Look who is a Girl Scout!

So I turned 40 this month.  What did I do?  I joined the Girl Scouts?  Can't think of a clearer way to symbolize a mid-life crisis.  As part of my commitment, apparently I have made a pledge:

Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try:

  To serve God
    and my country,
  To help people at all times,
  And to live by the
    Girl Scout Law.

 

In all seriousness...I did join the Girl Scouts of America, but only because Kate joined the Girl Scouts, and I had to be a member to volunteer for her troop. She is officially a Daisy this year.  We have never been a Boy Scout or Girl Scout family.  Well, I take that back.  I vaguely remember my brothers doing scouts for awhile.   I remember my best friend, Michelle, was a Brownie, but I never sold cookies or camped or earned badges when I was little.  I don't think it was never given to me as an option.  And although Josh is ALWAYS prepared, he never joined the Scouts either.

Last year Kate was in kindergarten, and we got a flyer to sign up.  We were new to the area, and I had no real sense of a schedule or agenda for the year. I just put the information in the huge "to look at later" pile that resides on the side of my desk.  Then sometime in October when later equated with missed the deadline to join, I tossed the flyer in the recycle bin.   I didn't give it much thought until all the other girls in the neighborhood were going off to Daisy meetings.  And I wondered if I had missed an opportunity for Kate.

All the kindergarten girls in our neighborhood were lucky enough to all be in the same class at school.  Living in walking distance to one another and being in the same class was a great way to get introduced to the wonderful community we now live in.  By the end of the school year, Kate was starting to make some good friends, and she was beginning to feel like this was home now.  With first grade came the introduction of many classrooms; some friends remained her in class but others were spread out down the hallway.  Daisies seemed like a good chance to keep Kate connected to the girls' who were in different classes this year and continue to make new friendships.  And I am all for any organization that encourages my daughter to serve others and be helpful and kind. 

I think Kate is going to love being a part of this troop.  We have a Mother-Daughter Tea coming up in the fall, and I am sure Kate will dress as if she was going to the Queen's corrination.  And there are at least two camping outings planned.  Kate has been begging to go to camping for well over a year now so she will be beside herself with excitement when I tell her the plans.

As for me...I get to be fall product sales coordinator.  And I get to meet a lot of wonderful moms who are in my neighborhood and have girls Kate's age.  I think I may be blessed by this venture as much as Kate will be.  It's good to be connected to community again. 

But if I think about it long enough, I still find myself giggling at the thought of being a Girl Scout.

Remembering 9-11

Today, my 7 year old daughter went to a flag raising ceremony for an event that she knew nothing about.  She wasn't alive the day the twin towers crashed into the core of America's heart.  She doesn't remember the fear that gripped the nation nor the tears that we shed for weeks.  She doesn't feel the ache that still lingers after so many, many years.

In some ways I envy her not knowing.  She has an innocence that most of America lost 13 years ago.   She had that innocence until today. 

Today I told her.  I told her about 9-11.  I told her about the many lives that were lost.  I told her about the pain our country felt.  I told her why it is important that we remember.  There are still many details I will wait to tell her, but the important part is she knows.  She now knows that being an American means being united with people that loss something great.  She knows that our country is worth fighting for.  She now understands a bit more why sometimes people have to go to war to protect what they believe in.  She learned a little more about what it means to have pride in America. I hope the flag will mean a little more after today.  I told her so we all can remember.

Ironically, I found a poem today that my mom wrote on the 1st anniversary of 9-11.  It is twelve years since she wrote the poem, but it spoke to me as if it had been written today.  I am trusting she won't mind me sharing it here. 

In remembrance...  by Donna Gallagher

The wind is restless today...
Not violent...not gentle...just restless
Stirring grass, trees and leaves
Stirring memories as we grieve

New York, PA, DC
Flags and Tears flow free
Memories etched in souls
Ashes now grown cold

Remember-we must do
Honor those we knew
Salute the men of blue
Stand strong - resolve anew

Our President declared
We'll fight and will not fear
Each name, each story lost
With resolve we'll count the cost

Today, the anniversary,
Infamous day in history
Neither wind nor the lot we see
But we feel their presence in every breeze

The wind is restless today...
Stirring every soul
Souls standing on blood soaked ground
And those set free and heaven bound

The wind is restless today...
Brushing cheeks of streaming tears
Shaking off remaining fears

The wind carries a gentle embrace
To all who remember a missing face
Let it blow, let it stir within all who feel
Let it descend with hope, let it heal

September 11, 2002

The Final Days of Just Three...

It's funny how emotions can be so strong and so contradictory. I am very eager for Nathan to arrive and my prayers are that he comes sooner than his April 7th due date. Yet, the last few days I have been very aware that these are the final days of life with just Josh, Kate and myself. Nathan will complete our family, but in some ways I feel like I am mourning the loss of something sweet too.

Today before our bubbling adventure (see post below) Josh took us to Brewster's for a special ice-cream treat. We had a wonderful time together in the warm spring air, and the memories will be treasured.

Nothing gets past Kate; how come Mommy's ice-cream is so much bigger than mine?

Ah, the face of pure satisfaction!

Kate is so excited to meet Nathan! She asks regularly if Nathan is done growing yet. She wants to hold him, to teach him to draw, to play blocks with him, to read him stories and to rock him. She'll be a great big sister, if she can just wait long enough for him to arrive and grow up a little.
Nathan, we all are waiting for you! Come soon little fella!

A Night in the ER

Boy, this baby is giving me a run for the money! When I was pregnant with Kate, I felt better than ever! It hasn't really been the same with baby number 2.

Last night around 9 p.m. I went to the ER on the recommendation of my OB. For most the afternoon and evening, I had been experiencing a lot of abdominal and lower back pain and pretty consistent strong contractions. At only 27 weeks it was too early for Nathan to make his appearance, so the on call doctor wanted to see me in Labor and Delivery "without wasting any time" in getting there.

My dear friend, Peggy, drove me to the hospital as Josh who was not feeling too well himself stayed home with sleeping Kate. They monitored me for hours; the baby’s heart rate was fine, but contractions were still coming. After a few tests they concluded it was not pre-term labor and it was not a UTI. Not really knowing what was causing the pain and contractions, they treated me for dehydration by giving me IV fluids. I didn’t feel dehydrated, and I am pretty good about my water intake, but maybe it was a factor.

Josh arrived around midnight to relieve Peggy who has her own 9 month old to tend to in the early morning. Kate was very excited to be awakened and transported to Papa and Gigi's in the middle of the night for a sleep over. (Thanks Mom and Dad for jumping in to help!!) Ironically, within minutes of getting to the hospital, Josh got ill and started vomiting. He got sick three times while we were there (way to steal the attention). The OB nurses wanted to send him down to the ER, but of course Josh refused.

My contractions eventually stopped but the back pain and stomach pain did not. Still I opted to be released, and we got home around 3 a.m. last night. I still don’t feel well. Josh is still in rough shape too. Kate is with my mom and dad right now, but should be home shortly. Not sure who is taking care of who at this point. Maybe Kate can make us lunch when she gets home. Oh, lunch...that would mean we would have to eat food...nevermind...don't think either of us can stomach much. We would covet prayers though.

Peggy, thanks for the Gatorade this morning!! You're the best!!

Jeremy's Run

Happy Memorial Day to you! I celebrated Memorial Day in a new way this year. I participated in my first 5K. Now granted, I walked it, but I am still proud of the accomplishment and the drive to have a more active, healthy lifestyle.

This has been a year of goals for myself. I have always struggled with my weight, ever since my middle school years. After having Kate my weight was the highest it has even been, and I needed to take matters more seriously, and do it soon. I wanted to be able to enjoy Kate, partake in fun adventures with her and Josh, and get out and enjoy life and the great outdoors more. I wanted to live life -- not watch it fly by.

So, in August of last year, I joined Weight Watchers. It's been a long, slow process, but I've been determined to make changes. Josh and I have been on long walks with Kate, and even spent our anniversary this year hiking a bit. My weight loss journey will take a long time, but for this past year, I've had two goals in mind for myself : a 25 lb. weight loss and a 5K walk. I'm about two pounds away from making my goal of 25 lbs. (Hope to hit that milestone this coming week!) And I got up bright and early this morning to walk Jeremy's Run, a 5K in memory of Jeremy Glass a young man who lost his battle with drug addition - proceeds supporting The Drug-Free Partnership for America. I had hoped to run a 5K, but I wasn't ready yet. Maybe that can be next year's goal. :)

Everyone waiting for the race to officially start.

Kim with Rachel Goldschmidt, my Weight Watcher's "coach". She's the one who encouraged me to do the walk. (Rachel ran the race, but she waited at the finish line to cheer me across!)

Not the best time in the world, but for walking the course, it wasn't a bad time. I finished in under one hour. I actually finished a few seconds before this time, but I had to back track to the clock for a photo. (At least we beat the older lady who is crossing the finish line behind me!)

My good, loyal friend, Kim Stoy, who came out to walk the race with me so I wouldn't have to do my first 5K alone. Thanks, Kim!!
(She hates this photo, but I put it up there for you, Jen!)

Momma Said There Would Be Days Like This...

We have been bracing ourselves for the attack of the gastro-intestional bug that has been going around our area. I have been keeping Kate in seclusion from kids and the community trying to avoid the sickness. But it hit regardless on Wednesday night. Kate threw up from about 6 p.m. until 9:45 p.m.. Just as we were debating about whether to take her to the ER, she stopped and fell asleep. She woke up again around midnight begging for water. But we could only give her small sips every five minutes until her stomach was ready to handle the liquid. So I decided to bring her downstairs and distract her w/ Elmo while I stretched out a sippie cup of Pedialyte over one hour.

As we were going down the stairs, I missed the last step and fell. Luckily, Kate was okay – shaken but okay. I on the other hand could not walk. So despite my best efforts to keep Kate out of the emergency room, I ended up going there on Thursday morning. My foot is severely sprained but not broken. I still am having a very hard time walking; however, each day gets a little easier. Currently, carrying Kate up and down the stairs is the most challenging. Luckily, most of the time Kate is happy to climb the stairs on her own.

Josh was fabulous. He took over and watched Kate while I was in the hospital ,and when I got back he let me sleep for FIVE hours!! I woke up just in time for Josh to start throwing up! He spent most of Thursday on the floor over a bowl or in the bathroom - poor guy! Needless to say, he spent most of Friday sleeping and gaining back his strength.


I haven't gotten the bug yet, and God-willing I won't--the sprained foot was enough. We spent the entire weekend in the house. I must say, despite the mounds and mounds of laundry, all the sheets, crib padding, and more laundry - the sickness was a blessing-it was nice to have a valid excuse to stay inside this weekend. (We had arctic cold weather all weekend. So cuddling on the couch under blankets was a welcomed treat.)


We're hopeful this week will be less eventful! Historic perhaps, but no hospital trips please!

Here we are at 1 a.m. on the couch watching Elmo. My foot is elevated and on ice.

Kate is patiently waiting for her next sip of water.

Christmas Wishes

One Christmas tradition I look forward to is the arrival of Christmas cards! I really do get excited when they arrive. A few years ago, I started displaying them on our pantry door as part of our holiday decorations. I love to see how kids have changed, to remember friends from various seasons of life, and be reminded of the love of family both near and far away. As the door slowly fills up over the weeks of December, I am often overwhelmed with gratitude at the richness of our life: so many friends, so much love, so much to be grateful for.

We hope your Christmas is full of love and gratitude for all God has blessed you with- starting with the birth of His son -- the miracle that makes hope, joy, and love possible.

Merry Christmas,

Love the Henrys

2008

Tagged Again...

Okay, I've just been tagged again for a little blogging game by my history loving, teacher friend, Judy. Funny thing is I was simultaneously tagged by Alycia too! This tag was actually a unique one I hadn't heard of yet. So I thought I'd play along.

The Rules: Go to your sixth picture folder,
find your sixth photograph and
blog your memories of the photo.

~~~~

So here's the photo: Kim at Colour Lake in Frederick, Maryland, taken in the summer of 2005.

Although this photo was taken almost year after the event, this marks a very special place for Josh and me. On September 24, 2004, after much nervous pacing from Josh around the front yard and the inside of his apartment, Josh and I decided to go to for a drive. We headed over to this little "lake". (It really was just a dirty duck pond that use to be a cool ice-skating rink in days gone by. But it is nestled in an old historic neighborhood in Frederick and really still has that quaint atmosphere.) Anyway...back to the story. After walking around the lake at least twice with Josh obviously very nervous, I asked him if he wanted to sit down on this bench. After another 20 minutes of nervous chatter this is where he asked me to officially start dating. And the whirlwind romance began. Engaged two months later on November 25th. Married a little over four months later on April 1st. Ah...those were the days!

The setting was more romantic that night in September under an oak tree with just a little light from an old street lamp. The humid August summer day photographed above doesn't really capture the romantic nature of the evening. Yet, I dragged Josh back to the park that summer so I could officially document the event for our scrapbook (which I haven't even started!). Here are a few more shots from the park (taken in August.)

After the park we headed over to Rita's for some gelato. I had to capture this memory as well.

Other random things I remember about that night:

1. Josh had borrowed a co-workers John Mayer CD in order to familiarize himself with the kind of music I like. And he surprised me by playing it on the way to Rita's.


2. I thought he'd never ask me...I knew it was coming all night but he was so nervous. I actually had to ask him if there was anything he wanted to talk about while we were sitting on this nice bench!


3. I went out to dinner with my dad and my friend, Stefanie, before Josh and I went out. I had a feeling that Josh was going to make things official and I was so excited that I couldn't eat anything at dinner.

~~~~~

Okay, now it's my turn to tag a few friends. I'm tagging Holly because she's such a good sport at these things, but she just had a baby on Dec. 8th (yeah Mia!!) so there's grace. She may play along in a month or two! However, I hope the rest of you will jump in sooner rather than later. Sarah, my Baltimore gourmand ~ Lindsey, my cousin who I miss a lot and think of often ~ Allison, Josh's friend now turned my friend who is much better at blogging than I am ~ and Jen, who has no chance of a white Christmas in Georgia!

How about those Red Sox?

Wow! What a game! What a game! In typical Red Sox fashion they pulled a win out of thin air keeping the ACLS battle alive between Boston and Tampa Bay. Red Sox Nation is known as some of the most loyal fans -- loyal to the end. And frankly one must be because until the end of the last inning you never know what the Sox might do.
The Sox won game one of the ACLS championship against Tampa Bay. However, Tampa Bay came back with a vengeance to win game two at 2 a.m. in the 11th or 12th inning. (I fell asleep around 1:30 and missed the conclusion.) I skipped Tampa's win in game three due to the disappointment and fatigue of game 2. But before turning in for the night, I fell victim to the call and tuned in to game 5 to see if indeed the Sox were saying good-bye to another year of post-season ball. In the 7th inning the score was 0 to 7 - Tampa Bay. I gave a long sigh and agreed with the commentators that perhaps Boston's Swan Song was being sung this evening. As I busied myself in the kitchen cleaning up the last of the evening dishes, Josh called for me to come in to the living room quickly. The Red Sox had gotten one run - so as tradition has it - there would be no shut out at Fenway in the post season. Now there were two men on base and Big Pappy was up to bat. Although, he had not hit well in the last three games, there is always hope. Pappy can hit with the best when he's on! And maybe it was the magic of post-season or the electricity of Red Sox nation screaming their hearts out on home field...or the knowledge that it was do or die -- whatever the motivation, David Ortiz delivered a beautiful, glorious home run in the bottom of the 7th to make the score 4 to 7. And with hope renewed again, the game took off with one of the biggest comebacks I've ever seen. The scoreboard read 0 to 7 in the 7th inning and by the 9th inning, the Sox had clinched victory 8 to 7. Amazing!

Now the story is not over. The boys travel to Tampa today and resume the series with Game 6 on Saturday. It's best out of 7, and the Sox are not out yet. Last night, the Sox were down in this series 1 win and 3 losses, just like in 2004 against the Yankees. Then, they turned a 1 to 3 game losing streak around against the Yankees to win 4 games to 3, so there is always hope. Now, we stand at 2 wins for the Sox, with 2 more to go before reaching the World Series again.

As for us, we're ready to cheer them on. Kate and her special Bear from the West Coast cousins are eagerly awaiting this weekend's face-off. The cousins sent Kate this special Red Sox outfit for her birthday. And in all honesty, I think it's the bear that was the magic touch last night.

Tag...I'm it!

Okay, this is the first I've heard of a blog "tag", but as I understand it, I am supposed to post six quirks of little known facts about myself and then "tag" six people to do the same-- which I will do formally, but I think everyone who reads this blog should leave at least one of your own quirks in our comments box for some interesting reading. So have at it:

1.) I love to sing in the car -- like really sing-- loud and off key. (No comments, Holly!) My favorite CD's for sing alongs are longtime favs such as the soundtracks to Les Miserables, Moulin Rouge, and John Mayer. My more recent favs include Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Gavin Degraw and Daughtry. And yes, I still love John Mayer even despite the Jennifer Anniston break up and bad press he's been getting. I don't know, I just hear his voice, it's just like a friend has come over for the evening.

2.) I am the world's worst housewife. I love to cook and at one time was thought to be pretty good at it, but lately my meals have been disastrous. How do you burn pasta or ruin pancakes? I'm not sure myself, but I have! It's something about trying to cook with a one year old climbing up your leg that doesn't work so well. But besides my poor food these days, I can't clean to save my life. I never have. (Sorry, mom!) I don't know where to even begin some days. I spot clean at best to keep up appearances, but my house is so dirty and I truly wish that wasn't so. Holly, can you teach me how to correctly clean a bathroom?

3.) I love the wind. There is something magical about the gentle breeze that caresses your cheek or the power of a wild gust that moves your entire being. I remember breezy summer nights at my parents house sitting on their porch in the darkness and not feeling alone when the wind was there.

4.) I love daffodils in the spring. Tulips have always been my favorite flower, but I am moved when I see a cluster of daffodils dancing in the breeze. I attribute my fascination to a Wordsworth poem I studied in college. But still, to this day, I pause and take in the scenery of spring daffodils dancing in the sunlight.

5.) I could live in Ireland. There are days when I wish I did. Have you ever gone somewhere and knew you just belonged there? That's how I felt in Ireland-- it was like coming home.

6.) I love books! I have huge collections of classical hardcover books that are unfortunately hidden in our attic until I have that grand library I've been dreaming of. I collect cooks books too, but only cookbooks from chefs that I highly respect or of specific regions of cuisine. (I do have these on display in my kitchen.) And I collected kids books long before Kate ever arrived. Dr. Seuss is a favorite in the kid genre, but he takes second place to the endearing Toot and Puddle! My favorite Toot and Puddle adventure is Wish You Were Here!

That's my six quirks. I officially "tag" Holly, Jen G., Sarah H., Jecholia, Alycia and Christy. But even if you're not on the tag list, go ahead and leave a quirk for us all to read.

When Life gives you lemons--make lemonade (and limoncello)

Over the past week we have probably had 10 pounds of lemons sitting around our kitchen. We've actually learned a lot about lemons this week. For example did you know:

1. The ladies of Louis XIV's court used lemons to redden their lips
2. Sailor's used lemons to fight scurvy (along with some rum)
3. Cesare Borgia sent presents of lemons and oranges to his wife while she was in France, partly to impress Louis XII with his wealth.
4. Old wives tale states that sucking on a lemon will reduce car sickness
5. Lemons can be substituted for vinegar in a light vinaigrette
6. A chopped up lemon is a great way to freshen your garbage disposal
7. Lemons are high in Vitamin C but also contain 10% of the RDA for iron, 9% of the RDA for thiamine and 8% of the RDA for vitamin B6
8. Warming lemons in a bowl of warm water or the microwave for a few seconds will release more juice
9. Lemon juice prevents fruits like apples and pears from turning brown when they are cut and exposed to oxygen
10. Lemon juice aids digestion - so keep those lemons in your ice water at dinner time
11. Lemons really should be stored in the refrigerator

This last point I wish I had known earlier. Josh bought 5 lbs. of lemons early last week for a special project he had in mind. Instead of leaving them in a bag on my kitchen table as Josh did, I decided to make a beautiful display of lemons and limes on my kitchen buffet; however, to my dismay the lemons molded very quickly. I tried to redeem the remaining lemons and limes by cooking as many citrus centered recipes as I could. On Saturday, Josh bought another 5 lbs. of lemons, and although they really were beautiful, they also molded very quickly. So tonight we had to redeem the remaining lemons and put Project Limoncello into action.

Limoncello is a lemon liqueur traditionally made in Southern Italy. Josh really enjoys a glass of limoncello, especially in the summer. He's really developed a taste for it over the last few years. I really enjoy it poured over a bowl of fresh strawberries, but it's a bit too strong for me to drink on its own. Josh thought it would be fun to make his own limoncello - thus the 10 lbs of lemons we've been housing in our kitchen. So tonight, Josh zested 18 of the remaining healthy lemons for the beginning stage of his limoncello infusion. (The entire process will take 90 days to complete!) It was quite a laborious task, but the kitchen smelled wonderful as the fresh citrus scent permeated the air. However, when we were done we were left with 18 lemons sans zest. So we decided to make fresh lemonade-- lots of fresh lemonade. I had never made homemade lemonade before; it gave me more respect for all those southern bells to whom homemade lemonade is a common kitchen item. Josh and I actually had a lot of fun working in the kitchen together.

Someday when we go back to Italy, I want to go to the Almafi Coast and to towns like Sorrento where lemons grow abundantly and limoncello is a local product. I remember staying with a family in Pasadena, California; they had a very mature lemon tree outside the guest bedroom window. It provided beautiful views of yellow fruit and deep green leaves. You could even detect whiffs of citrus in the air when the window was open. I sometimes think of that tree when I smell fresh lemons. Too bad lemon trees don't grow well in Maryland. I would love to have a few.

It's Official...we're getting old (Middle-aged anyway)!

Well, this week marked a significant milestone in our growth as a couple. We got a mini-van! I've always dreamed of the day I would have kids and a minivan to tote them around. (I know that is a little weird.) I don't think Josh was quite as excited about the minivan as I was, but he was equally thrilled to get ride of my old car. Our Buick was having mechanical problems - one after another. And it was just under 60K miles, so we felt it was a good time to trade it in. We do realize that Kate does not need an entire mini-van for herself but since we were trading in the lemon, we thought we'd look to the future and a car to grow with. The mini-van is a 2006 Honda Odyssey. It has some nice bells and whistles - like a DVD player, and automatic doors, and a lot of space. We weren't sure we were going to be able to afford a car this new and nice, but God really did provide for us. We got a great deal. I really love it. We can't wait to go on a road trip. But with the cost of gas these days, we'll just have to enjoy the short car rides back and forth to Target.

A Romantic Evening at the Mandarin Hotel

This arrangement is in the grand lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. It is a beautiful hotel with amazing oriental decor that is both simplistic and peaceful. The hotel boasts of a world class spa and a restaurant that just won the 2008 James Beard Award (City Zen). Josh and I weren't able to indulge in these two treats, but it was still the perfect atmosphere for my long awaited getaway.

Josh just returned from two and a half weeks of travel, which is challenging enough for any wife or mother, but we had a series of unbelievable events happen while he was gone. First, horrific thunderstorms came through the area and many people lost power (including Kate and me). So we moved to my parents house for a night. We lost phone and Internet service after another storm, the AC went out in my car, the SWAT team stormed my neighborhood after a random gunman went on a shooting spree (and we spent another night at Mom and Dad's place), a 48 in water main broke in the county and we were on a three day water boil alert, oh and Kate battled a five day fever...just to name a few of the unique challenges that occurred while Josh was gone. So upon his return my parents took Kate for an evening, and Josh and I went into the city for a little getaway.

Typically this hotel would be completely out of our price range. But thanks to Travelocity and the current economy, there are a lot of great deals in the city. I was really excited about finally being able to stay here. We arrived in the city mid-afternoon and had a few hours to rest. Josh took a nap, and I soaked in a wonderful, hot bath (one of my favorite past times). A little later we got all dressed up and ventured out to a Brazilian Churrascaria (Steakhouse). Josh and I had celebrated his last birthday there when his sister, Shawna, was in town. We loved the food, and they serve a special Brazilian drink, Caipirinha, which is by far my new favorite. (For all of those who love mojitos you'll need to research this drink...it's sweet and delicious for the summer. All you need is Brazilian Cachaca alcohol , mashed limes, sugar, and ice. Give it a try if you're looking for something new!) Anyway, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Because of the style of service it's the kind of place you can stay for hours and talk, eat, drink, rest, talk, and eat some more. We walked around the city a bit after dinner to work off the meal and ended up in the lobby of the Willard Hotel; this is where Josh and I began our honeymoon three years ago. It was nice to go back there and recall fond memories.

Sunday we slept in!!!! This was the first time in a LONG time that I have slept through the night. It was wonderful. The next day we were going to visit a museum or two but the city was packed because of a Folk Life Festival on the Mall...so we headed over to a neighboring town in Virginia where we enjoyed a nice lunch and did some shopping. In all honesty, it didn't matter what we did. It was just nice to have my husband to myself for a few hours.

Kate didn't miss us a bit. She was as happy as can be at Papa and Gigi's house. It's nice to know we can leave her without any guilt. :) Thanks Mom and Dad!! We needed the break.

A Summer's Day At the Park

My dear friend Nicky is visiting from Texas this week. It's been wonderful having her here, meeting Kate and just catching up on life. We've been friends since 1992, I've spent many hot summers in Texas, and although lately we are lucky to see each other once a year it's so comforting slipping into a conversation with someone who knows you better than you know yourself. She and I have walked through many seasons of life together and it has been a joy introducing her to my daughter and sharing yet another chapter of life with such a special friend.

Today we went to the park to celebrate the fact the weather dropped below 100 degrees; it was a pleasant 88 today. Nicky has always had an eye for photography. I remember one time in college we took a trip to visit her grandmother in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. We took a hike along a scenic path in the height of the autumn foliage. She made me stand in these crazy poses with acorns and leaves...anyway, she always enjoyed photography. So today I handed her my camera and let her have at it. Here are some fun shots she took of Kate and me. I love them!

Mother's Day

Yesterday was my first Mother's Day. And to Josh's credit - he did a wonderful job of making me feel special. Thank you, my love! The day started with a yummy breakfast in bed made by my husband and cleaned up by my husband too. (If you saw the kitchen after he was done, you'd understand why this too was a blessing.) Josh gave me a beautiful card with some money in it to spend on myself as I wished (thank you!). Then I got to go back to bed and snuggle with Josh while Kate took her morning nap. We were all dressed and ready for church but Little Miss Kate did not want to wake up from her blissful sleep - and my rule is NEVER WAKE A SLEEPING BABY! Actually she had not slept well on Saturday night and knowing we had a full afternoon of family events, I decided to let her continue her nap. So we did miss church which saddened me, but once she woke up, Josh took me out to run some errands I needed to do. (Yeah for Target!) I always enjoy running errands with Josh or a friend, so it was special that he gave up time to do some mundane things with me. Then we drove around for a little while looking at some lots of land (we're always looking for that perfect lot to build on someday), and ended our drive at my favorite nursery where I got to pick up my annual herbs for my hanging baskets in the backyard, my tomato plant (are you ready for the competition this year, Dad?) as well as a few flowers for the gardens. I enjoyed every minute of it! We spent a raining afternoon at home while Kate took nap number two. And our day ended with a delicious steak dinner cooked by my dad as we celebrated Mother's Day with my mom, grandmother, and sister-in-law. It was one of those days that was pleasant from start to finish. So thank you, Josh, for all your effort to spend time with me today and make my 1st Mother's Day special. I love you!

A friend sent me this poem that's been circulating on the Internet. So in honor of the day I thought I'd share it with you all. The author is unknown:

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.

Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,I never held a sleeping baby

just because I didn't want to put her down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache, the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Spring is in the air - Finally!!

I feel like I've been locked away inside the house with the baby all winter long. So the arrival of spring is even more exciting this year! On Thursday Kate and I took our first springtime walk with little friends Jack and Ella and their mom, Teah. I am looking forward to more walks for the little one and me. I've always loved spring! It was the season Josh and I got married. It is the awakening of nature. The colors are vibrant. The air is crisp but the sun is warm; it's a welcome change from the dreary winter.

I was introduced to this poem in college by William Wordsworth. It's simple, but the imagery of daffodils dancing comes to my mind every time I drive by rows of yellow flowers bending in the March wind.

"Daffodils"
I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced;

but they out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,
In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,

And dances with the daffodils.

~William Wordsworth (1804)

In anticipation of spring's arrival here are a few visions of spring that bring me much joy.

I love the first hints of bright green that announce the awakening of the trees. I search for the lime hints as I drive around town. When I do see this brilliant color poking out of barren branches and my heart leaps with excitement. Spring is coming!

Tulips have always been my favorite flower. April boasts of beds and beds of vibrant colored tulips! Spring has begun.

And this is one of my favorite celebrations of spring! The beauty of the tidal basin in Washington, D.C. is breathtaking. Cherry Blossoms surround the entire area and announce in a loud jubilant voice that spring has arrived.

It is here - finally.

Let Levi Ride!! (in the 2008 Tour de France)

I know this is a long post -but please stick with me.

There are some important links at the bottom!

Josh has been a cycling fan for years; he even competed for a while when he was younger. But since being married I have surprised myself with an avid interest in cycling as well. The Tour de France is a huge event in our house every July, and we even follow the smaller races as well.

Many of you may be aware of all the controversy over doping in cycling; it seems like there's not a sport around that hasn't been marred by the use of steroids. To give you a little more history, the Tour de France has been dealt some big blows over the past few years. In 2006 to the shock and amazement of race watchers some of the Tour's top riders were pulled out of the race before the start because of associations with a 'doping' doctor. In 2007 doping controls were at a new height and teams were rigorously being checked; however, one team in particular -Astana- flew under the radar. Their top contender tested positive along with some other members of the Astana team. The entire team was removed from the race the following day.

Okay... fast forward to today. One of the race's leading team managers, Johan Bruyneel (formerly of team Discovery fame), has lead men like Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer to victory over the past several years. Since Discovery is no longer a team sponsor, Bruyneel decided to revamp team Astana. He "cleaned house" as teammate Levi Leipheimer stated, bringing on many new riders including Leipheimer, thrid place winner of the 2007 Tour de France, and defending 1st place champion Alberto Contador. Bruyneel also implemented some of the Tour's toughest anti-doping controls on the new Astana team. The new 2008 Astana has been completely remade - from manager to riders.


That's why it's disturbing that the ASO (the organization that owns the Tour de France and several other major races) recently announced the ban of the new 2008 Astana team from the race based solely on last year's controversy. Riders Leipheimer and Contador cannot defend their titles. Bruyneel is leading the way in anti-doping initiatives, but the ASO is banning him based on a past team's behavior of which he had nothing to do with. It is an extreme and discriminatory action by the ASO.


Petitions are being sent to the ASO on behalf of Leipheimer and Contador. Please consider signing them by visiting the links below:

Let Levi Ride and Contador al Tour

(Hit the English tab at the top of Contador's page.)

Levi even gives you directions on how to write an e-mail to the president of the ASO -

should you feel inclined.

I Married a Spaceman

Photo credit: Travis Earles

Okay, truth be told - how many of you stayed up last night to see the lunar eclipse? We did. Josh wouldn't miss it.

From about 10:30 until 11:00 Josh, Shayla, and I sat in the dark kitchen straining our necks to peer out our back door. (We decided to let Kate sleep through this one, but she'll join us in 2010 for the next one.) Up in the clear night sky right above our townhouse perfectly positioned between the tall wall of pine trees and the rooftops' of neighbors was the orange glow of the lunar eclipse. I had seen one years ago, but experiencing astronomical events with Josh is like being a kid again. He gets so excited and it's as if I am seeing the world from a fresh perspective. Watching the brightness of the moon collect in smaller and smaller segments until the entire view was an orange hue reminded me of the magnitude of our Creator and just how small I am in the universe. The planets really do move and orbit just like we learned in science class; unfortunately we forget that sometimes in the business of life orbiting around ourselves. It's good to stop and be reminded.

As Josh and I sat in the dark laughing at our enthusiasm at the moon we remembered a time about 6 1/2 months ago when I was not so excited to participate in one of Josh's adventures. I was 9 months pregnant when the Perseid Meteor Shower was due to unveil its glory. This particular meteor shower was suppose to be the brightest and best in 30 years. All predictions pointed to midnight as the peak time frame to view this display of nature when up to 60 to 80 meteors per hour should have flown through the sky. So, it's early August - hot and humid as D.C. summers usually are. Josh, Shayla, and I are sitting on the ground in a dark parking lot somewhere far enough away from the city lights as to not obscure the view. We wait. And wait. And wait. I ask Josh, "Wasn't there suppose to be one visible per minute?" "Yes," he says, "But it's cloudy tonight". We wait. And wait. And wait until my pregnant body couldn't stand the humidity and the concrete any longer and insisted on going back to bed (that is once Josh helped me to my feet). It was about 1:30 a.m. when we got home. I think we each saw one meteor the entire time - or at least I told myself the flash in the sky was meteor so I'd feel better about the evening. The adventure sounded like a good idea when Josh mentioned it earlier that evening. We can laugh now, but I'm so glad I didn't go into labor in the middle of the parking lot that night.

Josh's mom tells many stories about this childlike wonder my husband frequently exhibits. Whether its his fascination with turtles, or the excitement over meteors, or his boyish grin when he gets a brilliant idea - his mom and I agree that this trait must stay with him forever. Yet interestingly, as we sat in the darkness watching the lunar eclipse in our kitchen, we knew that his mom was doing the same thing 3500 miles away. After all, she passed on her wonder and excitement to Josh. And Josh is itching for Kate to join us on the next adventure.

The Flu has come to town

Oh, it's here and it's bad! I was bound to get it. My dad got sick first, then my mom, and Brenden then Shaun, and now it has arrived at our house. It's been sweeping through church and many people we know are home sick. I thought we were doing a good job staying away from people and the outside world, but a trip to the store or a movie last week or possibly even church let in the bug. It all started with a cough and progressed to sneezes and a sore throat and fever and chills and more coughing.

It's hard enough being sick - but being sick with a 6 month old is very challenging. I've tried so hard not to contaminate little Kate. I've been walking around with a burp cloth to my face smothering my germs--I 've used up bottles of Purrell hand sanitzier-- and she's spent many hours in the swing away from me. (Thank goodness for swings!!)

It's so good to have family to help out. My mom brought over more cough medicine and some soup last night. Josh jumped in with both feet last night and has taken over with the baby. Kate was at my mom's most of the morning, as Josh wisked her over there after she woke up. And I finally have pulled myself out of bed - for a little bit at least.

Yet, I must admit, there are some benefits to getting the flu:

1.) I got the entire bed to myself last night. Josh wisely slept on the couch. However, I'm not sure I enjoyed it to the fullest as I drifted in and out of consciousness.

2.) I've been enjoying unlimited popciles.

3.) It's a quick weight loss program.

4.) All housework, dishes, and laundry can wait - guilt free.

5.) I'm catching up on my sleep - finally.

Please keep Kate and Josh in your prayers. It looks like I'm going to make it, but I really don't want them to get sick. It's been so rough that my holistic minded self has been on medcine every four hours for the past four days...baby Kate won't be able to take anything. So please pray for mercy on her that this would pass her by.

2007: A Year in Review

This year I decided to forgo writing a Christmas letter; there was just too much to do this December. However, Josh and I thought it would be nice to post an end-of year blog in lieu of the formal Christmas letter.

This year began with the exciting news that we were expecting a baby. We found out just two weeks before Christmas ’06. We were able to tell Josh’s family our joyful news in person as we spent the holidays last year in Seattle. We returned to Maryland on January 1st and the next day I began bleeding. We were afraid we might lose the baby; however, God sustained the pregnancy—and for that we are forever grateful. On a sadder note, Josh lost his grandmother, Ruby, on January 6th. She was born in 1908, which made her 99 years old. She was a precious woman, and Josh loved her deeply. January also saw the celebration of Kim’s brother, Brian’s, wedding on January 13th to Jecholia Jessee.

In March Josh was given an incredible opportunity to go to Brazil with two colleagues. He spent two weeks working with bow makers in the small town of Guarana, just outside of Vittoria, Brazil. He also was able to travel to Southern Brazil to several towns near Porto Allegre. He was fascinated how different the two regions were. In southern Brazil Josh felt like he could have been in Barvaria, as the area was settled by Germans about 200 years ago. This trip was a dream come true for Josh. Brazil is known for its growth of pernambuco, the wood used to make bows. Josh has always wanted to see the forests and meet the bow makers of Brazil. Now he has, and he hopes to return some day soon.

In April, Josh and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary. In one sense our wedding seems like just yesterday, and in other ways I feel like Josh and I have been together forever. Marriage is wonderful this year. We made it through the throes of 1st year adjustments, and as we quickly approach our third anniversary we are comfortable and really enjoying one another’s company.

In June, I said goodbye to an 11 year career at Covenant Life School. I transitioned out of my position as director last year and transitioned to part time Educational Therapist. At the close of the school year in June, I packed 11 years of files, books, and memories into four lonely boxes whilst saying goodbye to teaching and hello to motherhood. I am still doing some educational testing from home and working with one student. However, as excited as I was about the coming baby, I did go through a bit of an identity crisis this summer.

Most of the summer was spent awaiting our daughter’s arrival while I desperately made efforts to stay cool. Our bathroom was the coolest room in the house, and many times Josh found me hanging out in there in front of the air conditioning vent. My other strategy was to spend hours and hours in my parents pool. Refreshing cool water and the lack of gravity made my very pregnant body feel wonderful.
Kate arrived on August 16th at 8:01 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. She was beautiful from day one. We have been holding on tightly as the rollercoaster ride of parenthood took off in full force. In late August Kim took Kate to the pediatrician because she had a fever. Little did we know that that would land us in the hospital for five days until her fever broke. All manner of tests, including a spinal tap, were run to eliminate any possibility of infection or disease. The doctors ended up calling the whole thing a prenatal viral fever that just had to run its course. Kate has been a needy baby in many ways, but she has been a complete joy in our lives. It’s hard to remember life without her.

September was a celebration of family. Brenden, our nephew, turned one year old just as Shaun and Debbie announced the exciting news that Baby #2 was on the way. (We have since learned that they are having a little boy, Collin Richard, in late April). Our cousins, Lindsey and Brian Knott, are also expecting their 2nd baby in June. (No more babies from us just yet. Kate is all we can handle right now.) Josh’s mom, Ann, came in early September to provide some help and much needed rest. She was my source of sanity, as we had just come home from the 5 day hospital stay. We all were emotionally and physically spent when Ann arrived. She was our angle! Josh’s sister, Shawna, came at the end of September for a long weekend. She too came at a pivotal time. Kate was dealing with a lot of reflux and dietary concerns and Shawna’s motherly expertise was a godsend! It was also very special to have Shawna here over Josh’s birthday.

October seemed a blur as we got into the routine of infant parenting—diapers, feedings at wee hours of the morning, crying, more diapers, visits to the doctor, mixing bottles of formula, figuring out how to assemble baby toys and stuff, even more diapers, lack of any recognizable schedule or sleep, lots of loads of laundry to wash off baby spit-up, and so on. It was so busy in our house this autumn that we hardly noticed the incredible fall as the oak and maple trees around us all turned into blazing autumn colors. One thing we did manage to do this autumn was settle into a new church. Josh and I have been discussing and praying about the need to find a new church home for more than a year now. God really helped us see that the time was right for the change, and after some searching we found peace, acceptance, and felt God's presence at the Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene. It was a harder transition for me, as I had been at the same church for almost 20 years. Yet, we are enjoying meeting new friends and getting involved there.

In November we started this blog; so most of the events in the last two months of the year can be read about in the blog archives. (And there are some cute videos of Kate, so I hope you’ll check out past entries.)

On December 23rd Josh’s 2nd grandmother passed away. Theodora Henry was 90 years old. Josh treasures the memories he has. We are all sad to see her go.

The rest of our year is a whirlwind of pediatrician appointments, dirty diapers, 2 a.m. bottles and wonderful smiles and coos from Baby Kate. Our little one is 4 months old now. We really enjoyed celebrating Christmas with her. It made the holidays extra special to have a baby around. We can’t wait to see what next year holds!

Happy New Year!