our little corner of the world: 2008

apart again

Merry Christmas to my family across the miles!

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, was a hard day for me. With all of the anticipation of Christmas and time with family, I swallowed hard knowing that I would have to wait a whole week to get my turn. Scott's family party was last night, and his immediate family party is today.

I also learned yesterday that every single member of my family was now celebrating Christmas Eve separately. Joel decided to stay with Kelsey and her family. The change in plans left my parents alone. My grandma's plans were altered. She was alone. Sarah and Doug left Florida this morning. But they are headed straight to his family. And then us. I was missing my own family last night and the traditions that I hold dear.

To get some sort of perspective and put my heart and mind into the true meaning of Christmas, I announced that we would be attending 11:00 p.m. church last night instead of going this morning. I needed that. I needed to go to sleep at the end of the day, anticipating the real celebration. And besides, skipping church on Christmas Eve felt so... sad. I was longing to have something of my family. And this was as close as I could get.

The tears started as soon as the lights were dimmed and the strings, organ and choir began our opening hymn "O, Come All Ye Faithful". Morgan was nuzzled into my neck as Scott was standing by my side. It was beautiful, and I couldn't help but think of each person in my family, across the miles... how did they celebrate Christmas Eve? I knew they all had gone to church. And now it was my turn.

By the end of the service, I realized that we, my family, were all assembled under the same sky, under the same stars and worshipping the same Jesus. And as hard as it was to accept being apart, I knew that in our little corner of the world, we were celebrating the birth of the Christ child, which is the greatest joy.

So today, as we still are apart, know that I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I can't wait to see you. Merry Christmas.

snowed in

Over the last week, we've had three different snow systems move through our area. It's been quite exciting, actually. I enjoy the driving adventures, getting out to shovel, and of course, the anticipation of a white Christmas.

Growing up as a west-sider, however, this accumulation is nothing. I suppose if you've lived over here your whole life, you have a different perspective, but for me... this is barely a drop in the bucket. And just to prove my point, here's a picture my dad sent today looking out at my parents' backyard. Now this, THIS, is snow!

On Friday (the day the "blizzard" ended), Scott came home from work early, which gave him a chance to clear the driveway and sidewalks before dark. Morgan watched Daddy from the window and kept asking for her "haht, mittens, oat." So we went outside for the whole five minutes that she lasted.

Later that night, we went to dinner with friends and then came back to play Nintendo Wii (theirs, not ours). Although my Wii Fit Age is 42, I am happy to report that my Body Mass Index is healthy and average! Plus, I rule at downhill skiing. Scott... not so much.

Scott insisted taking this picture, just for my family.

There's more white stuff predicted for Christmas Eve! Let it snow.

nothing says Christmas like the Depot

I'm not sure if this household will ever consider getting an artifical tree for Christmas (edit by Scott: And when she says 'household' she means her!). But it seems every year, we do have a discussion about where, how and when we'll manage to aquire a real, live Christmas tree.

In the past, chopping (or sawing) down our Blue Spruce was an adventure. But at $38, the sharpness of the needles seemed brutal this year. The half-hour drive and time crunch were also weighing on us.

So what did we do? Picked up a soft and inexpensive Balsam Fir at the Men's Mall. Yup. Took the five minute drive to the Garden Center, walked in, snapped pictures, and walked out with our small, budget tree. (Even a first-grader commented, "Your tree is small.")

It's not quite the same. But it does smell fantastic. And the size is actually helpful now that our living room has become home to toddler toys. The shape is nearly perfect, too. What more could we ask for?

the boy graduates

Several years ago I was a resident of Lansing. I had landed what I considered to be my first "real" full-time, full-benefit job after college. However, it didn't take long for me to realize I was unhappy. I had a strong dislike for my boss and no real roots in that city to keep me grounded. After three short months I was searching for a new job!

But as the months turned into years, I found myself asking God, "How many resumes will it take before I get my ticket out of here?" I felt trapped.

In January of 2004, my little brother by seven years, Joel, transferred to Michigan State University in East Lansing, just 25 minutes from my west-side apartment. He arrived as a transfer student mid-year and was filled with trepidation as he was joining an already established group of guys in the dorm. His anxiety was quite high, and it was clear that his uneasiness about the whole situation was overtaking him. How badly I had wanted to hold his hand for the entirety of the upcoming semester.

I'm not sure if my constant verbal reassurance ever did anything for Joel. We'd meet up to hit balls at the MSU driving range, or grab groceries at Meijer. But he was still cautious. As the end of the semester approached it seemed Joel was doing well.

That summer, Scott and I were married. I left my job. And Joel left behind his worries. He came back to MSU that fall as someone more knowledgeable about campus and classes, and his network of friendships was building. He had left the nest and was actually flying.

It's apparent to me now why I was stuck for so long in that job I despised. God was weaving a plan together that I had no foresight about. The answer to my prayer had been "wait" and while I was growing impatient, God was busy bringing Joel out of high school and into a large, University environment where he needed just a tiny bit of encouragement from his sister down the road.

Five years and two degrees later, Joel graduated from MSU. Yesterday we made the journey to be a part of his commencement ceremony. We looked on with my parents, my grandma and Joel's Kelsey into a sea of green.

What a long way my brother has come. While his head has been filled with knowledge, I feel like his personality has been filled with confidence. As a socialite among close friends and family, Joel has always been a star, but now, even in situations full of unknowns and strangers, I know he will truly shine.

Congrats again, Joely! We love you!

fresh, new look

Did you take a second glance at the address line? No, you're not seeing things. The blog has gotten a facelift. After three years of the same, I thought it was time for a change, as slight as it may be.

In my search for new blog templates, I've been especially partial to those that have a white background. I think photos stand out on white in a way that no other color can match. And the masthead... well... plain and simple. Like us.

I've been working hard to tweak the template, and while I've been able to make some minor changes, there are some thing that have me stumped. For example, I miss having the date under the post title, instead of it's new home at the bottom of each post. Nonetheless, I like the look. And hope that you do, too.

Enjoy the newness!

the letdown

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and here I am. Idle. The extended weekend was packed with days of family fun, and now that it's over, well... let's just say regaining full speed was challenging today. It's a bittersweet feeling. I've had my fill, and I know they've had enough of me, but I'm still missing them and counting down the days until our next big celebration.

Tomorrow, however, is a new day. Fresh. And there are many things on the horizon to lift my spirits: Joel's commencement, tree cutting, Christmas decorating and shopping. And strangely, the consistency of everyday routines are what satisfy me most. Groceries on Monday, storytime on Tuesday, MOPS on Wednesday, and the week goes on.

Here's some snapshots of our good times. I didn't realize until later that most of our Thanksgiving weekend photos were of Morgan and her uncles. Loves her uncles.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

video time

Back around the 4th of July, Morgan decided to try her hand at climbing stairs at Jessica's apartment when we visited her in Chicago. Since then we never really gave Morgan the opportunity to practice climbing. Part of the reason is we don't like to hang out in our basement. It's just not the nicest of places to spend time. The other reason is that our steps seem more dangerous than Jessica's since they aren't carpeted. Now that it's cold outside we have been utilizing our basement a little more to play and hang out and thought it was time to see if Morgan wanted to climb up the stairs. She didn't miss a beat. She picked right up where she left off back in July....

Morgan also has a couple favorite songs she likes to sing and dance to. They are Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and If You're Happy & You Know It......

Morgan is still Morgan, however, and can lose interest in things fast. Watch and you'll see what I mean. Props to mommy for her persistence...

vintage

Twenty-nine years later and still looking good.

Rachel: December, 1979

Morgan: November, 2008

hallandale highlights

Life as I know it is back to normal. I returned home from Florida on Tuesday afternoon, loaded with tons of great pictures and memories. Here's the highlights:

My view from first class! I volunteered to take a flight to Miami instead of Fort Lauderdale (only a five minute departure difference and an extra 10 minute drive for Sarah). And what did I get myself? A seat in first class and a $300 voucher to use on another flight. Plus free food, my beverage in a real glass, and oh, the leg room!

Dinner at Sarah and Doug's is anything by ordinary. With a view and warm breezes, a basic meal becomes so much more!

Oh, yeah. And the reason for my visit?

My lovely new nephew, Luke.

trick or treat

Halloween was different this year. Morgan dressed up for the first time, was accepting of her tutu, and enjoyed the mild temperatures (mid-60s!). And we only had 74 kids come to the door, so our candy rationing left us with more than we expected. Here's some photos from the evening.

Getting ready

Off we go!

Our distribution center

The best part of the night

"fun" at the library

Morgan was finally old enough to attend her first storytime session at the library this fall. Funny how it worked out, though. While the other kids listened intently, Morgan walked around the room aimlessly.

While the other kids enjoyed making crafts, Morgan panicked when her fingers were dirtied.

By the time we made it to the last session, Morgan was getting the hang of things. It was Halloween day and the kids were able to wear their costimes. In this shot, Morgan should be waving her star along with the song. Instead she is frozen, scared to touch her tulle skirt.

Her favorite part of storytime was using the felt board. Each child's piece coincided with the lyrics of a poem, and at just the right time, the kids got a turn to put their very own piece on the board. Morgan loved this.

When the five weeks of storytime concluded, we registered for the special "Music, Music" program at the main branch. It was a one-day event that Scott was able to attend. As you can see, he was the photographer and I sat solo most of the time because Morgan, well, she did her own thing.

Here's the back of my head. And where's Morgan?
Off running around somewhere, watching other people.