the new way it is

Since becoming a mom, I've been downright awful at blogging.  Most would say that's normal, but it bothers me that I haven't kept up on it.  Sometimes when driving to or from work I get an idea for a post, but usually it disappears and my job continues when I get home and nothing ever gets written.  I am going to try to get back into the swing of writing, but since I've said that before, I really can't promise anything!

I've been thinking about our life now, and how even though it's so different, it also feels like it's been this way forever.  Maybe because we are settled into our new routines with Ephraim's schedule, work, and other commitments, but some days it feels like we've been at this parenting thing for longer than 5 1/2 months.  Other days though, I have flashbacks to how life was before when it was Col and I.  I wonder how I didn't get a million more things done.  I wonder how we spent our time.  And then I remember that in this new life, we have had to let some things wait for a while (ahem, blogging...but also cleaning, watching our TV shows [we have yet to start this season's Amazing Race], and seeing friends as often).  It's amazing how life can shift, some parts slightly, others majorly, and yet settle into the same familiar pattern.  

These days I struggle with a new balance.  One of finding time and energy to devote to what is important.  So even though I love my blog, cleaning (yes, yes I do), and reading, these things have had to take a backseat.  But I remind myself that it's ok, because as I'm already experiencing, time goes by way too fast.  The tiny baby boy who we first held in our arms is long gone, and before long this stage of his life will be too.  I already miss those days when he could fit easily in my one arm.  I already forgot what it was like to have to feed him every 3 hours.  And I know that when it was happening, I wished for him to be older, for sleep.  And now I'm here, still wishing for an uninterrupted night's sleep because our big eater won't let go of that one feeding, but knowing that I'll miss the chance to hold my babe in the calm of the night and see his sweet smile when all is dark and quiet.

In the blink of an eye we have an almost 17 lb., 5 1/2 month old who eats cereal, veggies, and fruit like a champ, is pretty much sitting, loves to stand, and has a wonderfully happy personality.  He wants to be moving and active.  He's already been on prescriptions, and had colds, and is trying to break through teeth.  We've flown through diaper sizes and packed away clothes and newborn items.  And time won't slow down.  So I'm trying to teach myself that even though it's hard sometimes to let them go, the dishes and laundry can wait.  Sleep will come eventually.  I need to cherish the hours I have with our guy before he's a big ol' teenager who won't want to sing silly songs, get tickled, and laugh at mommy and daddy's crazy faces (although maybe he'll still laugh at us).

savoring the little things

A few days ago, I had a moment of gratitude for our little life.  You know when you are doing something so simple, yet feel overwhelmingly blessed and content where you are?  It was like that.

Over the last few weeks we have enjoyed a lot.  One Friday we had a 24-hour movie marathon with our friends Rachel and Brenton where we kicked off with a late dinner at Moe's (our first time!), and then stayed up until 4am eating ice cream, candy, and popcorn while watching Thor, The Hulk, and Captain America.  When we got up the next morning, we commenced with pancakes and Iron Man.  Later that evening, after a quick trip to the vet with Mendon, we finished off with The Avengers.

On Sunday of that weekend I was able to meet my parents at the mall and enjoy an extremely entertaining shopping trip with them.  My dad had to get some new clothes, and I had a blast laughing and being goofy with them.  Later that day I hung out with Teenie and Jeremiah, where we talked and played and I had fun getting carrots spit up on me a few times ;) One night after work, I was able to meet Rach for coffee and have a great conversation with her about our adoption and catch up on life and her new puppy.  We went to my parents' house one Saturday night and celebrated my Grandma Saile's birthday with my dad's family.  I had a phone catch-up with Deanna and cherished the fact that even though we had to call each other back a few times during our conversation, we can always pick up right where we leave off.

I even finally started my promotion at work, the one offered me in July.  I have one week under my belt, a small corner desk with a window to look out of, and quiet to think and work.  I have a lot to learn, but so far I'm happy where I am and excited to keep accomplishing.

Col and I have taken a ton of walks with Mendon, many during the cold fall air, all bundled up.  We have traveled new routes and walked long distances (the other day we took a 2 hour walk).  One night, we even walked to our polling place to cast our vote for a local election.  It was that night that I felt content, something that is hard for me sometimes because I get caught up in making plans, lists, and timelines.  We have relaxed at home, watched football and lots of Friends episodes, spent time with family and friends, eaten like crap and enjoyed too many desserts.  After the heartache that we have felt (and the hard days I still have), it has been refreshing to just enjoy the little things.  To really be in the moment for once.  And no matter what happens, we still need to enjoy our lives as they are, right then.

life lately - a random recap

Man have I been neglecting this blog lately.  Although, I'm not as awful as it seems, as I have had many topics, ideas, and musings swirling around in my head, but unfortunately none of those made it down on paper, or keyboard, in a timely matter (if at all).  And so, here is a hodge-podge post about our lives lately:

We've watched multiple dogs - all within a close period of time.
[After which I got sick of walking through the front door and only smelling dog, so I did a thorough cleaning of all the floors and baseboards, including washing them on my hands and knees (made mom proud).  I vacuumed and febreezed all the furniture too, as those two littles got up no matter how many times we said no.  Love them dogs, but not the smells that multiples of them in one house seem to make.]

 
We had our first fire of the year in our new fire pit.
[Which we got in the spring and just put to use.  Summer always gets away from me...]

We completed more yard work.
[Where I got carried away with my non-electric hand trimmer and majorly trimmed half of a bunch of trees off since they are over our fence.  Col loves the end result and feels it opens up our yard a lot.  Even though we can see more light through to the neighbors' back yard, I like it too.  He said he knew that if I got going, I'd have it all down.  I can't help it; once I start cutting, my arms just keep moving!]

We attended our first Adoption S.T.A.R. picnic as a waiting family.
[I loved seeing the large turn out, meeting another new waiting family - who had a connection to us through our adoption of Mendon! - and seeing all the kiddos.]

I attended a seminar for work on social media.
[Which got me really excited and shouting to myself in my head, "I can do that!," over and over...until I remembered that at the moment, I do not have time to do that as I'm still working double duty.  But, once I'm able to fully transition, I can't wait to implement what I learned.]

Col's grandma had her 80th birthday.
[We celebrated with his mom's whole side of the family.  Another fun day of watching all the kids play and eating good food.]

I've had friend and family time.
[Bills training camp with a community group family.  Roomie time after an emotional day.  Visiting the newest community group baby.  Bridesmaid dress shopping for Rach's wedding - woot!  Redwings game with Col's fam.  Firemen's competition.  Lots of relaxing at home.]

We started obedience training with Mendon.
[She's actually quite well-behaved, and Col has done a great job training her.  But it's free through his work, so we thought, why not!  It can't hurt, and she'll love more time with other dogs.]

We've had moving on the mind for all of our parents.
[We've been assisting Col's rents with going through/selling stuff from their attic and garage as they prepare to move...sometime.  And we've been keeping up on my parents as they "moved" in with grandpa today, and will hopefully close on their new house soon.]

I'm working on organizing, re-arranging, and going though many areas of the house (again).
[I honestly think I'm nesting.  While I love myself a good organizing project any day, why else would putting clothes away turn into taking all of Col's clothes out of the closet and rearranging them by color while he and Mendon enjoyed a nap?  And check out Col's new tie storage solution!]

Friday ramblings

The sunshine today is making me a little wacky.  I feel like it should be a lot warmer out, but I'll take the good mood that always comes when the sun decides to visit Rochester.

The dog that we are watching from Col's work went home today [ four days early ].
Mendon was so sad when Col came home from work without him.
I'm sure he's ecstatically happy to be back home and getting some rest after being at daycare all day and playing with her in the mornings and evenings.
This means that we get time with just our pooch for the first time since we adopted her!
Here's to seeing what living with one dog is like compared to having two, three, and even four at once.

Not gonna lie though, I'm looking forward to my three days living at our friends' house while I baby/house-sit for them while they are away.  I know for a fact that their little one sleeps longer, better, and more often than our puppy.
I love you Mendon, but this girl isn't used to waking up so early and is looking forward to some catch up sleep.  Even despite daylight savings.

[ the two days off of work aren't too bad either ;) ]

Hooray to Friday and the weekend, a long one [ for me ] at that!

P.S. I'm anxiously and happily awaiting news on two very special babies.  Our niece is due very, very soon and baby E not long after!
P.S.S. Right now, Dairy Queen is having a promotion: buy any Blizzard get the second for .99 cents! [ we already partook last night ]
P.S.S.S. We paid off another one of my student loans last week.  Only ONE more to go!!

lately I'm...

...trying so hard to wait.and.trust.

I think know I stink at it.  And so I continue to pray.

Also getting me through:

~game nights w/ friends

~Skyping with Deanna for the first time since she moved to Nashville
~date night out to dinner (yay giftcards) and the movies in our 'hood

~empty, relaxing nights and weekends with hubby

Hoping soon to have a more exciting update.  Yes, we are still at our apartment   No, we do not have a closing date.  For now, we're still on the roller coaster ride.  And I'm seeing more and more how waiting on others is a very big weakness of mine.  Enter in, my lesson for this whole process.

yes!

I was browsing through past posts on my pastor's blog when I came across this one.  I often get frustrated by the negativity that people have about Rochester, especially because there is so much to do for a smaller city.  Rich in culture, the arts, festivals, tons of restaurants, a zoo, the beach, museums, parks, theatre, music, sports, the list goes on and on!  Col and I love taking walks and exploring new neighborhoods, restaurants, coffee shops, and activities.  Not to mention that all of the suburbs of Rochester hold their own unique activities/experiences.  I love living here and am glad to see that our choice in remaining here in the Rochester area to raise our future family is a good one :)

Follow this link to see what I'm talking about.  Obviously the whole post doesn't apply to me, but you can enjoy my pastor's humor too.

a storm and a celebration

Yesterday I threw Colin a little graduation picnic.  We planned on spending the afternoon at a small, super cute neighborhood park right near our apartment playing lawn games and snacking.  What we didn't plan on was having to quickly vacate the park while narrowly missing an immense downpour complete with wind, thunder, and lightning.

All week we kept checking the weather after hearing about a storm that was supposed to come in right smack dab in the middle of our picnic.  Of course, when you pick a date a month in advance you can't really plan on the weather, but our summer has been so sunny and hot that we figured we'd be ok.

I wish I had been able to photo-document all of us scrambling to pack up everything.  We went to the park, set the food up, and started on a game of washer toss.  About 45 minutes in, it started to sprinkle, which was also when a lot of people started coming.  So there we were, simultaneously welcoming people and sending them back to their cars!  We went back and forth a few times about whether it was going to pass quickly and lightly or get worse.  Hearing thunder in the distance, we decided we were probably safest to move the party to our apartment.  Thankfully, we made it just in time.  While parking and unloading everything again into our apartment, the skies opened up.

The wind made it difficult to eat out on the porch, but we had a good time nonetheless.  Sadly the lawn games had to be forsaken, but it was still a fun afternoon of family, friends, and food (the three best f's).  And it was a little like life: storms will always try to ruin our celebrations, but why not just keep on celebrating in the rain anyway?  Thank you to everyone who braved the storm and came out to celebrate with Col!

That evening, after the food was put away and the last of our soggy guests had left, we were able to spend a quiet evening out on our porch and take a long walk around our neighborhood.  We explored a new place which was absolutely beautiful and back-in-time-ish (yeah, couldn't think of the perfect word to describe it).  On the way home we got caught in another downpour, but this time we kept walking through the raindrops while the sun shone down.

maybe a little obsessed

Ok, so I've become obsessed with blogs!  Seriously.  I used to read a few of my friends' and enjoy them, but when I was really hankering to write my own it was for simply that, to write.  I didn't think about others reading it so much as having an outlet to write and if people followed, great (a writer always secretly wants at least someone to read what she's written.  Well, most of the time...).  However, what a world that blogging has opened up to me!  I've come across s.o. m.a.n.y. wonderful blogs, mostly written by people who I don't know!  And you know what the best part is?  A lot of the posts that I've read have truly inspired me and felt like God was sticking a sign in front of my face and saying, "Read this.  You'll love it.  And by the way, I'm speaking to you through it."

[For more clarification, whenever I'm confused or trying to make a decision or just want some answers to the never-ending question of, "Why?," I always say how I wish God would just drop a sign down from the sky in front of my face with the answer/reason/explanation.  I'm pretty simple; I just need it in black and white and possibly hitting me in the head.]

Not to mention the women who write these blogs are SO stinkin' cool!  I seriously feel like such an amateur and think, "She's the coolest person ever!  I love how she did this/makes that/writes like this!"  Pure awe.  And awe-some-ness.

So, to all the women (and men) out there who blog, and who blog about certain specific issues that are so near and dear to my heart which I can't wait to someday write about, thank you.  Thank you for sharing your lives, stories, and writing styles.  And thank you for giving me something to do on those days when I have a certain length of time that I'm trying to fill... :)

July!

Where is summer going?!  It's already July!  Remember when you were a kid and you used to laugh at your parents whenever they said how fast time went by for them (because you just couldn't believe it)?  They were right!  Time flies, and I can't believe it's July already!

We got to spend our first day of July at church, breakfast w/ Col's fam, and then all afternoon/evening with wonderful friends, John and Teenie!  The boys golfed while we had some girl time and then enjoyed dinner, dessert, and games together as a treat from dog sitting for them in June.  

It was the perfect sunroof-and-all-windows-open-drive kind of day!

one of those mornings...

It all started by waking up feeling like I was literally leaning to one side and having absolutely no balance.  Almost to work, and I had to take a different route as they were closing a main street that I cross over.  Once to work, and I notice that the class for today goes until 2pm, which I had no idea about.  My shift usually ends at 1pm.  Then, hot coffee starts pouring out of the carafe while I'm carrying it, leaving both myself and the floor a hot (literally) mess.  To top it off, no one drank any of it.

I guess we all have to have these types of mornings/days to keep us humble, huh?  Here's to hoping for a better rest of the day!  I'm off to throw my clothes, and possibly shoes, in the wash.

musings

Life is hard. 

Sure we’ve all heard that before, but do you ever have those days/weeks/months/years where you feel burdened by this fact?  The past week has been exhausting in almost every sense of the word.  One thing after another has been popping up and threatening to steal my sense of well-being, destroy relationships, and cause me to grieve.  So lately I have been thinking about how much heartbreak and suffering there is in this life.  It’s been one of those weeks where I grieve for the perfect world that was lost due to sin.  And even though I’m thousands of years removed from that fateful day when Adam and Eve lost this perfection, I often think about what life would have been like.  Granted, this would erase our need for a Savior, Whom I’m eternally grateful to and thankful for a relationship with, but it’s always interesting to think about all the hurt that would have been avoided.  Enduring rough times make me even more excited for the everlasting joy of Heaven someday.

Do I love my life?  Wholly and unconditionally yes.  Am I ever so grateful for the blessings that God has bestowed upon me, my family, and my friends (the latter two being huge blessings in my own life)?  Of course!  However, do I also grieve along with God for the pain that sin and living in a fallen world causes people every day?  Yes.

But when all of this weighs heavy on my mind, I can find comfort and thank God for this: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

This is what happens when...

...the dryer breaks.  Which of course you don't discover until after you've already done one load of laundry and started a second in the washer.

Did I mention this only documents the first time this has happened in the past two weeks?  Thank goodness for in-laws who live close by!

How to: drop off the face of the earth...

...for 2 weeks.  About a month ago my hubby got sick with a sore throat/cough/sinus virus deal that took him until a few days ago to recover from.  I remained healthy for a week and a half while his white blood cells took on the challenge, downing vitamin C and everything else to keep myself healthy especially because my partner at work was fighting something as well.  Despite our best efforts (per Colin, no kissing allowed), I came down with the same fever/sore throat/cough/major sinus issue.  This thing is tough, especially because I'll feel a little better for a couple days and then BAM! it changes into something else and knocks me out again.  My antibiotic did nothing to help the situation and neither has downing mass amounts of water, keeping up with vitamin C, cold remedies, and sleep.  I've already embarrassed myself twice at work while having major coughing fits that don't stop for 20 minutes, once in front of a new patient at the front desk and once while on the phone.  Suffice it to say, I'm ready to be over this!

Long-story-not-short to say this: I apologize for being M.I.A. this past week or so.  Col says he recognizes the stages I'm going through from his own ordeal, so I should be on the up and up soon!

Thankful for these moments [amidst the plague] from the past week:

~watching Sarah's Key with two awesome friends, Teenie and KT
~attending Col's cousin's wedding on a beautiful day
~having tons of fun playing outside with our niece at a family picnic
~long walk to and around the Lilac Festival w/ Col where we enjoyed kettle corn, a fried Milky Way, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and music
~sweet emails and generosity from someone who I haven't even met yet
~being able to spend small group outside

hubby's tale of success

As some may know, my hubby is an elementary school teacher.  Sadly, we graduated college during one of the worst times to find a job, especially in education.  While he does sub and has had a few long-term sub positions, it's always a constant struggle to find something permanent.  However, this also has given him time to pursue his other passion in life: dogs.  Recently, he's been observing training courses at Tails of Success and was able to interview for a position in the doggy daycare.  I'm happy to announce that he got the job!  It's part-time and minimum wage, however it's 1) a steady job for now, 2) flexible to work around his grad school clinic as he finishes up this summer (which was preventing him from working at all since it's during the day), 3) not at night or on the weekends, and 4) something else that he loves to do!  He's still pursuing teaching, but right now gets to expand on his doggy work :)

So even though the main roadway is closed for now, this side street opened up.  God has a plan, and we're both excited to enjoy what may seem like a detour, but really is another route to enjoy traveling down.  Who knows, it might end up being more than just taking a longer way around!

The day of extreme emotions...

What a day!  Here are the stops on the emotional roller coaster that I rode today:

Exhaustion: It started off with rolling out of bed at 5:40am to give my dear friend Beka a ride to work as her car was being less than cooperative.  Let me tell you, it was the best drive down Monroe Ave that I've ever had - no traffic!  And it was good to help out a friend who would tolerate my I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-only-got-four-in-a-half-hours-of-sleep status.  Getting up early was well worth the future Bruster's ice cream that I was promised as commission :) [plus I kind of cheated and went back to bed for an hour after I got home before going to work]

Tentative relief: Work was decent.  A miracle in and of itself on a Friday.  I didn't get out until 6:30pm, but my stress level was tolerable as opposed to the usual I-feel-like-I-am-getting-an-ulcer-every-day.

Elation: Today Col dropped off the last and largest payment for grad school...EVER!  We have officially fully paid for his entire grad school with NO DEBT!  Shout out to Financial Peace for helping us make it happen!  I could go on forever about how awesome of an accomplishment this is for us and how happy we are that we did it.  And how pumped I am to now be using that money that we've been saving every month to dump on my undergrad loans, but not to bore you because this all turned into...

Anger/disbelief/shock: I was rear-ended at a red light by a taxi.  And when I turned down the next side street to pull over and talk to him he proceeded to not follow me, honk long and loud, and keep on his merry way to which I then decided to see if he stopped somewhere else.  As I was driving my gas light came on but I kept going, saw him at a gas station a ways from where he had hit me, turned around, he pulled out in front of me with another long and loud honk and in a stupid act that my mom said comes from my strong sense of right and wrong which occasionally limits my ability to see anything else, I followed him (it did flash across my mind that I could get shot down, alas to no avail), waving my arms for him to pull over, all the way to the house of the lady who he was transporting, to which I pulled over, got out and confronted him, and his reply was that HE NEVER HIT ME.  I'm sorry buddy, but my car when sitting braking at a red light does not move forward, make loud thumping noises, and cause the seat belt to lock into place all on its own.  And unfortunately because it's a case of he said/she said and the damage on my bumper is minimal and not worth doing anything with insurance about, this dishonest man gets away with it all.  U.G.H.  And by the way, next time you drive someone home, don't take the long way.

And so after all that, I finally did get to run my errand, get gas before running out, make it home in one piece, have a lengthy phone chat with my mom, and am now enjoying Gilmore Girls and blogging.  All in a day friends, all in a day.

On a happier note, we had a visitor on our porch today when I got home from work :)

Fashion statement

Embarrassment is good for us every once in a while, right? Let's talk about this scenario with a little equation:

blue fleece snowflake pajama pants

+ sock monkey slippers

+ grey waffle knit top

+ tan fleece pullover

+ frizzy, windblown, rained-on hair

+ 9pm Sunday night

+ landlord knocking on our door with cute, young couple looking to rent upstairs apartment in June

= welcome to the neighborhood!...?

Eek. Not one of my finer moments. Hopefully, our new upstairs tenants don't think I always look that disheveled (believe me, it might not sound that bad, but if you saw the clothing pieces together in one outfit...and let's not even get started on what my hair is capable of when not properly groomed [ask my high school friends or college roommate about the times I've blow-dried and brushed out my hair for them]). Gotta love how when I apologized for my outfit my landlord said, "It's ok, this was impromptu." As if also apologizing for my unruly appearance (and hoping it would not cause him to lose out on some future renters).

I'm the girl who usually matches even her pajamas. Go figure the one day I seemed to give myself freedom from my OCD-ness, I would be making an important first impression. I should have never walked over to the door without question after Col called, "Babe, come here for a minute!"

t-minus 7 days

In 7 days, we will be enjoying the heat, sun, and fun of DISNEY WORLD! After an appointment with my mother- and sister-in-laws, look what else is ready for Florida:

Spring!

Spring sprang and then reverted back to winter. However, I'm striving to keep it spring-y inside.

My Grandma Grower always used to decorate with these Easter trees for the holiday. She passed away almost three years ago and my mom and aunt gave my cousins and I each one to decorate with. I'm so glad to have another piece of her holiday decor, especially because holidays were SO important to her. Putting each tiny ornament on, it comforted me to know that she had been the last one to hang them. Now, my family can look forward to an Easter tree every year, in honor of Grandma.

apologies

Well folks, as you can see my fear of not having the time to write consistently has come true. I apologize for the lack of posting, but time has gotten away from me and I obviously haven't made much of a habit yet of my new hobby here.

The good, the bad, the happy, the sad:

-we took an overnight trip with some wonderful friends to Toronto thanks to a Living Social deal

-work has been kicking my butt these past few weeks. 'nuff said.

-sadly, a full-time teaching job for next year that Colin interviewed for didn't pan out

-the weather in Rochester has been unprecedentedly warm and we've gladly ushered in Spring/Summer with multiple game nights outside with lots of fabulous people

-I finally saw The Help with two of the best and we made a whole theme night out of it. I made a chocolate pie and we ate fried chicken, sweet potato fries, and sweet tea. Yum!

-I attended a wonderful brunch potluck baby shower and enjoyed time with great small group friends and lots of breakfast food

-we got to babysit our adorable niece and I loved every minute of the outdoor time, princess dresses, running around, and imaginary play. She's the best :)

-Col and I attended an Amerks game compliments of a ticket pack that he got for Christmas from my rents. Sadly, they lost. Hopefully next week when we go again we'll win!

So, even on the tight get-Col-through-these-last-two-semesters-of-grad-school/subbing/me-working-two-jobs budget, we've still been busy and done lots of fun free things - our fave!

Enjoying the St. Patrick's Day parade

And P.S. I can't believe March is almost over! That means two weeks until our Leathersich family vacation (woohoo!) AND it's almost our 1 year wedding anni! :)

happiness

Yesterday was one of those awesome, soul-refreshing days. All I needed was:

-lunch outside in the sunshine with Col
-a wonderful “coffee” date after work with a best friend
-game night with our fabulous small group
-laughing-so-uncontrollably-I’m-crying with my hubby
-warm weather

Simple pleasures, my friends. The little things really do keep me going :)

P.S. I need to start taking more pictures, in general and to spice up the blog. Any suggestions on how to get myself into the habit?