How Fun is This?

Thanks Jered!











I think i look like my grandma in one of them. . .

Peaceful

Jaelynne is asleep in her swing, clutching a loopie, head tilted to the side and back. TJ is lightly snoring on the couch, glasses folded on the coffee table and cats curled up next to him. The only light is the glow of the fish tank and the little light from this gloomy day that tries to make its way through our windows. Friends plays softly in the background with the hum of the swing going back and forth.

We are all at peace right now. Things just feel right. I just finished cleaning up after dinner. My dad came to visit his granddaughter today and with him brought our dinner, dessert, a change from the monotany, and Jaely's first Christmas present, wrapped in christmas paper and tagged with her name on it - a U of M cheerleading outfit. He left so Jaely and i could get a little nap. Dinner was awesome. I made the linguini and warmed up the deliciouse spaghetti sauce, stuck a bread loaf in the oven, poured two glasses of milk and away we went. Thanks dad! And for dessert homemade blueberry peach pie with a beautiful lattice crust -worthy of a picture really.

I am becomming more comfortable in the kitchen. I cooked the pasta tonight perfectly, and timed everything just right so it was all done at the same time. Yesterday i made ravioli. TJ is so appreciative of it and he makes sure to show me and let me know. He is able to spend more time with Jaely, even if that means changing a poopy diaper, and he can take a little nap.

I better wake up the Jaebug. We want her to beable to sleep tonight and she needs to eat soon. Dad got to watch her eat her cereal and what a show she put on for him. Smiles, a little giggling, and such sounds. The last time her saw her was just in August, and he said she has changed so much. i am glad it is not passing to quickly before my eyes, that i am able to enjoy it.

It is hard to wake a peaceful baby.

Abby

Abby is very good at seeking attention from TJ. However, she isn't sure if she wants Jaely's attention, yet.Ya, she is sleeping on his leg.

Ping Pong

I seem to back and forth from one extremity to the other within a given week, sometimes within a given day. At times, i feel so good about what i am doing this year. So validated. Like i couldn't imagine it any other way. Like this is what i am supposed to do, without a doubt. Other times, i find myself having to remind myself why i chose to do this again, why i looked at some $40,000 and said "no, i don't really need you this year," why i think i would be that much better than daycare. Most of the time, i just need to look into jaely's eyes, and all those whys are answered. This is what i am supposed to do. Yet, at the same time, i want to be able to buy things for her, to sign her up for swimming lessons, to purchase things that will spur her creativity, to get her that cabbage patch doll. I know those are all material things, but i still want her to have things. Clipping coupons, checking ads, worrying if i should really get that chai that i have been craving. Being reminded that God will provide (although, maybe not chai- that isn't really that essential to life, is it?)

Sometimes, i have the best day. Things go smoothly- or i am able to comfort her, or i hear a giggle, or i see a new facial expression, or she plays her heart out and then takes a much needed nap. I sing to her in my horrible singing voice and her face just lights up. Sometimes, i feel like my world is closing in- like an outing will require me to spend money, or tempt me, on things we don't need. Walks go too fast. Saturdays are the same as Wednesdays. Haven't slept past 8 (if i am lucky) in five months, waking up in the wee hours of the morning to pump. Sometimes i get stuck in that rut, and all i can see are the monotonous things- wake up, change diaper, nurse/feed, play, read, nap time. Repeat. Most of the time, i am able to throw something differnt in- play out on the deck, read a story on the porch, go to meijers to get stuff we NEED, find a different toy, try a new food. Breaks up the monotony.

But i would say for the most part, i feel validated. I see her smile. I watch her hair come in hour by hour. I rejoice as she rolls around on the living room, and giggle as she keeps rolling to the coffee table to lick the table leg. I treasure seeing her face when she takes a bite of plain avocado, her eyes squeezed shut and her mouth partly open trying to figure out what this new taste is. I cherish the snuggle times of reading her stories before every nap and waking her up to see her smile and stretch. I am relieved when i can check her poopy diaper and see there is no blood. I get to witness her seeing something for the first time and just be mesmerized by it, stretching her arms out to try to touch it. I get to watch her clutch her shirt fabric in her hand, get it around her fingers and then attempt to stick it in her mouth at the same time she is nursing. Sometimes she will just settle for rubbing the fabric up and down her cheek while she eats. I get to laugh at her when she grabs her foot and pumps it up and down repeatedly. There are so many good things about this decision we made. Sometimes, i just need to remind myself. . .and i did just that. Thanks for reading!

Good Book

I have been reading Little Earthquakes since i finished the Penderwicks. Last night i found myself conversing with the characters. It was in a dream. The author makes the characters seem so real, i feel like i know them. I can tell the ones that i would really get along with, the ones that i have nothing in common with, but would still appreciate, and the ones that would get on my nerves. Becky and i are so similar. It is about four women who just had babies. It makes me laugh and cry. Anyway, i was in the midst of all these women and their babies and jaely was there, too. It was so weird, but i liked it.

This week as been really good. I felt terrible yesterday (headache, mostly), but managed to take a nap and watch The Notebook during jaely's long nap. That movie made me very thoughtful, nastogic, and wondering for the rest of the day. In fact, after it was over i went in to wake up Jaelynne and i just stared at her and smiled and cried- so thankful that i get to have these moments with her. Then when i was trying to fall alseep, i couldn't. I wasn't anxious or worried. I was just calmly thinking. . . about everything.

Haven't heard about TJ's job, yet. Probably not a good sign, but we don't know when the rest of the interviews were being done. They did tell him they would know sometime this week, and we havn't heard.

Well, time to feed the bug. Yum. . . avocado mixed with oatmeal cereal. Can you picture the color of that? Can you picture the color of it regurgitated? Yum.

I Lost my Touch

I am so blessed to have married a man that truly enjoys cooking. He cooks and i have clean up duty. I have been spoiled these last seven years (even longer, since he cooked for me while we were dating). I used to cook for myself- sure it was a lot of pasta roni and chicken breasts, but i did it. If i messed it up, it didn't really matter because it was just for me. I want to start cooking more, so TJ can take a nap or have more jaely time when he gets home from work. The minute i cook for someone else, i get super nervous that i am going to mess something up.

I went to meijer today to pick up a few things that i can cook- sloppy joes, taco salad, chicken divan, cajun-chicken pasta, and tortillini. I guess it is a start, but we are going to get very sick of these things!

Last night we brought some friends a meal to help out with adjusting to a newborn. TJ made lasagna AND cleaned the dishes. All i did was stick it in the oven. Here is a picture of the little guy. TJ used to work with his mom and dad, but they both moved on to bigger and better things.

Ball Crazy

This took away a great deal of my life today. . . not really, but it is addicting. If you click the ball, it will change colors. Good luck and thanks Karen!

The Return of the Loopie

Earlier this week, i made jaely her own loopie. Instead of the purple and green one, which we will still use, she got a bigger pink and green chenille one. I made it with ribbon that Lori used during the game of "how big is lindsey's belly" during my baby shower. Instead of a 16 x 18, i made it 20 x 20. I actually like to keep them smaller. She, of course, loves it!

I forgot how much i like to sew, to pin, to cut through fabric and to create something. I am making a loopie now for Beckett Hoppa, who was just born. As i am making it, i thought. . . i want to make these again and i can find the time during Jaely's naps and after she goes to bed. I think i have to up the price, however. They stopped making the flat, plain microfleece that i used on one side. So, now both sides are going to be texured, either bumps or chenile. That is more expensive. Also, before when i made them and sold the for $12, i was making them out of pure enjoyment, having no idea that i would sell close to 80 of them. Now, it would be nice to make a little bit of a profit. I about broke even, when i consider the time & materials.

I am excited to bring in some income for the year- just kidding- i am excited to sew again. There have been quite a few requests for loopies, so i am sure i can sell them again. I don't know if i will sell them at work, when i am not there or if i will stock pile them for next year or if i will sell them at a arts and craft booth. Who knows, i just need to start cranking them out again.

So tonight i cut a bunch of ribbon. Pinned some to Beckett's. And i scrapbooked afew more pages in Jaely's book. TJ is finishing up the drawers for her dresser. We are tired, but we just keep going!

Step 3- Wait

TJ thought his interview went terribly, but TJ always thinks things go poorly when they involve him. He is very hard on himself. Last night he had a lot of "i should have saids" go through his mind. A few things he would have liked to have done differently comes with many practices of interviews. He wanted to connect his answers more to other responses and also use his past expereinces and achievements to talk about what he will do as principal. He feels like he let down his head principal who told him to go for the job. I told TJ that his principal sees all the good he does day to day and that one interview will not let him down.

Anyway, TJ is glad it is over and spending some time hanging out with friends last night helped take his mind off of his interview. He even ate and didn't throw anything up! The superintnedent said they have 6 interviews to conduct on Tuesday and they will make a decision some time next week. TJ is kind of embarassed to teach with the two teachers that interviewed him and he is embarrassed to see his principal. I am sure it didn't go that poorly!

Watching the Clock

I have never watched the clock so much in all my life- not even the day i gave birth to Jaely. TJ is now at his interview (if they are not running behind). All morning while he was at work i would look at the clock and count how many hours he had until his interview. He left the house with plenty of time to spare looking like a sexy professional. He said he just wanted to vomit. I told him to wait until after his interview to do that. There is going to be about 10 people interviewing him, most of them he knows, and some he knows well. Does that almost make it worse? I am still watching the clock and i don't know how many prayers i have said today, mostly prayers for peace for him. There are a lot of teachers that have applied for principal jobs prior to this that don't get the job, but i hope TJ does. He heard they were interviewing about 11 people. I am just so proud of him. I don't think i would have it in me. . .

I told him to call me on his way home, so i can stop watching the clock!

Some Hilarity for your Day

Watch this! TJ and i were laughing so hard. It is so true, right down to the impractically large peacocks.

Step 2 - Interview

TJ got called today to set up an interview for the assistant principal job. He would have been really bummed if they didn't even call him for an interview. It is scheduled for 2:00 on Thursday. He gets out of school at noon that day, will come home and get changed and mentally ready and will then head out for the hour long interview. We are both excited about it. Of course, TJ is nervous, too. I am sure i will be pacing the house with Jaely for a couple of hours. If he gets this job it would be quite a change. In my first year of earning an annual income of $0, a considerable higher salary for TJ would be awesome. It would be quite a change in schedules too. He wouldn't have to leave the house at 6 in the morning, but on some nights he would be coming home after Jaely is in bed. When he is home, though- like on Sundays and most evenings, there will be no paper correcting, grades to enter, or weekly lesson plans to make. Most importantly, this is something that he really wants to do, something that will help him continue making the changes that he started, but couldn't take further as a teacher.

TJ is planning on learning from this interview experience, and he will whether he gets the job or not. He admits that he will be bummed if he doesn't get it and his efforts will, he feels, be unvalidated, but he still loves teaching- so it won't be the end of the world if he remains a teacher. I hope and pray that he is pleasantly surprised and gets the job. There are, of course, people applying that have principal experience and a masters in educational leadership, but those people are not familiar with the staff of MHS nor its goals like TJ is. We will see! I stopped saying "if" and started saying "when" in our conversations about when he becomes principal. I like the sound of it.

Me Time

TJ is back to work. Yuck! Today during Jaelynne's nap i read. I make sure to get my me time in when she is napping. I do this by taking a nap myself, reading, scrapbooking, sewing (i started a pink loopie for Jaely that includes ribbon from a shower thrown in her honor), and getting things done around the house that have been bothering me. Today i chose to read. I hate when an excellent book comes to an end. . .

Frightening

While looking through today's paper, i glanced through the coupons and stumbled upon one of the most hideous things i have ever seen. This picture doesn't do it justice, for it is difficult to see the fake fur that covers the monkey's arm and legs and its disgusting little toes. The ad claims it is "a delightful achievement in miniature art!" Here is the description:

A Tiny "baby" who Will Win your Heart!
What do we have here? A sweet little blue-eyed baby in a tiny diaper looking for some tender loving care. But this little one has a curly tail and nibbles a banana! Introducing "monkey Cuddles," a winsome little baby monkey figure so lovable, you'll smile every time you see her.

Amazing Sculpting and Charming Details
This miniature simian sweetheart is cast in resin, hand-painted and wonderfully detailed, right down to the look of contentment on her adorable baby face. Her little topknot is geniune mohair, and she wears a diaper of real fabric. This baby's special treat is a tiney sculpted banana. She is too cute for words!

This figure is not a toy. It is a fine collectible to be enjoyed by adult collectors.

That is disturbing on so many levels.I also discovered in one of my parenting magazines that Cabbage Patch Kids are re-releasing the original dolls from the 80s as a 25 year anniversary thing. In the ad of the magazine was my braided red haired, freckled Geniveve. Such memories came flooding in as i saw the ad. Geniveve was actually my second cabbage patch doll. My first one was Candy Cornilious, but she was thrown on top of the roof at my elementary school. I went to the play ground after school hours with Candy, and accidentally left her there. I am sure some boys threw her in the roof. I got her back, but she was all dirty. Most of the time she wore a whit shirt with hearts and a matching red skirt. I also had matching pajamas with my mom and my cabbage patch dolls. I know that is kind of creepy, but when i was little i thought that was the coolest thing. My brothers didn't have matching pajamas with their always-smiling lego people or star wars figurines. Ha!Candy Cornilious- my first Cabbage Patch Doll (except mine had brown eyes)

Geniveve- my second doll that stayed much cleaner- identical to the one pictured here

Not Impressed

Size doesn't matter. We went to the Muskegon Farmers market today. It was my first time there- we normally go to the Montague one. I can say that i wasn't that impressed. I mean, ya it was much larger than the montague one, but much crazier and crowded too. And, we purchased the same exact things that we do at the smaller montague one. Plus, i know people at the Montague one and i always run into someone else that i know. Anyway, i am glad that i experienced the Muskegon one, but i think i will stick to montague. I cannot wait for grinny's apples!

Tonight we are celebrating (?) the end of summer by going to pekadils and having their rib dinner. We went to get some school supplies earlier today, but TJ doesn't know if he will be a teacher or a principal this year. We tried not to make major purchases for teaching supplies that could also not be used as a principl. Interviews got moved to the end of next week, so he has to go to all the meetings next week not knowing. We rushed to wait, basically. Well, time to wake up Jaely and get ready to go eat some tasty ribs, cheesy potatoes, and a salad.

I Cannot Imagine the Vet Bills

Hopefully you don't have this dog toy shown on this blog. I don't have a dog, but i cannot imagine this. It sounds terrible. Tongues are so sensitive. I once got a sliver in mine from a popsicle stick and i thought i was going to die. I also don't know how much money i would spend to heal the little guy. I know that sounds bad, but i just don't have $5,000 to spend on healing an animal's tongue. When do you say enough? It is a tough question. Poor dog.

Gladys

I know that some have seen this many times, but it still makes me laugh every time i see it. Check Gladys out- (thanks for the laugh, gail)

A Change in Attitude

Something inside of me changed last week when i visited school. After the farmers market, TJ and i brought jaely to visit the secretary there. Her name is kathy and she prayed so much for the arrival of a baby into our family. She loves babies. Anyway, we talked about how much i am going to miss the people at school and she said how much she is going to miss me- especially in the morning. As we were leaving she said "we will miss you this year, but you have a much more important job to do this year." As i carried Jaely out of the school, i got this huge sense of peace- like this is the right thing for me to do.

Prior to this, i was actually feeling quite uneasy about it. Would i be good? Will i go insane? Will i be one of those moms that talks in baby talk at all times? But as i left that day, my attitude changed. Just as my job at school was important and valued, so is my job this year with jaelynne. Jaely is depending on me. I feel like all of my hard work this year is going to be so worth it. Just like when i see my students in the fall grow and learn, so that by spring time they are ready to move on. I am anxious to see how jaely will grow and learn this year. I am still going to be juggling a lot of different roles and tasks, which secretly gives me a feeling of great satisfaction- i feel best about myself when i am super busy and getting lots done. I will have days full of juggling folding laundry while entertaining jaely, playing with her as i blog, feeding her during a shopping trip, paying bills while she is independently playing, carrying her while i tidy up the house. I could go on and on. I will be busy. I will have different roles. I will still be multi-tasking. I think i am going to like it!

Every school year i often set goals for myself for the year. . . not for my students, but for myself. The same will be true this year. One of my goals will be to reach out to the adults in my life- as a person with a phone phobia that is difficult, but Jaely needs a mom that is not burned out or forgot who she is (a little funky, funny, and creative). Another goal would be to not be lazy. Just like in any job, one can sit back an do the bare minimal. I don't want to do that. I want to work hard at being a mom- it is more satisfying that way. Lastly, just like during the school year, i need to remember that more importantly i am a wife, too. Not just a mom or a teacher, but a wife. I am wife to a husband who deserves my friendship, my listening ears, my energy, and my time. Jaely deserves to grow up in a home where she witnesses that.

It is going to be a good year!

Isn't This Cool?

This is what TJ has been working on lately. . . urbanscience.org. . . he designed and built the website for it. This fundraiser helps raise money for the science program at muskegon high. I love the slide show of pictures. It makes me want to go.

Sleepless Nights

TJ is going for it! The deadline is Wednesday. . . he has a lot to do before then. We both aren't sleeping very well because of the excitement, anxiety and all the what-ifs. I am proud of him for going for it.

Big Decision

TJ got a call this morning from a principal that used to be at his school but is taking another principal job at the middle school. This principal was a former teacher and is getting his masters in counseling- just like TJ. He told TJ that TJ should apply for the assistant principal job. TJ has been told many times that he would make an excellent principal, but he was never very interested in it. That is not the case now. The principal that called said that he does more counseling as a principal than as a muskgeon counselor (they just schedule classes and such). TJ is seriously thinking about it since so many people that he respects have told him that he should be a principal. One of his big questions that he is seeking an answer to as i write this is if he does get the job and decides he doesn't like it after a year, can he ever go back to teaching. The current head principal has made it a goal of his to get tj into ed leadership and administration. They definitely must see something.

We are thinking it would require the same amount of time - no paper correcting, lesson planning, nor experiment set up, but there are sporting events, parent meetings, and paper work. He would get a student specialist that is awesome at handling behavior problems. He would be in charge of ninth grade students. . . and teachers. Hummmm. . . . .

He hasn't touched his resume in seven years. And he would have to write an essay and of course interview. Crazy.

Great Ball of Energy

Jaely slept so well last night. Not a peep all night. Which means i slept really well last night, too and it means i didn't need a nap when Jaelynne went down for a nap. Which means. . . i got stuff done!!! I cannot believe how full of energy i am right now and how much i got done. TJ went to work today, so i waited for Jaely to go down for her two hour nap and then i

• did three loads of laundry
• washed the bathtub
• cleaned the toilet
• Cleaned the counter top
• Soaked the shower head in vinegar
• Washed our toothbrush cup
• Washed our water glass
• Took down and washed the shower curtain and liner
• Soaked the shower curtain rings
• Wiped down the purple bathroom walls
• Washed and soaked the wire holder that hangs in our shower
• Washed the five little green vases of dried flowers
• Cleaned the mirror
• Ate a Brooklyn bagel Sandwich and frozen chai
  

Then i fed Jaelynne and played with her. Then she went down for another two hour nap. During her nap i. . .

• Uploaded pictures onto her blog
• Balanced checkbook
• Paid bills
• Made lemon bars for tonight's cook out
• Cleaned the front bathroom toilet, counter, and tub
• Did one more load of laundry
• Cleaned the kitchen counter
• Did dishes
• And blogged
  

So, i haven't brushed my teeth yet or washed my face, but i did get a lot done. Time to wake up the bug. More playing!

Home

I love our home. I especially appreciate it when away for awhile. I love its familiar smell, our cozy bed, our two crazy cats, and our pictures everywhere. It was an awesome visit to the other side of the state. It is a wonderful and peaceful feeling to be surrounded by family who completely love and care about you. It is nice to be home, too.

I am so glad that Muskegon didn't want to pay for TJ to go to that conference. It would have felt long without him. Instead, we got to spend time together.

Tonight, i am going to start reading the second Penderwicks book, eat some ice cream and maybe watch a movie with TJ. Jaely is in the process of being put down to sleep. I hope it is a lengthy sleep- not like last night. TJ is going into work tomorrow. We didn't get home until 1:00ish- mondays are his designated work on built-in days, but he didn't have the energy to tackle it today. I don't blame him. Tomorrow, Jaely and i should probably try to have as much a normal day as possible. We will see.

Guitar Hero

After celebrating Matt and Steve's birthday, matt broke out Guitar hero. It is quite and interesting game. I got booed off stage, even though i think i had the most style while playing.

A sideways view of Guitar Hero

Oh well. Tonight TJ and i had a date night. We went out to eat and then shopped at Twelve Oaks Mall. I remember shopping with my mom there 15 years ago. It has changed so very much. We loved it and we found a Mauviel roasting pan that was $169.00 for $34.00 at William Sonoma. A long time ago Jered, Jason, and i all chipped in to get this pan for mom. I wonder where it is now? Probably hasn't been used since the last thanksgiving my mom was alive. Jered should have it. . . he might use to cook at least ribs. We also got an Emile Henry dish that is beautiful for 75% off. What a deal! It was wonderful to hold TJ's hand and eat without having to worry about Jaelynne.

Visiting Mary and Keller

This morning, after Jaely took a mini nap, we headed over to visit Mary and Keller. It was so so good to see Mary (and keller, too). I met mary in high school and against our other friend's wishes we became friends - even though she thought i was weird for bringing a huge, raw mushroom to snack on during lunch. We then roomed together our first two years of college. We both decided to go to GVSU independently of each other, not knowing each other's plans. When we were discussing our plans and realized that we both had GVSU in mind. We have stayed in touch- TJ and i visited her in Baltimore, but we never made it to either of her New York homes. Now she is in Michigan and much easier to visit. Our visit was rather short, with a tired baby and all you can't do much longer. We got some laughs in- Keller asked mary what i was doing when i was nursing Jaelynne. Her response was "Ya know cows, keller? Well, Lindsey is kind of like a cow. . . " I admit that this is indeed a perfect explanation for a five year old, but it isn't a very flattering though- not like i haven't thought it myself before. Keller buried TJ in a blanket and used him as an elevator. We also had tasty chicken salad sandwiches and watched Jaely the entertainer. It was so fun to watch Keller interact with Jaely.

Additions

I got two new additions to two of my collections this summer.

One is from Jaely and i got it for my birthday. It is called Always Close to my Heart.

The other one i stumbled upon yesterday while picking up a card for my friend at the hallmark store by target. To my surprise and happiness they had shelves full of Vera Bradley that is marked 50% off. You should have seen me! I had purses draped all over me. . . i decided on this one for the fall. It is a cute hipster purse.

Yuck

It has been a strange day today. I got inspired to make Chex mix after going to my dad's last week and feasting on his. I thought it would be a nice treat to make for TJ's family for when we head over there on Thursday. It is an espcially good batch. I let it sit in the oven for longer than required due to the timing of Jaelynne's feeding of cereal today. I had it all planned out. You have to stir that chex mix every fifteen minutes and i also add Parmesan cheese during every stirring (a tip i got from my dad) Jaely was taking a nap, so i had just enough time to work it in around her eating schedule. She got a little fussy 45 minutes into her nap- like normal. That put me behind a little bit. . . but then i got the news.

A friend of mine found out that her five year old daughter has leukemia. I just sat there- letting it all sink in, as if it ever really could. I then decided that i needed to get over my phone phobia and make some calls to some of her other friends. With Jaely still napping, i did just that.

I cannot tell you how many times i have thought about my friend. Images of her daughter with her bright orange curly hair, freckles, and glasses pops into my head and i think what a long road ahead it will be for that family. I just have so much pain and sympathy for all that they are going through.

My friend has prayed on so many occasions for me and she is not hesitant to let me know. She teaches in the classroom next door to me and we would gather in the hall sometimes when we had both had enough or when we had something funny to share. There would be times last year when we would meet in the hall and we would both tear up, knowing that i was carrying a miracle. . . a much prayed for miracle by the name of Jaely. TJ and i would sometimes feast with her and her husband. I love hanging out with her kids. I think how her life is turned upside down- where nothing matters right now but getting that beautiful daughter of hers well.

I think i feel it more strongly now that i have a child of my own. Every time i read jaely a story today, or put he down for a nap, or play with her, or nurse her, i think of little Greta who is so sick. I am again reminded of just how fragile life truly is- how our children are really a gift from God.

If you are the praying type- please pray for Greta and the rest of her family.

My New Look

Last week i got my haircut and this week i got my new glasses. . .

I forgot. . .

How much i truly enjoy/need church. We went today for the fourth week in a row and it felt so good. I am liking this church we started going to called Renovate. We were drawn there awhile ago when our OVCC friends james and charity starting going there. We went a few times, but then the miraculous Jaelynne happened and turned our lives upside down. I love singing. I love worshiping. I love listening to other people's views. I love being challenged in my thinking and in the way i live my life. I love getting to know more people. I need church more than i think. It isn't so much the "church" that i need/want. . . it is the community of people that love and worship my God that i need. I am definitely not one of those people that need a church to go to so i can say i go to church. That is not worth it to me, but it seems we have found one that we like. It is weird because at first we just knew james, charity, and their daughter adeline, but now i feel like we know a lot more people. Our friends Sarah, Nate, and their son Corbin come. Alecia and Joel come. Alecia is a teacher that TJ teaches with- a newbie as we call ourselves. We are getting to know Dave and his wife Misty- i spy on them on their blog, but i was told that misty does the same thing to me. And today, Daniel was there with Will and isaac. And we have met some other people at birthday parties and home gatherings. It felt good, especially to hear James preach, like in the past at OVCC.

After words, i got a glimpse of what Jaely will be like in 2-3 years. We went to the park by lake michigan to eat pizza and enjoy each other's company. Will and isaac ran all over the play structure, shouting "COCONUT COOKIES" to get tickles from daniel. They climbed the stairs and went down the biggest slide. They got giant pushes on the the tire swing and did a doublemint gum commercial as they each slid down a slide side-by -side. Adeline, cautiously followed the boys. She braved some steps, shouted "DADDY, DADDY" and ran around on the ramps (and walked into a pole, ouch) as she wore her cool sunglasses and claims to have made a mess of her shoes. Jaely sat in her car seat while we ate. I fed her on a shady park bench and then she went on the swings with TJ. Next summer is going to be so much fun as she becomes more mobile.

We then stopped at meijer for some steaks. We are going to have them with grilled veggies tonight- my favorite summer treat.

The Bug

I love this picture that TJ took so much that i thought it was worthy enough to post on both blogs. . .

Diaper Disaster

I opened up the washer to change loads. I started throwing the things from the washer into the dryer. Then, upon a closer look i saw these see through gel things covering the opening of the washer. I looked and it was all over the inside too. I realized that this is a jaely load. I asked aloud "Did someone put a diaper in the hamper?" TJ said, "i probably did." I had washed a diaper and the gel junk had gotten all over the washer. The diaper was heavy. . . a little more than a 1/2 pound (yes, i did weigh it). I can't imagine how much it would have weighed if the granules were still in the diaper. TJ is cleaning it up right now. We are both laughing about it. He has such a good attitude for such a big mess. He admitted that it was probably him right away due to his lack of brain use after he feeds jaely at night. I don't sort her laundry. I literally dump the netting from the hamper into the washer. Thank goodness he has not changed a poopy diaper in a long time.

The wet, bloated, clean diaper

Just the beginning of all the granules On a totally different note. . . all of annie the ugly cat's teeth are falling out. We keep finding various teeth on the carpet or in the laundry room. She even lost one of her fangs that used to hang out of her mouth. She has always been the sickly looking one and has gotten more illnesses than the other, cute cat. We feel so bad for her. She is somehow still managing to eat dry food. Wet food and dry food that is not "stomach sensitive" gives her runny, runny poop, so we don't really have another option. Poor cat.

Constant Battle

Well, i am down 10 pounds since i started weight watchers 6 weeks ago. I am happy with that. Weight watchers doesn't take it off fast, but it does take it off to stay and in a practical way. Ten pounds is 40 sticks of butter. It feels good not to carry an extra ten pounds around. I got a kohl's gift card from gail for my birthday. TJ encouraged me to get out yesterday without the jaebug, so i did. Time flew. I must have tried on 50 different things. I wanted to buy cute things, but i am just not there yet. I wanted to save my gift card for when i am back to "normal" but i was getting so sick of my selection of clothes that actually fit. None of the cute stuff looked right, so i wound up getting plain looking things. Although, i did get a pair or jean capris that i am excited about. I feel good now. I have some things to choose from when deciding what to wear.

When i was putting on the weight, i didn't care at all. . . i was getting injections for a good reason and then i was pregnant- a very good reason to put on some weight. I really didn't gain a whole lot with my pregnancy, it was all the medication before that did me in, BUT we got Jaely so all was good. I just was hoping it would come off a little easier. My hormones are still a mess, and i did only have jaely four months ago. I hope when she is nine months old that i am at a significantly healthier weight. At least i am not going up in weight anymore. One of the best things about being pregnant (except for Jaelynne of course) is that i didn't really feel like pigging out. Cookies didn't sound good. Ice cream had to be thrown away because it didn't get eaten. I want that feeling back. Now that i have been teased with it, i know how easy it can be to say no to ben and jerry's ice cream. Why can't i have that feeling all the time? What makes me sick is that many people do! Oh well, i will keep working at it. I want to be healthy for me, for my hubby, and for my daughter.

40 sticks of butter is a lot!

Hot Husband

Ya, my husband is hot. He got his hair cut yesterday. His new glasses came in today. He has lost ten pounds. He has trimmed facial hair. He makes me laugh. My husband is hot.

Hooray!

I weighed in this week at weight watchers before heading to Grand Haven today. Weight watchers has always worked for me and i was getting frustrated because for the first time, it wasn't. I don't know if it is because i am nursing or what, but it is crazy. I do get 12 extra points for nursing (i finally get more points than TJ. He normally gets more just for being a guy.) Anyway, the first week i lost 7 pounds, second week lost .8 of a pound, third- gained .8 then last week i gained 2. I was annoyed because i was eating the same week to week. Then, i weighed today and lost 4 pounds. Hooray! Finally all that work paid off. If TJ and i lose 25 pounds each, we are getting healthier and a new tv for the bedroom. We can do it! I spent this week's 35 bonus points all in one long sitting by eating Ben and Jerry's ice cream- mint cookie. It was so worth it. I never feel like i am deprived because i can still eat stuff like that, just not everyday for every meal!

TJ is currently talking to the pentaminos in our new game Katamino (see baby ellis blog). He is so addicted. His neck hurts from being so stiff, yet he continues to play!!!! I am winding down. Heading to bed (9.2 pounds lighter, i might add) Good Night.

Family

Today my brother and dad came over. I love that we are at least on the same side of the state and close enough to visit each other. Jered has about a 45 minute drive and dad has a 2 hour drive. TJ was at a conference, and i don't really know how to cook much, so Jered stopped at meijer on his way in and bought ribs, chicken, and black bean bread. He did all the cooking- i just made a mozzarella, basil, tomato salad thing. Dad made an awesome strawberry pie. The meal was delicious. TJ actually got to come home to a delicious cooked meal.

I love to watch my brother and dad with their niece and granddaughter. I was kind of tired. Last night, Jaely woke up almost every half hour after 2:30 and then woke up for good 45 minutes early. It was a good day for them to come and visit- it helped me get through the day and make it not so monotonous.

Dad and Jered talked politics. Jaely blew bubbles with her spit. Dad and i talked about being hermits, my mom, marriage, and divorce. We all talked about the good food.

My dad held Jaely

Jered held his MacBook. . . and slept.
And my dad slept.

Now i am going to sleep. . .

Huh?

My shampoo that my hairdresser recommended for me says on the bottle "cleans dandruff flakes." Do i really care if my dandruff flakes are 'clean'? I am not interested in cleaning them. . . i want them GONE! If they leave dirty, i would be fine with that, as long as they are gone.

Montague Farmer's Market

Yum. . . we got fresh, sweet strawberries, blueberries, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet onions, asparagus, spinach, and bib lettuce. I love the summer. The fresh veggies and fruit are wonderful, but i also love to talk to a friend at her booth. We buy from her first and then fill in the holes with other farmers. She just had asparagus and sweet cherries, but we bought some of everything at another farmer's booth from Holland. Jaely loves the attention Grini gives her. . . she smiled for her a ton. I really am going to miss Grini next year. . .
The tomatoes are going to be perfect with the fresh mozzarella we bought at GB Russos in GR, fresh basil and balsamic vinegar.

It's for the birds

I was watering and dead- heading our hanging baskets yesterday. At the top of one basket, i kept pulling dead-like things from it. Upon closer observation (standing on a chair), i discovered it was a bird's nest. Crazy!

Kids Galore!

Yesterday we went to a friend's parents' house to celebrate the fourth of july. I think this is the third or fourth year we have gone. It was a beautiful perfect day to sit by the lake with a bunch of friends and their kids. I think TJ and i figured there was thirteen kids there. . . most around two years old. This was the first year that we were noy the couple without a child. Last year at this time we were waiting to see if i was pregnant. We enjoyed good company, yummy food, other people's kids, s'mores, fireworks, and boccie ball. jaely got very snuggly during the beginning of the fireworks. She watched them up in the sky. Then she started fussing. She got quiet during the fireworks, and then cried until the next set. We left a little early and almost left my camera there. Next year, Jaely will be running all over the place!









On the drive home, i got this overwhelming sense of being so blessed. I love hanging out with that group of people. They are so intelligent, hilarious, compassionate, and normal. I just felt so blessed to be driving home after seeing friends, with Jaely in the back seat and a wonderful husband to my left. Life is just so good.