I've Been Tagged

My friend, Lynn, just “tagged” me…which means that I have to give an account of what I was doing 20, 10, 5, 3, 1, etc. year(s) ago. So, blame it on her for this LONG blog entry!

On September 14th…

20 years ago, I was 9 and in the 5th grade (I was ahead a grade because I started kindergarten early). That was a particularly tough year for me – because everyone thought I was the teacher’s pet, so they all gave me a hard time about it. But, this was also the year that I began writing and discovered a passion for it. So, there was good and bad.

10 years ago, I was 19. I was living at home and working full-time. Without going into too much detail, I will say that I was very confused. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life; I was dating the wrong guy and was very unhealthy. Not a year I look back on with fond memories…and definitely not one I would want to relive again!

5 years ago, I was 24. I was pregnant with Lauren and 3 months away from delivering her. Words cannot describe that feeling – carrying your first child, completely unaware of how your life will change. All the nervous excitement, joy and hope…it was an amazing time. Ryan was frantically searching for a new job that would pay him more so we could afford for me to stay home. (he was offered one the very next month) And he was doing a great job of caring for a highly emotional and incredibly exhausted pregnant wife! (and did I mention, huge? I gained 60 lbs with her – yikes! Now that is unconditional love!!)

3 years ago, I was 26. Lauren was about to turn 2. Ryan and I had planned to go on a 2nd honeymoon, but Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and changed our plans. The day before we were supposed to leave for Hawaii for a week, Ryan’s unit with the Army National Guard was called up to go and help out in Louisiana. I was beyond crushed. We both were so looking forward to our trip – the chance to reconnect and get away just the two of us. And now he was going to be gone for a month. It was a tough time, but we spent a lot of our days at my parents and my brother’s house and I got lots of help! Ryan survived the sweltering heat and the disorganization of the army and was able to help a lot of people…and we were all thrilled when he finally got to come home one month later!

1 year ago, I was 28 and we were still getting settled after having just moved here to North Carolina. Lauren had just started her first year of preschool, which was a little emotional for me. I was 3 months pregnant and we had just found out that we were having a boy. Oh, if I had only known then how he would turn my world upside down! I had also just joined the worship team at our church and was involved in a women’s bible study. It was a very busy time, but it was the beginning of “planting our roots” here, so it was good.

Yesterday, my husband spoiled me. He had plans to spend an entire day with his guy friends, but because Nolan was really not doing well and I was at the end of my emotional rope, he cancelled his plans and stayed home to help me out and give me a break. I got the chance to get out of the house by myself and get some “retail therapy” – I can’t tell you what a treat it is to just drive in the car by myself and listen to my own music!! He completely took over with the kids and I didn’t even have to cook dinner! I know, I am incredibly blessed…and I plan to spoil him right back! :)

Tomorrow is my “crazy” day – with Lauren at school and with dance class in the afternoon, Nolan and I spend almost all day in the car…which he really does not enjoy. Ah, the joys of being the youngest child!

Next year…I am almost scared to predict where we will be and what we will be doing. Hopefully, my little man will have outgrown all his medical problems. I am so curious to see his little personality develop and find out what he will be like. I’m sure he’ll be running around after his big sister…and with him being older, we will be able to do more as a family, which will be fun. I would be thrilled if we were back in Oregon by then, but I know it’s all in the Lord’s hands and His timing is perfect. I also hope that we will have Lauren enrolled in a Christian school (not sure how we’re going to afford it, though – still praying about that one). It’s hard to believe that she will be in kindergarten then…they grow up so fast!! No, we aren’t planning on having any more – our family is complete and this body is done being pregnant!

So, now I get to tag: Megan Fordice and Jen Kayser!

"First" Days

Last Tuesday was Lauren's first day of 4-year-old preschool. She is attending the same school, but has new teachers this year - and most of her friends from last year are in her class. She has been having so much fun...and with her being gone 4 days this week (instead of 3 like last year), I am able to get alot of things done while she's there! Here's a picture of her before her 1st day:

















Her other big first took place this Monday - she went to her ballet & tap class. I couldn't help peeking through the glass to watch her and she did so well! She really had the rhythm down and was doing great for her first time. She loved it and asked me this morning if she could go every day. Here's a picture of our little ballerina:

Playroom Makeover

Since May I have been working on redoing the kids playroom. When you walk into our house, it is the first room to your left. And, although there are solid wood French doors that can be closed, I wanted it to be a room that was somewhat pulled together and organized. It took me a while to figure out a color scheme, since it had to work for both Lauren and Nolan (eventually). But, once I found what I wanted, it was a lot of fun to plan and buy things little by little (thanks to my husband for allowing me to use some of our tax refund for this project!).

Lauren loves her new playroom and spends all her free time in there. I had so much fun planning, decorating and watching it all come together. And I'm very pleased with how it turned out...not only is it functional and organized, it is fun! I hope it is a room that the kids will enjoy for years to come. Here are some pictures (click on the pictures to enlarge):