Life and Loves

This past week has been…er…different. I wasn’t expecting much, the highlight being Thursday evening’s orientation at Noah’s school.

The first part of the week has been spent in deep thought and reflection as to what our church life should look like as opposed to what it currently entails and on Wednesday I had a lovely little fainting spell.

By now it is almost comical to my friends (but not my mother) that I would fall out during a pregnancy since I went to the hospital numerous times with Noah. I think people presume it is something I did or didn’t do right that causes these spells (meaning its my fault), but I think it is just circumstantial. I thought I would be feeling better or at least starting to, but no such luck yet.

We went this morning to drop off the VPK certificate to Nora’s school. She hasn’t been there all summer and it seems everybody missed her! I was a little amazed at the hugs and squeals from both teachers and students alike. Some of the teachers new about my “condition” and it’s funny how different generations react to news of pregnancy. The older women “know” things and say, “yeah, that’s how it usually goes”, no matter what I’m talking about. They asked what we wanted and I said Jason wants a boy and I want a girl and I got that same reaction.

This evening was Noah’s orientation and he will be in 1st grade. Kindergarten was strange to think about, but now it’s serious. I really like his teacher this year (not so much for K) and I think he will do well. He behaves much better for grandmotherly women who are a bit older and more experienced with mischievous little boys. He will have reading and spelling tests this year and actual homework that needs to be completed on time rather than the optional suggested activities for Kindergarten. Nora is so ready for school. She told me last night that she wants to learn to read. I’m glad to hear that and I hope that VPK doesn’t dampen her spirit. She will turn five on September first of next year, so she will still be four when she starts Kindergarten, but I think she will be ready.

Life has been very stable these past few years and it seems that some changes are coming around. I’ve decided that it is my job as Jason’s wife to make his life “uncomfortable”, every now and then, in the healthiest sense of the word of course. ;o) In my experience it enriches life to step out of our comfort zones and take risks when appropriate because then you give yourself the opportunity to see God at work. Looking forward to it!

irst things first- where are we having this baby and who is going to deliver it?

My first two babies were born in the hospital. Noah in Brandon and Nora in Titusville Pennsylvania. I went many hours before getting the epidural with Noah and wanted the epidural immediately with Nora. I liked and disliked many things about delivering in a hospital. In Titusville the hospital was small and I was the only one delivering that morning. I had the same nurse most of the entire labor and it was so quiet. I remember pushing and in between pushes a complete silence, as if everyone were holding their breath.

I have since developed an appreciation for doing things a more natural way. Eating organic produce and foods with less additives. Cleaning with products that I could eat if I really wanted to… Using products that are not harmful on my familily’s skin and hair. It makes sense that this would carry over into what I’d like for the new babies birth. We have a birthing center in Lakeland called Labor of Love I know of a few friends who have had their babies there and they loved it. The Midwives have been there for many years. I started going there before Patrick and I moved to PA and I liked it, but I think I will like it more now that I am older and understand what I want and the role of a midwife a little better.

Another thing I have been contemplating is cloth diapers. I had a difficult time with the chemicals irritating Nora in traditional diapers, not to mention the expense of diapers on a weekly basis. Cloth diapers seem to be making a comeback what with the impact on the environment (holy moly that’s a lot of diapers in the landfills) and I have gotten some very good information from friends who have used them (thanks Viv!). They can also be quite stylish. :o)

It’s exciting to think about all of this stuff. I’m still a little weary of a miscarriage though; I assume that’s natural, but with each subsequent pregnancy the odds get higher. I’m taking care of myself and can’t wait to tell the kids when they get home. Only 25 more days to go! I’m not counting down or anything…

When we moved in together we decided that Jason would do the dishes and I would do the laundry. That was over a year ago and we have come to detest our particular chores and have decided to switch.

The kitchen is now much cleaner because I believe that the last step in washing the dishes is to clean the sink and the counters (and sometimes the stove) and Jason has decided that he will spend all weekend doing laundry and line drying most of our clothes.

As a result, we have added a compost bin for my kitchen scraps and Jason is designing a much larger clothesline. We’re so productive during the summer! :o)

Just realized that I never posted pics of the honeymoon! Will remedy that…now! Enjoy!

t wasn’t anything like I imagined it would be and yet it was perfect. I had thought about the day for longer than the 6 months it took me to actually plan the event, so parts of it were surreal and most of it made me very nervous. You pick pieces of things and hope that they come together. You envision the colors and the sights, sounds and smells and it is never quite exactly what you pictured, but sometimes it is better.

When all of the girls were together getting ready, I was nervous, yet calm. My hair and makeup were done and Jason was taking care of the preparatory details. I can’t tell you how awesome it is to be able to give someone a responsibility, a delegation of your hard work and vision, and have them complete it fully. Jason rarely lets me down and it is wonderful. I had done the bulk of the planning and spending, he took delight in setting his groomsmen to finish the details. It was strange only needing to worry about getting ready and down to the room where the ceremony would be held. At that point everything either had been delegated or would be as the day went on. That loss of control made me both anxious and relieved.

The kids behaved so well during the ceremony. It was a small room, so any noises practically echoed. We had been talking with them about the wedding and their part in it and about Jason becoming their Stepdad, weeks before the wedding. They seemed happy and adjusted to this new fact. The vows that were heard came from the heart and were easily written and spoken. The room was intimate and sweet. It had the feeling that this is how it should be; two people, right for each other in every way, courting and learning each other, choosing to spend their lives together.

We had an impromptu receiving line in the middle of everyone progressing from the Mezzanine. It was nice to see everyone and get to hug and thank them for coming. We got started a little late and Noah had come to the doors of the ceremony room and yelled that we “weren’t ready yet”. Noah looked adorable in his suit and Nora so grown up in her dress! Our friend Brittany watched them during most of the reception. We had a lot going on, so I was grateful.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the food I picked out. We started off the dancing with a slow song and then a fast song came on that CLEARED the dance floor! I was left with Nathan and Jackie, Jason and I! OMG. I couldn’t do it. I was too embarrassed to dance up there by ourselves! Thankfully, some very good friends from the church joined us! It was so much fun! We did the electric slide and the cha-cha slide. That’s what everyone joined in on. Too funny!

It was a beautiful day. I feel satisfied that we will treasure it always and I cannot wait to see the pictures!

ot much going on here. Wedding stuff mostly which you can see here. All my free time is spent consumed with the dwindling wedding to-do list.

I watched Bride Wars the other night. It talks about what the last few weeks are like before the wedding for some couples. We definitely are having our share of hiccups at this point. I am looking forward to our meeting with Pastor Tim to figure out the words for the ceremony itself. It should be very simple.

Here is Nora in a pair of my wedding shoes. She pulls out all of my shoes some mornings and tries them all on. She loves to here the clunk-clunk of the heels on the hard kitchen floor!

Fast forward about 12 years and she really will be wearing shoes like this. Yikes!

alentine’s day was fist spent this year at the Pancake Festival. I had never heard of this, but Jason got free tickets from a Kiwanis member (who happens to be a friend and customer), so we decided to go. I don’t LOVE pancakes, but thought it would be neat to see.

It was very cold. The line was ridiculously long, but it was interesting to watch the people. I like to see who is represented in the community when we go to events like this. We waited in line until we got to the “tent” which housed the pancake makers. There was about 15 stations of people making large pancakes. We got to watch as they were plated right off the griddle and wonder exactly how many pancakes were made that day. The flipper had lost count or so he says…

We were then given enormous sausages that were very yummy and little packets of butter. Three of us had one pancake each and were all given 3 packets of butter. Three! Noah ate his…whole. Gross! I am told I use to eat butter like this too. I do like butter. :o) Anyway. As we were getting ready to dig a balloon man came over to make balloons for us. This was not your ordinary balloon maker. I had noticed a little boy with a dinosaur earlier and I so wanted one. Noah chose to receive a scorpion. Have you ever seen a balloon scorpion? It was pretty crazy. Nora wanted a pink pony. I got the dinosaur!

Later that evening Our friend Katie came over to watch the kids. (Yay!) The grownups got to go out for a much needed conversation about babies. lol We went to Carrabba’s and had a lovely dinner and then came home and watched a silly movie. My how times have changed.

Today on this actual V-Day, we went to church and Grandma came over to play the Wii. So fun! We are now running out the door to the church’s Valentines day party, kids included, woot! Should be fun! Hope yours was a special weekend too.

We went over to Grandma’s this past Sunday and went to the park by her house. Noah and Grandma rode their Razor’s and Nora rode her bike. Nora must have gone through a growth spurt recently because I’m noticing that she isn’t my little girl anymore and her bike sit too low. Noah, I noticed rides “goofy” otherwise known as with his left foot on the scooter and pushing with his right. Most people ride the other way. They are both getting pretty good at riding and a good time was had by all. When it was time to go home the kids were corrupted and full of chocolate and chips; a job well done by Grandma.

think that all Valentine parties should be as close to the 14th as possible, but this year they decided to have them Thursday instead. Why? Who knows? After choir last night I rush to Wal-Mart to grab a few items including the V-day cards to be brought to school the following day.

I forgot how much I love this holiday. Besides the fact that there is an abundance of candy, there is also the cutest decorations. Hearts are everywhere! Little birdhouses with holes in the shape of a heart and trees with heart ornaments hanging from their branches. :o)

As I was saying, down to the wire for the valentines cards, but I managed to get Bakugon for Noah and Tinkerbell for Nora. Let me tell you, Bakugon is excited (!!) about Valentine’s day and REAAAALLLY wants to “brawl”. Jason helped me tear them all out and get them ready for Noah to write the recipient’s names on the cards. Each friend also received a tattoo! Yeah! What says Happy Valentine’s Day like a Bakugon tattoo? Nora got two stamps (her fave) to decorate her cards with and Tinkerbell stickers. I wrote the names and she stamped the cards. Did I mention this was at seven this morning? I had to drive Noah to school instead of him riding the bus. Crazy morning!

I like being up with everyone in the morning, Jason usually lets me sleep in, and think it has been easier because I have started working out again. When I wake up I actually WAKE UP. Lately my eyes open, but my body says, “umm…no”. I’m excited that we get to have a date night Saturday night. Looking forward to some alone time with my honey. Maybe we’ll swing by the Red Door for a nice glass of wine. I’m hoping for flowers or at least a card. We’ll see. :o)

retty. Don’t you think?

By falling into a bloggity rabbit hole I stumbled upon this really cute blog called the Daily Drop Cap. (Almost) every day she puts up a new letter and you can insert it into your post. Cute huh?