Feeling giddy and full of love and happiness at this moment.  Even though we are a household of sickies - coughs and colds, we have much to be thankful for. So glad for our extended family nearby. For extended in-laws who invite us into their family and into their home.  To share their food and their family traditions. For singing and Christmas caroling....

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Warning:  If you are sensitive to the subjects of having children, only children, conceiving, pregnancy, or infertility and don't want to read or think about such things, feel free to skip this post. Let's get one thing clear: Just because I wrote one post about trying to be content with being a family of three doesn't mean I am. It's a struggle. An...

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I promised myself (and hubby) I'd go to bed early-ish tonight, but darnit, I am a night owl!  No wonder I'm Very Sleepy Girl. As a follow-up to my last post, and something a little more light-hearted, here are some fun pics from our family photo session this past weekend: Yes, we will bribe our daughter to behave during photo shoots. I see...

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Isn't there some great quote about good intentions and plans? Well, life doesn't always go as planned. I'm sure we've all learned that by now. In one way or another. I shared about it before, but it was never our plan that Catherine would be our only child. I don't want to offend or hurt others with sensitive topics, but at the same...

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Once upon a time there was a man who I thought I was going to marry. I'll go ahead and ruin the ending for you:  I didn't. There were painful and multiple breakups that led me down a path of great depression and loneliness. An emptiness that only God could fill. My battle cry during that period was that God was with me...

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I went to a really awesome Women's Retreat last week.  And it's got me thinking a lot about the expectations of being a "good mom" or a "perfect wife" or a "Proverbs 31 woman". own a big house invite people over often clean that big house make meals make healthy meals organic, gluten free, GMO free meals no fast food meal plan make...

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Not to get all Martha Stewart on you or anything, but I've just been more aware lately of these good things... my little family play dates hospitality girls night out community learning more about myself listening to God The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst pedicures a new hair-do weekly accountability new friendships Catherine learning and growing thanking God for my blessings the crispness...

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So many times I hear or think about the phrase "In the wrong place at the wrong time." I've experienced it too. Not as traumatically as others.  As I reflect back on 9/11, it's clear many people that day were "in the wrong place at the wrong time." You hear about these freak accidents of a tree randomly falling on someone.  Sadly, I...

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I find this so hard to believe, so strange, so bizarre that I have to document it! A couple days ago I had a sudden, obscure thought:  I don't want to go all out for Catherine's birthday party. WHAT??? Since when?? And why?? I am The Party Planner.  I love it!  I long for parties to plan.  I live for party planning.  Ok,...

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I will be the first to admit:  I have done a lousy job at keeping this blog updated. But, as they say, "It is what it is." Get past it.  I am. ~~~~~ My husband is a marathon runner. Stop there.  I NEVER thought I would be married to a marathon runner. I remember when we were dating he would occasionally run in...

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My heart is heavy tonight. Josh's uncle is ... to put it bluntly, on his deathbed. It was not that long ago that we lost Josh's grandma. Out of town family flew in this weekend.  It is hard to think that this is likely their final visit.  Their final time together.  Their final conversations. What does one impart when on their deathbed?  What...

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I believe... in forgiveness and second chances. The first concert I attended was... Johnny Cash. It's important to have... friends. I would love to go... back to Portland (Maine). If I had more time... I'd get my home organized, but I'd need more energy too. I like to... sleep.  (In case you didn't catch that whole VerySleepyGirl name of this blog) Some of...

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Our next house WILL have a basement. August 5th will be two years since we moved to this town city. I'm getting antsy. Again. I keep thinking about just selling it ALL and living on the road. Life in an RV. Simplicity. But, then again, an RV doesn't have a basement. ...

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Currently reading... articles on how to survive a road trip with back pain Currently eating... Smoked sausage roll from Rise 'n Roll Currently drinking... Kiwi Strawberry Snapple - old school! Currently missing...  Auntie Barb & Cousin Monique Currently watching... nothing on tv, but we did just receive a mammoth antennae that will allow us to actually get local channels Currently rearranging... kitchen, front...

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Woke up to a sick child. Puke in bed.  On daddy's side of the bed.  (Phew.) My back was getting better on Sunday; I thought I was actually returning to normal.  But Monday proved otherwise. I miss normal But I'm gradually makin' my way back to it. I got to enjoy lunch at one of my favorite local restaurants with a friend from...

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So, something a little more lighthearted today even though I'm still in pain. Today is Friday.  Everybody loves Friday. Why? Because it's the beginning of the much anticipated weekend!!  Well, every day for the next couple months is like a weekend for me.            Why? Because my husband is a teacher!  It's been one challenging year, but summer vacation is now his reward! ...

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I can't remember when exactly it first started. I was working at the non-profit at the time.  So somewhere between 2006 and 2010. Back pain. Excrutiating back pain. Debilitating back pain. Not really sure of the cause. Or the cure. Other than time.  And rest. Since then it's returned a few times.Including today. So I am stuck in bed.  And in SO.MUCH.PAIN.  Like...

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Thursday night. Trash night. "Honey, did you take the trash out to the curb?"  "Honey, can you put new trash bags in the trash cans?  Please?" 10:00  Bedtime Routine Routine is comforting.  But it also gets boring.  How do I find the balance? Tomorrow is the last day of school.  Finally. Then Routine goes by the roadside.  Wayside?  Curb?  I don't always remember...

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