When my brother married Jen, not only did I gain the sister I always wanted, but I also gained a whole extended family.

Their family has welcomed us all warmly and considers us as family.

We celebrate holidays together.  I think the only Christmas not spent with them was when we were in Jamaica on our honeymoon.

My favorite holiday tradition is that we all go caroling on Christmas day to a local nursing home.  Jen's mom Gloria plays the accordion, and we all make a joyful noise proclaiming the Savior's birth.  We wear Santa hats, ring bells, and bless the residents and staff.

Christmas 2009

But this year was different.

Gloria's dad, who I know as "Grandpa Virgil", went to be with Jesus on Christmas day.

It's been an emotional last few days.  And while I don't want to step on toes of Grandpa Virgil's true relatives, it has hurt like a loss of my own grandparent.

Virgil was the last person who I could refer to as Grandpa; my only other passed away long ago when I was in junior high school.  Losing Grandpa Virgil brought up memories of losing my other grandparents.  That hurt never goes away completely.  Losing another just brings it to the forefront of my mind.

After Grandpa heard I got engaged, he had another ring to give me.

Grandpa Virgil was always there with a smile and a story and a joke.

He danced at our wedding reception.

He traveled Europe at age 80.

He rode in a go-kart at age 88.

He never missed a chance to have fun.

He is a person who truly lived life.  Not just sitting on the sidelines watching.

He also never missed a chance to talk about Jesus and the importance of a relationship with the Lord in life.

Grandpa celebrating at my 30th birthday party

Over the last few days, there have been a lot of stories told, memories shared, and tears shed.  Today was a final memorial service.  It was a beautiful time honoring Grandpa Virgil and celebrating that He is with Jesus now.  And oh what a wonderful time they are having together.  As soon as I heard the news of his passing, though sadness filled my being and tears filled my eyes, I could still smile.  I could truly picture Grandpa Virgil in heaven, rejoicing and celebrating our Savior's birth with the One of honor.

We will miss you, Grandpa!

Josh is on Spring Break.

We spent yesterday at his folks, today at my folks along with my brother and his family.  Catherine got to do an Easter egg hunt with her cousins at my parents' church.

 

 
Tomorrow is breakfast and Easter service at our church.  Josh will help make the breakfast with other men at the church.

After church we are hosting "Easter Breakfast" - for lunch.  I will throw together a fruit salad.  We'll have an egg casserole, and the traditional Slovenian dishes from my husband's side of the family:  a sweet bread called poteca:

Our first loaf of poteca, so long ago

And a platter with cold hard boiled eggs, ham, kielbasa and horseradish.  Unique, huh?  As far as I know it doesn't have a name, so we just call it "Easter breakfast."

My first introduction to his extended family was Easter up North six years ago I believe (I'm not too good with dates and numbers and particulars).  I was asked if I wanted horseradish on my serving of "Easter breakfast".  I said, "Sure" and there was an immediate uproar of joyous acceptance into the family.

Our first Easter together

There will be horseradish tomorrow.

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 of fall
• pumpkin recipes
• simplicity
• getting to miss my family on occasion IE time spent apart
• parents & in-laws
• having many of Catherine's aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby
• the tremendous amount of work my husband does for our family
• looking forward to Fall Break
  
  
  
  
  

I decided it would probably be a good thing to write another post since I'm participating in this Forgotten February writing challenge.

I'm writing on the topic of siblings today.


I want to tell you about my brother Andrew.  We are close in age (16 months apart), close in geography (24 miles apart), and close in friendship.  I even followed him out to California to live with him for awhile.

We're both back in the Midwest now and try to get together every couple weeks or so.  Sometimes more often.

It's been a long time though since he and I have hung out as just the two of us.  Now there's more people in the mix - his wife Jen, their two kids, my husband Josh, and our daughter.

 
He's never more than a phone call away.  I can and do call him frequently needing help with some random thing - often related to technology.  In fact, I was able to make that "Just Show Up" graphic at the end of my last post thanks to his help over the phone - shout-out!

When Andy and I both worked downtown, we'd periodically meet up for lunch during the business day.  When the weather was nice (hard to even imagine right now...grumble, grumble), we'd walk, meet half-way, dine, and talk talk talk.  We're good at that.

He's always good for a laugh, always good for an answer, always good for advice and discussing, and always good for a guessing game.  "Hey, guess who I saw at Target today."  And then we'll proceed with a bunch of yes-or-no questions until the correct guess is made.  We both do this, and I think our respective spouses are just perplexed by how much we enjoy this.  Hey, we had to do something to pass the time during long family road trips as kids!

I've always said about my brother "When we get along, we get along really well.  But when we fight, we fight really well."  And our spouses can attest to that as well, as I'm sure can our parents.

We learned quickly while living together in Burbank that adult siblings don't make the best roommates.

But we have a great relationship now that we're not living together anymore!


The second thing I want to write about in regards to the topic of siblings is our daughter.


Our plans were certainly for Catherine to have a sibling or two or three.  But this hasn't happened yet.  It's been an extreme roller coaster of emotions for both Josh and me.  We always knew we wanted at least two children.  And perhaps as many as four.  I've always loved big families.  And though I don't go out of my way to tell them this, I feel very bad for my friends who don't have siblings.  Josh's and my plans were that we'd have two and then re-address the situation.

Well . . .  that hasn't happened yet.  And it's been hard.  The thing that complicates it more is how my last pregnancy ended, how I ended up on bedrest and then admitted to the hospital, then having a C-section and then a really horrible recovery.  It's incredibly hard for me to think of going through that again.  Just being real.

So these conflicting desires make the whole thing quite challenging.  I often remind myself that God knows what is best for us.  But it's still hard to accept sometimes.
I am grateful though that Catherine has cousins who are close by and close in age, and I hope they can continue to grow up together!

Photo by House of Harkless

Ever wonder what Catherine and I do all day when Daddy is at work?  Sometimes I know I do.  Some days just seem to fly by with nothing to show for it - or maybe just one thing to show for it.  I at least try to do one productive, noteworthy thing a day.

Sunday night I was looking at this week's schedule on my all important calendar when I realized, surprisingly, Tuesday was our only free day this week.  Every other day had something going on.  Naturally I thought Tuesday would be the perfect day to take Catherine over to our homeland - South Bend - to visit her relatives.

We set things up with her Aunt Jen so that Catherine could visit her cousin Julia.  Those girls can't get enough of each other!



Unfortunately I woke up to a text that Jen had woken up to a sick Julia, and we decided it'd probably be best to keep the girls separate.  Sickness of the Little One is the last thing I want to deal with, and we know that since Catherine puts about 90% of things in her mouth, she was bound to get sick too.

Enter Plan B:

My new friend Danyell had some questions about Power Point and the Children's Ministry that she directs at our church.  Since I had a little treat to deliver to her anyway I decided I could drag my laptop along and do some work to help.

Unfortunately, Microsoft has created a new version of programs supposed to make life easier, but in reality, they are all so different they make life a bear trying to learn all the programs all over again.

Needless to say, I wasn't much help.

And sweet, adorable Catherine was wanting to be pushed on the swing, put on the trampoline, taken off the trampoline, fed, chased, taken outside, taken inside, put in the sandbox, taken out of the sandbox, etc. etc. etc.  90% of the things at Danyell's house were going in Catherine's mouth.  Catherine sometimes forgets she's only 1 (see picture below).  She wants to do everything that Danyell's 4 year old son Eli can do.  And she tries.

This makes life very interesting and challenging for me.

Three times just during this morning's visit I had to chase her down as she ran for the street.  Ugh.

A great shot of a perfect example of my daughter.  See those striped legs?  Those belong to my daughter who was playing on the couch while meeting her new baby cousin at the hospital and apparently decided she wanted off the couch.  Photo serendipitously captured by my brother.

After awhile Danyell suggested lunch at M-C-D-O-N-A-L-D-S (Because seasoned parents know you MUST spell things out until it's 100% agreed on by the adults.).  Once I heard her local one had a playland I was in.  Funny the things I haven't cared about for decades that are now so vital in making decisions.

We had a great time eating and playing.  And of course chasing after Catherine as she ran around the restaurant more than a few times.  Although that part may have just been a great time for Catherine, and not so much for me.

Afterward, driving home I was thinking Catherine would benefit from a bath, still with sand stuck on her and all.  But I also knew she was in need of a nap.

As soon as I get Catherine out of the car, she darts for the backyard, using the excuse that she wants to "Look at garden!"  Within moments she's trying to get into her little inflatable pool.

Suddenly I realize a dip in the pool will solve my dilemma of the sand all over her body.  Perfect!  I pull her shoes off, strip her of her clothes, and rip off her diaper.

"In you go!"

She loves it.  Squeals and giggles.  She splashes.  I rinse her off and call it good enough.  About this time I start realizing how poorly I planned this brilliant idea.  Or failed to plan actually.

She is dripping wet, and the nearest towel is, of course, inside the house.  I may not be Super-Mom, but I know I cannot leave her alone.  Outside.  And in water!  So, I awkwardly carry her with my arms stretched out away from my body.  I set her gingerly on the back deck while I unlock the back door.  Up she goes again and straight to the bathroom at the back of the house.  Once dried and diapered I decide I can go empty the car.  It could have waited til I put her down for a nap, but I guess I was thinking about the leftover milk in her diaper bag in the hot car in the hot garage in the 90 degree heat.

I told Catherine to go find her music table and play with her toys.  "I'll be right back" I yell as I sneak out the back door, eager to see if I can get it all brought inside in one trip - quite a challenge!

I gather up the abandoned clothing and diaper poolside.  I pile onto one shoulder a purse, a diaper bag, and a laptop bag.  I tuck three cups into the crook of my arm and head back to the house, sweaty, exhausted, looking forward to a break once I get Little Girl down for the blessed nap.

I hear her as I approach the back door and peak through the window seeing her on the other side of the door.  I use my free hand to turn the handle and push and, to my horror, discover that Catherine can now apparently reach the lock.

Yes, my 1 year old daughter had locked me out of the house.

I called out to the Lord, and it was not in vain.

My mind started racing, "The keys are in the kitchen.  The front door is locked.  The side door is locked.  We have no hidden key.  We haven't given a copy of the key to a neighbor.  I have my phone in my purse, but Josh is teaching."

My mind continues, "Do I call the police?  Would I be arrested for neglect?  How long can Catherine last unattended?  What will she get into?  At least she's wearing a diaper."

And before I knew it, she reached back up and unlocked the door.

Praises rang out.

Lesson learned.

And that is just a glimpse into my day.

That was yesterday.  Today Catherine prayed before a meal all by herself for the first time.

"Dear Jesus.  Dear food.  Jesus.  Jesus.  Jesus."

Amen!

A couple weeks ago I started getting strange ideas that maybe the proposal was coming sooner rather than later. Deep down though, I knew it was wishful thinking, as it did not match up with "the timeline" we had occasionally discussed earlier.

A few days prior, Josh suggested he cook me a nice dinner and then we head downtown to Chocolate Cafe.

"Hmmm," I thought, "Josh is planning something. That's not normal..." (Sorry, honey)

I tried to talk myself down of course and even dressed down to not get overly excited. Once Josh got there, all calm and casual, I KNEW nothing was gonna happen. It was just a normal date, which was fine with me.

Josh made a yummy dinner - steaks on the George Foreman, steamed mixed veggies and mashed potatoes, along with some wine we picked up from Bloomington the weekend prior.

After dinner we bundled up and drove downtown. We got hot chocolate and sat at "our table" from our first date 1 year, 1 month, 1 week, and 2 days prior. After awhile Josh suggested we go look at the Christmas lights downtown. In between the Chocolate Cafe and the College Football Hall of Fame was a beautiful archway of Christmas lights. We were standing underneath the arch when Josh started giving me all these sweet compliments and then said, "I have a question to ask you." My ears couldn't believe what I heard, and my eyes couldn't believe what they saw when he got down on one knee (on the cold, icy sidewalk), pulled out a beautiful ring, and asked me to marry him.

Full of shock, my response was, "Are you serious?!?" After much crying and hugging and kissing and giggling, I realized I hadn't actually provided an answer. "Yes, Josh H***, I will marry you." I said clearly and excitedly. So, on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 about 8:50 pm, Josh went from being my boyfriend to my fiance!

A bit later he said, "I think we have some paparazzi watching us." I turned around to discover my brother & sister-in-law behind us taking photos of the big event!

Eventually we went back inside, shared stories, and made phone calls. I had to hear all the details of when he talked to my parents, when he got the ring, and when he started making sneaky arrangements with Jen and Andy.

The whole thing was so stunning I could barely believe it was all happening to me! I am thrilled to be Josh's fiance and know I will adore being his wife too!

Well, since I have thus far received NO feedback, I will write about whatever I want to write about!

Check out this lovely fruit & cheese platter I planned for our HOH (Holiday Open House) last week:

I had never done a fruit & cheese platter before. I researched a little online, conferred with my cheese expert boyfriend, checked what was on sale, and voila!

It had cheddar, colby/monterey jack, muenster, and gouda. Yum! Fruit consisted of grapes, strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe. It was beautiful and tasted good too!

I also provided a veggie tray and my classic mini cream puffs. We had some terrific desserts and coffee donated. And thanks to a friend's referral on Facebook, I found an amazing caterer who provided a variety of hot dips with breads and crackers, spinach balls, chicken kabobs, and apricot kielbasas. YUMMMMMMY! I'll give you her name if you are interested.

I made beautiful sponsorship boards, and the place looked great. I also did a good job schmoozing with new people and old alike. Josh was there (except for the part when he had to go play piano for the 5th & 6th grade orchestra concert!), and he also did a great job schmoozing. I was so proud of him!! Mom and Andy showed up, and they were all a great help!



I just recently discovered this GREAT little bakery/cafe/deli in Goshen called Dutch Maid Bakery. They were kind enough to donate 12 dozen cookies!! They looked and tasted great! Then, there's the other donation. And I'm even gonna mention the name. Bread & Chocolate agreed to donate "2 trays of assorted desserts for 100 people." We ended up with 12 mini (1" square) brownies, 12 pumpkin mushy things and 12 cookies. Their almond cookies & cocoa cookies were good, but leftovers the next day were hard. The other items weren't impressive. I had thought they would be better. Now I know.


Afterward, Sweetie and I went to our Dunkin' Donuts to have decaf coffee and chat. Things were so crazy at the HOH that I forgot to have someone take our picture with us all dressed up. Fortunately, the cashier at Dunkin' was willing to help us out.

Another successful event planned by ME! What fun!

Just a quick note here while I munch on an English muffin for breakfast.

Filming yesterday went great. It was very cool to experience, but I wouldn't want to do it every day. It was super exhausting.

That was yesterday. Today I fly to Dallas/Fort Worth via Chicago & Denver. I always get nervous when I fly, and I always get nervous when I'm in a wedding (the reason for the trip), so pray for me! It should be a good weekend with my man and my girlfriends!

Here are some photos from the shoot. Enjoy!

I've done a lot this evening.

Wash dishes, do laundry, pick up clothes, take out trash, clean coffee maker, skin and de-bone a chicken for a future meal, get boxes from Jen & Andy's, pack.

I'm exhausted. I'm stressed. There's still more to do. I just don't have the materials for it. And I have to be ok with that. I can't do it all.

I get stressed every time I travel. Even if it's just for a day. Tomorrow is Logansport, IN. For work. So, I'm worried about oversleeping. I have to plan something professional, appropriate, comfortable, and warm to wear. Oh, and I have to plan what I'm going to talk about during our round table discussion.

When I get back into town, I head straight for Elkhart/Goshen. I'll be birthday shopping for my mom, and then doing a double date.

Saturday is a super special day for Josh & I. Too bad I didn't realize that when I made other plans. :(

Sunday is church, Mom's birthday lunch, and our FPU class.

Monday evening is Sissy Night.

Tuesday I have a meeting with the mayor and one of Josh's concerts in Goshen.

Wednesday is Book Club.

Thursday I'm going to Toledo, OH for the day. Full day of standing and sitting around as I have the amazing opportunity to be an extra in a movie.

Friday I fly out to Dallas. Return Monday. Tuesday is a basketball game Grace vs. Bethel. Wednesday is Book Club. Thursday is Thanksgiving and a trip up north to Hesperia, MI.

I'll be in six different states in the next 2 weeks. Wow.

I cannot do anything else between now and Thanksgiving. If you think of me in the next 2 weeks, pray for me.

And then there's December... Not even ready to go there mentally yet. One month at a time. One week at a time. One day at a time. One hour and one minute at a time.

Every now and then Andy & I will meet for lunch downtown. We each walk half-way and meet in between. I got some coupons the other day that prompted the idea of lunch at Jersey Mike's. Yea coupons!