I Give In

Ok, I give in...I'll post. I actually had to post something on a blog for the church we're planting, so I checked this one as well, and thought I'd post. Juls, I think you're asking the wrong people for parenting advice, as oh, none of us have kids. If I were you, I'd trying light spanking and/or time out in his crib when you say no. That might help him associate "no" with negative consequences. "redirecting" works sometimes, but being in the education field I think it can be full of crap sometimes. So there is my expertise with my wealth of knowledge. I just get to enjoy the benefits of godparenting my little godson right now, which means I get all the perks with none of the hard work. And my goodness, is my little godson adorable. He's now saying a couple words at not even 9 months, and standing. I love it! It's an amazing feeling to put a little person down, and see them cry until they make their way crawling and walking back to you.
Anway, on another note...we're quite busy here. Things are stepping it up a bit with the church launch, which is in Sept. We have a lot of outreaches and work to do this summer. Between that, classes, visiting fam, and fam visiting us, our summer will be completely insane. Check out the splash page Nathan created for the website... lifesongonline.org
Other than that things are normal. Work, classes, time with my hubby, family. 26 more days of school and counting. Ok, gotta get going. There's a food drive this weekend, so my parent's food pantry will be inundated with food that needs to be sorted. Good luck with your new challenges Julie, and I hope everyone else is doing well!

somebody write something!

Hey girls!!! The blog is getting a little dry these days... We need to hear from you all. I miss your updates. There's nothing new here. Josh is working crazy hours and I'm going a little crazy staying home with Seth all day. He's going through kind of a trying phase. He's been whiney lately because he constantly has a cold and is teething. He has also recently discovered negative attention which he thinks is hysterical. Rather than being ashamed by mommy and daddy's disappointed looks and firm "No"s... he thinks it's funny and will continue his negative behavior while mocking us by furrowing his brow, shaking his head, and saying "no, no..." over and over again. It's difficult to know what to do when he's throwing his food on the floor, drinking out of the dog bowl, and pounding on electronics within his reach when any negative response from me and Josh only prompts his immediate laughter and mockery. Girls, I'm needing some parenting advice. I don't know whether to start baby timeout, light spankings, or to simply ignore his bad behavior and "redirect" as many popular parenting magazines suggest. Because we've tried it all and nothing seems to be working. Anyways, post something to break up my boredom. Love you girls! =)

thank heaven for little girls!

Julie, I'm thrilled for you! And I agree with Kimmie, I've been needing an excuse to look at and purchase little girl things :) I go shopping for little boy stuff for my expected nephew and feel like I've been neglecting the little girl departments!
Not much new here. I'm fully enjoying this spring with all the flowers in bloom and my lilac bush filling the back yard with glorious smells! the garden has been tilled and we are getting ready to plant the vegetables in a few weeks. Chris and I just got back from a long weekend in Washington DC. We had a wedding and spent a few days sight seeing. The place is just beautiful I tell ya. We saw lots of sights and... one really funny one. We visited the George Washington Island to see the Teddy Roosevelt memorial and as we were leaving (walking) we saw a woman jump out of her previously parked car as the car drove straight in to the Potomac River! It was so strange! No one was injured. I wonder if she didn't mean to do it because heck, if i just drove my car into the river and nearly went in with it, I would be a LITTLE freaked out. she was giggling. giggling! chris just had to take a picture of the car in the river, so I'll make sure it gets online sometime soon.
Bed time!

Yay!

Finally! Now I have a reason to buy those adorable pink froofy baby things.
Congrats, Juls! Keep us posted.
I didn't realize Tulsa was getting pounded with storms so badly. Hope you're all okay!
Love ya...

baby update

Hey girls! I hope you're all doing well. Kim, I'm so happy about your new job and I hope that you're getting all settled in and enjoying your work. (sorry I missed your call the other day, I don't even know how I didn't hear my phone ring) All is fine here. Josh is working nights this week. It's not too bad except that tonight is his first 12 hour night and we happen to be under tornado attack all night. I have already spent part of my evening at Panera Bread in the freezer with Seth because it was a safe place to hide from the first round of tornados that swept Tulsa while I was eating dinner with a friend. I just crawled out of the hallway where I sat in the dark for an hour with Seth asleep in my arms while we hid from the second round of storms and tornados. We have a brief reprieve, but I will probably be heading back to the hallway or bathroom with a sleeping baby to take cover from the third round of tornados in about an hour. It's a crappy night for Josh to be gone all night. You girls know how I'm afraid of thunder and lightening, let alone tornados! Before I got married, I spent most thunderstorms in bed with Kim because they freak me out so much! Anyways, there's nothing new happening here. I just wanted to post to tell you all that I had my ultrasound today to see if we could identify the baby's sex. I'm only 18 weeks, so I'm a little early to get a completely clear view as the genital area has just recently developed completely. However, you can get a pretty solid picture at this point that is rarely misleading. Based on the view we got with the ultrasound (and it was a pretty wide-open angle if you know what I mean), it looks like we can pretty confidently expect the first member of the Sapphires Club, the next generation. It's a girl! =) The doctor looked at her from every angle to make sure there was nothing "poking out" and he and Josh both decided that it is most definately looked like a girl. Hopefully, we'll get another good picture at another ultrasound when I'm further along to just verify her sex. But we feel pretty comfortable with it right now. I'm pretty excited. I had psyched myself up so much for a boy so that I wouldn't be disappointed that I can't quite believe that it's a girl. It will be fun. Well, I'd better get going and watch the weather again. Love you all!

New job

So I'm officially a full-time working girl now. I just started yesterday as a copywriter at Onlineshoes.com. I'm mainly writing product copy and things like that for the website. It's going to be challenging, but definitely interesting (I mean, I had to read fashion magazines yesterday to do 'research' on brand images...). The pay is exactly what I needed and the office is about a mile and a half from home (I know this because I missed my bus yesterday and walked most of the way!).
Other than that, things are pretty much the same. Adam and I were in Colorado for Easter -- our nephew Dylan really got into the Easter egg stuff this year, so that was pretty fun. I'll post some pictures whenever I finally get them off the camera -- Adam and I went kind of overboard on our egg-coloring this year. It's always quite an event at his family's house -- everyone all sort of has a contest to see who can be the most original, funny, or whatever.
Adam's birthday was on Tuesday -- I got him flying lessons that will start this Saturday. He's very excited about it -- hopefully the weather is good so we can go up.
We're getting more involved in church -- we found one that seems to be perfect for us. Very young and trendy, but also traditional in some aspects. We've been making some friends there and are really starting to feel connected.
I guess that's about it from me -- love you all!!

saying good-bye

Hi girls,
I just got off the phone with Stephanie and felt the need to post. Tonight I said goodbye to Jaren. She leaves on saturday morning to move back to Arkansas. these last 2 weeks have been really rough on both of us, saying goodbye again. But I'm really thankful that God gave us this time together.
Friday morning we leave for Washington DC. We're going to a formal military wedding, and also will see some sites while we're there. We get to share a hotel room with my mother-in-law :) won't that be fun!!!
I don't think I told you that my brother and his wife heard they will be having a boy. They've chosen the name Bailey Christopher. I'm super-excited and can't wait to start buying little boy clothes.
My tulips are in full bloom and they are gorgeous. On Easter morning I walked around the corner of the house to see the first red tulips blooming. I was so excited, Chris thought I wet myself.
Our company has moved in to the new office building and it's fabulous. It's professional looking, which is quite a change for our company.
And I think that's all I have to catch you up on. Love you ladies!

Happy Easter!

Hey all! I thought I would just give you a hello. This time of year reminds me of you all so much. I was thinking about making Easter dinner, which brought back memories of the Easter dinner we had at my apartment my senior year. You guys are so special to me!

Not much is going on with us. Missions is really starting to kick in. We are suppose to have over 50% of our money in, and Nick and I are running short. We have found a few extra jobs to do in the evening, so hopefully that will help. :) We are working a gardeners for a lady next week. I hope my green thumb can grow in between now and then! ;)

Kim, I'm so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family and your mom. I hope you all have a great time in Longmont! :)
Jennifer how was the move? Are you enjoying your walls and door? It is amazing how much you appreciate simple things when you've gone with out them for so long. :) How is Chris doing? We are praying for him.
Steph...how was the move? I'm figuring you are on your way or close to being in Tulsa.
Julie - I hope you are feeling better and that you can let your "faith doctor" know that all is well. ;) Your story made me laugh and cringe at the same time. I think I would have told the man off.
Angie, thank you so much for the birthday card! I had a such a wonderful day and hearing your voice made it that much sweeter! Thank you!! The picture is great too, I can just imagine us when were are old and wrinkled sitting in the inner tubes on some lake during a summer. :) I can't wait for that too happen!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!! I love ya tons! I'm counting down until I see you in July. I have my plane ticket bought!!

Remembering

Well Adam's watching the Discovery Channel and I'm waiting for laundry to be done, so I thought I'd post something while I was thinking of you all.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers for my family in the past week. My mom's still having a hard time with the fact that one of her siblings is gone -- that's a feeling I can't even imagine. We've all been going through our memories, finding all kinds of obscure events and family gatherings, trying to remember the special little moments. It's funny the little things that your mind brings back to your attention when you immerse yourself in remembering.
My mom gave me an old picture not long ago of her on her wedding day. It's a beautiful old black and white photo of my grandmother helping my mom with her veil and my Aunt Joan (the one that just passed away) is standing next to my mom, admiring her. It's such a lovely picture -- I think I might frame it for the wall. They all just look so young and happy -- and skinny! Those girls must have had waists smaller than Scarlett O'Hara! Good grief. Where did I get all my curves from??
Anyway, I wasn't able to make it to Ohio for the funeral -- the tickets were just outrageous in price because of spring break. But I'd like to get back sometime in the next couple of months, hopefully. Times like these I sort of forget why I wanted to live so far away from everyone. It's very frustrating when all I want to do is see my family -- and I can't. Normally, it's not an issue -- we can fork over the money and just splurge on a ticket. But when the cheapest one you can find is $900, that's not really an option.
Is anyone else having to pay taxes this year? This is the first time we've had to and ... ouch. Guess we need to pop out a kid or something before next year. Too bad we can't claim the pets. I mean, Clover could be a child's name, right?
Write soon, girls, and keep us all updated on your lives! Steph, we need to catch up soon! Have you finished packing yet? Julie, how was Seth's birthday party? I was thinking of you all weekend -- you'll have to post some pictures! Jamie, Adam and I will be in Longmont this weekend -- we'll wave as we fly over! Hope all is well with everyone. Love you, girls!

just stopping by

Hey ladies,
I've been missing you all so much lately, and thinking of you constantly as I watch the count-down to sapphire reunion tick away! Life is finally settling down after getting the floor completed. I love the look of it all, and the new trim, and the smooth finish. I will say that it is a bit slippery sometimes, so if you ever come and visit, keep that in mind. Last night I came close to falling on my face. Chris visited the doctor a week ago and was put on a very low dose blood-pressure medication. Please pray that the medication, along with the weight loss that's occuring will help lower the blood pressure.
Our office is relocating to Davenport next friday. I'm imagining that will be an interesting experience for all. I get an office with 4 walls (this is a first!), a big window, and only one door (also a first). It'll be nice when everyone's settled in.
Julie, I loved reading your story about the super-spiritual doctor. I probably would have just snapped at the guy! I couldn't imagine just sitting there and listening to all the blabber. How did you stand it!? Kimmie, I'm praying for you and your family as you mourn this passing. Jamie, I'm praying for you and your hubbie, that God would direct your communication to be effective. Stephanie, I miss you too much and we really need to talk! Hope things are coming together for the upcoming move. i'll try and call you this weekend.
lots of love!

Sympathy

Hey Kim, I just wanted to post a quick note to say that I'm so sorry about your aunt passing away. I did not know your aunt had cancer. Which one is it? Anyways, your family is in our prayers. Please let us know if you need anything at all. Where will the funeral be? Let us know if you're going to be going and when so we can be praying. Again, I'm really sorry. Love you!

Quick note

Hi, girls. I just have time for a quick post right now. Just wanted to let everyone know that my mom's sister just passed away last night. She had breast cancer and had been struggling for over a year now. So it wasn't a total surprise, but still a bit of a shock as everyone assumed she'd be discharged from the hospital in a couple days. But she slipped away pretty quickly and peacefully - my uncle didn't quite make it in time to be there with her when she went. I'd really appreciate prayers for my mom right now. I think she's still in shock - she hasn't really broken down yet. I'm trying to decide whether I should and can go to Ohio this weekend for the funeral. So I'd appreciate your prayers as well.
Anyway, hope all is well with you girls. I love you!

Is anyone normal?

Hey...what a crazy last few days. I just needed to write and not feel like I'm a drama queen. I probably am, but oh well. :) Nick and I have been trying to discuss an issue that just hurts me. I can't figure out how to explain it to him though. Everytime I bring it up, it confuses him more and more. The problem may come from me not really knowing how to verbalize what is going on. Am I normal? I sure hope so. Anyhoo...I think I'm learning to let it go a little, but then again, maybe not. The small issue that sets me off is that he doesn't respond to me when I ask, holler or sometime talk to him. I know that's a 'usual' thing for guys, but I guess I didn't realize how much they don't listen. :) I must have done this to my mom when I was a kid. I realize how much it must have driven her crazy. When he has to repeat something to me, he assumes that I don't trust him. That is what hurts the most. I can't seem to figure out how to make him see that I do trust him. The latest incident was when were cleaning the house and had the radios up loud and doors were shut. The thing that gets me the most too, is that I know he was working on a surprise for me...and I always seem to blow them.

Anyways...thanks for reading and hearing my heart. I needed to vent to a safe place. I sure do miss you guys! I wish often that I could just transport you all into my world for a moment. A quick hug and an assurance that I'm normal, then you could go back to your lives. :)

I love you all and I'm praying for you all that time!

name it and claim it!

Hey girls! Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I really just had nothing interesting to say. Jennifer, laminate flooring is a pain. My parents did it themselves in their house and it took weeks. It does look beautiful, but not so easy. Isn't it wierd taking pregnancy tests? Most of the time they're negative. But it's always wierd to take one. I've taken a lot because I am always a bit neurotic about worrying that I might be pregnant when I'm not on birth control. And you can't take BC pills when you're nursing, so I took a few tests after Seth was born just to make sure. Of course, it's not really supposed to be all that easy to get pregnant when you're nursing either when you haven't had a period yet. But just in case you girls are ever in that position, take it from me that it can be easier than you think to get pregnant again when you are still nursing and have not had a period for over a year and a half. If you happen to be anything like me, you can get pregnant that very first time you ovulate before you ever have a period. It's highly unlikely, but not at all impossible. Just a heads up! =) Speaking of pregnancy, I went to my doctor yesterday for a checkup. All is well and the baby looks good. He did an ultrasound and decided that my due date is September 27, 2006. Which is pretty much when I thought it was. Still don't know what it is but will hopefully be able to find out in a month. I'm still only 14 weeks along, so it's a bit early to tell. My doctor is very nice, but let me tell you girls, I am apparently not naming and claiming my healing from pregnancy nausea nearly enough because Dr. Ross (who is a very high strung, holy roller, Christian) told me yesterday that it is not God's will for me to be vomiting all the time. He literally spent at least 30 minutes just preaching at me about divine healing and confessing it and how when we're not healed it's because of a lack of faith on our part and not because God doesn't want to heal us. And so on, and so on, and so on. Now, don't get me wrong girls, I absolutely believe in God's healing power and in claiming healing by faith and professing His word through prayer. However, I've been praying for the nausea to stop for months now and so has my family and He's just not doing it. Maybe we're not doing it all the way we should, but I've also seen God choose not to heal a lot of people who had people praying for them who were doing it right they were doing it right themselves. I don't understand everything about healing, and I'm not cynical about it. But I can tell you, by the time my quick checkup had turned into a 2 hour church service with Seth sitting in his stroller the whole time crying, I was about ready to shove the speculum down my doctor's throat. Seth handled things pretty well though by pulling an entire tray of sterilized equipment over onto the floor. I still cannot tell you what the baby's heart rate was or how big it is or even if it was moving because my whole ultrasound was spent talking about my obvious lack of faith in divine healing instead of about my baby, which I will admit I was significantly more interested in. Oh well,... I like having a Christian doctor, he just pushed it a little too far yesterday. But I will stick with him because he gives me all the drugs I want and does whatever I ask. So, that's about it for me. Life is pretty dull lately. Josh works 12 hours a day and most weekends, so I spend a lot of time alone. I'm still getting sick and have recently developed a problem with migranes. Pretty common during pregnancy. It will pass soon hopefully. I have also developed a really annoying side effect of acne. YUK! I really hope that passes soon. Seth is doing well. He's a good baby and is getting very talkative. Not with real words yet, but he still talks a lot. He has learned to say "Hi". He likes to pick up the phone and talk on it. Not walking quite yet. He turns one next week. We are having a zoo themed birthday party because he loves animals. Most of our family is coming into town for the party. So, that will be fun. (It's April 8th at 1pm just in case anyone happens to be in Tulsa that weekend). Other than that I've just been working on some marketing and promotions preojects at church and for a client that hired me to market a childrens film. That's about it. Love you girls!!

just say 'no' to laminate!

Hey gals,
Life has been crazy full lately. Chris' cousin passed away on thursday and we had the funeral today. he was just 29 years old and died of a massive heart attack. So that's made us think about our own wishes and insurance policies, should we pass... very sad.
I just felt that I would get the warning out to any other do-it-yourself-ers out there, about our recent experience with laminate flooring. Saturday and Sunday we spent putting in laminate floor in the kitchen and dining areas. It took 2 full days and we still have 3 more boards to do. We worked until it was dark both days and it was just plain horrid, frustrating, back breaking work. It's not as easy as the packages make it sound. So, if any of you ever get to the point when you have to replace a floor, my recommendation would be to either save a bit more money and hire it done, or do ceramic tile. The end result is beautiful (and a bit slippery to start), but I've not yet decided whether it was worth the work and frustrations.
Today I brought home a bassinette. :) No, I'm not pregnant. My sister-in-law is certain they will not have any more children, so I've inherited some books and a couple of other items. Exciting! Oh yes, I did take my first pregnancy test about a month ago. That was an all-toghther strange feeling!
Must get back to my work now. love and miss you all!

and it gets even crazier...

Hey girls. I know I'm not the best with posting. But here I am again, and life is crazier than ever. I've just enrolled in a new grad school program (the other one I was in wasn't working out). This is an online program, which is good because I won't have a problem if I ever were to move before I finish. It does allow also for the flexibility I need, but boy is it kicking my butt. On my first quiz I got a 75%, and then I thought I got a 20%, but that turned out to be a misunderstanding. I need a B in every class to stay in the program, so you all can imagine my state of hyperventilation. But rest easy, I got a solid A on my most recent paper, so I'm back in my groove. I know, I'm insane about my grades, but this time i have to be with the required average. I don't really have the money to be re-taking classes. Work has also been super hectic, so I've been putting in extra hours there. So basically, I have very little life. I try to get as much done as possible during the week so I can enjoy the weekends.

Nathan and I are still involved in the church plant. Lifesong Church launches Sept 10, so something to be praying about if you think of it. It's amazing to see God being faithful in all aspects. We've already had a great deal of money come in, and there are already people who want to attend when it launches. Yet another things that keeps us very busy. Nathan is, of course, designing the webpage. He's working on the splash page right now (a one page kind if intro think until the whole thing it up and running). I'll have to email the link when it's done because it's pretty awesome.

On the fun side, Nathan and I seem to pretty much have closed the book on the snowboarding season (although there might be one more good day if we're lucky). My brother Matt and his girlfriend have also joined the fun with us. I've gotten pretty good, for only having about 1/2 a season under my belt. It's actually more fun than I thought it would be. I now officially have all my own gear. It's nice to have a hobby for the long winter months that drag by otherwise. But now it's over, which means it's time to get back into dancing. Never a dull moment. Ok, I've got to get going. I've enjoyed reading all of your blogs, and look forward to all the updates on your exciting lives.

Quick story...

Ok, so Ang told me that I should post this...
The other night, I was getting home from the gym and I hopped in the bathtub just to relax. I never shut my door, so Henry is around all the time. He's always sniffing the bubbles and watching my toes in the water and such. Well this time, he decided that he wanted to snuggle, and jumped right in. I have never seen a cat's eyes bug out soooo much! He was so shocked at whatever he landed himself in that he freaked out and jumped right back out. I had an apartment full of water and a shivering, scrawny cat that would not leave my bedroom radiator. But I also had a huge laugh. I felt so bad for him, but it was the most hilarious thing that I have seen in a long time. Just thought I would share...:)

Is it spring yet?

Hi, girls!
Did everyone have a good weekend? Mine was relaxing, but not very productive. I guess that's okay every once in a while. Although, Adam and I did make it to Ikea and bought some fun decor for our apartment, which we have decided to stay living in for a while longer. We were thinking of moving, but once we sat down and figured out the money we'd save to stay where we are, we decided that would be the wiser choice for right now. So, to add a little color to our very white walls, we got some fun prints, shelves and other decorative items. I'm thinking about maybe doing an area rug as well. I know -- don't go too crazy, right?

So my mom, sister and two nieces were here visiting last week. They all stayed with me in my apartment. All of them. With me. Yeah, it was tight, but we had a good time. Got to show them around some and spend some time catching up. Anna and Jess -- my two nieces -- are just a blast to hang out with. I'm hoping they'll be able to come back and stay with me again for a little bit longer.

I'm sort of in between jobs right now. I interviewed for three different positions last week. They're all writing/editing sort of jobs and they all seem pretty interesting. In the meantime, I'm still doing a little freelancing and trying to fund my increasing Starbucks habit. (Did you know once Tom Hanks cut Starbucks out of his diet, he lost 30 pounds?)

The past few days here have been brilliantly sunny and warm, which is really giving me spring fever. I don't have any flowers of my own to watch pop up, but the whole city seems to have come alive with buds and blooms in the past few weeks. Adam and I spent a lot of time outside over the weekend, hiking and playing on the beach.

Has everyone sent back their Sapphires Reunion RSVP? I just sent mine out...so exciting!

And now, I suppose, I should get back to work. I love you girls!

How cute!

Hey girls!

It's been a LONG while since I contributed, so I thought it was time. I've been meaning to during testing at school, but I always seem to fill my time grading and getting caught up. We are in the middle of our state tests, end of the quarter and conferences this week. Next week we start a spring break, I can't wait!! I've been involved in two weddings the past two weekends. I can't even begin to tell you how exhausted I am. And how much I miss you guys. Angie and Liz, I so wished I could have been at your weddings. This weekend made me miss you guys lots! Thanks for all of the beautiful pictures though. :)

Nothing super exciting in our lives. We have grown our little family by two this winter. No, I'm not pregnant, we adopted two kittens in January. It was a late Christmas present from Nick. Their names are Sugar and Spice. I've attached a picture of them. :)

We did have a pregnancy scare last month. I realized how not ready I am. I was really worried that I was pregnant. Part of me wishes I was, but the other part was screaming loud. I really want to go to China without being pregnant this time around. We did an at home test and it came out negative. However, it still took two more weeks before I started. I didn't know my cycle could go 41 days. It was crazy!! Oh...I don't know if I told you all, but I stop taking birth control in October because it was making me sick. My lips were constantly chapped and peeling and I was extremely mood. Once I stopped, the symptoms, especially the moodiness went away. :) Nick was happy!! But all that to say, it lead to a pregnancy scare. :)

We found out where we are going in China...We are headed to Hong Kong to teach English to kindergarten. It should be fun. We will be doing a lot of prayer walking and other stuff to, I think. :) Keep us in your prayers.

Now for the reason I sat down to write you all. STEPH and JENNIFER!! Those invitations you sent for our Sapphire Weekend, are AMAZING!! Thank you for putting together everything and for the cute invite. We've put it on our fridge. :)

I can't wait to see you all and just hang out!! I miss you LOTS. Know that I'm praying for you and all of your families. Julie, I hope you are starting to feel better with your little one. Steph, I'm praying your mom's treatment is smooth and that a job will find you! ;) Kim, I hope you are enjoying your family. Jennifer, you sound a busy as I am. I wish I was as creative to make curtains as you are! Angie and Liz, I know how crazy things get, I'm praying for you all. :)

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Nothing big happening here...

Since it's been like a bazillion years since I wrote something, I figured I should make a contribution. I've been waiting for something news-worthy to happen, but since nothing has, I guess you'll all just have to deal with reading about my cats...just kidding.
I finished up my job in Everett working on the web site last week. I've got a couple things lined up for the next couple of weeks - editing some very scientific and technical papers that I pretend to understand for the University of Washington and am also filling in in the IT department for the City of Everett until they get the position filled. So I'm doing my best not to be a 'freeloader' as Adam so sweetly puts it. But I am liking having a little more flexibility in my schedule again.
My mom, sister and two nieces are coming to visit this weekend. Hopefully this nasty weather will clear up so we can actually be outside for more than two minutes.
We've been looking at new apartments lately -- trying to find something a little bigger and more downtown. So that's been fun, but a little shocking price-wise. But I'm all about the amenities.
The cruise with Josh and Julie was fabulous. Even though the weather kind of sucked some of the time, it was great to get away from the mundane stuff and just hang out with friends. And...I got to go snorkeling for the very first time! It was pretty fun, though the water was arctic-blast cold. I definitely want to go again though and for a longer period of time. Adam was very cute -- was kind of scared to get in, but once he did, he had a good time. Even though Josh kept teasing him about sharks, which practically made him hyperventilate. But it all worked out fine.
Well, I've got a lot to get done this afternoon, so I'd better hop to it. Love you all!