I have been at a loss of blogging words lately. Good thing that we've had some things such as Christmas, vacations and baby news to share lately. Otherwise there would be nothing on here!
I read somewhere that a couple weeks ago was known as the most depressing week of the year. I do not suffer from depression, however I am feeling the 'blah-ness' of this time of year. The holidays are over. It's still winter... and we've still got a couple months of hard winter left!
This past week in particular was a tough one for me. Coming off of the high of being on vacation, and then coming home to my sister and her family moving. They have lived in the same town for 9 years, and are moving for a ministry opportunity in Iowa. It's only 2 1/2 hours away (which I know could be MUCH worse) but it just makes me sad knowing they aren't right here in town anymore. My parents were on vacation this week, so I have also been taking care of my grandpa (who was entered into hospice last week). So needless to say, I felt a bit down this past week.
There were a couple of people in particular who really encouraged me this week with simple, kind words. It's amazing how big of a deal something so little can be when you're having a rough day/week. We still live in a tough economy where people struggle financially, people are generally selfish and it's easy to feel secluded. I would encourage you to act upon any prompting that you have to write someone a kind note, give someone a hug or just to tell them that you're thinking of them. It may seem unimportant and feel unneeded, but to someone who is having a rough week- a week like I was having this week- it could mean the world.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Pink it is!
At our ultrasound today, we found out we're having another little girl. To be honest, I am in complete shock as I really thought we were having a boy. It's a very good shock, though. I am so excited about having more bows and fingernail polish and pink clothes in our house.
Going into the ultrasound, I honestly had no preference on the gender. Yesterday I was hoping for a boy, but this morning I e-mailed Keith and said "I hope it's a girl". A boy or a girl would have been a complete blessing.
But now that I know that we're having a girl, I am so happy thinking about how our life will be with a son a 2 daughters. I love the idea of Keith and Carsen doing fun guy things together, while my girls and I stay home and do manicures and pedicures together. I love that Madelyn will have a little sister, but that both of my girls will have an older brother to look up to. All these thoughts going through my head tonight brings a huge smile to my face. I'm so happy.
These thoughts make me realize even more than ever that our family will truely be complete after this baby is born. Keith and I always agreed that we wanted 2 or 3 kids. Neither of us were satisfied with 2, but we're also not up for the challenge of having 4. We are in 100% complete agreement that this is our last child. The decision was made even more clear today when the doctor advised us that we should really consider this being our last child. My body is going through a lot with this pregnancy, and the doctor says it's my body's way of telling me it doesn't like being pregnant. However as uncomfortable I am and amidst all the pain I'm in, I consider it a true blessing and honor to be pregnant with our 3rd, last child. I am enjoying this last time of having a miracle growing inside of me to the very fullest.
Keith and I had a boy's name picked out, but not a girl's. So tonight we were discussing what our little girl's name will be. I can't wait to go through Madelyn's old clothes and get the newborn clothes ready again. (along with buying at least a few new ones). I have a few friends who aren't finding out the gender of their baby until the delivery, which I totally respect, but I'm way too impatient. I personally LOVE this stage of pregnancy and knowing the gender and planning.
Everything looked good on the ultrasound today, and we pray that our little girl arrives safely on or around (preferably before!) her June 19th due date... which happens to be Father's Day. :)
Going into the ultrasound, I honestly had no preference on the gender. Yesterday I was hoping for a boy, but this morning I e-mailed Keith and said "I hope it's a girl". A boy or a girl would have been a complete blessing.
But now that I know that we're having a girl, I am so happy thinking about how our life will be with a son a 2 daughters. I love the idea of Keith and Carsen doing fun guy things together, while my girls and I stay home and do manicures and pedicures together. I love that Madelyn will have a little sister, but that both of my girls will have an older brother to look up to. All these thoughts going through my head tonight brings a huge smile to my face. I'm so happy.
These thoughts make me realize even more than ever that our family will truely be complete after this baby is born. Keith and I always agreed that we wanted 2 or 3 kids. Neither of us were satisfied with 2, but we're also not up for the challenge of having 4. We are in 100% complete agreement that this is our last child. The decision was made even more clear today when the doctor advised us that we should really consider this being our last child. My body is going through a lot with this pregnancy, and the doctor says it's my body's way of telling me it doesn't like being pregnant. However as uncomfortable I am and amidst all the pain I'm in, I consider it a true blessing and honor to be pregnant with our 3rd, last child. I am enjoying this last time of having a miracle growing inside of me to the very fullest.
Keith and I had a boy's name picked out, but not a girl's. So tonight we were discussing what our little girl's name will be. I can't wait to go through Madelyn's old clothes and get the newborn clothes ready again. (along with buying at least a few new ones). I have a few friends who aren't finding out the gender of their baby until the delivery, which I totally respect, but I'm way too impatient. I personally LOVE this stage of pregnancy and knowing the gender and planning.
Everything looked good on the ultrasound today, and we pray that our little girl arrives safely on or around (preferably before!) her June 19th due date... which happens to be Father's Day. :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pink or Blue?
A few weeks ago we were contemplating not finding out the gender of our 3rd baby. After spending many hours in deep discussion quickly thinking about it, we both agree that we want to know before the delivery. We're hoping to find out on Wednesday morning during my ultrasound. Carsen & Madelyn both cooperated during their ultrasound, so I'm hoping this one follows that same trend. It obviously doesn't matter what we have. I can think of a few different benefits of each gender (it would be really fun for Maddie to have a little sister, but it would be very practical to have another boy and have Maddie {our middle child} be the only girl). So either way, we're going to be thrilled.
I had some intuition with the first 2, but this time it's very strong. I really think that I'm carrying a boy. It's so strong of a feeling that I often forget that we don't know yet. If we find out 'it's a girl!' I'm going to be excited, but shocked. (not disappointed, just shocked) Plus we don't have a girl's name picked out yet! I've been shopping some clearance racks (surprise, surprise!) and have bought almost all boy things. I'm telling ya people... I'm having another BOY.
I'll let the world know sometime on Wednesday! I can't wait!!
I had some intuition with the first 2, but this time it's very strong. I really think that I'm carrying a boy. It's so strong of a feeling that I often forget that we don't know yet. If we find out 'it's a girl!' I'm going to be excited, but shocked. (not disappointed, just shocked) Plus we don't have a girl's name picked out yet! I've been shopping some clearance racks (surprise, surprise!) and have bought almost all boy things. I'm telling ya people... I'm having another BOY.
I'll let the world know sometime on Wednesday! I can't wait!!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Disney World!
Keith finished his Master's Degree... we're having another baby in a few months and won't be able to go on a big vacation for a while... we're sick of this freezing cold in MN... so we thought it was time for us to get away for a few days! We looked at a couple of different options, and decided on Orlando, Florida. We weren't gone for too long... we left on Wednesday and got home on Sunday evening. But with 2 small kids, we found that it was actually the perfect amount of time for us.
Carsen has been on an airplane a few times before, but this time he was especially excited to get to order anything he wanted to drink on the airplane. Here he is on our way down with his beverage of choice for the day... SPRITE!! :)
The kids both did great on the airplane, and Carsen even helped out by reading books to Madelyn.
On Thursday we headed to Magic Kingdom. We had perfect weather for the day!
Being that this is their off season, we didn't have to wait in many lines. It was wonderful!
Everywhere at Disney they talk about making memories and making dreams come true. Being the sappy, emotional (HOROMONAL) woman that I am, it actually brought tears to my eyes a few times throughout the day. It was so special to be doing something so fun as a family. It was memorable, for sure.
After spending the majority of the day at Magic Kingdom,
we hopped the monorail over to Epcot for a few hours.
Carsen was a little apprehensive at first, but enjoyed meeting some of the Disney characters.
He also really enjoyed the Nemo exhibit.
The next day we loaded up and went to Animal Kingdom.
Our favorite part of the day was by far the safari.
Carsen loved these "daddy and baby" elephants that we saw.
He also loved the giraffe!
Towards the end of the day we got rained out. It was pouring rain, and we stood in line for about 30 minutes for this one picture. Keith was 'thrilled'. :)
We went back to our resort to dry off and get some Cici's Pizza, then headed back over to Magic Kingdom to see their firework display. It was awesome!
Our last full day (Saturday) we drove to Cocoa Beach. It was cold.,
but we definately wanted the kids to see the ocean.
Brrrrr.....
Then we came back to the resort and played some minigolf.
I think this was the highlight of Carsen's whole trip!!
The resort we stayed at has 15 outdoor pools, but nothing indoors. On our last evening it was chilly, so we let the kids go swimming in our bathtub. They had a blast!
On Sunday we loaded up our vehicle (Keith loved driving a nice vehicle for a few days!) and loaded up our tummies with Dunkin' Donuts (YUM!) and headed back to the airport.
We had a wonderful get-a-way for a few days, and look forward to returning to Disney with our family of FIVE in another 5 years or so. :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Amy goes crafty!
Carsen was invited to his good friend "Addie's" 3rd birthday party on Saturday. For part of her gift, I made her a shirt with an A on it, along with a matching hair clip.
I am so super duper not crafty... at all. This idea was thanks to my good friend, Erica. (thanks again!) :)
Be on the watch out soon for a give-a-way with some of my most recent crafts!
I am so super duper not crafty... at all. This idea was thanks to my good friend, Erica. (thanks again!) :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
there goes God again
A couple of months ago I wrote about my friend Dana. She's 30 years old, and while 29 weeks pregnant with their 3rd child was diagnosed with a very rare form of lymphoma. It's a very fast growing cancer, and it had already spread to her bones.
Dana started chemo, and the next day went into labor with their 3rd beautiful daughter, Olivia. Dana has been a huge trooper going through chemo, healing from a c-section and trying to process all that was going on around her.
Last week Dana had a follow-up scan, and her body is CANCER FREE!! What a huge answer to prayer. My friend Noelle and I went up to the U of M hospital on Friday night and had the awesome opportunity of visiting with Dana. What a strong woman.
Dana is going to continue the chemo treatments, and will finish in March. Eventhough she is cancer free, finishing the treatment decreases the chances of the cancer returning.
Olivia is also doing well. She is home and healthy, and is a champ eater and sleeper! She is sleeping better than my kids did their first 9 months of life, and she isn't even supposed to be born until the end of this month!! Olivia is blessed with her mommy's strength! :)
God has done some big things this week and has answered a lot of prayers. I facilitate a women's Sunday School class/Bible Study at our church, and right now we are going through the book of Phillipians. Last week we talked about prayer, and we were encouraged to pray the way that Paul prayed. Even when he was sitting in prison awaiting his sentence, he would still pray for those that he loved. Our class committed to pray more this past week.
God has answered so many prayers for so many people. It is encouraging, and makes my heart happy. God always answers our prayers. It's not always the answer we hope for, but we always get an answer. This past week has been a week where God answered many prayers the way that people were praying for. I don't want to sound like a fair-weather Christian and say that because of God's working this week that I have committed to pray more. (sure I do that with the Minnesota Vikings, but not God...) However, God has used His working in the lives of friends and loved ones this week to encourage me, and convict me. God's strength is perfect, and He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Seeing God work in so many ways this week has reminded me that I need to be faithful in my prayer life... whether God gives me the answer I'm hoping for or not.
Today in church we sang "Trust and Obey". I've known the song for probably 25 years, but singing it today brought tears to my eyes. (thank you pregnancy horomones) Obeying God is sometimes hard... especially when we don't know the outcome. But if we take that leap of faith and trust God to provide, as long as we are in His will, He will take care of us.
I am committing to pray more in 2011. Anyone want to jump on board with me??!!
Dana started chemo, and the next day went into labor with their 3rd beautiful daughter, Olivia. Dana has been a huge trooper going through chemo, healing from a c-section and trying to process all that was going on around her.
Last week Dana had a follow-up scan, and her body is CANCER FREE!! What a huge answer to prayer. My friend Noelle and I went up to the U of M hospital on Friday night and had the awesome opportunity of visiting with Dana. What a strong woman.
Olivia is also doing well. She is home and healthy, and is a champ eater and sleeper! She is sleeping better than my kids did their first 9 months of life, and she isn't even supposed to be born until the end of this month!! Olivia is blessed with her mommy's strength! :)
God has done some big things this week and has answered a lot of prayers. I facilitate a women's Sunday School class/Bible Study at our church, and right now we are going through the book of Phillipians. Last week we talked about prayer, and we were encouraged to pray the way that Paul prayed. Even when he was sitting in prison awaiting his sentence, he would still pray for those that he loved. Our class committed to pray more this past week.
God has answered so many prayers for so many people. It is encouraging, and makes my heart happy. God always answers our prayers. It's not always the answer we hope for, but we always get an answer. This past week has been a week where God answered many prayers the way that people were praying for. I don't want to sound like a fair-weather Christian and say that because of God's working this week that I have committed to pray more. (sure I do that with the Minnesota Vikings, but not God...) However, God has used His working in the lives of friends and loved ones this week to encourage me, and convict me. God's strength is perfect, and He says that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Seeing God work in so many ways this week has reminded me that I need to be faithful in my prayer life... whether God gives me the answer I'm hoping for or not.
Today in church we sang "Trust and Obey". I've known the song for probably 25 years, but singing it today brought tears to my eyes. (thank you pregnancy horomones) Obeying God is sometimes hard... especially when we don't know the outcome. But if we take that leap of faith and trust God to provide, as long as we are in His will, He will take care of us.
I am committing to pray more in 2011. Anyone want to jump on board with me??!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
twenty-ten
2010 was a good year. We had our challenges here and there, but overall I can't complain. Here's our year in review:
January brought some stress along with it. Madelyn was back and forth from Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine what the lump on the side of her face was. After many blood tests, a CT scan, an MRI and many consults with ENTs and oncologists it was determined that she had a protid gland hemangioma. A harmless birthmark that would go away on it's own, but it was a very stressful time for us. The hemangioma is definately starting to go away, and Madelyn is her happy, healthy self.
February was a big month for me as I turned 30! I had been dreading my 30th birthday for a couple of years, but it ended up being a fun day. Keith successfully pulled of a surprise birthday party for me which was loads of fun. And in case you haven't reached 30 yet, it's not so bad.
March had it's highs and lows. Carsen started out the month by turning 3. He enjoyed his party with his guitar cake! I spent a lot of the month of March away from my family as my sweet Grandma Schuler was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I was helping with my grandma's personal care, and spent some over-nights with her helping take care of her. Grandma passed away on March 23rd. It was a hard good-bye, but comforting that she is no longer in pain and that we'll see her in Heaven someday. The hurt of my grandma's death is still with me today. I often dream about her. I miss her. I miss her bragging about how smart Carsen is. I miss seeing her kiss Madelyn in the neck. I miss her cookies. I just miss her. It makes me sad knowing that our third child will never meet Grandma Schuler. She was a fabulous lady.
April was pretty low key, but included a trip to Okoboji with my parents. We did a lot of swimming and enjoyed the family time!
May was an exciting month for Carsen as he got his first job! We had a garage sale at our house, and Carsen sold bars and lemonade. He made $10! He was quite excited about this endeavour, and says he can't wait to work at McDonald's when he gets older.
June marked Madelyn's first birthday. We celebrated with a pink birthday party!
In July, Carsen and I (along with a few of our friends) attended a Go Fish concert. It was loads of fun!I think I am quite possibly one of their biggest fans Carsen just happens to be one of their biggest fans.
August was a busy month! Keith turned 30, but was very adament that he did NOT want a party. We also celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary, so the 2 of us celebrated by going away to a hotel for a night. It was wonderful! We also went through some health problems with Gracie, one of our dogs. It was discovered that she had bladder stones, and had surgery to remove them. Nothing serious... just EXPENSIVE!
September we went on our annual trip to Lutsen with my family. We had a blast going to Grand Marais, swimming, and going on the gondola and Alpine Slide. Carsen looks forward to this trip each year. Carsen also won a Wii in September. The kid is a champ bowler.
October was very exciting as we found out I was pregnant! The morning sickness would come and go, but I was thankful for the blessing growing inside of me.
November was fairly quiet. Carsen & Madelyn continued to play their silly games with each other. Their love for each other and their bond between one another continues to grow.
December was very exciting. Keith finished his Master's Degree in Accounting! He took 12 graduate classes, and received 11 A's and 1 B. Not to shabby, eh?! If you can't tell, I'm quite proud!
Through the good times and bad, we have so much to be thankful for. It's easy to become discontent with wanting "stuff". It's easy to wish that our kids were a little more well behaved. It's easy to wish for more money. However I'm thankful that we have a roof over our head and plenty of food to eat. I'm thankful for our kid's good health. I'm thankful that Keith was able to complete his Master's degree completely loan free, and that all of our needs are completely met.
No matter what this past year has brought you, I hope you take some time to reflect on the good things that have been given to you, and to count your many blessings.
Happy New Year!
January brought some stress along with it. Madelyn was back and forth from Mayo Clinic in Rochester to determine what the lump on the side of her face was. After many blood tests, a CT scan, an MRI and many consults with ENTs and oncologists it was determined that she had a protid gland hemangioma. A harmless birthmark that would go away on it's own, but it was a very stressful time for us. The hemangioma is definately starting to go away, and Madelyn is her happy, healthy self.
February was a big month for me as I turned 30! I had been dreading my 30th birthday for a couple of years, but it ended up being a fun day. Keith successfully pulled of a surprise birthday party for me which was loads of fun. And in case you haven't reached 30 yet, it's not so bad.
March had it's highs and lows. Carsen started out the month by turning 3. He enjoyed his party with his guitar cake! I spent a lot of the month of March away from my family as my sweet Grandma Schuler was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I was helping with my grandma's personal care, and spent some over-nights with her helping take care of her. Grandma passed away on March 23rd. It was a hard good-bye, but comforting that she is no longer in pain and that we'll see her in Heaven someday. The hurt of my grandma's death is still with me today. I often dream about her. I miss her. I miss her bragging about how smart Carsen is. I miss seeing her kiss Madelyn in the neck. I miss her cookies. I just miss her. It makes me sad knowing that our third child will never meet Grandma Schuler. She was a fabulous lady.
April was pretty low key, but included a trip to Okoboji with my parents. We did a lot of swimming and enjoyed the family time!
May was an exciting month for Carsen as he got his first job! We had a garage sale at our house, and Carsen sold bars and lemonade. He made $10! He was quite excited about this endeavour, and says he can't wait to work at McDonald's when he gets older.
June marked Madelyn's first birthday. We celebrated with a pink birthday party!
In July, Carsen and I (along with a few of our friends) attended a Go Fish concert. It was loads of fun!
August was a busy month! Keith turned 30, but was very adament that he did NOT want a party. We also celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary, so the 2 of us celebrated by going away to a hotel for a night. It was wonderful! We also went through some health problems with Gracie, one of our dogs. It was discovered that she had bladder stones, and had surgery to remove them. Nothing serious... just EXPENSIVE!
September we went on our annual trip to Lutsen with my family. We had a blast going to Grand Marais, swimming, and going on the gondola and Alpine Slide. Carsen looks forward to this trip each year. Carsen also won a Wii in September. The kid is a champ bowler.
October was very exciting as we found out I was pregnant! The morning sickness would come and go, but I was thankful for the blessing growing inside of me.
November was fairly quiet. Carsen & Madelyn continued to play their silly games with each other. Their love for each other and their bond between one another continues to grow.
December was very exciting. Keith finished his Master's Degree in Accounting! He took 12 graduate classes, and received 11 A's and 1 B. Not to shabby, eh?! If you can't tell, I'm quite proud!
Through the good times and bad, we have so much to be thankful for. It's easy to become discontent with wanting "stuff". It's easy to wish that our kids were a little more well behaved. It's easy to wish for more money. However I'm thankful that we have a roof over our head and plenty of food to eat. I'm thankful for our kid's good health. I'm thankful that Keith was able to complete his Master's degree completely loan free, and that all of our needs are completely met.
No matter what this past year has brought you, I hope you take some time to reflect on the good things that have been given to you, and to count your many blessings.
Happy New Year!
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