Let Summer Begin....

Summer will actually begin in June, but it always feels like Memorial Day weekend is the beginning of summer to me.  Typically summer is not one of my favorite seasons, mainly because of the heat.  I do not like being hot.  I do enjoy the relaxed schedules, outdoor cooking, longer daylight hours, and vacation. 

I decided this year to try to enjoy summer for all it has to offer.  I plan to take full advantage of each day while finding ways to stay as cool as I can.  Realizing that one fourth of the year is summer, so to discount the whole season based on the heat might not be fair.

Last weekend was Memorial Day Weekend.  First I want to mention how thankful I am for the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces!!! Their sacrifice has made the freedom we enjoy each day possible.  The weekend was a wonderful start to the summer season.  We enjoyed time visiting and eating great food with our family.  It was nice relaxing in homes and pool side with our loved ones.  I also took my maiden sail on our new sailboat.  We've had two other sailboats in the past, neither as big a this one.  I absolutely loved it! It was so relaxing.  The wind was perfect and it was nice to be out on the water.  I think even Lincoln enjoyed it.  He slept for hours in the cabin. He was fed and held by family on board (two of his favorite hobbies). 

So this year I'm looking forward to the days ahead hot and all.  Let summer begin....

Celebrating The Moments.....

It seems like we just met yesterday, but instead we were celebrating 15 years of marriage.  We've talked about how at this time we have been together half of our lives (dated 2 years before getting married).  It has been an amazing adventure so far.  Not just the adventurous days like the one above white river rafting in Alaska, but the lazy days at home.  People we've known with loving relationships have shared how your relationship just gets better as the years go on.  They are right.  Our love has continued to grow and deepen over the years. 

I still get the excitement and butterflies in my stomach when I'm talking to Jeremy.  However, now we have some quests we have conquered in life.  We know after making it through illnesses, times of plenty and want, education, jobs, family crisis moments, and latest becoming parents; we're there for each other.  It's an incredible feeling to have a companion who you can spend every moment in this life. 

Tonight I'm feeling so blessed to be matched so perfectly with the love of my life.  Our differences compliment each other.  Jeremy truly completes me in every way.  I'm looking forward to years of living life to the fullest!

Welcome to Motherhood!!!

Motherhood. A word that meant so many things to me a month ago. However, a word I didn't fully understand until a month ago.  Our son Lincoln was born March 28th. An incredible day to say the least.  A day Jeremy and I will remember always, our precious baby boy being handed to us, dark hair, but otherwise a spilt image of my husband. 

In the last month, I have just began to understand what motherhood means.  It means crazy love, excitement, fear, cuddling, connection, sweet baby smiles, lots of bottles, lots of diapers, sleepless nights, coffee cups that stay full for hours (didn't quite get around to it), busy days, overwhelming happiness, dreams of the future, living in the present, new challenges, new contentment......Just a few of my new found meanings for motherhood of which I'm sure many more will be added over a lifetime. 

So excited to be experiencing this part of the journey.  I consider it a true honor to be parenting with Jeremy.  I am so blessed to be a mother to my son.

Let the Countdown Begin....

It's only a month from today until our son will arrive.  We are so very excited!  I'm continuing to make sure I'm as ready as possible.  I know life is definitely going to be different, but we are both ready for the next phase in our journey. 

Family and Friends have given us great advice over the years, especially over the last few months.  I think my favorite piece of advice thus far is "enjoy every moment, it goes by so fast".  I remember my mom telling me a few years ago something that has stuck with me.  She said when you have a little one, you love that child so much.  Sometimes you do feel overwhelmed and exhausted during the baby/toddler phase.  It's easy to say:  "I will love it when you are just a little older".  Mom reminded me that happens so fast.  She told me to enjoy picking up leaves in the fall, reading stories, and making cookies.  The present is all we have.  Don't miss wonderful because your too busy with the day to day grind. 

So as the next month passes by I will try to start that philosophy now.  I'll try to slow down and enjoy this last month I have being pregnant.  Savor the day so to speak.

And Baby Makes 3.......

My sister and sister-in-law gave me an incredible shower last weekend.  It was so much fun! I celebrated with family and friends, ate great food, and received wonderful gifts.  I can't believe Lincoln will make his arrival in 10 weeks.  It seems like it is going by so fast.  Jeremy and I are trying to prepare for when our life of 2 (15 years time) becomes life of 3.  We are both so excited! I think I am definitely in nesting mode, making sure everything is in its proper place.  I'm sure when baby arrives we will need to monitor and adjust.  I'm hoping that our past experiences of being adaptable will have prepared us a little for this change.:)

Family and friends keep reminding us our lives are about to change completely.  I'm sure they are right, but we are so thrilled about life with Lincoln. Since we have been together 17 years and married almost 15 years, we've had our share of adventure.  We've both finished higher education, traveled a lot, did crazy stuff like sky diving/white water rafting, and experienced an amazing journey together thus far.   I'm sure this time next year it will be hard to imagine what life was like before him.  I think he will add so much to our family and continue to transform our lives as a couple.  Looking forward to the next part of the journey!

A New Year.....

Well.... 2013 is off to a great start! It's been a very productive year thus far.  I can't believe it's already the 20th of January.   Lots of organization so far, paperwork, out buildings, the nursery.  I must be in nesting mode because the last several weeks our household has been busy!!!! 

I'm usually buzzing around conquering projects by myself.  I'm learning to wait and ask others for help.  This is a challenge for me.  Pregnancy has encouarged me to slow down a little and smell the roses.  I must say, I'm glad for the change.  Every day is a gift.  I want to "seize the day" everyday!

My hope is that 2013 continues to bring new learning opportunities and areas to grow.  I'm looking forward to every minute of this year!!!!!

What a year!!!! My blogging has been minimal to say the least, this being the 2nd post of the year. It's been an amazing year to say the least.

We moved to our new house this summer. It was quite an adventure, from the remodel (plumbing....) to the movi1103 South 52nd Street Rogers, AR 72758ng experience. We have been here for about 6 months now. We absolutely love it!!! It's such a peaceful place. It feels like home.

I finished grad school in August from UMASS Boston, with my masters degree (Management of Aging Services Track, Gerontology Program). I enjoyed my learning experience so much! Jeremy gave me a surprise celebration bash at Wiederkehr Wine Cellar. I was shocked, all my family and friends there to enjoy my special moment. They all kept the secret very well, I didn't have a clue. I look forward to using my education and training in a few years, which leads us to our next piece of exciting news......

We are expecting our first child, a baby boy due in April 2013!!! We are so very excited! After almost 15 years of marriage, we can't wait to be parents. I think our family and friends are as excited as we are. I know this is going to be an incredible journey!!!

We traveled to other places throughout the year Mexico, Yellowstone, and Philadelphia. Enjoyed birthdays, holidays, and special events with family and friends.

I'm looking forward to all the exciting adventures 2013 has in store!!!!