August isn't even cold in its grave, and the stores swiftly began displaying pumpkins and mums for sale. Goodness. Please don't add salt to our already aching wounds. No need to rub it in, folks.
Please don't misunderstand. I love fall. I really enjoy all the seasons, but I like the crispness of fall when it is cool enough for a jacket but not cold enough to shiver into an ice sculpture. I am always ready to say goodbye to shorts, capris, and sandals and slip instead into my favorite pair of jeans. (Not sure I can get into them yet, with a few extra pregnancy pounds, but that's another story.)
I enjoy summer most of all because I get to spend it with my best friend. For those that think teachers have it made in the shade, they don't see how hard my husband works. Teaching is already like working two jobs with all the extra work at home, and my husband really does work two jobs. So it is easily like working three jobs. As a music teacher, he has so many extra activities, concerts, competitions, judging, school play, etc., etc., etc. You get the picture.
I don't mean to sound "woe is me" when he is the one doing all that hard work. But it does get lonely sometimes. My mom and sister certainly can't drop in for a quick visit and chat over a cup of tea. I can handle the regular hours Brian is away. It is the second job and the added activities that make it difficult some days. I miss him. Now, with taking care of a baby, sometimes an extra set of eyes to watch our precious one is most welcome when trying to get a meal on the table. (I won't even talk about how the kitten gets into EVERYTHING.)
So summer is over, but it has left us with some memories. We watched our Caleb boy grow to three and half months old, and he delighted us a few days ago by rolling over FIVE times in one day! He is no puny boy, that's for sure! He's already a tough little guy, and as soon as I can get him to help me carry the groceries in, I will!
After a second close encounter with a mouse, we brought home a kitten, and while I am still trying to get used to the little guy, Brian loves him, so at least he's not neglected. (I am trying, folks.) He's still a bit of a rascal, and I'm hoping he calms down as he gets a little older. On the plus side, he does kill/eat spiders, so he may prove to come in handy to this spider-detesting girl.
We finally purchased a new (used) car! Brian's old deathtrap is finally a thing of the past. He endured an entire winter without heat. (Some days I forced him to drive my twenty-year old car which does have heat.) We spent Christmas day pulling over on the side of the road to pour coolant into the car just so we could get home. No more! I know Brian feels good taking our new car to work, and I get to take it on the days I travel a good forty-five minutes or so to any of the major stores, such as Kohl's.
We also celebrated two years of marriage in August, and I am grateful everyday that I married my best friend. I wouldn't trade him for anything.
Now, we look ahead. Brian's birthday is next month, and then we have Thanksgiving, and a glorious Christmas to look forward to with our firstborn. I am sad to see Brian go back to work, but I do look forward to the days ahead.
As for next summer?! Caleb will be a year old, and we already have several activities planned. We won't nearly be as limited as we were this summer. We can't wait!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Happily Married: Two Years
Two years ago today, Brian and I spoke our vows before God to love and honor only each other, 'til death do us part.
Both of us take those vows seriously. Those words we spoke were a promise, and that promise was not based on unstable emotions, but rather the strong, sturdy, constant kind of love that does not waver and does not let go.
Is marriage easy? By no means. It takes hard work, tons of communication, strong doses of humility, and endless forgiveness. But when you put two people together who are determined to stick it out come what may, you will likely see a marriage that will last forever.
They say the best decision we can make, next to accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, is determining whom to marry. If that is the case, and I believe it is, then I made a wonderful choice. My husband is by no means the perfect man, but no man can fulfill that impossibility. He isn't perfect, but he's good. When I say "good", I don't mean mediocre, or even fair, as if he's just making the mark. When I say "good" I mean way above the status quo. A good man, a truly good man, is hard to find, but I found one. For that, I am abundantly blessed.
I still have much to learn about being a good wife and the best help meet I can be to my man. I am still growing, and I am grateful that my husband has never-ending patience with me.
Today we celebrated our marriage of two years, which is a drop in the bucket to some of the older couples we know, but Lord willing, we will be among those whose marriage lasts a long, long time.
Brian took me out to dinner and for a walk along the lake, and of course, we took our little boy with us. It was all the more special celebrating with our Caleb. I started a little tradition last year on our first anniversary: I wore the headband and earrings that I wore as a bride. I donned them again this year, and I added the bracelet I wore also. I have worn none of those things since then, except on our anniversary. Last year, if I really wanted (which I didn't), I probably could have still fit into my wedding gown, but now, after having Caleb, no way is that going to happen! (Although I did get weighed today and discovered I have only seven pounds to lose before I reach my pre-pregnancy weight!)
I will include here photos of the gifts we got each other for our second anniversary traditional gift of cotton.
Both of us take those vows seriously. Those words we spoke were a promise, and that promise was not based on unstable emotions, but rather the strong, sturdy, constant kind of love that does not waver and does not let go.
Is marriage easy? By no means. It takes hard work, tons of communication, strong doses of humility, and endless forgiveness. But when you put two people together who are determined to stick it out come what may, you will likely see a marriage that will last forever.
They say the best decision we can make, next to accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior, is determining whom to marry. If that is the case, and I believe it is, then I made a wonderful choice. My husband is by no means the perfect man, but no man can fulfill that impossibility. He isn't perfect, but he's good. When I say "good", I don't mean mediocre, or even fair, as if he's just making the mark. When I say "good" I mean way above the status quo. A good man, a truly good man, is hard to find, but I found one. For that, I am abundantly blessed.
I still have much to learn about being a good wife and the best help meet I can be to my man. I am still growing, and I am grateful that my husband has never-ending patience with me.
Today we celebrated our marriage of two years, which is a drop in the bucket to some of the older couples we know, but Lord willing, we will be among those whose marriage lasts a long, long time.
Brian took me out to dinner and for a walk along the lake, and of course, we took our little boy with us. It was all the more special celebrating with our Caleb. I started a little tradition last year on our first anniversary: I wore the headband and earrings that I wore as a bride. I donned them again this year, and I added the bracelet I wore also. I have worn none of those things since then, except on our anniversary. Last year, if I really wanted (which I didn't), I probably could have still fit into my wedding gown, but now, after having Caleb, no way is that going to happen! (Although I did get weighed today and discovered I have only seven pounds to lose before I reach my pre-pregnancy weight!)
I will include here photos of the gifts we got each other for our second anniversary traditional gift of cotton.
I got Brian a set of three handkerchiefs embroidered with his initials.
Brian did much better than I. He purchased a beautiful pillow, and had a picture of the three of us copied (engraved? scanned?) onto it. It is beautiful. I love it.
Here's to many, many more years with the love of my life!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Three Months
Dear Caleb,
My boy, you are really growing! I can't believe you are three months old already!
Do you know how much your mama loves you? I enjoy each new day with you. We are falling into quite a routine, you and I. Every morning you put up with my singing, "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you" and also "This is the day that the Lord has made". You smile throughout it all, though you will one day learn that your daddy is a much better singer than mommy. Today, on your three-month birthday, I decided to start a new routine of reading a Psalm to you each morning. It is never too early to start hearing God's Word!
You are getting stronger every day. Look out, world! Here comes my boy! Your neck muscles are gaining strength and you can now roll over to your right side, though you usually roll right back. And those kicks! I can hardly stand how cute it is to see those legs of yours go in the air.
You are quite taken with yourself. During car rides, you stare at yourself in your little mirror, completely fascinated with the little boy that is looking back with you. I can't blame you at all, for I feel exactly the same way!
Your daddy and I are completely in love with you, and we are absolutely dreading the upcoming move from the bassinet to your own crib in your very own room. I'm not sure what I shall do when you will no longer be by my side all night long. No doubt, you will deal with the transition much better than I.
I love you, my darling boy! My life is so much more full with your smiles and wide-eyed looks. Just please, don't grow up too fast. I want to hold on to these sweet days for as long as I possibly can, and yes, I will milk that bassinet for all it is worth.
Love,
Your mama
My boy, you are really growing! I can't believe you are three months old already!
Do you know how much your mama loves you? I enjoy each new day with you. We are falling into quite a routine, you and I. Every morning you put up with my singing, "Good morning, good morning, good morning to you" and also "This is the day that the Lord has made". You smile throughout it all, though you will one day learn that your daddy is a much better singer than mommy. Today, on your three-month birthday, I decided to start a new routine of reading a Psalm to you each morning. It is never too early to start hearing God's Word!
You are getting stronger every day. Look out, world! Here comes my boy! Your neck muscles are gaining strength and you can now roll over to your right side, though you usually roll right back. And those kicks! I can hardly stand how cute it is to see those legs of yours go in the air.
You are quite taken with yourself. During car rides, you stare at yourself in your little mirror, completely fascinated with the little boy that is looking back with you. I can't blame you at all, for I feel exactly the same way!
Your daddy and I are completely in love with you, and we are absolutely dreading the upcoming move from the bassinet to your own crib in your very own room. I'm not sure what I shall do when you will no longer be by my side all night long. No doubt, you will deal with the transition much better than I.
I love you, my darling boy! My life is so much more full with your smiles and wide-eyed looks. Just please, don't grow up too fast. I want to hold on to these sweet days for as long as I possibly can, and yes, I will milk that bassinet for all it is worth.
Love,
Your mama
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Best Husband
This brief story demonstrates just one of the reasons why I have the best husband in the world.
Two nights ago, Brian went to a wedding in Long Island for one of his coworkers. Since it was so far, in addition to a wedding being no place for a baby, I stayed behind with Caleb. I would have liked to have gone with Brian, especially for the chance to dance a slow number with him, something we have not done since our own wedding.
Brian found himself at a table with his colleagues, and there was a moment where a napkin was passed around at each table. When the music stopped, the person holding the napkin was asked to come to the dance floor. You guessed it; Brian was the person holding the napkin. When he arrived to the dance floor, he and all the other victims were told to ask a person from any other table than the one they came from to dance.
If it were me, I would have skulked off and said, "No way!" But my husband is ever so clever. Instead of being a party pooper, he told me that he immediately began looking for the lady with the whitest, grayest hair. So he did.
He walked right up to a sweet lady and held out his arm. She was just tickled, and declared him to be a "nice young man". It turns out that she was an aunt of the bride. Brian's colleagues were all in stitches, snapping pictures and such.
The reason I have the best husband is because instead of choosing a young, pretty thing (not that I am saying I am old and ugly), he honored me by choosing an older lady, and he also made this lady feel pretty good. While I wish I could have been the one dancing with him, I don't begrudge the bride's aunt.
How's that for getting out of a sticky situation? I married a pretty smart man.
Two nights ago, Brian went to a wedding in Long Island for one of his coworkers. Since it was so far, in addition to a wedding being no place for a baby, I stayed behind with Caleb. I would have liked to have gone with Brian, especially for the chance to dance a slow number with him, something we have not done since our own wedding.
Brian found himself at a table with his colleagues, and there was a moment where a napkin was passed around at each table. When the music stopped, the person holding the napkin was asked to come to the dance floor. You guessed it; Brian was the person holding the napkin. When he arrived to the dance floor, he and all the other victims were told to ask a person from any other table than the one they came from to dance.
If it were me, I would have skulked off and said, "No way!" But my husband is ever so clever. Instead of being a party pooper, he told me that he immediately began looking for the lady with the whitest, grayest hair. So he did.
He walked right up to a sweet lady and held out his arm. She was just tickled, and declared him to be a "nice young man". It turns out that she was an aunt of the bride. Brian's colleagues were all in stitches, snapping pictures and such.
The reason I have the best husband is because instead of choosing a young, pretty thing (not that I am saying I am old and ugly), he honored me by choosing an older lady, and he also made this lady feel pretty good. While I wish I could have been the one dancing with him, I don't begrudge the bride's aunt.
How's that for getting out of a sticky situation? I married a pretty smart man.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
First Year of Homeownership
We've officially owned our home for one year.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this summer, besides having Caleb of course, is the fact that I haven't had to move. Two years ago, I was preparing for my wedding in the midst of getting ready to move to PA. I was trying to figure out what to pack and bring to PA ahead of time, and also what to still leave with me for my last couple of weeks in NJ. It was a flurry of boxes and living out of suitcases. It was rather crazy.
Last year, on August 4th to be exact, I found myself moving again. We said goodbye to Brian's bachelor pad, which I tried my best to make a cozy home for our first year of marriage. There was only so much I could do with the place. While I was more than ready to leave, it was a bit sad to leave the first home we had together.
So for the first time in two years, I did not have anywhere to traipse to this summer, and it was a blessed relief.
Homeownership is no easy role. There is always something to be done, and we are still working on the same to do list that we made when we moved in. Some new things popped up along the way that pushed other things down on that list. I keep reminding myself that it is a marathon and not a sprint. We don't know how long we'll be here, whether it is for the long haul, or a few years. Still, we keep plugging away, trying to make our home an even better place.
I keep looking back to that move we made one year ago (and two days). We had Brian's family helping us move, and also a couple from our church. This friend of mine, Cheryl, and I, found ourselves a few moments to talk as she helped me put my bed together in my new bedroom. I was telling her of my desire to get pregnant, and she was encouraging me. She also revealed that she was also wanting to get pregnant with her third child, and she and her husband were hoping for a boy after having two daughters. I look back on that conversation and marvel, for within a couple of weeks, I did get pregnant, and she did, too. Her baby boy was born ten days after Caleb. What a strange kind of miracle for that to happen to the two of us, just after we both voiced our earnest desires.
If I could have had a glimpse then of what awaited me, this beautiful, blue-eyed boy, what a burst of ecstatic joy would have rippled through me. Our home now feels much more complete with this baby of ours.
Even though we have a million things that still need doing, I remind myself to be content. We have each other and our precious son. There are some windows that still need blinds and rooms still need to be painted, but those are not the most important things in life. Our family is, and I am so blessed that God has fulfilled the deepest desire of my heart.
So here's to many more happy years here, for as long as God should have us!
One of the things I've enjoyed most about this summer, besides having Caleb of course, is the fact that I haven't had to move. Two years ago, I was preparing for my wedding in the midst of getting ready to move to PA. I was trying to figure out what to pack and bring to PA ahead of time, and also what to still leave with me for my last couple of weeks in NJ. It was a flurry of boxes and living out of suitcases. It was rather crazy.
Last year, on August 4th to be exact, I found myself moving again. We said goodbye to Brian's bachelor pad, which I tried my best to make a cozy home for our first year of marriage. There was only so much I could do with the place. While I was more than ready to leave, it was a bit sad to leave the first home we had together.
So for the first time in two years, I did not have anywhere to traipse to this summer, and it was a blessed relief.
Homeownership is no easy role. There is always something to be done, and we are still working on the same to do list that we made when we moved in. Some new things popped up along the way that pushed other things down on that list. I keep reminding myself that it is a marathon and not a sprint. We don't know how long we'll be here, whether it is for the long haul, or a few years. Still, we keep plugging away, trying to make our home an even better place.
I keep looking back to that move we made one year ago (and two days). We had Brian's family helping us move, and also a couple from our church. This friend of mine, Cheryl, and I, found ourselves a few moments to talk as she helped me put my bed together in my new bedroom. I was telling her of my desire to get pregnant, and she was encouraging me. She also revealed that she was also wanting to get pregnant with her third child, and she and her husband were hoping for a boy after having two daughters. I look back on that conversation and marvel, for within a couple of weeks, I did get pregnant, and she did, too. Her baby boy was born ten days after Caleb. What a strange kind of miracle for that to happen to the two of us, just after we both voiced our earnest desires.
If I could have had a glimpse then of what awaited me, this beautiful, blue-eyed boy, what a burst of ecstatic joy would have rippled through me. Our home now feels much more complete with this baby of ours.
Even though we have a million things that still need doing, I remind myself to be content. We have each other and our precious son. There are some windows that still need blinds and rooms still need to be painted, but those are not the most important things in life. Our family is, and I am so blessed that God has fulfilled the deepest desire of my heart.
So here's to many more happy years here, for as long as God should have us!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Meet Pocono
He's cute, he's fast, and he's a real good fetcher. He's also got some really sharp claws. Brian has been scratched and poked a few times. I've been rather, um, cautious myself.
By the way, his original name was Clyde. No, I'm not kidding. We changed that pretty quick.
He's a real cutie, but we still need to take him to the vet, so he's still confined to the lower family room. All in good time! He absolutely loves Brian. I haven't been with him much yet for him to form an opinion of me, but I don't doubt he won't know what to make of me. We'll see!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Big News
Folks-
This is big.
We are now the owners of a four-month old kitten.
For those that have known me a while, this news is so shocking it is almost scandalous. I have never owned a pet, save the beta fish someone gave me in college. I named him Boaz, and for the record, I was rather upset when he died.
If you have been a reader of this blog, you know about the mouse incident that occurred in March. We had thought about getting a cat then, and were pretty close to it, but decided against it at the time because Brian had so much going on at work and we realized he wouldn't have any time to train it. Obviously, I wouldn't have been a good choice to train the cat.
After we had another mouse one week ago, I had had enough. I do believe the mouse scurried in from the garage when Brian opened the door, though I didn't see it until hours later. I further believe the mouse entered the garage one night when the garage door was open for quite some time as Brian was selling an appliance to some people. I had even said to myself that night, "I hope a mouse doesn't get in the garage."
Last Thursday night, I was sitting in our lower family room watching a movie with Caleb, and I saw the unwanted creature scurry in. I didn't scream or overreact. Almost automatically, I of course grabbed Caleb, and I also picked up his blue rocking chair and his nursing pillow (thinking to myself "no way am I coming back down for them"), and I flew up the stairs. How I carried all of those things I don't know, because Caleb wasn't in the chair. The chair was entirely separate. When I got upstairs, I also discovered I somehow even managed to bring up his burp cloth and the journal where I write down all his feeding times. That's nothing short of miraculous. Who knew I had such an ability?
I called Brian in a fit of despair. He was on his way home from his second job giving music lessons, and I told him to hurry home. I called my mom and asked her to pray.
I won't keep going with the story, but that mouse was caught in a trap. You'd think we could get on with our lives just fine, but no. Now I have memories of seeing not one, but two mice in my home. Something had to be done. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The very next day, we went to an animal shelter, coincidentally in the same town where Caleb was born. We picked out a cat, but we had to wait about a week for him. We just brought him home today.
So it is a new experience for me to live with a furry creature. He is cute, but since he is a kitten, I'm easily startled by his sudden movements and I'll admit I fear for his claws around Caleb. (Oh, let's face it. I'm also afraid of his claws myself!) We will be very careful until we know we can trust him.
I will post a photo of him as soon as I can. Brian is with him now, and we are limiting the cat to one room so he can adjust a bit to life outside the cage. I haven't been with the cat much yet because I'm busy seeing to Caleb, but soon enough, soon enough.
His name is Pocono, by the way, and this sudden addition leaves me totally and completely outnumbered around here.
I'm hoping for a daughter next!
Update: Pocono is already proving his worth by killing a spider on the wall in the family room. Brian said it wasn't even very big, but he found it. This cat just might worm his way into my affections.
Yes, I still need to take a photo. Both times I went down to see the cat with Caleb in my sling, Caleb got very fussy and I had to bring him upstairs. I'll get one soon, I hope.
This is big.
We are now the owners of a four-month old kitten.
For those that have known me a while, this news is so shocking it is almost scandalous. I have never owned a pet, save the beta fish someone gave me in college. I named him Boaz, and for the record, I was rather upset when he died.
If you have been a reader of this blog, you know about the mouse incident that occurred in March. We had thought about getting a cat then, and were pretty close to it, but decided against it at the time because Brian had so much going on at work and we realized he wouldn't have any time to train it. Obviously, I wouldn't have been a good choice to train the cat.
After we had another mouse one week ago, I had had enough. I do believe the mouse scurried in from the garage when Brian opened the door, though I didn't see it until hours later. I further believe the mouse entered the garage one night when the garage door was open for quite some time as Brian was selling an appliance to some people. I had even said to myself that night, "I hope a mouse doesn't get in the garage."
Last Thursday night, I was sitting in our lower family room watching a movie with Caleb, and I saw the unwanted creature scurry in. I didn't scream or overreact. Almost automatically, I of course grabbed Caleb, and I also picked up his blue rocking chair and his nursing pillow (thinking to myself "no way am I coming back down for them"), and I flew up the stairs. How I carried all of those things I don't know, because Caleb wasn't in the chair. The chair was entirely separate. When I got upstairs, I also discovered I somehow even managed to bring up his burp cloth and the journal where I write down all his feeding times. That's nothing short of miraculous. Who knew I had such an ability?
I called Brian in a fit of despair. He was on his way home from his second job giving music lessons, and I told him to hurry home. I called my mom and asked her to pray.
I won't keep going with the story, but that mouse was caught in a trap. You'd think we could get on with our lives just fine, but no. Now I have memories of seeing not one, but two mice in my home. Something had to be done. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The very next day, we went to an animal shelter, coincidentally in the same town where Caleb was born. We picked out a cat, but we had to wait about a week for him. We just brought him home today.
So it is a new experience for me to live with a furry creature. He is cute, but since he is a kitten, I'm easily startled by his sudden movements and I'll admit I fear for his claws around Caleb. (Oh, let's face it. I'm also afraid of his claws myself!) We will be very careful until we know we can trust him.
I will post a photo of him as soon as I can. Brian is with him now, and we are limiting the cat to one room so he can adjust a bit to life outside the cage. I haven't been with the cat much yet because I'm busy seeing to Caleb, but soon enough, soon enough.
His name is Pocono, by the way, and this sudden addition leaves me totally and completely outnumbered around here.
I'm hoping for a daughter next!
Update: Pocono is already proving his worth by killing a spider on the wall in the family room. Brian said it wasn't even very big, but he found it. This cat just might worm his way into my affections.
Yes, I still need to take a photo. Both times I went down to see the cat with Caleb in my sling, Caleb got very fussy and I had to bring him upstairs. I'll get one soon, I hope.
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