2013

After all the trials and tribulations of 2012, I was determined to embrace hope for 2013.  I desperately hoped that in 2013 there would be no deaths, no heartbreaks, no disappointments, no rejection.

Just. No. More.

Recently I posted a story that I consider life changing.  You know, one of those stories that sticks with you and pops into your head in the most opportune moments.  When I recall it, I am in such awe that someone can put their own baggage and sense of personal loss aside to embrace a greater good moves me in a way that I can only describe as divine.

Its been about five months since my husband lost his father unexpectedly.  For some reason, the pain of losing him has not lessened.  Every new holiday that is our “first” without him, every new circumstance that we must handle without his wisdom and guidance, every memory that brings the most acute and sharp pain to our hearts… I just cant seem to find acceptance in that fact that he is no longer here.

I remember in the immediate aftermath of his passing of being so inspired by his life.  The way that he gave, the sacrifices he made, the impact he had on those around him.  Every story that people told made me realize what a gift I had in just knowing him.  And how blessed my kids were to call him grandpa.

His life moved me to the point that I wanted to change mine.

Over the holidays we spent a great deal of time with family.  My kids got used to seeing their grandparents and cousins.  When the New Year started and we didnt have plans to see them immediately, they were visibly saddened.  It was just so normal and so right… being with the people that we love.

While in Fargo we even had family pictures taken.

Looking at them now, I am trying to look past my double chins and huge belly and less than stellar fashion sense and see the family around me.  When I start to feel sad about Dennis I need to remember what his life was about.  He loved people and took care of them and gave them everything he could.  He lived.

My “i am mommy” blog might take a different turn this year, as I start to post more and more about family.  And about my growing family!

About little moments that may not mean anything to others, but mean the world to me.  (Like this one, with my Audrey and one of her namesakes, Grandma Audrey) The pictures and memories in the making that one day will hopefully mean as much to them as it does to me.  I will be sharing my faith, as I truly believe that anything that inspires and moves you deserves to be shared.

I dont have resolutions for 2013.  I know there will be trials and pain and loss just like I have faith that there will be highlights and joy and new life.

And lots and lots of laughter.

 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

A Little Of This…

I cant believe its been over a week since I last posted.

I feel like it was just yesterday!

That being said, let me share a bit.

I am now about 35 weeks pregnant.  I saw a picture of myself and was like, “WHO is that outrageously fat person?”

Um, me.

I have a toothache.  About a year ago a portion of my farthest back left tooth fell off and its been slowly disintegrating away ever since.  I have been treating it naturally… raw garlic, clove oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, and charcoal.  I have been able to tolerate the pain, but generally speaking, its always there.  Hitting my third trimester I was suddenly in excruciating pain day and night.

And being preggers means no drugs.

Yay me.

Finally went to the dentist and (long story short) they are just going to take out the tooth.  No repairs can be made.

Did I mention ever since I started treating teeth issues naturally that I encouraged my husband to cancel our dental insurance?  Yeah.  Should be a fun bill.

I am officially homeschooling Colton.  We started curriculum from Alpha Omega Publications, through a recommendation from Christy.  I really like it as it is detailed!  Tells me exactly what I need to do and teach and when.

Colton is not such a fan.  I really need to do more research ito how to make school more fun for him… as I don’t seem to have any creative energy left in me lately.

My favorite 50mm lens that I use for EVERYTHING died.  I panicked and called my husband in a tizzy and was totally incoherent.

Apparently I am addicted to my camera.

He came home with the most beautiful Canon 2.8 100mm macro lens.  Its like… gorgeous.  Wish I could take a picture of it. ;)

IMG_0398.parkers

Macro lens’ are good for close ups of eyes.  My favorite thing to photograph.

I have so many things I want to share… about life and love and faith and family… but never seem to find the time to get written down. (Does anyone else sorta use thier blog as an online journal??)

Oh, and we still need to think of a baby name.

At least we know its a boy.

Sock It To Me

IMG_9225.socks

These are my socks.

I like plain socks.

Light weight cotton.

Ankle length.

White.

 

IMG_9227.socks

These are my husbands socks.

They are considerably sturdier.  A more dence and thick cotton.

 

IMG_9229.socks

My socks.

His socks.

The other day  accidentally put on a pair of his socks and to my shock and dismay realized that they FIT me.

My completely huge and swollen feet FIT into his used to be huge for me socks.

I just hope I dont accidentally put on his pants one day.  I dont think my ego could take it.

My First (And Last) Red Bull

At the festive hour of 8pm last evening, my hubby and dear children and I set off from balmy Florida for the cold, frozen lakes of Minnesota.

We were thinking that the children would sleep through the night, and hubby and I would drive in shifts.  This seemed an alright idea to me as I am often up four to five times a night anyway, and usually wake up for the day between four and six am.

Around 2:30am, I awoke from a fitful rest and informed hubby it was my turn to drive.

I was wide awake… I had thought.

At about 3:00am, I realized I was about to fall asleep!  Well, this really freaked me out seeing as I was totally responsible for the four people I loved most in the world who were sleeping peacefully and completely trusting me with their lives in the back seats.

RED BULL!

I had to pee (I do all the time anyway since I am pregnant and sitting upright puts baby right on my bladder) so I stopped, ran into a convenience store peed and purchased a Red Bull, a container of Original Pringles, and a box of Junior Mints.  I figured that combination would keep me awake!

Well.  I have never had a Red Bull in my entire life.  Never.  I have no idea what possessed me to try one when I am six months pregnant and driving in the middle of the night!

 The next five hours are a blur for me.  I was teetering between two crippling conditions at all times.

1. A new crack like addiction to Red Bull.

2. The inability to go more then 13 minutes without having to pee so bad it was painful.

About five minutes after my first ever sip of that mysteriously fruity concoction, I was filled with energy.  My mind was racing.  I was singing the Red Bull commercial in my head and thinking, "It really DOES give you wings!"

I thought of no less then 40 amazing tweets that I was desperate to share on twitter (but totally unable to since I was driving and it was like 4:00am) that I have now completely forgotten.

When the GPS annoyingly reminded me for the zillionth time to "Stay Right" I exuberantly answered, "Yooooouuuuuu betcha!"

I stopped four times to use the restroom over the next five hours.

The first time I threw up Pringles and Red Bull.  (who am I kidding.  I had eaten some Junior Mints too.  I have no shame)  Seeing as I was now addicted though, I bought another, even larger size Red Bull.  

As well as a large cappuccino.

The baby was kicking me like mad, adding to the fact that I felt like I needed to pee a measly four minutes after I had left the bathroom.

And to top it off, I was STILL exhasuted and fighting the dreaded drooping eyelids.

Right about the time I thought for sure I would have to pull over and just give in to the fatigue, the sun peeked its bright head over the horizon and the breaking dawn rejuvenated me.  

Well, for about another half hour.

Then we stopped for breakfast, I realized that I was sick to my stomach again, and that I would probably never ever consume another Red Bull as long as I lived.

To top it all off, I cannot get the wretched taste of Red Bull out of my mouth.

And now I sit nauseous and sickly (not the glorified Victorian thin version, just the pukey one) in the back of a mini-van trying to share this with someone in the vain hopes that I am not the only one who has not had a good experience with Red Bull.

I gotta go before I puke on my computer.  (going for a record of how many times I can say the word puke and Red Bull in one post)

*I do NOT condone the use of Redbull during pregnancy.

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