbook to. I've been playing a little bit. Finished a page last night, well into one this afternoon, but Sarah woke up abrubtly from her nap, so it's on hold for the time being.
Just got off the phone with Mom. Kind of whined to her. Shocking, I know. I'm just in that place. I re-read my post about last Sunday's sermon and suddenly I realize that God is so reminding me to be content. Testing what He's taught me. He's so funny that way. I need to just chill. Seriously, nineteen days and we'll be in the truck moving. (oobah, oobah, I can do this. be content, BE CONTENT!)
Really sick of sick people. :) Love em all to death, but no one is fun to be around when they have the flu.
I've been listening to a lot of good music lately. My current favorites are Michael Buble home and the soundtrack to Garden State. Pretty amazing stuff. Kind of mellow. I need mellow right now. The home song just makes me think about what home is made of. I'm longing for that safety, the comfort of home. I haven't really ever had that in this house and I'm anxious to create it in IL. Funy how I've longed for it here for three years and never achieved it, but I know it will be near instant there. Can't explain my sure-ness of it, I just know. Something about being exactly in the place God has spent your whole life calling you too.
Anyhoo, back to music. Garden State is just good deep music. Great to scrapbook to. I've been playing a little bit. Finished a page last night, well into one this afternoon, but Sarah woke up abrubtly from her nap, so it's on hold for the time being.
Just got off the phone with Mom. Kind of whined to her. Shocking, I know. I'm just in that place. I re-read my post about last Sunday's sermon and suddenly I realize that God is so reminding me to be content. Testing what He's taught me. He's so funny that way. I need to just chill. Seriously, nineteen days and we'll be in the truck moving. (oobah, oobah, I can do this. be content, BE CONTENT!)
Really sick of sick people. :) Love em all to death, but no one is fun to be around when they have the flu.
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