Another Weekend, Another Wedding

This was the cover of the invitation. Am I crazy or does anyone else feel uncomfortable?

A little self-portrait at the reception.

Maggie, my roommate and favorite person from college, was one of the bridesmaids. She managed to sneak away from the head table to visit.

The lady sitting next to me at our table/the lady whose gray head is behind me and Maggie seemed very nice. Once she found out that I was with child she started chatting. At one point she said, "You sure are good-sized for only being 14 weeks along."

Thanks, just what I like to hear...

I am sure you heard that my middle sister and her family drove to Iowa to surprise the rest of our family in the wee hours of Thursday morning. The rest has been a blur of sick kids trying to recuperate and random family events like sledding and Panera's.

Sorry I am not more exciting. I do have another wedding to go to tomorrow night, so maybe that will spur my creative (sarcastic) juices. Let's just put it this way...when Lee saw their wedding invitation he said, "Am I allowed to look at this? It looks like porn." Needless to say, the wedding should be interesting.

Merry Wedding

Lee's cousin, Jackie, got married on Dec 21st. It was a beautiful wedding. Lots of Christmas trees (real ones) and white lights and candles everywhere. She was my partner in crime at the South Dakota wedding where we were stalking men with belt buckles.

Lee's mom was a guest book attendant along with her mom and sister.

We were one of the first groups to arrive at the reception, so there was plenty of time for family pictures. This is Lee's little sister. (Is it just me or is my head twice the size...)

Merry Wedding Part II

Lee with his dad and little brother. Can you tell they are related?

It was a really fun couple of days filled with family bonding and lots of food and games.

Did I ever mention that my husband and his brother shared a bed (not just a bedroom) until May of 2005, which coincidentally is when he married me? When I awoke at Grandma's house, I got up to brush my teeth. When I walked back to our bedroom, this is what I found...I guess old habits die hard.

This was Saturday night's festivities. Lee's grandparents and his aunt's family (the Beavers) came for dinner, games and presents.

Have I ever mentioned that Lee's dad is a OBGYN? Have I ever mentioned that Lee's uncle is a OBGYN? Did you know that Lee's aunt's husband's name is Dr. Beaver?

What have I married into...

Lee

Last week, Lee and I met some friends for dinner at a Thai restaurant. The menu was huge. In the end, Lee decided on one of the specials. The special said, "tell us what you don't want and how hot you want your dish to be, and we will do the rest." The spiciness factor was measured using a star system ranging from one star=flavorful to 6 stars=burn your face off.

When the lady (picture a 65 year old Thai grandmother with broken English) came to take our order, Lee asked for the special with three stars. The lady said, "Ohhhhhh...you will cry." We all started laughing because Lee didn't know what to say. She then said, "okay...I give you two stars, but no more."

Nothing like dinner with a trash-talking waitress.

I hope in the previous picture you noticed my sweet husband's facial hair. Look closely, it is there. Lee is not a hairy person, so this beard is the result of 5 weeks so growth. He likes to grow the facial hair from Thanksgiving until January. He even talked another guy at work into having an "Ugliest Beard Contest" with him. (FYI the other contestant is so blonde that his beard looks transluscent)

So...We had to go to a wedding last Friday and Lee agreed to shave, but on Thursday, he went X-Men-style. He turned into my very own Wolverine. He even wore the new look to work. He was called many names, but enjoyed his "chops and porn 'stache." I had to take a picture to document this look (in hopes that it will never return).

I am a lucky lady...

Who your baby daddy?

So...today during 4th hour I was in front of a ninth grade LA class leading a class discussion. I had asked a question and a few hands were up, so I called on Meisha. Meisha said, "I am not sure if I am should ask this, but some of us in class were wondering...are you pregnant?"

So I got flustered but answered affirmatively. So then a boy in class said, "Who's the father?"

I said, "My husband."

He said, "Your husband is the baby daddy? I didn't even know you were married. Where's your ring?"

I held up my left hand and showed him. Then he said, "Does that even have a diamond? I can't even tell." How could I not laugh?

Then rest of the period I tried not to be flustered, but I kept thinking 'how did they know?' It could be my ever expanding mammaries or maybe my belly is starting to bulge. Isn't 12.5 weeks to early to start showing?

Ice Storm 2007

Monday the forecasters were predicting a major winter storm. It was supposed to start with an inch of ice followed by 1-3 inches of snow. The ice part happened, but the snow part did not.

This is a birch that was bent all the way to the ground and blocked off the road, but at least it didn't break.

This is the tree in front of our house completely covered with snow and ice. It looks really pretty at night with the lights on.

As it turned out, school was cancelled for two days and power was down all over town. We didn't have power from about 11am until 5:30pm on Tuesday. I was starting to get a little chilly when the heat and lights came back on.

I am not sure if you can tell by the pictures, but all of the trees were covered with ice. It was gorgeous, but devastating to some of the trees. There were a lot of limbs down. Tuesday morning I was sitting in my living room and you could hear "crack" and I would look outside just in time to see the thud of a huge pine limb.

Nanny said this was her favorite picture and wanted to make sure the AZ sister got to see it.

Snow Dog

Usually our dog is not supposed to be on the furniture. Every once in a while we let her when she is clean. She doesn't like pillows though. This couch had 4 pillows on it before she climbed up. She isn't very good at moving the pillows, but she tries her best. She couldn't get the last one off, but she didn't let that bother her.

Last week we got out first real snow of the season. Petunia loves the snow. She runs and drives and put her whole head under it and tosses the snow around. She also loves to just sit and let it fall on her.

Strange Symptoms

Pregnancy has come with some expected things (moodiness, cravings, tiredness, etc), but it has also brought with it some symptoms that are uniquely mine (or at least i think so):

1. Constant Feeling of Strangulation- seriously I feel like there are hands right at the base of my neck and I can't have anything touch my neck. If you are familiar with my winter wardrobe, you know that this is a problem. I tend to wear some sort of turtleneck 90% of the time. I am constantly pulling things away from my neck, even if it is just the sheet when I am sleeping. It is quite unpleasant. I hope this one fades with the morning sickness.

2. Hermitism- It is unlike me, but I have kind of curled into my shell. I really am most happy sitting, wrapped in a blanket, on the coach or just staring out the window of my house. I even skipped my 10 year high school reunion. I just told my co-workers this week that I am with child. I know I was introverted before, but it has severly escalated. I might be a full blown hermit by June!

3. Aesthetic Apathy- I don't know if this one is just me, but I have it. In the morning, when I wake up and get ready for school, I am not feeling 100%. I am torn between wanting to crawl back in bed and wanting to curl up on the bathroom floor. So this results in me slothing around until the last possible minute. I think I have worn my hair in a loose updo (AKA bun) for days on end. My hands look like the Sahara, but do I walk the 3 feet to my purse to lotion them? Nope.

I am told that a lot of this will fade when I enter the second trimester, but what if it doesn't?

I had always imagined that I would be one of those pregnant women who loves being pregnant and embraces every little part. You know what I mean...the ones who "glow" and are constantly touching their abdomen. I am not one of those women. I am the one who can't wait to leave school just to sit on the couch and do nothing but be by herself in a v-neck with dry hands... oy vey!

Helmet and Yoda enjoying a winter's nap with their mother...

PS if you think I am crazy about my animals, just wait until you have to look at pictures of my child when it still looks like a pink alien...

Christmas Cats

During this Yule Tide Season, our cats love to investigate the annual decorations.

Helmet and Yoda love "hiding" under the tree. They have also developed a new game. Lee and I play along with them every year.

Their game consists of taking the time to remember the Reason for the season while admiring the nativity scene. Then while Lee and I are out of the house or out of the room, the cats steal one or more of the stable observers. Last Christmas a baby lamb was taken and found with a maimed hind leg. So far this year, we have lost a cat (of course there were cats! It was a barn, duh!).

We usually end up finding at least one piece in March.

Morning Sickness Alleviator

I finally found something to help with feeling crappy in the morning. It is called a 2 hour delay. For those of you who have no idea what I am talking about; a 2 hour delay is one of those magical phrases that means school starts at 10am instead of 8am.


In theory, it gives the road crews time to make the streets more safe for parents and buses. For teachers, it allows us to have a slow morning. For example, I got up and was brushing my teeth when I heard about the delay, so I went immediately back to the warmth of my bed. I don't think i slept much after that, but I definitely didn't move from the bed until 8:30. Ahhhh. Also, classes go from 55minutes to 35 minutes. I wish we could have a delay everyday so I could teach when I felt okay and not when it is a struggle to hold my head up.

Hurray for bad weather! Keep it coming!

7 Days Puke-Free...

...until today.

I was doing so well; I thought I was on the downhill slope of morning sickness, but alas, I got my hopes up. Today I made it to school and through all of second hour, but at the beginning of third hour I excused myself and escaped to the restroom. Let me tell you... there is nothing quite like sitting on the floor of a high school restroom (even if it is the separated but unlocked teacher's stall).

So, I threw up a lot and someone outside the stall said, "Are you okay?" Dang. What does a girl have to do to puke it private?

Tis the Season

My sweet husband has decided that shaving should be abolished between Thanksgiving and New Years'. He has acknowledged that he is more attractive clean-shaven, but like to try to be furry anyway. Last weekend we picked out our Christmas tree and my husband also decided that it was time to pull out the flannel shirt.

What a manly man, huh? Scruffy face, plaid shirt, what more do you need for the holiday season? So our tree is up and decorated, we love every second of it.

We also have realized that having cats is fine and having a dog is fine, but having cats and a dog and a Christmas tree can mean trouble. Our dog doesn't go near the tree, but she does chew up whatever the cats can knock off the tree and bat around the living room. So far we have had two ornament casualties. Who should we blame; the cats or the dog?

Last Chance Opening Speech

If you have never been to Last Chance, it is a store that my family likes to frequent in AZ. It is an experience. If you listen to this manager's speech to the waiting shoppers, you might gain some insight. She explains what the store is and how a customer should behave. It is hilarious.



I feel like a naughty kindergartener being admonished before recess or something. Remember no pushing or grabbing!

Arizona Vacation Part Two

Our morning routine: Get up and meet at Paradise Bakery for some chippers.

Then make the trip north to visit the Phoenix shopping mecca of Last Chance. It is the birthplace of my dear Allie. This is the view of the store 15 minutes before it opens. Notice all of the people crowding to be the first ones in. I took a video of the manager's speech for those of you who don't believe it. I will post it later.

This is Katie modeling some of the finer merchandise the store had to offer. You may be laughing, but that stinking headband cost $165! I have no idea why either.

On the last night of our trip, Katie and I had to run a couple of errands. When we returned, this is what we saw waiting on the street corner. Please notice Junie's favorite toy being lugged along.

The trip was fun and action-packed. The funniest part was throwing up on the morning we left out. I threw up at Katie's house as we were walking out the door for the airport. I made it through the ticket line, security and then the gate. On the way across the tarmac I had to run to the nearest bushes and throw up again. Nanny wished that she had a camera and the poor security guard didn't know what to do with me. But Nanny and I made it safely home. We always love our time in AZ.

Arizona Vacation Part One

I rode shotgun throughout the trip and Nanny was lucky enough to be sandwiched between the two car seats. I laughed every time I turned around.

Junie's birthday was the major event of the trip. It was a pool party.

Junie was ready and anxiously awaiting his guests.

I am glad there were birthday cupcakes instead of a cake. I am not a huge fan of spittle on my dessert.

Leaving on a jet plane...

Nanny and I are taking off later today to visit the AZ family. I am sure there will be lots of pictures taken and blogged.

Also, thank for all of your nice notes. Yes, I am still pukey. I would welcome any advice you might have in the morning sickness department.

Best Covert Photgraphy Award

As you all know, I am a huge fan of undercover photography. It is a skill I am trying to hone. I promise to keep at it and try my best.

I have come across a picture that I cannot compete with... The subject is completely oblivious to the photographer. As a result, the subject is in its natural state and is unbothered by the thought of being photographed. The picture was actually taken by the aunt of the subject, and there was still not reaction. Someday the subject will be featured often on this blog, so let's hope it gets better at posing, huh?

The subject to which I am referring is...my baby! Yes, you read that correctly. Lee and are going to have a baby!

This picture is the baby's first picture. It is less than an inch long. We heard the heartbeat a couple of days ago. Do you see the black blob on the right? That is its brain beginning to form. I am definitely feel a 34 ACT score... We are not due until June 2008.

And yes, I am feeling sick. Feel free to laugh at this story:

Monday morning I got to school and I wasn't feeling so great. Second hour is my prep time and I was sitting at my desk when I thought, "I don't think I am going to make it to the bathroom." So I grabbed the garbage can and held it between my knees and threw up my chocolate protein shake that I had drank for breakfast. I felt much better after that. I chewed a piece of gum and then got ready for 3rd hour.

I was up in front of the students about halfway through 3rd hour when I glanced down at my white shirt. I saw a bunch of chocolate splatters all over. It looked like someone had sneezed chocolate all over me. It was gross. I started laughing to myself , but the students never noticed.

The moral of the story is not to bring an extra shirt to school; the moral of the story is to hold the garbage can closer to my chin.

Baking Day

Saturday, my sister, my mom and I drove up to my cousin's house to learn to art of Danish Christmas Cookie Baking. We arrived at 9:30am. We made 4 different types of treats. This was what the table looked like by 8pm.

These are loving referred to as "Poop logs" by my mother. The official name is Kransekage. For wedding cakes they are made in rings and look like a cone. These are just snack size versions.

These are spritz. They can be made in various shapes. We made rectangles, hearts, diamonds, dogs, and Christmas trees.

I am not sure of the offical name of thes tasty goodies. They are my very favorite. They has some buttery/sugary squish in the middle. After being around cookies for that long on Saturday, I still haven't ingested one. I brought some home so I can eat my favorites after cookies begin to sound good again.

Nanny displaying the strips:

Cousin Karla adding the finishing touches.

Karla and I showing off our "claw hands." After frosting for that long, your hands start to cramp up and stay in that position permanently. Also notice that the icing bags were defective and we had to improvise. What do you think?

We had a fun day and I think I learned a lot.

Undercover Shot

I have been practicing my undercover photography skills. As you can see, I am getting pretty good. This was taken at the grocery store. As I walked into the produce aisle, I noticed a nice-looking kid (like 20 years old) wearing my favorite shoes circa 1995.

Ahhhhhh, I remember Doc Marten's. I got my first pair the summer before 11th grade and I was the only one to have them. I even wore them in my senior pictures, so they are stuck with me for quite some time.

Anyway, I was so busy trying to be covert (AKA pulling the camera out of my purse and holding it level while trying to follow the unsuspecting boy around the fruit). I think I did pretty well. I don't think anyone even noticed.

I didn't realize until I saw the kid again in the dairy section that I knew him. He had graduated from the school where I teach in 2006. Then I felt bad; but not bad enough not to blog it...

Things that make you go hmmm.

Is it normal that I just clean the windows in my front door because I knew trick-or-treaters (and their parents) would be looking at them all night?

Is it normal that this is the first time I have washed the windows since school started?

Is it normal that the only bowl I could find to pass out candy with was a good serving bowl?

Chicago

My sweet husband, Lee, surprised me by buying tickets to Wicked. If you haven't heard of it, it is a musical. It is the prequel to the events in The Wizard of Oz. So, we left for Chicago Saturday morning, hung out on Michigan Ave and just walked around.

Who is that good-looking guy, on that cute little bench, in front of that beautiful building?

Oh wait...I know him. I really just took the picture because I thought the bench and flowers were neat in the middle of town.

Later that night, Lee and began our walk to the theater. I tried not to take too many pictures for fear of being called a tourist and getting mugged. But I couldn't resist the Wrigley Building all lit up at night...and pink no less. How could I not take the picture? Trent would be so proud.

The musical was terrific. It was very well done and entertaining. I wonder how different the story would have been if it had been a prequel to The Wiz, instead of The Wizard of Oz...

We had a great weekend. Lee flew out East for business and I drove home. I had to go to my in-laws to pick up my dog. As I got off of the interstate, this is what I saw:

Just a couple of tractors drive down the road. It must be harvest season in Iowa. And yes..I did take these while driving.