Very Thankful

We are almost ready for Small Fry to join our family. We bought our new (used) car on the 4th. It is the first time in over 3 years that we are a two car family. I love my new Pilot! We have already gotten full use of all the space in it. On Thursday, my co-workers threw me a surprise baby shower. It was so nice of them! We received our stroller and some of the crib bedding from them. It was so nice and generous, and I was very surprised. We had our big family baby shower this weekend and it was wonderful to celebrate with all of our family and close friends. A big "thank you!" to my Aunts, my Mom, and all who helped host the party. We received so many terrific gifts for the baby, and we were able to finish up all of our shopping on Sunday for the baby. We also picked up the crib from my Aunt and Uncle. My littlest cousin was very excited to give his bed up for Small Fry because he got a new race car bed. We are so thankful for all of the generosity, love and support that everyone has bestowed upon us. The little one will be here soon, and I am starting to feel ready.

It's a Bus, NOT a Miata!

The driver of the bus that I normally ride home seems to think that he can drive the large bus as if it were some kind of sports car. He accelerates around corners and curves to the point that people are clinging to the seats in front of them and holding on to their stuff so that it doesn't go flying across the bus and out the window. He will speed up to a string of stopped cars only to slam on the brakes and throw everyone out of their seats. Does he think this is fun?!?!?! It really is not fun, especially when you are 8+ months pregnant! If I wanted to go on a thrill ride, I would have gone to Elitches Amusement Park for the evening.

Less than a Month

We are getting down to the wire. There is still a lot to do, but we are ready now, if we had to be. We bought a little girl and a little boy outfit last weekend, along with some wipes. We should probably get some little diapers on hand, I'll add it to the list. Jon installed the car seat this week, he also took the entire car seat apart and read the manual cover to cover and then gave me a lesson. He is going to be such a great daddy. I am feeling pretty good. The attic fan has been a blessing to have, it does a great job cooling the house off at night. My ankles and feet are swollen, and my wedding ring doesn't fit anymore, but it is all temporary. We are going car shopping this weekend- this kid is getting really expensive! Last night we registered at the hospital, so we don't have so much paper work to do when we get there on the big day. I am feeling the strong need to "nest", I've made lists of chores for every room in the house, I hope to get some of them done this weekend.

Here are the two outfits we picked out. Any guesses??

To Be Part of a Loving Family...

Is the Gift of a Lifetime!

I realize that it seems as if I've been slacking on the blogging. In reality, we have been super busy, and on vacation. We left on 6/13 for Pennsylvania and just got back on Sunday night. Prior to leaving I had to finish a major project for the trip. We were in PA to celebrate my Grandparents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. Ma and Pa, all seven of their kids, and most of the 17 grand kids, plus extras were in attendance all week at Deer Valley. Deer Valley is the most wonderful place on earth. It is a YMCA Family Camp where cell phones don't work :) We had a fabulous time being all together. I spent a lot of time in the craft shop painting a variety of green ware. Jon and I went sailing once- that was enough to get my heart rate up. It is really hard to move in a sailboat when you are 8 months pregnant. We also made the hike to Big Springs and I watched most my family jump in. Big Springs is a large natural water spring that stays at about 50 degrees- REALLY COLD!! Jon did a lot of fishing, he also went horseback riding, he made Stella a new leash and collar, and painted a Gnome and mug in the craft shop.


We celebrated Ma & Pa's anniversary on Thursday at camp, where I finally was able to debut the project that I have been working on since last year. My mom, and a few of my aunts and uncles helped me to scan, organize, and crop 50+ years of photos to commemorate the anniversary. This was not an easy feat. My grandma takes A LOT of pictures! All in all we have 28+ GB of photo albums and digital pictures, that's more than 8 DVDs. Also, if you recall a former post, my computer died right at about the time that I was cranking through on this project. The final product turned out beautifully, and I was really touched to see Pa tearing up at the end of the show.


On Saturday, the entire family went to Pittsburgh and on Sunday we went to the church where Ma & Pa were married 50 years and 1 day earlier to witness them renew their vows to one another. It was beautiful to watch the tenderness and love in their re-commitment that they share with one another after all of these years. They truly are an inspiration to all of us, and I feel so blessed to be apart of their family.


The flight home was really uncomfortable for me. My feet swelled on Wednesday at camp, and the flight did nothing to help. My feet were about three times the size they normally are by the time we landed in Denver. The swelling has gone down a little- at least so that I can wear more than one pair of flip-flops. I am glad to be back home where it is dry and at altitude. 5 weeks to go till my due date- so much to do still.

Here are just a few pictures from the trip.

Congrats Pat & Sarah!

Last night my brother got home from being away at sea for school since October. He proposed to his wonderful girlfriend Sarah as soon as he made his way up from the airplane at Denver International Airport. He arranged and coordinated all of his family to help with the scheme, and it worked perfectly. Of course Sarah said yes! I am so happy for these two, and I am so happy to to have Sarah as my future sister-in-law. (Be sure to watch the video of the event below.)

Congrats Grad!

I can't believe that my little brother Petey has graduated. The ceremony was on Saturday. It was nice, but r-e-a-l-l-y l-o-n-g. His class was only 30ish kids. Petey received $6,500 in scholarships from his small community- GO PETE! I am so proud of him, he has matured into a terrific young man with a sense of local and global community, and he will go far.

Dear Baby,

My belly button is not an escape hatch. Please stop trying to push and tear through it. You are hurting Mommy. See you in a couple months.

Love,
Mom